India is not complete without Kashmiriyat:PM Modi

07-November-2015 14:23 IST

PM announces eighty thousand crore rupee package for J and K

PM addresses public meeting at Srinagar

Srinagar: 7th November 2015: (PIB):

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today announced a development package of eighty thousand crore rupees for the State of Jammu and Kashmir. In his address at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar, Shri Narendra Modi recalled former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee's message of Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, Insaniyat.

"India is not complete without Kashmiriyat," the Prime Minister said, mentioning the Sufi tradition of India. 

He praised the people of the state for reposing their faith in Jamhooriyat (democracy) and said that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir had to be based on Insaniyat. 

The Prime Minister said his Government worked for "Sabka saath, sabka vikas," and therefore, it was essential for development to reach all parts of the country. He said the State of Jammu and Kashmir should return once again to the days when people from all parts of India saved money to visit the State. He said that besides tourism, attention was being given to sectors such as Pashmina, and Saffron. 

The Prime Minister narrated his experience of reconstruction following the Gujarat earthquake of 2001. He said that though the State of Jammu and Kashmir had suffered a lot due to floods last year, he saw the spirit (jazba) among the people, and was convinced that the State would soon overcome the difficulties. He recalled how he had rushed to the State soon after the floods and had spent Diwali last year in the State. He also recalled how his mother had given him Rs. 5000 last year for flood relief in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The Prime Minister said the atmosphere of gloom that pervaded India till recently has lifted over the last 17 months. He said India is now considered the fastest growing major economy in the world. 

The Prime Minister mentioned that the State from where young cricketer Pervez Rasool hails, should witness international cricket matches again. He said top Indian cricketers use bats made in the State. 

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, and Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh were present on the occasion. (PIB)

***

Invitation-Spreading Buddhism Conference 2013

Sun, Jul 7, 2013 at 5:57 PMInvitation - Spreading Buddhism Conference 2013 An International meet

will be held at Nagpur on July 20-21, 2013

              Civil Rights Protection cell is going to organize "Spreading Buddhism 
Conference 2013, an International Meet" at Dr. Ambedkar Cultural Hall, Urvela
Colony, Wardha Road, Nagpur on July 20-21, 2013 with association of 
AWAZ India TV, Dr. Ambedkar Engineers Association, Dr. Ambedkar Health
Organization, Ashwaghosh Buddhist Foundation, Jeewak Welfare Society.
The two days program is as follows.:
     Saturday 20th July 2013
* 10.00 Am : Inauguration - H.E. Tsona Gontse Rimpoche
                    Welcome Chairperson - Dr. Milind Jiwane
                    Chairperson - Hon. Amar Ramteke
                    Chief Guest - Ven. Khem Dhammo
                    Guest of Honors - Dr. Arvind Alok (New Delhi)
                                           Adv. Bharulata Kamble (Film Producer, Australia)
* 12.00AM - Publication of Souvenir "Buddha Chakra"
Session - I 
* 1.00 to 2.30 PM - Buddha Sangiti (For Monks)        
               Chairperson - Ven. Khem Dhammo
              Co-Chairperson - Ven. Nandvardhan Bodhi
              Rapport - Ven. Mettanand
Session - II
* 2.30 to 4.00 PM : The Concept of Buddhist India.               Chairperson - Adv. Vasant Umare
              Co-Chairperson - Er. P.S. Khobragade
              Rapport - Dr. Milind Mane
Session - III
* 4.15 to 5.45 PM: The Buddhist Code of Conduct.
              Chairperson - Hon. B.M. Kaushal
              Co-Chairperson - Adv. Vasant Khaparde
              Rapport - Dr. Suchit Bagde
Session IV
* 5.45 to 6.15 PM : Buddhism & Women Empoerment.
               Chairperson - Dr. Rupa Bodhi Kulkarni
              Co-Chairperson - Dr. Mrs. Archan Sukhdeve
              Rapport - Ms. Mayuri Choudhari
6.15 to 8.00 : Cultural Program 
   July 21, 2013
Session - V
* 10.00 to 11.30 AM : Buddhist Literature 
             Chairperson - Dr. Munshilal Gautam, IAS
              Co-Chairperson - Dr. Niraj Bodhi
              Rapport - Hon. Swatantra Gajbhiye
Session - VI
* 12.00 to 1.30 PM : Buddha's Economics.
              Chairperson - Er. Kuldeep Ramteke
              Co-Chairperson - Adv. Bharulata Kamble 
              Rapport - Dr. shankar Khobragade
Session - VII
* 1.30 to 3.00 PM : Co-ordination of Buddhist at large.
              Chairperson - Prof. Dr. Surjeet Boudh
              Co-Chairperson - Er. Moreshwar Meshram
              Rapport - Dr. P.D. Bailmare
Session - VIII
* 3.15 to 4.30 PM : Implementation on Prepared Action Plan.
              Chairperson - Hon. Arvind Sontakke
              Co-Chairperson - Dr. Dhanraj Dahat
              Rapport - Adv. Hashu Meshram
* 4.30 to 6.30 PM : Valedictory Function.
              Chief Guest : H.H. 13th Tsona Gontse Rimpoche
              Chairperson : Amar Ramteke
              Guest of Honors : Dr. Munshilal Gautam, IAS
                                         Hon. Chandrabodhi Patil
* 6.45 to 7.15 PM : Resolutions
* 7.15 to 8.30 PM : Cultural ProgramWith regards:
Dr. Milind JiwaneChairman & Chief Organizer
Spreading Buddhism Conference 2013(An International Meet)
Civil Rights Protection Cell
* Awaz India TV
* Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Engineers Association
* Dr. Ambedkar Health Organization
* Ashwaghosh Buddhist Foundation
* Jeewak Welfare Society

