New Galaxy Tab launched by Samsung

IIPM Mumbai Campus

Samsung Electronics Co launched a thinner and lighter version of its Galaxy tablet in its lucrative home market, trying to halt the runaway success of Apple Inc's iPad.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is an upgraded version of the 7-inch Tab introduced in October.

Apple sold 14 million iPads in the first half of the year, compared with analysts' sales estimates of about 7.5 million units for the Galaxy Tab over 2011.

"As our smartphone business grew very fast within a very short period of time, I believe it's just a matter of time for our tablet business to improve," J.K. Shin, head of Samsung's mobile division, told reporters.

Samsung is Apple's nearest rival in the booming mobile device industry as it leverages its cost competitiveness and access to chips and core tablet components.

It has sharply narrowed the gap with Apple in the smartphone market, but remains a distant second in the tablet market, which research firm Gartner forecasts will surge to 108 million devices next year from an estimated 70 million in 2011.

"Apple's quarterly results showed again it's indeed the strongest rival to beat. Samsung will have a tough second half due to growing competition from Apple as it is set to introduce a new iPhone," said James Song, an analyst at Daewoo Securities.

The sale of the Tab in Korea is Samsung's fifth launch after its U.S. debut a month ago and its sales kickoff in Indonesia, where the company says it commands a 65 percent market share. It has also launched the device in Italy and Sweden.

Pricing for the new product, slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad 2, starts from $500 in the U.S. market, the same price as the iPad 2.

Samsung faces the challenge of moving beyond being a hardware company, clever at copying ideas, to becoming more creative and better adept at software at a time when consumer gadgets are getting smarter.

Samsung reiterated Wednesday it aimed to boost tablet sales by more than five fold this year. It didn't provide specific numbers but analysts expect the company to have sold about 1.5 million units last year.

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SBI stops lending in Noida Extn & Greater Noida

There may be trouble finding a lender if you are scouting for a house in Noida Extention or even Greater Noida. Concerns over title of land are forcing banks such as SBI to hold back fresh sanctions.

A senior SBI executive told TOI that they were not providing any loans to projects in Noida Extension as maps for several projects were unavailable. Some SBI associate banks such as state bank of Travancore builders said, are, however, still providing loans.

The sales representative of a builder who had set up a stall for the second phase on an under-construction project said lenders such as HDFC, the country's largest mortgage player, had suspended sanctioning loans recently. "They are verifying the title deeds and doing their own investigation. They may resume lending soon," the sales executive said when asked about funding options.

An e-mail sent to an HDFC spokesperson in Mumbai late on Thursday afternoon remained unanswered.

An IDBI Bank executive said the bank was still providing loans and was using the Right To Information (RTI) Act to get details of title deeds. "That is the best way to find out the status. Wherever the Noida Authority or the Greater Noida Authority is telling us that the land is free of encumbrances, we are sanctioning loans," the executive in the bank's home loan department said.

Other lenders such ICICI Bank refused to comment saying they were studying the court verdict.


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Despite an elaborate and dynamic policy framework, the road to the next level for MSMEs continues to be hindered.

Globally considered as the driver of all economies (developed & developing) and a medium for promoting equitable development, SMEs in India contribute significantly to the manufacturing output, employment and exports of the country. According to the 4th All India Census by GoI, Ministry of MSME, it is estimated that in terms of value, the sector contributes 45% to manufacturing output and 40% to total exports. The sector is an umbrella for around 30 million units and is the biggest employment provider after agriculture; providing employment to 59 million people (2006-07), which is supposed to grow to around 70 million by 2010. However, the sector is still suffering from some fundamental problems.

Of all the problems faced by MSMEs, non-availability of timely and adequate credit at reasonable interest rates is the most significant. Despite its commendable contribution to the nation’s economy, SMEs do not get the required support from the concerned government departments, banks, financial institutions and corporates, which hampers its competitiveness in the national and international markets. One of the major causes for low-availability of bank finance is the high risk perception of the banks in lending to SMEs and consequent insistence on collaterals (despite strict RBI guidelines not to insist upon collateral against a loan), which are not easily available with these enterprises. Manas Kumar Nag, CGM-SME, SBI, adds another perspective to the problem, “Generally, SMEs coming for loans are not aware of their financial position, which leads to lack of transparency and hesitation from our side.” The problem is most acute for micro enterprises and first generation entrepreneurs requiring small loans.

In India, the situation is further complicated by the fact that the preferred mode of finance is either self or other sources. According to the MSME Annual report 2009, more than 85% SMEs source finance either through the self-finance route or are unable to get funds, while only around 15% of the total approach financial institutions and non-institutions like moneylenders. In addition to the above, the government has recently emphasised on the importance of ‘credit rating scheme’ to help smoothen the loan facility process by banks and financial institutions for the SMEs. Under this scheme, the credit rating agencies assess a company’s credit worthiness and give it a rating which is widely accepted by the financial institutions. This certainly helps SMEs by facilitating hassle free flow of credit. To add to it, the government reimburses 75% of the fees charged by the rating agency subject to a ceiling amount. T. R. Bajalia, Executive Director, IDBI Bank says, “Credit agencies have played a vital role as we wel
come independent and reliable credit assessment. As credit agencies have done due diligence for an enterprise, it lessens our work and fastens the entire loan granting process.” Still, MSMEs are facing a lot of trouble as most of them are not aware of this credit rating facility. And it's clear from the fact that only 1.5 million of the 30 million odd MSMEs are registered in the country.

Micro finance is another booming industry, which directly comes to the rescue of the MSME sector. In India, micro-credit programmes are run primarily by NABARD in the field of agriculture and SIDBI in the field of Industry, Service and Business. In case of programmes in partnership with SIDBI, the institution accepts security deposits from MFIs (Micro Finance Institutions)/NGOs and in lieu of the deposits (25% by the MFI/NGO and 75% paid by the government) doles out loans to MFIs/NGOs. The cumulative loan amount provided by the Government of India so far under these schemes stands at Rs 12.99 billion (March 31, 2010) benefiting around 2.021 million individuals.

However, the lead sources of funds in the micro-finance space in India are global Non–Profit Organisations (NPOs) like Unitus and the Grameen Foundation-US. Overseas funding had dropped from 31.4% in 2002 to 25.8% in 2005 after the government imposed regulatory restrictions external commercial borrowings (ECBs) as it was the cheapest loan provider for the MFIs charging a minimal interest of 2% to 6%. However, after the removal of the restrictions in 2005, in flow of funds through this route has flourished like never before. But in the mean time, usage of domestic funds too have surged notably. According to a CRISIL study, while the share of traditional sources of funding like NABARD and overseas funds dropped from 63% to 59%, MFI borrowings from banks have more than doubled from 13% to 28% in 2005, mostly due to the removal of interest rate ceiling on MFI loans and declaration of treatment of the sector as a priority sector lender.

