Showing posts with label Business school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business school. Show all posts

Monday, July 26, 2010

Tuning into tunis

Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea Gulf, known also as the Gulf of Tunis, this city extends along the coastal plains surrounded by hills... The city of Tunis is also home to cosmopolitan cafés and has a myriad archeological vestiges. Tunis also has the world’s finest collection of Roman mosaics. Take a walking tour of the ancient buildings and mosques or visit the Théâtre municipal de Tunis to witness the opera, ballet or other productions. Explore and learn the history of the sub-urban city of Carthage, which is most accessible from Tunis or wander through Tunis' largest park – Belvedere Park – which houses the Museum of Modern Art and the municipal zoo overlooking Lake Tunis. For the shopaholics, street bazaars in Tunis have a wide range of products to choose from.

Once in Tunis, do visit the medina, which is one of the major attractions. This is one of the largest in the entire country and has also been recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tangled streets of the medina are crammed with hawkers selling trinkets and baubles. What's more, one could have a spectacular panoramic view of the minarets and mosques of old Tunis from the rooftop terraces here. Visit the Musee du Patrimoine Traditionnel which is also known as Dar Ben Abdallah, an 18th century palace, which is now a folk museum displaying stucco ornament, textiles, fabrics, costumes and furniture. The Acropolium cathedral on the Byrsa hill is another site which is frequented by visitors all the year round. The architecture of the cathedral is a mix of Orient and the Occident.

A short walk from the cathedral is the Carthage Room, which is a magnificent structure that highlights beautifully decorated ceilings in an Italian style. One can also enjoy the view from the hill of ancient Carthage and one of the most stunning bays in the Mediterranean.

Lest all the sightseeing should tire you, unwind yourself at Café Sidi Chebaane as you sip on some fine Turkish coffee and chicha pipe. Forget that diet as you indulge in the sumptuous cuisine offered by the traditional restaurants in the souks.

With fascinating archaeological sights, a buzzing nightlife and a rich history to be explored, this comfortably-sized city has much to offer to its visitors; no wonder then, Tunis is fast gaining a reputation of being an ideal year-round destination.


For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎
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Friday, July 02, 2010

Deadly workplace...

The plight of migrant laborers world over is no secret anymore

“The development of China as a world factory is a fundamental reason causing these suicidal cases”, remarked Pun Ngai, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University, in the aftermath of spate of suicides that has claimed nine lives so far this year at Foxconn electronic plant near the sprawling city of Shenzhen in southern China. This has surely exposed the dirty linen of China’s factory system, regarding which nine professors of social science wrote an open letter to Foxconn questioning the very sustainability of China’s pivotal position as the workshop of the world. This is not a case in isolation. Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings, the largest sports and casual shoe maker in the world, had a rash of four suicides between July and October 2008. ‘China Labor Watch’ has identified more than 80 cases of suicides in Pearl Harbor Delta of China in last 10 years.

Over the last 30 years, China’s internal mobility and consequently their plight has risen manifold with 200 million migrants leaving their home in search of better life. To a large extent, the country dependson these cheap labourers to counterfeit an export-oriented style world factory, which stimulated double digit growth rate for the economy. But in the bargain, basic human rights of these hapless labourers been ignored; they were paid a wage that was below the average of Third World countries; and made it impossible for them to live in cities as they could not encounter the problems of housing, their children’s education and healthcare, and other survival necessitates. The use of cheap labour has been a strategic choice for China in the first period of its reforms — was not without its own weaknesses — as low wage growth depressed the purchasing power and consequently consumer demand that restricted the sustainable growth of the country. This kind of development model, at least today, is bound to repeat Foxconn like tragedies; as unlike their parent’s generation today’s urban laborers cannot return home to be peasants again.