Fourth Arvind Memorial Seminar in Chd.

Intensive debate and discussions from 12 March
*Five-day Seminar on 'Caste Question and Marxism'
*Scholars and Activists from India and Abroad will Participate in the seminar

Chandigarh, 10 March. Scholars, writers and activists from all over India and some from abroad will participate in intensive debate and discussions on a most important aspect of social change in India during the five-day seminar on 'Caste Question and Marxism' starting from 12 March in Chandigarh. 
The seminar is being organised in Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna Bhavan (Sector 29-D, Chandigarh) by Arvind Memorial Trust, established in memory of Com. Arvind, a brilliant Marxist intellectual and activist. Managing trustee of the Trust, Ms. Meenakshi said this is probably for the first time that such an intensive and expansive discussion is being organised on all the aspects of the complex caste question. Particularly, this is for the first time that such wide-ranging polemics is being organised on the caste question in relation to the left movement and Marxist thought.
Overall, 14 papers and write-ups will be presented in the seminar on different aspects of the subject. The base paper of the seminar 'Caste Question and its solution: A Marxist Viewpoint' is prepared by the research team of Arvind Institute of Marxist Studies. 
Other papers include 'Ambedkarism and Dalit Liberation' by Sukhwinder, editor of Punjabi journal Pratibaddh; 'Historiography of Caste' by Abhinav, editor, Aahvan; 'Class, Caste and Identity Politics' by Shivani, Delhi University; 'Caste and Politics in West Bengal' by Praskanva Sinharay, CSSS, Kolkata; 'Caste and Sex in Marxist Traditions' by Dr. Rajarshi Dasgupta, JNU; Marxism and the caste question' by Asit Das,Researcher and Activist, New Delhi; 'On Identity Politics' by Prashant Gupta, B.R. Ambedkar College, Delhi University; On Conjoint Relevance of Marxism and Ambedkarism by Sukhdev Singh Janagal, Punjab and on the limitations of caste and identity politics by Jai Prakash of the 'Jati Virodhi Andolan'.
Eminent historian Prof. Irfan Habib will send a background note on caste in India, Ninu Chapagain, Politburo Member and in charge of the Cultural Division of UCPN (M) will present a write-up on 'The Dalit Question and Aesthetics' and a paper 'Towards A Programme for Abolition of Material Basis of Casteist Hierarchy' by Dr. Anant Phadke, Shramik Mukti Dal (Democratic), Pune will be presented. Prof. William Paul Cockshott, 
University of Glasgow will make a presentation through internet linkup and his paper 'Dr. Ambedkar or Dr. Marx' will be circulated as a background note.Well-known writer and activist on caste issues, Dr. Anand Teltumbde, prominent Hindi writer Prof. Tulsiram of JNU, eminent sociologist Prof. Satish Deshpande, famous writer Prof. (Mrs.) Vimal Thorat, Prof. PK Vijayan and Dr. Saroj Giri of Delhi University, renowned Hindi poetess and activist Katyayani, Arjun Prasad Singh of PDFI, senior leader of CPN (M) Tilak Parihar, Namdev Laghave of Nagpur, Dr. Shyam Bihari Rai and Aditya Narayan Singh from Delhi, Nepali poet and activist Sangeet Srota, Anant Acharya from Kolkata, Uttamrao Jagirdar and Sharad Gaikwad of Republican Panthers, Mumbai, Hargopal Singh from Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Chamanlal of JNU, Prof. Manjit Singh of Chandigarh University, Punjabi writer Santokh Singh Virdi, journalist from Mumbai VP Singh, writer Arvind Shesh and German artist and left social activist 
Johannes Paul Raether are among those who will participate in the discussions in various sessions of the seminar.
Apart from this, representatives from several groups and mass organisations, writers, journalists and social activists from Punjab, UP, Bihar, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Maharashtra will participate in the seminar. 
Ms. Meenakshy said the caste question, particularly the Dalit question, is still one such burning question of Indian society, without the process of whose resolution, the unity of the toiling masses and the success of their emancipatory-project can not be envisaged. There have been seminars-symposiums on this question for a long time but there has been an absence of serious research and unbiased lengthy debate. This seminar is an attempt in this direction.
In memory of Com. Arvind, the Arvind Memorial Trust organises a national seminar each year on an important aspect of the movement for social change in India. The first two seminars in Delhi and Gorakhpur were focused on different aspects of the labour movement while the third seminar was held in Lucknow on the democratic rights movement in India. 
The holding of the fourth seminar in this row in Punjab has a special significance due to the specific history of Marxist movement and the caste question in Punjab. Ms. Meenakshy expressed confidence that the social-political activists as well as writers-scholars of Punjab will participate with an open mind in the seminar and this seminar will take forward the tradition of open exchange of ideas and thought provoking debates of the first three seminars. It will contribute to the continuing discourse on a most important aspect of the project of social change in India.

