EKAGRATA

MP CM concerned over top babus' corrupt activities

2010-02-09T23:52:00.000+05:30

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed displeasure over 'corrupt activities' by some of the IAS and IPS officers in the state. Chouhan hurriedly called the meeting of associations of IAS and IPS officers in the State Secretariat yesterday after returning from the Chief Ministers' conference in New Delhi.

He reportedly conveyed his displeasure on the recent Income Tax officers raids on the house of IAS couple – Arvind Joshi and Tinu Joshi, official sources said today. From the IAS officers association, the meeting was attended by its president Sandeep Khanna and office-bearers - Shailendra Singh, Manish-Dipali Rastogi, R Parshuram and Vivek Agrawal among others, the sources said.

The IPS officers association was represented by its president Nandan Dubey, Sanjeev Shami, A K Soni and Vijay Yadav, they said.

The Chief Minister strictly told them that they should advise their members not to indulge in corrupt practices as such actions not only ashamed them but also put the state government in an awkward position, the sources said.

Chouhan also told them that during his recent visit to Delhi everybody was asking him about the IT raids on the IAS officers in the state.

Ack.: Thanking Zee news for its inputs.

Ofcourse people are going to ask about the raids because everyone is worried about it, everyone is protecting oneself from being raided (except poor - they fear being razed). Corruption exists at every levels in every system. But it is good to know that atleast steps are 'planned' (well there is big difference between 'plan' and 'execute'). The CM should do this at a regular basis to atleast minimise corruption.
Hopefully other state CM's also plan such a move.

Yet, as we would like to maintain (as we believe), let's stop giving so they stop taking/asking.

Deve Gowda warns of ‘jail bharo’

2010-02-09T23:02:00.000+05:30

The former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president, H.D. Deve Gowda, has threatened to launch a ‘fill the jail’ programme, unless justice is done to poor farmers whose land has been “unnecessarily notified for takeover” for the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project.

Talking to journalists from New Delhi here on Sunday, Mr. Gowda said he was not against development or the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway. “But what is the need for acquiring land at places, as far away as 1.5 km from the peripheral road, affecting the poor?”

“Let me see how they demolish the structures that are far away from the revised BMIC alignment. I will stand before the JCB machine and stop it from demolishing the building.” Mr. Gowda, who visited Konappana Agrahara, Doddathoguru, Chikkathoguru, Beguru, Yelenahalli, Gottigere, Pillaganahalli, Kembathanahalli and Pramod Layout (all in Bangalore rural) to interact with the residents, said more than one lakh people were affected by the government decision to transfer thousands of acres of government/agricultural land and private layouts in the name of the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICEL) Limited, which is owned by NRI Ashok Kheny.

Venkatesh of Pramod Layout, which has been approved by the Bangalore Development Authority, said the affected residents were facing threats to vacate. While the market value of the land was up to Rs.10 crore an acre, the residents were being coerced to accept a pittance of Rs. 80,000 an acre, he alleged. Umesh of Kengeri, who was allegedly stabbed by thugs for refusing to part with his land, claimed that he received no help from the police. His damaged intestine was operated on, and moving the bowels was a problem.

Ack.: - thanks "the hindu" for the inputs.

The government is looting poor farmers with force which iss against the basic rights of farmers as a citizen of INDIA. We do not expect the government to be kind although (have they ever been?) but we do not expect them to be so harsh. How is India going to rise and how is the poverty level going to decrease if such is the case of unremitting behavior by the people who rule this nation.

Following the Gandhian way of protesting such practices, its good to know that our former PM has taken up the cause and we support him. GO on...

India cornered again.

2010-02-09T22:41:00.002+05:30

Umpteen times this might be written on how India is getting cornered again and again. Are we Indians so prone, or just too subtle?

Well it has been a sincere effort from India to restart talks with Pakistan in connection to the rising terrorism across the border. Should we say a generous effort? (After ‘no contact’ decision taken in dec ’08) And India did this because of their genuine concern regarding the terror emanating from the ‘epicentre’ of terrorism (read Pakistan & Afghanistan). India agreed to start composite dialogues between the two nations to discuss ways to tackle this international issue that has been troubling every individual of the world.

But Pakistan rises to the occasion once again... hahaha... “India is forced to talk to us”, “India kneels down”, “India finally bows down”, “India succumbs to our force”, “the country that wants war, wants to talk now”... something like these were the headlines made by them. We now actually feel like laughing because they are indeed how clowns act.

Let’s make it clear, INDIA NEVER wanted WAR. Right from Vajpayee government to the present one, better sense has prevailed at the highest level of office. India was strengthening its military just in case Pakistan (or its non-state actors) decided to throw its military might against India. We still believe in making peace rather than conflict.

Well India had decided to not continue with any talks because we were disturbed by the fact that Pakistan government showed no dissent at the attacks in Mumbai & went on record to provide no help in finding the terrorists. They neither did acknowledge the core of terrorism being alive over there. In such circumstances India had no other option but to stop bilateral talks. What is the use of talking to someone which has only negative feedback?!

And to this, now Pakistan is rejoicing to the fact that India has relented and now by agreeing to start composite dialogues, India has put its step down before them. How effortless?!? Grow up Pakistan Government, grow up. We in India are more worried about people of Pakistan than you. We in India are more worried about the terrorist activities exploding there. Why are you being so childish in your acts?

Although there are quite many people who are still unhappy with the word Pakistan because of their government & not the people. So for humanity’s sake, start behaving more maturely. We are not so experienced to frame our comments/advices on such a trivial issue; but we have grown enough to realise the need of the hour.

Stop bickering around about INDIA Mr. Quereshi (the foreign Minister Pakistan). It’s not in your might to move India on your toes. We have ourselves risen to the need of the people & we know it best to what is required.

And hey let’s make it clear again, India is also unmoved by such ‘cornering’ or ‘lambasting’. We have always held our heads high, and with such a huge force of people in INDIA that support such true efforts by Indian Government, we hope Pakistan also puts its act together as well and engage in meaningful & sincere talks.

No Code of Conduct for the politicians in Lok Sabha?!?

2010-02-09T22:40:00.000+05:30

Well if anything has to go by what Meira Kumar, Honourable Speaker of Lok Sabha has to say, there will not be any code of conduct for the ministers appointed to Lok Sabha. She believes, that these representatives of the billion population of India do not require any code of conduct just because they have been elected (read voted).

Although she must be putting in her own thoughts, but such is the thought that will make our Parliament another fish market. There has been enough foul mannerism seen on national TV (although less frequently) and we do not require any more such cases. Why? Because we do not want to waste ours & theirs’ time for just making every point clear which is the core reason of fights.

Let’s put each point clear.

First thing, we have not elected all of these ministers. WE HAVE VOTED. Just because most of the people did not have better choice. We wouldn’t like to say that every minister is ‘voted’; but most of them. We would note it as ‘voted’ for two reasons. One is selection choice as mentioned above. Other is the public that is voting. No offence to those who have voted, but most of us agree that many of the voters are simply ‘influenced’. But we could not do anything about it as voting is always a personal choice.

Secondly, not all of the billions voted. So many people did not get a chance to vote, or if they did get a chance, they did not vote (how pessimistic). Out of the billion population, 35 % are not eligible to vote (under 18 – please refer our population charts). So stop counting a BILLION every time. Probably it’s just half a billion.

Thirdly, every integral structure which needs smooth management requires a code of conduct. Why consider our parliament different? Is it because it hurts their egos? Or is it because they want more freedom to do anything as they head the nation? Don’t know about it exactly (no use asking them too; we don’t require diplomatic answers). Parliament also requires good management so that the time is utilised effectively for discussing our raging issues & finding solutions to it.

