Indian Overseas Congress

We have to banish poverty and illiteracy from our country – Independence Day Speech to the nation 2011

RS — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:55:04 +0000

In his speech to the nation marking India’s 64^th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh acknowledges that a great deal has been achieved by India, but nevertheless, a great deal more work lies ahead!

From the Red Fort the Prime Minister addressed the 120 crore Indians to mark this historic day in the Indian calander. Key points throughout his speech included jobs for the youth, healthcare for everyone, progress made within his 7 years of office, new laws to guarantee every Indian their basic entitlements, reduction of inequalities, enhanced relationships with other countries throughout the world, strict action against allegation of corruption on any level, introduction of the new Lokpal bill now in Parliament.

During the address the Prime Minister congratulated the farmers of Indian on their record level of food grains. He confirmed that the government would continue to take care of their special needs and offer more support towards a second green revolution in the agriculture industry. In closing the PM asked Indians to have faith in their democracy and to have faith in ourselves.

Do you agree with the speech?

Are there other issues which he should have mentioned?

Please give us your thoughts on the Prime Ministers Independence Day speech, 15^th August 2011.

India’s 62nd Republic Day in New Delhi 2011

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:36:02 +0000

On Wednesday 26^th January 2011, India proudly celebrated its 62^nd Republic Day in the capital New Delhi. This gave the worlds largest democracy the opportunity to show off its Military power to the world. In addition to the military power, India also had a range of various cultural programmes and shows across the nation.
This is all done to celebrate the implementation of India’s first ever constitution back in 1950. In addition to the parade and celebrations, the flag ceremony is also a vital part of the day. In New Delhi, the military parade starts on Raisina Hill and ends at Red Fort.

The republic day military parade includes representatives from the three divisions of the Armed Forces and it is followed by a cultural parade with music and songs from different regions in India, which shows the cultural richness and diversity in the country. In addition to the celebration of India’s Independence Day, this is also one of the nations greatest national celebrations throughout the world.

How have you celebrated India’s independence day this year or on previous days?

Indian Government Reshuffle January 2011

admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 09:02:57 +0000

On Wednesday 19th January this year, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh’s UPA government added three new faces to its running of India. Although many critics look at the move as a ‘minor issue’ it did seem to come as a bit of a surprise to people.

Praful Patel, Shriprakash Jaiswal and Salman Khursheed were sworn-in as Cabinet ministers. The other Congress leaders including Beni Prasad Verma of Uttar Pradesh, Ashwani Kumar of Punjab and K C Venugopal of Kerala became the new Council of Ministers for minister of state.

At the swearing in ceremony which too place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, Prime Minister Singh said “This is a minor reshuffle. We will do a major reshuffle after the budget session,” In addition to senior cabinet members at the ceremony, Sonia Gandhi was also present.

If you have any views on the cabinet reshuffle, or if you think other members should have been removed etc, simply complete the form below.

New Delhi has dramatically improved

admin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:14:10 +0000

During his recent visit to New Delhi this month for the country’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011 event, Overseas Congress General Secretary, Mrs Avtar Singh Sandhu MBE was most impressed. Explaining to various government ministers during his stay in New Delhi, he explained how since his last visit 12 months ago the capital had improved. From the brand new airport terminal through to the roads, traffic signals, pavements public transport network and most of all the lack of pollution. “Although each morning the fog has been very thick in patchy in places, it is nice to see New Delhi’s taxis, busses and three wheelers NOT throwing out horrific exhaust fumes. All of these along with the Metro is making our capital city a much, much more pleasant place to walk and enjoy the surroundings” said Mr Sandhu. At his various meetings and discussions with senior government ministers and officials, general secretary Sandhu took great pride in explaining that the improvement is clearly visible. As Mr Sandhu mentioned, we are all aware that this was all done as a result of the Commonwealth Games in 2010, but even then, “this has proved that we have started the task of cleaning and developing our cities to make them alot more visitor friendly”.

These are the views of General Secretary Mr Avtar Sandhu MBE, if you have travelled to New Delhi recently, please email us you thoughts and experiences which you feel my be of interest to others. We are all aware that India has come a long way and YES the country still has a long was to go, but its great to know that we can roll the clean up and improvement model of New Delhi to other parts of India.

