Indiaperspectives jan feb16

Volume 30 n Issue 1 n January-February 2016

A TRIBUTE TO BABASAHEBBHIMRAO AMBEDKAR

ARTHAND BLOCK PRINTING

PROGRESSWOMEN FASHION DESIGNERS

CONVERSATIONVIDYA BALAN

THE KABIR FESTIVALThe festival aims at raising awareness among the masses about the message of the 15th century mystic saint poet. Screening of documentary films followed by facilitated discussions, live folk music and story-telling sessions are a part of the three-day event. WHEN: January 7-10 WHERE: Mumbai, Maharashtra

NEW DELHI WORLD BOOK FAIR Organised by the National Book Trust, the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) offers a unique opportunity for book-lovers to add to their library. Several literary seminars and discussions are also organised during the fair.

WHEN: January 9-17 WHERE: New Delhi

JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVALSome of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers from around the world get together for the Jaipur Literature Festival in the Pink City. This year, the five-day event will explore issues such as privacy, migration and navigation change.

WHEN: January 21-25WHERE: Jaipur, Rajasthan

KALA GHODA ARTS FESTIVALThe event manifests a kaleidoscope of music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, cinema, workshops, visual arts, urban design, architecture and heritage walks.

WHEN: February 6-14WHERE: Mumbai, Maharashtra

INDIA SURF FESTIVAL 2016The India Surf Festival aims to introduce surfing culture to the audience through instructions, films and music. The festival is not just about surfing but also about good music and festivities.

WHEN: February 7-9WHERE: Puri, Odisha

UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS INDIA

KILA RAIPUR SPORTS FESTIVALEvery year Ludhiana serves as a destination for sports enthusiasts. People gather in Kila Raipur to witness special breed of bullocks, camels, dogs, mules and other animals compete in several events.

WHEN: February 4-7WHERE: Ludhiana, Punjab

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As India gets ready to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, we take this opportunity to pay tribute to the renowned jurist and visionary through this issue of India Perspectives. We trace the glorious legacy of the messiah of the downtrodden and highlight his contribution to the Constitution of India through the Tribute pages. In the Milestone section, we talk about the Indian Constitution, the longest of any sovereign nation in the world, that provides a comprehensive and dynamic framework to govern and guide the nation, keeping in view India’s unique social, cultural and religious diversity.

Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Kingdom has ushered Phase 2.0 of India-UK relationship which will result in greater strategic and global coordination between the two nations. For the first time, leaders and representatives of all 54 countries in Africa got together to be a part of the third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit. In the Partnership pages, we talk about the event which set the tone for the revitalisation of relations between the two emerging growth poles of the world.

The historic town of Amravati, soon-to-be capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, will be the first greenfield Smart City in the country. In Progress section, we highlight this next milestone in India’s urbanisation dream. Among all the erstwhile princely capitals of Rajasthan, Dungarpur has maintained its mysterious identity over the last few centuries. We travel back in time to experience this artistic playground through the Snapshots section.

In Art section, we highlight how shawl-making and hand block printing have carved a niche in the global markets. In the Conversation pages, actor par excellence Vidya Balan welcomes the change in the viewing preferences of the Indian film audience, with an increased appetite for varied genres and talks about completing a decade in the Hindi film industry.

Vikas Swarup

Foreword


A TRIBUTE TO BABASAHEBBHIMRAO AMBEDKAR

ARTHAND BLOCK PRINTING

PROGRESSWOMEN FASHION DESIGNERS

CONVERSATIONVIDYA BALAN

62


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06

40

88

C O N T E N T S

PARTNERSHIP

Ushering in India-UK Partnership 2.0 ...............................................06

PARTNERSHIP

Mapping new frontiers in India-Africa ties...............................................14

TRIBUTE

Life and times of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar .................................. 22

TRIBUTE

The analytical planner .................................. 28

MILESTONE

Of the people, for the people, by the people ................................... 34

EXPLORE

A land full of surprises ..................................40

PROGRESS

Striking the perfect balance ......................... 48

PROGRESS

Designers par excellence ...............................51

PROGRESS

Another milestone in India’s urbanisation dream ........................... 58

SNAPSHOTS

An artist’s playground ................................... 62

ART

From royal courts to fashion ramps ............................................ 72

ART

Creating wonders, block by block .............. 76

CUISINE

Harvest of goodness .....................................80

CUISINE

Winter break.. .................................................86

CONVERSATION

Nothing is more imperative than a free and equal world ....................... 88


Cover Photo: An artwork at the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden, Noida depicting presentation of the draft of the Constitution by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar to President Dr Rajendra Prasad. Standing along side are C Rajagopalachari, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

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PARTNERSHIP

Mr Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK has galvanised a crucial relationship and renewed economic momentum between the two nations

Ushering in India-UKPartnership 2.0

text | Manish Chand

Iconic British monuments in colours of the Indian flag, a f lypast of the Royal Air Force Red Arrows trailing orange, white and green, an overnight stay at British Prime

Minister Mr David Cameron’s official country retreat, lunch with the Queen of England and the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister to the British Parliament. These were some evocative and resonant gestures that framed Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s November 12-14 visit to Britain.

Vision statement

It wasn’t just symbolism though. The talks between the Prime Ministers of the world’s oldest and largest democracies at 10 Downing Street in London culminated in an ambitious overarching vision of the India-UK relationship in the 21st century, building on their strengths as “modern, diverse, dynamic and key global players.” The talks generated a host of substantive outcomes


Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi with UK Prime Minister Mr David Cameron in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in London

PARTNERSHIP

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Many freedom fighters of India found their calling in the institutions of Britain. And many makers of modern India, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Manmohan Singh, passed through their doors

Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

PM Modi inspects the guard of honour at Treasury Quadrangle during his official welcome in London


vision statement outline new initiatives to deepen this multifaceted partnership in diverse areas ranging from economic development and finance to business, education, skills, innovation, health, science and technology and culture.

Key outcomes

The first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the UK in nine years has galvanised a crucial relationship and renewed economic momentum and strategic heft. This was reflected in multiple joint statements and speeches by both the leaders. Britain forcefully reiterated its support for India’s candidacy for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council and New Delhi’s membership in the world’s top global atomic export regimes including the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Marking a new phase of their rejuvenated partnership, India and Britain capped years of negotiations by signing a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Pact that will enable enhanced collaboration in areas of atomic research and safety. “The conclusion of the civil nuclear agreement is a symbol of our mutual trust and our resolve to combat climate change,” Mr Modi said. The decision to upgrade and transform India-UK ties was also evident in the decision to hold PM-level biennial summits and a new Defence and International Security Partnership “which will intensify cooperation on defence and security including cyber-security, counter-terrorism and maritime security,” said the vision statement.

In this context, the joint statement on counter-terrorism was strong and pointed as Britain backed the early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and called for Pakistan to bring

that included a bigger role for Britain in India’s plans of national renewal including Make in India and Smart Cities, reinvigoration of economic ties, enhanced defence and security partnership, a separate joint statement on energy and climate change and a separate statement of intent on partnering in third countries. The joint statement and a separate

PARTNERSHIP

n 1 0 n J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6IND IA P E R S P E C T I V E S

PM Mr Modi meets Queen Elizabeth II in London


the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai to justice. “They will continue to work together to disrupt all financial and tactical support for terrorist networks including ISIL, al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the Haqqanis and the associated groups,” said the statement.

Business diplomacy

PM Modi’s visit has, therefore, ushered in Phase 2.0 of the India-UK relationship, which will blend greater strategic and global coordination with reinvigorated economic relationship. In the arena of business, a slew of private sector deals amounting to £9.2 billion including a £1.3 billion investment by Vodafone, raise the bar. These deals look set to upscale British companies’ presence in diverse sectors including insurance services, finance, healthcare and energy. The £1.3 billion investment by Vodafone is specially significant as it could change the narrative of the India opportunity among the British business elite. The investment encompasses network expansion and upgrades and new technology and data centres.

The UK is the largest G20 investor in India, with a cumulative investment of around £22 billion which is more than the combined investment of the EU in India. The UK is the third largest source of FDI in India while India is the third largest source of FDI in the UK. The decision to issue rupee bonds to be listed at the London Stock Exchange for financing railway infrastructure is a defining step that will

coalesce vibrant entrepreneurial energies of London and Mumbai. The visit by Mr Modi to the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant in Solihull was symbolic of new economic synergy as JLR is the largest investment by an Indian company in the UK and the largest private sector manufacturing employer in the UK. The clean energy package worth £3.2 billion of commercial agreements, including joint research programmes, underlines an enhanced role by Britain in helping India spur its transition to low-carbon growth.

Culture connect:

Culture, curry and chai

Prime Minister Modi’s visit maps out the next steps in the revitalised India-UK

partnership, and “make this relationship count as one of the leading global partnerships.” While the outcomes in the strategic and economic arena will take some time to fructify, it is people-to-people contact and robust cultural relations that will keep this relationship humming with

new ideas and creativity. The 1.7 million-strong Indian community in Britain remains an enduring bridge-builder. The British Prime Minister’s presence at the spectacular community event at the iconic Wembley Stadium, where he prophesied that the day is not far when a British-Indian will become the Prime Minister of Britain, elicited a rapturous roar from around 60,000 Indians who had gathered to listen to the Indian leader and to celebrate cultural commingling between the two nations. In his speech to the

The UK is the largest G20

investor in India, with a cumulative

investment of around £22 billion

PARTNERSHIP


Left: PM Modi addresses the Indian community at Wembley Stadium in London; Below: Prime Minister visits Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) manufacturing unit in Solihull

J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 n 1 3 n W W W . I N D I A P E R S P E C T I V E S . I N

British Parliament, Mr Modi spoke about the emerging cultural synergy between the people of India and Britain. “There are many things on which it is hard to tell anymore if they are British or Indian: The Jaguar or the Scotland Yard, for example. The Brooke Bond Tea or my friend late Lord Ghulam Nun’s curry.”

