Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was a great patriot as well as an excellent  human being, a doyen of Indian literature and man of versatile qualities as in any field of Indian literature, song, drama including dance drama, painting, music, playwright, etc., without mentioning him  discussion would be incomplete.  According to him, “the highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” – Rabindranath Tagore (7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941). It is evident from here that on 7 August 1941Tagore left for heavenly abode. 
  Let me first highlight his date of birth issue. The poet wanted his birthday to be celebrated as per Indian calendar and accordingly 25 Baisakh is taken into account not any Gregorian calendar. Born on 7 May, Tuesday 1861(as per Bengali/Indian calendar 25 Baisakh, 1268) in then Calcutta, now Kolkata, he was fourteenth child of Devendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. As desired by Tagore 7 May is not considered for celebration but 25 Baisakh so as per Gregorian calendar it falls on 7May or 8 May or 9 May. This is a noteworthy point of his patriotism.

  From childhood Rabindranath was a genius and at the age of eight years he made his first attempt in his versification. His father Devendranath Tagore who was like a sage had a vision and arranged Rabindranath’s school-teaching at home under private tutors. While studying at home at the age of 13 years, he wrote a verse based on Macbeth and at the age of 14 years he recited a poem in public gatherings which later on was published in the local newspaper.  Tagore’s patriotic fervour was also clearly reflected when he returned the Knighthood, awarded by the then Imperialist British Government, as a protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.The British initiated the policy to divide Bengal in 1905 based on religious line and used  the words ‘Hindu Bengal and Muslim Bengal’. Like many other stalwarts irrespective of religion, Gurudev also came forward and opposed the partition of Bengal. He ventilated his anguish by writing a poem ‘Amar Sonar Bangla……’ (My golden/beloved Bengal…) and subsequently the same has been adopted as the National Anthem of Bangladesh after liberation of East Pakistan in 1971.   Regarding our National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana………..” I wish to mention that  the British falsely propagated that  Jana Gana Mana……, was written to praise King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India in 1911 which Tagore did not accept and vehemently protested. Another point, for the benefit of readers in general and north-east in particular I wish to highlight that only the first of five stanzas  has been adopted as National Anthem but in the last stanza poet has mentioned sun rises from the extreme hills of the east of India (that is present north-east).

    The poet was a great person and wanted to see a united India as he passed away on 7 August 1941 so did not see partition of India. In his ‘Bharattirtha’ (Holy India) poem, he has stated India is for all – Hindus ,Muslims, Christians, Dalits, Aryans, non-Aryans and others.  Even in this poem he specifically highlighted ‘do not bother about caste, have an open mind’. 

In the context of present West Bengal, I feel had Tagore been alive today; he would have been upset to observe WB Situation as ‘Bhadralokbabus’  have shown the level of poll violence and their cruelty. As a result death, assault took place etc., and many  fled from WB to Assam. The Calcutta High court has to intervene for the safety of human beings. My simple view is that in democracy citizens have the right to do politics but the Party in power should save them from the criminals whether criminals are ‘Bhadraloks’ or ‘non Bhadraloks’.  Another issue, a couple of days back Result of the third session of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2021 has been announced. In the third session, according to the National Testing Agency (NTA) 17 students have scored 100 percentile,  eight are from  Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (2 Telugu speaking states). Anyway not a single student is from West Bengal. Maybe now students of WB are more interested in politics than study. Third point, as many as 100 engineers, 500 postgraduates and 2,200 graduates have applied for six lab assistant posts also called ‘dom’ to handle corpses at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, indicating high unemployment in the state. In addition, many types of scams took place in the State of ‘Bhadralokbabus’. Only a few I am highlighting, the Saradha Group financial scandal, Narada sting operation, the Rose Valley financial scam, ‘fake vaccination’ scam, etc. It has to be admitted that many stalwarts and highly intellectuals were born once upon a time in the state.

I extend my Pronam to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on this day of his death anniversary.

By virtue of working in the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)   and few other organisations in India and even abroad, I have the opportunity to meet many IAS officers and around 15 senior IAS officers were my bosses. While I was in abroad (many countries) many foreigners appreciated our IAS system of recruiting. 

 I have to agree that all IAS officers whom I met and interacted with were knowledgeable and vibrant in different fields. Some of them were publishing articles also. I am now a senior citizen and around 65 years of age but two names I remember whose articles inspired me – one is T. L Sankar sir and another one Rajeev Sadanandan sir. I had the opportunity to work under both of them when both were in NIRDPR as Director General and Deputy Director General in different periods. 

Recently, I have the opportunity to go through the book written by Chinmay Basu sir, an Odisha cadre IAS now retired on superannuation and settled in Kolkata. He also worked in NIRDPR as Deputy Director General. After retirement he has published (February 2021) a wonderful book in Bengali titled ‘Jibaner Jharna Kalam’ (meaning, according to me Jotted Down Experience of Life). 

There are altogether 23 chapters in the book and the volume is spread over to 128 pages including foreword and preface. The foreword is written by one IAS – Anita Agnihotri madam. 

For the benefit of readers I am highlighting a gist of each chapter as the author has presented his experience during service life mostly during his experience in Odisha with some cases in each chapter. 

 First chapter has highlighted his experience when   he was a student staying in the hostel of Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Calcutta, now Kolkata. According to the author most of the students were from different parts of India mostly from North East of India. Anyway, he has presented a sad case as he met one person, Sheikh Kader at YMCA whose family still has a renowned bakery in Guwahati, Assam. Kader finally became a medical doctor and a few years ago when the author with his wife went to Guwahati as tourists desired to meet Kader and accordingly went to Sheikh Brothers Bakery and came to know Kader passed away. Second chapter is interesting as when he joined Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, Mussoorie, in 1977 as probationer, while filling up the form mentioned married as before joining marriage registration took place.  But normally as per Indian culture social marriage is a must so when he wanted to go for social marriage top head of the Institute asked him to clarify and with interesting note he has clarified   because registration and social marriage are two  different phenomena. In the third chapter, the author has presented his experience when he went to join with his wife a small town Gunupur as SDO (Sub Divisional Officer), Korapout district.  With a lot of hassles he joined and he was the first IAS officer to join as SDO in that place. In the fourth chapter, the author has narrated how a small   rivulet (drainage type)   became furious because of incessant rain. With a lot of difficulty the author crossed the rivulet with the help of local staff as there was an important meeting. 

In the fifth chapter a case of corrupt practice has been highlighted as how an official harassed a small cinema hall owner. With the intervention of the author, the cinema hall was reopened. Sixth chapter also touched upon the corruption (bribery) case which the author has neutralised. In the seventh chapter exploitation of the bonded labourers by the big landowners has been presented. The author’s experience in Kalahandi has been presented in chapter 8 where he worked as district magistrate. Here also he observed some issues. In chapter 9 the author had to move by train by taking a ticket in another person’s name and the situation has been lucidly explained. An anomaly during recruitment of staff in Sambalpur district, where the author was the district magistrate, has been presented in chapter 10, and the author and his immediate colleagues tackled the issue as he received an anonymous letter about corruption during examination. In chapter 11 the author has explained how his childhood friend who went mountaineering lost his life. The chapter 12 is also interesting as the author was with his two children and wife while going to Nandankanan, a great and famous sanctuary of the animals by bus, and faced a serious problem because he forgot to take the required amount. And finally how it was resolved may be found in the chapter. 

