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RNI No. DELENG/2014/55799 Delhi Postal Regd. No. DL(ND)-11/6168/2018-19-20
May 2020 I Rs 50
www.powercorridors.in
POWER
CORRIDORS
Light
at the end
of the
tunnel?
sales@powercorridors.in
Power
Corridors
www.powercorridors.in
Chairman & Editor-in-Chief : Nandan Jha
Contents
Consulting Editor : Ravi Shanker Kapoor
Executive Editor : Satish Mishra
Legal Advisor : Dr. Vivek Singh
Business Head : Heena Bhatia
VP Business Development: Navin Kati
AVP Business Development: Ragini Rai
Manager Business Development: Namit Bajaj
Assistant Editor : Prashant Bhardwaj
Special Correspondent : Arvind Sharma
Rajasthan Bureau Chief : Saurabh Indoria
Chief Illustrator & Designer : Rekha
Executive Circulation : Vinod Kumar
Consultant Style : Aakansha Malviya (Maggie)
Patron: Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik
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Head Office: B-4/14, Safdarjung Enclave,
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Nandan Jha is the publisher and owner
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14
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Getting out of
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the corona mess
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Cover story-I
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Man of accomplishments
Norway, Sweden,
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in business and charity
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Interview: Vijay Sharma, Director, MoPNG
Printed, Published and Edited by Nandan Jha
on the behalf of Interactive forum on Indian
Satat is aimed at promoting
Economy Printed at MP Printers (A unit of D. B.
Corp. Ltd.) B-220, Industrial Area, Phase-2, Noida,
CBG as a green transport fuel
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Distributed By
Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., Gole Market, New Delhi may 2020 3 Power Corridors
40
Great Speeches
The lady’s not
for turning
20
cover story-ii
India responds vigorously,
effectively against Covid-19
24
cover story-iii 46
Corona: India’s Science & Technology
30
global image From artificial
improves intelligence
to human
Life & Culture
augmentation
Lord Rama provides
48
succor during
corona crisis
sport
28
Corona badly
hits the world
cover story-iv of sports
Coronavirus badly
impacts realty
sector
33
An Underrated Classic
50 Silver screen
The Theory of
Moral Sentiments
Power Corridors 4 may 2020
Editorial
Chairman’s Message
C
risis, they say, reveals character. The threat posed by Covid-19 is not an exception.
As nation, indeed the entire world, fights the novel coronavirus, what is good and
noble has come out in the open. There is fright, despondency, and disruption,
and yet there are millions of people from various walks of life—doctors, nursing
staff, paramedics, cops, sanitation workers, mediapersons reporting from ground zero,
et al—who are tirelessly and fearlessly carrying out their duties. They have rightly been
called corona warriors.
Nandan jha
Supporting them are the auxiliary forces, those who are providing succor to the needy
facebook.com/jhnandan and food to the poor. The huge drives by citizens and voluntary groups preparing food and
distributing among the hungry are commendable. Typically, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
@Nandan_jha4
Sangh (RSS) has taken lead in this endeavor. RSS activists have been working ceaselessly
to help the poor.
Unfortunately, the corona crisis has also brought out the unlovely aspects to the fore.
Some Chief Ministers are playing on fear and panic, and arrogating more power to
themselves. They are unnecessarily extending the lockdown, unmindful of the baneful
consequences on the economy. It is time they realized that the need of the hour is to
bring things to normal. h
Editor’s Note
T
he resignation of Neil Ferguson from the panel that advised the UK government
on the novel coronavirus has underlined the hypocrisy and arrogance of the
peddlers of lockdown. He is director of the MRC Centre for Global Infectious
Disease Analysis at Imperial College, London. It was his report that terrified
the entire world for its apocalyptic but false predictions. It also began the insensitive and
disastrous lockdowns all over the world. The report had said that as many as five lakh
Britons and 2.2 million Americans could fall prey to Covid-19. Ferguson’s scaremongering
ravi shanker kapoor
was the main factor in convincing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose the lockdown
facebook.com/ravishanker.kapoor on March 23. Ferguson came to be known as ‘Professor Lockdown.’
The hypocrisy became evident when it was reported that Professor Lockdown’s had
@libertypartisan called his married girlfriend, Antonia Staats, a Leftwing activist, to his residence for…
well, you know what. The man who coaxed Johnson into putting millions of people
under house arrest didn’t follow it. After all, rules are for fools, made by wise men and
women—the men and women like Ferguson and Staats.
Ferguson wants to play God; he wants to save the world from the coronavirus; his
counsel is to lock up everybody so that they don’t infect anybody else. That is, everybody
but himself; being divine, he cannot infect anybody, even if he had tested corona positive.
In a statement, he said, “I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive
for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing
symptoms.” His beliefs are more important than the lives and liberties of others. h
may 2020 5 Power Corridors
News in Brief
Tablighi Jamaat
became corona
spreaders
Tablighi Jamaat, the little-known Islamic
organization, came under scanner during a
religious congregation held at its headquarters
in Delhi in March when dozens of people tested
positive for ovid-19. At least 2,000 people, both
from across the country and foreign nations
such as Indonesia and Malaysia, had attended
Vice-President
the gathering in Nizamuddin that started in early
March and went on for a couple of weeks. Those
people allegedly were responsible for the spread
calls for building
of coronavirus.
Maulana Saad Kandhalvi, leader of the group, a greener,
cleaner planet
was booked by the Delhi police under the Epidemic
Disease Act. The Tablighi Jamaat (Society of
Preachers) which was founded by a Deobandi
Islamic scholar Muhammad Ilyas al-Kandhlawi
in Mewat, India, in 1926. Its objective was to Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu has called upon
establish a group of dedicated preachers for the all citizens to collectively strive for building a
revival of Muslim society in accordance with greener and cleaner planet, saying environmental
true Islam, without the accretions of un-Islamic protection is a pious civic duty of all. In a message
practices, like Sufi mysticism, by many Muslims. on the eve of World Earth Day on April 22, he said:
The organization flourished in what was then “Let us accord prime importance to protect Mother
undivided India. It has a strong following in both Nature, re-orient the development models and
Pakistan and Bangladesh. h consumerism-driven lifestyles.”