Despite easing of restrictions, MFIs continue to face major problems. And the biggest of the lot is the financial viability, which refers to maintaining the operational costs of running small-scale firms. MFIs have always been criticised for charging high interest rates to lenders (SHG’s charging 24% to 36% per annum). But then, the average borrowing costs are already at a high (12% in 2005). Thus, high borrowing costs coupled with high operating expenses (ranging between 4% to 19%) constrain MFIs’ ability to offer competitive rates. Nevertheless, the government has been pressurising them to reduce their lending rates.

MSME sector has always provided the thrust of progress both in the economic and social sense by creating large scale job opportunities, which, in turn, help in reducing regional and rural-urban disparities in terms of growth. Apart from this, it has acted as a shock-absorber during crucial times like the 2008-09 global economic crisis. When developed economies were reeling under complete financial instability, powerful developing economies like India were not affected to that extent, in part due to the strong resilience of MSMEs. India, after all, has largely been a bottom up story; unlike the Chinese. But it need not necessarily stay that way. MSMEs need to be able to fulfil their entrepreneurial ambitions and expand in scale to unleash the next wave of growth, which would be a great boost for the Indian economy as well. For that to happen, it is a must for the capital impediments to be removed.

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Candidates in Bihar's latest elections have dumped pamphlets and posters and embraced Munni with gusto, so what if she is 'badnaam',

When, sitting in her dingy, cramped quarters in Muzaffarpur's Chaturbhuj Sthaan, famed courtesan Munnibai penned and sang the bawdy composition Launda badnaam hua Naseeban tere liye, she could scarcely have imagined that one day a brazen rip-off of her composition would catch the nation's imagination. And how!

She would also never have imagined that the people would bowdlerise raunchy the ditty and throw her own name into the mix. Decades later, standing amid the madding crowd at an election rally just a furlong from Chaturbhuj Sthaan, one can hear the rip-off and the rip-off of that rip-off blaring from out-of-sync CD players. From Muzaffarpur to Mumbai and back to Muzaffarpur, life has indeed come full circle for Munnibai.

Unmindful of its history and the intended irony, some listless policemen are seeking some excitement. For the last two hours, they have been treated to old patriotic songs and are clearly not amused. The man they, and the madding crowd, are waiting for is none other than Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi. Over-enthusiastic sycophants, probably the only species that is not endangered, shouted slogans every now and then. A few street dogs mill around the place. It appears these canines aren't aware of the modus operandi of “the greatest festival of democracy”. Chances are, most of them were not born when the last time it was held. Boredom hung heavy in the air.

Suddenly, the campaign SUV of an influential Independent candidate comes to a screeching halt. Its Xplod speakers and Blaupunkt music system are in overdrive. The song? You've guessed it, Munni badnam hui. The policemen leap to their feet and try to match their steps with those of Salman Khan's. The paunch restricts their performance drastically. But clearly, the unknown face with an unknown election symbol has managed to catch their attention with a tawdry rip-off – what the supporters of the Gandhi-Nehru scion could not do with their patriotic songs. Welcome to Munni's own Bihar.

Munni badnaam hui is indeed the flavour of the season. Every party worth its salt, Independents included, have made parodies of this rendition to woo the electorate. Parodies have always been used here; but clearly they are the most potent tools this time around. The strict expenditure norms imposed by the Election Commission had clearly taken the lustre out of the campaign. Free liquor and non-veg feasts are on their way out and so are posters, cut-outs, banners and insignias. When it appeared that the traditional campaign was on its way to the ICU, Munni, the arch-angel of rustic pop-dom, intervened. Bihar is anything but a monolith. The agenda, inspiration, priorities, differ from region to region. The only shashwat satya, universal truth, is that Munni is badnaam everywhere.

A national leader concedes, “One has to read the pulse of the people. It is all market.” The Leftists can keep distributing their boring manifesto pamphlets. The mainstream is riding hard on Munni. No intended pun here.

The pedigree of the song is such that you can fit any lyrics on it, it can never be even remotely as bawdy as the original. Performed during Launda naach prior to a marriage, the Hindi heartland equivalent of a bachelor's party, the song describes sexual union by using household objects and kitchenware as rough and ready metaphors. It is not a “double meaning” song. It means just one thing.

Braj Bihari Mishra, a veteran of election parodies for 15 years, says, “No song ever caught the people's imagination like this. It is the first choice for every candidate. Lots of them come with already penned lyrics. If Munni decides to fight today, everybody will lose their deposit.”

Such is its impact that JD(U), which tried to keep a respectable distance from the song, lost its guts when candidates of the rival RJD came up with their version. The Chatth numbers and patriotic songs were soon discarded. Munni was ushered in with fanfare. And guess what, she has the party swaying.

Sitting in his recording studio in Patna's Dariapur Gola, Pradeep Gupta does not know what hit him. His studio is cutting 10 CDs every day on an average. He has prepared a catalogue of 50 popular Bhojpuri and Hindi songs that he shows to every prospective customer. Here, too, Munni gets special treatment. Every CD has 4-8 renditions punctuated at regular intervals by rhetoric and shayeri. Pradeep says, “While preparing the songs, we give preference to the latest hits. This catalogue of mine is now a complete waste. It's of no use anymore. Munni has vanquished everybody hands down.”

And mind you, Munni is certainly not without merit. The metre of the song is so tight that it is easy to spin out its parody. The tune, with due respect to the original composer, is also pretty catchy and, as the entire nation has discovered, foot-tapping. There are other lesser mortals in the fray too. Mehengayi dayan (from the Aamir Khan-produced film, Peepli Live) is a popular song for the opposition parties everywhere. NDA is naturally wary of it here in Bihar,” adds Gupta.

Another popular Bhojpuri composition, Tu lagawelu jab lipstick is also a mega hit with the poll candidates. It has been adapted in every language from Angika to Maithili. A sexist rendition that equates parts of the female anatomy with desserts and beverages, the song is a first choice for female candidates.

But between Munni and Lipstick, there are some surprise entries. Welcome break is provided by, hold your breath, Mirza Ghalib and Meer Taqi Meer. One particular Meer couplet talking about communal harmony has all-rounder status.

Since the candidates do not have much to say to the electorate on real development issues and visionary politics, the old, time-tested lines of Meer and Ghalib come in handy as fillers. These fillers are necessary to break the mundane monotone talking about candidate's biographies.

The singers, musicians, lyricists and sound recordists; everybody is making merry. Who said capital does not trickle down in India?

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Section 377 may have been reworked, but not social attitudes.

Sylvester Merchant at Lakshya Trust continues to struggle for acceptance for homosexuals like him in the hearts and minds of people.

The quiet corner, the isolated building and the climb up the creaky stairs could never lead one to guess that the office on the first floor housed a chirpy group of people devoted to a cause that raises eyebrows at best and draws violent abuse at worst. In Vadodara (Gujarat), the ‘queer’ group at Lakshya Trust serves as a benefactor for homosexuals who have been rejected by the society.

