It has to be admitted that this time India has taught a good lesson to China. The leaders of China seem to be narcissistic and that is why because of their imperialistic attitude many countries are against them. And unfortunate incident in the Galwan River valley in June 2020, resulting in a brutal skirmish that killed dozens of Indian soldiers has glaringly revealed that China believes in backstabbing which also happened in 1962.

   I was in China and observed China is not a pluralistic society like India, only one community in China that is Han community with more than 90 percent population dominates their economy, politics, army etc. The nasty behaviour of Chinese leaders towards Muslims of Uyghurs, / Uighurs/ Uygurs/Uigurs is well known to all in the world. Anyway, India has taught a good lesson after the Galwan valley incident which I feel they could not imagine. In this context, few lines from South China Morning Post, 25 July may be quoted. “Since 2010, China has committed or planned more than US$26 billion worth of investment in India but some of that may now be in jeopardy. Public sector construction projects will be tougher for Chinese companies to bag, but private ones will still be largely driven by cost considerations”.  Also another line may be quoted from the newspaper, “Chinese companies in India are bracing for tough times ahead, with some of them scaling down operations or cutting jobs as relations between the two countries worsen”.

   Indians know “Nehru’s China policy is seen as a monumental failure”. “Perhaps the biggest mistake the country made was not to update its assessment of the Chinese in Tibet. In 1950 they clearly did not pose a military threat to India. But by 1960 they did. Yet in this decade, India reduced its military by half and constrained its defence expenditure. It only woke up in 1959 when Zhou Enlai told Nehru that the entire Sino-Indian boundary was yet to be delimited” (The Quint, 27 May 2020).

    I feel China because of their leaders cannot be friend of India presently. Only with the passing of time and change of their leadership future generation can see the reality. Because during Pt Nehru’s period, India was under Congress rule and present Prime Minister Narendra Modi is from BJP, but leaders of China did not change their stand as they are having expansionist attitude.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

Dear Prof. Shankar, thanks for the article. It reminds me of those places, the Montara valley in the Andes Mountain, the Ica region, organic cotton farmers you are referring to and the potato value chain which had impacted positively on the rural communities courtesy of FOVIDA and the research institute. The Peruvian infrastructure especially power in the rural areas and very nice roads as well as the inclusiveness especially women’s involvement in decision making in some of the farmer groups visited was incredible. Surely, it is almost 7 years ago but it is as if we went to Peru just yesterday. Thanks to UKAID and GRADE which gave us an opportunity to showcase the South-South Cooperation. Your article is an outcome of this 10 day study and information sharing trip. Congratulations once again.

James Kizito-Mayanja

Market Intelligence & Information Manager
Uganda

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country located in South America. The country is in news because of COVID19 as up to 25 July 2020, total coronavirus cases were 375,961 and unfortunately 17,843 persons passed away because of COVID19. I was in Peru in May 2013 for academic activities, invited by them.

   Peru has a total land area of 1,379,999 square kilometers and a total water area of 5,000 square kilometers with total population of 3.2 crores (2018). . Lima is the capital of Peru. In 2017, 79.3 percent of total population lived in urban areas and 20.7 percent were in rural areas.

  I observed the people of Peru want a healthy trade relation with India. I could meet few Peruvian friends in Peru who visited India opined that by developing trade relation both would be benefitted. The tourist places like Jauja city, Mantaro Valley, the Andean highlands, Junion region of Tarma city etc., can be compared with our places like Shillong, Shimla or even Tirupati. In Tirupati many people offer their hair and similarly in Acobamba of Peru where Church (Catholic) is located near a foot hill many people of Christian faith in the stones of the hills pour whisky or rum or other alcoholic drinks to fulfill their desire or if desire is fulfilled. In addition near the Church people lit candles. I enjoyed as all religions lead to Almighty/God and I prayed my own way.

  Both India and Peru are having huge scope to develop trade relations. While going by air from Lima to Jauja town, an engineer sat beside me and was happy to know I am Indian and he was in the opinion that trade between India and Peru may be invigorated. Our technology, engineering goods, transport items including railways, IT, agriculture extension service, etc., may be exported to Peru. On the other hand, products like organic cotton (super quality), and agricultural goods like native variety potato, maize of soft variety, artichoke, asparagus , avocado etc., may be imported from them and subsequently may be grown in India as these are having huge international market. Regarding organic cotton case of Oro Blanco may be referred which is a joint venture between the Dutch ecumenical development agency Solidaridad and farmers in Peru. Oro Blanco supports 71organic cotton farmers in Cañete and Chincha Valleys on about 275 hectares of organic land. The farmers grew other organic crops on their land as well as cotton, which were fetching good price. Oro Blanco supplied organic cotton to socially responsible local manufacturers that export organic garments to fashion brands and thus market was assured. It is pertinent to mention that each farmer owned around 4 hectares of agricultural land in the Cañete and Chincha Valleys and produced on an average of 55 quintals per hectare of seed cotton. So such type of crop may be promoted in India if feasible. Both India and Peru should try to develop economic relation and exchange knowledge, ideas, skill vis-à-vis goods. The farmers of both the countries are endowed with enormous knowledge and skill which may be shared for development of both the nations.

