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Tag: Narendra Modi

  • Naidu urges officers to take to modern technology in the age of social media

    Naidu urges officers to take to modern technology in the age of social media

    NEW DELHI: In a meet that was meant to convey sarkaari farmaan as well as admonish, Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today told his officers today that the focus of communication strategy should be to incorporate innovative and out of the box ideas in order to keep pace with the changing communication paradigm.

    In a meeting with senior Indian Information Service officers, he said the communication approach of the Ministry should strive for empowerment of people, by informing them regarding key initiatives of the Government in order to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reform, Perform and Transform” forward.

    Technology played a critical part in defining the communication approach especially with the enhanced role of different media platforms.Secretary Ajay Mittal was also present on the occasion.

    The Minister said there is an urban-rural divide in the country and the communication managers should design appropriate strategies to address the vast cross section living in rural areas, marginalized communities and focus on the empowerment of the women.

    Naidu said it is important to engage with the people through innovative products, creative messages and a language which is easily comprehendible. The Minister cited the example of Prime Minister’s Mann ki Baat broadcasts on All India Radio as an innovative approach to reach out to the people. It is also a challenge for Government communication managers to re-examine their approach towards critical issues and schemes such as Goods and Services Tax, Jan Dhan Yojana, Neem coated urea etc.

    The Minister stressed on the need for IIS officers to learn and adapt to the new technologies, tools, techniques to enhance reach of the government especially in the age of social media. The social media perspective had changed the way communication and governance was conducted in the present day. This provided challenges and opportunities for the officers. In his interaction, the Minister emphasized on the need to be progressive in thought and take pride in the role and responsibility assigned to each officer. He specifically mentioned the initiative taken by the Ministry to institutionalize capacity building through appropriate training programs at different career levels.

  • Naidu urges officers to take to modern technology in the age of social media

    Naidu urges officers to take to modern technology in the age of social media

    NEW DELHI: In a meet that was meant to convey sarkaari farmaan as well as admonish, Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today told his officers today that the focus of communication strategy should be to incorporate innovative and out of the box ideas in order to keep pace with the changing communication paradigm.

    In a meeting with senior Indian Information Service officers, he said the communication approach of the Ministry should strive for empowerment of people, by informing them regarding key initiatives of the Government in order to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reform, Perform and Transform” forward.

    Technology played a critical part in defining the communication approach especially with the enhanced role of different media platforms.Secretary Ajay Mittal was also present on the occasion.

    The Minister said there is an urban-rural divide in the country and the communication managers should design appropriate strategies to address the vast cross section living in rural areas, marginalized communities and focus on the empowerment of the women.

    Naidu said it is important to engage with the people through innovative products, creative messages and a language which is easily comprehendible. The Minister cited the example of Prime Minister’s Mann ki Baat broadcasts on All India Radio as an innovative approach to reach out to the people. It is also a challenge for Government communication managers to re-examine their approach towards critical issues and schemes such as Goods and Services Tax, Jan Dhan Yojana, Neem coated urea etc.

    The Minister stressed on the need for IIS officers to learn and adapt to the new technologies, tools, techniques to enhance reach of the government especially in the age of social media. The social media perspective had changed the way communication and governance was conducted in the present day. This provided challenges and opportunities for the officers. In his interaction, the Minister emphasized on the need to be progressive in thought and take pride in the role and responsibility assigned to each officer. He specifically mentioned the initiative taken by the Ministry to institutionalize capacity building through appropriate training programs at different career levels.

  • The secret sauce behind SAB’s 2,000 episode strong Taarak Mehta

    The secret sauce behind SAB’s 2,000 episode strong Taarak Mehta

    MUMBAI: Indian TV producer Asit Kumarr Modi is ecstatic about today, 11 August 2016. The 2000th episode of his long running flagship show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah will air on Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) channel SAB this evening.

    The series has been giving families in Indian TV homes, a chance to smile or laugh at the light-hearted antics and banter that its protagonists have been engaged in over the past eight years, five days a week on screen at 8:30 pm.