The Vice-President said that in the wake of the
Covid-19 pandemic, we have to revisit and reinvent
our development and economic strategies. Pointing
to the unprecedented health crisis caused by Covid-19
pandemic, he said the sweeping lockdowns brought
the world to a near halt, reduced the pollution levels
and improved the air quality, making us realize the
extent to which man has disrupted the ecological
balance.
Referring to World Earth Day 2020 theme’s
focus on Climate Action, the Vice-President
said: “We must learn from our past mistakes and
understand the importance of the symbiotic co-
existence between man and nature. We are living
in an interconnected world and cannot continue
with a business-as-usual approach in the quest for
development and modernization as every action
impacts the environment”.
He urged the people to become pro-active
warriors in the protection of nature. h
Power Corridors 6 may 2020
News in Brief
Gloom in film
industry in time
of corona
The last week of April saw two of Hindi cinema’s
power performers lose their life. The unconventional
Irrfan Khan and the veteran actor Rishi Kapoor both
breathed their last. While Irrfan lost his life due to
colon infection, Kapoor succumbed to leukemia.
The death of both the stars is a huge loss to the
film industry.
Irrfan Khan was not only a big star in the country
but also had made a mark in Hollywood. Irrfan was
just 53 and it is hard to believe that a man who was
a powerhouse of talent has gone too soon. He was
trained as a theatre actor in India's prestigious
National School of Drama, but then struggled hard
to make a name for himself and finally emerged as
one of the most refined actors. Despite his status as
one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, Irrfan
was known for his humble nature and the news of
his death sent the world of cinema into mourning
prompting actors, fans and politicians across the
world to express their sadness at his death.
Boris Johnson
survives Covid-19
Rumors were rife that British Prime Minister Boris
Johnson began self-isolating in a flat above No
11 Downing Street. Yes, he had Covid-19. Earlier,
the symptoms were nothing to worry about. At
The iconic Rishi Kapoor, who had a glorious a time when the deaths from the coronavirus
career in the world of Hindi cinema spanning over were increasing, his condition was not a cause
four decades, took the legacy of his family forward. for worry. But suddenly things changed.
He married actress Neetu Singh and the couple did He had to be admitted to the intensive care
a lot of romantic movies. Their son Ranbir Kapoor unit. By April 1, the infection had taken a serious
is now one of Bollywood's top stars. turn; he needed ventilator support. It was on
Rishi Kapoor would always be remembered as the April 8 that the ventilator was taken off. He was
ultimate chocolate boy of Bollywood. From Bobby discharged from the hospital on April 12 after
to Sagar to Prem Rog, he gave a new definition spending seven nights there, three of them in
to romance. His roles recent films— Mulk, intensive care. h
Agneepath—became more serious and it seemed
he wanted to explore every genre. h
may 2020 7 Power Corridors
The Chairman & Managing Director of Darwin Platform believes that while it takes a considerable amount of wealth to make a man more than comfortable, the same amount of wealth can be used to uplift the society Man of accomplishments in business and charity Power Corridors 8 may 2020
Ajay Harinath Singh
PC Bureau
@power_corridors
jay Harinath Singh, Chairman & Managing Director
of Darwin Platform, is a man whose accomplishments
speak for himself. Despite belonging to one of the most
influential families of India, Ajay worked for a number
of companies and founded the Darwin Platform Group
of companies, a conglomerate dealing in banking, reality,
hospitality, mining, pharmaceuticals, film production,
etc. Ajay, who is also the President of the Singh and Sons
Holding, has played a major role in the rise of Singh family’s empire. His family
was considered one of the most prominent business families in India during the
19th century. He also has a rich educational background. In 1997, he attended
K.M. Doongursee College in Dadar where he received a Bachelor’s degree.
He then moved to London where he completed a Master’s degree in 2005.
After completing his formal education, Singh worked for various businesses
including Kraftos London, Cobra plc, Aviva Life Insurance, Metife Insurance,
and Bharti Axa Life Insurance.
Having a great business mind and the rare quality to identify the customer’s
needs and offering solutions backed with first-class service, Singh methodically
founded other companies including Arms and Darwin Platform Avitronics
Inc. Ajay has been associated with selling the Sukhoi 30 and MIG aircraft from
Russia to other countries.
Apart from having a great business mind, he has always believed in providing
social service to the needy ones. In this regard, he says, “Throughout my years
of travel for both, work as well as pleasure, I have encountered people struck
down by poverty who have been battling their hunger. No one should have to
be hungry. There’s plenty for everyone on earth.” The AHS Food Charity was
set up in India, to provide food to homeless and needy and has now opened
food kitchens in London (UK) and Philadelphia (US), providing vegetarian
meals to the needy.
In addition to this, through his foundation, Singh has helped advance
education across fields including business, science, information technology,
communications, intellectual property law and wildlife preservation. Apart
from this, he has successfully built low-cost hospitals in Latur (Maharashtra)
and Bhuj (Gujarat).
Raising over Rs 250 crore, these hospitals targeted the needs of low-income
families in these areas focusing on providing quality and affordable health
services. For a man who is passionate about social projects, he says “It takes
a considerable amount of wealth to make a man more than comfortable. The
same amount of wealth can be used to uplift the society.”
Having an asset-based turnover of over Rs 41,000 crore, Darwin Platform
headed by Ajay Harinath Singh also has its presence in Bollywood, Hollywood,
and the Russian film industry. Singh continues to be honored for his numerable
charity contributions in the United States and India and has been bestowed
with Times Power Men and Young Iconic Entrepreneur Awards. h
may 2020 9 Power Corridors
35 Nominations
Received
Power Corridors 10 may 2020may 2020 11 Power Corridors
Interview: Vijay Sharma, Director, MoPNG
Satat is aimed at
promoting CBG as a green
transport fuel
Vijay Sharma, Director, Ministry of
Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG),
is also a member of the Finance
Committee in the Indian Institute of
Petroleum & Energy and Director on the
board of Balmer Lawrie and Mangalore
Refinery & Petrochemicals. Prashant
Bhardwaj of Power Corridors spoke
to him on a number of about
the latest developments
in Sustainable Alternative
Towards Affordable
Transportation (Satat).
