“LAST DECADE HAS SEEN A VARIETY OF CHANGES, THE COMING YEARS WILL SEE EVEN MORE” – SHRI NARENDRA MODI

In An Interview With Dhara Vasavada Of The Namoleague Times, The `Common Man’, Shri Narendra Modi, Shared His Views About Gujarat, Its Growth Strategies And Some Of His Experiences On What It Was Like To Be The Chief Minister Of A Progressive And Enviable State.

In October of this year, you will complete a decade in office as the CM of Gujarat. What has the journey been like, so far, as a CM and as a Common Man?

It will not be appropriate if I analyze myself. It would be better if people analyze my work. If winning elections is a measure of success, we are continuously receiving the support of people and winning the elections. If we measure success in terms of various other parameters, Gujarat is progressing on all the parameters – be it revenue, financial discipline, GDP, agricultural growth, industrial investment, youth employment, welfare of poor etc. Gujarat is achieving remarkable success in all the sectors. On the other hand, when I came to power, Gujarat was covered amidst the black shadow of an earthquake. It was our priority to work for the earthquake victims. According to a World Bank report, even developed countries require 7 years to recover from the havoc created by an earthquake. But, Gujarat was a state which re-established itself within 3 years. Today that very earthquake struck Kutch district is one of the fastest developing districts of India So, in a way this government is dedicated to progress. I am satisfied that we have been successful in fulfilling all the promises that we had made.

In October of this year, you will complete a decade in office as the CM of Gujarat. What has the journey been like, so far, as a CM and as a Common Man?

It will not be appropriate if I analyze myself. It would be better if people analyze my work. If winning elections is a measure of success, we are continuously receiving the support of people and winning the elections. If we measure success in terms of various other parameters, Gujarat is progressing on all the parameters – be it revenue, financial discipline, GDP, agricultural growth, industrial investment, youth employment, welfare of poor etc. Gujarat is achieving remarkable success in all the sectors.

On the other hand, when I came to power, Gujarat was covered amidst the black shadow of an earthquake. It was our priority to work for the earthquake victims. According to a World Bank report, even developed countries require 7 years to recover from the havoc created by an earthquake. But, Gujarat was a state which re-established itself within 3 years. Today that very earthquake struck Kutch district is one of the fastest developing districts of India So, in a way this government is dedicated to progress. I am satisfied that we have been successful in fulfilling all the promises that we had made.

Gujarat’s high growth has often invited comparisons with the world’s fastest growing nation, China. It must be a matter of great satisfaction that the state has grown at more than 10% in the last decade (2001-02 to 2010-11). What according to you are the reasons behind this success?

It is a fact, that moving upwards is not difficult. When you are standing down, you can easily look up. But, when you are already running around 10% then it is very difficult to maintain the position. But, Gujarat has done it and the reason is our development model which is divided into three parts:
- 1/3rd Agricultural sector
- 1/3rd service sector
- 1/3rd industrial sector
The balance between all the three sectors is attracting growth.
Secondly, the state government is very proactive and this has created an investor friendly environment. The Global Summit has also attracted the world. However, there are several other examples that speak about the success of Gujarat.

The Panchamrut Programme began in 2001 immediately after you became the CM of Gujarat. What was the inspiration and objective behind the initiative?
There are various sectors that help in the development of a region. I have articulated those sectors in the form of Panchamrut philosophy like:

- Gyan Shakti
- Jal Shakti
- Jan Shakti
- Urja Shakti
- Raksha Shakti

There is nothing that is beyond these five shaktis. If things are well defined, it becomes easy for the team to work. I believe that a true leader is the one who visualizes and executes things with clarity. This is how it becomes helpful for the team to work hand in hand.

Over the years, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has emerged as a premier global business meet, attracting huge investments to Gujarat and is becoming a role model for other progressive states. What was the thinking behind such a grand vision?