The two Prime Ministers have set the tone by announcing that a UK-India Year of Culture will be organised in 2017 to celebrate deep cultural ties and the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence. PM Modi’s homage to the new statue of Mahatma

Gandhi outside the British Parliament and inaugurating Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

Memorial, underlined Britain’s links with India’s journey towards political and social liberation.

In his address at Wembley Stadium, Mr Modi encapsulated the essence of a unique cultural and business alchemy that forms enduring bonds between the two countries – James Bond, Brooke

Bond and Rupee Bond. This multi-hued bonding, rooted in shared values and soaring ambitions, is going to get a more strategic and global canvas in years to come.

India-UK relations are on a strong

pitch and are swinging the

right way

Clockwise from top: Cultural programme to welcome Mr Modi at Wembley Stadium, London; the Indian Prime Minister along with the children of Indian community at Wembley Stadium; a group of Indian Ladies in UK (ILU) presents colourful crochet blanket highlighting the message of Unity in Diversity to PM Modi

Manish Chand is Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network, www.indiawrites.org, a portal and e-magazine-journal focussed on international affairs, emerging powers and the India Story

PARTNERSHIP


The third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit saw a marked enhancement of India’s development partnership with the African continent

Mapping new frontiers inIndia-Africa ties

text | Manish Chand

Celebrating shared histories and intertwined dreams of over two billion people, the third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit

(IAFS) began in New Delhi with “sacred chants of faith” and an enthralling multimedia cultural performance, setting the tone for the revitalisation of relations between the two emerging growth poles of the world. Vedic chants commingled with the African song Kealebog, encapsulating “one beat, one rhythm and one vision” of a shared future, bristling with multiple possibilities.

IAFS-III was unique in many respects as it brought leaders and representatives of all 54 countries to India together for the first time. The October 26-29 summit, which was attended by 41 heads of state/ government, unveiled a “dynamic and transformative agenda” of mutual resurgence by dove-tailing


President of India Dr Pranab Mukherjee with the heads of delegation and spouses of the African nations at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi

the India growth story with Africa’s Agenda 2063. IAFS-III also saw Prime Minister Modi engaging in bilateral meetings with nearly all leaders of African countries who had come for the summit. It was preceded by important initiatives aimed at building up a knowledge bridge and bolstering people-to-people contact which was reflected in the Editor’s Forum and Academics’ Forum. This intense across-the-board engagement with Africa has underscored the Indian Government’s overarching plan to upgrade India-Africa partnership in key areas including economic, developmental and strategic, signalling India’s intention to be a major and equal partner of the resurgent continent in days to come.

Interlinked dreams

In his speech at the plenary of the summit, PM Modi enunciated a robust vision of shared ideas and kindred dreams that animate the common journey of India and Africa to re-fashion the evolving global architecture and

to create new opportunities of partnering in each other’s growth story. “Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof. Today, the heartbeat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm,” he told African leaders at the plenary of the summit. “We will raise the level

of our support for your vision of a prosperous, integrated and united Africa that is a major partner for the world,” he stressed.

The October 26-29 summit unveiled a “dynamic and transformative

agenda” of mutual

resurgence

PARTNERSHIP


Enhanced development

partnership

The summit saw a marked enhancement of India’s development partnership with the continent which pivots around the trinity of capacity building, concessional finance and human resource development. PM Modi announced Line Of Credit (LOC) worth US$ 10 billion in concessional credit to Africa, apart from an additional grant assistance of US$ 600 million which included an India-Africa Development Fund of $100 million and an India-Africa Health Fund of $10 million. The total financial pledge for projects to be executed over the next five years (till 2020) is more than double of the LOCs and grants committed by India over the last two summits. The

Top: Ministerial level meeting of 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit; Above: The inaugural session


breakup of the financial commitment suggests a new template whereby concessional finance is separated from India-Africa Development Fund, and the first ever dedicated health fund for buttressing public health infrastructure in Africa has been demarcated. The $100 million development fund will be used for setting up training institutes and other showpiece projects of India-Africa development cooperation which will be finalised in the plan of action to be launched with the AU next year.

Building youth bridge

The summit opened up new pathways for developing the most precious resource of Africa and India – the overwhelmingly young population, with more than 60 per cent in the age bracket of 20-35. PM Modi underlined India’s unflinching commitment to assist Africa in leveraging its demographic dividend. This was reflected in more than doubling of scholarships for Africans to

PARTNERSHIP


A group photo during Senior Officials Meeting at 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit

50,000 over the next five years. India decided to expand the Pan-Africa e-Network, a defining digital connectivity project that encompasses 48 African countries for tele-medicine and tele-education.

Economic ties:

Raising the bar

IAFS-III enlarged the scope of the India-Africa economic partnership by focussing on integration of Africa in regional and global supply chains, promoting infrastructure development and regional integration. The commitment to promote Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by encouraging Indian businesses to set up skill development units in African industrial zones

is especially significant as policy-makers want India’s economic engagement with Africa to focus on value addition and training rather than just making profits and conquering

new markets. The summit signalled India’s

intention to scale up its role in infrastructure development in Africa. New Delhi pledged commitment to enhancing capital outf lows to Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). Agriculture was identified as a major focus area

with African leaders pitching for a greater role of Indian expertise and technology in spurring a green revolution in Africa with the objective of bolstering the country’s food security.

India also decided to expand

the Pan-Africa e-Network, a

defining digital connectivity

project


Blue revolution

Amid the growing salience of maritime security and nautical commons in India and Africa, IAFS-III mapped out a blueprint for joint development of the blue economy and what PM Modi called “the blue revolution.” The Delhi Declaration 2015 charts out a detailed plan for development of blue economy which includes combating illegal and unregulated fishing, managing marine resources, exploring non-marine resources, conducting hydrography surveys, promoting eco-tourism, developing renewable energy, disaster risk reduction through modern early warning tools, pollution control and other

coastal and ocean studies. “We will cooperate for sustainable development of Blue Economy that will become an important future driver of our prosperity. For me, it is part of a larger

Blue Revolution to reclaim our blue skies and blue waters as we move on the path of clean development,” said Mr Modi.

Upgrading strategic

partnership

The major takeaway from IAFS-III, said Indian officials, was the forging of a more comprehensive

framework for proactive collaboration on a range of cross-cutting issues, including terrorism, piracy, cyber-security, climate change, sustainable development, WTO

IAFS-III mapped out a

blueprint for joint development of

blue economy for better maritime

security

PARTNERSHIP


negotiations and UNSC reforms. Against the backdrop of the rise of militant groups in the continent such as Boko Haram, al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and Al Shabaab, India and Africa decided to step up their counter-terror cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing on the activities of these groups. India pitched strongly for the UN adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), with most African leaders agreeing to support it.

Looking ahead, the summit underscored the convergence of India and Africa on fast-tracking the expansion of the UNSC, with both sides supporting permanent seats for India and Africa in a reformed UNSC. “We emphasise the need for an early implementation of the UNGA Decision 69/560, so as to make a decisive push for achieving concrete outcomes on the United Nations’ Security Council reform agenda,” said the Delhi Declaration.

The way ahead: 3S mantra

The third edition of IAFS, therefore, scored high on the three “S” mantra: Skill, Scale and Speed. The focus on speed was ref lected in the decision to match grand declarations with concrete time-bound action by setting up a joint monitoring mechanism to track implementation of agreed projects and ensure that there is no gap between ideas and action. The contours of the review mechanism will be f leshed out in the follow-up meeting next year which will finalise the plan of action to implement the IAFS-III agenda.

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Manish Chand is Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network, www.indiawrites.org, a portal and

e-magazine-journal focussed on international affairs, emerging powers and the India Story

The summit reinforced and buttressed the three pillars of India-Africa partnership – Trade, Technology and Training – and reinvigorated the template of South-South Solidarity that is central to the f lowering of the 21st century. “Afro-Indian solidarity has evolved from the eradication of colonialism and racial discrimination to become the embodiment of South-South Cooperation that is holistic and contains geopolitical, cultural, educational, technical and economic components,” said South Africa’s President Mr Jacob Zuma.

IAFS-III also spawned new plans for partnering in innovation, promotion of an entrepreneurial culture and digital economy which will link the youth and creative community of the two regions. From combating poverty, illiteracy and hunger to fashioning a democratic global architecture and promoting green and sustainable development, the road ahead will be fraught with challenges but working with their cumulative wisdom, India and Africa will not only overcome but will script a new chapter in human redemption and collective empowerment. “Today, we pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony. This is neither a new journey nor a new beginning. But this is a new promise of a great future for an ancient relationship,” said Mr Modi.

Various cultural programmes made IAFS-III a memorable experience

TRIBUTE


A social reformer, a champion of human rights and an emancipator of the downtrodden masses, Dr Ambedkar dedicated his life to awaken the social conscience of modern India

Life and times of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

text | Narendra Jadhav


Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, reverentially called Babasaheb Ambedkar by his followers, was undoubtedly one of

the most illustrious sons of India. He entered the socio-political scene in the early 1920s and played a crucial role in the social, cultural, economic and political transformation of India during the closing decades of the British Rule. After India became independent from the British Rule in 1947, Ambedkar was responsible for creating the Constitution for free India. Ambedkar was a great social reformer, a valiant champion of human rights and an emancipator of the downtrodden masses of India, who dedicated all his life to awaken the social conscience of modern India.

