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My Credentials as Infrastructure EngineerSuch questions cannot be answered by non technical persons who do not know how new technology works and benefits . I have an engineering degree, worked as a high voltage engineer for 24 years and worked as project engineer for several new technology like 765KV AC and 500KV HVDC systems . I also did LLB in 2017 to understand legal issues in contract execution , required for arbitration and mediation in Corporate contracts.It was in my destiny ( I learned astrology in 2000–02) that I always landed up in new technology area in my power sector job like HVDC , 765 KV AC , Fibre Optic network etc so I know how new technology gets introduced and then becomes popular.( Myself in HVDC Station Training in Celilo , Oregon, USA in Dec 1992 )( We are sitting on charged 5 lakh volt 500KV, SF6 filled Gas Bus Bar )The History of Resistance to New Technology by Existing PlayersTechnology is always resisted by conventional , old generation which feels comfortable in status quo and avoids new learning .History shows that Steam Engines were resisted by horse driven carriage owners. Steam engines resisted introduction of diesel engine and diesel engine resisted arrival of electric motors.Computers , internet , online systems were also resisted with same logic that there will be huge cost or unemployment . But we know from past that technology increased employment , improved life quality . Bank Employees resisted computerization of Banks , citing unemployment .We know what happens after such resistance and why wasted interest people resist such changes.The Delhi Metro HistoryMr E Sridharan, the 88 year old Metroman, was also bombarded by similar childish questions raised by old bureaucrats of Railway Ministry , the CM of New Delhi Madan Lal Khurana and many such politicians and public in general when proposal for Metro train in Delhi came in view of Common Wealth Games Hosting for 2010 .The event was awarded to New Delhi provided Delhi improved its city mobility speed ,along with reduction of pollution caused by Diesel run DTC buses .I was posted in Delhi region at that time as Power engineer and providing uninterrupted supply to Metro train was another major issue in our company at that time . So, I can recall all the news headlines in 1998–99 Delhi news papers .BJP was in power at that time, in Centre and also in Delhi State . Prime Minister AB Vajpayee had to intervene in the fight among CM, Railway Minister, IAS lobby , Railway Board and every Tom , Dick and Harry who wanted metro of his own kind or just did not want any metro , asking for more DTC buses or interested in own share in the big pie.That time PM was worried about timely completion of the project as it was linked to CW Games 2010 and all infrastructure was to be made ready by 2008 , failing which Games would be shifted to Canada or Australia .Failure to complete the infrastructure would have been a national shame for everyone.All claimants to the post of Chief of Delhi Metro were interviewed and only Mr E Sreedharan had all the answers from funding to execution . Other Railway bureaucrats just had routine replies .But Mr Sreedharan was already retired and drawing pension . PM was impressed with his successful record of executing Konkan Railway . So, he used his privilege and asked Mr Sreedharan to head the project .An Engineer Gets Full Autonomy to Execute The ProjectNow it was Mr Sreedharan’s turn to put his conditions. He gently put his conditions to take this responsibility. His foremost condition was that there should not be any interference from anyone in any matter of Delhi Metro, be they CM of Delhi, Railway Minister, local politicians , IAS or any one else. Prime Minister agreed to that and assured him direct help . Mr Sreedharan warned that if this assurance is broken , then he would catch the first flight to his Kerala Home as he was already a retired person drawing pension at the age of 66 years .PM Vajpayee casually asked him what he could expect in return for giving him full control of Delhi Metro Project . Mr Sreedharan assured PM that there would be no cost overrun in project , it will be built in minimum cost , with global standards . He even assured PM that he can convince the international financing bodies to provide long term , low interest loans for this project , so that Govt of India which was already bankrupt in view of Pokhran-II economic sanctions and Kargil war, would not need to put its own big money .In free India’s history , first time an engineer was trusted and given full freedom from Govt to work out all the project and financing from scratch and complete it successfully in given time and cost . Ironically , that engineer was a retired engineer of 66 years so he was fearless to put his conditions to execute work. And that happened because the head of the Govt was himself under international obligation to get an operational metro train for Delhi within 10 years .PM also had other headaches of completing stadiums, hotels , building roads and flyovers, removing diesel buses , smoke blowing factories from Delhi .And rest as they say is history . A whole new culture was created and demonstrated , without help of China , Europe or USA’s involvement . Mr Sreedharan convinced Japanese to fund 60% cost with a 20 year loan at low interest rates.I can recall the outburst of Railway officials, CM Madan Lal Khurana , Congress Leaders in Opposition for not being allowed to get contracts to their cronies, not being able to push up their candidates into Delhi Metro Recruitments. A small Singapore was created in Delhi Metro Organization headed by E Seedharan as Lee Kuan Yew. Every decision was taken in the interest of organization .When first corridor was inaugurated within 3 years in December 2002 by PM Vajpayee , people just could not believe the miracle of a world class metro with global service standards at par with Japanese and European Metro trains or even better[1].(PM Vajpayee at Delhi Metro Inauguaration in 2002 )It made an organizational culture in which politicians and bureaucrats could not force their corrupt methods even after Mr Sreedharan left the organization.Delhi Metro , was built without any turn key foreign contractor and that led to creation of more metro trains in India as we had in-house expertise .How did that happen ? It happened because first time , a Prime Minister level politician trusted an engineer to get a project delivered in time , overlooking criticism of every Tom, Dick and Harry who had no knowledge of project engineering, but was writing in media all the time about huge cost , the poor condition of DTC buses , Railway coaches and so on .Rebutting The Rhetoric Against Bullet Train Introduction“Where from money will come” RhetoricFinancing a project is never a problem, if it is made in stipulated cost and time and the cost can be recovered from users of the facility. Financing institutions agree for long term loans for infrastructure at low interest .Pension funds of Norway, Japan and other sovereign funds would invest billions for 20 years or 50 years at low interest rate of 0.1% . If you buy their technology , they virtually provide interest free loans because they can benefit from exporting their technology itself.Bullet train proposed for Mumbai - Ahmedabad is similar project . The project cost of Rs 1 lakh crore is comparable to 15000 crores of Delhi Metro 20 years ago.Again the same JICA , which funded 8800 crores 22 years ago is willing to fund 88000 crores on 0.1 % interest , with 50 years term and loan installments will start after 15 years when the train fare would be enough to payback loan installments. Delhi Metro started paying back loan in 2010 and had no default except in Corona time lock down.Making A New System From Scratch is easier than renewing / repairing an old running system is time taking and resource consuming . Reforming existing , running railway system would take 20 years still it would not be as good as new . You cannot make an 88 year old person young by spending all the money on Earth.In 2019, the national debt of China amounted to around 8,091.31 billion U.S. dollars.In 2019, the national debt of India amounted to around 2.02 trillion U.S. dollars. China build their infrastructure by debts only .Adani , Ambani , L&T have no roles in such financing . It is a sovereign loan between govt of India and Japan . Adani can bid for some construction package in a global tender and if they can compete with global companies , they will get that ,else not .PNB , SBI , Central Bank of India will not be approached for Bullet train funding . It was not done in Delhi Metro case also. So don’t worry about that . Govt of India would also not invest more than 5000 crores as equity and similar amount would come from Gujarat , Maharashtra. Rest money would come from JICA which will get paid from 2040 onward for 30 years.Pakistan govt is more destitute , many African countries are also destitute , still manufacturing countries like China, Japan build trains, roads,power infrastructure in these countries as a loan . The prime reason for this is to keep their sophisticated manufacturing facilities in running condition.India also gets many such projects similarly.In my starting career with NTPC , I was posted in Vindhyachal HVDC Grid Interconnection ( Back to Back ) station in 1989[2] . It was first High Voltage Direct Current Substation in the country and it was a GIFT to India from Swedish PM Olof Palme . The real reason was that they wanted entry into Indian Power Sector Market and their factories in Sweden had no commercial orders at that time . So, to avoiding shutting down the high tech facility and loss of employment , they requested Indian PM to take this as a gift to India.All infrastructure companies in India whether in private or public sector , have big loans . Powergrid Corporation of India has about 1 lakh crore debt but it is still a profit making company and gets zero assistance from govt . Rather it pays 2500 crore dividend annually along with corporate tax.Reliance Industries built world class , largest refineries without taking any loans from Indian Banks . It went for cheaper 100 year Yankee dollar Bonds at low interest from foreign investors. Jio infrastructure also cost about 1.5 lakh crore debt over 7 years and Reliance got it easily and it repaid everything by selling part equity in 2020 .Bullet Train Project of Rs 1 lakh crore is just like Delhi Metro project if we compare Rs 15000 crore financing 22 years ago .Our entire infrastructure of NTPC powerstations, Airports , Transmission Lines , Ports by Adani have been built on the same concept so why Bullet Train project is to be specially targeted .Reason is that once such projects start executing in India , our companies like KEC, Kalptaru , L&T , Adani, Reliance Infra, Tata Projects , BHEL gain experience and start competing with Chinese in Middle East , Africa and South East Asia . Today , these companies are executing many infrastructure projects overseas in civil works .China does not want a competitor in these sectors. China also wanted that its Bullet train technology is accepted by India but India found Japanese proposal more attractive and friendly and threat free in future as we do not have any border issue with them and our past collaboration with them have been win-win for both .So, what China can do when the project has been awarded to Japan ? It is very easy . Start Kisan protests against land acquisition in Gujarat, Maharashtra , delay the land acquisition so that project cost increases. Bribe the opposition , build public opinion against the project by hiring retired , unemployed people on social media who would write 20 times a day against such projects , who will neither visit and read the official websites of infrastructure companies , Delhi Metro or Bullet Trains official website but write their imaginary fears .Still , despite these tactics of China through lazy bums on social media , India moves forward .PM Vajpayee backed the project but he was not there after 2004 . Still Delhi Metro moved ahead and people are paying Rs 50 fare happily , not knowing which PM or party was instrumental in bringing this sole Indian masterpiece of engineering in 50 years .After 20 years , how many will bother to know about efforts of Modi or BJP , they will be riding happily on Bullet Trains.Only thing we need for big infrastructure projects is people’s support along with administrative support of State and Central govt by not interfering in such projects, by avoiding social media criticism and delay in land acquisition.Our engineers are of global standards and they can make efficient projects and that has been proved in Delhi Metro case and 2 largest refineries in Jamnagar by Reliance and Essar .But Leftists , social media, retired keyboard warriors have precisely the same agenda to keep India backward and then hail China and Chinese products . Don’t support the rhetoric otherwise you will be doomed to travel in crowded Pakistan like trains.Reply to Comments / Objectionsone can not compare Metro lines with Bullet Train .Metro lines or under ground trains are essential for all major cities like Delhi , Mumbai , Bengaluru, Chennai and other emerging major cities to ease traffic and run across places where normal trains can not reach out due to already built up infrastructures like buildings , pipelines. Drainages , Electrical cables etc.Where as Bullet train will be on track in parallel to Rajdhani or Shatabdi or Doronto or other express trains already running connecting same cities but with advantage to go superfast to cut down travel time .On same route Mumbai -Ahmedabad above mentioned trains are already running sometimes full , sometimes below capacity.So putting on same route bullet train costing 1 lakh crores is needed to be justified .In sense of priority for other infrastructures / Projects / Developments verses this Bullet train in question.We all Indians want superfast trains like bullet trains if our country have strong economy and excess funds like China or Japan or USA.While myself travelling in France was fortunate to take journey on thier Bullet train called TGV .And was wondering when our India will have such superfast train to connect our major cities.Having said that when I traveled to USA and South American countries I came to know about thier railway network much poorer than us .They dont have fast trains like Rajdhani or Doronto with them leave alone Bullet trains.Strongest economy of world USA have all resources in thier hands but they didn't go for bullet trains .Reason they believed on building big network of roads across country much larger than India.Sole purpose was to promote thier Auto industries where they are very strong .That brings huge business to Automobiles & its ancelleries industries in process huge employment opportunities to country and beside making new cities and sub cities or town on way giving growth to making hotels, restaurants, repair work shop petrol stations and many essentials onway between two major cities.That generates other source of employments on all fronts.Had we gone on similar route of building major networks of roads, bridges across India instead of spending 1 lakh crores on just for Bullet train , things would have made huge difference in boosting our economy and creating employments which are major concerns prevalent in India.You mentioned of acquiring loan at negligible interest.We all want to stay in big flats or villas or bungalows.If our banks start giving loans at even zero interest will it be wise of person to take loan of 30 - 50 crores if one is having annual income 10 lacs ?Because ultimately one have to pay back loan after some years if not by you in life time then by your future generations.Same applies to Japan loan we have to pay even say after 50 years at huge exchange rate difference then now wiping out low interest advantage we are talking about.So it is matter of looking things in right perspectives and setting priorities while allocating funds.Leave things to your best understanding.USA has smaller population with respect to vast geographical area . It has about 35 crore people in an area about 3 times of India . Our population density is about 10 times of USA and just like China or Japan .We have less land available to make big roads like USA . Every inch of our land is occupied for agriculture, forest , industry or residential purposes.That is why any industrial activity requires land which someone has to vacate . US has no such issue because of abundant land . Japan has the same land problem. They are small country , yet they went for Bullet train . Europe also has similar issue .US is having its own oil production, its reserve and it controls oil prices to some extent . It was a major automobile manufacturer till Japan and other countries picked up . Where as Japan , India , China are oil importing countries . So if electric vehicles and bullet trains are used , they can shift oil imports to electricity power , which can be generated by solar , nuclear or hydel power and it can decrease the pollution and fuel bills .Coming to loans, the best point about loans is that their instalments remain constant over the years , so it becomes cheaper after some years due to inflation effect , provided the loaned asset is productive .Your example of residential flat is not appropriate as that is a depreciating asset . But making a new power plant , airport, port with such zero interest loans are always profitable because the tariff or service fees will increase every year so revenue will rise. Delhi Metro started paying back loan in 2010 when it was already operational for 7 years . I have travelled in 2005 when its maximum fare was Rs 25 . Now it is Rs 60 and will become Rs 100 by the time it pays back full loan . so, after 25 years , the asset is paid back fully and your profits start.NTPC’s initial power plants Singrauli, Rihand , Vindhyachal were made with World Bank loans in 1980s . After 20 years , these plants are debt free and producing cheapest electricity. That is why Govt goes for Build Own , operate and transfer model , where a financier consortium builds a facility ( airport) with own finances , recovers cost in 20 years and hands over the asset to govt free of cost . Here govt invests nothing , risks nothing , gets lot of GST and a free asset over years .Can you please explain what is the feasibility of undertaking this trip? Does it make sense for a traveller?It's from Mumbai to Ahemdabad and not Mumbai to Delhi, which would have been feasible and convenient. How many people on an average commute from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on a daily basis. Is it feasible to operate a bullet train on that route, make profit and make life convenient.Finally, who will shell out a whopping Rs 3000 approx one way fare of Bullet train(according to National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), which will take 3 hours to make the one way trip, when a plane ticket on the same route costs Rs 2000(price presently high due to restriction of flights due to Covid) and makes you reach Ahemdabad in just 1.15 hours.Kindly explain.These calculations may be valid today but not after 5 to 10 years. Trains are driven by electricity , they can carry more passengers , have less risk than roads or air travel . People don't count city to airport travel cost and time, baggage limitation etc. Pollution by flight operations is also an issue in climate change.The first project is generally costly in any new technology but subsequently it becomes cheaper . For example , you need to add two more stations in Jaipur and Delhi and it will become Delhi -Mumbai .Worldwide , people would move towards trains with speeds of 200–250 Kmph which will make travel to 400–700 km cities by bullet trains a better experience than air travel. People can go long distances also by overnight trains sleeping .High speed trains fit the mid segment 300–700 kms better than flights.New technology should be welcomed because that brings a lot of new eco system with efficiency and employment and adds GDP also.Trains are driven by electricity, majority of indian electricity is produced through thermal and coal. So your point against pollution is baseless.Japanese run their trains by Nuclear power. China is building nuclear and hydel power plants along with solar power plants.Share of non-fossil fuel electricity is increasing every year because of large solar power plants of 500 MW to 2000 MW capacity . These are cheaper , fuel free, easy to maintain and take less time to install ( 1 year at most) .In future, out of total new capacity addition , 50% would come from solar power plants only .Solar to eclipse thermal power by 2030 in India's overall energy mixList of Solar Power Plants in IndiaIndias National Solar Mission was launched in 2010 with the target of just 20GW by the end of 2020. Some of the countrys biggest solar power plantshttps://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/list-of-solar-power-plants-in-india-1607686203-1Just as every pregnancy requires full time mother, assisted by other relatives , hospital , society , offices to bring a healthy child in the world , every infrastructure is a brain child of a person ( husband - PM Vajpaee) , it is erected by the project manager ( mother - E Sreedharan) and supported by people like contractors, suppliers, financers and public in general.Most of the infrastructure projects in India get aborted or remain Work in Progress mode because these are just election time gimmicks and no politician is committed to them.One least advertised Metro project in a non-capital cities is Nagpur Metro. Nagpur Metro is distinct in one way . It started construction just after 2014 BJP win and it's first phase inaugurated just before 2019 Lokasabha Elections. It should be fastest execution of metro in non-capital cities.Do you know why ?It is Nitin Gadakari's own constituency and he did not let it fail by any chance going beyond first term ending in 2019 . He had full control as minister and his personal commitment let it happen. He did not assume that second term would be coming .In Nagpur Metro , Nitin Gadkari played the role of Vajpayee ji in Delhi Metro. Modi wanted the same in Bullet train as he had BJP govt in both states .We need such leaders who can play a parental commitment in infrastructure projects .And you can now understand why technocrats like me and Metroman Sreedharan[3] like BJP, not the regional parties or communists who just chase their selfish goal to remain in power and even disrupt such projects[4]Now, Uddhav govt targets Modi's bullet train project land for Mumbai Metro shed .Image Source : My personal photo gallery and Internet websites .Footnotes[1] Delhi Metro Becomes First Metro Project In The World To Be Registered With The Prestigious Gold Standard Foundation For Its Energy Efficiency Measures[2] StackPath[3] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiLr6yfiajvAhV2xzgGHQykANYQFjAAegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndtv.com%2Findia-news%2Fmetro-man-e-sreedharan-formally-joins-bjp-2378861&usg=AOvVaw1LehZh5Vc2RVHw1ZZeha-f[4] For Singur farmers, decade-old victory over Tata motors ends in gloom

Antonia is Sonia’s real name in her birth certificate. Sonia is the name given to her subsequently by her father, Stefano Maino [now deceased] following his return from Russia where he had been a prisoner of war. Stefano had joined the Nazi army as a volunteer. Sonia is a Russian not Italian name. While spending two years in a Russian jail, Sonia’s father had become quite pro-Soviet; especially after the liberating US army in Italy had confiscated all fascists’ properties including his.Second, she was not born in Orbassano as she claims in her bio data submitted to Parliament on becoming MP, but in Luciana as stated in her birth certificate. She perhaps would like to hide the place of her birth because of her father’s connection with the Nazis and Mussolini’s Fascists, and her family’s continuing connections with the Nazi-Fascists underground that is still surviving since 1945 in Italy. Luciana is where Nazi-Fascist network is headquartered, and is on the Italian-Swiss border. There can be no other explanation for this otherwise meaningless lie.Third, Sonia Gandhi has not studied beyond Primary School. She has falsely claimed in her affidavit filed as a contesting candidate before the Rae Bareli Returning Officer in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections that she is qualified and got a diploma in English from the prestigious University of Cambridge, UK.The truth is that Ms. Gandhi has never studied in any college anywhere. She did go to a Catholic run seminary-school called Maria Ausiliatrice in Giaveno [15 kms from adopted home town of Orbassabo]. Poverty those days forced young Italian girls to go to such missionaries and then in their teens go to UK to get jobs as cleaning maids, waitresses and au pair. The Mainos were poor those days. Her father was a mason and mother a share cropper..Paola Maino Antonia Sonia Gandhi MotherSonia thus went to the town of Cambridge and first learnt some English in a teaching shop called Lennox School [which has since 1970 been wound up]. That is all her “education” which is enough English language to get domestic help jobs. But in Indian society education is highly valued. Thus, to fool the Indian public, Sonia Gandhi willfully fibbed about her qualifications in Parliamentary records [which is a Breach of Ethics Rules] and in a sworn affidavit [which is criminal offence under IPC, severe enough to disqualify her from being MP].This is just a beginning. As this booklet unfolds Sonia’s story, it reveals shocking details on the corruption and fraud, disrespect for Indian laws, alarming threat to democracy of India, religious intolerance towards Hinduism, pro-terrorist policies, dividing country to perpetuate dynasty rule.Sonia lied from President of India to a common man. She lied to the President about the number of MPs supporting her and to a common man on a trivial issue such as her educational qualification. She says that she is outside Government but controls every move Government makes and there is no record of her ever admitting or apologizing for any lies and mistakes.Non- Violence.Sonia is violent and her violence spans Political, Spiritual and Physical spheres. The way she installed herself to become congress president, the way she treats congressmen and opponents speaks volumes in Political Sphere. Her crusade against Hinduism such as Rama Sethu (historic bridge built by Lord Ram, as per Hindu Holy Book, “Ramayana”) speaks of spiritual violence. In the Physical sphere, Sonia was sympathetic in Congress party and in Government to the killers of 3000 Sikhs, where innocent Sikhs on streets of New Delhi were lynched to death. Jagdish Tytler who was one of the instigators of the lynching was rewarded with a Government ministry. Central Government provided a weak defense in courts and no congressmen was ever punished for the anti-Sikh pogrom. Rajiv Gandhi whose wife is Sonia even justified the killings by saying “When a big tree falls, the earth is bound to shake”. She is pursuing pro-terrorist policies for vote banks that resulted in number of killings in last three years she was in power just next to Iraq.Opinion on Hinduism and Ram SetuSonia, in her opinion and according to the affidavit submitted in Supreme Court, Ram is a fictional character and Ramayana never happened. Under her rule ‘Rama Sethu’ is being blown up just like Taliban blew up Buddha Statues. Her protégé Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister have attempted to take over 5 out of 7 Tirumala Hills for building Churches and Tourism. This is akin to non-Christians taking over Vatican for building their worship places. Her reasons for not taking firm action against terrorism are two fold. One is the sense that investigation would hurt vote bank and another is that the overwhelming number of those who were killed in the terrorism are Hindus who are not from the vote bank. As recently as few weeks she visited Andhra Pradesh that witnessed the brutal terrorist attack that killed more than 50 people and she did not go visit the city where attack occurred (Hyderabad) because those affected are not her vote banks.Truth Alone Triumphs (Satyameva Jayathe)Sonia, under her rule ‘Satyameva jayathe’ has been replaced by a Christian cross used by Louis the Pious (778-840) on currency coins. indian two rupees coin,compare it with french coinchristian cross on coins of french denier_louis_le_pieuxForeign Missionaries & conversionMahatma Gandhi: Gandhi, had a clear foresight about missionaries. On numerous occasions he condemned missionary activity. He said “If I had the power and could legislate, I should certainly stop all proselytizing.” He further said “The effect of Christianity upon India in general…has been disastrous.” Regarding conversion Gandhi said “The idea of conversion, I assure you is the deadliest poison that ever sapped the fountain of truth.” He also said “Conversion is like a drop of poison which fouls the whole food” and that “poverty does not justify conversion”.Sonia is known for her sympathy and support to deceitful proselytization. Her party granted the high-security Air Force field to Benny Hinn to hold his healing charade that even Christian Trinity Foundation declared as a fraud. A leader of seventh day Adventist church, Ron Watts was ordered deportation by courts for his illegal activities. He seems to have been blessed by Sonia and continues to live in India. The state Governors she appointed have been consistently rejecting State laws to enact anti-conversion laws to prevent conversion of poor people by allurement.HYPOCRISY OF MOTHER & SONSONIA is a staunch roman catholic and she is be fooling the HINDU masses by putting tilak on forehead and by performing pooja in HINDU temples and bowing the head before pujari etc.She pretend to be Hindu,which she is not.We are quoting a report published on 24th march 2011,which is self explanatory.Indian envoy refers to Sonia as ‘Christian,’ reference is deletedFor the Congress, the subject of Sonia Gandhi’s religion is a touchy one and generally off-limits when it comes to official communications.Just how sensitive an issue it is was revealed last month when the official representative of the UPA Government in Washington, Ambassador Meera Shankar, delivered a speech at a US university referring to Sonia Gandhi being a Christian as a testament to India’s pluralism and diversity. However, that reference was later quickly deleted.In her keynote speech on the subject “Why India Matters” at Emory University on February 24, Shankar said: “India is a land of incredible diversity. Like the United States it celebrates pluralism. It not only tolerates diversity but has embraced it and has allowed people from all walks of life to flourish and realize their full potential. This is a tradition that is rooted in our civilization. Throughout our history peoples from other parts of the world have come to India and made it a home, resulting in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, one where individual faith and belief is not only respected but adds to the overall sense of nationhood. Today the fact that we have a woman Head of State, a Sikh Head of Government and a Muslim Vice President and a Christian as the leader of the largest national political party is perhaps the best statement of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of our state.”Sonia,according to the respected Swiss magazine (published in 1991), Schweitzer Illustrate, Rajiv Gandhi, her late husband had secret Swiss accounts worth $ 2 billion. Sonia is known for her close association with Italian fugitive Quattrocchi. Sonia and her family are believed to have looted country wealth worth billions of dollars.Secret unaccounted wealth in Swiss accountsSwiss magazine Schweizer Illustrierte published an explosive story in its issue dated Nov. 11, 1991 which disclosed that fourteen rules or ex-rulers of the third world countries have a deposit of foreign currencies equivalent to Rs. 5 lakh 50 thousand crores in Swiss banks. The magazine printed the names, photographs and the amount deposited by each of them. They included Idi Amin of Uganda, Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua, Jean Claude Duvalier of Haiti, Manuel Noriega of Panama, Seke Moboto of Zaire, Nicolai Chausescue of Rumania, Haile Selassie of Thiopia, Abu Nida of Palestine, Jaafar Numeiri of Sudan, Suharto of Indonesia, Saddam Hussain of Iraq, Jaa B. Bokassa of Zontralafrika, Rajiv Gandhi of India and Reza Pahlevi of Iran, in that order. The amount said to be deposited by Rajiv Gandhi in various Swiss Banks was 2 billion US dollars. Most of them, who figure in the list, are infamous for being corrupt, nationally and internationally. The magazine which published this story is supposed to be a very serious publicationCPI(M) MP Amal dutta raised the matter in parliament, and he did mention the name of Rajiv Gandhi and the amount, but nothing could go on record for there was pandemonium from treasury benches which happened to be occupied by the Congress at that time. There upon, Sunday Mail carried this story and reproduced the photographs and money mentioned under their names which in turn was published in the Hindi daily Amar Ujala, too. The point to note was that Congress Government neither confirmed the story nor denied it. No defamation suit was filed by any of the fourteen leaders or by their relatives. This speaks volume about the Rajiv-Sonia couple. India can get her money back, according to the Swiss laws, if prosecution proceedings are finally launched against the heirs of Rajiv GandhiTHE ROYAL SON IN LAW ROBERT VADRA DUKE OF MORADABAD IS EXEMPTED FROM PRE-EMBARKATION SECURITY CHECKS.THE ROYAL FAMILY OF ITALIAN QUEEN VICTORIAFeelings towards enemies/detractorsSonia is known for her vindictive nature. She is known not to spare even her party men and routinely humiliates them. She even humiliated the dead body by denying a