The foundation of Lakshya starts with the story of a young boy, Sylvester Merchant, who at a very young age of 20, courageously stood for his identity. “I always kept myself abreast of what was happening in the world, which is how I knew that this world also has homosexuals. It also helped me identify myself as one,” explained Sylvester who dedicated himself to Lakshya along with a few kindred souls.

Sylvester’s personality catches one’s attention for not only the obvious, but also for his knowledge and confidence. When questioned about his struggles, Sylvester held forth willingly, “The first thing I learnt when I realised I was gay was not to get into the trap of self-pity. I started reading a lot about homosexuals, socialised with them, and began interacting with the media. I think one of the reasons I did not invite comments about my sexuality was because I was very comfortable and confident about what I was.” Having counselled many gays, lesbians, and their parents to accept their children as they are, Sylvester laments the fact that he could not convince his own mother to accept his identity. “She’s still not comfortable with the fact that I’m gay. I’m dealing with the situation… managing it… it will happen,” he said with a calm smile.

Sylvester’s association with Lakshya Trust, established in 2000 for the benefit of the LGBT community, was like a dream come true. Harbouring dreams of becoming an activist and establishing a legal and respectful status for homosexuals, Sylvester found the perfect platform in Lakshya. “I can never thank Prince Manvendra (Gay Prince of Rajpipla) enough for roping me in this association, which was his initiative,” he said. A close knit group of about 15-20 people – none heterosexual – this organisation works towards building awareness in the society and provide support to victims of abuse and disease. “There was a time when we faced a lot of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but as people have become more aware, I’ve noticed a tremendous dip. One of our major focuses is on condom distribution campaigns where our people from different centres in Gujarat and other parts of India go to various areas within their city to distribute condoms. When gays or lesbians do this and talk to other homosexuals, i
t makes them accept the practice of safe sex more easily. The other issue that I’ve noticed is fear of discrimination. It badly scars homosexuals. And the only solution to this is education. I’d say that the Gay Pride Parade in 2008, and repealing Section 377 did make a difference,” he points out.

Our conversation was interrupted by an employee who strode into the room and gushed about her impending operation. I was introduced to Geeta by Sylvester, whose sex change operation (from male to female) was long due and she had just got a go-ahead from the doctors. After a breathless explanation of the process that was detailed by the doctor, Geeta almost flew out to share the news with the others in the organisation. “At Lakshya, we also provide funds to those like her,” said Sylvester.

Sylvester’s life wasn’t an easy ride and he intrepidly admits that it isn’t going to be so in the future either. What drives him is the desire to make the world a happy place; for homosexuals too. He talks of cases when his employees were harassed by the cops during their awareness campaigns and of situations where young gay boys were disowned by their families. “Imagine how traumatic such incidents can be at that age,” sighed Sylvester. Relentlessly working towards his ‘Lakshya’, Sylvester and his ilk bring hope to homosexuals of the world.

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A 15-point plan has been in place for decades for the uplift of Muslims but it has led to no visible improvement in the community's lot

Succour punch

Beyond political speeches and public posturings lies the truth. The ruling class has paid lip service to the community for decades and large sections of India's Muslims have struggled to keep up with a nation on a rapid growth curve. Even the Prime Minister's 15-point programme, devised to eradicate the problems of the minorities, hasn't been of much help.

Says Nafees Ansari, former principal of Zeenat Mahal Government Senior Secondary School: “In our country, formation of committees is the only solution. These committees take forever to diagnose an ailment. The process is so lengthy that by the time a treatment is prescribed the ailment either takes a new shape or becomes incurable.” The 15-point programme, she adds, is no different. "The suggested remedies remain on paper."

Dr Zafar Mehmood, chairman, Zakat Foundation of India and former bureaucrat, echoes the same sentiment. He was associated with the Sachar Committee and is now aggressively pursuing the implementation of minority welfare schemes. “Solutions are available. The problem is at the bureaucratic level. The bureaucracy does lacks the need will.”

Dr Mehmood says: “There is need for proper monitoring of schemes. The ministry of minority affairs has now appointed state-level monitors in the hope that this would speed up implementation.”

Praising the work done in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, Dr Mehmood says: “Excellent work has been done in this district but the situation is rather disappointing in the rest of the country”.

He adds: “The Union government decided last year the Centre would pay salaries of Urdu teachers in minority-concentrated areas. An order on this was to be issued by state governments. Nowhere except Maharashtra has this been done."

In 1980, a high-level committee was constituted by the Union government under the chairmanship of Dr Gopal Singh. Based on the committe's findings, a 15-point programme was launched in 1983 to hasten the socio-economic development of the minorities.

In its early stages, the focus was on communal riots, representation of minorities in services and ensuring the flow of benefits to the targetted groups. In 2005, this programme was revised. On June 22, 2006, the revamped plan was approved by the Union Cabinet. The emphasis was now on education, modernising madarsa learning, healthcare facilities and recruitment of minorities in the services.

But five years on, little has changed for the minorities. Most initiatives taken under the programme have at best been symbolic in nature.

One of the agenda items at the Delhi government's last Cabinet meeting was “Action taken/proposed to be taken by various departments... with regard to implementation of Prime Minister's New 15-point programme..."

TSI accessed a copy of the Cabinet note. It revealed that the Delhi government has done virtually nothing for the minorities in the field of education with regard to points 2 and 3 of the 15-point programme – improving access to school education and modernising madarsa education.

The note states: “The Directorate of Education, government of NCT of Delhi has informed 10 additional classrooms have been constructed in Buland Masjid School, Shastri Nagar, District North-East, 14 classrooms (Nand Nagri-04, Chauhan Bangar-06 and Seelampur-04) have been constructed in MCD schools. It was further informed that four classrooms are under construction in Rouse Avenue, District-Central, New Delhi. It is proposed to open Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidaylaya in a rented building in Mustafabad, District-North-East”.

The Cabinet note is completely silent on modernisation of madarsa education. Another point of the programme is greater resources for teaching Urdu. With regard to this point, the Cabinet note states, “It was also informed that nine posts pf PMT and six posts of TGT in Urdu are vacant. These posts have not been filled in spite of a request to Urdu Academy.” The Delhi CM is chairperson of Urdu Academy.

Asked about this, the secretary of Urdu Academy, Marghoob Abidi, says: “Actually there were some problems regarding recruitment rules but now they are ready and have been sent to the department”.

The former chairman of Delhi Minorities Commission, Kamal Farooqui, told TSI, “Shiela Dikshit wanted appointment of Urdu teachers to be done immediately. In one meeting she even asked the Department of Education to form a separate selection board for appointment of Urdu teachers but nothing had been done”.

