Ms. Dilma Rousseff addressing

The President of Brazil, Ms. Dilma Rousseff addressing after receiving the Degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt. Honoris Causa), at the Special Convocation of the University of Delhi, in New Delhi on March 28, 2012.

(PIB photo) 28-March-2012

Seven Day Protest fast in Delhi

In solidarity with fasting activists in Idinthakarai

Nationwide Protests in support of Anti-Nuclear struggle in Koodankulam

March 26, New Delhi : National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), Lok Rajniti Manch and Delhi Solidarity Group, is  organising a protest and fast from today 26 March 2012 till 1st April 2012, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in solidarity with ongoing fast by activists of the anti-nuclear movement at Idinthakarai, Tamil Nadu against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant.NAPM National Convener and noted Social activist Sandeep Pandey is sitting on a seven day fast.

In Chennai too people are fasting in support of anti-nuclear movement in Koodankulam. In Mumbai, noted film-maker Anand Patwardhan is leading a protest in front of Dadar Railway Station. 

On 27th March, 2012, one day fasts will be organised at many places in support of the local people protesting against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. NAPM Andhra Pradesh is organising a protest demonstration and candle light vigil between 6 to 8 pm on 27th March at Ambedkar Statue, near Tankbund, Hyderabad.

It is ironical that India has raised the issue of atrocities on Tamil people in Sri Lanka at UNHRC but is not relenting its nuclear power pursuit which potentially puts its own Tamil people at grave risk of nuclear tragedy in times to come.

We strongly condemn the undemocratic manner in which nuclear energy is forced upon us. Not only Indian government has used a strong hand to snub the People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) in Koodankulam, Tamil Nadu, but also is trying to intimidate and stifle resistance by misleading allegations of a ‘foreign hand’. Dr Udayakumar who leads PMANE has declared his personal assets and he has no FCRA account to receive foreign money. Whereas it is clear that Indian government is working hands-in-glove with bigger ‘foreign hands’ of USA, Russia and other countries in its joint military operations and expanding nuclear programme.

The latest attempt by the CM of Tamil Nadu to brand S.P. Udayakumar as a naxal clearly shows the desperation of the government. We condemn such underhand tactics and attempts by government to mislead general public.

It is the people in Europe and America that have forced their governments by coming out in large numbers on street to abandon nuclear energy. But Indian government is trying to stifle such people’s initiatives to have their say. Our claims of being the largest democracy prove to be hollow.

Recent nuclear emergency in Japan leaves no doubt that this world needs to renounce nuclear power for military and civil/ energy purposes, as soon as possible, to put an end to any further catastrophe in the name of 'energy', 'security' or 'technology'. Nuclear power is clearly the most dangerous options for civil or military use. Countries that have been using nuclear power such as Germany have resolved to abandon nuclear energy by 2022. Japan, USA, and many such nations who were earlier pursuing nuclear energy option are having second thoughts now.

We believe that India should adopt the futuristic energy policy like Japan and the European Union (EU) relying on renewable sources of energy which are non-polluting. Like EU and Japan, India too should aim for a low-carbon energy production system. India’s future energy policy should be low carbon and no nuclear.

We appeal to the Indian government to support dialogue on nuclear energy in a democratic way and until there is a consensus on whether India should go ahead with nuclear programme or not, should stall all nuclear programmes.

National Alliance of People's Movements, Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace, Lok Rajniti Manch and Delhi Solidarity Group.

For more details contact : P.K. Sundaram, 9810556134, Ramesh Sharma, 9818111562, Madhuresh Kumar, 9818905316 and Vijayan M J 9582862682.
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Medical camp by BJGVJ//188 patients were examined