respectful funeral, of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao who did not encourage Sonia’s political growth.Nationalism and confidence in IndiaSonia abandoned India during 1971 war and in 1977 when Indira Gandhi lost elections she hid herself in Italian embassy. She did not even apply for Indian citizenship for 16 years though living in Prime Minister’s house.Moral principles vs. political GainsSonia,in 1997, Sonia pulled down United Front Government at centre because a political party DMK, a constituent of United Front Government was found to be close to her husband’s killers i.e., LTTE. Every election costs Indian tax payer billions of rupees. But in 2004, she joined hands with same DMK to gain power.Scams & Scandals.Sonia was almost and always in news due to some scandal or scam. Maruti Scam, Foreign Exchange Regulations Act, Indian Artifacts smuggling, Bofors kickbacks, Indira/Rajiv Trusts and Indira Arts Center usurpation, political manipulations are some of the widely published notorious scandals she was involved in.Contribution towards IndiaSonia: Except for scandals, scams and intolerance primarily towards Hindu institutions, she has no positive contribution to lay claim to.QUEEN WITH KING,PRINCESS AND CROWN PRINCESonia –Rajiv’s relationship(Dr. Subramaniam Swamy)Ms. Sonia Gandhi upon learning enough English became a waitress in Varsity Restaurant in Cambridge town. She first met Rajiv when he came to the restaurant in 1965. Rajiv was a student in the University, but could not cope with the academic rigor for long. So he had to depart in 1966 for London where he was briefly in Imperial College of Engineering as a student. Sonia too moved to London, and according my information, got a job with an outfit run by Salman Thassir, a debonair Pakistani based in Lahore, and who has an export-import company headquartered in Dubai but who spends most of his time in London. This fits the profile of an ISI functionary.Obviously, Sonia made enough money in this job to loan Rajiv funds in London, who was obviously living beyond his allowances [Indira herself expressed anguish to me on this score in late 1965 when she invited me to a private tea at the Guest House in Brandeis University]. Rajiv’s letters to Sanjay, who was also in London then, clearly indicate that he was in financial debt to Sonia because he requested Sanjay who obviously had more access to money, to pay off the debt.However, Rajiv was not the only friend Sonia was seeing those days. Madhavrao Scindia and a German by name Stiegler are worth mentioning as other good friends of Sonia. Madhavrao’s friendship continued even after Sonia’s marriage to Rajiv. Scindia in 1982 was involved in a traffic accident near IIT, Delhi main gate while driving a car at 2 AM. Sonia was the only other passenger. Both were badly injured. A student of IIT who was burning midnight oil was out for a cup of coffee. He picked them up from the car, hailed an auto rickshaw and sent an injured Sonia to Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s house since she insisted in not going to a hospital. Madhavrao had broken a leg and in too much pain to make any demand. He was taken to hospital by the Delhi Police who had arrived a little after Sonia had left the scene. In later years, Madhavrao had become privately critical of Sonia, and told some close friends about his apprehensions about Sonia. It is a pity that he died in mysterious circumstances in an air crash.Sonia’s India connectionSonia’s connection with India is always found with all wrong reasons. A rational analysis of what India gained vs. what India lost reveals a shocking picture.Foreign Agency initiated marriage to RajivThe circumstance under which Rajiv hastily married Sonia in a Church in Orbassano is controversial but that was his personal matter that has no public significance. But what is of public significance is that Indira Gandhi who was initially dead set against the marriage for reasons known to her, relented to hold a registry marriage with Hindu ceremonial trappings in New Delhi only after the pro-Soviet T.N. Kaul prevailed upon her to accept the marriage in “the larger interest of cementing Indo-Soviet Friendship”. Kaul would not have intervened unless the Soviet Union had asked him to.Such has been the extensive patronage from the beginning extended to Sonia Gandhi from the Soviets. When a Prime Minister of India’s son dates a girl in London, the KGB which valued Indo-Soviet relations, obviously would investigate her and find out that she was the daughter of Stefano, their old reliable Italian contact. Thus, Sonia with Rajiv meant deeper access to the household of the Indian Prime Minister. Hence cementing the Rajiv-Sonia relations was in the Soviet national interest and they went to work on it. And they did through their then existing moles in the Indira Gandhi camp.After her marriage to Rajiv, the Soviet connection with the Mainos was fortified and nurtured by generous financial help through commissions and kickbacks on every Indo, Soviet trade deal and defense purchases. According to the respected Swiss magazine, Schweitzer Illustrate [November 1991 issue], Rajiv Gandhi had about $ 2 billion in numbered Swiss bank accounts, which Sonia inherited upon his assassination. Dr. Yevgenia Albats, PhD [Harvard], is a noted Russian scholar and journalist, and was a member of the KGB Commission set up by President Yeltsin in August 1991. She was privy to the Soviet intelligence files that documented these deals and KGB facilitation of the same. In her book, The State within a State, The KGB in Soviet Union, she even gives the file numbers of such intelligence files, which can now be accessed by any Indian government through a formal request to the Kremlin.The Russian Government in 1992 was confronted by the Albats’ disclosure; they confirmed it through their official spokesperson to the press [which was published in Hindu in 1992], defending such financial payments as necessary in “Soviet ideological interest”.When the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, things changed for Ms. Sonia Gandhi. Her patrons evaporated. The rump that became Russia was in a financial mess and disorder. So Ms. Sonia Gandhi became a supporter of another communist country to the annoyance of the Russians.The national security ramification of this ‘annoyance’ is now significant: The President of Russia today is Putin, a former dyed-in-the-wool KGB officer. Upon Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government taking office, Russia called back it’s career diplomat Ambassador in New Delhi and immediately posted as the new Ambassador a person who was the KGB station chief in New Delhi during the 1970s. In view of Dr. Albats confirmed revelation, it stands to reason that the new Ambassador would have known first hand about Sonia’s connections with the KGB. He may have in fact been her “controller”. The new Indian government which is defacto Sonia’s, cannot afford to annoy him or even disregard Russian demands coming from him? They will obviously placate him so as not to risk exposure. Is this not a major national security risk and a delicate matter for the nation?Of course, all Indians would like good normal and healthy relations with Russia. Who can forget their assistance to us in times of need? Today’s Russia is the residual legatee of that Soviet Union which helped India. But just because of that, should we tolerate those in our government set up having clandestine links with a foreign spy agency? In the United States, the government did not tolerate an American spying for Israel even though the two countries are as close as any two countries can be. National security and friendship are as different as chalk and cheese.Illegal registration as a voterIn January 1980, Indira Gandhi returned as Prime Minister. The first thing Sonia did was to enroll herself as a voter. This was a gross violation of the law, enough to cause cancellation of her visa [since she was admittedly an Italian citizen then]. There was some hullabaloo in the press about it, so the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer got her name deleted in 1982. But in January 1983, she again enrolled herself as a voter! Such is her revealed disdain for Indian laws and that is her mindset even today.How and when she became an Indian citizenShe did not apply for Indian citizenship in 1968 when she married Rajiv and came to India, which is what good Indian wives would have done. She filled in an application in 1968 for permission to stay as a foreigner in India for five years. She said I am married, I am married into the family of the Indian Prime Minister but I would still like to remain a foreigner. So she was given a certificate in 1968 to reside in India as a foreigner for five years. Okay, this may have been due to some adjustment problems.In 1973, after the first five year period expired, she again applied for the permit to stay on India for another five years as a foreigner and this is the person who is going to live and die for us. I will now come to what Cho, my friend told me, never believe what she says. There is not only complete divorce between what she says and what she does there is also a clue that she will do precisely the opposite of what she says. I will come to it later, there are instances and instances. So, she again applied for a foreigner’s permit. You know why? Between 1968 and 1973, the indications were all there of the imminent war with Pakistan over East Pakistan. And sure enough, there was the Bangladesh war. During the Bangladesh war, when all commercial pilots were asked to forego their leave and come into service, she asked Rajeev to go on a long leave and he was given special permission and they left India. And throughout the period of the war, they were in Rome. Why, because the American seventh fleet was moving towards India and Sonia Gandhi probably had serious doubts about India’s survival! So she ran away from the country with her husband; to that extent faithful. And she returned only after peace was restored, after India had won the war, when because of Indira Gandhi, that family acquired stature and became invincible.So, we have to read between the lines, you have to look at the persons behind the skin. So, in 1973, she again applied for a permit to remain a foreigner in India. Now let us come to the period between 1973 and 1978. In the year 1977 when Mrs. Gandhi was defeated after she lifted the Emergency and called for elections, Sonia Gandhi learnt the mood of the nation and she went into the Italian embassy and refused to come out of it. She said she was going back to Italy. Sanjay Gandhi had to go and plead with her to return. This is the person who is going to live and die for India, please http://understand.To live in India is very different from living for India. And to live in India in such glory, with such protection, with such resources, is very different from dying for India. No one will die for something which one does not own up to. Owning up to India is different from thinking you own India.Abandoning India at the time of crisisThe bottom line observed in Sonia’s mindset is that she can always run back to Italy if she becomes vulnerable at anytime. In Peru, President Fujimori who all along claimed to be “born Peruvian”, faced with a corruption charge fled to Japan with his loot and reclaimed his Japanese citizenship.In 1977, when the Janata Party defeated the Congress at the polls, and formed the government, Sonia with her two children, abandoned Indira Gandhi and ran to the Italian Embassy in New Delhi and hid there. Rajiv Gandhi was a government servant then [as an Indian Airlines pilot], but he too tagged along and hid in that foreign embassy! Such was her baneful influence on him. Rajiv did snap out Sonia’s influence after 1989, but alas he was assassinated before he could rectify it. Those close to Rajiv knew that he was planning set things right about Sonia after the 1991 elections. She did too know of it because he had told her. Ever wonder why Sonia’s closest advisers are those whom Rajiv literally hated? Ambika Soni is one such name. Ever wonder why she asked the President of India to set aside, on a mercy petition, the Supreme Court judgment directing that Rajiv Gandhi’s LTTE killers be hanged to death, when she was not similarly moved for Satwant Singh who killed Indira Gandhi or recently for Dhanajoy Chattopadhyaya? The explanation for this special consideration for the LTTE lies in what Rajiv had told her in 1990.Sonia’s greed for power: How did she become party presidentSonia said that she was not interested in politics, she would not enter politics. She said she would not become a Congress member. She will only help the party as a person belonging to the Congress family. She said I am just a four penny member; I will not occupy any position.And then she goes and physically throws out poor Sitaram Kesari (then president of Congress party) from the office. Physically, poor fellow. He has gone to the toilet. His chair was empty, and you know what happened? These congress goons, they went and locked up the toilet and made Sonia occupy that place. And the elderly man cried. This is how she became the Congress President. In the same way as the western armies in the past, would invade other civilizations. Seize power, she seized power in a ‘coup d’toilet’.This is how every word that she has spoken so far had nothing to do with what she did. Her conduct was the very reverse of her professions.First confrontation with Indian law(Dr. Subramaniam Swamy)After Sonia married Rajiv, she went about minting money with scant regard for Indian laws and treasures. Within a few years the Mainos went from utter poverty to billionaires. There was no area that was left out for the rip-off. On November 19, 1974, as fresh entrant to Parliament, I asked the then Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi on the floor of the House if her daughter-in-law, Sonia Gandhi was acting as an insurance agent of a public sector insurance company [Oriental Fire & Insurance], giving the Prime Minister’s official residence as her business address, and using undue influence to insure all the officers of the PMO while remaining an Italian citizen [thus violating FERA]? There was uproar in Parliament, but Mrs. Indira Gandhi had no alternative but to cut her losses. She made a rare admission that it was so, and that it was by mistake, but that Sonia had resigned from her insurance agent status [after my question]. But Sonia was incorrigible. Her contempt for Indian law continued to manifest.The truth about Quottrochi(By Arun Shourie)Responding to a question regarding her family friend Ottavio Quattrocchi, at her singular press conference Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said, ”The CBI has said he is a suspect. But we have never seen the papers naming him in the deal. They should show the papers establishing that he is guilty.”The fact that he received money from Bofors, as well as particulars of his accounts into which the money was paid, transferred and re-transferred are available in the public domain, in judgments which the Courts have already delivered on appeals by her family friend..The relevant judgments are as follows:1. Judgment of the Chamber of Accusation, Switzerland, dated 6 September, 1996, in regard to Colbar Investments Ltd, Inc, and Ottavio Quattrocchi v. The decision taken by the Examining Magistrate on 12 July, 1995. THIS JUDGMENT WAS FURNISHED TO THE DELHI HIGH COURT INADVERTANTLY, PERHAPS! BY THE COUNSEL OF OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI HIMSELF.2. Judgment of the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court dated 5 August, 1998, in Ottavio Quattrocchi v. Central Bureau of Investigation.3. Judgment of the Division Bench of the Supreme Court of India dated 23, February, 1999, in Ottavio Quattrocchi v. CBI.4. Judgment of the Division Bench of the Supreme Court of India dated 26, March, 1999, in Ottavio Quattrocchi v. CBI.These judgments together establish the following facts about the money received by Ottavio Quattrocchi from Bofors.In his sworn affidavit, Myles Tweedale Stott revealed that he was contacted by Ottavio Quattrocchi. In accordance with their discussions, M/s AB Bofors entered into an agreement with AE Services on 15 November, 1985, and agreed to pay the latter THREE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONTRACT if the contract was awarded to Bofors on or before 31 March, 1986.2. From 7 June, 1984 to early February, 1986, the Negotiating Committee met seventeen times. The Army consistently ranked the SOFMA gun as its number one preference. On 17 February, 1986, it switched its preference to Bofors. After a note from a Joint Secretary, mini signatures of ELEVEN OFFICERS AND MINISTERS headed by those of Rajiv Gandhi, the then Defense Minister and Prime Minister-were obtained IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS.3. Rajiv Gandhi visited Sweden on 14/15 March, 1986, and told the Swedish Prime Minister that the contract would indeed be given to