In the Cabinet note, there is a mention of the Delhi Police response with regard to recruitment to Central and State Services. The note states: “The Delhi Police informed that no posts are reserved for minority community. However, direct recruitments are made by advertising the vacancies in leading newspapers and Employment News. Delhi Police has developed a highly professional and transparent recruitment process, which has been given ISO 9000-2000 certification.”

It elaborates: “Delhi Police follows a transparent system such as video graphing of outdoor and indoor tests, rotation of interview board on a daily basis and only 10 marks for interview. One officer belonging to SC/ST category is nominated in the interview board. Moreover, efforts are also made to nominate a member from the minority community... It was also decided appropriate publicity of recruitment will be done (among minorities).”

Blaming the bureaucracy for non-implementation of the 15-point programme, Farooqui asks: “When the PM has himself asked for representation of minorities in every service selection board, why it is not being implemented?”

Senior journalist and columnist Zafar Agha says: “Minorities, particularly Muslims, were optimistic after the Sachar Committee report was tabled. But not even 1% of the work has been done.”

Rajya Sabha member Mohd Adeeb says: “The will to implement decisions is missing in the government machinery. Because of non-implementation, these decisions remain mere political slogans.”

“Muslims," he adds, "face an awkward situation. They get nothing, yet end up becoming targets of the majority community. One political party takes credit for being pro-Muslim, while the other screams appeasement of minorities”.

Blame it on what you will, the welfare of minorities on the ground level isn't visible. Problems continue to haunt the community. The disease has been diagnosed, the medicine has been prescribed, but the treatment has to begin in right earnest.


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Shelter from the storm

An 82-year-old man runs his own free ration shop in a small town in Gujarat, helping more than 300 haplessly poor families, Hitesh Ankleshwaria reports

At first glance, it looks like a typical government ration shop. The sizeable crowd that has gathered for the doors to be unlocked adds to the perception. The faces are wrinkled and lustreless. These people are caught unaware by the mathematics that defines poverty line in this country. They are neither BPL nor APL. So, for long, they did not get the benefits of the BPL category. They did not even get enough food after working extremely hard.

But an 82-year-old man, Navneetbhai Manibhai Shah, decided to intervene about 10 years back. Navneetbhai has managed to change the face of Verasa village on the outskirts of Balasinor town in Kheda district of Gujarat. The mud houses have been replaced by concrete structures. Children study in a big primary school building with a huge playground.

Balasinor is a small town with 38,000 residents as per the records of the Nagarpalika. More than 45 villages surround it. Balasinor is peculiar in nature, it falls in the ultra-rich Kheda district but is bordered by the tribal districts of Sabarkantha and Panchmahal. The two main cities of Kheda district, Anand and Nadiad, are 65 to 70 km away from here. The land is rocky, the landscape arid, life is hard. The terrain is marked by small mounds every here and there. In Balasinor, Hindus and Muslims are in equal proportions and communal tension is a normal thing. Kshatriyas, Thakor, Targara, Muslims and tribals make up the population of the nearby 45 villages.

Verasa is a tribal village, 3 km away from Balasinor. Ten years back, it had only around 50 mud houses and lacked every basic amenity like a primary school, a health centre or a PDS ration shop. Poverty and superstition reigned supreme.

The man who changed all of that is just five feet tall and weighs around 55 kg. He says, “I can not walk easily.” But he gets up early in the morning and starts his work from 5 am. His day ends at 8 pm. At noon, he rests for an hour. He lives alone in Balasinor and does all the work himself. His family members live in Mumbai. Out of his six children, three are settled in the US and three are running businesses in Mumbai.

Navneetbhai retired at 70 from his hardware business. He had noticed how the government provides ration at a concessional rate to BPL families through Pandit Dindayal shops. BPL families can get grain, sugar, oil and kerosene from these shops. But the ration shop he launched at Balasinor’s Patva Sheri, named “Rahat yagya nu ration card”, is unique. Here, all things are distributed for free. For that, Navneetbhai has identified 300 needy families from the villages surrounding Balasinor. These families get grains, oil, sugar, kerosene, soaps and washing powder absolutely free of cost eight times a month. Navneetbhai has prepared his own ration cards for these needy families which contain their names, addresses and even photographs.

Navaneetbhai calls his work “Rahat yagya nu ration card”. He has created the Mahtama Gandhi Trust to oversee the work. He recalls, “After retirement from my business, I decided to spend rest of life in native Balasinor. I migrated to Mumbai as a 17-year old in search of a job. I came from an ordinary background. At that time, Balasinor offered virtually no employment opportunity. In Mumbai, I started my own business. Hard work made me prosperous and I bought a house near the White House in Valkeshwer. All my six children are well educated and settled. My eldest son is 63 years old and I have 11 grand children. I was not ready to sit idle after retirement. I intended to do some thing, not to earn but only to serve. In 1995, I returned to my native Balasinor. Everyday I went to the temple and prayed. And then it happened.”

The old man continues, “I can remember it very well. One evening evening, during my regular stroll, I came across a little tribal girl, malnourished and in torn, dirty clothes. She was transfixed on something and I stopped to see what she was up to. There was a dead lizard. She picked it up and was about to swallow it. I stopped her. She said she was very hungry. I had never witnessed something like this in my life. She was scared and hungry. I took her home and gave her some eatables. I got her name and that of her village. Next day, I walked to her village, Verasa. There I saw how tribal people lived in absolute penury.”

Navneetbhai takes off his spectacles, wipes off the small droplets of tears that have started rolling down his cheeks.

On that fateful day, he met his friends Dahyabhai Master and Rasikbhai Lakdavala. “I persuaded them to help these poor people. Our Dashnama Vaishnavite community has always stood ahead for the service of the poor. I decided that even if I had to stand with folded hands before anybody for the sake of these poor people, then be it. I decided to build a school and pakka houses for these people even if I had to go begging from house to house. I started visiting that tribal village regularly. Rasikbhai gave me Rs 2.5 lakh and I decided to transform the village. But after roaming here and there for a few months, I found that it was very difficult. So I decided to try another way,” says the crusader.

Navneetbhai made a list of his relatives, well wishers and friendsfrom India and abroad. He says to TSI, “I elaborated on my plans and surprisingly received positive responses with plenty of money.”He pauses and then starts again, “I did not want to run this scheme like a government scheme. So I did some research work. I got good support from Pravinbhai Sevak (a resident of Balasinor) who is a retired bank officer. We both visited Sabat, Karanpur, Sahiyawadi, Kotarbot, Sakaria, Sarola, Pepatiya and other nearby villages and went from hut to hut. We looked at the conditions of every family and prepared a list of potential beneficiaries. We also set up some rules e.g. to enroll only those families whose family members work very hard but hardly get two square meals a day, those who do not have any home appliance, where no male member has any addiction, so on and so forth.”

Navneetbhai shows TSI the ledgers, lists of donors and other documents. “We started our work with 250 families. The donations we received from donors were used to buy food grain from Ahmedabad. Then we called the beneficiaries, made their entries on the cards and distributed the grain amongst them. We made a rule that no beneficiary would misuse or resell these grain or other items. To make the system foolproof, we frequently visited their homes and kept a watch on them. The card would be cancelled if any beneficiary was found to violate any rule,” he says.

