Inspiring Sikh Cultural Contribution to Society Text By Srimal Fernando ( Published By Daily Mirror -Impulse )

(Daily Mirror- Impulse 30th June 2014 )

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Inspiring Sikh Cultural Contribution to  Society

Text By Srimal Fernando

“With determination, I will be triumphant” is the motto of the Sikh infantry regiment of the Indian Army. In over 500 years the 25 million Sikhs around the world with a rich ancient culture plus strong traditions have shown an extraordinary ability to protected their communities as well as defend their lands and adopt to new environments. Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak begins during the 15th century in the fertile farm lands of Punjab region where the five rivers flow in the Indian Sub-continent.

Many cities in Punjab, Delhi and in Haryana states have been vigorous Sikh cultural and religious centers for centuries. Sikhism’s holiest site the Darbar Sahib also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar built in 1604 by Guru Arjun the fifth Sikh Guru is where the holy scripture of Sikhism Guru Granth Sahib, is retained . The majestic Golden Temple surrounded by a large lake near the river Ravi is visited by millions of devotees annually. Since the earliest times, pilgrimages to Sikh Gurudwaras have been made as acts of devotion. Visiting Sri Tarn Taran Sahib Temple founded by the Fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Gurudwara Baba Bakala and Gurudwara Darbar Sahib are among the most sacred Sikh sights devotes can ever see in Punjab. Most spectacular Sikh holy cities worth visiting in Delhi are Gurudwara Bangla Sahib known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru in the heart of New Delhi’s, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahibin established in 1783 and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib . Journey into the past happenings and unquestionable loyalty to the Sikhism by courageous Sikh men and women date backs from birth of Sikhism’s founder, Guru Nanak, in 1469 till the partition of India in 1947 was inspiring .Sikhs know the lessons of their past all too well . Even today when tourist visits a Sikh Gurudwara the cultural revival of Sikh history, literary history, ethno-history, and so forth can be seen. Sikhism, is still close to the hearts of many Sikhs. There are five articles of faith, known as five kakars required to be worn by a Sikh. Sikh turban or Dastar is a mark of visual identity and is , important part of the unique Sikh identity which conveys royalty, grace and partly to cover their long hair. The Kirpan a ceremonial sword ,Sikh Comb or Kanga and the Kara a steel bangle worn on the wrist are the other the three articles of faith worn by a Sikh. Sikhs believes that the name holds the power to shape a child’s self-esteem , identity and influence others. Many Sikh parents, use “Singh” meaning “Lion” for a male child and “Kaur” meaning princes for a female child.
Today the Sikh traditions , customs and culture dress style, views on life are making headway. Bollywood is an historical center of movie studios and for Sikh film stars. Poonam Dhillon, Kaur Panag, Mandira Bedi and Dara Singh a Indian wrestler-turned-actor, are some of the greatest Sikh stars that hit the Bollywood big screens . Bhangra a lively form of folk music and dance, the Giddha and Jhoomer dances that originates from Punjab are enduring popularity among Sikhs. Teachings of Guru Nanak is what attracts many followers that can inspire us to think imaginatively about what Sikhism means and about the Sikh culture

Source (Daily Mirror- Impulse 30th June 2014 )

Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society -June 2014 Edition

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Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society -June 2014 Edition

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( International Affairs Update By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor
Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society ) 

Freedom to Enterprise ( Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society )

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( International Affairs Update By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor  
Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society ) 

  

Pictured are (l-r) Mr Duminda Landewatta of D. Samson Industries, Minister Elizabeth Thabethe, Mrs Nalika Kodikara, Commercial Secretary at the Sri Lankan High Commission, Minister Lakshman Wasantha Perera and Mr Bandula Egodage.

The opening of The Diplomatic Society (TDS) Bureau office in Colombo, Sri Lanka is steadily establishing a presence on this teardrop shaped island in South Asia. Using its various media platforms TDS has created greater awareness of this fast emerging Indian Ocean Island and the South Asia region.
    The visit of Hon. Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka and his delegation to South Africa and countries of the region further enhanced the objective of Sri Lanka as the Wonder of Asia. 

