Indian Overseas Congress » Sonia Gandhi

Economic Advisory Council’s Report on Genetically Modified Crops (The Hindu)

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:32:27 +0000

The Economic Advisory Council highlighted, in its report on Friday, the success of the success of Bt. Cotton. “After the success Bt. Cotton and the benefits it has brought to farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra, its is imperative that the Government must have a clear policy on genetically modified crop,” the council said.

The remarks come in the midst of the environment ministry recent moratorium on the commercial production of Bt. Brinjal, which triggered vehement voices voices both for and against the genetically modified crop.

The council chaired by Mr.C. Rengarajan stressed that lack of co-ordination between the extensive network of research institutions has stymied research in agriculture. The council has recommended a 0.3% GDP increase in agricultural research taking it to 1%, as suggested by the Steering committee for the 11th Five year plan.

India’s 60th Republic Day 2010

RS — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:31:14 +0000

India's Republic Day Parade

Indians across the world all celebrated India’s Republic Day. Even though security was extra tight in New Delhi, the parade, the dignitaries and the India’s policy makers all attending this historic day in India’s history. Within the past 60 years, India has struggled through various political and economic difficulties, but, she as always still comes out smiling. This morning here in the UK, Overseas Congress Secretary General, Mr Avtar Sandhu MBE praised the work of Indians all over the world for their patriotism towards mother India. He said ” I would like to praise the patients, determination and enthusiasm of Indian’s all over the world. No one person can develop a nation the size of India, one thing Indians have always been proud of is our determination. Many governments have come and gone in the past 60 years, but this government has developed India the most. I would like to congratulate ALL of Dr Manmohan Singh’s cabinet on the progression of this great nation. We have come a long way, but, we still have a long journey ahead of us, I am confident that once the journey ends our India shall be looked upon as a roll model. JAI HIND”. The celebrations for the 60th Independence Day of India continue all over the globe.

Congress General Secretary receives honour

RS — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:16:53 +0000

Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK’s national General Secretary, Cllr Avtar Singh Sandhu, was today at Buckingham Palace to receive his Memeber of the British Empire Medal (MBE). Mr Sandhu, 44 years old and father of two said he was honoured to have been recognised for his community work in North West Kent.

Since the sudden death of his father, late S Darshan Singh Sandhu MBE in 1999, Avtar has been committed to following in his father’s footsteps and in recent years British and Indian Politics. As well as being the first Punjabi to be elected onto Kent County Council, he is also General Secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress (I) UK. As part of his enhancement of relations and trade between Indian and Britain he has had meeting with Indian PM, Dr Manmohan Singh here in the UK and at the PM’s residence in New Delhi. Earlier today Mr Sandhu was quoted ay saying “ Today is a historic day not only for my family but for all Asians, I am honoured to be given this recognition by Her Majesty the Queen. I would like to urge more people form all communities to help each other and work together towards a better life for our children in years to come.”

Avtar Sandhu at Buckingham Palace on 4th December 2009

Sonia Gandhi is arguably the India’s Tallest Politician

Tej Randeva — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:50:04 +0000

Congress president, Sonia Gandhi is arguably the country’s tallest politician..

Although it is her trusted colleague Manmohan Singh who is the prime minister, it is the 62-year-old Gandhi, chairperson of the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), who is widely considered the real power behind the throne.

In any case, Gandhi is the undisputed boss of India’s oldest political party and is principally credited for its remarkable comeback to power in the parliamentary election, winning the highest number of 206 seats in the lower house, Lok Sabha, since 1991.

Politicians and political analysts admit that Gandhi has truly emerged as a hugely popular leader.

“She has led the Congress to victory in two successive elections. That is the closest you can get to getting the people’s mandate,” noted analyst Mahesh Rangarajan told IANS.

In any case, he said, the issue of her foreign origin “died a natural death” much earlier and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was once vocal on the topic, overstretched it with a negative campaign.

But it was Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Purno Sangma’s dramatic move to apologize to Gandhi for carrying on a sustained campaign against her over her foreign origin that appeared to formally bury the once emotive affair.