Dalip Tahil As Pandit Nehru In Shyam Benegal’s Magnum Opus SAMVIDHAAN

Mumbai, Feb: “While we all know that Babasaheb Ambedkar framed one of the greatest Constitutions of the world – the Indian Constitution, very few of us know how it was created and fewer still the role played by Pandit Nehru and other leaders of the era. Today, not many can visualize the exciting backdrop on which the Constitution was created. When work was first started in December 1946, India was on the cusp of freedom. The nation was throbbing with raw energy, in an atmosphere of purpose, optimism, vision and teamwork. In a way, all of these are reflected in our Constitution,” says Dalip Tahil, the veteran actor who plays the role of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the magnum opus TV show.

The ten part series on the making of the Constitution of India, Saamvidhan was premiered recently at Parliament Library, New Delhi amid the presence of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Leader of Opposition in the RajyaSabha Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla, BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad and members of the current LokSabha and RajyaSabha. The show will be aired on RajyaSabha TV shortly. A re-creation of the constituent assembly of India that sat from December 1946 to November 1949, Saamvidhan marks the comeback of Shyam Benegal to television after such series as Yatra and Bharat Ek Khoj. The show has Sachin Khedekar playing Babasaheb Ambedkar and Neeraj Kabi as Mahatma Gandhi.

“I love prepping for roles. I had done a large part of my research and reading for playing the part of Panditji in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and then a year later, when Saamvidhan was offered, I was more than happy to be a part of the series,” says Dalip Tahil who is now emerging as directors’ first choice for the role of Nehru. 

“Pandit Nehru was one of the most exciting characters of that era. Idealistic, visionary, well read and gifted with exceptional looks, he balanced the ideas of romanticism, conscience and science. The first cabinet of Independent India included even his adversaries like Shyamaprasad Mukherjee and Sir R K Shanmukham Chetty besides of course, Babasaheb Ambedkar,” he adds.

Interestingly, back in 1982 Dalip Tahil had played Zia, Jawaharlal Nehru’s friend, in the Richard Attenborough film, Gandhi and then three decades later is playing the part of Nehru himself. Also, veteran director, Shyam Benegal was the director for Tahil’s first movie Ankur.

“Understanding the process involved in the making of the Constitution, the challenges faced, and attention paid by the framers to the minutest details, will not only enable us to appreciate our Saamvidhan better, but also respect it,” concludes Tahil.

About Dalip Tahil: An Indian film, television and theatre actor Dalip Tahil did his schooling from the elite Sherwood College in Nainital, India. During his senior years at school, he won the prestigious 'Kendall Cup' for the best actor two years in succession. He was declared the best actor for a record third Time in 1969, his final year at Sherwood College. After moving along with his Family to Mumbai in 1968, Dalip Tahil joined the Theatre Group Bombay, and trained under Alyque & Pearl Padamsee. During one of the plays, film Director Shyam Benegal noticed him and offered him his first ever role in the film Ankur. Since then, he has played principal character roles, demonstrating his versatility and unique talent in over 100 Bollywood films.

Ahead Of Budget, HRAWI Seeks Boost To Tourism Industry

To Make Goa Tourism Globally Competitive

Feb, Goa: Ahead of the State budget of Goa, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has sought assistance from the Government for incentivizing key aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry to make it competitive globally.

In the pre-budget memorandum submitted to the Finance Minister and Chief Minister of Goa, the industry has appealed for revision of the current taxation system, subsidy on diesel for power generation and incentives for investing in waste management and re-cycling of waste.

“Tourism is the back bone of Goa’s economy, employing 1/3rd of its population and contributing 50% of the total collected revenues to the State coffers in terms of revenues from various sources. Goa’s tourism scene is challenged by tourism promoted by Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and also some other Indian states. Unlike in other states and countries which have incentives in terms of lower taxation and lower interest rates that boost the tourism industry, the hospitality industry only seeks assistance from the Government to make it more competitive in market by lowering the cost of the product,” says Mr. Charles Bonifacio, Chairman, Goa sub-committee, HRAWI.

Among the key measures, HRAWI has suggested amendment to Tourism Trade Act and validity of certificates. The association has requested for a single window clearance that will allow establishments to bring uniformity in obtaining various licenses and certificates, pay fees annually and retain validity for 5 years. Presently, only the certificate of hotel classification issued by the Central Government has a validity of 5 years.

“Cleaning and regulating beach tourism is of utmost importance for a litter free and safe beach enjoyment experience. Unfortunately, this is another area of concern, which presently ranks somewhere in the bottom list of priorities. Besides this, we’ve also requested the administration to form either a co-operative or corporate body to regulate taxis and provide subsidy on taxi meters that will weed out any malpractices in fares being charged to tourists,” adds Mr. Bonifacio.

