Fear of Flying

In the normal world of business, companies are supposed to treat their customers with kids gloves. And customers are supposed to be very partial to the brands that they buy. It\’s all supposed to be a love love relationship .

Not so in the airline industry. Customers absolutely loath airlines. The act of flying is considered by most flyers, especially the regular ones, as next only to root canal surgery. And airlines (mostly) hate their customers. They are little more than cattle, in their eyes. And everybody associated with the act of flying hates everybody else. The security folk are hated by all. Most airports in the world are glorified cattle pens. And yet the industry is booming. The rash of incidents being reported from the US will simply pass over. The hate hate relationship is alive and kicking and will simply continue thriving.

Why is this so ? Two reasons primarily, in my view

– One, there is no option but to fly.
– Two, customers care for nothing else but price. All the talk of wanting service is humbug.

We all moan about how seats have become cramped, food has disappeared altogether, everything costs extra , security lines are impossible, etc etc. And yet , if there was a flight that costed $1, but required you to stand on one leg throughout the flight, we\’ll cheerfully take it. And therein lies the problem.

Take India and the case of New Delhi . I had the misfortune of flying from there a couple of days ago and hence this post.

There are two domestic terminals in Delhi. One is swank, large, with lots of space, small security lines and can compare favourably with the best in the world. The three airlines that use this as the base are very good, serve complimentary food, are generally on time and don\’t charge ridiculous extras. The other terminal is a disgrace – crowded worse than a train station, no place to even sit, and a close approximation of a pig pen. The airlines that are based here charge extra for everything, offer no complimentary food and bus you to the plane worse than a Mumbai local. But this lot are generally cheaper than the other lot by say Rs 500; maybe Rs 1000. Absolutely no prizes for guessing which one the passengers prefer.

We really should stop complaining about how airlines treat us. Until we are prepared to open our wallets a little more.

The REAL Reasons Why Change Is So Difficult In Education

If you\’re not in the government but are working to bring about change in education in India, you\’re likely to be using one or a mix of the following strategies:

1. Protest against whatever is going wrong

2. Provide data and evidence that things are not working (and occasionally, for what is working)

3. Intervene in policy and decision-making to the extent possible

4. Develop working models and ask the government or others to take them up

5. Actually take over or supplement the delivery function on behalf of the government

(As of now I can\’t locate any other strategy in use – but if you are using another one, do let me know so it can be part of this list.)

Here\’s a quick look at what each of these strategies involve and the kind of impact they seem to be having. (This is only a broad overview and not a nuanced analysis.)

 Strategy 1: Protest against whatever is going wrong

From small village committees carrying their demands to block/districts officials, to state-wide forums of NGOs as well as the national RTE forum/s (there seem to be a few of these), various pressure groups have exerted themselves to protest against much that is not being done by the government.

 The general notion seems to be that if you criticize the system or are able to make a serious protest – the system will somehow listen and start improving. As of now, there is no evidence that it really does. (It\’s very good in showing that it does, though! Look at all the advertisements issued by state governments where they list their achievements, including in education.)

Results: Unsure impact. Getting a decent hearing is not easy, and even where there is a hearing, there is no guarantee that there will be an impact.

 Strategy 2: Provide data and evidence that things are not working (and occasionally, for what is working)

The assumption is that if the system and decision-makers realize how wrong things are, or evidence is provided on what works and what doesn\’t, there will be appropriate changes and things will improve. Or that investment will be made on what is known to work. Partly based on this, a large number of think tanks have emerged (mainly comprising of western educated professionals) and produce a number of evidence-based documents every year. INGOs, donors and now VCs/similar funding agencies also take this view and back such efforts. The expansion of CSR and corporate supported initiatives all bring in this emphasis on \’in data we trust\’.

Unfortunately, there is not enough data to show that our education system ever pays serious attention to data on student learning, or classroom processes – and makes a difference accordingly. (That it should is another matter – the fact is that it doesn\’t.) Though a huge amount of data is collected, and the system itself does a great deal of the collecting, its impact on actual functioning is extremely limited. (For instance, which curricula or textbooks in any state have been influenced by such evidence-based approaches? Or by the NCERT\’s own data from country-wide surveys of learning levels, or even by ASER?) Where the data is used to some extent – as in the case of DISE – its actual reliability is in question. Attendance data, for example, is routinely manipulated to ensure that others can also get to \’eat\’.

The system has a way of being blind to facts right before its nose. For instance, with a PTR norm of 30:1, in the foreseeable future (i.e. next 30 years), the \’typical\’ school in India will be the small school multi-grade (with 90-100 children in 5 classes, with 2-3 teachers) – implying that a majority of teachers will be teaching in multi-grade situations. Yet all curricula and training presently assume a mono-grade situation and believe that multi-grade will only be an exception.

Result: Data flows off the system, usually like water off a duck\’s back. \”That\’s not how decisions are made\” – is a commonly heard statement in government offices, which indicates that there are other reasons why things are done the way they are done!

 For those NGOs, donors, VCs and others hoping that \’evidence-based\’ and \’data-driven\’ strategies can actually persuade the system to bring about changes, especially those that make a real difference to the lives of the marginalized and the disempowered, there is a serious need to re-examine this strategy.

Strategy 3: Intervene in policy and decision-making to the extent possible

If you\’ve worked hard to reach a position where you can impact policy or decision-making, this is the strategy you would use. The late Vinod Raina is a good example of this, being part of CABE and involved in drafting of the RTE. Not everyone can achieve the status of being an \’eminent\’ invitee to important bodies and hence this is an option only a very few can access. (And even if invited, having an actual say is very difficult – in typical \’high-power\’ meetings, participants speak turn by turn, and the Chairman then winds up the meeting!) Most people/organizations trying this route reach only the point where they are part of certain committees or perhaps even the various groups related to the Planning Commission, such as the Steering Committee, etc.

Results: As the fate of some of the crucial RTE provisions shows, the more things change, the more they remain the same! I know this is not exactly true – sometimes, some of the things improve. And sometimes they worsen, as the total mis-communication on CCE indicates. Policies, decisions, projects and programmes all run the risk of being hijacked by mediocre implementation, corruption and deliberate diversion to benefit certain groups. Overall, this strategy definitely gives less than optimal results in today\’s context (everybody cannot be a Vinod Raina!). The primary reason is that it is governance itself which is the key issue, which often fails to get addressed here.

 Strategy 4: Develop working models and ask the government or others to take them up

Eklavya, Digantar, Bodh, Srujanika and hundreds of other organizations and projects have implemented pilot projects, started schools, even initiated small interventions within the government system — with a view to generate models that will hopefully be \’replicated\’ or scaled up within the government set up. In fact, government programmes such as DPEP and SSA also incorporate an \’innovation\’ budget head that enables the setting up of such models that might eventually be expanded to the larger system.

Results: The history of upscaling shows that powerful models often lead to

• conflict (as was the case with the Hoshangabad Science Teacher Programme in MP, or the DPEP pedagogy upscaling in Kerala), or to

• a major reduction in quality of the original (as in ABL in TN, where only 22% children reached age-appropriate learning levels, as shown in a state-wide study facilitated by me when the programme was at its peak; or in the case of KGBV models that initially started well when run by NGOs)

The rest of the efforts don\’t really reach scalability, or if they do, they somehow fizzle out without leaving much impact. (Take Digantar\’s schools in Jaipur, Srujanika\’s effort in Odisha or the \’Active Schools\’ of Latur, Maharashtra, or the \’Kunjapuri\’ model in HP or indeed the various \’Model Schools\’ set up by the government itself in many states. This is really an endless list.)