Excerpts from the interview:
Prashant Bhardwaj
@Prashan45602722
Power Corridors 12 may 2020What is Satat and why is it important? total production capacity of 15 million metric tonne per
The Hon’ble Prime Minister has said that there are four pillars annum (MMTPA), i.e., equivalent to 54 MMSCMD of gas
of India’s energy future—energy access, energy efficiency, by 2022-23.
energy sustainability, and energy security. India currently
imports nearly 84 per cent of its crude oil requirement and What are the future plans?
about 50 per cent of natural gas to meet its energy requirement. The government of India launched Satat initiative on October
The government has emphasized on achieving energy security 1, 2018. CBG plants are proposed to be set up mainly through
of the country with a target of reducing import dependence by independent entrepreneurs. Tentative investment to set up a
adopting a five-pronged strategy which includes, increasing CBG plant is in the range of Rs 15 to Rs 50 crore, depending
domestic production, adopting biofuels & renewables, energy upon the production capacity, feedstock, and the technology
efficiency norms, improvement in refinery processes, and used. For example, the estimated capital investment for a
demand substitution. plant (including land) to process 100 tonnes per day of paddy
Further, India has set a target of increasing the contribution straw is about Rs 50 crore. This initiative offers a potential
of gas in India’s energy mix from existing 6.5 per cent (global for investment of about Rs 1.75 lakh crore (5,000 plants) and
average is 23.5 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. The government generating about 75,000 direct employment opportunity.
of India has launched ‘National Policy on Biofuels-2018’
which emphasizes promotion of What are the latest developments
advanced biofuels including bio-CNG under this initiative?
or compressed bio gas (CBG). Under this initiative, Indian Oil
Satat is aimed at promoting CBG as Conversion of waste/ Corporation Limited, Bharat
a green transport fuel for efficient Petroleum Corporation Limited,
management of biomass and organic bio-mass into Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
waste. compressed bio gas Limited, Gail (India) Limited, and
Indraprastha Gas Limited have invited
What is the process of CBG
or CBG has multiple expressions of interest (EoIs) from
production? benefits. It is a process potential entrepreneurs to procure
Bio-gas is produced through a of responsible waste CBG at an assured price.
process of anaerobic decomposition In response, oil PSUs have issued
from waste/bio-mass sources like management and around 490 letters of intent (LoIs)
agriculture residue, cattle dung, reduction in carbon till February2020. At present, two
sugarcane press mud, municipal
solid waste, sewage treatment, plant
emissions and pollution. CBG plants located at Pune and
Kolhapur are operational. The CBG
waste, etc. After purification, it is It is also an additional they produce is being sold to the auto
compressed and called CBG which revenue source for sector from September 2019.
has more than 90 per cent methane The CBG sector is in a nascent stage
content. farmers in the country. Support in the area
Further, CBG has properties similar of ease of access to finance, biomass/
to the commercially available natural waste supply chain management,
gas and can be used as an alternative, renewable fuel along marketing of byproducts, and clearances from government
with CNG. As per data available on various waste/bio-mass departments is required for expediting the progress of this
sources in the country, tentative potential for CBG production sector. To encourage CBG sector, GAIL has initiated an
is 62 million metric tonne per annum. exclusive round for solicitation of investment proposals from
start-ups operating in the area of renewable and alternate
What are the benefits of conversion of CBG? energy sources.
Conversion of waste/bio-mass into CBG has multiple The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) is
benefits. It is a process of responsible waste management coordinating with the Ministries of Finance, Environment,
and reduction in carbon emissions and pollution. It is also Forest & Climate Change, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
an additional revenue source for farmers. CBG is a boost New & Renewable Energy, and Housing & Urban Affairs as
to entrepreneurship, rural economy, and employment. It is well as state governments for successful implementation of
also a support to national commitments in achieving climate the Satat scheme.
change goals. Another benefit is reduction in import of natural The Satat initiative is a step towards creation of ‘Waste
gas and crude oil. It also acts as a buffer against crude oil or to Wealth’ and providing clean fuel. It will also provide a
gas price fluctuations. sustainable solution for crop burning, employment generation,
Satat has envisaged developing 5,000 CBG plants with the boost to overall economy, mitigating climate change. h
may 2020 13 Power CorridorsPower Corridors 14 may 2020
Cover Story- I
C ronavirus
Getting
out of the
corona mess
The need of the hour is a quick end to the
nationwide lockdown and the speeding up
of reforms for the revival of the economy
Ravi Shanker Kapoor
@libertypartisan
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi, in his interaction with
the Sarpanchs of Gram Panchayats on April 24, correctly
emphasized the need for self-reliance. In the present context,
this translates into attracting the capital that would leave China
in the aftermath of the corona crisis. This is important not just
for boosting the Make in India programme but also decreasing
our dependence on China.
“This pandemic [Covid-10] has thrown at us new challenges
and problems which we have never imagined, but it also taught
us a very good lesson with a strong message. It has taught us that we have to be
self-reliant and self-sufficient. It has taught us that we should not look for solutions
outside the country. This is the biggest lesson we have learnt,” the Prime Minister
rightly said.