    “I have seen Tapu sena grow up on our sets. The cast and crew is a family. We have been shooting 12 hours a day for the past eight years. This amount of time is only given to families,” says the humble and happy Asitbhai.

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a story of families from a fictional Gokuldham Society with instances from everyday life. The show is inspired from the Gujarati column Duniya Ne Oondha Chashma by Gujarati columnist Taarak Mehta.

    Asit shares that he used to follow this popular column in from his ninth standard and eventually ended up developing a TV show inspired by the clean comedy of the column. The show started airing in 2008.

    “When i started pitching the show, that era was of saas-bahu shows. My script was rejected by many broadcasters like Star and Zee, eventually the script matched the Sab TV’s programming strategy and my past relation with the network. We went on to make the show without realising it would go on for eight years,” says Modi with excitement lighting up his eyes.

    The highlight of the show is how the characters are developed through each episode. “Very uniquely and rarely it so happens that the main characters of the show resonate so well with the audience. Both Daya and Jetha have been often rated as the top 10 characters across the GEC space,” says SAB EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor.

    What has helped in the longevity of the Taarak Mehta Ka.. franchise? For one, there is no single protagonist in the show. There are 24 small and big characters constantly engaging with each other. However, each character has been etched very well and has built up his or her own brand equity with the TV audiences. Be it the colorful shirts of Jethalal played by Dilip Joshi, or the signature garba of Daya played by Disha Vakani or the proud society secretary Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide (Mandar Chandwadkar), each member has his or her own significance in the story.

    Asitbhai – as he known amongst friends and the fraternity – has added his personal experiences of growing up in Mumbai city. Even the well-known Gokuldham society plays a significant role in the story, which is built in a secluded corner of Mumbai film city. It cost about Rs 1 crore in 2008 to build up the society and its building. But it is renovated every alternate year. Modi giggles while saying: “I wish I had known my show would go on for eight years, then I would have built up a real property.”

    At the heart of its success is its story. And the treatment in every episode which is in the able hands of writers Raju Odedra, Rajan Upadhyay, Jitendra Parmar, Abbas Hirapurwala and Niren Bhatt.

    “I think the writing team is relentless and they keep innovating in terms of plots and don’t let the any fatigue set into the show because of the continuous freshness of the plot and the presence of such multiple communities automatically and naturally gives rise to the multiplicity of plots which keeps the show fresh,” stresses Kapoor.

    In spite of a 150 member crew, shooting for more than twelve hours, 23 days a month with a huge cast, there have been hardly any changes over the past few years. Directors Harshad Joshi and Malav Rajda have helmed more than 1500 episodes of the show. According to industry sources, one episode of Taarak Mehta costs about Rs 14-15 lakh, with most of the amount dedicated to writers and actors who have seen their remuneration going up thanks to its sustained popularity.

    “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah is a microcosm of the macrocosm in the sense that it houses several communities in one housing society, the characters are real and relatable. The problems that they come across are very interesting and don’t repeat themselves, ” adds Kapoor explaining the success of the show.

    A well-known TV producer credits the simplicity of the show for its success. Media planners however told indiantelevision.com that while the content is good, generally television shows have a long life in India.

    “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the backbone of SAB TV. The show gives the channel its maximum number of advertisers and viewers,” says television consultancy Helios Media MD Divya Radhakrishnan.

    Initially, the show had fans primarily in Gujarat, but over the years it has garnered admiration nationally across segments, strata, castes, communities, and age groups. It is one of the highest rated shows on SAB TV.

    According to BARC India, the show has garnered following ratings this year: from week one to eight, 5.9 million average Impressions, followed by 5.2 million average Impressions in week 9 to 12. The ratings dropped in weeks 17 to 24 with 4.8 million average Impressions and jumped back to 5.3 million average impressions in 25-30 weeks. According to reports, the show has remained in the list of top 10 comedy shows for over the past five years. Which has helped it sweep away many an award over the years; Asitbhai estimates that it is 70 plus. So far. Amongst this are many an Indiantelevision.com Indian Telly Awards.