 Strategy 5: Actually take over the delivery function on behalf of the government 

Several organizations are actually working on the ground with the government to improve the service delivery. They could be corporate houses who are taking over the management of schools (as is the case with the Bharti foundation running hundreds of schools for the Government of Haryana) to Azim Premji Foundation, which is creating its own channels (district schools up to the Education University). [As of now, I\’m keeping vendors – such as those IT companies implementing Computer Aided Learning on a Build-Own-Transfer model – out of this discussion, as they see themselves more as \’solution-providers\’ rather than change facilitators.]

Results: The jury is still out on the kind of strategy being implemented by the two organizations mentioned above. However, large-scale efforts of the kind where a group/programme actually took over the government\’s functions — such as Lok Jumbish (funded by SIDA initially) or Shiksha Karmi, or APPEP in AP (funded by the then ODA of UK), or Janshala (run by five UN agencies) in some 20+ districts in the country, or the Child-Friendly Schools project of Unicef in many parts of the country — all generated a great deal of energy in their time and people talk of them with much fondness even now, but those areas still struggle with quality of learning in government schools.

Even in the NGO sector, many programmes / projects that appeared to have achieved a great deal, now do not show the expected dramatic improvement still surviving on the ground. Take the case of all the areas where Pratham ran its Read India project. If Pratham has stopped working in an area over three years ago, the levels of reading in that area are now likely to be of concern (even if they had improved earlier), and are a part of the \’declining levels of learning\’ being documented in ASER.

In the early days of DPEP, when it was seen as \’different\’ from government, states such as Haryana, Assam, Karnataka, UP made radically different textbooks and training (taking over the functions of the SCERTs and DIETs), actually implementing high-energy, high-quality training over 2-3 years across the state. Yet today many of these states are at the forefront of the quality crisis.

Bottom-line: you can bring about change as long as you are there, but things go back to what they used to be once you\’re not there!

So what is it that makes change in education so difficult?

Perhaps we need to face up to what really lies behind things being bad in the first place. We tend to assume that there\’s an inability to make things better. But what if it has more to do with the ability to keep things as they are? This might a little more deliberate than the systemic \’inertia\’ we\’re used to talking about (though not necessarily as a conscious conspiracy). To begin \’appreciating\’ this, take a look who loses what if education, especially in the government system, actually improves.

• TEACHERS will find their income from private coaching reduced/lost altogether (this is starkly clear in secondary education, which is one reason why improving classroom processes in secondary schools is very difficult).

• PRINCIPALS and OFFICIALS will not have control over teachers/SMCs who teach well and have community support. (Wherever quality improvement efforts have succeeded, conflicts of this kind have increased. Eventually, the more powerful section \’wins\’. Several state governments – or rather the education ministers – have had VECs or SMCs reconstituted since they didn\’t find them \’convenient\’; another example: look at how the provision for SMCs to select books for their school libraries is being subverted through various means.)

• OFFICIALS will also find academically strong teachers/HMs/SMCs and even students do not easily \’comply\’ – corruption will be difficult to practice. (When more teachers start teaching well, school inspectors always end up making less money. When anyone \’lower\’ in the hierarchy is empowered, those \’above\’ have a problem. And as everyone knows, whenever students ask questions, they\’re told: \’shut up and don\’t act over-smart!\’)

• POLICY-MAKERS will have to create a whole lot of new jobs for the large numbers of the newly educated. (This is clearly not an easy thing to do – and one way to deal with this is to keep people in education for longer, as appears to be the case behind the recent shift to a FOUR YEAR graduation programme in Delhi University, despite various other claims being made for it.)

• The POLITY will have to face voters who can think and ask questions of them. (In 2000, one political leader actually stopped a state curriculum from being implemented on the grounds that \’if this is what children learn, who will ever vote for us?\’)

• Since the majority of people are in some way of the other \’under\’ someone, the questioning of authority will mean that all kinds of HIERARCHIES will be under threat if education really improves – age, seniority, caste, class, gender, ethnicity, religion! (When young girls refuse to get married, or children ask for reasons behind what they\’re being told to do, or groups raise voice against discrimination – you can be sure that someone powerful has a problem, and usually manages to find a \’solution\’. From rising wages for domestic labour to resenting the \’lower\’ classes accessing \’higher\’ levels of goods – such as mobile phones – the middle class too is not comfortable with the spread of education.)

All of which is sufficient to ensure the quality of education will not improve, isn\’t it? Sure, buildings will be built, as will handpumps and toilets, books will be printed and teachers appointed – since these are opportunities for \’side\’ income and asserting control over resources and people, or appearing to hand out largesse and thus earning \’gratitude\’. However, the actual change in the nature of teaching learning processes, a shift in the kind of relationships practiced, and the levels of learning outcomes attained, especially for the marginalized – does not take place at the same pace at which the provisioning grows. In fact, it is much, much slower, if not actually negative at times.

The \”system\’s\” strategies

And how is this ensured? Why does increased provisioning not lead to desired change? As anyone familiar with implementation at the field level will know, a number of powerful strategies are used to to ensure that the \’others\’ don\’t get what \’we\’ have today.

• neglect (take the case of DIETs, which continue to be ignored even after the new Teacher Education Scheme; or the case of hard to reach groups such as street children, working children, migrant groups, or those with disability; or how the north-east itself is missing from our history books; or how the knowledge of women is not reflected in the curriculum)

• selective poor performance (the same government machinery that can do a fairly good job in conducting elections somehow fails at ordinary execution in education; an analysis of which files take the longest to move as against their expected time, will provide a good insight into this)

• siphoning off inputs meant for the needy (from mid-day meals that kill children, buildings that need to be abandoned within ten years due to poor construction, textbooks on poor paper – name an input and you\’ll find that what reaches children is well below what should; this includes the teacher\’s time, which is the minimum the state should be able to guarantee, but is not able to due to the absenteeism that is allowed)

• wasting time in doing things that appear to be important but are not (such as organizing \’functions\’ or \’attending\’ to a visiting officer or collecting data on a whole range of issues, which in turn is not used much either),

• rewarding the mediocre (as is common, officers \’attach\’ certain teachers for their administrative chores, thus relieving them from teaching; and of course everyone knows that the way \’up\’ the system hierarchy is not mainly through good work…)

• demonizing and harassing the committed (anyone who works sincerely is usually called \’mad\’ by others; those who stand up for children and community are often hounded, as can be seen by the number of allegations that they face)

• creating designs that ensure perpetuation of marginalization (e.g. expecting children to attend school every single day no matter how poor, deprived or ill they are; or using only \’state\’ language instead of mother-tongue) – and many other such \’devices\’.

Supplementing all this is, of course, the common strategy of deliberate discrimination in the actual teaching learning process, something far too well-known for it to be elaborated upon…

In many ways, such strategies are used in the larger community and society as well, to ensure that that those who have been put in their place, remain in that place. As I was recently reminded by a Facebook comment, ‘If everyone gets educated who will till the fields and who will pick up your trash?’ As anyone above the age of 20 will recall, when mobile phones became cheap, many of the then chatterati were dismayed that ‘even plumbers, vegetable sellers and maids now have mobile phones’. And as can be seen in the middle class response to the admission of children from economically weaker sections in private schools under the RTE (‘they will spoil our children’s education’) – the word ‘system’ should perhaps include the larger society and its network of exploitative relationships in which everyone is complicit.