Bofors. The deadline agreed to by Quattrocchi was thus met.4. On 2 May, 1986, the Government of India released 20 per cent of the contract money-that is, SEK 1,682,132,196.80- as the first advance payment to Bofors.5. On 20 August, 1986, Myles Tweedale Stott opened an account in the name of AE Services c/o Mayo Associates SA, Geneva. The account was NUMBER 18051-53 in the NORDFINANZ BANK, ZURICH.6. On 3 September, 1986, Bofors remitted SEK 50,463,966 into this account- then US $ equivalent being $ SEVEN MILLION THREE HUNDRED FORTY THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE, AND 98 CENTS- $ 7,343, 941.98. This amount was credited into the account on 5 September, 1986.7. THIS AMOUNT PAID BY BOFORS- SEK 50,463,966- WAS EXACTLY THREE PER CENT OF THE ADVANCE PAID BY THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT AS HAD BEEN STIPULATED IN THE AGREEMENT OF 15 NOVEMBER, 1985 BETWEEN BOFORS AND AE SERVICES.8. On 16 September, 1986- that is, within 11 days of the money being received into the account which had just been opened by AE Services- it was transferred to ACCOUNT NUMBER 254.561.60 W held by COLBAR INVESTMENTS Ltd in the Union Bank of Switzerland, Geneva. The amount was transferred in two installments. $ SEVEN MILLION WERE PUT INTO THIS ACCOUNT ON 16 SEPTEMBER, 1986, AND ANOTHER $ 123,900 WAS PUT INTO IT ON 29 SEPTEMBER, 1986.9. IN ITS RULING, AT PAGE 6, THE SWISS COURT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI IS THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY. COLBAR INVESTMENTS. DOCUMENTS REVEAL THAT ONLY TWO PERSONS COULD OPERATE THE ACCOUNT OF THIS COMPANY OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI AND HIS WIFE, MARIA. TO CONCEAL MATTERS, QUATTROCCHI GAVE A NON-EXISTENT ADDRESS IN DELHI FOR THIS ACCOUNT.10. On 6 August, 1987 a new company was floated in Panama, M/s WETELSEN OVERSEAS SA IN ITS RULING, AT PAGE 6, THE SWISS COURT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI IS THE OWNER OF THIS COMPANY.11. An account-NUMBER 488.320.60 X- was opened within the same bank, the Union Bank of Switzerland, Geneva, on the name of M/s WETELSEN OVERSEAS SA, THE NEW COMPANY QUATTROCCHI HAD OPENED. THIS ACCOUNT ALSO COULD BE OPERATED ONLY BY OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI OR HIS WIFE, MARIA.12. On 25 July, 1988, ON THE INSTRUCTION OF OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI $ SEVEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED AND FORTHY THREE THOUSAND [that is, the amount received plus the interest which had accumulated] WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE ACCOUNT OF HIS COMPANY, COLBAR INVESTMENTS TO THAT OF HIS OTHER COMPANY WETELSEN OVERSEAS SA.13. IN ITS RULING, AT PAGE 6, THE SWISS COURT STATES SPECIFICALLY THAT, LIKE COLBAR INVESTMENTS, WETELSEN OVERSEAS WAS OWNED BY OTTAVIO QUATTROCCHI.14. In yet another round of laundering, on 21 May, 1990, another $200,000 were transferred from the account of M/s Wetelsen Overseas SA in the Union Bank of Switzerland into the account of INTER INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION with ANNSBACHER Ltd, St PETER PORT, GUERNSEY.15. The Swiss Court noted that Quattrocchi had denied receiving any commission directly or indirectly from Bofors. It noted on the other hand (a) the statement of Myles T Stott that the amount Bofors had paid AE Services was related to the agreement of sale of guns to India; (b) and the trail of subsequent transfers of the money to companies owned by Quattrocchi-from AE Services to Colbar Investments to Wetelsen Overseas. At page 7 of its judgment, the Swiss Court then noted,”This decision [ of the Examining Magistrate] was in particular imparted to Ottavio Quattrocchi, economical owner of Colbar Investments Ltd and Wetelsen Overseas SA, who in view of the documents transferred appeared to have received commissions through the channel of these companies, who had given no explanations and who had not obeyed the judge’s injunction of June 20th, 1994”.16. After setting out further facts, after rejecting roundly the assertions of Quattrocchi that he would not get justice in India and therefore the bank documents should not be allowed to be transferred at page 14 of its judgment, the Swiss Court pronounced,”The Requesting Authority can therefore neglect no track and insofar as the appellants seem to have been used as transfer channels for commissions paid out by Bofors, it is of the first importance that it have at its disposal elements as complete as possible enabling it to reconstruct the network susceptible of having been used and ending, in this case, at a firm in Guernsey..”Rejecting the contentions of Quattrocchi decisively, at page 15 of its judgment, the Swiss Court further concluded,”Now, Colbar Investments Ltd Inc and Ottavio Quattrocchi seem to have received an amount issuing from commissions paid by Bofors and one cannot therefore say that their appearance in the case, was the proceed of pure chance, especially that on the own confession of the appellants it appears that Ottavio Quattrocchi had relationships in India at the highest level and that he had very close relationships with this country.””In conclusion”, the Swiss Court said after rejecting further contentions, ”the recourse [in our terms, the appeal of Quattrocchi against the decision of the lower court that the relevant bank documents be transferred to India] IS ABSOLUTELY UNFOUNDED.”17. On 3 July, 1993, Interpol, Switzerland, informed India that appeals filed by Quattrocchi and others had been dismissed by the Swiss Supreme Court.18. For the next week, though he was in India, no action was taken to restrain Quattrocchi. On the contrary, as had happened in the case of Win Chaddha, Quattrocchi was allowed to escape from India on 29 July, 1993.19. The investigating agency raided the house and offices of Ottavio Quattrocchi. Diaries, family photographs, telephone records nailed his extreme proximity and of his wife to Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi.20. The Special Judge examining the case concluded that there was prima facie evidence to the effect that Ottavio Quattrocchi had received SEVEN MILLION ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS in the Bofors deal. Accordingly, he issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest.21. Interpol issued a Red Corner Alert for his arrest on 17 February, 1997.22. Quattrocchi appealed against this Red Corner Alert on 7 April, 1997.23. The Interpol Supervisory Board rejected his appeal on 20 September, 1997.24. Quattrocchi then filed an appeal against the Special Judge’s order in the Delhi High Court. A Division Bench of the High Court roundly rejected the appeal. It held that it found no merit in the appeal. It held that the non-bailable warrant for his arrest was fully justified. The Court said,”We have in extensor quoted the averments which the respondent [the CBI] made in the application seeking the issuance of the warrants. The same on the face of it do constitute making of sufficient allegation pointing out that the evidence so far collected prima facie reveals that the petitioner was recipient of fraud committed in the Bofors gun deal, which he received for himself and on behalf of certain public servants and, therefore, he was required to be arrested and interrogated for expeditions investigation of the case and to reveal the truth.”25. Quattrocchi then filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. On his behalf his counsel told that Supreme Court that Quattrocchi would indeed appear before the Special Court, that he would cooperate with the investigating authorities who want to interrogate him, and that for this purpose the would remain in India for two weeks. The Supreme Court recorded these assurances in its order on 22 February, 1999, and directed him to appear before the Special Judge on 15 March, 1999, and remain present in India for two weeks thereafter so as to enable the investigating authorities to interrogate him. The date came and went, Quattrocchi did not appear.26. The matter was taken again to the Supreme Court. It recorded, ‘we strongly disapprove the manner in which the petitioner [Quattrocchi] has conducted himself in the proceedings before this Court”. That was on 26 March, 1999.Each of these facts is a matter of public record. Each is available in judgments of the highest courts of India and Switzerland.And yet Mrs. Sonia Gandhi says,”We have never seen the papers naming him in the deal. They should show the papers establishing that he is guilty”!There is a second striking feature. A comparison of dates will show that with each failure of Quattrocchi’s efforts to escape the law, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s efforts to bring down governments in India accelerated.Who is Quottrochi?(Dina Nath Mishra)Five years ago, India was at the crossroads. An ordinary, Italy-born woman had all but grabbed the prime ministerial chair, claiming the support of the majority of Lok Sabha members. The 120-year-old Congress willingly surrendered to the Italian bahu (daughter-in-law) of the dynasty. The oldest party in the country could not find a single individual other than her to lead it and the nation of over a billion people.On her part, the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made bold to strangle inner-party democracy. Five years ago, the nation was saved by the bell. For, finally, the nationalist in Mulayam Singh Yadav surfaced, and he quietly put paid to Sonia’s dreams. There may be a whole lot of reasons why she should not be the Prime Minister of India. But just one is enough: She is not of Indian origin.Today, when the nation is once again witnessing the battle of the ballot, every nationalist of every party should ponder whom is he voting? He may be voting for the CPI (M), which ultimately translates into support for Sonia Gandhi, whether directly or indirectly. They may be voting for Laloo Prasad Yadav’s party, which would ultimately strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi. They may be voting for the DMK-Ied front whose prime ministerial candidate is Sonia and Sonia alone. They may be electing PDF candidates in J&K but with the same result. The duty of all true nationalists then is to ensure that power does not slip into the hands of someone of foreign origin.The ramifications of her entry into Prime Minister’s Office are numerous. One of them is the Quattrocchi angle. Ottavio Quattrocchi, the representative of the powerful Milan-based Italian company Snamprogetti, originally came to India as a chartered accountant based in a Chennai- based Italian MNC. Gradually, he made his way into the corridors of power especially after Rajiv Gandhi burst on the political scene in the wake of Sanjay Gandhi’s death in a mysterious air crash. It is essential to understand the Quattrocchi phenomenon, particularly in relation to Sonia Gandhi.He worked for a firm which provided services like designing, engineering, management of construction and training of personnel in the sectors such as oil refineries, gas processing, petrochemicals, fertilizers and pipelines. He had no experience of any guns, gun-systems or related equipment. However, he was a close friend of Rajiv Gandhi’s family.Investigation has shown that the families of Rajiv Gandhi and Ottavio Quattrocchi were on very intimate terms and they used to meet frequently. Quattrocchi and his family had free access to the Prime Minister’s house. As a result, Quattrocchi was able to project himself as a person of great influence.Even during the 1980s, when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, Quattrocchi had direct frisk-free entry to Prime Minister’s residence, courtesy the Italian ‘bahu’ of Indira Gandhi. Senior journalist Mahendra Ved had this to say in The Times of India (Delhi Edition; February 3, 1998): “Throughout the 1980s, Ottavio Quattrocchi, the affable Italian, was the man about town who moved in high circles and wielded influence in the corridors of power. His word, spoken in smooth Italian-accented English, was the law.“Ministers would rise in their chairs whenever he would walk in unscheduled and see him off, apparently due to his proximity to the then ruling Gandhi family. One minister, Ramachandra Rath, who did not oblige, was dropped in the next round of cabinet reshuffle, recalls a former Member of Parliament. Rath was at the moment talking to veteran Gandhian, BN Pande, and took exception to Quattrocchi simply walking in.“This was also the era of ‘four powerful women’ in New Delhi. They held kitty parties and went on picnics, recalls a Delhi socialite. They were Sonia Gandhi, Maria Quattrocchi, Nina Singh, wife of Arun Singh and Sterre, the Dutch wife of Satish Sharma.“If Rath paid a ‘price’, so did two Fertilizer secretaries, senior enough to become Cabinet Secretaries. Mr. KV Ramanathan had sought a ‘correct’ approach in the awarding of the Thal- Vaishet fertilizer project to Messrs Kellogg and CF Braun. Snam Progetti, the Italian public sector multinational that Quattrocchi represented in India, did not have the appropriate technology.”The decision by the late HN Bahuguna was reversed by Indira Gandhi in 1980. Snam was conversant only with the technology for urea-based fertilizer, while Thal-Vaishet was to run on ammonia. Snam hired the technology from a Dane, Haldor Topsoe, who was essentially an individual consultant. That matter came up in Parliament in a big way.Even while releasing the 1999 election manifesto of the Congress, Sonia Gandhi dodged the question of Quattrochi connections. But her connection with ‘Q’ is too well known to be forgotten. Here I reproduce the news story written by AB Mahapatra in Free Press Journal dated February 20, 1998.“Ottavio Quattrocchi, whose extradition is demanded by many political parties in connection with the Bofors case, had access to sensitive files in the Prime Minister’s Office when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister and he was able to appoint ministers and top bureaucrats. Authentic sources told the Free Press Journal that he used to get information about cabinet meetings and its agenda much in advance. When he was visiting offices, ministers and bureaucrats used to get up from the chair to receive him. He was a frequent visitor to the official residence of India’s so-called royal family without security check, a privilege very few enjoyed.”Though officially Quattrocchi was the representative of the powerful Milan-based Italian company Snamprogetti, he worked as a conduit for some in receiving kickbacks and transferring them to safe havens in many deals for over a decade. “In every deal there was a cut. At least there, he was loyal to the royal family,” remarked a retired bureaucrat.He used to appoint ministers, bureaucrats, PSU executives and finalized deals which came his way, even if those were beyond his areas of expertise. The word ‘no’ perhaps did not figure in his dictionary. Soft-spoken Quattrocchi, also worked as an extra-constitutional power centre since 1980s.He got ministers and bureaucrats sacked and snubbed the most influential people of his time who challenged his authority. For Quattrocchi, it was a meteoric rise and an ignominious fall as well, as he has been disowned by the Italian company, Snamprogetti, which he represented in India and elsewhere for more than 16 years. He was known to almost all the top ranking people who mattered and his proximity to Gandhi family was the talk of the town.While the AB Bofors executive, Martin Ardbo, who negotiated the Rs 1,700 crore Bofors gun deal, mentioned him in his diary as the mysterious ‘Q’, his victims in India call him as a ‘pushing man’.He was a good PR man for Snam which won as many as 60 projects worth Rs 30,000 crore in its favor during his tenure. Today, there is nobody to save ‘Q’ in Milan, the headquarters of Snam’s holding company, “ENI.Moreover, ENI’s chief executive committed suicide in 1993 and many of its senior officers are facing police cases on charges of corruption. Snam” ‘a state-owned company of Italy, is not involved in the Bofors deal as such. But Quattrocchi’s activities as a middleman in international deals has raised many an eyebrow as far as the company’s credibility is concerned.While it is widely believed that Quattrocchi is at present a consultant to Snam in Kuala Lumpur, the company has diplomatically denied it. However, it was believed that he was operating from Snam’s India regional office when the Bofors deal was finalized in 1986.The company has clarified that it was not aware of Quattrocchi’s other alleged activities in India and maintained that he was a full time representative of the company. Even the company has said that it has no idea of Quattrocchi being wanted by the CBI which has already sought his extradition from Kuala Lumpur to prosecute him in the Bofors case.This was first noticed in 1980 when Indira Gandhi returned to power. The government had decided to award the contract for ammonia technology for RCF’s Thal plant to CFBraun of the US. But he wanted the World Bank-aided project to be awarded to Haldor Topsoe