Indian fashion makes a style statement with magnificence, elegance and panache

Much to the delight of the Indian fashion industry, and adding color to the current festivities, two back to back fashion weeks in Delhi and Mumbai left the fashionistas and divas in awe and wanting for more.

The recently concluded Wills India Fashion Week (WIFW) Spring/Summer 2009 (Oct 15-19) in Delhi followed by the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) in Mumbai (Oct 20-24) saw the best in Indian fashion industry displaying their talent to a wide range of audience. SATimes gets up, close and personal with the fashion weeks and its participants.

The Delhi story…

The WIFW Spring/Summer 2009, a five day fashion gala at New Delhi's Pragati Maidan, reached its crescendo on Oct 19 with a dramatic and flamboyant display of exclusive designs, styles and cuts by renowned fashion designer Manish Arora. FDCI president and host Sunil Sethi was a proud man as he welcomed the crowd.

Color and elegance rule runway, set trend for the festive season

Ace designers Satya Paul, Vikram Phadnis, Rajesh Pratap, Rohit Gandhi, Renu Tandon, Payal Jain, Ranna Gill, Rina Dhaka, Falguni and Shane Peacock presented a vivid combination of colors and attires at the WIFW.

Talking about their line W@rdrobe Rock @rt, Nandita Raipurani of the Nandita-Hemant designer duo said, "For our collection this year we combined Indian colors like Green, Blue and Pink with International colors like White, Black and Gray. We went with fabrics such as crepe and linen and are trying to bring the art technique of Dabka back into vogue."

Celebrities Sameera Reddy, Shabana Azmi, Chitraganda Sen, Sanjay Suri, Riya Sen and Deepika Padukone graced the ramp.

Designer Renu Tandon's Indian outfits in Red, Orange and Pink were a combination of modernity as well as tradition and could not be displayed at any better time than the Diwali season. In fact, her ensemble would also make for a very trendy Diwali attire as well.

Describing her designs to SATimes, Anita Dongre said, "My clothes are for women of all ages. From women as young as Chitraganda to women as elegant as Shabana, there's something for everyone." Rajasthani saris and knee length dhoti pants were a highlight of Dogre's collection. She has also used a lot of bandhini prints.

Designer Joy Mitra's collection included exquisite lehengas and short cholis while Payal Jain had stylish white gowns on display. Kavita Bhartiya's collection made a statement with a range of black ensemble that caught the eye for its wearability.

A flamboyant use of sequins in combination with Swarovski crystals on fabrics like chiffon, georgette and net marked the collection of designer Khushali Kumar. "My collection includes Swarovski studded gowns and tunics in vivid colors," Kumar told the SATimes. Explaining the meaning of her brand's name she said: "Reve is a French word for dream." Indeed her collection took one right into the land of dreams.

Designers Rina Dhaka and Prashant Verma will soon exhibit their collections
in the US as well, as told to SATimes.

New designers, big ventures and social causes give a new meaning

Among the many new designers, Rohit Mittal, Nisha Merchant and Umesh Vashisht's creative collections caught everyone's eye. Freshness of colors and clothes made a new and modern statement for both men and women.

The event was not only an update on the Indian fashion industry but also an event with a cause -- veteran designer Krishna Mehta championed for the physically challenged, while Falguni and Shane spread awareness regarding the growing cases of breast cancer .

Model turned actors Milind Soman and Rahul Dev, promoted their upcoming fitness gym Breathe in Mumbai. When asked about future plans, Soman revealed that he was starting "Label M with Madhu Jain as the designer."

Behind the scenes

Super models Carol Gracias, Sapna Kumar and Bhavna Sharma gracefully walked the ramp flaunting their ravishing outfits and leaving the crowd in awe.

What does it take to set the ramp ablaze? SATimes caught up backstage with Vimi Joshi, Senior Makeup artist of MAC before the Rajesh Pratap Singh show. "Lots of effort and dedication goes into creating the right look. It could take about three hours to get the complete the face, hair and make up done. However, a quick touch up of three minutes is enough to ready the models for different outfits for one show," Joshi explained. She also said: "Makeup hues and colors are decided on the basis of the model's attire." The artist also did the make up at the Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.

We also caught a glimpse of make-up guru and director of MAC, Mickey Contractor, creating magic with his brushes. Watching Contractor prepare the models for the show, revealed the power of his swift brush strokes that not only set the needed look to match the attire but also gave confidence to the models.

The grand finale

Manish Arora's show Circus was the grand finale of WIFW. In typical Manish style, the collection had a vivid array of mini skirts, rotating carousel dresses with Indian elephants embroidered on them, trousers, jackets and jumpsuits with varied techniques of embroidery. The stage was set up in Red and White colors with a 3D projection of a clown in Manish Arora costumes. The background music was inspired by Bollywood movie songs and a live band from the UK.

The story continues...

After Delhi, the fashion focus shifted to Mumbai, where the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) kicked off at the NCPA auditorium on Oct 20. The event was a riot of talent as designers such as Deepika Gehani, Vineet Bahl, Ashmita Marwa, Tarun Tahiliani, Krishna Mehta, and Sabyasachi Mukherjee showcased their take on fashion for the coming season.

The week began with designers Shantanu and Nikhil portraying their collection, a combination of drama and beauty with their stunning women's wear in Red, Black and Gray. Their menswear included Sherwanis in black and Jodhpuri jackets.

Huge chandeliers against a glittering black backdrop provided the set for Tarun Tahiliani's Levi's collection. Tahiliani set the ramp on fire by lending new age styling to conventional denim. Incredible beaded jeans, denim hot pants and jackets studded with gold coins and Swarovski crystals were some of his most talked about designs this year. The finale showcased a denim bride in bleached white jeans covered with jeweled chains and crystals worn by Bollywood's Sonam Kapoor.

Falguni and Shane's feminine collection mostly used floral designs. Waistcoats, funky frocks, halters in silk, velvet, chiffon and satin came together to create a warm and fuzzy look for winter.

Ruchi Mehta's exclusive pebble and palm motifs wowed the audience.