20 Patients fitted with free hearing aids 

The Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ) Haibowal Branch Ludhiana in collaboration with Indian Medical Association Ludhiana and coordinated by Voice of Youth Foundation  held a Free Medical Checkup Camp dedicated to the memory of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their 82nd martyrdom day at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Public School, Haqiqat Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana. 188 patients were examined by Dr Arun Mitra ENT Surgeon and Dr.Anakhveer Singh Gill. 20 patients were fitted the free hearing aids after checking their hearing levels. Addressing the gathering Dr.Arun Mitra said that the real tribute to the martyrs is to create a society based on justice and equality to all citizens. He said the quality health care and education is the right of all citizens. Such camps are a miniscule contribution in that direction. He also gave health education about prevention of diseases related to Ear, Nose and Throat. Other who addressed the gathering include Sh.M.S.Bhatia, Maj.Sher Singh Aulukh, Mrs.Gurcharan Kocher, Shri.G.S.Narula, Sh.Harbhajan Singh Bhatia, Sh.Ashish Moliry – Vice President of Voice of Youth Foundation. Mrs.Rajinder Kaur Bhatia – Principal of the school in her thanks giving address appreciated the help extended by Punjab Bank Employees Federation Ludhiana and assured that such like camps will be organized in the future also.
Others who make the function success included Sh.Bhajan Singh, Sh.Avtar Chibber, Sh.Rajesh Verma, Sh.B.D.Saini, Sh.Sunil Grover, Sh.Gulshan Gaba, Sh.Harvinder Singh Obrai, Sh.Prem Grover, Sh.Ramadhar Singh, 

Art face of medical line

Talent sets the stage alight at CMC Ludhiana

The Music and Theatre Workshop of Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana comprises of doctors and students of various colleges of the institution who organizes regular productions. This year, the workshop organized a play entitled ‘Harvey’. The show was staged on three days commencing on the 22ndof march, 2012 at the Lady Willingdon Hall, CMC, Ludhiana.

Mr. Sajin Sunny Mathew, the student co-ordinator of ‘Harvey’ said, “We are glad that the rich tradition of high quality productions we have had in the past has been kept alive with ‘Harvey’ under the patronage of our director, Dr Abhraham G Thomas.”

The play ‘Harvey’ is a comedy in three acts authored by the American playwright Mary Chase. It is about an affable man named Elwood P Dowd (played by Manu Mathew Kurien) who claims to have an unseen friend named Harvey- a six-foot, one-half-inch tall rabbit. His social-climbing sister, Veta( Angela Elizabeth Eapen), and her daughter, Myrtle (Meriya Joseph), find his eccentric behaviour embarrassing. She decides to have him committed to the sanatorium and a comedy of errors ensues. As the play moves hilariously through various comic situations, there is an underlying message of goodwill and encouragement that the lead character always portrays. His philosophy of life is a message to us all. ‘Many years ago,’ he says, ‘my mother told me I should be either oh-so-smart or oh-so-pleasant. I was smart for years. I recommend pleasant.’ Through every stressful situation even in the face of anger, he remains calm, kind and courteous making him well-beloved character by the end. The message of love and bonding between family members which prevails eternally despite mutual faults, is powerfully depicted through the play.

Be it the well- coordinated production, the enticing props and costumes or the proactive backstage crew, the production holds together and moves seamlessly through the three acts. A collective team, comprising a cast of about 11 students and about 50 others pitched in their time, efforts and talents in the making of ‘Harvey’. “An amazing and witty play that’s bound to leave you captivated and entertained” adds Mr. David Livingston. “It was challenging but fulfilling experience  to put up a three act comedy on stage with the right expressions, timings, punch lines to deliver and even working off-screen and on-screen chemistry with the co-cast. It boosted our confidence and built on our positive traits allowing us to improve” said Angela, one of the actors. “Though there wasn’t much tedious work involved, we worked hard at depicting the scenes to the finest detail,” said Ansu John, a member of the props crew. “It was a gratifying job to design the costumes and transport the actors to a different era.” said Amritha Kurien, from the costumes team. The director of the play, Dr Dhruv Ghosh, a paediatric surgeon of CMC said, ‘It was a great joy to work with the students on the play. Their talents never cease to amaze me.’