The recommendations, if incorporated in the upcoming budget, will have the capacity to boost tourism and place Goa on the international map as one of the most sought after tourist destinations.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 63 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories like The Taj, Trident, Hyatt, J.W. Marriott and The Leela who are some of the prominent members of our Association. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu &Silvassa is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

Trendy Chhota Bheem Socks From Green Gold Stores

Trendy Chhota Bheem Socks From Green Gold Stores

Mumbai: With the current temperatures falling and the cold waves hitting India, socks are becoming an essential wear for kids; Green Gold Stores have introduced colorful and attractive range of socks made of soft cotton. The socks with prints of kids’ favorite cartoon characters Chhota Bheem, Mighty Raju, Arjun, Chutki and Indumati give a fashionable touch to the baby’s feet, besides keeping their feet protected from cold.

The collection of full length and ankle length socks in standard sizes with exciting color combinations is sure to make every kid happy.

Green Gold is the first-ever Indian company to open thirty stores exclusively retailing merchandises from one toon family. Since the start of Green Gold stores, it has been generating tremendous response from kids. In just a span of two years, the product spread grew from twenty to more than two hundred. The products are available at all Green Gold Stores across India.

Price – At an MRP of Rs. 109/-

Age group – Between 3 to 10 years

Available at – All Green Gold Stores

About Green Gold Stores: Established in 2001, Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. has earned the unique distinction of being the No.1 Indian 2D animation content provider among kid’s channels which includes Pogo, Cartoon Network, Disney and Hungama. Green Gold set up its Licensing and Merchandising division, Green Gold Stores in 2008. Green Gold has won the prestigious “Licensor for the year 2013” ” award at the 8^th Star Retailer Awards and “Licensor for the year 2012” award at the 7th Star Retailer Awards in New Delhi. Green Gold also has been awarded as the “Super Star of Indian Animation” at Orbit Live – Industry Honors' 2013 in Mumbai. With a viewership of over 40 million, a recent research conducted by ‘Kids Observer’ has ranked Chhota Bheem as the number one choice of kids up to 8 years old and amongst the top 5 for kids in the 9 to 14 years bracket.

SIT AND DRAW ART COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS - Open To Participants From All Over India

Niki Hingad Art Foundation(NHAF) has announced the third annual launch of an art competition, the most widespread youth talent contest, inviting schools and students all over India to participate in an art-drawing contest titled ‘Sit and Draw Art Competition’.

The competition will be open to participants across the country for a period of three weeks, with the last day of submission of their artwork being February 2^nd, 2014. All participants in will have to email the artworks attested by their schools at nhafnationals@gmail.com and then courier the same to NHAF address. These will be displayed during the art competition to be held on 8^th of February at Sir J J School Of Arts, Mumbai.  The competition will be followed by a special enriching ART demonstration from the award-winning students of Sir J J School of Arts Institute. The participants will also include a group of children from Differently Abled Schools.

Talking about the initiative, Ms. Niki Hingad, Founder, NHAF says, “This is the 3rd year of our competition. It is a great way to encourage the freedom of art in young talents. We at NHAF believe that true artists paint their own selves. Hence, we promote art without any boundaries by letting these children explore their inner selves, encouraging their own language of art. Over the years we have not only introduced our young artists to various art techniques like pen and ink, charcoals and many more at National Sports Club Of India but also arranged nature camps to places like the Gateway of India and Girgaun Chawpatty for them to explore their imagination.”

All entries will be judged by a panel of judges from the Sir J. J. School art fraternity and will be rated on the basis of creativity and originality of the artwork. The jury will select a total of 12 winners in 4 categories from Mumbai and 6 winning entries from all other regions. NHAF will announce the winners at the art competition on 8^th February 2014.

Each student other than from Mumbai is free to submit their best artwork (only 1) on the given theme of    a) my dream , b) landscape , c) My pet  d) India in 2021 , before 2nd February 2014 on the given NHAF address titled NHAF Annual art event’ 14 and also email their school attested entries to nhafnationals@gmail.com.

This will be an open competition fully supporting the idea of freedom in the world of Art and will be categorized in four different age groups i.e. ‘Veni-A ' – Age 5 – 7 yrs, 'Veni-B' Age 7 – 10 yrs, ‘Vidi’ – Age 11 – 14 yrs and ‘Vici’ – Age 14 -16 yrs.

For further details please call on 9892908081, between 10am – 5pm, join us on facebook.com/nikihingad.artfoundation.

Our address: NHAF base, 1-1 Ratnakar bldg., Narayan Dhabolkar Marg off Nepean Sea road, Mumbai -400006.