Pink, Brown, Gray, Mauve and Beige ruled at LIFW. Celebrities Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse were among the few who walked the ramp.

Day three, Oct 22, was the "Menswear Day." Off-late the average Indian male has become more fashion conscious and the fashion community doesn't want to ignore this up-coming class. As passionate as women are about dressing for occasions, men are also expanding their choices with an increased availability of styles and varieties. Featured designers included Lecoanet Hemant, Arjun Khanna, Troy Costa, and Raghavenda Rathore among others.

The LIFW advisory board members included some of the big names from fashion: Dr Darlie O'Koshy, Director NID; Pradip Hirani of Kimaya; Alka Nishar of Aza; Wendell Rodricks; Arjun Khanna; Narendra Kumar; Anil Chopra, advisor, Lakme; Ravi Krishnan, consultant to IMG; and Vikram Raizada of IMG.

Another baby on the block this year was the Delhi Fashion Week, which has been launched by the Fashion Foundation of India. It was held at the DLF Centre, adjacent to Emporio Mall in New Delhi from October 14-18. The show was relatively new to the industry and with not many big names, yet it managed to leave a mark on the attendees.

It was indeed a colorful October for the country, which saw the amalgamation of beauty, fashion, celebration of Indian culture, talent and brilliance under one roof with two annual events and the maiden Delhi Fashion Week, leading to the gradual ending of a truly memorable month which will end with Diwali festivities. It not only showcased what India has to offer to the world of fashion, but was a also a testament to how India fashion has grown over the many years and how the designers have taken clues from the West and made their creations in every sense – international.

Nikki Rattan/SATimes

Photos courtesy LIFW, WIFW

A step ahead:India and France civilian nuclear pact signed

Civilian Nuclear Pact between France and India was signed earlier this week on 30 September. This agreement was a result of the one day EU – India summit that took place in France's southern port of Marseille where Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met French President Nicolas Sarkozy and President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel. The main issues included space, terrorism, climate and nuclear development. "We both agreed on the need to reform international institutions, including the United Nations, to more effectively deal with these issues. We agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism" said Indian Prime Minister after the India - France Summit.

Bilateral relations between EU and India are dated back to 2004 when a strategic partnership contract was signed. A Free – trade agreement is expected to be signed by 2009 with constant on going talks. European Commission had asserted that a budget of 500 million euros be assigned for problems pertaining health, education and reduction of poverty in the next five years.

The pact formed a landmark in the history of India and France. "Today we have added a new dimension to our strategic partnership. France is the first country with whom we have entered into such an agreement after lifting of international restrictions on civil nuclear cooperation with India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group. I conveyed to President Sarkozy our gratitude for France's consistent support to our civil nuclear initiative," announced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After 34 years of international isolation, this is Delhi's initiative towards nuclear safety, protection and fuel cycle management.

This bilateral collaboration between India and France have enabled French companies like Areva to open doors to more than one billion people. India presently has 22 nuclear reactors and will soon own two third generation European pressurized reactors and a supply of nuclear fuel.

India in 1950s developed nuclear energy under the Atoms for Peace Program. However, it did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty calling it biased towards some nations. India was banned from nuclear trade in 1974 after the first atomic test. However this ban was removed in September this year by a group of 45 countries that provide nuclear material and technology.

On October 1^, U.S. – India nuclear deal also received an acceptance by the Senate. U.S. companies have opened the corridor to business in Indian Market. President Bush said this "will strengthen our global nuclear non proliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner."

Victorious Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government has yet again achieved a milestone in building partnership with France and U.S. This is a breakthrough in the history of India. Undoubtedly it will have a boomerang effect on nations that have targeted India and the Indians especially this year. However, it will cause weakening of deterrence. Aim would be to use this increasing power for peaceful purposes. Neighbouring nations would also be naturally inclined to form nuclear deals and receive support. This expansion of Nuclear power was carried forward without signing the NPT which may be yet another cause of concern. Nevertheless it will be operational after signing the safety agreements by IAEA.

Gotham Chopra: Breathing life in characters, from Reel to Real

Identified by Newsweek magazine in March 2004 as one of the "most powerful and influential" South Asians worth watching, Gotham Chopra writes on spirituality, culture, news and youth. Co-founder of Chopra Media and a partner in Intent Media (with father Deepak Chopra, New Age guru, and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur), Gotham talks:

1. Tell us about all the books you have written and a little bit about the theme of each.

My first book was titled CHILD OF THE DAWN and was a short narrative about an orphan boy growing up in India and the various mentors he encountered on his quest to recover a great source of power. The book emerged out of some of my own experience as an adolescent, growing up around so many great teachers and mentors but ultimately realizing that they could only help me find that real wisdom lay within, and that it constantly reveals itself as one’s life unfurls.

My second book was called FAMILIAR STRANGERS and we non-fiction. It chronicled my experiences as a journalist on the front lines of various wars and conflicts where often I would see and interact with soldiers, rebels, terrorists, etc. that were younger than me, fighting wars and harbouring grievances that were far older than any of us. The book really was an attempt to try and understand why as a civilization we constantly seem to be at odds with ourselves and is there a way to possibly transcend some of these petty tribal instincts and evolve.

The final book was a graphic novel called BULLETPROOF MONK that, not unlike CHILD OF THE DAWN, was really the story of a young streetwise kid who embarks of a quest to locate the legendary Bulletproof Monk, only to discover that the heralded hero is none other than himself. I think the same basic allegory was at work as Child of the Dawn, just in a different setting. To some extent, I think the story of my life is about wandering through all sorts of existential dilemmas encountering a variety of interesting characters who ultimately simply remind you of stuff you already know.

2. How about your role in Virgin Comics. What challenges did you face?

I am one of the founders of Virgin Characters and also oversee all of the creative development in the company. Challenges – where to start? Any entrepreneur faces a litany of challenges every single day that range from operational hurdles to personell problems, to the tremendous difficulties of having to creatively motivate artists and writers every day to tell stories that readers will care about.

