R-Day Thoughts

  • Barnali Dutta / FG
  • India
  • Jan 30, 2015

Indians heralded in the 66th Republic Day with much fanfare, with special significance being accorded to the presence of US President Barack Obama as the Chief Guest. Of course, this did result in New Delhi being wrapped in an unprecedented security blanket, causing much hardship to the commoners. Thousands of security personnel kept a hawk's vigil all over Lutyen’s ‘planned’ metropolis. The Obama team, which had also come to sell military (and other) hardware, would have watched India’s Russian defence display at the colourful Republic Day Parade with fairly mixed emotions. A major highlight of this year's Parade was the maiden display of the recently acquired long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine P-8I aircraft and the long-range advanced MiG-29K combat aircraft. Obama’s visit evoked quite an interesting reaction from the residents of Gurgaon. Manoj Shrivastava, COO of Homestead India, observed, “The US decision to be the lead partner in developing Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as smart cities is a very positive sign for the realty sector. This will increase the FDI flow in the real estate segment and  also encourage further investment.” Lt. Gen. (retd.) Rajender Singh, CEO, DLF Foundation, said, “This visit of Barack Obama has proved very developmental. It was indeed heartening to hear Modi speak about climate change being a positive pressure, a responsibility towards future generations.  His ambition for renewable energy should create the impetus India needs to chart a new energy pathway and demonstrate India's leadership on the global stage.” However, A V Srinivasan, a DTP and printing professional, expressed doubts on how much these ‘tall’ talks and claims would benefit the commoners.

“Let the existing infrastructure first be upgraded and maintained properly, instead of signing new tie-ups that would favour just a select few,” he noted. Dr. Darlie Koshy, Director General & CEO, IAM&ATDC, lauded Obama’s visit. He said, “This Republic Day was truly unique. The Obama visit has proved fruitful and will strengthen our economic ties and lead to better trade relations.” Another veteran from the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. (retd.) S.P. Tawar, said,  “I am quite optimistic about Obama’s visit. The world’s two largest democratic countries are coming closer. We should look for a mutually symbiotic relationship. Anti-terrorism and safety of citizens should be priorities in the agenda. Further, to counter China, we need modern technology from the US. This relationship will be beneficial for all Indians.” 

In the context of Gurgaon, he added,  “I believe that, after Mumbai, the next prime commercial and financial city in India is Gurgaon – in fact it is strong in many aspects. It is the hub of the IT industry, and of CEOs! With further development, this metropolis, currently named the Millennium City, will become a model smart city.” On a rational, yet optimistic, note, T.L. Satyaprakash, District Commissioner of Gurgaon, commented, “Solutions to global issues can't be sorted out in one day, but the move taken by our Government is appreciable. Obama’s visit is a well thought and structured programme, with a clear agenda. Gurgaon, which is home to 290 Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), will benefit immensely. This visit would be mutually beneficial to both the countries.” Mainak Pal, a resident of Ardee City, said, “As a citizen of India I am impressed to see that the heads of four leading countries have visited our country within a span of seven months. This also indicates the importance and the emerging power of India. Our country has developed fairly well, but yet we are branded as ‘poor’. Our new government has given many rays of hope. Times have changed, and we need to be much smarter and more ‘advanced’ in our thoughts and actions.”  Mr. Vats, former Director, Health Services, Haryana, was optimistic that nuclear energy would be a most effective long-term energy solution. Everyone now awaits the next steps...and believe that the Modi govt. will deliver.

Read More...


  • print
  • comnt
  • share

News from Communities

lowadd
  • Friday Gurgaon Seminar

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2014/8/2014_8$thumbimg129_Aug_2014_160822730.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon Speaks Up-Rest in Peace ''Damini''-Saturday Dec 29 @ Leisure Valley

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2013/1/2013_1$thumbimg104_Jan_2013_143656130.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Foundation Fund Raiser

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/8/2012_8$thumbimg114_Aug_2012_091411630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Coca Cola Cricket trophy played in Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg117_Mar_2012_180857977.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_123404760.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_122004320.jpgOrange Fish
  • Renge Art Walk

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg102_Mar_2012_095312690.jpgOrange Fish
  • Friday Gurgaon Cricket team

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/2/2012_2$thumbimg119_Feb_2012_195202840.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Fundraiser Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg129_Jan_2012_072409630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg102_Jan_2012_165747220.jpgOrange Fish

Latest Issue

Poll

Do you think government should reconsider its policy of promoting liquor vends in Gurgaon?



votebox View Results