Navneetbhai shows TSI a list of around 100 beneficiaries whose names have been cancelled for violating the rules. His passion towards this work was splendid. Pratap Rupanayak from Verasa is a beneficiary. He doesn’t remember his age, is illiterate and physically challenged and a bit short of hearing. He has been regularly getting essential commodities on the ‘Rahat Yagna’ ration card for the last five years. One of his sons is a labourer in Surat. Pratap and his wife don't have any other livelihood. TSI can see the changes Navneetbhai's efforts have induced. Bhuriben Bala, a 70-year-old lady, is from Karnapur, 10 km from Balasinor. One of her sons is mentally challenged, another one is a labourer. She used to struggle to feed her family of eight. After receiving this relief, Bhuriben has admitted her three grandsons in schools. Her eyes are full of satisfaction and gratitude.

Right now, Navneetbhai's ration scheme has 300 beneficiaries. In a country where lakhs of tons of grains rot in government godowns, 600 million live in abject poverty and the Union agriculture ministry finds it impossible to distribute grains for free, Navneetbhai’s ‘Rahat Yagna Ration Card’ scheme is a slap in the face of the establishment.

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Why your wife or girlfriend seems "off sex" of late?

Dr Suman Bijlani lists women's common sexual concerns and what they mean for men

Wonder why your wife/girlfriend seems "off sex" of late? Why does she complain of a headache just when you are in the mood? Fact is, as with men, sex is a big issue for women too. Only, due to conditioning or lack of awareness, most women don't articulate them.

Generally, women realise they have sexual problems only when:
» It affects their relationship
» Their partner starts complaining
» When they are depressed
» When they themselves get involved in an extra-marital affair.

Also, the nature of problems differs slightly with age.

Younger women:
Sexual problems relate more to body image issues and 'performance anxiety'. Especially if they feel sex is the only way they can hold on to their relationship.

Older women:
Sex boils down to a chore or duty after years of marriage/relationship. It then manifests in pains, aches, lack of orgasm and other physical symptoms.

The bottomline:
Don't blame your dull sex life on her PMS or mood swings. Gynaecologist Dr Suman Bijlani of Gyneguide tells you how to read between the lines.

Problem: Lack of interest
Message: Foreplay continues throughout the day
A woman wants her man to make her feel special throughout the day. This sets up her mood for the special night. In a marriage, being interested in the house or taking care of the children is important. Conflicts with kids affects her relationship with her husband.
Hence make that special effort to show you care — through messages, gifts, a special outing etc.

Problem: Poor body image
Message: I want to feel beautiful when I'm with you
A woman might shy away from intercourse due to poor body image — a result of low self-esteem. If her partner nags her about her lack of perfection, it can affect her sexual confidence. It's foolhardy to say things like 'your hips are too wide' or 'breasts are too small' and later expect her to perform in bed. For a woman, the only solution is to work on herself as a person. Men get attracted by a woman's confidence.

Problem: Faking it
Message: Orgasm isn't everything
Men tend to focus only on orgasm, but often for a woman, great foreplay is enough. Hence, ensure she is happy with the quality of sex. If she fakes an orgasm, it means she isn't satisfied and doesn't trust you enough to tell you. Such a behaviour points to chinks in the relationship, hence work on them first.

Problem: Frequency issues
Message: I am no sex machine
Some men want sex every day, but with women, many other factors need to be in place. There is no ideal time or frequency for sex,but if the frequency of desire is very disparate, seek help. If a woman is stressed or has resentments towards her man, it reflects in lack of interest in sex.

Problem: Pain during sex
Message: Be considerate in bed
A common problem, painful intercourse can result from vaginal infection or if the partner is very aggressive. Pain is of two types. Superficial pain: which occurs at the time of insertion. Or deep pain: that's usually pathological or due to endometriosis or infections. This needs to be taken seriously. Using a lubricant or increasing foreplay can help.

Problem: Body odour
Message: Please be pleasant
Both men and women can suffer from fungal infections, tinea infection and similar problems that lead to body odour. To stimulate a woman's interest in sex, it is essential that the man maintains a pleasant personality and smells good as well. Taking the point further, he should make an effort to look good for his woman. It leads to a better response in bed.

Problem: Fear of pregnancy
Message: Take care of protection
It's often the fear of pregnancy that makes women shy away from sex. For good sex, it's important for both partners to be equally aware and responsible for contraception.

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Bomb blasts kill 10 in Nigeria

At least 10 people were killed and nine injured when three bomb blasts ripped through a market inside a military barracks in northern Nigeria, hours after President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, police said on Monday.Police said they are probing the blasts.

Violence, frequent shootings and bomb attacks are among the challenges facing Jonathan, a southerner who was sworn in for a full four-year term after defeating his major opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari from the north.Though no group has claimed responsibility for the blast, it has all the signature of Boko Haram, an Islamic sect that wants to install Sharia government in the country. Post-election violence in the country claimed more than 800 people in the north but the sect was not part of the sporadic uprising.

The violence has been linked to members of Buhari's Congress for Democratic Change (CPC) which was defeated by Jonathan's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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Miller's worth

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Since breaking out of prison on tv in the highly acclaimed and popular 'prison break', the good looking wentworth miller is back strutting his stuff in the latest installment of the resident evil franchise. Neha Sarin catches up with the actor to find out what challenges chris redfield's character had for him

How was it for you to come to this franchise? Were you familiar with "Resident Evil"?

I'd heard of it! (laughs) I hadn't seen the movies; I had never played the video games. I was aware that it had a significant presence in pop culture but it was new to me, so I knew I had homework to do and my approach was to try and balance a number of influences as best I could and one of them was to watch the video games. I had the producers cut together sequences that spoke to me (about my) character's back story and then I went online and did my research as there is a lot of conversation and expectation among the fans as to who Chris Redfield is or should be and then there is also Chris Redfield as imagined by Paul. I had to fit into his vision. It was a good time. I especially enjoyed coming from an experience like prison break.

Did you ever feel like "I have no control over my fate, so I am sticking to acting"?

Yeah, you stick to it because you have a choice. You stick to it because you like to do it above anything else in the world. Even when I wasn't working, I was in class and doing scenes and doing what I love, which is to tell stories... to touch people and to inspire people whether it's on stage or in front of the camera. It makes no difference at the end of the day. I am lucky enough that I am at a place in my career where I can pick and choose. I wasn't always like that, but now that I am, I want to proceed as carefully as possible.

What were your early experiences on stage?

As a kid, I think it was a Thanksgiving Day play and I got to play one of the pilgrims and my parents came and they all toddled out on stage with homemade costumes. I think it was that first round of applause that clued me into that very special connection between an actor and his audience. There is nothing like it and that's why I can't walk away.

