No.41 Apri l - May 2010Embassy of India, Tel Aviv

INDIA NEWSLETTER

The Bharati Show performed to full houses in Israel from May cultural and linguistic diversity. Bharati has performed all 10 - 20, 2010. “Bharati”, a music and dance show is over Europe, USA and several countries in Asian region. The conceived and created by Mr. Gashash Deshe. It is a 90 minute show was attended by Embassy guests including the Minister dance drama, performed on the stage by about a hundred for Trade, Labour and Industry, diplomats, government Indian performers with a simple story line. It is also a officials, Israeli entrepreneurs, academicians and people Bollywood musical with singers and musicians performing associated with the world of art and culture. live on stage. The story is narrated by a ‘Sutradhar’ in the local

language of the country where it is being performed w i t h c o l o r f u l Ind ian v i sua l s projected as a backdrop. The songs are drawn from all the Indian languages and project India’s

A 2-member delegation led by Mr. E.K. “Advanced Water Management for (Israel’s Center for International Majhi , Jo int Secretar y (RFS), Agricultural and Urban Use” at Tel Aviv Agricultural Development Cooperation, Department of Agriculture and which was organized for member Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, countries of CICA (Conference on Development).Government of India, visited Israel Interaction and Confidence Building Special emphasis was given in the from May 2-3, 2010. The delegation Measures in Asia) by MASHAV (Israel’s seminar to wastewater reuse and sea also included Dr. Lily Mitra, Deputy Center for International Development water desalination as innovative Commissioner, Horticulture Division. Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign solutions for areas with limited The delegation attended a seminar on Affairs) in cooperation with CINADCO conventional water sources.

Indian delegation visits Israel to attend a seminaron water management

The Bharati Show in Israel

The artistes in performance

Song, dance and colour in an animated mix

At the performance: Ambassador and Dr. AvinaSarna, Lior Halfon who played the ‘sutradhar’,

Adv. Anat Bernstein-Reich, Executive Producer ofthe show and Mr. Eyal Moskal, VP TCS Israel

2

Two Israeli girls of Indian origin - Ms. from all over the world. The participants facets of modern India and were also Mirna Ansari and Ms. Noga Ratner - were taken to Maharashtra and Haryana familiarized with Indian history, culture participated in the 14th Know India as part of the KIP programme. They also and heritage during the three week Programme (KIP) held during March 28 visited Delhi and Agra. The participants programme. The KIP provides a unique - April 17, 2010, organised by the also had an opportunity to meet and forum for youth of Indian origin to visit Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, interact with Hon’ble Minister of India, share their views, expectations / Government of India, in partnership Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Mr. experiences and bond closely with with Confederation of Indian Industry Vayalar Ravi in New Delhi. The contemporary India.(CII). They were joined by participants participants were exposed to various

14th Know India Programme (KIP)

The delegates with Hon’ble Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA),Mr. Vayalar Ravi in New Delhi