Meenakshy (Managing Trustee), Anand Singh (Secretary)
Arvind Memorial Trust
For more information, please contact: 
Katyayani–09936650658, Satyam–9910462009, Namita (Chandigarh)–9780724125

Please also click Punjab Screen

The Bold and Straightforward Com. Anand

Anand always takes Righteous pro-people stand 
An ‘Abhinandan Granth’ published by Punjabi Sahitya Akademi

Sukeerat Anand

Roop Singh Roopa

LUDHIANA,March 4,2013: (Rector Kathuria): An ‘Abhinandan Granth’ on renowned literateur, journalist, public figure and a thinker, S. Jagjit Singh Anand was released by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi(PSA), Ludhiana today. The first copy of the treatise was presented by the PSA President Gurbhajan Singh Gill and others including the NRI from America S. Roop Singh Roopa, PSA Senior Vice President, Dr Anup Singh Batala, Secretary Dr Gulzar Singh Pandher, Surinder Kailley, Members Er Janmeja Johl, Sukhdev Singh Premi and Manjinder Singh Dhanoa. S. Anand could not reach the PSA function to receive the publication, due to his indisposition. 
Dr Rajnish Bahadur Singh, the editor of the treatise, Mrs Urmila Anand wife of S. Anand, The Trustee of Nawan Zamana paper Jass Mand and S. Sukeerat Anand, son of S. Anand were also present. 
The function was presided over by Dr S.S.Johl, Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, while the Mayor of City of Ludhiana, S. H.S.Gohlwarhia, was the Guest of Honour. S. Roop Singh Roopa, Gurbhajan Gill and Gulzar Pandher were prominent among others who were present on the occasion. 
‘The factual information comprised in the treatise throws light on the multifarious aspects of the personality of S. Anand’, said Gurbhajan Gill, adding that the future generations would derive inspiration from the life and works of S. Anand. He declared that an Award in the name of S. Jagjit Singh Anand will be given every year by the PSA for which S. Roop Singh Roopa has provided sponsorship. 
S. Gohlwarhia and Dr Johl described S. Anand as a Yugpursh who always stood boldly for the righteous cause. Dr Sukhdev Singh Sirsa highlighted the nation-wide stature of S. Anand saying that he impressed people with his straightforwardness and bold voice even in the difficult times. 
S. Rajneesh Bahadur Singh said that he felt honoured in writing the Treatise that he said provided him opportunity to know the great personality, S. Jagjit Singh Anand. (photos by Rector Kathuria)

National Stroke Conference Concludes in Ldh

300 delegates attended the event

Dr. Monika Singla explaining secrets to prevent stroke at Ludhiana (Photo by Rector  Kathuria)

Ludhiana, 3rd March, 2013: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)The 8th National Conference of Indian Stroke Association organised by the department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana concluded today. There were 300 delegates who attended the conference from all over India including 18 International faculty members. Delegates also attended from the SAARC countries like Bangladesh. Yesterday there was a banquet for the delegates at the The Grand Pearl Resort. Mr RandhirKanwal the famous Ghazal singer entertained the guests. The medical students also displayed their artistic talent with a Bhangra dance.

Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology at CMC Ludhiana, the organising Secretary mentioned that all the major advances in stroke diagnosis and treatments were discussed in the conference. On the last day a special session on research in stroke was held and delegates from across the world discussed about the on-going important stroke trials and projects. A Skills workshop on the use of Botulinum toxin injection in treating stiffness of arms and legs following stroke was also held on the last day.

Dr Pandian said that for the first time a separate stroke rehabilitation skills workshop was held as a parallel meeting in CMC auditorium as part of the National stroke conference. More than 150 delegates attended this workshop which was organised by Dr SantoshMathangi. One of the main highlights of the conference was the Teaching course on stroke which was held on Day 1 for MBBS students as a separate event at CMC. Medical students from three colleges in Punjab participated in this course.

Dr Pandian stated that overall the conference had a major impact on the local doctors, neurologists, neurosurgeons, undergraduate medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and allied health trainees from across the country. This would improve the care and treatment of stroke patients.

Vice President Releases Book ‘Walking with Lions:

01-March-2013 18:20 IST
Tales from a Diplomatic Past’ by Shri K. Natwar Singh

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled “Walking with Lions : Tales from a Diplomatic Past” written by Shri K. Natwar Singh, former Union Minister for External Affairs at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion Shri Ansari opined that all the experiences of Shri Natwar Singh are written in a very interesting way and hoped that many people will get enlightened in reading the book. 

In “Walking with Lions : Tales from a Diplomatic Past”, the author puts together fifty episodes that entertain, inform and illuminate. Recounted with empathy and humour, this collection of encounters is a warm, unaffected and reassuring reminder that the great too can be as fallible as the rest of us. (PIB)*****Sanjay Kumar/VPI/01.03.13

Vice President Addresses

27-January-2013 22:46 IST 
Partnership Summit-2013 on Global Partnership for Enduring growth in AgraPartnerships will Assume Great Significance & 
will be Instrumental in Accelerating Economic Recovery 
-Vice President M. Hamid Ansari 

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari delivering the inaugural address at the Partnership Summit 2013 on “Global Partnership for Enduring Growth”, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on January 27, 2013. (PIB photo)

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that given the global economic landscape, it is imperative that the advanced and emerging economies work in tandem to prepare a roadmap for economic recovery, leveraging each other’s strengths and comparative advantages to create a new economic world order. Partnerships, therefore will assume great significance, and will be instrumental in accelerating economic recovery for many countries. Addressing at the “Partnership Summit-2013 on Global Partnership for Enduring Growth” in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) today, he has said that the Partnerships, such as the G-20, whose member countries account for two-thirds of the world’s population, 90% of world GDP and 80% of world trade, and the recently launched Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a group of 16 countries comprising ASEAN member states and 6 countries with which they have Free Trade Agreements, will redefine the contours of the global economy.

He said that the global market-place will change with the formation of new trading blocks and enlarged markets and companies must gear themselves up to meet the new requirements. While doing so, they must be mindful of the need to balance growth with sustainability as also of corporate social responsibility. Likewise, innovation and creativity will play important roles in reviving growth, especially in emerging economies that often struggle with limited resources and dated technology.

The Vice President opined that in terms of economic growth, India weathered the global economic crises relatively well. Timely stimulus packages and other measures coupled with strong domestic demand helped to a great extent. The Government has addressed the issues of fiscal deficit, high inflation, negative trade balance with the world, flagging exports with a slew of measures. Notable amongst these are seminal indirect and direct tax reforms, FDI liberalization in retail and aviation, disinvestment in PSUs, and the establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Investments headed by the Prime Minister for faster clearance of infrastructure projects, all of which are aimed at reviving economic growth. Even though we could not maintain the robust pace of 7.8 per cent average annual GDP growth of the decade from 2002-3 to 2011-12, we did recorded GDP growth of 5.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2012-13, and are expecting to end the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 at 5.5-6 per cent.