 In his keynote address at the Afro-Lankan Business Forum hosted by the City of Jo’burg he further emphasized the growing and strengthening interactions between Africa and Sri Lanka. Referring to the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Summit held in Colombo, Sri Lanka last November, he said the high number of African Heads of State attending the summit is a clear indication of deepening relations specifically on trade. “My ministry is firmly committed to extend support needed by both the Sri Lankan and South African business community to find their mutual benefits and establish stronger business ties,” he said.

    Not only is Sri Lanka strategically placed in South Asia, its unique free trade agreement with India and Pakistan makes it an attractive investment prospect, explained the minister. He also informed the audience that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China was being concluded.
Hon. Elizabeth Thabethe the Deputy Minister of the newly formed Ministry of Small Business Enterprise welcomed the delegation to South Africa by expressing her gratitude for the wonderful experience she and her delegation encountered during their visit to the country.     

 

 

    The creation of the Small Business Enterprise ministry is seen as a catalyst to instigate the active entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of South Africans who want ‘Freedom to Enterprise’.
“We will work closely with the authorities to overcome the barriers to potential growth of trade” was the undertaking given by Mr. Bandula Egodage, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. He encouraged exporters to expand bilateral trade between the countries.

 http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1024-freedom-to-enterprise

 

International prestige of Maldives National University growing strongly in South Asia By Srimal Fernando (Diplomatic Society)

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International prestige of Maldives National University growing strongly in South Asia

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor  
Foreign Exchange the Diplomatic Society

Maldives National University (MNU) the largest university in the Maldives with a broad vision is promoting excellence in teaching and has earned a formidable international reputation for its pragmatic approach to higher education. The University situated in the heart of Male’ the capital city of the Maldives is renowned for its spectacular scenery and for tourism .The Maldives National University (MNU) formerly known as the Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) gained university status in February 15, 2011. The MNU provides   a range of courses and training needs for today’s Maldivian society.  Each year several hundreds of children apply for admission to the prestigious university in the Maldives.  In 2012 more than seven thousand students were accepted for long and short term courses. Of this number  some  six thousand student s were enrolled in long term courses at the University.  Today, Dr. Hassan Hameed the Vice-Chancellor is vigorously trying to develop the MNU’s international profile by .enhancing the student  life and  teaching environment in all faculties.   

Dr. Hassan Hameed, Vice-Chancellor

The Maldives National University (MNU)   contributes  to  a number of  courses  across faculties . Among the programmes  conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences , Faculty of Arts ,Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies ,Faculty of Islamic Studies , Faculty of Education , Faculty of Health Sciences , Faculty of Engineering Technology and at Faculty of Science     offers  the  opportunity for students  to explore  and  discover  their own academic  interest .  In addition   Research Centre , Centre for Maritime Studies , Centre for Open Learning (COL) and Centre for Foundation Studies are the four main centers other than the faculties. In addition the MNU Centre for Open Learning (COL)  with  nearly  thousand   two hundred student enrolments  in 2012  established outreach centres in R.Dhuvaafaru ,GN.Fuvahmulah  and  in GA. Viligili islands .The  Maldives National University Business School  is developing a  range of courses  to ease the path of  students in attaining qualifications. Faculty of Arts located few blocks away from the Vice Chancellors office is  one of the  extensive  providers of  arts  courses . Mr Abdul Rasheed Ali  the  Dean of the Arts Faculty  is  concerned about the knowledge and skills about the enrolled students at the faculty.  More than a decade ago the Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) launched the  first Dhivehi language Bachelor of Arts degree programme  .Almost twelve years later in 2012   nearly twenty students    qualified in the Dhivehi language Bachelor of Arts degree programme.  The School of Journalism   a Centre of expertise under the Faculty of Arts  is linked with other major professional bodies in the world   provides a good foundation for the students in journalism and in mass communication. In 2012 nine students completed the Diploma in Journalism course. At the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) the module structure of the national diploma programme allows students  many different  study options. Scope for hospitality and tourism related subjects  for students  are  far greater  in the Maldives .The tourism   related courses brings students into contact with globally renowned professionals in the tourism industry. More than   hundred   students   completed hospitality and tourism    related courses ranging from certificate to BTEC national diploma courses in   2012. New state of  the art  Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) building  opened recently  and will provide much-needed study space for students.