The annual musicals and plays have been appreciated by the residents of Ludhiana city and surrounding areas for the many years. This year’s play, ‘Harvey’ was a break from the hectic routine of life as aspiring doctors entertained and enthralled the audience showcasing the power of voice and expression. Aditi George, one of crew members said,  “This year’s play is a must see. Funny and heart-warming, it’s a wonderful night of theatre for the whole family.” --Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

Homage to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Pledge to work for a society based on justice and equality
Ludhiana//March 23, 2012:

The Sanjha Morcha paid homage to the martyrs of the nation Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev today at Jagraon Bridge in which hundreds of activists of Communist Party of India (CPI) Distt. Ludhiana, CPI-M, PPP along with social organizations Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGVJ), Punjab Istri Sabha, All India Working Women Forum –AITUC participated. They garlanded their statues and pledged to build a nation based on justice and equality. The participants said that the martyrs had dreamt of a nation with equal rights to grow for all the citizens. But event after 64 years of independence we find vast majority of our population living under abject poverty and devoid of basic infrastructure to sustain life including nutrition and quality education & health care. This situation has worsened after the economic policies of neo liberalism and globalization.  The communalist and casteist forces are out to destablise the harmony in society. It is the duty of all secular and democratic forces to foil their designs unitedly.   Prominent among those who were present and addressed today include Com.Kartar Singh Bowani, Dr.Arun Mitra, Com D.P.Maur, Com.O.P.Mehta, Com.Ramesh Rattan, Sh.Barat Bhushan Thapar, S.Rajesh Gandhi, Com.Sukhminder Sekhon, Com.Sukminder Lotey, Com.Jagdis, Mrs.Gurcharan Kocher, Maj.Sher Singh Aulukh, Mrs.Kusum Lata, Com.Gulzar Goria, Com.Nageena, Com.Surinder Sachdeva, Com.Ramadhar Singh, Com.Gurnam SIdhu, Com.Gurnam Gill,  Com Randhir Singh, Com.Devraj, Com.Manjit Mehram, Com.Ragbir Sing Benipal, Com.Dinesh Kumar, Com.Samar Bahadur, Com Gulzar Pandher, Com.Mohan Lal, Com.Baldev Walia, Com.Tilak Raj Sangra, Com.Agya Dass, Com.Kuldeep, Com.Vijay Kumar, Com.Buta Singh, Com.arbans Singh.

Shri Kishore Chandra gives away National Tribal Awards

Award carrying cash prize of Rs.5 lakhs, a citation and a trophy

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo presenting the National Tribal Award 2011-12 to Smt. Binny Yanga, in New Delhi on March 20, 2012. The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Mahadev S. Khandela is also seen. [PIB] 21-March-2012

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Festival of Tribal Dance-‘Prakriti’, in New Delhi on March 20, 2012. The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Mahadev S. Khandela is also seen.[PIB] 21-March-2012 

The Minister of Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo inaugurated "Prakriti", a National Festival of Tribal Dances here last evening. In his inaugural speech, Shri Kishore Chandra Deo said that the dance festival aims to promote the vibrant tribal culture and also provide an opportunity to showcase the tribal dance and music. 

On the occasion, he also gave away the National Tribal Awards for outstanding tribal achievers in sports, education, and culture and to outstanding contributors towards tribal welfare. Smt. BinnyYanaga (Maya) was given the award for Exemplary Community Service rendered to the Scheduled Tribes, carrying a cash prize of Rs.5.00 lakhs, a citation and a trophy. Smt. M.C. Mary Kom awarded the Best Tribal Achiever Award for outstanding achievement in the field of sports, carrying a cash prize of Rs. 2.00 lakhs, a citation and a trophy and Shri Guru Rewben Mashangva was also awarded the Best Tribal Achiever Award for outstanding contribution in the field of tribal art and culture. Shri Kishore Chandra Deo stated that he has asked the Ministry to examine the possibility of increasing the categories for awards in various fields and simplify the nominations process for the awards. 

The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Mahadeo Singh Khandela was also present on the occasion. During the event, tribal artistes from different part of the country performed enchanting tribal dances and music. The three days tribal festival is organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture from 20th to 22nd March, 2012 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. [PIB] 21-March-2012 15:34 IST