Lastly, not all politicians are educated, not all follow any kind of good etiquettes, not all practice wise behavioural mannerisms. Please we know that! So don’t expect them to behave wisely with the code of conduct out of order.

Yet, we would like to know from you if you would believe the same way or acknowledge this in a different perspective.

Somehow we are not able to find any good reason to remove this code of conduct from the house.

Please put your comments regarding this.

Websites of State & Union Territories

2010-01-26T02:37:00.000+05:30

Preamble

2010-01-26T02:02:00.000+05:30

THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

Preamble

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a _1[SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;

and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the _2[unity and integrity of the Nation];

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, TO THE NATION ON THE EVE OF 61ST REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA

2010-01-26T01:56:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, 25th January, 2010

My fellow citizens,

On the eve of our 61st Republic Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you across the country and also to those living abroad. To the members of our Armed Forces and Para-military forces who guard our frontiers and to our internal security forces, I extend my special greetings.

26th January, this year marks the completion of six decades of working, striving and, all along, being guided by the principles and objectives of the Constitution that was framed after careful deliberations and adopted in 1950. I often recall the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the launch of the Quit India Movement on 8th August, 1942, where he said that power, when it comes, will belong to the people of India. The wish of the Father of the Nation found expression in the very opening words of the Constitution - We, the people of India. This was a strong affirmation that the impulses of the nation and its future would be guided by its people. They would reflect their aspirations and choices, through democratic means. They would also enjoy the fundamental rights that guarantee their freedoms and dignity. Today, is a reminder that upholding the values, determining the direction and propelling the growth of our nation is a task that must be fulfilled by every citizen of the country.

In the first decade of the 21st century, India witnessed transformational changes. It also emerged as a force driving change in the world. Our achievements and experiences have, indeed, brought the nation to a definitional stage, where the promise of a bright future as a developed and progressive nation is for us to claim, as we all work together with conviction and commitment. However, as we overcome deficiencies and convert our strengths into an energetic force, we must remain deeply conscious of what we must preserve and what we must change.

Foremost amongst what we must continue with, is our democratic principles and way of life. We have ably demonstrated that we are a functioning democracy, by time and again, choosing our governments through the ballot and by taking democracy to the grassroots. Also, as we are aware, democracy is very much more demanding. It is the rule of law. It is the rule of reason. And, as India has shown to the world, it is the rule of non-violence. Democracy involves a pattern of behavior, in which every individual must act responsibly, show respect towards dissimilar opinions and address differences in a constructive and accommodative manner. This will build harmony and tolerance - values which are intrinsic to our philosophy; these form the bedrock of a society that embraces the diversity of language, religion and culture to create a composite whole. These values must be followed uninterruptedly in a nation that is, as vast and as varied as ours.

Secularism, our constitutionally chosen path, entails respect for all religions. Its place in our national life is unalterable. India is a land where followers of different religions have lived together for centuries. We must maintain social cohesion. Our tradition of living in accord with each other must continue to form an integral part of the rhythm of life of our future generations.

Belonging to a civilization that has deep reverence towards nature, we must also be sensitive inhabitants of the Planet, in which climate change has become a major challenge. We must judiciously use its resources, work to conserve its rich flora and fauna as well as adopt environment friendly approaches. Use of energy efficient technologies and renewable sources of energy, are some steps that can reduce the carbon footprint.

Dear Citizens,

Our nation has made significant strides. We are the fourth largest economy of the world in terms of purchasing power parity. Our target of achieving a double digit growth rate is plausible and realistic, given our impressive performance during the last decade and our resilience during the global economic downturn. We should continue with policies that promote growth, and also take growth patterns to the bottom of the pyramid and, to those currently outside its purview. Empowering the poor and the disadvantaged, enabling them to move up the economic ladder, to join the ranks of the prosperous, is a task that must be accomplished by all of us. Women need to be made full and equal partners. The inclusive growth strategy, which we have chosen, can make our growth process equitable and sustainable.

The roadmap to inclusive growth requires social justice that can be delivered through an effective social sector infrastructure. It should make quality education and good health facilities available to all citizens, along with social services and job opportunities. This, in turn, will create a human resource base which has the skills, knowledge and capacity to work productively. Hence, our attention must remain focused on this, especially as we have a young population. They must be nurtured and prepared for taking up their responsibilities. Future growth in all sectors will depend on knowledge workers and skilled workforces. They can make our economy dynamic, our service sector efficient and competitive, our manufacturing industries broad based and our agriculture and allied sectors strong. Furthermore, integrating and developing linkages between sectors, say agriculture and industry, will further reinforce growth. These linkages can be fortified by having connectivity at various levels. For a nation which is the seventh largest in geographical terms and the second largest in terms of population, our existing physical infrastructure is inadequate. This constrains and limits connectivity. We have to change this situation. The number of bridges, roads, harbours as well as our power generation capacity and transport facilities, among others, require extensive additions. But, do not forget that along with these structures of cement, steel and mortar, it is also important to bridge our differences, build roads to connect hearts and minds, harbour compassion, generate goodwill towards all and transport these feelings to strengthen the unity of the nation. We will also have to create an atmosphere for our citizens to exercise their rights and tell them to perform their duties as well. This is important to make the development of a democratic nation of over one billion people, participatory and sustainable. In the next decade, not only must we witness the speedy building up of infrastructure, but also a greater cohesiveness among citizens.

A bottleneck and an impediment in bringing about the desired results, for which policies and schemes have been formulated and huge allocation of funds made, is weak implementation and corruption in the system. The causes of the chronic ailment of tardy implementation have to be treated. There should be accountability for lack of implementation of projects, programmes and schemes. This is critical for bringing about positive change.

Public-Private Partnerships and SHGs, that is Self-Help Groups, are important mechanisms for outcome-oriented action and for creating a wide network of stakeholders for growth. There have been numerous examples of how women in urban and rural areas have been able to become financially self-reliant through the SHG route. A movement towards universalisation of SHGs, that brings within its ambit all eligible women, can be a powerful instrument for the economic empowerment of women and for inclusive growth. Facilitation of their formation and functioning will, thus, create a wave of progress and change.

Dear Citizens,

The world over, as also in our country, there is a rising demand for food-grains. This foretells the need for an intense focus on increasing agriculture productivity to ensure food availability, particularly of agricultural produces which are in short supply, to avoid spiraling food prices. To achieve this very important objective, I call for urgent steps towards a Second Green Revolution. There should be use of new technologies, better seeds, improved farming practices, effective water management techniques, as well as more intense frameworks for connecting the farmer with the scientific community, with lending institutions and with markets. Our farmers are ready and willing to work, earn and learn. We have to respond positively and do some "out of the box thinking". Higher agriculture incomes will improve the living standards of the over 145 million rural households, in the over six lakh villages of the country. With higher income levels, the rural economy will generate demand and provide impetus for growth in other sectors. Recognizing this reality, we have to involve the agriculture economy more pro-actively into the growth process, both as a centre of production and as a generator of demand for various products and services. There are many complementarities that exist between farming communities and the corporate world because both are private enterprises. The possibilities of win-win partnerships between industry and agriculture should be explored. For example, the food processing industry when located close to agricultural areas can transform India's rural landscape. Currently, food processing in India is as low as 10 percent of production, as compared to 65 percent to 80 percent, generally seen in the developed countries. Other agro-based industries would be equally important as propellers of growth. The question is how to attract farmers into such partnerships, which do not adversely affect, but rather keep the interests of farmers in the forefront and take into account their various sensitivities, particularly about their land-holdings. This needs to be done in a farmer-friendly manner and by creating awareness in the farming community. Some Indian companies have understood that linking farmers to industrial units would be beneficial to both. They have developed interesting models of engagement with the farming community. We should study these experiences, as we look at viable options that suit Indian conditions for harnessing the potential of village economies.

