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M I T SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
PUNE
One-Year Full Time
Masters Program in Government
Batch 04, Year 2008-09
2
Index Particulars Pg. No. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inauguration Ceremony 5
Eminent Lectures
Dr. Mrs. Archana Patil 8
Mr. Asheesh Sharma 9
Mr. Digvijay Singh 10
Justice P. B. Sawant 12
Maj. Gen. R. K. Kaushal 13
Ms. Jodi Enda 14
Mr. B. G. Deshmukh 15
Mr. Ramnath Sonawane 18
Mr. Mahesh Tapase 20
Mr. Chandrakant Dalvi 22
Mr. Rajeev Rajale 23
Shri. Tanmayanand Maharaj 24
Mr. Suresh Prabhu 25
Mr. Laxmikant Deshmukh 27
Ms. Prabha Rau 29
Mr. Jayant Umaranikar 31
Mr. Maninder Singh Bitta 33
Mr. Budhoji Rao Mulik 34
Ms. Sahista Amber 36
Mr. Sunil Shastri 37
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Mr. Prataprao Jadhav 38
Mr. Jai Prakash 39
Local Field Visits
Congress Bhavan, Pune 41
Visit To Hivre Bazar 43
Visit To Yashada 44
Katewadi 45
Dalit Bastis / Urban Slums 46
Sarhad – An NGO From Pune 47
Model Parliament 49
Convocation Ceremony 51
Academic Team 54
Academic Awards 56
Advertisement 58
4
Inauguration Ceremony
5
Inauguration Ceremony
The inaugural function for the Masters Program in Government, Batch 04 was organized
on September 5, 2008 at Saint Dyaneshwara Hall, MIT Pune, at 3.00 pm. It was also an
historic occasion for MIT International School for Broadcasting and Journalism (ISBJ), as it
was their first inaugural ceremony. The fourth batch of MPG was inaugurated at the
gracious hands of Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh SM, VSM, highest ranking holder in Indian
Army, and Shri. Sudheendra Kulkarni, a veteran journalist and former media advisor to
PMO. The dignitaries on the dais were Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh (Chief Guest – MIT-SOG),
Shri. Sudheendra Kulkarni (Chief Guest – MIT-ISBJ), Prof. Rahul V. Karad, Chief Initiator
and Dean - MIT School of Government (MIT-SOG), Dr. Francis A. Menezes, Academic
Mentor, MIT-SOG, Mr. Yashvant Rajwade, former IAS officer and Election Commissioner
Maharashtra and Prof. (Gp. Capt.) D. P. Apte, Acting Director MIT-SOG & Director, MIT
School of Business. The dignitaries off the dais included Col. (Dr.) S. V. Sharma, Associate
Director MIT-SOM, Prof. (Dr.) Shrikant Paranjpe, and Academic Advisor MIT-SOG Shri.
Pardeep Choudhari, All India Youth Congress Spokesman and Associate Director,
Institutional Relations, Dr. Purushottam Reddy, Shri. Shashidharan, Director, MIT- ISBJ
and other staff members of
MIT- SOG as well as MIT-
ISBJ. The function started
with national song,
Vandematarm followed by
welcome address by Prof.
Rahul V. Karad, Dean MIT-
SOG and MIT- ISBJ.
He expressed his deep concern about the need of professional politicians for the country
like India and stressed that the present situation in India is thriving for good and polished
politician who take the nation forward and keep it in the line of the world class nations.
His speech inspired the students of both MIT-SOG and MIT- ISBJ. It was followed by the
felicitation of the dignitaries on the dais at the hands of Prof. Rahul V. Karad. After the
felicitation, the gathering was addressed by Dr. Paranjpe, who briefed about the journey
of MIT SOG so far also elaborated about the expectation of MIT-SOG from the new
students. Later, Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh delivered his inaugural address. At the outset,
he appreciated the initiative and efforts taken by Prof. Rahul V. Karad in starting an
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institute like MIT- SOG, and also stressed on the need and relevance of such institution
for nation building. He emphasized on need to change and narrated his own experiences
regarding how the army has adopted new policies and is changing by incorporating new
technologies. He explained the changes taken place in army after the China and Pakistan
war. He made special mention in his address to the students that one has to be very
vigilant and cautious in their attempt, while dealing with foreign policy, mainly with the
neighboring countries. The second inaugural address was delivered by Shri. Sudheendra
Kulkarniji. He stressed the importance and relevance of ethical media and ethical
leadership. He criticized the current 'Braking News' culture in the media and emphasized
the need for responsible and socially driven media. He also shared his experiences when
he had visited MIT-SOG to interact with the students of the previous batches. He
applauded the initiative by Prof. Rahul V. Karad of starting an institute like MIT -SOG. He
gave the example of Mr. Vasanth Kumar, an alumnus of MIT- SOG, who is actively
struggling for social causes and appealed the students to follow the footsteps of past
students like him. He also answered some of the queries of the students satisfactorily.
The function was concluded with the vote of thanks by Col. (Dr.) Sneh V. Sharma,
Associate Director, MIT-SOM with his apt remarks, followed by National Anthem. Ms.
Mukta Kulkarni, Academic Administrator, MIT-SOG was the Master of Ceremony.
7
Eminent Lectures
8
DATE: September 4, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Mrs. Archana Patil
DESIGNATION: Social Activist
SUBJECT: Attitude & philosophy in politics
She started the interaction with discussion on how one's
attitude can help in having a successful and sustainable
political career. She stressed on some very important
Characteristics a politician should have in order to deliver as
a leader. Having a balance and unbiased mind with firm
determination would help one sail through the deep waters.
Introspection, Pragmatic approach, innovations,
assertiveness, correctness are some qualities one needs to
develop. She stressed upon having a vision, being futuristic (in context of the scientific
development, time management and proper Utilization of technology) as well as being
efficient. She also shared her views on how humility with contrasting fearlessness, along
with the continuous process of learning can elevate a person in her/ his social as well as
personal life. Regarding the philosophy in politics she focused on the concept of "RAJ
DHARMA". According to her, it included 'euphoria of work, restrictions of code of
conduct, constitutional frame work and Strategies along with a political will‟. She
suggested all to have a „quest to know', be composed, have great common sense &
aspire to create modern inventions. Mrs.
Patil advised the participants to show
genuine sensitivity and have a detailed
understanding of the country in order to
lead from the front. She cautioned about the
main disease that hampers a leader
"Difficulty in facing criticism as well as difficulty in tackling flattery". Thus she stressed on
the need of having right expressions. She shared her views at length and left participants
to ponder about many crucial personality development characteristics. On the whole, it
was a session of the youth, by a youth and for the youth.