 The author has explained his interesting experience in Chapter 13 about train journeys and the train left the station as within the stipulated time he along with his boss a chief secretary level officer could not get down in the station timely and finally the issue was resolved. In Chapter 14 the author has explained how the big industrialists exploit weavers. Health issue of the author’s teenage son and how the issue was tackled has been narrated in chapter 15 and chapter 16 as the author’s son suddenly suffered from nerve related issues in 1995. In chapter 17 former Prime Minister Honourable Rajiv Gandhi’s visit with Madam Sonia Gandhi at Kalahandi in 1987 has been lucidly presented. And unfortunately both could not visit a village because of heavy rain although it was scheduled. But later on the author visited and observed a few cases of corruption and highlighted these in chapter 17.  When the author’s son and daughter were students at Symbiosis college in Pune, the mother of both (his wife) , used too many phone calls through STD. Those days cell phones were not available. So the author was disgusted as the phone was meant for official purposes. In view of this, the author joined in Mumbai as Chief Executive Officer in Khadi and Village Industries Commission. Time to time both husband and wife used to visit Pune to meet their children and similarly both the children on holidays used to visit their home in Mumbai. And in this chapter 18 behaviour of both son and daughter has been lucidly explained which is a simple example of generation gap. 

The author had the opportunity to study in Harvard University of USA in 1989 under the scholarship of UNDP. Since it was a prestigious programme, he went there with his wife and both the children and had the opportunity to attend Nobel laureate Professor Amartya Sen’s class (chapter 19). In chapter 20, the author has explained a case in the USA as by seeing ‘Food Coupon’ which an old lady was using he puzzled and later on came to know these are given by the Government to the poor persons who are unable to work like Old-age pension in our country. The author has lucidly explained in chapter 21 his visit with family members to Niagara Falls in Canada. Here he has honestly explained about the visa issue because he came from India on one single entry visa but some people misguided him that multiple entry visas are required and finally the issue was resolved. The author’s experience with the former Chief Minister Honourable Biju Pattnaik and about his personality has been wonderfully jotted down in chapter 22. In the last chapter of 23 while the author was Chief Executive Officer in Khadi and Village Industries Commission in a programme Prime Minister Honourable Atal  Bihari Vajpayee came as chief guest , the author’s embracing position while extending vote of thanks in Hindi has been explained. The author feels that he should have spoken like an extempore speech not by reading a piece of paper and with a humorous note he has concluded the chapter.

This is a wonderful publication although in Bengali so I suggest the author if possible it may be published in Odia, English and Hindi also. Also I suggest all the 23 chapters should be numbered by inserting 1, 2, 3 etc., as only the chapters’ titles have been mentioned in the content. Since, the publication has mainly highlighted his experience during service period and abroad so many of us faced such issues in our service life so I am feeling nostalgic.

 Dr Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor & Head (CPME),NIRD & PR ( Govt. of India), Hyderabad,  

In my service days whenever for official purposes visited across the state of West Bengal, I have observed in general people are polite in behaviour and amicable to the guests. Many will offer a cup of tea in an earthen pot in the offices or normal working place with ‘Rosogolla’ and ‘Nimki’ (Snacks salted item prepared with Maida). In Bankura district if one visits, although a lot of poverty can be seen in spite, people with smiling faces welcome the guests. And   during lunch along with dal, rice, normal curry and fish curry there will be one time called ‘alu-posto’ (potato with seed of a poppy plant). I always enjoy food in West Bengal. 

Anyway, this time observing pool violence (during election and post-election) has very much upset me as I have commonly heard people of West Bengal are known in general  as ‘Bhadralok’ (cultured gentleman). The violence has proved that many  ‘Bhadralok Babus’   can go at any level of violence i.e. killing, arson, assault etc. irrespective of any political party. And unfortunately women, children and aged persons were not spared during poll and post poll violence.   It is pertinent to mention that same time along with few other states assembly elections were held in Assam, a neighbouring state but not a single violence took place in Assam, so “Bhadralokbabus” of West Bengal should learn lesson from the people of Assam.

Then coming to scam we know there are different types of scams that took place in the state of ‘Bhadraloks’. Here are a few points about the scams.

a)      The Saradha Group financial scandal was a major financial scam and alleged political scandal caused by the collapse of a Ponzi scheme run by Saradha Group, a consortium of over 200 private companies that was believed to be running collective investment schemes popularly but imperfectly referred to as chit funds in Eastern India. It is evident from the different secondary sources that the Group collected between ₹200 and 300 billion (US$4–6 billion) from more than 1.7 million depositors before it collapsed in April 2013. The West Bengal Government (where the Saradha Group belongs and most of its investors reside) instituted an inquiry commission to investigate the collapse. The State Government also set up a fund of ₹5 billion (US$70 million) to ensure that low-income investors were not bankrupted. It is pertinent to mention that the scam has often been compared to the Sanchayita investment scam, a multi crore rupees scam that took place in West Bengal in the 1970s, complaints related to which led to the formation of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act of 1978 (wikipedia.org/wiki/Saradha).

b)      Many Indians know about the Narada sting operation, which was a sting operation carried out by Mathew Samuel. The operation portrayed many of the politicians who are now associated with the present ruling party of West Bengal taking bribes (wikipedia.org/wiki/Narada_sting_operation).

c)      The Rose Valley financial scam or simply Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam (rocked West Bengal in 2013) was also a major financial scam caused by the collapse of a Ponzi scheme run by Rose Valley Group. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) around Rs 17,520 crore was reportedly raised from investors across India. The all India small depositors association mentioned  the amount at Rs 40,000 crore, even though few highlighted total collection was more than Rs 60,000 crore. The states affected by the scam were West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Tripura (wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Valley_financial_scandal).

d)     The latest fraud is ‘fake vaccination’. One Debanjan Deb used to give NKacin 500 jabs instead of Covid vaccines and many many people were vaccinated across Kolkata. No one could even guess what has been happening. The CID, police and others could not detect anything as such camp was continuing for days together. A fake   IAS officer was doing this but an alert by TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty, helped the Police to take action. I simply felt what the local police and CID officials did. The Kolkata Police arrested  the scam master  Debanjan Deb who  opened a  vaccination camp at Kasba also across north and central Kolkata, including one at City College in north Kolkata and another on June 3 (2021) at Sonarpur. All the places are in Kolkata or its vicinity.

 I feel all the political leaders, administrators, academicians, NGOs and others irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language etc., should be involved in development politics not in narrow politics. The State has awfully suffered in 1947 and again with so many scams people will suffer particularly the helpless and the people who are not involved in the politics. I request ‘Bhadralokbabus’ “Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached”. 

The following websites have been consulted during the course of writing the article:

1)      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saradha_Group_financial_scandal

2)      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narada_sting_operation

3)      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Valley_financial_scandal

4)      https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-bengal-fake-vaccination-camp-busted-in-kolkata-anti-bacterial-jabs-given-in-the-name-of-covid-19-vaccine

5)      https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/fraudster-held-for-organising-fake-kmc-vax-camps-hundreds-sweat-over-shots-they-got/articleshow/83793608.cms

In this article, the importance of 31 May is presented by highlighting two events- One International and one National (India). One is ‘World No Tobacco Day’ and another is from our country (India) completion of Dakshineswar Kali Temple (31 May 1855) situated near the bank of the Hooghly River, West Bengal.