Ambedkar’s life is an incredible saga: born an untouchable boy, humiliated every step of the way from the childhood to youth, who went on to be at almost impossible odds to secure the highest and most reputable degrees from world class universities – MA and PhD from Columbia University, USA, and DSc from the London School of Economics besides Bar-at-Law degree from London. He then returned to India and devoted his life to the destruction

TRIBUTE


Dr Ambedkar ensured a

greater number of seats for the

untouchables in the Poona Pact

of the caste-ridden old order, characterised by injustice and denial of human rights. Without being favoured either by family fortune or political lineage, but by the sheer grit of his will and backbreaking hard work, supreme courage and selfless sacrifice, he overcame bitter political opposition and perils of caste discrimination to become the principal architect of the Constitution of Independent India. He then proceeded to build the safeguards of affirmative action for establishing a more equitable society that is capable of delivering social justice to millions of downtrodden, thus heralding in India a new age of social equality and rationalism. In this process, Ambedkar came to the forefront not only as a valiant upholder of the Indian Republic but also emerged as the touchstone for the conscience of modern India.

Most statues of Dr Ambedkar in the country depict a stocky man, invariably dressed in a blue suit and red tie, holding a book under his arm which, of course, represents the Constitution of India. Such statues can be found everywhere in India, in villages and in cities, usually at crossroads. Every year, on December 6 (the death anniversary of Ambedkar), around two million Ambedkarites throng Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai to pay homage to the hero they worship as their saviour. It is also not surprising

that Ambedkar was voted, in August 2012, as the “Greatest Indian after Gandhi” in an e-poll initiated by some TV channels with an overwhelming majority of votes.

In the light of these facts, it is grossly unfair to characterise Ambedkar simply as a leader of the Untouchables or Dalits as is often done even in otherwise responsible quarters. Ambedkar was not simply a leader of Untouchables, not even only a leader of the oppressed people of India. He was a national leader. His erudition,

his mass movements and his role in the government and outside clearly show that he was a patriot of a sterling order.

In the course of his most eventful life, Ambedkar made outstanding contributions as a scholar, educationist, journalist, as an authority on Comparative

Religion, as a policy-maker and administrator, and as a parliamentarian, besides being a jurist who became the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

In spite of being a statesman and a mass leader, Ambedkar always remained a reflective thinker and erudite scholar. He was also a prolific writer. Perhaps no other mass leader in India has produced anywhere close to the voluminous writings that he did. The sheer volume is astonishing even for a full-time

Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar


Google search trends reflect Dr Ambedkar’s timeless relevance and popularity and shows him to be the third most searched historic Indian personality after Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. In terms of search interest from within India, queries on Babasaheb continue to gain significant search interest from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Puducherry, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and Karnataka

TRIBUTE


Dr Ambedkar had penchant for reading and writing. He had penned a number of books that dealt with myriad topics ranging from politics to Buddhism, from caste to gender discrimination. Some of his major writings are Essay on Untouchable and Untouchability, Buddha And Karl Marx, Who Were Shudras?, Philosophy of Hinduism and more. He died on December 6, 1956, while working on his latest book, The Buddha and his Dharma, which was published after his death.

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scholar: 22 books and monographs completed and published plus 10 books left behind incomplete at various stages, 10 research papers, articles and book reviews besides hundreds of articles in Marathi in various fortnightly newspapers.

The range in Ambedkar’s works is also equally amazing. On politics: 11 books and monographs including treatises such as Pakistan or the Partition of India (1940), What Gandhi and Congress Have Done To Untouchables (1945); the classics such as Federation versus Freedom (1939), Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah (1943); States and Minorities (1947) and Thoughts on Linguistic States (1955); on economics two pathbreaking treatises – The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India (1917) and The Problem of The Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution (1925); on sociology – a timeless contribution such as Annihilation of Caste (1936) besides a remarkable essay on Castes in India: Their Genesis, Mechanism and Development (1918); on anthropology – two provocatively original treatises – Who Were the Shudras (1946) and The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables (1948) and

finally on religion – Magnum Opus: Buddha and His Dhamma.

Ambedkar also delivered a very large number of speeches – 537 speeches, to be precise, on a wide range of subjects and at diverse regional, national and international fora. Among the subjects, the speeches ranged from social, economic and religious issues to those relating to law and Constitution, besides

political. The forums included the Bombay Province Legislative Council, (and later) Bombay Legislative Assembly, Round Table Conferences hosted by the British government in London in the role as a Labour Member of Viceroy’s Executive Council, Central Legislative Assembly (as the first Law Minister of Independent India),

Constituent Assembly (as the Chairman, Drafting Committee for the Constitution of India) and the Parliament (Opposition Member, Rajya Sabha). In addition, Ambedkar gave a large number of public addresses as the most prominent leader of the social and political movement inspired by him.

The Central Government is

planning to observe Dr Ambedkar’s

birthday as National

Bandhutva Bhav or Samrasata Diwas

Religion must mainly be a matter of principles only. It cannot be a matter of rules. The moment it degenerates into rules, it ceases to be a religion as it kills responsibility which is an essence of the true religious act

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar

Extracts from the book Ambedkar, An Economist Extraordinaire by Narendra Jadhav

TRIBUTE


There is no doubt that Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s contribution to the Indian economic thought has been varied and diverse.

Indeed, it has been multi-dimensional. To illustrate his scholarly contributions, such as administration and finance of the East India Company, and The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India fall in the arena of public finance, whereas The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution could be classified under the discipline of monetary economics and international finance. Ambedkar’s role in abolition of the Khoti system and Mahar Vatan qualified him as an eminent applied

agricultural economist, while his struggle for the industrial labour gave him a distinction as a labour leader. Ambedkar’s incisive analyses of the economic dimensions of social

maladies in India, such as the caste system and untouchability, placed him in a unique position in blending economics and sociology, while his perceptive analysis of the strategy of India’s strategy for economic development, made him an authority on Indian planning.

Focal points of Ambedkar’s

academic contributions

In his first book, Administration and Finance of the East India Company which provides a historical review of the changes

The contributions of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar as an economist emanate from a clear and consistent economic philosophy

The analytical planner

Dr Ambedkar’s struggle for

the industrial labour gave him a distinction as a

labour leader

text | Narendra Jadhav


in administration and finance of the East India Company during the period 1792-1858, the focus really is on demonstrating how injustice was inflicted upon the Indian people by the British.

Ambedkar believes that finances of a country should be judged from the viewpoint of development expenditure such as the public works (that is, railways, roads, canals etc). Observing that during 1834-48, the single city of Manchester in England had spent on water alone, a larger amount if money what the East India Company had spent on all public works all over India, he demonstrates the iniquitous treatment given to the Indian people by the British. He also points out that with the abolition

of the East India Company, in 1858, the heavy load of the so-called Indian debt was “placed on the shoulders of the poverty-stricken natives who had no voice in the doings of the (East

India) Company”. Ambedkar concludes his analysis stating that “the immenseness of India’s contribution to England is as astounding as the nothingness of England’s contribution to India.”

Ambedkar’s concern for the oppressed which found expression in the above-mentioned book,

was even more pronounced in its sequel titled The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India. While it dilates on the evolution of the Centre-State financial relations in British India during the period, 1833 to 1921, the accent

Dr Ambedkar believed that finances of a country should be judged from the viewpoint of development expenditure

Ambedkar’s contributions as an economist emanate

from a clear and consistent economic

philosophy

TRIBUTE


once again is really on demonstrating a faulty fiscal system marked by injurious taxes (for example, land, salt as well as customs) and unproductive and extravagant expenditures (for example, on military employment of the Europeans without much spending on education or public works).

Subsequently, when Ambedkar wrote his magnum opus, Problem of the Rupee, which offers an insightful historical analysis of the evolution of the Indian rupee through the period between 1800 and 1921, the common man remained as the focal point of his analysis. This becomes evident from his perceptive analysis of the choice of currency standard for India.

The then mainstream view, as advocated by economists like John Maynard Keynes and others, favoured the “gold exchange standard” as the ideal currency standard for India on the ground that it offered flexibility. According to them, the liquidity creation in the economy under the “gold exchange standard” is not constrained by the availability of gold in the economy and the resultant flexibility of operations was deemed to be desirable for the country’s future development. Ambedkar conceded the flexibility offered by the “gold exchange standard” but argued that it was a mixed blessing. He emphasised upon the need for some regulator by which the discretion left to the issuer of currency is regulated. According to him, the “gold exchange standard” does not offer any such anchor and

is, therefore, likely to lead to generation of excessive liquidity, fuelling inflation, which jeopardises socio-economic stability and hurts the poor the most.

Thrust areas of

Ambedkar’s Mass

Movement

Ambedkar’s successful struggle against the Khoti system liberated a vast majority of the rural poor from an extreme form of economic exploitation. His successful agitation against the Mahar Vatan emancipated

a large section of the rural oppressed from virtual serfdom. His Bill relating to the activities of the money-lenders aimed at preventing their malpractices which were hurting the poor and the ignorant.

Ambedkar’s empathy towards the downtrodden could best be exemplified by

In the book, Problem of

the Rupee, the common man was

the focal point of Ambedkar’s

analysis


drawing a contrast between him and some earlier national leaders like Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In 1903, the British government attempted an amendment to the relevant act aimed at curtailing the rights of the Khots who were landlords, Tilak vehemently opposed it. Earlier, in 1899, when the British Government had started moving against the authority of the Khots, it was Tilak who wrote a series of provocative articles in his daily, Kesari, supporting the Khots against the British. Tilak, who himself was born in a Khot family, fought against the British to protect the rights of the Khot, but he did not think it fit to give expression to the exploitation of the rural poor at the hands of the Khots. In contrast, Ambedkar launched an agitation the Khots so as to emancipate the rural poor.

Lokamanya Tilak emphasised Swa-raj while Ambedkar fought for making it Su-raj. That was the attitudinal difference between them.

On the industrial front, when Ambedkar realised that while the prevailing trade unions seemingly fought for the rights of the workers, they were totally indifferent to the rights of Untouchable workers as human beings. Ambedkar founded a labour party in 1936 which was “independent” from the mainstream Communist-led labour movement. In fact, the manifesto of the Independent Labour Party prepared by Ambedkar still remains a unique and distinctive expression of the problems of the oppressed and the depressed in India. It has been a guide-post for subsequent poverty alleviation programmes in India, including the 20-point Economic Programme.