3. What makes a good book?

There really is no secret sauce I am afraid but there are certainly elements that can contribute to stories that have a chance to succeed. First and foremost is finding a characters that readers care about. That doesn’t mean one that they have to love, but one that they can relate to, or empathize with, or fear, or recognize contradicting forces in similar to themselves. Once you have that character, a good writer will take the character through a journey that challenges their sense of self, makes them question their own existence and self-definition and usually come out the other side with a greater sense of self.

4. Which films have you produced and directed? How was that like?

I have produced a number of documentaries while working with Channel One News, a news network in the US. Also, I was a producer on Bulletproof Monk, the feature film adapted from the comic book that I co-wrote some years back. Now as part of Virgin Comics, I am producing a number of our books as they go from comic books to films. Producing and directing films are two different types of responsibilities, both creative endeavors in different ways, but very fulfilling. Seeing a vision and story evolve from conception to the screen where large audiences can view them is always exciting and invigorating.

5. What inspires you?

I think there are every day incidents in normal life that can be inspiring if you look for them. I often read about normal people who do extraordinary things from difficult situations and I def find that inspiring. I find the way my young son interacts with the world and how he consumes the planet as he becomes more aware of it – that’s inspiring.

6. How did the idea of K Lounge in New York arise?

My friend Vikram Chatwal called me up and said that he was starting a new bar/lounge in NYC and did I have any ideas on what we could do to make it different. Vik is a maestro in the hospitality business so he took the lead and I just followed and learned.

7. What is mythology for you? How have you described mythology in most simple words in your books?

Myth makes up the intrinsic and timeless stories that narrate our existence as a species. Great myths are about heralded heroes and villains that represent the great character archetypes that reside is us all – sinner, saint, angel, demon, divine, diabolical, sacred, and profane. The greatest myths do not live in the annals of time but really are re-enacted and re-imagined every day because their resonance and relevance never fades.

8. You have said that “letting go” of stress, fear, bad past or negative emotions is the best way to heal the mind and the body. What is the best way to “let go?”

Meditate, exercise, play.

9. What are the three most important things that help you attain personal happiness and contentment?

Meditate, exercise, play.

10. What are your views on attachment versus detachment? Do you live a detached life?

I strive for a detached life – not being attached about the past or have expectations of the future but it’s not easy. Then again, if I were totally at peace with my own existential dilemmas, there would not be much point to living. I am doing the best that I can (for now).

11. A dynamic individual and an inspiration for the youth. What are your future plans? More books, a TV show and more?

Like I said (above), try not to make too many plans or live life with such focus ad vision that I cannot enjoy the journey. I have aspirations in life: to tell more stories, to reach more people, to contribute to a planet that is more safe and nurturing to people everywhere, to answer some of my own existential dilemmas and questions, and most importantly, to raise children that will be compassion citizens of the planet.

12. Any advice for the readers and fans across the globe?

Meditate, exercise, play.

13. Tell us more about your experiences at Channel One. What did you learn from it and how do you think it impacted media in general?


To this day, working for Channel One remains the most rewarding professional endeavor of my life. Not only was it my first real job out of college, but where else could a recent graduate with little professional experience get a job that day one sent him to exotic places to interview the likes of popes, presidents, terrorists, drug barons, dictators, and astronauts?

Over the 5 years that I was at Channel One, I visited about two dozen countries, including places like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Checnya, Russia, Colombia, China and more, journeying into remote regions and meeting people and seeing places that few ever have. At the time, Channel One was the most watched news source for young people in America, reaching almost half the teenagers in America and probably the single place where they may ever be exposed to some of the critical issues occurring across the planet.

To that extent, I always realized the tremendous responsibility I had as a journalist and story-teller, to be objective in covering stories, but also subjective in being honest about my feelings - ranging from revulsion at the crowded conditions of a refugee camp in Gaza to the exhiliration of watching the space shuttle launch in Orlando, Florida. Also, because we always strived to create as authentic a news experience as we could, we often just used simple digital cameras, didn't bother with elaborate lights or sets or any of that stuff.

To that extent, I think we were ahead of the curve and the news media is still catching up today to the fact that when people seek information, they want it in the most honest, uncut, raw form so that they can draw their own conclusions, At Channel One, i think we realized that going out into the world and exploring it created more questions than answers. And while we tried to find those answers, it was always just a noble effort, no promises that we could come up with answers because things aren't often that simple.

14. What is a typical day in the life of Gotham Chopra?

I hate to think there is a "typical day" in the life of Gotham Chopra as that would make me boring and predictable. There are a few things I like to keep consistent though, waking up early and playing with my son, drinking a good coffee, and finding some time to exercise and/or meditate. The rest I try to keep varied but always includes meeting interesting people and hearing their stories, traveling to parts of the planet both big and small, quiet and loud, sacred and profane, in an effort to better understand the myths that define our humanity. That may sound lofty and esoteric but I have been lucky to have my curiosity nurtured from the earliest age. I honestly believe that the day I find myself satisfied with my life is the day that I will be ready take on my samadhi or silence. And I am pretty sure that day is very far off.

By Nikki Rattan

Gandhi Jayanti

Remembering the Father of the Nation, on Oct 2

October 2 is observed in India as Gandhi Jayanti, the date Mahatma Gandhi was born. Like every year, celebrating his teachings of non violence/ahimsa and reminding the masses of the significance of Indian history is the highlight of the day.

Born in 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi married Kasturba Makhanji at the age of 14 and had four children. In 1888, he went on to study law at University College, London. Later he joined Indian National Congress, only to become a part of Indian independence movement to end British rule in India.

Satvikta (purity), inner silence, vegetarianism, truth, respect, swaraj and satyagrah were a way of life for him. He advocated the use of khadi (homespun cloth). India became independent in 1947, but he was assassinated in 1948 by a Hindu radical Nathuram Godse.

Every year prayer services are held all over India on Gandhi Jayanti. Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat in New Delhi is the special venue for prayers, where dignitaries pay floral tributes on the day. It is a national holiday all over India.