 The Agriculture Minister of Peru took lot of interest while I informed about our Kisan Credit Card, Kisan Call Center, etc. of India.

Lastly it may be mentioned that in 1968 the Peruvian military led a bloodless cup of power headed by General Juan Velasco Alvarado.  One of the main objectives was the implementation of an agrarian reform which inter alia, included redistribution of land to peasants/former workers so that they can lead quality life not like slaves.

 I suggest not only with Peru but with all other countries of South America wherever feasible trade relation may be developed by India.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

The article has been written with the objective of presenting chronology of the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and also then the Madras Presidency of British India so that at a glance present generation can get an idea. Also future research study can be taken up about the activities of each Chief Minister.

   In school and college days, we read about the supremacy of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas for centuries. The Pallavas held supremacy from about the second quarter of the fourth century A.D. They were the designers, architects and initiators of the famous Dravidian style of temple architecture which still attracts Indians from other parts of the country and lakhs of foreigners. Muslims gradually strengthened their position, which led to the establishment of the Bahamani Sultanate, by the middle of the 14th century.

  The present Government of Tamil Nadu is headed by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, after the demise of former Chief Minister Dr. J. Jayalalithaa. Anyway, the first Chief Minister of  the Madras Presidency of British India was Thiru A Subbarayalu (17-12-1920 to 11-07-1921). He initially joined the Indian National Congress but left the party in 1916 to join the Justice Party and he was CM from the Justice Party. It is pertinent to mention that the Justice Party, officially known as the South Indian Liberal Federation, was a political party in the Madras Presidency of British India. It was established on 20 November, 1916.  The names of the Chief Ministers along with their tenure in then Madras/Tamil Nadu are presented below:    .

1)         Thiru A Subbarayalu   (17-12-1920 to 11-07-1921)

2)         Thiru Panagal Raja (11-07-1921 to 03-12-1926)

3)         Dr. P Subbarayan (04-12-1926 to 27-10-1930)

4)         Thiru P Munuswamy Naidu (27-10-1930 to 04-11-1932)

5)         Thiru Ramakrishna Ranga Rao,Raja of Bobbili (05-11-1932 to 04-04-

             1936) & (24-08-1936 to 01-04-1937)

6)         Thiru P T Rajan (04-04-1936 to 24-08-1936)

7)         Thiru Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu (01-04-1937 to 14-07-1937)

8)         Thiru C Rajagopalachari (14-07-1937to29-10-1939) & (10-04-1952to13-04-1954)

9)         Governor’s Rule (29 -10-1939 to 30 -04-1946) (2,375 days)

10)       Thiru Tanguturi Prakasam (30-04-1946 to 23-03-1947)

11)       Thiru O P Ramaswamy Reddiyar (23-03-1947 to 06-04-1949)

12)       Thiru P S  Kumaraswamy Raja (06-04-1949 to 09-04-1952)

13)       Thiru K Kamaraj (13-04-1954 to 02-10-1963)

14)       Thiru M Bakthavatsalam (02-10-1963 to 06-03-1967)

15)       Dr. C.N. Annadurai (06-03-1967 to 03-02-1969)

16)       Dr. Kalaignar M Karunanidhi (10-02-1969 to 04-01-1971), (15-03-1971 to 31-01-

            1976), (27-01-1989 to 30-01-1991), (13-05-1996 to 13-05-2001), (13-05-2006 to

             15-05-2011)

17)       Dr. M G Ramachandran (30-06-1977 to 17-02-1980) (09-06-1980 to 15-

           11-1984) (10-02-1985 to 24-12-1987)

18)       Thiru V.R. Nedunchezhiyan,( 04-02-1969 to 09 -02-1969), (16-11-1984 to 9-02-

            1985) & (25-12-1987to 06-01-1988)

19)       4 February 1969 – 9 February 1969, 16 November 1984 – 9 February   

            1985 and 25 December 1987 – 6 January 1988

20)       Thirumathi Janaki Ramachandran (07-01-1988 to 30-01-1988)

21)       Dr. Selvi J Jayalalithaa (24-06-1991 to 12-05-1996), (14-05-2001 to 21-

             09-2001), (02-03-2002 to 12-05-2006),          (16-05-2011 to 27-09-

              2014), (23-05-2015 to 21-05-2016) & (23-05-2016 to 05-12-2016)

22)         Thiru O. Panneerselvam (21-09-2001 to 01-03-2002), (29-09-2014 to

              22-05-2015) (06-12-2016 to 15-02-2017)