    Its success has helped it attract brands to back it as well. Taarak Mehta ka… is currently sponsored by Oppo mobile and has a history of sponsors from all sectors including FMCG, automobiles, food etc. some of the past sponsors are Lifebuoy, Garnier, Ariel, Surf Excel, Cadbury. According to experts, any brand that targets family audiences would find it a good fit.

    Industry experts suggest that a 10 second ad spot on Taarak Mehta.. goes for double the average advertising rate on other Sab TV shows. That, according to media agency sources, translates into Rs 15,000-20,000 per 10 seconds of ad inventory.

    They further estimate that it contributes about 40 percent of the channel’s revenue.

    The Taraak Mehta cast is so popular that they have been brought in to prop up other shows like CID and Comedy Nights. Additionally, they have also been associated with the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan movement which has been initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi.

    SAB is celebrating the 2000th episode in grand style with a marketing blitz estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore that is to be put behind it through the year. Bus panels, large billboards, activation, digital media, radio channels such as Radio Nasha, Radio Mirchi, newspaper ads, cross channel promos – are all being used to tom tom the landmark achievement. A contest on social media has been asking fans to upload selfies wearing ooltah chashmah, which signifies positivity in life and upload it or hastag #Ooltahchasmah on twitter to win freebies. The channel is pushing the show on various digital platforms.

    To keep up with the times, Asitbhai’s Neela Telefilms is launching an app called Ooltah Chashmah, where his company will release character stories leveraging the popularity of each character and other comedy content. A unique Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah app is also being lined up to release with the airing of the 2000th episode. It features games and other content but all in line with the show’s philosophy and brand ethos.

    The app and mobile game have been developed by Devyani and Viral Gandhi’s VAS. The production house has also lined up an animation series based on the show targeting young audiences.

    The remake rights of Taarak Mehta vest with Asitbhai and Neela Telefilms, apart from an understanding with the channel which has allowed him to retain the language dubbing rights. And it is these that he is looking at exploiting globally, apart from remaking the show for international audiences. He has appointed Madhu Entertainment headed by market veteran Hirachand Dhand to help him fulfill his objectives.

    The show has set many benchmarks in India, it is to be seen how well Gokuldham gets accepted internationally,

  • The secret sauce behind SAB’s 2,000 episode strong Taarak Mehta

    The secret sauce behind SAB’s 2,000 episode strong Taarak Mehta

    MUMBAI: Indian TV producer Asit Kumarr Modi is ecstatic about today, 11 August 2016. The 2000th episode of his long running flagship show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah will air on Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) channel SAB this evening.

    The series has been giving families in Indian TV homes, a chance to smile or laugh at the light-hearted antics and banter that its protagonists have been engaged in over the past eight years, five days a week on screen at 8:30 pm.

    “I have seen Tapu sena grow up on our sets. The cast and crew is a family. We have been shooting 12 hours a day for the past eight years. This amount of time is only given to families,” says the humble and happy Asitbhai.

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a story of families from a fictional Gokuldham Society with instances from everyday life. The show is inspired from the Gujarati column Duniya Ne Oondha Chashma by Gujarati columnist Taarak Mehta.

    Asit shares that he used to follow this popular column in from his ninth standard and eventually ended up developing a TV show inspired by the clean comedy of the column. The show started airing in 2008.

    “When i started pitching the show, that era was of saas-bahu shows. My script was rejected by many broadcasters like Star and Zee, eventually the script matched the Sab TV’s programming strategy and my past relation with the network. We went on to make the show without realising it would go on for eight years,” says Modi with excitement lighting up his eyes.

    The highlight of the show is how the characters are developed through each episode. “Very uniquely and rarely it so happens that the main characters of the show resonate so well with the audience. Both Daya and Jetha have been often rated as the top 10 characters across the GEC space,” says SAB EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor.