A distinctive feature of Ambedkar’s contribution as an economist is his

perceptive analysis of economic dimensions of social maladies, such as the caste system and untouchability. When the caste system was defended on the ground of the time-honoured principle of economics, for instance, the division of labour, Ambedkar came out with a hard-

hitting critique in his Annihilation of Castes. Ambedkar succinctly observed that

the division of labour embedded in the Chaturvarnya is “not spontaneous, it is not based on natural aptitudes”, nor is it “a division based on choice. Individual sentiment, individual preference has no place in it. It is based on the dogma of

Lokamanya Tilak emphasised

Swa-raj while Ambedkar fought

for making it Su-raj

India’s first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru at the Constituent Assembly meeting at Council House Library, New Delhi, to frame the Indian Constitution

TRIBUTE


predestination.” He compared the Indian social structure with a tower that has many storeys but no staircase. In this system, he argued, one must die on the floor on which one is born. Ambedkar emphasised that implicit in the caste system was “an hierarchy in which the division of labourers were graded one above the other” and argued, “Civilised society undoubtedly needs division of labour. But in no civilised society is division of labour accompanied by this unnatural division of labourers into watertight compartments.”

Ambedkar’s attack on the caste system was not merely aimed at challenging the hegemony of the so-called upper castes, but had a broader connotation of economic growth and development. Ambedkar argued that the caste system reduces the mobility of labour as well as capital. He said, “Social and individual efficiency requires us to develop the capacity of an individual to the point of competency to choose and to make his own career. This principle is violated in the caste system insofar as it involves an attempt

to appoint tasks to individuals in advance, selected not on the basis of trained original capacities, but on that of the social status of the parents.”

According to Ambedkar, the caste system has impeded economic growth and development in India. The Caste System

restricts the mobility of labour as well as capital, which breeds inefficiency into the production process, thereby hampering economic growth. The process of economic development calls for continuous changes in socio-economic patterns. The Caste System, on the other hand,

advocates perpetuation of the traditional socio-economic pattern and, as such, is detrimental to economic development.

Ambedkar, in his States and Minorities, in fact, laid down a strategy for India’s economic development. The strategy placed “an obligation on the State to plan the economic life of the people on lines which would lead to highest point of productivity without closing every avenue to private enterprise and also provide for the equitable distribution of wealth.”

The process of economic

development calls for continuous

changes in socio-economic patterns

Left to right: Eminent leaders at the first session of the Constituent Assembly of India; Pt Jawaharlal Nehru signing the Indian Constitution; Dr Rajendra Prasad signing the Indian Constitution on August 10, 1950


Extracted from Ambedkar: An Economist Extraordinaire by Narendra Jadhav

Even while drafting the Indian Constitution as a legal luminary, the economist in Ambedkar was very much alive. He strongly recommended democracy as the “governing principle of human relationship” but emphasised that principles of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity which are the cornerstones of democracy should not be interpreted narrowly in terms of the political rights alone. He emphasised on the social and economic dimensions of democracy and warned that political democracy cannot succeed where there is no social and economic democracy. While addressing the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar, in fact, argued that their objective in framing the Constitution was to lay down the form of political democracy. He gave expression to the objective of economic democracy by incorporating in the Constitution what are called the Directive Principles of State Policy.

The economic philosophy underlying Ambedkar’s contribution to the evolution of Indian economic thought and in addressing India’s economic problems is now clearly evident. This philosophy could be captured in his own phrase: Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya.

Ambedkar’s economic philosophy is couched in social, religious and moral considerations. The focal point of this philosophy is the oppressed and the depressed. This economic philosophy underscores Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The essence of

his philosophy aims at giving life to those who are disowned, at elevating those who are suppressed, at ennobling those who are downtrodden and at granting liberty, equality and justice to all, irrespective of their castes and creeds. The establishment of a casteless democratic society based on pradnya (intellect), sheel (character) and karuna (compassion) is the essence of this philosophy.

Ambedkar’s economic

philosophy underscores

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

MILESTONE


Preamble of the Indian Constitution


The Indian Constitution, the longest of any sovereign nation in the world, provides a comprehensive framework to guide and govern the country, keeping in view its social, cultural and religious diversity

Of the people, for the people,

by the people

A distinctive document with many extraordinary features, the Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any

sovereign nation in the world. The original text of the Constitution contained 395 articles in 22 parts and eight schedules. It came into effect on January 26, 1950, the day that India celebrates each year as the Republic Day. The number of articles has since increased to 448 due to 100 amendments.

The Constitution was framed by the Constituent Assembly of India, established by the members of the provincial assemblies elected by the people of India. Dr Sachidanand Sinha was the first president of the Constituent Assembly. Later, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected its president. Dr BR Ambedkar, the chairman of its Drafting Committee, is considered the chief architect of the Indian Constitution which provides a comprehensive and dynamic

framework to guide and govern the country, keeping in view her unique social, cultural and religious diversity. It establishes the main organs – executive, legislature and judiciary, defining their powers, demarcating their responsibilities and regulating the inter-se relationship. It inter alia lays down the basic structure of governance and the relationship

between the government and the people. The rights and duties of citizens are also spelt out. The Constitution applies to the state of Jammu and Kashmir with certain exceptions and modifications as provided in Article 370 and the Constitution (application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954. It is the mother of all other laws of the

country. Every law enacted by the Government has to be in conformity with the Constitution.

The preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and a welfare state committed to secure justice, liberty and equality

text | Sumant Batra

The original text of the

Constitution contained 395 articles in 22

parts and eight schedules

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MILESTONE


The objectives specified in

the preamble constitute the

basic structure of the Indian Constitution

for the people and for promoting fraternity, dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the nation. The objectives specified in the preamble constitute the basic structure of the Indian Constitution which cannot be amended. The opening and last sentences of the preamble: “We, the people... adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution” signifies the power is ultimately vested in the hands of the people.

Although Article 1 of the Constitution says India shall be a Union of States, the Constitution provides for a federal structure with clear division of powers between the Centre and the states, each empowered by the Constitution to enact and legislate within their sphere of

activity. The seventh schedule contains three legislative lists which enumerate subjects of administration viz union, state and concurrent legislative lists. The Central Government

enjoys exclusive power to legislate on the subjects mentioned in the Union list. The state governments have full authority to legislate on the subjects of the state list. And both the Centre and the state can legislate on the subjects mentioned in the concurrent list with the residuary powers vested in the Central Government.

It can be said that India has cooperative federalism. The Constitution provides for the Parliamentary form of Government with a bicameral legislature at the Centre consisting


of Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).While the Lok Sabha consists of the elected representatives of people, the Rajya Sabha consists of representatives elected by the state legislative assemblies. The President is the nominal head of the state and the Parliament. In actual practice, the Prime Minister, aided by the Council of Ministers, heads the executive and is responsible for governance.

An impartial judiciary, independent of the legislature and the executive, is one of the main features of the Constitution. The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the country and acts as guardian of the Constitution and serves as the final court of appeal. Each state has a High Court as its highest court. Under powers of judicial review, the Supreme Court and High Court can declare a law as unconstitutional or ultra vires if it contravenes any provisions of the Constitution. This power of judicial review constitutes a middle path between the American judicial supremacy on one hand and British Parliamentary supremacy on the other. In order to ensure the impartiality of the judiciary, the judges are appointed by a process free of influence of the executive. The judges can only be removed by a rigorous process of impeachment to be approved by both the houses of the Parliament.

The Constitution vests many fundamental rights in citizens. These are (i) Right to Equality, (ii) Right to Freedom, (iii) Right against Exploitation, (iv) Right to Freedom of Religion, v) Cultural and Educational Rights and vi) Right to Constitutional Remedies. These rights are justiciable and an individual can move the Supreme Court or the High Courts if there is an encroachment on any of these rights. However, Fundamental Rights in

Dec 9, 1946Constituent Assembly meets for the first time in Parliament’s Constitution Hall, now known as the Central Hall

Dec 13, 1946Pt Jawaharlal Nehru moves an eight-point objectives resolution which serves as a road map for the Constitution

Aug 14, 1947At the stroke of midnight, the Constituent Assembly assumes the responsibility for making laws for Independent India. It proposes to form various panels, including Fundamental Rights and Union Powers, to draft the Constitution

Aug 29, 1947An eight-member panel appointed with Dr Ambedkar as chairman to prepare the Draft Constitution

Nov 4, 1947The Draft Constitution prepared with some of the fundamental ideas coming from different constitutions around the world

Dec 11, 1947Dr Rajendra Prasad elected President of the Constitution drafting body. Later, he becomes the first President of India

Nov 26, 1949Constitution of India approved. It comes into effect on January 26, 1950

MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION

MILESTONE


MAJOR AMENDMENTS

1951 The 1st Amendment highlighted reasonable curbs on free

speech and established the 9th schedule that secures laws from judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court, in 2007, ruled that if those laws breached the basic tenets of the

Constitution then they can be struck down

1956 The 7th Amendment set the way for reorganisation of states along linguistics lines

1960 The 8th Amendment prolonged the period of reservation of seats for SCs, STs and Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha and state

assemblies till 1970. It has been magnified every decade thereafter. In 2006, the 93rd Amendment allows 27% quota for

OBCs in government and private educational institutions

1961 After the 12th Amendment, the former Portuguese colonies of Goa, Daman and Diu became part of India. In 1975, the 35th and 36th Amendments saw Sikkim becoming a part of the Indian Union

1971 The 26th Amendment revealed the abolition of

privy-purse paid to former rules of princely states 1975 The 39th Amendment negated the judgement of Allahabad High Court invalidating then PM Indira Gandhi’s election to Parliament which partly impelled the declaration of Emergency

1976 The 42nd Amendment passed during Emergency

curbed fundamental rights, laid some fundamental duties and also added the words ‘secular’ and

‘socialist’ to the Preamble

1977-78 The 43rd and 44th Amendments restored civil liberties post-Emergency and removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights

1985 The 52nd Amendment showcased

disqualification of lawmakers in case of defection from one party to another

1988 The 61st Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years

1992 The 73rd and 74th Amendments

offered direct election in Panchayats and urban local bodies 2002

The 86th Amendment offered Right to Education till the age of 14 and early childhood care till the age of six2014

The 99th Amendment created the National Judicial Appointment Commission. SC struck it down in 2015


There is no resting place for a nation or a people on their onward march

We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action

Dr Rajendra Prasad after the Constitution was

adopted on January 26, 1950Sarojini Naidu,

Constituent Assembly member

The author is a corporate and policy lawyer

India are not absolute. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed. By 42nd Amendment in 1976, fundaments duties were added in the Constitution to remind people that while enjoying their right as citizens, they should perform their duties for rights and duties are correlative.

