PodUniversal

Tata Sons Director Gopalakrishnan talks about corruption

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 07:33:00 +0000

15^th PoleStar Award Winners - From left to right:

Geetika Rustagi from Mint, Ayushman Baruah from InformationWeek (India), R Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, Tata Sons, Arun Jain, Founder, PoleStar Foundation and Chairman & Group CEO, Polaris Financial Technology Limited, Srikanth RP, from InformationWeek (India) and Kandula Subramaniam from Outlook Business

Chennai based Pole Star Foundation honoured 4 Indian journalists on 4th October 2013, for their excellence in Business and IT journalism. After presenting the 15th PoleStar Awards, R Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director of Tata Sons delivered the key note address.

Gopalakrishnan focussed on the 'corruption' in his speech. He threw light on history of corruption in India and in other societies across the world. He said, “Just as adolescence is a necessary part of a person’s growth, widespread corruption that touches almost everybody represents an adolescent phase in a development of a nation. Just as adolescence passed, corruption also morphed from being widespread and petty to fewer but bigger instances”. When commenting about the media in India, he pointed out that “as a nation, India is the only country among the emerging markets to have a vibrant media. Though media in India can go overboard, it is however good to have an active media than a docile media.”

Please listen to his inspiring and interesting speech. (22 minutes).

This speech can also be listened from the following link.

http://youtu.be/Pr6FaISMdk8

Photo and audio courtesy: Pole Star Foundation

Negative voting allowed by Supreme Court may bring electoral revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 12:05:00 +0000

On 27th Sep 2013, Indian Supreme Court directed Election Commission to include a button called 'None of the above' (NOTA) in the Electronic Voting machines (EVMs) with immediate effect. (download the judgement copy).

This judgement has generated a ray of hope among the Indian voters to clean the politics. Presently, all the parties put up persons of doubtful background as their party candidates. Since the voters had no choice to reject such candidates, they chose either one of the candidates or refrain from going to polling booth.

In the early 2000, when Mr T S Krishna Murthy was the Chief Election Commissioner, some of the social activists like Mr R Desikan (Founder and Chairman of Catalyst Trust and Consumers Association of India) and Mr A K Venkatasubramanian (IAS Retd) took serious initiatives to improve the system.

During 2004 and 2009 General Elections, when Mr T S Krishna Murthy and Mr N Gopalswamy were the Chief Election Commissioners of India, they promoted the concept of Rule 49 (O) in the conduct of Election Rules 1961. As per this rule, the voter can exercise his option not to record his vote. But he had to sign a register.

In this process the secrecy guaranteed by the Constitution is not protected. Though the Chief Election Commissioners from Mr T S Krishna Murthy have been recommending to the Government, to bring in electoral reforms, including adding a button for NOTA, the Government of India has not implemented any electoral reforms so far.

The recent SC judgement was delivered in the PIL filed by PUCL. According to Mr Desikan, this judgement will revolutionalise the future elections. Probably, it may also lead to 'proportionate representation system' to avoid huge election expenses.

Please listen to the podcast interview with Mr Desikan, recorded over mobile. (5 minutes).

This podcast may also heard from
http://youtu.be/d1hrsFA6cRQ

Convocation (Graduation day) address at Jaya Institute of Technology by Prime Point Srinivasan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Jaya Institute of Technology (JIT)

Jaya Institute of Technology (JIT), one of the Jaya Group of Colleges organised 8th Graduation Day on Friday the 17th May 2013. Nearly 120 engineering graduates who passed out in April / May 2012 received the degree certificates.

Prof. A Kanagaraj

Prof. A Kanagaraj, Chairman of Jaya Group of Colleges presided over the event. In his presidential address, he stressed the importance of self confidence among the youth. He also focussed on the importance of good attitude and discipline in the life, when they undertake the jobs. He wanted them to become good citizens of this nation.

Graduates waiting to
receive degree certivicates

Dr Suresh Babu, Principal

While welcoming the students and parents, Dr Suresh Babu, Principal of the College recalled the pains taken by the individual parents of the students, to make the students an engineering graduate. He wanted all the graduates to fullfill the dreams of their parents.

Prime Point Srinivasan

Prime Point Srinivasan, who was the Chief Guest in his Convocation (Graduation Day) address stressed the importance of good communication skills. He suggested all the graduates to learn as manay languages as possible, including Hindi and English properly to become successful in their career.

Please listen to the convocation (Graduation day) address of Prime Point Srinivasan (17 minutes).

Please see the photographs taken during the event.

Sansad Ratna Awards 2013 - Award winning MP Arjun Ram Meghwal talks about disruption in Parliament

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:37:00 +0000

Mr T S Krishna Murthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India)
presenting Sansad Ratna Award 2013 to Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal,
Member of Parliament from Bikanir, Rajasthan

Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal, Member of Parliament from Bikanir, Rajasthan ranks No 1 among all the MPs of Lok Sabha for participation in debates and he received the Sansad Ratna Award 2013 in a function held at IIT Madras. The Award is instituted by Prime Point Foundation. Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India presented the Awards.

Dr K Rosaiah, the Governor of Tamil Nadu was the Chief Guest. Since Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal arrived late due to flight delay, the Award was presented in the next session, after the departure of the Governor.

After receiving the Awards, Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal in his acceptance speech, talked about the disruption in Parliament. He said, disruption was also part of the Parliament function under rules, to draw the attention of the Government on many vital issues. He said, but for disruptions, the culprits in 2G, Delhi gang-rape, and coal-gate would not have been arrested. However, they would ensure smooth functioning of the Parliament.

Please see the video of his speech (3 minutes 40 seconds)

The video may also be watched from the following link:

http://youtu.be/aj0HfYfw790

Sansad Ratna Awards 2013 - Overview of Indian Parliament - Presentation by Chakshu Rai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:15:00 +0000

Chakshu Rai of PRS Legislative Research

A National Seminar on politics, democracy and governance was held by Prime Point Foundation on 20th April 2013 jointly with IIT Madras in their Auditorium. The National Seminar was inaugurated by Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu. Top performing Lok Sabha MPs were presented with Sansad Ratna 2013 Awards, instituted by Prime Point Foundation.

As part of the National Seminar, Mr Chakshu Rai of PRS Legislative Research made a presentation on 'Overview of Indian Parliament - Tracking the work of legislators'. During his presentation, he explained the overall functions of Indian Parliament and the duties of the Parliamentarians.

The powerpoint presentation is embedded here.

Please watch the video footage of the presentation

This video may also be watched from youtube link

http://youtu.be/ODR0DuH89fg

Presentation of Sansad Ratna Awards 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:28:00 +0000

T S Krishna Murthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India)
and Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu

In our earlier posting, we had published a brief report about the presentation of Sansad Ratna Awards and launching of ezine PreSense to mark the inauguration of National Seminar on politics, democracy and governance.

Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India presented the Awards to six top performing MPs of Lok Sabha.

Quoting Mr Edmund Berk, a well known Parliamentarian of UK, T S Krishna Murthy said that the people should elect a Member who takes care of national interest, if there is a conflict between constituency interest and national interest. He expressed concern over (1) the election of members with 15 to 20 percent of votes (2) money power in elections and (3) lack of internal democracy in political parties. He recalled the suggestions for Electoral reforms submitted by him, when he was the Chief Election Commissioner of India to the Prime Minister in 2004. The Government is yet to take action on these suggestions.

Mr T S Krishna Murthy also suggested that Government can set up a fund to take care of the election expenses of the political parties. All corporates can be asked to donate to this fund which can be given tax exemption. This would avoid nexus between corporates and the political parties, The entire audience applauded when he gave this suggestion.

Dr Rosaiah launched the special edition of ezine PreSense marking the inauguration of National Seminar on politics, democracy and governance.

Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu during his speech expressed concern over the disruptions in Parliament. Quoting PRS Legislative Research, he said that 32% of the Parliament time was wasted due to disruptions in the current 15th Lok Sabha. Due to such disruptions, many bills could not be discussed and passed. Even many of the MPs could not present their views in spite of their preparations. Quoting the speech of Mr Pranabkumar Mukherjee, President of India in the Joint Session of Parliament recently, Dr Rosaiah said that such disruptions may create cynicism in the minds of people who may lose faith in the democratic institutions. He appealed to all Members of Parliament to ensure zero disruption. He also wanted the MPs to explore the visionary projects for their constituency that can help the develop of neighbouring districts also during their tenure .

In the panel discussions that followed the inauguration, the panelists discussed these two aspects viz. (1) elctoral reforms and (2) disruption of Parliament to find some solution. There was a general consensus among the panelists and the audience that electoral reforms and the smooth functioning of Parliament are essential for a healthy democracy. Though disruption is permitted under Parliament rules to register the protest, everybody felt that it should not exceed the limit.

Please watch this video (20 minutes) to see the presentation of Awards and inspiring speeches of Dr K Rosaiah and T S Krishna Murthy.

“My success is because of the difficulties and not despite the difficulties” – Inspiring Story of Navin Gulia, 100% medically disabled person

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:33:00 +0000

Navin Gulia (39), from Delhi with 100% medical disability is one of the national role models and inspiration for young and old. He has converted every challenge into an opportunity to showcase his talents.

Hailing from a family of army officers, right from his childhood, he nurtured the idea of joining Indian Army as a ‘Commando’. It is the most challenging and risky job in the Army. Right from his early days, he was mentally preparing himself to face and overcome any challenges.

He underwent four years of rigorous training in National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. In April 1995, on the final day of OT competition, as Captain of his company ‘Sangro’ took off from the starting line, within seconds he crossed the 8 feet ditch, the zig-zag balance and ran up the steps of high ramp. As he reached the top he got an accidental push from behind, due to which he fell head down at high speed. This injured his spine paralysing his whole body and medical science declared him permanently 100% disabled. After two years of hospitalization, he took on the wheel chair.

Since he was mentally prepared to take on the challenges, he started facing the new situation. Sitting on the wheel chair, he completed PG Course in Computer Management. He started teaching Computer science in various Institutions and is now running a coaching centre at Gurgaon.

The 100% medical disability did not deter him from his ambition. He focused on Adventure sports. In September 2004 he made a Limca world record by being the first and only person to drive non-stop from Delhi to Marsimikla 18,632 feet, the highest motorable pass in the world in 55 hours without sleep or break. This place is 50 feet higher than the base camp of Mt Everest. This record is not yet broken by anybody till date.

Navin is highly interested into adventure sports and driving of car. He has designed controls in the car to suit his needs. With the great difficulty, he has also got the license from the authorities.

Besides, Navin has practised flying a microlite aircraft. He has written two books based on his experience. He has started an organization to support the disabled children.

As 100% disabled person, he does not want to be dependent on others. In fact, he is supporting his family members and all others.

He has won several awards for his achievements, including the President of India Award in 2006 as a ‘National Role model’. He has also authored two books, sharing his experience.

He does not like anybody describing his success as ‘despite the difficulties’. He attributes all his success and achievements only ‘because of the difficulties’.

Please listen to his inspiring interview exclusively for our ezine in the following link.

http://youtu.be/2Jt--656jAE

Navin Gulia may be reached through mail at navingulia@gmail.com . Please visit his website www.navingulia.com

Please click and listen to the inspiring interview with Navin Gulia (6 minutes)

Hanging of Afzal Guru - Analysis of Supreme Court Judgement

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:21:00 +0000

Hanging of Afzal Guru

On 9th February morning, Afzal Guru, the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack was hanged in secrecy after the rejection of his mercy petition by President of India. Now some of the media and the Human Rights Activists have started glorifying the terrorist Afzal Guru and are spreading views against the hanging of Afzal Guru.

Objections raised by Human Right activists

They raise three points. (1) Afzal Guru was not given proper legal support to defend himself; (2) the Supreme Court and other judgements were based on the 'circumstantial evidence', as he was not directly involved in the attack on Parliament' and (3) the judgements were based on 'collective conscience' and not as per law.

Process of law in India

This case has gone through Trial Court, High Court and then finally Supreme Court, before the review by President of India. Such capital punishments are awarded in the rarest of rare cases, with due care and application of mind. Three eminent Senior Advocates Mr Ram Jethmalani, Mr Shanti Bhushan and Mr Sushil Kumar have appeared in the Supreme Court on behalf of the accused. The Supreme Court Judgement may be downloaded from this link.

http://www.nia.gov.in/acts/Afzal%20Guru_Parliament%20Attack.pdf

Glorification of terrorists by a section of media and activists

It is sad that the terrorists who challenged the sovereignty of the nation by attacking the Indian Parliament are glorified and defended by Indian Human Rights activists and some of the popular TV and Print media. We can understand the anger of Terrorist groups in Pakistan against the hanging of Afzal Guru. But, a patriotic Indian is not able to digest the arguments of these Human Right activists. They never raised their voice when these terrorists killed hundreds of innocent citizens at Coimbatore, Mumbai, Delhi and other places. They never talk about the 20 Security officials, who died along with Rajiv Gandhi.

Terrorists do not deserve any sympathy

When the terrorists themselves do not believe in human rights and human values, why should they be given all respects as a human being. The secret hanging of Kasab and Afzal Guru are being criticized by these activists. These terrorists are the enemies of humanity and they do not deserve any sympathy. It may be recalled that US killed Osama Bin Laden and threw his body in the mid sea.

Exclusive interview with Mr Sethuraman on the SC Judgement

With this background, we conducted a telephonic interview with Mr S Sethuraman, one of the senior most lawyers of Madras High Court on the various issues raised by these activists about Supreme Court Judgement.

In this interview, Mr Sethuraman explains clearly how the Supreme Court has gone into the various aspects of law and finally awarded the death penalty on Afzal Guru. He explains that Afzal Guru was the mastermind and the conspirator of this attack. According to the principle law of justice, conspiracy cannot be proved beyond doubt and it can be established only through various circumstantial evidences and links, since 'conspiracy' is hatched in 'darkness' without any eye witness or evidence. He says that the Supreme Court has analysed this case in depth and examined all the aspects, before confirming the death sentence.

Further, Human Rights Activists demand the abolition of capital punishment, even for convicts under terrorism. Mr Sethuraman argues that murder committed for gain and the terrorism acts are totally different and they have to be dealt with separately. In the murders for gain, only few people are affected. In the case of terrorism acts, besides large number of deaths, the economy, relationships in the society are strained. These terrorism acts are to be considered as a 'war against the sovereignty of the nation' and has to be dealth with severely under law.

Please listen to the interesting and informative interview with Mr S Sethuraman. (12 minutes). This interview is also available in the Youtube link.

http://youtu.be/YyJ0-Xwxfhg

“Every Challenge is an Experience" – Inspiring Story of Narendra, Manager turned Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:30:00 +0000

M. Narendra

When the nation is celebrating the 150^th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (original name Narendra), we feature another Narendra, who transformed himself from a manager to a leader. Narendra, presently the Chairman and Managing Director of the public sector, Indian Overseas Bank, has almost doubled the business within two years of his taking charge, galvanising 27000-plus employees, who lacked motivation in the past decade.

Galvanising Indian Overseas Bank

From the day of his taking charge of the bank in November 2010, he tapped the potential of every employee, towards better business growth. His initiatives like involving the employees in every aspect of management function, empowering women to become senior officials, large scale promotions, and communication with front line staff, created a conducive atmosphere for excellent growth and customer delight. Even today, if one checks up with any employee of Indian Overseas Bank at field level, they would proudly accept him as ‘leader’. How did he get transformed from a ‘Manager’ to a ‘Leader’?

Parents as Role Models

Narendra, born into a middle class family in a village near Mangalore (Karnataka), converted every challenge into an opportunity for success. According to Narendra, his parents, Shri M Shankaranarayana Ayya and Smt. M. Sumathi were his role models and they played a great role in moulding him.

“My father was a teacher. He was the Head Master of a High School at Suratkal. He was a Gandhian and a great admirer of Swami Vivekananda. That is why I was named after Vivekananda’s original name” said Narendra, proudly recalling his early days.

His mother Smt M. Sumathi, besides looking after the big family, was engaged in women welfare. She headed the Mahila Mandal for more than 25 years in that locality and devoted her time for the welfare of poor and downtrodden women.

“I learnt about the importance of knowledge, discipline, time management and perfectionism from my father, and leadership qualities and passion for service to the society from my mother. These qualities have always helped me to become successful, braving all challenges”, Narendra says with emotion.

Early Days – Passionate Student

Narendra completed his B.Com with a University rank. His ambition was to become a Chartered Accountant. He joined a Chartered Accountancy firm. Meanwhile, in 1975, the then Private Sector Corporation Bank offered him a job as Officer-trainee, since he was a University Rank holder. He discontinued CA and joined the Bank. He pursued law (L.L.B) as a part-time student, attending the classes both in the mornings and in the evenings, outside the office time. Again, he secured a University rank in law also. He also completed his banking diploma CAIIB with a top rank at the national level. “Though I wanted to become a Chartered Accountant, I started my journey as a banker”, says Narendra.

Tips to Manage Challenges

Narendra’s journey in the banking career was not without challenges. After joining Corporation Bank in 1975, he rose to the level of Chief General Manager in the Bank. Then, he was posted as Executive Director of Bank of India. After a brief stint there, he was posted to Indian Overseas Bank in November 2010 as Chairman, which post he still continues to hold. He will retire from the bank in less than two years.

“To become a leader is not an easy one. There may be a lot of frustrating moments for any person in any profession. Your good and sincere efforts may not get recognised; your trusted close friends may ditch you; your boss may get angry without reason; your minor mistakes may get projected as major issues; there may be caste and communal politics in the organisation. Every such moment is a testing time for us. We need to learn to manage such challenges without getting upset. Every challenge is an experience. Leave it to God. Continue to do your work with all sincerity. A time will come when you will be recognised and rewarded”, says Narendra after a deep pause.

Mentoring and Learning

Narendra recalls how his father used to review his performance frequently, even when he (Narendra) was holding the position of General Manager and mentor him to manage the challenges and to go to the next level. Narendra emphasises the need for good parenting, and parents becoming role models for children.

Narendra says that whenever he meets the customers, he learns from their success and failure stories. Even from the routine business meetings, he picks up a message for life.

Though there were offers to join Private Banks at the top level with a huge salary, he refused to join them. “Public Sector is my passion. Public Sector banks give more opportunities to support farmers, small industries and nation building. We should not forget the roots from where we have come” says Narendra passionately.

He wants to focus on education and social service after his retirement from the Bank. He wants to continue the initiatives his parents had started.

Gratitude

“While my parents have played the role of the mentor, my wife is playing a supportive role throughout my banking career.” Concludes Narendra with tears rolling in his cheek as a mark of gratitude.

Within two years of his joining Indian Overseas Bank, he is able to nearly double the business and bring in a new environment galvanising the entire bank. His new slogan “Energy, energise, execute and excel” has become the new mantra to all his colleagues to continue their journey in nation-building and self-improvement.

PodUniversal Edition 160

Please listen to his inspiring interview (13 minutes). His interview may also be listened at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UI-k3gt-xY

30 Years of Modern Internet – Legendary Dr Vinton G Cerf, Father of Internet Speaks Exclusively to PodUniversal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 06:07:00 +0000

Emergence of modern internet

Thirty years ago, on 1st January 1983, the world entered a new era of communication with the birth of ‘Modern Internet’ which we use today. This communication revolution was made by the TCP/IP protocol, was developed by Dr. Vinton G. Cerf and Robert E. Kahn. They are now considered ‘Fathers of Modern Internet’.

In those days, ARPANET was the wide-area network sponsored by the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It went live in 1969, when Vinton Cerf was an ARPANET scientist at the Stanford University. The military became interested in a common protocol as different networks and systems using different and proprietary protocols began to hook up to ARPANET, and they found that they could not talk to each other easily.

On 1st January 1983, the new Internet Protocol TCP/IP, which replaced the older system, was accepted as the standard and the modern Internet was born. The Internet, a revolutionary and cost-effective communication system has transformed the lives of billions of people across the world. Using data "packet-switching", the new method of linking computers and sharing information paved the way for the arrival of the World Wide Web.

Interaction with Dr Vinton G Cerf

Dr. Vinton G. Cerf (70), the main architect of Modern Internet, is presently the President and CEO of Google Special Services Inc. and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google. He visited Chennai in mid-January 2013 to participate in the annual meeting of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) – India Council. Dr. Vinton is the International President of ACM. We had the opportunity of recording his inspiring interview for PodUniversal and PreSense. (Link for his interview is given at the end of this article).

While people with less qualification and achievement pose themselves as great men, this legendary person, who revolutionalised the entire globe with his invention, looked very simple and humble. In the 45 minutes of conversation we had with him, he spoke and came across as a very simple man.

Awards and recognition

Dr. Vinton Cerf has received hundreds of national and international awards for his achievement. He is also the recipient of the ‘Turing Award’ for Technology, equivalent to the Nobel Prize, in Computing. Recently, President Obama has appointed him as a member of National Science Board in US Government.

Dr. Vinton suffered from a hearing impairment from an early age, and he later attributed some of his interest in computer networking to its promise as an alternative communications channel for the hearing impaired. His personal disability triggered a great communication revolution in the globe.

Exclusive interview with PodUniversal

In an exclusive interview with K. Srinivasan, Editor-in-Chief of PreSense and PodUniversal, Dr. Vinton said that at the time of the invention, his team had high hopes that this would become a powerful infrastructure in future. “I think those hopes have been largely realised” he added proudly.

On computer security, he said, “There is still plenty of work to be done on the technical side and on the training side to get users to adopt safer communication practices.” He suggested ‘two factor authentication’ for the safety of the users.

On his passion, his achievement, and his message to the Indian youth, he said, “The simple message here is that you need to be really passionate about making something happen and you better be prepared to be patient and persistent because some ideas, the Net included, will not be widely accepted.” In the same breath, he also appreciated Indian entrepreneurs for exporting their skill, talents and inventions to the rest of the world.

PreSense is proud to feature him as ‘Man of the month’ (though he is the Man of the Century) in the current issue, when the world celebrates the 30th year of modern Internet.

PodUniversal Edition 161

Please listen to his inspiring interview in the following link (10 minutes). We have also published the transcript (courtesy Esther Emil, GRI) for the benefit of those who cannot follow the American accent.

http://youtu.be/V6VOAAQEyE0

“Arjun Ram Meghwal, MP from Bikanir – Top performing Parliamentary debater”

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 03:11:00 +0000

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Member of Parliament from Bikanir (Rajasthan) is one of the top performing MPs of the current 15th Lok Sabha. Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal, a Rajasthan cadre IAS turned politician, hails from a poor family. With his hard work and passion to serve the society, he became one of the law makers of the country.

No 1 for debates among all MPs

Till the end of the 12th Session of the 15th Lok Sabha, he has participated in 345 debates, introduced 20 private members’ bills and raised 543 questions. He has participated in 99% of the sittings. He ranks No 1 among the entire Lok Sabha Members for participation in debates.

Generally, many of the members are seen in the Central Hall of the Parliament when the Parliament business is conducted in the House. He is one of the few MPs, who always sits inside the Lok Sabha and listens to the other members from different parties and different regions.

Preparation for debates and questions

When asked how he does the homework for all his Parliamentary speeches, he politely says that he would spend time in the Parliament Library, attend the briefing sessions of PRS India, read a lot of books and newspapers to get himself equipped with various facts.

He is also keeping a ‘Resource Panel’ consisting of doctors, lawyers, engineers, social workers and bankers to support him on the various debates he may participate in and to raise questions on. “This method helps me to speak logically and to the point in the House”, says Mr Arjun Ram proudly to PreSense.

His concerns

He also expresses his concern over the disruption of Question Hour. Though the rule book permits the suspension of Question Hour to discuss any nationally important issues like gang-rape, he feels it should not be a routine one.

“Bikanir is a tourist centre. It is yet to be connected with other cities by air. In 2013, I want to connect Bikanir with other cities by air. This is my dream project for 2013.” Arjun Ram Meghwal says with beaming confidence.

PreSense congratulates him for his passion in his Parliamentary duties. Please listen to his exclusive interview in the link http://youtu.be/CaLwHK6Ipk8

Doomsday Phobia - Whether world will end on 21st Dec 2012 as per Mayan Calendar?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:39:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 158

World over rumours are getting spread through mainline and social media about the 'Doomsday'. The news is getting spread that as per Mayan Calendar, the world will end on 21st December 2012.

Reports are also coming that many people in developed countries have donated their properties for charities, to get ready for the 'Doomsday'.

Mr D K Hari, Founder of Bharath Gyan has recently authored a book '2012 - The Real Story'. In this book, Mr D K Hari has dealt about this phobia. Mr Hari is a researcher in the ancient wisdom.

According to Mr Hari, Mayan Calendar has the joint origin of India and Central America. In an exclusive and very interesting interview to PodUniversal, Mr Hari has brought out the scientific facts behind the Mayan Calendar. He says that as per this calendar, the one era (yuga) ends on 21st December 2012 and the new era starts on the next day. Unfortunately, few people are spreading the panic among the entire world as if the world is going to end on that day.

In this interview, he has also brought out how Maya clans had the origin from India and how they were engaging themselves in building huge cities, ships, bridges, etc. According to Mr Hari, Srilanka City, Ram Setu, Pyramnids were built by them.

Please listen to his very interesting interview (9 minutes)

This interview may also be watched from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZxchXlIobA

Communication Research needed for Employee Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 157

I had the opportunity of going through the book 'Employee Engagement and Communication Research' authored by Ms Susan Walker ABC, from London. This book was published last month by Kogan Page Limited at London and US.

Generally all the companies make huge noise about the employee motivation and employee satisfaction. But in reality, they remain more in paper. A serious research or study is not made by any company to understand the ground reality of the employee perceptions. Whatever the surveys done in the name of 'employee satisfaction survey' serve the ISO audit purposes only.

In this book, Susan deals with the various aspects of communication research, development questionnaire, measurement, interpretation of data, strategies and action to be adopted. She also explains as to how such communication research can help the companies in the employee engagement.

The author has divided the 20 chapters into three sections, viz. (a) Measurement, (b) Strategy and (c) implementation. Even the complicated technical details have been presented in a simple manner. She has also shared interesting and relevant case studies in these chapters.

This book will serve as a good handbook for the Communication Managers, HR Managers and Research organisations. This book is available in UK, USA and in India.

The author Susan’s career began in the internal communications field before joining Market and Opinion Research International (MORI), the major UK research agency where she headed the employee research practice. She is now running her own engagement and communication evaluation research business.

Susan is a Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication and an Accredited Business
Communicator (IABC). She has held various posts within IABC UK Chapter in the past and presented
at events worldwide including IABC conferences in New York, Los Angeles and Brussels.

The author can be contacted through mail at commevaluation@hotmail.com.

I interviewed Susan over mobile. Please listen to the interesting conversation. The transcript of this conversation is also given below the YouTube flash player. This podcast can also be listened from http://youtu.be/uIj12P8p4qQ (6 minutes)

Transcript of this conversation:

What prompted you to write this book?

I was inspired to write the book because I had looked at the market and there were books about research, and engagement and communication but there were really no books that tied all three together and looked at employee research from that point of view - that is what stimulated me to write the book.

What is employee engagement?

Well, there are all sorts of definitions of employee engagement and I think a lot if it is down to an employee who is interested in the company, understands its purpose, who feels part of it – and that feeling that they with the organization and want to help it.

Many companies conduct conduct employee satisfaction surveys for ISO purposes. can it be considered as communication research?

Yes, I think so, it concerns satisfaction which is really I suppose another work for engagement and especially if there are communications quests as well, I think It would be considered as engagement and communication research.

What are the areas covered by you in the book?

Three main areas: first of all measurement. This covers basis tools such as objective questionnaire design, statistical reliability, sampling. Then the second section about strategy which is engaging senior management, looking at benefits of research and linking with the business. Then the third section about action planning, defining what needs to be done from the survey results. And also a number of case studies and also interviews with leading professionals around the world: an important part of the book to have that global perspective.

What is the trend of communication research globally?

Interesting talking to people from all over the world Brazil, Russia ,China and of course India and although circumstances and cultures vary it seems that many of the challenges we face are the same The prime one being engaging senior management and convincing senior management that it is worthwhile measuring their employee engagement and communications. Also making sure that action happens as a result. So although we may come from different places, we all seem to share the same challenges.

Somewhere in your book, you have mentioned about 'Arthasastra'. How you got impressed with Arthasastra?

What impressed me, it was written many thousands of years ago and people think things written a long time ago have nothing to teach us. In fact this is said to be the very first management book that was ever written. But what impressed me was that it did not just look at aspects like the military and the economy but it also looked at welfare. And a lot of the advice which was then said to be for the King could be said nowadays to be about the CEO of the organsiation – like the King of the organization. And I felt that a lot of what was written there was just as applicable today as it was then.

Recent controversy over Sec 66A of IT Act - Panel discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 03:39:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 156

Recent arrests of some of the social media users in West Bengal, Puducherry and Maharashtra under Sec 66A of the IT Act has triggered a serious controversy across the nation. Even the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India has expressed concern over the knee-jerk reaction of the Police. Many of the social media activists have started demanding repeal of 66A itself.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 was amended in 2008. The amended Act which received the assent of the President on February 5, 2009, contains section 66A.

What does this section say?

66A. Punishment for sending offensive messages through communication service, etc. Any person who sends, by means of a computer resource or a communication device,— (a) any information that is grossly offensive or has menacing character; or (b) any information which he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will, persistently by making use of such computer resource or a communication device,

(c) any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience or to deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such messages,

shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine.

Explanation.— For the purpose of this section, terms “electronic mail” and “electronic mail message” means a message or information created or transmitted or received on a computer, computer system, computer resource or communication device including attachments in text, images, audio, video and any other electronic record, which may be transmitted with the message.

To discuss about this, PodUniversal recorded a panel discussion over mobile tecon on 4th Dec 2012. Mr V Rajendran (Cyber law advocate and Senior Vice President of Cyber Society of India) and Mr S Balu (recently retired Addl. Superintendent of Police) were the panelists. Prime Point Srinivasan anchored the discussion.

Please watch and listen to this interesting panel discussion. (10 minutes)

This panel discussion may also be directly listened from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpro-9AWDzg

How to get rid of jet-lag in air travel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 03:26:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 155

Frequent air-travellers suffer from jet-lag causing dislocation to their regular schedule. Prof. Muralidharan of Australia gives few tips to get rid of the jet lage. Please listen to his interview.

This interview can also be listened directly from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjOiku-Ypa8

Unidentifiable enemy wages 'cyber war' - Mr Talwant Singh,

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:02:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 154

Cyber Society of India organised a one-day workshop at Madras University on 5th October 2012 on the theme "Cyber War: Has it begun?". Mr Talwant Singh, CBI Special Judge, Patiala Courts, Delhi delivered the key note address. Mr Talwant Singh is one of the leading experts in India on cyber law and he has authored many articles on the various legal aspects of Information Technology Act and cyber offenses.

During his speech, Mr Talwant Singh pointed out that Facebook had crossed 1 billion registered users and if it were to be a country, it would be the third largest country in the world, next to China and India. He also mentioned that distinction between physical world and virtual world was diminishing.