How was it working with Milla Jovovoich?

I think she is the walking embodiment of this movie. I think one of the reasons this franchise is so successful is because her character is so distinct, strong, smart, driven' a vulnerable woman who happens to be the action figure in the centre of an action adventure franchise. I don't think we tell enough of those stories, but if you look back to Sigourney Weaver in 'Alien', her character Ripley, Milla is kind of the direct descendant of that line and it's at the core of this movie's appeal. And for me to jump on to this train that's many miles down its track, it was important to look to on the set, to copy, to role model myself after, in terms of what is this universe, what's the level of expectations, what's required of me and like I said, she is kind of the walking example of all those things. Now that your role in the series, 'Prison Break", is over, would you come back to TV?

Absolutely! I think there are some amazing stories being told on TV and let's be honest, the things you can do with a character over the course of four seasons, you can't do in a movie. Therefore, that is tremendously appealing. At the same time, having come from a TV show that went for four years, we shot for ten months and the other two months were spent promoting. It's nice to be involved in a movie where I shoot it for two months, come back for a month of press and I am done, so I can turn my attention to something else.

What's your favourite TV show?

I am watching reality competition shows actually ' 'Top Chef', 'Project Runway' and 'Work of Art' which was great and unexpected, going through the artistic process.

Have you seen the completed version of Resident Evil 4? Since the movie is shot in 3D, how was the experience?

I have not. I have seen only bits and pieces. While we were shooting in 3D which in its best usage is not a distraction from the story but is actually being used to tell the story. It's a nice integration of the technology with the particular tale they wish to tell. I wish to see amazing kick-ass stunt sequences, that's why we put it together, that's why people will want to see it. My job as an actor is to try and layer the character in and around the gun fights and the battle sequences when something horrible happens to Claire or Chris or Alice It registers with the audiences who care at some level.

What do you like about the pop culture. No video games?

Naah, no video games! I grew up in a house where it was all about homework. There wasn't really any opportunity for video games or comic books, they were kinda frowned upon. So this is my opportunity to have a second childhood. But I love going to movies, I love certain kinds of TV. I love classical music, not in a know-it-all, aficionado kind of way. I couldn't tell you the name of composers or different pieces. I just like it as a background music; it's inspiring and music is something I use when I am approaching a character or a scene. It can be anything that gets you in the right mood .

So what did you listen to for this role?

Ummm! I think it was some Eminem' playing it kind of loud and aggressive.

If you had to pick your next favourite character, what would you like to play?

I would love to find 'My Shining'. I would love to do a Jack Nicolson in it. I think it's a great example of a horror movie that has a lot of psychological meat on the bone.


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Dabangg for your buck

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TSI Five-O: Action packed entertaining Salman starrer; 'nuff said!

Getting into the skin of Chulbul Pandey would have been perhaps the easiest thing for Salman Khan, given that he was pretty much playing himself ' someone with a mischievous attitude combined with a heart of gold. Salman seems to be enjoying every bit of the antics he gets to do on screen (from implausible looking stunts to delivering punch lines specially crafted for the seeti-taali set) and it shows. 'Dabangg', with its plot stitched together from shreds of clich'd story line fabric, seems to revel in celebrating the irreverent (check out the comic book fight scenes and you'll know) and Salman is the face of that celebration. Sonakshi Sinha also gives a good account of herself and proves an able foil for Salman.

The story is that of Chulbul Pandey, a cop who calls himself Robin Hood Pandey and acts pretty much the same way. Local goon Chhedi Singh (Sonu Sood, trying the hardest he ever has to ape Amitabh Bachchan) doesn't quite see eye to eye with Chulbul's methods and decides to manipulate Chulbul's brother Makhan (Arbaaz Khan, quite average) into acting against him. There are some other subplots that do enough to present one entertaining sequence after the other.

The timing of the film and its over the top execution works wonders to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable ride, one where you'll keep pointing out mistakes yet get mysteriously enamoured by the silliness of it all. Even the songs have a fun factor about them. And you will have Sallu to thank for that. If you're going, one suggestion ' learn how to whistle!

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RESIDENT EVIL, AFTERLIFE: Uber-cool Zombie land

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TSI Five-O: If you love video games, you'll fancy this one

The fourth installment of 'Resident Evil, Afterlife' is an action packed graphically-sound sci-fi flick which is clearly not cut-out for critics. The movie resembles an ultra-cool video game, sadly giving no more depth to the characters or the plot.

Dressed in a sleek black leather suit, Alice (Milla Jovovich), the protagonist, and a number of her clones have taken it upon themselves to destroy the cruel company Umbrella Corp. A matrix-style fight scene in the Tokyo headquarters of Umbrella follows. The target man, Chairman Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts) senses danger and flees from the 'bloody' mess in a super-jet. Mid-journey, Alice ambushes from nowhere and attempts to kill Albert, only to be injected by a serum which neutralises her super powers. As the two are busy exchanging dialogues, the plane crashes and burns to ashes. As fate would have it, Alice survives without a scratch and within months is flying around in search of survivors.

The irony is she is impeccably dressed and flaunts fabulous lipstick and make-up. Wonder who she's trying to impress with no one around!

After months of solidarity and speaking to her camera, she finds a rather savage looking amnesiac, Claire (Ali Larter) who she takes into custody. Further, they get lucky as they spot a few survivors residing on the roof of a high security prison which is surrounded by swarms of zombies.

The movie will impress a masala-action aficionado. Though the cinematography is visually appealing and the techno-metal score suits the nonstop action, the movie is no-brainer. It is also hard to ignore that the fight scenes share striking similarities with the ones in 'The Matrix'. The dialogues are below par and the sporadic humour raises laughter for its sheer stupidity.

That said, 'Afterlife' reiterates that there is a market for its kind and the producers are more than happy minting the millions guaranteed with each sequel.

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This haat beats for art

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Bringing artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious citizens together, Art Mart II proved to be much more than just a platform for buying and selling art. Anu Gulmohar paints the picture of Art Mart II in a little less than 1000 words'

Gurgaon is the millennium city with its high rises, posh hotels and a fair share of people with a taste for the finer things in life. It's of little wonder then that an art fair has begun to be held annually here and artists from all over India and beyond converge at the Art Mart. On one hand it aims at meeting the needs of Gurgaon and NCR residents who wish to deck-up their homes with affordable paintings and sculptures, and on the other hand it offers works of a hundred and more artists for the pick of connoisseurs and corporates. While the capital plays host annually to the prestigious Art Summit, which boasts of some of the biggest names on the art scene, its satellite city got a sampling of a unique melange of art, in this second edition of Art Mart, which was held between 10th and 12th September. The three-day event featured not just art works but even workshops and seminars that gave regular people a rare opportunity to interact and learn from the artists and experts in the industry.