The delegates on tour

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Having been born and raised in Jerusalem India, we were able to travel to Mumbai, that three weeks later, we would grow to be all my life, I had little knowledge and Ganpatipule, Kurukshetra, Pune, New close friends? This wasn’t an experience connection to my Indian heritage. It was Delhi and other places. Our activities tried about India alone. This was an not until my recent trip to India that I have to encompass all aspects of Indian life. We international experience. Through the established a new found interest and bond learned what it would have been like different people that participated we with my Indian roots. As soon as my flight growing up and living in India. We visited learned new things about different landed in Mumbai and I got out of the colleges, villages, caves, and beaches. I countries and cultures and the Indian airport and into the taxi my eyes couldn’t was glad to finally be able to see Bollywood influence in those countries. stop looking all around. The only thing that with all its glamour and fame. As I write this and reminisce about my trip was going through my mind was “I am in You could see differences from one city to to India with all its wonders, I cannot help incredible India.” I felt so lucky and another in India. The country is so vast but realize the change it has made in my privileged to be able to make this journey and diverse. I felt so lucky to be able to life. I now understand that it is essential back to where my family first came from. observe this diversity up close and admire for me to return to my roots and catch up I know that there is no better way to learn how even in one country people are still with all that I have missed in the past about a culture than to live it. Being in different. People in Mumbai were different years. I have also realized that India is India, even for a short period of time, has from people in New Delhi. From the beach growing at a significant rate both taught me a lot about the culture of my in Ganpatipule to the strawberry festival domestically and internationally. India, people that I never grew up with. India is in Pune, I have so many fond memories along side China, is fast becoming a large truly a fascinating country in all aspects. that will accompany me for the rest of my economic influence in the world with a The economic progress and social life. future of political influence as well. development taking place is a good cause This experience was only enhanced by the It was truly a journey that we never wished to believe that India has a bright future presence of 40 other participants who would end. It was a journey to the ahead. came from 16 different countries from motherland; a nation where we united 16 In the short period of time we spent in around the world. Who would have known different countries as one family.

Reflections of Ms. Mirna Ansari who participatedin 14th KIP

3

CULTURAL ACTIVITIESth50 Anniversary Celebration

of ‘Maiboli’the strong bond the Bene-Israel community continues to maintain with India, of which ‘Maiboli’ is a notable illustration.

The Central Organisation of Indian Jews in Israel (COIJI) in coordination with the Embassy organised a cultural evening on April 29 in Lod to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the quarterly Marathi magazine ‘Maiboli’. The magazine has widespread circulation among Indian community in Israel and serves as a medium to bond the Bene Israel community. The event celebrated 50th Maharashtra Day clubbed with the Anniversary of quarterly ‘Maiboli’. It included cultural performances by Marathi groups followed by Indian snacks.Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary addressed the gathering and reflected on

First Secretary Sharad Srivastava withMr. Noah Massil, President of COIJI

Mr. and Mrs. Noah Massil with the gathering

Floral greetings

Indian booth at the InternationalDay of American International School

Ambassador with ladies from the Indian Missionat the Indian booth

An Indian dance item being presented by childrenof the Embassy staff

Visitors at the Indian booth

The American International School in Even Yehuda celebrated the Annual International day on May 16, 2010. Several Embassies from Israel participated in the event and arranged country booths.The Indian booth showcased Indian culture, tourism and ethnic food. An

Indian dance item was presented by children of the Embassy staff.

A sitar performance, titled ‘The Open House for Indian Culture’, was organised by Chanchal and Sigal Banga at the Artist House in Tel Aviv on May 22. The performance included sitar and tabla performances by Mr. David Elkabir (an ICCR scholar who learnt sitar in India under Ustad Sujaat Khan) and Mr. Aleil Levkovitz (student of Pandit Vishvar Lal Mishra, Varanasi). The Embassy was represented by Mr. J.N. Majhi, Second Secretary.

Sitar performance atArtist House, Tel Aviv

Screening of Hindimovies in Herzliya

The Embassy organised screening of Hindi movies “Taare Zameen Par” on April 10, “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” on April 15 and “Rock On” on April 21 at the Herzliya Cinematheque, Herzliya Center. The Embassy also organised a cocktail reception during the screening of ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, which was attended by diplomats, academicians and prominent Indian community members.

4

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

A reception and book reading Asian Studies Conference at the Haifa sessions were organised for noted University where he delivered the Indian author Amitava Ghosh and keynote address. The centerpiece of Canadian author Margaret Atwood, the evening was an exhilarating talk co-winners of the Dan David Prize for by Dr. Guha on “The World’s most 2010, on May 11. The invitees unnatural nat ion? How India i n c l u d e d p r o m i n e n t I s r a e l i survives”, followed by a lively p e r s o n a l i t i e s , d i p l o m a t s , interactive session with the audience. academicians and lovers of literature. Those present included President of

the Supreme Court Dorit Beinisch, Ambassador hosted a well attended Justice Esther Hayut, MK Einat Wilf reception on April 29, 2010 on the and the grand niece of Herman occas ion o f the v i s i t o f Dr. Kallenbach, Mahatma Gandhi’s close Ramachandra Guha, eminent Indian Jewish associate during his days spent historian and author. Dr. Guha was in in South Africa besides diplomats and Israel in connection with the 9th several distinguished Invitees.