9
DATE: September 12, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Asheesh Sharma
DESIGNATION: Municipal Commissioner, PCMC
SUBJECT: India: Challenges to Policy Implementation
He initiated the lecture by briefing about the various services
provided by the Pimpri - Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
(PCMC) in different areas. PCMC is a Model Corporation for
the entire country having a citizen charter which has made it
more efficient. From transparency in administration, public
accountability & evaluation of work, decentralized
administration to active citizen participation, PCMC has
emerged as an exception. Mr. Sharma before proceeding with the lecture highlighted
the success stories of the corporation namely , e- governance, free distribution of bicycle
for girls, sewing machines & vocation training program s for woman, financial /
scholarship system, Adulteration entrepreneurship promotions schemes. Regarding
policy implementation, he pointed out the practical difficulties in running a corporation.
He stressed on the need for Public interest & Public choice viewpoint as well as adoption
of Performance- Oriented Policy. According to him, the policy of PARTICIPATORY
BUDGETING, an innovation to bring about
progressive and sustainable development was
the need of the time. He pointed out the
absence of Good Pressure Groups as well as
Citizen Interest Groups in the country. Mr.
Sharma mentioned certain flaws in the systems
that create problems in policy implementation,
primarily the Top to Bottom approach of our policies. Also the lack of involvement of
local people, no real powers with the local government, along with lack of genuine
statistical data are major hindrances in policy implementation. Having been through all
these problems, he shared his concerns that innovations are practically hard to
implement.
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DATE: October 11, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Digvijay Singh
DESIGNATION: Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
SUBJECT: Shifting Trends in India‟s Foreign Policy
In the introductory note, while mentioning the long history of India, he stressed the fact
that India was never aggressive or a dictating nation. He reminded that the 1st Indian
Foreign Policy was made in 1927, in the presence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and since
then the structure and the framework of our policy is unchanged, and the same policy is
being continued by all the parties, disregarding their ideologies. But, for the 1st time
when the parliament was divided on the foreign policy, it was due to the recent Indo-US
Nuclear Deal.
While discussing the future of the Indo-US Nuclear deal, he pointed out that majority of
the Indians felt that the Nuclear Deal should have been signed with India‟s Sovereignty in
place. He informed that India can generate upto 28,000 MW of power by this deal and
that too by the year 2030. But the cost as per his view will be about Rs. 20 Crores per
MW, which is too high compared to Rs. 3.5 Crores per MW generated thorough thermal
power and Rs. 6 Crores per MW when generated by hydro plants. He suggested that it is
possible to generate not less than 80,000 MW of power if we can have an understanding
with Nepal government or treaty to utilize river waters from Nepal.
By identifying the need to have good relationship with our neighbors, he noticed that it
is impossible for India to become a developed Nation if neighboring countries stay back
as under developed. Pakistan‟s ignorance of reciprocating INDIA as a Most Favored
Nation (MFN) costing them more than Rs. 1000 Crores per annum as the goods from
India reaches to them through Dubai.
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By quoting that, nation should be built by their own courage and the combination of
ethos, culture and tradition; he praised China for their foreign policy. He emphasized that
China is the only country, which never subordinated to anyone from its inception. He said
that current trade between INDIA and CHINA amounts to 40 Billion USD is likely to reach
to 400 Billion by the year 2012 as there are maximum number of consumers exist in these
two countries.
In the concluding remark, on an optimistic note he said that, by the year 2020 there will
be 2 super powers in the world, and that would be INDIA and CHINA, as 1/3 rd of the
World‟s total population live in these 2 countries.
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DATE: October 20, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Justice P. B. Sawant
DESIGNATION: Former Justice, Supreme Court of India
SUBJECT: Judicial Accountability
Justice P. B. Sawant, the former Justice, Supreme Court of
India delivered a lecture on “Judicial Accountability” to the
participants of MPG-04 on 20th October, 2008. After clarifying
the role of legislature and executive, he highlighted the
powerful position of Indian judiciary, which is different from
other countries. He also reminded the audience the procedures
for appointment of judges and what are the advantages and challenges to it. While
mentioning the various amendments to Indian Constitution, he illustrated in detail what is
meant by judicial review. He said, “As judges are more powerful, it is essential that they
should be more responsible and must be put under scrutiny”. Later he elaborated what is
expected from an ideal judge and what are the hassles to it. In his words a judge is
expected to be an honest hearer and his judgment must be based on facts and laws
applicable to it. But laziness, inaction, postponing the judgments, retirement without
judgments etc. are some experiences from India. Sometimes judges are dictated by
selfish motives for e.g. judgment about a company where he has his shares. Castes,
religious and political ideologies of the judge are also becoming the base of some
judgments. Some judgments are
made from the fear of some
pressure groups, media pressure
etc. He replicated how impartiality
and independence of judiciary is
crucial. After discussing the
available mechanisms to ensure accountability he explained with his own experience how
the disciplinary committees functions and how disciplinary procedures are politicized. He
concluded his session by mentioning that Independent Judicial commission and
transparency in selection procedures are the two preconditions to accomplish “judicial
accountability‟ a reality in India.
13
DATE: October 20, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Maj. Gen. R. K. Kaushal
DESIGNATION: Senior Specialist, National Disaster Management Authority
SUBJECT: Disaster Management Government of India
Maj. Gen. R. K. Kaushal, Senior Specialist,
National Disaster Management Authority,
had an interactive session with the students
of MPG-04, in the MIT SOG classroom on
October 20, 2008 on the topic “Disaster Management‟. In the first session he elaborated
the meaning of energy and its role in our lives. When we deflect the negative energy, we
feel at „peace‟ and free from „conflict‟. When we transmit positive energy we tend to
overcome resistance. He explained how „science and spirituality‟ impact our lives. He
stressed on the need to realize and practice our „meta physical energy‟ along with
„materialistic energy‟. He linked the concept of disaster management to our history since
the British era. In the second session, he explained Gandhian Philosophy in order to
explain how crucial self- disaster management is. He stressed on the adoption of
Gandhian principles in our lives. The importance of collective approach to environmental
calamities, extended family system,
universal brotherhood, women‟s role
in disaster management, spiritualizing
the economy etc. were the areas he
touched upon. Role of a mentor, need
to become an entrepreneur, man‟s
dignity, were some of the other points
that were discussed. Thus on the
whole he focused on individual
disaster management connected it to the concept of energy.
14
DATE: October 22, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Ms. Jodi Enda
DESIGNATION: Journalist
SUBJECT: US Presidential Election
MIT School of Government MPG-04 batch students attended an
eminent lecture and interactive session by Ms. Jodi Enda, who is an
expert in campaign studies and a journalist from USA. At University
of Pune on „US Presidential Election” She explained in detail her
experience as journalist how the campaigns of both Presidential
Candidates Barak Obama, who is the representative of Democrats
and John Mcgain, representing Replicans functioning and strength
and weaknesses of their campaign. She explained in details the amounts of money spend by both
candidates and how they created the fund for the same. She compared both candidates and
explained in detail the strategies for winning. She mentioned the likely replicons states and likely
democrat state and the swing states.