Inaugurated by Dr Karan Singh (MP, Rajya Sabha & President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations), an enthralling performance by Sidigoma, the tribal Sufi Community of East African origin based in Gujarat, set the stage for Art Mart II, an initiative by Old World Hospitality. Playful installations by artists like Dharmendra Rathore and Anjolie Ela Menon welcomed people, while stall after stall of paintings brought here by galleries and artists awaited them inside. Showcasing contemporary art in its multifarious forms ' drawings, sculptures, ceramics, installations, photographs, prints, digital and video art, mixed media and performance art ' Art Mart II went on to also hold an Art Appreciation Course, a Draw and Paint workshop, Snap it Up photography workshop, Face 2 Face for buyers with artists, On The Spot Painting Competition for children, an Art Camp for artists, a Panel Discussion for experts, live sessions of portrait-making and caricature painting for the public. There was even an Art Book Caf' and a Collectors' Lounge at the Mart. These courses and discussions were meant to further engage and encourage people toward art.

So if you're relatively new to the world of art collecting, the 2-day Art Appreciation Course could've provided you with a leg-up. Conducted by Sushma Bahl, she shared with us some rules of the trade. 'Before the investment, one should look at the quality of the art work and how one responds to it, in terms of technical finesse, what the work is saying to you, how it looks, how the artist has created it, who's the person who has created it. And then of course, its value in terms of the cost, whether the artist has done well so far, which way he's going. One needs to study all this. It involves knowing, understanding the work itself, knowing about the artist, where he comes from, from where he's started, where he's today, which kind of shows he's done so far. All of these factors ought to be considered before one decides to buy a work of art. And if you spot talent at a young stage, then you are a gainer in every respect. First of all, the quality of his technical work will improve and of course the value of the work also jumps quickly,' said Bahl. Amandeep Singh, a resident of Gurgaon and an amateur photographer, was among the participants of Snap it Up, a photography workshop by Sandeep Biswas. Sharing his experience with us, he said, 'I was not too sure what to expect, but needed some clarity on certain issues. To some extent, I got critical answers, along with a better understanding of photography. I got some new ideas and perspectives from the workshop.' Dinesh Khanna curated another photography initiative, the Gurgaon Wall, which was a community effort and featured photographs of Gurgaon sent in by professionals and amateurs.

Claiming to have garnered business worth crores in its first year, Art Mart had considerably heightened the expectations of all parties involved. Bahl filled us in about this year's sales. 'Almost all galleries did sell something and the few that didn't sell made some important contacts and links that they're now pursuing,' he said. Of the 40 paintings brought in from Africa by Muzu Sulemanjee, nine were sold. 'We haven't got all the figures yet; I think some more sales will materialise in the next few days,' reassured Bahl.

As Art Mart II claimed to be promoting emerging artists, the more prominent artists and galleries were seen missing from action. Whether it's a deliberate decision or a teething problem we're not sure, but it left some people rather discontented. Alakananda Saha of Montage Arts gallery was among one to comment. 'Only five-six stalls had good serious art. Next year the organisers should select more judiciously and select serious art. So the serious buyers are attracted and even if someone buys something small for their homes, they should have something they can cherish all their lives, and it would also be something that will have future value,' said Saha. In its effort to be so much at once, Art Mart II might have missed the bull's eye on certain parameters, but overall it was a laudable effort by Old World Hospitality. As a resident of Gurgaon, I am already looking forward to Art Mart III.

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Mysore sex workers run and man a restaurant as an attempt to reintegrate themselves with the mainstream

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Almost every eating joint in the city claims to have a USP. But before we delve into Mysore-based Hotel Ashodaya's USP, let's talk about the food served here. In the morning, they serve idly, dosa, ricebath and a variety of side dishes for the breakfast. In the afternoon, proper lunch is served. As one enters the hotel, waiters would hand over the menu with a smiling face and a gesture of respect. The food here is delicious, the surroundings clean.

But despite that Ashodaya was not a hit with the locals even after quite a few months of its opening. The reason? Well, the hotel was actually founded and is manned by the city's sex workers. So, many people avoided it.

Hotel Ashodaya was founded by the Ashodaya group, an NGO that works for the welfare of sex workers and transgenders. 'It was in 2008 that we started the hotel to help men and women from our community and even the non-community people who support our work,' informs Prakash, a male sex worker who works for Ashodaya.

In 2004, a core team working for the welfare and safety of sex workers launched the Ashodaya group, to unite them and bring them to the mainstream by brushing aside the social stigma heaped on them. 'Dr Sushena, Dr Sundar Raman, Senthil and Kaveri were in the core team and Ashodaya was their brainchild. In the beginning it was a small group of sex workers with technical support from the non-community people.

As days passed by, sex workers of Mysore city started joining this organisation,' says Akram Pasha, a male sex worker serving as the deputy director of Ashodaya Samithi and coordinator for the hotel project.

It is hardly a five-minute walk from Mysore Palace. The road next to Dalavayi School will take you directly to Ashodaya. 'We provide breakfast and lunch facilities to the customers and by 6 pm, our outlet is closed as the sex workers move on to their usual profession. Sex work is their profession and hotel work is like a side business. At present five sex workers and three non-community workers are working in this hotel,' says Prakash.

'The profit from the restaurant helps the progress and empowerment of sex workers. The income generated here directly goes to our Care Home project,' says Nagarathnamma, a female sex worker. Those care homes are exclusively for the safety and protection of exploited sex workers. 'We have started our 'care homes' in six districts of Karnataka. In the evening, doctors visit our care home and treat men and women who are neglected and uncared for,' explains Shashikala, a sex worker of the group.

Shashikala had no idea about a condom before she joined hands with Ashodaya. 'I didn't know what a condom was and how it could be used... I was ignorant of all those preventive measures. But after entering the Ashodaya group, I learnt the safety measures. Thereafter, I insist on condoms for my clients. If a client does not accept it, he can take a hike,' says Shashikala. Akram Pasha is also one of the trainers at the Ashodaya Academy. 'We use our personal stories to educate the female, transgender and male sex workers in preventive healthcare, legal literacy and skill-building for HIV prevention,' he informs. Ashodaya hotel also provides catering service to several educational institutions, corporations and companies. 'Many of them gave good feedback about our service and food. It's really helping us to improve ourselves and provide more services to our customers,' says Prakash.

Previously, only sex workers used to work in the hotel, but when non-community men came forward to work for the hotel, sex workers were actually surprised. 'That was a progressive move. The restaurant has paved the way for parity and has lessened the gap between sex workers and the public,' observes Rathnamma, a sex worker and a senior member of the group.

'When Ashodaya hotel was opened, locals avoided it as the staff were professional sex workers. But reasonable pricing, good taste, hygienic food and cleanliness perhaps made them rethink,' recalls Rathnamma.

An assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh from the World Bank eventually paved the way for the hotel project in 2008. Since then, it has completely changed the mindset of sex workers. They have started thinking as a part of the mainstream.

