To:

nksagar_1@yahoo.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

Watch this: Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act Yesterday, President Obama signed a bill that both strengthened and reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. The new law will provide resources for thousands of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking -- and better equip law enforcement officials to stop violence before it starts. After a great deal of effort and backing from folks like you, it passed with bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It builds on a law that Vice President Biden first wrote 18 years ago -- which has helped to decrease the rates of domestic violence across the country. It includes provisions aimed at reducing dating violence among teams and strengthening protections for lesbian gay, bisexual, and transgender victims. It also seeks to bring justice to Native American communities -- where rates of domestic violence are among the highest in the country. President Obama and the Vice President both spoke before the president signed the bill. Watch what they had to say: PS -- Today at 3:45 p.m. ET, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett will take your questions on Twitter about the Violence Against Women Act. Join the conversation. Stay Connected     Facebook Twitter YouTube Flickr Google+     This email was sent to nksagar_1@yahoo.com Sign Up for Updates from the White House

Panasonic kicks - off the 100 thousand solar lantern project in India

 

Panasonic kicks-off the 100 thousand solar lantern project in India

·      By bringing solar light to regions without electricity, Panasonic is aiming to help improve living conditions around the world, including India

·      Company to contribute 5,000 solar lights in India in FY 2012

March 8^th, New Delhi– Panasonic India today announced the launch of the 100 THOUSAND SOLAR LANTERN PROJECT, a project to contribute a total of 100,000 solar LED lights to people in regions in the world without electricity, by 2018, the year marking 100^th anniversary of the company's founding. By the end of this fiscal year Panasonic plans to contribute a total of 10,000 units of solar lights in 3 strategic regions across Asia and Africa. As the first stage of this effort, 3,000 solar lights were provided in February in Myanmar. In a ceremony held today at New Delhi, 5,000 compact solar lights were allotted to off-grid areas in India and the additional 2,000 lights will be given to a refugee camp in Africa.

 

Currently, there are about 1.32 billion people worldwide living without electricity, mainly in developing countries in Asia and Africa¹.Many homes in these regions use kerosene lamps for lighting, but these lamps pose the risk of fire and the smoke released by the lamps is also harmful to human health. Since kerosene lamps also do not provide sufficient light, they significantly restrict what people can do at night while creating considerable hazards for them.

 

In order to help solve the various problems in these non-electrified regions, Panasonic has been promoting corporate citizenship projects by actively utilizing its core technologies and products. The contribution of the solar lights is one example of these efforts. By generating electricity from sunlight during the day and storing it in a battery, Panasonic's solar lights can be used as a small lighting fixture at night. It poses no risk of fire or harm to human health, and generates no CO₂ emissions during use.

 

This project in India has been launched in collaboration with four leading NGO’s (non-profit organizations) and SE (Social Enterprise) to tackle social issues by contributing 5,000 units of solar lights in FY 2012.These include the World Health Partners, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, Plan International India and Sahaj in the areas of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Some of the notable activities planned through these initiatives are:

 

·         Empowering Communities living in off grid areas

·         Enabling Medical care service at night to promote the healthcare campaign for bottom of the pyramid

Commenting on this initiative Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Govt of India said “There is a severe imbalance in demand and supply of power and India risks facing an energy crisis. Renewable energy can help improve the situation to a large extent as it is no longer considered as an ‘alternate energy’ source; rather it is expected to play a significant role in helping meet the nation’s energy needs. There is no disputing the power of clean, renewable energy in the present world and the contribution of solar lights to non-electrified areas is a one of its kind initiative by Panasonic which will help solve various existing social issues. I would like to commend Panasonic for promoting such corporate citizenship projects in India by lending a hand to country’s growth.”

Ms. Michiko Ogawa, General Manager, CSR & Corporate Citizenship Group, Panasonic Corporation marked the occasion by passing the solar lights to NGO and SE representative. Commenting on this initiative she said “Panasonic has already enriched the lives of a considerable population in the world by contributing successful solar lights in association with international institutions, NPOs and NGOs in Africa, Cambodia and Japan. The 100 THOUSAND SOLAR LANTERN PROJECT is being launched with the firm belief that these lights can play a major role in helping to solve social issues in developing countries and newly emerging economies.”

Also, present on the occasion Mr. Manish Sharma, Managing Director, Consumer Product Division, Panasonic India said “Panasonic will continue to strengthen efforts towards achieving sustainable development in the country though undertaking various activities across education, health and environment. India has a tremendous growth potential but, it is marred by a number of infrastructure problems, chief amongst them is electricity deficiency. Contributing solar lights to off-grid areas not only adds majorly towards the development and empowerment of India but also brings Panasonic one step closer to its aim of becoming No.1 Green Innovation Company by 2018. In addition to this, we are hopeful that this initiative will make a difference in building country’s future as a support center for off-grid areas“

Panasonic will continue to donate solar lanterns to developing countries and newly emerging countries in Asia and Africa, where many people live without electricity. The company is striving to help improve living conditions in these regions and is carrying out initiatives to help achieve sustainable development and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Making the 'environment' central to all of its business activities, Panasonic aims to offer a better living to people around the world with peace of mind, comfort and joy in a sustainable way.