1)      World No Tobacco Day: Tobacco is not good for health as it contains Nicotine. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year, more than 8 million people die because of tobacco consumption. Also according to WHO, most tobacco-related deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.  It is unfortunate to mention here that those who stay nearby smokers are also affected. In this regard, WHO may be quoted, “Tobacco can also be deadly for non-smokers. Second-hand smoke exposure has also been implicated in adverse health outcomes, causing 1.2 million deaths annually. Nearly half of all children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke and 65 000 children die each year due to illnesses related to second-hand smoke. Smoking while pregnant can lead to several life-long health conditions for babies”. It is pertinent to mention that, “The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA 42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May”, (who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day). The campaign theme of World No Tobacco Day 2021 is “Commit to Quit” and in this regard WHO desires that pledge should be taken by signing in the campa. Although in 1988 resolution has been passed as “a world no- smoking day” but in the Sikhism, tobacco is totally banned that is, in general Sikh people should not smoke as religious practice.

2)      Dakshineswar Kali Temple:  The temple situated near the bank of Hooghly River was constructed on 31 May 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali (Hindu Goddess). At the tender age of 11, Rashmoni was married to Babu Rajchandra Das of JanBazar of Calcutta. Babu Rajchandra was non Brahmin,  a member of a wealthy zamindar family (zamindar means colossal landlord). It is observed from various publications that in the year 1847, Rani Rashmoni prepared to go on a long pilgrimage to visit Kashi  ( presently known as Varanasi). Rani was supposed to travel in 24 boats, carrying relatives, helpers and essential goods. It is believed that the night before the pilgrimage, she had a dream and in the dream the Divine Mother Goddess Kali reportedly said, “There is no need to go to Banaras. Install my statue in a temple on the banks of the Ganges River and arrange my worship there”.  And thus on 31 May 1855 the Temple was completed. She patronized Shri Ramkrishna Paramhangsha as the priest of the Dakkhineshwar temple. Her other development  works  inter alia were the construction of a road from Subarnarekha River to Puri for the pilgrims, Babughat (also known as Babu Rajchandra Das Ghat), Ahiritola Ghat and Nimtala ghat for the everyday bathing at the Ganges by the common people. She also offered considerable charity to the Imperial Library (now the National Library of India), the Hindu College etc. For her outstanding, development, social and spiritual works, people called her Rani i.e. the Queen.

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article: 

1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibitions_in_Sikhism#
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshineswar_Kali_Temple
4. http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org/rashmoni.html
5. http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org/rashmoni.html

In a democratic society some people will vote for the party which is in power and some will vote for opposition parties. This is a simple rule in democracy. But what has been happening in West Bengal after 2 May 2021 is highly deplorable, sad and heart wrenching as a State with all “Bhadraloks” have proved that many of them can go at any level of violence i.e. killing, arson, assault etc. irrespective of any political party.  It is pertinent to mention that same time along with few other states elections were held in Assam. But not a single violence took place in Assam, a neighbouring State so “Bhadraloks” of West Bengal should learn. Few years ago I visited across West Bengal for academic woks and I observed huge unemployment. Many educated youths were literally crying as there were no employment opportunities. Many told​ me ​ educated​ ​​youths  were working as security personnel by getting paltry amounts.  Also it is interesting to mention here that many were proud of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, ​ Sri Aurobindo, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and many others as they were from Bengal. I highly praise this theory ‘but one should also do his or her good activities’. Anyway, West Bengal was once an economically prosperous state  ​now stands at low level in terms of development. During the 1960s many people used to go to West Bengal in general and Kolkata/Calcutta in particular for work. Against this backdrop, Labour Migration from the State in recent years is high as job opportunities are less. ​A​ccording to the Census 2011​, West Bengal ranks fourth among the states from where people migrate for work and employment. “Between 2001 and 2011, nearly 5.8 lakh people migrated from​ West​ Bengal looking for work, which is only after Uttar Pradesh (37.3 lakh), Bihar (22.6 lakh) and Rajasthan (6.6 lakh)” (The Times of India, 3/11/2019).  

​  ​A few data about post poll violence may be presented here.  According to the Times of India dated May 4, 2021 “11 killed in Bengal post-poll violence”. This is highly deplorable in a so-called   “Bhadralok” State. Killing of any person irrespective of party supporter, religion, caste language etc never can be supported, rather very very deplorable.  By quoting India Today dated 5/5/2021, it may be mentioned that “as post-poll violence grips West Bengal following the announcement of the assembly poll results, hundreds of BJP karyakartas and family members reportedly fled the state and have now taken shelter in Assam by crossing the inter-state border. Senior minister in the Assam government, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday claimed that around 300-400 BJP karyakartas and family members have crossed over to Dhubri in Assam after post-poll violence in West Bengal. The Assam minister further added that the state government is providing food and shelter to the party workers who have fled West Bengal”.

My fervent request to Didi as you are CM kindly saves the lives and properties of all. Because in school days read, “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent”

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad, Dt 5 May 2021

Because of COVID-19 all the countries have been badly suffering in many ways. One is of areas is International Trade.  In this regard, based on the “Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2021” which is a joint product of the members of the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development , United Nations, the points have been presented so that academicians, researchers and others can get an idea how international trade can serve as an engine for development. I am straight away presenting the facts and figures from the Report.  Key messages and recommendations are presented below:

A)    Important Messages:

1)      The COVID-19 crisis temporarily put the brakes on the contribution of trade to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty alleviation, food security, and decent jobs. The unprecedented fall in tourism, for instance, drastically reduced external earnings of many developing countries, in particular Small Island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs). The impact of the drop in tourism is particularly severe on those with precarious jobs such as women, youth and migrant workers. With regard to LDCs, it is unlikely that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 17.11 was met (i.e., doubling their share in world exports by 2020).

2)      Reigniting global trade is indispensable for achieving an inclusive and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Global trade was a major transmitter of demand andsupply shocks across the globe. But the crisis also highlightedthe fundamental importance of trade in making essentialgoods and services available to people in need.

3)      Life-saving vaccines and medical supplies still bypass many countries. Only a tiny fraction of vaccines and othermedical supplies to fight the pandemic have reached LDCsand other low-income countries. COVID-19 vaccine productioncan be extended by localizing more production in developingcountries. The international community should continue efforts to keep markets open to ensure equitable flows of essential goods and services in times of crisis.

4)      The multilateral trading system helped maintain transparency on trade measures during the COVID-19 crisis. The multilateral trading system could not preventthe initial proliferation of temporary protectionist measuressuch as export restrictions on essential medical supplies.However, the system supported a steady shift from the use oftrade-restrictive measures in the early stage of the pandemicto the use of trade-facilitating measures, such as temporaryelimination of import tariffs on essential supplies, in the latterhalf of 2020. 

 5)      Still, the COVID-19 crisis prompts us to review the multilateral trading system, regional trade and investment agreements, and trade policy through the lens of an inclusive and sustainable recovery. The existing multilateraland regional trade agreements can be transformed to help countries pursue trade-led economic recovery in a manner that leaves no one behind. Reforms are urgently needed to make the multilateral trading system responsive to sustainable development priorities. This calls for addressing, inter alia, the functioning of the dispute settlement system and reaching agreements on key issues under negotiation, such as fisheries subsidies.  Multilateral and regional trade agreements and international investment agreements can be continually modernized with a view to enhancing their contribution to sustainable development including public health, climate change, circular economy, decent jobs, and gender empowerment, particularly in times of crisis.

6)      Making trade more inclusive also requires addressing trade finance gaps that disproportionately affect small businesses and countriesnot fully integrated into global supply chains or the international financialsystem.  Increasing coordination between multilateral development banks and the private sector can help fill trade financing needs, particularly those of small businesses in developing countries.