About Niki Hingad Art Foundation (NHAF): NHAF Foundation, has been involved with various art activities over the last few years. The foundation plans to ignite an immense interest in the perception of art in the younger generation and hence will be actively involved in creating a difference in the world of art. With the help of eminent professors of the Sir J. J. School of Arts and its team, NHAF plans to work in various fields of Art round the year. These activities will be held in various schools and will include special courses in various fields and techniques of Sketching, Charcoal, Calligraphy, Pen and Ink, Clay modeling, Water colors, Acrylic colors, Cartoon caricature, Landscape, Portraits, Still life, Sculptures. It will also conduct workshops on famous Artists, mediums of art, various eras of art like Op art, Modern art.

Rizvi Education Initiates India’s First Cent Percent Voter Registration Campaign

Rizvi Education Initiates

India’s First Cent Percent Voter Registration Campaign

Rizvi Education Society, a leading educational trust in the country, has launched India’s maiden ‘Cent Per Cent Voter Registration Campaign’. This initiative envisages the registration of each its students who fulfill the eligibility criteria in the electoral rolls of the country. Rizvi Education has over 18,000 students enrolled with its institutes. The pilot exercise targets achieving greater student participation in the electoral process of the world’s largest democracy.

“We recently submitted about 90% of the eligible forms to the Election Commission. A core committee comprising of students and faculty worked round the clock to make this happen,” says Mr. Abis Rizvi of Rizvi Education Society, who has conceived the campaign. “The initiative was launched with a two-fold aim. Firstly, we wanted all our students to be conscious of the electoral process and participate in it. Secondly, we want this to serve as a pilot project whereby other institutes can launch similar campaigns thereby ensuring that no youth in the campus is left out of the electoral process.”

The previous year, the college had run a voter awareness campaign titled, Largest Democracy Lowest Voting. Aimed at encouraging the youth to participate in big numbers in the BMC elections that were round the corner. The campaign ran for nine days and comprised of flash mobs, street plays, extempore debates and other activities that were conducted across the streets of Mumbai. “It was during this campaign that we realized many of the youth were not even registered to vote. Some were not registered because of complacency, but many were unregistered because of difficulties encountered during the registration process. This is when we decided to step in and facilitate and encourage the process,” explains Mr. Rizvi.

It has been observed that only 15-20 percent citizens in the age group of 18-19 are registered voters. And from among the registered voters below 21 years of age, very few actually turn up to vote. This is a major lacuna that needs immediate correction.

“We are now looking forward to this being treated as a pilot project by other institutes. Active participation of the youth is critical for India to be a vibrant and effective democracy,” concludes Mr. Rizvi.

The campaign is part of the extracurricular and social initiative campaign that the educational institutes falling under the trust indulges in from time to time. 

About Rizvi Education Trust:

Rizvi Education Society is a Public Charitable Trust established under the Societies Act 1950 and registered under the provision of the Bombay Public Act, 1950. The main objective of the society is promoting education at all levels. Rizvi Education Society began with the College of Arts, Science and Commerce and Rizvi High School in the year 1985. It has now spread its wings and branched into Rizvi College of Architecture, Rizvi College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Rizvi College of Engineering, Rizvi Institute of Management Studies & Research and Rizvi Academy of Management, Rizvi Law College, Rizvi College of Education. Located at Rizvi Educational Complex, off Carter Road, Bandra (west), Mumbai, the Institutes believe in giving due importance to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities besides placing strong emphasis on academic excellence.

For further details, please write to contact@spincommunique.com

Appeals To Government to Extend Relevant Timely Permissions

Hotel Industry Gears Up Early For Christmas & New Year

Following a lackluster Christmas and New Year Celebrations last year, the hotel industry has decided to gear up well in advance to ensure that 2012 is not repeated. The previous year, the industry was besieged by a variety of factors that included a slow economy, higher levies and delays in Government permissions. By internal estimates, the hotels and restaurants on an average fell short of targets by as much as forty five percent.

“Christmas & New Year Eve functions are held annually. Yet there is no blanket sanction till the eve of the event day. The permission is given last minute, sometimes as late as 5 p.m. Our humble request is that there should be a permanent permission, amendable in an emergency situation so that the licensed establishments on payment of fees, could market their events well in time,” submits Mr. D.S. Advani, President, Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI) in a petition to the Chief Secretary, Maharashtra.

The petition further requests that the changes of the above timings be introduced in uniformity in all the Commissionerate areas of Maharashtra and in commonality with the Prohibition & Excise Department. The two departments, although wings of the Home Department, do not issue similar timings for operations.

“Last year, due to an arbitrary increase in entertainment duty, many five star hotels and stand alone restaurants did not hold special functions for New Year. The ambiguous clause of ‘loud music’ was explained as the reason for this increase. Apparently, celebrations don’t go without the involvement of music and levying additional duty for the same discouraged hotels from hosting celebrations. This led to a loss of revenue not only for the hoteliers, but also for the State Government. Lackluster New Years impact the overall spirit of the occasion. With each passing year we are losing our patrons to states like Goa and Karnataka that have more liberal and reasonable policies in this regard. Corrective steps need to be undertaken on a priority basis, else very soon we will have a crisis in our hands,” says Mr. Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, HRAWI.