A heritage exhibition depicting the preservation of Bene-Israel Synagogues, Jewish Schools and unique Judaic ritual objects, photographs of Zionist personalities, old Bible books translated in Marathi, was organised at Magen Hasidim Synagogue in Ashdod from April 27-29, 2010. The exhibition was organised by Mr. Reuben Raymond, Chairman, Raze Gaheleth, Bene-Israel Heritage Museum in Beer Sheva. Mr. Sharad Srivastava, First Secretary addressed the gathering and emphasized that many Indian customs and traditions of Bene-Israel community have been retained by the community even after years of migration to Israel.

Ambassador delivered a lecture on “India’s Foreign Policy” at Haifa University on May 27, 2010. The audience included professors and students of the Asian Department of the University.

Ambassador visits Globes

Receptions at Embassy Residence

Interaction withschool children

Talk by Ambassador

Heritage Exhibition

On May 17, 2010 Ambassador Navtej Sarna visited the offices of Israel’s leading business newspaper “Globes” in Rishon Lezion. Ambassador met with Mr. Eitan Madmon, CEO and Mr. Meir Dubitsky, Managing Editor of Globes Online, to exchange views. During his visit, Ambassador was introduced to the various departments that “Globes” newspaper consists of. “Globes”, which is published in Hebrew (hard copy) and English (online version), is Israel’s most notable business newspaper covering both local and international business and financial news.

On invitation from the Moledet School in Meveseret Tziyon, Mr. Amarnath, Third Secretary, interacted with the students of the 6th Grade, who are learning about India as a part of their Geography studies. Mr. Amarnath spoke to the students on the geography, history and culture of India. A set of children’s books of India was presented to the school by the Embassy on the occasion.

First Secretary Sharad Srivastava with the gatheringat the Magen Hasidim Synagogue in Ashdod

5

9th Asian Studies Conference at theHaifa University

President, Haifa University at the 9th Indian author and historian Prof. Annual Israeli Asian Studies Conference Ramachandra Guha delivered a keynote on April 26, 2010. address at the conference.The presentation of the “Collected Works of Gandhi” is expected to provide a fillip to the Modern Indian studies program at the University’s Department of Asian Studies, which is the only program of its kind in Israel.The library of the Haifa University has now become the only library in all of

Ambassador gifted the “Collected Works Israel to possess the entire collection of of Gandhi” to Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, the works of Mahatma Gandhi. Noted

Charity Bazaar at American International School

Proud to be Indian!

More than 60 vendors and 30 Embassies participated in the Bazaar, which was attended by more than 1300 people.The Embassy played an a c t i v e r o l e i n t h e organization of the Charity Bazaar, donated country baskets and books and put up a stall of delicious

The Diplomatic Spouses’ Club of Israel Indian snacks.organised a Charity Bazaar in the The proceeds of the Charity Bazaar Wa l w o r t h B a r b o u r A m e r i c a n went to support DROR (The Israeli International School in Even Yehuda Association for Housing Discharged on April 24, 2010. Psychiatric Patients). Ladies from the Indian Mission offering choice

Indian cuisine

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Tel Aviv - 5, Druyanov St., Tel: 03-5250332, Fax: 03-5250786Tel Aviv - 24 Saadiya Gaon St., Tel: 03-7610255, Fax: 03-7602033Jerusalem - 19 Hillel St., Tel: 02-6220018, Fax: 02- 6240724Haifa - 8, Khatib St., Tel: 04-8650241, Fax: 04-8670886Ben Gurion Airport - El-Al Building, Tel: 03-9717998