While answering a query, she elaborated in detail the electoral procedures in US, where every
states has got a number based on the population if one candidate is getting majority in that
state, he will get the total point from that state. Her speech informed in detail the taxation policy,
Insurance policy and foreign policy of both candidates and mentioned that in this election
ideologies will not work. US people are looking for a change and they will select presidents who
guarantee a positive change. She concluded her session by saying that USA‟s relationship with
India would continue to be the same,
regardless of whoever wins the presidential
post. The lecture was an enriching one for the
participants of MIT-SOG as they got the nitty-
gritty of the US president election procedures
and strategies for winning.
15
DATE: November 7, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. B. G. Deshmukh
DESIGNATION: President, CASP & Former Cabinet Secretary, Govt. of India
SUBJECT: Indian political parties and our chaotic democracy
On 07-11-08, Dr. B. G. Deshmukh, former Cabinet
Secretary of India, President CASP, the distinguished
well-wisher of Indian politics had visited MIT School of
Government campus and delivered his address on the
topic “Indian Political Parties and our chaotic
democracy”. Indian Politics in its early ages –starting with
early 20th Century-had been analyzed by him as a West
Minister kind of one in which only a single party-viz
Congress- was prevalent which was also at par chaotic with the present day coalition kind
of structure which is ambiguous and unstable. Present day democracy in that sense can
be coined as pseudo or false democracy, wherein the credit of sanctioning the term is
closely associated with the play of political parties shielding one among them with their
own vested interests. Mr. Deshmukh‟s views on Democracy that where a Government by
the people and for the people wields its power in an unbiased manner. State power is
divided into mainly the three pillars viz Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. French
scholars had added the fourth pillar as media and the newly added one is the civil
society. Civil society per se according to Mr. Deshmukhji ensures the participative and
empowered democracy. Then comes the role of political parties, which are infact
instrumental to Government in a political system. Political parties in the form of a
responsible opposition also play its important role.
According to Mr. B. G. Deshmukh the structure of a political party also must be in a
democratic way within itself. It must hold an
enlightening ideology wherein the leaders
and others are distributed in their own
respective hierarchical order ensuring
decentralized functioning and internal
democracy. It shall not be rigid in any sense but better if resembles an umbrella
organization (eg Congress before independence), which can accommodate wider gamuts
and gain wider coverage. This idea as such looks back to the Gandhian version of politics
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which is rich with inclusion of different castes and classes of society especially women,
the “Harijan” and which represents the want to have a self-sustained Economy. He had
explicitly pointed out the need of a political party in order to get in touch with the
Governmental power and to participate in the running of the state machinery. So people
come together, forms groups (eg. Ngo), get in rapport with political parties and
participate in state functioning .He also asserted that simply having groups are not
effective. If any a political party goes out of the virtuous circle of the expectation of the
civil society, it is vicious which demolishes the well-functioning of a Democracy.
Mr. Deshmukh noticed that Indian Democracy is a balanced platform of various interests
which arose out of its diversified nature and simply forming an association can‟t bring
one to the box, means that it necessitates bringing up of political parties in Indian
democracy and that is the reason for the mushrooming of political parties in the present
day scenario. He had looked at the post-independence politics of our country with the
lack of efficient national leadership, which ultimately led to coalitions of parties. In his
own words pre-election coalitions are good, but post-election coalitions are like closing
the mouth of the people who casted their votes with full faith and belief. Nowadays
Political parties forget the principles of Democracy and go with their own mileages only.
Political will must be come out of Leaders to curb this malignancy and to reframe and
reorganize Political parties and in that way we can re-organize our Democracy. Mr.
Deshmukh had wisely pointed out electoral reforms and well-functioning of Election
Commission to ensure the upbringing of the lost Democratic sense to our chaotic
democracy. Election Commission must act more proactively ensuring all measures for a
Democratic election the notable suggestion tabled by him was to balancing the money
flow during the time of election and that the Political parties must be insisted to keep all
pre-election accounts truly and properly which also can be subjected to check by the
authorities. Electoral reforms only, can bring about prevention of mushrooming of
Political parties. The nature of voting right can be reshaped and make it mandatory. In
order to win in a constituency certain percentage of votes can be mandated which may
force Political parties to come together and to adopt a strategy of gathering different
castes and classes of society to bag up maximum possible percentage of votes than
divide them and catch power in some backdoor ways.
In order to ensure the eligibility and qualifications of candidates, negative voting can also
be sanctioned to our voting system. If the percentage of negative votes is more than
50% then that election contest must be set aside and the panel of candidates must be
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cancelled. State funding can be introduced in election process, which will ensure politics
free from games of heavy sugars of the society and political bargaining. The feudalistic
politics, which nowadays he describes existent in the form of family politics and castism
as the two major vitiating factors of present day politics. The idea of proportional
representation can make a larger democracy like India, more effective. We can even
think for multimember constituencies to ensure efficient and effective democracy.
He, again, pointed out the necessity of regular planning and updating of strategies that
must be kept on by Political parties and even in a coalition they must come out of their
stand aiming only in their own survival to remain in power. Coalition if not properly
wielded can bring about only vote bank politics. Diverse interests represent the
competing powers fighting for resources and to balance them we have to adopt a system
of healthy democracy wherein Political parties are the major institutions. He suggested,
why can‟t we go for a “National minimum Programme” instead of “Common Minimum
Programme” wherein Political parties stand together holding hand together at least in
critical issues of national importance? Now every questions and issues of reformation and
reorganization of our Political system is left in the hand of our budding leaders and Mr.
Deshmukhji delighted the audience with his inspiring thoughts and powerful vision in this
context to boost up our participants who are the aspiring to be the future Leaders of our
country as well as the world.
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DATE: November 8, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Ramnath Sonawane
DESIGNATION: Municipal Commissioner, Jalgaon
SUBJECT: Urbanization
Mr. Ramanath Sonawane,
the Municipal Corporation
Commissioner of Jalgaon
delivered a lecture on
„urbanization‟ for the
participants of MIT-SOG,
on 8th of November. He
started his lecture by
defining cities as engines of economic and social development creating jobs and
generating wealth through economies of scale. He urged the need to upgrade and
augment the cities for sustainable development. According to him National economic
growth and poverty reduction efforts will be increasingly determined by the productivity
of these cities and towns. He stressed on the need of a world-class urban system that
includes feasible political, economical and social environment. In his words, "in the
present scenario there is anarchy and criminalization of politics in the name of
democracy". Talking about the urbanization he explained that it is basically a movement
(migration) from rural to urban areas is still continuing. He also elaborated upon the
criteria for urbanization taken by censes of India.