The amendment to the Bombay Entertainment Duty Act, 1923 has been one of the biggest grouses of the industry. The entertainment duty on live performances or live orchestra conducted in the Permit Rooms, Beer Bars, Pubs and all such places where liquor is served, with the amendment became Rs.50,000/- per month for Permit Rooms and Beer Bars with live Orchestra; Rs.1.00 Lac per month for Pubs situated at a place other than the 5-Star Hotels; and, Rs.2.50 Lacs per month for Pubs in 5-Star Hotels.

“The Entertainment duty (pursuant to the amendments three years back), are not only exorbitant, unreasonable and without any basis, but instead of promoting local art form in terms of live serenade musicians, this duty has caused massive unemployment of live musicians who were creating the right ambiance while guests partook their meal. The duty is so highly prohibitive in nature that for an average outlet's normal monthly sale of Rs. 10-15 lakhs approximately, the entertainment duty itself works out to Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh per month. This leads to outlets shutting down the music amenity in their outlets and not only causes unemployment but neither creates any revenue for the State in the bargain,” says Mr. Kamlesh Barot, the immediate past President of HRAWI.

It may be noted that the Police Department is already charging Rs.15,000/- per month on live performances or orchestra in addition to Rs. 15,000/- per year to BMC by Permit Rooms, Beer Bars, Pubs etc.; Rs. 7,500/- per year to the Police Department as license charges; Rs. 1,80,000/- per year for Performance Licence; and Excise fees of Rs. 3,55,000/- per year.  The imposition of Entertainment Duty in addition to all these in effect amounts to double taxation of the same activity.

“If the Government does not step in, the New Year will be lackluster this year also. And this does not augur well for the industry in the State. Not only inbound tourists will give our State a miss, but residents from here will also go out to celebrate. We beseech the Government to adopt a rational policy,” concludes Mr. Barot.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 63 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories like The Taj, Trident, Hyatt, J.W. Marriott and The Leela who are some of the prominent members of our Association. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.

For further details, please write to contact@spincommunique.com

Rural Development Minister, Jayant Patil Flags off Asia’s Largest Cleanliness Expo

Rural Development Minister, Jayant Patil Flags off Asia’s Largest Cleanliness Expo

Clean India Pulire Expo Showcases Latest Cleanliness Technologies

From Across The World

Mumbai, Dec 05^th: Minister for Rural Development of Maharashtra, Shri Jayant Patil, today flagged off Clean India Pulire, Asia’s largest cleaning expo. Running into its tenth edition, the Expo showcases the latest and newest cleaning technologies from across the world.

“When it comes to cleanliness, our country is ranked way below others. But, we are witnessing an increase in hygiene awareness and enforcement of international standards in many sectors especially IT, Pharma, Food, Hospitality, Healthcare, Retail and Manufacturing. Over the last decade, the Cleaning Industry in India has registered steady growth of 40% to 50% per annum. And in the coming years, we expect cleanliness and hygiene to become a priority sector,” says Shri Jayant Patil, Minister for Rural Development, Government of Maharashtra.

Setting new benchmarks, Clean India Pulire 2013 – the 10^th edition of the expo that will go on till December 7 in Mumbai, showcases the latest in cleaning technology, hygiene solutions and maintenance for the healthcare and other sectors. More than hundred exhibitors from across the world will showcase their products and services. Over 40 new products are expected to be launched at the Expo.

“Cleaning is a science and requires the right kind of equipment, tools and chemicals to treat contamination and dirt. Latest professional cleaning solutions like steam mops, low-noise vacuum cleaners, cleaning trolleys with infection barrier, color coded microfiber wipes & mops, cost effective chemicals for floors and surfaces were some of the products that were displayed at the Expo,” says Ms. Mangala Chandran, Senior member at Virtual Info Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Clean India Journal will also host the 10^th edition of Clean India Show to recognize and celebrate achievers from across several categories from the cleanliness sector. Exclusive seminars on facility management, industrial cleaning and cleanliness requirements on Food handling establishments will be held alongside on all the three days of the exhibition.

While the Show is supported by  Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Pune Municipal Corporation and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, the other partners include Deccan Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture; Kerala Chamber of Commerce; Goa Chamber of Commerce; The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Hyderabad; International Institute of Waste Management-Bhopal; National Solid Waste Association of India-Mumbai; Federation of Small Scale Industries-Vadodara; Indian Housekeepers Club; Pitampur Audhyogik Sangathan-Bhopal; All India Association of Industries-Mumbai and Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturing Association.

For further details, please write to contact@spincommunique.com