C O N S U L A R M A T T E R SThe Embassy has outsourced visa services (with effect from May Street, Tel Aviv, Tel. No. 03-5250332, Fax No. 03-5250786, website: 15,2010) to two new agencies (a) M/s Caspi Aviation Ltd., 1- Ben www.smvisa.co.il. The above mentioned agencies have offices in Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv, Tel. No. 03-7962000, Fax No. 03-5108365, different parts of the country as under. The Embassy website website: www.caspi-aviation.co.il and (b) S.M. Visa, No. 5, Droyanov (www.indembassy.co.il) also contains all relevant details.

Branches of Caspi AviationTel Aviv - 1, Ben Yehuda St., Tel : 03-5100214, Fax: 03-5107673Bat Yam - 79, Balfur St., Tel : 03-5070797, Fax: 03-6596557Netanya - 27, Dizengoff St., Tel: 09-8841830, Fax: 09-8332735Petah Tikva - 20 Hahitadrut St., Tel: 03-9136136, Fax: 03-9307919Ashdod - 17 Rogozin St., Tel: 08-8521521, Fax: 08-8522505Haifa - 20 Nordau St., Tel: 04-8624919, Fax: 04-8624032

Branches of S.M.Visa

Ambassador presents books to Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze'ev,President of Haifa University

Ambassador with visiting scholar Dr. Ramachandra Guhaenjoying the sights and sounds at the Charity Bazaar

6

INDIAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS

INDIAN ECONOMY

TELECOM / IT / BIOTECHNOLOGY

Alcatel-Lucent to make India its global services headquarters GDP growth in Fiscal Year 2011 at

8.1%

Banks on expansion spree as licensing norm eased

Wipro, Hitachi sign tech pact for M&A, PE deals more than double adaptable storage

in 5 months

TCS bags contract from Telenor Indian domestic BPO market to Norway

grow 25% in 2010: Gartner

US$ 75 billion global risk capital to flow into India: IDG

India becomes seventh largest shareholder in World Bank Quippo-WTTIL signs 5-year deal

HCL Technologies signs five-year with IBM

contract with Singapore Exchange

Biggest solar power plant commissioned

state-owned power generating company, was dedicated to the nation at Yalesandra village in Kolar district. The plant, which Franco-American telecom equipment uses modular crystalline technology to maker Alcatel-Lucent looks to shifting its According to the National Council of generate solar energy, has been set up at global services headquarters to India in a Applied Economic Research (NCAER), a cost US$ 12.9 million. bid to leverage the market and resources the Indian economy is expected to grow

available here. The company will invest by 8.1% in FY 2010-11 driven by an US$ 500 million over the next three years anticipated expansion in agriculture,

Banks double expansion plans after in India if the global services unit is industry and service sectors. NCAER's RBI’s decision to allow them to open agriculture projection for the current moved here. branches in Tier-III to VI cities without fiscal year stands at around 4%.prior permission. An easing of the requirement to take the Reserve Bank of

Wipro Ltd, a provider of IT and business India’s (RBI’s) permission for opening Corporate merger & acquisitions and transformation services, has entered in a new bank branches has led to a private equity transactions more than strategic collaboration with Hitachi Data substantial rise in their number. doubled in the first five months of the Systems to offer co-branded products

current calendar year, recording a and services on Hitachi Technology in marked revival in deal activity in the India.country. As many as 439 M&A and PE transactions have been announced between January and May this year

The country's largest software company compared to just 179 in the year ago T h e I n d i a n b u s i n e s s p r o c e s s Tata Consultancy Services said it has won period, as per advisory firm Grant outsourcing (BPO) market has a multi-year outsourcing contract from Thornton. rebounded faster than its global Telenor Norway. As part of the deal, TCS

counterparts. The domestic BPO market will provide services related to is expected to grow at 25% in 2010 to a p p l i c a t i o n m a i n t e n a n c e a n d