In 1995, International Gandhi Peace Prize was launched on his 125th birthday. This award is for outstanding individuals/institutions who excel in reformations on socio-economic and political front with nonvioence and other Gandhian beliefs. Several reforms inspired by Gandhi's teachings have been instituted on a national level. Indian Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss this year announced a curb on tobacco consumption in public and private buildings starting Oct 2. Anti – tobacco drive (with a budget of 6 billion) is effective in NGOs, hotels and schools too, with fines imposed if rules are broken.

Online pledges for peace and nonviolence are accessible to people through a special website (ahimsa.nagpur) that has been created. SMS messages paying an ode to Gandhi will be sent to over one lakh mobile phone subscribers in the city of Nagpur. A plea to attend the peace march is also sent. Several cultural programs like "India Mission," performances by singer Sonu Nigam at Yashwant Stadium, school students taking sanitation oaths, exhibitions of Mahatma Gandhi photographs are some highlights of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Nagpur.

Gandhiji is remembered worldwide for leading India's freedom struggle. The University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban is launching the Gandhi Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies. Doing the honors would be Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma and African National Congress president Jacob Zuma. The Chair's aim would be to teach Gandhi's principles of Ahimsa – tolerance, compassion and equity to the students, said the Vice Chancellor of the university in an interview.

Everything from his style and imagination are still followed in many fields. Gandhiji used to dress in a simple dhoti and shawl to express the simplicity of his life. Designer Anamika Khanna portrayed a vivid collection of cowl drape dresses inspired by Dhoti, thereby paying a tribute to traditional clothing at HDIL India's first couture week in Mumbai earlier this month.

However, his ideals of peace and freedom are being forgotten. With a series of terror blasts in May, July and September in India, Gandhi Jayanti should be a reminder to enforce the concept of non-violence that the Father of the Nation had preached. Killings, sufferings and blasts have made this year one would like to forget. The freedom that was won is being destroyed.

Will and intent especially of youth should be channeled in a positive and constructive direction, instead of anger and disgust for other nation. Power of the weapon must never be more than the power of words, of dialogue. Religion should be a tool for growth and not a barrier. "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will," said Mahatma Gandhi

By Nikki Rattan

Kiran Bedi: Building a national platform for cops

Kiran Bedi is India's first and highest ranking woman Indian Police Officer. Before retiring in 2007, she was UN Police Advisor to the Secretary General in Peacekeeping department. She is the recipient of more than 20 prestigious awards including Ramon Magsaysay and a UN Medal. Along the way she also founded two NGOs, Navjyoti and India Vision.

With defence and security being the prime concerns in India today, Bedi has not stopped contributing in this regard even after retirement. At a conference earlier this month, she has created a common platform for the policemen to interact better amongst themselves, crossing the borders of geography, rank, or service, about issues of internal security or any other matters of concern in the spirit of 'shared responsibility'.

India also faces other diverse challenges. For example, the need of the hour is a well shielded system for supporting and safeguarding the rights of women and children, especially the girl child, the elderly and those in need. With problems of drug abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, wife beating and dowry on the rise, service minded people like Kiran Bedi have their work cut out for them.

Kiran Bedi is a woman who dares in a male dominant society, where woman has been traditionally considered a synonym of sacrifice. An individual of gut and epitome of intelligence, she has done her utmost to reform the Indian system of governance. The best known and documented of her accomplishments has been in bravely transforming the Tihar jail in New Delhi and reforming the prisoners there through spiritual lessons, detoxification programs, yoga, vipassana meditation, building a huge library, training minds though graduate courses and bringing a change in them from within.

A documentary film on Bedi, Megan Donerman's "Yes Madam, Sir", premiered at Toronto International Film Festival recently. It has portrayed her career as a diehard police officer who has handled difficult cases one after the other and brought about justice, discipline and order in chaotic and worst assignments. It throws light on the corruption that Bedi has fought in her years in office. Eventually, the film showcases her strength as she wins the fight against corruption through her noble actions, bringing much appreciation to India.

Late this month, Kiran Bedi will start being anchor and judge on a reality television show in India called Aap Ki Kachehri (Your Court) where issues such as domestic violence, family/property disputes, which are corroding Indian society, will be discussed and possible solutions offered.

She is the wife of Brij Bedi and the mother of one, Saina. As a young woman from Amritsar, she excelled in sports as a National and an Asian tennis champion.

She has made things happen by spreading light with dignity and taking people from darkness and ignorance to reality.

SATimes spoke to Mrs Bedi about some key issues facing India as she launched the e-initiative for cops. Excerpts:

When did you join the Indian Police Service (IPS) and what was your inspiration?

I joined the service in 1972. My inner inspiration to serve the society from a position of power was the route I took. I believed in the power to change. And IPS stands me for that.

What steps have been taken in the past few years to improve security for women in India?

All my policing years and my NGOs were and are totally focused exactly on this.
Specifically and generally. I have responded as per the special needs of the community. Women needed that and they got it. I always sought out for women with initiative to be placed in the right place so that they feel fulfilled.

Winner of more than 20 prestigious awards including Ramon Magsaysay, President's Gallantry award, to name a few, you have contributed immensely in crime prevention, drug abuse, police and prison reforms. Can we go over the highlights?

* Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, 1994: Reforms in Tihar Jail (India's largest prison complex) which have lead to its inmates following a routine of study, work and meditation were a breakthrough.

* Women's peace committees, set up at my initiative, promoted neighborhood harmony. As community participation rose, crimes fell. Observing the link between drug addiction and chronic criminality, community-supported detoxification clinics were set up, a model which was later used for wider application when I took over as deputy director of the Narcotics Control Bureau. Crime control, drug rehabilitation, and humane prison reform were three key issues that were addressed.

* Received Police Medal for Gallantry by the President of India for conspicuous courage.

* Received Lifetime Achievement Award 2008 from Bank of Baroda for continuing commitment to the underprivileged and giving a new chapter in the history of Indian Police Force.

* Received Asia – Region Award 1991 for work done in the field of Drug Abuse Prevention by International Organization of Good Templars (IOGT), a Norway based organisation.