Another novel feature of the Constitution is that it contains a chapter on the directive principles of state policy, that are in the nature of directives to the Government to implement them for establishing social and economic democracy in the country. Though not justiciable, these principles are considered fundamental in the governance of the country.

There are many autonomous institutions set up under the Constitution which perform a key role, such as, Election Commission (responsible for holding free and fair elections), Public

Service Commission (responsible for selection to main government services) and an Auditor General (for independent audit of accounts of the government and its agencies).

One of the strengths of the Constitution is that it is a dynamic instrument that can evolve with time either by its interpretation or amendment. On paper, an amendment to the Constitution is a difficult affair, and normally needs, at least, two-thirds of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to pass it. However, the Constitution of India is one of the most frequently amended constitutions in the world so as not to stand in the way of the growth and development of the nation and her people.

The success of the Indian Constitution, for a country as diverse and complex as India, continues to intrigue, impress and inspire experts around the world.

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EXPLORE


Chhattisgarh, in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and offers a unique experience to the discerning traveller

A land full of surprises

text | Shubhda Chaturvedi

CHHATTISGARH

Map

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Two metre high Rudra Shiva statue at Tala; Facing page: Lakshamana Temple

Chhattisgarh boasts of virgin locations with a melange of unique cultural and ecological identities, ancient monuments,

rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves and rock paintings.

Its natural beauty, with 44 per cent forest cover and 32 per cent tribal population, attracts nature-lovers from across the world. With three national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries full of unparalleled natural beauty, the state has established itself as an important wildlife destination on the tourism map of India.

Not only this, its archaeological sites and temples retain its rich heritage of carvings and sculptures. The state also happens to be a major Buddhist centre.

Tala ruins

Ruins of the Devrani and Jethani temples on the banks of river Maniyari at Tala or Talagaon are located within a single complex and stand side-by-side.

GOOD TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO VISIT Between October and February

HOW TO REACH By air: Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur is well-connected with major Indian cities By train: Two major railway stations- Raipur and Bilaspur- connect the major railway stations in India By road: NH 6, NH 16 and NH 43 connect all the major cities of the state to other parts of the country

EXPLORE


Artefacts displaying the diverse crafts of Chhattisgarh


Chitrakote Waterfalls

Descending from about 100 ft and widening up to 150 m in monsoon, Chitrakote Waterfalls, known as the Niagara Falls of India, is the largest waterfall in the country. River Indravati, a tributary of river Godavari, is the source of this horseshoe-shaped waterfall, located near Jagdalpur in Bastar district. The stay options near Chitrakote are the Dandami Luxury Resorts and Cottages. Chitrakote Waterfalls can be

best experienced during and after monsoon months, between July and October.

Bhoramdeo Temple

Popularly known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, the Bhoramdeo Temple is located at Bhoramdev, 21 km from Kawardha. It is

famous for the captivating 11th century Lord Shiva Temple on the banks of River Sakri. The temple was built by King Ramchandra of Nagar dynasty.

Chitrakote Waterfalls

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Chitrakote Waterfalls,

known as the Niagara Falls of India, is the

largest waterfall in the country

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Teevardeo Buddhist

Monastery: According to an inscription found during excavation here, the Teevardeo monastery dates back to the times of Somavasi King Teevardeo. The doorway to the monastery depicts in stone chapters from Buddha’s

life and stories from Panchatantra.

Lakshmana Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple dates back to Circa

Sirpur

Surang Tila: Unearthed in 2005-06, the temple can be reached by a f light of 37 steep limestone steps and is dedicated to the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Built in Panchayatan style of architecture, with the main temple in the centre and four others in the corners, Surang Tila was built by Mahasivagupta Balarjun in the 7th century.

Teevardeo Buddhist

Monastery dates back to the times

of Somavasi King Teevardeo

Clockwise from above: Bhoramdeo Temple, monks at a monastery and Surang Tila


SIRPUR INTERNATIONAL DANCE AND MUSIC FESTIVALVisiting Sirpur can be a lifetime travel experience as it transports one back in time. A historical site with rich legacy, Sirpur is a holy town of astonishing temples and Buddhist viharas.

The town’s culturally rich ambience provides the perfect canvas to the Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival against the backdrop of the Lakshmana Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the 7th century. The fourth edition of this festival will be organised between January 29 and 31. Conceptualised by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, the festival proffers a first-hand experience of a rare union of art and culture, music and dance.

Over the last three editions of the festival, national and international artistes like Pt Chhannulal Mishra, Madhavi Mudgal, Prahlad Singh Tipaniya, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt Birju Maharaj, Rahul Sharma, Ustad Shujaat Khan, Teejanbai, Vikku Vinayakram, Wadali Brothers, Pete Lockett, George Brooks and Leonard Eto have been a part of the event.

Above and right: Tribal dance forms of the state; Below right: Sirpur International Dance and Music Festival

EXPLORE


625-650 AD. It was built by Queen Vasata, the widow of King Harshgupta and stands on a platform inside a pillored mandapa.

Champaran

Located around 60 km from Raipur, the hamlet of Champaran is renowned as the birthplace of the saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh sect. A beautiful temple has been built here as a mark of respect to the saint. The Champakeshwara Mahadeva temple is another attraction here.

Kutumsar Caves and

Kailash Gufa

Tourists arrive at the Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa in Kanger Valley of Bastar district to get a glimpse of its natural beauty. The interior of the caves are always dark which makes it difficult to traverse its narrow pathways. Exhibiting splendid formations of stalactites and stalagmites, the Kutumsar Caves are about 1,327 m long and about 35 m below ground level. Kailash Gufa is located on a small hillock and resembles Kutumsar Caves. Discovered in 1993, the Kailash Gufa, 100 m long, houses stalactites and stalagmites


galore. Reverberations caused here are strangely musical and it is forever pitch dark inside.

Barnawapara Wildlife

Sanctuary

Located in Mahasamund district, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a small but important wildlife spanning over 245 sq kms. The f lora at the sanctuary primarily comprises of tropical dry deciduous forest of teak, sal, bamboo and terminalia. The wildlife includes tigers, sloth bear, f lying squirrels, jackals, four-horned antelopes, leopards, chinkara, black buck, jungle cat, barking deer, porcupine, monkey, bison, striped hyena, wild dogs, chital, sambar, nilgai, gaur, muntjac, wild boar, cobra and python. The sanctuary has a sizeable bird population with prominent ones being white-rumped vultures and green avadavat.

Recently, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has launched Sirpur Heritage Walk and Walk With The Tribe. In an agreement with New Delhi-based India City Walks, the tourism board is also aiming to promote water sports, hill biking, camping locales, cycle tours and caravan tourism.

Clockwise from left: Kutumsar Caves, birthplace of Vallabhacharya in Champaran and antelopes at one of the sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh

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PROGRESS


India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) reflect a multi-pronged and comprehensive approach to fight climate change

Striking the perfect balance


The Conference of the Parties (COP), under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has

been the leading international initiative to find a collective global response to one of the most pressing challenges facing the planet today. And over the years, India has made a meaningful contribution to this effort. At the COP 21 summit, held between November 30 and December 11 in Paris last year, too India took on a strong leadership position to play a more active role in shaping the world’s response to climate change. After two weeks of intense negotiations, 196 nations signed what is being hailed as a ‘landmark’ deal to

limit carbon emissions through Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), restrict the rise in global temperatures to below 2ºC of pre-industrial levels, and make the world economy carbon neutral by the second half of the century. They have pledged $100 billion a year to finance the effort of countries towards cleaner technology but there is no specific liability on each country and no means to enforcing it.

In this context, India made three important moves: First, it put greater emphasis on incorporating clean fuel and green technologies while, of course, still underlining the importance of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).

PROGRESS


INDCs reflect on a multi-

pronged and comprehensive

approach to fighting climate

change

Second, it launched the International Solar Alliance inviting 120 solar-abundant countries to join the quest for affordable solar power that would eventually replace the fossil fuels of today. The alliance was launched by Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, alongside French President Mr Francois Hollande. India is making the initial investment of $30 million and setting up the alliance’s headquarters in the country but the plan is to eventually raise $400 million from membership fees and international agencies.

Finally, India pushed for equity in climate finance, suggesting developed countries, which prospered on the back of

a fossil fuel-powered industrial movement, now pay back to the planet by helping developing countries finance their shift from cheap but dirty fuel to clean but expensive fuel. This will ensure that developing countries can continue on the path of fast economic growth, which they desperately need if they are to pull thousands out of poverty, in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner.

India’s INDCs, a necessary pre-summit input that had been declared last October, have already set the bar high and were crucial in ensuring success in the negotiations. The INDCs stand on three primary platforms: The reduction of per capita emissions, an increase in both the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy basket and in forest cover. In the first case, India has pledged to cut the

emissions density of its Gross Domestic Product by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030. This will bring emissions down to pre-2005 levels. In the second case, India will ensure that at least 40 per cent of all its energy needs are met through renewable sources of energy by 2030. In the third case, it has pledged to increase its forest

cover to such an extent that it will be able to absorb an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030. Overall, the INDCs reflect on a multi-pronged and comprehensive approach to fighting climate change. They reaffirm India’s long-term commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the new global processes that will help the world, particularly the emerging economies, transition towards a low-carbon economy while balancing the demands of fast-paced development.