There was a weird system going on in our country that gave rise to negative competition among states. The states competed for incentives. There was a time when one state said that we would provide a relaxation for 5 incentives; the other would say that we would give for 7, whereas some would give tax benefits. The `relaxation’ competition started in India. We decided that we would not provide any relaxation but we would provide a development friendly environment. I asked people to visit Gujarat and work here if they found it fit.
Secondly, we focused on peaceful and skilled labor. We found ways where we could lower the cost of production and provide better infrastructure. We thought of all such things as transportation, water, electricity etc. and worked out a strategy. We told people that we would not provide any relaxations, they could come here and work if they deemed it fit. Our strategy became successful. People understood the logic that they would get a development friendly environment, hurdles would reduce and time saved.
Over and above, I also brought changes in agriculture. Earlier, agriculture led to a fight for electricity. Every farmer used to ask for it. I said that a farmer needs water and not electricity. I shifted their focus from electricity to water. The unnecessary fights ended and ultimately it helped agriculture. I believe that it is the work of a leader, to visualize things, find out flaws and make people walk with you.

Gujarat was made the SEZ capital of India, what was the idea behind that? Infrastructure has always been Gujarat’s strong point. How does SIR (Special Investment Regions) help in overall growth and development?

SEZ laws were made by the central government. It was made for export purposes. Later, things changed and SEZs became irrelevant. Gujarat was the first state that made laws for SEZ. But now, Gujarat has moved ahead of SEZ. Its focus now is SIR (Special Investment Region). We are focusing on 6 SIRs and are going to create 6 modern and industrial SIR cities like Dholera and Dahej.
For development and overall growth by SEZs and SIRs, I would like to give an example of Korea. South Korea was considered to be a poor and undeveloped country. It got independence after India. The ruler of Korea decided to construct a road in the middle of the country. It was surprising that a poor country was spending crores just to build a road. But, the vision behind that road changed the entire country. Today, it is one of the most developed countries. So, infrastructure is one of the reasons of development. Hence, with a futuristic approach one should give priority to infrastructure. Infrastructure is neither dead investment nor is it a foe of the poor. Development with a vision is always good for the economy.

A vision is required for development. Gujarat started to work on electricity and we are creating a surplus in electricity. Like infrastructure during olden days, we do not stop at constructing bus stops, roads, ports etc. We keep in mind the development of 21st century. For eg. optical fiber network is a very big facet of development. Gujarat is the 2nd largest in the world in terms of optical fiber. In the same way, we are the only state in the world with a 2200 kms gas grid. All these are new faces of infrastructure. We use satellites for connectivity these days which wasn’t developed in the olden days. All these are new areas of infrastructure that we are working upon.

What do you have to say about Public-Private Participation (PPP) in infrastructure?

If the policy is clear and if the investors feel that the policies will sustain, they will get ready to take risks. I would like to mention a recent incident where a road was constructed and the government got a profit of 1600 crores apart from the construction of the road. The company filed the tender saying that they would build the road and share their profits with the government. It happened for the first time in our country that the road was being constructed by a private company and government was getting paid for the same.

Even though a superpower, America is facing an economic meltdown. Can Gujarat take steps to insulate itself from such global economic shocks?

The world has already seen a phase of recession from 2007 to 2009. It affected all states except Gujarat. The main reason was the strategy of Gujarat. Gujarat used the model of low cost and high efficiency. We felt that we could give good results if we had low cost of labor, high efficiency and zero defects. Our strategy worked and even during recession Gujarat is growing.

Gujarat has been a top level performer in the Centre’s 20-point programme for the poor and backward. Can Gujarat’s model of all inclusive development be an inspiration for other states?

The Central government started the 20-point programme. It is reviewed every three months. I am happy to announce that Gujarat is giving more than 100% and is considered one of the best states in this regard. Moreover, in the entire country, NDA regulated states only are doing well when it comes to 20-point programme.

Innovative schemes like Chiranjivi Yojna, Jyotigram Yojna etc. have been commended at both national and international levels. How do you encourage such out-of-the-box thinking for social change?

I am a person attached to the land. I am attached with the sorrows and happiness of people. I do not belong to a royal family, nor am I a son of some minister or a Sarpanch. I belong to an ordinary family and hence I know the sorrows of people. When you know their problems, you automatically get the solutions. It is my passion to solve the problems of the poor. That’s how new programmes are made. I try to institutionalize them and try to attach more and more people to them, be it Chiranjivi Yojna, Jyotigram Yojna, 108, battle for cattle etc. Gujarat has been able to eradicate 112 cattle diseases by taking up continuous health camp for the cattle.