DOD Reviews Cyberspace Rules of Engagement

Dangers are not something new in cyberspace 

By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 20, 2012 - Whether by land, sea or air, Defense Department leaders have long crafted rules of engagement to determine how, where and when they can attack the enemy. They expect soon to complete the same for their newest domain: cyberspace, the assistant secretary of defense for global strategic affairs said today. "We are working closely with the Joint Staff on the implementation of a transitional command-and-control model for cyberspace operations" while reviewing existing rules of engagement, Madelyn R. Creedon told the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities. Teresa M. Takai, DOD's chief information officer, and Army Gen. Keith Alexander, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, joined Creedon at the hearing. "This interim framework," Creedon told the panel, "will standardize existing organizational structures and command relationships across the department for the application of the full spectrum of cyberspace capabilities." Describing DOD's strategies for operating in cyberspace, Creedon said the department maintains more than 15,000 network enclaves and 7 million computing devices in installations around the globe. "DOD continues to develop effective strategies for ensuring the United States is prepared for all cyber contingencies along the entire spectrum," she added, "from peace to crisis to war." In times of fiscal constraint, Creedon said, DOD also is taking advantage of efficiencies provided by information technology advances. "The department has been working around the clock, often in close cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies," she said, to protect the nation from cyber threats that include the theft of intellectual property, as well as damage to the defense industrial base, the economy and national security. The department hit a "significant milestone" last July with the release of its first strategy for operating in cyberspace, Creedon said. The document builds on President Barack Obama's International Strategy for Cyberspace and the DOD Quadrennial Defense Review, and guides the department's military, business and intelligence activities in cyberspace in support of national interests, she said. The DOD works closely with colleagues in the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, Treasury, Commerce and other agencies, she added, and pursues bilateral and multilateral engagements to enhance security and develop norms of behavior in cyberspace. Takai told the panel that DOD's $37 billion information technology budget request for fiscal year 2013 includes a range of IT investments, including $3.4 billion for cyber security efforts to protect information, information systems and networks against known cyber vulnerabilities. It also includes $182 million for Cyber Command for cyber network defense, cryptographic systems, communications security, network resiliency, workforce development, and development of cyber security standards and technologies department-wide. Among efforts to improve effectiveness and efficiency, Takai explained, "is consolidation of the department's IT infrastructure, networks, computing services, data centers, application and data services, while simultaneously improving the ability to defend that infrastructure against growing cyber threats." Her office is leading the implementation of the initiatives, the chief information officer added, "but it is important that we work closely with the services, Joint Staff and U.S. Cyber Command to more aggressively modernize our overall information systems." A pillar of that modernization is a move to a single, joint network architecture, Takai said, allowing DOD and Cyber Command better visibility into network activity and better defense against cyber attacks. Individually, she said, the services and agencies have taken action to better position the information enterprise and security posture. The department has made significant progress in several areas, Takai said. One effort involved deploying a modular system called a host-based security system that enhances situational awareness of the network and improves the ability to detect, diagnose and react to cyber intrusions. "We've also taken the lead in assessing the risk of the global supply chain to our critical information and communications technology," Takai added, and has instituted a successful defense industrial base cyber security and information assurance program. Alexander said cyber defense requires contributions not only from DOD, but from Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Defense Information Systems Agency -- "all key partners in helping us do our cyber mission." Cyber space is becoming more dangerous, he added. "The intelligence community's worldwide threat brief to Congress in January raised cyber threats to just behind terrorism and [nuclear] proliferation in its list of the biggest challenges facing the nation." The task of assuring cyberspace access, the general said, "has drawn the attention of our nation's most senior leaders over the last year and their decisions have helped to clarify what we can and must do about developments that greatly concern us." Cyber Command is specifically charged with directing the security, operation and defense of DOD's information systems, he added, "but our work and actions are affected by threats well outside DOD networks ... threats the nation cannot afford to ignore." Dangers are not something new in cyberspace. "Nation-state actors in cyberspace are riding a tide of criminality," the general said. "Several nations have turned their resources and power against us and foreign businesses and enterprises, even those that manage critical infrastructure in this country, and others." For the panel, Alexander described five key areas Cyber Command is working on: -- Building the enterprise and training the force; --Developing a defensible architecture; --Getting authorities needed to operate in cyberspace; --Setting the teamwork properly across U.S. government agencies; and --Creating a concept of operations for operating in cyberspace. "I think we're making progress," Alexander said, "but ... the risks that face our country are growing faster than our progress and we have to work hard on that."

Biographies: Army Gen. Keith Alexander Madelyn R. Creedon Teresa M. Takai Related Sites: Special Report: Cyber Security