Dear Citizens,

Today, the optimum use of capital or labour or resources across the entire spectrum of our national activity is dependent on cutting-edge technologies and technological breakthroughs. We need technologies for more efficient and cleaner energy, for our industry and agriculture. India has to chalk out strategies that will promote research and development resulting in innovative methods and techniques. The quality of research in our country must be upgraded to build knowledge structures. I think the nation should take this up as an urgent calling. A knowledge economy requires an education system that encourages creativity and a capacity to think in a novel fashion. Also, our research institutions should join global knowledge networks to keep themselves abreast of worldwide advancements in research. Technology should reach a broader section of our society, and also the movement of grassroots innovations should receive encouragement.

A change which is required, and of which I have spoken often is the eradication of social malpractices in particular those related to discrimination against women. These pose a hindrance on our path to building a more progressive and equitable nation. We should follow a positive agenda for the empowerment of women. A change in our mindsets will be important to remove prejudices and create equal opportunities for all citizens. This is essential for our inclusive growth agenda and for tapping the full potential of our population.

In any mission, particularly one as complex and challenging as nation building, as has been said by our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, "We have to labour, and to work, and to work hard, to give reality to our dreams." For this, motivational levels have to be kept high.

Media can have an important influence on how people see the country. With relentless advances in technology, media is now an integral part of our daily lives. It can create awareness by bringing information to the people, getting them to reflect, and making them realize their responsibilities towards the nation. With a media that plays a constructive role, people would be inspired to take actions that would contribute to building the nation and also to learn about the benefits of positive actions.

For growth, an environment of security is essential. Government is committed to maintain high vigil and take appropriate measures to address internal security challenges. Our country has been a target of terrorism for more than two decades. Government has taken and will continue to take necessary steps to tackle threats emanating from terrorism. It will also continue to work with the international community to combat this menace.

As in the past, in the future also, the voice of India in the world would be a voice for peace, a voice for development, and a voice of hope. In the global arena, we will seek a change in the structure of multilateral institutions, so that they reflect contemporary realities. We will continue to cooperate with the international community to deal with global issues. We will seek to build friendly relations with countries in our region and those across the world.

As 2009 came to a close, there have been many analyses about what are the possible prospects of the next decade for India. Some refer to it as the deciding decade, the decade of reckoning. On reflection, I fully agree that it will be so. It must, therefore, mean a decade in which all Indians must do their work with a sense of responsibility, discipline, integrity of mind and purpose as well as with a spirit of cooperation. We will have to inspire our young generation so that they are virtuous, with good character and a sense of fellow feeling towards others. We must channelise all our efforts towards the goal of taking the country to a higher level of all round national development and not rest till we achieve our goal. We can then be proud that we have performed our duty and borne our responsibility well. It is said that, fortune is an outcome of good work and can slip away, if we are lax in our work. I am reminded of a few inspirational lines:-

With these words, I once again wish all fellow citizens peace, prosperity and progress on the occasion of our Republic Day.

JAI HIND.

Our Resource to know more about our INDIAN Government

2010-01-26T01:50:00.000+05:30

http://india.gov.in/default.php

The official site of the Indian Government where you will get numerous information about India, Government, Governing of the Government, charters, documents, committees...etc...
Well some data is old, some yet to be uploaded, but thats ofcourse not a problem because we atleast have such a huge resource to go through firstly.
I hope we Indians make the best use of it & ty to figure out ways in which we can understand our country better. You gotta do that :)

Websites Of Indian Government

2010-01-26T01:39:00.002+05:30

Hello all, we have prepared a list of website links of government departments, institutions etc.
We hope it would serve as an easy reference to know about our government.
It is our prime duty to check such official documents or releases to check and review.

Indian Government

Executive

President of India : http://presidentofindia.nic.in/

Vice President of India : http://vicepresidentofindia.nic.in/

Prime Minister's Office (PMO) : http://pmindia.nic.in/

Central Govt. (Ministries) : http://goidirectory.nic.in/exe.htm#min

Central Govt. (Ind. Depts.) : http://goidirectory.nic.in/exe.htm#idep

Apex/Independent Offices : http://goidirectory.nic.in/exe.htm#ioff

Legislature

Rajya Sabha : http://rajyasabha.gov.in/rsnew/rsweb.asp

Lok Sabha : http://loksabha.gov.in/

State Legislatures : http://goidirectory.nic.in/legis.htm#sl

Judiciary

Supreme Court of India : http://supremecourtofindia.nic.in/

High Courts : http://goidirectory.nic.in/judi.htm#hc

District Courts : http://goidirectory.nic.in/judi.htm#dc

Committees/Documents

Committees : http://goidirectory.nic.in/committees.htm
Documents : http://goidirectory.nic.in/documents.htm

Institutions/Organisation

Banking, Financial & Insurance : http://goidirectory.nic.in/bankfin.htm

Co-operatives : http://goidirectory.nic.in/coop.htm

Cultural : http://goidirectory.nic.in/culture.htm

Educational : http://goidirectory.nic.in/education.htm

Health & Medical : http://goidirectory.nic.in/health.htm

Public Sector & Joint Venture : http://goidirectory.nic.in/psujv.htm

Scientific & Research : http://goidirectory.nic.in/scientific.htm

Sports : http://goidirectory.nic.in/sports.htm

Tourism & Hospitality : http://goidirectory.nic.in/tourism.htm

International Presence

Indian Missions Abroad : http://goidirectory.nic.in/missions.htm

Intergov. Organisations in India : http://goidirectory.nic.in/interindia.htm

Miscellaneous

Events : http://goidirectory.nic.in/misc.htm

Republic Day

2010-01-26T01:19:00.002+05:30

Type: National
Date: January 26

The Republic Day of India is the day that marks the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950. It is one of the three national holidays in India.

Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman.

A draft Constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950. Following elections on January 21, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the president of India. The Indian National Congress and other parties had been celebrating January 26th as a symbol of Independence, even before India actually became independent. Thus, signing the constitution on January 26, to mark and respect January 26 and the freedom struggle and the freedom fighters.

Granville Austin has described the Indian Constitution drafted by Ambedkar as 'first and foremost a social document.' ... 'The majority of India's constitutional provisions are either directly arrived at furthering the aim of social revolution or attempt to foster this revolution by establishing conditions necessary for its achievement.'

The amending mechanism was lauded even at the time of introduction by Ambedkar in the following words: "We can therefore safely say that the Indian federation will not suffer from the faults of rigidity or legalism. Its distinguished feature is that it is a flexible federation.

"The three mechanisms of the system derived by the Assembly, contrary to the predictions, have made the constitution flexible at the same time protected the rights of the states. They have worked better than the amending process in any other country where Federalism and the British Parliamentary system jointly formed the basis of the constitution"

What Sir Anthony Eden, the Prime Minister of Britain (April 1955 to January 1957), said at the time of the emergence of Indian Republic is relevant in this context. He said, ‘Of all the experiments in government, which have been attempted since the beginning of time, I believe that the Indian venture into parliamentary government is the most exciting. A vast subcontinent is attempting to apply to its tens and thousands of millions a system of free democracy... It is a brave thing to try to do so. The Indian venture is not a pale imitation of our practice at home, but a magnified and multiplied reproduction on a scale we have never dreamt of. If it succeeds, its influence on Asia is incalculable for good. Whatever the outcome we must honour those who attempt it.’

Even more meaningful was the opinion expressed by an American Constitutional authority, Granville Austin, who wrote that what the Indian Constituent Assembly began was ‘perhaps the greatest political venture since that originated in Philadelphia in 1787.’

"During recent years, it has become fashionable among some citizens to disparage the founders and their document. These individuals disappointed by the developments in the country since 1950, have called for changing the constitution explaining that it has not 'worked'. Such thinking, in my view, is misguided. Constitutions do not 'work', they are inert, dependent upon being 'worked' by citizens and elected and appointed leaders"

India hosts another head of state as the chief guest on this day. The strategic importance of any nation as associated by India can be easily seen in this list.