Like 'dynamite', Internet was also invented for good use only. Later, criminals started using for bad purposes. Committing an offense in the virtual world was less riskier than committing an offense in the physical world, he said.

Mr Talwant Singh also said that in the physical world, when a war was fought, the people knew who the enemy was and they could retaliate. But in the virtual world, an unidentifiable and invisible enemy was waging cyber war. Till date, none of the countries in the world had recognised the 'cyber war' and signed any treaties, he added.

Mr Talwant Singh suggested that NGOs like Cyber Society of India should create more awareness about the cyber risks and educate the people. He also prescribed three point formula viz. (a) creating awareness, (b) getting prepared for such eventuality and (c) retaliating, if needed, to protect the nation and the society to manage the attacks.

Finally, he also said that Government had already advised all the Government Departments to use only the mail ids provided by National Informatics Centre (NIC) with domain extension @nic.in. He strongly advised all the Government Departments to use only NIC based emails for Government communication instead of web based popular mails, to avoid any data theft.

Please watch and listen to the interesting speech. (19 minutes).

This video may also be watched /listened from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPgp45a5gJM

International Accreditation for communication and marketing professionals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:11:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 153

In the globalised competitive era, the individuals and the companies have now started bench marking their knowledge, proficiency and quality to globally accepted standards. Companies world over subject themselves to ISO or BS Standards, which are globally recognised. Unless the companies get ISO certification, they may not be able to participate in the tenders internally and globally.

In the same way, IT professionals have now started benching their individual talents through Microsoft Certification and ISACA certification. These certifications enable the IT professionals to compete globally and succeed professionally.

In the same way, communication and marketing professionals also need to get themselves certified to the global standards, if they want to succeed in their career in future. I have been impressing upon the need for such global accreditation for the past eight years. None of the professional bodies in India are able to come up with any globally accepted certification or accreditation process. We need to prepare our younger generation communication and marketing professionals to compete at global levels.

Just like we have accepted globally recognised certification process in other areas, the communication and marketing industry also can adopt the globally recognised and accepted certification process to develop their career in future.

US, UK, Australia, South Africa, Singapore and few other countries have already started accrediting their communicaiton and marketing professionals. The employers give priority only to such accredited professionals in the internal promotions. Professionals can get accredited in their chosen field, only after few years of experience.

APR Accreditation by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and FCIPR Accreditation by Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), London are highly popular in US and Europe.

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is one of the respected International bodies operating in more than 100 countries. They offer ABC Accreditation (Accredited Business Communicator). All the professionals who are connected with Business Communicaiton field like Public Relations, Corporate Communication, Marketing Communication, Journalism, etc are eligible for Accreditation process. Only working professionals can apply for Accreditation.

Accreditation process involves 3 stages. (1) Application, (2) Submission of two Portfolios (work samples), based on the applicant's own experience and (3) written and oral examination. Senior Accredited professionals will mentor and guide the candidates.

Recently, I recorded an interview with Mr Bish Mukherjee, President of IABC's India South Chapter. Mr Bish was earlier the Accreditation Director for Asian countries and now the Asian coordinator for the prestigious Quill Awards of IABC. He has mentored many professionals.

I have also recorded an interview with Dr Rajiv Kumar. He is one of the top management officials in the Tata Group handling Corporate Communication. He is presently the Director in the Accreditation Committee of IABC. He supervises the Accreditation process of Asia Pacific, Europe, South America and Africa.

Please watch this interesting and informative podcast (12 minutes). If anybody wants to get more information and guidance, they can send mail to Mr Bish Mukherjee at bmiabc@hotmail.com.

This podcast can also be watched in YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYSgH0jZEk

Space Race between Soviet Union and United States during cold war

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:17:00 +0000

PodUniversal 152

During the period between 1957 and 1975, erstwhile Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in Space Race to excel each other on the Space Technology. They spent billions of amount in space education and research. This space race ultimately benefited the mankind.

In the July 2012 edition of Social ezine PreSense, we have featured this in details. Our written feature is also produced in the form of a Podcast.

The ezine may be downloaded from the following link.

http://www.prpoint.com/ezine/presense0712.pdf

Please watch this interesting podcast (11 minutes) with rare pictures and video clips.

How Parliament Questions trigger development - An interview with Mr Anandrao Adsul MP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:49:00 +0000

K. Srinivasan presenting the Sansad Ratna Award to

Mr Anandrao Adsul MP at Mumbai

Four MPs were presented with 'Sansad Ratna Award 2012' on behalf of Prime Point Foundation, at IIT, Madras on 14th April 2012. Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal presented the Awards.

Mr Anandrao Adsul, Hon'ble Member of Parliament from Amravati, Maharashtra constituency is one of the Sansad Ratna Award Winners, for his outstanding performance in overall tally and also for being No 1 in asking 'Questions' in the current 15th Lok Sabha. He was also No 1 in asking 'Questions' in the earlier 14th Lok Sabha. Till 30th March 2012, he has asked 754 Questions.

Since Mr Adsul could not attend the Award function at Chennai on 14th April 2012 due to his ill health, K. Srinivasan, Chairman of the Prime Point Foundation personally handed over the Award to Mr Adsul at Mumbai on 19th April 2012.

After handing over the Award, he also recorded his Lok Sabha experience and as to how, he could get the benefit for his constituency through raising questions. Mr Adsul quoted some examples of his success story. At the same time, he also expressed his concern over the growing scams. He was quoting, "India is a rich country with poor people", meaning that our scams are in lakhs of crores. However, he appealed to the new generation to enter into political system and improve the system for betterment.

PodUniversal Edition 151

Please listen to his interesting interview. (11 minutes).

This video can also be seen from the following link.

http://youtu.be/FNUyu0HpGUM

"Slandering Parliament amounts to slandering ourselves" - Gopalkrishna Gandhi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:12:00 +0000

Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal

Prime Point Foundation, presented the Sansad Ratna Awards 2012 at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on Saturday the 14th April 2012 to top performing 4 MPs. Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal and the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Rajaji presented the Awards.

After presenting the Awards. he gave an inspiring and poetic speech for nearly 18 minutes. During his speech, he stressed that the people should not slander Parliament and it amounted to slandering ourselves. He also quoted the example of the Acts of Parliament abolishing dowry and untouchability, which still remained unabolished from the society. He said, the Parliament was a great Institution and it could find solution for many things. He also appealed the Parliamentarians to find solutions for eradicating black money and corruption.

PodUniversal Edition 150

Please listen to the inspiring speech of Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi. The text of his speech may be downloaded from

http://www.prpoint.com/cg140412.pdf

This video may also be watched from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WugyQcnC5G0

Full text of his speech:

Esteemed Shri Era Sezhiyan, Award-winning Hon’ble MPs on the dais, esteemed Director of the IIT, Sri Srinivasan, Sri Sudarshan, ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honour to share the dias with Sri Era Sezhiyan.

Sri Somnath Chatterjee has said Sri Sezhiyan hs been untouched by the distortions and aberrations of our Parliamentary system. He is absolutely right.

Rajaji once said it is easy to fast sitting at home on Ekadasi but very difficult to fast sitting in the middle of Modern Café at meal time. Sri Sezhiyan has performed that miracle

Chance has to be the best designer.

Who or what but pure coincidence could have conjured four names of parliamentarians with the perfect blend of legislative credit and with all four belonging to different parties, different regions, different languages ?

One defect in design has however been left by that architect of concurrent incidence. I refer to the fact that all winners are men. A reservation – by utter chance – for women in the play of the hand that devises these awards would be felicitous.

I salute chance.

But I do so without detracting from the inherent merit of the MPs who have been conferred the Sansad Ratna-s. They have not achieved what they have achieved by chance, or by a fluke. They have earned their distinction.

I applaud the winners, I celebrate their achievement, I commend their example to their peers.

And yet I cannot but express a contrary opinion today. And that is : Not just these MPs, and their award winning predecessors but every MP should been found to have done as well or as well as these three. Some have to excel. They have to stand out. Even in the Defence Forces, where every man or woman in uniform has the same valour, the same discipline, the same courage, some do get Vir Chakra-s, some Param Vir Chakra-s. But Vir they all are.

Is the case the same with our legislators ? Some may shine, some may sparkle, and some may stun by their calibre, but are they all Ratna-s ?

Membership of the Houses of Parliament requires a level field of performance in what may be termed the basics of parliamentarianism. Has that been happening ? Some are regular in their attendance, others are frequent visitors. Some put a good number of questions, others keep their queries themselves. Some make a tidy number of speeches. Others opt for silence.

Excellence is optional. Should pass-mark performance be optional too ?

It has been said speech should improve upon silence.

But silence cannot improve on silence, except in a Rishi.

And shouting cannot take the place of speech, except in a public meeting and that too only when the amplification-system has failed.

Attendance, interpellations and speeches in legislatures are of course optional. And Hon’ble Members are entitled to opt for those forms of conservative conduct. But walk-outs too are optional, as is raising one’s voice beyond the requirements of audition, stepping into the well of the House, tearing documents, hurling objects. That option is frequently exercised.

But, on a larger plane, is parliamentary accountability optional ?

Is legislative duty a matter of choice ?

Is giving one’s worth as one elected to one’s electors subject to the whimsies of volition ?

Today is a magnetic anniversary, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. Let us ask his memory that question. I feel like saying to him ‘Sir, you will be glad to know Parliament has a Committee on Ethics’. I can hr him rejoin with ‘ I did not know ethics can be achieved by a committee…Do they decide on what is ethical by consensus, by majority vote or by the casting vote of its chair ?’

And I do not have the answer to that.

If that were possible, how much good, how much welfare, how much progress we could achieve by ‘committee’ !

Alas, reality is ever a teaser.

There are grades of performance in Parliament as there are elsewhere. And one may not expect uniformity in standards of dedication. In fact one may definitely expect the opposite. One may expect variations, wide and oceanic variations in individual records.

Parliament represents the essences of India.

Parliament is in fact, ‘Essential India’.

Therefore it is important, I think, that not just individuals but Parliament as a whole passes tests, rigorous, exemplary tests. What is important is that the integrated will of the people as reflected in that body of the essences of India, be of the first rank, of the first water.

And there, let us note the fact that in all its successive avatars, the Parliament of India has shown itself to be an extraordinary institution.

Even as forum for debating, let us acknowledge the fact that we have some extraordinary spealers there. The recent debate on the Lokpal Bill saw some exceptional speeches, of which must mention those of Sri Pranab Mukherjee, Smt Sushma Swaraj, Sri Arun Jaitley, Sri Sitaram Yechury, Sri Sandeep Dikshit, Sri Abhishek Singhvi, Smt Shobhana Bhartia, Sri D Raja. There are others who spoke effectively and persuasively as well, but these names com readily to my mind.

As a citizen, as a voter, I felt proud hearing them. Dr Ambedkar would have felt proud hearing them. I felt the people of India were speaking through them.

I do not and never shall subscribe to the cynical diminishing of our Parliament that some attempt. I do not and shall not join in any chorus of abuse hurled at that institution. For to call Parliament by any synonym of slander is to slander ourselves. Not that we as a people do not deserve to hear bitter truths about ourselves ; we do. But then we are of elements so mixed, of virtues and vices so fluxed, of highs and lows so contradictorily constituted, that we should know better than to judge too harshly or in haste an institution that is made in nothing save our own image.

Just as we as individuals, as house-holders, as institution-makers have moments when we rise above our own average, when we overcome our limitations and seek to raise ourselves to a degree of elevation above that which is natural to our state, just as we have, shall I say, moments of high reflection or deep introspection, and just as we, with all our mortal weaknesses, can sometimes rise above ourselves to an act of courage, or of candour, of credit and of commitment, so also the Parliament of India can rise and has risen, time and again, to give to its people, to those that have brought it into being, in other words, to us, the gift of its innate greatness, the fruit of its inherent wisdom, and indeed, the dower of its ripened instincts.

So high are our expectations of Parliament, so pressing our needs for its attention, and so steep our sense of its obligations to us, that our dismay and our disappointment, our sadness and often our shock at its failure to meet our aspirations blinds us to what it has done.

If that ugly stain on our society – dowry – has been outlawed in our country, it is by an act of Parliament. If dowry is still asked for without shame and given without demur, that is by our acts.

If domestic violence has been made a crime in our country, it is by an act of Parliament. If women and infants are still beaten by despicable brutes in male form, it is by acts of society.

If untouchability has been abolished in our country, let us acknowledge the fact that it has so been abolished by the wisdom of the founding parents of our Constitution and our Parliament. If that ugly stain on our society – dowry – has been outlawed in our country, it is by an act of Parliament. Likewise, land reforms were brought in by Parliament, police reforms, prison reforms, labour law reforms, and an enactment, perhaps the first of its kind in the world, for the prevention of cruelty to animals. All these are the gifts to the country of Parliament. And the same Parliament has bent to heed popular opinion , most notably, in the amendment to the States Reorganisation Bill which had in a rather wooden manner proposed a composite state of Bombay, to divide it far more realistically , into Maharashtra and Gujarat.

One might say all that ‘happened’ in the golden days of Jawaharlal Nehru.

And so it did. But then the record has continued.The landmark reservation of seats for women in our local bodies happened long after and , in our ‘own’ times, if domestic violence has been made a crime in our country, it is by an act of Parliament, if the NREGA is a fact of life today, giving employment and wages and nourishment to millions, it is because of Parliament, if the RTI is a household name today, utilised across the length and breadth of India, and the RTE Act promises education to India’s children, it is because of Parliament. If States have Lok Ayuktas and the Centre may – inshallah – soon have a Lok Pal it is again because our legislatures have responded according to its own lights to public opinion, to public campaigns.

We need to salute Anna Hazare for his campaign. But just imagine for a moment a country where there was no parliament, no democracy, who would Anna Hazare have addressed ? Who would have taken his demand for steps against corruption and black money forward ?

I could go on and give more examples, but do not need to. Not in Chennai, which has sent some of the finest Parliamentarians of the world to the apex legislature of India.

Let us not judge Parliament by its low tides. Let us not measure its bench marks by the lines left on its side by receding foam-lines of sediment and dross. They do not represent the golden mean. At the other end of the spectrum, let us not see it by the leaps of its great shooting stars either, for they too are exceptional.

Let us rather judge that institution, which is nothing else than our own integrated political intelligence at work, by its averages. There we shall see a balanced picture.

Having said this, let me say the following and close:

Parliament is by definition a vessel of dignity. Let those who row it row with knowledge. It will empower them.

Parliament is like a planetarium where the convex sky must glitter with the glow and sparkle of the entire spangled firmament, not by the episodic spark of meteors, comets and shooting stars. Those can add to the wonderment of Parliament , but not compensate for the sullen starlessness of its average sky.

Parliament cannot be held by its makers in anything but confidence, faith. Parliament hs to be the home of visvasam.

Preoccupation with the monetary, travel or status perquisites of legislative membership when proportionate to preoccupation with serious work will never be begrudged by the people of India. We are a generous people. But when that preoccupation is out of balance, it can jar. We are an intelligent people.

Finally, it is time Parliament gave India solutions to three important problems that beset us:

A solution to the ogre of black money.
A solution to the related demon of corrupt practices, including the use of intimidation, physical and psychological, in elections.
A solution to what Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan called “widespread inefficiency and gross mismanagement of resources”.

There is a fourth contribution that requires to be made as well. We are facing certain risks, national risks. There is the distinct prospect flowing from climate change of a water shock and a food shock. We have of course the ever-present prospect of an energy shock, fuel shock. And we have the seemingly increase frequency of natural disasters like earthquakes. We were all shaken up on 11 April by the 8.6 that lay epicentred in Indonesia. Now, earthquakes today are no different from earthquakes millennia ago. They may be more frequent, but in their intrinsic nature they are the same as always. Yet they kill more viciously now, not because the earthquake per se has become more vicious but because the congestion of buildings and of populations has become so dense that the impact is that much worse.

What does all this have to do with Parliament?

It has everything to do with Parliament because Parliament is our essence and we must be told by it of the risks that we face, the dangers we must prepare ourselves for. Parliament must be both th harbinger of good news and initiator of great steps but it must also be the messenger of the bitter herbs of much-needed medicament in terms of honest truths told. It must give us confidence and also take us into confidence.

Let us be proud of our Parliament and all our Legislative Assemblies, but let us strive to make them what they are meant to be.

"Inspiring action will make legislatures as role-models" - Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:09:00 +0000

Dr Abdul Kalam's message being screened

3rd Annual Awards function was held by Prime Point Foundation at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on Saturday the 14th April 2012 to honour four top performing Lok Sabha MPs with 'Sansad Ratna Award 2012'. Please click for more details.

On 10th April 2012, K. Srinivasan, Founder of Prime Point Foundation met Dr Abdul Kalam, Former President of India and briefed him about this event. After conveying his greetings, he also gave a short message to be screened on that day.

In his exclusive message, he has suggested the legislatures to perform 'inspiring action', which can motivate youth to enter into politics and governance.

He also suggested three important actions in their constituency viz. (1) restoring water bodies, (2) improving the literacy ration and (3) providing skill development centres. Dr Abdul Kalam said that undertaking such inspiring action, will make them as 'role-models'.

The message was screened at the start of the Award function, which was well received by the audience and by the award winning MPs. As suggested by Dr Abdul Kalam, they also announced openly to take up specific activities in their constituency as 'inspiring action' to become role-models.

PodUniversal Edition 149

Please watch this video (3 minutes)

You can watch this video from here also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVBciOghnBA

Accentuate the positive image and eliminate the negative image globally - Tony Good tells India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:25:00 +0000

"The news coming out of India to countries outside tend to have more of negative aspects. Hence, India should accentuate the positive image and eliminate the negative impage through proper PR strategies", Mr Anthony B M Good, popularly known as Tony Good, a global PR legend said in an exclusive interview with PodUniversal.

He also suggested that Indian youth should look for positive aspect in every setback and grasp the opportunity, available everywhere.

Mr Tony Good, when he was young, joined a leading Airline company as a Public Relations and marketing Executive. He lost his job from the Company, for no fault of him. That triggered a 'fire' in him to start an independent Public Relations Company to prove his capability.

This independent PR Agency, which he started 50 years back was 'Good Relations'. This is the first PR Agency anywhere in the world to get listed in the stock exchange at London.

From 1970 onwards, he got associated with India through his association with many companies as a member of the Board. He is presently the International Chairman of Cox and Kings, one of the top travel agencies of 250 year old.

In 1986, he started the Indian arm of Good Relations as an Indian company. Again, this is the first independent PR and Communication agency in India.

Mr Tony Good in his late 70s, is a great visionary and is considered as a 'legend' in the communication field.

Public Relations Council of India honoured him on 13th Feb 2012 at Mumbai with the coveted 'Life Time Achivement Award' in the presence of a galaxy of eminent communication, media and corporate professionals.

Tony Good (third from left) receiving the award
from M B Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus, PRCI
(second from left)

On the next day, Mr Tony Good was at Chennai for few hours. Since he was hard pressed for time, I travelled along with him to Airport in his car and recorded an exclusive interview with him on various issues.

In the interesting conversation, he touched about the strength and weakness of Indian Corporates, his ivews about Indian media, India's image outside, his suggestions to Indian youth and Non Resident Indians.

PodUniversal Edition 148

Please listen to his inspiring interview (9 minutes). This interview can also be watched from the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U06nsWB9jJk

While watching / listening to this interview, you can also go through the transcipt of his conversation. (Transcript courtesy by Ms Esther Emil, GRI, Chennai).

Transcript of the interview with Mr Tony Good

Mr.Tony Good, Welcome to PodUniversal show
Very kind, Thank you

Let me congratulate you for receiving the coveted Life time achievement award from Public Relations Council of India

I feel extremely honored by it. It will be something that I will aspire to, possibly live upto if I can

Sir, you are associated with India and the Indian corporates almost from 1970 that is nearly 40 years?

Absolutely

You know about the Indian corporates and European corporates. What according to you are the strong points of Indian corporates?

I think there is still very much a family tradition in most of the major corporates and I think that is a strength. I think that they’ve moved with the times in the second and third generation increasingly tending to be educated on an international stage rather than a national one so I think you get the best of both worlds. You get the cohesion that comes from a close knit family business but also though the younger members have gained experience and knowledge abroad which they are bringing to bear in their businesses here.

What according to you are the weak points among the Indian corporates that prevent them to meet the global standards?

Well, I think increasingly they are achieving global standards. I mean if for example you had told me in 1970 when I first came to India that, for example Tata would own not only Tetley Tea and what was British deal Land Rover Jaguar, I think very few people would ever have believed that. And I’ve seen the incursion of Indian corporates to the international stage in the most impressive way.

Do you think the Indian Corporates are building their image properly?

I think, one of the problems that India has is that as a country it is not doing its PR as well as it could and should. Now, you might expect me to say that, but all too often the headlines about India are about their corruption and inefficiency. Now every country has its corruption and sadly my own has been proved recently to be no exception. I think that India has to recognize the need for PR as a country and Indian corporates also need to recognize that they have to promote themselves on the international stage as well as on their local, domestic stage.

Do you mean to say that India is being projected negatively outside?

I think too much of the news that comes out of India tends to have a rather negative aspect to it, yes.

What is the solution?

The solution is to promote the positive, what was the famous song “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative” and I think that in terms of eliminating the negative there is a big job for the Indian government to do in being seen to the grasp the nettle of the corruption that undoubtedly exists but it also exists in many many other parts of the world.

Now that takes me to another broader question about media. You are seeing the European and the Indian media, What do you think about the Indian Media? Are they more sensitive or more sensational?

I don’t think they are more sensational, no. I think that most of the well established Indian newspapers do a very good job of news coverage. I think if you have followed the phone hacking stories, that I know have been covered here as well as in the UK there is no doubt that some of the practices that have caught on in Britain and I suspect in other European and International countries I think, Indian Media have a lot to be extremely proud of. Of course they are not perfect, no media are perfect but I’ve seen them come a long way in a comparatively short time.

What is the suggestion that you are giving to the Indian youth because you are a serial entrepreneur, and you have built institutions.

Well, you are very kind.

I think Indians have a strong streak of entrepreneurialism in them. It would be presumptuous of me to suggest that I can teach the most entrepreneurial nation in the world about how to be good at it. I think what I would say is identifying the opportunity and seizing it, looking at the positive.

I mean the most unfair thing that ever happened to me which caused me to lose a job; a marketing and Public Relations job in an airline turned out to be an opportunity to create a business which if you told me it would end up being listed on the London Stock Exchange, and at that time we floated we were the only Public Relations company with a stock exchange listing anywhere in the world, I would have been amazed. So I think my message to young Indian Entrepreneurs would be

(1) Identify the opportunity
(2) Opportunities are everywhere
(3) Have the courage to grasp it and
(4) Look for the positives in setbacks

What are your suggestions for Indians who are working abroad?

Indian who are working abroad, well I think I would say two things, one is that, and I think they are increasingly learning this, to be infact assimilated into the country as a whole. There was a tendency I think in the past for Indians working abroad to basically gather in small groups, stick together. Now we’ve seen Indians, my good friend Gulam Noon, who has progressed from an MBE, to a knighthood to a position in the House of Lords. Is, I think a very good example of an Indian entrepreneur who has become absorbed into the environment and has become infact a part of it. And I know of many other successful Indian entrepreneurs who have done exactly that.

Thank you very much for joining Pod Universal Show

You are most kind. Thank you for inviting me.

e-Banking Security needs to be stepped up to protect customers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:29:00 +0000

Presently, almost all the banks have introduced core banking facilities and are providing various online transactions. In the past two or three years, the usage of technology in banks have gone many fold.

As at the end of 2011, approximately 1.8 crores of credit cards are in circulation and they contribute around 8000 crores of transactions every month. In the same way, around 26 crores of debit cards are in circulation, creating around 3000 crores of transaction. Besides, the banks have activated around 6.5 crores of online accounts. The banks in India, put together transact around 2 lakh crores of rupees every month towards NEFT, ECS, credit and debit card transactions electronically.

Anticipating such enormous growth, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) set up a Working Group in 2010 under the Chairmanship of Mr G Gopalakrishna, Executive Director of RBI to look into the Information security in banks and suggest measures. Accordingly, the Working Group submitted its draft report to RBI in Jan 2011. RBI sought suggestions from the civil society on the report. After the suggestions were received, the final report was accepted by RBI and they circulated to all the Banks on 29th April 2011, directing the banks to implement the recommendations in a time bound manner.

The Working Group has given 265 recommendations. Before the end of October 2011, the Banks should have completed the formation of various committees for implementation and for drafting IS Policy. They should have also completed the gap analysis.

With this background, Cyber Society of India (CySI) jointly with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) organised a one-day National Seminar on "Banking on e-Security: RBI's Gopalakrishna Working Group" on Friday the 27th Jan 2012 at Chennai.

This is the first time, such a seminar is being organised anywhere in India, after the publication of report. A mention has to be made about Mr M Narendra, CMD of IOB, who took the pro-active efforts and arranged to get Mr Gopalakrishna himself to address the participants from different banks and IT industry.

When Cyber Society of India wrote to all the banks about the seminar and requested their participation, excepting few banks like Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Corporation Bank, Maharashtra Bank, UCO Bank, TNSC Bank, SBI, others did not bother even to acknowledge or enquire about this. Those banks also did not even respond to phone calls.

Even when CySI wrote personally to few Chairmen, requesting them to participate in the inaugural session, they did not even respond, even after several reminders and phone calls.

While, organising this event, CySI was able to realise that bankers were not well equipped to address the seminar confidently. Their knowledge level on this report was also very less. When CySI, requested one of the Bankers to depute their Senior Executive, who is considered an authority on IS Audit, their GMs immediately deputed him to Chennai from Kolkatta. After the concerned Official boarded the flight, the CMD of the Bank ordered him not to go and speak. This is the type of 'attitude' of the top management in many banks. Probably, for every knowledge seeking exercise, they need some 'directions' from the Government or from Regulators. Only very few Chairmen are pro-active.

Cyber Society of India has suggested two measures to RBI for consideration.

1. Presently, banks offer mobile alerts to their customers for their credit card, debit card and online transactions only on request. Due to lack of awareness, many customers have not availed this facility. This leads to lot of cyber crimes, causing pressure to police authorities also. Hence, CySI suggested that mobile alerts should be by 'default' and only if the customers do not want such alert, they should request the bank.

2. Secondly, IS Audit in the banks are not done effectively. Either they do it themselves or get it done through their own known people. Since the banks are not insisting on 'digital signatures' for the transactions, they are exposing the customers to greater risk and privacy issues. Hence, CySI has requested RBI to empanel, qualified IS Auditors and allot the auditors at random directly to the banks. Such independent reports are to be monitored by RBI.

Mr Gopalakrishna said that he would take up with the appropriate authorities at RBI level for consideration.

While addressing the participants, Mr Gopalakrishna also accepted that the implementation in the first six months was not satisfactory. Subsequently, when the media persons asked him, he responded that RBI would take it seriously, if the recommendations are not implemented before October 2012.

The full text of the speech by Mr G Gopalakrishna may be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.cysi.in/docs/CySI_seminar-GG.pdf

PodUniversal Edition 146

You may listen to the complete speech of Mr Gopalakrishna (35 minutes). He covers the important aspects of the report and also the road ahead.

This podcast may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hquNCDSe_A

PodUniversal Edition 147

Please listen to the inaugural speech of Mr M Narendra, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Overseas Bank. (30 minutes).

This podcast may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqwBysiBhSk

"Only a thief will be afraid of investigation and police " - IAC on Lokpal Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:38:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 145

India Against Corruption under the leadership of Anna Hazare has been fighting for a strong Lokpal bill to eliminate corruption in India. Lokpal Bill is pending in Indian Parliament for more than 40 years and is not getting passed for one reason or other.

The recent Commonwealth game scam, 2 G scam have triggered the anger of the general public and the anti-corruption movement in India has occupied the centre stage. Even the recent Tamilnadu Assembly elections has proved the mood of the people.

Since corruption is affecting even the common man, this movement has brought together all the people across the Nation, irrespective of their age, caste, economic conditions, education, etc.

When Anna Hazare went on indefinite fast, demanding a strong Lokpal Bill during August 2011, the entire Lok Sabha assured the Nation to get a Lokpal bill passed in the winter session of 2011. As promised, the Government of India has introduced a draft Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha on 23nd December 2011. The draft bill is coming up for debate from 27th December 2011 in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Anna Hazare has also given a call for 'satyagraha and fast' from 27th December onwards and also to court arrest by way of 'Jail Bharo'. Till this moment, around 70,000 youth in India have registered to go to jail, demanding a strong bill.

Even though, there are criticisms that IAC should not interfere with the functions of the Parliament, IAC is going ahead with their protest.

IAC is not happy with the present format of Lokpal Bill. They want the investigation powers and the Anticorruption wing of CBI to be brought under Lokpal.

With this background, on behalf of PodUniversal, I interviewed Mr Murlidaran, an active volunteer of IAC, Chennai to share the views on behalf of IAC, as to the areas that are causing concern to them.

Please watch and listen to the podcast interview with Mr Murlidaran. (6 m 40 s).

This podcast may also be watched from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snpy74lY8kk

Is Anna Hazare boxed by coterie and self-centered persons?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Team Anna at Chennai on 18th Dec 2011

India Against Corruption, Chennai (IAC) had invited Anna Hazare to Chennai to address the Tamilnadu people. After his acceptance of the invitation, Anna ji promised to visit Chennai via Bangaloru on 18th Dec, 2011.

Many people, irrespective of their state, education, religion and age started admiring Annaji for the past one year, after he took on the Central Government to bring Jan Lokpal. Everybody, including me, started admiring his passion and will power to take on the Government. When he was on fast during August, 2011, many of the members from India Vision Group also showed solidarity with him, by skipping one meal, sitting at their place.

Socially conscious people at Chennai were eager to have of glimpse of Anna Hazare, when he agreed to visit Chennai. I have personally seen the enthusiasm level of youngsters. Around 200 volunteers started working day and night ten days in advance to make the visit of Annaji a memorable one. All of them spent their money out of their pocket in this process.
Though there were lot of confusions about the visit of Annaji, these young volunteers involved themselves actively in the arrangement of venue, logistics for the meeting, media relations, arranging accommodation for Team Anna, travel arrangements, police security aspects, website and social media management, live webcasting of the event, sponsorship arrangement, publicity through posters and phamlets, etc. All their activities were transparent and had frequent meetings within short time to ensure the proper arrangements. I admire the involvement of around 200 young volunteers, who selflessly worked for the visit of Annaji.

Probably for the first time in Chennai, such socially relevant meeting attracted ten thousand people at Pachayappa's College, the venue for the meeting. Due to the efforts of media team, the entire national and regional media were present to cover the event. While at Bangalore none of the Regional TV Channels covered live, here at Chennai, three popular Tamil channels covered the event live from the venue to reach the entire Tamilnadu population.

Then what went wrong and where?

While, Annaji has triggered the emotions of millions of youngsters across the nation, a closer look of Annaji's visit to Chennai revealed lot of hollowness and arrogance in their top leadership. Many people like me, who have been supporting IAC right from the beginning felt that Anna Hazare ji is more boxed by few coterie and selfish people. Annaji, due to his age (74) not able to do anything. I share with you some of my first hand information.