Thinking ahead

You already know all this very well, of course, and in repeating it here the intention is not to imply that nothing can be done or to mount a raving critique of how bad things are. Instead, in the interest of children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, this is an appeal to recognize that the \’system\’ has far more powerful strategies than those seeking to do \’good\’ are able to put into practice – and the results are visible everywhere.

Should we stop using the five strategies mentioned earlier? No, but it would be better to take a longer, deeper view than we tend to take at present. Perhaps we need to stop underestimating the difficulty of the task and take into account that it is not the system\’s incompetence at making things better but its competence in keeping things the way they are that needs to be addressed.

What this calls for is a better understanding of the situation, of our own unwitting involvement in perpetuating it – and far, far smarter strategies.

Passing out parade to be held at Indian naval academy on 30 November 2019

Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala will hold its Passing out Parade (POP) for Autumn Term 2019 on Saturday, 30 November 2019. Trainees comprising Midshipmen and Cadets of 97^th Indian Naval Academy Course (B.Tech), 97^th Indian Naval Academy Course (M.Sc), 28^th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), 29^th Naval Orientation Course (Regular) and 29^th Naval Orientation Course (Coast Guard), will pass out as Officers on successful completion of their training. Six trainees of various friendly foreign nations will also pass out this term.

2. Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Reviewing Officer for the event. The parade will be witnessed by parents and guardians of the passing out trainees as well as a large number of outstation dignitaries.

3. Trainees of Indian Naval Academy’s four years B.Tech degree course will be awarded their degrees during the convocation ceremony by Dr. TG Sitharam, Director IIT Guwahati, on 29 November 2019. The passing out courses will be administered the Oath of Allegiance by Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, INA. To commemorate the sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the country, a Wreath Laying Ceremony is also planned at the War Memorial “Prerna Sthal” of INA. A spectacular outdoor training demonstration by the trainees and INA band shall also add to the grandeur of the events conducted during this period.

4. The President’s Colour awarded to INA on 20 November 2019 will be paraded for the first time during the Passing Out Parade for Autumn 2019.

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CCI approves acquisition by Amazon.com in Future Coupons

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the acquisition by Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC (“Acquirer”) in Future Coupons (Private) Limited (“FCL/Target”), under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, today.

The proposed combination pertains to the acquisition by the Acquirer of approximately 49% of the voting and non-voting equity shares of the Target (“Proposed Combination”). The Proposed Combination consists of certain other constituent steps involving FCL, Future Corporate Resources Private Limited (“FCRPL”), and Future Retail Limited (“FRL”).

The Acquirer is globally engaged in the business of making investments in other companies. It is a direct subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. (“ACI”) and belongs to the Amazon group. ACI is the ultimate parent entity of the Amazon group.

FCRPL is engaged in business of management consultancy services and trading in goods and services and also has investments in various Future Group of companies. FCL is principally engaged in marketing and distribution of corporate gift cards, loyalty cards and reward cards to corporate customers. FRL (and its subsidiaries) are active in the Indian retail market and currently operate multiple retail formats in hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores under various brand names.

A detailed order of the CCI will follow.

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CCI approves acquisition by Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc. in Primetals Technologies

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the acquisition by Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc. (“MHMM/Acquirer”) in Primetals Technologies (“PT/Target”), under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, today.

The proposed transaction entails the acquisition of remaining 49% of the total shareholding in PT by MHI (through MHMM) from Siemens AG (“Proposed Combination”). Accordingly, MHI will own 100% of the registered share capital of PT and PT would be solely owned and controlled by MHI (as opposed to the existing joint control exercised by both MHI and Siemens AG).

MHMM is a holding company within the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Limited (“MHI”) and is not engaged in any business activity. PT is a joint venture currently controlled by MHI (through MHMM) and Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (“Siemens AG”). MHI holds 51% of the total shareholding in PT through its solely controlled subsidiary MHMM, and Siemens AG holds the remaining 49% of the total shareholding in PT.

MHI is engaged in the business of shipbuilding and ocean development, power systems, nuclear energy systems, compressors and compressor trains, turbines, industrial machinery, automotive, engineering, infrastructure and others. In India, MHI provides various products and services, including sales and services of thermal power generation products, logistics handling equipment and technologies; project management services; industrial machinery; manufacturing, sales, and servicing of diesel engines; environmental machinery; air-conditioning systems; and after sales services for its products.

PT designs and constructs plants for its customers in the metallurgical industry, while offering significant project management expertise to determine the technologies packages best suited for each customer.

A detailed order of the CCI will follow.

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Proposal of ISRO to transfer space-grade Li-Ion cell technology to BHEL

ISRO has transferred its indigenous technology to produce space-grade Li-Ion cells to BHEL.

In March 2018, BHEL signed the Technology Transfer Agreement with ISRO for acquiring the Li-Ion Cell production technology. This production facility is primarily targeting to meet Li-Ion Cell requirements for ISRO and other strategic sectors. However, BHEL can also produce and sell Li-Ion cells for meeting other national/commercial applications by suitably modifying the space-grade cell which can lead to cost reduction.

BHEL is in the process of establishing the Li-Ion production facility near Bangalore in Karnataka. Various equipments (both indigenous and imported) for establishing this facility are procured and being commissioned. ISRO has already provided all technical documentation for establishing the production plant as well as hands-on training in various production activities for BHEL staff at ISRO’s facilities.

As per the Technology Transfer Agreement, space-grade Li-Ion cells manufactured by BHEL are meant for meeting the national requirements only. However, BHEL can also sell the space-grade Li-Ion cells to parties outside India after obtaining prior written consent from ISRO.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Urgent need to end gender discrimination’ – Vice President

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today called for ending the gender discrimination and ensuring safety security, and dignity of the women.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Indian Women Press Corps, he said that it was the collective responsibility of the governments, media and civil society to ensure that women were made equal partners in the developmental process of the nation.

Referring to various reports on the Gender and pay gaps in the media sector, the Vice President called for collective efforts of news organizations, associations such as Press Council of India, IWPC and the National Broadcasters Association to work together and find out a way to address disparities based on gender within the journalistic profession.

Stating that the menace of fake or doctored stories that find a way to masses via news, internet, and messaging services have often led to chaos, confusion, and panic, Shri Naidu stressed that media has the onerous responsibility to not only provide accurate information but also educate the people on their rights and responsibilities as well.

The Vice President urged the media not color news with views and stressed the need to maintain objectivity, fairness, and accuracy in decimating information to the reader and viewer without assuming the role of the gatekeepers.

He called for collective efforts of the Press Council of India, NBA to establish a mechanism to curb the menace of fake news, propaganda and paid news.

Describing journalists as catalysts for change and media as an instrument to bring in a positive change in society, the Vice President asserted that Media professionals must strengthen democracy through their observations, suggestions, and writings.

The Vice President asked the regional and vernacular Media organizations to promote Indian languages, culture, and traditions of different states and regions through special programs along with the news. He stressed that media must lay special emphasis on matters relating to farmers, women, youth, entrepreneurs and rural India.

On the occasion, Shri Naidu also released Indian Women’s Press Corps Souvenir.

Smt. Jyoti Malhotra, President Indian Women’s Press Corps, Ms. Vinita Pandey, General Secretary Indian Women’s Press Corps and eminent journalists from several organizations were present at the event.

Following is the full text of the speech –

“Namaskar,

Let me first begin by congratulating the Indian Women’s Press

Corps (IWPC), a reputed association of women journalists on completing 25 successful years. It was set up in 1994 to support women journalists in their professional work, in enhancing their knowledge and skills and to provide a forum for networking.