Year Guest Name Country

1976 Prime Minister Jacques Chirac France

1978 President Dr.Patrick Hillery Ireland

1980 President Valery Giscard d'Estaing France

1985 President Raul Alfonsin Argentina

1986 Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou Greece

1987 President Alan Garcia Peru

1988 President Junius Jayewardene Sri Lanka

1992 President Mário Soares Portugal

1993 Prime Minister John Major United Kingdom

1995 President Nelson Mandela[1] South Africa

1996 President Dr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso Brazil

1997 Prime Minister Basdeo Panday Trinidad and Tobago

1998 President Jacques Chirac France

1999 King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev Nepal

2000 President Olusegun Obasanjo Nigeria

2001 President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Algeria

2002 President Cassam Uteem Mauritius

2003 President Mohammed Khatami Iran

2004 King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Bhutan

2006 King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Saudi Arabia

2007 President Vladimir Putin Russia

2008 President Nicolas Sarkozy France

2009 President Nursultan Nazarbayev Kazakhstan

2010 President Lee Myung bak Republic of Korea

Reference : Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Help educate 40,000 children across INDIA !!!

2010-01-21T01:23:00.000+05:30

Dear readers,

Here is a unique opportunity to reach out and impact thousands of lives. Yes, sitting at your desk and just one click can help educate 40,000 young Indians all over our country!

One of India’s most trusted and credible NGOs, GiveIndia is taking part in a competition on Facebook to win a US$1 million grant. The winner will be the NGO that gets the highest number of votes from Facebook users. The prize of $1 million will help put or keep 40,000 children across India in school for one year!

The impact would be tremendous and together, EKAGRATA, IndiBloggers and GiveIndia would be able to gather the votes we need to win.

Voting in the competition is for one week only, from Friday, January 15 – Friday, January 22, 2010. Can we make a difference in the next 5 days? We sure hope so!

The link for voting, where you can also see more details of the competition is

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/338730

There’s been lots of talk about how social media can bring change and make an impact on the world we live in. Well, here is one tangible way for us to take a small action that could have a HUGE outcome.

In case you have more questions about this, please write to giveindiachase@gmail.com and a GiveIndia team member would be happy to reply.

Regards,
EKAGRATA & The GiveIndia Team

blog.giveindia.org
@GiveIndia

The Emergence And Growth Of Social Entrepreneurship in India

2010-01-19T23:50:00.003+05:30

January 1, 2010 @ YouthKiAwaaz
-Arun Sharma:

Social Entrepreneurship as the concept was coined long ago but has been in the corporate parlance in just the recent past. Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been associated with profit making individuals who aim high and achieve a lot for themselves in the world of tough competition. And the success of enterprise was and is being judged on parameters like ROI and Net Income margins. But, with the empowerment and awareness of the citizens of the developing world, a new revolution has started, particularly among the youth of the world. This revolution is the growth of Social Entrepreneurship – the form of entrepreneurship where profits are not the end result, but just the means to achieve the end result of social upliftment and further empowerment.

Initially, the concept of social entrepreneurship used to be associated with the Corporate Social Responsibility of the corporate houses that provided funds to the charitable institutions to run the philanthropic organizations at a small scale. These institutions or organizations did not have any business model of their own and largely operated with the funds from government or donations from the donors.

Globally, non-profit organizations like SOS Children’s Village, however large they are, are funded completely by the donors who are the charitable trusts, individuals, governments or corporates. Though the objectives are noble and the achievements are incredible, the business model of these organizations is to be judged on two very important parameters: Sustainability and Scalability.

Can these non-profit organizations sustain on their own if the external funding from them are unplugged? Can this model be applied to other sectors successfully? As explained by CK Prahalad through his book “The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid”, social cause has always been considered a moral obligation that cannot be fulfilled by means of business. But the paradigm shift took place when the entrepreneurs realized the potential of the untapped markets that could generate profits for them and provide a better way of life to citizens of the society at the same time. The biggest boost was given by the Nobel Prize winner Dr. Mohammad Yunus when his brain-child Grameen Bank became so successful in one of the so-called least developed countries, Bangladesh. It was soon realized that profits can be made along with serving the society, provided you treat profits as a means and not the end result.

Subsequently, initiatives like Casas Bahia and CEMEX in Brazil, and ITC e-choupal and Aravind Eye Care sprung up in India. Most of these initiatives are well into their second-generation, in business terms. In India, various other organizations like SEWA, AWAKE, Nandi Foundation and Jaipur Foot have been started by the awakened and empowered citizens of India. But as they say, Entrepreneurship is contagious and so is Social Entrepreneurship. This sector, called the “third sector” in the book “The Emergence of Social Enterprise”, has been growing at a very high pace even through the current economic downturn. Definition of social entrepreneurship has changed over time. From corporate philanthropy to non-profit and now to self-sustainability, Social Entrepreneurship has evolved and will keep evolving with time and needs of the world.

But the major challenge that Social Entrepreneurship faces today is the definition of the goals and the objectives. Unlike the corporate sector where the achievements are clearly defined and roles identified, it’s seldom to be seen in the social sector. Organizations like SEWA are content to provide employment to the women in downtrodden areas of India, but do not have any goals in terms of the number of employed women or the average salaries, if these parameters can be justified as relevant goals in the first place. Nevertheless, this challenge doesn’t hamper the progress of the third sector but infact makes it more challenging for the entrepreneurs to explore.

The above flow of thoughts can be summarized by approving the fact that intention is a critical parameter to distinguish between the two forms of entrepreneurship – Social and Business.

Courtesy: http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/

Who taught whom? - honesty, integrity - for every YOUTH

2010-01-19T23:44:00.000+05:30

April 4, 2009 @ YouthKiAwaaz

- Umashankar Sahu

Since 14 months of his retirement, Gupta Sir neither got his pension nor his G.P.F. money. He ran here and there but still the output was zero. Really, he was feeling very hopeless and helpless after all. But surprisingly one sunny morning, while reading local news paper Gupta Ji found a known name on the front page of a news daily. That was nobody other than his student Bhagaban Das. Yes, Bhagaban Das, student of Gupta Sir came to that district as new District Collector. Unknowingly, a ray of hope shined at Gupta ji’s face.

The very next day he ran to the Collector’s office with a hope that his student, Bhagaban, will help him in getting his pension and due G.P.F money . Guptaji showed all documents anxiously to his student, and narrated his sufferings. Bhagaban listened to Gupta sir and with a long breath said “this is a big process sir, it will take at least a week and yes you need to spend some money as well.” “Spend?” Gupta sir asked astonishingly. With a smile Bhagaban replied, “Yes sir, I can do it if you are ready to spend only Rs.4000 as you are were teacher. For others I would have asked a minimum of rupees 15,000 for this work.” Gupta sir, surprised by hearing those words from his student asked “for this work you are asking a bribe Bhagaban?” Bhagaban replied, “Sir, it is not only me who will take this 4000, there is a junior clerk, senior clerk, lower officer, peon, everybody, who will take their shares from it.”

Gupta ji said “Won’t you get your salary Bhagaban, really it is very shameful for me and it hurts a lot that my student has become a corrupt officer”.