Not only in China, this kind of misfortune takes place even in developed country with strong labour laws like in France as well! In France Telecom, one of the largest companies in telecom sector, 34 employees committed suicide between January 2008 and January 2010, blaming it on stress and desolation at work. France Telecom’s suicide rate is 15.3 per 1,00,000 per year, more than national average of 14.7. The suicide rates of expatriate workers are always high in Gulf States like Bahrain, but the latest figures available for 2008 shows an alarming rise that has goaded a nationwide action to help the endured. Most suicides are by poor labourers — 131 of them have committed suicides in Bahrain alone in 2008 — often because of miserable working conditions and low pay. In Kuwait, the situation is no better, as official rate of suicides by migrant workers is one in every two days! In the month of April alone 12 cases of suicides has been reported there. Therefore, laborer’s dignity and means are at stake in many parts of the world, and like economic development social development and social fairness should strike the right chord at the right time.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Terror regroups

The army might have uprooted many militant groups operating from Pakistani soil, but it has not deterred terror outfits from regrouping and striking back, writes Shahid Husain

The attack on Lahore's Jinnah Hospital on May 31 by the militants in an attempt to free their wounded fellow Moaz alias Amir Moavia, who was being treated there, amply demonstrates that malignant aggression has penetrated deep in Pakistan society. Moavia was injured during a recent attack on two worship places of the Ahmadis. The Ahmadis are considered religious outcasts of sorts by almost all the Muslim religious factions, though the Pakistan Constitution asserts they are equal citizens.

One of the Pakistan’s top defence analysts, Dr. Hasan Askari Rizvi, explains the phenomenon and thinking behind the attacks in a conversation with TSI, “The attack on Ahmadis puts forth two things: First, it was a soft target that the militants used to assert their ability to challenge the Pakistan state and the provincial government; secondly, it also relates to the extremely negative sentiments the orthodox Muslims have about the Ahmadis,” He adds, “The militants must have thought that the people would sympathise with their action, which was actually the case.”

A large number of fundamentalist groups have cropped up in the impoverished Pakistan since 2001. Links between many of these new and existing groups have strengthened, say experts, giving rise to fresh concerns for stability. Successful army operations against the militants in Swat and South Waziristan under the leadership of General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani have forced militants to re-group themselves and co-ordinate with each other in more ways than one— be it in terms of logistics or collection of funds. Leadership elements of al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, along with other terrorist groups, have made Pakistan's tribal areas their home and now work closely with a wide variety of Pakistani militant groups. They find many sympathisers amongst the educated middle and upper middle class.

Hassan Abbas, a fellow at the Asia Society, writes that Punjabi Taliban network is a loose conglomeration of members of banned militant groups of Punjabi origin that have developed strong connections with the Pakistani Taliban, Afghan Taliban, and other militant groups based in FATA and the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). The Punjabi Taliban provide logistical support for attacks on cities in Punjab province and include individuals or factions of groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and their various splinter groups, along with small cells unaffiliated with any large group. The Punjabi Taliban are distinct from the traditional Pashtun Taliban, experts say. They are usually more educated and more technologically savvy.

Since there is also greater coordination between all these groups, say experts, lines have blurred regarding which category a militant group fits in. For instance, the Pakistani Taliban, which were committed to fighting against the Pakistani state, are now increasingly joining insurgents fighting U.S. and international troops across the border in Afghanistan. U.S. Central Command Chief General David H. Petraeus, in a CFR interview, says the groups have long shared a symbiotic relationship. “They support each other, they coordinate with each other, sometimes they compete with each other, [and] sometimes they even fight each other.”

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Which colour do you 'need'

Ever wondered why the colour of money is usually green and workplaces are often painted blue and yellow? And why black is not a colour for an auspicious occasion while red is the choice of colour for most brides? Aakriti Bhardwaj sets out to find if interpreting colours correctly will indeed lead us to the pot of gold that lies at the end of the rainbow.

While driving back from work one day, I heard an RJ on a radio channel dishing out advice to people for various problems through the usage of colours. A caller rang in and said, “I’m in love with this girl, who is my boss. She is going to London in 10 days and I need to tell her that I love her and I don’t want her to go.” The on-air colour therapist cum RJ Rochie Rana advised him to use red, pink and purple in his office. The week after, I tuned in again to find out about the fate of Mr Romeo. He apparently had walked up to his girl and proposed. “I think even I love you,” was the reply the lucky man received! But how could mere colours make someone fall for a person? Desperate to figure out how colours can fix our problems, I fixed an appointment with Rochie Rana, a colour therapist, pranic healer and an ex-radio jockey.