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr Prakash Javadekar, addressing a press conference on INDCs in New Delhi





While our fashion aesthetics go back to the ancient times, there is an emerging ethos laced with innovation and an unmistakable Indian-ness

Designers par excellence

text | Shruti Tomar

PROGRESS


Inspirations are aplenty in India but today’s women designers are taking the heritage of the country to newer heights. Whether they are old hands who have put India on the global

fashion map or the new kids on the block or

the ones who have been at it quietly, it is time to celebrate women designers and their craft. From digging out age-old design traditions to blending the vintage with the new, these women designers are bringing out the best India has to offer.

Ritu Kumar – The stalwart

One of the country’s foremost designers, Ritu Kumar has a unique style that reflects the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in contemporary vocabulary. With a background in art history and museology which enriched her horizons, Ritu’s understanding of ancient

designs and innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism. She holds the status of a revivalist in the fashion industry and has successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity. Ritu is the first woman to introduce “boutique” culture in India.


Shilpa Sharma –

Brain behind Jaypore

Of her 20 year corporate career, Shilpa Sharma spent 12 in retailing with Fabindia and eight in FMCG marketing at Marico Industries & Cadbury’s. Then she dumped it all to follow her dream of sourcing, curating and designing India’s most beautiful products, for Jaypore, an online portal that reveals to the world what Indian fabrics, aesthetics and legacies hold. “I wake up happy that I got out of the nine-to-five grind when I did because it helped me discover what I really care about,” shares Shilpa, one of the three partners in the startup.

Sneha Mehta –

Kukoon-ed in fashion

Sneha Mehta’s international lifestyle and keen sense of aesthetics get reflected in her unique designs which have a contemporary spirit of adventure. Sneha’s USP has been her unique hand crafted capes that use the world’s finest and rare fabrics which are warm, lightweight and soft. “To emerge as a strong woman is not about giving in to self-doubt and backing down from such challenges but to believe in your true inner calling,” is Sneha’s firm belief.

PROGRESS



Nivedita Saboo –

Neo-couture

Nivedita Saboo is an alumnus of NIFT Delhi with a gold medal represents dynamic Indian fashion across the world. She has helmed important roles as the fashion director for Mr India and Mr World pageants along with Miss India World and Miss Universe contingents. She is also on the advisory board of various fashion schools as a mentor. In Bollywood, she has created ensembles for Akshay Kumar in Singh Is Bliing. Taking her brand international, Nivedita showcased her collections at the Korea Fashion Week, London Bridal Week, Paris Fashion Week, Hong Kong Fashion Week and the coveted red carpet of Cannes.

Payal Jain – Meticulous crafter

Seamlessly blending Indian recherché and craftsmanship with modern-day Western silhouettes, Payal Jain crafts pieces of precision. She describes her brand ethos as having, “A Western body with an Indian

soul.” Influenced by arts at a young age (Jain’s mother is a musician and father a design engineer), her world is pervaded by the creative f luxes including dance, music and fine arts.

PROGRESS


Born and brought up in a small town, Nandita Raipurani had big aspirations and the mettle to make it even bigger. A dreamer with creativity in abundance, she ref lects India in her exquisite designs with a unique sense of casual sophistication. Nandita is a true believer of wearable fashion and her collections are cognisant of the same. A lot of

design experimentation in the details and a balanced approach is the USP of her creations. She effortlessly brings together beautiful inspirations of various cultures and eras that keep her dreamer and observer’s essence intact along with design partner Hemant. Organisation and balance are the cornerstones of her personality and design.

Mamta Gupta – The

entrepreneur alchemist

Mamta Gupta is known as “The Entrepreneur Alchemist” in the fashion industry. A textile, fashion and interior designer who has been mentoring startups, individuals and brands for over a decade, Mamta’s own journey took off with a thesis on Kanjivaram silk saris while studying textile designing. Between 1984 and 2011, she started a variety of ventures and buzzaria culminated as her one-stop-shop for all things “Made in India”.

Nandita Raipurani – Dreaming big



PROGRESS

Another milestone in India’surbanisation journey

A bird’s-eye view of the city of Amravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh


Amravati, the new riverfront capital of Andhra Pradesh, will be the first greenfield Smart City in the country

Anew chapter was added in India’s Smart Cities Plan when Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone

of Amravati as the new capital in the state of Andhra Pradesh recently. To be located on the banks of River Krishna, Amravati will be the fifth planned city in the country after Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Gandhi Nagar and Naya Raipur. It will also be the first greenfield Smart City in the country.

The historic town of Amravati is located around 15 km from Thullur, the epicentre of the state’s new capital, which will be built between Vijayawada and Guntur towns. In Hindu mythology, Amravati is believed to be the abode of the king of gods, Indra. It is a Pali word which means “abode of the deathless” referring to nirvana. The city was earlier known as Andhra Nagari. As home to the Satavahana dynasty around 2,000 years

text | Chandreyee Bhaumik

PROGRESS


ago, Amravati is famous for Buddhist sites including a stupa built during emperor Ashoka’s reign.

In order to transform Amravati, the Andhra Pradesh government is working on a grid plan wherein the streets will

be planned at right angles to each other. The grid plan dates back to the times of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro of the Indus Valley Civilisation with blocks being divided by a grid of straight streets, in east-west and north-south directions.

Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi laying the foundation stone of the new capital of Andhra Pradesh


Left to right (from facing page): Glimpses of the Master Plan for Amravati

Further, each block was sub-divided by small lanes.

Meanwhile, the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), has been set up to plan, coordinate, execute, finance and promote Amravati. The organisation has taken the responsibility of procuring around 33,000 acres from farmers who, in lieu, have been promised plots in the developed capital. Depending on the type of their landholding, owners have been offered plots.

Plans to also underway to develop expressways and semi-expressways to encompass the new capital city. The infrastructural plan – conceived by Jurong International Holdings Pte Ltd and Surbana International Consultants Pte Ltd – incorporates a bus rapid transit system which will be upgraded to a mass rapid transit network with four lines in future.

Going by the records, the Union Government has offered an in-principle

approval for a 26 km Metro project in Vijayawada, the biggest urban agglomeration near Amravati, at an estimated cost of 6̀,823 crore. There are plans for providing a greenfield airport too. The region will be home to residential townships, educational

institutions, gardens, water bodies, recreational spaces, waterfront and more. Special focus is being levied on pedestrianisation with 25 km walkways that will be linked to open green spaces to facilitate a walk-to-work environment thereby promoting the use of non-

motorised transport. The success of Amravati is not only

relevant for Andhra Pradesh but also to India as the Union Government has embarked upon large-scale urbanisation programme with an investment of `1 lakh crore under the Smart City and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) initiatives.

The success of Amravati is

not only relevant for Andhra

Pradesh but to India as a whole

SNAPSHOTS


Dungarpur is home to one of the oldest continuously-inhabited buildings and one of the oldest private palaces in India

An artist’s playground

Among all the erstwhile princely capitals of Rajasthan, Dungarpur in southeast India is perhaps the least explored. Surrounded by

the Aravallis, it has managed to maintain its mysterious identity for many centuries. Along with some of Rajputana’s best palaces, it was

probably the seat of an architectural tradition or maybe an artist’s playground. At least so it seems when you reach the town.

Dungarpur happens to be the elder branch of the Sisodiyas of Udaipur while the younger branch ruled Mewar. When Rawal Veer Singh Dev (1278-1303) became the ruler of


Facing Page: Distant view of Juna Mahal; Left: A wall painting, done up in natural colours and gold dust, at Juna Mahal

SNAPSHOTS


Exquisite murals and miniature paintings adorn the walls of Juna Mahal

Map

not

to s

cale


Vagad, most of the region that forms the part of the present-day Dungarpur, Banswara and Chhappan tract of Udaipur district, became a part of his kingdom. But Rawal Veer Singh Dev conquered the area which was then known as Dungar Na Gharan by defeating a Bhil chieftain. To keep control over the territory, a representative ruler was stationed there along with an army contingent. In the absence

of suitable accommodation, the construction of a double-storeyed building of four rooms with some hutments and barracks started in 1282. This was the foundation of the old palace of Juna Mahal and Dungarpur town. Meanwhile, Rawal Veer Singh continued

with his capital at Vatpadrak. Within an year of assuming power, his successor Rawal Bhoochand (1303-1331) decided to move the

The foundation of the old palace of Juna Mahal and the town of Dungarpur was

laid in 1282

GOOD TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO VISIT February and March

HOW TO REACH Dungarpur is 79km from Dabok Airport, Udaipur, and is well-connected to major cities via rail and other cities with motorable roads

SNAPSHOTS


capital to Dungar Na Gharan and started developing facilities for a palace complex and a new capital.

Thus, Dungarpur was created of territorial aspirations of the younger kin of warrior clans. While some people claim Dungarpur was named after Dungaria, a powerful local Bhil chief who was defeated by Rawal Veer Singh, others say it could have been named after the Guhilot ruler Rawal Dungar Singh who fortified the town.

Juna Mahal

The pristine white Juna Mahal was built when a few members of the Mewar


Facing Page: The ceilings in Juna Mahal have detailed stories of former princes; Above: Sheesh Mahal has a stunning combination of mirror and glass mosaics; Below: Floral frescoes at Juna Mahal

SNAPSHOTS



Resembling a fortress Juna Mahal houses the most vibrant palaces embellished with frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror inlay work; Below (Facing Page): Queen’s meeting room

SNAPSHOTS


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dynasty split and found a new kingdom in Dungarpur. Located at the foothills of Dhanmata hillock, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings and one of the oldest private palaces in India. Constructed from Dawra stone, it is a live documentation of over 700 years of breathtaking paintings and splendid construction style. Built on a high platform and spread over seven storeys, the palace also has a two-storey basement. The construction of the first palace at the site was started in the late 13th century by Rawal Veer Singh Deo. As and when requirements arose and conditions permitted, rulers kept adding wings and quarters.