Besides economic growth and social transformation, Gujarat has taken great strides in environment and climate change. Could you comment on your development model of combining government intervention with community participation?

Gujarat is the 4th government in the world and the 1st in India to have a climate change department. We have been continuously working for environmental friendly development and that’s how we became the solar capital of the country. We are also leading in renewable energy. Gujarat has done a commendable job in water conservation and tree plantation. We have brought a change in transportation in no time by introducing CNG service. Ahmedabad, which was one of the most polluted cities, is now being considered amongst the top three cities. Hence, tough decisions and healthy environment do make things possible.
I strongly believe that the government can prosper only if it gets the co-operation of people. Make development a movement. Environment is not made by laws. We should feel for the conservation of nature and take steps for that.

The Swarnim Gujarat (Golden Jubilee of Gujarat’s formation) celebrations ended with a bang this year. How do you foresee Gujarat in the next five years?

Gujarat has rapidly progressed in the past ten years. The speed, with which it has grown over the past years, will increase during the coming years. Last decade has seen a variety of changes, the coming years will see even more. Earlier, it was difficult to get the trust of people, whereas in the coming years the people will have full trust hence they will work for progress in coming years. Earlier, it was difficult to promote girl child education, now in every household people feel that girls should be educated. Such changes will benefit a lot.

Young people tend to get disillusioned by politics. What are your views on the youth getting into politics? Can the political process be improved to encourage grassroot excellence and attract the talented?

In our country, the current model of politics is not fit for the youth. It is a model where the son of a minister enters politics. The country needs someone from a non political family only then development will strengthen. New families should enter politics. The young generation should enter, only then we will get a new atmosphere and new thoughts for development. For that purpose, we need to encourage people. Youth from political families do not help much because he they enter with the same thought process. But if fresh blood comes with an aim to do something for the country, then they can make a great difference.

You have been voicing your support for the anti-corruption movement of recent times. What can we as ordinary individuals and citizens do to further it?

There is a saying in Sanskrit, “Rashtrayam Jagrayam Vayam” (Eternal Vigilance is the price of liberty.) The matter of corruption is also the same. Hatred of corruption should take root in the minds of the people. Corruption should be abhorred. The easy going way of getting work done through bribes should be abolished. If such hatred is created, the one who gives and the one who takes, both will be put to shame. Such an environment should be brought in, only then corruption can be abolished.

You engaged in social service from a very early age. Could you throw some light on those days? How important is the spirit of social service for someone entering politics?

I have always had the honor to work for the people. I used to reach wherever the need was felt. Actually, I used to read Shri Vivekanandji during my childhood. Hence, I have always felt that I should live for the country and should do something for the society.

Regarding the spirit, it is not necessary for everyone to have the same kind of spirit. Even the degree of spirit varies from person to person. But, atleast a feeling for the nation and society is very important. Each and everyone should have a dedication for the country. The greatest inspiration is to feel the pain of others.
“लेना, पाना, बनना, यह अगर प्रेरणा है तो वो लोगों का काम नहीं कर सकता है. वो खुद का ही करता है. ” (If to take, to achieve and to be is the inspiration, then one can never work for the people. He works for himself.) People who come with such mentality do not help in the betterment of the country. We need people who believe in giving.

As a youth, you faced many odds and obstacles. Can you talk a little about them? How did you convert them into opportunities and positive actions?

I have never counted challenges and have never dreamt of happiness. For a person who has a habit of staying hungry, won’t find it difficult if he does not get food for a day. For him, it’s a routine. My life was also the same. I have faced a lot of hardships. But all these are the troubles in the eyes of others. People like me, are brought up amidst this, so these are not challenges for us. We face them and easily live them.

Could you please narrate the incident when you unfurled the national flag at Lal Chowk in Kashmir around 1990?

During those days, the terrorists used to burn and tear our national flag. It had become their routine to walk on our national flag and insult our country. BJP decided to speak against this insult by unfurling the national flag at Lal Chowk. Dr. Murlimanohar Joshi, the national leader of BJP during those days, took charge of the movement. It was decided that I would organize the entire journey. I got the opportunity to carry the national flag from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The flag that we carried was given by the family members of Bhagatsingh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. We unfurled the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. At that moment, the terrorists were showering missiles and bullets. I told the press that earlier when we used to unfurl the national flag on August 15, the Indian arms and army used to respect the national flag, but today the Pakistani arms are respecting our national Flag.