While highlighting the growth in
urbanization he mentioned that today, 285
million people live in urban areas which
equates to 27.8% as per 2001 census. In
1991 Census the percentage of urban
population to total population was 25.7
percent. Thus a large population migrated
to urban areas in search of employment
opportunities. He stressed on the relevance of Article-243 that deals with panchayat and
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municipalities. He also elaborated on the level of urbanization. He pointed that
urbanization rate is higher in Delhi with 93. 5%. In terms of absolute number of persons
living in urban areas, Maharashtra leads with 41 million persons, which is 14 percent of
the total population of the country. Talking about the issues in urban local bodies, he
mentioned poverty, unemployment, unauthorized development and lack of civic
amenities and basic infrastructure as the major concern. The other issues include the
unauthorized development, lack of civil amenities and basic infrastructure, and too much
dependency on private sector for transport and communication. It has been found that
there is greater unemployment in urban areas comparing to rural areas and among them
is basically the educated youth. He discussed about the reforms required for fulfilling the
concept of good governance. About urban reforms, he suggested resource mobilization
and model legislation.
He gave some practical measures that can be taken to overcome political stigmas, at
urban level: -They are as follows. (1) Proportional representation (2) mandatory
registration of voters. (3) Compulsory voting (4) need of intellectual debate and
discussions proactive role of pressure groups and (5) Citizen‟s participation by giving no
room for criminals. Mr. Ramnath Sonawaneji boldly stated in his speech "at present it is a
boneless bureaucratic system and ruthless political system". At bureaucratic level instead
of having a permanent system of employment, he stressed on the need of contractual
system based on performance, which will enable efficiency and effectiveness. He also
mentioned about Millennium Development Goals also. Through his entire speech he
informed the participants the various aspects of urban growth and also the relevance of
efficiency in urban administration and planning.
20
DATE: November 20, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Mahesh Tapase
DESIGNATION: President, NCP Youth Wing, Maharashtra
SUBJECT: Opportunities for youth in Indian politics
Mr. Mahesh Tapase, President of N. C. P. Youth Wing,
Maharashtra delivered a lecture on “Opportunities for Youth
in Indian Politics” for the participants of MPG-04 on 20th
November 2008. He started his session by sharing his
experience and motivation, which brought to politics. In his
words he came into the politics when politics closed in his
house. He informed that even though his grandfather was the
freedom fighter, and former M. P. and governor, the second generation was totally away
from politics. He warned that those who want to come to politics must have enough
patience to wait for the right opportunity to prove his skills and abilities to rise to the
occasion. In his words, one has to create an atmosphere and grab the opportunities. He
mentioned that India is country having a lot of youth potential. As per 2001 census 51 %
of populations are young, which will rise to 60% by 2020. But he said majority of youth in
this country think that there is no future in politics as a career. He appealed to the
enrolment of youth to voters list, which according to him is the first step to involve youth
into the stream of politics. He pointed that in Austria as per the recent amendment, the
age of voting is fixed for 16 years, giving more responsibilities to the young populace.
By giving the example of Sharad Pawar as the efficient young chief Minister Maharashtra
he said that Youths of India would have to create their own space in politics. He informed
that Politics in India today is like a baton relay, passing the baton from grandfather to son
and then to grandson. To change this one have to create own space. Youths will not
only have to serve this country but will have to save this country today. Today‟s politics
has been digressed from the unique visions and ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and
Jawaharlal Nehru and lost the spirit of nationalism. People have lost the Indian ness
among them. In his words “we have ignored our constitution”. Youths of India must
stand for the unity and diversity of this country”. While mentioning about the migration
issue, he said leaders of one state are sleeping over the issues of development whereas
the leaders of progressive state working on the development of that state. He also
21
mentioned the retrenchment in Citigroup due to the recent recession, which according
to him will lead to a civil war.
While discussing about the historical conditions of poor in India where the slogan to skip
the meal to feed India, and the emergence of the concept rationing, he informed the
audience the powerful slogan of Lal Bhadur Shashti “ Jai Jawan Jai Kissan”. Today
everyone bothered about his or her own stomach. People‟s mindset has become more
and more sectarian. Agreeing with Gandhijis words, “Be the change you want to see in
this world” it must come within. He also revealed that politics is not a separate entity. It
is part and parcel of everyone‟s daily life. Nothing in this country he said move without
political will. While mentioning about voting pattern he revealed that in all elections
voting pecrtage is less than 50 percentages and winning margin is very less. So in his
view 20 % of the people decide the fate of the country. Mentioning the relevance of
voting as a right, he said universal adult franchise is guaranteed by the constitution.
There were times in which only taxpayers; educated classes are allowed to vote. But
today any citizen above 18 years of age can vote. He also mentioned about the money
and muscle power dictating the votes in this country. He also stated that youths in India
also lost the sensitivity to various social issues. He discussed about the issues of
increasing HIV infections and teenage pregnancy, etc. Mr. Tapase commented that
today politician is not only lawmaker but they are becoming the law, sometimes above
the law. He discussed the degenerating situation in UP and Bihar where once the great
universities like Taxila and Nalanda were there. He clarified that government today
evolved from police state to welfare state. Today from e- governance country is leading
to corporate governing pattern. In the concluding remarks, Mr. Tapase mentioned the
sudden shift from agriculture to Industries and migration from urban to rural areas for
better opportunities. As there is paucity of irrigated land, farmland is shrinking and
natural resources are decreasing. The youths of India cannot sleep over these issues.
They will have to take responsibilities and have to take control of the situation. Otherwise
future will be bleak. Youths will have to grab Power.
22
DATE: November 22, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Chandrakant Dalvi
DESIGNATION: Collector, Pune
SUBJECT: Role of Collector for District Administration
23
DATE: November 25, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Rajeev Rajale
DESIGNATION: MLA, Maharashtra
SUBJECT: Indian Economy: Fact, Figures & Challenges
24
DATE: November 27, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Tanmayanand Maharaj
DESIGNATION: Eminent Philosopher & Thinker, Chhattisgarh
SUBJECT: Leadership Traits
25
DATE: November 30, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Suresh Prabhu
DESIGNATION: MP ( Lok Sabha ) & Former Union Minister
SUBJECT: Alternative energy sources
The emerging issues today relating to the human
security which is indirectly hampering the growth
of the country as unemployment, poverty,
illiteracy, and climate change and along with that
the most important for the survival is the
availability of energy resources. The various issues
dealing with energy crisis in the villages were 45%
of the household do not have electricity however they use energy to serve their basic
needs.
An overview of the various kinds of alternative energy follows. At the outset we must
differentiate between alternative energy, and renewable energy. Alternative energy
refers to any form of energy which is an alternative to the traditional fossil fuels of oil,
natural gas and coal. Renewable energy is the forms of alternative energy that are
renewed by the natural processes of the Earth, such as sunlight from the sun or wind
from the air, and so are environmentally friendly.