7)      The digital divide within and across countries persists. Rapid progress of digital technologies and e-commerce has become an effective tool for economic recovery. But the digital divide prevents equitable sharing of benefits from the digital economy and e-commerce. In addition, digital trade platforms have raised concerns about anti-competitive practices by dominant market players, as well as vulnerabilities of consumers to unfair and fraudulent business practices. Governments and development partners should increase investment in infrastructure and technology and knowledge transfer to eliminate the digital divide.

B) Developments in international trade: Trends in world trade:

          1) The COVID-19 pandemic brought great disruption to international trade in  

              2020. World trade in 2020 contracted by about 9 per cent from the previous year,   

              with trade in goods declining by 6 per cent and trade inservices declining by 16.5

              per cent. Following a significant fall in the firsthalf of 2020, trade rebounded

             strongly in the third quarter, thanks largelyto recovery in trade in goods. Trade in

             services continues to lag substantiallybelow average. 

2) Developing regions except East Asia have faced large and prolonged trade shocks under the COVID-19 pandemic. All regionsexperienced declines in both exports and imports during the first threequarters, with deep declines in the second quarter followed by sharp butincomplete recoveries in the third quarter. West Asia/North Africa and South Asia have experienced export declines of over 40 per centcompared to the previous year in the second quarter. Trade among developingcountries (South-South trade) also declined, but at a less pronouncedmagnitude. Impact on LDCs, both in terms of exports and imports, appearsto be less pronounced than on other developing countries.

3) The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of the landlocked developing countries due to their dependence on their transit neighbours. The introduction of cross-border restrictions aimedat combating the spread of COVID-19 by neighbouring transit countriesaffected the smooth flow of imported essential goods and services toLLDCs, including medical and pharmaceutical products and food. This highlightsthe importance for LLDCs and their transit neighbours to enhancecross-border collaboration by ensuring coordinated interventions betweennational border agencies during COVID-19.

4) The energy sectors, such as oil, gas, coal and other petroleum products, experienced the largest trade fall. These sectors experienceda drop of more than 35 per cent for January to September comparedto the previous year. Steep declines in trade were also observed in the automotive sector, the apparel sector, and the metals and ores sectors.

5) Trade in essential medical supplies bounced back in the second quarter of 2020, but supplies were mostly absorbed by wealthier countries. In May 2020, exports of essential medical supplies from China,the United States of America and the European Union, representing abouttwo thirds of world exports of these products, increased by over 70 percent from the previous year to reach $46 billion per month. However,only a tiny fraction of such medical supplies have reached low-income countries. Between April and August 2020, each citizen of ahigh-income country received, on average, an additional $10 per month inmedical supplies. The number was about $1 per person in middle-incomecountries, and was a mere $0.10 in low-income countries.

6) The massive fall in international trade in goods negatively affected the price of commodities. The decline of the UNCTAD CommodityPrice Index in 2020 in the second quarter of 2020 was comparableto the declines experienced in 2015 and 2016. When fuelsare excluded, year-on-year changes are much more muted.

7) The crisis may have accelerated the recon­guration      global value chains in favour of shorter and more flexible supply chains. Companies are expected to increasingly favour resilience over efficiency (characterized by small inventories and just-in-time delivery) and thus diversify their suppliers and shorten their supply chains. This may affect the export interest of developing countries over time.

8) The unprecedented fall in tourism drastically reduced external earnings of SIDS and LDCs. Tourism has been a major component of servicesexports of many developing countries. International tourist arrivalswere down by 700 million, or 70 per cent, in the first eight months of 2020compared to the same period in 2019. This translates into a staggering estimated loss of $1.1 trillion in export revenues from international tourism in 2020.5 SIDS, where tourism accounts for up to 80 per cent of total export revenues, were particularly affected. Loss in tourism has a knock-on effecton other economic sectors that supply the goods and services travellersseek while on vacation, such as food, beverages and entertainment. It isestimated that for every $1 million lost in international tourism revenue,a country’s national income could decline by $2 million to $3 million.According to this estimate, employment of unskilled workers in theworst-affected countries, such as Thailand and Jamaica, could be reducedby about 25 per cent if two thirds of inbound tourism expenditure is eliminated.

Before conclusion, António Guterres, Secretary-general of the United Nations, may be quoted here “Investment alone, however, is not enough. To address the systemic nature of global risks including climate change and pandemics, we must reform our institutional and policy architecture, strengthen multilateralism, and create new platforms and networks for global cooperation.

 The United Nations has a critical role in supporting the mobilization of resources for sustainable development, set out in my 2018 strategy for financing the 2030 Agenda. We will continue to use our convening power to urge collective action to provide resources at scale to developing economies.

 This report sets out further recommendations and analysis, drawing on policy options developed in 2020 through the high-level events on Financing for Development in the era of COVID-19 and beyond. It will inform discussions within the United Nations and with our partners in 2021. I urge all governments and other stakeholders to meet the expectations of those we serve with unity, solidarity and coordinated multilateral action”.

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad,

Dt 25-04-2021

In school days, we have read “health is wealth”. This in general implies health is considered the most valuable and important for every individual. Good health means not only the absence of disease in the body but a complete physical, mental and social. To cater the needs of maintaining good health across the world the name of World Health Organisation (WHO) must be mentioned.  WHO came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date which is celebrated every year as World Health Day. Presently, in WHO more than 7000 people from more than 150 countries are working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices with the headquarters in Geneva.

For World Health Day, 7 April 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued five calls for urgent action to improve health for all people as COVID has an awful effect on the health of human beings.  As per latest data (6 April 2021), across the world confirmed COVID-19 cases are 132,296,662 and 2,871,679   deaths took place.  Anyway five calls are presented below with full explanation collected from www.who.int/news/item/06-04-2021-who-urges-countries-to-build-a-fairer-healthier-world-post-covid-19 so that readers can get a thorough idea and same can lead to research study.

 “1) Accelerate equitable access to COVID-19 technologies between and within countries

Safe and effective vaccines have been developed and approved at record speed. The challenge now is to ensure that they are available to everyone who needs them. Key here will be additional support to COVAX, the vaccine pillar in the ACT-Accelerator, which hopes to have reached 100 countries and economies in the coming days.

But vaccines alone will not overcome COVID-19. Commodities such as medical oxygen and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as reliable diagnostic tests and medicines are also vital. So are strong mechanisms to fairly distribute all these products within national borders. The ACT-Accelerator aims to establish testing and treatments for hundreds of millions of people in low and middle-income countries who would otherwise miss out. But it still requires USD22.1 billion to deliver these vital tools where they are so desperately needed.

2) Invest in primary health care

At least half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services; more than 800 million people spend at least 10% of their household income on health care, and out of pocket expenses drive almost 100 million people into poverty each year. 

As countries move forward post-COVID-19, it will be vital to avoid cuts in public spending on health and other social sectors. Such cuts are likely to increase hardship among already disadvantaged groups, weaken health system performance, increase health risks, add to fiscal pressure in the future and undermine development gains. 

Instead, governments should meet WHO’s recommended target of spending an additional 1% of GDP on primary health care (PHC). Evidence reveals that PHC-oriented health systems have consistently produced better health outcomes, enhanced equity, and improved efficiency. Scaling up PHC interventions across low- and middle-income countries could save 60 million lives and increases average life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030.