 

¹Source: "World Energy Outlook 2011" International Energy Agency

 

Panasonic Corporate Vision

Panasonic has a vision to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the electronics industry by 2018 (fiscal 2019), when Panasonic will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Panasonic aspires for global excellence as a Green Innovation Company and encompasses two goals: Green Life Innovation to realize green lifestyles to enrich people’s lives and Green Business Innovation to bring forth innovation in our business styles.

About Panasonic India

Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2013. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.

 

Issued by Panasonic India

 

For media queries, please contact:

Panasonic India | Richa Sethi | +91 9560498765 | richa.sethi@in.panasonic.com

Genesis Burson- Marsteller | Malvika Sinha | +91 9873382955 | malvika.sinha@bm.com

Follow Panasonic on Twitter- @PanasonicInNews

Obama signs Violence Against Women Act

Obama signs Violence Against Women Act

US President Barack Obama has signed into law the new Violence Against Women Act, which he termed "very important" and representing the positive progress of the country.

"One of the great legacies of this law is that it didn't just change the rules; it changed our culture. It empowered people to start speaking out. It made it okay for us, as a society, to talk about domestic abuse," Obama said on Thursday on the occasion of the signing ceremony.

"It made it possible for us, as a country, to address the problem in a real and meaningful way. It made clear to victims that they always had a place to go and they always had people on their side," said the US President.

Originally passed in 1994 and reauthorised since, the Act provides support for organisations that serve domestic violence victims.

Criminal prosecutions of abusers are generally the responsibility of local authorities, but the Act stiffened sentences for stalking under federal law.

Coinciding with the signing of the Act, the Hindu American Seva Charities a grassroots body on Thursday announced the launch of the 'Hindus United Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse' awareness campaign.

"As we celebrate Women's History month and the International Women's Day, let us pledge to bring to the forefront the Dharmic value of equality (samata) in all aspects of our lives and community," said Anju Bhargava, HASC Founder.

HASC kicked off its awareness campaign by placing posters at the Hindu American Temple and Cultural Center in Morganville, New Jersey, Hindu Center of Charlotte, North Carolina and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Maryland.

"Women are a source of strength and support in all communities. We are proud to be part of this pioneering initiative for the Hindu community," said Priti Mehta and Dolly Pandya, who initiated the poster development project.

Seminar on Spiritual Compass for Golden Future of Youth Held

Seminar on Spiritual Compass for Golden Future of Youth Held

Seminar on Spiritual Compass for Golden Future of Youth Held

New Delhi, March 7: A programme for ᇯlden Future of Youth on the occasion of Maha Shivratri as part of the Golden Future of Bharat Festival organized by the Brahma Kumaris at the Netaji Subhash Place Grounds here drew wide sections of the Delhi Youth last evening.

Ms. Gracy Singh, Renowned Film Actress while putting forth her views on the aforementioned topic

said that RajYoga Meditation as taught by Brahma Kumaris is a very easy and direct way to connect with God.

She further said that today's youth need to transform themselves and bring qualities like love, compassion, cheerfulness and most important, contentment in their life to make their dream of bringing Golden Bharat true.

Ms. Narayani Ganesh, Chief Editor, The Speaking Tree, Times of India addressing the youth stated that Non- Violence and Peace are more close to the hearts of Youth; all they need is right direction. Also, friendly counselling is the hallmark of Brahma Kumaris, which has positive impact on youth.

She further said that the theme of non-violence which Brahma Kumaris have been talking about is related to each one of us. Ⴅcause there has been an increase in violence among youth and as both Times Group and Brahma Kumaris address a larger number of youth, so Times group has decided to campaign for  Non-Violence with  the Brahma Kumaris.

Rajyogi BK BrijMohan, Chief Spokesman of the Brahma Kumaris said that the attitudinal transformation with the help of spiritual education holds key to youth empowerment and development.

Mr. Yogesh Kochhar, Director Strategic Engagements, Microsoft Corporation of India said that today youth should not be allured by foreign shores as there are enough demographic and natural resources available in India which can be put to advantage.

He urged the youth not to be anxious but should be curious to enrich their learning curve. Spirituality and meditation will help the youth to ward off stress, anxiety and fear from their mind and guide their life in proper direction towards desired goal, he stressed.

Dr Mohit, Assitant Professor of Cardiology, GB Pant Hospital said that life is all about sharing and giving happiness to others but it possible only when we are happy. And that can easily be attained by connecting with Supreme Soul, the ocean of happiness, divine powers and virtues.

Rajyogi B K Asha, Director, Brahma Kumaris Shanti Retreat Centre, Gurgaon in her welcome address stressed on the need for enhancement of inner powers and potentiality in youth through practice of spirituality and meditation to welcome and overcome inner and outer challenges.

BK Sushant

National Coordinator Media

Brahma Kumaris institution

Mobile: 9350922333