23)       Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami (16 February 2017 still continuing)

  From the above list few points may be mentioned here. Before independence of India,   the South Indian Liberal Federation dominated in Madras Presidency of British India as of the nine Chief Ministers of Madras Presidency namely,  1)Thiru A Subbarayalu, 2)Thiru Panagal Raja, 3) Dr. P Subbarayan, 4) Thiru P Munuswamy Naidu, 5) Thiru Ramakrishna Ranga Rao, Raja of Bobbili, 6) Thiru P T Rajan 7) Thiru Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu, 8) Thiru C Rajagopalachari and 9) Thiru Tanguturi Prakasam, five were from  South Indian Liberal Federation and two were unaffiliated to any political party i.e. no political party and two were from Indian National Congress. The Chief Ministers of unaffiliated political party were Dr. P Subbarayan, and Thiru Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu.  On the other hand, Thiru C Rajagopalachari and Thiru Tanguturi Prakasam were from Indian National Congress. After independence, Chief Ministers of Madras/ Tamil Nadu were either from Indian National Congress or Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, but the South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party) could not make any dent after independence. Also after independence President’s rule was imposed five times in the State.

(The author is thankful to Thiru Mr. Rajendra Gounder, Assistant Professor of Economics, Goa Multi-Faculty College, and Goa for providing some information. Anyway, I take full responsibility for any fault if it is observed here)

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article

1. www.tn.gov.in/tamilnadustate
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_Party_(India)

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee                                                                   

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

  I am starting this article by quoting  two lines from Bloomberg, (11/7/2020), “A treaty that earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 is failing to meet the expectations of neighboring Eritrea”. “Two years after the signing of the Peace Agreement, Ethiopian troops continue to be present in our sovereign territories”.

    For the benefit of readers few lines about Eritrea may be stated as I was in Eritrea as senior faculty (teaching job) from 2005 (February)  to 2007 (January) and observed both Ethiopia and Eritrea had awful  relation as a sequel under United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (popularly kwon as UNMEE), Indian army was posted as peace –keeper. Every year 26 January and 15 August our army used to celebrate by inviting all Indians with sweets, followed by lunch. I remember in 2/3 occasions, I visited our army camp for simple treatment and was treated well with free medicines also with tea and snacks. I also observed unity among diversity in Indian army camp  as army personnel for their prayers constructed (temporary structure) temple, mosque, church and gurdwara side by side.

   Eritrea, located in the horn of Africa i.e. in north-east Africa, lies in between 12º and 18º North latitude and 36º and 44 º East longitudes.  The country is having more than 1000 Kilometers of coastal line along the Red Sea with about 350 off shore islands.  Besides Red Sea, which is located east and northeast side of Eritrea; it shares boundaries with Sudan in the North and West and Ethiopia and Djibouti in the South. The name Eritrea has been derived from the ancient Greek word ‘Red’ named after ‘Erythrean Sea’ i.e., Red Sea.  It is pertinent to mention that the Red Sea is the saltiest sea of all the seas that connect to the ocean without even one river meeting the sea. A hypothesis about the origins of the Red Sea’s name is that it contains cyanobacteria called Trichodesmium erythraeum, which turns the normally blue-green water a reddish-brown. Not only I, my wife (Jagaddhatri) and son (Tushar Subhra) were charmed to see the beauty of Red sea in 2006. Total Area of Eritrea is 117,600 square kilometers with estimated total population (2014) 63.80 lakh and density of population was 51.8 persons per square kilometers (2014).

  Up to 16 September 2018 both Eritrea and Ethiopia had awful relation. Border skirmish was regular events while I was there. Unfortunately, conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia erupted in May 1998, as a result of border dispute. The Secretary-General of Security Council immediately contacted the leaders of the countries, urging restraint and offering assistance in resolving the conflict peacefully. Despite all efforts, the fighting erupted again on 12 May 2000 and unfortunately 100,000 people died during the time of conflict. Anyway on 17 September 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, peace agreement by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki was signed and thus long drawn conflict was over.

    Although about peace, Bloomberg and other news channels stated some issues between the two countries, hope good sense will prevail so that no conflict takes place as any conflict, war, brawl etc., causes loss of human lives, destruction of assets and thus hinders development.

The following books and websites have been consulted while writing the article-

1. Chatterjee, Shankar (2008)“Islamic Republic of Iran & Eritrea: A Glimpse”, Published by Serials Publications, New Delhi (ISBN no. 978-81-8387-120-4)
2.  Chatterjee, Shankar (2018)“Pleasing Experience in Magnificent Countries” Renu Publishers, New Delhi, (ISBN No. 978-93-85502-93-4)
3. www.google.com/search?q=why+red+sea+called+red+sea
4. www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/eritrea-says-prize-winning-ethiopian-peace-pact

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR,

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

   Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, popularly known as, Colonel Santosh Babu by sacrificing his life at the age of around 37 years as the Commanding Officer of Indian army has proved that a senior officer along with soldiers can make supreme sacrifice for the integrity of the country.  Because of sacrifice made by Colonel Babu and other 19 soldiers in the Galwan region, Chinese troops on 6 July 2020 moved back around two kilometres from Patrolling Point 14, the site of the June 15, 2020 clash. Satellite images confirmed Chinese troops had vacated the Galwan areas.