“There are two ways to look at colour therapy,” said Rochie, my shepherd for the day, lounging on a chair in a café sporting a black attire and sipping on a yellow drink. “One is colour therapy that originated along with ayurveda. In India, the principle was really simple, they understood colours affect people. Brides always wore red, that was colour therapy because they understood that red is the colour of sexual desire. It is the colour of bonding sexually, as in ancient India there were arranged marriages, so it helped women to feel more comfortable. They wore henna on their hands, as yellow is the colour which stopped them from feeling tired and helped cool their nerves as they worked in the kitchen and in the field. This is the Indian version, which started with ayurveda and it became really big while colour therapy was left behind. Then came Pythagoras (the man behind the Pythagoras theorem), who understood that every colour has a wavelength and every wavelength of every colour was constantly hitting your mind and giving you certain messages, and it had an effect on your mind, body and soul. Green was a natural master healer. Colour therapy is very old but Pythagoras actually is the man who gave colours their vibrational modalities, and therefore made it very scientific.”

Colour therapy is often criticised, for the placebo effect alone may help heal some patients. “You can verify it” Rochie said with a defensive look that stemmed from her love for her art... sorry science! “It’s empirical. Pythagoras said there are vibrational modalities. It is certified by doctors across the world. There are psychological institutes that dwell upon colour therapy. The University of Massachusetts always stands by the effect of colours on marketing and sales. For instance, no restaurant will have insufficient red or orange because those are the colours that make you want to eat. We don’t work on placebo effect.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Friday, June 18, 2010

Water woes intensify

When it was predicted about a decade back that the next World War would be fought for control of water, sceptics dismissed it as a mere hyperbole. Now, with killings over water being reported from across the country, the spectre of the past is becoming a scary reality. The TSI team of Anil Sharma, Raju Kumar and Nishant Bhadreshwar takes stock

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in want of a wife must be a good provider. However, what the word ‘provider’ encompasses has acquired a new meaning in Rajasthan. Here, a man must be able to provide water to the family apart from other things. Sounds like a leaf out of Ripley’s ‘Believe It or Not’, but the acute water scarcity in the state has made a lot of people wary of marrying off their daughters in villages where women would inevitably have to trudge for miles everyday to fetch some water. “Often, women have to walk for miles to collect water. Many people are reluctant to marry off their daughters into such communities,” says Rameshwar Chaudhari, a resident of village Chopra Dhotra in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. His village is facing severe water crisis.

Rajasthan, spread over 10.4 per cent of the country’s geographical area and sustaining more than 5.5 per cent of the human population and 18.70 per cent of the livestock, has only 1.16 per cent of the total surface water available in the country. This year, the ground water situation has turned alarming in the state with only 30 water blocks out of the total 237 left in the safe zone. With increase in the population and subsequently the demand for water for various purposes, the state is already in the middle of a terrible water crisis. The per capita annual water availability in the state is about 650 cubic meters against the minimum requirement of 1,000 cubic meters. “I am 60 years old and have never seen a situation like this. We get water only once or twice a month and even that comes with low pressure. It takes over half an hour to fill a bucket,” says Kamla, a resident of Naulakhi in Sri Ganganagar district. The crisis has also become so acute in Atru in Baran district that the water department—in spite of spending Rs 20,000 daily on the supply of water—is finding it difficult to meet the local demand through tankers.

The local administration in Akhlera in Jhalawar district, having a population of over 12,000, is now planning to engage 150 plus tankers to supply water. The only source of water in the town, Amalvada Deh dam, is drying up fast. Similar situation has emerged in Sojat Road in Pali district where the administration has demanded a special 65 wagon water train to overcome the crisis. Women in Bhilwara town of Rajasthan recently blocked the road in front of the municipality, demanding increased water supply. “We want more tube wells to be dug up so that we can get water,” says Kamla, a housewife. Water is being supplied once in every five days in the town famous for its textile industry.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Legacy on its last leg?