Governments must also reduce the global shortfall of 18 million health workers needed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. This includes creating at least 10 million additional full-time jobs globally and strengthening gender equality efforts. Women deliver most of the world’s health and social care, representing up to 70% of all health and care workers, but they are denied equal opportunities to lead it. Key solutions include equal pay to reduce the gender pay gap and recognizing unpaid health care work by women.

3) Prioritize health and social protection 

In many countries, the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, through loss of jobs, increases in poverty, disruptions to education, and threats to nutrition, have exceeded the public health impact of the virus. Some countries have already put in place expanded social protection schemes to mitigate these negative impacts of wider social hardship and started a dialogue on how to continue providing support to the communities and people in the future. But many face challenges in finding the resources for concrete action. It will be vital to ensure that these precious investments have the biggest impact on those in greatest need, and that disadvantaged communities are engaged in planning and implementing programmes.

4) Build safe, healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods

City leaders have often been powerful champions for improving health – for example, by improving transport systems and water and sanitation facilities. But too often, the lack of basic social services for some communities traps them in a spiral of sickness and insecurity. Access to healthy housing, in safe neighbourhoods, with adequate educational and recreational amenities, is key to achieving health for all.

Meanwhile, 80 per cent of the world’s population living in extreme poverty are in rural areas. Today, 8 out of 10 people who lack basic drinking water services live in rural areas, as do 7 out of 10 people who lack basic sanitation services. It will be important to intensify efforts to reach rural communities with health and other basic social services (including water and sanitation). These communities also urgently need increased economic investment in sustainable livelihoods and better access to digital technologies.

5) Strengthen data and health information systems

Increasing the availability of timely, high-quality data that is disaggregated by sex, wealth, education, ethnicity, race, gender and place of residence is key to working out where inequities exist, and addressing them. Health inequality monitoring should be an integral part of all national health information systems.

A recent WHO global assessment shows that only 51% of countries have included data disaggregation in their published national health statistics reports. The health status of these diverse groups is often masked when national averages are used. Moreover, it is often those who are made vulnerable, poor or discriminated against, who are the most likely to be missing from the data entirely”.

I am concluding by quoting Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General of WHO, “Now is the time to invest in health as a motor of development”.  “We do not need to choose between improving public health, building sustainable societies, ensuring food security and adequate nutrition, tacking climate change and having thriving local economies. All these vital outcomes go hand in hand.”

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderbad Dt 7 April 2021

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Telugu Association of North America (popularly known as TANA) is the oldest and largest Indo-American organisation in North America. TANA was established in New York in 1977 by the people of Telugu people across North America and was incorporated in 1978 as a non- profit organisation. Development of the people particularly poor and needy echelons of the society is the main objective of TANA vis-à-vis it takes up welfare activities. In view of these, members of the organisation identify and address social, cultural and educational needs of Telugu people in general and North American Telugu Community in particular. Because of TANA’s laudable role, Indian ethnic organisations in the world feel TANA is a role model in promoting culture and serving the community, an innovative method.

 TANA has penetrated its roots through its wings in North America and India by carrying out many development and welfare activities as more than four decades over after its set up. It is pertinent to mention that TANA plays an important role in developing, nurturing, preserving and propagating Telugu arts also.  There is a saying in Telugu, “Desha Vasha Landu Telugu Lessa” meaning Telugu is the beautiful language. In order to promote Telugu language, TANA has established and supported many teaching programmes in Telugu language  in many US universities and instituted educational scholarships for the needy  students.  To inspire the young generation, TANA organises biannual novel and short story competitions in Telugu language. Moreover, TANA helps to publish rare and important works of Telugu culture/activities so that new and present generation can know about these. TANA facilitated the introduction of modern Telugu poetry as well as the Telugu classics like Kanyasulkam to non-Telugu persons through its subvention of English translations.

  As welfare activities, TANA Foundation, the charitable wing of TANA, spends millions of US dollars each year in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for the needy persons for education, sanitation, disease prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation, building of libraries, schools, roads, protected water supply systems etc. It is heartening to mention that TANA’s other activities inter alia are assisting orphanages, scholarships to the needy students, organising eye camp, cancer camp etc.

TANA’s activities are like ‘water in the ocean’ but few recent activities for the benefit of readers are presented: i) all know when a baby is born ‘mother offers milk’ as food is sine qua non for all living beings.  Keeping this in mind, TANA arranges meals to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank to feed 2000 poor kids every weekend, ii) also it  arranges food for 200 kids every day throughout the year at Tulluru of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation, India, iii) During COVID-19, TANA provided grocery items to Indian students in remote areas and also arranged flight tickets to 2500 parents who were stranded in USA during lock down, iii) TANA arranged USA made reusable sanitary napkins among the girl children of Gurukulam Pathsala in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, iv)  to cater the health needs, it arranged 26 paediatric cardiac surgeries for the poor kids in Andhra Pradesh, also v)   TANA, donated free Hepatitis B Vaccine to more than 4500 rural kids of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, vi) to promote art and craft activities , TANA organised Villu Vidya programme in 11 major cities across USA with the objective of promoting Telugu ancient art, vii) with the help of local leadership in the State of Ohio successfully organised carrom competition, ladies cricket, free Yoga workshop, bone marrow drives etc. 

It is worthy to mention that TANA has been doing praiseworthy activities in the USA also. Every year, TANA presents backpacks and other school items to the children of low income earners/below poverty line (BPL) families in various cities/districts of North America. Also members help to conduct health camps and take part in disaster relief activities across the world. Recently , TANA donated 10,000 US Dollar to the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation with the objective of funding the local organisations. 

   As a result of TANA’s activities many leading persons in the USA appreciated TANA, although list is huge but some of these are mentioned here: a) Proclamation from Mayor of Akron, Ohio recognised 2 December 2016 as “TANA Service Day” in Akron, Ohio, b) In 2017 both Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Ohio State praised TANA, c) special recognition received from the Senator Mr Sherwood Brown in 2016 d) special recognition received from the Governor of Kentucky for “Be the Change” programme etc.

 As an Indian I am proud of TANA’s activities as when I was in some countries as a resource person many appreciated the activities of TANA. LONG LIVE TANA.  

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

(The author is grateful to Mr. Ashok Babu Kolla, a member of TANA, for providing necessary information to write the article)

Dr Shankar Chatterjee

1)     file:///C:/Users/HP/Desktop/TANA%20Many%20points.html

2)      https://tana.org/foundation/whatWeDo

Former Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR (Govt. of India), 

Hyderabad,  India

PRESENT ADDRESS

Prof. Shankar Chatterjee 
Lidom Villa, No.13
Perancheruvu, Bandlaguda(Jagir), Hyderabad-500 091

India

   In India from the ancient period onwards time to time, many great saints were born. One of them is Sant/Saint Ravidas, also called Raidas, (flourished 15^th or 16^th century), a spiritual poet and a great saint. Sant Ravidas ji was one of the most prominent saints of Indian Bhakti movement. It is believed that Guru Ravidas ji was born on the Magh Purnima day on Sunday in the year 1433 in Kashi present Varanasi in a so called ‘untouchable leather-working caste’, but his knowledge, wisdom, spiritual development and humanitarian activities were at the zenith which cannot be compared with  many upper castes. Undoubtedly, Sant  was endowed with pure and holy soul as he had proved by caste one cannot be great.

       Many researchers believe Sant Ravidas ji met Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and 41 of Guru Ravidasji’s poems were included in the Adi Granth. 