He emphasized that the challenge before us is to restore as soon as possible the high growth trajectory, along with adequate employment generation, in a sustainable and inclusive manner. This would be the necessary condition for addressing the primary challenges of poverty alleviation and socio-economic development confronting us.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address :
“I am happy to be here today for the inauguration of the Partnership Summit 2013 on the theme ‘Global Partnerships for Enduring Growth’ organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with our Ministry of Commerce and Industry. I commend the Organisers for this initiative at a time when the world is grappling with vexing economic issues and seeking solutions for them. I felicitate Uttar Pradesh for being the partner state at the Summit.

This Summit will bring together stakeholders from government, industry and academia on an interactive platform to exchange ideas and develop solutions for some pressing economic challenges.

Over the last few years, we have seen a slowdown in the global economy. The world’s largest economy, the United States, is in the process of consolidating its tentative growth, but is still facing a ‘fiscal cliff’ besides high unemployment rates. Governments in the European Union continue to be weighed down with daunting economic challenges.

According to the International Monetary Fund, global growth slowed down from 5.1 per cent in 2010 to 3.8 per cent in 2011 with a forecast for continued deceleration. The impact of this is felt in the emerging economies also with their exports to the developed markets hardest hit. So is the case with the much needed foreign direct and portfolio investments. Consequently, growth in most emerging economies has faltered, though strong monetary and fiscal measures adopted by many governments have mitigated to some extent the negative impact.

Given the global economic landscape, it is imperative that the advanced and emerging economies work in tandem to prepare a roadmap for economic recovery, leveraging each other’s strengths and comparative advantages to create a new economic world order. Partnerships, therefore will assume great significance, and will be instrumental in accelerating economic recovery for many countries.

Partnerships, such as the G-20, whose member countries account for two-thirds of the world’s population, 90% of world GDP and 80% of world trade, and the recently launched Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a group of 16 countries comprising ASEAN member states and 6 countries with which they have Free Trade Agreements, will redefine the contours of the global economy.

The global market-place will change with the formation of new trading blocks and enlarged markets and companies must gear themselves up to meet the new requirements. While doing so, they must be mindful of the need to balance growth with sustainability as also of corporate social responsibility.

Likewise, innovation and creativity will play important roles in reviving growth, especially in emerging economies that often struggle with limited resources and dated technology.

In terms of economic growth, India weathered the global economic crises relatively well. Timely stimulus packages and other measures coupled with strong domestic demand helped to a great extent. The Government has addressed the issues of fiscal deficit, high inflation, negative trade balance with the world, flagging exports with a slew of measures. Notable amongst these are seminal indirect and direct tax reforms, FDI liberalization in retail and aviation, disinvestment in PSUs, and the establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Investments headed by the Prime Minister for faster clearance of infrastructure projects, all of which are aimed at reviving economic growth.

Even though we could not maintain the robust pace of 7.8 per cent average annual GDP growth of the decade from 2002-3 to 2011-12, we did recorded GDP growth of 5.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2012-13, and are expecting to end the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 at 5.5-6 per cent.

The challenge before us is to restore as soon as possible the high growth trajectory, along with adequate employment generation, in a sustainable and inclusive manner. This would be the necessary condition for addressing the primary challenges of poverty alleviation and socio-economic development confronting us.

It is to be hoped that the ideas and proposals emanating from your discussions here would facilitating the attainment of this objective.

As the new economic order emerges and the weight of the global economy moves towards Asia, I invite countries from across the globe to partner with India so that we move together towards a better economic future for all our people.

In conclusion, I thank the organizers for having invited me and wish the Partnership Summit 2013 all success.”   (PIB)

                                      *****
Sanjay Kumar/VPI/27.01.2013

President Barack Obama Promises

01/22/2013 07:59 AM CST
Continued Support at Inaugural Ball
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013 - President Barack Obama opened the first inaugural ball last night extending "extraordinary gratitude" to the men and women in uniform and promised to ensure they have everything they need as they defend Americans' freedoms every day.

Speaking to hundreds of service members, including wounded warriors and Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and veterans gathered at the Commander in Chief's Ball, and via a televised webcast with troops deployed to Afghanistan, the president said it's impossible to say "thank you" enough to those who serve.

"Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for keeping us strong. Thank you for always making us proud," he told the gathering.

"I have no greater honor than being your commander in chief," he said, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Obama ticked off some of the accomplishments made possible during the past four years, and vowed to ensure the military has what it needs for continued success.