I am glad that the organization has been playing a key role in creating a conducive working environment for women journalists and also working towards safeguarding their rights. This non-profit, nonpartisan, progressive, professional organization has been focusing on creating a positive change for women journalists.

With reporters, editors, producers, anchors, and cameraperson from across the print, TV and new media as its members, the organization has become an important institution and has been organizing press meets and interactions with eminent personalities from various fields.

It is commendable that women have come forward in such large numbers to join this noble profession to play their rightful role as the fourth pillar of the state.

I was informed that IWPC has been providing essential infrastructure support to women journalists by supporting them in performing their duties both on the field and at the desk.

The press and the media played a pioneering and stellar role in inspiring the masses to fight against the British during the freedom struggle and in strengthening the democratic foundations in the country since Independence.

Journalism provides citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments.

The purpose of journalism is to give people the information they need to make better decisions. In other words, journalism is supposed to empower.

The media has the onerous responsibility to not only provide accurate information but also educate the people on their rights and responsibilities as well.

As we all are aware, the media landscape has transformed dramatically over the years and so have the values and ethics of journalism.

Professions such as Politics, Medicine, and journalism were considered as a mission and those who were in the job used to commit to ethics. Unfortunately, there is a decline in such commitment due to various factors including business and politics. Unfortunately, stories or reports are being mixed with views according to the management’s line of thinking.

Adding to this is the menace of fake or doctored stories that find a way to masses via news, internet, and messaging services. Such instances have often led to chaos, confusion, and panic.

I have been urging the media not color news with views and have been stressing the need to maintain objectivity, fairness, and accuracy.

The cardinal principle of journalism is to present fair, objective, accurate and balanced information to the reader and viewer without journalists assuming the role of the gatekeepers.

I am glad that many journalists follow these principles ensuring that Indian media is by and large credible.

Journalists are catalysts for change and media acts as an instrument to bring in a positive change in society. Media professionals are the watchdogs of society and strengthen democracy through their observations, suggestions, and writings.

It is unfortunate that we still come across instances of harassment of women, gender discrimination and domestic violence. The glass ceiling limited women’s opportunities for growth is, unfortunately, still a reality in contemporary society.

According to the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), as per the latest data of 2015, globally, women as news reporters were most present on radio at 41% and least in print news at 35%. (TV and Internet constituted the remaining 24%).

The report said that the global share of women reporters dropped on radio and television by four percentage points in both mediums between 2010 and 2015.

The report pointed out that between 1995 and 2015, the percentage of women media professionals rose from 17% in (Newspaper, Television, Radio) to 24%, which is a 7% rise. Men still dominate the industry with 76%.

Findings of another study, “Inside the News: Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific”, launched by UNESCO, and the UN Women and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) suggested that the presence of women in media has more than doubled in two decades but they constitute only 28.6 percent of the media workforce in Asia and the Pacific and men outnumber women in 4:1 ratio in India.

It pointed out that “on average across Asia and the Pacific, women make up 28.6 percent of the media workforce. The proportions are lower in decision-making roles in media organizations where women make up 17.9 percent of executive roles, 19.5 percent of senior editorial and 22.6 percent of mid-level editorial positions.”

Another recent report released by UN Women, female journalists in India “continue to be denied their fair share” at major media organizations in India. The report, “Gender Inequality in Indian Media”, pointed out that women were better represented online than in newspapers and TV.

Keeping these things in mind, collective efforts must be made by the managers of News organizations, Associations such as yours and the Press Council of India and the NBA must work together and find out a way to address disparities based on gender within the profession.

A systematic, structured approach must be put in place by the media and the government to address all the crucial matters relating to women’s safety, security, and dignity. There is an urgent need to end gender discrimination and neglect of women.

I am happy to know that the organization has been organizing regular workshops, and training sessions for its members to achieve its important goal of advancing the impact of women in the media by being a resource to members and the industry.

As you all are aware, women’s participation is extremely crucial to ensure the overall development of the nation. It is the responsibility of the governments, institutions, media and civil society to see that women are made equal partners in the developmental process of the nation.

The media must highlight the success stories of women achievers to inspire others.

As we celebrate the 25 years journey of IWPC, we must strive to set higher benchmarks and achieve excellence in the field of media.

I would like all of you to inform and educate people with well documented, research-based reports based on facts. Fearless adherence to truth should be your creed.

The rise of social media has increased competition among entities, organizations. It is important our newsrooms and professionals are trained and sensitized on flashing news and updates by exercising greater caution.

Collective efforts need to arrest sensationalism, end biased coverage and paid news. Entire Media, as a responsible institution, must contribute to strengthening democratic foundations of the country.

Here, the Press Council and Media Organizations including yours should take lead in training professionals to be more responsible in disseminating information.

You must empower the audience or readers to make informed choices.

I urge the media, especially regional and vernacular Media organizations to promote Indian languages, culture, and traditions of different states and regions through special programs along with the news.

In the end, I urge the media to focus on rural India. We must lay special emphasis on matters relating to farmers, women, youth, entrepreneurs.

I am happy to learn that IWPC has been providing important professional resources to women journalists like library, computers and enabling its members to meet newsmakers from all walks of life on a regular basis.

I am sure such support helps all the journalists, especially the young journalists to learn from their seniors during their interactions and upgrade their professional skills.

I once again convey my wishes to the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) and all its members on their contribution to the profession and the nation.

Jai Hind!”

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President of India Inaugurates the New Hospital Block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Charitable Hospital in Vrindavan

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the new hospital block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Charitable Hospital in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh today (November 28, 2019).

Speaking on the occasion, the President noted that during the past one year around 5.5 lakh patients have received treatment in the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Charitable Hospital, Vrindavan. Many new facilities have been started in this hospital including cancer ward and cancer operation theatre, women’s surgical ward and neonatal intensive care unit. He expressed confidence that patients will get better care through these services.

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Dr Jitendra Singh calls for wider applications of nuclear technology in everyday life

The Minister of State (Independent charge) of the Ministry of DONER, Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions; Atomic Energy & Space, DrJitendra Singh has called for wider applications of nuclear technology in everyday life. He said the vision of the founding father of India’s nuclear programme, Dr. HomiBhabhawas not to limit the nuclear research to the confines of the laboratory, but to take the technology to the outside world for the benefit of mankind. He was addressing at a roadshow on Advances in Nuclear Food and Agriculture, organised by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), here today. The Secretary, DAE, Shri K N Vyas and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

DrJitendra Singh said way back in the Fifties, when DrHomiBhabhasaid our nuclear programme is based on the peaceful use of atomic energy, the world did not believe us. But today we are running a successful and safe nuclear energy programme.

The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Shri K. N. Vyas said that the roadshow aims at showcasing the societal applications that DAE is pursuing. Senior Officers from the Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing, Fertilizers and Chemicals, FSSAI and concerned government agencies attended the meeting.

During the day, various sessions were held on Nuclear Agriculture and Crop Improvement, Agri-Technologies for plant and soil health and Radiation technologies for food preservation. The topics ranged from crop improvement in oilseeds, BARC’s contribution in pulses, Mutation breeding in cereals and millets, radiation-based technologies for augmenting crop growth and water conservation, biopesticides and biofertilizers: technologies for improving plant and soil health, radiation processing of fruits and vegetables, radiation processing for microbial safety, among others. Plenary lectures were also held on challenges in seed production and deployment and Revival of traditional varieties using radiation induced mutation breeding.

