Xi said:To realise the Chinese road, we must spread the Chinese spirit


by sagarmedia on March 17, 2013

China’s legislature concluded its annual session on Sunday completing the once-in-a-decade long leadership transition with newly elected President Xi Jinping calling on the ruling Communist Party and people to rise up to realise the “Chinese Dream”.”In face of the mighty trend of the times and earnest expectations of the people for a better life, we cannot have the slightest complacency, or get the slightest slack at work,” Xi said at the closing meeting of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature.”We must make persistent efforts, press ahead with indomitable will, continue to push forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to achieve the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Xi said.



His address concluded the leadership transition from a decade long administration headed by Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao paving the way for new team led by Xi and Premier Li Keqiang, who were expected to steer China for the next decade.To realise the “Chinese dream,” China must take the Chinese way, he said. As part of the leadership, the new leaders yesterday announced 25 Minister cabinet and a host of other officials.



The new administration takes over at time China’s three decades of strong economic growth slowed down to 7.8 per cent last from the previous 9.3 per cent.The new government set this year’s target as 7.5 per cent. China also faced a volatile situation in the neighbourhood with heightened tensions with Japan and South East Asian countries over the disputes islands in the East China Sea and South China Sea.



Besides corruption at levels, the new leadership is also faced simmering tensions in minority provinces like Tibet and Xinjiang.

While Tibet witnessed over 100 self immolations, Xinjiang the home of ethnic Uygur Muslims is experiencing violent attacks against Hans from the mainland with periodic unrest. In his address today, Xi said, People of all nationalities must gain confidence in the theory, the road and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and forge valiantly and unswervingly ahead along the right road.



“To realise the Chinese road, we must spread the Chinese spirit, which combines the spirit of the nation with patriotism as the core and the spirit of the time with reform and innovation as the core”, Xi said.



The Chinese people of all ethnic groups must spread the great spirit of the nation and the great spirit of the time, keep strengthening the spiritual bond of solidarity and the spiritual drive of constantly striving for improvement, and step toward the future, always full of vigour and vitality, Xi said.



He paid rich tributes to his predecessor Hu Jintao, saluting his contribution. Hu deserves heartfelt gratitude and respects for his outstanding contribution to the country over the past decade, he said.



“Comrade Hu Jintao has established outstanding merits for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, with his rich political wisdom, skilled leadership capabilities and diligence,” he said.



His remarks was interrupted by a long applause from nearly 3,000 NPC deputies in salute to Hu, who served as Chinese president over the past decade.



Hu rose and bowed to the deputies. “Hu has won the heartfelt love from all ethnic groups in China and applause from international communities,” Xi said

Swiss woman tourist gang raped Swiss female tourist on a cycling trip with her husband was gangraped by seven to eight people at a forest area in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday.






Twenty people have been detained on the basis of suspicion and are being questioned in connection with the incident, DIG(Chambal range) D K Arya said.

A rape case has been registered, police said, adding that seven to eight unidentified persons were involved in the crime. No arrest has been made so far.

The incident took place at Jharia village, eight km near Datia town, at around 9pm last night when the 39-year-old woman along with her husband was touring the region on a bicycle as part of their India tour.

The couple--who are adventure tourists-- was camping at a forest area for the night while on their way back from Orchha, home to temples of Lord Ram, and were proceeding to Agra when they were attacked.

The woman was allegedly gangraped in the presence of her husband, police said.

The victim was rushed to Gwalior, about 100 km from Datia, and her medical tests in a hospital have confirmed rape, police sources said.

The Chairperson of National Commission for Women Mamta Sharma said the MP government should take the incident very seriously and demanded strictest punishment to the culprits.

‘Adopt Spirituality to Make Society Violence Free’- Mrs Lata Gupta


Delhi, March, 16:

As part of Maha Shiva Ratri Celebrations, a 9-Day Festival on ‘Call of Time: God’s Descent for a Violence Free Society’ was organised by Prajapita Brahma KumarisIshwariyaVishwaVidyalaya at Ganesh Nagar-Pandav Nagar Community Complex Grounds, Opp. Akshardham Metro Station from today.

Mrs Lata Gupta, Local Municipal Councillor inaugurating the Festival in a Public Function here today said that we are responsible for our problems which we alone can solve. We are equally responsible for decline of our children’s characterand conduct which we can elevate by adopting spirituality, moral values and healthy culture in our life and society, she urged.

She said that the 9-day spiritual festival organised by the Brahma Kumaris was the right move in this direction of creating necessary public awareness and moral empowerment to free people from various forms of addictions, vices and violence.

Chairing the occasion, RajyoginiDadi Kamal Mani, East delhiZonal Head of Brahma Kumarissaid that while the power of science has provided enough but temporary means of material comforts and convenience to mankind, the power of silence through spirituality and rajyoga meditation can bring true and lasting peace, harmony and happiness in human life and society.