"It's because of you that with honor we were able to end the war in Iraq. Because of you that we delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. Because of you that it's even possible to give Afghans a chance to determine their own destiny," he said. "We are going forward, and we'll keep our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known."

The president offered special recognition to members of the 3rd Infantry Division and Regional Command South, who are deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He spoke via teleconference with Army Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Jackson and Army Sgt. 1st Class David Wood from the 3rd Infantry Division's Falcon Brigade, Task Force Light Horse; and Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Skowronski and Air Force Master Sgt. James Godlewski of the 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron.

"We know it's tough being away from your families. We know the incredible sacrifices and challenges that you make every day," Obama said. "But I can tell you that you've got a room full of patriots here.

"And although I've got to admit that they're a little spiffied up right now," he continued, drawing laughter and applause, "their heart and soul, their dedication, their sense of duty is at one with every single one of the folks who are in Kandahar right now."

Reflecting on his swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day, Obama said he biggest cheer he received was as he spoke about "the extraordinary men and women in uniform that preserve our freedom and keep our country strong."

He offered assurance that the nation will continue to stand by them and give them the tools and support they and their families require.

"We're going to make sure that you've got the equipment, the strategy [and] the mission that allows you to succeed and keep our country safe," he said. "Know that we are going to be looking after and thinking about your families every single day -- and that when you get back home, you're going to be greeted by a grateful nation."

Four service members were selected for honorary dances during the ball. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria D. Nelson of the 579th Medical Operations Squadron, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., danced with the president.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy D. Easterling, assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., as a distance learning instructor, danced with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Army Staff Sgt. Keesha N. Dentino, assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, Fort Myer, Va., as a patrol explosives detection dog handler, danced with Vice President Joe Biden.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick R. Figueroa, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., as a manpower transfer clerk, danced with Dr. Jill Biden.

The star-studded lineup of performers at the ball included Dan Moose, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony.

Related Sites:
Special Report: Inauguration 2013

Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

01/21/2013 09:21 AM CST                                                Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 8:59 PM

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2013 - Images and articles in American Forces Press Service's special report at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_inauguration/ highlight the U.S. military's roles in the 57th presidential inauguration.

Related Sites: Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

National Day of Service

01/20/2013 03:38 PM CST                                                                  Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 3:18 AM
Volunteers Come Together For The Event

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2013 - In conjunction with tomorrow's observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, about 10,000 people from all across the country traveled here to participate yesterday in the national day of service. Vice President Joe Biden stops to smile for a photograph while packing care kits for deployed troops during a national day of service event at the District of Columbia Armory in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2013. DOD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.  Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, were among many people who came out to support troops overseas by packing care kits to send to them."We all get what is so important today," the vice president said. "We still have 68,000 troops in harm's way. ... They're not looking for anything, but knowing that those of us here at home remember them and know what is going is an important piece of the equation." Dr. Biden expressed her gratitude to the many volunteers who came out to pack care kits as a part of the national day of service, noting that she and First Lady Michelle Obama began the Joining Forces initiative to rally the nation behind military families. "I'd like to thank each and every one of you for volunteering today to assemble these important care kits," she said. "Our military families have done so much for our country, and each of us can do something in return. [This] is why the first lady and I created Joining Forces -- to encourage all Americans to support and honor our military families." John Adams, a former Marine Corps captain and a Milwaukee native, works with an organization called Operation Gratitude, which helped to sponsor the event. "It means the world to me," he said. "I believe strongly in having everybody's efforts focused on supporting the military. For everybody to come here together and assemble care kits for Operation Gratitude to send to troops overseas is very special and very meaningful." Adams also was able to speak from a service member's perspective, having served as an infantry officer, leading rifle and mortar platoons for two deployments – one in Afghanistan and another aboard a Navy vessel in Southeast Asia. "It meant the world to me [then as well]," he said. "We received much needed items such as the hygiene kits and some letters of support that helped raise morale. So it meant the world to everybody, and I'm speaking on behalf of all the sailors and Marines that I was with. We really felt a connection with people back home." Two volunteers, Paquilla Jones and Sajedea Chin, both sophomore students studying civil engineering at Howard University, said they enjoyed volunteering. "It's a good thing to do for the troops," Jones said. "I just like giving back, so this is an opportunity to give back and be with friends," Chin said. Chin added that she enjoyed meeting new people and had volunteered previously, but nothing like the national day of service, where the event's goal was to pack 100,000 care kits. "I think it's a good opportunity for us to get together with different people – meet people we don't know – and do something good," she said.