of Denmark, a sister concern of Snam. Quattrocchi played a crucial role in the appointment of PC Sethi as Petroleum Minister and tilted the deal in favor of Holder Topsoe -against the World Bank’s decision. Later, the World Bank withdrew from the project.That was his first showdown where he proved he could get what he wanted. That virtually gave a clear message to policy-makers and bureaucrats to follow Q’s line of action.He also had an encounter with Vasant Sathe, then Fertilizer Minister, over a project in Guna which till the last moment was very much in favour of Kellogg. But ‘Q’ got the decision reversed in favour of Snam. Those who toed his line were rewarded; those who did not were punished. Ti1l 1985, ‘Q’ used to resort to pressure tactic to get his work done but the real showdown took place when Snam did not get the 1,700 km long HBJ pipeline contract which went to Spie Capag of France. That perhaps was his first defeat; He wanted to punish those who stood in his way.The first to go was former Petroleum Secretary AS Gill who was very much in favor of piecemeal tenders instead of turnkey contracts to make the country self-reliant in terms of technology. That did suit ‘Q’ because India’s self-reliance in this field was bound to harm his interests.There was a standing order for implementation of Snam technology in every petroleum and fertilizer project which had been issued by the Rajiv Gandhi Government. But Gill had contested that order by showing another official order issued by Indira Gandhi where she reportedly said that there should be technology transfer in case of any foreign participation. But that did not happen in practice.Interestingly, ‘Q’ used to clarify his position a day after Gill had written to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on the official file regarding technical difficulty of a particular project for clearance. “That means files were going to him accordingly:’ said a former official.Gill, who had a bright career and was all set to become the next Cabinet Secretary on the basis of seniority, told the FPJ that “there is nothing left for comment after 14 years of my retirement.”Naval Kishore Sharma, Minister of State for Petroleum, was shunted out to the All India Congress Committee as general secretary. VP Singh, who did not change evaluation norms in favor of Snam, and Arun Nehru who allegedly backed the French consortium to win a contract from Snam, had to leave both the government and the party.HS Cheema, former chairman of Gas Authority of India Limited, was removed in similar fashion. It was Quattrocchi who played a major role in removing him as chairman. “Yes, my career was a bright one all along but there was some unseen hand behind all this,” Cheema said in a telephonic interview from Solan, Himachal Pradesh to the newspaper.Former Indian Oil Corporation Chairman Venkatsubramanian, who refused to call Quattrocchi for talks, had to go even though the government was at a loss to explain the specific reason for his removal. A senior official whom Quattrocchi once offered money indirectly to get a project done, recalled, “He (‘Q’) said he can arrange Rs. two crore for the one who you like the most.” But the official got angry and asked Quattrocchi to get out of his room and never try to contact again. “That was the last time I met him. I have not received any new year greeting since then,” according to the senior official.I shall now list out all the major projects backed by Quattrocchi’s company, thanks to his proximity to Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi.Projects won by Snam/TopseProjects Location Client YearTwo Ammonia Plants ThaI Vaishet RCF 1981Three Urea Plants ThaI Vaishet RCF 1981Four Urea Plants Hazira Kribhco 1981One Gas Pipeline Hazira ONGC 1981One Ammonia Plant Una NFL 1983Two Urea Plants Guna NFL 1983One Ammonia Plant Aonla IFFCO 1984Two Urea Plants Aonla IFFCO 1984One Ammonia’plant Jagdishpur Indo Gulf 1985Two Urea Plants Jagdishpur Indo Gulf 1985One Offshore Complex ONGC 1986One Ammonia Plant Kakinada NFCL 1987One Urea Plant Kakinada NFCL 1987One Ammonia Plant Gadepan Chambal Fer 1988Two Urea Plants Gadepan Chambal Fer 1988One Ammonia Plant Babrala Tata Chem. 1988Two Urea Plants Babrala Tata Chem 1988One Gas Pipeline Network ONGC 1988One Ammonia Plant Shahjahanpur Bindl Agro 1988Two Urea Plants Shahjahanpur Bindl Agro 1988One TPA MTBE Plant Mahul BPCL 1990H-P Isobutene Plant Taloja Lubrizol 1991One Ammonia Plant Guna NFL 1994Two Urea Plants Guna NFL 1994One Ammonia Plant Aonla IFFCO 1994Two Urea Plants Aonla IFFCO 1994One Ammonia Plant Kakinada NFCL 1994Two Urea Plants Kakinada NFCL 1994One Ammonia Plant Phulpur IFFCO 1994Two Urea Plants Phulpur IFFCO 1994Let us now move from fertilizers and chemicals to armaments that became the new grazing ground for Ottavio Quattrocchi,A First Information Report was registered by Central Bureau of Investigation on January 22, 1990, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act against Martin Ardbo, President of AB Bofors of Sweden, WN Chadha and GP Hinduja of London and others including beneficiaries of M/s AB Services Ltd of UK, alleging that they had entered into a criminal conspiracy during 1982-87 and in pursuance thereof committed offences of cheating, forgery, bribery, etc., to the extent of Swedish Kroners 319.40 million (approximately Rs 64 crore) in the matter of contract regarding supply of 410 FH- 77 guns, etc., at a total cost of SEK 8410.66 million (approximately Rs 1437.72 crore).Investigation of the case included several countries including Switzerland. During Narasimha Rao’s prime ministership, these investigations were placed on the bargaining counter. Rao bought peace with Sonia to continue in power. In an atmosphere of lull, one of the chief offenders slipped to Malaysia and has not returned till date.The governments of HD Deve Gowda and IK Gujral used the same Bofors case for counter-bargaining. First, Deve Gowda was ousted from power by the then president of the Congress, the late Sitaram Kesri to install IK Gujral as Prime Minister.But CBI investigators moved fast and secured some important documents from the Swiss Government. For a decade the most important missing link has been Ottavio Quattrotchi. Ottavio Quattrocchi remained in India from February 28, 1964, to July 29, 1993, except for a brief interval between March 4, 1966, and June 12, 1968. Ottavio Quattrocchi, thereafter suddenly left India on July 29/30, 1993, in order to escape the process of law and has not returned to India since then.Ottavio Quattrocchi was the beneficiary of the amount of commission for himself or others received by M/s AB Services from M/s AB Bofors, as practically the entire amount, i.e. PS$ 7,123,900 (approximately 97 per cent of the total) was transferred from the account of M/s AB Services to the account of M/s Colbar Investment Limited Inc. Further, he has been transferring the funds received from M/s AB Bofors frequently from one account to another and from one jurisdiction to another to avoid detection and evade the due process of law.During the proceedings before the Chamber D: Acquisition, Geneva in relation to the appeal filed by him against the execution of Letters Rogatory issued by the Court of Special Judge, Delhi (India), at the request of Central Bureau of Investigation, Ottavio Quattrocchi reportedly had even admitted to his relationship at the highest level in India.This is to be seen in the light of the fact that Bofors had paid SEK 50,463,966.00 in the name of commission to M/s AE Services on September 3, 1986, and virtually all this amount was transferred by AE Services to Quattrocchi’s Colbar Investment Ltd; Inc. in Union Bank of Switzerland, Geneva on September 16 and 29, 1986.The proximity of Ottavio Quattrocchi with the then Prime Minister of India, the contractual promise of AE Services to M/s AB Bofors to swing the deal) in their favour in a short span of time, the transfer of virtually all the commission amount (received by AE Services) to Quattrocchi’s Colbar Investments Ltd.Soon after the receipt, further transfer of funds from one account to another and from one jurisdiction to another soon after the disclosure of offences, his giving a non-existing address in the relevant bank, his contesting the execution of Letters Rogatory in Switzerland, his sudden disappearance from India after disclosure of his name by an appellant, all are the factors which prima facie show the involvement of Quattrocchi in the offence of criminal conspiracy for cheating and criminal misconduct by public servants.On receipt of crucial documents from Switzerland in January 1997, a charge sheet was filed in the Court of Special Judge, Delhi on October 22, 1999, against SK Bhatnagar, WN Chadha, Ottavio Quattrocchi, Martin Ardbo and M/s AB Bofors for trial for offences, under sections 120-H Indian Penal Code r/w section 420 Indian Penal Code and section 5(2) read with 5(1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and substantive offences thereof.Further investigation under Section 173 (8) Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 continued. At the time of filing of charge sheet, accused Ottavi of Quattrocchi was based in Malaysia and as such, proceedings for his extradition were initiated there. After the lower court did not accede to the request of his extradition on certain preliminary technical grounds, the matter was taken up in higher courts and at present, it is pending before the Court of Appeals in Kuala Lumpur.CBI is in touch with the authorities in Italy and efforts for ascertaining the present whereabouts of Quattrocchi through Interpol and diplomatic channels are continuing.The CBI was informed by Interpol, London, on June 25, 2003, that Quattrocchi, against whom charge sheet was also filed along with others in CBI case No RC 1(A)/90- ACU-IV/SIG (Bofors case) has an amount of three million pounds (approximately ) in a UK bank account and the same was likely to be moved out very shortly. The CBI requested IP, London, to freeze the said account pending a formal Letters Rogatory. A Letters Rogatory dated July 21, 2003, was issued by the Court of Special Judge, New Delhi. The Letters Rogatory was further supplemented on certain points on July 24, 2003, by the Court.An amount of US$ 1 million and Euro 3 million held in two bank accounts i.e. Account No. 5A51516L & 5A51516M of accused Ottavio Quattrocchi held with BSI AG, 39 King Street, London EC2V 8QD were frozen by the authorities in the UK on the strength of a restraint order issued by the London High Court, Queen’s Bench Division on July 25, 2003 pursuant to Letters Rogatory issued by the Court of the Special Judge, New Delhi.The aforesaid restraint order was challenged by Ottavio Quattrocchi and the London High Court has dismissed his application for discharge of restraint order with cost of UK £ 30,000.00 vide its judgment delivered on November 24, 2003.Subsequently, an appeal was filed by Ottavio Quattrocchi in the Supreme Court of Judicature, London, against the judgment of London High Court. The Supreme Court of Judicature, London, has dismissed the said application on January 20, 2004, again with cost of UK £ 38,000.00.The authorities in the United Kingdom have also been requested by the CBI to conduct investigation into the source of aforesaid restrained funds. While the funds held in the aforesaid accounts have been restrained, the request for execution of Letters Rogatory is still pending.A request had been conveyed to the concerned authorities in UK through Interpol Division of CBI on Decmber 3, 2003, and reminder dated January 30, 2004, for execution of the aforesaid Letters Rogatory on priority and intimating the present status in the matter. But so far, no response has been received from the UK authorities in the above matter.Where did all this money come from? Why did Bofors pay such huge sums to Quattrocchi when India purchased field guns for its army? Since Sonia Gandhi has been the dearest friend of the Quattrocchi’s for over three decades and since she provided them unprecedented access to the prime minister’s office and residence for long years, she owes the country an explanation.Maruti Scandal and FERA violationsThe second and equally disturbing event is the impunity with which Sonia Gandhi violated the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 30 years ago. This happened with the launch of a company called Maruti Technical Services Private Limited (MS’FPL) on November 16, 1970. This company was set up by her along with her brother-in-law Sanjay Gandhi to provide technical know-how for the design, manufacture and assembly of a ‘wholly indigenous motor car’.It is in the context of this company, of which she was half-owner and managing director while being an Italian national that the question of FERA violation arises.The company’s story provides valuable insights into the mind of Sonia Gandhi, who is often credited with much innocence and gullibility by those around her. The birth of MTSPL, preceded that of another company, Maruti Limited, which was to avail of the former’s ‘know-how’ to produce the cars.The Articles of Association of MTSPL named Sanjay and Sonia Gandhi as the first and permanent directors of the company, who between them held 20 shares of Rs 10 each. In other words, its paid-up capital was Rs 200 at the time of its launch. On November 21, 1970, just days after its incorporation, MTSPL entered into an agreement with Sanjay Gandhi, who owned 50 per cent of it.Under this agreement, Sanjay agreed to render ‘technical know-how’ to the company for a consideration of Rs 3 lakh. In June 1971, Maruti Limited was incorporated under the Companies Act and Sanjay Gandhi became its Managing Director. On December 15, 1971, MTSPL allotted 1500 equity shares of Rs 10 each to Sanjay Gandhi. On June 2, 1972, MTSPL entered into an agreement with Maruti Ltd, according to which MTSPL was to be paid Rs 5 Lakh in lump sum by the latter for providing the technical know-how.This document describes MTSPL, of which Sanjay and Sonia Gandhi were the only directors, as a technical company ‘which has the capability of imparting technical know-how for the design, manufacture and assembly in India of a wholly indigenous motor car’. It was also entitled to an annual technical fee of two per cent of the net sales of motor cars.Six weeks after this agreement, Maruti Ltd paid the promised Rs 5 lakh to MTSPL. Later, MTSPL kept its word and paid Sanjay Gandhi, its half owner, Rs 3 lakh in order to purchase ‘technical know-how’ from him!The next move came about a year later. MTSPL appointed the owner of its other half, Sonia Gandhi as its managing director. This happened at an ‘extraordinary general meeting of share holders’ held on January 25, 1973.Suffice it to say that Sanjay and Sonia Gandhi, the two directors, were also the only share-holders of the company at that time. Soon thereafter, MTSPL signed an agreement with Sonia Gandhi as per which she was to remain the managing director of the company for five years. She was to get a salary of Rs 2000 per month and one per cent commission on the net profits of the company, subject to a limit of 50 per cent of her annual salary plus perquisites.Sometime later, the company allotted 2000 shares to Sonia Gandhi. For some reason, this was later sub-divided into two share certificates of 1900 and 1000 shares respectively and 1900 shares were allotted to her on February 4, 1974. On the same day, 4000 shares each were allotted to Priyanka and Rahul, the two minor children of Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi.Even more fascinating was the decision of the Nehru-Gandhi family to launch yet another company, to make among other things, road rollers, and to appoint Sonia Gandhi as managing director of this firm as well. This company, called Maruti Heavy Vehicles Private Limited, had 13 shareholders but the Nehru-Gandhis had the controlling shares.This was incorporated on February 22, 1974, and Sonia Gandhi acquired 5000 shares in it. She entered into an agreement with this company on September 28, 1974, in regard to her appointment as its MD. But this agreement was not implemented and she did not draw any salary.In 1975, this road roller company too sought out Maruti Technical Services Company, in search of know-how to make road rollers. An agreement was signed on April 1, 1975, between the two companies, according to which the road roller company was to pay the know-how company two per cent of net sales of road rollers and spare parts.Did Sonia Gandhi, who was then a citizen of Italy, violate any Indian laws by becoming the managing director of an Indian company and by acquiring shares in Indian companies?Was MTSPL, which was floated by Sanjay and Sonia, competent to provide technical know-how to make ‘a wholly indigenous motor car’ and road rollers? Was Sonia Gandhi technically qualified and competent to be the managing director of such companies?A Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice AC Gupta, which probed the Maruti Scandal and submitted its report in 1978, provides the answers to all these