Insulting rural leader

1. The young volunteers team had planned to introduce Anna ji through Mr Elango, Former President of Koothappakkam Panchayat (a national award winner for creating model village). Particularly when the regional channels were telecasting live throughout Tamilnadu and because Annaji was focussing on rural development in his speech, this gesture could have sent a right signal to all the rural Tamilnadu. It appears, in the last minute, the top leaders of IAC at Chennai did not favour a rural man to introduce Annaji and preferrred to show their face through channels. Mr Elango had come to the venue with his rural people. But he was not even given the opportunity by the top leaders even to meet Annaji.

Selfish interest of a bollywood person suppressed public interest.

2. While Annaji had arrived at 11 AM to Chennai, he was straight taken from Airport to a preview theatre to watch a movie on Gandhi. Though, there were requests from Chennai Team and also from Team Anna to postpone the viewing of film after meeting the press and the public, this was not allowed by the Secretary of Anna Hazareji. It appears, the personal interest of some film producer connected with bollywood had taken precedence over Annaji's meeting with the public and press. Chennai volunteers blame Mr Suresh, the Private Secretary of Annaji for this decision. They say that Mr Suresh is all powerful and controls what Annaji has to do.

Losing an opportunity to address Tamilnadu people

3. Though, the volunteers team wanted to hold the press conference with Annaji at Chennai Press Club immediately after his arrival, due to this film show, the press conference was planned at 2.30 PM at the venue of the public meeting. Though, all the national and regional channels were holding their camera for live telecast at 2.30 PM, announcement came from Team Anna that Annaji was taking rest due the earlier film show, where he was sitting through and asked the local team to postpone the press meet to 5.30 PM, after completion of public meeting. Since the arrangement was perfectly made in a secluded place at 2.30 PM for the press conference, this sudden change caused lot of disappointment to the media. Team Anna lost a great opportunity to convey their message to entire Tamilnadu live through various channels. To please a bollywood person, they sacrificed a nice opportunity to address Tamilnadu people.

Arrogant behaviour of Kiran Bedi in public

4. Kiran Bedi who was present along with Annaji visibly behaved in an arrogant manner with every body, including media. She was even shouting at the cameras of the media. While Annaji was on stage, she even had the audacity to say that India Against Corruption movement was started by her along with Arvind Kejriwal and that Annaji joined later as third person. Kiran Bedi's behaviour was not liked by many people in the crowd. Even during the Press Conference held after the public meeting and also during the closed door meeting with NGOs, Kiran Bedi was dominating the entire show. The entire Tamilnadu was watching her arrogance through live telecast. Even the questions put to Annaji was responded by her, without allowing Annaji to speak. It gave an impression that Annaji was being used as a show piece to project the individual image of few persons.

Lack of connectivity to the audience

5. For the first time, they are visiting southern states after the launch of IAC. Already, people in the south, particularly in Tamilnadu have been considering this movement only as a North Indian movement. The movement is yet to reach villages and smaller towns. During Annaji's visit, there was a great opportunity to IAC to take the message to villages, since three major Tamil Channels were telecasting live. Though the young volunteers team had made arrangements for translation line by line from Hindi to Tamil, the top leaders of IAC on the stage did not allow the translation.

When Annaji rose to speak, an announcement was made that there would not be a translation in Tamil. Immediately, Annaji started talking in Hindi. All the channels, who were telecasting, got perplexed. One of them even stopped telecasting for want of translation, as the rural tamilnadu cannot understand Hindi. The audience could not understand his Hindi and they became restless. Some of them started leaving the venue. After 20 minutes, in a hurry, an arrangement was made to get the Hindi speech translated into Tamil. Many of the media people and the public felt that it was a sign of 'arrogance' by IAC leaders who were sitting on the stage. Today's newspapers have also reported about this 'mess up'.

Even when Annaji was speaking, he did not do a home work. He was speaking as if he was speaking in Maharashtra. Probably, he did not have enough experience of addressing such massive people in the South or other states. Team Anna, instead of thrusting their views on the public, could have done some homework on the various aspects of the states, where they are addressing.

While talking about the second freedom movement, Annaji quoted the first freedom struggle. In that context, he started quoting only the names of North Indian freedom fighters. Instead, he could have mentioned the names of great freedom fighters of Tamilnadu and got the claps.

While many of the people who attended the meeting admired Annaji's passion, they disliked the behaviour of the top leaders of IAC showing arrogance in public even before the media.

Meeting with friends of IAC

6. After the public meeting, IAC, Chennai had organised meeting with 'Friends of IAC'. They had invited few retired top bureaucrats and some of the social workers who are doing great job silently, to interact with Annaji. Even during that meeting, Kiran Bedi was dominating in the scene. Even when some of the senior people were giving their views in the closed-door meeting, they were not listening properly and thrusted their views.

One Mr Balasubramanian (aged 60), a tea stall owner. who has been spearheading a movement called 'Kodambakam 2020' along with hundreds of youngsters was also one of the invitees. A few months back, on hearing about him, Dr Abdul Kalam invited Balasubramanian to meet him. Dr Kalam made a reference about his passion when he was visiting Sanfransisco. Balasubramanian looks very simple. Balasubramanian asked Annaji a question. "Annaji, today around ten thousand people have visited the public meeting of their own accord. They are passionate people. How do you plan to make use of them". Though, it was addressed to Annaji, Kiran Bedi took the mike and asked him, "Sir, do you know who is your MLA? do you know who is your MP? If you do not know, why are you asking this question". Mr Balasubramanian could not understand the connection between his question and Kiran Bedi's counter question.

Being a simple man, he did not argue and sat. But he felt insulted by the behaviour of Kiran Bedi. The same simple looking person, who was invited by Dr Abdul Kalam few months back for discussion, was insulted by Kiran Bedi without even bothering to know about the background. I am just sharing this in public, how Kiran Bedi has behaved arrogantly even with a simple looking social worker.

How volunteers react?

7. As one of the admirers of Annaji, i felt sad by the behaviour of people around him. I contacted few of the volunteers who were working for this event for the past many days, taking leave of absence from their office. Even they shared lot of things. There seems to be no representation from Chennai in the core team of IAC at national level. Annaji made an announcement openly in the public meeting, that they were adding members from south. There is an active volunteers team at Chennai. They want the core team members with 'impeccable integrity' and without any 'selfish motive' to be selected in consultation with volunteers, instead of nominating one more coterie.

Conclusion

I had a very great view on the IAC and its functions. Annaji's visit to Chennai has shown visibly, how arrogant their top leaders, how they give scant respect for the local sentiments, how they do not want to listen to others and want others only listen to them. I also observed 'selfish interest' dominated over the 'public interest'.

I strongly feel, that Annaji is 'boxed' by few dominating leaders like Kiran Bedi, who never allowed Annaji to give answers to media.
Millions of people in this country have shown faith on the integrity of Annaji. On behalf of millions of admirers of Annaji, i request IAC to debate within themselves and come out clean.

While they preach 'transparency' to the Government, they should be more 'transparent' and show to the world.

Jai Hind

Proper energy mix only can lead to energy independence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:06:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 144

In the recent weeks, the protesters of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project have been demanding the closure of all nuclear projects in India and to generate power through other resources. In order to understand the feasibility and suitability for Indian conditions, we had a discussion with Mr V Ponraj, Advisor to former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Mr Ponraj, along with Dr Kalam has visited all the Nuclear Power Stations in India and few of the major Reactors in other countries. Mr Ponraj has been assisting Dr Abdul Kalam now, to prepare the vision documents. We have also earlier published the 39 page report of Dr Abdul Kalam on the Indian energy status and the safety of Kudankulam projects in our Tamil blog.

Present energy status in India

Presently India is generating around 1.50 lakh MW of Power from different sources. Out of this, 89% of electricity is generated out of natural resources like coal (56%), water (25%), wind (5%), Solar (0.2%) and nuclear (3%). The balance of 11% power is generated out of gas and oil.

Future requirement

As per Goldman Sachas Report, BRIC Nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China) may contribute to 49% of the world economy by 2020 from the present level of 36%. India is growing at a rate of 9 to 10% per annum. This development will increase the need for more electricity. At this rate, by 2020, India may need around 4.00 lakh MW of power and by 2030, we may need 9.50 MW of power.

Environment pollution through power generation

Presently, every year, the entire world is generating 30 billion tons of 'Greenhouse Gas', which pollutes the environment. Of this nearly 26% is generated through electricity generation, as per IPCC report. Such environment pollution leads to global warming and change of climate.

Annually around 20 lakh people die in the world due to environment pollution and 1.40 lakh die due to climate changes. This includes the death of around 5.50 lakh people annually due to the environment pollution caused by power generation.

Green Energy

Now world over, all the countries are fighting against global warming spending more than 300 billion dollars to protect the environment. To the extent possible, they want to avoid power generation using the fuel like coal, gas, oil which may pollute the environment. Even availability coal may not last long. Hence, the concept of 'Green Energy' has become popular. 'Green energy' means, producing electricity using the resources which may not cause pollution. Only solar, wind and nuclear and bio-fuel sources can generate green energy.

Need for energy mix to achieve energy independence.

If a country can produce the electricity fully to their needs from various sources, then it is called 'energy security'. If the same electricity is generated out of wind, solar, nuclear and bio-fuel, then it is called 'energy independence'. We need to move from 'energy security' to 'energy independence'. This is possible only through 'Green energy'.

Generation of electricity in a country depends on (1) availability of resources like wind, solar, water, coal, uranium, etc. (2) accessibility to such resources and (3) cost effective technology availability to generate electricity.

No country can depend on a single source for generation of power for different reasons. It varies from countries to countries. We may have plenty of resources, but technology may not be available or accessibility to such sources will not be there. Hence, they need to tap different sources. Hence, proper 'energy mix' is needed to be planned, basing on the above three factors and also the cost aspect.

Efficiency of different sources

Presently solar cells have efficiency of 20% and researches are going on to increase the efficiency to 30 to 40%. This model needs around 10 to 12 crores per MW.

Presently, the efficiency factor for wind energy is around 30% and cost is around 7 to 8 crores per MW.

Currently, the efficiency level for good coal is around 58% and involves the cost aspect of 4 to 5 crores per MW.

The only energy source which is 100% efficient is the nuclear energy. This involves the cost of around 6 to 7 crores per MW.

Generally, as said earlier, wind, solar, nuclear and bio-fuel are the cleanest energy sources to produce 'Green energy'.

At this present level, India can generate additionally 80,000 MW through coal, 50,000 MW through water, 55,000 MW through solar sources, 60,000 MW through wind and 50,000 MW through nuclear sources by 2030.

Kalam-NSS Space Solar energy initiative.

While solar energy is available in the land only for 12 hours, the same energy is available all the time in the space. This is called 'space solar energy;. Dr Abdul Kalam has been working on this to generate electricity from space solar, which can benefit the entire world. For this purposes, National Space Society has set up an research initiative in the name of 'Kalam-NSS Space Solar energy initiative' to research on this. This is a long term project. Their aim is to bring energy independence by 2030 by producing only clean/green energy.

Podcast of Mr V Ponraj

In this context, we had a discussion with Mr V Ponraj, Advisor to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Please watch/listen to his interesting conversation. (10 minutes).

This can also be watched from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auVgSVJOkC8

How to manage the competition through 'competitive intelligence'?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:11:00 +0000

After the globalisation, every company is competing with each other to secure their share of business. Even the countries are competing with each other to get other's market.

In spite of the huge population and non-transparent communist Government, China is now competing globally with US and other European countries. Even India is looking at China as a major competitor.

What makes China to become globally powerful? Is it their product capability only? The major reason for China's success is the 'competitive intelligence'.

During the recent visit to India, Prof. Muralidharan of Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Sydney in an exclusive interview for PodUniversal explained in detail about the secrets behind China's success story. He even suggested that instead of looking at China as a competitor, India needs to develop partnership with them.

"Instead of fearing about the competition, learn from the competitors", he said. In the conversation, he also explained the concepts of business intelligence and the competitive intelligence. He regretted that Indian companies do not attach much importance to the competitive intelligence, to manage the competition.

He visited India recently, to conduct a workshop at Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai and we have also covered about this workshop in detail in our earlier posting.

Prof. Muralidharan can be reached at murali2000@hotmail.com

Please listen to his interview (8 minutes)

This podcast interview may also be listened form the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8eY2wWhIQA

Fear of Koodangulam project is unfounded - Scientific facts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:25:00 +0000

Dr Abdul Kalam and Mr V Ponraj

Now Koodangulam Nuclear Power station is facing crisis. After an investment of Rs.15,000 crores and work of more than a decade, this nuclear power station is ready to produce 2000 MW of power within a month or two. When the production is to start in a few weeks, some of the activists along with villagers have been protesting against the nuclear power station. They have even met the Prime Minister and requested him to close down the power station. They are creating the fear among the villagers that this nuclear power station may also generate radiation and cause death, if an earthquake or Tsunami happens in future, like Japan's Fukushima.

With this background, on behalf of our group, I interviewed Mr V Ponraj, Advisor to Dr Abdul Kalam former President of India. Mr Ponraj is also a well known scientist. Mr Ponraj explains the scientific facts about nuclear energy. Excerpt from the interview.

Q: Villagers have fear about Koodangulam project. They fear that the radiation may cause death, if earthquake or tsunami happens in future. They are quoting Japan's recent Fukushima example. What is your view?

A: Koodangulam and Kalpakkam are in earthquake zone No 2 with lower risk of earthquake. Nowhere in the world, earthquake zone 2 has suffered any major earthquake leading to death so far. Japan's Fukushima is in earthquake zone 5. Besides, the japan power plant belongs to generation 1, constructed 40 years back. Since Earthquake and Tsunami happened simultaneously, the power plant got affected. That power plant had the backup of only 8 hours of power supply. Hundreds of people died only because of earthquake and tsunami. As per the report, not even one person died out of radiation due to the Fukkushima Accident. A wrong propaganda is being spread in India by some vested interests against Koodangulam safety quoting Fukushima.

Koodangulam is in Earthquake zone 2, which is less prone to heavy earthquake. The Tsunamigenic plate (Sunda ARC) is located 1500 KM Southwest away from Koodangulam. Even if Tsunami orginates due to severe earthquake in that Sunda ARC region , it may not have serious impact at Koodangulam since it is not located straight to that tsunamigenic plate, it is located in a very safe place in the eastern side where it is protected by Srilanka island. Even in the 2004 Tsunami, the impact on Koodangulam was less.

since the direct impact can only hit Nagapattinam, it hit that location in 2004. It was because, 2004 Tsunami was the cause of the earthquake originated in Indonesia/Sumatra in the eastern part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – Tsunamigenic plate. Hence there is no question of Earthquake beyond 6 Ricter scale and Tsunami happening at Koodankulam site. These fears are unfounded. Even if earthquake and tsunami happens the Koodankulam is built to withstand both.

Further, the 'spent fuel', is being stored 20 feet below the earth level in a two level protected concrete structure with 1.20 meter thick walls with a gap of 6 feet and then another wall covering that. Even assuming an earthquake of Richter scale 6 happens, it may not affect the storage of the spent fuel complex. The spent fuel is not mixed with sea, as propagated. No waste or spent fuel is mixed with sea. It is only the coolant water, which does not have any radiation except the 5 degree warm temperature is released to the sea, which is well within the limits of 7 degree. The research studies conducted by 7 reputed institutions have proved that there is no threat to the marine life due to this water release.

While Japan Fukushima had only 8 hours of power supply, Koodangulam has the provision for more than 400 times of requirement of alternate power supply. Besides, we can run the power station for many number of days with diesel also in case of emergency. Now in India, all the nuclear power stations are in the process of getting upgraded to 3rd and 4th generation model.

Any nuclear power station can be built in any part of the world, only after lot of clearances. Now the rules are stringent. Government will invest such huge sums of money, only after the approval by various scientific bodies and regulatory bodies.

The fears of certain Koodangulam representatives are unfounded and not based on scientific views. They can be rest assured that this power station is very very safe.

Q: What is the present status of power stations and what are the plans for future?

A: Presently, India is generating only 60% of its total requirement as on today, that means we are able to produce only around 150,000 MW of power. By 2020, India may need to generate 4 lakh MW of power.

Of this 1.50 lakh MW production of power, India produces only 4750 MW through 20 nuclear power stations. That means only around 2.8 percent is produced through nuclear power stations. Rest are from thermal, hydro, wind and solar sources.

By 2020, India plans to produce 50,000 MW under nuclear source, 60,000 MW under wind, 55,000 MW under thermal, 50,000 MW under hydro and 50,000 MW under solar sources. India is generating power from different sources.

To generate 1 MW of power under hydro, we need an investment of approximately Rs.3 crores, for thermal, we need approximately around Rs. 4 crores, for nuclear, we need 6 to 7 crores crores; for solar, we need 12 crores and for wind, we need 7 to 8 crores.

Nuclear power is clean and does not pollute the environment and it is carbon-dioxide CO2 free. To put things into perspective, imagine a kilometer long train, with about 50 freight bogies, all fully laden with the most typical fossil fuel – about 10,000 tonnes of coal. The same amount of energy can be generated by amount 500 kg of Type-1 fuel naturally occurring Uranium (contains 3.5 kg Uranium-235 fuel), enough to barely fill the boot of a small car.

We can not depend on coal endlessly. It is found that availability of coal reserve in the world will last only for 30 years. Power generation through hydro, solar and wind sources is highly dependent on the monsoon. Only nuclear power can be produced endlessly.

India has the second largest thorium deposit in the world. Within a decade or two, we will graduate to thorium. Our scientists are already on the job. That will help us to generate more power.

Q: How other developed countries use the nuclear energy? Activists report that France is shutting down their nuclear power stations for safety reasons. Is it right?

A: The developed countries are power surplus countries. We are a power deficit country. Hence there is a lot of difference to achieve the target of total energy requirement in various available forms in india compared to our economic growth rate of 9% to 10% for the next 10 years.

Many of the developed countries like US, France have surplus power. US is generating 1.50 lakh MW power through nuclear energy and it constitutes around 19% of the total power generation.

France is generating 0.50 lakh MW power through nuclear sources. It is 74% of their power generation. Unlike India, France is more dependent on nuclear power. (India has only 2.8%). Also, they are generating surplus power. Japan generates 0.30 lakh MW nuclear power (29% of their total power generation). Germany is generating 0.5. lakh MW nuclear power (28% of their power generation).

Germany decided to phase out nuclear power by 2022, not because of the fear out of Fukkushima accident, but they have exhausted the uranium resource. Out of 3400 tonnes of their uranium requirement, now they are able to mine only 68 tonnes, the rest is being imported. Hence in their energy security policy, uranium import found to be not cost effective beyond 2022, rather they can very well use the other forms of energy generation from their own natural resources. Hence every country is free to decide their own energy security requirement, india is trying to achieve energy independence through its own policy.

You cannot ask India to follow the models of other countries, just because they are doing differently. Every country is unique based on their economic development and growth. The power surplus countries are growing only at 2% to 4% GDP growth rate, while India is growing at 9%,GDP growth rate in spite of the power shortage. We should not compare with other countries, as other countries have different production capacity. None of these countries are shutting down their nuclear stations for the fear of safety reasons.

Q: How to remove the fear of villagers about the nuclear energy and radiation?

A: As I said earlier, the fear of local people are unfounded, it is created. Nuclear energy is a clean energy without polluting the environment.

Japan suffered US bombing during world war. That was uncontrolled nuclear energy. But nuclear power stations are 'controlled nuclear energy'.

All the electronic gadgets like TV, computers, mobile phones, etc. are also generating radiation. We have learnt to manage these radiations.

The Government and Media should remove the fears of the local people through scientific facts and explaining them in the way they understand. Indian scientists are of world class and highly patriotic. They will not do anything, which can harm the nation. Just like we go to a professional doctor and accept the suggestions prescribed by him with belief, we should also trust our own scientists who are respected world over and leave the job to them.

I also suggest to visit the site and go throughthe contents.

http://www.world-nuclear.org/education/whyu.htm

'competitive intelligence' is essential to manage competition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:51:00 +0000

One group working on competitive strategies in the 'War Game'.
Prof. Prakash Sai (IIT) and Prof. Murali Dharan (MGSM) looking on

Department of Management Studies (Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai) jointly with Madras Management Association and Macquarie Graduate School of Management (Macquarie University, Sydeny) organised a two-day workshop for the senior corporate executives on 'Business and Corporate Intelligence" on 28th and 29th October 2011.

In the highly competitive world, all the companies are required to compete globally to fight for their space. Before preparing for the competition, the companies need to spend enough time to know about their competitors also. This is known as 'competitive intelligence'. It should be done in a legal and ethical way. It is reported that many of the Indian Corporates do not take the 'competitive intelligence' seriously and hence they lose many good projects. China is one of the good examples of using competitive intelligence and hence, they are dominating in the world as a powerful nation.

Probably for the first time in India (since no data is available), IIT has organised this workshop to create an awareness about 'competitive intelligence among the Indian Corporates. .

As part of the workshop, they also organised a 'War Game'. They divided the participants into four groups. Each group represented one major existing company viz. Infosys, TCS, Accenture and IBM. The groups were given before hand the real profile of each company and they were also advised to collect more details about their company and their competitors through various other sources.

An Imaginary Government e-Health project worth of 10 billion dollars, spread over 10 years was given as the project for 'bidding'. The groups have to prepare their competitive strategies based on their strength and the competitors' strength.

Finally, all the groups were made to present their strategies for evaluation. The concept of 'War Game' can also be used in the training workshops. It is reported that some of the major MNCs use this 'War Game' concept within themselves, to understand more about their competitors. Some of their own employees will be made to represent their competitors in their 'in-house war game'.

At this stage, I am reminded of a Thirukkural, by Saint Thiruvalluvar who wrote this following couplet 2000 years back. This Thirukkural summarises how modern day corporates can manage the competition.

வினை வலியும் தன் வலியும் மாற்றான் வலியும்
துணை வலியும் தூக்கிச்செயல் - Thirukkural 471

(Before undertaking any task, weigh judiciously (1) the nature of the task on hand, (2) your own strength, (3) Competitor's strength and (4) the strength of your support team, allies and partners.)

PodUniversal Edition 142

This Thirukkural shows, how important is the 'Competitive intelligence' before undertaking any task. Please watch 8 minutes interview on this workshop.

This video may also be watched from http://youtu.be/6eouWvA7IlM

Sabarmati Ashram, the key place where Mahatma Gandhi took historic decisions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Mahatma Gandhi's room, where he used to meet
the visitors. Only in this room many historic decisions
relating to freedom struggle were taken

PodUniversal Edition 141

After returning from South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi set up a Satyagraha Ashram at Kocharab at Ahamedabad on 25th May 1915. The Ashram was then shifted to the banks of river Sabarmati on 17th June 1917. At that time, Mahatma said, "This is the right place for our activities to carry on the search for truth and develop fearlessness, for on one side are the iron bolts of the foreigners, and on the other the thunderbolts of Mother Nature."

As predicted by Mahatma, this place proved to be the most significant place during the freedom struggle. Many national leaders like Pandit Nehru, Vinobha ji, Sardar Patel, Rajaji have visited this place and took historic decisions.

Mahatma lived in this Ashram till 12th March 1930. On that day, he started his famous Dandi Salt Satyagraha Yatra from this place with 78 freedom fighters protesting against the tax levied by British rule on Salt. This Dandi March and the simultaneous march led by Shri Rajaji in the South were important events in ths history of Indian freedom struggle and galvanised the people. More than 60,000 freedom fighters courted arrest and their properties were seized by the British Government.

Mahatma Gandhi decided to disband the Ashram on 22nd July 1933, as many of the freedom fighters were in Jails. Thereafter, the local people, took the initiative of preserving the Ashram as monument. On 10th May 1963, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the Gandhi Museum and it was made as a National monument. Till date, this historic place is being preserved well, in the original condition, to provide inspiration for the future generation.

When Mahatma left this Ashram on 12th March 1930 for Dandi Yatra, he vowed to return to Ashram only after India's freedom. Unfortunately, due to partition and communal riots, Mahatma could not even participate in the Independence day celebrations at Delhi.

Since he was assasinated in 1948, he could not visit the Sabarmati Ashram again during his life time.

Sabarmati Ashram is an important place, which provided inspiration to Mahatma Gandhi to plan and initiate the freedom movement. Every Indian citizen should visit this place atleast once in his life time.

Please watch a brief video (6 minutes) on the Sabarmati Ashram.

This video may also be viewed from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkpcJgiU08M

Make Lokpal as Constitutional Authoiry to fight corruption

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:46:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 140

As I publish this Podcast, Anna Hazare's fast has entered 7th day and many youth in India have come on streets demanding Jan Lokpal bill to be accepted by the Government of India. Already the Government has introduced Lokpal bill in the Parliament. Jan Lokpal Bill provides more teeth to fight corruption.

With this background, I spoke to Mr Era Sezhiyan, a well known octogenarian Parliamentarian and Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India to get their views on this bill.

Both of them are of the view that Lokpal is to be made as a Constitutional Authority like Supreme Court, CAG and Election Commission. For this purpose, they suggest a constitutional amendment to be introduced in the Parliament, instead of a bill for an Act. Also, Mr Krishna Murthy says that CVC and CBI are to be brought under Lokpal to fight corruption.

Please listen to their views in the Podcast (6 minutes).

This audio may also be listened from the following link. If you want to download this audio, right click this link and save to your desktop as MP3 file. (5 MB)

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857547

Many youngsters on indefinite fast at Chennai supporting JanLokpal since 16th August.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:18:00 +0000

37 young professionals and students are on indefinite fast at IAC, Chennai for the fourth day in support of Jan Lokpal and Anna Hazare. This includes ten college students who are in the age group of 18 and 19. Yesterday (18th Aug 2011), I visited the venue where India Against Corruption volunteers were fasting at Chennai. Besides, more than 50 persons were fasting on a relay fast.

Screen shot of fourth day (19 August 2011) at 10 AM taken
through the live stream at www.iacchennai.org

There were hundreds of volunteers, who were shouldering various responsibilities like lie stream, taking care of people who were on fast, attending to media and VIPs, creating public awareness, etc. meticulously. When I visited the venue on the third day morning, more than 5000 volunteers had already registered.

I spoke to few of the youngsters who were fasting from 16th August 2011 onwards, when Anna Hazare was arrested. Even though, they were visibly looking tired because of three days continuous fast, they spoke to me energetically that they would not stop the fast, until the Government accepts the Jan Lokpal bill.

I made a podcast feature on the third day event by IAC Chennai. I also took the interviews from these brave, patriotic, UnSung heroes. Please watch this video. (6 minuts)

This video may also be viewed from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJf6OtGB8R0

Government Lokpal bill vs Jan Lok Pal bill - What are the differences?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:27:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 138
Government of India has now introduced the Lokpal Bill 2011 in the Parliament recently in the monsoon session. 'India Against Corruption' team lead by Anna Hzare has rejected the draft of the Lokpal bill. They have demanded a more powerful Lokpal bill to be passed by Parliament. They have also drafted a 'Jan Lokpal bill' and circulated among the people. The Lokpal bill envisages to eradicate the corruption and punish the corrupt people.

Now the Indian media is debating the difference between these two drafts. Meanwhile, Anna Hazare team is planning to start an indefinite fast from 16th August 2011, to force the Government to make the Lokpal bill more meaningful.

It is quite interesting to note that under the recommendations of Administrative Reforms Commission, the first Lokpal bill was introduced in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1968. For one or reason or other, the Lokpal bill is not passed by both the houses of Parliament, even after 43 years. Now with the emergence of various scams like 2G, CWG, etc. this Lokpal bill assumes greater significance in India, to eradicate corruption.

There is a lot of confusion among the common men, about the real differences between the Government bill and Jan Lokpal bill. To inorder to get the real insight, we interviewed Dr Bhavana Upadyaya, a communication teacher and professional. She was educated at US and was working in New Mexico University as a lecturer in communication. She has been living in US for the past 10 years. On hearing about the corruption issues in India, she returned to India to join the 'India Against Corruption' movement along with Anna Hazare and fight against the corruption.

In an exclusive interview to PodUniversal, she has explained the major differences between these two drafts. Please listen to her interview by clicking play button. (7 minutes).

This interview may also be listened from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiCRncalg2w

Cyber espionage is the greatest threat to Corporates globally

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:47:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 137

In the earlier days, Corporate espionage used to be a mild threat to successful companies. The competitors or enemies used to follow some traditional methods of planting their people in the target company as a regular employee, verifying the dust bin, etc.

Now the with technological growth, all the corporate houses are using computers and network. All the important data is stored in the internal server, which is also connected to the network. Even the top companies do not follow the cyber security procedures properly.

In order to sensitise the corporates on the 'cyber security' issue, on behalf of PodUniversal, we spoke to Mr J Prasanna, CEO, AVS Labs. Mr Prasanna is one of the Cyber Security experts. According to him, cyber espionage takes place through (1) Email system (2) Company Websites and (3) Internal server. Mr Prasanna also says that every month 20 to 30 top companies in India are targetted and more than 3000 mails are being watched. He also adds that very unfortunately, many corporates do not know even that they are being targetted. In such circumstances, all the companies need to strengthen their 'cyber security' and train their technical professionals to counter such espionage.

Please watch this interview by clicking 'play' button. (6 m 40 sec)

This video may also be watched from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoTAU_7g0Go

Job opportunities in healthcare 'Revenue cycle management' - Ajuba CEO exclusive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:19:00 +0000

US entrepreneurs nowadays have started preferring India for setting up their business units. Though many countries are in the race, India is the most preferred country for them, because of 'english speaking' workforce, commitment, stability of democracy and judiciary, etc.

Mr Tony Mira, CEO, Ajuba Group

Last week, I had the opportunity of meeting Mr Tony Mira, President and CEO of MiraMed, a Michigan (USA) based company. MiraMed owns Ajuba International in USA and Ajuba Solutions in India. Ajuba group is a 'healthcare revenue cycle management' company. They service 25 US based leading companies in healthcare. He was on a short visit to India.

Revenue cycle management involves medical coding, medical billing. transaction processing, and Account Receivable (AR) follow up, etc. Due to strict regulations in US, this job involves more level of complexities.

According to Mr Tony Mira, around 1800 employees are working in Chennai. India is a good destination for US companies for setting up 'Revenue cycle management' outsourcing centres for healthcare. More such business opportunities are available from all over the world, besides US, Ajuba plans to increase their workforce to 4000 by 2014.Ajuba is also rated as one of the top 25 ' Great places' to work in India.

In an exclusive interview with me for PodUniversal, Mr Tony Mira said that there is a great career prospects for Indian youth in this field. The potential candidates should hold minimum of a gradulation with good spoken and written skills in English. They should also possess good analytical skils, as the job involves complex transactions. Since Revenye Cycle Management job involves some improved skills, the compensation is also higher than the other outsourcing companies. In addition, the candidates get the opportunity for certification and training and developing domain expertise.