Related Sites: Joining Forces  Special Report: Military Family Support

150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

18-January-2013 13:22 IST
The President of India inaugurated Ramakrishna Math
They are relevant now-Shri Pranab Mukherjee 

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing at the inauguration of 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, organised by Ramakrishna Mission, in Kolkata on January 18, 2013. (PIB photo)

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission’s celebration of the at Swamiji’s own birthplace at Kolkata today (January 18, 2013). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Swami Vivekananda’s messages and teachings were relevant then, they are relevant now and they will continue to be relevant as long as human civilization exits. He described Swamiji a great son of Bengal and a great visionary. He said famous historian AL Basham described Vivekananda as someone who appears only once in centuries. 

The President said it was amazing within a short span of life he could transform society which has lost self confidence. His philosophy shook up every one vigorously and brought back confidence in a shaken nation. He said at a time when the self-esteem of our people was low and many Indians looked to the West for ideals and role models, Swami Vivekananda infused self confidence and pride in them. 

The President quoted the first Prime Minister of India, Late Shri Jawaharlal Nehru and said “Rooted in the past and full of pride in India’s prestige, Vivekananda was yet modern in his approach to life’s problems, and was a kind of bridge between the past of India and her present.” (PIB)***  SC/SM                         150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

Struggle for human rights

                                                                                                                                                   Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 2:06 PM

Fight for the dignity of the women!"  --Professor Chaman Lal

On Lohri occasion, sharing a message of Shah eed Bhagat Singh Vichar Manch Patiala-(Translated from Punjabi)-"Million Greetings on Lohri and Maghi- Lohri and Maghi festival are known as symbols in Punjabi culture for the onset of warmth, community feeling of closeness, the enthuse to fight/die for Human rights and the challenge from woman to man for fighting against oppression. In Lohri folk songs-Dulla Bhatti has remained a part of Punjabi mentality as fighter against state oppression on people. Muktsar(A Punjab town) Maghi festival, held in memory of 40 Muktas-the liberated ones reminds us of Mai Bhago, who had challenged the retreating men from war against oppression, leaving Guru(Gobind Singh) behind. But it is regrettable to say that because of forgetting our militant and proud tradition, the piousness of relations and warmth has evaporated. Gang rape case like Delhi, the worsening conditions of girls and female foeticide like fires have extinguished the soul of sensitive men.

Well meaning and good fellows! Festivities of Lohri and Maghi like festivals in meaningful only if we will make sincere efforts for communal amity, struggle for human rights and fight for the dignity of the women!"
Mai Bhago is the symbol of brave Punjabi woman, who made the forty soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh come back to fight with him, while they were retreating out of fear of death. Later they all sacrificed their life in war and were given the title of Muktas-the liberated ones by Guru Gobind Singh, they died near Muktsar, a district hq, but small town of Punjab, where every year on Maghi day, a big mela is held. Perhaps Veerangna Jyoti or the brave fighter of Delhi shame case is Mai Bhago of present day India, who raised the conscience of Indians by her sacrifice!
Lohri song says-sunder mundriye ho-tera kaun vichara ho?-O poor girl who is your saviour?-Dulla Bhatti wala ho!-he is Dulla Bhatti! Dulle dhi viyahi ho!-Dula married the poor girl(Daughter)!, ser shakkar payi ho!(He gave one ser(Near kilo) jaggery(not exact)(in dowry) kudi da lal pataka-red suit of the girl! kudi da shalu pata-the torn headgear(not exact) of the girl.....it goes on and on with different lines added at different times by folks, but Dulla is saviour of poor and Akbar got him hanged for rebellion. Najam Hussain Syed in Lahore and another playwrites have written good plays in Punjabi on Dulla Bhatti. He is like Bhagat Singh of medieval times and shatters the myth of Akbar as the great king of India!                                        --Chaman Lal,

Professor & Former Chairperson
Centre of Indian Languages, JNU, New Delhi
Former President JNU Teachers Association(JNUTA)
Cell no. +919868774820, 011-26704656(O), 011-26742095(R)
Former Visiting Professor

Centre for Language Learning(CLL)

Faculty of Humanities and Education(FHE)

University of West Indies,St. Augustine Campus

Trinidad&Tobago(West Indies)
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