questions. The commission’s report said SM Rege, who was Secretary of Maruti Ltd, told the commission it was known to all concerned that Sonia Gandhi was a foreign national and not a citizen of India.S Kumar, Registrar of Companies, Delhi and Haryana, said the allotment of shares of MTSPL and MHVPL to Sonia Gandhi in 1974 was in contravention of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 and therefore `ab initio void’. After listening to the testimony of several such witnesses, the commission concluded:“It was a fact known to all concerned that Ms Sonia Gandhi was a foreign national. In view of the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, which came into force on January 1, 1974, she could neither hold shares of any Indian company nor hold any office of profit in such company from the date the Act came into force without the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India,”The commission further noted, “She tendered her resignation on January 21, 1975. It is surprising that Ms Sonia Gandhi who did not have any technical qualification should be appointed managing director of a technical company. Quite a large sum of money was paid to her on account of her salary and perquisites during the period she remained the managing director of the company.”The Gupta Commission also recorded the fact that A Banerjee, Income- Tax Officer, disallowed part of the remuneration to Sonia Gandhi as excessive “because she had no qualifications to be able to render any technical service to the company”.Among other issues, the commission went into the question of the competence of MTSPL to provide know-how to make cars and road rollers. WHF Muller, a German technician on the staff of MTSPL, told the commission that all that Maruti Ltd produced were 10 to 12 prototypes which were ‘hand-made’ and ‘fabricated/purchased in parts’ and not of the same design. They were different from one another.Yet another witness said MTSPL had no qualified graduate engineer for design on its rolls. There was no fixed and finalized design for the vehicles and no research and development facility. Yet, dealers were recruited and asked to set up show rooms “to create an impression that the appearance of the Maruti car in the market was imminent”.Two such dealers, who were given cars to exhibit in their show rooms, narrated their experience to the commission. “One had to push the car to his show room, and the other who returned the car to the Maruti garage for repairs following a brake failure while he was driving, did not get back either the car or the money (Rs 22,000 // $1 = Rs.40) he had paid for it.”The commission also spoke about the rough and ready methods used by Maruti Ltd against the dealers who wanted to back out. “One of the dealers, Mr. SC Agarwal, who terminated his agency was threatened by Sanjay Gandhi that he would be sent to jail. Mr. Agarwal had to apologize by touching Sanjay’s feet. Mr. Om Prakash Gupta of Hapur who had asked for payment of interest due to him on his security deposit was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act.”Witnesses also told the commission that MTSPL did not have any technically qualified person or specialist on road rollers. The commission, therefore, concluded: “Maruti Technical Services was not competent to render technical know-how in respect of Maruti cars. There is no evidence that it had the know-how in respect of road rollers.”The Maruti cars that are now on Indian roads came to be produced after the Central Government took over the company and brought genuine “know-how” from Japan and dispensed’ with the bogus “Italian” know-how that the company was saddled with in its formative years.In any case, the bottom line is that the contents of the Gupta Commission Report and the Voters’ List Episode provide sufficient evidence of Sonia Gandhi’s disdain for Indian laws. Regrettably, it would appear the Nehru-Gandhi family was party to these fraudulent declarations.Although an Italian citizen, she was appointed Managing Director of Maruti Technical Services Private Limited on January 25, 1973. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), which was debated and passed by Parliament that year, came into force on January 1, 1974.Among other things, it prohibited foreigners from owning shares or accepting appointment in Indian companies without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India. Yet, Sonia continued as Managing Director and resigned only on January 21, 1975. She had thus violated FERA for over a year. Section 56 of the Act, which listed the punishment for contravention of FERA, says that violations of this nature can attract imprisonment for periods ranging from six months to seven years.Smuggling of Indian artifacts(Dr. Subramaniam Swamy)Those who have no love for India will not hesitate to plunder her treasures. Mohammed Ghori, Nadir Shah, and the British scum in the East India Company made no secret of it. But Sonia Gandhi has been more discreet, but as greedy, in her looting of Indian treasures. When Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were Prime Ministers, not a day passed when the PM’s security did not go to the New Delhi, or Chennai international airport to send crates and crates unchecked by customs to Rome. Air India and Alitalia were the carriers. Mr. Arjun Singh first as CM, later as Union Minister in charge of Culture was her hatchet man. Indian temple sculpture of gods and goddesses, antiques, pichwai paintings, shatoosh shawls, coins, and you name it, were transported to Italy to be first displayed in two shops owned by her sister [i.e., Anuskha alias Alessandra]. These shops located in blue-collar areas of Rivolta [shop name: Etnica] and Orbassano [shop name: Ganpati] did little business because which blue collar Italian wants Indian antiques? The shops were to make false bills, and thereafter these treasures were taken to London for auction by Sotheby’s and Christies. Some of this ill-gotten money from auction went into Rahul Gandhi’s National way into the Gandhi family account in the Bank of America in Cayman Islands.Rahul’s expenses and tuition fees for the one-year he was at Harvard, was paid from the Cayman Island account. What kind of people are these Gandhi-Mainos that bite the very hand of Bharat Mata that fed them and gave them a good life? How can the nation trust such greedy thieves?Terrorist connections(By Dr. Subramaniam Swamy)Sonia has had long connection with the Habash group of Palestinian, and has funded Palestinian families that lost their kith and kin in a suicide bombing or hijacking episode. This, Rajiv Gandhi himself told me and was confirmed to me [the funding] by Yassir Arafat when I met him in Tunis on October 17, 1990 at the request of Rajiv Gandhi. Rajiv Gandhi and I were good friends from 1978, but became very close buddies after V.P. Singh had betrayed him in 1987. We met practically every day, mostly in the early hours from 1AM to 4AM. It was at my suggestion that he made Chandrashekhar the PM. And contrary to public impression, he was not mainly responsible for the fall of Chandrashekar government in which I was a Minister.Besides the Palestinian extremists, the Maino family have had extensive business dealings with Saddam Hussein, and surprisingly with the LTTE [”the Tamil Tigers”] since 1984. Sonia’s mother Paola Predebon Maino, and businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi were the main contacts with the Tigers. The mother used the LTTE for money laundering and Quattrocchi for selling weapons to earn commissions.Sonia’s conduit to the LTTE has been and is through Arjun Singh who uses Bangalore as the nodal point for contact. There is a string of circumstantial evidence pointing to the prima facie possibility that the Maino family may have contracted the LTTE to kill Rajiv Gandhi. The family may have assured the LTTE that nothing would happen to them because they would ensure it is blamed on the Sikhs or the evidence so much fudged that no court would convict them. But D.R. Karthikeyan of the CBI who led the SIT investigation got the support of Narasimha Rao and cracked the case, and got the LTTE convicted in the trial court, and which conviction was upheld in the Supreme Court.Although on the involvement of Congress Party in the assassination, DRK soft peddled on a number of leads perhaps because he did not want political controversy to put roadblocks on his investigation as a whole. The Justice J. S. Verma Commission, which was set up as the last official act of the Chandrashekhar government before demitting office on June 21, 1991, did find that the Congress leaders had disrupted the security arrangements for the Sriperumbudur meeting. The Commission wanted further probe into it but the Rao government rejected that demand. In the meantime under Sonia’s pressure, the Jain Commission was set up by the Rao government, which tried to muddy the waters and thus exonerate the LTTE. But the trial court judgment convicting the LTTE came earlier, and that sinister effort too failed.The Maruti scam (by Arun Shourie)Maruti was one of the most odious scandals connected with Mrs Indira Gandhi and her family. The Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice A C Gupta recorded that, though she was at the time a foreigner, Sonia Gandhi secured shares in two of their family concerns: Maruti Technical Services Pvt. Ltd. (in 1970 and again in 1974), and Maruti Heavy Vehicles (in 1974). The acquisition of these shares was in contravention of the very Act that Mrs Gandhi used to such diabolic effect in persecuting her political opponents, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973. Just another technicality!But the Mother of Technicalities, so to say, is to be found in the way Sonia Gandhi, without having any known sources of income, has become the controller of one of the largest empires of property and patronage in Delhi. The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Library and Museum is one of the principal institutions for research on contemporary Indian history. It is situated in and controls real estate which, because of its historical importance, cannot even be valued. The institution runs entirely on grants from the Government of India. Sonia Gandhi has absolutely no qualification that could by any stretch of imagination entitle her to head the institution: has she secured even an elementary university degree, to say nothing of having done anything that would even suggest some specialization in subjects which the institution has been set up to study. But by mysterious technicalities she is today the head of this institution. So much so that she even decides which scholar may have access to papers — even official papers — of Pandit Nehru and others of that family, including, if I may stretch the term, Lady Mountbatten.Donation of public money to Sonia controlled foundations to promote her interestsReal estate, only slightly less valuable, has been acquired on Raisina Road. The land was meant to house offices of the Congress. A large, ultra-modern building was built — the finance being provided by another bunch of technical devices which remain a mystery. The building had but to get completed, and Sonia appropriated it for the other Foundation she completely controls — the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. The Congress(I) did not just oblige by keeping silent about the takeover of its building, in the very first budget its Government presented upon returning to power, it provided Rs 100 crores to this Foundation. The furore that give-away caused was so great that the largesse had to be canceled. No problem. Business house after business house, even public sector enterprises incurring huge losses, coughed up crores. The Foundation has performed two principal functions. The projection of Sonia Gandhi and enticing an array of leaders, intellectuals, journalists etc. into nets of patronage and pelf.But the audacity with which the land and building were usurped and funds raised for this Foundation falls into the second order of smalls when they are set alongside what has been done in regard to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.This Centre was set up as a trust in 1987 by a resolution of the Cabinet. The Government of India gave Rs. 50 crores out of the Consolidated Fund of India as a corpus fund to this Centre. It transferred 23 acres of land along what is surely one of the costliest sites in the world — Central Vista, the stretch that runs between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate — to this Trust. Furthermore, it granted another Rs. 84 crores for the Trust to construct its building.The land was government land. The funds were government funds. Accordingly, care was taken to ensure that the Trust would remain under the overall control of the Government of India. Therefore, the Deed of the Trust provided, inter alia, every ten years two-thirds of the trustees would retire. One half of the vacancies caused would be filled by the Government. One half would be filled by nominations made by the retiring trustees.The Member Secretary of the Trust would be nominated by the Government on such terms and conditions as the Government may decide. The President of India would appoint a committee from time to time to review the working of the Trust, and the recommendations of the committee would be binding on the Trust.No changes would be made in the deed of the Trust except by prior written sanction of the Government, and even then the changes may be adopted only by three-quarters of the Trustees agreeing to them at a meeting specially convened for the purpose. Now, just see what technical wonders were performed one fine afternoon.A meeting like any other meeting of the trustees was convened on18 May, 1995. The minutes of this meeting which I have before me list all the subjects which were discussed — the minutes were circulated officially by Dr Kapila Vatsyayan in her capacity as the Director of the Centre with the observation, “The Minutes of this meeting have been approved by Smt Sonia Gandhi, President of the IGNCA Trust.”What did the assembled personages discuss and approve? Even if the topics seem mundane, do read them carefully — for they contain a vital clue, the Sherlock Holmes clue so to say, about what did not happen.The minutes report that the following subjects were discussed:1: Indira Gandhi Memorial Fellowship Scheme and the Research Grant Scheme.2: Commemoration volume in the memory of Stella Kramrisch.3: Sale of publications of the IGNCA.4: Manuscripts on music and dance belonging to the former ruling house of Raigarh in M P5: Report on the 10th and 11th meetings of the Executive Committee.6: Approval and adoption of the Annual Report and Annual Accounts, 1993-94.7: Bilateral and multilateral programs of IGNCA, and aid from U N agencies, Ford Foundation, Japan Foundation, etc.8: Brief report on implementation of programs from April 1994 to March 1995.9: Brief of initiatives taken by IGNCA to strengthen dialogue between Indian and Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China.10: Documentation of cultural heritage of Indo-Christian, Indo-Islamic and Indo-Zoroastrian communities.11: Gita Govinda project.12: IGNCA newsletter.13: Annual Action Plan, 1995-96.14: Calendar of events. 