 The MNU Business School   is becoming a Centre of expertise for courses in business studies.  The courses at the Business School    provides   a practical education  for  business and develop the knowledge  that equip the MNU students  with academic  background  for success in a range   of commercial  organizations . Faculty of Shariah  and Law  established  as a Institute in 1999    provides challenging programmes  of study . The  carefully integrated courses at  the Faculty of Science  and at the  Faculty  of S Health provides  a sound  base of theory  and practicality base. These two faculties are shaping the history of the university.  The degree  and associated diploma courses provides  a good foundation  in subjects associated with  Faculty  of Education.  The courses offered at the Faculty of Engineering Technology   covers a wide range of spectrum, embracing civil ,mechanical , electronic  engineering and architectural design.  In 2012 the Faculty of Management  and Computing  had  an enrolment of  more than thousand students  for long term courses and nearly half that was women.

The Centre for Maritime Studies is unique  in the Maldives  for the range of   areas of study it offers in the field of Maritime operations, engineering  ,port -logistics, oil tanker safety and related  subjects. These integral part of studies  at the MNU Centre for Maritime Studies aim to produce  professionals  with technical expertise to successfully manage maritime , ports and safety in a quality  orientated environment after completing the courses offered by the Centre. The Research Centre at the Maldives National University (MNU) is actively committed to  an expanding  research  programmes. The university  library with books ,periodicals ,videos  and audio visual collections are freely available for students and staff . The library   is  designed to help students  to make  the most  effective use  of services.  The catalogue of all the MNU library holdings is available directly to students through on line computers located in the ground floor of the university library. Nowadays  with  more  opportunities  available  for  aviation  and medical sciences  the  university  has made great strides  by embarking on setting up  an Aviation Training Centre and a Medical School for Maldivian students .   Education has always been held in high esteem in the Maldives. Over the years the past and present governments spent large sums to equip schools, training institutes and also for  the Maldives National University with the best teaching aids. The nation's premier university of higher learning in the Maldives   signed memorandum of understandings  with several  Asian and European  Universities and  Institutes to offer diverse courses to the MNU students. The Maldives National University (MNU)  with a national pride and an international prestige is known for its active engagement for preparing graduates who will make an impact on the Maldivian society.

 Source  http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1026-international-prestige-of-maldives-national-university-growing-strongly-in-south-asia


 

Maldives and Sri Lanka hold official talks ( The diplomaticsociety.)

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Maldives and Sri Lanka hold official talks

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa

25 June 2014

The Government of Maldives and Sri Lanka held official talks, led by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to enhance the welfare of the people, develop and diversify the economy, strengthen social cohesion within the country, and empower the youth.

At the meeting, discussions were also held on the regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Important agreements signed between the Governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka
25 June 2014, Ref: 2014-350

Three very important agreements were signed between the Governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka. The ceremony was held at the President’s Office this evening.

Following are the agreements that were signed:

1. MoU on Health Cooperation

The agreement was signed by Minister of Health, Dr. Maryam Shakeela, and Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Hon. G. L. Peiris.

2. MoU on Strengthening cooperation between Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives

The agreement was signed by Minister of Economic Development, Hon. Mohamed Saeed, and Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Hon. G. L. Peiris.

3. Arrangement on Search and Rescue

The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, and Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Hon. G. L. Peiris.

President Yameen and President Mahinda Rajapaksa were in attendance at the signing ceremony.

Story  and Photograph  - The President's Office, Republic of Maldives

 

Source http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1027-maldives-and-sri-lanka-hold-official-talks

June 2014 Edition

 

The Robust Indian economy will expand beyond forecast Text & Pictures By Srimal Fernando, ( Published by the Diplomatic Society -South Africa )

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The Robust Indian economy will expand beyond forecast

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor  Foreign Exchange  the Diplomatic Society

In the last few decades, India, the economic giant of South Asia with a population of more than a billion people, has been known for its fast ride onwards on the road of global economy. On May 16th 2014 India, the home to the world’s largest democracy, chose to elect 543 members to the 16th Loksabha elections.

The Barathiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, winning over 330 Loksbha seats.  The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex lifted   to a record figure of 24,121.74 points as the Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won the historic elections in India.