But for this to happen we have to bring the economy back to normalcy or as
near to normalcy as possible. This brings a quick end to the nationwide lockdown
which was imposed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The remedy has proved to be worse than the malady. For the economy, already
in the slow lane, has almost stopped. Businesses have been hurt; many are likely
to be shut down; millions of jobs have been adversely impacted. All this because
may 2020 15 Power CorridorsCover Story- I
C ronavirus
we have succumbed to the fear of the
unknown: the fear that a disease—whose
virulence and damage potential remains
limited so far—may become epidemic The lockdown has
in the country. Enough damage has caused enough
been done to the lives and livelihoods
people, especially the poor; the sooner
damage to the lives
the lockdown is lifted, the better for the and livelihoods
economy, people, and the nation. people, especially the
There should have been no lockdown
in India in the first place; it was poor. The sooner it is
unnecessary. Our fatalities are 0.75 lifted, the better for
per cent of the world’s, while 17 of 100 the economy, people,
people are Indian. The extensions of the
lockdown were even more unnecessary. and the nation
Second, the lockdown is happening
only in posh colonies and middle
class localities, where most politicians, because of the deadly coronavirus is
bureaucrats, decision makers, and media set to continue throughout the current
Brahmins live. But our country is much financial year, leading to huge job losses.
bigger than Lutyens Zone and Middle These were the findings of a survey
India. It is not possible in parts where undertaken jointly by industry body
most people live—slums, unauthorized Ficci and Dhruva Advisors.
colonies, crowded localities, etc. Why The survey added that the magnitude
try the impossible, however desirable it and speed of collapse in economic
may be? activity in India in the last few weeks
Third, the lockdown and now its was unprecedented and almost 72 per
extension are killing the economy. The cent of the respondents to the nationwide
decline in demand and sales revenue survey reported that Covid-19 would
Power Corridors 16 may 2020have a ‘high to very high’ level of impact populations in developing countries,”
on their businesses. said a 2008 paper by the National Center
Fourth, the lockdown has seriously for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
curbed democratic rights and civil The NCBI is part of the United States
liberties. Besides, it is an affront to National Library of Medicine, a branch
human dignity. Citizens, especially of the National Institutes of Health.
younger males, have faced the brunt of There is a strong possibility that the
police highhandedness. There are videos lockdown extension would result in
circulating on the social media, and increase in poverty and, as a consequence,
also appearing in the mainstream news non-corona diseases taking a heavier
channels, showing cops thrashing and toll on the poor. Even at present, due to
humiliating young men. This has to stop. the attention on Covid-18, non-corona
The world’s largest democracy should patients are not getting proper medical
not become the world’s largest prison. attention.
Fifth, whatever benefits the lockdown Owing to the lockdown, pauperization
may have brought in the fight against is already visible; there are long queues
Covid-19, its extensions may erode them. of poor people at places where food is
distributed. Restarting the economy is
the only viable way to preclude mass
starvation.
The lockdown is Therefore, it is time the Narendra
happening only in Modi government started a graded,
cautious process towards normalcy.
posh colonies and
middle class localities,
where most politicians,
bureaucrats, decision
makers, and media
Brahmins live. But our
country is much bigger
than Lutyens Zone and
Middle India
No disease can be fought without money, The fight against Covid-19 can continue
and the government doesn’t have infinite without bringing the country to a halt.
resources; as it is, the fiscal situation To attain the laudable goal of self-
is precarious. A poorer government, reliance, it is important to note two
however noble its intentions may be, things: what not to do and what to do;
will not be able to help the weakest and and both are equally important.
most affected and vulnerable sections While striving in that direction,
of society. The longer the lockdown, the his government has to beware that the
greater the misery. new mantra doesn’t become a revival
Sixth, more people may die of diseases of the deleterious Nehruvian policy of
other than Covid-19. About 4.5 lakh import substitution. While we should
people died in 2018 of tuberculosis or look for solutions inside the country, we
TB. “The primary diseases of poverty should not become xenophobic, which
like TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS—and in India usually means distrust of and
the often co-morbid and ubiquitous contempt towards anything Western. It
malnutrition—take their toll on helpless happened when Jawaharlal Nehru was
may 2020 17 Power CorridorsCover Story- I
C ronavirus
Reformist Chief Ministers: Amarinder Singh, Vijay Rupani, Yogi Adityanath and Shivraj Singh Chouhan
prime minister. An unabashed socialist, economic reforms. Thankfully, three
he not only hated capitalism but also states have taken the initiative to carry
the countries that were its votaries—all out changes in the archaic and inflexible
Western nations, especially the US.
It is imperative that labor laws. It is interesting to note that
This not only led to the rise of the the government three states—Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
traitorous V.K. Krishna Menon, the expedites economic Pradesh, and Gujarat—are ruled by
man responsible for the 1962 debacle, the Bharatiya Janata Party. What this
but an army of intellectuals steeped in reforms. Thankfully, suggests is that the Modi regime is not
anti-Americanism. It is galling to such three states have opposed to a big dose of liberalization.
thought leaders that India and America
are much closer today than the two
taken the initiative This is significant because labor laws
have remained practically untouched
countries were seldom before. to carry out changes by successive governments since the
Intellectuals, along with the Congress in the archaic and economy was opened up in 1991. This
leadership which promoted them for was due to the protests by vocal trade
decades, were horrified when in February inflexible labor laws unions and politicians’ fear that a flexible
the Modi regime feted US President labor regime would attract the charge of
Donald Trump, the leader of the country being anti-poor and pro-capitalist. Now,
they hate the most is given so is being reliance by promoting domestic basic the employers could raise working hours
feted by (It is another matter that the and capital goods industries. At the by four hours a day and up to 72 hours
same America haters strove and strive same time, the domestic units producing a week in overtime for workers who are
to settle their kids in America). consumer goods were to be protected. willing. This also paves the path for third-
Quite apart from the rabid the anti- The assumption was that the cost party inspections for new units.