15: Publications of IGNCA.15: Matters relating to building project.16: Allocations/release of funds for the IGNCA building project.There is not one word in the minutes that the deed of the Trust was even mentioned.This meeting took place on 18 May, 1995. On 30 May, 1995 Sonia Gandhi performed one of technical miracles. She wrote a letter to the Minister of Human Resources informing him of what she said were alterations in the Trust Deed which the trustees had unanimously approved. Pronto, the Minister wrote back, on 2 June, 1995: “I have great pleasure in communicating to you the Government of India’s approval to the alterations.”The Minister? The ever-helpful, Madhav Rao Scindia. And wonder of wonders, in his other capacity he had attended the meeting on 18 May as a trustee of the IGNCA, the meeting which had not, according to the minutes approved by Sonia Gandhi, even discussed, far less “unanimously approved” changes in the Trust Deed. And what were the changes that Sonia Gandhi managed to get through by this collusive exchange of two letters?She became President for life. The other trustees — two-thirds of whom were to retire every ten years — became trustees for life. The power of the Government to fill half the vacancies was snuffed out. The power of the Government to appoint the Member Secretary of the Trust was snuffed out; henceforth the Trust would appoint its own Member Secretary.The power of the President of India to appoint a committee to periodically review the functioning of the Trust was snuffed out; neither he nor Government would have any power to inquire into the working of the Trust.A Government Trust, a Trust which had received over Rs. 134 crores of the tax-payers’ money, a Trust which had received twenty three acres of invaluable land was, by a simple collusive exchange of a letter each between Sonia Gandhi and one of her gilded attendants became property within her total control.The usurpation was an absolute fraud. The Trust Deed itself provided that no amendment to it could come into force — on any reasonable reading could not even be initiated and adopted — without prior written permission of the Government. Far from any permission being taken, even information to the effect that changes were being contemplated was not sent to Government. An ex post “approval” was obtained from an obliging trustee. That “approval” was in itself wholly without warrant. Such sanctions are governed by Rule 4 of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961. This Rule prescribes that when a subject concerns more than one department, “no order be issued until all such departments have concurred, or failing such concurrence, a decision thereon has been taken by or under the authority of the Cabinet.” Other departments were manifestly concerned; concurrence from them was not even sought. The Cabinet was never apprised.The rule proceeds to provide, “Unless the case is fully covered by powers to sanction expenditure or to appropriate or re-appropriate funds, conferred by any general or special orders made by the Ministry of Finance, no department shall, without the previous concurrence of the Ministry of Finance, issue any orders which may… (b) Involve any grant of land or assignment of revenue or concession, grant… (d) Otherwise have a financial bearing whether involving expenditure or not…”And yet, just as concurrence of other departments had been dispensed with, no approval was taken from the Finance Ministry.The Indian Express and other papers published details about the fraud by which what was a Government Trust had been converted into a private fief. Two members of Parliament — Justice Ghuman Mal Lodha and Mr. E. Balanandan — began seeking details, and raising objections.For a full two and a half years, governments — of the Congress (I), and the two that were kept alive by the Congress (I), those of Mr. Deve Gowda and of Mr. I. K. Gujral — made sure that full facts would not be disclosed to the MPs, and that the concerned file would keep shuttling between the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Law.As a result, Sonia Gandhi continues to have complete control over Governmental assets of incalculable value — through technicalities collusively arranged.Here is an overview of Sonia’s EmpireName of the trust Year founded Budget Function1 Rajiv Gandhi Trust 1991 Rs. 24 Crore The Trust Helps the women and the children. Also active in the field of literacy, health, aviation and science.2 Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies 1992 Rs. 3 crore Study of the public policy from Rajiv Gandhi’s viewpoint3 Jawahar Bhawan Trust 1989 Unknown Registered for maintaining Jawahar Bhawan4 Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust 1985 Rs. 3 crore Organizes lecture on the occasion of the distribution of Indira Gandhi Peace Prize given once in every two years5 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum and Library 1985 Unknown This a Government committee which besides maintaining Nehru memorials organizes seminars and exhibitions6 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund 1965 Rs. 7 crore It maintains Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhavan in additions to providing Nehru fellowship7 Veer Bhoomi and Sriperumbdur Memorial committee 1991 by the Ministry of the Rural Development This committee which is solely handled by Sonia, manages the two memorial places associated with Rajiv GandhiRGF list of donorsOne another dimension of Sonia Gandhi’s greed for real estate and money [power has been amply exhibited in the way she acquired six trusts bearing the name of Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. It is a well-known fact that Jawahar Bhawan was built to house the Congress party headquarters, but the building worth hundred crores was manipulated to be the property of Rajiv Gandhi Trust of which she is a chairperson trustee for the life. It may be recalled that scores of public and private sector, undertakings were advised to pay handsome donations to RG foundation. The sample of the donors’ list along with the money is given below: (As per the list of donors published in daily Jansatta on December 14, 1992)Name AmountJ.N.M fund 1,00000.00Hindustan Times Ltd. 20,00000.00Satlaj Cotton Mills Ltd. 6,00000.00M/s J&K Industries Ltd 5,00000.00M/s Straw Products Ltd. 5,00000.00Smt. Sonia Gandhi 1,00000.00Shri G D Parthasarathi 5,00000.00Shri Bharat H. Barai 1,00000.00Dunlop India 20,00000.00Mathair & Plant India Ltd. 5,00000.00Orissa Cement Ltd. 2,00000.00Hindustan Door Oliver Ltd. 5,00000.00Shri M. R. Chabariya Charity Trust 1,00000.00ITC Ltd. 50,00000.00ANZ Grindlays Bank 6,00000.00M/s Indian Petro Chemicals Cor. Ltd. 5,00000.00Ravi’s Sant Pvt. Ltd. 1,51,000.00Click Nicson Ltd. 7,50000.00Niryat Pvt. Ltd. 10,00000.00Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (I) 2,00000.00Snow Chem India Ltd. 7,50000.00Bajaj Auto Ltd. 25,00000.00M. N. Dastoor & Company 5,00000.00M/s JCT Ltd. 12,50000.00M/S Fera Alloys Corpo Ltd 2,50000.00M/S APJ Ltd 2,50000.00M/s Simplo (E) Tea Company Ltd 2,50000.00M/s Surendra Overseas Ltd. 2,50000.00M/s Assam Frontier Tea Ltd. 2,50000.00M/s Empire Plantation (E) Ltd. 2,50000.00M/s Usha Rectifire Corp (E) Ltd. 10,00000.00M/s Prajakta Finance and Trading Pvt. Ltd. 7,50000.00M/s Kausar Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 7,50000.00M/s S G Chemical and Dyes Trading Ltd 10,00000.00Mahalakshmi Charitable Society 12,50000.00M/s Godfray Philips (E) Ltd 12,50000.00Shri SS Surjewala 1,11000.00M/s Batliboi & Company Ltd. 1,00000.00M/s Carner Sone Brands Ltd. 1,50000.00Shri Natthu Bhai Patel 1,00000.00M/s Associated Beverage & Distilleries 1,00000.00U N Mehta Charitable Trust 1,50000.00All India Congress Committee 50,00000.00M/s Indian Polaseze Comp Ltd. 5,00000.00M/s Deepak Fertilizers and Petro 3,00000.00M/s Indian Acritize Ltd. 1,00000.00Central Bank of India 2,00000.00M M Joshi Trust 5,00000.00C D Vajpayee Trust 5,00000.00K N Singh Trust 5,00000.00R Gupta Trust 5,00000.00Shri B. N. srivastava 5,00000.00Treasurer, AICC 50,00000.00Sethi Trust 15,00000.00Indo-soviet Pharmacy 1,00000.00M/s Jury Agro Chemicals Ltd. 25,00000.00M/s Vinayaka Enterprises 2,000000.00M/s Vinayaka Enterprises (Rawgandha Mint) 1,00000.00M/s Adarsh Enterprises 2,00000.00M/s Mejestic Acriviter 2,00000.00Ravi Kumar Traders 2,00000.00Shri Ram Krishna Lodge 2,00000.00Rangnath Enterprises 2,00000.00M/s Shri Ram liquor 2,00000.00Mahamahim Srhi Li pand 5,15771.00Mahanager Telephone Nigam Ltd. 10,00000.00Treasurer, AICC(I) 50,00000.00M/s Premium Exports Ltd. 2,50000.00Responsible Builders Pvt. Ltd. 10,00000.00Jyotsna Holding Pvt. Ltd., 15,00000.00Warden Armenion Church 10,00000.00Rohan Motors Pvt. Ltd., 7,50000.00Meravnazi Security 1,00000.00ONGC 1,00000.00UniPatch Ruber Ltd., 1,00000.00Shri Harshad S Mehta – Ascro Khata 6,25000.00Promor Race Asset Manage Ltd- Ascro Khata 6,25000.00Shri J H Mehta – Ascro Khata 6,25000.00Shri Ashwin Mehta – Ascro Khata 6,25000.00RPG enterprises (According to 4,18900.00(According to RGF foundation 1,83100.00M/s Borosil Glass Works Ltd 1,00000.00M/s M P Dist Ltd. 1,00000.00M/s Asian Capital Consolidated Fund 1,00000.00Shri P V Huglar 5,16000.00Shri Sitaram Kesri 25,00000.00Shri Sitaram Kesri 25,00000.00Shri Lalit Suri 50,00000.00M/s Wahwan Automotive Centre 1,23396.59Peerless General Finance & Investment 50,00000.00Setia Trust 5,00000.00Shri Sitaram Kesri 25,00000.00Shri Ravi Chawla 1,11000.00Smt Meena Ravi Chawla 1,11000.00Shri Vishal Ravi Chawla 1,11000.00Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd., 25,00000.00Fund Raising sub committee for RGF 12,33370.00All India Congress Committee (I) 25,00000.00M/s Oswal Agro Mills Ltd., 25,00000.00M/s Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. 25,00000.00M/s Mysore Cements Ltd., 20,00000.00M/s Simco Ltd., 5,00000.00M/s coloride Ind Ltd., 15,00000.00M/s VXL Indian Ltd., 10,00000.00CESC Ltd., 37,50000.00Miscellaneous 1,15000.00Soka Glai International 5,74268.00Firozeshah Godrej Foundation 4,00000.00Treasurer, AICC (I) 25,00000.00Larsen and Toubro Ltd., 10,00000.00Dena Bank 1,00000.00Finish Development Agency (Phinida) 3,44827.59Vijayshri Liquor Company Pvt. Ltd., 5,00000.00H. Themmegowda 7,50000.00J P Narayan Swamy 5,00000.00Ravi Kumar Traders 7,50000.00The Peerless General Finance & Investment Company 25,00000.00Nobody pays any money for nothing. Most of the money has been paid by repeated reminders (read coercion)IGNCAIndia Today published a report about Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in its issue dated July 5, 1999. The write up exposed her manipulation, some portions are given below.“… with Congress having ruled the country the longest, it is not surprising that its president Sonia Gandhi has not only gained her family’s political inheritance but also control over its vast assets in the form of public trusts, institutions and funds. The IGNCA was set up in 1987 with a corpus fund of Rs. 50 crore, a grant of Rs. 100 crore for its grandiose yet-to-come-up edifice, 21 acres of prime land in Delhi (worth of Rs. 5,000 crore), a battery of Government officers on deputation and 15 duplex flats in the capitals Asian Games complex (worth over Rs. 1 crore each).The IGNCA’s original trust deed provided for the trustees to hold office for a period of 10 years, the Member-Secretary to be appointed by the Government and for the President of India in his capacity as the visitor to periodically review the functioning of the IGNCA. However, in May 1995 the trustees without seeking the permission of the Government made crucial changes to the trust deed. According to a document circulated by the IGNCA Workers Union, “During 1994-95, when the Congress party was facing an uncertain elections, Vatsyayan, the then Member-Secretary, got certain major changes carried out in the basic structure of the IGNCA so as to remove the role of the Government of India in the affairs of the IGNCA altogether”.The new trust deed made Sonia life president of the IGNCA and bestowed life membership on R. Venkataraman, P.V.Narasimha Rao, Pupul Jayakar, H.Y.Sharada Prasad and Vatsyayan. When Jayakar declined to accept life membership saying “Indira would be shuddering in her grave if she knew what was happening in her name”. Mahmohan Singh was drawn into the charmed coterie in her place. More significantly, the role of the President of India as visitor was done away with as was the power of the Government to appoint the member-Secretary. Kapila Vatsayayan, who till then held the post with the rank of a Secretary n the Union Government and had reached the age of superannuation, was given the rank equivalent to that of a Minister of State and re-designated Academic Director. Madhavrao Scindia, then HRD Minister, gave post facto approval to the changes without consulting either his department or others like finance, urban affairs of parliamentary affairs.Nor was the matter ever discussed by the Cabinet, then. With the IGNCA clearly violating its own original constitution, the Attorney-General believes that the so-called life president and all the life trustees were not legally exercising their authority over the institution. Moreover, despite receiving huge amounts of public money, the IGNCA does not submit itself to scrutiny of the CAG and instead has hired private Chartered Accountants to do the job. The Government insists that the IGNCA open its book for the CAG and is all set to see this matter to its logical conclusion. “We may even take over its assets if they don’t restore the original trust deed”, says a high official in the DoC. Meanwhile, notices are being issued to the IGNCA officials to vacate the Asiad Village flats where they have been overstaying without even paying the nominal Rs. 685 monthly rent. However, in a country where occupation is two-thirds of the title and political exigencies more powerful than the niceties of law, Joshi’s audacious bid to restore status quo ante in the IGNCA may prove to be difficult, if not more, than throwing out the Pakistani intruders in Kargil”.BoforsFinally the mega corruption issue – the Bofors investigation – which Sonia Gandhi never allowed to be completed. During the Narasimha Rao years, he bought peace with Sonia Gandhi on the bargaining counter in Bofors inquiry itself. The tenure of V P Singh was too short, and Chandra Shepherd was not too enthusiastic, for the probe to be completed. When Deve Gowda pushed the inquiry and then CBI chief Joginder singh was about to start the proceedings further, Sonia Gandhi saw to it that Gowda was toppled. It was again for the furtherance of the proceedings by Prime Minister I K Gujral, that the government led by him was toppled. When Vajpayee gave clearance and the papers went to the President, within a fortnight his Government was too voted out on the specific instructions of Sonia Gandhi.The CBI has enough documents to prove close linkage of ‘Q’ with Sonia and her family. The joint photographs showing Sonia Gandhi, Rajiv’s family members, and ‘Q, several travel documents which prove beyond doubt that Mr. Q’ and Sonia’s family were more closer than knowledgeable people can think of. Quattrocchi’s name is there in kick-back accounts; the remaining last leg of the inquiry is bound to catch Mr. ‘Q’ red-handed, which would in turn show the real greedy Sonia.Sonia vs. Gandhi: The controversy, the Full Page Ad in New York Times in Oct 2007 that triggered multi million dollar lawsuits against activists in US.US activists requested Sonia proxy in US, INOC (India National Overseas Congress) that Sonia is not the right person to represent Gandhi’s principles at UN on Oct 2, 2007 and not to use his name for political purposes. They requested to bring in a freedom fighter from Congress party itself. But INOC started calling activists fundamentalists and other names. About 500 NRIs gathered in front of UN when Sonia spoke on Oct 2nd, 2007 and they took out a full page Ad in New York Times Ad. In Apr 2008, INOC sued with multi 100 million dollar lawsuits which were challenged in US courts and defeated. READ THE WHOLE STORY AT Gandhi Heritage -It is an accepted fact that almost every Indian politician is corrupt if measured against Gandhian principles every Indian politician will fail on some points or other but Sonia would fail on every point. Sonia is a symbol of what Gandhi advocated against. She is trying to wear Gandhi’s cloak to cash on Gandhi’s fame and gain legitimacy. Gandhi stood for:I. Sat — which implies openness, honesty, and fairness: TruthSonia repeatedly proved her untruthfulness and dishonesty. Even in a trivial issue such as her educational qualifications she lied. Furthermore there is no public record of her ever apologizing for her mistakes.II. “Ahimsa” — refusal to inflict injury on others.Sonia is known for vengeance actions. She is known for intolerance towards party members who rejoined her party.III. “Tapasya” — willingness for self-sacrifice.There is no incidence of Sonia’s sacrifice. She sacrificed India, congress party and national icons such as Gandhi to promote herself and her children.Anybody who respects Gandhi will be against misusing his name and fame. This protest is an attempt to save Gandhi’s name and legacy from misuse..