What surprises one the most is the finest of frescoes, beautiful miniature paintings and splendid mirror and

glasswork in the interiors. It is a visual documentary of erstwhile princes, their hunts and wars, their administrative prowess at durbars, social events, divinities and even going-ons of daily life. Each f loor at Juna Mahal is a

marvel. Mirrors and tiles are placed artfully while blue and white English porcelain plates received as gifts are stuccoed in the walls. Windows made from green and blue Parewa stone, attractive arches and articulate stone pillars add to the beauty of Juna Mahal. Glass and wall paintings in Mewari style in various rooms of the palace are simply extraordinary. The palace was in use until the mid-20th century. Thereafter, it fell into a state of disrepair.

Facing Page: A wall painting of Lord Krishna with Radha; Above: a royal procession depicted in colours

Juna Mahal was made from

Dawra stone with splendid

construction style

ART


For centuries, Kashmiri shawls have caught the fancy of kings and common men alike

From royal courts to fashion ramps

text | Lakshmi Prabhala

Above: Weaver making the famous shawl; Right and facing page: Kashmiri shawls and stoles on display at a store


Kashmiri shawls are globally famous for their fine texture and embroidery. Woven on handloom from a rare variety of soft wool and embroidered by

artisans who have perfected the needlework over generations, these shawls are considered to be a status symbol.

The word shawl is derived from Persian word shal and is worn folded across the shoulder. The production of Kashmiri shawls started in the 16th century Mughal with emperor Akbar providing it a great impetus. In fact, he is known to have influenced the weaving, dyeing, design and even draping of this garment. In his court, high-quality shawls were and gifted to favoured diplomats and courtiers.

In the late 18th century, Kashmiri shawls found their way into the wardrobes of the Europeans through men who worked for the East India Company. The shawl, with its exotic origin from a distant land, not only became a high fashion product but a status symbol due to its exorbitant cost. Towards the end of the 19th century, Kashmiri shawls began to show a more pronounced influence of European designs.

ART


The best quality shawls from Kashmir are made of Pashmina, the wool from a species of the wild Asian mountain goat. The fleece was grown as a natural protection for the animals against the severity of the winter in these regions. The soft and fine fleece used for Kashmiri shawls grows under the coarse, woolly, outer coat, in the underbelly of the animal and is painstakingly collected from the shrubs and rocks as these animals rub off their fleece when the summer approaches.

The finesse of these shawls is the result of an enormous amount of hard work and skill. The fine fleece is extracted from the fleece collected leaving out inferior fleece and hair which usually constitutes only one-third of the total weight. The women then spin the fleece into yarn and men ply the loom to weave the yarn into a shawl. The undyed shawls are made vibrant after dyeing with natural pigments.

Shawls with embroidered patterns are called amlikar or amli which require time as well as skill.

Above: Kashmiri shawl-making in progress; Right: A woman adorning a multicolour Kashmiri stole


Patchwork is one of the most

important characteristics

of Kashmiri shawls

On a plain Pashmina shawl, design motifs used are inspired by nature like a leaf or a flower. The design outlines are further highlighted with silk or woollen threads. Depending on design intricacies, different styles of embroidery are used. While the aari style is often used to produce larger and more traditional Kashmiri designs using thick needles, sozni is preferred for intricate and finer designs using thin needles.

Patchwork is one of the most important characteristics of Kashmiri shawls wherein patterns are woven on looms in long strips. These are around 12-18 inches long and one to two inches wide. Created on primitive looms, these design strips are then cut to the required length and hand-sewn together with almost invisible stitches. Pieces may be separately woven, cut up in various shapes of differing sizes and sewn together

to lend it different variations. Thereafter, it is elaborated with embroidery. However, there is a difference between these two types. Whereas a patchwork loom shawl is created from separate narrow strips, a patchwork embroidered shawl comprises of a number of

irregularly shaped pieces joined together, each balancing the shawl’s predominant colour.

A few years back, British and Asian models draped in Kashmiri shawls walked the ramp in London at the first-ever fashion show to promote Brand Kashmir. A number of Indian designers have showcased

Kashmiri shawls in their collections. Earlier this year, designer duo Hemant-Nandita presented a collection of serape, a blanket-like shawl in folksy prints and a vibrant colour palette inspired from Kashmir at the Amazon India Fashion Week.

Left: Needles used to make Kashmiri pashmina shawls; Below: An emerald coloured Pashmina shawl with intricate thread work

ART


The first mention of block prints in India can be traced back to the 12th century. Over time, the southern, western and eastern coasts in the country became

popular hot spots for high quality hand block printed textiles and soon India became one of

the largest manufacturers and exporters of block printed fabric globally. Reason why the art form flourished in India was due to its acceptability by the royalty.

In India, three types of block printing have long been in use. The first is direct printing where the fabric (silk or cotton) is bleached and

India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block printed fabric in the world

Creating wonders,block by block

text | Vani Malik

From trees to animals to famous international buildings, all find a way to Indian hand block printing designs


Far left: A model wearing jacket and skirt with floral patterns; left: A hand block printed stole; below: A cushion cover with multicoloured hand block print

then dyed. Thereafter, it is printed, first using the outline blocks followed by the ones to fill colours. The second is resist printing where the areas that need to be protected from the dye are covered with a clay-resin mix. It is then washed with the dye spreading into the protected areas through cracks, producing a rippled effect. This is followed by block prints to create more designs. The third is discharge printing wherein the fabric is first dyed and then a chemical is used to remove the dye from the areas that have designs in other colours. These areas are re-treated so that they can be re-coloured.

Gujarat and Rajasthan are the most prominent centres for production of hand block printed fabrics. In fact, a number of cities in Gujarat started exporting painted and printed calicoes (a tightly woven cotton cloth having repeating, often floral designs)

as long back as the 17th century. The families of Paithapur in the state have been famous for creating intricate blocks and print textiles using mud-resistant technique called Sodagiri prints. Another village, Dhamadka is famous

for block printed fabric, ajrakh, with geometric patterns. In Kutch region, popular patterns include black and red designs of animals, birds and dancing girls. Other famous hand block centres in the state include Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Jetpur and Rajkot.

In Rajasthan, hand block printing is one of the top

recognised textile crafts with different regions boasting of their own techniques, designs and colour schemes. While Sanganer is famous for calico-printed bed covers, quilts and saris wherein the outlines are first printed and thereafter, colour is filled in, Bagru is famous for its Dabu and Syahi-Begar prints wherein

Gujarat and Rajasthan

are the most prominent

centres for hand block printing

ART


the former are designs in a combination of yellow orchre or cream with black and latter are prints in which portions are hidden from the dye by applying a resin paste.

Like most Indian crafts, hand block printing is passed from one generation to the next. With a tool kit including hammers, drills and miniature chisels, intricate patterns or designs are carved on to a block of teak wood with a wooden handle. These blocks vary in size and shape. But before these wooden blocks are used, they are soaked in mustard oil for a week to ensure the wood does not crack up when exposed to dry conditions of the printing process.

The process of block printing is a time-consuming and requires skill and teamwork. The three main tools of a block printed fabric are wooden blocks, fabric and dyes. With an incredible hand-eye coordination, the first block is aligned to the bottom left

Clockwise from above: A wooden block used for hand block printing; a hand block printing artist at the International Trade

Malaysia (INTRADE 2011) Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; a woman printing a pattern on a piece of cloth


corner of the fabric. A sharp tap releases the dabu (a smooth paste which combines well-sieved and soaked black earth, tree gum and a powder from wheat grains paste to merge together) onto the cloth. The same process is repeated along the length and width of the fabric. To prevent the design from smudging, fine sawdust is scattered over the wet dabu once it has been printed. The printed portion is then sealed from the subsequent dyeing process. As soon as the sawdust has been scattered, the fabric is taken out in the sun to dry.

Apart from Gujarat and Rajasthan, the art form thrives in the states of Punjab, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. While

textile workers called Chhimba create floral and geometrical designs in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh is home to the block printing method which is applied to create exquisite kalamkari (a combination of hand painting

and block printing) paintings. Hand block printing artists in West Bengal’s Serampur district create contemporary and traditional designs in bold and vibrant patterns.

With global audience increasingly becoming environment-conscious, this

age-old art form, replete with eco-friendly advantages, has gained worldwide popularity with the use of dyes made from natural and vegetable sources for making abstract designs and creative products.

An intricate hand block print

To prevent the design from

smudging, fine sawdust is

scattered over the wet dabu


CUISINE

Makar Sankranti, an ancient harvest celebration that dates back to the Sangam era, may well be termed the beginning of the Indian festival season that reaches its crescendo with Diwali

Harvest of goodness

text | Madhulika Dash

The fascinating aspect about Indian festivals, their grand scale of celebrations aside, is that even when most find

their origins steeped in mythology and legend, each of them has been curated with a lot of thought to well-being and nature.

Take Makar Sankranti for instance. Known by different names across India – Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, Sankrant in Bihar and Poush in West Bengal – the legend and the science behind the biggest harvest festival are similar. It is said that during this period, the


Gajak or sesame seed jaggery

CUISINE


Tradition of letting go of

the old is still part of Makar

Sankranti celebrations

Sun – who in Vedic studies is considered to be the single important source of energy and life on Earth – visits his wayward son, Shani, for a few days. This solar movement results in a change of climate and is often marked by longer and warmer days and less chilly nights: a sign of approaching summer and harvesting to begin. However, the cycle takes some time to complete and the reaping to commence. Makar Sankranti – celebrated over two to four days – defines that phase. If old Vedic literature is to be believed, the idea behind the festival that

began in early Sangam Era was not just to celebrate the start of the new agriculture season (which over the years became the Hindu New Year) but also to ensure that old food items are consumed well to make space for fresh stocks. This is the reason that bonfires are an integral part of the festival. Bonfires in the middle of a town

to allow people to let go of old things is still an integral Makar Sankranti tradition across the country.