Will the Shehnai have to reconcile to the fact that there may not be another Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan? The son who was his successor is dead; the others are struggling, and there’s little other than memorial concerts to keep the tradition going. Puja Awasthi reminisces of the time when there was hope…

Ustad Nayyar Hussain Khan “Bismillah” passed away following respiratory problems at a Varanasi hospital on December 17, 2009. To me, he had begun to fade away in July of that year itself, when, as I got up to leave that baithak plastered with photographs and awards (including the Bharat Ratna) of his father the late Bismillah Khan, he thrust a couple of brochures (titled Music Represents Soul) and visiting cards in my hand and said, “Kaam dilwao. Koi bhi kaam chalega. Shaadi aur party mein bhi bajayenge.” (Get me work. Any work will do. I will play at weddings and parties.) I did not fail to notice that the Ustad’s name was bolder than Nayyar’s on the card. And that here was a man aged 70, the second son of a legend who had put a simple wind instrument to his lips and coaxed such sweetness from it that it ceased to remain an accompaniment to flashier ones, begging for work. The Ustad would neither have understood nor approved.

But when like Nayyar Khan, you live with four brothers, one sister and 30 children and grandchildren, in a lane that’s named after your father in a narrow, white house with 10 rooms, you have responsibilities you cannot shrug. And Nayyar Khan, being the successor to his father had to bear them all.

Such is Varanasi’s association with the Ustad that when he had passed away in August 2006, there were many who lamented “Bharat Ratna chala gaya” (The Bharat Ratna has gone). To his own family it was as though life had been sucked out of all those who had been left behind.

“My Abba had a generous heart but a sharp tongue. Nobody who came to our home would leave without a meal. After a concert, the cooks would work overtime to cater to those who came to congratulate him. Some had even named our home Bismillah hotel. But after him, the staunchest of his well-wishers have disappeared. There is just the occasional phone call. Yes, there are problems,” Nayyar had said going on to detail how he even had to haggle about the number of musicians he could take in his group for a performance. No one would of course have dared to make such talk to the Ustad. Yet, Nayyar was looking forward to a tour of the USA this year. “Before every performance, I tell the audience that they should listen to me as Ustad Bismillah Khan’s son, not as the Ustad himself and grant me some grace,” he had said.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Monday, June 14, 2010

THE GREAT KHALI

Who needs a headline when you are The Great Khali?! Dalip Singh Rana, in a freewheeling chat with Neha Sarin, talks about his journey from being a cop in the Punjab police to becoming the most feared name in the WWE ring, to acting in Hollywood

How did you get into bodybuilding? Did you face any racism in the West?
In 1994, when I joined Punjab Police, I wanted to tone-up my physique as I was always interested in increasing my physical strength. I started bodybuilding and the results of progress were very good. Soon I became National Champion in 1997-98. Little bit of racism is always there, but due to my performances, I did not encounter much of it and the people here in the US showered a lot of affection on me.

What made people take note of Khali? Was it just the size, or his performances in wrestling?
I may have the liberty to say that spectators do feel attracted to my stature, but I would like to assert that it is my performance, and blessings of the Almighty on me.

How did the transition to WWE happen? What was your initial reaction to moving into the world of entertainment?
My desire to bring glory to myself and to my country took me to WWE, which enjoys universal popularity. Initially, I went to Japan and made relentless efforts to get proper training. It is a different matter that my performance was admired by the Japanese.

WWE is hugely popular in India, but the same can’t be said for traditional wrestling. We struggle in the sport even at an international level. Does India have the necessary talent in wrestling to make it big on the international stage?
I have mentioned that WWE is very popular all over the world, including India. I do agree that amateur wrestling is not that popular. The federations should take all requisite measures to make it popular. I assert that there is no dearth of wrestling talent in India.

Was it an easy and a natural progression from WWE to Hollywood? How was the experience working in “The Longest Yard” and “Get Smart”? Any more films in the pipeline?
While I was giving performances in the WWE ring, prominent producers and directors of Hollywood evinced interest in me and I got my first Hollywood break in “The Longest Yard” and after that “Get Smart”. By the grace of God both of them were quite successful. I enjoyed a lot working in them. My next movies “Tree of Life” and “A Team” are going to be released soon.