What message would you give to the namoleague team?

I am thankful to all the members of namoleague for staying in touch, indirectly though. You all care for my problems and happiness. You congratulate me for all good things and pray during my trials and tribulations. I will try to fulfill all your dreams and expectations. I pray to God to provide me enough strength so that I can work for Gujarat and 6 crore Gujaratis.

- Shree Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat.

FROM LAUGHTER’S CHALLENGE TO CHALLENGING LAUGHTER

I just heard my friend saying “Cheeeezzzzzz” to which each of my friends posed and smiled. This time I smiled to the fullest. You might be wondering why I said that ‘this time I smiled freely’. There are a number of people who might have understood why I said it. There are plenty of people who might not have had a chance to smile freely at a friend or while posing in front of the camera or might not have giggled properly at a comment nor might have laughed loudly at a joke. It is not mere observation but an experience. I never did all the above mentioned things until I had uneven teeth.

There are thousands of children and youth who have unshaped teeth. Most of them get the treatment done during childhood. I dedicate this blog to those who ran away from ugly braces or who are running away from the treatment thinking it would spoil their look. I had two devilish teeth and I was known for that. Some who didn’t know me personally also used to call me that ‘Ah Dhara, the girl with strange teeth’, ‘ punching machine’ and what not. I was given the title of having ‘Ting Ting Tiding’ smile. All this made me more conscious while smiling in public. I thought that getting braces would make me uglier. So I didn’t go for the treatment until I crossed 20. My relatives scolded me for not going to the orthodontist for a checkup. So one fine day I landed up to a dentist who is a family member. He shared my case with his friend who was an orthodontist. He said I was having deep bite and so braces were unavoidable. He said I would start losing my teeth at an earlier age if I didn’t get the braces fixed. This made me eager and I prepared myself for the ugly look.

I was wearing braces for ten long months. 3 to 4 days after I got it fixed, they became a part of me. I just loved to see the transition of my teeth- from unshaped to aligned to properly shaped. Once your teeth get aligned you do not even feel shy or awkward while smiling even with the braces. What was surprising was the day I got off my braces, for a day or two I felt that something is missing. Isn’t it shocking?

People have thousands of questions regarding braces. I hope I can answer them through this blog. The first is Do braces hurt? Braces do not hurt really. Not even when your doctor is fixing them. Oral treatments are terrible and so we feel that braces are no exception. I remember that I did not do even an ‘aah or ouch’ during that one and half hour when the doctor was standing on me with all lights and strange looking instruments. But yes everytime the doctor tightens the wire it does pain a little for a day or two and you might face a bit chewing problem. But that okay every positive result has pains behind them. And it becomes a part and parcel of your day to day life once you get used to it.

What is the right age of getting braces? One should undergo the treatment between the age of 12 to 18. After that the jaw movement becomes impossible. I made the mistake by refraining from the treatment during this age but I advise you not to follow my mistake and get it done as soon as possible for better results.

The next query may be ‘Does it bring restriction to your eating habits?’ Well, you do need to be a bit cautious while eating hard, sticky or crunchy eatables. It might damage your bracket. Hence just be cautious while eating these food items if you do not want to prolong your treatment.

What all precautions does one need to take while having braces? Braces require just a little bit of extra care. You need to take care about your food habits as I mentioned earlier. You must brush three to four times a day. This would help you to stay away from dirty yellow patches which you might observe after the removal of braces. A proxa toothbrush is a must.

Which type of brackets should one get fixed? There are two types of brackets, ceramic and metallic. Metallic are the regular brackets that we see. Ceramic braces are white color braces that are not visible from a distance. People like me who have crossed the age of getting braces generally choose the ceramic brackets. But I had gone for simple metallic once as I felt that at the end they were to be thrown in the dustbin and hence there no point spending so much on it. Ceramic brackets double the cost of your treatment. And trust me metallic braces do not make you look that ugly. In fact you would love to see the transition of your teeth. You would actually start becoming keen to observe the difference.