While elaborating on different sources of energy he explained about solar power which
arises from the light of the sun, which can be harnessed through the use of solar power
cells, which are also called photovoltaic cells. Solar is also very environmentally friendly,
as it produces no pollution or waste byproduct, and it is therefore essential for a greener
future. Stressing on India to be the largest producer of wing energy, it can be used both
for electricity production on a large scale with multiple turbines to form what is called a
wind farm, or in other words a wind power plant, or, more infrequently, on a smaller
scale for home electricity production. Geothermal energy draws heat from the planet‟s
core. Thermal power stations are set up which absorb energy from the planet. The heat
from the planet boils a liquid which evaporates to turn turbines, producing the electricity.
Geothermal heating is becoming very popular, and is a cost-effective alternative to oil or
gas home heating. Similar for Hydroelectric power, Tidal power, Nuclear power plants do
not produce air pollution, so they are clean compared to oil, gas and coal. However,
26
nuclear power produces radioactive waste as a byproduct can replace fossil fuels to some
extent as they run out, where coal would last for the next 50 years.
He also mentioned about the energy and climate change where the clean source of
energy is important in order to reduce global warming. Alternative energy is attractive to
all different sorts of people, including investors and entrepreneurs. A main reason for this
is the fact that alternative energy can appeal to both individuals and families on the one
hand and to corporations and businesses on the other hand. As alternative energy
supplies become economically feasible they will be adopted by conventional businesses,
to the point of becoming mainstream in the future, and the companies that supply
alternative energy stand to make substantial profits by supplying energy to these
companies. At the last he concluded by mentioning about the need to have policies to
implement with private sector participation and providing technological methods and
systems which can help to overcome the energy needs for the future.
27
DATE: December 5, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Laxmikant Deshmukh
DESIGNATION: Director, Sports & Youth Services, Maharashtra
SUBJECT: Role of Zila Parishad in Rural Development of Maharashtra
Rural development recognizes the true and pivotal
place of rural improvement in the total
development of nation. He stressed more on role
of human development in rural development. The
pace of any reform should suit the psyche of its
people and a gradual and systematic approach was
needed to do so. Individual development and in
the Indian tradition of recognizing the village
community as the custodian of human values
(Grama Sudhara). India‟s agriculture growth in the
last two decades, which has, been between 1% to 5% per Annum. The negative impact
of 1991 reforms were high lightened in which he included increase in absolute poverty
depletion of agricultural activity to sustain life, large scale farms suicides, migration to
urban areas due to deterioration of quality life in rural India. He stated reasons for need
of focus on rural development existence of the wide gap between India and bharat.
The Role of Zilla Parishad he mentioned that there are certain limitation with regards to
hard infrastructure, like lack of funds and there is too much of dependency on
government and district administration which in directly hampers the limitations in its
functioning. While mentioning the
role of human development in rural
development he believes that by
building human capabilities is the
fundamental objective as utilization
of full potential and creativity of the
people in accordance with their
needs and interests. It also includes
expansion of choices for people to help them lead a healthy and prosperous life.
28
The parameters on which it is measured are basis indicators are namely life expectancy at
birth (Health), adult literacy (Education) and the standard of living (GDP and per capita
income). The other indices developed by UNDP (United Nations Development
Programme) are GDI (Gender related Development Index) and (Human Poverty Index)
developed by economist noble prizewinner Dr. Amratya Sen. At the end part of the
lecture he discussed the strategies for human development at Zilla Parishad level
including macro level policy making and planning and its implementation. Elaborating on
the strategies he focused on the key areas namely Education, Health care, Women and
child development and sanitation. Implementation of this approach requires recognition
by the state of indigenous custom as the law governing land allocation and use, and
empowerment of local institutions to implement this responsibility to resolve disputes.
29
DATE: December 9, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Ms. Prabha Rau
DESIGNATION: Governor of Himachal Pradesh
SUBJECT: World Human Rights Day
On occasion of the “World Human Rights Day” the students expressed their views on the
topic human rights they emphasied on the
concept of human rights and need to respect the
human beings , culture, ethics, moral values,
religion, and also stressed on the human rights
violation by the non-states actors. Some of the
important points to elaborate were in fields of
education, unemployment, and food security The
later part was the speech by governor of Himachal
Pradesh Ms. Prabha Rau who appreciated the students for their concerns towards the
human rights violation.
She stated the importance of the term Human rights which is used to defend Human
freedom as well as destroy it. People tend to attach importance to particular human
rights issue according to ideology and political convenience. if a man is not to have
recourse or rebellion against tyranny and oppression, taking law into their own hands,”
Human Rights" should be built into the society as a natural rule. As a last resort only, law
should be applied as a protection. Human: member of the species, the single race Homo
sapiens. Whatever persons are called, or call themselves, wherever they live, they are
human. Therefore human rights: benefits to which people are entitled simply by virtue of
being human.
The commission held its first session in January 1947. The Human Rights Commission
formulates schemes for the protection of minorities and for prevention of discrimination
on the basis of caste, creed, sex and religion. It may consider any matter within the realm
of human rights which may impair the general welfare among nations. The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights , adopted by the General Assembly in 1948, elaborated
commitment to democracy by proclaiming that "the will of the people shall be the basis
of the authority of government" and guaranteeing to everyone the rights that are
essential for effective political participation. The International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, adopted by the Assembly in 1966, conferred binding legal status on the
30
right of individuals to participate in the processes that constitute the conduct of public
affairs, and further strengthened the protection accorded to participatory rights and
freedoms. The middle and late 19th century saw a number of issues take centre stage.
Many of these in the late 20th century were considered as "Human Rights" issues. These
issues included slavery, serfdom, brutal working conditions, starvation wages and child
labor. In the Americas, this was known as "Indian Problem" at the time. In the United
States, a bloody war over slavery came close to destroying a country founded only eighty
years earlier on the premise that, "all men are created equal." The Indian parliament has
passed an Act to provide for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission,
State Human Rights Commissions in States and Human Rights Courts for better
protection of human rights and for matters connected therewith or incidental there to.
It is enacted by Parliament in the Forty-fourth Year of the Republic of India. It is
known as Indian Human Rights Act, 1993. Political rights are an important feature of
human rights. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country,
directly or through freely chosen representatives. But democracy does not mean merely
the right to vote and send representatives to the Parliament or the Legislature. It
includes much more. It postulates multiplicity of parties and a politically aware electorate
which can make an intelligent choice between the parties on the basis of their political
ideology and manifesto. If the electorate is not politically aware, and is guided by
consideration of race, religion, creed or colour or ethnicity, democracy can go off the
rails. The importance of social rights in which the family is the natural and fundamental
unit of society. It is entitled to full protection by society and the state. Motherhood and
childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. The Right to Education where
education at least in the elementary level should be free. It is very important that the
citizens be educated. It is only then that they will be able to participate in the democratic
process and fight when there rights are denied. The cultural rights guarantee the people
the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any
scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author. Everyone has the right
to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancements and its benefits. She stressed
more on Gandhian Philosphy for explaining the cause and solution for the upliftment of
the society. At the end she mentioned the importance of education as important tool to
eradicate poverty, unemployment, and stressed on having improving relationship with
the neighbours and overcoming the geographical boundaries to share our culture and
thoughts.