Modi, the Prime Minister elect said in his victory speech “India has won! This is India’s victory”.  “Achche din aane waale hain   (The good days are ahead). The Barathiya Janata Party (BJP) has been vocal and had clearly stated that it wants to improve relations with India’s neighbors. Eight South Asian heads of states were invited to the new Indian Prime Minister’s swearing-in ceremony. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s participation added a new dimension to the India –Pakistan relations. It was a historic moment where the time has grown to heal the wounds between the two nuclear armed neighbors who fought three wars since Independence from Britain in 1947.  Fostering relations with India’s immediate neighborhood will bring stability, lessen tension and improve the overall economic situation across South Asia. Today India is under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will experience great progress and development.

Indian falg

The past several decades has seen the resource-rich Indian economy changing, developing at a fast pace and enhancing the financial status among the world’s most powerful nations. The real  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates of India has shifted substantially over time to an all time high of 9.6  percent  in 2006 -2007 to 6.7 percent in 2011 -2012 periods withstanding the global  financial crisis. Government incentives are being prepared for foreign investors to establish businesses in the country to boost exports. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a core pillar to improve the business and investment environment in India. India has emerged as South Asia’s most attractive country for investment. Countries Foreign Direct Investment, (FDI) rose to 20.4 billion American dollars from April 2013 to February 2014. With the political stability, economic reforms, and improvement in domestic consumption, the economy is forecasted to grow at an average of over 4.9 percent for this year. The United  Arab Emirates, China, United States, Japan,  European Union (EU) and Saudi Arabia are some of the  largest trading partners  of India .With Sino-Indian trade reaching USD 49.5 billion China has become one of  India’s  largest trading partners.  Trade deficit measure for the country is expected to be on one digit figure of the total GDP this year due to the outflow of domestic currency and imports exceeding its exports. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 4.1 percent fiscal deficit is predicted for this year.

Delhi

 More than 17 percent of the GDP and fifty percent of the country’s labour force is dependent on agriculture. India was the largest milk producer in the world accounting for 132.4 million tons   in 2012 – 2013 according to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).  After agriculture a large section of the Indian labour force is directly employed in the textile manufacturing industry. It is estimated that spinning, weaving and other sectors of the textile manufacturing industry of India is worth 75 billon American dollars annually.  With the rapidly growing middle class in India thousands of retail shops, stores, out of trucks, on mobile motorcycles located  in every village, town or state across India are doing business.  There can be no doubt the 500 billion American dollar worth retail industry is an emerging market in the country.  The global appeal for the nation’s largest metro economies such as Delhi and Mumbai appear to be very much the commercial capitals of the country. The multi-ethnic National Capital Territory of Delhi stands as the political, cultural and economic center of India. Trade, public, finance, professional services, and various community, personal, and social services features shape economic growth of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Today  Mumbai, one of  the largest metropolitan areas in the country, has emerged a distribution hub and a  financial center in the country .

The growth momentum and economic outlook in major states of Punjab also known as “India’s bread-basket”, Gujarat major industrial hub, Maharashtra the most industrialized state in the country, Tamil Nadu the second most industrialised state next to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh the ‘IT-Hub’ of North India, and the third largest economy in the country and West Bengal are becoming giant economic powerhouses in India.  India is currently undergoing a structural adjustment progamme with a view to boost productivity in all sectors of the economy. Modernizing the country’s infrastructure through multibillion-dollar investment projects is already showing results. The country’s railway network has formed part of India’s success story and today it remains committed to play a vital role as the story unfolds. The Indian  railway network, with an estimated  115,000 kilometer railway line network  is one of the world’s  largest rail networks. It connects to 7600 stations across India, operates high speed and conventional railway systems and metros and other guided transportation systems.  Having embarked on a vigorous restructuring exercise to enhance the efficiency and improve the quality of transport services, expressways are being built in many States across the country. The 93 kilometer six lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the 150 kilometer six lane Mumbai to Nashik expressway, the 165 kilometer 6 lane Yamuna expressway connecting Greater Noida with Agra are some of the backbone of the expressway networks in the country. India, surrounded on three sides by the sea connects to thirteen major shipping ports along the 7600 kilometers coastline.  Among them Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Kandla, Kolkata Visakhapatnam and Madras Port the second biggest port in South Asia are important maritime centers strategically located  between Asia and Europe.