With a smile on face Bhagaban replied, “I am your student, that’s why I am doing this sir, and you are asking whether I get salary or not..!!! In the past days, you were also getting salary sir…but without completing the course in our school classes, you were giving priority to your tuition, and earning extra money out of your salary, why sir? And today you are trying to underestimate me by taking the name of illegality and corruption? Do you remember those days sir? Our village doctor’s son was very much weak in education as compared to me, but each and every time you were being partial and were making him come 1st in class, by getting beautiful and costly gifts from his father. You always helped and supported those rich guys in our school at the time of the exams. Sometimes you even wrote for them on their examination answer sheets. You were always giving extra marks to your tuition students. I think you forgot those days when you were smoking in front of us and even passing comments on some young girls of our school who were of your daughter’s age. Your name was scribbled and displayed on our school walls by other students. So after all, I am a student of such a great teacher. And what is the problem if I ask for only Rs. 4,000 instead of 15,000 sir? Now you can go and please come after a week with the money I asked for, and collect your documents ready.”

After a week Gupta sir came. The district collector, one of his oldest and poor students, Bhagaban was not in the office. But his steno was there. Without asking anything from Gupta sir, the steno gave him an envelope and said that all the work had been done. And as per the commitment, Gupta sir handed an envelope containing Rs.4, 000 to the collector’s steno. But the steno refused to take that money from Gupta sir and said, “Sir has asked me not to take anything from you, and has left this letter for you..!” Gupta Sir sat beneath an old mango tree inside the office compound and opened the letter.

The letter read as follows:

“Respected Sir,
As a human tendency, when anybody feels a little bit of scarcity of law, humanity, punctuality in other’s ideology, then he starts complaining and arguing, but he never feels the same scarcity that has also been inside him, and unfortunately he never tries to research his own ideology. But I have researched this sir. So I never learnt any bad things from you, despite being your student for a long time. I neither take bribe nor indulge in corruption. I never misbehave with my women colleagues in the office or do partialities for any of my office staff members. I neither smoke nor drink alcohol. I am an honest officer sir. Hope you never mind what I said to you because it was what I felt. Sir, today I recall one small story, you were saying on those school days. “If we want to listen to a sweet voice of cuckoo, we need to provide a mango tree and a spring environment to it, otherwise that sweet voice will move far from us. Now stopping my writing here sir.
Yours,
Sonly Bhagaban;”
After reading this letter, Gupta sir kept silent for some time and realized his mistake. At last, he felt proud to have had such a great student in his whole life time. He then started for his home with a smile of happiness and 2 tear drops of realization.

Awake The Youths Of India!

2010-01-18T00:30:00.000+05:30

The youth of India, our mother nation,

Create a fresh & new India

Of your true and united yet inevitable creation.

With the power of infinite knowledge,

A vision of new Indian era

Today with our heart, we all must pledge.

Courage be the verse of the birds,

For your success very high

That’ll shine with the stars in the altar sky.

Love be the fragrance of the flowers,

For your dreams to care

That’ll blossom in beauty you go anywhere.

Even one drop of value system,

In time you must save

For idleness retreat & work to authenticate.

Even one inch of valuable sunlight,

In truth you must save

For justice against falsehood, you must fight!

But... you must shed no tears in poverty,

Or create the differences

Of caste, religion and gender inequality.

Be always co-operative and united,

With a good understanding

You’ll be always strong and spirited.

Awake the passionate Indian youths,

Of this mythical land,

Don’t die & scatter your ashes in sand.

With the resource of knowledge and truth,

Create a new age of thinking wide,

That’ll make India developed; & prosper with pride!