   This time leaders of China has understood India is a great power and no longer situation is ‘in 1962’ and that is why they have pulled back. China with 92 percent Han community is dominated by Han leaders whereas India is pluralistic country. Many cases reveal that for simple reason severe punishment is inflicted to the staffs in China.  Recently (June 2020) workers from a decorating company in China’s Guizhou province were forced to eat live earthworms after failing to meet their sales target indicating violent nature. Another incident is about the Tiananmen Square protest where student-led demonstrations calling for democracy, free speech and a free press in China were brutally suppressed. Many students were massacred in a bloody crackdown, known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre, by the Chinese Government on June 4 and 5, 1989. When I visited China many Chinese persons told me in this regard in whispering voice. Also it is reported that the Chinese Government has detained more than one million Muslims in the concentration camps. Most of the people who have been arbitrarily detained are Uighur Muslims, of Xinjiang region. Human rights organizations, UN officials, and many foreign governments advised China to stop the crackdown.

   Colonel Santosh Babu was born in 1982 to Upender (father, retired bank manager) and Manjula (mother) in Suryapet, Telangana and believer of Christianity. Colonel was married to Santoshi and the couple has two children—one daughter and one son both below 10 years of age.

    It has to be agreed that Indian soldiers under the leadership of Colonel Santosh Babu has taught a good lesson to the China. According to South China Morning Post, 5 July 2020, “Both sides have instead amassed large numbers of troops and weapons, along the undemarcated border, or the Line of Actual Control, since the largely hand-to-hand brawls on June 15. Along with an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the disputed Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, known in China as Aksai Chin, where the two countries also fought their short but bloody 1962 conflict”. Further, according to Wang Dehua, an expert on India at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, “In the absence of imminent border solutions, both sides need to set aside past grievances and differences on the border issue and find ways to coexist and thrive together by maintaining the status quo and avoiding misjudgement and opportunism”.

    Activities of China from 1962 glaringly reveal that they are not reliable rather cunning because backstabbing at any time can be done by them. According to South China Morning Post, 6 July 2020, “Indian soldiers who died in close combat with Chinese troops last month (means June 2020) were unarmed and surrounded by a larger force on a steep ridge”. So it is evident that they are coward because killing of unarmed persons at any circumstances is deplorable. By banning 59 Chinese apps, the Government of India has done a commendable job and taught a good lesson to them. 

  Telangana Chief Minister Hon’ble K Chandrashekhar Rao on 19 June 2020 announced “the State Government would extend all help to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu who was martyred in the clashes with Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan valley”. The Chef Minister further declared that, “The State Government will give Rs 5 crore cash to the family, besides a residential plot and Group 1 Job to his wife”. “For other 19 martyred army men who were killed in the same incident, KCR said the State Government would give Rs 10 lakh each through the Defence Ministry”.

Salute to Colonel Santosh Babu and all the 19 soldiers for exposing the backstabbers by saving the Galwan valley. 

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article

1. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/080720/china-exits-galwan-hot-springs-next-pangong-tso-likely-to-remain-a-s.html
2. https://www.scmp.com/video/china/3087356/workers-china-forced-eat-live-worms
3. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/telangana-offers-job-rs-5-crore-aid-to-wife-of-colonel-killed-in-ladakhs-galwan-valley-2249240
4. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-repression-uighurs-xinjiang

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

 On 4 July 1902 at Belur Math (Beluṛ Maṭh is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda), near Kolkata a great soul, great human being and legendary figure left for heavenly abode leaving behind his teachings and activities which no Indians can forget, even, many in the world remember him for the same. Because of his initiative Ramakrishna Mission as a spiritual and social service organisation is popular in the world. During natural calamities etc., services rendered by the Mission are known to all. It has to be agreed that because of his participation in the World Parliament of Religion in Chicago in 1893 Indian yogic practices and culture got popularity in the world particularly in the Western countries. Swami Vivekananda mesmerised the audience by his eloquent speech in Convention of Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, 1893.

     The Vice President of India, on this date of 4 July 2020, while paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda stated “I pay my respectful tributes to Swami Vivekananda ji on his death anniversary today. He was a towering genius whose keen intellect, vast knowledge and supreme oratorial skills made him one of the tallest spiritual leaders of India”.

   Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata then Calcutta.  His real name in school / college was Narendranath Dutta and pet name was “Biley”.  By this (“Biley”) name parents used to call him.  Although he is considered a key personality in introduction of Vedanta philosophy and Yoga to Western countries mainly in USA and Europe but humanity was his thought. He was a positive and broad-minded person with the feeling for all human beings irrespective of caste, creed and religion. To get an in-depth idea about his philosophy few lines from his speeches are quoted here, “All power is within you, you can do anything and everything.  Believe in that; do not believe that you are weak.  You can do anything and everything, without even the guidance of any one.  Stand up and express the divinity within you. Arise, Awake, and Sleep no more.  Within each of you there is the power to remove all wants and all miseries.  Believe in this, and that power will be manifested”.

      Love and affection towards others is reflected from his saying, “All expansion is life, and all contraction is death.  All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction.  Love is therefore the only law of life”.  His positive feeling towards different religious is realized by this discourse, “The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian.  But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth”.  He further told, “Feel like Christ, you will be a Christ; feel like Buddha and you will be a Buddha. It is feeling that is the life, the strength, the vitality, without which no amount of intellectual activity can reach God.” Thus one can easily understand Swami Vivekananda’s feeling towards human beings.

            He was great believer of welfare of humanity and hard work without selfish attitude.  In his words, “It is a tremendous error to feel helpless.  Do not seek help from anyone.  We are our won help.  If we cannot help ourselves, there is none to help us.  The moment you fear, you are nobody.  It is fear that is the great cause of misery in the world”.   His patriotic fervour can be understood through this line, “The soil of India is my highest heaven, the good of India is my good and repeat and pray day and night…….O Thou Mother of Strength, take my weakness, take my unmanliness and make me a man!”  He was firmly believed on one’s power and soul, “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul”.

Pronam to Swami Vivekananda on his death anniversary.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

Dear Professor Chatterjee sab
I am delighted to see one after another article which are informative and thought provoking.
The present one about the Prime minister who had taken many economic reforms which lead our country to this level on par with developed countries.
I wish you would continue to write such articles for benefit of people.
Regards
B S Hiremath
Senior Consultant
Monitoring Cell
CEO office Karnataka

  In the year 2000, I had the opportunity rather feel lucky to meet, listen and interact with a great personality, successful leader, able administrator and wonderful human being, who is popularly known as P. V. Narasimha Rao, as full nameShri Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao, (born on 28 June, 1921, Karimnagar district of present Telangana— passed away on 23 December, 2004, New Delhi). He served as the 9^th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996, but even after that he was active in educational, social and other activities. When he visited in 2000 the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) that time (it was NIRD), Hyderabad, I could meet him as I was working as faculty. It is pertinent to mention that NIRD&PR is an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development, a premier national centre of excellence in Rural Development and Panchayati Raj located in Hyderabad. In addition to the main campus in Hyderabad, this Institute has North-Eastern Regional Centre in Guwahati, Assam.

Son of Shri P. Ranga Rao, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao  ji studied in Osmania University, Hyderabad, Bombay University and the Nagpur University. A widower, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao garu had three sons and five daughters.

Shri Narasimha Rao ji was actively in freedom movement and after independence joined Indian National Congress. He was elected in Andhra Pradesh assembly from 1957 to 1977 and also served in various ministerial positions in Andhra Government from 1962 to 1973 including Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971 and implemented land reforms and land ceiling acts in letter spirit.  During his tenure as Chief Minister he also secured reservation for marginalised caste in politics. For the benefit of readers I wish to mention that Telangana was created on 2 June 2014 so prior to that it was Andhra Pradesh.

He was Member of Lok Sabha from 1977-84. As Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, 1978-79 he participated in a Conference on South Asia convened by the School of Asian and African Studies, London University. He was Minister for External Affairs from January 14, 1980 to July 18, 1984; Minister of Home Affairs from July 19, 1984 to December 31, 1984 and Minister of Defence from December 31, 1984 to September 25, 1985. He then took charge as Minister of Human Resource Development in September 25, 1985.

   About his activities, performance etc., volumes can be written but few points I am highlighting as birthday tribute to him as this is a news portal.

    A man of many interests, he liked music and his special interest was in Indian philosophy and culture, writing fiction and political commentary, learning languages, writing poems in Telugu and Hindi. He had published ‘SahasraPhan’, a Hindi translation of late Shri Viswanatha Satyanarayana’s famous Telegu Novel ‘Veyi Padagalu’ published by Jnanpith; ‘Abala Jeevitam’, Telugu translation of late Shri Hari Narayan Apte’s famous Marathi Novel, “Pan Lakshat Kon gheto”, published by Central Sahitya Academy. He translated other famous works from Marathi to Telugu and from Telugu to Hindi, and published many articles in different magazines mostly under a pen name. He delivered lecture in different Universities in U.S.A. and West Germany on political matters and allied subjects.