You’re a vegetarian, you don’t drink or smoke… Same holds true for most wrestlers in India. Is a vegetarian diet any less nutritious than what most of the West swears by?
I prefer vegetarian food, I don't enjoy drinking and smoking. Yes, I have learnt that many wrestlers in India are vegetarian. It’s not like vegetarian food carries any less nutrition than non-veg. Fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses, cheese are class one source of nutrition.

Your detractors say that your superhuman size is due to a disorder. There are also reports of wrestlers using steroids to gain mammoth proportions. Your comments.
I may assert that my so-called extraordinary physique is a god-given gift and there is no disorder whatsoever. I have learnt that several sports persons do take steroids to enhance their physical prowess but I don’t take any such thing. It is worth mentioning that there are routine dope tests in the WWE. However, all wrestlers do take food supplements.

What do you think about India’s bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics?
It is a matter of pride for us all that an Indian wrestler won bronze medal at the Olympics.

Do you think you missed out on Olympic glory for any reason whatsoever?
My sport is not in Olympics but I am very happy that I chose WWE. My countless fans all over the world would agree and I’m sure they are also happy with my decision of selecting WWE.

What do you think are India’s chances at the Commonwealth Games?
I am hopeful that talented athletes of India would perform well in forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

How can a child grow as huge as Khali?
I would again like to say that this hugeness of mine is a god given gift. I would also like to add that gifted children can make a mark in life through devoted and determined efforts.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

BRAZIL'S SUCCESSION PLAN...

Who are the alternatives to carry forward the rich legacy of Lula

Is Brazil in search of a new leader? Fortunately or unfortunately, Lula’s formal political career is coming to an end as he is barred by law from contesting any Presidential election further after the consecutive two. But despite criticism, he remained one of the most popular leaders in the political fraternity of Brazil during his tenure. He undoubtedly has significant contributions in taking the country to the path of economic success. He is also perceived to be a pragmatic leader when it comes to foreign relations. During his rule, the foreign trade surplus has increased drastically to $47 billion in 2006. He has also been successful in maintaining good relation with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez as well as George Bush. Moreover, Brazil played a crucial role in negotiating the conflict between Venezuela and Colombia under Lula's leadership. Most importantly, Brazil gained a prestigious status at the international level under his leadership. His term is coming to an end as Brazil is scheduled to hold elections on October 3, 2010. This raises an important question. Is there any hope for Brazil to produce popular leaders like Lula? There are certain key names in the 2010 presidential race. Though they all carry similar opinions and policies in context to the economic stability of the nation, they widely differ in policies especially with regards to foreign policy, and role of the state in context to its interventionism.

To talk about them briefly, first is Dilma Rousseff, Lula’s chief of staff and his chosen candidate to represent his Workers’ party. Though she is not very influential and popular but if she is backed by the gigantic election campaigns of Lula, she may emerge beyond anyone's imagination. However, her policies would not differ much from that of Lula. Foreign policy would be indifferent to that of Lula if she wins boosting ties with developing countries and pushing for reforms for multilateral bodies and seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council where Lula failed. Second to name is Jose Serra of the social Democracy Party. As the Sao Paulo state governor, he has his biggest lessons with him. Lula lost thrice before he finally won the election in 2002. He just lost once to Lula in the 2002 Presidential election. With his past experience and with 20 per cent point lead over Rousseff in opinion polls, he has high popularity in Brazil. However, his victory may strengthen America's say over South American affairs and also over the Brazilian foreign policy. And apart from them, Marina Silva, the former environment minister is the other Presidential candidate. Well, she might be popular in the international arena for her contributions to protect Amazon rainforest, but she needs to reshape her image in the country as the opinion polls show a mere 7 per cent support. Ciro Gomes, former governor of the northeastern state of Ceara is the other one who also ties Rousseff for second place in polls at 14 per cent.

Though Brazil inherited free and fair electoral democracy, Lula’s leadership remains unique in the Brazilian history. Political rivalry is inevitable and understandable. Beyond everything, the most important task before his successors will be to carry forward the legacy they have inherited successfully! But the question is who can do that best?