    What has helped in the longevity of the Taarak Mehta Ka.. franchise? For one, there is no single protagonist in the show. There are 24 small and big characters constantly engaging with each other. However, each character has been etched very well and has built up his or her own brand equity with the TV audiences. Be it the colorful shirts of Jethalal played by Dilip Joshi, or the signature garba of Daya played by Disha Vakani or the proud society secretary Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide (Mandar Chandwadkar), each member has his or her own significance in the story.

    Asitbhai – as he known amongst friends and the fraternity – has added his personal experiences of growing up in Mumbai city. Even the well-known Gokuldham society plays a significant role in the story, which is built in a secluded corner of Mumbai film city. It cost about Rs 1 crore in 2008 to build up the society and its building. But it is renovated every alternate year. Modi giggles while saying: “I wish I had known my show would go on for eight years, then I would have built up a real property.”

    At the heart of its success is its story. And the treatment in every episode which is in the able hands of writers Raju Odedra, Rajan Upadhyay, Jitendra Parmar, Abbas Hirapurwala and Niren Bhatt.

    “I think the writing team is relentless and they keep innovating in terms of plots and don’t let the any fatigue set into the show because of the continuous freshness of the plot and the presence of such multiple communities automatically and naturally gives rise to the multiplicity of plots which keeps the show fresh,” stresses Kapoor.

    In spite of a 150 member crew, shooting for more than twelve hours, 23 days a month with a huge cast, there have been hardly any changes over the past few years. Directors Harshad Joshi and Malav Rajda have helmed more than 1500 episodes of the show. According to industry sources, one episode of Taarak Mehta costs about Rs 14-15 lakh, with most of the amount dedicated to writers and actors who have seen their remuneration going up thanks to its sustained popularity.

    “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah is a microcosm of the macrocosm in the sense that it houses several communities in one housing society, the characters are real and relatable. The problems that they come across are very interesting and don’t repeat themselves, ” adds Kapoor explaining the success of the show.

    A well-known TV producer credits the simplicity of the show for its success. Media planners however told indiantelevision.com that while the content is good, generally television shows have a long life in India.

    “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the backbone of SAB TV. The show gives the channel its maximum number of advertisers and viewers,” says television consultancy Helios Media MD Divya Radhakrishnan.

    Initially, the show had fans primarily in Gujarat, but over the years it has garnered admiration nationally across segments, strata, castes, communities, and age groups. It is one of the highest rated shows on SAB TV.

    According to BARC India, the show has garnered following ratings this year: from week one to eight, 5.9 million average Impressions, followed by 5.2 million average Impressions in week 9 to 12. The ratings dropped in weeks 17 to 24 with 4.8 million average Impressions and jumped back to 5.3 million average impressions in 25-30 weeks. According to reports, the show has remained in the list of top 10 comedy shows for over the past five years. Which has helped it sweep away many an award over the years; Asitbhai estimates that it is 70 plus. So far. Amongst this are many an Indiantelevision.com Indian Telly Awards.

    Its success has helped it attract brands to back it as well. Taarak Mehta ka… is currently sponsored by Oppo mobile and has a history of sponsors from all sectors including FMCG, automobiles, food etc. some of the past sponsors are Lifebuoy, Garnier, Ariel, Surf Excel, Cadbury. According to experts, any brand that targets family audiences would find it a good fit.

    Industry experts suggest that a 10 second ad spot on Taarak Mehta.. goes for double the average advertising rate on other Sab TV shows. That, according to media agency sources, translates into Rs 15,000-20,000 per 10 seconds of ad inventory.

    They further estimate that it contributes about 40 percent of the channel’s revenue.

    The Taraak Mehta cast is so popular that they have been brought in to prop up other shows like CID and Comedy Nights. Additionally, they have also been associated with the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan movement which has been initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi.

    SAB is celebrating the 2000th episode in grand style with a marketing blitz estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore that is to be put behind it through the year. Bus panels, large billboards, activation, digital media, radio channels such as Radio Nasha, Radio Mirchi, newspaper ads, cross channel promos – are all being used to tom tom the landmark achievement. A contest on social media has been asking fans to upload selfies wearing ooltah chashmah, which signifies positivity in life and upload it or hastag #Ooltahchasmah on twitter to win freebies. The channel is pushing the show on various digital platforms.