Sant Ravidas ji was a prominent figure in the bhakti movement and a renowned poet of the Nirgun bhakti tradition that valued the worship of a formless God.  In this context, two foreign researchers who have carried out extensive study on Sant Ravidas ji’s activities may be mentioned. One is Dr. Winand Callewaert and another one is Dr. Peter Friedlander as both have published many books and articles on Sant. They have translated his songs also. One is presenting here. It may be mentioned that Prof Dr. Winand Callewaert was a scholar in Sanskrit (studied in India) and taught this subject in foreign countries. He has published many books and articles in English, Dutch and Hindi. Another scholar Dr. Peter Friedlander lived in India from 1977-1982 and learned Hindi in Varanasi. He then studied at SOAS London University and completed his Ph.D. on the life and works of Saint Ravidas in 1991. The following  is a popular verse from Saint Ravidas, translated by Dr Winand Callewaert and Dr. Peter Friedlander,

“Raidas says, what shall I sing?

 Singing, singing I am defeated.

How long shall I consider and proclaim:

 absorb the self into the Self?

This experience is such,

 that it defies all description.

I have met the Lord,

 Who can cause me harm?

Hari in everything, everything in Hari –

 For him who knows Hari and the sense of self,

no other testimony is needed:

 the knower is absorbed”.

(Hari here refers to God who takes away all the sorrows of his devotees).

 Guru Ravidas Ji was against the Varna (caste) system and in his poetry, questioned caste hegemony, valued labour of all sorts, as well as a life of simplicity and morality. He initiated dialogs with upper caste Hindus about caste, social justice, love and forms of worship. He spread the message that “God created man and not man created God”, means everyone is created by God and has equal rights on this earth. This theory in the present days no one can deny as all human beings have equal rights. It is believed that because of his wisdom, in-depth spiritual knowledge and discourse many persons of all castes including the King and Queen of Chittoor presently in Rajasthan were his followers.

   In  Sant Ravidas Ji’s name  a temple has been constructed in his hometown, where Guruji is worshipped every day. His songs are recited every morning and evening in the temple. His birthday is celebrated every year on Magh Purnima day i.e. at the full moon day of Magh month of Indian calendar. 

    Although, Guru Ravidas Ji has passed away long ago but he will be in the heart of millions for his spiritual, devotional and humanitarian activities as his massive contribution to Bhakti movement enlightened us. I extend my respectful Pronam to the Great Soul, Saint and Guru on his 644^th birth anniversary. 

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravidas
2. https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8501/nirguna-bhakti
3. https://www.manifestias.com/2019/11/05/saint-ravidas
4. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ravidas

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

This article is based on FAO’s recent publication viz., World Food and Agriculture Statistical Pocketbook 2019 of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Rome. So I have highlighted the issues based on their publication.  I was in FAO Rome, to present my research paper as they selected me few years ago, so could  observe their function closely and feel that FAO has been doing commendable work in the field of agriculture and rural development.  

a)      As per the publication, the total number of people in the world is around 7.5 billion, indicating an increase of 100 percent since the early 1960s.  

b)      In many areas of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa young populations present high fertility. 

c)      At present about 45 percent of the global world population is classified as rural, based on ‘national definitions’. It clearly implies that urbanisation has been taking place rapidly. Of course, we know the pace of urbanisation is much faster in developed countries than developing countries.

d)     Another important finding is that as national income goes up, the share of agriculture in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreases. And in the developed countries agriculture accounts for a smaller share of GDP.

e)      In India and China because of fast development of secondary and services sectors, share of agriculture in GDP has been scaling down.

f)       In the context of using chemical or mineral fertilizers in the world, the statistics reveal that in 2017 total use of nitrogen (N) was 109 Metric ton/Mt, 45 Mt phosphates (P2O5) and 38 Mt potash (K). It may be mentioned here that in comparison to 2002, this represented increases of 34 percent use of nitrogen (N)     , 40 percent increase of phosphates (P2O5) and 45 percent for potash (K).   

g)      In the world total agricultural use of fertilizers per hectare of cropland (arable land and permanent crops) also increased in 2017 and the data are 70 kg N/ha, 29 kg P2O5/ha and 24 kg K/ha.

h)      Hunger is now a great issue particularly in the developing countries. The data in this regard reveal the number of undernourished people (million) in 2015 in the world were 785 which scaled up to 821.6 million in 2018.

i)        Number of severely food insecure people in 2015 was 568.2 million against the backdrop in 2018 the same was 704.3 million, such a figure is unfortunate as instead of coming down the same has gone up.  In this context, it may be mentioned that as per the publication, hunger is traditionally measured by the prevalence of undernourishment, which is the inability to acquire enough food to meet dietary energy requirements.

j)        Top 20 countries with the highest number of undernourished during 2016 to 2018 were India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Philippines, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Madagascar, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan Vietnam Zimbabwe Mozambique and Sudan. Whereas a number of severely food insecure people by sub region (2018) wise are: Southern  Asia, Eastern Africa, Western Africa,  South America, South-eastern Asia, Western Asia, Southern Africa, Central America, Northern Africa and Eastern Asia.

  I feel these statistics will help the readers to get an idea about hunger and agricultural development in the different parts of the world. And also I suggest researchers can take up M.Phil. /Ph. D. studies selecting the topic like use of fertilizers, chemicals, hunger, poverty etc.  

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

From the ancient period onwards many saints were born in India in different periods. Many literatures are also available about them but we should remember them time to time so that young generations and children know about their teachings and activities One famous saint who was not only popular in India but also in the world is Arutprakasa Vallalar Chidambaram Ramalingam born on Sunday, 5 October 1823, at Marudhur village near Chidambaram, present Tamil Nadu.  Vallalar was the fifth child of Sri Ramayya and Smt Chinnammai. On 30 January 1874 i.e. exactly 147 years ago he left for heavenly abode.

   His pre-monastic name was Ramalinga, but popularly known in India and across the world as Vallalar, also known as Ramalinga Vallalar/ Ramalinga Adigal. He was not only a famous Saint and also one of the renowned Tamil poets of the 19th Century. From childhood and even while he was infant endowed with many events which depict he was a saint. During infancy while praying with parents at Thillai temple, a priest saw Vallalar mesmerised with God and was smiling.  He loved privacy and spent most of his time in the temple.

Important teachings of Vallalar inter alia are:

1. Form of God is Arutperunjothi (Supreme grace of light).

2. Love is the master key to spirituality.

3. Religious ceremony has no meaning.

4. Meditation is the form of prayer.

5. Realisation of truth in all religions.

6. Caste and other social divisions have no meaning.

   He was a great human being and was against the Caste system as he severely condemned the rituals and caste beliefs. He endorsed the widespread love and brotherhood. According to him hunger and poverty are the two main enemies of the society and till across the world mainly in developing countries hunger and poverty are considered as curses for the human beings. As an academician and worked as a rural development functionary I have observed ‘Absolute Poverty’ in some countries in Asia and Africa.  For the benefit of readers, I wish to mention that ‘Absolute Poverty’ means the people do not have minimum income to lead normal lives and to meet basic needs.