Various stalls of the Festival highlighting knowledge on Soul, Supreme Soul, Time Cycle and spiritual know-how on meditation for de-addictions and self empowerment are essential to create the climate and culture of holistic health, peace, love, cooperation and non-violence in people and society.

Mr Murari Singh Pawar, Former MLA of local area addressing the function as guest Speaker said that the spiritual applications and solutions to people’s day to day problems have been well addressed in several stalls, lectures and meditation camps of the 9-Day Festival.

Rajyogi B K AtamPrakash,Editor, Gyanamrit Magazine from Mount Abu as Special Guest said that in spite of several social, scientific, industrial and agrarian revolutions, the quality and character of human life have gone down. The need of hour is moral reform and spiritual revolution which can bring true transformation in self and society.

Rajyogini Brahma KumariAsha, Coordinator of Brahma Kumaris’ Social Services Wing in Delhi in her key-note address said that lack of inner power and human values has resulted in occurrence of violence in all forms at all levels and in all age groups. Spiritual awareness and empowerment are highly needed to enable people to develop values of tolerance, love, caring, contentment and non-violence in self fellow beings.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Rajyogi B K Jagrup, Senior Member of the Institution in East Delhi and Brahma KumariUrmil, Sr. Rajyoga Teacher. Mr Pulkit Sharma, Eminent Kathak Dancer presented a divine dance to the tune of Shiva while school children gave value based cultural program on the occasion.

GFDC closes the two day football summit with a promise of being “just the beginning”

G.I.F.T. culminates with felicitation of 1978 heroes

16^th March, 2013, Panaji: Day two of India’s first ever football summit – the Goa International Football Table, was an action-packed day full of insightful presentations and seminars focusing on various aspects of Indian Football. Eminent speakers from the Indian and worldwide football fraternity shared their views and discussed solutions to make football a more recognized sport in our country. Listed below is a brief summary of every session conducted at today’s summit:

Efficient use of stadium infrastructure

The day began with an astute presentation by Paul Fletcher, CEO, of Burnley Football Club, on the ‘Efficient use of stadium infrastructure’. Mr Fletcher not only gave an insight and thoughtful understanding about the infrastructure for football stadiums in England, but also highlighted the importance of how India needs to investigate and learn from their mistakes to help develop good and effective stadium infrastructure in India.

According to Fletcher, who played for Burnley , Bolton Wanderers & Blackpool ,the Three Buzz Words required for proper infrastructure was: Legacy, Community and Revenue. “While building infrastructure, do not forget to build the people,” he said.  

Talent Development: Goa, the catalyst & gateway to Indian football success

Coach education head - Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohamed Basir, in his presentation briefed the audience on the concept of Talent Development and its importance in football.

Stressing on aspects such as Nature or Nurture, Chance or Design and Quantity or Quality, he spoke about how Goa could be a model state in the field of football. In conclusion, he appealed to football lovers present to remain unified, as in the long run it is this unity which is crucial for the upliftment of Indian football.

Henry Menezes, CEO of Western India Football Association (WIFA), in his address focused on building players and creating pathways for them. He said, “We have to understand whether we need to “build” players or “buy” players.”

Secretary of Salgaocar FC, Raj Gomes, one of the panelists for the session, gave a brief understanding of talent development strategies of his team; while Kenny Moyes, Managing Director - Libero Professional Pre-Season Tours Ltd spoke about the participation and consistency of the players towards the sport.

Mariano Baretto, of Goan origin & a Union of European football Associations (UEFA) Pro license coach, believes that different opportunities help in shaping young football players’ careers. “Our world has produced many fantastic players such as Roonie, Messi and Ronaldo who have contributed towards the sports success and recognition worldwide” said Mariano.

Community Development: Sports (Football) – The simple upliftment of society

Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation spoke about FIFA Football for Hope, its principle being, “Keeping Communities Connected.”

He also mentioned about the success of the Goalz Project in Kolkata launched in 2012 as it engaged not only the community but also the police force.

“Sports, especially football is inspirational and has a global reach. It also teaches us the values of life,” Das said.

PK Mukherjee, MD, Vedanta SESA FA spoke about football being a community game and stated that Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) could have been Indian Football Development Council (IFDC).

“Football is a performing art and can be developed only with passion,” says Mukherjee.

According to Sports commentator and writer Novi Kapadia, “Football is Goa’s identity.” He believes that although Indian football has not been very successful, it does have a long history.

Ajay Shetty, Head training and accreditation, Magic Bus along with Peter Vaz, President, Sporting Clube de Goa had a similar viewpoint on how AIFF needed to show more support towards the development of football. Ajay Shetty further went on to give a brief insight on the working of Magic Bus.

Peter Vaz also added that there were lack of stadiums, which according to him should be small with good road connectivity, and that government associations should be revived towards the upliftment of the sport.

Marketing & Sponsorship: When Football meets Moneyball

The Goa International Football Table had a panel discussion on the topic ‘Marketing and Sponsorship’ in football at the Goa Marriott Resort. Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan, Sports Editor and Senior presenter of Neo Sports Broadcast Ltd while moderating the session gave a distinguishing aspect between cricket and football.

