The Sindhu World - Virtual Home of Global Sindhis

How we started 

It was the year 2006 just before I started blogging I felt that as for as online platforms are concerned there is quite huge open space for Sindhi community. There were a few Sindhi websites majority from the Pakistan and UAE but not a single one which was being updated regularly. Visitor’s participation and interaction was also at the lowest level. All this proved to be the seed for the launching of The Sindhu World, a Sindhi website and virtual home of global Sindhi community. 

This was not an easy task to lay down the structure of The Sindhu World. Almost four months went passed in discussion what should or should not be the part of the website. It took almost same span of time for the content development and designing of the lay out. Finally as I recall with 50 odd web pages The Sindhu World was launched on 29-08-2006 by Satguru Swami Dev Prakash Maharaj Ji at Kolhapur. As decided on 1-10-2006 the website was updated first time [Monthly Update] though adding web pages about the biography of imminent Sindhi personalities was continuously ongoing process. It took almost a year for making the website versatile to meet with visitor’s requirement. 

In the year 2007 List of Sindhi Dharamshala in India with indication about the information related with availability of Tourist stay facility at many of these community buildings constructed by the Sindhi community.  In the same year we had also started “The Sindhu World Directory “ to serve as the communication and binding link for the globally scattered Sindhi people, but in short span of time we learned that it will be more useful to concentrate on Sindhi in India. Towards the end of 2009 The Sindhu World Directory becomes “Business Directory of Sindhi in India”.  Know we are coming up with “The Sindhu World” android app for the business details, voice contact numbers and address of Sindhi from various cities of India. 

We had also started Free Sindhi Matrimony as part of website but within one year due to lack almost nil response were forced to discontinue that section. Any how many people from almost all parts of the globe kept on encouraging us. Since the 2010 Greetings for Birthdays and Wedding Anniversary is the constant feature of the website. In this renovated form we are keeping Birthday wishes in continuation.

Budget 2010

Budget 2010
Yesterday evening I was at the Gandhinagar market, interacting with local traders in connection of renovation of our site www.gandhinagarworld.com and publishing of business directory of wholesale and retail shops in the Gandhinagar (one of the biggest wholesale market in south Maharashtra) Kolhapur. As it was only a day before, Mamta Didi has presented rail budget so a few people asked me about my participation in the budget related program “Public Ka Vitmantri” telecasted on Zee business and Zee News two years back in February 2008.
This has prompted me to write something more on the budgetary proposals in the light of changed economic conditions of developing country like India, though I know that this is quite late, as few hours from know Indian Finance minister will raise to present Finance bill and read out his budget proposal in the parliament so this is almost impossible for him even thought about my suggestion but surely these suggestions might prove handy for the future budgets of country and this temptation is forcing me to write all this.
Suggestion [1] Roads & Highways
If you are on tour of Maharashtra certainly you will enjoy the status of roads and highways, the only head ache is that if you are driving your own vehicle after every 100 odd Km’s you have to stop for paying toll tax which not only proves hurdle for enjoying the driving but also proves instrumental for misbalancing your travel budget. This toll tax is applicable on the most of national and state highways through out India. If I have been finance minister surely I have proposed to abolish this toll tax by imposing additional road tax duty on new vehicle registration as follows Two wheelers Rs. 500Three Wheelers Rs. 250Four Wheelers (Personal Use) Rs. 2000Four Wheelers (Public Use) Rs. 1000Mini Bus & Mini Trucks Rs. 2500Bus & Truck Rs. 5000This amount will not only meet with the revenue collected from the toll tax but also prove sufficient to spare a decent amount for the maintenance of present roads and funds for the development of future roads.
Suggestion [2] Tobacco, Alcohol & Health
Since past few years government is appearing very much cautious about the public health and proving harsh for the consumption of tobacco & alcohol. Considerable decent amount is being allotted for educating people about the disadvantages and health hazards of consuming tobacco and alcohol. In my personal view this is not just crime but eventually a sin, especially when we take in consideration that many Indian villages don’t have primary health facilities. I suggest that no expenses should be allowed for educating people about health hazards generating from the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Instead of that these products must be taxed with such high rates that they should go beyond the buying powers of common citizen, for instant presently one cigarette is casting about Rs. 2, an additional duty of Rs. 18 should be posed to make it available for Rs. 20. This additional amount should be utilized in providing better free medical facilities to villagers.
Suggestion [3] Taxes
This is the most important and much awaited part of budget speech of finance minister because this has powers of affecting day to day life of common people.
My first suggestion is related with indirect taxes; under the waves of globalization this is common fact that in the most of world markets there is competition between the local commodities and imported goods. Unfortunately we Indians have an attitude of buying imported goods just because over the centauries we have been educated that these are better quality products but time has proved that goods manufactured in India are meeting with world standards of quality. I suggest that import duty on the commodities manufactured outside of India must be 10% higher that what excise duty is applicable on the similar product manufactured in India. However if the manufacturing company starts a plant in India, imports raw material and manufacture goods in India, this additional import duty must be adjusted with the excise duty. For example if the Lenovo or Dell is establishing a unit for assembling laptops in India, company must be allowed to pay import duty equivalent to Indian laptop assembling company, but in case of ready to use laptops Lenovo or Dell must pay 10% higher import duty.
Considering the agricultural based economy of India, I am suggesting imposing 1% income tax on the sale value of cash crops like Cotton and Sugar cane; this must be deducted at the factories. Similarly many fruits are exported to other countries either in raw form or as the processed product, I suggest imposing 10% income tax on sale value of these if exported in raw form and 1% on processed products.
Now I am turning to my suggestions related to direct tax. My suggestions are:

Salaried Person

1] Income including investment benefits up to Rs. 3 Lakhs No Tax

2] From Rs. 3 to 5 Lakh 8% [Max Rs. 16000]

3] From Rs. 5 to 7 Lakh 9% [Rs. Rs.16000 plus 9%]

4] From Rs. 7 to 10 Lakh 10% [Rs. 34000 plus 10%]

5] Rs 10 Lakh & Above 15% [Rs. 64000 plus 15%]
Business Income

In our country business houses, companies and traders are allowed to pay income tax after deducting expenses from the Gross profit. In most of cases this system is reducing net profit to just 2 - 4 % of sale turnover and in some cases even less than 1%. This creates space for corruption whiles the assessment of tax. I am suggesting tax structure based on the Gross Profits. I will also raise the limit of getting account books audited from present 40 Lakh to 60 Lakh. Retail shop owners with annual sale of Rs.12 Lakh or lesser will be allowed not to keep account books, provided they pay Rs. 3000 as income tax.
Traders

1] Gross Profit Less than Rs. 3 Lakh No Tax

2] From 3 Lakh to 10 Lakh 5% [From Rs. 15000 to Rs. 50000]

3] Above Rs. 10 Lakh 8% [Rs. 50000 plus 8%]
Manufacturers & Companies

1] Gross Profit Less than Rs. 10 Lakh 2%

2] From 10 to 24.99 Lakh 4%

3] From 25 Lakh to 49.99 Lakh 6%

4] From 50 Lakh to 99.99 Lakh 8%

5] 100 Lakh & above 10%

International Women’s Day and Gruhinimahotsav Kolhapur

International Women’s Day and Gruhinimahotsav Kolhapur
8th March is the day, celebrated through out the world as salute to women power. In the country like India, since the centuries social life is considered to be male dominated, though this is fact in the universe India is only country where women is worshiped as Goddess and even in day to day life is treated as Grah Laxmi [Goddess of wealth] but the fact remained unchanged and beyond doubts that during the rule of Moguls on the country work area of Indian women was restricted within the boundary walls of homes. This status of some centuries resulted in creation of secondary status for the women as for as social life is concerned.
Towards the end of British rule movement for strengthening women power in India was started which got momentum after the Independence and in very short time Indian women started moving and sharing social responsibilities. Today after the 60 years of independence Indian women is emerging as one strongest pillar for social and family life. From politics to industrial management in each and every field foot prints of Indian women are very much distinct and clearly visible. Today an Indian woman is leading the country as Rashtrapati first citizen of the country. Kalpna Chawla becomes the first Indian to go into space and Bachindari Paul first Indian lady to climb Himalaya.
Not only in the big cities but small and rural population rich area like Kolhapur, this day is celebrated to felicitate and mark the progress of Indian women. Since last six years, sou Pratima Satej Patil is coordinating Gruhinimahotsav [ http://www.gruhinimahotsav.com/ ] an annual event orgainsed by Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Sports, Educational & Cultural Trust Kolhapur under the able guidance of young and visionary leader Bunty Patil [ http://www.buntypatil.com/ ] During this event Women Bachat Gats of Kolhapur District gets free stalls to exhibit handicraft items prepared by them, show their cooking skills and participate in the discussions related with social welfare and awareness. Some of few topics of discussion are Save Girl Child, Pre Marriage HIV Test [ http://www.riskfreepartner.com/ ] and Save Environment etc. During the event Rangoli competition and Greeting card competitions are also held on the same topic.

Kolhapur Ganesh Idols

Kolhapur Ganesh Idols are famous world wide and even exported to various countries. Here are some of the idols of Lord Ganesha for homes.
Along with the people of Maharashtra and other Hindus, Sindhi community is also celebrating this festival and at many Sindhi homes idols of Shree Ganesh are established.