-arpan shah

~~~~~~~~ X ~~~~~~~~

Just a small piece of thought from our member, scripted into a poem... Am sure many of you share the same thoughts... yeah we do... don't we...!?!

Vision 20-20

2010-01-18T00:17:00.004+05:30

Vision 2020 can be better described as vision 20/20. That is the perfect vision in American style and this 20/20 vision can be achieved only by young generation of India. It is well known that India is home to a significant proportion of youth of the world today. All the imperialists of the world are eyeing India as a source of technical manpower. They are looking at our boys and girls as a source of talents at low costs for their future super profits. If Indian youth make up their mind and work in close unity with working class people, they can foil the plans of Imperialism and Bourgeoisie. The plunder of India can be ended with political power in their hands. The workers, peasants, women and youth will ensure that there is work for all. They will ensure that what is produces is geared towards providing adequacy for all members of society.

Unfortunately no one is bothered to dream any such vision. Martin Luther has said, "I have a Dream" and the dream come largely true. If he had not thought of that dream he would have accomplished nothing in his life. To climb high one has to think of climbing the Everest. One may not go higher than 10000 feet but even that will not be attained if you have no better dreams of going up to the top floor of your office in a life.

In recent years the world has come to look at India with renewed respect, recognizing a strong and prosperous global power in the world. It is also a future when the fabled richness of India’s art, culture, intellectual explorations and spirituals pursuits will begin to show its full radiance bringing much success to the troubled spirit of Modern India.

Is it a dream? Yes. Is it an impossible dream? No, it’s not. This can be done by the Youth of Indains. Youth is the spring of Life. It is the age of discovery and dreams. When they dream they dream not only for the good future of themselves but also for the good future for nation and entire humanity. Their dreams take them to stars and galaxies to the far corners of the unknown and some of them like our own Kalpana Chawla pursue their dream, till they realize it and die for it in process.

If any section of the society in any country is most important for change, again it is the young people. Patriotism comes naturally to young people, but they also respond early to the call of Internationalism. The hopes of the youth are:

1. A world free of poverty, unemployment, inequality and exploitation of man by man.

2. A world free of discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language and gender.

3. A world full of creative challenges and opportunities to conquer them.

But these are not just the empty hopes. Modern science and technology and increasing vistas of Socio Economic cooperation among nations have brought these hopes out in the reach of realization. In recent times Terrorism has emerged as one of the gravest threat to peace and democratic policy. Youth are drawn between acts of terrorism. In some cases it is not the terrorism, but a freedom struggle. This is how our neighbors are trying to justify its policy of cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Youth organizations should carry out an awareness campaign to expose justification or condoning of terrorism anywhere and under whatever pretext.

Role of Youth:

A. The youth can play a vital role in the implementation of elimination of terrorism. If the energy, intelligence and resources of youth are fully and properly utilized the country will prosper.

B. The youth will have to compete with sporting spirit. Just look at the spirit of Internationalism that today prevails in the cricketing world. With the start of any cricket tournament, no matters which team wins, Cricket wins, Youthfulness will won. The spirit of oneness will win.

C. The youth would need to Aspire for entrepreneurship rather than conventional employment.

D. The hopes of young people can be fulfilled only in conditions of peace, only in a civilized and cooperative world order.

E. Young people are full of vibrant ideas. When properly motivated and sufficiently guided they want in their life.

F. Young people have energy to try out things and the patience to learn from mistakes. Giving them opportunities to plan, to decide and to work prepares them to face harsher realities in life.

G. Young participation is important because youth are the country’s power. Youth recognize problems and can solve them. Youth are strong forces in social movements. They educate children about their rights. They help other young people attain a higher level of Intellectual ability and to become qualified adults.

What should be the vision of Young generation for India 2020? Vision 2020 says that:

1. Instead of Brain drain, we can be the magnets for bright minds world over.

2. Our Judicial system could be a model for fairness, promptness and incorruptibility.

3. Our Legislatures could be an acme of integrity, farsightedness and purposefulness.

4. Our habitats could be clean with abundant municipal services.

5. Our youth can be the Olympic Champions.

6. We can have 100% Literacy.

7. The Per Capita Income can go up in Geometric Proportions.

8. We can have full employment.

9. We can earn the reputation of being the most transparent and honest nation.

10. We could be the most competitive Nation.

India can become a developed nation only if everyone contributes to the best of his or her capacity and ability. Youth is wholly experimental and with the full utilization of the talents of the Youth, India will become a complete Nation. Let us hope for the same.

‘Youth is like a fire
It crept forward.
A Spark at first
Growing into a flame
The brightening into a Blaze’.

Atul SHiva is a Lecturer in Commerce in Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management, Ludhiana. His areas of interest are Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Something that we need to believe in...!!!

2010-01-18T00:17:00.000+05:30

"Hesitating to act because the whole vision might not be achieved,

Or because others do not yet share it, is an attitude that hinders progress."

It was with these words that Ashutosh Gowarikar made Swadesh, India’s first mainstream commercial film with its heart in the right place, when it talks about serving the nation.

Lets stop being too afraid of doing something that our Heart believes in, but our mind is in a dicey situation... lets put in our thoughts into the formation of a path to fulfill those visions, rather then letting second thoughts creep our mind....
2010... looking forward into 2030 , which the world believes to be a breakthrough year for IIndia to be the uno super power.... yet we INDIANS don't have the confidence even in their belief's, let alone ours...
so Let's channelise our energies into things we believe by heart, for the good of people, even though it means only 2 individuals, but just go ahead and do it....

Don't let yourself be a hurdle to yourself....

CHANGE starts from within... and we believe in everything within YOU...

YOU are the difference... YOU are the change...

RISE with EKAGRATA... 'coz its you who will SHAPE INDIA NOW !!!

Long time... but we are back!!!

2010-01-17T00:10:00.001+05:30

Hello all,
Have been involved in lots of backoffice work off late and other appointments, but from this year you will get regular posts uploaded from our side, giving you insights on various isssues faced by our country, especially the youth.
There is another BIG NEWS awaiting you all, till then hope you enjoy reading and thinking over it.
Wish you all a wonderful start for preparation of a wonderful DECADE, should i call 2010 as the eve of a new decade whih many believe that INDIA will move beyond restricted frontiers.... lets put a thought to it, let's work hard towards it :)
BE good, DO good :)
take care,
Keep smiling :)

HAPPY DIWALI & WONDERFUL NEW YEAR

2009-10-16T12:30:00.000+05:30

Wishes from our heart to your hearts :)
Lets make this new year a year of positive change.
Lets take one step ahead and create a bond of unity.
Lets keep our hearts, minds & our nation clean... healthy... secure :)
Lets derive ways to bring smiles on people's faces.
Lets start thinking of we should instead of what we could...
LETS LOOK AHEAD & BUILD A WONDERFUL YEAR... LETS DO IT :)
keep smiling & take care!!!

EKAGRATA: Maharashta/mumbai Elections

2009-10-08T23:06:00.000+05:30

EKAGRATA: Maharashta/mumbai Elections

Maharashta/mumbai Elections

2009-10-08T23:04:00.000+05:30

LETs make it count this time...
Lets vote for the ourself in the right way, with the right mind....
Lets elect a formidable leader & good managers ... not just politicians... we want better management in government...
We want to have our questions answered...
We want our freedom to be utilised in every possible way without hurting or getting hurt ....
We want to build a strong & secure future....
We want to VOTE FOR A CHANGE & a POSITIVE ONE :)

RISE ONE AND ALL :)

13th august is declared state holiday... so please go to vote....

Please visit the site to get details...

Although we will be working to provide better & scrutinised details to one and all....

Its not just about maharashtra.... INDIA is always linked to the progress of Maharastra & we want good leadership right at the top :)

EKAGRATA FOUNDATION

2009-09-01T21:21:00.000+05:30

EKAGRATA

Million hearts, one soul… a united REFORMATION!!!

Aim:-

Is to bring together the YOUTH of INDIA & to channelize their energy for the development of the nation.

Is to bridge a channel for the youth and citizen to interface with the socio-economic hazards and hurdles with the choicest of the paths, together as one.

Is to spread awareness of every issue to every citizen.

Is to lead the path of awakening for a spirited force of the citizen in the development of nation.

Is to derive ways of knowing civil and economic details through an easy channel.

Is to motivate & inspire youth to contribute in every possible manner & route.

IS TO UNITE ONE AND ALL for INDIA!!!

Tools: -

Our objective is to create general civic & political awareness among the citizen of India, voice their opinion and collectively act for the betterment of the nation; the tools we plan to use: -

1. Making use of RTI easy for the citizen & youth of India (RTI).

2. Awareness about the CONSUMER RIGHTS (CPA).

3. Signature Campaigns.

4. Public Interest LITIGATION (PIL).

5. Youth Portal.

6. Newsletter.

Funding:-

We require sponsor for every event/activity. Funding is required for expenditures incurred in event management, printing, web-site, shirt etc… A Finance Department will handle all such procedures.

Chapters: -

Ekagrata will have chapters in various cities and towns across INDIA. Gradually the chapters shall emerge and grow eventually. We hereby aim to reach every part of INDIA through the chapters.

Clubs: -

Every chapter will have clubs, depending on the objective of activities performed. The clubs will have the same objectives in each & every chapter across INDIA.

Types of Members:-

1. Founder Members.

2. Chapter Administrators – a group of individuals responsible towards respective chapters.

3. AHO – Administrators/heads of other organizations.

4. Law – legal issues/hassles/hurdles/bindings etc…

5. Civil – the civil body for helping out in civil issues etc…