    To keep up with the times, Asitbhai’s Neela Telefilms is launching an app called Ooltah Chashmah, where his company will release character stories leveraging the popularity of each character and other comedy content. A unique Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah app is also being lined up to release with the airing of the 2000th episode. It features games and other content but all in line with the show’s philosophy and brand ethos.

    The app and mobile game have been developed by Devyani and Viral Gandhi’s VAS. The production house has also lined up an animation series based on the show targeting young audiences.

    The remake rights of Taarak Mehta vest with Asitbhai and Neela Telefilms, apart from an understanding with the channel which has allowed him to retain the language dubbing rights. And it is these that he is looking at exploiting globally, apart from remaking the show for international audiences. He has appointed Madhu Entertainment headed by market veteran Hirachand Dhand to help him fulfill his objectives.

    The show has set many benchmarks in India, it is to be seen how well Gokuldham gets accepted internationally,

  • Special site on Independence Day 2016 developed by PIB launched by Naidu

    Special site on Independence Day 2016 developed by PIB launched by Naidu

    NEW DELHI: A special webpage has been developed by Press Information Bureau on Independence Day 2016 as a platform to showcase all the events related to the Festival being celebrated throughout the country.

    The webpage that can be accessed from PIB’s home page pib.nic.in is designed was launched here today by Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

    The webpage showcases hundreds of archival photographs, audio and video clips, write-ups and features on leaders and events related to the freedom struggle. The webpage will host live webcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day Speech from the Red Fort and will also host other speeches delivered by the Prime Minister at events related to these celebrations.

    The Prime Minister’s Speech at the launch of the festival at Bhabra in Madhya Pradesh and photographs of the function at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai led by Naidu yesterday will also be available on the webpage.

    The Social Media section of the Webpage will show live feeds from Twitter and Facebook. The Tweets from the PIB twitter handle having the hashtags #70YearsOfIndependenceand #Aazadi70Saal and Facebook posts on the

    PIB’s Home Page will be updated on the webpage in real-time.

    Several organizations have contributed to the rich content being showcased on the webpage. These include All India Radio, Doordarshan, Photo Division, Films Division, Directorate of Public Relations of Ministry of Defence and Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity.

  • Special site on Independence Day 2016 developed by PIB launched by Naidu

    Special site on Independence Day 2016 developed by PIB launched by Naidu

    NEW DELHI: A special webpage has been developed by Press Information Bureau on Independence Day 2016 as a platform to showcase all the events related to the Festival being celebrated throughout the country.

    The webpage that can be accessed from PIB’s home page pib.nic.in is designed was launched here today by Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

    The webpage showcases hundreds of archival photographs, audio and video clips, write-ups and features on leaders and events related to the freedom struggle. The webpage will host live webcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day Speech from the Red Fort and will also host other speeches delivered by the Prime Minister at events related to these celebrations.

    The Prime Minister’s Speech at the launch of the festival at Bhabra in Madhya Pradesh and photographs of the function at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai led by Naidu yesterday will also be available on the webpage.

    The Social Media section of the Webpage will show live feeds from Twitter and Facebook. The Tweets from the PIB twitter handle having the hashtags #70YearsOfIndependenceand #Aazadi70Saal and Facebook posts on the

    PIB’s Home Page will be updated on the webpage in real-time.

    Several organizations have contributed to the rich content being showcased on the webpage. These include All India Radio, Doordarshan, Photo Division, Films Division, Directorate of Public Relations of Ministry of Defence and Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity.

  • Motivational song, Wall, and Stamps release add to Olympic fever in the country

    Motivational song, Wall, and Stamps release add to Olympic fever in the country

    NEW DELHI: Even as the Rio Olympics have begun with the largest-ever Indian contingent, several activities have taken place in India to mark the games.

    A Run for Rio was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which 20000 school going children took part.