Americanism which was occasioned disadvantage in protecting the consumer Still better, the Punjab government
by disdain for capitalism, the generally goods sector was comparatively less than under the Congress is also contemplating
anti-Western attitude of ruling class also in capital and basic industries. Another modifications in its excise policy and
resulted in ruinous economic policies assumption was that consumer goods flexibility in labor laws.
whose baneful consequences are felt even are inessential whereas capital and basic These are good developments. For
today. From the laudable principle of self- industries are essential. a change, the BJP, the Congress, and
reliance to dislike of the West to hatred The fatal flaw, however, was the other parties should stop politicking for
for America to the disgrace of 1962 and centrality of role accorded to government some time and start working together
starvation-like conditions in the 1960s, in general and public sector undertakings to resuscitate the economy which has
the process was smooth. But it was the (PSUs) in particular. In the name of been devastated by first the coronavirus
efflorescence of the poisonous seeds of industrializing the country, politicians and then a series of lockdowns. This
socialism that were planted by Nehru and bureaucrats, advised by pinkish of would augur well for the economy and
and his cronies in the policy framework economists, created red tape so long, the country. A few announcements
as well as in public discourse. strong, and tortuous that the even almost pertaining to reforms and a bit of
In the 1950s, Nehru adopted import three decades of liberalization have not consensus on economic policy—as
substitution industrialization (ISI). been able to do away with it. evidenced by the developments in the
India adopted the strategy of ISI in This brings us to the question: what above-mentioned four states—hint at the
the fifties. The idea was to achieve self- to do? The answer is simple: expedite light at the end of the tunnel. h
Power Corridors 18 may 2020may 2020 19 Power Corridors
Cover Story- II
C ronavirus
India responds
vigorously, effectively
against Covid-19
While richer countries with huge resources have
lost tens of thousands of lives, India has fared
well against the pandemic because of dynamic
leadership
Alok Bansal
The author is Director, India Foundation, and an Adjunct
Professor at New Delhi Institute of Management
@alok795
T
he current global crisis
due to the Covid-19
pandemic is unparalleled
and has affected every
country and has locked
down over half of
world’s population. The
pandemic has shown
that an invisible virus
can bring even the most powerful states on
their knees. Almost entire Europe is under
lockdown and two largest economies, the
Dynamic
US and China, are badly hurt. In such trying
leadership
times, India, a developing country with the
second largest population, under the dynamic
Power Corridors 20 may 2020Lockdown in Bhopal
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra either vacillating or trivializing the threat.
Modi, has successfully thwarted its According to Brian Tracy, “The true test
impact to gain reaction time and From January 17, of leadership is how well you function
flatten the curve. Unfortunately, India’s in a crisis”.
achievement has often been belittled by Indian airports were On January 8, just a day after China
doubting the statistics or giving bizarre screening passengers declared the outbreak, the Indian
rationale for low mortality, without government called the meeting of health
realizing that the deaths and disease
from China and Hong crisis management group. From January
cannot be hidden in democracies. Kong, much before 17, Indian airports were screening
Inherent prejudices make it difficult the World Health passengers from China and Hong
for the West to acknowledge success of Kong, much before the World Health
a developing nation. India had its first Organization declared Organization declared Covid-19 as Public
positive case on 30 January; Italy and Covid-19 as Public Health Emergency of International
Spain had it a day later. At the time Concern (January 30). Surveillance was
of writing of these lines, in Italy cases
Health Emergency of extended to passengers from all affected
are touching 200,000, with over 26,000 International Concern countries and visas were suspended. All
deaths. The cases in Spain have crossed passengers at ports, airports and land
225,000 with over 23,000 deaths, whereas borders were being screened; by April 6,
India with almost 30 times the population when the lockdown was firmly in place,
and one thirteenth per capita income touching 1,000,000 with over 55,000 over 1.5 million passengers at the airports,
has around 28,000 cases and fewer than deaths. India’s success is no miracle, 44,000 at ports, and over 2 million at land
900 deaths. Comparatively, in US with but the result of decisive leadership, borders had been screened.
one fourth the population and 30 times which realized the gravity of situation From just one laboratory capable of
per capita income, those infected are and acted, while leaders in the West were testing the virus in January, there are
may 2020 21 Power CorridorsCover Story- II
C ronavirus
over 200 laboratories both in public and of the population gets left out, in absolute Against a global average of 387 cases
private sector, doing so today. Not only terms it appears large. Consequently, and 26.7 deaths per million people on
that, there are over 200,000 isolation minor discomforts were often blown up, April 27, India has only 21 cases and
beds for Covid patients in government without highlighting the achievements. 0.6 deaths. Comparatively, the US has
hospitals, hundreds of hospitals have been India, by taking timely action, has 2,992 cases and 169 deaths, the figures
geared up to deal with Covid cases. A successfully avoided a major catastrophe. for Spain are 4,907 cases and 503 deaths,
large number of quarantine and isolation for Italy 3,269 cases and 441 deaths, and
facilities has been set up and thousands of for France 2,483 cases and 350 deaths per
ventilators have been procured. million. Even in China and South Korea,
More significantly, India sent medical India, by taking which are being lauded for controlling
supplies to China and offered help the pandemic, the numbers are 58 cases
to all the Saarc countries. Even more
timely action, has and 3 deaths and 209 cases and 5 deaths
significantly, while many rich countries successfully avoided respectively. Pre-emptive actions by
left their citizens languishing in affected a major catastrophe. India have considerably slowed down
countries, India evacuated its citizens the spread.
from affected places like Wuhan, Italy, Against a global However, it is time to look beyond;
Iran and even Diamond Princess Cruise average of 387 cases there is a huge pressure to open up the
Liner. Quarantine and isolation centres economy and lift up the lock down. That
were set up for such returnees on war
and 26.7 deaths per could be catastrophic and undo the gains
footing by Indian armed forces. Even million people on of past six weeks. Firstly, the number
citizens from neighboring countries were April 27, India has of active cases is still rising; secondly,
evacuated when requested. because it has still not been established
Unlike other countries, PM Modi only 21 cases and 0.6 that anyone infected by Covid acquires
rightly assessed the gravity and addressed deaths immunity against it after being cured of
citizens on March 19 apprising them infection. The Spanish Flu of 1918, which
about the crisis and urging them to
exercise self-restraint and stay indoors
on Sunday, March 22. His appeal had
tremendous impact, resulting in a
voluntary people’s curfew. As the virus
kept spreading, he took a bold decision
and despite its obvious adverse impact
on the economy, declared three weeks
complete lock down on March 24, which
has since been extended till May 3.