Anyway   Vallalar was a righteous person and his motto was service to human beings that is why in order to conduct prayer constructed a Sathyagnana Sabha. According to him, “This sabha is a common place for everyone, who follows San maargam (good way)”. He also founded Sathya Dharmasala at Vadalur to feed the poor people, indicating his feelings for the poor echelons of the society. It is pertinent to mention that the Sathya Dharmasala provides food to everyone, irrespective of caste and religion throughout the year, undoubtedly a praiseworthy initiative. Vallalar showed his love and mercy not only to human beings but also on plants, insects, birds and animals. This is called “Jeeva Karunya” (Mercy to life). Also it is noteworthy to mention that, one of the primary teachings of Vallalar is ‘Service to mankind is the path of Moksha’ and per Collins dictionary ‘Moksha means freedom from the endless cycle of transmigration into a state of bliss’.  The path of compassion and mercy are the only path to God. Keeping this in mind, in 1872, he established ‘Sathya Gnana Sabai’, i.e. ‘Hall of True wisdom Forum’. It is pertinent to mention that his devotional songs have been compiled in a volume called ‘Thiru Arutpa’.

Pronam to the  great saint on this date of his death anniversary on 30 January 2021  as he made an indelible mark in the history of India by teaching us love and compassion to human beings  without considering caste, and other social issues and also taught us to serve the needy and poor who are in distress. 

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1)  https://www.jaisrinarasimha.com/gurumarghal.php?lang_type=en&guru=rama

2)   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramalinga_Swamigal

3)   http://www.textbooksonline.tn.nic.in/Books/08/SocSci-EM/History/chapter_6.pdf

4)   https://myschoolmystudents.blogspot.com/2019/02/samarasa-suddha-sangam-

      1865.html

5)   http://www.vallalardeivanilayam.org/

(The author extends his thanks to Dr. P. Natarajamurthy, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu for his support by providing necessary information)

               Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

  Madagascar now-a-days is in the news because people have been awfully suffering as many of them were eating boiled tamarind due to lack of food.  Let me highlight a few lines about Madagascar. Madagascar, officially known as, the Republic of Madagascar is spared over an area of 592,800 square kilometres is the world’s 47th largest country inhabited by a total number of 26,262,313 persons in 2018 against 4,084,000in 1950. And the current population of Madagascar is 28,073,781 as on 17January 2021, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. The population density in Madagascar is 48 persons per square kilometre. Only 38.5 percent of the population lives in urban areas indicating a high percentage of population lives in rural areas. The median age in Madagascar is 19.6 years. The median age in India is 28.4 years, compared to 37 years for China and 48 years for Japan. The latest WHO data reveals that the life expectancy in Madagascar is 65.1 years for males and 68.2 for females, making the average life expectancy 66.6 years. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo. It became a French colony on 6 August 1896 and on 26 June, 1960 the country became an independent one and Philibert Tsiranana was its first president.    Prior to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Madagascar was on an upward growth path even then around 75 percent of the population was estimated to live below the international poverty line of $1.90in 2019 which undoubtedly is very high. Because of COVID-19, the economic, social, and fiscal impact is very substantial in 2020. Global trade and travel disruptions as well as domestic containment measures are expected to result in a sharp deceleration in economic activity in 2020, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth predicted as only 1.2 percent. Also study reveals that vulnerable populations in urban areas are particularly exposed to economic hardship and poverty because of COVID-19.  Madagascar has the world’s fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition, with almost one child in two under five years of age suffering from stunting and children dropped out of primary school was high in recent years. Moreover, only 13 percent of people had electricity connection.  In the context of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),Per Capita GDP, Gross National Income (GNI, formerly called Gross National Product/GNP), GNI per capita (formerly GNP per capita), I wish to throw some lights based on World Bank data. GDP per capita is gross domestic product divided by midyear population. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources. GDP per capita (current US$) Madagascar for 2019 was 522 and the same for India for 2019 was 2,099. And in case of GNI per capita (formerly GNP per capita) is the gross national income, converted to U.S. dollars using the World Bank Atlas method, divided by the midyear population. GNI is the sum of value added by all resident producers plus any product taxes (less subsidies) not included in the valuation of output plus net receipts of primary income (compensation of employees and property income) from abroad. GNI, calculated in national currency, is usually converted to U.S. dollars at official exchange rates for comparisons across economies, although an alternative rate is used when the official exchange rate is judged to diverge by an exceptionally large margin from the rate actually applied in international transactions. To smooth fluctuations in prices and exchange rates, a special Atlas method of conversion is used by the World Bank. This applies a conversion factor that averages the exchange rate for a given year and the two preceding years, adjusted for differences in rates of inflation between the country, and through 2000, the G-5 countries (France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States). From 2001, these countries include the Euro area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. GNI per capita, PPP (current international $) in Madagascar was 1,660 (2019) and the same for India was 6,920 (2019). It is evident that Madagascar is a poor country and in Nurkse’s words: “A country is poor, because it is poor.” Or “Because it is poor, the country does not develop; because it does not develop, it remains poor.”

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madagascar
2. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/madagascar-population/
3. https://www.google.com/search?q=avarge+age+of+living+madagsakr+people&rlz=1C1CHBD_enIN849IN849&oq=avarge+age+of+living+madagsakr+people+&aqs=chrome..69i57.16637j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
4. https://www.britannica.com/place/Madagascar
5. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/madagascar/overview
6. www.macrotrends.net/countries/MDG/madagascar/poverty-rate
7. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD?locations=MG
8. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

 China is now-a-days in the news in the world for various reasons. But  recent one is because of an arrest (May 2020) and subsequently jailed for four years by a lady journalist namely Ms. Zhang Zhan, a 37-year old lady. Her fault was that she reported from the central city of Wuhan at the peak of last year’s coronavirus outbreak. She highlighted the truth by visiting at the grass root level i.e. primary source without relying on secondary source. Earlier, also few were tried, who from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted an appalling picture of the pandemic than ‘the official narrative, a rosy picture’. It is pertinent to mention that I had the opportunity to visit China in December 2015 and visited many places. Also I interacted with around 20 Chinese people as many were not good in English.  Honestly writing, I had observed they were sacred to talk about Government policy, functioning of Government etc. That way India is far better, as we can even talk against the policy of the ruling Government. Of course, the positive side is that all in unison told me “they want a very friendly relation with India. Many educated persons told me India and China had strong bonding since the inception of civilization so both should come closer and closer. They want to forget the 1962 war”.   By reading different national and international newspapers in recent years my feeling is that leaders of China cannot digest any criticism if it is against the policy of the Government. And might be for this reason, at least three journalists disappeared in February, 2020. One is Mr. Li Zehua, who reappeared in April, 2020 saying he had been ‘quarantining’. The second one is Mr. Chen Qiushi, who reported the outbreak of the coronavirus; of course later on he was found and had been placed under government supervision.  And third one is Mr. Fang Bin, businessman, citizen-journalist and whistle-blower who used YouTube and WeChat to broadcast images of Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was arrested a few times between February 1 and 9, 2020. Unfortunately, he was missing since his arrest on 9 February, 2020. It is evident that Chinese authorities are known to clamp down on activists who speak out. Further, according to one Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher, Chinese authorities are currently “equally, if not more, concerned with silencing criticism as with containing the spread of the virus”. In this context it may be mentioned that one medical doctor, Dr. Li Wenliang, was warned not to spread “false comments” after raising the alarm about the virus earlier in December 2019. He eventually caught the virus and died. His death caused an extraordinary wave of anger, sparking an online unrest. Chinese authorities were stunned, and reacted by attempting to censor every critical comment about Dr Li’s death.

It has to be admitted that China’s action is unpredictable because1962 incident no Indians can forget as they backstabbed us. Pt. Nehru’s hands of friendship were repaid through war by killing many Indian soldiers. I feel China is dominated by Han (more than 90 percent) and not like Indian society which is totally pluralistic. We are more liberal and fully democratic. For instance, Indian Communist leader, Late Jyoti   Basu immediately after the 1962 war, declared publicly at a rally “China cannot be the aggressor” which cannot be expected from a leader.  Lastly, world people know how the leaders of China are behaving towards the Uighur Muslims. 