Indian agriculture is confronted with new challenges like rising population, unpredictable climate changes, changing food habits and growing urbanization. Apart from supplying adequate food, it will now be a major task to provide nutritious food to achieve ‘zero hunger’. Towards achieving food security, radiation-based crop improvement and food preservation technologies would contribute significantly to enhance crop productivity and reduce food losses. Development of climate resilient, nutrient-rich varieties with resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in crop plants will address most of the concerns.

***

Drug Testing Laboratories in AYUSH

The government has supported 27 State Drug Testing Laboratories under the Quality Control Scheme of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy drugs under National AYUSH Mission. 58 private Drug Testing Laboratories have also been approved under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 for the testing of ASU&H drugs in the Country. In addition there are two central Drug Testing Laboratories i.e. Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines (PLIM) & Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL), Ghaziabad which is appellate laboratory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945. Provisions for regulation and quality control of Ayurvedic and Unani medicines being manufactured for sale in the country are prescribed in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules 1945. These provisions are enforced by the Licensing Authorities & Drug Control Officers appointed by the State Governments. As the spurious Ayurvedic and Unani medicines are defined in Section 33-I of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 along with the penalty provisions, accordingly the defaulters can be punished with monitory fine and imprisonment for a term up to three years as determined by the court.

Government has constituted Central monitoring Team to review the physical and financial progress and functionality of State Drug Testing Laboratories and pharmacies of ASU drugs in time to time.

In order to create awareness and ensure public participation against spurious drugs the government has conducted 07 training programmes for strengthening of all States/UTs of State regulatory staff ASU drug manufacturing units Drug Testing Laboratories of AYUSH drugs. Following other steps have also been taken:-

Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines & Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Ghaziabad are conducting training programs of the State Regulators, In-charges of Drug Testing Laboratories, Pharmacies in every year.
States/UTs have been directed to constitute an expert committee for examination of License applications vide order dated 12^thFebruary 2019 and to appoint controlling Authorities for the State Licensing Authority & Inspectors.
e-aushadi portal has been developed for online submission and disposing of license applications and certificates of the ASU&H Drug manufacturers.
Ministry of AYUSH notified creation of 09 regulatory posts on 24-07-2019 including the posts of Deputy Drugs Controllers (01), Assistant Drugs Controllers (04) (one each for Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha drugs) and Drug Inspectors (04) (one each for Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha drugs) as approved by the Department of Expenditure vide ID No. 1141843/E.Coord.I/2019 dated 12.07.2019. Recruitment Rules for these posts are being finalized in consultation with Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Law Ministry to initiate the recruitment of regular incumbents. Meanwhile, the posts have been operationalized by giving additional charge to the existing Technical Officers of the Ministry of AYUSH.

Grants relased to State Drug Testing Laboratories during last 03 years and current year

In Lakhs

S.No	Name of the state /UT	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	Total
	Andaman & Nicobar	–	–	–	–	–
	Andhra Pradesh	210.00	–	–	25.95	235.95
	Arunachal Pradesh	41.86	36.96	19.60	–	98.42
	Assam	20.60	51.00	–	–	71.60
	Chandigarh	–	–	–	–	–
	Chhattisgarh	–	–	–	–	–
	Goa	–	6.10	–	–	6.10
	Gujarat	–	–	–	–	–
	Haryana	–	–	16.00	18.00	34.00
	Himachal Pradesh	20.72	–	55.16	20.00	95.88
	Jammu and Kashmir	–	–	12.00	–	12.00
	Jharkhand	–	–	–	–	–
	Karnataka	–	35.42	65.00	–	100.42
	Kerala	45.00	89.84	–	–	134.84
	Lakshwadeep	–	–	–	–	–
	Madhya Pradesh	–	–	–	–	–
	Maharashtra	–	80.00	–	–	80.00
	Manipur	–	–	97.01	15.00	112.01
	Meghalaya	19.06	–	–	10.00	19.06
	Mizoram	–	25.00	25.00	–	50.00
	Odisha	9.92	73.61	10.00	76.62	170.15
	Puducherry	8.00	–	–	–	8.00
	Punjab	52.00	–	–	–	52.00
	Rajasthan	–	39.10	14.87	–	53.97
	Sikkim	–	–	–	–	–
	Tamil Nadu	15.50	–	7.20	–	22.70
	Telangana	–	25.00	–	–	25.00
	Tripura	16.40	19.34	–	–	35.74
	Uttar Pradesh	200.00	–	50.00	–	250.00
	Uttarakhand	23.00	10.75	51.40	–	85.15
	West Bengal	–	20.00	20.00	10.00	50.00
	Total	682.06	512.124	443.24	175.57	1802.99

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

**********

Steps Taken to Popularize AYUSH System of Medicine in the Country

People across the country are following traditional Indian medical systems of AYUSH. According to the data available, 17,73,75,226 Patients visited Government Health Care Facilities under AYUSH in OPD and 19,57,921 were admitted as inpatients in 2017-18.

The measures taken by the Ministry of AYUSH for further propagating the natural medical systems are: –

The Ministry of AYUSH regularly observes days dedicated to AYUSH Systems of Medicine Viz. International Day of Yoga, Ayurveda Day, Unani Day, Siddha Day, Naturopathy Day, Homoeopathy Day etc. to create awareness about the benefits of the respective AYUSH system of medicine including natural medical systems.
A Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of Information Education and Communication (IEC) in AYUSH has been devised by the Ministry of AYUSH for this purpose. Under this Scheme, the Ministry of AYUSH takes up initiatives to create awareness about and to promote AYUSH systems of medicine including natural medical systems. These initiatives include organizing Arogya Fairs, Melas, Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops, Symposium, Yoga Fests and Ayurveda Parvs. The IEC Scheme also supports undertaking publicity campaigns through electronic media, print media and social media amongst the citizens in the country.
Ministry of AYUSH has established five Research Councils namely CCRAS, CCRUM, CCRS, CCRH & CCRYN for Research in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Yoga & Naturopathy respectively. These research councils apart from engaging in clinical/ field research also undertake the following activities: –

Running Mobile health programme catering to backward regions and SC/ST communities
Undertaking health awareness campaigns.
Piloting Innovations like telemedicine with the help of common service centres.

Ministry of AYUSH has already established advanced research institutes in Indian medical systems through Research Councils.

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) has 21 Research Centres in different States/UTs for advance research in Homoeopathy.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is carrying out its research activities through its 30 Institutes/Centres/Units located all over India and also through collaborative studies with various Universities, Hospitals and Institutes. The research activities of the Council include Medicinal Plant Research (Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey, Pharmacognosy and Tissue Culture), Drug Standardization, Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation and Tribal Health Care Research Programme.
Central Council in Research in Siddha (CCRS) had initiated steps to establish advanced research in Siddha medical systems through IMR and EMR projects. Clinical research, Epidemiological research, Drug research, Literary and fundamental research, and Medicinal plants research are being carried out in these units. Totally there are 25 ongoing IMR projects and 8 completed IMR projects of CCRS.
CCRS is equipped with state of the art infrastructure with sophisticated instruments in the following departments: Department of Clinical Research, Department of Bio-chemistry, Department of Pathology, Radiology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Pharmacognosy etc.,
CCRS had published 32 books publications and 456 scientific research articles in various indexed international / national peer reviewed journals.
CCRS had signed MoU with reputed institutions / organizations for initiating collaborative research works.
Central Council for Research in Unani Medicines (CCRUM) has also carried out Advance Research on various diseases in collaboration with other renowned academic/scientific institutes.
CCRUM is also authenticating raw drugs as well as compound formulations by implementing Pharmacognostical methods viz., Macroscopy, Microscopy and Powder Microscopy; Physico-chemical methods and instrumental such as TLC fingerprint.