Interested suitable candidates may also send their CV to them at careers@ajubanet.net.

Please watch the interview with Mr Tony Mira (5 m 38s)

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advises all banks to follow information security norms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Cyber Society of India (CySI), a non-profit organisation formed to create cyber law/security awareness organised an one-day workshop on cyber crimes and cyber security at University of Madras premises, Chennai. Mr N S Vishwanathan, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Chennai inaugurated the workshop and also explained in brief the guidelines given by 'Gopalakrishna Commitee Report' to the banks on information security.

Mr N Vittal (left) receives the Life Time Achievement Award
from Mr N S Vishwanathan

Mr N Vittal, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner of India was honoured with 'Life Time Achievement Award'. Mr P W C Davidar IAS, who was earlier the IT Secretary of Government of Tamilnadu and the first Adjudicator of Tamilnadu under Information Technology Act was also conferred with 'CySI Fellowship'.

Many experts from Reserve Bank of India, commercial banks, IT industry shared their views in the workshop on the various challenges faced by the consumers in the electronic banking and the urgent need to step up the information security.

Immediately after the inauguration, we interviewed Mr N S Vishwanathan, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India in the corridors of the University on the 'Gopalakrishna Committee Report'.
For the information of readers, Reserve Bank of India set up a working group in April 2010 under the chairmanship of Mr G Gopalakrishna, presently Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India to look into the various aspects of Information security and suggest guidelines to all the banks in India. Accordingly, the Committee submitted its report to RBI, who accepted the report. The Committee report was circulated to all the banks on 29th April 2011 for impelmentation. The report may be downloaded by 'right clicking this link and saving to your desktop'.

This 174 page report gives more responsibility on the banks to implement information security systems and also to educate the customers on ebanking. Please listen to the interview of Mr N S Vishwanathan, who explains the various aspects of this report in brief (5 minutes).

Please watch the photo stream of the workshop.

What is Aadhaar? How to get Unique Identification Number?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:38:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 134

Aadhaar is a 12 digit identification number, issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all the residents of India. In the recent days, it is being talked about in the media. UIDAI has named this Unique Identification Number as 'Aadhaar', which means 'foundation' or 'base' in many Indian languages. This Aadhaar is going to be the base for many things in future, to all the residents.

Though it is being talked about in media, many people do not know about the Unique Identification Number, how it is being issued, How to get this number, etc. In order to provide such basic information, on behalf of PodUniversal, we inerviewed Mr K K Sharma, Asst. Director General of UIDAI. You may listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (8 minutes).

For more information about Aadhar, please also visit their site http://uidai.gov.in/

This interview may also listened from the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgTz8AbboLI

Quality Circle - A two-way communication tool to resolve problems in organisations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 133

'Quality Circle' is a tool developed by Japan in early 1980s, to involve the employees and to develop two way communication model. Many of the Indian manufacturing Companies in India, like TVS Group, Ashok Leyland, Maruti, etc. started encouraging 'Quality Circle' in their companies even in the early 1980s.

Quality Circle is a two-way communication tool, to identity and resolve the problems in the organisations. The commitment and involvement of the management is higly essential in the formation of Quality Circle. Quality Circle is a small group of voluntary members coming together to identify and resolve the problems in any organisation.

Quality Circle can be formed for any purposes, where identification and resolution are needed. Maximum number of members in the Quality Circle can be 10, to be more effective. There will be a 'facilitator' on behalf of the management to be the bridge between the top management and the quality circle. The members will elect a 'leader' and 'deputy leader' among themselves to coordinate the activities.

Quality Circle meetings will be held during 'office hours' only. An organisation can have any number of Quality Circles, depending on the need.

In the first stage, management encourages the formation of 'Quality Circle' in every department, out of the volunteers. Nobody should be compelled to be part of the Quality Circle, and it is purely voluntary, irrespective of their cadre and position. Then the Quality Circle members will elect their leader and deputy leader.

In the next stage, they will identity the problems in their own department and prioritise the issues. After identification of issues and prioritisation they will take the problems one by one for solving. Through brain storming techniques, the group will try to find the best solution for the problems.

V K Venkataramani

Many of the traidtional companies have been encouraging this Quality Circle concept. It is a bottom-top approach and it involves the employees. The new generation companies also have similar project meetings. But in most of the cases, they are only 'top-down' approach. The new generation companies also can try to introduce Quality Circle Concept to resolve their problems.

In an exclusive interview with PodUniversal, Mr V K Venkataramani, one of the Quality Consultants explains the concept and the step by step procedures. Please listen to his interview (5 minutes) by clicking the 'play' button in the player.

The interview also may be listened from the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvwY8-mMT1Q

Dr Tamara Gillis speaks on 'Employee Communication'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 16:44:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 132

Presently, almost all the corporates consider HR as the most challenging one. Public Sector organisations face the problem of 'lack of motivation'. Private Sector organisations face the challenge of 'retaining the talents'. Eery organisation wants to be a 'preferred employer'.

Dr Tamara L Gillis

Many times, the Corporates consider a celebrity (actor or sports person) as their 'Brand Ambassadors'. Seldom they realise, that their own employees are the real brand ambassadors for their products and services.

Right from CEO, all are too busy and unable to find time to look at the 'Employee communication'. Unless the 'employee communication' is strengthened, the companies would find it difficult to manage the competition.

With this in mind, on behalf of PodUniversal, we interviewed Dr Tamara L Gillis, Professor of Communication, Elizebethtown College, Pennsylvania, USA. She is one of the experts in Employee Communication and she has written a book, to be published shortly on the organisational communication. She was on a short visit to Chennai recently and she was invited to interact with the participants of PR workshop in Indian Overseas Bank. The interview was recorded during that time.

Please listen to her interview by clicking 'play button' ( 4 minues)

The interview may also be watched from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6ZhTL36BnY

Dr Subramanian Swamy shares his secrets of 'perseverance'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:50:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 131

Presently, many people want to achieve their goal. When they face difficulties or failure, they get disheartened and lose their enthusiasm to pursue their mission. We commonly see this phenomenon among the younger generation. Dr Subramanian Swamy, President of Janata Party is known for his perseverance.

Dr Subramanian Swamy

During early 1970s, when Indira Gandhi imposed emergency in India, Dr Swamy was issued with the arrest warrant. Braving all challenges, he entered into Parliament and presented his views and escaped to other countries. Now, when, all the media have been writing about 2G scam for the past two years, only because of the sustained efforts of Dr Swamy through judicial route, many arrests were made possible.

On behalf of PodUniversal, we requested him for an exclusive interview for the Diamond Jubilee edition of ezine (Feb 2011 issue) to get the tips for 'perseverance'. During our interview, he shared his views in a simple manner. Excerpts from his interview:

"Out put of your efforts is not directly proportional to the efforts. Some time, you you put in lot of efforts and get nothing; Some time, with least efforts, you get lot. The same is described in Bhawad Gita as 'karma theory'. Every one should pursue the goal without tension, putting the best efforts. If you understand and develop this attitude, 'perseverance' comes. If you get disheartened, perseverance evaporates.
Generally, people are averse to taking risks. You can not achieve anything without taking risks. When you take the risk, there is a probability of failure also. Risk taking attitude should be developed.
Perseverance is the amalgam of multiple intelligences like emotional intelligence, social intelligence, moral intelligence and spiritual intelligence. India is known for the spiritual intelligence, which connects to cosmos."

Please watch and listen to his inspiring interview by clicking the 'play' button. (10 minutes).

You can also watch this interview in the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_JoQZeRmsw

Institutional leadership is more important than individual leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:09:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 130

Many people, when they assume power and position, they become 'changed' persons in their attitude and humility. They do not realise that their position and power are not permanent and only temporary. When they allow the 'position and power' enter into their mind, they would suffer mentally after retirement or when they lose the power.

I have witnessed several such persons, who were not able to balance their mind, when they get into higher position. At the same time, I have also personally witnessed many persons like Dr Abdul Kalam (Former President of India), Mr S Narendra (Former Information Advisor to Prime Minister). Mr T S Krishna Murthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India), Mr N Gopalaswamy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India) and few others remaining mentally balanced when they were holding the highest offices in their career. Such people decorated the 'position', instead of getting 'decorated'. They continue to be respected even after their leaving the high offices.

M Narendra

Mr M Narendra, who recently took over as Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Overseas Bank is one such professional, who is not affected by the position and power. I personally know him for nearly three decades. Still, he remains as the same person, whom I have seen 30 years back. When I sought his appointment for a podcast interview, his office gave me the time at 10 am on the next day.

I went to his office at 9.45 am along with another senior communication professional. I was sitting in the lobby reading some magazines. A smartly dressed person who entered the lobby said 'Hi, Srinivasan. How are you? I will call you in two minutes' and shook my hands and went away. My friend thought, that the person who came to me was a senior officer of the Chairman's Secretariat. He just asked me, "Who is he?". I said, "He is Mr Narendra, Chairman of IOB". My friend had a shock of his life. He has seen many Corporates and met with top people of both private and public sector. For a moment, he could not realise that a Chairman of a big public sector bank could be very simple.

Sharp at 10 am, he invited me to his chamber and after mutual pleasantries, I recorded his 6 minutes interview. When I asked him what was the secret behind his success, he immediately responded by saying (1) his passion to excel, (2) not getting satisfied with his own achievement and bench marking with other visionaries who have achieved more and (3) enabling his team also to succeed. He was giving more focus on 'Institutional leadership, than individual leadership'.

Please listen to his inspiring interview.( 6 minutes)

The interview also may be watched/listed from the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaszGg5vngI

Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi speaks on 'electoral and political reforms'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:26:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 129

National Election Watch conducted their 7th National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms at Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai on 12th and 13th Feb 2011. The current Chief Election Commissioner of India and Former Chief Election Commissioners, political leaders, NGOs participated to discuss the theme.

Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal and the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Rajaji inaugurated the Conference. In his speech, he traced the history and quoted how in the past, great national leaders were giving importance to electoral and political integrity.

His inspiring speech may be downloaded in the pdf format (80k) from the following link:

http://www.prpoint.com/gopalkrishnagandhi-speech-120211.pdf

Please watch and listen to excerpts from the speech of Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi (10 minutes).

The video may also be watched from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRfdZiwQjYs

Business Communication Course at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan sets the trend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:14:00 +0000

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai launched an unique skill based Business Communication Course for the working professionals in July 2010. This is a week-end course spread over 120 hours (20 week ends - 40 days x 3 hours each) focussing only on skill development. 15 experts and 10 CEOs/achievers handled the sessions. The course was launched by Dr Abdul Kalam in July 2010 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

L to R: K. Srinivasan, N Ravi, M Narendra,
T S Krishna Murthy. K N Ramaswamy and Vaidyanathan

The convocation to distribute the certificates was held on Sunday the 2nd Jan 2011 at Bhavan. Mr T S Krishna Murthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India and now the Chairman of Bhavan's Chennai Kendra), Mr N Ravi (Vice Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Editor of The Hindu), Mr M Narendra (Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Overseas Bank) participated and shared their valuable thoughts on communication trends.

The photo stream of the event:

Mr K. Srinivasan, Chairman of Prime Point Foundation and the Course Director presented a brief report on the course.
PodUniversal Edition 125

Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Chairman of the Chennai Kendra delivered his special address. In his address, Mr Krishna Murthy stressed the growing importance of business communication in the competitive environment.
PodUniversal Edition 126

Mr N Ravi, Editor of The Hindu presided over the function and delivered his address. Mr Ravi emphasised the need for maintaining long form of communication, which is now distorted due to SMS, Email, etc. Mr Ravi will be the Chairman of the 'Board of Studies' for the Second batch, which will start in February, 2011.
PodUniversal Edition 123

Mr M Narendra, Chairman of Indian Overseas Bank was the Chief Guest and delivered his address focussing on the need of internal communication in organisations. He said that only internal communication leads to external communication.
PodUniversal Edition 124

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai will be launching the second batch of the Business Communication Course in February 2011. Interested may contact through email bizbvb@gmail.com

Workshop on presentation and public speaking skills

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:29:00 +0000

In my earlier two postings, I had mentioned about the TNSC Bank Staff Training College and their enthusiasm to train the district central cooperative bank officials on communication skills. For the third time, I was invited to conduct an half a day workshop to their officials, drawn from different districts.

Workshop on presentation and
and public speaking skills

I conducted a workshop tody (5th Jan 2011) on presentation and public speaking skills. After an introductory presentation by myself on the various techniques and steps, we made some of the participants to make presentation on their topic of choice, for two minutes. Their speeches were video recorded and then displayed for review and analysis.

Every time, such workshops are conducted, I always observe that the participants assume 'stage fear' and assume 'lack of confidence'. Once they are given a chance, they do better. I was very happy that the particpants enjoyed the workshop and got a self confidence to remove the stage fear.

I always used to admire the commitment of the officials, who are all coming from various rural and semi-urban branches. The enthusiasm and passion by the Principal Mr Manohar and his team is really worth admiring. This college is situated at Madhavaram and they have been silently doing great job in the nation building. The urbanised high profile, IT Company managers should visit them once for drawing inspiration from these 'unsung heroes'.

Some of the pictures taken during the workshop:

Domain knowledge should be supplemented with business communication skills

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:56:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 123

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra launched a skill based business communication course in July 2010. This is an unique course in India, probably, the only of its kind with 120 hours of teaching and working sessions (40 days x 3 hours). This course contents were designed after an extensive research and understanding of the needs of working professionals and industry. This course was formally launched by Former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 10th July 2010.

N Ravi

The course was completed in December 2010. A function was organised by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai to award certificates to the participants who completed the course. Mr M Narendra, Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Overseas Bank and Mr N Ravi, Editor of The Hindu, one of the leading Indian National dailies delivered inspiring speeches.

In this edition, we publish an extract from the speech of Mr N Ravi, Editor, The Hindu on the importance of business communication. During his speech, he focussed on the following points:

1. Presently, though youngsters possess excellent domain knowledge, they do not have adequate business communication skills.

2. Even educational institutions do not give importance to develop communication skills of their students. They remain satisfied with the text book knowledge. On the other hand, developed nations like US provide enough importance on developing communication skills at schools and college level.

3. The youngsters should get trained in business communication skills through such courses, to fill the gap in their communication skills.

4. SMS / Emails have brought a new culture of short form communication. Though such short form of communication is done for quick communication, only long form communication is accepted in the formal communication. Youngsters should focus on the long form communication more.

Please listen to his speech by clicking 'play' button. (7 minutes). We will separately publish the speech of Mr M Narendra.

This video may also be listened from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYjs9qEGZUQ

Shah Commission report on emergency excesses: Lost and regained

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 122

During June 1975, a state of emergency was declared by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During the 21 months emergency lot of excesses were held in India by the Government officials. Many opposition leaders were put in prison and press censorship was imposed.

Indian Herald newspaper
dated 26th June 1975

In the general elections held in March 1977, Janatha Party returned to power under the mentorship of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayanan. Congress lead by Indira Gandhi got washed out in the north. Even Indira Gandhi got defeated in the elections. In the Indian history, it is considered as the second freedom struggle.

After March 1977, when Morarji Desai Government took charge, they constituted a commission under the chairmanship of Justice J C Shah, former Chief Justice of India. This Shah commission submitted its report in August 1978 on the various excesses committed during the 21 month dark days of emergency. The findings were startling.

When Indira Gandhi came back to power in 1980, all the copies of Shah commission report were withdrawn from all the libraries and buried without even an epitaph Till now, it is reported that only one copy is available at National library of Australia.

Even after three decades, no efforts were made to restore the report to fill the gap in the Indian political history. Mr Era Sezhiyan, 87 year old celebrated Parliamentarian, who was also one of the victims of emergency days, has brought out the Shah Commission report with his comments and remarks, under the title ‘Shah Commission Report – Lost and regained”. This book was released in Chennai by the opposition leader Mr L K Advani on 19th Deember 2010.

Mr Era sezhiyan has a wonderful library in his house with more than six thousand books. He keeps the parliamentary proceedings and important reports from 1965 onwards till date. He is able to bring out the original Shah Commission report from the original copy he had with him in his library. I interviewed him in his library on his latest contribution to the political history.

Please listen to his exclusive interview by clicking 'play' button.

This interview may also be watched from the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_1wk-wYQZ4

Unimpeachable and impeccable integrity needed for higher posts - N Vittal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:40:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 121

On 23rd November, 2010, while handling a petition against the appointment of Mr P J Thomas, the present Central Vigilance Commissioner of India, Hon'ble Judges of the Supreme Court observed that persons holding higher offices should possess impeccable integrity. The Supreme Court observed that Mr P J Thomas was facing criminal charge sheet in a court in Kerala. Immediately the Attorney General, representing Government of India responded by saying, “If impeccable integrity is a criterion, then every judicial appointment will be subjected to scrutiny and every constitutional appointment will come under challenge,” attorney-general G.E. Vahanvati told the court. This statement was flashed immediately in all the TV Channels and it triggerred a great debate.

N. Vittal

Under this background, I recorded an exclusive interview with Mr N Vittal, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner of India. Under the directions from Supreme Court, Mr N Vittal was the first CVC to be appointed jointly by the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition through consensus in ealry 2000. Mr Vittal is known for his impeccable integrity. During his tenure as CVC, he introduced lo of measures to eradicate corruption and to bring in more transparency.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. (14 minutes). Audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download the audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link.and saving to your desktop.

The audio may also be listened from

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857528 http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857528

Lord Rama gives 7 rules for 'effective communication' in Valmiki Ramayana, citing Hanuman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:42:00 +0000

B S Raghavan IAS (Retd)

PodUniversal Edition 120

A very interesting incident about the components of 'effective communication' is narrated in Valmiki Ramayana, the great Indian epic.

In the Ramayana, Hanuman meets Lord Rama and Lakshmana for the first time in the forests and introduces himself and his master Sugriva. This is the first meeting of Hanuman with Lord Rama.

Impressed with the way Hanuman, communicated Lord Rama admires the communication capabilities of Hanuman.

In the 7 or 8 slokas, Lord Rama explains the important aspects of communication skills of Hanuman, that impressed him most. They are:

1. Hanuman spoke very briefly. Not too long or too short. He spoke only for the required level;

2. He also spoke with clarity and without ambiguity;

3. He spoke without any grammatical errors;

4. He used only appropriate words, that cannot be replaced with any other word;

5. He spoke in a medium voice that is audible to the other person. Not too loud or too feeble;

6. His pronunciation of words was correct. The way he was pronouncing the words was like a music and it was pleasant;

7. All the words spoken by him, went to the heart straight.

While addressing the Business Communication course students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, Mr B S Raghavan IAS (Retd) explained the seven aspects of communication skill of Hanuman, that impressed Lord Rama. Mr B S Raghavan is one of the senior retired bureaucrats of India and he has served as the first Secretary of National Integration Council, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Chairman. Mr Raghavan is a well known columnist in Hindu Businessline.

The seven aspects explained earlier, summarises the components of effective communication, that are described in millions of pages in various text books.

Please listen to Mr B S Raghavan by clicking the 'play' button. (5 minutes).

The video may also be watched from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKPRqWsG-50

"Innovation is the key for national and individual growth" - Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:08:00 +0000

Sitting L to R: K. Srinivasan, Dr Abdul Kalam and Arvind Thiagarajan

PodUniveral Edition 119

I had the great opportunity of meeting and interacting with our Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 10th November 2010. Mr Arvind Thiagarajan, serial inventor also accompanied me to show his latest device invented by him, to check the heart murmur within 10 seconds.

Though, I have met personally Dr Abdul Kalam and spoken to him over phone several times, every time, I meet him, I really feel excited to interact with him. I always feel that is generating a positive vibration like great Sages of this nation. In a child like enthusiasm, Dr Kalam was using the device to check how it was working. He also gave few important technical suggestions to Arvind for further improving the use of this device.

At the end of our conversation, I requested him a brief message to our Indian youth exclusively for PodUniversal and India Vision members. I requested him to give his views on the importance of innovation in the nation development. He sat in silence for 10 seconds and started his message. Within one minute and three seconds, he conveyed a wonderful message for the youth with all clarity. That is his power of communication. Please watch his message by clicking 'play' button in the player below.

The video may also be viewed from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmA71_zv4kM

Please see the photo-show of our meeting.

How to invent and patent? - Success story of serial inventor Arvind Thiagarajan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:55:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 118

Arvind Thiagarajan

Former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam always says that for sustained economic growth, only innovation and technology can help. Though, India has been doing an excellent job in the software domain, the Indian professionals are being used only as 'workers' by the Multinational companies. Unless, Indian professionals come out with hardware and software products, economic growth of India cannot be sustained.

Inspired by Dr Abdul Kalam's words, Arvind Thiagarajan (30), started working on inventions right from his Engineering College days. When he was studying in Anna University, he was fortunate to meet and interact with Dr Kalam, who was working as a Professor with Anna University in early 2000, before he became the President of India. Dr Kalam advised him to innovate and also patent all his inventions.

Today Arvind has got more than 40 patents in his name covering various important domains like bio technology, imaging, etc. . Recently, he also introduced one device HDfonoDoc, which can detect the murmur in the heart within 10 seconds and give a print out of the sound waves. This is the first of its kind in the world and will revolutionalise the health care industry in the diagnosis of cardiac problems. He has also obtained approvals from FDA and CE. He is also planning to add and more hardware and software products and dedicate to India. For him the hobby is 'innovation'.

This week, we met him and recorded his podcast interview for PodUniversal. In this podcast, he has explained the interesting success story. He has also assured to help young inventors with the guidance for patenting. He can be reached at arvind.thiagy@gmail.com for any guidance on innovation and patenting.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. (9 m 50 sec). In this podcast, we have also added a 40 seconds audio clip of Dr Abdul Kalam, giving his views on innovation.

This podcast may also be listened from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UatSAr1YeeA

Word's first device to detect heart murmur invented by an Indian Scientist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:20:00 +0000

HDFonoDoc

Mr Arvind Thiagarajan (30), a serial inventor and a scientist has invented and introduced a new handy device HDFonoDoc, which can detect murmur in the heart within 10 seconds. Arvind Thiagarajan holds more than 40 patents in his name.

Auscultation is an ancient method, through which experts were able to detect the defects in our body system through 'sound'. Stethoscope, used by the doctors is based on this method.

How cardiac problems can happen?

Cardiac problems can occur due to (a) electrical and (b) mechanical defects in the heart. Electrical problems are now detected through the device known as ECG. ECG cannnot provide mechanical defects.

To find out mechanical problems, the patients have to go to Echo Cardiographs, which is costly and available in select centres. The analysis of the data needs to be done by a specialist doctor. Even if a patient wants to rule out the possibility of heart problems, he has to go to Echo Cardiography. That adds pressure on the experts also.

Murmur in the heart

Murmur in the heart can happen due to (a) blockage in the heart valve, (b) leakage in the heart valve and (c) hole in the heart. If the murmur is not detected and corrected in time, it may cost the life.

Using the method of 'Auscultation', Arvind Thiagarajan has invented a new device 'HDfonoDoc', which can detect the murmur in the heart within 10 seconds. This device has received FDA approval from US and CE approval from Europe. Indian Government has also certified this device.

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, he has demonstrated the use of this device. Please watch this 7 minute interesting video.

This interview may also be watched from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M16Qz-qNeqI

Era Sezhiyan, a celebrated Parliamentarian gives tips for effective communication

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Era. Sezhiyan

Mr Era. Sezhiyan (88) is one of the well respected Parliamentarians and Statesmen of India. He has served both the House of Parliament for more than 22 years continuously till 1984. He is well known for his Parliamentary debates. Whenever he used to raise to speak in Parliament, even the Prime Ministers used to listen to him carefully. Many a times, due to his debate, even the Budgets were modified.

He is still considered an authority on Financial matters of the Governance. Even at his 88th age, he is keeping updated with the global Parliamentary practices. He is also one of the Founders of Janata Party and then Janata Dal along with Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai and few others. For many constitutional matters, even today, many of the National and International media used to take his views. Due to his poor health, he has restricted his public meetings.

On 24th October 2010, he interacted with the participants of Business Communication Course at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. As one of the celebrated Parliament debater, he shared his views on effective communication. According to him, whether it is a political communication or corporate communication, the concept remains the same. In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, we asked him what was his secret of communication, which made everybody to turn to him. Some of the views are:

1. Communication should come from the heart; Communication in flowery languages to please the auidence and without any purpose is not an effective communication'

2. Clarity of theme is needed for communication'

3. People with good knowledge should come out openly with their views;

4. Keep in mind that the people listening to you are not inferior to you;

5. Communication should be to share your knowledge and to improve others;

6. Morality and value should be embedded in the communication.

Please watch his interview in this video, by clicking 'play' button. (4 minutes). Since this was recorded in the class room, external noises could not be avoided.

The video can also be viewed from the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS8ioqykhVI

Public Affairs professionals should be transparent and adopt best practices to enhance credibility

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:57:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 115

In the recent years, Public Affairs (PA) is emerging as a sub-sect of Public Relations (PR) Profession. While PR is a traditional one, dealing with the relationship of all stakeholders, PA focusses on the public policy and relationship with the Government. In the developed nations like US and Europe, PA has become one of the recognised and reputed professions.

Roger Hayes

In the developing nations like India, this profession is yet to get good recognition and credibility. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Now, many of the Public Relations Agencies have also started PA divisions to provide this special services. In the anxiety to get the works done, some of the professionals involve themselves in un-ethical practices and resort to 'quick-fix' solutions. This also brings down the credibility of the profession.

Recently, one of the CEOs of a well known Indian Public Relations Agency was debated in Indian Parliament for the alleged role in 2G spectrum scam. Media carried negative perception about this profession itself. With this background, we wanted to bring out our October 2010 issue of ezine PreSense on this theme 'Public Affairs'.

Though we approached the CEOs of many Indian PR Agencies, who claim to offer Public Affairs Services, none of them even acknowledged our mails. Now, probably, they are highly scared of investigation by Government agencies, if they say openly that they offer PA services. They should not fear, if they follow ethical practices.

However, Indian CEO of APCO Worldwide, one of the globally reputed Public Affairs firm responded to our mail and connected us with Mr Roger Hayes, their Senior Counselor. Mr Roger is one of the globally renowned Public Relations and Public Affairs specialist.

In a free-wheeling conversation with me over telephone for PodUniversal, he shared frankly his views on the present state of affairs of this profession globally and also suggested ways to improve the credibility. He suggested that the PA professionals should not resort to quick-fix solutions and should be more transparent. He also suggested that they should come together and share the global best practices. Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button.

Streaming of this audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download the audio by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop.

This audio can also be listened from the following link:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857525

How to improve the rapid reading skills?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:07:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 114

Many students and business professionals find difficulty in reading the materials, holding in the mind and to comprehend the contents. Even, if they read several times, they may not be able to comprehend the contents. Just like writing skills, reading skills is also important in business communication.

Prof. S Krishnamurthy, a well known management professor of South India gives few tips for improving effective reading skills. Please click to play to watch this podcast (3 minutes 50 sec).

This podcast may also be watched from the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v34gcQJebxg

Ayodhya verdict - An analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:58:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 113

Ayodhya verdict delivered by the 3 Judges Division bench of Allahabad High Court (India) has been received by the Indian citziens with maturity. Centuries old conflict between Hindus and Muslims on the disputed site has witnessed the loss of thousands of lives in the past due to various communal clashes. Fearing such backlash, Indian Government had made elaborate security arrangements throughout India on 30th September 2010 when the judgement was delivered.

S Sethuraman, Advocate

Earlier, Indian political leaders and religious leaders had appealed to receive the judgement peacefully. Indian citizens have shown high degree of maturity, when they received the judgement. Even the media, political and religious leaders played highly positive role in containing the emotions.

The verdict is one of the landmark judgements in the history of Indian judiciary. While, all the three judges have confirmed the fact that a temple was in existence before the construction of mosque, two judges ordered one-third portion of the property to Muslims. It is based on the fact that in the past both Hindus and Muslims were using that property simultaneously for prayers.

Though Hindus and Muslims may have a feeling that they are not given the full possession of the disputed proerty, the judgement has provided a win-win situation to both and none of them are the losers.

Some of the intellectual and constituional experts also criticise this judgement as "Panchayat type of judgement". Pakistan leaders have condemned this judgement and are provoking Indian Muslims. Fortunately, Indian Muslim leaders are also showing high sense of maturity, not to fall in the trap laid by Pakistan. Though, both the parties have option to appeal in the Supreme Court, this judgement has given some avenues for reconciliation to end the centuries old dispute.

On behalf of PodUniversal, we spoke to Mr S Sethuraman, one of the senior civil advocates of Chennai High Court and Supreme Court over phone. In this interview, he has explained the background of the case and analyses the important aspects of the judgement.

Mr Sethuraman feels that though the judgement may be criticised by some intellectuals as a flawed one, this has provided a best possible solution for the centuries old problem. He also added that he would prefer a flawed judgement if it provided a solution to the problem in the national interest, rather than a legally correct judgement, which could create more tensions. Since the citizens of this country have accepted this judgement with maturity and calmly, he said that this solution could bring more communal harmony and peace.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button (14 minuts). The streaming of the audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download the audio (13 mb) by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop in mp3 format.

The podcast may also be listened from the following link also:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857520

Miscommunication

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 09:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 112
Sep 2010 issue of ezine PreSense deals with the concept of Miscommunication. In the communication process between the sender and the receiver (oral, written and body language), the receiver may not perceive the message, in the same manner the sender had thought of. Such miscommunication happens due to various factors.

In this edition, we have explained the many factors contributing to such miscommunication along with some examples. We have also given the tips to avoid such miscommunication.

This issue is guest edited by the students of Business Communication Course of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai as part of their project. Please also watch the podcast produced by them sharing their interesting personal experiences of miscommunication.

The ezine in pdf format (690 k) may be downloaded from the following link

http://www.prpoint.com/ezine/presense0910.pdf

Please watch the podcast produced by the guest editors.

Preview of the ezine

Stress Management through Meditation - Simple techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:50:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 111

Brahmakumaris, one of the leading spiritual organisations conducted a three-day National Media Conference 2010 from 17th September 2010 at Mount Abu.

Dr Sanddhya (extreme right) interviewing B K Binny (middle).
K. Srinivasan (left) recording the conversation

As part of this event, they had requested me to conduct a 'workshop on Podcasting'. During the workshop, to give an hands-on experience to the participants, we asked them to conduct an interview among themselves and to edit the audio live.

Accordingly, Dr Sanddhya from Pune, one of the workshop participants, interviewed Sister B K Binny, Public Relations Manager of Global Hospitals, Mount Abu (Rajasthan), who was also a participant. Since B K Binny is already teaching Stress Management through Meditation at various places, the participants in the workshop decided that the topic could be on "Stress Management through Meditation" itself, for the benefit of all. The audio was edited by Kunal C Panchal, another participant from Mumbai.

Since the podcast interview was very useful, we decided to share this audio in public for the benefit of all. After the interview, we have also added one minute 'mild music'. The listners may listen to the music and sit in silence with positive thoughts, to enjoy the power of meditation.