31
DATE: December 10, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Jayant Umaranikar
DESIGNATION: Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra
SUBJECT: Terrorism- Emerging issues
The emerging issue of terrorism as not spared any part of the country as the
terrorist do not have any geographical barriers or international pressure which they
overcome most of the times. The dastardly and bloody terrorist attack on Mumbai has
brought the threat to individual security where the need to be have a rethinking about
the roots of terrorism. The threat to individual security which in turn has direct impact on
human security. The roots to understand the cause of terrorism is also important;
however one needs to look at the security of an individual by the state. Where internal
security which is defined to guarantee order public security to protect people and normal
function of the governing systems and democratic institution. Various reasons for conflict
as violence prone system as society has a social and political reason which hampers the
development and threat to internal security. For long we are dealing with terrorism
however, strict law for Anti-terrorism has still not formed worldwide.
While taking about the recent terrorist attacks he mentioned that similar attacks
with the same manner were carried out in Mumbai in 1993 where many promises were
given plans were implemented and again the same systemic failure occurred. The most
important things to look at today are the counter measure to tackle terrorism. the
drawback of the operation with the recent terrorist attacks were similar of 1993 where
we still do not have a separate intelligence wing, equipment‟s with the police
32
department, depoliticizing the police, were he explained the various duties the police
personal have to do in their services to protect the citizens. In order to prevent a future
terrorist attack we need to have the higher level of intelligence sharing, coordination
amongst the different agencies like the Military intelligence, RAW and most important of
all is the awareness and preparedness of the forces and the society to avoid a future
attack. He also mentioned that
terrorist incidents are rich in
dramatic, shocking and tragic
human interest aspects, and the
media, understandably, tends to
overcome them. He believes that
the media should work in
coordination with the police forces
in such terror attacks as it will help the forces to work more effectively and most of the
information will not be shown or disclosed during the operations. At the end he stated
the society should maintain law and order in such situation and coordinate the police
forces in case need arises.
33
DATE: December 26, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Maninder Singh Bitta
DESIGNATION: Chairman, National Anti-Terrorist Front
SUBJECT: How to combat Terrorism
34
DATE: December 27, 2008
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Budhoji Rao Mulik
DESIGNATION: Krish Ratna, Agricultural Scientist
SUBJECT: Prioritizing agriculture will only lead India to a Super Power in 2020
Farmers are just a part of the cultivation system but their
real problems are never looked upon. It's very sad to note
the facts that India being the 2nd largest populous country
in the world, with the income of 82 crores of people as less
as Rs.20/- per day. The detail below shows the economic
condition of the majority of people. 7 Crores of people
earns/gets Rs 9/- per Day. 16 Crores of people earns/gets
Rs 12/- per Day. 20 Crores of people earns/gets Rs 15/- per Day. 39 Crores of people
earns/gets Rs. 20/- per Day. In the Indian Government every parliament member spends
about 2.6 Lacs per month where the maximum Of the Indian population approx. 82% are
earning/ living with just less than Rs.20/- per day. It is also very distressing to note that
the Annual Budget for agriculture in the Year 1951 being 25% has been limited to just
2% of the annual budget by the year 1990. Since the start of globalization in 1990 all the
ruling parties have turned a blind eye to the farmers by just paying attention to the
technology sectors. As the time passed by Agriculture and especially farmers are given
the least priority. Agriculture is purely dependent on the nature's discretion and is very
vulnerable to floods, cyclones, droughts etc. It is the only sector which is most vulnerable
to natures' deeds. Foreign countries have good protection policies and systems for the
wellbeing of farmers and they are protected
from any natural calamities and economic
changes in the form of Insurance. They are
very well protected by their respective
governments. There it is a dignity to be as a
farmer and India the situation is quite
contrary and here the farmers are distressed
with insecurity. Though the Central
government of India announced waiver of farming loans to the tune of about Rs. 60,000
crores. It‟s not sufficient to change the current sufferings of the farmers.
35
Farmers need to be given a better package for them to be confident that they are
protected from the natural disasters. It will be a good Idea if the political leaders who are
ruling the government make a policy such as “SAZs" (Special Agriculture Zones) to
declare some good and attractive packages to the farming community. It's worthwhile
giving the farming community enough confidence to look at the agriculture as the good
prospect rather than looking cultivation as a hardship. It will become very difficult and
food shortages may arise in the very near future if the farming community is not properly
addressed. Technological progress is always important but not at the expense of the
downfall of basic amenities (i.e., food, water, clean environment). As the global
requirements of the food is also growing and the Indian population is also growing at a
rapid rate producing the required food through the agriculture is only the way where we
can be self-sustainable and progress forward.
36
DATE: January 29, 2009
GUEST SPEAKER: Ms. Sahista Amber
DESIGNATION: All India Muslim Personal Law Board
SUBJECT: Women Personal Law in India
37
DATE: April 7, 2009
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Sunil Shastri
DESIGNATION: Lecturer in Marine Policy, the University of Hull, U.K.
SUBJECT: Environmental Governance & Ocean Resources
38
DATE: May 23, 2009
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Prataprao Jadhav
DESIGNATION: Leader, Shiv Sena, Maharashtra
39
DATE: July 15-16, 2009
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Jai Prakash
DESIGNATION: Former Union Deputy Minister for Petroleum Chemical
& Communications, Government of India
40
Local Field Visits
41
Congress Bhavan, Pune
The participants of MPG (Batch-04) from MIT SOG, Pune, visited Pune city Congress
Committee office on 13-09-08 with the aim of understanding how a party office works at the
bottom level as well as to make an acquaintance with the local congress tenures. The office is
situated at Pune near Municipal Corporation. It was a good initiative for us to start from the
ingrained level before going for the principal offices as well as for the eminent leaders of the
nation. So we started from the congress committee office in Pune. They arranged a warm
welcome for all of us.
It was spellbinding to know that the building was first elected in 1937, renewed and
extended in 1942 and that the office is well functioning in the premises from this very early days.
Mahatma Gandhi also paid a visit here. Among his rousing memoirs we can see his holograph
with signature, in the office. It was a haunt for the congress freedom fighters since 1930„s. Later
on many celebrated congress leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and etc. also made their
visits and the office is a liver arm for the Congress Centre leadership as far as the politics in the
western India is concerned.
An official meeting with the Pune City Congress Committee President Mr. Adv. Abhay
Chajed was arranged. He well explained us the hierarchy of different tenures in his party.