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Size does matter

Around her 31st birthday, Hollywood actress Kate Hudson, it seems, got for herself a rather unusual gift. Hudson’s recent pictures have shown her looking fuller and have led to rumours that the “Raising Helen” star has gone in for breast implants. Well, insiders are believed to have let out that the “How to lose a guy in 10 days” actress has, in fact, gone through a ‘small boob job’ last month right after losing her guy, baseball player A-Rod. Not that this is a first of its kind incident in Hollywood, but it does raise eyebrows since she has often been heard endorsing small breasts for sheer comfort of ‘wearing plunging necklines’!

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

In a new light

As opposition to the move subsides, the bankrupt Punjab State Electricity Board is bifurcated, setting in motion a long-overdue process of power sector reforms, reports Jagtar Singh

“Which is the place where people feel happy for 15 minutes every four hours?” This was the question in an SMS circulated widely some time ago. The answer, of course, was: “Punjab”! This has been the state of power for the common man in the state and the ruling party used power subsidies as a pawn for gathering votes. Thus there was grave resistance for a long time to the unbundling of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB). But now the state is finally moving towards progressive reform in the power sector.

Though the high tension wires emitted danger signals for months, sparks did not fly as the Punjab government finally went ahead to unplug the six-decade-old PSEB to set in motion the process of power reforms. It has set up two news bodies under the Electricity Act, 2003 replacing the monolith which was considered overstaffed, corrupt, inefficient and financially bankrupt.

The state had virtually turned into a garrison with the army on standby and central forces and police out in strength to maintain law and order. They kept the system running in the wake of the two-day strike call given by various PSEB employees' unions who had the support from 22 other organisations representing the farmers, landless labourers and other toiling sections.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, after 17 extensions from the Centre since the Electricity Act became effective, finally decided to go ahead with the much-needed power sector reforms and brought it on the agenda of the state cabinet, which met on April 15 morning to bifurcate the PSEB into Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (Powercom) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (Transco). Badal said after the meeting, “The bifurcation would make the power system more efficient, accountable and responsive to the consumer needs”.

Interestingly, only last month, power engineers had urged Badal to bail out the PSEB from the financial mess it was caught in. It was virtually on the verge of a collapse. Due to the financial crisis, ongoing works had been affected as payments to contractors and suppliers had been stopped.

Even the reimbursement of medical and other bills of the employees had been stopped and payments from the provident fund account too were not being made to those on the rolls. PSEB had been running up losses that amounted to Rs 1800 crore during 2006-07, Rs. 1611 crore in the succeeding year and the like. The losses were estimated to be Rs. 2300 crore during the last financial year.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Monday, June 07, 2010

A bureaucrat doctor…

That’s what Faisal Shah, the topper of this year’s civil services examinations wants to be. A qualified doctor, he wants to put soothing balm on the wounds of the Kashmiri people, albeit in the garb of a bureaucrat. So he tells Haroon Reshi

Eight years after his father was assassinated by militants, Faisal Shah, 26, has succeeded in transforming his traumatic past into a glittering achievement. His harrowing past experiences could not wane his passion and dedication to attain his objective.

Shah, a government school pass-out from a remote village of the border district of Kupwara, became the first Kashmiri and the third Indian Muslim to have topped the Union Public Service Commission examination in the 63-year history of independent India.

The Kashmir valley erupted in spontaneous celebration as soon as the news of Faisal’s success spread out. Soon, his Srinagar house was teeming with overjoyed relatives and friends. Neighbours and well-wishers made it a point to convey their happiness and best regards to the future IAS officer. Youngsters burst crackers, raised slogans and beat drums outside, though it was raining hard. Kashmiri traditional chefs were brought in to make the wazwan (customary feast) for the guests. That was on May 7.

A cheerful atmosphere still prevails at Faisal’s residence in the Hyderpora area of Srinagar.

“My son has made me proud. It was his father’s dream to make him an IAS officer,” says Mubeena Begum, Faisal’s mother, as she serves Kashmiri kehwa.