* Given "Woman of the Year" Award 2002 by the Blue Drop Group Management, Cultural and Artistic Association, Italy.

* The Joseph Beuys Foundation Award 1997 for Holistic and Innovative Management, and the Morrison Tom Gitchoff Award 2001 for actions that have significantly improved the quality of justice in India.

What were some of the outcomes of the conference on September 1?

For the first time in India we have created a common platform for the cops to come together as closed community. A seamless national platform has been created to enable 'all cops' to interact better amongst themselves, crossing the borders of geography, rank, or service, about issues of internal security or any other matters of concern in the spirit of 'shared responsibility'. It is hoped that the e-space will enhance collective appreciation of policing issue.

This is the open space for 'shared responsibility' for citizens of the country.
Safety and Security is not an exclusive duty of only our security services. It is a 'shared responsibility'.

The community can share their opinions, suggestions, recommendations and post on the site. Approved ideas will be forwarded to the concerned authorities for implementation.

For children of policemen, three key initiatives have been taken:

* To focus on kids of cops to take to Information Technology.

* Enable Education and Training

* Award Scholarships to the deserving

E-complaints can now be lodged at www.saferindia.com Toll free: 1800-11-5100


Which books have you written and what is the theme of each?

1. What Went Wrong: Unique collection of uncensored narrations volunteered by individuals who had nothing to declare but their wrong past. The real life experiences provide readers a close insight into lives they may otherwise ignore, be unaware of or have no access to.

2. It's Always Possible: A book on Tihar and its transformation from criminality to humanity. The book is a result of the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship, awarded to me in the year 1994. The book focuses on Tihar, one of the largest prisons in the world. It has three sections, the first being, 'What existed' which describes the conditions which prevailed in Tihar when I had taken charge. The second section, 'What evolved' describes the holistic transformation of the prison system which put Tihar on the road to reforms. 'What emerged', the third section of the book, is a graphical representation of the methodology followed for changing Tihar.

The book is accompanied by a CD ROM. It's Always Possible has been released in eight cities in the US, the United Kingdom and at the International Book fair at Harare, Zimbabwe. The Australian edition of the book was realised after visits to prisons of Australia. The book also has a Bangladesh edition.

3. As Kiran Sees It...This is a compilation of real experiences about police service, women and national issues, education and patriotism to name a few.

All proceeds of this book go to Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation, for education and upbringing of children in need.

4. A book titled Kiran Bedi —The Kindly Baton, has been authored by Dr Meenakshi Saksena, Reader in the Department of Psychology, Indraprastha College, Delhi University. There is also my biography, I Dare, published by UBS Publishers, and written by Parmesh Dangwal.

My real experiences also feature in:

* Government@net co-authored with Sandeep Srivastava and Parminder Jeet Singh.

* May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumiller

* Women in Indian Police by Shamim Aleem

* A study— Women in Asia published by UNESCO.

What are your plans for the future of India especially upliftment of women?

It will all depend on the nurturance and education. And then how they use both.

Where is the root of all problems - Within individuals, education and upbringing or in the overall system?

Mind sets or attitudes. Which we are all a product of.

Do you think India is still a male dominant society?

Of course it still is. When it comes to marriage, or homes, or economic decisions. Or even child bearing. And then on appointments and key positions.

How would you compare 21st century US to 21st century India? What can we learn and what can we teach?

We need to govern better and give to the country younger breed of leaders--men and women. Which means teach public administration like IT to all as well or else we will get left behind because of poor governance.

Log on to www.kiranbedi.com, navjyoti.org, indiavisionfoundation.org, www.indiapolice.in, www.saferindia.in to find out more about Kiran Bedi, make donations for the needy or fight for a cause.

by Nikki Rattan

Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha

Natasha Paracha, 23 and a graduate from University of California at Berkeley was crowned the new Miss Pakistan World in the annual beauty pageant in Toronto replacing Mahleej Sarkari. Paracha outdid a bevy of Pakistani beauties in the pageant to win the crown.

She is presently living in New York and has founded the Pakistani Students Association at UC Berkley and a non-profit organization called “Vision of Development”, which works for the upliftment of women in the backward areas of Pakistan.

The South Asian Times asked her a few questions on her recently found success as Miss Pakistan World.

1. How do you feel after winning the contest?

I was really honored and excited to win the title of Miss Pakistan
World 2008. There were lot of different emotions going through my
head, but I was very happy that the hard work and dedication paid
off.

2. Where were you born and brought up?

I was born in Islamabad, Pakistan. Soon after, my parents decided to move
to Los Angeles for my fathers watch business. However, my parents give
much importance to knowing our roots, so we divide our time between
Pakistan and the U.S.

3. What are your strengths that set you apart from other contestants?

I feel that in order to represent your country in a pageant there
are strengths that all contestants must possess -beauty,
intelligence, poise, humbleness and grace. I feel that I, along
with all the other contestants of this years Miss Pakistan World
pageant possessed these qualities. However, I feel that my passion
for life and drive to excel is what shinned during the interview
portion.

4. What are the Challenges you faced while preparing for the pageant?

When I first set out to take part of this pageant, I wanted my platform to
be different. I wanted to promote South Asian designers, stylists,
choreographers and interview coaches. It was a struggle at first when I
set out to find individuals from the South Asian community, but it was
well worth it. I feel that it if we work together as a community, we can
strive to achieve greater things.

5. How do you keep yourself fit?

I don't have much of a crazy workout routine or a strict diet. I
just try to eat healthy and incorporate a variety of fitness
activities in my everyday routine. Balance and moderation are key
to a healthy and happy lifestyle.

6. Who has been your role model or inspiration?

My mother has been my role model and inspiration to me. She has
been an amazing mother and friend. She has taught me the
importance of being a strong female leader in not only the
community, but also in college and through my work at the United
Nations. She has pushed me to strive for higher goals and further
my successes. My mom has taught me that life doesn't stop, as soon
as you have climbed over one hurdle, you must continue to the
next.