To ameliorate the sufferings of
daily wage earners, the government
established mechanism for providing free
food and shelter to them, but humans
when faced with crisis, tend to seek
the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Most of them wanted to go back to
their villages and thousands of buses
and vehicles were mobilized to take
around 500,000 migrant workers from
cities to their homes after providing
them with masks, sanitizers and rations.
During the lockdown, stores providing
essential goods have kept functioning
and arrangements have been made to
supply them at people’s doorsteps.
Considering India’s population, it is a
mammoth task and even if 0.001 per cent
Lockdown in Vadodara
Power Corridors 22 may 2020infected one third of humanity, killed far must continue hitherto and implemented be conducted in phased manner, while
more people in the second wave than with greater vigor. ensuring physical distancing. Normal
in the initial spread of pandemic. More All over the country, the educational air travel and railway services should
significantly, with number of trials going institutions must be kept shut for next remain suspended, the government
on worldwide for a vaccine, one could two months. Kindergarten and primary could consider operating labor trains
be in market by September and a line of schools may be opened in districts with just 40-50 passengers per coach,
treatment could have been established without any cases. Board exams may for moving migrant laborers from one
by then. point to another for crop harvesting.
It is, therefore, essential to restart Trucks have already been allowed to
normal life in phased manner. Firstly, operate with just drivers and a cleaner,
more than 300 districts where no case This time could but must be checked at borders for
has been found, all activities must be also be utilized to Covid symptoms. Disembarkation
permitted, except which involve large points on roads may be set up outside
congregations. Visits to theatres, sporting bring about much- the city limits for disembarkation of
arenas, and religious places must be needed structural cargo and sanitization of trucks. Pre-
banned. Inter-district movement of sanitized vehicles must shift the goods
personnel should be curtailed, while
changes in our urban from the disembarkation points to their
inter-state movement should be avoided conglomerates, destinations within the city.
as far as possible. In districts, where no which urgently need E-commerce needs to be encouraged,
new cases have been found in last one so that people can get their requirements
week and the total number of cases are decongesting. Today at home. Industries outside the cities
small, some activities may be allowed, most of India’s cities in dedicated industrial clusters may
while keeping the markets closed and be permitted to operate with reduced
public transport restricted. In districts
are tinder boxes manpower to ensure social distancing
with large number of cases, the lock down norms. The service sector, especially the
IT firms, must be encouraged to work
from home, with only bare minimum
personnel at their premises. Most
importantly, the use of masks must be
made mandatory for all outside their
homes, even when they are in work places
or in vehicles. All public and commercial
establishments must be directed to
provide sanitizers at the point of entry.
This time could also be utilized to bring
about much-needed structural changes in
our urban conglomerates, which urgently
need decongesting. Today most of India’s
cities are tinder boxes. There are areas,
where neither ambulances, nor fire
brigade can reach. Encroachment and
unplanned development results in traffic
crawling through, contributing to fuel
wastage as well as enhanced pollution.
During the lockdown, plans need to be
prepared to shift crowded markets and
industries out of municipal limits. The
archaic rent control acts, which have
prevented repairs or modernization,
need to go, so that planned cities can be
created. It is essential that India should
not only tide over the problem, but also
emerge stronger after this pandemic. h
may 2020 23 Power CorridorsCover Story- III
C ronavirus
Corona: India’s
global image
improves
India has not only done well to
fight the corona pandemic but also
helped others to do the same
Ved Pratap Vaidik
The author, a former editor of Navbharat Times and PTI,
has been a mediator between prime ministers, the RSS,
the VHP, and Muslim leaders
Power Corridors 24 may 2020S
everal people have image of a redeemer of the world.
asked me: what Fourth, the promptness
will be the impact shown by the government
of corona crisis of India in bringing back
on India’s foreign thousands of Indian
policy? It is a hard immigrants from
reality that the war abroad is also being
against coronavirus appreciated.
is so serious that Fifth, the world
during the last one month we all were wonders why the
bogged down with internal problems. devastation of corona is
Nevertheless, it is clear that India's world so low in this developing
image has improved during this crisis. nation of 140 crore people. This
First, during this crisis the whole of despite the meagre medical facilities, as Overseas Indians
India is fighting together. The attitude of compared to those in Western nations. settled abroad are also
the ruling party and the Opposition in This is being discussed all over the world. less prone to the coronavirus. The
India is not the same as in countries like Sixth, the spices used in Indian food victory song of Ayurveda is ringing all
America, Britain, Pakistan, and Brazil. are working as domestic medicines. over the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully Seventh, India took the initiative
supported by the Chief Ministers of all to caution the Saarc nations against
parties. corona and donated large amount to
Second, the devotion with which The promptness shown the Saarc Fund. The Prime Minister is in
the people of India are observing the constant touch with the leaders of Saarc
lockdown has become an example for by the government of nations. It is having a positive impact on
other countries. The World Health India in bringing back neighboring countries.
Organization has praised India in
unambiguous terms.
thousands of Indian Eighth, the corona is being given a
color of Hindu-Muslim conflict due to
Third, India has prepared corona test immigrants from the gathering of Tablighi Jamaat. But the
kits and crores of masks in no time. Crores abroad is also being government has not encouraged it at all.
of quinine tablets are sent from India to The Tablighi leader, Maulana Saad, has
55 countries, including America. In the appreciated not been arrested yet. Bitterness between
true sense, it is first time that India got the religious communities is being promoted
by some people. Those criticizing India
should also recognize the fact that some
poor and illiterate Muslims of India
have been so much misled that they are
attacking the doctors and nurses who
come to treat them.
Ninth, no country in the world is
accusing India for the coronavirus in
the same way as China and America are.
India is above corona politics.
Tenth, the Indian government has
imposed several restrictions on the
investments from countries such as
China so that they do not capture Indian
companies.
Eleventh, India will definitely benefit
from the blow to China in world trade.