India is set to be the next big market for touch US$ 1.2 billion by 2011 said a development services to Norway's global risk capital, according to data Gartner study. The domestic India BPO incumbent te lecommunicat ions collated by early stage venture capital services market grew by 7.3% year-on- company. The contract also provides for firm IDG Ventures. The firm estimates year in 2009, primarily due to the global m o d e r n i s a t i o n o f t h e that US$ 75 billion of private equity and economic uncertainty, which led to some t e l e communica t i on company ' s venture capital will flow into India over price and volume pressures. According application portfolio across i ts the next five years, nearly double the US$ to research and advisory firm Gartner,

operational support systems, fixed, 40 billion capital that came into the the BPO market in India is estimated to mobile, data warehouse and accounting country between 2004-2009. grow 19% through 2013 and grow to US$ system domains, according to a press

1.8 billion by 2013. statement from TCS.

India will have a larger say in the affairs of the World Bank as it has become the Telecom infrastructure firm Quippo-seventh largest shareholder in the WTTIL has signed a five-year deal with

HCL Technologies has signed a five-year multilateral lender with 2.91% voting IBM for an undisclosed amount to information technology infrastructure rights. India’s shareholding in the Bank provide technical support to overhaul IT outsourcing agreement with Singapore had been declining since 1970s and the system and manage the hardware, Exchange (SGX) for S$ 110 million. The trend has been reversed for the first time mailing and infrastructure management IT services company will provide SGX in a generation. software applications for the tower with infrastructure support and company. This is IBM’s fifth such management services, including the outsourcing contract in the Indian exchange’s S$ 250-million Reach telecom space. It is already working with India's first-ever 3 Mw solar photovoltaic initiative, which aims to create the Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar, Idea power plant, erected by the Karnataka world’s fastest trading engine. Cellular and state-owned telco BSNL. Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), the

FORTHCOMING EVENTSIN INDIA

Security India 2010July 8, 2010, New Delhi

India International Potato ExpoJuly 8-9, 2010, New Delhi

Healthtex 2010July 16-19, 2010, Bangalore

Automation AsiaJuly 23-26, 2010, New Delhi

India International Agri and Food ExpoJuly 23-25, 2010, Chennai

Automation AsiaJuly 23-26, New Delhi

Safe 20104th International Exhibition & Conference on Internal SecurityJuly 28-30, 2010, New Delhi

MedicallAugust 6-8, 2010, Chennai

2nd Bangalore Space Expo 2010International Exhibition & Conference “World Space Biz” August 25-28, 2010, Bangalore

India Chem 2010October 28-29, 2010, Mumbai

Asian Herbal Show26-28, November 2010, Chennai

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.bsxindia.com

www.biztradeshows.com

www.biztradeshows.com

Popular Indian Recipes

Serves: 4

Cooking time (approx.): 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Method: Heat the butter / oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium level and crackle the cumin seeds. Add the ginger. Add the potato cubes and cauliflower. Mix well. Add the rest of the spices and salt to taste. Mix well and cook covered on low level for about 15 minutes or till the potatoes and cauliflower are cooked. Mix in the chopped fresh coriander leaves.

1.

2.

7

Aloo Gobhi(Cauliflower and Potato mix)

500 grams cauliflower florets 4 big potatoes peeled and cubed 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon ginger finely chopped 2 green chillies finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder 2 tablespoons butter / oil 2 tablespoon finely chopped freshcoriander salt to taste

Serve hot with: Indian bread (Pooris,Roti, Chapati), white rice.