7. How much has participating in this pageant benefited you?

Participating in Miss Pakistan World has opened many doors for me. This
pageant has provided me with a platform to be an ambassador for my
country and represent Pakistan at an international level. I am honored
and humbled with my new role.

8. Did you get along well with the other participants in the competition?

Before coming to the pageant, I did not know what to expect from
the other participants in the competition. We all became so close
in the first few days of coaching. It became more of a team than
anything else and we all worked together rather than as
competitors. I feel as though we became like sisters over the
course of the training and competition.

9. What are your future plans after your victory? Do you plan to make the world a better place to live in, especially for women?

I hope to work hard this year and work towards economic development
in Pakistan, the alleviation of poverty, foster educational
opportunities for youth and be an advocate for women's rights. As
an ambassador for my country, I hope to work with various charity
organizations, corporate sponsors, and the community to accomplish
these aspirations.

10. Any Advice for future contestants?

My advice to future contestants is to mentally prepare them. Have a platform set for yourself and know why you want to enter this pageant because after you win, you will be a representative for your nation.

Indeed a woman of substance, Paracha is a true beauty with brains.

By Nikki Rattan

Richness of Indian Culture & Heritage: Celebrating Vivaha 2008

Planning a luxury Indian wedding? Celebrating Vivaha 2008 is the best place to be at with its grand opening which bedazzled New Delhi at Hotel Ashok from August 1 to August 3. With its 6^th successful year, the exhibition continues in major cities like Mumbai, Indore, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad with the finale in New Delhi in December 2008.

Brands like Celeste - The Artisans of Fine Chocolates, La Solitaire, Lustre by Bajaj Jewellers, Diamond Constellation, Aura by Sushma Surana, Yvonne Designer Sarees & Kurtas, Zari, designer Vikram Phadnis, Tantra, Yellow Stone, VLCC were all in magnificence. Precisely from Chocolates, gift wrappings, honeymoon destinations, bridal wear to jewellery, it is a one stop destination for all wedding needs. World's best brands in home luxury like Lladró, Villeroy & Boch, Harnn, Christofle, Rosenthal/Versace were also in full attendance at Hotel Ashok.

Preston Bailey, New York's famous Wedding/Event designer in collaboration with Ferns & Petals in India was also being launched at the exhibit.

Preston Bailey: "I want to work in India all the time"

1. How has your experience been in Celebrating Vivaha 2008 in Delhi. What are things you liked/disliked?

My experience has been amazing, everything has blown me away. I have been amazed by the craftsmanship of the artisans. I have never seen anything like it before. The people here have been so wonderful, warm, and open. I feel a kinship to them. I feel like I could move here and be happy for the rest of my life.

2. What is the key to creating a royal wedding?

For me the key to a successful Royal Wedding is really listening to my clients and understanding what they want, and show them everything before hand so there are no surprises the day of the event.

3. What challenges do you face?

Every event is a challenge due to that every event needs to be original. Coming up with an new design every time is very challenging but is also the best part of my job and the part that keeps me going after all these years.

4. Which celebrity wedding would you want to design in India in future?

All of them! I want to work in India all the time so I would love to work for everybody.

The enthusiasm and craze for Indian weddings went on with the lavish display of the epitome of Indian culture, the six yard wonder; Saree to Bridal Lehengas in various colours at the exhibit. A word with the young, talented designer, Shruti from the label SSquare who did her fashion designing from the U.K. and has been designing since 3 years in India with exhibitions in Bangkok, India, Dubai:

Shruti: "We have been doing exhibits at Vivaha since 3 years"

1. Where did you study fashion from?

We started our label SSquare 3.5yrs back. We are into bridal wear, skirts and corsets, sarees, tunics. I did my fashion graduation from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion technology) Hauz Khas, New Delhi and then fashion business course from London College of Fashion.

2. Is this your first exhibit at Celebrating Vivaha? Do you see Celebrating Vivaha as a launch pad to a bigger market?

We have been doing Vivaha since about 3 yrs. It has been a good exhibition. Yes it is a good platform.

3. What colours are "in" this season for Brides?

For brides we are doing a lot of colour rather than just red colour. We are doing rust, carrot pink, gold, mango.

Mehendi Queen Veena Nagda added a golden touch as Indian Weddings are incomplete without the Mehendi ceremony. When SATimes asked her who her favourite bride has been, she cheerfully replied, "Suzanne Khan." She has done bridal Mehendi for Priya Chatwal, Liz Hurley and Bollywood get ups for Rani Mukherji (Hum Tum), Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra (God Tussi great ho), Kajol (U me Aur Hum)and many leading stars in the industry. When asked what is it that makes Mehendi so significant for the bride, Veena told SATimes "It is Mehendi that completes the beauty (singhar) of a bride and the darker the Mehendi colour is on the hands of the bride, the more love, care and affection she would get from her Husband's family." As impressive as her Mehendi is, her thoughts about the tradition of Mehendi on weddings are even more delightful.

CEO, Tarun Sarda is proud to take "The Grand Indian Wedding Exhibition" to Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai in October making the event international. SATimes asked him about the billion dollar wedding industry and more:

Tarun Sarda: "We understand the pulse of Indian Weddings"

What was the turnover last year?

With the passing of each year, Celebrating Vivaha has turned bigger and better than before, both in terms of quality and quantity of participants. In addition to the best of brands and designers, we have added several cities in our ambit over the last two-three years and all the cities responded to the initiative most encouragingly, reaffirming the belief in the stature of the Indian weddings and the Celebrating Vivaha exhibitions. Last year we hosted the exhibition in about seven cities-New Delhi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai, and an average turnover of an exhibition in a metropolis like Delhi, is about Rs 100 crores.

What is the turnover that you expect this year?
The wedding business is on an all time high and a growth of 20 to 25 per cent is expected this year.

Which designers are the highest crowd pullers this year till now?

The Delhi exhibition was a rolling success and almost every participant did well. But the stalls that witnessed heavy traffic were of ace Bollywood designer Vikram Phadnis, Aksh-Kolkata, Yellow Stone, Vibrrant by Radhika: The Fashion House, Unifrutti, Essvee Jewels by Punjab Jewellers, Srihari Diagems, and Studio XLNC by Anjali and Ruchika.