How many types of treatments are there? There are three types of treatments: Indian, American and Thermal. Indian treatment has become outdated and is not much used by the doctors. In American treatment, equal pressure is given on teeth. Thermal is the newer technique which works on the basis of the temperature of your mouth and gives required pressure on required tooth. My doctor chose the thermal treatment for me and not extracting a single tooth I got rid of them within 10 months.

Do you need to take special care after you get off your braces? After your braces gets removed, you need to get the retainer. There are two types of retainers, fixed and removable. Removable retainer has consists of a thin metallic wire along with a pallet just like that with dentures. You need to remove it everytime you eat something. It becomes a bit odd to remove the retainers when we move out of the house. Hence I went for fixed retainers. It is again a thin wire but it is fixed at the back of your teeth and you cannot see it. You still need to take care while eating hard food.

To conclude I would say that your smile it precious. It is not just stretching of lips or showing your teeth, but far beyond that. It is a way of communication: of expressing your emotions, your happiness, your support, your commitment and what not. It can speak a thousand words. Hence do not restrict it and move on towards the path of having a perfect smile. Let not laughter challenge you, you challenge laughter.

 

WHEREVER YOU GO THE NETWORK WILL FOLLOW YOU: WIMAX

Wireless internet technology has been the need of the hour for quite some time now. May it be for businessmen or students, it is necessary to have an internet access with you that keeps you updated every minute. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is the new technology that is causing ripples worldwide. It is a telecommunication protocol that provides fixed and mobile internet access. WiMAX unites the technologies of wireless and broadband to provide high speed internet access across long distances. It is similar to WiFi but it’s much more ahead of it when it comes to reach.
The system has a great potential and a just like cell phones replacing landlines, this could replace cable and DSL services, providing universal internet services where ever you go.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

WiMAX almost operates like WiFi but at higher speeds and over greater distances. As a result WiMAX will have a greater number of users as compared to WiFi. The reach of WiMAX is wider as it uses a directional antenna that can transmit signal to any cell phone tower even outside the line of sight range unlike WiFi. The signals are so strong that they can even penetrate tall buildings and dense trees. WiMAX comes in three formats: Mobile, dongle and fixed. Fixed WiMAX provides connectivity to devices like desktops, TVs (IPTV), whereas mobile WiMAX provides connectivity to wireless devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs. Dongle is available nowadays that we can connect to our laptops and PCs.

WiMAX system consists of two parts – A tower and the receiver. The tower works similar to a mobile tower. A single tower can cover a large area of about 3000 Sq. miles. The receiver fetches the signals from the tower. It might be placed near your PC or even may be installed in my laptop just like Wi-Fi configuration. A computer (either a desktop or a laptop) equipped with WiMAX would receive data from the WiMAX transmitting station, probably using encrypted data keys to prevent unauthorized users from stealing access.

A WiMAX tower station can connect directly to the Internet using a high-bandwidth, wired connection. It can also connect to another WiMAX tower. Basically two forms of wireless services are provided by WiMAX: line of sight and non line of sight. The non line of sight is just like WiFi where your computer is provided with an antenna that connects to the tower. Whereas, in line of sight, the antenna is placed at the roof of the building. This antenna directly faces and connects the tower. As a result, the line of sight data transmission is much stronger and faster. Non line of sight method uses lower frequency range generally between 2 GHz and 11 GHz whereas line of sight transmissions use high frequencies which can reach a range of 66 GHz.

COMPARING WIFI AND WIMAX

For simple understanding, it is said that WiFi is like a cordless phone that covers just a small area where it has been deployed. Whereas, WiMax is like a mobile phone which connects to the tower and gives a much wider range. Difference does not just exist in the range but a vast difference is observed in internet speed as well. WiMAX is thirty times faster than third-generation mobile technology and 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. It is set to deliver an astonishing speed of 70 Mbps over 50 kilometers.

The fastest WiFi connection can transmit up to 54 megabits per second under optimal conditions. WiMAX should be able to handle up to 70 megabits per second. In India the service is not used as widely as WiFi but BSNL has started providing WiMAX services. Many other companies have lined up to start the WiMAX services in the country. However, in India the technology is not yet used widely as that in developed countries.