Indian new Roads

Tourism in India is experiencing sustainable growth for the last three decades. The sector is steadily gaining ground and is emerging as a major foreign exchange earner for the country. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Chennai International Airport  are some of the  most important aviation hubs in India and major aviation gateways to European, Middle Eastern and the Far Eastern  aviation lines. The small-medium enterprises, multi-national companies (MNCs) play a key role to accelerate the integration of the country’s cooperate sector into the international systems and to attract foreign direct investments to India. Multi-million dollar Indian companies such as Reliance Industries, Wipro, Sun Pharma, HCL Technologies, AVB Group, Bharti Airtel, Adani Enterprises Jindal Group, Essar Group are poised to play a key role in country’s future development process. Nowadays the country is responding to internal and external challenges with great creativity and initiative and endeavors to enhance new patterns of global cooperation and developing a sustainable economic partnership to build a better Indian society. India’s economy will remain robust and will  expands more than forecasted, despite facts on GDP, inflation, trade, business, and other data and analysis on its economy.

 http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1014-the-robust-indian-economy-will-expand-beyond-forecast

India and Bhutan ( Diplomatic Society) International Affairs Update by Srimal Fernando

India and Bhutan ( Diplomatic Society) International Affairs Update by Srimal Fernando

India and Bhutan ( Diplomatic Society)

India -Bhutan

Bhutan-India Joint Press Statement on the State Visit of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 15-16 June 2014

International Affairs Update by Srimal Fernando Global Editor Foreign Exchange Diplomatic Society

1.    At the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister of the Republic of India Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to Bhutan from 15-16 June 2014. The Prime Minister of India was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Smt. Sujatha Singh and other senior officials of the Government of India.

2.    The visit to Bhutan by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is highly significant as it is his first visit abroad after he was sworn-in as the Prime Minister of India on 26 May 2014 in New Delhi. The visit reinforces the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and upholds and strengthens the special and unique age-old friendship between Bhutan and India.

3.    His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo separately granted audiences to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held official talks with Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and discussed issues of mutual interests.

4.    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Joint Sitting of the Parliament in the Gyalyong Tshogkhang on 16 June 2014.

5.    His Majesty the King hosted a lunch in honour of the Prime Minister and his delegation. Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay also hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of India.

6.    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the Foundation Stone of the 600 Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project which is a Joint Venture project between the Indian and Bhutanese PSUs, SJVNL and Druk Green Power Corporation. The construction of the Project which is located in Trashiyangtse in Eastern Bhutan will commence later this year.

7.    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Supreme Court building which was constructed with assistance from the Government of India amounting to Rs./Nu. 793.545 million.

8.    The main outcomes of the discussions were:

i.    The two sides exchanged views and held discussions on bilateral relations and economic cooperation as well as cooperation in regional and multilateral forums. They recalled the strong historical ties of friendship and understanding that exist between the governments and peoples of the two countries. They expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the special friendship between the two countries.

ii.    Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan conveyed his appreciation to the Government and people of India for the generous development assistance since the 1st Five Year Plan in 1961. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the all round socio-economic development achieved by Bhutan with the assistance and support of India. Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay thanked the Government of India for the allocation of Rs./Nu. 45 billion for the 11th Five Year Plan and Rs./Nu. 5 billion for the economic stimulus plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to support Bhutan for the successful implementation of the 11th Five Year Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

iii.    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on behalf of the Government of India, expressed satisfaction at being a privileged partner of Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and reassured Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay of India’s continued commitment to capacity building especially in the education and IT sectors in Bhutan.

iv.    The two sides acknowledged the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit arising from the hydropower sector between the two countries and expressed satisfaction on the progress being made. They reiterated their commitment to achieving the 10000 MW target.

v.    The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the completion of the Supreme Court building and the imminent commencement of the construction of the Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project. They noted the tremendous benefits the Kholongchhu Project would bring to the people of Eastern Bhutan.

vi.    The two sides recalled the free trade arrangement between the two countries and the expanding bilateral trade between the two countries and its importance in further cementing the friendship between the two countries. Government of India conveyed its decision to exempt Bhutan from any ban or quantitative restrictions on exports of following items:- Milk powder, Wheat, Edible oil, Pulses and Non-basmati rice. The two sides also agreed to further promote trade and investments between the two countries.