Any plans to hold the exhibitions in US in the future years?

We are looking at bringing the exhibition to USA by late next year or early 2010 and are targeting New Jersey, Chicago and LA for the same.

What makes Celebrating Vivaha 2008 special?

Years of experience has primed Celebrating Vivaha to understand the pulse of Indian weddings, which in itself has gone through a big transition, both in terms of traditions and money involved. In fact weddings are no longer just about clothes, jewellery and beauty products. We know that weddings have moved beyond the basics. These days families with a good spending power look forward to a wedding that's truly memorable, extravagant and encompasses the luxuries of life, and families leave no stone unturned to facilitate that. And that's where an exhibition like ours comes into the picture by bringing in all the options that make a wedding complete. Be it wedding designers, honeymoon destinations, packaging, gifting, chocolates, beauty, home décor, henna artist or astrology for that matter, we endeavour to get all that for you to ease you off your worries.

Celebrating Vivaha in itself is 'Special' because it's not just about wedding shopping and profits made at the stall. Celebrating Vivaha is a platform for building careers. People have launched their brands with our exhibition. We have nurtured talent and turned housewives into entrepreneurs. Our clients have grown by leaps and bounds, in their own words, primarily by their participation in Celebrating Vivaha, apart from other attributes like their own marketing efforts and high standard of products and services. Celebrating Vivaha has worked as a perfect platform for them to launch or establish themselves in the trade. It's a great feeling of satisfaction for us.

Indeed, Vivaha attracts not only brides and grooms but also fashion and jewellery designers, make-up artists, photographers and other professionals who want to renew themselves on the business of weddings, fashion and lifestyle and to update their knowledge on the latest trends in India. The over whelming response that it received this year in Delhi, has once again proved India's richness and distinctiveness in wedding traditions, culture and heritage. The exhibition moves to various cities and will surely give memories to many for years to come!

Event Calender:

Ludhiana at Majestic Park Plaza from July 19 to July 21

New Delhi at Hotel Ashok from August 1 to August 3

Mumbai at J W Marriott from August 8 to August 10

Indore at Sayaji Hotel from August 22 to August 24

Bangalore at The Leela Palace from September 12 to September 14

'The Grand Indian Exhibition-In Touch with Fashion' at Madinat Jumeirah Hotel at Dubai from October 9 to October 11.

Kolkata at Hyatt Regency from November 1 to November 3

Hydera bad at Taj Krishna from November 14 to November 16

New Delhi at Hotel Ashok from December 12 to December 14

By Nikki Rattan

Freedom to express: Making of Indian Cinema in the Independent India

On reflecting on Indian Independence, a set of important historical figures and stories of resistance emerge in my mind. Whether it was tactical agitation and subterfuge of British policy by Indian politicians or the raw indignation and defiance of protesting masses, Independence was fought and achieved on many battle grounds and diverse arenas.

As a child, I remember hearing narrations of the freedom movement from my grandparents and aunties as they tried to pass down the spirit of the time they lived through. Today in a boisterous era of Indian patriotism and pride, the colonial struggle is represented to a new generation in sensational Bollywood films we've all seen like Laagan, Ghadar, and most recently Rang de Basanti which have been much appreciated in the national and international arena.However, Indian cinema was not always the exuberant powerhouse we see today. Like many other movements in colonial India, Indian cinema had to unite crowds and earn its right to exist freely. In the 1920's, 80% of the films shown in theatres were imported from America. High British tariffs on raw film stock made domestic film production very expensive and there was absolutely no financial support for production from the British Government.

As a result, importing foreign films was the easiest way for exhibitors to ensure a steady supply of films and turn profits at the theatres. Disturbed by the dominance of America's film product, England attempted to impose a 1927 British Film Quota act that would require distributors and exhibitors to carry an annually increasing number of British made "empire films." The act required the percentage of empire films must start at 7.5 percent of the total market and rise to 20 percent in the first 10 years. In effect, the act served to compete with the "morally objectionable" Hollywood imports, boost British film sales, and perhaps most frighteningly maintain British cultural influence and imperialism. Coupled with England's dismissive stance on Indian cinema, it seems like enough competition and regulation to discourage any attempts at producing homegrown films.

The first time maverick Indian filmmakers and the pictures they created for an underserved local market despite financial and technical production constraints are worth noticing. Risk takers like Save Dada, F.B. Thanwala, Hiralal Sen, and R.G. Tomey jumped into this unknown art form from different backgrounds armed with only a desire to tell stories. Black money was the only money that trickled into Indian silent film productions and although they couldn't compete on quantity or technical grounds or with the imports, these movies were more revered by their audiences. Charming and rooted in mythology or live performance traditions, Indian films started showing returns on their investments over long theatrical runs.

By the time the 1927 "empire film" quota was introduced to the colonial market, an underestimated domestic Indian film product was already connecting with two thirds of Indian audiences in their hearts. The introduction of sound in 1930 was a revolutionary element that only excited audiences further and ramped up domestic production. The British were too late and producing too irrelevant a film product to stake a claim in the emerging market. These small pictures collectively proved to be the key to stopping the British agenda of controlling the movies Indians watch. New Indian filmgoers didn't watched foreign films because they had an alternative.

These audiences preferred the rickety but authentic stories reflecting Indian values and lives. The story of Dhundiraj Govind "Dadasaheb Phalke" is a significant moment in the formation of India. Phalke is credited with premiering the country's first Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra (50 min) on May 3, 1913. The production was completely Indian and of course it was very successful. Originally a photographer, he found filmmaking after the death of his wife and child to Bubonic plague. A creative spirit at heart, he formed Hindustan Films with a group of investors and went on to produce 4 more credited feature films.