    The ‘Wall of Best Wishes’ has been put up at India Gate lawns by the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry where common people can post their Best Wishes to the Rio participants Indian athletes. Twitter handle #Khelo India @ India Sports can be used to change the background of icon of twitter account with the spirit of Rio.

    An Olympic exhibition has opened to continue till 21 August 2016 at different locations of NDMC and MCD areas. In these locations, giant size screens have been put so that people in large group can watch Olympics games as they happen.

    The official song for India for the Rio Olympics ‘Born a Champion’ voiced and written by Fakira (Ahran Choudhary) has been launched at the Olympic Carnival by Sports Minister Vijay Goel here.

    Based on the story of an athlete, the RAP track captures the undying spirit of a sports man, the essence of the fight an athlete goes through in his life to prove his talent to others, but more importantly to himself.

    A tribute by Bollywood to the Indian athletes, the track is composed by Aditya Dev – who composed the music for Bajirao Mastani – and cinematography by Vishal Seth, who is a well known fashion photographer and cinematographer. Akshay Kumar lent his support for the making of the song and video and is a non-commercial initiative.

    The song climaxes with #wewantgold, all Indian rooting for, hoping for, dreaming for, and waiting for the gold medals that Indian sportsmen would be winning at the games for the country.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7qzDT36eqbo

    Communications Minister Manoj Sinha has unveiled the Commemorative Postage Stamps on Rio Olympic Games and said the unique initiative will motivate the Rio-bound Indian athletes.

    Issuing stamps on games of wrestling, badminton, shooting and boxing, the Minister said the Department of Posts had always issued special stamps on important occasions to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and for advancement of National Interest.

    Goel said in a statement that this is the first time in the history of Olympics that on the request of the Government of and Indian Olympic Association that the International Olympic Committee has agreed to provide Indian cuisine in the Olympics Village Games Kitchen. The will help players feel at home and is expected to bring out better performance.

    A sum of Rs one crore has been transferred to Indian Embassy in Brazil for buying any additional items for the Indian contingent.

    Goel said his officers were available at Rio as well as in Delhi to attend to the problems of athletes. The Indian Embassy in Brazil is providing all necessary support.

    This has been the first Olympics in which the Government has made efforts to connect the Olympics with the common man and youth so that there is an environment and fervor of Olympic Games in the country which will push the sports among youth which is good for the country in the long run, he said.

    Unprecedented efforts have been undertaken in preparations of Rio Olympics by the Ministry by launching special schemes, such as Target Olympic Podium through which customized training with 34 Foreign Coaches and foreign exposure was provided to all athletes qualifying for Rio. In addition, daily allowance of the athletes has been doubled to 100$, extra physio-therapists masseurs have been sent to Rio.

    Mental Trainers have been provided to athletes for getting a winning attitude. An amount of Rs.160 crore has been spent on preparations of the athletes for the Rio Olympics making an average of more than Rs. one crore on each athlete who has qualified.

    Athletes had been sent to Rio well in advance of around average 15 days so that they can acclimatize and feel comfortable unlike earlier Olympics where they were going just 2 to 4 days before the beginning of the events, the Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Indian-origin South African filmmaker Anant Singh has been newly elected to the International Olympic Committee.

    Singh was elected at the 129th Session ahead of the Olympic Games Rio 2016 where the election of eight new IOC Members was announced.

    Singh had been hand-picked by Nelson Mandela to make a film on his life, ‘Mandela’.

    Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, Singh said, “It is a huge honour for me to be elected at the 129th IOC Session, as an individual member, to serve on the IOC. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to furthering the spirit of Olympism and the ideals of the Olympic Movement, especially on the African continent. I am humbled to be in the company of my friend and mentor, Sam Ramsamy who was re-elected to the IOC at the same session.”

    Other newly elected members are Nita Ambani (India); Sari Essayah (Finland); Ivo Ferriani (Italy); Luis Moreno (Colombia); Auvita Rapilla (Papua New Guinea); and Tricia Smith (Canada) and Karl Stoss (Austria).