Mubeena, a school teacher, is obviously the happiest soul on earth these days. “I am grateful to Allah that He has shown me this day,” she adds, with tears of joy sparkling in her eyes. A total number of 875 candidates (680 men and 195 women) were recommended for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and other central services. Faisal is among the 21 Muslims (including three other Kashmiris) on the list of 875 successful candidates. “I have shattered the myth that Kashmiris cannot crack this prestigious examination,” says Faisal, who will be turning 27 on the 17th of this month.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Friday, June 04, 2010

One year after LTTE

One year after the Tigers were silenced, the victorious Mahinda Rajapakse is stronger than ever. But as the Tamil Diaspora nurtures the dream of a Tamil Eelam, N. Asokan finds that only a meaningful political solution can bring permanent peace

The Fourth Eelam War in Sri Lanka finally came to an end on May 17, 2009, with the LTTE international relations head, K.P. alias Selvarajha Padmanathan, announcing that “The LTTE have decided to silence the guns.” Over 25,000 Tamils died in the final three months of the Fourth Eelam War which started in 2006. LTTE had waged armed struggle against marginalisation of minority Tamils in the island nation for almost three decades. From a position of controlling over 15000 square kilometer, they were pushed to 2 square kilometer at the end of the War, with scores of Tamil civilians moving along with them. The end of LTTE came when its supremo Veluppilai Prabhakaran’s body was identified from the Nandhikadal lagoon. Selevaraja Padmanathan, who was trying to revive the struggle with support from the Tamil Diaspora, was also arrested in Malaysia and brought to Colombo. As the first anniversary of the end of the war passes, the island nation has witnessed a series of important events in the last one year. In the political front, riding over the euphoria of triumph, Mahinda Rajapakse secured a massive victory in the presidential elections, he arrested war hero-turned political opponent Sarath Fonseka. Rajapakse’s party also secured a massive victory in the parliamentary elections. Rajapakse and his brothers have brilliantly strengthened their individual positions in no time.

But what has happened to the Tamils battered by the war? As the war progressed, LTTE was continuously on the run in the northern areas. It had already withdrawn from the east as their renegade ‘Col Karuna’ teamed up with Colombo. As a strategic move, it took three lakh Tamils along with it when it withdrew from its operational headquarters at Kilinochi. For three months, all these men, women and children were continuously on the run. These civilians became sitting ducks for the Lankan forces’ heavy artillery and planes. Everyday, scores of people died. When it was all but obvious that the LTTE would be defeated, they escaped the clutches of the Tigers and came to the side of the Lankan army. The strategy of the Tigers had been to get international involvement to force a ceasefire and simultaneously trying to bring about a possible turnaround in the fate of the war. It did not follow the script. Even the emotions whipped up in the state of Tamil Nadu in the run-up to the parliamentary elections did not yield the desired results. The octogenerian leader, M. Karunanidhi, addressed Tamil sentiments by taking part in a three-hour fast.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Thursday, June 03, 2010

Two – or more – in the bush?

It takes a lot of guts for celebrities to come out in the open about their relationships. But what must have taken the 40-year-old Gerard Butler to reveal not only about his secret dates but about their parallel existence in his life? Seemingly, these dates haven’t been with Jennifer Aniston or Kate Hudson, who have reportedly jeopardised their friendship for him, but were apparently with women nobody knew about. In fact, he was also recently spotted kissing a mysterious blonde in Serbia, where he is shooting for his upcoming flick. Well, if this is surprising, consider what the actor has been heard saying – “I get laid less now than I used to because I'm more paranoid now. I'm nowhere near as naughty as I used to be"!

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Dream turns sour

Cops bust human trafficking racket running in Kollam

Intelligence officials in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are homing in on Sri Lankan Tamils who don’t have proper travel documents and papers to reside in the states. Recently, Kerala police arrested 38 Sri Lankan Tamils, including five women and five children, from a lodge in Kollam after a tip-off from TN police.

Doubting their links with terrorist outfit LTTE, they were quizzed by sleuths from the Intelligence Bureau, Tamil Nadu’s Q Branch police and Kerala police. While the women and children were allowed to remain in the lodge, the men were taken to Kollam East Police station. Kollam SP Harshita Attalluri says that we try to make sure that no pro-LTTE activities are taking place in refugee camps.