6. Social – working on social issues, interface with society etc…

7. Media – for interaction with media, reporting the events etc…

8. Web-Masters – for the update of website, networking, etc…

9. Art – helping with designing, performing, presentations etc…

10. Management – for managing every activity in efficient way…

11. Ek-junta – members of the EKAGRATA family.

All EKAGRATA processes, documentation, activities, membership & allied subjects are bounded by a ‘Code of Conduct’ & various ‘Terms & Conditions’ that shall prevail. Details of preceding notes are provided here, whereas the details of ‘Code of Conduct’ & ‘Terms & Conditions’ shall be released separately.

Aim

1. Is to bring together the YOUTH of INDIA & to channelize their energy for the development of the nation.

India has a population of approximately 120 million youngsters i.e. between 15 & 25 yrs. of age. With such a huge resource, INDIA can do a lot better in all the fronts & in every field. We have to potentially utilize this enormous power of every youth culminated as one, we can achieve tremendous development for all the positive reasons. And development shall begin when we grow from within, along with the backing of a stable, noble & trustworthy system.

2. Is to bridge a channel for the youth and citizen to interface with the socio-economic hazards and hurdles with the choicest of the paths, together as one.

The social & economical hazards, as well as political hurdles too, have hurt INDIA the most in the past decades; & presently too. We hereby unite ourselves to face them, and derive necessary paths wherever required to overcome them. Be it an individual, or a group, the challenges will be the same; But a group shall conquer it more easily, quickly and efficiently. We shall strive to be united for the chosen path.

3. Is to spread awareness of every issue to every citizen.

With so many issues that a citizen faces in his life, we aim to create mass awareness & spread it to every citizen so as to create a healthy & rational environment. It is then that we aim to generate measures for general discussions over such issues & collectively strive for changes.

4. Is to lead the path of awakening for a spirited force of the citizen in the development of nation.

We always have managers, we aim to be managers, but now INDIA needs leaders. We all have a potential leader within us, Lets awake and arise, and bring to forth our undisputed leadership in all walks of life. From being self-aware, to being socially, economically & politically aware, we aim to lead the path for the glorious future.

5. Is to derive ways of knowing civil and economic details through an easy channel.

We know the problems, some know the solutions, very few know the source, & rarely someone utilizes the same. It’s as important to deal with civil & economic structure of INDIA very cautiously, as is important to deal with our own career. But due to lack of time & higher priorities, we don’t step forward. Thereby we aim to create an easy channel, derive pathways for access, to know, be aware & participate in the redevelopment of the structure for the betterment of INDIA.

6. Is to inspire & motivate youth to contribute in every possible manner & route.

It is the inspiration that lead us to think like we do; it is the motivation that made us to do what we thought. We aim to rekindle the flame into the soul of other individuals/youth of India so that every one of them strives for the common goal of development of our nation.

7. IS TO UNITE ONE AND ALL for INDIA

That’s what EKAGRATA stands for, we are UNITED as one. It has no religion, caste, cultural, lingual barriers; all it perceives is one vision, and that is of the united organization of the youth power to reform the existing system that we all live in & to create awareness for the same to every citizen of INDIA. And we aim to see not just the youth to be united, but every citizen of INDIA be it on our motherland or be it abroad.

Although the aims remain firm for EKAGRATA Foundation, they are bounded by the working policy of the Foundation. This policy is released separately.

“We don’t strive to serve the aims, but the aims serve as motivation to strive. And serve who, OUR MOTHERLAND!!!”

Tools

1. Making use of Right to Information (RTI) easy for the citizen & youth of India.

If we do not have information on how our Government and Public Institutions function, we cannot express any informed opinion on it. So we shall make use of RTI. The Right to Information is derived from our fundamental right of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution of India.

a. It restores to Citizens the right to get information on rules, expenditure, reasons for taking decisions, copies of Government orders, agreements, and Audit reports and so on. Virtually most activities of the Government can be monitored by the people.

b. Any Citizen can use RTI, without going to any Government office, and with a very low cost.

c. With a ten rupee fee and a proper format, a Citizen initiates a very powerful legal course, which entitles him to information, which can be demanded by MLAs and MPS on the floor of the house! You do not have to get forms from anywhere. Just use the format, specified in some States.

d. RTI: The weapon of the Common Man but yet not known to them.

Our objective is thereby to spread awareness of RTI through seminars and workshops, newsletters & clinics, & various other ways to every citizen of INDIA by the channel of YOUTH. We also strive to make the use of RTI easy and quick for every citizen, thus enabling every citizen to make use of the most powerful right entrusted.

AND IT WONT BE AN INDIVIDUAL RIGHT, NOW IT WILL BE A MASS RIGHT!!!

2. Awareness about the CONSUMER Protection Act (CPA).

An Act to provide for better protection of the interests of consumers and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith

Under the Consumer Protection Act 1986, a consumer is guaranteed the following rights:

a. Right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property

b. Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices

c. Right to be assured , wherever possible , access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices

d. Right to be heard and to be assured that consumers' interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums

e. Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

f. Right to consumer education.

Our objective is thereby to spread awareness of CPA through seminars and workshops, newsletters & clinics, & various other ways to every citizen of INDIA by the channel of YOUTH. We also strive to make the use of CPA easy and quick for every citizen, thus enabling every citizen to make use of the consumer rights provided.

EVERY CONSUMER HAS THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED; NOW IT SHALL BE A MASS CONSUMER RIGHT!!!

3. Signature Campaigns.

A signature has always been an invaluable possession for every individual. With every individual pledging his invaluable support, we can create larger differences for people’s benefit. Thus, Signature campaign is a powerful tool for the mass awareness. It gives a sense of belief to the members of the campaign, and a sense of pride & realization to the individuals who supported it through measures of signatures. It is also a strong tool to enroll high number of supporters for the specified campaign. It shall also help in analyzing people’s opinion on specified campaign.

Our objective is to raise extremely important issues and carry out such campaigns to fight for the solution or the support of the issue itself. Our objective is to spread awareness through such a widespread measure & also generate backing/support for the same.

AN INDIVIDUAL WEAPON FOR MASS BENEFIT!!!

4. Public Interest Litigation(PIL)

a. "Public interest Litigation", in simple words, means, litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of "Public Interest", such as pollution, Terrorism, Road safety, constructional hazards etc.

b. PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION is not defined in any statute or in any act. It has been interpreted by judges to consider the intent of public at large. Although, the main and only focus of such litigation is only "Public Interest" there are various areas where a PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION can be filed. For e.g.

- Violation of basic human rights of the poor.

- Content or conduct of government policy

- Compel municipal authorities to perform a public duty.

- Violation of religious rights or other basic fundamental rights.

Our objective is thereby to spread awareness of PIL through seminars and workshops, newsletters & clinics, & various other ways to every citizen of INDIA by the channel of YOUTH. We also strive to derive channels for making use of PIL easy and quick for every citizen, thus enabling every citizen to make use of the most powerful right entrusted.

WHEN MASS PUBLIC FILE PIL; IT BECOMES A MASS INTEREST LITIGATION!!!

THE YOUTH SHALL BEGIN THE YOUTH INTEREST LITGATION!!!

5. Youth Portal.

It is a much powerful tool when supported by like-minded people. And if people aren’t like minded, we shall make them, because we have only one aim which we look through EKAGRATA & that is to unite the youth.

Thus we shall create a youth resource & interfacing network, called the youth portal, online as well as in chapters such that we are capable of utilizing the energy & thinking power of every youth.

The youth portal shall act as the medium of communication between the youth in various parts of INDIA & and shall help to limit any hindrance in doing the same. It shall also help to enhance inter0personal relationship between various individuals. It shall behave as a forum for the members to share their views & find solutions on various issues. It shall also be an effective way of communication on every event & activity of the organization.

Our objective is to bring together various other youth organizations as well as socio-economic development organizations together & bridge the communication gap that shall lie between them. We aim to create a strong & resourceful network of every youth & youth organization such that every youth is linked to every other youth.

6. Newsletter.

We shall start a newsletter for constant updates. Newsletters serve as a powerful tool and serve our purpose in a very realistic way. There is so much detail of everything i.e. events & activities of the organization, news updates, and activities around the globe, knowledge resource, awareness articles, visuals, pictures etc. & to get everything in few spaces shall be very economic for everyone.

We plan to have online & paper newsletter both for a broader reach. The printing & distribution of the same will be depended upon the funds or sponsorship available. But we hope to inspire every citizen to join the bandwagon of the Reformers.

Our objective is to motivate & make aware the readers through words & pictures that create a big impact and generates mass awareness at low cost.

Note: - We are not running a political movement, or a social activity group, or an economic forecasting group, or a civil development society… WE are here to create a REFORMATION in everything.

“DIVIDE & WORK but UNITE AND RULE!!!”

Funding

EKAGRATA IS A NON PROFIT ORGANISATION. Hence all funds shall be utilized towards the activities as explained in the succeeding part.

A Finance Department will be created for the management of the flow of money.