We look forward to hearng your views on the capital’s development.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011

RS — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:15:07 +0000

Indian Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr Manmohan Singh confirmed that India is on target to hit a growth rate of approx. 9%. Addressing a packed hall at the Vigyam Bhawan where he was inaugurating the countrys ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The prime ministers speech was full of great content as he explained to the gathering of NRI’s and resident Indian about whats been happening during 2010 and what the government has in store for India in 2011. At the event which is organised by the Ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs on 8^th January 2011, the Indian PM continues to mention the fact that our youth population is growing and at present this figure stands at around 550 million under 35’s. More information shall be posted on this topic very soon.

Obama in India 2010

admin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:01:03 +0000

In his address to the Lok Sabha and Raja Sabha earlier today President Obama was full of praise for the nation which is home to over one billion people. In the address, president Obama referred to the ‘father of India’, Mahatma Gandhi he continued to say that “If it was not for Mahatma Gandhi’s and Martin Luther King’s vision, perhaps I would not be standing here before you today as president of the United States of America”.

President Obama in India 2010

To an audience of politicians and business leaders as well as the world, president Obama said “India is not emerging – India HAS emerged!”. President Obama also mentioned similarities between India and the US with regards to democracy, people and freedom. Although this is the first stop for him on his visit to Asia, president Obama took great pleasure in saying this is the longest visit he has done to any one single country since becoming president.

President Obama has secured a deal worth approx 10 billion dollar which will create approx. 54,000 new jobs with the US. He continued to say the USA’s relationship with India is a “Top Priority” and ensures the strengthening of this on a daily basis. During his Visit president Obama and first lady Michelle took part in the Diwali celebrations as part of their trip.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned for the second

RS — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:25:43 +0000

For the second consecutive day, a determined opposition on Wednesday forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha till noon over the issue of price rise. As soon as the House met for the day, BJP members were on their feet demanding discussion on rising food prices under Rule 167, which entails voting. BJP Deputy Leader S S Ahluwalia said there should be a discussion followed by voting, a demand vehemently opposed by the ruling benches. Other opposition parties particularly SP, BSP and Left supported the BJP. Chairman Hamid Ansari requested members to resume their seats and took up the listed question. But, as the din continued, Ansari said, “We cannot have Question Hour under these circumstances.” Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan said the Government was ready for a debate on the issue and a short duration discussion was already listed for on Wednesday.

(Agencies)

Telengana Panel To conclude Consultations by July

RS — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:23:53 +0000

The Srikrishna Committee on Telangana issue has said it would wrap up consultations with key stakeholders by July this year and asked the Joint Action Council (JAC), spearheading the agitation for a separate state, not to boycott it. V K Duggal, member-secretary of the five-member Committee, who arrived here last night to put in place the necessary infrastructure for starting its work, said, “We will get enough material to give a balanced report”. Faced with JAC’s decision to boycott the Committee in protest against its Terms of Reference (ToR), Duggal hoped that responses would be forthcoming once the intent of the panel is understood. ”The proof of the pudding is in its eating. I am 100 per cent sure that when the people see the intention, even those who are boycotting…Once they see the purpose, I have no doubt we will get enough material to give a balanced report,” he said.

Asked how the Committee would take the views of those who are boycotting, Duggal said, “The voices will be counted as good response has already come. ”We have received 50 memoranda so far since February 20 when the public notice was issued. It is your option. I cannot force you. Once the intent of the Committee is known, the responses will be forthcoming,” he said. A fresh public notice could also be issued, with the approval of the Chairman of the Committee, Justice B N Srikrishna, for seeking responses, he said. The Committee will start holding consulations with various groups and political parties from the middle of next month in Hyderabad and other places in the state on the issue of a separate Telangana state.

(Agencies)

U.K. Tea Company enters Indian Market

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:37:30 +0000

Indian Business News for today :

UK based tea company Newby’s of London on thursday entered the Indian Branded Tea market. “In the first year, we will have presence in 8 major cities and gradually expand it in 15 cities and towns in the next 3 years. We will be introducing 50 varieties in India priced between Rs.800 and Rs.25,00 a kg,” said Mr. Aniruddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer, Newby India, speaking to journalists.

Telangana Issue: Supreme Court says Armed for can stay.(PTI)

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:35:09 +0000

The Supreme court on friday stayed the Andhra Pradesh High court’s decision to withdraw Paramilitary Forces from Osmania University, the hotbed of the voltile Telagana agitation. However the Apex court stated that the paramilitary forces shall operate under the strict supervision of the Home Secretary, to ensure the forces do not misbehave with the students in the campus. On February 16, a single judge of the AP high court had ordered the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the campus, the decision was opposed by the AP government and they approached the Apex court.

AP government has also alleged that they strongly suspect that Maoists had infiltrated the campus and protested along with the students.