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY MONSOON

THE HISTORIC, ARTISTIC AND ARCHIOLOGICAL TREASURE TROVE OF VADNAGAR

Amidst all tall buildings, industries, concrete roads leading to a developed future; Vadnagar is a place that is still dipped into the richness of the past. It is ancient city in Gujarat that can boast of human inhabitation over a period of more than 4500 years of human history. Vadnagar, the original home of Vadnagar Nagar Community is situated in Mehsana district. The existence of the city has its mention in various scriptures. It has stood to be a strong and prosperous town since centuries. It seems that the city is set on an elevated land’ but the elevation is due to the several settlements that were built and destroyed since its inception.

ANCIENT VADNAGAR

Situated on the banks of a river, the city consists of the richness of tales from the bygone era. It is believed to be one of the oldest and developed cities in India. It has its mention in scripts and epics like Skanda Purana and Mahabharata. The city was given different names during various centuries like Chamatkarpur, Anandpur and Vimalpur. It is also believed that the famous Chinese Traveller Heuen Tsang explored the place during the 7th century. Various cultures and religions have been set up at this place over centuries. Jains, Buddhists, Nagars, Brahmins etc. have had their traditions spread here for years. The city once used to be a Jain centre and it is believed that remarkable Jain monk Bhadrabahu wrote the famous Kalpsutra here. It was an important place of education with many Jain and Buddhist monks who provided their learning here.

Vadnagar is a land of many legends, starting from Rishi Yagyavalkya, Satyaki and Kirtivarma (Anarta warriors) in Mahabharata had their dwelling in Vadnagar. At present Vadnagar celebrates Tana Riri festival which is a remembrance to Tana and Riri two Nagar sisters. It is believed that the Tana and Riri were two sisters who beautifully sang Raga Malhar to call the rains and relieve Tansen from the burning sensation that he had developed by singing Raga Deepak. Even today we find a Samadhi of the two Nagar girls.

There is one more story of King Chamatkar who was suffering from leprosy due to a curse from a she-deer. As per the advice of the munis, the king took bath in the famous Shankhtirth during the 14th month of the Hindu calendar that cured his leprosy. Thereafter, the town came to be known as Chamatkarpur.

Vadnagar was attacked several times by the sultans and the Marathas. However, the city grew back to light and showed an increasing progress.

VADNAGAR EXPLORATIONS

Vadnagar has been a city of temples. There are innumerable large and small temples in the city. The most famous of all temples is the Hatkeshwar Temple built 400 years ago. Built after the Solanki era, this is one of the most important and grand temples in Gujarat dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples might have suffered several attacks as it has been renovated time and again. It is enclosed by a high wall surmounted by three circular domes. From the roof of the sanctum rises a massive pinnacle, which soars high above in the sky. It is said that the shivalinga here is self emerged. The exterior of the temple is exquisitely and profusely ornamented with figures of the nine planets, regent deities, the chief gods of the Hindu pantheon, scenes from the life of Krishna and Pandava princes, besides the varied animal and floral motifs. Apart from the main Hatkeshwar temple there are several other temples in the compound like Kashivishveshvara Shiva Temple, a Swaminarayan Temple and two Jain temples. All these are the age old temples that give you a feel of the ancient architecture and design.

There are several other temples in the city that belong to various eras. In all these temples you can see ornate carvings of the celestial beings. The doorframes, the pillars and the domes of the temples depict the marvelous minutely carved designs. It is a wonderful place for artists and architects.

The most outstanding historical monuments of all are the Torans or the Victory Arches. Many arches are built up on the shore of Lake Sharmishtha by the Solanki rulers. These arches date back to the 10th century. They are called victory arches as they were erected as a symbol on getting victory from the north east occupiers. Built from red stand stones, more than four feet tall arches are a treat to watch. However, some archeologists believe that these torans are remnants of forts. If excavated properly several mysteries might be revealed.