The families of some of the sex workers have started accepting them back after the latter found a space for themselves in the mainstream after joining Ashodaya. 'But more Ashodayas are needed for this to happen fully, only one association in Mysore cannot reach all the sex workers,' opines Jinendra, a male sex worker and a member of Ashodaya.

'We do not force men or women here to carry on with sex work. If they are happy about the profession, then it's our duty to make them aware of all the safety measures and to avoid complications. We have managed to check the number of HIV-positive cases in Mysore, which was on the rise, over the years,' says Fathima who works as a technical supporter in Ashodaya.

Ashodaya hotel is a ray of hope for the sex workers but no one wishes to leave the profession. 'This is our profession. We are going in the right path without harming the public or anyone. The society needs to accept it,' is the argument of these sex workers.

'We are happy that even the government is supporting us, especially people like Shobha Karandlaje, the former rural development minister of the state. We don't need anybody's sympathy but acceptance as a part of the society,' concludes Girija, a transgender.

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Lalu Prasad Yadav: Bihar wants me back as CM

IIPM Proves Its Mettle Once Again...

It is difficult to keep the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav down for very long. He was a constant headline-grabber until the last general elections pushed him out of the media glare. But he was back in the news last week. For 80 minutes, in a 'mock' Lok Sabha session after the Lower House was adjourned by deputy Speaker, Kariya Munda, over an uproar triggered by the debate on an enhanced salary for Members of Parliament, he assumed the post of Prime Minister. What exactly was going on in the mind of the irrepressible politician? It is difficult to tell off-hand, but in an exclusive interview, he told Praveen K Singh that the people of Bihar have seen through the hollowness of Nitish Kumar's "tall claims" and will vote the RJD back to power in the next Assembly elections. Excerpts from the conversation:

How do you react to the fact that the RJD has lost the status of a national party?
I am not too perturbed. Such decisions are a part of the political process and they do not really affect anything within the party. Our electoral symbol ' the lantern ' was given to us not because the RJD was a national party but because it was a powerful political force in Bihar and many other states of the country. In fact, If only we had received just one per cent more of the votes in Jharkhand in the last parliamentary polls, we would have retained the status of a national party. However, this development will certainly not in anyway have long-term repercussions on the party's political fortunes or its manner of functioning.

The RJD as a political force would continue to move forward with its agenda of fighting to provide respite to the people of Bihar from the corrupt Nitish Kumar government. Nitish Kumar and his supporters are trying to mislead voters by spreading false rumours about the cause and effect of the RJD losing its national party status. There is going to be absolutely no threat to our electoral symbol. I would request you to wait until the next Jharkhand elections. We will be back on the list of national parties in a matter of days.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar has been saying that the return of the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led alliance will pave the way for another 'rule of terror' in Bihar. He insists that by projecting himself as a chief ministerial candidate, Lalu has only made the NDA's task much easier in Bihar. How do you react to this jibe and how do you rate Nitish Kumar as chief minister of the state?
The Nitish Kumar administration has been the most corrupt ever in the history of Bihar. The ministers and bureaucrats are up to their necks in corruption. Welfare schemes meant for the poor are limited only to certain districts of Bihar where Nitish Kumar has pronounced vested interests.

He has all along been promoting people of his own caste whereas the RJD has always believed in taking people of all castes together. Regarding the fact that I am being projected as a chief ministerial candidate, let me assure you that the people of Bihar have realised their mistake and they want to bring me back to power. It is being said that Lalu Prasad has changed now and he is trying to woo the upper castes to whom he had paid no heed in the past.

Would you agree that you have changed?
Lalu Prasad Yadav is not the leader of Yadavs and Muslims alone. He has the blessings of people of all castes in Bihar. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been in the saddle for more than 15 years. What I want to say is that let us dissolve these artificial differences between backwards and forwards.

I appeal to everyone in Bihar to reassess their standpoint and think about the development of the whole nation. Whether it is Bhumihars or Rajputs or Brahmins, we have always respected everyone and tried to take them along on the path of growth. With the blessings of the people of the state and the Almighty, I was able to rule Bihar despite the evil designs of my detractors.

If, as you claim, caste combinations have always been in your favour, then why did you lose the last parliamentary elections?
Caste combinations slipped away from us. CM Nitish Kumar has promised many things to many people. As a result, many of our one-time supporters have deserted us. But this will not last forever. These people are already regretting their decision. I come from a humble background where people cannot dream of achieving what I have managed to do. It is only because of our democracy that I have been able to reach where I am today.

Since 1977, I don't think there has been another politician in this country who has received more love, affection and support from the people than I have. As for the last elections, my vote base declined by 20 lakh. Polling in Bihar was between 25 per cent and 30 per cent and it went up to a maximum of 40 per cent. In effect, that meant that 70 per cent of the voters were turned away from the polling booths. The government and the Election Commission are equally responsible for this low turnout. I raised my voice against the voter I-card but nobody listened to me.

About 70 per cent of voters in Bihar do not have I-cards and thus could not vote. None of us in the party, not I, not Rabri Devi, ever thought that we would find ourselves in this sort of situation in the 15th Lok Sabha, but ups and downs are an integral part and parcel of life. The world will remember our work. In Bihar, we did everything we could for the welfare of poor people. I brought projects worth Rs 55,000 crore to Bihar along with industry. People can today travel for Rs 3 in trains whereas they once had to shell out Rs 20 to commute in buses.

The Congress party has announced that it will contest the next Bihar Assembly elections on its own. Do you believe that the RJD is a part of the UPA or do you consider yourself a part of the Opposition to the UPA government at the Centre?
We have extended our unconditional support to the United Progressive Alliance government but we are outside the government. The UPA believed in maintaining its pre-poll alliances and so we are not a partner at the moment. The UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, is a good woman. We have great mutual respect for each other. It is the media that carried completely fabricated stories that claimed that Lalu Prasad Yadav has fallen out of favour with her.

All these media reports are absolutely false and a figment of somebody's fertile imagination.

Is your tirade against the media not the familiar refrain of politicians who have no respect for democracy and public opinion. Why don't you instead heed the media's message rather than try to shoot the messenger?
The media always thrives on masala. It invariably misquotes and misinterprets the statements that are made by political leaders. And Lalu Prasad Yadav has always been a source of masala for the whole media community. The electronic media is particularly guilty of this. They have nothing substantial to show. So, on many occasions, you will find them repeating the same visuals over and over again. Sometimes, they go to the extent of passing off old visuals as new. Lalu Prasad Yadav has always been a hot topic of discussion for the media. The media, it seems, cannot do without me.

What about your avowed ambition to become the Prime Minister of India one day. Do you see yourself holding that post anytime in the future?
No, I do not harbour any such aspirations. In fact, nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. But in case I do become the Prime Minister, I will definitely enforce a ban on all fascist forces in the country. I will make this country secular, peaceful and a world power.

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