  • Motivational song, Wall, and Stamps release add to Olympic fever in the country

    Motivational song, Wall, and Stamps release add to Olympic fever in the country

    NEW DELHI: Even as the Rio Olympics have begun with the largest-ever Indian contingent, several activities have taken place in India to mark the games.

    A Run for Rio was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which 20000 school going children took part.

    The ‘Wall of Best Wishes’ has been put up at India Gate lawns by the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry where common people can post their Best Wishes to the Rio participants Indian athletes. Twitter handle #Khelo India @ India Sports can be used to change the background of icon of twitter account with the spirit of Rio.

    An Olympic exhibition has opened to continue till 21 August 2016 at different locations of NDMC and MCD areas. In these locations, giant size screens have been put so that people in large group can watch Olympics games as they happen.

    The official song for India for the Rio Olympics ‘Born a Champion’ voiced and written by Fakira (Ahran Choudhary) has been launched at the Olympic Carnival by Sports Minister Vijay Goel here.

    Based on the story of an athlete, the RAP track captures the undying spirit of a sports man, the essence of the fight an athlete goes through in his life to prove his talent to others, but more importantly to himself.

    A tribute by Bollywood to the Indian athletes, the track is composed by Aditya Dev – who composed the music for Bajirao Mastani – and cinematography by Vishal Seth, who is a well known fashion photographer and cinematographer. Akshay Kumar lent his support for the making of the song and video and is a non-commercial initiative.

    The song climaxes with #wewantgold, all Indian rooting for, hoping for, dreaming for, and waiting for the gold medals that Indian sportsmen would be winning at the games for the country.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7qzDT36eqbo

    Communications Minister Manoj Sinha has unveiled the Commemorative Postage Stamps on Rio Olympic Games and said the unique initiative will motivate the Rio-bound Indian athletes.

    Issuing stamps on games of wrestling, badminton, shooting and boxing, the Minister said the Department of Posts had always issued special stamps on important occasions to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and for advancement of National Interest.

    Goel said in a statement that this is the first time in the history of Olympics that on the request of the Government of and Indian Olympic Association that the International Olympic Committee has agreed to provide Indian cuisine in the Olympics Village Games Kitchen. The will help players feel at home and is expected to bring out better performance.

    A sum of Rs one crore has been transferred to Indian Embassy in Brazil for buying any additional items for the Indian contingent.

    Goel said his officers were available at Rio as well as in Delhi to attend to the problems of athletes. The Indian Embassy in Brazil is providing all necessary support.

    This has been the first Olympics in which the Government has made efforts to connect the Olympics with the common man and youth so that there is an environment and fervor of Olympic Games in the country which will push the sports among youth which is good for the country in the long run, he said.

    Unprecedented efforts have been undertaken in preparations of Rio Olympics by the Ministry by launching special schemes, such as Target Olympic Podium through which customized training with 34 Foreign Coaches and foreign exposure was provided to all athletes qualifying for Rio. In addition, daily allowance of the athletes has been doubled to 100$, extra physio-therapists masseurs have been sent to Rio.

    Mental Trainers have been provided to athletes for getting a winning attitude. An amount of Rs.160 crore has been spent on preparations of the athletes for the Rio Olympics making an average of more than Rs. one crore on each athlete who has qualified.

    Athletes had been sent to Rio well in advance of around average 15 days so that they can acclimatize and feel comfortable unlike earlier Olympics where they were going just 2 to 4 days before the beginning of the events, the Minister said.

    Meanwhile, Indian-origin South African filmmaker Anant Singh has been newly elected to the International Olympic Committee.

    Singh was elected at the 129th Session ahead of the Olympic Games Rio 2016 where the election of eight new IOC Members was announced.

    Singh had been hand-picked by Nelson Mandela to make a film on his life, ‘Mandela’.

    Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, Singh said, “It is a huge honour for me to be elected at the 129th IOC Session, as an individual member, to serve on the IOC. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to furthering the spirit of Olympism and the ideals of the Olympic Movement, especially on the African continent. I am humbled to be in the company of my friend and mentor, Sam Ramsamy who was re-elected to the IOC at the same session.”