According to him the local political activities are more or less of a collective individual efforts. The
“Centre” may support but often not financially. So the raising up and collection of funds at the
local level, initiation, organisation and management of different political activities which concocts
the general public and the party at the nubile level as well as motivational and catalytic support
to the ordinary members at the basic level comes only from the local offices only. The different
tenures starts with National President at the top, goes with state President, District President,
Block President and ultimately ends with Ward President in the foundational level.
Congress also keeps its own wings like Sevadal, National Students Union of India (NSUI),
Youth Congress, Indian National Trade Union Congress and Mahila Congress. They are garnering
and regiment sing the individual power and channelizing these different streams to go with the
main stream within the party in the process of building up of the developmental politics of our
nation; Of course, politically ,the main stream issues may far apart from the local issues. Different
tenures are the connecting link between individual members and the higher ups in the party. Mr.
Suresh Kalmadi, M.P. from congress represents Pune Constituency at present. He also chairs at
this office. The office is well equipped with a good library where from we can have books but
mostly on congress ideology, starting from the pre- independence era. Membership is open to all
and the library is open to general public for reference only. Bagging a membership in congress is
not a sophisticated progress; but as simple as to the filling up your Application Forum and
payment of a membership fee. Your dedication to work with the party is the worth counted. The
42
peaceful atmosphere in the office took us to the rejoicing memories of former congress leaders.
Certainly, Late. Mr. Yashwantrao Chavan, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra, after the
separation of the State of Maharashtra in the year 1960 and NarayanaPrabhada are well
remembered in their statues.
Again, we got an opportunity to meet the Vice President of the committee, Mr. Arvind
Shinde in his office at Samrajya Hotel, Pune. He is a well-established businessman as well as an
unbeaten counsellor to the Pune Muncipal Corporation for the last three consecutive elections
from his ward. He shared with us some of his professional experiences. Pune Municipal
Corporation also works under “The Bombay Provincial Muncipal Corporation Act 1949 (BPMC
Act 1949).Under the Law ,in every Corporation there is a General Body of Councillors who are
the elected representatives of different wards or political units in the grassroots level. The
General Body elects the Mayor who is the in charge of a corporation. The election is held in every
five years. There are also permanent office holders apart from the elected members in a
corporation.
The Pune Municipal Corporation is kept as a clean and green city with well-equipped and
well managed cleaning and garbage management system and by the protection and promotion
of the greenery respectively. In every ward the cleaning, waste management etc. are well
organised all the round of a year under the guidance of Engineers appointed in this behalf.
There are a lot of traits and skills that one can sort out from a politician. The dedication to
the profession of Social and political work, the energy level that a leader must keep ,the power of
determination, the inspirational traits that he follows etc. can be well assessed from his attitude.
It creates positive changes and development in our society. The visit as such gave us an insight
over the local administration as well as the local political system which is the pivot of main stream
politics as well
43
Hivre Bazar
MPG-04 participants together with their faculty Mrs. Vanisree Ramanathan visited Hivre
Bazar, a village in Maharashtra‟s Ahmednagar district. Mr. Popat Rao Pawar, the village Sarpanch,
who is famous for his tireless efforts for the village, has welcomed MIT School of Government
team. Mr. Pawar briefed the students about the activities that he had adopted along with the
villagers to convert the village from water scarce to a self-sufficient model village. He revealed
the relevance of urban-rural collaboration and mutual understanding between both for the
nation‟s development. The basic policy adopted by Hivre Bazar village was need-based policy.
As water scarcity was the major problem identified for the miseries of the villagers, water
conservation was the first priority. With the support of the local labor donations, the panchayat
built 40,000 contour trenches around the hills to conserve rainwater and recharge ground water.
Residents took massive plantations and forest regeneration activities. Mr. Pawar stressed the
need for long term planning for the villages, and he portrayed the relevance of village youth‟s
participation to achieve this. He informed that today in Hivre Bazar, it is the Gram Sabha, which
budgets for the water. He elaborately explained the nitty gritty of both community farming and
dry land farming. He also highlighted the relevance of education in changing the mindsets,
attitudes and awareness of people, which is the precondition for any development. He revealed
that as per the 1992 Household survey, 74% of the families in Hivre Bazar were Below Poverty
Line (BPL). But today only three families are BPL. Hivre Bazar adopted the policy of no land
selling to outsiders. While asking about the elections and party ideologies in the village, he said,
“in Hivre Bazar, there is no single party, villagers are having the freedom to vote any party but
money and drink formula will not work in the village. As sarpanch he mentioned that he don‟t
have any affiliation any particular political party. Youth and women organisations are active in
Hivre Bazar and delegations of duties were followed. Education, health and sanitation have been
prioritized by the panchayat. The villages have an Emergency fund created to deal with
emergency needs of the people. Villages provide zero percentage interest rate loans for the
marriages of their daughters. The panchayat created bio gas plants also. After question answer
sessions, the pawarji clarified that identifying the root problems, psychosocial analysis of that
problems and people‟s participation (right from identifying the problems and innovative solutions
to that) is the crucial steps for the village development. He said that if there is a will there is a
way. The villagers and the government should be partners in the process of development but
villagers must be in the driver‟s seat. In his concluding remarks he mentioned that people‟s
participation is the essential for any village development and how the nearby villagers are
motivated to take Hivre Bazar village development model.
44
YASHADA
MPG-04 participants visited Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development
Administration (YASHADA) on 21st January 2009 as part of their field visit. YASHADA is the
Administrative Training Institute of the government of Maharashtra, and meets the training needs
of the government departments and rural and
urban non-officials and stakeholders.
YASHADA emerged to provide consultancy
services in development and public
administration, to serve as the apex institute for
the collection and dissemination of information
regarding development administration. MPG
participants visited Yashada library, Centre for
Information Technology, Right to Information Cell, Centre for Disaster Management, State
Institute for Urban development and Centre for Public Governance. After this visit, MPG-04
participants had lecture and interactive session on Child Rights and Child Labor Issues in India,
Right to Information Act and Disaster Management by experts from the respective departments.
In the afternoon participants had an opportunity to interact with a young dynamic person, Shri. S.
P. Kadu Patil (I. A. S), D. D. G and Director of (State Institute of Rural Development (S. I. R. D),
Yashada.
He talked on Rural Development
in India, with a special focus on Panchyati
Raj. During his interaction he covered
various issues affecting rural people like
rural administration, Housing problem,
Health, Education, poverty, fund
allocation, Self-Help Groups, Agriculture,
Sanitation, Governance, role of
Sarpanch, money lenders, banking issues etc. He focused more on poverty alleviation and
empowerment of local people and their participation in their own development. He concluded
with the idea of people centered development is ideal for village development. In a nutshell the
MPG-04 participant‟s visit to YASHADA was informative and thought provoking.