The entire town has six protective walls around it built in 1152 Ad by king Kumarpal. The inscription on stone plaque at ‘Arjun bari’ gate near Sharmistha Lake bears a testimony to this fact. The other five gates were Nadiol, Amarthol, Ghaskol, Pithori and Amatol. Several excavations are a worth watch. In all they throw a light on the bygone era. The recent excavations have brought to light Buddhist Monastery belonging to the 2nd-7th century AD, within the fortified area of Vadnagar. The monasteries had two stupas and the open courtyards having nine cells. These cells create a swastika like pattern around the central courtyard.

It is difficult to find a place in Gujarat which has made its mark since the ancient era. Also it is a land of several communities and traditions. However, it is a place not only dipped in religious aspects but also depict the architecture, culture and tradition of various eras.

Also you can visit the beautiful Taranga hills situated 20 kms from Vadnagar. It is a beautiful picnic spot situated on Aravali hills.

A WAVE OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

LEADING TO YOUR DESTINATION: GPS SYSTEM

Navigation has always been a problem with human beings since the ancient era. Humans used the position of stars to locate destinations. Later mariners compass was invented that made it easy to locate the maps. However, with cities and countries developing more and more the problem of navigation has increased. People tend to get confused by a number of roads in a city and highways. The problem arises especially when you move into a new city. But, just as the mariners compass was a boon during the olden days, GPS system is a helping hand for everyone these days. Moreover, with mobile technology getting so developed it is a system that can be handy and easy to operate anywhere and at any time.

WE have probably heard about the term GPS and also know a bit about it but rarely anyone knows what exactly it is and how does it work. Also, the technology is still not at the peak due to the lack of awareness.

WHAT IS GPS?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a technology that determines locations using signals from satellite that orbits the earth. It is a navigation system having a chain of 24 satellites. The satellites were sent into the orbit by the US department of defense. The technology was set up for US military but later on in 1980, the technology was made open for civilian use.
It is for anyone who wants to know where they are, where they have been or to find out the map where they want to go. The best part of the technology is that it gives a clear result in all weather conditions for 24 hours. Moreover, there are no subscription fees to use the GPS apart from the initial hardware cost. If you decide to go for navigation with detailed maps, then there is usually a one-time charge for that as well.
GPS FUNCTIONALITY

The GPS satellites have been set into orbit since 1978. You may wonder that how do they still function and provide the details of current roads of various countries? The main process of the entire working is ‘triangulation’. In triangulation, the orbits are so arranged that at any given point of time, at least four satellites will be seen on your GPS device. Then with the help of the GPS device you can point the place on earth by mentioning the latitudes and longitudes. However, the distance between the longitudes and latitudes and the satellites has to be measured. This process of measuring is called triangulation.
Essentially the GPS receiver compares the time the signal was transmitted and when it was received. The time difference determines how far the satellite is. A few more satellites will measure the distances and that’s how the exact location of the user will be spotted. The result will be displayed on user’s device.
If one wants to get a 2D image, one must lock the signal with 3 satellites in picture. However, 3D and 4D images can be obtained with the help of 4 or more satellites in view. Once the user’s position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.



ACCURACY QUESTIONS

Whenever we see a technical product in the market, a question arises in their mind is that ‘is the device accurate?’ if yes ‘how much?’ In that regards, these days GPS receivers are run on parallel-multi channel design and hence are very accurate. They can even locate a place in an urban setting or even in dense forests. Garmin GPS receivers are best for the purpose and the new ones can give accurate results within 15 meters on an average whereas the old ones within that of 3 meters. Users can also get better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. However in DGPS, the user needs to have a differential beacon receiver and a beacon antenna apart from GPS receiver. US Coast Guard uses DGPS.

GPS AND INDIA

GPS can be used in two ways with the help standing devices and also in mobile phones. India is really progressing when it comes to mobile technology. However, as compared to mobile usage, GPS usage is negligible in India. India has been using this technology since 1990′s yet not many know much about it. Western countries have cars that have a GPS set up. However, this trend is slowly coming up in India. Mainly, in India GPS is used to determine weather conditions, track vehicular traffic, for irrigation aspects, used on national borders, to identify vegetation areas, etc.
It tracks the flow of vehicles in a few cities. However, mainly it is used by the government and a few companies but it has not been open for personalized use. The crop production and harvesting can be easily taken care of with the help of GPS.