At present there is no such proposal for consideration to establish a University for Siddha and Unani Medical systems in Tamil Nadu on the lines of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan Ayurveda Medical University in Rajasthan. However, the matter comes

under the purview of State Government.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

***

Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister during State Visit of President of Sri Lanka to India

I am pleased to welcome President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his delegation to India. I heartily congratulate the President for his decisive victory in the election. I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the smooth election process. The strength and maturity of democracy in Sri Lanka is a matter of great pride and joy. It is an honor for us that President Rajapaksa chose India for his first foreign visit and gave us a chance to welcome him in India within two weeks of assuming office. It symbolizes the strength and dynamism of friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka. It is also a sign of how much importance both countries attach to these relations. We look forward to working closely with President Rajapaksa for the progress of both countries and peace, prosperity and security in our entire common region.

Excellency,

The mandate that you have received expresses the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people for an organized, strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. In this regard, India’s good wishes and cooperation are always with Sri Lanka. A stable, secure and prosperous Sri Lanka is not only in India’s interest but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean Region.

Friends,

India is Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbor and a trusted friend. Our historical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and civilizational contacts are a strong foundation of close relations between the two countries.

In line with my Government’s “Neighborhood First” policy and SAGAR doctrine, we prioritize our relations with Sri Lanka. The security and development of our two countries are inseparable. Therefore, it is natural that we should be aware of each other’s safety and sensibilities.

Today the President and myself had a very good and fruitful discussion on bilateral relations and international affairs of mutual interest. We have decided that together we will strengthen the multi-faceted partnership and cooperation between the two countries. I have assured the President of India’s commitment to a development partnership with Sri Lanka. As always, this cooperation will be in accordance with the priorities of the people of Sri Lanka. A new $ 400 million line of credit will give a boost to infrastructure and development in Sri Lanka. I am confident that the Sri Lankan economy will benefit as well as this Line of Credit will also accelerate the Project Cooperation of mutual benefit between the two countries. We are delighted that under the Indian Housing Project, 46,000 houses have been constructed for the internally displaced in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. There is good progress in the construction of 14,000 houses for Tamils of Indian origin in the Up-Country region. I am also pleased that we have agreed to use the previously announced $ 100 million credit line for solar projects in Sri Lanka early. There was a good discussion between President and me on 20 community development projects and other people-centric projects issued by India in Sri Lanka on the basis of grants in education and infrastructure.

Friends,

India has always opposed terrorism in all its forms and also expected action from the international community against other forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. On the occasion of Easter this year, terrorists in Sri Lanka launched brutal attacks on the diversity of mankind and the valuable heritage of symbiosis. I went to Sri Lanka immediately after the elections in India to express India’s unwavering support in the Sri Lankan fight against terrorist and extremist forces. I have discussed in detail with the President Rajapaksa for mutual security and to further strengthen mutual cooperation against terrorism. Sri Lankan police officers in major Indian institutions are already receiving the benefit of counter terrorist training. I am happy to announce a special Line of Credit of 50 million dollars to Sri Lanka to combat terrorism.

Friends,

Issues affecting the livelihood of fishermen were also discussed. We agreed that we will continue with a constructive and humane approach in this matter.

Friends,

We also openly exchanged views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me about his inclusive political outlook on ethnic harmony. I am confident that the Government of Sri Lanka will carry forward the process of reconciliation, to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, peace and respect. It also includes the implementation of the 13th amendment. India will become a trusted partner for development throughout Sri Lanka including North and East.

Friends,

I once again welcome President Rajapaksa to India. His visit will strengthen our mutual relations. And our cooperation will promote development in both countries and prosperity, peace and stability in the region.

Bohoma-Sthuti.

Nandri

Thank you

***

The Thirtieth Convocation of Sambalpur University, Odisha

His Excellency Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha; Prof. Deepak Behera, Vice Chancellor; members of the Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council; members of faculty and staff; distinguished guests, parents and my dear students,

At the outset, I thank Prof. Behera and his team for inviting me to the thirtieth convocation of Sambalpur University. I am delighted to be amongst all of you today at Jyoti Vihar, in the midst of lush green woodlands and calming serenity.

Your university is truly nestled in our country’s history and heritage. The presiding Goddess of the area, Ma Samaleshwari is not very far from here. This is also the land of Veer Surendra Sai, who had stood up against colonial rule much before even the 1857 War of Independence. The Hirakud Dam located nearby, in turn, represents the building of modern India.

Your university also holds great significance to me personally, as all three university examinations leading to my graduation were under its aegis. Interestingly, I was amongst the first batch of students whose results the university published after coming into existence. I have very fond memories of those early days!

My dear students, so many of you have received undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees, awards and medals today. I congratulate each and every one of you. This is an important milestone in your life, which you must cherish and celebrate. At the same time, however, you must look to the future, to the accomplishment of many more such milestones, building further on this foundational one.

Many of you will be leaving the university on completion of your course. When you do so, you take with you much more than your marks or degrees. You take with you years of learning. I am sure, you learnt as much outside your classrooms as you did inside. Interactions with your teachers, non-teaching staff, your peers, and even guests would have left lasting impressions. Cherish these interactions and bonds.

Also remember, what you have achieved today is an outcome of not just your own efforts, but also of the contributions of your parents, teachers and the countless more around you. Each one has played a role in your success. You must acknowledge their contributions. Always remember that no person is successful just by herself or himself.

Today, as you step into a new phase in your life, you enjoy immense possibilities and opportunities. The nation is witnessing a new sense of dynamism and awakening.

Innumerable initiatives are being taken in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of a New India! On the economic front in particular, he has set a goal of becoming a five trillion dollar economy by 2024. While this is an ambitious aspiration, we are on track and fully committed to the same.

Our economic fundamentals are strong. During the period 2014 to 2019, our annual average GDP growth of 7.5 percent was the highest since Independence. It was also the highest among the G20 countries. Macro-economic stability during the last five years has been the bedrock on which various reforms have been rolled out. We have kept inflation low, fiscal spending disciplined, and current account deficit under control. If we compare the two periods 2009-14 and 2014-19, inflation has decreased from 10.3 percent to 4.5 percent, fiscal deficit from 5.3 percent to 3.4 percent of GDP, and current account deficit from 3.3 percent to 1.4 percent of GDP.

Several fundamental, path-breaking reforms have been undertaken. Introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in 2016 was a landmark step towards cleaning up and strengthening the financial system of the country. No one would have imagined 4 or 5 years ago, that even large corporates would be held accountable if they tried to play the system, that they would lose their assets if they did not pay back their loans. Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in 2017 also stands out as a critical measure for unifying India economically as one common market. This supports high economic growth, while bringing in transparency and improving the ease of doing business. Continuous opening up and liberalisation of foreign direct investment has resulted in unprecedented inflows of FDI into the country.

The list of initiatives taken to bring about social development and equity is equally impressive, if not more. These include landmark programs such as Ayushman Bharat to ensure access of the poor to health services; PM-KISAN for income support to farmers; and a new education policy for overhauling our educational system.

In recent months India has witnessed a slow-down in GDP. It is important to understand the various factors feeding into the same, especially cyclical ones. There is a slow-down in global growth of output. Intensive efforts to bring about transparency, prevent leakages and improve governance would have also caused some transitory disruptions. The strong corrective action of the past 5 years, of emphasising on rule of law and formalisation of the economy, are bound to have a short-term drag effect.