vii.    In keeping with the emphasis on capacity building and education, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the doubling of the Nehru-Wangchuck scholarship to Rs./Nu. 20 million per year. Government of India would also provide grant assistance for the establishment of the digital section/ E-library in the National Library of Bhutan and in all 20 districts of Bhutan.

viii.    The two sides expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries related to their mutual security. They agreed to continue with their close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to their national interests, and not allow each other’s territory to be used for interests inimical to the other.

ix.    The visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Bhutan further strengthened the close bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Source

http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1015-bhutan-and-india-strengthening-relations

Tropics Magazine (Issue #51) SouthAfrica - English Edition. ( Srimal Fernando Tropics Life Style Editor -Asia )

Tropics Magazine (Issue #51) - English Edition. 

( Srimal Fernando  Life Style Editor -Asia )

 

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Photo by: Judd van Rensburg of Judd van Rensburg Photography.
Graphic Design: Vénicia Guinot.

Courtesy of Tropics Magazine. May 2014 — with Vénicia Stelle Victoire Guinot

Sri Lankan born British Author Romesh Gunesekera releases another book “Noontide Toll” (Published By Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society )

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Sri Lankan born British Author Romesh Gunesekera releases another book “Noontide Toll”

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor – Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society



One of South Asia’s most outstanding authors, Romesh Gunesekera has risen to prominence on the international scene by releasing his recent book ‘Noontide Toll’ that draws an extraordinary portrait of post-war Sri Lanka grappling with its troubled past.
The award winning British author with a Sri Lankan background, in his latest novel, recounts a story of a van driver known as Vasantha, who had retired early as a soldier and begins transporting new entrepreneurs, charity workers and families around Sri Lanka. The lovelorn soldier begins to reveal and wonder if the past can be left behind and what the uncertain future might hold for him after the end of a three decade-long war. Gunesekera’s recent book ‘Noontide Toll’, published by Penguin Books of India in January 2014, is available in all major bookstores across the South Asian countries. The author’s new book will be published in the United Kingdom and internationally in July. The US edition of ‘ Noontide Toll’ will be released in September.

The veteran author’s first book, ‘Monkfish Moon’, is a collection of stories that provide a narrative of the political upheaval in Sri Lanka. The ‘Monkfish Moon’ was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. His first novel, ‘Reef’, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1994. In the novel ‘Reef’, the world renowned author refers to two specific instances of political unrest of 1971 and the turmoil in 1983. In ‘Reef’, Gunesekera refers to the events of 1971, which act as a catalyst of a Sri Lankan cook, Triton, and his master, Mister Salgado to flee to England. He has published many books, including ‘The Sandglass’ (1998), ‘Heaven’s Edge’ (2002), ‘The Match’ (2006) and ‘The Prisoner of Paradise’ (2012).

He has won many of the world’s top literary prizes, including the prestigious Italian literary prize, the Premio Mondello Five Continents Asia Prize for Reef in 1997, Winner of Yorkshire Post First Work Prize (Reef) in 1995, the Commonwealth Writer’s Regional Prize for Heaven’s Edge and the winner of the inaugural BBC Asia Award, for The Sandglass in 1998.

In recognition of his poetry and Philosophy work the author was honored with many prestigious prizes. He was the first prize winner at the Peterloo Open Poetry Competition in 1988, prize winner at the Liverpool College Poetry Prize in 1972, and the Rathborne Prize winner in Philosophy in 1976.

In addition to his writing he is a distinguished judge for a number of literary prizes including the Caine Prize for African Writing, the David Cohen Literature Prize, the Forward Prize for Poetry and most recently the Granta 2013 list of the Best of Young British Novelists

The award winning author has attended many workshops, several literary events and forums around the Globe. Jaipur Literary Festival of India, Confluences International Book Fair of Mauritius, Lauderdale House, London: Asian Literary Review Poetry Evening, Asia House Literary Festival of London are some of the major literary events he participated in in recent years.

He has been a tutor at Goldsmiths College and a Guest Director at the Cheltenham Festival. Gunesekera is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Asia House Festival of Asian Literature and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Source : http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/1010-sri-lankan-born-british-author-romesh-gunesekera-releases-another-book-noontide-toll

Tropics Magazine (Issue #51) – English Edition.

Tropics Magazine  (Issue #51) – English Edition.

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