During interrogation, the arrested men told the police that they were Indian citizens. Unconvinced with their arguments, the cops kept on questioning them. It was then that the real story came out. It’s understood that they had migrated to TN two years back. Of late they came to Kerala. Since then they have been there and looking for opportunities to go abroad. They told their interrogators that they had paid something between Rs 2 lakh and 5 lakh to agents who had promised them a trip to Australia.

Based on the information, the cops arrested one agent Dennis. He revealed that the refugees were due to be ferried in ships bound for Australia. Also, he told the police that earlier around 50 people were trafficked to Australia. Sources say such fake agents are active in the camps. In the name of sending them overseas, they fleece these Sri Lankan Tamils who think that landing in these countries will change their fortune. However, in this case no action was taken against the Sri Lankans. They were allowed to go back to a refugee camp in Rameswaram. Many Lankan Tamil refugees cross the border from TN to Kerala to find work as payment is better compared to other states.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Your life, our rules

A free-for-all scenario emerges in India with socio-religious bodies instructing individuals on how to live their lives, where to work, whom to marry, etc. Vikas Kumar, T. Satisan and Khurram Raza talk to those who issue these decrees and find them utterly unapologetic

In the Indian democratic framework, freedom of expression is slowly becoming the prerogative of organised, and often self-appointed, groups and organisations to issue draconian decrees which invariably infringe upon the principles of civil liberty and individual rights. And what is interesting and dangerous is that all of these groups have a quasi-socio-religious sanction. So if a Hindu Khap Panchayat decides the marital life of a young Haryanvi, the Darul Uloom Deoband puts paid to an educated Muslim woman’s dream of making it big in the corporate world. The Church in Kerala, on election eve, even instructs people whom to vote for. Its stand on drinking and sale of alcohol is also draconian. Recent incidents suggest that in spite of India sending out a lunar mission and becoming an IT powerhouse, these retrograde faces continue to challenge the principles of rights and liberty enshrined in the Constitution. The role of Khaps has become synonymous with ‘Honour Killing’ in the name of protecting caste and gotra (ancestral linkage) traditions. Khaps, representative bodies of a cluster of villages unified by the same caste, gotra or geography, have some roles in settling community disputes but, of late, they are in news for all the wrong reasons. They are constantly dishing out Taliban-like verdicts. The irony is that the entire establishment seems to be petrified when it comes to tackling these errant Khap leaders. Manoj and Babli dared to challenge the Khap’s decision. Both were brutally murdered. However, a trial court in Karnal district of Haryana dared to take the murderers on, sentencing the killers to death.

However, instead of learning from the judgment, Khap leaders openly opposed the verdict and even demanded amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act, seeking ban on same gotra marriage. Baljit Singh, a self-styled Khap leader, rubbishes all charges levelled against Khaps. He says, “It is unfortunate that words like ‘Tughlaqi Farman’ are being used for Khap verdicts.” Media persons in a presser in Delhi were stunned when he said, “We urged our members to help the victims of court judgment in the Manoj-Babli case on humanitarian grounds.”

The political establishment in Haryana has turned a blind eye, fearing loss of votes. Khaps exercise immense political clout and this can be gauged from the fact that INLD’s Om Prakash Chautala and the Congress’ Navin Jindal support them. Sompal Shastri, former Union agriculture minister, is evasive. He tells TSI, “To my knowledge none of the Khaps ordered honour killings. However, they can be criticised for not condemning these deaths.”

Prem Chaudhari, researcher on Khaps, says, “Khaps are medieval establishments and their primary task was to provide security. Earlier, villages were small and people knew each other well. In the last two to three decades, small villages have become bigger and numbers of gotra in these villages have increased from 4 or 5 to 20 or 25. People are getting educated and they often come out of their village in the pursuit of education or for jobs. This means increased interaction between boys and girls who often fall in love without knowing their caste or gotra. It is difficult for them to follow old customs and traditions as situations have completely changed.”

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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