Nevertheless, the government is alert and active. A number of measures have been taken to reform and rejuvenate the financial sector and the real economy. Landmark steps to increase productivity of the factors of production such as land, labour and capital are also being worked out. On the whole, given the strong fundamentals, landmark clean-up drive and ambitious reform agenda initiated, India is set to grow at a much faster pace in the coming months and years. Immense economic opportunities are unfolding for all of you.

Game-changers such as the smartphone revolution, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, augmented reality, 3D printing, robotics and blockchain technology, are fundamentally transforming our world and the way we engage in it. The changes are taking place at an unprecedented pace every day. From the way we communicate and connect with one another, to the way we move from one place to another, the way we send and receive money or the way we even get our food. There is disruption everywhere! It is a different world, if one compares it with what it was even a decade ago, forget when we were in university.

These opportunities pose many challenges as well. Unless we are able to keep abreast of the changes, learn new things and compete with others, we will fall behind. This is the challenge that all of you need to keep up with. Our age-old scriptures had envisioned the value of knowledge and continuous learning. These are even more relevant in today’s fast-changing technology-driven world.

The great sage Bhartrihari spelt out the importance of knowledge, saying:

विद्या नाम नरस्य रूपमधिकं प्रच्छन्नगुप्तं धनम्
विद्या भोगकरी यशः सुखकरी विद्या गुरूणां गुरुः ।
विद्या बन्धुजनो विदेशगमने विद्या परं दैवतम्
विद्या राजसु पूज्यते न हि धनं विद्याविहीनः पशुः ॥

Bhartrihari explains how Knowledge is what enhances an individual. It is that secret wealth which no one can take. It gives us happiness and glory, it is the teacher of all teachers, and it is our friend in foreign lands. Knowledge is the supreme divinity, worshipped by Kings (Leaders) more than material wealth. One without knowledge is nothing but an animal.

Furthermore, this knowledge is not an end in itself, it leads to even deeper qualities and values. An elegant shlok from Hitopadesha captures this beautifully:

विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वाद् धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥

Which means “Knowledge makes one humble, humility begets worthiness, worthiness creates wealth, enrichment leads to right conduct, and right conduct brings contentment.”

Thus, it is important to keep in mind the ancient lesson from the Subhashitani:

विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय ।

खलस्य साधोर्विपरीतमेतत् ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥

For crooked people ‘Knowledge’ is meant for arguments, ‘Wealth’ is meant for ego and ‘Power’ is meant to trouble others. The opposite is true in the case of noble persons, for whom ‘Knowledge’ is meant for Wisdom, ‘Wealth’ is meant for Giving and ‘Power’ is meant for Protecting the weak.

A few days ago, the nation celebrated Constitution Day on 26^th November 2019. Various programmes are lined up for the next four months, up to April 2020. The theme this year is the concept of Fundamental Duties as enshrined in our Constitution. We always think of our rights. There is a need to create awareness about our duties and responsibilities.

Gandhi ji had said that “If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek. If leaving duties unperformed we run after rights, they will escape us like a will-o’-the-wisp”. He had in fact in 1947 even declined the then UNESCO Director-General, Julian Huxley’s request to contribute an essay on Human Rights, saying: “I learnt from my illiterate but wise mother that all rights to be deserved and preserved came from duty well done. Thus, the very right to live accrues to us only when we do the duty of citizenship of the world.”

Friends, what can be a greater tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150^th birth anniversary, than to remind ourselves of this fundamental lesson of his, making us conscious of our Duties. The duty we have to our fellow beings, to our society, to the world at large and to the generations to come. To the environment and our planet as a whole. This understanding itself has the power to be the seed from which can sprout the transformative change, the world has always looked forward to from the fountainhead of India, Vishwa Guru Bharat.

To start this off, can I make an appeal to all of you, to students and teachers alike. Furthering this principle of ‘Duty’, can Sambalpur University build up for itself a vision for 2022 and 2047, as Independent India turns 75 and 100 respectively? A vision of what its duties will be, what it will aspire to give and contribute!

Dear students, in conclusion let me summarize what I have just told you. As you received your degrees and medals today, be proud of what you have accomplished. At the same time, be grateful to the countless people who have made it possible for you to do so.

You have been equipped with knowledge, ideas and connections. This is the greatest gift there can ever be. However, always remember the immemorial lesson from Hitopadesha that true knowledge makes one humble, and that humility leads to enrichment and contentment. Further, Vidur Niti, says that Knowledge has no meaning without Duty, and Duty has no meaning without Purpose:

असम्यगुपयुक्तं हि ज्ञानं सुकुशलैरपि ।

उपलभ्यं चाविदितं विदितं चाननुष्ठितम् ॥

You are entering a new phase in your life, as we move towards the building of a New India. An India of peace, progress and prosperity, for one and all. You will have unprecedented opportunities. In all of this, never forget your Duty, your Dharma. This is fundamental to our heritage and our values. It is what makes us who we are, and is more relevant today than ever before.

Also keep in mind that you are entering a world which is ever changing and fast shrinking. What you learn today will become obsolete tomorrow. And what you do today, somebody else in some other part of the world will do better tomorrow. So, you must keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing the frontiers of knowledge!

I once again congratulate all of you, and wish you a very happy and a prosperous New Year 2020.

*****

PM condoles passing away of former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuhiro Nakasone

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of eminent statesman and former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone.

“Condolences on the demise of eminent statesman and former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone. We will always remember his pathbreaking visit to India, which was the first by a Japanese PM after a gap of 23 years.

Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone’s contribution to the enrichment of our bilateral relations is valuable. He will be remembered as an architect of the contemporary India Japan friendship”, the Prime Minister said.

Shri Naidu to write to all political parties over absenteeism in parliamentary standing committees

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today advised media to provide more coverage to the substantive work being done by the parliament rather than only focusing on sensational remarks or disruptive behavior by some members.

Presenting the first ‘TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism’ to veteran political journalist Shri Vinod Sharma, Shri Naidu called the press as the extension of parliament as it holds the elected representatives accountable to the people whom they represent.

The Vice President called the parliamentary committees as a beautiful system within our parliamentary system. All members discuss and debate there constructively as there is no media glare, he said.

However, Shri Naidu expressed concern that the Chairman of the several parliamentary standing committees now complain of only one third of the members attending the meetings on an average. This is a worrying trend, he said. He also said that he is planning to write to all political parties regarding this.

The Vice President called the role of a parliamentary journalist of critical importance, as people form their opinions based on the information provided by the press. With this information, they analyze and evaluate the performance of their elected representatives and the government.

Therefore, VP urged the media to not color news with views and stressed the need to maintain objectivity, fairness and accuracy in reporting. “Impartiality and objectivity of press is of supreme importance for a democracy to survive and flourish”, he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, who described journalism as ‘service’, Shri Naidu expressed concern over politicians and business groups setting up newspapers and TV channels. “This erodes the credibility and core values of journalism”, he observed.

He also called upon media bodies to come up with some sort of self regulation to ensure that credibility and reliability of press remains steadfast.

Highlighting that press fought hard for its freedom, the Vice President called for using this freedom judiciously. He also drew media’s attention towards its responsibility to provide people correct information and educate them on their rights.

Further, Shri Naidu appealed to media to demystify parliament’s procedures and work, insisting that “people should be able to understand parliament’s functioning in easy and friendly language”. This will inspire them to become active stakeholders in the political processes, he opined.

Talking about the growing volume of parliamentary data, the Vice President felt a need to invest more in creating infrastructure, tools, capacity and skills for ‘data smart’ journalists.