Please listen to the audio interview by clicking 'play' button (11 minutes). The audio was recorded live during the workshop in the presence of all the participants and edited immediately. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download the audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link and save to your desktop.

If you want to contact B K Binny for more details on stress management and meditation, you may write to her at bkbinny@gmail.com

While listening to the interview, please also watch the photographs taken during the workshop.

The podcast interview may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857519

Corporate and Media communication are extremely tainted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:05:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 110

Press Council of India is the Statutory Regulatory Authority in India to govern the conduct of print and broadcast media. The Chairman of this body is selected by a high power committee, which includes the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The Chairman is selected from the panel of retired Supreme Court Judges.

Brahma Kumaris, one of the leading spiritual organisations, organised a three-day National Media Conference 2010 at Mount Abu from 17th Sep 2010. The Conference was inaugurated by Hon'ble Justice G N Ray, Chairman, Press Council of India.

K. Srinivasan interviewing Justice G N Ray

After the inauguration of National Media Conference 2010, we recorded an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, with Justice G N Ray. During our podcast interview, Justice G N Ray covered the following aspects.

1. Freedom of speech in India and cross media ownership, as compared to the other countries.

2. "Paid News syndrome". Justice Ray condemns the paid news syndrome adopted by some of the media houses and calls it as 'unfortunate'. He says, Press Council of India has also submitted their recommendations to Election Commission of India.

3. He also feels that Corporate Communication is extremely tainted. Now, some of the media houses enter into an agreement with corporates and acquire a certain percentage of shares. He expressed concern over this phenomenon. He also quoted the example of Reliance Power, who priced their shares at Rs.425/- at the time of IPO. Immediately within a week, the price fell and he says, till date, the price has not reached even Rs.200/-. He expresses concern over the hype created by the communication professionals and the media.

Since the above concerns are being expressed by a person of the stature of Chairman of Press Council of India and a former Supreme Court Judge, Indian Corporate communication/PR professionals and Media houses should introspect the present situation and restore the past glory.

Please listen to his full interview by clicking 'play' button. (8 minutes). The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If there is any difficulty, you may download the audio, by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop in mp3 format (7 mb).

This podcast may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857518

Lord Ganesha symbolises an ideal CEO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:45:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 109

Today (11th September 2010) is Ganesh Chaturthi and Hindus across the world celebrate this day and worship their favourite God Lord Ganesha popularly known as Lord Vigneshwara or Lord Vinayaka. Lord Ganesha with His big elephant head, an elephant trunk, two large ears, two small sharp eyes, two tusks (of which one is broken), four hands, a big pot belly with a mouse under His feet symbolises the role of a CEO, to render better governance.

Picture courtesy and source: YGOY

Prof. Bala Balachandran, the Founder of Greatlakes Institute and a globally well known Management Guru during his recent visit to India gave a podcast interview to PodUniversal over phone on the various symbolism of Lord Ganesh.

Please watch / listen to his explanation (12 minutes).

This video may also be watched from the following link.
http://youtu.be/S69bE6OthlY

Managing events - tips to overcome challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:57:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 108

Dr S Manivannan being
interviewed by Ms Janani

Dr S Manivannan, CEO, Medicall, the largest organiser of Medical equipment exhibition in India shared his views on the 'event management' with the participants of Business Communication course at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on 29th August 2010.
Ms Janani, one of the participants interviewed him on various aspects of event management, including the challenges.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you face any difficulty in audio streaming, you may download the audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop.

This podcast interview may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857509

India will be the education capital of the world in 20 years

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:13:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 107

Prof. Bala Balachandran, Founder of Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai and a well known International Management Guru interacted with the participants of Business Communication Course at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai on 21st August 2010. After the interaction session, Mr Narayanan, one of the participants of the course interviewed Prof. Bala for PodUniversal and to get a hands-on experience for podcast making.

Prof. Bala (left) being interviewed
by Mr Narayanan

During his brief interview, Prof. Bala said that India was an education capital of the world 2000 years back and we had great Universities like Dakshaseela, Pushpagiri and Nalanda in India guiding the world. He was optimistic that India will again be the education capital for the world in 20 years. We will have Dakshaseela, Pushpagiri and Nalanda in United States too.

Please listen to his interesting interview (5 minutes) by clicking 'play' button. This audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may right click this link and download the mp3 format of this audio and save to your desktop.

The photo stream of the event:

The audio may also be listened from the following link:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857508

Challenges in the use of internet - A radio interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:42:00 +0000

(L to R) Mr Sudarshan (Producer),
Prof. Namitha Gopal (interviewer)
and K. Srinivasan (interviewee)

Internet has come to stay globally. How the internet can be used for the betterment of the society? What are the challenges provided by the internet? These are all the questions in the minds of many people.

All India Radio, Chennai broadcast an interview with me on 19th August 2010 on this theme. Prof. Namitha Gopal was the interviewer and Mr Sudarshan was the Producer of this interview.

During this interview, I have explained the evolution of internt, blogs and the social media.

Please listen to this interview (14 minutes) by clicking 'play' button. Streaming of the audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and download the mp3 format of this interview to your desktop.

The interview may also be listened form the following link

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857507

Spare two hours a week, to achieve Vision 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:15:00 +0000

ECE Department of VelTech Dr RR & Dr SR Technical University, Chennai organised a National Technical Symposium known as OMZOIC 10, on 14th August 2010, inviting students from different engineering colleges. More than 600 students participated in the event. I was invited by them to be the Guest of Honour during the inauguration. Dr Rangarajan, Chancellor and Founder of the University was also present.

K. Srinivasan addressing
OMZOIC 10

The event was organised in a professional manner. The multimedia presentation (short film) made by the ECE students was highly professional. Since, it was held on the eve of Independence Day, they had requested me to talk on the role of youth in achieving Vision 2020.

In my short speech of 7 minutes, I reminded the students of the struggle made by our freedom fighters and the role of youngsters in achieving the dream of our elders. Among other things, I appealed to the students to spare two hours a week for the society, so that we could achieve our Vision 2020 easily. Please listen to my speech by clicking 'play' button.

This can also be watched from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMw6cRHPFY0

e-Governance enables citizens to feel the Government, without seeing it

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:05:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 106

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai has recently started an executive diploma course on "Business Communication" for working professionals. The programme was launched by Dr Abdul Kalam last month. As part of this programme, successful CEOs are being invited every alternate week, to share their views with the participants. Accordingly, Dr Santhosh Babu IAS, Managing Director, ELCOT and Director of e-Governance, Government of Tamilnadu was invited to share his views on Saturday the 14th August 2010.

Dr Santhosh Babu IAS (left) being
interviewed by Rajadurai

After the session, one of the participants Mr Rajadurai interviewed Dr Santhosh Babu as a project and this interview was edited in the next session by the participants, to get a hands-on experience on making of podcast. Since this interview contains lot of useful information for the public, we share this podcast here. (Since this was recorded in the class room, we could not avoid external disturbances during initial part of the interview).

During this interview, Dr Santhosh Babu explained how e-Governance can help to improve the efficiency of the Government system and to reduce the corruption.

Please listen to his interesting and informative interview by clicking 'play' button. (7 m 28s). The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any streaming difficulty, you may download the audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop. (6 mb)

Please see the photos taken during that occassion.

This podcast may also be listened from the following site.
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857506

Historic event of temple entry by Harijans at Madurai - Rare pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:28:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 105 - Independence Day Special Podcast

Independence Day Greetings to all. Jai Hind

Prior to 1940, Harijans, otherwise considered as low caste persons were not allowed into any Hindu temples by customs and usage. In those days, if any Harijan entered into a temple, he could be prosecuted for violating the customs and punished as a trespasser. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to eradicate this un-touchability from the country and tried to change the mind-set of upper caste people through persuasion.

Mr Vadiyanatha Iyer

Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer, a leading lawyer at Madurai was very closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement. He and his wife spent their time for the upliftment of the poor Harijans and downtrodden. In those days of acute orthodoxy, he was inviting harijan childen to his house and taking food with them.

After Congress party assumed power in 1936 in Madras Province under the Prime Minstership (in those days, the post was called as Prime Minister) of Mr C Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji), the mvement for eradicating the untouchability grew up. Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer started persuading upper caste people in Madurai to change the customs and to allow Harijans also inside the temple. Though many accepted the suggestion, some of the radical people were opposing the entry of Harijans into temples.

Rare picture -
Harijan entry into Madurai temple on
8th July 1939

On 8th July 1939, Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer took 4 Harijans (including Mr Kakkan, who later became Minister in Mr Kamaraj ministry) and one Nadar community person. (see the rare photo). The temple entry was opposed by a group of radical people. Since entry of Harijans was prohibited in those days by custom, the radical people filed criminal complaint against Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer and the Harijans for 'trespassing into temple'. This was punishable under law then.

Immediately, then Prime Minister of Madras Province Mr Rajaji issued an ordinance permitting Harijans into all temples retrospectively and it was made as a law subsequently. This historic event and the ordinance by Rajaji were pioneers in Indian history. Mahatma Gandhi was running a magazine called 'Harijan'. In the issue dated 22nd July 1939, Mahatma Gandhi praised Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer and his team for the temple entry. (See the photo slide show)

Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer was arrested for his participation in the Quit India Movement. He was released from the prison in 1945, after nearly 3 years. He was one of the leading practising lawyers at that time. The Government filed a case against him to prevent him from practising as an Advocate, as he had undergone imprisonment under criminal charges. The case came up before Justice Sir Lionel Leach, who advised him to seek an apology so that he could continue to be an advocate. But Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer refused to apologise in the Court for all his acts and said that he would prefer not to practise as an Advocate, rather than apologising. Impressed with his conviction, the Judge acquitted him and permitted him to continue as an Advocate as a special case.

Mr Sthanunathan

On the 64th Independence day, PodUniversal wanted to remember and pay respects to such great Heroes and bring out their courage and conviction to the new generation. In an exclusive conversation with K. Srinivasan, Editor of Poduniversal, Mr Sthanunathan, (now 90), son-in-law of Mr Vaidyanatha Iyer shared his memories.

Please listen to the exciting podcast interview by clicking play button (14 minutes). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the audio (13 mb) by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop in mp3 format.

Mr Sthanunathan may be reached at sthanunathank (at) yahoo.com
The audio may also be listened from

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857504

India's largest medical equipment expo Medicall 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:59:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 104

India's largest and Asia's third largest medical equipment expo was opened on 6th August 2010. In this three-day expo, more than 400 exhibitors from China, Germany, Taiwan, England and India have displayed their latest medical equipments. More than 8000 medical professionals are expected to visit the expo.

During this three days, various seminars are being held on different medical themes. This podcast brings out the birds-eye-view of the expo.

Please click 'play button' to watch this visual podcast.

This podcast may also be listened from the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQc-qUqF0y0

How to track the performance of MPs and MLAs?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:04:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 103

Indian Election Commission conducts elections every five years to elect MPs and MLAs for the Parliament and various State Assemblies. The media hype dies down, after the elections are completed. Unless there are some big issues or chaos in the Houses, neither the media nor the general public give serious attention to the performance of the elected members. This process goes on for ever and the media hype starts when the next elections are announced.

PRS Legislative Research is a non profit research body at Delhi established in 2005. They conduct various researches on the bills, questions, debates of the Parliament and various state Assemblies. They also periodically put out their analysis in their website. While, US and UK have many such research bodies to analyse the performance of Legislatures, India has only one such research body.

(L to R: Bharathi Thamizhan, Tonusree,
K. Srinivasan, Era Chezhian)

Chennai Press Club and Prime Point Foundation jointly organised a workshop on 24th July 2010 for working journalists at Chennai to create awareness about the tracking of the performance of MPs and MLAs, with the support of PRS Legislative Research.

The workshop was inaugurated by the veteran and well known Parliamentarian Mr Era Chezhian. During his inaugural speech, he expressed concern over the reduction in number of sittings of Parliament during the past few years. Before 1980, the Parliament used to meet for 120 days every year and now it has come down to around 60 days. Mr Chezhian was also expressing his concern over the suppression of freedom of press by many Governments.

Please watch and listen to the presentation made by Ms Tonusree on the various aspects of tracking of legislators. Please click to play the video. The video will be streaming smooth in broadband connections. If you encounter any difficulty, you may download the wmv file of this video by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop.

This video may also be watched form the following site:

http://blip.tv/file/3927897

The audio version of this presentation can be listened from the following site:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857502

Please watch the photographs taken during the occassion.

Inspiring story of high flying Capt. Bavicca Bharathi, the youngest commercial pilot and commander

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:07:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 102

Capt. Bavicca Bharathi (21) is the world's youngest commercial licensed pilot and commander. When she was 16 and studying her plus two, she had high ambitions of becoming a medical doctor. She heard about the 'flying' opportunities from her family friend. After completion of her plus two, she joined the flying training. At the age of 18, she got the license to fly. Now at her 21st age, she has more than 2100 flying hours at her credit. She has now become the youngest commercial pilot and transport pilot and commander. She holds three records in Limca records book. Within few years, she will also become the Management Pilot, after completing the required flying hours.

Bavicca is presently piloting the flights to many of the stations like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Coimbatore, etc. from Chennai.

When she wanted to become pilot, her mother (40) (left in the photo) Ms Judith Jeslin Bharathi also joined her daughter Bavicca Bharathi (right in the photo) in the training. Both underwent flying training together. After getting the license, both are working in the same airline company.

Every aircraft is piloted by two licensed pilots. The second pilot is known as co-pilot. Shortly, Bavicca will be handling the flight as the main pilot. Her mother has the greatest desire to be the co-pilot, when her daughter is the main pilot.

Capt. Bavicca Bharathi is a multi talented person. She has passed with high grades from Trinity School of Music. She is talented in painting, music and dance and has won several awards.

It is quite interesting to know about their surname 'Bharathi'. Their grand father Mr P Thomas is a great fan and admirer of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, a national Tamizh poet who lived a century back. Mahakavi Bharathi was known for his inspiring poems with modern thoughts. His poems were banned during British Rule. A century back, Mahakavi Bharathi visualised the role of 'new generation women'. He wanted the women to go for higher studies, be the rulers to make law of the land. He even wanted the new generation women to take up the professions, dominated by men. Mr Thomas made 'Bharathi' as surname to all the family members, probably to remind everyone about the dreams of the great poet.

Bavicca Bharathi, hailing from the family of admireres of Mahakavi Bharathi, has proved his dream of 'new generation woman'.

Please listen to the inspiring interview with Capt. Bavicca Bharathi and her mother Capt. Judith Jeslin Bharathi. Please click play to listen to the interview. (12 minutes). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you encounter any problem, you may download the audio, by right clicking the link and saving to your desktop.

The podcast interview may also be listened from

Podbazaar

Odeo

Journey of the ezine PReSense - Golden Jubilee Edition launch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:16:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 101

The Golden Jubilee Edition of Corporate Ezine PReSense (published by Prime Point Foundation) was launched on 1st May 2010 at Chennai in the presence of many eminent personalities. During that occassion, Prime Point Foundation also honoured two top performing MPs and 5 UnSung Heroes. (PodUniversal Edition 99). Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India also addressed the audience over phone on that day (PodUniversal Edition 100).

Whille welcoming the audience, K. Srinivasan, Editor-in-Chief took the audience through the journey of the ezine from the first edition to the current 50th edition. He explained as to how this ezine had also grown along with the evolution of contemporary technology. Please listen to the speech now (10 minutes). The streaming of this video podcast will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download (right click this link and save to your desktop) this in wmv format and watch through windows media player. The script may be downloaded from the following link (pdf 70k)

http://www.prpoint.com/ezine/journey-of-ezine.pdf

This video may also be listened from

YouTube

BlipTv

Dr Abdul Kalam's inspiring speech on "UnSung Heroes"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:16:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 100

In our earlier Edition 99, we have published the photographs of the launch function of the Golden Jubilee edition of corporate ezine PReSense held on 1st May 2010. During the function, Dr Abdul Kalam, Former Indian President also addressed the audience over telephone from Delhi. During his speech, he brought out three important aspects.

1. We should be the captain of the problem and we should not allow the problems to defeat us;

2. We should look for our role models in our home, rather than outside; and

3. Review of a book 'Tiya'

His inspiring speech in pdf format may be downloaded from the following link (50k)

http://www.prpoint.com/ezine/kalam010510.pdf

Please listen to his speech by clicking play button (10 minutes).

The streaming of this audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may download the audio (9 mb in mp3) by right clicking this link and saving the link to your desktop.

This audio may also be listened and downloaded from the following links:

Podbazaar

Blip TV

Honouring top performing MPs and UnSung Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:07:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 99
April 2010 issue of ezine PReSense is the Golden Jubilee edition of the ezine. A function was organised to launch the 50th edition of ezine and also a CD containing the past issues of ezine and podcasts. Mr T S Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India launched the Golden Jubilee edition. Mr N Gopalaswamy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India launched the CD.

In the function Mr Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Member of Lok Sabha and Mr S S Ramasubbu, another Member of Lok Sabha were honoured for their top performance in the 15th Lok Sabha during the first year ending March 2010.

India Sudar, Dream India, Helping Minds, Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya and Consumers Association of India were also honoured as 'UnSung Heroes' in the function.

Election Commission of India, Indian Railways and India Post were honoured as 'National pride organisations'.

Highlight of the function was the speech delivered by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam live from Delhi over mobile phone, which was broadcast in the hall. (we are publishing the audio in our next podcast)

Please watch the function (7 minutes)

Presentation skills in 5 steps - special module

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:04:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 98

Feb 2010 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense will focus on 'Business Communication'. For this purpose, the ezine conducted an online survey to find out as to how people working in the corporates perceive about the 'Presentation Skills'. The respondents across the globe had only the following challenging factors:

1. Stage fear;

2. Lack of Self Confidence;

3. Lack of fluency; and

4. Lack of organising the talk

Also the survey revealed that in the past few years, even the technical person were required to make presentations internally and externally and they do not get adequate training inputs to improve their presentation skills.

With this in mind, the experts in Prime Point Foundation, have devised a special module for one day workshop to give sufficient knowledge and skills to the participants on the art of presentation skills.Foundation presently offers this module to benefit small and medium companies at a nominal cost as an In-Company programme. Please watch this video for more details.

The brochure may also be downloaded from:

http://www.prpoint.com/presentation-skils-in-5-steps.pdf

The video may also be watched from:

Youtube

Blip TV
The Audio may be listened from
PodBazzar
Odeo

Feature on Education Loan Scheme in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:10:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 97

In our earlier PodUniversal Edition 96, we had published a freewheeling conversation with Dr K C Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India on Education Loan Schemes in India. In his interview, Dr Chakrabarty had suggested an "Insurance Scheme" to be introduced by Government of India to encourage Bankers to provide more education loans to deserving students. He has also assured that no deserving student should be denied education opportunity.

Based on the interview with the Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India, we spoke over mobile to Mr T K Rangarajan, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (representing CPI M).

1. Mr Rangarajan has agreed with Deputy Governor of RBI for introduction of Insurance Scheme for Education Loans in India, to encourage Bankers'

2. He also wants a total approach towards Education, including Primary and Secondary Education'

4. Though, he has not made up his mind about separate outfit for education loan, he suggested a separate exclusive branch / department by all the banks to focus on education loan to deserving students.

3. He has also assured to take up in Rajya Sabha and with Hon'ble Finance Minister during Budget Session to improve the Education Loan Schemes and to ensure that more number of deserving students get the assistance from Banks.

India Vision Group will be discussing further with Mr T K Rangarajan MP, to facilitate him to take up in Parliament.

Please listen to the Feature on Education Loan, including the itnerview with Mr T K Rangarajan, by clicking the 'play' button in the flash player below ( 7 minutes). The streaming of the audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any streaming difficulty, you may right click this link and save target/link to your desktop to download the audio in mp3 format (6 mb).

The audio podcast may also be listened from the following links"

Odeo

Podbazaar

Education Loan Scheme from Indian Banks - Reserve Bank's Assurance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Pod Universal Edition 96

"No deserving student in India should be deprived of higher education, for want of funds", - Dr K C Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India assured the Indian students, in an exclusive podcast interview taken on behalf of India Vision Group and Action 2020 Team.

India Vision Group has been taking up periodically important issues of common concern with respective higher Authorities with a positive approach to find out best possible solutions. In the recent days, we have been receiving lot of grievances from various 'voiceless' people that they could not pursue higher education for want of funds.

One one side, it is reported that if the students are hailing from poor families, the Banks do not consider them worthy of education loans, however brilliant they are. They are asked to run pillar to post.; They are being asked to provide collateral security even for small amounts, etc. On the other side, due to privatisation of education, the cost of education has also gone up which could not be afforded by these poor and intelligent students. There are many instances, where such brilliant students end up their ambitions by joining some menial jobs. This century is considered as Knowledge Century and the country is losing many people who could have otherwise become great scholars and scientists, technocrats.

Do the poor but intelligent not have any space in the world to pursue their ambition? This question lingers in the minds of many people.

With this question, we approached Dr K C Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India to find some reasonable solution for this issue. He was highly pro-active in his approach. He assured that no deserving student should be deprived of higher education in India for want of funds. Since, he himself, a Gold Medalist in his student days and an academician and researcher in his earlier days, before joining the Banking Industry, he could visualise how 'Knowledge society' can play a greater role in taking India forward.

He has also nominated a Nodal Officer for the purpose of Education Loan at the Central Office of the Reserve Bank of India. The Nodal Officer is Shi B.P.Vijayendra, CGM, RPCD. His e-mail id is bpvijayendra@rbi.org.in and contact number is 022 22610261.

Jan 2010 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense will be exclusively dealing with Education Loan Scheme. We will also publish the Model Scheme circulated by IBA, various views, responsibility of the Bankers and borrowing students, etc. You may download the ezine from www.corpezine.com in the third week of Jan 2010. We are trying to make this as a guide to students and parents who are aspiring for Education Loan for higher education.

PodUniversal. India Vision Group and Action 2020 Team place on record the sincere appreciation to the Senior Officials of RBI, Mr G Jagan Mohan Rao (Chief General Manager, Customer Relations), Mr B P Vijayendra (CGM, RPCD) and Dr K C Chakrabarty (Deputy Governor) for being pro-active and coming forward to resolve the issues with a positive mind. Three Cheers to them.

Please listen to the podcast interview with Dr K C Chakrabarty (18 minutes), by clicking play button in the flash player below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link/target in your desktop and download the mp3 format.

or

The podcast interview may also listened from the following links:

Podbazaar
Odeo

Download in mp3

Copenhagen Climate Change Summit 2009 - An overview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:25:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 95
The recent Copenhagen Summit (held in Dec 2009) has thrown many issues open for public debate and compliance. 'Global warming' has become a big challenge before the mankind. The emission of carbon by almost all the countries is posing the greatest risk to our future generation, for safe living.

In our anxiety to compete with each other and make more and more money, we are doing great injustice to our future generation. Fortunately, the world has come to realise the urgent need to address this challenge.

In the recent Copenhagen Summit, more than 190 countries participated and out of which more than 110 Heads of States/Governments participated.

This Summit suddenly brought this Global warming issue to the forefront. Many people are not aware of the seriousness of this issue.

Dr Arul Aram, Asst. Professor of Media Science Department of Anna University, Chennai has also participated in the Summit as part of the Indian delegation. This is the only University in the world to introduce 'climate change' as a subject of study in their Media Science Department.

On behalf of PodUniversal, I interviewed him on phone to understand the seriousness of this issue, the remedial measures to be taken, role of universities and schools in creating the awarenss, etc.

Please listen to his podcast interview (16 minutes) by clicking 'play' button of one of the flash players below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and save the link/target in mp3 format in your desktop and then listen.

The podcast may also be listened from the following links:

Podbazaar

Odeo

A Pro-active and visionary Trade Union leader - T R Bhat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:13:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 94

When we think of a Public Sector Trade Unions, particularly from the Banking industry, the image is of strikes, delay, casual attitude towards customers. The Public Sector Banks are actually at the cross roads today.

On one side, many of the trade Unions in the banking sector focus only on their monetary benefits without looking at customer service. This negative approach only helps to drive the customers closer to Private Sector Banks for better service.

Also, on the other side, it is murmured that some of the Chairmen of the Indian PSU Banks try to please their political bosses allegedly by adopting unethical practices, to secure ‘plum posts’ for their post retirement era. Trade Unions also shut their eyes on such practices in their own interests.

Unfortunately, we cannot afford to ignore the concept of Trade Unions in India. If they mind, they can play a more positive role in the Nation building.

Very few trade union leaders have emerged with some vision and enthusiasm transcending the boundaries of employees’ monetary benefits.

In 1981, Corporation Bank Officers Organisation (CBOO) organized their Annual General Body meeting at Mangalore. That was the time, when all the Trade Unions were crippled due to Emergency in India and the Managements were exploiting the employees. One lean young man in the last row who came to watch the Union meeting for the first time, emerged and talked to the audience in a highly matured and in a simple manner without usual ‘trade union style’. His way of communication attracted all the hundreds of members present there. Immediately in a single voice, they made him General Secretary of CBOO to lead the Officers of the Bank, particularly when the Trade Union movement was facing a lot of challenges. The young visitor was surprised and started his new journey as a ‘Trade Union leader’. When he entered the Union Meeting hall, he never expected that he would be leading the Bank Officers for the rest of his service in the Bank.

That young man of 1981 is Mr T Ramachandra Bhat, popularly known in Indian Banking circle as T R Bhat, presently the Chairman of CBOO. Eventually, before long, he rose to the level of Joint General Secretary of All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), the official and non-political Trade Union of the Bank supervisory staff with more than 2.50 lakh members. AIBOC is the world’s largest Trade Union body of the Supervisory staff in any industry. He is retiring from Corporation Bank on the last day of December 2009, after nearly three decades of his leadership.

His simplicity, his deep knowledge on banking, his honesty have earned him a great name as ‘UnPurchasable leader’. Presently, he is leading around 4500 bank officers in his bank, besides other bank officers. Throughout his stint as a Trade Union leader, he has been following values and ethics personally and promoting them amongst the members of CBOO.

Before demanding ‘transparency in administration’ from his Bank management, he started practicing it in his own Union. While the attitude of many of the political and trade union leaders seems to be to hide their omissions and commissions from their followers, Mr Bhat was open to admit any fault of his. That made him a credible and trusted leader amongst his banking colleagues in India.

In 2002, when Mr Bhat took some decisions as a leader, persuaded his office-bearers to engage an independent agency to study the perception of the members of the Union across the country. The Agency submitted a confidential report to him detailing the areas, where he went wrong. To everybody’s surprise, the entire report was circulated verbatim amongst the members of the Union. Even his critics appreciated him for his transparency. While none of the Managements will dare to ever circulate a critical review fearing Image loss, as a trade union leader, he was transparent with his members and enhanced his image.

He visualized the trends ahead of time and started preparing his members for the changes, as a Trade Union leader. There were occasions, while other Trade Unions used to oppose some measures of the Government or Bank Managements, as a loner he would support those measures, leading to criticisms. He was thinking pro actively for the benefit of the Institution and to the Society.

While all the bank employees, were resisting computerization in 1980s, he was motivating his Bank Management to go for computerization. Though, at that period, it was seen differently, later, the reality was Corporation Bank became pioneer in technology which enabled better customer service. While all the Trade Unions opposed ‘VRS’ scheme by Banks, he demanded VRS to be implemented in his bank, to give way for new generation. In the long run, such pro-active measures brought benefit to the system.

He set up an Education and Training Wing in his Union, to train his members to the changing realities of the system. While all the Trade Unions used to invite politicians for their Annual General Meetings, he developed a policy of inviting only Nationally eminent scholars to share their views with their members.

For the first time in any Trade Union movement in India, he introduced the concept of ‘CSR’ in his Union, by creating a Trust known as ‘Swasti’ to help the poor and downtrodden in different parts of the country. Since the Bank branches are situated across the country and their members are well connected with the society, they can reach out to the poor personally with a better understanding. Such ‘out of the box’ activities of the Union made the members understand the society well to offer a better customer service.

For the past 28 years, he has been editing a monthly newsletter titled ‘Officers Voice’. The newsletter is circulated among the members and various bank and government authorities. Because the contents are rich and informative, many of the top Management executives and policy makers are regular readers of this newsletter.

Even today, you can walk into any branch of Corporation Bank and enquire about Mr T R Bhat with any of the officers. They all hold him in high esteem almost unanimously.

As a Trade Union leader, he believed the development of good HR practices would improve the morale and quality of customer service. For the first time in India, by any Trade Union, he engaged in 2006, a reputed independent agency to study the HR aspects of Officers of Corporation Bank. Though this exercise was to have been done by the Management, the Union took the initiative. He shared the copy with all his members and also with the then Chairman of the Bank. The report went into cold storage apparently.

Even at National level, he has silently played a positive role. During 2004, Reserve Bank wanted to amend Banking Regulation Act. Under the initiative of Mr Bhat, AIBOC set up an Independent Commission on ‘Banking and Financial Policy’ under the Chairmanship of Former Finance Secretary Mr S P Shukla and few other renowned banking and economic experts. Though the Government did not accept the report officially, the input was helpful to them in understanding the situation.

I had a freewheeling conversation with him over phone to understand his views after nearly three decades of his role in the Trade Union. When I asked him, what was his greatest disappointment at the time of his leaving the Bank, he answered, “We are not able to change the mindset of the Corporation Bank Management, in spite of all our pro-active and positive approach. When we, as a trade union, have changed according to times, the old mindset of management still continues. Officers are not considered as partners in the development and not taken into confidence while framing the HR and business policies. Though, as a Trade Union, we are transparent, the Management is lacking in transparency’.

The Bank officers have organized a felicitation function for Mr Bhat during the last week of Dec 09 at Mangalore. While, one of the past chairmen is participating, unfortunately, the present Management does not find it worthy an event associate itself, even as a gesture of goodwill and to honour him for his pro-active and positive contributions to the Banking industry.

Managements use high sounding jargons on HR and IR. When it comes to reality, they yield only to violence and blackmailing. It is sad they do not understand the language of simplicity, honesty and pro-active visionary approach of Trade Unions. Only because of such poor HR policy of such Banks ‘blackmailers’ are encouraged and ‘visionaries’ suffer in silence without space.

Mr T R Bhat can be reached at bhat_tr@yahoo.co.in

The podcast interview may be listened by clicking 'play' button in the following flash player. The audio streaming will be smooth, in broadband connections. If you find the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link/target to your desktop and download in mp3 format.

The podcast interview may be listened from the following sites also:

Podbazaar

Odeo

Music helps to balance one's life - Chennai Music Festival 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:49:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 93

Every year, during December, Chennai City in India will be showered with music vibrations. The largest Music Festival of the world is being held here, without great fanfare. Thousands of Music lovers across the globe land in Chennai to enjoy the best of the music performances. Starting from a cub to the senior, most will get the opportunity to showcase their music talents. Besides, there are lots of seminars and workshops, discussing the nuances of Carnatic Music.