Economic liberalisation in India was initiated in 1991 by Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao and then-Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. In general it inter alia includes reduction in import tariffs, deregulation of markets, reduction of taxes, and greater foreign investment. Liberalisation can be felt because of  high economic growth recorded in the 1990s and 2000s. As India is a huge country with pluralistic society and diverse culture Shri Narshima garu proved that his economic policy was successful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on26 June 2020 while paying birthday tribute said “former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao remained on the forefront of raising his voice against injustice”.  He further mentioned “Narasimha Rao  understood history very well. His rise from a very simple background, his emphasis on education, his tendency to learn, and, with all this, his leadership ability – everything is memorable.”

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Sunday (26 June 2020) launched the year-long celebrations to commemorate the birth centenary of Shri P V Narasimha Rao garu.

Although he left for heavenly abode on 23 December, 2004, he will in heart, memory and mind of all Indians for his enormous contribution for the development and prosperity of the country.

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_liberalisation_in_India
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._V._Narasimha_Rao
3. https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/former_pm/shri-p-v-narasimha-rao-2/
4. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/telangana-cm-launches-year-long-birth-centenary-celebrations-to-highlight-360-degree-personality-of-narsimha-rao-6480286/
5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/P-V-Narasimha-Rao
6. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/great-political-leader-and-scholar-pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-pv-narasimha-rao/story-tpRUmGOsDIYcpDfFGohiwJ.html

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

 Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com

On 20 June 1969, a great human being, patriot also an artist, actor, painter, music composer, poet and writer of Assam left for heavenly abode, who is popularly known as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha. He passed away at the age of 60 years at Tezpur, Assam, the Date (20 June) presently celebrated in Assam as ‘Bishnu Rabha Divash (meaning day)’.  Kalaguru (meaning master of the arts) was born on 31 January 1909 in ST family in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh), then Bengal Presidency of British India.

Bishnu Rabha’s schooling started at Tezpur Government High School, Assam and later on he went to Calcutta now Kolkata for perusing higher education. He was a great patriot and from young age, he was in freedom movement and was influenced by leftist ideology so ardent supporter of the Communist Party of India. However, when Germany attacked Soviet Union during Second World War, the leaders of Indian communists decided to support the British Government which antagonised a section of the communist leaders and subsequently they formed the Revolutionary Communist Party of India (RCPI) in 1945 where he joined.    

     Anyway Kalaguru was a genius in creative activities. His work Bano Kobang depicts the life of various indigenous Assamese communities. His other works inter alia are Missing Coneng, Sonpahi, Axomiya Kristir Hamuh Abhakh, and Atit Axom. Bishnu Rabha was a great poet also and composed many songs which are known as ‘Rabha Sangeet’. He had given music to most of his songs. He was a visionary, and through music, dance, acting, writing, etc., he endeavoured to realize his dream of a greater, prosperous Assamese society with every ethnic group as equal partners. He acted in a mobile theatre group of that time named ‘Ban Theatre’. He directed an Assamese film ‘Siraj’, where he also composed the music. Further, he acted in the movie ‘Era Baator Xur’. It is pertinent to mention that he was awarded the title ‘Kalaguru’ by Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan at Varanasi for his enthralling ‘dance of Lord Shiva’. Bishnu Rabha worked towards popularizing Vaishnavism initiated by Srimanata Sankardev (Saint and scholar) in Assam in 15^th century. He painted portraits of both Sankardev and Madhavdev with water colours, awesome creation. He was a great human being also and always had feelings for the underprivileged and poor echelons of the society.  He donated about 2500 bighas (1 bigha is approximately equal to 0.40 acres) of land received from the British Government to the peasants. His slogan was “Haal Jaar Maati Taar” means “those who cultivate, should own the land”.

He has passed away although on 20 June 1969 but he will be in the heart of millions for his genius activities.

The Following websites have been consulted while writing the paper:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishnu_Prasad_Rabha
2. http://onlinesivasagar.com/music/bishnu-rabha.html
3. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/315476566_Bishnuprasad_Rabha_as_Cultural_Icon_of_Assam_The_Process_of_Meaning_Making
4. https://web.archive.org/web/20070928043723/http://www.assamtribune.com

At the outset, I salute to our valiant and courageous soldiers who have sacrificed their lives against aggressive Chinese force. Our soldiers sacrificed in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh region to protect the country.  In spite of worst climatic condition, they were guarding our border to protect Indians. It has to be admitted that no one is more selfless and brave than a soldier.       

       India, from ancient period, have good relation with China as many travellers visited India and appreciated Indians,  our culture, hospitality, food, etc.  One famous traveller was Fa-hien a Chinese Buddhist monk visited on foot from China to India. He visited many sacred Buddhist sites to acquire Buddhist texts and had jotted down his impressions about India. Another Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha also known as Harshavardhana. When he went back to China, he wrote impressively about India in his book ‘Si-yu-ki’ means ‘Record of the Western Countries’.  Third Chinese traveller is I-tsing, a Seventh century Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, was highly impressed after visiting India. Three  names have been mentioned here.    