Unimark Remedies bets big on biocatalysis technology

Auto sales highest-ever for May, growth rate to moderate

Mercedes plans to enter city bus market in India

Renault to invest in car engine facility in India

Bulk drug maker Unimark Remedies is eying an 8-10 per cent share of the global market for at least three drugs that are produced through the biocatalysis route, a greener, cleaner, and more economic way to manufacturing chiral drugs, by FY 2013-14 when these drugs become generic. The company has set up the first of its kind Biotechnology Center in the country at its Bavla site near Ahmedabad that is dedicated to the research and d e v e l o p m e n t o f r e c o m b i n a n t biocatalysts.

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), overall vehicle sales grew 30 per cent in May to 1,208,851 units, and eight per cent over the previous month of April. While increased consumer spending and low finance rates have led to the highest-ever auto sales for May, the industry association has warned that the high growth rate has started moderating and will likely dip further.

German auto major Mercedes-Benz plans to enter the city bus market in India. The company said this segment offers huge opportunity and it will be a major focus in India. The company is also betting big on the luxury bus segment, expected to grow by 20 per cent, year-on-year.

French auto maker Renault is planning to set up an engine and transmission facility in India with Nissan, its partner. This new plant is expected to come up adjacent to the vehicle manufacturing complex of Renault-Nissan at Oragadam, near Chennai.

AUTOMOBILE

INDIAN BUSINESS

8

How to reach

Situated in the northwest corner of Himachal Pradesh state and jutting into Jammu and Kashmir is the scenic tourist destination of Chamba, an ancient temple town perched on a small plateau overlooking the river Ravi and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Chamba is often referred to as the Florence of the Himalayas, for like the Italian city, it abounds in street and curbside art treasures as well as a host of magnificent temples and idols. Located just 56 km from the famous hill resort of Dalhousie, Chamba - the headquarters of Chamba district - is well known for its splendid architecture and is the base for numerous treks. The capital of an ancient kingdom, Chamba was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil Varma who named it after his favorite daughter Champavati. Sandwiched between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, Chamba developed its own style of architecture and art, in the isolation provided by the lofty mountains. Much Sara-Kiri reserve, home to the nomadic Gujjars. The town is the of this heritage has been preserved. starting point for the trek across the Sach Pass to Pangi, one of Above Chamba is one of the world's great reserve forests - the the most inaccessible areas in the country.

By Air:By Rail: By Road:

For more on India tourism, visit:www.hptdc.nic.in; www.tourismofindia.com

Tourist attractions

India Calls: Chamba - Florence of Himalayas

Lakshminarayanan Temple: Chamunda Devi Temple:

Katasan Devi Temple:

Bhuri Singh Museum:

Sarol:

Jhamwar:Chaugan:

Salooni:

This is a Barely 1 km cluster of six ancient temples carved in from Chaugan, this temple overlooks the stone, with tall vimanas. Dedicated to river Ravi. Dedicated to the goddess both Shiva and Vishnu, these temples Chamunda Devi, the temple is were built around the 8th century AD. embellished with fine woodcarvings. The Lakshminarayan Temple, the oldest Located 30 km in this group, is richly ornamented. from Chamba is this popular place of

A collection of pilgrimage. The temple has a beautiful fine miniatures from the Kangra, view of the Chamba Valley. Basholiand Chamba schools of painting Lovely landscaped gardens, a is found in this museum. There are also sheep breeding centre and apiary make murals and paintings from the Rang Sarol, about 11 km from Chamba, an Mahal Palace, which was damaged by interesting place for picnics. fire. Located amid dense forests,

It is a large grassy meadow Jhamwar, located 10 km from Chamba, that forms the heart of the Chamba town is noted for its apple orchards. and the centre of all its cultural activities. Located 56 km from Chamba, Each year, the colourful Minjar Mela Salooni is another place with breathtaking celebrating the harvest is held here. views of the snow-capped ranges.

Climate Winter:Summer:Best time to visit:

Temperature ranges from 8°C to 15°C. Maximum temperature is in the range of 15-38°C.

April-November.

The nearest airport is at Chandigarh. The nearest railhead is at Pathankot, 122 km fromChamba town. Well-connected by road from Dalhousie.