 The following websites were consulted while writing the article:

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54969682

• https://globalnews.ca/news/7544247/wuhan-journalist-zhang-zhan-jail/

• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51486106
• https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2042355/chinese-citizen-journalist-jailed-for-4-years-over-wuhan-virus-reports

• https://globalnews.ca/news/7527743/china-coronavirus-who-origins-trip/

Teaching profession is the noblest profession as a good teacher can create and guide a student by inculcating with value and character.  Andin this regard I wish to mention two sayings of our former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam sahab which I like very much as I was in teaching/academic activities after completing University education. “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher that will be the biggest honor for me”. And another one, “Real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect”. When I read about corruption in educational institutes/academic organisations I feel sad. From ancient times onward in this sub-continent, Gurukul school concept was introduced “A gurukul is a traditional school in India with students (shishya) living near their guru, often in the same dwelling, as a sort of family”.

Anyway recent irregularities and anomalies, for recruiting teachers in West Bengal is a news and thousands and thousands persons suffered. The level of irregularities and anomalies were high as sequel many have approached the Calcutta High Court. For the benefit of readers I wish to mention that the High court is the oldest High Court in India. It was established on 1st July, 1862 under the High Court’s Act, 1861.    The Calcutta High court on 11thDecember 2020 (Friday) quashed recruitment of teachers in around 15,000 vacant posts in upper primary schools.  Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya directed the School Service Commission to start the recruitment process afresh by adhering the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). According this, candidates with a B.Ed. degree should get first preference. In case of selection, it was reported that because of some reasons less qualified candidates were selected whereas many B.Ed. candidates were ignored.  According to the directives, the Commission should start the process on 4th January 2021.  The verification of candidates and preparation of merit list should be completed by 31st May 2021, and the recruitment process should be complete by 14th August 2021. It may be mentioned here that the National Council for Teacher Education, which regulates teacher education in India, in 2009 made the B.Ed. or an equivalent degree compulsory for applying in teaching jobs at primary and upper primary schools.  It is unfortunate that thousands of youths suffered because of anomalies created by the State Government. Let me go back to the initial phase. The process for recruiting teachers in upper primary schools was initiated in 2014 and ultimately on 16th October, 2015, the exam, for selecting candidates in the 14,740 vacant teaching posts, was conducted.  And based on this, on 1st October 2019, the Department had prepared a merit list of around 26,000 persons.  Immediately, after the publication of the list, so called ‘merit list’, a large number of candidates moved to Calcutta High court alleging that even though they had a B.Ed. degree, their names did not figure in the list while less qualified candidates had been selected. Here it is pertinent to mention that, advocate Firdaus Shamim, the lawyer for the petitioner candidates, after the judgement mentioned, “This prompted my clients to move the High court.”  Advocate Shamim also said, “Discrepancies have been found in the list”. Also one Leftist leader said after the judgement, “the level of corruption was unprecedented”.   

I as senior citizen suggest no state Governments should indulge any sort of corruption particularly for requirements etc., as lives of innocent youths are involved here. In this case of West Bengal, five years are over for the youths who were selected in 2015. Again a new process has been initiated albeit the fates of youths, who were earlier selected, are uncertain. Anyway, salute to the Judiciary, our Third Pillar of Democracy, as an anomaly has been thrown away.

 The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1. http://www.eaajkaal.in/12/12/2020
2. https://epaper.telegraphindia.com/imageview_348395_7160461_4_undefined_12-12-2020_7_i_1_sf.html/12-12-2020
3. https://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=13&nID=264584&P=2/12-12-2020
4. https://epaper.sangbadpratidin.in/12-12-2020
5. https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5439/gurukul

Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

On this date of 20 November 2020, the 551 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji is being celebrated across the world particularly in India and Pakistan with full enthusiasm, devotion and joviality. Here I have mentioned India and Pakistan as He was born in 1469 at Talwandi, a village in the Sheikhupura district, 65 kilometres away from Lahore which comes under Pakistan. Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Guru Nanak ji’s Prakash Utsav, is a prominent festival for people who follow Sikhism and is celebrated on Kartik Purnima day. The people of all faiths particularly Sikhs visit on this auspicious occasion to the Golden Temple and offer prayers at the temple and also devotees lit candles in the temple premises.

    According to various literatures and beliefs, the birth and initial years of Guru Nanak ji’s life were marked with many amazing incidents that validated that He was born with divine power. As a young man, while herding the family cattle, used to spend long hours in meditation and religious discussions with Muslim and Hindu holy men who lived in the forests surrounding the village. Many spiritual incidents were attached in his life. Once Guru Nanak ji went to the river Bain for his bath and after plunging into the river, He did not surface and it was reported that he must have drowned. The villagers searched everywhere, but there was no trace of him. He was in Holy Communion with Almighty God (Lord). The Lord God revealed himself to Guru Nanak ji and enlightened him. In praise of the Lord, Guru Nanak ji uttered; “There is but One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, He fears none, he is without hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of birth and death, He is self-illuminated, He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning, He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True, He is also True now” (Japji). Another incident may be presented here. When Guru Nanak Dev ji was 12 years old his father gave him twenty rupees and told him to do business, with the objective to teach him business. Guru Nanak ji purchased food with all the money and distributed it among saints, and the poor. When his father asked him what happened to business? He replied he had done a “True business”. It is pertinent to mention that at the place where Guru Nanak ji had fed the poor, a Gurdwara was constructed and named Sacha Sauda.

Guru ji’s sayings and messages are still relevant in present days. I am quoting two which have greatly influenced me, “Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God”. And another one is “Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you.”

    As mentioned already He was born near Lahore of present Pakistan and  later on settled down at Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) which was founded by him in 1522 and spent the rest of his life there (1522-1539).  Although Guru Nanak ji was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the Ten Sikh Gurus but all the other Gurus had done excellent work for human beings. In this context, the Golden Temple is a glaring example. The Golden Temple of Amritsar (Sri Harmandir Sahib) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of brotherhood and equality. Everybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion or race can visit the place.

 Regarding the Temple it may be mentioned that, as advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3^rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4^th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5^th Sikh Guru) on 15 December, 1588 and he also started the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs) was first installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib on 16 August 1604 A.D.

   I had the opportunity to visit Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) in August 2017 and observed everywhere selfless service – whether serving of food, water, cleaning of utensils, making of roti etc. were concerned. It is heartening to mention by quoting Hindustan Times, 19^th May 2016, epaper, that “The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar has been ranked number 3 in the country on the travellers’ choice landmarks list of a leading travel planning and booking site TripAdvisor. Surrounded by a holy ‘sarovar’, its construction was completed in 1604 and presently runs one of the largest free kitchens in the world, which serves an average of 1, 00,000 people daily”. Before conclusion, I wish to highlight the Three Pillars of Sikhism which were formalised by Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

a)      Naam Japo means meditation and reciting and chanting of God’s Name—Waheguru.

b)      Kirat Karo means honestly earn, with hard work, by one’s physical and mental effort.

c)       Vaṇḍ Chakkō means share the food, wealth etc. with everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, and sex.”

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1. https://web.archive.org/web/20070830205721/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak1
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak
3. http://www.sikhs.org/guru1.htm
4. https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/guru-nanak-jayanti-2019-history-significance-and-traditions
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_pillars_of_Sikhism