45
Katewadi
The students from The Hague University and the students of MIT School of Government went for
a field visit to a model village – Katewadi, Tal. Baramati, Dist. Pune. The field visit was held from
March 20, 2009 to March 22, 2009. The highlight of this field visit was the fact that all the
students, including the students from Netherlands stayed in the houses of the villagers in groups
of 2/3, which itself was a great learning experience, especially for the foreign students. The
students were overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by the villagers. The students visited
Sharda Milk Collection Centre, Chhatrapati Cooperative Sugar Factory, Vasundhara Community
Radio Centre, Wrestling Centre, Primary School, Vidya Pratisthan educational complex,
Panchayat Samiti, Krishi Uttpann Bazar Samiti, Dynamics Dairy, Winery as well as the Aviation
Academy at MIDC in their 3 days visit to Katewadi. The students were highly influenced by the
kind of development that has taken place in Katewadi and they also understood the role of
political leadership in the development of the village in terms of the efforts taken by Shri Sharad
Pawarji (Hon. Union Minister for Agriculture), Shri Ajitdada Pawar (Minister for Water Resources,
State of Maharashtra) and especially of Smt. Sunetra Pawar, whom the villagers revere a lot.
46
Dalit Bastis / Urban Slums
On March 26, 2009 the team also visited poverty-stricken areas of Pune to understand the
realities of the people living in those areas. They visited the slums of Yerwada, Laxminagar, as
well as Laxminagar Muncipal School, and Kondwa region. An analysis on the issues and problems
of the people living in this area was done. Lack of proper housing is the main issue coupled with
issues such as unemployment, illiteracy, lack of toilet facilities, water shortage, alcoholism, big
sized families, garbage etc. They also observed that even though people of this area are poor
and lack various facilities, they seem to be happy which the main learning outcome was for the
foreign students.
47
Sarhad
The team visited an NGO named Sarhad in Pune on March 30, 2009. Sarhad (meaning Border) is
a Non - Governmental organization (NGO) based at Pune, Maharashtra. Sarhad has devoted itself
for the upliftment of the civilians of these areas esp. women, children and orphans who have
been affected by the conflict. They are running a residential school for around 76 children from
Jammu and Kashmir. Some of these children are those whose parents died in the crossfire
between militants and security forces. Some are even children of militants. The Dutch delegation
was informed about the work of Sarhad by Mr. Sanjay Nahar, the President of Sarhad himself.
The students taking education in this school also interacted with the Dutch delegation.
48
Model Parliament
49
Model Parliament
The Every Year MIT-SOG organizes a model
parliament. The motive to have a model parliament is to
showcase the functioning and procedures of the
parliament to
the audience.
This time MIT-
SOG had the
speaker from of the legislative assembly of
Andhra Pradesh KR Suresh Reddy,
accompanied by his colleagues, and the
chairman of the MIT Group Dr. Vishwanath Karad, the dean of the MIT-SOG Mr. Rahul V.
Karad were present on the occasion. Also Student from various colleges and institutions
participated in the model parliament as audience to understand the functioning and
debates on particular issues.
The first thirty minutes was the session of question hour, as presided by the Hons.
Speaker KR Reddy as he appreciated the ruling party statements on the issues related to
economic development with regards to the special economic zone (SEZ). Recession and
alternative energy resources.
The most interesting moments were related to adjournment motion, in which the
most burning issue was terrorism, however when it came to a stage whether to agree
with the PM statements on
countering terrorism both the
parties agreed to resolve the issue
on common grounds which
towards the nation.
50
Convocation Ceremony
51
Convocation Ceremony
Date: 15 thJanuary 2010
On January, 15th 2010, MAAER's
Maharashtra Institute of Technology's
School Of Government (MIT-SOG), held
their Convocation Ceremony which was
presided over by Hon. Shri. Vayalar Ravi:
Union
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. The MPG-04
Course Completion Certificates were distributed to
the MPG-04 participants by honorable Shri. Vayalar
Ravi on that auspicious occasion. The ceremony
commenced with the procession led by Prof. (Gp.
Capt.) D. P. Apte, Director MIT-SOG, holding the Mandanda in his hands, accompanied
by Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MAEERs MIT group of Institutions,
Chief Guest of of the Ceremony, Hon. Shri. Vayalar Ravi: Union Minister for Overseas
Indian Affairs, Shri. Ulhas Pawar, Member of Legislative Council, Maharashtra Prof. Rahul
V. Karad, Chief Initiator and Dean, MIT School of Government, the faculty members and
the MPG 04 participants who were well-attired in their convocation robes. The function
started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
Prof. (Dr.) Shrikant Paranjpe, Accademic Advisor MIT-SOG gave the welcome address
emphasizing the initiation and spirit of MIT-School of Government and the planned
future activities for this program. As per the tradition of MIT, Prof. Dr. Vishwnath D.
Karad, Founder President, of MAEER's MIT group of Institutions felicitated both
Honorable Vayalar Ravi and Shri. Ulhas Dada Pawar. Mr. Nixon Fernando, the course
head, read the course report, which depicted in nutshell the journey of MIT-SOG in the
academic year 2008-09. The heart of convocation
ceremony showed too much of enthusiasm. The
participants enjoyed each moment while receiving
their graduation certificates at the hands of
Honorable Shri. Vayalar Ravi. Special certificates
for the outstanding participants were announced.
52
The Best participant award provided to the participant for his/her overall performance in
the academic year. "The Best participant award" is received by Mr. Ashok Kumar, from
Hyderabad. The Award for the Academic excellence" delivered to Mr. Dinesh Bhatt. A
feeling of nostalgia prevailed, as participants remembered the good times they spent
whether it was the pre-poll survey they carried out in Chattiagarh or the International
Study Tour to London, Paris, Geneva, Belgium and Hague, where they visited the WTO,
UNESCO Peace I Palace, House of Lords and
European Parliament.
The award distribution is followed by the
address of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad,
spirit behind the MIT-School of government.
He stressed the vision and mission of MIT-
SOG and emphasized the philosophy and
values that drive MAEERS MIT Group. Shri. Ulhas Dada Pawar, member of Maharashtra
Legislative Council also addressed the gathering and highlighted the path of Honorable
Shri. Vayalar Ravi's journey to the current position, right from the college days as the
student activist. In his convocation speech, Hon'ble Shri. Vayalar Ravi, warned the
participants to be up to date, in the changing era of new technology. He also
emphasized the role of youth in the new educational system. He shared his experience to
the budding leaders that donate dream an MP and MLA seat right soon, to be a leader
one must know the grassroots and the pulse of the people, first and work hard for them.
The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Prof. (Gp. Capt) D. P. Apte, Director,
MIT-SOG.
53
Academic Team
54
Director
Prof. (Gp Capt) D P Apte
Faculties
Mrs. Vanisree Ramanathan
Mr. Kapil Chandrayan
Mr. Prafulla Adagale
55
Academic Awards
56
Best Academic Performance
Mr. Dinesh Bhatt
Best Participant
Mr. Ashok Duptalagatta
57
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