    Thus from ancient period onwards we have good relation with China but problem started after the Chinese Communist Revolution. It is observed that they have developed ‘expansionist attitude’. It may be mentioned that during the early 1950s – the period marked by an increasing Chinese military superiority over India – both countries were friendly and cordial to each other and the Chinese did not want to disturb this because ‘they found in Nehru an important champion of their case in international forums and thus a great help in their control of Tibet’.  “In the year 1955 the euphoria of “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” continued unabated. After his return from China in November, 1954, Nehru started making preparations for the forthcoming Bandung Conference to be held in Bandung, Indonesia. This first large-scale Afro-Asian Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent. It was sponsored by India Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and took place during the week of April 18-24, 1955. Having just returned from his China visit, Nehru’s enthusiasm for China was again exhibited at this Conference when he became the main sponsorer of Chou En-Lai to this conference in spite of reservations from some countries” (new.resurgentindia.org/the-history-of-sino-indian-relations-and-the-border-dispute-between-the-two-countrie).  Further, it is pertinent to mention that “India actually helped China consolidate its control over Tibet. In October 1950 India refused to sponsor a Tibetan appeal to the United Nations. When El Salvador sponsored such an appeal, India played a key role in squashing it” (www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~johnston/garver.pdf).

So the present   leaders of China should not forget India’s massive friendly and generous contribution towards China. Unfortunately, in present days we have been observing different China, now international community blaming China because of COVID-19, economy of China is in recession stage, unemployment has been scaling up etc. To justify the same, few lines from the newspaper, South China Morning Post (SCMP, 20/2/2020) are presented here,  “Coronavirus costs keep mounting for manufacturers, who are facing huge losses in sales and struggling to ramp up production. If such losses take place then there will be negative effect in the economy and poor Multiplier Effect meaning more unemployment, less purchasing power of the people, and finally a sort of “Vicious Circle of Poverty” qualitatively may operate”.  With all these issues faced by the leaders of China may be they have adopted tactics of conflict with India. China’s aggression vis-à-vis conflicting attitude is observed not only with India but Hong Kong protest, South China Sea conflicts are few among many where China is involved.  Hope good sense will prevail among the Communist leaders of China and they will discard transgression attitude.

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR

Hyderabad-500 030

India

    Time to time, many great personalities were born in our country and also from ancient time to present days many foreigners have been visiting India for different purposes inter alia of which are learning of Indian languages, to gain in-depth knowledge about the biography of Indian saints, Indian culture etc. While I was in many countries, honestly informing many foreigners told me ‘India/your country is great/incredible’. In this article, I am presenting few lines about a great saint Shri Guru Ravidas Ji so that readers can refresh their knowledge about this great personality.

Shri Guru Ravidas Ji, also known as Raidas (flourished 15th or 16th century) was a spiritual person, poet, great human being associated with Indian bhakti movement. He was born in Varanasi in a so called ‘untouchable leather-working caste’, but his knowledge, wisdom, spiritual development and humanitarian activities were so high that many upper castes or other castes persons cannot stand near to his activities. I feel simply by caste one cannot be great; for greatness humanitarian activities are sine qua non.    

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

Shri 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. Two researchers who have carried out extensive study on Shri Ravidas ji’s activities are Dr. Winand Callewaert and Dr. Peter Friedlander have published many books and articles on him. They have translated his songs also. One is presenting here. It may be mentioned that Prof Dr. Winand Callewaert is now retired but still teaches Sanskrit at the KU Leuven University in Belgium. He studied in India and obtained degrees in Hindi and Sanskrit. 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 PhD on the life and works of Saint Ravidas in 1991.

“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”.

(As mentioned already Shri Ravidas ji wrote and translated by Winand Callewaert and Peter Friedlander). The noteworthy point from the song is that “Hari in everything, everything in Hari” (Hari is name of a God/Bhagawan as per Hinduism).

Another researcher, David Lorenzen has mentioned Shri Ravidasji’s poetry is filled with themes of infinite loving to God, wherein this divine is intended as Nirguna. It is pertinent to mention that Nirguna bhakti is an unconditional devotion to God without any form (formless) whereas Saguna bhakti is devotion to an established deity who takes the form of an idol, an image or an incarnation. Guru Ravidas Ji was vocal 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 the God and has equal rights on this earth. It is believed that because of his teachings and discourse many persons irrespective of castes (including upper caste) and rich or poor were his followers including the King and Queen of the Chittoor kingdom presently in Rajasthan.