He eventually left Hindustan films when he opposed the new profit driven direction of the company. Hindustan films turned out flops without the crafty spark of their founder and ultimately begged him to return. This story resonates because the same battle occurs at production houses today; determining a balance between art and commerce. Yet this was 90 years ago. Could Dadasaheb have ever envisioned the industry his creative pursuit would become one day? Considering the challenges in any film production, I see remarkable spirit in his vision for an independent Indian film production company during that time. Financial failure or success, Dadasaheb found a way to make films on his terms and set an example for new Indian possibility which is admirable. Around 1200 silent Indian films were made between the years of 1897 to 1930-the earlier films were shorter while full length production took off in the 1920's. In 1920, 18 full lengths were produced in the year.

In 1921, the number jumped to 40 and by 1925, 80 feature films were made in the year. By 1927, the top 3 Indian film theatres had out grossed the top 3 foreign film theatres in Bombay and Indian cinema had arrived. The persistence and curiosity of Dadasaheb and the other Indian filmmakers of the time marked a significant shift in media possibilities. Instead of passively accepting the British and foreign imported productions or folding when faced with limited resources, the first film artists rushed in and created with what they had. They made films for much less money, saw similar returns and unified people with Indian stories in a time leading up to independence Unfortunately, what remains of this formative silent era hardly fits on to 6 video cassettes at the National Film Archives of India. Silent films and directors can be seen as part of a revolutionary semiotic movement that discovered and energized the first receptive Indian film audience.

They laid the groundwork for something vital to a colonial state struggling to emerge from the psychological grip of British Rule: an esthetically independent storytelling art form in a time of emerging Indian freedom.Bollywood movie industry churns out 1000 films a year featuring Indians in every type of role in every type of movie from corny comedies to socially challenging art film. Criticism of content aside, the mere existence of this industry is an often overlooked component to our sense of free India. Can you imagine an India that still features 80% Hollywood movies in the theatres like in 1920? I think people never truly grasp what a unique revolution Indian film in this foreign market sales driven world that Hollywood economics control - most other countries are trying everything possible to generate the autonomous, enthusiastic and publicly endorsed national cinema that India boasts. None of them will ever achieve the passionate domestic spectatorship India has. On India's Independence Day, the trailblazers that gave birth to the most independent film tradition on the planet are worth a salute!

Guest writer Tanuj Chopra is a New York based writer - film director. His work "Punching at the Sun" won Best Narrative at the San Francisco International Asian American film festival and he is currently working on "Clap Clap."

Making the world a better place: Educating young minds

A key fundamental human right is the right to education. Education is something that every child needs. Government in India provides education from Kindergarten to 12^th grade ranging from private, public and government.

All levels of education in India, from primary to higher education, are headed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Higher Education - India and Department of School Education and Literacy). Schools and colleges receive heavy grants for making education possible. Indian students are now going for exchange programs abroad, excelling in maths, sciences and medicine and pursue some of the most renowned professions worldwide. The race and thirst for knowledge began in India years ago.

Education in India
Educational oversight HRD Minister State HRD Ministers	Ministry of HRD Arjun Singh M.A.A. Fatmi & Smt. D Purandeshwari
National education budget	Rs.24,115 crore (2006-07) Rs. 28, 674 crore (2007-08) Rs. 34, 400 crore (2008-09)
Primary language(s) of education	English, Other regional languages
Literacy (2001) • Men • Women	64.8 % 75.3 % 53.7 %
Enrollment1 (2001-02) • Primary (I-V) • Mid/Upper Prim. (VI-VIII) • Higher Secondary (IX-X)	189.2 million 113.9 million 44.8 million 30.5 million
1. doesn't include kindergarten enrollment

While private schools like Modern, Delhi Public School, G.D. Goenka, Bal Bharti, International Schools are on the path to educate children, government schools in India are providing free education until higher secondary for the needy. With the aim to achieve 100% literacy, students are offered free meals, education, uniforms till their 12^th grade. Early morning prayers, extra curricular activities, moral education are all part of the daily schooling.

SATimes looked deeper into Nagar Palika primary school run by NDMC in New Delhi to find out more. The school comprises of 8 staff members, 140 students and Head Mistress Srimati

Harbans Kaur. In the words of the HM, "Our main cause is education, lifelong learning and betterment of children who are the representatives of modern India." The students have received awards in the field of sports, yoga, science fairs and other talents. The Director of Education gives Cash awards to those who excel in examinations. Teachers attend annual seminars to update their skills. Awards for excellence are offered at State and National level to Teachers. The school celebrated Independence Day this year with speeches, music and dance performances by students for which preparations were done in advance.

This year they attended two workshops in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute with an aim of learning new methods of teaching and upgrading their knowledge to employ sophisticated teaching techniques. Participants were given certificates for successfully completing the workshops. It was a fun filled event with Bollywood quizzes and gifts being given. Constant efforts are to make education and learning fun.

In this year mid-day meal programme in schools has already reached out to 100 million children at the primary level of education according to Ministry of Education. According to statistics "The girls' enrolment has increased from 43.7 percent (2001) to 46.7 percent (2004) in the age group 6 -11 at primary level, while the gender gap has reduced from 19 to 6 percent point in the same period."

HRD Minister, Arjun Singh said earlier in an interview last year: 'We should take proper stock of things as we still have four to five months to go when the 11th Plan (2007-12) will be operationalized.' Some developments so far are:

• 8.24 crore children of primay schools and 3.50 crore children of upper primary schools covered under Midday Meal Scheme.
  
• 2758 Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya sanctioned
• 554 Navodaya Vidyalayas functioning in 20 districts with special concentration on regions having SC/ST majority
• 98% children have access at Primary School
• 2.46 lakh schools opened and 9.09 lakh teachers appointed
  

With constant planning and newer teaching methods being introduced and the dedication amongst students to excel, nothing is impossible. Minister Arjun Singh and the parliament also introduced the quota system to reserve seats for the under privileged making education possible for many. Enabling students to get education, including rural areas, equal education rights for the girl child, introducing moral education and nutritive meals, spreading knowledge and know how to the under privileged with none or minimum fee is what government has constantly strived for. By Implementing this in most schools and making the goal of 100% literacy a reality is indeed not far.

By Nikki Rattan