Keynote speaker for the session, Hass Aminian, Director of New Business Development, Sportfive International (Asia), in his presentation ‘When football meets Moneyball’ proposed some of the marketing strategies that could enhance the football market. Mr. Aminian, in his presentation gave examples of the English and Spanish model.

Aminian also pointed some of the drawbacks in Indian Football. He said that Indians lack participation in any major sports, secondly that dominance in India is linked to national team performance and not at local level and thirdly that India lacks infrastructure to host major events.

“Stop taking steps, look for an elevator,” stated, Chairman and Co-founder of Taproot, Agnello Dias. According to him, the Goa Federation should promote football among people who are interested in the sport rather than the ones already playing.

CEO, Churchill Bros SC, Valanka Alemao pointed out that although Bollywood and Cricket has a national front, football still continues to be popular even among the Indians. She put forward her opinion about how we needed to package Indian football again to make it more attractive. “Football is the most expensive and attractive ball,” she added.

 CEO, Sportskeeda, Porush Jain states, “Indian economy is continuously growing, for the betterment of Indian football, the exploitation of the Indian market is necessary.”

Rajesh Kharabanda, CEO, Nivia-Freewill Sports Pvt. Ltd. adding to the discussion suggested that in order to increase revenue, the clubs needed to increase their fan base.

The Professionals: Upgrading our Competition to Export Stars

The G.I.F.T.’s final session on ‘The Professional’ began with a presentation by the keynote speaker, R. Sasikumar, Ex captain of the Singapore football team, and MD of Red Card Group. Sasikumar in his presentation on ‘Upgrading our competition to export stars’ gave an example of Japan’s rise on the football ground mentioning their 100 years plan 2012.

He also introduced the heroes that changed the face of Spanish and Japanese football. He focused on the need for more I-Leagues that would lead to the success of national teams. He felt that India needed to invest and commit more economy in a footballer by the parents, clubs, agents and federations. To conclude his presentation he stated, “India needs more players.”

The Indian Football Team Coach, Wim Koevermans appealed to the audience to take inspiration from the Nike logo “Just do it”. “You build the best, bring the best and play against the best” said Wim in context to building professionals.

Sreenivas Dempo, Vice President - AIFF and President - GFA, while talking about building professional players, pointed out that in the past 10 years, India has witnessed change but there is still a need for rapid change.

Joshua Lewis, CEO of Kenkre Football Academy, focused on grassrooot level planning and development of player professionalism.

The Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Goa International Football Table was held on Saturday, 16th March, 2013 at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. The present dignitaries were Dr. Rufino Monteiro, chairman of GFDC and the chief guest, Francis D’souza, deputy CM of Goa.

The closing ceremony began with the sum-up of the two day summit by Udit Sheth – MD & CEO TransStadia , the knowledge partners of GFDC . Followed by the concluding address by Dr. Monteiro in which he thanked all the speakers and delegates and all the exemplary players whilst promising to make the summit an annual event and show-case the progress in the GFDC endeavour taking valuable inputs from the seminar. He acknowledged the participation of the Bollywood star, Suniel Shetty and current Indian Football Team skipper, Sunil Chhetri during the parade held earlier in the day.

The ceremony followed with a speech by the chief guest, wherein he commented on the efforts put in by the GFDC towards popularizing football. “Rufino Monteiro is on a very serious mission and will take the right step in the right direction to achieve success”

The 1978 National Gold Medalist Team was then felicitated --- the Manager…John Viegas, Baptist Fernandes, Peter Miranda, Ignacious Dias, Sarto Baptista, Agnelo Fonseca, Joseph Cardozo, Tadeo Barretto, William Machado, Caitano D’Souza, Caitano D’Souza and the captain, Edmund Mascarenhas who was over-whelmed that their heroics in the freezing cold of Srinagar were finally recognised by the government through GFDC .

The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. Kennedy D’Silva – Executive Secretary, Goa Football Development Council.

Naresh --

Remember how we said we were going to keep pressure on Congress as long as it failed to find a balanced solution to the budget?

This week, supporters across the country are planning a special Week of Action -- a series of local events that will help put a real face on the effects of budget cuts hitting communities across the country.

These cuts are real, and they are hurting our local economies. For the sequester to end, we need Congress to compromise. Our representatives need to know that if they come together, they've got our support.

Can you get out there and help? Here are the details about the event in New York:

What: Week of Action event in New York

Where: 301 E. 75th St.
New York, NY 10021

When: Wednesday, March 20th
7:00 pm

If there's one thing this organization knows a thing or two about, it's the power of individual stories.

And what these budget cuts mean for New York tell a story that every member of Congress needs to hear.

This week, help make sure those stories get out into the world. RSVP now and help make this Week of Action big:

http://my.barackobama.com/March-Week-of-Action

Thanks, and more soon,

Lindsay

Lindsay Siler
National Director of Issue Campaigns
Organizing for Action