ADVANTAGES OF GPS SYSTEM

• It works anywhere on the planet where you can get satellite signals
• One just needs to spend the cost of installation. You only need to pay for the receiver
• Nowadays, you can even have a GPS device in your mobile and cars for tracking your own destination
• The information received is very accurate. The standards have been improved since the year 2000

DRAWBACKS OF GPS SYSTEM

• You need a clear sky to obtain clear results
• It does not work if you are in a building or somewhere underground
• Interruptions in signal may also occur when you’re driving through a tunnel or standing stationary between very tall buildings.
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SASAN GIR: THE BEAUTY OF THE BEAST

IDENTITY IN YOUR POCKET – ‘AADHAAR’

 

Carrying a bunch of papers in hand containing different identification proofs in order to get one document is tedious. Sometimes even after submitting the whole lot of papers and standing in queues for hours, we do not get the document as we miss out a certain paper. All this will be a history now as Unique Identification Cards (UID) are being issued to every citizen of the country. UID will contain all the details of an individual hence you do not need to carry a bundle of proofs along anymore.

INCEPTION OF UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION CARDS

UID are the identification cards that will be given to every citizen of the country to provide efficient welfare services. It will also help in monitoring various schemes and plans brought by the Government. The first talk regarding UID was carried out in 2006 when the issue regarding BPL cards was being discussed. Later, the project was to be carried out by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) over a period of 12 months. However during July 2006, a Processes Committee was set up for updation and modification in the chalked out UID plan. A “Strategic Vision on the UIDAI Project” was prepared and submitted to this Committee by M/S Wipro Ltd.

The two schemes- National Population Register under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Unique Identification Number project of the Department of Information Technology were handed over to an empowered group of ministers by the Prime Minister. Later, with the help of Planning Commission UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) was set up. The objective of this authority is to issue a unique identification number that can be verified and authenticated in an online, cost-effective manner, which is robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities.

The identity giver has its own identity. ‘Aadhaar’ is the name given to the unique identification number. In English, Aadhaar means support or foundation. However, the word almost justifies the meaning in all the languages. Aadhaar has been given a logo having a sun in red and yellow with a fingerprint at the center. It represents a new dawn of equal opportunity for each individual, a dawn which emerges from the unique identity the number guarantees for each individual.

HOW TO GET YOUR UID

Applying for a UID will not be that difficult as you just need to spare ten minutes for the purpose. UID number will contain not only the address proof but also the biometric details. First of all you need to get a finger print scan of all the fingers. Thereafter, you need to get your eye scanned in order to get your unique iris pattern. For this purpose, one needs to remove the lenses or specks if any. After that, as other documents get your mug shot clicked. Lastly, the officials take down your name, age, address and ask for proofs of those details. You can either of the following: Telephone bill, passport, voter’s ID, electricity bill, bank statement etc.

Several details are kept in mind while framing a plan for UID number. There are clauses that have been laid so that the details are not missed out and the information is correct. Hence, for people who do not remember their exact date of birth can mention their approximate age. In gender category, apart from male and female transgender is included. However, people having cataract operations will face difficulties in getting their iris scanned. An option is being explored for the same.

There is no age bar in order to file for a UID number. But the unique number of a child up to five years of age is linked to that of his or her parents or guardians. On completion of 15 years of age, biometric data is updated, but the number remains the same. In the same manner, even a new born can have a UID, and the biometric details can be updated time and again. In this case as well, the number of the card will remain the same.

It requires just ten minutes getting yourself enrolled for UID number but you will only receive the card within a time period of two months. The authority will use these two months in verifying the given details in order to make it authentic.

BENEFITS OF UID 

UID will relieve you from carrying bundles of pages while getting a document. Only a UID will be enough, providing all the identification proofs. Moreover, the system checks duplication of data. Even if someone files two UIDs then one cannot have different fingerprints and iris. The system scans the details and when duplication is seen in the biometric information, the entry gets rejected. Hence it provides a transparent image of all citizens. Also, it will be easy to file for a passport or a ration card with the help of a UID.

UIDs have not been made compulsory by the government at present but it is likely that within a few years government and many others would ask for UIDs to obtain various proofs.

RADIO: A THEATRE OF MIND