Overall, during the corona crisis, India’s
image has improved in the world. h
may 2020 25 Power Corridors6th Anniv Power keeps Coming
versary to Power Corridors
Cover Story- Iv
C ronavirus
Coronavirus badly
impacts realty sector
Careful planning, an optimistic approach and, more
importantly, individual efforts to contain the virus should
be our priority in the present time
Pooja Agrawal
Real Estate & Construction Expert
T
he outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and
the ensuing lockdown have adversely affected
the already deteriorating conditions of real
estate. It was still suffering from the baneful
effects of demonetization, restrictions on cash
transactions, and stricter housing laws. Now
this industry is also facing a liquidity crunch
due to payment defaults by big investors and
the general economic slowdown; this has led
to a pile-up of unsold apartments. The nationwide lockdown to
curb the spread of novel coronavirus has further hurt real estate.
It may be mentioned here that realty is a top contributor to India's
gross domestic product or GDP.
From the economy to education, market trends to the sports world,
governmental policies to household living patterns—everything has
been derailed from the normal routine. The impact of Covid-19
on the global markets and commercial activity is responsible for
exposing the construction sector to a number of challenges, which
may worsen if the spread of the disease is not curbed.
Perhaps the biggest concern is regarding the stalled projects.
Lockdown enforcement is hurting the prospects of timely fulfillment
of various projects. For the government-commissioned projects, a
Power Corridors 28 may 2020missed deadline may not be severely dealt so as to prevent any spread while working materials, processed equipment (that are
with but for private sponsors, it’s going on a project. This involves scenarios where imported from foreign countries) are the
to take a huge loss. Stalled or canceled construction firms need to spend extra only respite till the lockdown is lifted.
projects will automatically result in losses bucks to provide masks, gloves, PPE gears, Even materials obtained locally are not
for the companies. sanitizers, etc., for the workers. Thermal accessible due to government curbs on
Getting projects from paperwork onto scanners, medical facilities, disinfection interstate and inter-district movement.
the ground sites is another challenge in tunnels need to be kept available 24X7. Another challenge faced by the real
many spheres. This depends mainly on The availability of material and the estate sector is the overburdened contractor
two factors—availability of labor and associated supply chain bottlenecks cannot who is responsible for maintaining the
material. be overlooked in these turbulent times. proper functioning of not only his key
In this situation, the labor issue is Depending on the region, the availability staff but also those at the subcontractor
a major area of concern, especially for of material is yet another major task. The level. The subcontractors who are critical
realty which is labor-intensive. What do present stocks of specialized construction for the delivery of any project are currently
companies do when contract workers go under immense stress. Many are on the
back to their hometowns? Some of the verge of bankruptcy that may occur either
companies have started providing shelter immediately in case of a site shut down or
and food for the laborers stuck at the sites. Perhaps the biggest after a period of time. In case a site shuts
Yet, the labor force currently can’t concern is regarding down, the construction sector workforce
be commissioned, as their presence at is left vulnerable to the vagaries of the
a site clearly defies the social distancing the stalled projects. market as most of the work must take
protocol that needs to be followed. Lockdown enforcement place on-site and cannot be done remotely.
However, in projects that follow the Investment and funding in the
distancing protocol, construction firms
is hurting the prospects construction sector is yet another
need to keep a thorough check on their of timely fulfillment of problem being encountered. With the
employees—both permanent as well as various projects. Stalled world slipping into a phase of recession
commissioned. and clients delaying investment decisions,
This is critically important for the or canceled projects a number of MNCs are lying low and
unorganized workforce employed in will automatically adopting safer practices. The same is
the form of daily wagers. Construction
firms need to keep their accommodation,
result in losses for the the case with bank investments. The
construction sector is also facing the
sanitation and, more importantly, their companies challenge of bringing about necessary
travel history (state/regional) documented changes that need to be carried out
for both the capital and corporate cost
budgets. The companies presently need
to review their expenses so as to create a
balance in this turmoil.
Assessing the impact of coronavirus,
the resultant economic effects have been
the major cause of concern worldwide.
With the setting in of the global recession,
it won’t be wrong to say that the biological
virus is slowly creating a sort of economic
virus and causing substantive damage. The
overall picture of the current affairs clearly
shows that in this time of uncertainty,
our plans and strategies can only be short
term.
Time will tell if the global picture gets
better or worsens further. Till then, careful
planning, an optimistic approach and,
more importantly, individual efforts to
contain the virus should be our priority
in the present time. h
may 2020 29 Power CorridorsLord Rama
provides succor Prashant Bhardwaj
@Prashan45602722
during corona
T
he coronavirus pandemic has brought
the whole world to a standstill. Some
crisis
of the most developed nations of
the world are facing its dangerous
effects. India, though, was quick to close
its international borders and enforce an
immediate lockdown, which the World
The telecast of Ramayana and Health Organization praised as “tough
and timely.” The lockdown has also given
Mahabharata on Doordarshan has the government time to prepare for a
possible surge in cases when the pandemic
revived interest in the epics is forecasted to peak in the coming weeks.
The lockdown help helped keep the situation
under control.
During the lockdown, one of the biggest
Power Corridors 30 may 2020Life & Culture
mythological dramas, Ramayana, is the BARC data released on April 23. Time freshened the memories of that era for
being re-telecast on television and the spent on such shows has consistently been those who watched the serial then but
serial is receiving huge response from increasing. In week 15, time spent on also introduced the current generation to
the audience. Written, produced, and mythological shows increased by 43 per the religious texts. That is evident in the
directed by Ramanand Sagar, it was cent as compared to the previous week. manner in which the show has broken
first aired on Doordarshan in 1987; it Amid mythological shows, Ramayana records to become the most-watched
acquired a cult status over the years. and Mahabharata are major contributors. show on television at the moment.
During this period of isolation, the So, viewership is high and that is enough Ramayana is set to complete a month
characters which once played the roles for advertisers to get interested in content during its ‘Season 2’ after being renewed
in this TV serial and were worshipped belonging to this genre. for telecast from March 28. The show
as demigods are once again back into Apart from this, the cult show’s rerun airs on Doordarshan National at 9 a.m.
limelight. The show’s Ram and Sita, has made viewers get creative on various and 9 p.m. every day. The duo of Govil
Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhalia, have and Chikhilia has also been sharing
been receiving love from netizens as they anecdotes, throwback pictures and more
enjoy the show. The show also featured from those days.