For more news about Kolhapur Ganesh Festival

India: 60 Years: 60 Words: [3] Art & Culture

India: 60 Years: 60 Words: [3] Art & Culture

[India has competed 60 years of independence and to mark this, I am presenting this series of Articles, about the words, that are meaning a lot for the progress of the country. If you feel I missed some thing [For listing of words see the first article “India: 60 Years: 60 Words”] do inform me at premputar@gmail.com I will try to include that at the end of series]



It is often said that aliveness of a country or community gets meaning and definition in the cultural heritage of the country/ community. India is the land with variety of rich cultural heritage and more importantly with unique way of artistic representation. I recall a discussion at one of restaurant in which one person was suggesting another to put “Sita Vanvas” an important and revolutionary happening of Mahabharat on the canvas, his idea was to draw two white parallel lines on the black back ground. According to him back ground will reflect the pains and sorrow of Sita for being separated from husband Shri Ram and other family members without being guilty and responsible for it. Two parallel lines will indicate passing of chariot of Sita being passed from that place. I am including this just to show how innovative Indians are when it comes to artistic expression of the culture.

As the Indian culture is going, to find place in various other writings of this series hence the main stress here will remain concentrated to art. In the vision of Indians art is just not limited to play of brush, colors and canvas but everything related to life and finds expression in attractive style falls under the heading of art, even a new and different hair style. Most of the world will take as the fashion but for Indians as this the artistic expression of self hence is an art.

Art was the hobby and not the profession for Indians over the years and thus is deeply rooted into their life, this was beyond the limitations of commercialization thus artist here were free to chose the style suited to their own mood and related with the topics. It has passed centuries know but still millions of people are finding “Ajantta Ellora Caves”, “Konark Sun Temple” and “Khajurao” as the world’s best artistic expression.

The process of global commercialization went on to expand its wings to cover almost every aspect of human life and Indian life style doesn’t remain unaffected from it. This might be the pressures and demands of commercial obligations forcing to artist like M F Hussain to go for painting nude Indians women ideals and be the reason of controversy all over the world. What else he might or not gained from this but surely his these efforts have made him popular and in the modern times popularity is working in tandem as an asset to in cash and a weapon to destroy the opponent. Recently concluded two of dancing competitions of celebrities [Nach and Jhalak] on the television can be taken as the illustration of powers of popularity, in both of these reality shows, the pair with inferior dancing skills went on to win the competition on the bases of sheer popular votes.

Global commercialization and market movers had forced Indians to learn the “economy of art” and a few institutions like the J.J. School of art Mumbai have started to be part of choice options for Indian students. Native visitors to art galleries in India started to be bulk in number and common people are finding it worth to explain the minute understandings of art to upcoming generations, fairly young kids in these art galleries.

Amrita Shergil, F N suja and Satish Gujral not only gained fame for self but also entered into territory which was taken as the traditional holding and field ground of art supremo from the Europe.

The pleasant change of post independence era of India includes the growth in the art consciousness of common citizens. Artist even from the small cities like Kolhapur are not only realizing the importance of wider exposure of art but also opting for their web presence in the form of even personal web sites. The one I know is Shri Dhairyasheel Mane [URL: www.artaste.in ].

Mobile Boom

Mobile Boom

Every era has own status symbols it was time when two wheeler automobiles surrendered this to cars and then came the device of talk with freedom and life started to revolve around the slogan "remain connected any time any where" this is also now preparing to handover its position of being the status symbol to multimedia mobile. In fact the techno savvy atmosphere of modern times is filling the life of youth with the storms of speed and tension and hence it emphasizes the need of entertainment at its peak. This is main reason behind the boom of multimedia mobile. Not only the MNC are using mobiles for their customer penetration but even the small cities like Kolhapur are coming up with the mobile portals like m.kolhapurworld.com

It was towards the end sixth decade that Indian markets started loaded with the television sets and experts started predicting the life end of radio services, before we go further just look at the radio history in India.

Radio in India
History of radio in India dates back 1920, when first transmit ion of radio club Bombay [Mumbai] was started and followed by another privately own station at Calcutta.
In1930 government took control and named it as Indian transmition services the name was changed to All India Radio [AIR] in the year 1936 and since the 1957 to Aakashwani.
It was 1977 when first FM [frequency module] service was started at Madras [Chennai] and up to 1993 there were only five cities with this facility. At present there are more than 400 FM channels which are covering about 240 large and small cities.

Mobile boom
It is just over a decade for this which has not only changed the fashion styles of youth but besides adding to vocabulary provided facility of sending written message [SMS] had attracted youth at large and before this attractions gets faded the expert and companies came with facility of capturing photos. This has not only given boom to mobile industry but also created many social problems as easiness of clicking photos leads towards the misuse of device. As I mentioned earlier the lives of youth is filled with speed and tensions hence the need and demands of entertainments are at ever high note so the fusion of radio and mobile came in the existence as it was not only easy but also have the capacity of holding the nerves of not only youth but also of the common people who while traveling, doing domestic and office works needs a refreshing moment.

At present we are heading towards the multimedia mobile and the day is not for away that even for the net connectivity will be not be depended of the computers. More and more sites like m.kolhapurworld.com are going to hit the tiny screen of our handsets and tempting us to use them for knowledge, entertainment and shopping purpose.