    Shri Guru Ravidas Ji undoubtedly was a great saint and rightly a temple has been constructed in his hometown, where he is worshipped every day. His songs are purely devotional and recited every morning and evening in the temple. His birthday is celebrated every year on Magh Purnima day i.e. at full moon day of Magh month of Indian calendar as a religious event with full enthusiasm, dedication and devotion.

    Although, Shri Guru Ravidas Ji has passed away around 500 years ago (believed in 1520) but he will be in the heart of millions because of his spiritual, devotional and humanitarian activities. Also it is evident from his life that caste can never be a barrier to be a Saint and Guru.

I extend my respectful Pronam to such a Great Soul, Saint and Guru.

The following websites have been consulted while writing the article:

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

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>

This message is from Sri M.P. Bezbaruah, IAS (R) , 1964 batch alumnus of Cotton College, who was in very important positions in India and abroad.

Dear Shri Chatterjee,
Thank you for introducing Cotton College, my alma mater with history and facts. Cotton College brings back sweet memories of times so long ago!
And how time flies. Only the other day I had attended the Centenary celebration of the college. Everything about Cotton College –the Sudmerson Hall, the Principal’s
Residence, the now demolished Administrative Block— has illustrious history. When Harvard University, also my Alma Mater, celebrated its 350 years in 1986
it had fireworks emblazoning its logo in the sky. Time magazine wrote -Harvard can afford to do that because it rightly belongs there.
I had written that Cotton College also can write its glorious history in the educational sky of India.
regards,
Bezbaruah

              In 2017, the famous institution of Assam popularly known as Cotton College has been upgraded to Cotton University.   The prestigious and famous Cotton College located at heart of Guwahati city viz., Panbazar was established in 1901 by Sir Henry Stedman Cotton, the Chief Commissioner of the erstwhile British province of Assam. It is the oldest institute of higher education not only in Assam but the whole of northeast India. Sir Cotton, had formally declared establishment of Cotton College under Calcutta University at a public meeting held on 27 May, 1901. Prof Fredrick William Sudmersen was the first principal of the College. After establishment of Gauhati University in 1948 the affiliation of Cotton College was transferred from Calcutta University to Gauhati University. The Historical change took place in 2017 when Cotton College which was 116 years old in 2017 has been upgraded to the University, recognized by the University Grants Commission. The Vision of the University is to make it a world-class one, excelling in developing knowledge both research and teaching.

     Dr. Bhabesh Chandra Goswami, then Professor of Chemistry, Gauhati University also Director, UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, Gauhati University has been assigned the coveted post of Vice Chancellor of the University in  July 2017. Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, the Governor of Assam is the ex officio Chancellor of Cotton University in accordance with the provision of the University Act.    Prior to upgrade the University, most of the departments of Cotton College offered post graduate courses from 1994 in addition to under graduate and higher secondary courses in humanities, social science and science streams.

    Presently, keeping the tradition of the erstwhile Cotton College, the University offers courses from Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate in Arts, Social Science and Science streams and also there are courses in Graduate, Post- graduate and Ph.D. The graduate syllabuses of different subjects have been prepared by the faculty members of Cotton University, incorporating inputs from external experts. The subjects are: Anthropology, Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science and IT, Economics, Education, English, Geography, Geology, Hindi, History, Mathematics, Persian, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Sanskrit, Statistics and Zoology.

The postgraduate syllabuses also have been prepared by Cotton University faculty in collaboration with and external experts. These are Anthropology, Assamese, Bengali, Botany, Chemistry, Education, English, Geography, Environmental Biology & Wild life Science, Geography, Geology, Hindi, History, Mathematics, Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBBT), Persian, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Sociology and Statistics. In addition, there are Ph.D. programmes available in the University. It may be mentioned here that the Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS) at Cotton University, has been formally established in January 2020, which is headed by its Convenor and has one Assistant Professor. Further, the Internal Committee (IC) of Cotton University (2019-2022), is committed to provide neutral, confidential and supportive environment to members of the campus community and serves as the complaint redressal mechanism under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.  Moreover, the Cotton University Court in its First Meeting held on 3 May 2019 has accepted the First Statute of Cotton University, 2019.

    Time to time, I have interacted many students who had passed from then Cotton College and observed they felt bliss to study in the College because of its quality education. Most of the students were selected who scored high marks in the previous examination and teaching faculty members were also highly dynamic.  I wish the newly started University, which has been graduated from College to University, a great success as this year in educational arena, Cotton College to Cotton University has completed 119 years.  

The following websites have been consulted for writing the article:

1. http://theshillongtimes.com/2017/06/02/assams-cotton-college-becomes-cotton-university
2. https://cottonuniversity.ac.in/
3. https://cottonuniversity.ac.in/index.php
4. https://cottonuniversity.ac.in/page-details.php?subject=Graduate
5. https://cottonuniversity.ac.in/pagedetails.php?subject=9aa60e28a0adea30e6c7384afa53c728&upload=27

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India),

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>