One will be surprised to know that the first Music Festival was started in Chennai, way back in 1927, by Indian National Congress. Can you believe that a political party, which was fighting for freedom then, was also serious about promoting music? From then on, every year Music Festival has been an integral part of Chennai life.

Many National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajaji and C Subramaniam were great music lovers and they encouraged the music and dance culture. Even today, many well known achievers like Dr Abdul Kalam, T S Krishnamoorthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India), N Murali (The Managing Director of The Hindu and President of Music Academy) and many leading professionals take time off during December and hop between one Sabha and another in Chennai to listen to Music.

Is there a relation between Music and achievement? I asked this question to Mr K T Jagannathan, a well knwon Senior Business Journalist in Chennai and also a passionate music student. He says, "Music helps you to balance your life". Probably that was the secret behind Indian National Congress starting the Music Festival in 1927, to rejuvenate their freedom struggle.

Mr K T Jagannathan is learning 'flute' in his forties under his guru S. Ravi. Along with his journalist friend, he and wife Sudha maintain a websitewww.carnaticdarbar.com to give updates on Music. In a freewheeling conversation with me over phone, Mr Jagannathan shared his views on the Music Festival and how Music could help a person to balance in the life, etc. He is also inviting articles for his site. He can be reached at ktjagannathan@yahoo.co.in

Please listen to his conversation by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. (14 minutes). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, right click this link and save the target/link to your desktop in mp3 format .

The podcast interview may also be listened from the following links:

Podbazaar

Odeo

A software engineer paints on leaf skeleton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:36:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 92

Mandhangi Mohan is a sotware engineer working in one of the leading IT companies at Chennai. She has a passion for paintings from her childhood.

She is involved in glass painting, Tanjore painting, oil painting, fabric painting, poster colour painting, water colour painting. She even paints on wastes like coconut shells, etc.

What is unique is her ability to draw pictures on leaf skeletons. (see her picture holding a leaf skeleton).

It is not so easy to draw pictures on the leaves. She picks up the best suited banyan leaf and passionately prepares each leaf for one month, to get the skeleton. Then she paints the pictures on the leaf skeleton.

Her father Mr Mohan is the Deputy General Manager of BSNL and when I visited their house, I found many pictures adorning the walls of the house. I was amazed by the passion that she has shown for developing this art.

She is quite fortunate that both her father and mother take all the efforts in supporting her initiatives and developing her talents. Though she has not commercialised her talents, shortly, she plans to put an art gallery with all her paintings.

I could not resist the desire of taking a podcast interview with this talented young girl. Please listen to her interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download this audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link and saving the target/link to your desktop.

Madhangi Mohan can be reached through her email mmohan_bsnl@yahoo.co.in

This audio can also be listened from the following links:

Odeo

Podbazaar

How to become a good journalist?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:17:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 91

November 2009 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense focusses on 'Making of a Journalist'. This issue is Guest Edited by Ms Megha Gupta, an young journalist from Mumbai. As part of the ezine, we made a quick online survey on the current status of the present day journalism. We have studied the aspirations of the entrants for the profession, whether the educational institutions offer suitable inputs, etc.

In this podcast intervew, we have taken views of three people.

1. Sherry Italia - A journalism student from Pune speaks about her aspirations and her views on the present day media.

2. Megha Gupta, Guest Editor, explains the outcome of the online survey along with her observations.

3. Mr R Bhagwan Singh, Consulting Editor, Deccan Chronicle speaks about the quality of academic inputs, media training provided by the Media Houses and also the attitude of young jounralists.

The ezine may be downloaded from our site.

Please listen to the podcast, by clicking 'play' button int he flash player below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the audio in mp3 format, by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop.

The podcast may also be listened from the following links also.

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857461

Dr Abdul Kalam appeals to youth to spare one hour every day for their body and mind

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:41:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 90

Today (16th October) is the birthday of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former Indian President, who is being hailed as 'People President'. On this day, PodUniversal offers humble 'pranams' to Dr Abdul kalam and prays Almighty to give him long and healthy life to guide the youth of the globe.

When the Action 2020 team of India Vision online group met Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on 7th October 2009, I recorded an exclusive message from him. PodUniversal takes pride in publishing this exclusive message to coincide with his birthday.

In his messge, Dr Abdul Kalam appeals to all young people, to spare atleast one hour every day to keep body and mind healthy. He has prescribed 3D Healthcare.

(1) He suggests all youth take fibrous food; (2) spend one hour daily in walking or games or any physical exercise and (3) to sit on Meditation. Dr Kalam says that even at this age of 78, he never misses one-hour walk every day, wherever he is.

Please listen to his exclusive message by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below (5 m 45s). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If astreaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link/target as mp3 format in your desktop and listen.

The audio may also be listened from

Podbazaar

Odeo

Blip TV

Derogatory and vulgar speeches of Tamil actors anger Indian journalists

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:55:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 89

Few days back Dinamalar, one of the leading Tamil dailies published a news report about some leading actresses of the Tamil cinema world running a prostitution racket. The report was based on a statement by another actor, Bhuvaneswari, who was earlier arrested by Chennai city police for running a high profile sex racket from her house. The daily published an apology to the actors prominently the next day even before such a demand was made.

Angered by the Dinamalar report, South Indian Film actors association filed a police complaint against the daily. On the same day, i.e. on 7th October 2009 evening, few police men entered into the newspaper office without uniform and without warrant and arrested the News editor Lenin.

He was booked under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Women Harassment (Prevention) Act - a law enacted for entirely different purposes - and was let out on bail last Friday, after protests from the journalists across the country.

In a meeting organised by South Indian Film Actors association, last week some leading actors spoke in a derogative, vulgar and inflammatory manner about journalists and their family members.

Journalist bodies like Chennai Press Club and Chennai Union of Journalists then filed a police complaint against the actors, but police are yet to take action on it. Since the police did not take any action against the actors who used vulgar languages, the journalist bodies have now gone to Honble High Court seeking direction to the police to register a case against the actors. The Honble High Court has adjourned the case till 19th October, at the request of Police side.

Please listen to the podcast feature on this incident. We have taken the views of Mr Babu Jayakumar (News Editor of New Indian Express), Ms Indirani Singh (wife of a senior journalist), Mr Pandey (Chief Reporter of Dinamalar) and Mr S Narendra (former Information and Media Advisor to Prime Minister)

Please click 'play' to listen to the pod-feature. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If audio streaming is not smooth, right click this link and save the target/link to your desktop as mp3 format and then listen. (12 m 40 s)

The podcast can also be listened in the following link

Podbazaar

Odeo

Blip TV

Dr A P J Abdul Kalam - Interaction session with India Vision Group - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:55:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 88

In our earlier edition 87, we had published the speech of former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, when he met the representatives of Action 2020 team of online India Vision group. After his speech, he answered few questions from the members. We now release some of the questions and his answers for the benefit of Indians, who dream developed India by 2020.

In this interaction session, he has spoken about managing water shed in villages, latest trends in education, cost of higher education in India, trends in Agriculture, global warming, removal of corruption, youth entering politics, starting magazine for youth, introduction of moral science classes at school level and many more.

Please click 'play' to listen to the audio (18 minutes). The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, right click this link and download the audio in mp3 format to your desktop and play through any mp3 player.

The audio of interaction session may also be listened from the following links:

Podbazaar

Odeo

Blip TV

Dr Abdul Kalam's motivating speech to India Vision members - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:26:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 87

On 7th October 2009, former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam met 70 representatives from 30 constituent organisations of Action 2020 Team or online India Vision Group at Chennai. Dr Kalam spent nearly two hours with the members sharing his views. At the end of his 30 minute speech, all the members were highly motivated with positive energy. Thereafter he spent his time taking questions from the members and guiding them for Nation building.

Though only 15 minutes was available at the end of the session for taking his autograph and interaction, when all the members left the venue, had a feeling as if they had personally conversed with him for 5 to 10 minutes. This type of mystical experience can happen only with few great spiritual leaders. That is the power of his communication excellence.

We are pleased to release the motivating speech delivered by Dr Abdul Kalam as Part 1. We will be releasing the other interactions separately.

Photo slideshow : Please see the slide show of photographs taken during the occasion. The photographs can be downloaded from this link:

Photos courtesy : Mr Sukumar

Dr Abdul Kalam speech - wmv version - Please click to play the visuals and audio (29 minutes). The visual and audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and download the file in wmv format and play through windows media player (14 mb)

Dr Abdul Kalam speech - Audio version in mp3 format. Please click to play the audio version of his speech. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and download the file in mp3 format and play through any mp3 player (26 mb)

The speech may also be viewed/listened/downloaded from the following links also:
Blip TV
Odeo
Podbazaar

How to prepare for public issue (IPO) - 7 steps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:50:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 86

In the post liberalisation era, lot of companies want to go for public issue (IPO) to generate more funds for their business. To avoid exploitation of the investors, the Government and SEBI have imposed lot of restrictions on the companies.

Sep 09 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deal with the 'Preparation for IPO". As part of the lead story, we interviwed Prof. Bala Balachandran, Distinguished Professor of Kellogg School of Management during his short visit to India recently. Prof. Bala is one of the top Management Gurus in the world. He is also an Adhoc Advisor to President Obama on economic issues. He prescribes 7 steps to the companies for IPO preparation.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. (9 minutes). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may right click this link and save the link/target as mp3 file, in your desktop and play through any mp3 player.

This podcast may also be listened from the following links

Podbazaar

Blip TV

Beware and be aware - 5000 Indians die of heart diseases every day - It is time to act now!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:50:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 85

Today (27th Sep 09) is the World Heart Day. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Satish Gupta, Global Hospitals and Research, Abu Road, Rajasthan. He had dedicated his life to find out alternate treatement for heart diseases through lifestyle changes. With the support of Global Medical Hospital, DRDO, Government of India Ministry of Health and National Yoga Institute, he had conducted extensive research in this direction for nearly 12 years. Dr Abdul Kalam, who was then heading DRDO also supported him in his project and was taking keen interest in the studies.

Three days back, I wrote in detail in the groups about the interview I had with Dr Satish Gupta with more details. More than 5 million people get fresh heart attack in India every year and out of this nearly 12 lakh people die within one month. On an average, nearly 2 million people die every year in India due to heart attacks. That means, every day around 5000 people die of heart disease in India. In spite of this, the awareness level is very low in India.

Though 50 lakh people get heart attacks every year, only 1.60 lakh people could get higher treatements like angioplasty or by-pass surgery. That means more than 95 percent of the affected people are not in a position to get high medical treatment due to cost factors. In view of this, Dr Gupta after various studies and research programmes found out that 'artery blocks' could be removed through proper meditation, diet, good sleep, exercise and with change of life style.

Brahmakumari Centre at Abu Road also conduct free trainings for the people who are affected by heart diseases. Please listen to the full interview ( 29 m 30 sec). Dr Gupta has explained in detail the causes for artery block and tips for prevention. He has also given details for those who want to contact them for training.

Please click to 'play' the flash player below. This audio streaming will be smooth in broadband. If you find any difficulty, kindly right click this link and save the target/file to your desktop as mp3 format and play through any mp3 player.

This podcast may also be listened from the following links

Podbazaar

Blip TV

Odeo

Dr Satish Guptha may be reached at Global Hospitals and Research, Abu Road, Pin code 307 510, Rajasthan.

Their website is http://www.3dhealthcare.org

His email id is 3dhealthcare@gmail.com

PH: +91-2974-228880 & 228600

Is Australia safe for Indians?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 84

In the recent months, lot of media reports are coming about the so called 'racism' and violence in Australia. Huge number of Indian students go to Australia for higher studies every year. Such media reports have created more confusion in the minds of Indian students and parents. Even the Indian Government and the Australian Government are trying to sort out this issue.

In this background, today (5th Sep 09), I met Mr Bala Natarajan from Melbourne in a function. He is one of the leading businessmen in Australia in leather and hospitality industry. He has been living there for nearly 35 years. He has come to India for a week's stay. I immediately recorded his podcast interview about the situation in Australia in the same venue.

In his interview, he says, "Australia is the safest destination for all Indians; Australia provides opportunity for all the immigrants, provided they are willing to work hard and follow their rules; Many immigrants have prospered in their profession and in education; All the present confusion is due to some bad elements and there is no racism in Australia".

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below (4 minutes). The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the audio is not smooth, right click this link and save the link/target in your desktop as mp3 file. ( 3.6 mb)

This podcast may also be listened from

Podbazaar

Blip TV

Recession in US and its impact in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:50:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 83

We have been talking about recession for the past few months. This 'so called recession' has impacted the people across the globe in different ways. 'How the recesion started?', 'What is the real impact on India?'. 'When the normalcy will be restored?' - These are the few questions raised by many people.

In this context, we spoke to Prof. Bala V Balachandran, a distinguished professor in Kellogg School of Management in USA. He is considered as one of the Top 10 Management Gurus in the world. He is an 'Adhoc Advisor' to President Obama. He is alo advisor to various Governments, including Indian Planning Commission. He has a passion for developing Management Institutes in India to provide world-class Management education.

He is mainly responsible for setting up globally renowned Greatlakes Institute of Management at Chennai and Indian School of Business at Hyderabad. He is also closely associated with Management development institute at Gurgaon in designing the programmes. In recognition of his contribution to management education in India, Govt. of India honoured him with the coveted Padma shree award in 2001.

Prof. Bala is also known as 'Uncle Bala' amongst his students and colleagues. We recorded his interview on 2nd Sep 2009 over telephone, during his short visit to India. In this interview, he has spoken about the start of the recession, its impact in India, salary parity between IT and traditional industries, etc.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below (12 m). The audio streaming will be comfortable in broadband connections. If you encounter any difficulty, please right click this link and save the target/link to your desktop to download mp3 format (10.8 mb)

This podcast interview may also be listened in the following links also:

Podbazaar

Odeo

Blip TV

Tweet @ 140 - More about Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 82

Twitter, the new micro blogging tool has changed the way of communication. The limitation of 140 characters for tweets has made a tremendous change in the style of net discussions. Twitter, with more than 20 million unique visitors currently is considered as one of the fastest growing micro blogging tools.

Though Twitter was started in 2006, with a view to encourage discussions within the closed family members and friends, the potentiality of Twitter has now extended to Governments, Corporate houses, individuals, business, etc. Even the Business houses, use the Twitter for their marketing purposes, customer care, etc.Hundreds of Twitter applications have also brought in lot of creativity in this 'tweet' communication.

August 09 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deals with this concept of Twitter. As part of an article, PodUniversal interviewed telephonically Deep Sherchan, Chief Marketing Officer of InRev. Deep, hailing from Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the social media evangelists and is also part of the team who write a book on Twitter.

Please listen to his interview (15 min), by clicking 'play' button in the flash palyer below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, you may right click this link and download the mp3 file (15 mb) to your desktop and listen.

This podcast interview may also be listened from the following links

Odeo

Podbazaar

Blip TV

Please tweet this page through the link given at the top.

Give more; Take more happiness - Dr Abdul Kalam's exclusive message

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:02:00 +0000

On 11th August 2009 morning 11.15 am, I got the SMS from Mr Ponraj, Advisor to Dr Abdul Kalam that Dr Kalam was on flight to Chennai and he would be at Chennai Airport for two hours, before he boarded the other flight. During his waiting time, he would like to meet at 1 pm, 5 to 10 youngsters of Action 2020 team, who were doing service to the society. It was a pleasant surprise for me. I was wondering how Dr Kalam was passionate about meeting youth, even during his small break.

Barely two hours left, I rang up to Balasubramanian (Kodambakkam 2020 project), Britto (Friedz for Life), Vinod (VTrust) and Natarajan (Dream India). They all jumped with joy to get the unexpected reward. Around 10 of us assembled at the Airport. Immediately, after his arrival, he called us to the VIP waiting lounge. He spent around 50 minutes of his time with our team. He discussed meticulously on the projects done by the partner groups of Action 2020 team. He also gave them suggestionsfor improvement.

At the end of 50 minutes, we requested him to give his message for the Indian Youth and he readily permitted us to record his message. In his message, he naratted one instance when he participated in the 101st birthday of Tumkur Shivakumar Swamiji. The birth day celebrations was attended by 5 lakh people. After all the people spoke, Swamiji spoke for 15 minutes without any difficulty, standing erect. This made Dr Abdul Kalam to wonder how Swamiji was maintaining such happiness even at the age of 101. Then he realised that Swamiji was running 220 educational institutions, benefitting more than one lakh children. In addition every day, he is feeding more than 15000 poor people. Dr Kalam realised since Swamiji was giving more, he was taking more happiness. In his exclusive messge, Dr Kalam advises the young people to 'give more and take more happiness'.

Please watch the pictures and listen to the message of Dr Abdul Kalam by clicking 'play' button in the flash player( 2 min). The video streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link/target to your desktop in wmv format (1 mb) and play through windows media player.

You can also listen to the audio version of the message. If you want to download this audio in mp3 format, right click this link and save the link/target to your desktop.

This message can be listened from the following links:

http://blip.tv/file/2462835/

http://www.youtube.com/my_videos

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857436

Medicall 2009 - India's largest medical equipment expo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:20:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 81

Medicall 2009, India's largest medical equipment expo was launched at Chennai at Chennai Trade Centre on 31st July 2009. In this three day expo, more than 250 National and International exhibitors are displaying their latest equipments. In addition, they also conduct Seminar on hospital management and patient safety issues.

Recently, Tamil Nadu Government has announced a medical insurance scheme to benefit 1 crore poor families. This scheme would enable the poor people to avail the medical facilities free of cost in private hospitals also. 300 private hospitals are already approved by the Government to provide facilities. This has exerted pressure on the private hospitals to increase their facilities. This expo comes at this time, when privte hospitals are in look out for competitive world class products.

Please watch the feature on Medicall 2009, by clicking 'play' button in the flash player (8 minutes). The video streaming will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and download the video in wmv format to your desktop and play ( 4 mb).

This podcast may also be watched from the following links

http://blip.tv/file/2426945/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvxQM3E-msk

Sound of Silence - Impact on Corporate governance and personal life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:22:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 80

'Silence' has played a greater role both in Corporate governance and also in the personal life. Generally, peopole perceive that only text and speech form part of communication. Many of us do not know that 'Silence' is also a powerful communication tool.

June 2009 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deals with the 'Sound of Silence". As part of the lead story, Mr N Vittal, Former Central Vigialnace Commissioner of India and an erudite scholar has given his broad views on the various aspects of the impact of silence both in governance and in personal iife.

Plese listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link and download the mp3 file of the audio. (12 m 39 s)

This podcast interview may also be listened from the following link:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857430

http://blip.tv/file/2284005

http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24734780-Sound-of-Silence-Importance-of-silence-both-in-our-official-and-personal-life

How Indian telephony users perceive? A snap report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Prime Point Foundation and Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense conducted an online 'snap survey' during the second week of June 2009 to quickly understand the perception of various Indian telephony users. The survey coverred landline, mobile, broadband and DTH/Cable TV services. The survey findings were presented by K. Srinivasan, Chairman, Prime Point Foundation on 20th June 2009 in a Seminar organised by Consumers Association of India (CAI) jointly with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

1. Generally, the BSNL users are critical of the quality of service (QOS) and customer care provided by BSNL. Generally consumers are more concered that BSNL is not giving tough competition to the private operators. This attitude of BSNL is not in the interest of the Nation.

2. Users from Private operators are critical of the customer care and lack of transparency in their tariff structure. Though TRAI has directed that all the operators should have a proper system in place for customer care and to provide 'escalation path' like call centre, nodal officer, appelate authority, etc. I personally found that they are more in paper. In some of the sites, it is difficult to get the numbers of the nodal officers. In many cases, the numbers will not be picked up anybody.

TRAI was represented by Mr Mathew Palamattam, Deputy Advisor. Airtel, Aircel, Vodofone, BSNL were represented by their middle level Officers. Tata Indicom and Reliance did not send any representative.

From the various deliberations, I observed that TRAI does not have enough 'teeth' or 'powers' to punish/penalise the erring operators. I understand that TRAI has powers only to announce rules and regulations. When the operators do not care for such rules, possibly, TRAI also will join the consumers only to 'weep'. They cannot do anything more. Only Government can explain as to why they keep TRAI 'teethless'.

The recorded version of my presentation in the Seminar is gien below. Please click 'play' button in the flash player below to watch the presentation (17 minutes). The streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty, right click this link and save the target/link to your desktop in wmv format and watch through windows media player.

The presentation can be watched in the following link also

http://blip.tv/file/2266262

Music, and dance develop 'team playing skills'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:08:00 +0000

Presently, the biggest challenge before the Corporates across the globe is the lack of 'team playing skills'. Many of the HR Managers complain that the team members do not sync with the team policy or team project. The problem arises, because, the children right from their school days, are not allowed to play in a team. They learn to live separately and independently. Many of the parents care more for the education of their children, than developing their skills to sync with the society. Only good 'team players' subsequently become 'good leaders'.

I had the opportunity of witnessing a wonderful dance event organised by Premalaya Natyaniketan at Nanganallur, suburb of Chennai. This Institution trains large number of young children in Traiitional Bharata Natyam (Indian classical dance).

Four children viz. Sunanda (Age 13), Bhoomija (Age 9), Sripriya (Age 11) and Sruthi (Age 12) are the students of 'Premalaya Natyaniketan'. They have been performing their shows together in various Sabhas and Temples even at this age. The event I witnessed was their 60th joint performance. :)

The manner in which these children synchronised their dance performance with behind-the-scene operators like Choregrapher Latha Aravindan, Musician Sowmya and Sarayu (Jathi) was really amazing. I also understood that these children were not only excelling in their dance performance, but also in their studies.

It made me to think further. How such activities trigger the young children to perform better in other fields too. I wanted to share my joy and concern with other netizens too. . In my personal view only music, dance and sports will help the youth to develop 'team playing skills'. Parents should provide more opportunities for the children. The entire 90 minutes show is brought down in 9 m 30 seconds.

Please click 'play' to watch the video. (The streaming will be smooth in broad band connections. If you find streaming not smooth, right click this link and save the link to your desktop to download wmf format of the file. The file can be played through windows media player.

The video may also be watched from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/2188237

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiutXIQsfE

Latha Aravindan (Premalaya Natyaniketan) may be contacted at latha_aravindan_ajay@yahoo.co.in

How to choose courses in Engineering Colleges?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:24:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 79

Throughout India, the results of the 12th standard have been announced by all the State Boards and Central Board. The students who have secured good marks and their parents are in a confusion as to which course they can choose.

Many number of Universities and Colleges offer Engineering Courses across the country. The unified Anna University is the largest technical University in the world with more than 350 affiliated professional colleges. Two years back, to provide better education and monitor the system, the Government trifurcated Anna University, Chennai into Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and Tiruchy Universities.

In an exclusive interview with PodUniversal, Dr Radhakrishnan, Vice Chancellor, Anna University, Coimbatore shares his views as to how parents and students should choose the Engineering Courses.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadbands. If you find the streaming is not smooth, you may right click this link, and save the save the link or taget to your desktop in mp3 format and listen. (12 minutes)

The interview may also be listened at
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857425

The impact of 'Information overload' on the society

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 78

With the increase in technology, social media, mass media, the society is largely suffering from 'Information overload'. Even an ordinary event gets blasted through social media and mainline media. How does it affect the stakeholders?

Many Mergers and Joint ventures are over-hyped, creating more expectations from the stakeholders. The stakeholders get disappointed when the outcome is not according to the expectations, raised due to 'Information overload'.

Even a recent 'car launch' got a huge hype through social media and mass media. Probably, this scared away the prospective buyers and the registration did not match with the estimate of the company.

Is there any way, we can handle the Information overload? Is the 'Information overload' specific to certain cases or is it common amongst the corporates?

May 2009 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deals with the "information overload' based on the research conducted by International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). As part of the lead story, we interviewed Mr Madan Bahal, Managing Director, Adfactors Public Relations, one of the top 3 Indian PR Agencies.

Please listen to his podcast interview by clicking 'play' in the flash player. (This streaming of this audio will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming of audio is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link (target) in your desktop as mp3 format and then listen). - 8 minutes

This podcast may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857424

Is current recession or slow down an opportunity for growth and out-of-the-box thinking?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:44:00 +0000

Global Forum for Public Relations, (GFPR) a global body of PR professionals launched their Chennai Chapter on 9th May 2009. Young team of PR professionals and students took oath as Managing Committee members. (see picture below)

PodUniversal Edition 77

The launch function was followed with an "UnConference" on the theme "Communication during recession". Since it was an UnConference, all the participants had the opportunity to share the views. Experts like Madan Behal (MD, Adfactors PR), Ravi Srinivasan (Editor, Mail Today), Arun Aroa (Associate VP, GMR Dial), C J Singh (MD, Core PR) and Chandra Mouli (CEO, Blue Lotus PR) shared their views live during the UnConference over telephone from their places. They also answered the questions from the audience. B N Kumar (CEO, Concept PR), T N Ashok (Corporate Consultant and former Economic Editor of PTI), Susan Koshy (Former General Manager - Corporate communication, IDBI), B K Karuna (National President, GFPR) were personally present and shared the views.

The important issues that were discussed were:

1. whether recession is a myth or a relaity?
2. Which are the sectors that are affected by this slow down?
3. How to convert this situation into an opportunity for growth and out-of-the-box thinking?
3. What are the communication strategies that we need to adopt?

and many more issues. Please listen to the excerpts from the UnConference session, by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. If the streaming of audio is not smooth, you can right click this link and save the target as mp3 file in your desktop and listen through your player. (22 minutes)

The audio may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857418

Young Professionals should get connected to the Industy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:29:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 76

Public Relations (PR) industry has started growing in the past one decade enormously. Many educational institutions have started separate courses on PR to prepare the students for this industry. Many educated youngsters join this industry with fat salary. PR is no longer 'Media centric'. The clients expect to get 360 degree brand image, to face the global competition.

The curriculum in the educational institutions do not match with industry needs. The youngsters who come out with book knowledge, need to get integrated with the industry. This could be possible only through continuous updating and learning process.

Do the young professionals take initiative in updating their knowledge and skills? Do the young professionals have a right attitude to connect to the industry? Even when the opportunity is provided, how do they utilise this to their advantage? To what extent senior professionals in the industry take interest in grooming the seniors? Is the learning aligned to the right practices? Do the professionals share the case studies with fellow professionals?

With these questions, we contacted Mr Vikram Kharvi, a Mumbai based young journalist turned PR professional over phone for an exclusive interview. Mr Vikram Kharvi is moderating a discussion group on PR for the past one year and also publishes a PR newsletter from this month. He is one of the few young professionals, who take lot of interest in developing the profession.

Please listen to his free and frank views, by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and save the link/target to your desktop in mp3 format and listen)

This audio podcast may also be listened from the following links
Podbazaar
Odeo

Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India - a 'role model' in the Indian Civil Service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 76

Mr N Gopalaswami, retired as Chief Election Commissioner of India on 20th April 2009. A 1966 batch IAS Officer of Gujarat cadre, hails from a small village in Tamilnadu and through his hard work and dedication, he reached the level of Chief Election Commissioner of India. He has also held very high positions in the Government of India, including the Secretary of Home Ministry during critical days.

In the last few weeks, he was more spoken in the media for his upright and frank recommendations on Mr Navin Chawla, the Election Commissioner and also on the case of Ms Sonia Gandhi. On one side, though some of the political parties criticise him for his stern actions, on the other side, many of the youngsters hail him as a 'role model' or as a 'hero' in their blogs for his courageous actions. He is considered as one of the upright and most honest officer in his own bureaucratic circles.

Today (28 April 2009) morning, I spoke to Mr Gopalaswami over phone to record his podcast interview. In a free wheeling conversation, he spoke on his source of inspiration, his spiritual beliefs, usage of technology in governance, his achievement, his disappointment, role of youth, etc.

When I asked him who was the source of his inspiration for his uprightness in his career, spanning forty years in civil service, he told me that before joining IAS, he prostrated before his grand father and sought his blessings. His grand father, a man of high integrity, advised him in Tamil, "Nermaiyaha iru". That means, his grand father advised him to be utmost honest with integrity in civil service. Mr Gopalswami was wondering as to what prompted his grand father to advise him like that. Later, he came to know about the bad experience of his grand father in Government offices due to corruption and lethargy, which prompted him to advise. Mr Gopalswami told me that till date, he was keeping up the advise given by his grand father.

In the post-retirement period, he wants to study Vaishnavism through contact classes. He will be attending classes on Saturdays and Sundays. He has already completed one semester. He plans to complete the remaining three semesters of this course, by attending classes.

Please listen to the interesting and freewheeling conversation in full by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, right click this link and save the mp3 file to your desktop and listen through mp3 player. (18 m 21 s). Please bear with us for the quality of audio, as it was recorded over phone.

This podcast may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857403

Media students intereact with Former Chief Election Commissioner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:59:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 75

Madurai Kamaraj University provides Distance Education programme at Post Graduate level on Mass Communication/Journalism and Advertisement/Public Relations. Contact classes were held at Chennai during this week for the first year PG students of Mass communication. For the first time ever in any University, the University organised a live Press Conference and Interaction programme for these students with the help of Chennai Press Club. They had invited Mr T S Krishnamoorthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India for this interaction session.

Mr S P Lakshmanan (Editor, Arasiyal), Mr Bharathi Thamizhan (Joint Secretary of Chennai Press Club), Mr Nurullah (Senior Journalist), Prof. M V Nagarajan (Co-ordinator for this Distrance Education programme) were also present. Since, I am in the Board of Studies of this University, I was also invited. The interaction session lasted for one hour. The future journalists, were very creative in asking several questions.

Please listen to the excerpts from the interaction session (16 minutes), by clicking 'play' button in the flash palyer. (The streaming of the audio will be smooth in broad band connections. If you find any difficulty, right click this link and save the link to your desktop and listen through mp3 player.)

The audio may also listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857401

If you want to know more about the distance education programme of Madurai Kamaraj University please visit http://www.mkudde.org/ or send your mail to Prof. M V Nagarajan, Co-ordinator to naga_mku@yahoo.co.in

UnSung Heroes - Bhumi Chennai, a group of young students and professionals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:45:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 74

Bhumi Chennai, an organisation started by young students in 2006 is now undertaking few education and environment projects benefiting around 500 people. In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Prakash (President), Ayyappan (Treaurer) and Vaishnavi (Secretary General) explain their activities. They can be contacted through their website http://www.bhumichennai.org/

Please listen to their interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and save the mp3 format to your desktop and listen.

The audio may also be listened in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857399

Rajalakshmi Engineering College aims to become University - A Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:57:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 73

Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Tandalam (Near Chennai) started in 1997 with 180 students in 3 Branches of Engineering, has now grown to nearly 4000 students in 9 Under Graduate and 8 Post Graduate programmes. They are now affiliated to Anna University, Chennai. Anna University has approved research facilities in three departments.

Besides accreditation by NBA and NAAC, they have also been accredited by Industry majors like TCS and CTS. With the encouragement of their success within 12 years, they would like to become an University in three or four years to compete at global level.