This also explains the use of rice, wheat, sesame, jaggery, coconut, sugarcane, milk and coconut – a farmer’s staple – in the traditional Sankranti spread across states that celebrate

the festival with the exception of Assam where the traditional Magh Bihu meal includes pork, fish and chicken dishes like khorisa gahori (pork cooked with bamboo

Clockwise from right: Pheni; Patishapta Pithe; rice flour-based sweet dish from Andhra Pradesh


shoots), patot diya maas (fish steamed in banana leaf), jaluk diya kukura mangkho (Assamese-style pepper chicken) and kaji lemu (Assam lemon).

Yet each region offers a distinct menu to indulge in. Like in Maharashtra, a meal signifying Makar Sankranti will be til laddoo and gulachi poli (thin brittle chapati with a stuffing of the season’s fresh jaggery, roasted gram flour, sesame seed powder and fragrant spices such as cardamom) which is served along with fresh ghee, bhogichi bhaji and bajrichi bhakri. Easy to digest yet high on f lavour, the meal is simply delicious and apt to keep one healthy during the change of weather.

Ayurveda hails the sweet combination of til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) which forms an integral part of celebrations as the perfect culinary antidote that prepares the dietary

Anticlockwise from left: Sesame seed, jaggery and gajak for the celebrations; til ke laddoo

CUISINE


system for summer and its effects, other than gur being the perfect sweetener. In West Bengal, where Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush, khejur gur (date jaggery) is used extensively to sweeten the high-on-dessert meals which include old favourites like dudh puli (thin rice pancakes doused in fragrant milk), puli pithe, gokul pithe, doodh puli, patishapta pithe and others.

Til and gur are the omnipresent ingredients in the prasadam offered to Sun God as part of the celebrations. Be it as ellu bella in Karnataka which is a rich mix of til (sesame seeds), sharkara (jaggery), dry coconut and groundnuts that is distributed as a goodwill gesture or the elaborate Makara Chaula, a special newly harvested rice mixed with sugarcane juice, jaggery, grated coconut, banana, dry fruits and milk in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

FACTS ABOUT MAKAR SANKRANTI

• On Makar Sankranti, the Sun enters the sun sign of Capricorn or Makara (the Indian rashi). The festival falls on the equinox and day and night on this day are believed to be equal

• According to the Gregorian calender, this is one of the few Indian festivals that falls on the same day every year

• Makar Sankranti generally marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh and in Kerala, Shabrimala ends on this auspicious day

• In Maharashtra, married women are invited home for haldi-kumkum on this day

Rajasthani Ghevar





Here ariselu, a rice powder and jaggery speciality and other rice and milk desserts are a commonplace along with chaklis and til chikkis.

However, the Sankranti must-have is the puffed rice called kurmura. While it is a part

of the snacks offered to guests during Lohri in Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, kurmura laddoos (balls of sweetened puffed rice) are a worth relishing too. Legend has it that while the til gur came from King

Kulothunga Chola III’s kitchen and was offered to the crowd that gathered to watch the bonfire and dances, the kurmura laddoo was an innovative royal offering from Ahom King Swarganarayana Suhungmung to the crowd that came to the feast hut.

The slow-fire cooked, less-on-spice khichdi made in Uttar Pradesh is often sought-after for its rich yet simple taste. Its unique taste is attributed to the seasoned earthenware it is cooked in and the rice used, often the kernels chaffed from the first cut. In Rajasthan, where the festival is a three-day gourmet affair, the onset of the festival is often determined by the new stalls of clothes, jewellery and utensils that mushroom in a market. On Sankranti day, huge kadahis are bought out to create delicacies like ghevar, pheni, gajak, til-patti, pakode and kheer. Legend has it that when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Parvat to shelter his villagers from the fury of Lord Indra, ghevar was his favourite morning meal.

The feast gets better and more rice-intensive as one heads down south where Makar Sankranti is said to have originated.

One dish unique to the festival

and a must try is Kurmura, puffed rice

Khorisa Gahori


CUISINE

SARSON KA SAAG (Mustard greens with spinach)Preparation Time 30 minutesCooking Time One hourServes 4

Ingredients

1 kg mustard leaves (sarson ka saag), 500 g spinach, 1 cup water, 3 green chillies, salt to taste, 5 tbsp ghee, 1 large onion chopped, 8 cloves of garlic crushed, 2” chopped ginger, 4 tbsp makki ka atta (coarsely ground corn kernels), 1 tbsp butter to garnish

Method

The mustard leaves should have thick and tender stems. Wash them. Peel the stems by breaking a bit off the top and pulling down the length of the stem. Cut the leaves finely to ensure a fibre-free result. Wash the spinach and chop finely.

Put water in the pressure cooker and bring to a boil. Add mustard greens, spinach and green chillies. The quantity may seem a lot but add it in batches and when it shrinks, add the next batch. When all the greens have fitted into the pan, add salt and a little water if needed. Bring to pressure (first whistle) and then cook for about 30 minutes on low heat.

Remove the lid and cook to evaporate excess water. Cool and transfer to a blender. Blend in a coarse puree. Put the pureed saag back in the pan and cook on low heat.

Relish these mouth-watering delicacies during the cold months

Winterbreak


Put ghee in a separate pan, fry the onions until they turn light brown. Add garlic and ginger and fry till golden brown. Pour the saag and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously.

Sprinkle makki ka atta into the saag, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring vigourously after each addition. Reduce the heat and cook for another 10 minutes until the saag gets a yellow tinge and becomes thick. Transfer it to a serving dish. Put a dollop of butter and serve it piping hot with makki ki roti.

MAKKI KI ROTI

Preparation Time 10 minutesCooking Time 30 minutesServes 4

Ingredients

2 cups makki ka atta, 1 tsp salt, 1 grated white radish, ½ tsp carom seeds (ajwain), hot water as required, 4 tbsp oil, 3 tbsp butter

Method

Put makki ka atta in a bowl. Add salt, radish and carom seeds and mix. Add water, little at a time and knead to form a dough. Divide the dough into balls. Rub each ball with wet hands to give it a smooth texture. Sprinkle more water if required to prevent the roti from breaking.

Put a ball of dough on a wet plastic sheet. Roll it into a round roti, one-eighth of an inch in thickness. Dip your fingers in water to prevent the dough from sticking.

Heat a griddle (tawa), bring the plastic sheet close to griddle and carefully slip the roti onto the griddle. Cook on medium heat till one side is done. Dribble with a little oil and cook the other side till done. Butter the hot roti generously. Serve immediately.

Courtesy: Fabulous Flavours: Brunch, High Tea, Cocktails, part of a series of cookbooks brought out by the External Affairs

(Ministry’s) Spouses Association, New DelhiRepr

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CONVERSATION


Vidya Balan welcomes the change in the viewing preferences of Indian film audience with an increased appetite for varied genres

Nothing is more imperative than a free

and equal world

text | Aarti Kapur Singh

Vidya Balan is happiest redefining roles rather than defining them. Since her debut in Parineeta a decade ago to the not-so-successful

Bobby Jasoos, she has done it with amazing consistency. Ultimate success for any actor is when the audience cannot imagine anyone else in that role. All characters played by Vidya have had her authority stamped on them. Post-marriage, Vidya has cut down on her assignments and has turned down 10 biopics including ones based on the lives of actors Meena Kumari and Suchitra Sen, former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, supercop Kiran Bedi, vocalist MS Subbulakshmi and former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto. “Though I loved the script of the biopic on Suchitra Sen but I feel I

All of Vidya’s portrayals

on the silver screen have

her authority stamped on them

have no physical resemblance with her. I feel her granddaughter, Raima, who looks like her should be doing it,” she says.

Vidya has, however, agreed to play actress Geeta Bali in a special appearance in Marathi film, Ek Albela. The biopic, on yesteryear actor

Bhagwan Dada, traces the late actor-director’s life and the difficulties he faced while making his 1951-musical Albela which featured Geeta Bali. “It is an honour to be playing the effervescent actor even if it is for a special appearance,” she says.

The actor feels there has been a change in the viewing preferences

of Indian cine-goers with an increased appetite for varied genres. “More and more small-budget movies are now releasing in theatres and with festivals like Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI), things are going to get better,”

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CONVERSATION


observes Vidya. “The MAMI festival was incredible. I have been to MAMI earlier but this edition was special with the opening at Gateway of India and getting mainstream industry people on board. As a jury member, I was amazed with the talent. Also, the selection of films was incredible. I had an amazing time,” says Vidya.

Whether it was her poignant role in Kahaani or the desperate hunger for success as Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture

or as an independent single mother in Paa, Vidya has always stood for what she believes in - trespassing society norms as well as gender inequality. At a recent public function, she chose to swim against the tide by refusing to return her national award, saying, “This honour is by the nation and not the Government. So, I do not want to return it.”

The year 2015 was significant for Vidya as she completed a decade in the film industry. She says she will continue to engage herself in encouraging Indian cinema on a global platform. Making the most of her personality, Vidya, not only as an actor but also as a person, has worked

towards promoting gender equality. For the fourth year in a row, Vidya was seen as the face of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne that started in 2012. This year, the theme of the festival was “equality” as suggested by Vidya. “Equality is something I feel very

passionately about... and in today’s times, nothing seems more imperative than a free and equal world. I believe art and films can help condition and change mindsets and attitudes. I am overjoyed to see wonderful films in recent times, celebrating and embracing the diversity that defines us all,” she says.

The year 2015 was significant

for Vidya as she completed a decade in the film industry

Left: President of India Dr Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri award to Vidya Balan; Right: Vidya in diverse roles in Bollywood

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Indiaperspectives jan feb16