Lalita Pawar as Manthra, Dara Singh as The repeat telecast of While netizens had the usual reactions
Hanuman, and Arvind Trivedi as Ravana. like terming the picture ‘beautiful’ and
The show returned to TV last month and Ramayana on TV is calling the duo the ‘best on-screen
it airs on DD National twice a day. not only keeping the couple’, they also had some interesting
In the TRP list, this serial consistently audience entertained, observations. The main one was of the
remains number one, leaving all TV characters playing Lakshman, Bharat,
shows behind. During a recent survey but these shows and Shatrughan standing behind them
done by a leading website, re-telecast of are also attracting and watching the trio with intense focus.
Ramayana was among one of the most Recently, Govil openly expressed his
searched things on the internet. As a
attention from the opinion on this question asked by the
large number of people found themselves advertisers journalist of a magazine.
isolated in their homes, Ramayana is In a question, he was asked that
being watched a lot. Ramayana is being widely telecast the
The repeat telecast of Ramayana on social media platforms. It has become part second time around. Time has changed,
TV is not only keeping the audience of hundreds of memes over social media. the audience have changed. Do you
entertained, but these shows are also During this time, the artists who played feel the difference between the current
attracting attention from the advertisers. various characters are also sharing their audience response and the response
For advertisers, it is all about viewership personal journey. Arun Govil gets active thirty three years ago? Responding to
and since their re-launch on TV, both on the social media after every episode. this, Govil wrote, “Time and audience
Ramayana and Mahabharata have kept His tweets attract a lot of attention. For may have changed, but sentiments have
viewers glued to TV sets. Even in the week instance, he tweeted, “Neither a state not changed. More people
starting April 11, mythological shows government or central government has are saying me God
were the main source of entertainment given me any respect till date. I am from than they were
among Hindi general entertainment Uttar Pradesh, but even that government saying thirty
channels (GECs). has not given me any respect till date. I three years
Shows in this category recorded 109 have been in Mumbai for fifty years, but ago. Today,
billion viewing minutes and as many even the Government of Maharashtra has the viewership
as 353 million viewers watched shows not given any respect”. has increased
belonging to this category, according to The rerun of Ramayan has not just a lot”. h
may 2020 31 Power CorridorsPower Corridors 32 may 2020
An Underrated Classic
The Theory of
Moral Sentiments
In 1776, Adam Smith (1723-90) is
famous for his magnum opus, The
Wealth of Nations, which provides a
theoretical basis of capitalism. We are Adam Smith
H
taught in schools and colleges that
capitalism is all about profit-making ow selfish soever man may be
supposed, there are evidently
and exploitation of the working class, some principles in his nature,
which interest him in the
that it is amoral, if not downright fortune of others, and render
immoral. Nothing could be farther their happiness necessary to
him, though he derives nothing
from the truth. For The Wealth of from it except the pleasure of seeing it. Of
this kind is pity or compassion, the emotion
Nations was suffused with a moral which we feel for the misery of others, when
we either see it, or are made to conceive it
philosophy that he had expounded in in a very lively manner. That we often derive
another classic in 1759, The Theory sorrow from the sorrow of others, is a matter
of fact too obvious to require any instances to
of Moral Sentiments. It showed that prove it; for this sentiment, like all the other
original passions of human nature, is by no
he was not just an economist but means confined to the virtuous and humane,
a philosopher, and the economic
though they perhaps may feel it with the most
exquisite sensibility. The greatest ruffian, the
theory of capitalism he propounded most hardened violator of the laws of society,
is not altogether without it.
was deeply philosophical. In this As we have no immediate experience of
what other men feel, we can form no idea of
book, he discussed the principles of the manner in which they are affected, but
“human nature,” which he regarded
by conceiving what we ourselves should feel
in the like situation. Though our brother is
as a universal. Following are excerpts upon the rack, as long as we ourselves are at
our ease, our senses will never inform us of
from Smith’s earlier book: what he suffers. They never did, and never
can, carry us beyond our own person, and it is
may 2020 33 Power CorridorsAn Underrated Classic
by the imagination only that we can form
‘Of all the calamities to which the
any conception of what are his sensations. condition of mortality exposes
Neither can that faculty help us to this mankind, the loss of reason appears,
any other way, than by representing to to those who have the least spark of
humanity, by far the most dreadful’
us what would be our own, if we were in
his case. It is the impressions of our own
senses only, not those of his, which our
imaginations copy. By the imagination
we place ourselves in his situation, we
conceive ourselves enduring all the same
torments, we enter as it were into his
body, and become in some measure the
same person with him, and thence form
some idea of his sensations, and even
feel something which, though weaker
in degree, is not altogether unlike them.
His agonies, when they are thus brought
home to ourselves, when we have thus
adopted and made them our own, begin
at last to affect us, and we then tremble
and shudder at the thought of what he
feels. For as to be in pain or distress of any
kind excites the most excessive sorrow, so
to conceive or to imagine that we are in it,
excites some degree of the same emotion,
in proportion to the vivacity or dullness
of the conception.
That this is the source of our fellow-
feeling for the misery of others, that it
is by changing places in fancy with the
sufferer, that we come either to conceive
or to be affected by what he feels, may
be demonstrated by many obvious
observations, if it should not be thought
sufficiently evident of itself. When we
see a stroke aimed and just ready to fall
upon the leg or arm of another person,
we naturally shrink and draw back our
own leg or our own arm; and when it
does fall, we feel it in some measure, and
are hurt by it as well as the sufferer. The
mob, when they are gazing at a dancer
on the slack rope, naturally writhe and
twist and balance their own bodies, as
they see him do, and as they feel that they
themselves must do if in his situation.
Persons of delicate fibres and a weak
constitution of body complain, that in
looking on the sores and ulcers which
are exposed by beggars in the streets,
they are apt to feel an itching or uneasy
sensation in the corresponding part of
their own bodies. The horror which
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