Visual Podcast

In an exclusive podcast, PodUniversal features them. Please listen to the podcast by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (Streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find any difficulty in streaming, you can right click this link and download wmv format by saving to your desktop. You can play through windows media player).

This podcast may also be listened in the following link
http://blip.tv/file/2010368/

Audio podcast

Please click 'play' button to listen to the podcast. (If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and save to your desktop, to download mp3 format of this podcast)

This podcast may also be listened in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857396

Music breeds success - all about music

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:27:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 72

Whether music can cure diseases or reduce stress? Whether music can breed success? What is the difference between Carnatic music, Hindustani music and Western classical? What is the origin of music?

With so much of questions, we approached Mr Rangasami Parthasarathy, a doyen in the music industry. Mr Parthasarathy started his music journey at Chennai as Tamil film music director in early 1950s. The first published song of the well known singer Ms S Janaki was in his Music direction. After a successful stint as music director, he migrated to United States in 1971. He started his music publishing company Oriental Records Inc in USA. The first audio CD of Indian classical music was produced by him in 1986 with Pandit Ravishankar playing Sitar and Allah Rakha, father of world renowned Tabala maestro Zakir Hussain, playing tabala. Name any renowned singer either in Karnatik or Hindustani, you will find their exclusive albums in his production. When Dr Abdul Kalam was the President of India, Parthasarathy composed music for Dr Kalam's poems with popular singers S P Balasubramaniam and Unnikrishnan singing them.

Even in mid 70s, he is so passionate about music, that he always breaths, eats, talks only music. When we, (Prime Point Foundation ) started the podcasts in June 2006, he gave us lot of encouragement. In December 2006, we started publishing PodMagazines. Mr Parthasarathy suggested the name "PodUniversal" and offered the background music, (which you will be listening in our PodMagzines), produced by him with Kadri Gopalnath, on Saxaphone. Though he holds the copyright of this music, he has permitted generously to use this music as our background music. We have now completed around 200 podcasts. Many of the podcasts carry this background music. This music has been admired by all across the globe and this music has positioned the PodUnivrsal well.

On behalf of PodUniversal, I interviewed him during his visit to India. He has talked interesting facts about music, in a very simple language to be understood by every one. Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broadbands. If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and download the mp3 audio by saving to your desktop and listen through any mp3 player.)

This audio may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857395

Bhagwad Gita defines 'leadership' relevant for modern days.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:49:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 71

Bhagwad Gita, rendered by Lord Krishna during the Mahabarata war is more than a spiritual text book. Gita contains lot of management techniques and tips.

In the present day competitive world, we find dearth of leadership. People always mistake the leadership either as position or power. Many of the great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King never held any positions or enjoyed any powers. They were conducting themselves as 'role models' for others.

Today, many corporate leaders talk more and never 'walk the talk'. That is not leadership. Whatever the leader does, it should be followed by others. The leader should leave a legacy behind him.

Mr Srikumar Menon, a Corporate Trainer and passionate researcher on Bhagwad Gita quotes from Chapter 3 of Bhagawad Gita, under Karmayoga. In one of the slokas, Lord Krishna in response to a question of Arjuna, explains the qualities of a 'leader' or a 'role-model'. Lord Krishna says that a leader should be one who is being followed by others. Please listen to the podcast of Mr Srikumar Menon, who explains the sloka in a simple language. (7 minutes)

This podcast can also be listened from

http://youtu.be/0-vcZuYwc_0

What prompted Jarnail Singh to throw shoe on Home Minister - Exclusive interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:39:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 70

When Indian Home Minister Mr P Chidambaram was addressing a Press Conference at Delhi on 7th April 2009 at Congress Head Quarters, one Mr Jarnail Singh, a reporter of a Hindi daily asked the Minister as to why Jagadish Tytlar was given 'clean chit' by CBI from 1984 Sikh riots. It may be recalled that during 1984 Sikh riots, more than 2700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and Jagadish Tytlar was also accused of his involvement in the riots.

Not convinced with the reply of the Minister, Mr Jarnail Singh, threw his shoes on the Minister as mark of his protest. The shoe did not hit the Minister directly and it fell on his side. When this event was shown live, there was a heated debate as to the behaviour of the journalist. On the other side, there are also debates about the scant respect given by the Government on the sentiments of Sikh community.

Mr Jarnail Singh, though was removed from the Press Conference Hall, was subsequently left off without registering any case. Though Jarnail Singh is believed to a calm, religious and soft person, some 'hidden emotions' in him has made him to throw the shoes on the Minister.

On behalf of PodUniversal, I contacted Mr Jarnail Singh over his mobile and asked him, "what made him to behave like that in the Press Conference". In an exclusive interview with me, he regretted for his emotional outburst and he is also prepared to say 'sorry' to the Minister when he meets him next time. Please listen to his free and frank interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broad bands. If you encounter any difficulty, please download the audio in mp3 format and play through your mp3 player).

The audio may also be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857390

Shortcut to become a celebrity - Attack pubs and girls!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:58:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 69

Mr Promod Muthalik, Founder of Sri Ram Sena was the most unknown and insignificant person of Mangalore till two months back. One day, he attacked the local pub and few girls who were there. The entire media including Television cameras published this event and made him the most popular man of India. All political parties and senior leaders started condemning him and demanded his arrest. The Televisions were giving minute to minute development of the event.

The women organisations across the Nation, on their part, started condemning him, which were published in all the media. The terrorists also did not lag behind in their attempt to make him a 'celebrity'. They also seem to have added him on their 'hit list' along with Varun Gandhi.

Pramod Muthalik visited Chennai today (4th March 2009) amidst tight security. The entire media converged on him. Muthalik, with his smiling and beaming face addressed a 'big' Media Conference explaining his plan of actions.

When the entire media fraternity, senior political leaders, women activists and even the terrorists have all joined together to make him more and more popular and a National Hero, i did not want to be left alone. So, I also decided to contribute my share to make him a 'great warrior'. I could manage to get 5 to 6 minutes of his busy schedule to interview him exclusively for PodUniversal. I asked him few embarassing questions and he answered everything in a smiling manner. (He has learnt to be a good leader within this two months).

Moral of the story : If you want to become popular over night and be recognised by Media, women activists, political leaders and even terrorists, attack the pubs and girls. They will take care of the rest and you can sit and enjoy your leadership position. You can even start dreaming of becoming the next Prime Minister and start a party!

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play button' in the flash player seen below. (Audio streaming will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and play in your media player)

This podcast may also be listened in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857387

Dr Abdul Kalam exhorts people to vote for righteous candidates: Sets 5 point agenda for new MPs.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:29:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 68

India will be electing her 15th Lok Sabha shortly and the Election Commission has already initiated the election process. India is the world's largest democracy and this election will be the biggest election on the earth with the participation of 714 eligible voters.

India Vision 2020 Group, the popular online group of patriots has started the "Celebrate Democracy - Vote India" campaign. As part of the campaign, we got the exclusive audio message from former Indian President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. In his message, he says

"a great opportunity provided to us to elect the members who will be guiding the destiny of the nation for the next five years. The right to vote is a sacred right and an onerous responsibility that we owe to the motherland. The dawn of beautiful India is in our mind and then in our deeds. The deed for the day of the election for us is to cast our vote and be a proud contributor to the success of the spirit of democracy of the largest and dynamic democracy of all democracies. Dear friends, let us all go ahead and exercise our fundamental right to vote and elect the righteous candidate."

He has also set 5 Point Mission to the MPs who will be elected to the 15th Lok Sabha. Dr Kalam feels that we should give the MPs the task and then we need to evaluate their performance. He also wants a 'movement' should start for this.

Visual Podcast

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. (The streaming of audio and visuals will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the file in wmv format and play through your windows media player) - 7 m 50 s

Audio Podcast

You may listen to the audio of Dr Abdul Kalam by clicking the 'play' button of the flash player. (If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the file in mp3 format and play in your mp3 player)

The podcasts may also be listened at
http://blip.tv/file/1916767/
http://podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857379

Radio jockeying and Film production - skills needed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:14:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 67

Many of the youngsters want to become a good Radio Jockey (RJ) or to join the film production. There is a misnomer that any person who is a 'non stop talker' can become the RJ. In order to get the right information for the aspiring youth, on behalf of PodUniversal, I interviewed Ms Sujatha, a well known RJ of Radio Mirchi.

When the first FM station was launched in Chennai (probably in the entire South), in 2003, Sujatha was the first RJ to give her voice on air through FM. A print journalist turned broadcast journalist, has also made her mark in the film productions. She has worked with the popular actor Kamalahasan in few films. She is a multifaceted personality and she hosts the show in Radio Mirchi.

In a freewheeling conversation with me, Sujatha has explained the skills that are needed to become a good RJ. She has also offered to guide the aspiring youth to become a good RJ. Please listen to her interview by clicking 'play button'. (11 minutes)

(The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 and play)

The podcast interview may also be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857376

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop (10 mb)

Computer networks globally are under vulnerability risk - How to resolve?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:54:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 66

Globally, computer networks are under heavy risk. Many of the networks are highly vulnerable for being hacked. If the companies using IT networks do not take care of the 'Information security' aspects, and if there is any data theft from their computers, legally the companies are liable to the customers or to the aggrieved parties. This will also result in the reputation and business loss.

Not only the IT companies should worry about the Information security, but also the Non-IT companies who are using IT networks have to address this issue urgently.

While the companies go for ISO 9000, they do not get the certification for ISO 27001, which takes care of the information security. Nowadays, many of the International companies insist on ISO 27001 for awarding any projects. In future, the companies, who are not certified with ISO 27001 may not be able to get the projects at global market.

On behalf of PodUniversal. we interviewed Mr N R Krishnakumar (Director - Operations), DNV, one of the Global Certifying Authorities and Mr M L Srinivasan, CEO, ChennaiNet, a Vulnerability assessment expert and ISO Auditor to understand the latest trends and risks.

Video Podcast

Please click to 'play' to watch the podcast. (Steadming of audio and visual will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the file in wmv format (4.3 mb) and play through windows media player)

The visual podcast may also be watched from

http://blip.tv/file/1903213/

Audio Podcast

Please listen to their interview in audio by clicking 'play' button. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio to your desktop and play) - 11m 40s

The podcast may also be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857375

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop (10 mb)

Prof. M Ramadass - the only MP releasing his performance report annually to voters for appraisal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:46:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 65

Normally, we have heard of teachers sending the progress reports of their students to the parents and also employees in Corporates submitting their performance appraisal to their employers. In politics, never we have heard that any politician submitting his performance report to his electors for appraisal. Prof. M Ramadass, (PMK party), Member of Parliament representing Pondicherry constituency in the 14th Lok Sabha has been submitting his performance report to his voters for the past five years annually.

Prof. Ramadass, an Economic Professor turned Member of Parliament for the first time has raised and asked 504 issues/questions in the 14th Lok Sabha. He has attended 96% of the Parliament sittings. He has used more than 100 percent of the MPLAD funds, drawing the excess from the unutilised funds left by his predecessor. He is rated as 5th for utilising MPLAD funds in the Lok Sabha. He is an ardent user of Parliament library, even during holidays.

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, he has shared his success story. and his views on how the members can utilise the opportunity to serve the people. Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button in the flash player below. (12 m 30 s)

(The streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming of audio is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and play in your mp3 player)

This podcast may also be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857373

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop (11 mb)

Shailendra Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) - A top performer in 14th Lok Sabha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:59:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 64

We have already written in these columns that there are four categories, under which the members are rated in the Lok Sabha for their performance. They are (1) asking questions during question hours, (2) raising issues of public importance under rule 377, (3) participation in debates, legislative business and budget discussions, and (4) regular attendance. PodUniversal is now featuring the top performers of 14th Lok Sabha under these four categories. We have already published few interviews earlier.

we are now featuring Mr Shailendra Kumar, a Samajwadi Party MP from Uttar Pradesh. Mr Shailendra Kumar has been rated as No 1 for participating more number of times in debates and legislative business. He has participated in 340 times. (The average for the Lok Sabha is 24 times per member and 57 members did not participate) He has served Uttar Pradesh Legislative assembly for two terms Lok Sabha for two terms, including the 14th Lok Sabha. He hails from a popular and well known political family of UP. I congratulated and interviewed him over mobile, while he was touring in his constituency. Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. (8 m 35s)

The streaming of the audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If you the streaming is not smooth, you may download the audio in mp3 format and play in your player.

The Podcast may also be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857372

To download in mp3 format - Right click this link and save to your desktop ( 7 mb)

A V Adsul (Maharashtra) - A top performer in 14th Lok Sabha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:08:00 +0000

Mr Anandrao Vithoba Adsul (Shiv Sena) Member of 14th Lok Sabha from Buldhana (Maharashtra ) constituency has been rated as No 1 in asking questions in the Lok Sabha. He has asked 1260 questions during the entire Lok Sabha, while the average per member is only 167 questions. (78 Members never asked any question).

He was earlier the member of 11th and 13th Lok Sabha. He was elected to 14th Lok Sabha in 2004 for third term. He was also the Minister of State for Finance and Company affairs during the NDA Government, when Mr Vajpayee was the Prime Minister.

In an exclusive interview with PodUniversal, (recorded over mobile around mid-night, while he was touring in his constituency), he shares his achievements and also explains as to how the Members of Parliament can make use of the opportunity available for helping the society.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. 13 minutes (The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If the audio is not smooth, you may download the audio in mp3 format, and play in your mp3 player)

The Podcast Interview may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857371

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop (11 MB)

VK Thummar - A Top performer in 14th Lok Sabha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:39:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 62

After the announcement of Geneal Elections 2009, we have started featuring the top perfomers in the Lok Sabha. In this edition, we are featuring Mr V K Thummar, another Member of Parliament from Gujarat.

Mr Virjibhai Thummar, Congress Member of Parliament from Amreli Constituency has stood second in the 14th Lok Sabha, for raising issues under Rule 377. He has also raised more than 500 questions in the Lok Sabha using the Question hours.

He was the member of Gujarat Legislative Assembly for two terms before entering into Lok Sabha. He was elected to Lok Sabha during 2004 for the first time. During his first term itself, he proved his performance.

Hailing from a farmer's family, he had always took up the farmers' issue in the Lok Sabha. On behalf of PodUniversal, we interviewed him over phone. If he is re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha, he would like to achieve Number 1 position in the Lok Sabha under various categories of performance. PodUniversal congratulates him on his achievement and wishes him all the best in future.

Please listen to his podcast by clicking 'play' button (12 m 50 s) (The streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If you find the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and play through your mp3 player)

The podcast can also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857368

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop

S K Kharventhan - a top performer in 14th Lok Sabha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:10:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 61

In the closing session of 14th Lok Sabha, Hon'ble Speaker Mr Somnath Chatterjee expressed his serious concern over the poor performance of the members. He also shared that nearly 24% of Lok Sabha time was wasted in shouting. We also published a poodcast from Mr Era Chezhian last week in this issue, expressing our serious concern.

Now, the media has started analysing the performance of the Members of Parliament in 14th Lok Sabha. While, we blame the members for non performance, we thought, we should also appreciate good performers, who took their job seriously. We have decided to feature some of the top performers, who are the motivators for other Members.

14th Lok Sabha had 14 sessions during the tenure.

Mr S K Kharventhan, Member of Parliament (Congress) from Palani (Tamilnadu) Constituency has emerged as one of the top 5 performers in the 14th Lok Sabha (all 14 sessions combined) in the following areas:

1. Issues raised under Rule 377 : Members can raise important public issues under Rule 377 to draw the attention of the Government and the Public. Mr Kharventhan stood as No 1 in raising such issues. He has raised 377 issues. (Average is 6 issues per member - 176 members did not raise any issue)

2. Question hour is an important time for raising questions on public interest. The average questions raised by the members in the 14th Lok Sabha is 167 per member and 78 Members did not raise any questions. Mr Kharventhan has rasied 1200 questions and remains in the top 5 performers under this category.

3. Participation in debates: There is a general feeling that Members did not participate in the debates in connection with legislative business, bills, budgets, etc. The average for 14th Lok Sabha was 24 times per Member. 57 Members did not participate. Mr Kharventhan has participated in 187 times and remains 6th or 7th amongst the top performers.

4. Usage of library: He was using the Parliament Library extensively to prepare his notes on various debates.

5. MP funds: He has utilised 100% of the MP funds for welfare projects in his constituency and 99% of the projects have already been implemented.

He will be contesting the elections this time also, if his party permits. If he is re-elected, he wants to score No 1 position in all the above areas in the 15th Lok Sabha.

PodUniversal congratulates him for his top performance and wishes him all the best. Please listen to his interview recorded over phone on 6th March 2009. Please click to play. ( 9 Minutes) The streaming of the audio will be smooth in broad band connections. If your streaming is not smooth, you may download the mp3 format and play through your mp3 player.

This podcast can also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857366

Right click this link to download the audio in mp3 and save to desktop.

Mr Navin Chawla controversy - How to appoint politically neutral Election commissioners?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:41:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 60

Mr Navin Chawla, one of the Indian Election Commissioners is under controversy. Even while he was appointed, more than 200 MPs from the opposition submitted a memorandum to the President of India alleging his close links with ruling party. When the matter was challenged in the Supreme Court, Hon'ble Court declared that it was upto the Chief Election Commissioner to recommend the removal.

Few months back, Mr Gopalswami, the present Chief Election Commissioner of India recommended the removal of Mr Navin Chawala to the President of India, on the grounds of political bias. However, President of India rejected his recommendation and appointed Mr Navin Chawla as the next Chief Election Commissioner to take charge from Mr Gopalswami to be effective from 21st April 2009.

This has generated a debate in India amongst the media and people. All along, all such appointments to the high positions were not disputed by political parties. This is the first time, a controversy has arisen for this high constitutional appointment.

For more than two decades, various suggestions have been given for electoral reforms. All the Governments, have not taken serious measures. Now, after this incident, the Institutions like Election Commission should not be viewed with suspicion by 710 million voters. Even while justice is rendered, it should also appear to have been rendered.

In future, even if Mr Navin Chawla takes a genuine decision, it would appear to be biased to the opposition.

To avoid such controversies in future, we sought the views of eminent people like Mr Era. Chezhian (A senior Parliamentarian), Mr N Vittal (Former Central Vigilance Commissioner of India) and Mr T S Krishnamoorthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India).

Please listen to the podcast by clicking play button (11 m 35 s). The streaming will be smooth in broadbands. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the audio in mp3 and play in your mp3 player.

The podcast may also be listened at
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857365

Right click this link to download the audio and save to desktop (10 mb)

Relevance of Science and Technology communication

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:20:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 59

National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India is celebrating 28th February every year as National Science Day and honours various science communicators. They also support Science and Technology Communication courses at different Universities in India.

Their main aim is to promote science and technology communication through various channels.

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Prof. Anuj Sinha, Head of National Council for Science and Technology Communication explains the various aspects of Science communication and the job opportunities for science communicators.

Please click to play to listen to his interview (12 m). The streaming of audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and play in your mp3 players.

The podcast can also be listened at
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857364

If you want to download, right click this link and save to your desk top (11 mb)

14th Lok Sabha - Review by well known Indian Parliamentarian Era. Chezhian

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:14:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 58

While winding up the 14th Lok Sabha on 26th Feb 2009, Hon'ble Speaker Mr Somnath Chatterjee expressed serious concerns about the functioning of the 14th Lok Sabha. In his speech, he was informing that nearly one-fourth of the Lok Sabha time was wasted in shouting, etc ; Many members did not even raise the questions; Many bills were passed without even a debate.

In a few weeks from now, Indian voters will be electing the 15th Lok Sabha. Unless the voters take this issue seriously, India will have the Lok Sabhas with poor quality members, who may not take interest in Parliamentary procedures.

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Mr Era. Chezhian, a well known and a respected Indian Parlimentarian speaks about the functioning of the current Lok Sabha. Mr Chezian has served more than 22 years in Parliament, both in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He is a well known Parliament debater. When he was the member of the Parliament, his speeches used to be heard both by the ruling and opposition members keenly. He was also the Chairman of many Parliamentary Committees, including that of the prestigeous Public Accounts Committee.

Though this octogenarian Parliamentarian has retired from active politics, he is presently respected as a 'statesman' by all the political parties all over India. According to him, the Institutions like Parliament can be more effective, only with the active involvement of the citizens and the media.

Please click here to listen to his interview by clicking play button ( 14 m). This streaming of the audio will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and play.

The audio can also be listened in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857361

Right click this link to download the mp3 forat and save to your desktop ( 13 mb)

Show hosted by Shvetha Sridhar, PodJockey

Action 2020 - UnConference - Dr Abdul Kalam's interaction session - Audio

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Action 2020 - UnConference was organised by India Vision online group on Saturday the 17th Jan 2009 at Chennai. In our earlier posts, we have given a brief report of the event and also published the photos. The whole event was organised by the young organising team of working professionals and students. (Photo above - participants)

The highlight of the event was the interaction session with Dr Abdul Kalam, former President of India over phone. His telephonic conversation was fed into the speakers so that the entire audience could listen. After his speech, he also answered questions from the youth.

Nandini, of Bangalore belonging to 'Changes' group asked Dr Kalam as to how corruption could be eliminated. Another participant Mr Prakash of Chennai from 'Bhoomi' group requested Dr Kalam to give some motivating quotes for reproduction in Schools.

After nearly 20 minutes of the interaction session, Dr Kalam requested the audience to repeat the slogan "I can do it; We can do it' India can do it." along with him. This energised the entire audience and inspired them to work with more dedication.

Please read the text of his speech in the following link
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/action2020-kalam-speech.htm

Please listen to unedited version of Dr Kalam's interaction session ( 19 m 30 s) by clicking 'play' button. (The streaming will be smooth in broadbands. If streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format (18 mb) and listen through any mp3 player)

You may also listen to the audio in the following link:
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857344

If you want to download, please right click this link and save to your desktop

Pune based Indus Health pioneers in 'preventive health care'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:30:00 +0000

While health care is getting projected in a large way in India, 'preventive health care' is not getting adequate attention. Pune based Indus Health Plus, for the past eight years, has been creating awareness about this 'preventive health care' in a successful manner, in an affordable cost. In partnership with many reputed institutions, they have transformed the lives of nearly 1.5 lakh people by way of diagnosis and health education, at different places.

As part of their CSR activity, they have now decided to support the 'under privileged' children of Municipal schools. These children would be diagnosed and given proper health awareness free of cost. For this purpose, they have organised a motivational seminar with Mr Shiv Khera, at Pune and Mumbai, with the support of various sponsors, priced at lower level. They would like to use the funds generated out of this, for supporting the poor children.

(Photo: L - R : Parnal Dekhne - JMD , Kanchan Naikawadi; Managing Director and Amol Naikawadi Joint Managing Director)

In a freewheeling conversation for PodUniversal, Mr Amol Naikawadi, Joint Managing Director of Indus Health Plus Pvt Limited, explains the importance of preventive health care and their activities.

Please click 'play' to listen to Mr Amol Naikawadi ( 10 m 30 s). (The streaming will be smooth in broad band. If the streaming is not smooth, you may download the mp3 file and play with any m3 player)

You may also listen to this podcast in the following links

Podbazaar
Bilp TV
Odeo

To download in mp3 format - Right click this link and save to your desktop ( 9.3 mb)

Cartoon is a global language - Great tool for business houses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:14:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 56

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Mr Triambak Sharma, Editor of Cartoon Watch, the only Cartoon magazine published in India from Raipur, speaks about the various aspects of cartoons, intolerance of politicians for cartoons, cartoons as a great communication tool in the business houses.

Please click to play. (The streaming of audio will be smooth, in broadbands. In case, you find any difficulty, please download in mp3 format and play in any mp3 player)

You can also listen to this podcast from the following link

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857341

Right click to download and save to your desktop

Reduction of child labour and out of school children - A success story at Krishnagiri district

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:22:00 +0000

Normally, around 10 percent of the school going children get dropped out from the schools in rural areas, for various reasons, and mainly due to poverty. Such children are being exploited as child labour and their talents get wasted. Every District Administration in India has been empowered with various schemes and enough funds.

In addition, Sarava Shikshya Abhyan, National child labour project and UNICEF also support the district administrations for sending these children back to school. Many such programmes are not implemented well due to lack of initiatives from many of the District Collectors across the country.

In this edition, we are bringing out an exclusive interview with Dr Santhosh Babu, IAS, presently the Managing Director of Electronic Corporation of Tamilnadu ELCOT. In his earlier assigned as District Collector of Krishnagiri district, he ws very successful in reducing the child labour and school drop outs to the extent of 95 to 97%. According to Dr Santhosh Babu, (i) identification and tracking of such children (ii) offering convergence package of schemes to such families would solve the problems for ever. They have also developed a new website www.back2school.in for this purpose.

He also brought e-governance initiatives in the district for improving the administration and to reduce the corruption. The initiative like ‘Rural BPOs’ was also hailed by the various media. He was honoured with the ‘Best Collector Award’ in 2007 by the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Indian Express also recognized him as one of the 5 ‘Pride of Tamilnadu’ in 2008. Data Quest honoured him with ‘e governance champion’ of South India in 2006. In an exclusive conversation with me, Dr Santhosh Babu describes the success story of Krishnagiri district.

Please click to play to listen to his interview (20 m). The audio streaming will be smooth, if you have a broad band of minimum of 100 kbps. If the streaming is not smooth, please download the audio in mp3 format and then play..

You can also listen to this podcast in the following link

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857340

To download - Right click this link and save to your desktop (18 mb)

'None of the above' option to be included in the voting machine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Indian citizens are expecting the announcement of General Elections soon. Probably within three or four months, all the Indian voters will be electing the new Federal Government.

All the Indian voters are concerned with (i) criminalisation of politics, (ii) Politics-Bureaucracy nexus, (iii) educated middle class apathy towards election and their lack of interest in election process, (iv) Election rules 49 (O) and (v) Electoral reforms like inclusion 'None of the above' in ballots, etc.

You may also download the Voters' Guidelines issued by Election Commission of India from the following link. Scroll down to listen to Mr T S Krishnamoorthy.

http://www.primepointfoundation.org/ECIguideline.pdf

PodUniversal - Edition 54

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Mr T S Krishnamoorthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India shares his views on the above issues frankly. When he was the Chief Election Commissioner of India, for the first time, he introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in all the Parliamentary Constituencies, successfully. during 2004 General Elections.

Please click 'play' to listen to his interview - 10 m. (The audio streaming will be smooth in a broad band of minimum of 100 kbps. If your streaming is not smooth, please download the file in mp3 format and play)

This podcast may be listened from the following link also
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857338

Right click to download and save to your desktop ( 9 mb)

Tough laws like Patriot Act needed for combating terrorism in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:18:00 +0000

After the Mumbai terror attacks on 26/11, Indian citizens across the Nation are organising events and seminars to show their anger and solidarity to combat terrorism. Shreyans Foundation, organised a seminar on 7th December 2008 at Chennai with eminent people talking on this serious issue. PodUniversal brings out an excerpt from the speech of Mr B S Raghavan, well known personality.

Edition 53

Mr B S Raghavan is a retired Senior IAS officer of the Government of India (1952 batch). He has held high positions in Government of India, Government of West Bengal and Tirupura. He has also served United Nations on behalf of Indian Government. While, he was serving Home Ministry in Indian Government, he has handled security policy of the Government. He has authored six books. He is one of the sought after person by all the media for his views.

In his speech, Mr Raghavan emphasises two points: (1) the need for a tough erlaw like Patriots Act of United States and (2) the role of Indian citizens in combating terrorism.

Please listen to his powerful speech by clicking 'play' button. (The streaming will be smooth, in the broad bands of 100 kbps. If you find any difficulty in smooth streaming, you may download the entire file in mp3 file and then listen) - 10 minutes

This podcast also may be listened from
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857335

Right click this link to download and save to your desktop (9.40 mb)

Angry Chennai citizens come together! It is time for change!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:42:00 +0000

After the Mumbai Terrorist attacks on 26th November, angry educated middle class Indians are coming together in all the Cities showing their anguish. Some of the Chennai citizens have now started an initiative "Citizens for Change". In a rare gesture, on Sunday the 7th December 2008, around ten thousand middle class and upper middle class citizens and their family members assembled at the Marina Beach and signed a pledge for solidarity and to save the Nation.

(both photos - Courtesy - Swaminathan Narayanaswamy)

PodUniversal Edition 52

On behalf of PodUniversal, we interviewed Dr Pasupathy, Convenor of this initiative. Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play button' (To get uninterrupted streaming of audio, you need a broad band of minimum 100 kbps. If the streaming is not continuous, you may download this audio in mp3 format and listen) - 4 minutes and 54 seconds

You may also listen to this podcast in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857334

Right click this link to download and save to desktop in mp3 format ( 4 mb)

Young students organise mega media events in 22 cities of the country

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Symbiosis Institute of Media and communication, pune popularly known as SIMC, a reputed media and communication school of Asia is arranging events called ‘footprints’ all over India since 1999 to promote media and communication awareness amongst the students during November and December every year. All the events are organized by their own students as part of their on the job training.

During 2008, SIMC had organized this Footprint event in 21 Indian Cities and one at Dubai, with uniform theme of Citizen journalism. The entire mega event is organized by 364 PG and UG students, by dividing the cities amongst themselves. During this year, more than 15000 young media students had participated in all the 22 footprints. They have involved more than 260 eminent professionals across the country as speakers. These footprints events generated more than 500 media reports across the country, besides social media write ups. These events involved an expenditure of around 75 lakshs, which was generated by the students through various sponsors.

From this year onwards, they have also instituted two awards for the young professional achievers in the media line in each center. They have honoured 34 such young achievers in the current year throughout India. These events helped all the students to have an hands on experience on marketing the events, sponsorship, public relations, photogrpahy, videography, advertisement, event management, etc.

When they had organized the footprint event on 5th December 2008 at Chennai, I spoke to Ruhi Jhunjhunhwala, a first year PG student of SIMC and the team leader of the Chennai Footprint team. Please listen to the interview by clicking 'play' button (12 minutes). (If you have a broadband of atleast 100 kbps, the streaming will be smooth. if the streaming is not continuous, you may download this file in mp3 format and listen)

This interview may also be listened in the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857333

Todownload in mp3 format, right click this link and save to your desktop (11 mb)

A day with Dr Abdul Kalam - How he manages the day?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:27:00 +0000

PodUiversal - Edition 50

We have always been wondering, how Dr Abdul Kalam spends his day. After coming out of Rashtrapathi Bhavan, he has become too busy. If you look at the site www.abdulkalam.com, you will find his speeches on a daily basis. He tours length and breadth of India and also frequently visits various countries.

Every speech he delivers is fully packed with so much of new information, data, etc. These speeches are now preferred documents for many students, researchers, corporate houses, etc. How does he manage the preparation of speeches?

In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Mr V Ponraj, Advisor to Dr Kalam gives the first hand account of a day in Dr Kalam's Office. Mr Ponraj is a scientist working in DRDO and is also part of the Technology Interface Group in Dr Kalam's Office. Mr Ponraj spends most of his day working with Dr Kalam and also travels along with him within and outside the country. He is also the Editor of 'Billion Beats' epaper published by Dr Kalam's Office through their site.