Finance department

There is no specific limit to the number of individuals/members under the same. The decision is solely of the founding Members. But the management of finance will be official and an optimum level of transparency will be maintained to the members of EKAGRATA. Finance disbursement will be decided by the founding members, and managed by chapter heads. One central Department will be located at the Mumbai chapter, whereas, the disbursement to the administrators of various chapters will be done through the department with formal agreements of founding members and respective administrators.

Funding Requirement

We require sponsor for every event/activity which EKGRATA and its respective chapters undertakes.

Funding is required for expenditures incurred in –

1. Setup of any event.

Pre-setup, post-dismemberment, all required materials, conveyance etc…

2. Event-day logistics & expenditures.

Travel, accessories, printing, bills, hire, fees etc…

3. Printing.

Designing, brochures, official documents, pamphlets, newsletters, event requirements, posters, banners etc…

4. Web-site.

Designing, domain, server, updating, hosting, publicity etc…

5. Accessories.

Shirts, arm-bands, caps, badges, I-cards, diaries, key chains, pens etc…

6. Financial fees.

Expenses incurred in management of finances, banks etc…

7. Procedural Fees.

Expenses incurred while following any official procedure, process etc…

8. Conveyance.

Travelling expenses, penalties if any etc…

The financial terms and conditions shall be framed & maintained by the founding members & finance department.

An account will be officially created to manage the funds. Receipt will be provided to every donor/sponsor for their invaluable support.

Funding does not necessarily have to be in terms of money. It shall be in terms of sponsorship of requirements, or in kinds, or any other possible way. The motive is not to put financial burden on the members, but making use of the resources available in the most efficient and stream-lined way.

A REVENUE MODEL, WITH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CHART SHALL BE CREATED TO MAINTIAN THE ‘OPTIMUM’ TRANSPARENCY LEVEL.

“Money is the root cause of all evils, but it is also required to reach the root of the cause of the evil & REFORM IT”

Chapters

Ekagrata is formed with the vision to grow into one united organization of the youth of INDIA, without considering their age, sex, caste, religion, education, income & place of living.

The only bond that shall bind everyone is the fact that we are INDIAN at heart!

And as we have our brothers and sisters in various parts of the country, for efficient co-ordination and management, we propose the emergence of Chapters of the organization in various cities and towns of not just INDIA, but possibly in some other parts of the world too.

The Management

1. Chapter will have an administrative head section above all to co-ordinate with the Mumbai chapter as well as to manage the activities at the respective location and areas nearby it.

2. The chapter administrators will not be any superior body or group of individuals, but will be responsible in decision-making process, co-ordination of resources and finances, motivating the youth in the city and adjoining places, maintain cordial conditions for doing activities of EKAGRATA, create blogs or web-sites, developing contacts to enhance our resources, find local sponsors, have greater co-ordination with other chapter heads, spreading awareness to the respective town/city & most importantly to unite the youth for achieving the aims of EKAGRATA using the tools for the same.

3. The Chapter will have the same organization of membership as in the Mumbai chapter, and the rules and regulations shall remain the same too.

4. Complete funding support shall be utilized from the Mumbai Chapter.

Every chapter will be named upon the city of instatement.

The basic motive of the chapters shall remain the same; the management shall differ from places to places. The clubs shall have a prominence in every chapter, bounded by same code of conduct; although the method of working shall differ considering the limitations as well as advantages.

There shall be no priority order of the emergence of the chapters, & administering the same.
There shall be no rule of not having more than one chapter in a state.
All the possibilities shall depend on the opportunities arising & favorable conditions for setting up the structure.

There shall be no election for chapter heads, the decision and selection system shall be sole discretion of the founding body. It isn’t any political body, but a developmental & inter-face body for the citizen of India.

Nor is this any business venture; it is solely a part of EKAGRATA and a responsible body under the rules and regulations of the founding body.

The chapters will be connected through the youth portal too. They may have separate newsletters/websites/blog as per their convenience and funding, but shall co-ordinate with the founding body.

The Terms and conditions as well as code of conduct will be released separately and shall be updated to every member of the organization.

Thus Chapters will be location based division. And such a Chapter will only strengthen the BOND amongst the youth of various parts of INDIA & encourage better interaction between them. It shall also enhance the reach of EKEGRATA to every INDIAN.

“STRIVE locally, SERVE nationally & set an example INTERNATIONALLY”

Clubs

Clubs will be activity based division. With the activities of EKAGRATA being well defined, we have a vision to specialize into each tool of reform for a broader understanding & development.

Ekagrata aims to utilize every tool in the best way it can possibly, and to the major extent too. And as we have specialized sections in every management structure in today’s world, the same we apply here for efficient activity definition & flow.

The clubs shall be named as-

1. RISE4INDIA (R4I) – for field activities.

2. RTI – for RTI based activities.

3. CPA – for CPA based activities.

4. SIGN DRIVE – for signature campaigns.

5. PARICHAY – for awareness campaigns.

6. AKSHAR – for educational activities.

7. PEHCHAAN – for activities related to inter-action of youth from various parts of INDIA.

8. SWARG – for environmental activities.

9. CHANAKYA – for activities related to interaction with government.

10. MITR– for social activities.

The structure

1. The club names shall remain the same for every Chapter.

2. Every member is part of every club.

3. The clubs only separate the activities, not the membership.

4. There shall be no priority order for the clubs.

5. There shall be no separate administrative body for each club or any general section for the same.

6. The only body coordinating the clubs shall be the administrative body of individual chapters & founding body.

7. The clubs shall not provide any special privileges.

8. Although the clubs can have a separate section in the newsletter.

9. The clubs are not liable to any special financial requirements.

10. The fund allocation for club activities shall be sole discretion of founding body & finance department.

The clubs shall provide a specialized planning for the activities keeping in mind the limitations. Moreover it will also give a complete overview of the activities undertaken under each club to the members associated with each activity.

The clubs shall also provide members to choose their field of work, according to the time & space limitations that each individual has.

The youth go clubbing to enjoy & have a good time; Let Ekagrata Clubs create ways of having good times such that it’s a new phenomenon.

The Terms and conditions as well as code of conduct will be released separately and shall be updated to every member of the organization.

“Although all the components are processed in different sections, they merge together & become a computer. EKAGRATA will be nothing less.”

Types of Members

1. Founder Members – the ignition engine…

It is the group of Individuals who have initialized the concept & ignited the flame of REFORMATION, although the torch will burn through the other members of the organization. The membership will not be open to any.

2. Chapter Heads – A group of individuals responsible towards respective chapters.

These individuals will take charge and responsibility of respective chapters and look after dissemination of activities, monitoring activities, planning flow-charts etc…

3. AHO – Administrators/heads of other youth organizations.

A group of highly motivated individuals who have initiated other organization, they become one of the prime members for their advice/take/support in all activities.

4. Law – legal issues/hassles/hurdles/bindings etc…

An extremely important group of members, to resolve law hurdles in every activity of the organization. It shall consist of law students & professional lawyers.

5. Civil – the civil body for helping out in civil issues etc…

A group of members who will help the organization in the process of RTI to know about various civil works undertaken by government. It is open to civil engineers, firms, & individuals with knowledge on such issues.

6. Social – working on social issues, interface with society etc…

A group of members for researching on social issues, developing pathways, listing channels for solutions, creating database & interacting with society. Open to all who have tremendous knowledge in this regard.

7. Media – for interaction with media, reporting the events etc…

Open to Media students & media-persons.

8. Web-Masters – for the update of website, networking, etc…

Open to engineers with complete knowledge in this regard, and amateurs too.

9. ART – helping with designing, performing, presentations etc…

A group of individuals with artistic sense, tremendous self-confidence, music, drama, dance, painting, & various other talents.

10. Management – for managing every activity in efficient way…

A group of Members who have wonderful managerial skills & experience. Open to management students and others who have high aptitude in this regard.

11. Ek-junta – members of the EKAGRATA family.

All the members fall into this type of membership by DEFAULT. Also all the members who don’t fall into other specific categories will be considered as the EK-Junta (They aren’t Aam-Junta, coz they will make the difference).

***There is no fee for any type of membership. There is NO HIERARCHY in membership, but a defined pattern of decision making. Membership types are created to have specialized expertise in various sections, & to develop an efficient model/structure/network of the organization.

EVERY member will be bounded by the code of conduct and terms of conditions of the FOUNDING body; they will be released separately.

“WHEN YOU SHALL DIE,

I WON’T ASK YOU WHAT DIFFERENCE YOU MADE TO ME;

I WILL RATHER ASK,

WHAT DIFFERENCE YOU MADE TO OUR COUNTRY!!! ”

=> Please post your email address in comment so that we will mail you a copy of the Founding Document & The Membership Form. Thank You.

WELCOME :)

2009-09-01T20:32:00.000+05:30

Hello my fellow friends,
Its great to have you come over here, because this is the first step towards REFORMATION!!!
Yes and it is certainly so... as we YOUTH are together and UNITED!!!
LET THE WHEEL OF CHANGE ROTATE, LETS REVOLUTIONISE THE CONCEPT OF AAM-JUNTA (they aint mango people)... WE WANT DEVELOPMENT, AND WE AIM TO DEVELOP WITHIN TOO!!!
Regards,
AN INDIAN :)