“A good data journalist can help the citizens better understand the institution of parliament”, he said, adding that this may also improve the output of MPs as they would become more aware of their performance.

Shri Naidu also advocated for unhindered access to the important information generated by parliament on a day to day basis in a user friendly format.

Calling the people’s ‘right to know’ as a vital component for an informed society, Shri Naidu called for a good working relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists. If their relationship becomes too adversarial or too close, it would undermine the public’s ‘right to know’, he added.

Talking about the impact of social media on the institution of parliament and parliamentarians, VP said that it enables MPs to reach their constituencies directly and is also a good medium for obtaining public feedback.

However, he also cautioned the parliamentarians to be aware of social media’s potential to spread fake news and misinformation. In this regard, he called for the creation of a system of checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti social elements.

In this regard, Shri Naidu said that Rajya Sabha will form an informal group of MPs to discuss various challenges posed by social media, such as the spread of pornographic content.

He expressed worry that this trend on social media is misleading the children and posing the biggest challenge to Indian values by devaluing our age old family system.

Appreciating the initiative by Prof. K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust to institute an award to honour late Shri T.V.R. Shenoy, Vice President said that Shri Shenoy was an illustrious journalist and editor who served the public cause through his writings for five decades.

I also congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Bureau Chief, Hindustan Times on being conferred first TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism.

Shri A.K Antony, former Defence Minister, Prof. K.V. Thomas, Chairman, Trust, Dr. Omcheri NN Pillai, Chairman of Jury and Smt. Sarojam, wife of late Shri TVR Shenoy were among the dignitaries present at the event.

Following is the full text of the speech –

“Dear Shri A.K Antony Ji, former Defence Minister

Priof. K.V. Thomas, Chairman, Trust,

Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Chief of Bureau, Hindustan Times

Dr. Omcheri NN Pillai, Chairman of Jury

Mrs. TVR Shenoy

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very happy to be among you on this special occasion of presenting the TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism.

Friends,

Shri T.V.R. Shenoy was an illustrious journalist and editor who served the public cause through his writings for five decades. A reporter par excellence, he wrote extensively on issues ranging from politics, economy to international affairs and wars.

In early nineties, his investigative journalism led to the expose of several banking and stock market scams including the Harshad Mehta scam.

Shri Shenoy was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2003 for his services to the nation.

I appreciate the initiative by Prof. K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust to honour late Shri Shenoy by instituting an award in his name.

I also congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Bureau Chief, Hindustan Times on being conferred first TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism. Shri Sharma is a very familiar face to me as he has been reporting on the parliament for more than 25 years.

Dear friends,

The importance of a parliamentary journalist can not be overemphasized in a parliamentary democracy.

Our parliament debates and discusses various issues of national importance everyday.

It is a place where major policy decisions are taken.

It is the place where governments form and collapse.

It is the source of valuable political ideas and points of view.

And the people as important stakeholders in democratic process have a right to know how parliament is functioning, what it is discussing and debating.

They want to know what their elected representatives are saying or doing.

A parliamentary reporter has crucial responsibility of reporting all of this to the public.

People form their opinions based on this information provided by the press. With this information, they make up their minds whether or not to support a candidate in next election …. They analyze and evaluate the performance of their government.

That is why the role of a parliamentary journalist assumes critical importance in the way he decides which issues to publicise or what angle to give to a new story. His work and orientation plays an important role in scrutinizing the functioning of the parliament, government and the oppostion.

That is why press is often called as the extension of parliament. It holds the elected representatives accountable to the people whom they represent.

Therefore impartiality and objectivity of press is of supreme importance for a democracy to survive and flourish.

Friends,

Time and again, I have urged the media to not color news with views and stressed the need to maintain objectivity, fairness and accuracy. The neutrality and sanctity of newsrooms should be upheld at all times.

Our Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who was an eminent journalist is his own right had said that, –

“I realized that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy. If the control is from without, it proves more poisonous than want of control. It can be profitable only when exercised from within.”

But today we see even many politicians and business groups setting up newspapers and TV channels. With these mediums under their control, the reporting can become distorted. This erodes the credibility and core values of journalism.

Therefore, I feel that media bodies need to come up with some sort of self regulation to ensure that credibility and reliability of press remains steadfast.

Friends,

The cardinal principle of journalism is to present fair, objective, accurate and balanced information to the reader and viewer without journalists assuming the role of the gatekeepers. This is particularly true while reporting on a political controversy. Rather than opining which argument is the strongest, a good political reporter should lays out all the arguments and facts without bias, and let the people take a decision on the relative merits of the arguments.

Dear friends,

Press fought hard for its freedom and this freedom should be used judiciously. Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees to the citizen, the right to “Freedom of speech and expression”. With regard to parliamentary privileges also, press has full protection as long as reporting is true, without malice and for public good.

However, freedom and responsibility cannot be considered as inseparable. There can not be unfettered freedom without any responsibility.

The media has the onerous responsibility to not only provide unadulterated and correct information, but also educate the people on their rights as well.

Friends,

When it comes to reporting on the parliament, media has one more special responsibility.

It should uncode and demystify parliamentary proceedings and procedures to the larger public. People should be able to understand parliament’s functioning in easy and friendly language.

I appreciate that many news organizations are already doing good work in this direction, specially while reporting the budget, but more needs to be done.

Many parliamentarians do a lot of research and put forth their views in the parliament. This should be covered more extensively rather than only some sensational remarks or disruptive behavior.

This will enable a deeper understanding of the functioning of Indian parliamentary system among the masses inspiring them to become active stakeholders in the political processes shaping the destiny of their lives and the nation.

I suggest that similar efforts need to be made with respect to the growing volume of the parliamentary data.

Friends,

Recently, I saw a new story titled as ‘Rajya Sabha records 90% productivity in first week of winter session’.

This is the power of data.

A good data journalist can help the citizens better understand the institution of parliament. The members of parliament may also become more aware of their performance. The output may improve as a consequence.

Therefore, I feel that there is a need to invest in creating infrastructure, tools, capacity and skills for ‘data smart’ journalists.

At the same time, there should be unhindered access to the important information generated by parliament on a day to day basis in a user friendly format. This would help masses in gaining better understanding of the functioning of Parliament, participation of MPs and various legislative proposals under consideration.

Dear friends,

For a democracy to thrive, it is desirable that there should be a good working relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists.

The media on one hand, communicates parliamentary activities to the citizens, and on the other it also provides valuable feedback on public opinions.

Thus media creates a two-way flow of information which is vital for the healthy functioning of democracy and good governance.

Dear friends,

If this relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists becomes too adversarial or too close, it would undermine the public’s ‘right to know’.

And this ‘right to know’ is a vital component in our quest for an informed society and informed democracy.

This is important for empowerment of our citizens.

But at times it is observed that adjournments and commotion tend to make news rather than substantive debates on important issues.

Therefore, I would urge my friends in media to not focus on sensationalism and ‘bite journalism’ and impartially report the multiplicity of views expressed by Members in the parliament.

Friends,

In the end, I come to the impact of latest technological developments – such as social media – on the institution of parliament and parliamentarians.

It is true that social media has enabled parliamentarians to reach their constituencies directly, bypassing journalists. Social media also provides a good medium for obtaining public feedback.

But, the parliamentarians have to be aware of the pitfalls of the social media which has tremendous scope to spread fake news and misinformation. We need to create a system of checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti social elements.

Dear friends,

In the end, I once again congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma for the prestigious award.

Wishing you all the best.

Jai Hind!”

*****

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