    Other newly elected members are Nita Ambani (India); Sari Essayah (Finland); Ivo Ferriani (Italy); Luis Moreno (Colombia); Auvita Rapilla (Papua New Guinea); and Tricia Smith (Canada) and Karl Stoss (Austria).

  • Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra takes Rajya Sabha oath

    Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra takes Rajya Sabha oath

    MUMBAI: 3 August 2016. The day the GST Bill was approved by the upper house of the Indian parliament will be a special day for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman Dr Subhash Chandra. That is the day when the media industry pioneer took his oath as member of the Rajya Sabha, his first steps into politics.

    For Chandra, it has been a long journey to the corridors of power. While he has – with the help of his younger brothers, Jawahar, Laxmi and Ashok and the next generation of the family – built up an empire (encompassing media and entertainment, manufacturing, precious metals, infrastructure, real estate) which does billions of dollars of annual revenue, he says the time has come for him to give back to India.

    Of course, he and his organisations are involved in several spiritual and charitable causes, like the Buddhist Pagoda outside Mumbai, but he would now like to make a difference through governance, by entering the government.

    Speaking to reporters outside parliament yesterday he said: “I have done a great deal of business in my life – from the young age of 17 years until 65 years. I thought the time has come to give back to the society and as an MP, I can perhaps help lakhs of people by raising important issues and coaxing different parties to come together as I have good relations with all.”

    He is quite optimistic about the government’s initiatives in recent times and going forward. While applauding the passage of the GST bill, he however, had a note of caution, saying that it would not be a panacea for all the ills facing the economy and businesses. He expressed confidence in the Narendra Modi government’s ability to push through other tax reforms which would give business a further push, that would only further help Indian citizens courtesy the trickle down effect.

    He stated that he would be first working towards bettering the state of Haryana. “I will be inviting all 90 MLAs for dinner soon and request them to tell me whatever they have in mind for Haryana’s benefit,” he said. “My hallmark has been to raise issues that are often neglected by others. I’ll keep at it

    Media observers are hoping that the midas touch that has helped him turn almost everything he touches into success, will serve him well as he begins his journey into politics.

  • Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra takes Rajya Sabha oath

    Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra takes Rajya Sabha oath

    MUMBAI: 3 August 2016. The day the GST Bill was approved by the upper house of the Indian parliament will be a special day for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman Dr Subhash Chandra. That is the day when the media industry pioneer took his oath as member of the Rajya Sabha, his first steps into politics.

    For Chandra, it has been a long journey to the corridors of power. While he has – with the help of his younger brothers, Jawahar, Laxmi and Ashok and the next generation of the family – built up an empire (encompassing media and entertainment, manufacturing, precious metals, infrastructure, real estate) which does billions of dollars of annual revenue, he says the time has come for him to give back to India.

    Of course, he and his organisations are involved in several spiritual and charitable causes, like the Buddhist Pagoda outside Mumbai, but he would now like to make a difference through governance, by entering the government.

    Speaking to reporters outside parliament yesterday he said: “I have done a great deal of business in my life – from the young age of 17 years until 65 years. I thought the time has come to give back to the society and as an MP, I can perhaps help lakhs of people by raising important issues and coaxing different parties to come together as I have good relations with all.”

    He is quite optimistic about the government’s initiatives in recent times and going forward. While applauding the passage of the GST bill, he however, had a note of caution, saying that it would not be a panacea for all the ills facing the economy and businesses. He expressed confidence in the Narendra Modi government’s ability to push through other tax reforms which would give business a further push, that would only further help Indian citizens courtesy the trickle down effect.

    He stated that he would be first working towards bettering the state of Haryana. “I will be inviting all 90 MLAs for dinner soon and request them to tell me whatever they have in mind for Haryana’s benefit,” he said. “My hallmark has been to raise issues that are often neglected by others. I’ll keep at it

    Media observers are hoping that the midas touch that has helped him turn almost everything he touches into success, will serve him well as he begins his journey into politics.