Please listen to his interview by clicking 'play' button. (The streaming of audio will be good in broadband of 100 kbps. If you find streaming flow is not continuous, please download this audio in mp3 format and listen) - 19 minutes

This podcast can also be listened at
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857329

Right click to download in mp3 format and save to desktop

Learning disability and Dyslexia - Role of parents, teachers and NGOs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:32:00 +0000

Indian former President, Dr Abdul Kalam is always talking about 'school drop outs' and is campaigning for developing their skills. Lack of awareness about 'learning disability' or 'dyslexia' is one of the reasons for not identifying great talents and potential in the children.

It is generally reported that around 10 to 15 percent of the children across the world suffer from learning disability or what is known as Dyslexia. These children find difficulty in managing the academic works. They may also be slow learners. They would score poor marks. In most of the cases, these children are branded as 'useless', 'poor performers', etc. by the teachers and parents. They are also given punishment.

These children are not intellectually weak. They possess different skills like music, sports, art, acting, innovation, drawing, craft, driving, etc. Many eminent people like Winston Churchill, Einstein, Issac Newton, Thomas Alva Edison and many popular hollywood actors were dyslexic during their childhood.

If these children are not identified and remedied, we will be guilty of losing great men of eminence for future. Many times, because of the punishment given by teachers and parents, such children use their skills in different way and may turn out to be criminals and anti social elements.

Edition 49 - PodUniversal

Madras Dyslexia Association (MDA) is a non profit voluntary organisation started in 1991, by the parents of such children to create awareness about this disability and to train the teachers to handle such children. In an exclusive interview for PodUniversal, Ms Lakshmi Radhakrishnan, Chairperson (Academic) of Madras Dyslexia Association speaks about this disability and the role of parents and teachers in handling such children. Ms Lakshmi Radhakrishnan is one of the pioneers in India and has handled thousands of such children and also trained hundreds of teachers. MDA is also willing to offer guidance to the NGOs who are working in education and rural segment.

MDA has their website http://www.mdachennai.com and they can be reached at mda.ananya@gmail.com

Please click to play the podcast interview with Ms Lakshmi Radhakrishnan in audio format. (For smooth streaming of audio, you need a broadband of 100 mbps. If you do not get streaming properly, you may download this audio to your desktop and listen through any mp3 player) - 16 minutes

The podcast may also be listened at
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857323

Right click here to download the audio in mp3 format and save to desktop (11 mb)

Moving towards second green revolution in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:10:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 48

In the early 1960s, when India was facing acute food crisis, the then Union Agriculture Minister Mr C Subramanian, popularly known as CS, (picture) took serious initiatives in bringing together many scientists and brought in the 'Green Revolution'. CS is now considered the architect and the father of Indian Green Revolution. Recognising his contribution to the food security, Indian Government honoured him with the highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna'. The first Green revolution was focusing on "Seed to Grain". That means production was given more importance to manage the difficult food situation then.

CS did not stop with this. Till the his 90th birthday, he was thinking over the next green revolution, to remove the negative aspects of first green revolution. In the year 2000. on this 90th birthday, he started his initiative towards second green revolution and started a trust "National Agro Foundation"(NAF). He roped in many eminent people and scientists to 'institutionalise' the movement. Dr Abdul Kalam is also associated with this movement, from the inception. After the death of CS, Dr Kalam became the Chairman of the Board of Governors, till he became the President of India. Now many eminent scientists and visionaries are governing this foundation.

The second green revolution focuses on "soil to market" as against the earlier "seed to grain". The initiative is to help the farmers to understand their soil and then finally to help them to get a good market for their products. Dr Abdul Kalam visited the adopted villages by this foundation on 15th October 2008 and celebrated his birthday with these villagers. Through this gesture, Dr Kalam showed the importance of agriculture and rural segment to the youngsters.

Following the foot steps of Dr Kalam, the representatives from the partner groups of 'India Vision 2020' also visited these villages on 1st November 2008, to understand the importance of second green revolution and to take it forward., terming this as 'Rural Tourism'. In this exclusive podcast, Mr Rajsekar, son of Mr C Subramanian and presently the Managing Trustee of National Agro Foundation talks about the activities of NAF and how they plan to take it forward to the entire nation. Please listen to him (click to play) - 14 minutes

(the streaming will be comfortable in the broadband of minimum of 150 kbps. if you find the streaming not comfortable, you may download this podcast and play in windows media player)

You can also watch / listen to this podcast in the following links
http://blip.tv/file/1436644/

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857317

To download in wmv formt - right click and save ( 6.4 mb)

To download in mp3 fomrat - right click and save (13 mb)

C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) - India's pride

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:24:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 47

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), is a Research and Development organisation set up by the Government of India. They have been contributing to the National Technological development silently. They are pioneers in building Super Computer PARAM in India, Garuda Grid Computing. They are also promoting open source softwares. They have released a Desi operating System BOSS, Indian version of Linux. They have also developed forensic software to help the Police officials to investigate cyber crimes.

In this podcast, we have interviewed Mr S Ramakrishnan, Director General of C-DAC. Mr S. Ramakrishnan, popularly known as Ramki is a pioneer in India in computer newtworking and grid computing. Even before the internet concept came to India, as the Project Director at National level, he was mainly responsible for networking educational institutions as 'ernet'. Now he is also closely associated with the PARAM PADMA, the next generation Super Computer.

Please listen to his interview by clicking to play (13 minutes)

(The streaming will work comfortably in the broadband of minimum of 150 kbps. If you find any difficulty, in the smooth streaming, you may download the wmv format (4 mb) and play in your windows media player)

You may also watch this podcast in the followig links

http://blip.tv/file/1404790

http://podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857313

Download this podcast in wmv format (4 mb) - Right click and save

Cyber crimes - protecting your computers and network

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:46:00 +0000

Cyber Society of India (CySI) organised a two day-seminar at Chennai on "Cyber Security and Assuirances" in 24th and 25th October 2008. Mr Scott from Consultant General of USA at Chennai and Mr N Vittal (Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India) inaugurated the seminar and delivered key note address. Many experts across the professional and IT sector participated and shared their views.

Please click to play to watch the podcast of the extract of the inauguration ( 10 minutes)

(The streaming will be comfortable in the broadband of minimum of 150 kbps. If you find any difficulty in smooth streaming, you may download the wmv format and play with you windows media player)

You may also watch this podcast from the following links

http://blip.tv/file/1394790

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857311

To download this podcast - Right click here and save to your desktop (4 mb)

Catholic Syrian Bank launches 'Marvel', Core Banking Software

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:46:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 45

Catholic Syrian Bank, a Kerala based leading Private Sector Bank has launched an unique core banking software on 20th October 2008, in an impressive function held at Chennai. This software was developed by the Bank jointly with Laser Soft Infosystems Limited, a well known Chennai based banking software product development company. This is the first time, a bank is developing a software product jointly with a vendor in India. The Bank has already networked 100 branches and will be networking all the remaining branches before the end of March 2008.

In this podcast, we bring out excerpts from the launch function. Please listen to Mr R Venkataraman (Chairman of the Bank), Mr B Suresh Kamath (Managing Director of Laser Soft) and Mr Anand (CEO, Wipro Infortech Limited). Please watch the podcast, by clicking 'play' ( 9 m 39 sec)

(The streaming of this podcast is comfortable in broadband of minimum of 150 kbps. If you have a lower bandwidth or streaming is not continuous, please download the podcast in wmv format and play with your windows media player)

You may also watch this podcast from the following links:

http://blip.tv/file/1385847
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=tUcPpgRJdpE
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857310 (audio only)

To download to your desktop
right click here and save to desktop (3.65 mb)

Rights and responsibilities of banks and customers - RBI Dy. Governor speaks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Edition 44 - PodUniversal

Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and Consumers Association of India (CAI) organised a seminar on 6th October 2008 at Chennai jointly on the 'Rights and responsibilities of banks and customers'. In this edition, we bring to you an excerpt from the speech of Ms Usha Thorat, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India. Ms Usha is handling the customer grievances at RBI against all the public sector, private sector and multinational banks operating in India. She is appellate authority for all the banking ombudsman in India.

In her speech, she has touched the very important issues like loan recoveries, penal interest, service charges, credit cards, ATM cards, drop boxes, etc. She has explained the various rights and responsibilities of the commercial banks (including private sector and multinational banks) and the customers.

With the permission of Consumers Association of India, we are publishing the ppt presentation of Ms Usha Thorat in full and excerpts from her speech. The ppt presentation may be downloaded from the following link (157 kb)

www.prpoint.com/ushathorat.ppt

Please watch and listen to her speech by clicking 'play' (15 mts). (This needs a minimum of 150 kbps broadband for smooth streaming. If you find that streaming is not fast, please download the file in wmv format and play in windows media player)

This podcast may be listened from the following links also

http://blip.tv/file/1340257/

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857307

To download the wmv format of this podcast, right click and save to your desktop (7.6 mb)

Unresolved customer grievances against any banks in India may also be referred to Mr Desikan, Founder, Consumers Association of India to their email id cai.india1@gmail.com

National Media Conference 2008 - A Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:38:00 +0000

A National Media Conference and Exhibition 2008 was organised by Brahmakumaris (a well knwon spiritual organisation) and Global Forum for Public Relations (GFPR) at Mount Abu from 20th September 2008. Around 2000 media and PR professionals across the country and Nepal participated.

Many eminent professionals shared their views on the current trends in media and communication. Please watch the podcast on the National Conference- Roundup. Rajayogi B K Karuna, Vice Chairman of Media Wing of Brahmakumaris and also the President of GFPR explains the purpose and the proceedings.

(streaming of this podcast will be good in the broadband of minimum 150 kbps. If it is less than this, you may download and then watch fully or allow this to buffer fully and then watch)

You may also watch this podcast from the following links
http://blip.tv/file/1295828/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv57_N1O9lQ

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857298

If you want to download the podcast in wmv format (you an play in windows media player), right click here and save to your desktop

Floating stone used in Ram Setu - Scientific validation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Ramayana and other Indian scriptures mention about the floating stones used by Hanuman and other Vanara Sena to build Ram Setu connecting India and Srilanka, from Rameswaram. Recently, we came across two such stones picked up from the Ram Setu. Please see them floating in water and also listen to the scientific validation by Dr S Kalayanaraman, an eminent researcher.

Please click to play (6m 21 s)

You may also watch the podcast from the following links

http://blip.tv/file/1242202

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=2KRxel0FEkY

http://podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857289 (audio only)

To download in wmv format, right click and save to desktop ( 5.9 mb)

Tod download in the audio in mp3 format, right click and save to desktop (5.8 mb)

Dr Sangeetha Madhu, Clinical Pshychologist speaks on 'challenges of working women"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:14:00 +0000

Edition 41

Present day working women face lot of challenges. They find it difficult to manage the work pressure both at work place and at family. A survey was conducted online to study the various perceptions of challenges faced by women. The results of the survey were discussed with Dr Sangeetha Madhu, Clinical Psychologist and Consultant. In an exclusive interview with Shvetha Sridhar, Dr Sangeetha Madhu speaks about the various challenges faced by the working women and also gives solutions to cope with them. Please listen to her interview: (15 m )

You can listen to the interview from the following link also:
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857271

Right click this link to download in mp3 format (14 mb)

Interview with Young Screen Entrepreneur Award winner Prathibha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:11:00 +0000

Edition 40

Ms Prathibha Sastry, Publisher and Editor of South Movie Scenes, Bangalore has won the coveted 'Young Entrepreneur Award 2008' from British Council. In an exclusive interview with Shvetha Sridhar, PodJockey, Prathibha talks about various challenges faced by her when planned to start a magazine and also she explains as to how she managed the challenges.

Please listen to her interview: ( 7 m 29 s)

You may also listen this interview from the following links.
http://blip.tv/file/1218581/
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=u6lasCgRL5I
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857272

To download the wmv or mp3 file of this interview
Right click and save this link to download the file in wmv format ( 3.8 mb)

Right click and save this link to download the file in mp3 format ( 7 mb)

Indian Medical equipment manufacturers showcase their products in MEDICALL 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:47:00 +0000

A three-day medical equipment exhibition titled 'MEDICALL 2008' at Chennai was inaugurated by Tamilnadu State Health Minister Mr M R K Paneerselvam on 1st August 2008. Around 200 exhibitors have displayed their products. Dr S Manivannan, CEO, Medicall has been organising this for the past three years with the intention of bringing together all the Indian medical equipment manufacturers and the medical professionals under one roof. This exhibition is also integrated with seminars on different themes to update the medical professonals with the latest developments in the health care industry. This is the largest such exhibition in India.

Presently, it is estimated that around 65 to 70 percent of the medical equipments are imported from various countries. Medical equipment industry is growing at 15% annually from the 10,000 crores at 2006 level to 22,000 crores in 2012. As the Minister said during the inauguration, Indian medical equipments are highly cost effective and qualitative.

Please listen to the exclusive podcast on MEDICALL 2008

You can also watch this podcast from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/1136461/

If you want to download this podcast in wmv format (can be played in windows media player), right click this link and save to your desktop

Dr Abdul Kalam's exclusive message to Indian youth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:21:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 38

Eight partner organisations of India Vision Group (Suyam Charitable Trust, India Sudar, Dream India, Manam Malarattum, Nandanar Trust, Team Everest, SIGM Foundation and Young Helping Minds), Editorial Board of Vandemataram ezine and Moderators of India Vision Group met Dr Abdul Kalam on 24th July 2008 and briefed about the various projects undertaken by them. Though the meeting started at 12 midnight, Dr Kalam was looking cheerful and fresh, after a day long hectic activities. He spent nearly one hour with the team and gave various suggestions for the development of the Nation.

Visit India vision site to know more about their activities.

At the end of the meeting, the members wanted his message for the Indian Youth. His message was recorded immediately. Please listen to his messge by clicking 'play' button

The podcast may also be listened from the following link

http://blip.tv/file/1118010/

Right click here to download the file in wmv format (2.8 mb)

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:19:00 +0000

June 2008 issue of our ezine features International Associatin of Business Communicators, who functions in more than 70 countries through 100 plus chapters. Mr Todd Hattori, Chair 2007-08 is the Guest Editor of this issue. You may download the ezine in pf format (410 k) from the following link

http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0608.pdf

Please scroll below to listen to their podcast interviews:

Podcast of Todd Hattori, Chair 2007-08 - Edition 36

Click to play 8 m 30 s

You can also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857192

Right click this link to download this podcast in mp3 format and save to desktop (8 mb)

Podcast of Ms Julie Freeman, President, IABC - Edition 37

Click to play (9 m 40 s)

You can also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857191

Right click to download this podcast in mp3 format and save to desktop (9 mb)

Do Non Resident Indians involve in Nation building?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:07:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 39

In the recent years, lot of educated youngsters migrate to United States and Europe for better prospects. There are two type of Non Resident Indians (1) people who are living there even prior to 1991 and (2) people who migrate to foreign countries post 1991.

During 1990 when India was facing acute financial and political crisis, during Prime Minister Chandrasekar's period, gold reserve was pledged to meet the day to day balance of payment. At that time, fearing collapse of Indian economy, many Non Resident Indians repatriated their investments from the Indian Banks to their living country. At that time, it added further financial strain and crisis to India. Rajiv Gandhi assassination lead to further political crisis. During 1991, Narasimha Rao took over as Prime Minister and with the help of Dr Manmohan Singh (then Finance Minister and present Prime Minister) liberated the Indian economy.

Economic liberalisation opened up our economy and lot of opportunities. Indian economy started booming. Lot of educated youngsters started moving to US and Europe for better prospects. Now the young Indians have started building up the Image of the country across the globe. What was considered by developed countries as the 'land of snake charmers and beggars' is now being seen as 'technology savvy country'.

In this background, few questions arise in our mind: (1) What is the attitude of NRIs towards the development of India (2) How far, they will raise to the occasion, if another crisis is faced by India (3) What is the role of NRIs in developing the Nation.

With these questions, we approached Mr Sudarshan Venkatraman, Chairman of Zylog Systems Limited, an Indian Multinational Company for his views. He has been operating the business in many countries. He belongs to the 'post 1991 group of NRI'. He has been taking active interest silently in various social welfare activities, particularly towards education of dalit and downtrodden children. You can listen to his views by clicking to play (13 minutes)

The interview may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857189

If you want to download in mp3 format, right click this link and save to your desktop (12 mp)

How to select University courses - Tips to parents and students

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:14:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 38

Now this an admission season. The parents of the students who have completed 12th standard are in a confused mood. There is a notion amongst the parents and students that only Engineering Courses in Information Technology are best suited for future prospects. Arts and Science courses are not preferred. Is the hype of IT Engineering courses a 'myth' or 'reality'?

On 22nd June, 2008, we telephonically interviewed Prof. R Radhakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Anna University, Coimbatore to clarify on these points and to guide the parents and students. Anna University is one of the leading technical Universities in India with more than 100 affiliated engineering colleges. This podcast interview will be useful for the students who are seeking admission in University courses and also pursing various education in different colleges in India.

Prof. Radhakrishnan suggests that a minimum basic degree with computer skills are sufficient to get placement and to develop future.prospects. He even goes to suggest that students with 10th standard qualification can also learn the skills that are needed by the industry and can go for jobs. Then they can earn more qualifications through distance education. He also says that students should improve the English language communication skills.

Prof. Radhakrishnan suggests that after completing the Schooling, the students should (1) self evaluate themselves and find out their interest with the help of their parents and teachers and (2) identify the field of education, based on the interest.

Please listen to his interview by clicking to play (17 minutes) - Gist is given below for convenience.

The interview may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857185

If you want to download the interview in mp3 format, right click this link and save to desktop (16mb)

Gist of the interview by Prof. R Radhakrishnan

1. Hype for in IT related engineering courses has been created more by the industry. People relate the IT and ITES related jobs only to the engineering subjects. Hence, people want to admit their children in engineering education.

2. In many Universities, B.Sc courses are also offered in computer related subjects. Currently, no education is complete without computer skills.

3. There are enough job opportunities for all. Even a student with 10th standard qualification with good academic record and communication skills can acquire the skills needed by the industry. After getting into the job, he can acquire more qualifications.

4. Information Technology is integral part of all the subject.

5. Presently, we do not have proper counselling system to help the students.

6. After completing 12th Standard, students from South India, prefer to pursue in Engineering and Medicine; Students from North India prefer Arts and Science.

7. After completing the Schooling, the students should (1) self evaluate themselves and find out their interest with the help of their parents and teachers and (2) identify the field of education, based on the interest.

8. Even if they pursue Arts and Science courses, they can go for MBA. Even engineering students go for 'diversified education' and go for MBA courses. Now 'Integrated or Inter-disciplinary approach' is taking place.

7. Last year 1,00,000 engineering seats were allotted by the authorities in 300 colleges / deemed universities in Tamilnadu. Out of this 75% went to IT and IT related courses. Only 25% were allotted for other engineering courses like Civil, Mechanical courses. Out of 75,000 students, how many would get jobs? There will be a tough competition. But competition in the other 25% like civil, mechanical engineering courses are less. There are more employment opportunities for these subjects.

8. Industries want only basic degree and minimum computer knowledge. The students should choose good educational institutions.

9. Bio Technology and Nano Technology have great future in the next 10 years.

10. Industry is insisting on soft skills. They insist on 'English language communication skills'

11. We fail in arriving at the level of language communication knowledge of the students. At the end of the course only, we realise that they lack in language skills. In Anna University, Coimbatore, we have started assessing the newly joined students for their language skills and they are graded accordingly. We are going to support them for improving their language skills, to suit the International standards.

12. I advise the students not to be carried away by the trends or hype. They should choose any branch whether engineering or arts and science. Also improve the computer skills. Definitely they will get the job. They should also think as to how they would contribute to the Nation. Whichever course, they choose, they can contribute to the Nation.

Unsung Heroes - Young Helping Minds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:36:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 35

Many times, the elders blame the younger generation including students for their behaviour and changes they bring about. But seldom we recognise them for their silent contribution to the society.

Nagappan, Sathiyan and a dozen young students used to celebrate their birth day parties in hotels and enjoy the dinner. Suddenly four years back, Nagappan and his friends decided not to spend lavishly the money for their birthdays in the hotels and instead pool the money to help poor students. A physically disabled junior student hailing from a very poor family was the first beneficiary of their gesture. They paid his college fees.

The smile on the face of the poor disabled boy motivated Nagappan and others to mobilise more number of students, who can contribute around 20 to 25 rupees every month. All the amount so collected were pooled for supporting more such poor and disabled students for their education., by way of fees, books, etc.

The encouragement given by the fellow students made Nagappan and Sathiyan to form a trust in the name of 'Young Helping Minds' and they registered the trust deed with authorities and also with Income Tax Department. They have around 250 students / young people contributing their small share towards the noble cause of educating the poor and disabled children. Presently, they support 35 such students for their education.

Inspired by Dr Abdul Kalam, Nagappan also changed his name as 'Kalam' Nagappan. They want to increase the contributors to 1000 and to increase the beneficiaries to 100 by 2010. Nagappan, Sathiyan, Poornima and Ponmudi, the trustees of this Young Helping Minds met me last Sunday.

I asked them : "Now you are all students. You are happily involving yourself in the social activities. Some of you have completed and now working in companies. What would happen if you all get married and enter the family life?" Without hesitation or even blinking of the eye, they responded together, "We will look only for like minded partners".

When they sought an appointment with me to meet, I was happy that i was going to motivate them further. Finally, after having had three hours of discussion, I ended up in getting myself motivated by these young boys and girls. I saw them off from my office with all hope that India's future is in the safe hands.

They can be contacted at younghelpingminds@yahoo.co.in
Their website www.younghelpingminds.org

I also recorded their interview in podcast. Please listen to the podcast by clicking to play. (8 mts)

The podcast may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857183

If you want to download the podcast in mp3 format: - Right click this link and save to your desktop

Protecting youth from HIV / AIDS - A special interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:51:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 34

Dr K. Surya Rao of Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) was honoured by President of India during May 2008 with Padma Shree Award. The Award was given to him for his contribution in the research activities of HIV / AIDS and for creating awarenss.

In and exclusive interview with K. Srinivasan, Editor of PodUniversal, Dr Surya Rao speaks about the present situation of impact of HIV / AIDS in India and also gives suggestions to protect from this killer virus.

Please click to listen to his interview (11 m 45 s)

You can also listen this interview from this link
http://podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857179

To download this interview in mp3 format - Right click this link and save to your desktop (10.7 mb)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:50:00 +0000

April 2008 issue of our ezine deals with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This issue is Guest Edited by Mr S Narendra, Former Information Advisor to Indian Prime Ministers. We are carrying exclusive views from eminent persons, who have rich experience in CSR initiatives. The ezine in pdf format (460 k) may be downloaded from
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0408.pdf

Please also listen to the podcast interviews

PodUniversal Edition 32

Mr Kishor A Chaukar, Mg. Director, Tata Industries Ltd

Please click to listen to the interview (12 m 30 sec)

You can also listen to the interview from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857140

Right click this link to download in mp3 format (11.4 mb)

PodUniversal Edition 33

Mr Gerard Helmink, Director, Akzo Nobel, Netherlands

Please click to listen to the interview ( 10 m)

You can also listen to the interview from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857142

Right click this link to download in mp3 format ( 9.2 mb)

Higher education in European Universities - Useful tips to aspiring students

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:59:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 31

Presently, many students aspire to get educated in European Universities. In an exclusive interview with K. Srinivasan, Editor of PodUniversal, Mr Mark Bickerton, Director, Student recruitment and International Relations of London Metropoliton University, London speaks about the various aspects of higher education in UK and other European Universities.

London Metro is the single largest University in London and third largest in UK. Around 35,000 students are studying in the University. Of this, around 7000 students are from nearly 150 countries.

Mr Mark is a well known academician and is associated with the University for more than two decades.

Please listen to his interview by clicking to play ( 12 minutes)

You can also listen this interview from the following links:

http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857128

http://blip.tv/file/824882

If you want to download this interview in mp3 format, right click this link and save to your desktop ( 11 mb)

Exclusive interview with Mr Colin Farrington, Director General, CIPR, London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:21:00 +0000

Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), London is one of the oldest Institutions in the PR field. They are celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year. To coincide with their 60th Anniversary, they are hosting '5th World PR Conference' at London during June 2008.

March 2008 issue of PR-e-Sense focusses on CIPR. Mr Colin Farrington, Director General of CIPR is the Guest Editor of this ezine. We carry an exclusive Podcast interview also with Mr Colin.

March issue of ezine may be downloaded from this link (350 k in pdf file)
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0308.pdf

PodUniversal - Edition 30

Please listen to the podcast interview of Mr Colin Farrington - Click to play

Click to play

To download the file in mp3 format, right click and save ( 6.4 mb)

This podcast interview may also be listened from

http://blip.tv/file/779874

Exclusive interviews with Dr Abdul Kalam and Dr Y S Rajan, duo of India Vision 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:50:00 +0000

This ezine completes two years and enters third year successfully. Feb 2008 issue is the Special Second Anniversary Issue. This issue is unique in its own way.

If all the Indians chant with pride the 'Vision 2020' mantra, the entire credit goes to the duo Dr Abdul Kalam and Dr Y S Rajan, who authored the book India 2020 together. This edition is Guest Edited by Dr Y S Rajan and we carry the exclusive interviews from Dr Kalam and Dr Rajan.

Download the ezine

Please download the ezine from the following link ( 250k in pdf)
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0208.pdf

PodUniversal - Edition 28 - Podcast interview of Dr Kalam

Please listen to the exclusive interview with Dr Abdul Kalam - click to play ( 6 minutes)

You may also watch this podcast from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/698761

You may download this podcast in wmv format - right click and save

PodUniversal Edition 29 - Podcast interview of Dr Y S Rajan

To listen to the podcast interview of Dr Y S Rajan - click to play (13 minutes)

Click to play to listen to Dr Y S Rajan

You may also listen this podcast from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/692523

You may download this podcast in mp3 format - right click and save (12 mb)

ABCI celebrates Golden Jubilee

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:29:00 +0000

Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI) is the first organisation in India to be set up for professional communicators established in the year 1957. Their Golden Jubilee coinced with the 47th Annual Awards Nite held on 11th Jan 2008 at Mumbai. ABCI's Awards are considered as "Oscars of Business Communication". PodUniversal brings out two special podcast features on ABCI.

These podcasts are part of the lead stories published in Jan 2008 issue Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense, published by Prime Point Foundation. All the back issues of PR-e-Sense can be downloaded from http://www.corportezine.in/.

Jan 2008 issue of PR-e-Sense may be downloaded from the following link (280 k in pdf)
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0108.pdf

Now please listen to the podcasts:

PodUniversal Edition 26 - ABCI - Specail feature - Part I

In this podcast, we have brought out exclusive interviews with Mr Yogesh Joshi (President of ABCI), Ms K Bhavani (Director of Communication of Singapore Govt and Global Communicator Award winner from ABCI) and Mr G P C Nayar (Chairman SCMS Group of Educational Institutions and Life Time Achievement Award winner from ABCI)

Please click to play (10 minutes)

Click To Play

You may also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857064

Right right click this link to download and save to desktop ( 9.3 mb)

PodUniversal Edition 27 - ABCI - Specail feature - Part II

In this podcast, we have brought out an exclusive interview with Mr K S Neelakantan, a doyen in the PR and Communication industry. He has received many awards, including that of 'Life Time Achievement Award' from ABCI

Please click to play ( 8 m 43 s)

Click To Play

You may also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857067

Please right lcick this link to download and save to desktop (8.3 mb)

Documentary film on Dr Abdul Kalam - A worthy gift to the Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:41:00 +0000

PodUniversal Edition 25

Last week, a documentary on Dr Abdul Kalam was released at Chennai. The documentary has been produced and Directed by Mr P Dhanapal, CEO, Minveli Media Works. Mr Dhanapal is a great admirer of Dr Kalam. His mission is to spread the message of Dr Kalam across the Nation amongst the youth. As a single person, he devoted more than 30 months in the production of this documentary by collecting various information, materials on Dr Kalam. He was taking the guidance of Dr Y S Rajan (co-author of the book India 2020) and Mr Ponraj (presently Advisor to Dr Kalam) for the authenticity of the information.

The 60 minutes English documentary film was released at Chennai last week by Mr K. Balachandar, doyen of Indian film Industry, in the presence of Dr Kalam. I have seen the documentary fully. I donot find words to appreciate the enormous work that has gone behind this production. This is a 'story in story' type. A grand father tells his grand son about the greatness of Dr Kalam. In the process, speeches of Dr Kalam at various places, including that of European Union have been included. Right from the childhood of Dr Kalam at Rameswaram till his Rashtrapathi Bhavan days are visualised in an interesting manner. At the end, you don't feel that you have spent one hour on this.

Mr Dhanapal has given this New Year gift to the Nation. Inorder to ensure that Dr Kalam's message spreads acorss the Nation, he has priced this VCD, so low at Rs.50/-. This VCD can be used as 'gift' to youth during any memorable occassions. This can be screened in the Schools and colleges.

If you want to get the CD, please contact Mr Dhanapal

Mr Dhanapal can be contacted at pdhanapal@yahoo.com or can be contacted at 09282235990

We have taken an exclusive interview (9 minutes 40 sec) with him. Please listen to his interview by clicking to play. Please also watch the trailer of the documentary given below.

Click To Play

You can listen to this interview from this link also
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857066

If you want to download the interview in mp3 format, right click this link and save ( 9.2 mb)

Please watch the trailer of the documentary film (6 minutes)

Click To Play

The trailer can also be viewed from the following link:
http://blip.tv/file/625631

To download the trailer in wmv format, right click here and save to desktop (21 mb) (can be played in windows media player)

Right to Information Act

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:32:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 24

Mr A K Venkatasubramanian IAS (Retd), Former Secretary to Govt. India, in an exclusive podcast interview talks about the various aspects of Right to Information Act. He also speaks about the various benefits the general public can derive by extensive and intelligent use of this RTI Act.

Mr Venkatasubramanian is a well known Citizien Activist. He runs more than 200 Citizen centres in Tamilnadu.

This interview is part of the lead story of December 07 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense. The December 07 isue of PR-e-Sense may be downloaded from the following link (248 k in pdf format)

http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense1207.pdf
All the earlier issues of ezine may be downloaded from
http://www.corporatezine.in

Please listen to the interview of Mr Venkatasubramanian. Click to play

Click To Play

The audio of the interview may be downloaded in mp3 format (9.31 mb) - Right click and save this link

Corporate arrogance and human insensitivity

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:36:00 +0000

PodUniversal - Edition 23

In an exclusive podcast interview, Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India speaks about the various corporate arrogances and human insensitive activities practised by Corporate executives. He also suggests various measures to improve the human aspect in the day to day functioning of the Corporates.

This podcast interview is part of the lead story of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense November 2007 issue, published by Prime Point Foundation. (Download 224 k in pdf format)

Please listen to the interview 10 minutes - Click to play

Download the interview in mp3 format - right click this link and save - 9.4 mb