If we take a look at the Indian cricketing circle, we will encounter numerous inspirational stories of players who have traversed their way from rags to richesGlobally, the game of cricket has undergone a sea of change in terms of formats, techniques and rules, over the years. Test cricket has paved way for shorter and exciting formats of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 cricket, jerseys have changed hues from white to bright colours, boundaries have become shorter and cricketing shots have been rewritten in the rule book. Indian cricket has also revamped itself, keeping tune with the proceedings worldwide.One of the major changes that have occurred in the game in India is that gone are the days when only the aristocrats and royalties would get to don the pristine, white jerseys and walk out onto the lush green cricket fields when cricket was labelled as a game for the Maharajas and not the ordinary masses. Today, cricket is a game for one and for all. If we take a look at the Indian cricketing circle, we will encounter numerous inspirational stories of players who have traversed their way from rags to riches.1. Umesh YadavUmesh Yadav. (Photo Source: Twitter)As the son of a coal miner, Indian pacer, Umesh Yadav had to witness the worst of adversities before making it big. His father was employed as a coal mine worker from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh and Yadav spent his childhood in Valli, a village of miners and their families. Owing to their constrained income, he was only able to participate in tennis-ball tournaments while growing up, as he could not afford to practice with the standard cricket ball.Moreover, Yadav had absolutely no plans to become a cricketer. He dreamt of working in the army or the police force, but fate had different plans for him. At 20 years of age, Yadav was persuaded by a friend to try out his hand in leather-ball cricket and from there on, there was no looking back for him! At 22 he was playing for India. At 23, he had been bought for $750,000 in the 2011 Indian Premium League ( IPL) auction and since then, he’s become one of the sturdiest pillars in the Indian pace department.2. Mohammed ShamiIndian cricketer Mohammed Shami. (Photo by LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)Indian pace master, Mohammed Shami’s journey is truly an inspirational one. Born in the rural backdrop of Uttar Pradesh, Shami’s talent was first noticed by his father, Tousif Ali, who had also been a fast bowler in his youth. Being a farmer, Ali was not in a state to make ends meet, but that didn’t hinder him from encouraging his son to play cricket.Shami resettled to Kolkata in 2006, in order to chase his dreams of playing for his country. From earning a paltry sum of Rs. 500 per match day to sleeping inside a club tent on the vast Kolkata Maidan, the reverse-swing specialist has fought against all the woes in life. Currently, not only does he own a luxurious apartment and a premium sedan, but he also acknowledges and stays true to his humble roots. In fact, the 27-year old cricketer has contributed largely in bringing about development in his ancestral village.3. Ravindra JadejaRavindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Instagram)Hailing from a modest background, Ravindra Jadeja’s ascent to fame and glory is much like a fairytale. Before he was lovingly entitled by the title of “Sir Jadeja” by the entire nation, Ravindra had to wade through troubled waters in his formative years. Since his father worked as a security guard, their family income was not enough to support a budding cricketer. However, young Jadeja drew inspiration and support from his mother, who was his constant companion.When his mother passed away in 2005, Ravindra had been at the end of his wit and even considered giving up on cricket. But his sister and father continued to provide him monetary and emotional support, and Jaddu went on to be a part of the 2008 World-Cup winning India U-19 side, where he also served as the vice-captain. After having secured his place in the Indian team as a dependable all-rounder, he asked his father to retire and also bought a bungalow for his family. Jadeja’s story of hard work to reach the pedestal of fame that he stands at today is, indeed a glowing inspiration to many.4. Zaheer KhanZaheer Khan. (© PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)When we speak about stalwart pacers to have played for India, we cannot help but name Zaheer Khan amongst the top brass. Zaheer is the only Indian pacer, apart from Kapil dev to have picked up more than 300 wickets in international cricket. As a young child, Zaheer was passionate about cricket and was eventually selected in the Mumbai Cricket Club, for which he had to leave his family and stay in Mumbai, with his aunt.He used to live in a small room in the hospital, where his aunt had been employed as a helper. More often than not, Zak went to practice without having any food and would sleep at night without a pillow or a blanket. However, his fortune took a turn for the better after his then coach got him a job with a steady salary of Rs. 5000 per month, and with this money, Zaheer was able to support his cricketing dreams.From there, there was only the rise and rise of Zaheer Khan! He led the Indian pace department for more than 15 years and is a name that’ll forever be etched in gold in Indian cricket.5. Ramesh PowarRamesh Powar. (Photo by DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/Getty Images)Ramesh Powar was often ridiculed for his stocky built and even considered incapable of playing cricket by many critics. However, the off-spinner, who was a handy lower order batsman as well, battled all odds to make a mark in Indian cricket.Powar had a tough childhood as his mother passed away when he was very young. It was his sister who supported him all throughout his early playing days. He eventually went onto play for India in 2 Tests and 31 ODIs and picked up 6 and 34 wickets in the 2 formats, respectively. A popular incident involving the offie is that he travelled to the airport in an auto rickshaw while most of his Indian team-mates got off luxury cars.6. Yusuf Pathan and Irfan PathanIrfan Pathan. (Photo Source: ICC via Getty Images)The Pathan brothers are known to almost every modern cricket fan, owing to their astounding cricketing abilities. While Yusuf is famed for his power hitting, Irfan made his mark with his impeccable swing bowling. Both the brothers have been a part of historic moments in Indian cricket. But their childhood wasn’t all that rosy!The Pathan family initially had to live their days in a mosque, since they did not own a residence of their own. After a few years, they did move into a house of their own, but it only comprised a single room, where a family of five, including Yusuf, Irfan, their sister, brother and parents had to live.Yusuf Pathan of India. (Photo by Ritam Banerjee/Getty Images)They couldn’t afford proper cricketing gear as their father, who worked in the local mosque, earned a meagre monthly wage of Rs. 200-250. In an interview, their father revealed that Irfan used to borrow Rs.50 from him occasionally to buy second-hand shoes from a local Friday market, and patch them up for use, since they were unable to afford costly sports shoes.While Irfan was a part of the victorious Indian team in the World T20, 2007 and the Champions Trophy 2013; Yusuf lifted the 2011 World Cup trophy with the Men in Blue.7. Munaf PatelMunaf Patel of India. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)Hailing from the distant village, Ikhar of Gujarat, young Munaf Patel saw the grim face of poverty up close. While his father was employed as a labourer, Munaf himself contributed to his family’s earnings by working as a child labourer in a child factory, for which he was able to earn Rs. 35 per day. He was well-known in his village for his pace bowling, but being the victim of harsh circumstances, he didn’t have the amenities to practice cricket at a professional level. Deprived of standard cricketing equipment, he would play with tennis balls, while wearing chappals instead of spiked boots.He was well-known in his village for his pace bowling, but being the victim of harsh circumstances, he didn’t have the amenities to practice cricket at a professional level. Deprived of standard cricketing equipment, he would play with tennis balls, while wearing chappals instead of spiked boots.Life finally looked brighter for Patel when he was selected into the Baroda Club, and subsequently went on to be coached by the legendary fast bowler, Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Academy. It was at this academy that he was noticed by Australian great, Steve Waugh for his quick bowling and Waugh recommended the young talent to Sachin tendulkarBeating all odds, Patel made his debut for India in 2006 and went on to become a successful pacer for the nation. He was also a part of the 2011 World Cup winning Indian side, where he was the 3rd highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with 11 wickets to his name.8. Hardik PandyaHardik Pandya.Hardik Pandya’s name is one that every cricket enthusiast in India is well aware of right now. Be it his heroics in the final match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy or his fearless knocks for his franchise, Mumbai Indians in the IPL, the young right-hander has made a niche for himself in a very short span of time. His life is the most surreal rags to riches story that one can come across.Hardik along with his brother, Krunal, had a common dream of playing cricket at the highest level. Not having been endowed with the good fortune of being rich, the brothers, along with their parents had to shift from Surat to Vadodara where their father was employed in various odd jobs, in an attempt to support his family. Matters worsened when their father suffered from multiple heart attacks, forcing the two brothers to play their hearts out at local tournaments, in order to earn extra cash to sustain their family.Hardik confessed in an interview that he and his brother often survived on a single helping of noodles throughout the day, playing one match after the other to earn money. Looking back at Hardik’s journey, it appears as a dream that was just meant to come true!9. Mohammed SirajMohammed Siraj. (Photo: IANS)Coming from a lower-middle-class household, 23-year-old Mohammed Siraj wouldn’t have imagined in the wildest of dreams that he’d stir up a storm in the player auction of IPL, 2017. His first income as a cricketer had been a mere Rs. 500 in a club match, where he had picked up 9 wickets for 20 odd runs in a 25-over game.It was his maternal uncle who had given him the money as a prize. Siraj credits his parents for having made innumerable sacrifices to provide him with the best cricketing facilities. In his own words, he “went numb” in front of his television set, when he raked in a staggering bid of Rs. 2.6 Crores from the Sunrisers Hyderabad team.10. Kedar JadhavIndia’s Kedar Jadhav.(Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)Indian middle-order batting sensation, Kedar Jadhav has risen from dire states to make a name for himself. He belonged to a small town, Madha in the Solapur district of Maharashtra and his father worked as a clerk in the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. Jadhav had three elder sisters who were extremely meritorious.However, the cricketer himself did not find his calling in his studies and dropped out of school after the ninth grade. From there, he gradually rose in the ranks by first playing in Maharashtra’s Ranji squad and then bagging hefty IPL pay packages for his stellar performances in domestic cricket.His fantasies finally turned into reality when he stepped on to the field in the Indian jersey. From then on, he has slammed 565 runs in 25 ODIs for the nation, with the highest score of 120 runs and has also come in handy as a right-arm offbreak bowler, having picked up 11 wickets in the proceedings.12. Thangarasu NatarajanT. Natarajan. (Photo Source: Sportstarlive)A boy, who grew up doing odd jobs like distributing newspapers or milk in order to boost his small family income, fought his way into under the limelight. Thangarasu Natarajan was bought by the Kings XI Punjab franchise in IPL 10 for a sum of Rs. 3 crores, making him the second-most expensive domestic but of the season.Son of a daily wage earner at a saree factory, with a small tea stall business on the side, T Natarajan played cricket only to get the cash prizes at local tennis ball tournaments. However, the universe saw to it that the young man’s talent did not go to waste! He was first selected in the renowned Jolly Rovers team of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association League and subsequently drafted into the state Ranji team in his 20s.Although he had to warm the benches for two years owing to suspected bowling action, it was only a minor bump in Natarajan’s career graph. Famous for his tight death over spells as a pacer, Natarajan’s story of success is nothing short of a miracle.13. Nathu SinghNathu Singh. (Photo Source: Twitter)21-year old Nathu Singh was signed by the Mumbai Indians for a sum of Rs. 3.2 crores in the 9th edition of the IPL. Singh’s roots were submerged in poverty as he spent his childhood as the child of a factory worker in Rajasthan. When asked about those years, he said, “I mostly used to train alone by myself. I still remember the first time ever I asked my dad for money was to play cricket, to invest in a bat and ball. And I want to repay that money to my dad. I also took up odd jobs to buy cricket kits.”His dreams came true when he performed stupendously well with the pink ball in a Duleep Trophy game and became the only Indian bowler to claim 5 wickets. From here on, he caught the attention of the IPL team owners and was bought into the Mumbai side in and subsequently, the Gujarat Lions side in IPL 10. It isIt is from this struggle that Singh draws constant inspiration and in his own word, he describes it as, “I have all the images in my heart. Of poverty, of my struggling parents, of where I came from. Whenever I feel depressed, or even when I go out to play, I recall those images, and no matter where I go in life, those images will forever remain imprinted in me.The neo-cricket era looks at cricketers through a different perspective. Cricketers have become celebrities who are seen as glamour kings, who bedeck ...Here are 10 cricketers who have overcome struggles to reach the top:#1 Umesh YadavNagpur is an archaic region- a region where cars are still looked upon like space ships, where farmer suicides are daily affairs and where people dwell in room sized abodes. This town is India’s geographical centre.It is from this part of the world, arguably India’s fastest ever bowler hails. Hurling tennis bowls at express pace, Umesh Yadav spent his childhood playing no leather ball cricket. His father was a coal miner and the family lived in a settlement for coal miners. Life was tough. Breaking even was a luxury.Umesh Yadav could not pursue his education beyond class XII. Yadav’s father didn’t want his youngest son to end up as a coal miner, hence requested him to do something with his life. Umesh tried to join the army but was rebuffed. He then attempted to get into police service but missed it by a whisker.He had nothing else to do. All avenues in his life semed to have been closed. He would spend day in, day out bowling fast with the tennis ball.A victory for his team or a man of the match award would earn him 8-10, 000 Indian rupees, which would be adequate for a month or two. Realizing that tennis ball cricket would not earn him much, he tried to take up leather ball cricket. An attempt to get into his college cricket team became a failure since he played no club cricket.So he joined the Vidarbha Gymkhana. He bowled with shoes sans spikes and got 3 for 37. Soon, words about a rookie, raw paced bowler started doing rounds around the Vidarbha Cricket Association. A cinematic, fairy tale ascend began, and Yadav whistled up the rungs.AdvertisementWithin months of playing with a leather ball, Yadav made his first-class debut. He rose like a rocket off its launch pad.In the Duleep Trophy that followed the fast bowler picked up a five-for which included the wickets of Dravid and Laxman.The seamer had an athletic body. He was burly and had a shoulder girdle- a rarity among Indian pacers. His express pace and lethal yorkers soon earned him a berth in the Indian line up.A son of a coal miner was soon bought by Delhi Daredevils for $30, 000 in 2008. He made his ODI debut in 2010 and test debut in 2011. Being the country’s fastest bowler Umesh Yadav would be one of India’s key weapons in its arsenal going into the world cup in Australia and New Zealand.Yousuf2 Akila DananjayaIf you think that life won’t change overnight, then this lad will prove you wrong. Akila Dananjaya- when this unknown 18-year old’s name appeared in Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2012 WT20, Sri Lanka was taken aback. Some said politics has played a role. Others believed money was doing the talking. The remainder thought it was a genuine mistake.How on earth could a teenager, who has played no first class matches, no list A matches and no under 19 matches be named for an even as big as WT20? Unlike other wunderkinds of Sri Lanka, he didn’t come from the elite schools of the island. In fact he played for an unknown school called Mahanama Vidyalaya, in Panandura- a suburb of Colombo. He played in tier three in school cricket, a tier that mostly goes unnoticed.So what made him to be fast-tracked into the highest level? Dananjaya was a son of a carpenter. He had been brought in for a practice session to emulate Saeed Ajmal’s doosras.AdvertisementBut what the youngster did was to bamboozle the country’s leading player of spin with a spree of off breaks, leg breaks, googlies, carrom balls and all the other variations a spin bowler could bowl. Soon the team that was in the middle of a practice session spoke of nothing but Akila Dananjaya.Mahela Jayawardane, the batsman who faced Akila, soon fast-tracked him into the national setup. With a strong performance in the now defunct SLPL, Akila Danajaya made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the 2012 WT20.In his very first match, he was struck on the face by a full blooded drive from Rob Nicol, which broke the teenager’s cheek bone. With a broken face and blood ozzing through the eye socket, the spunky rookie came bacn and bowled all four of his overs and picked up 2 for 32, the best figures in that innings.A boy who spent midnights collecting discarded cricket balls in cricket grounds in the village of Panadura, is now the heathrob of his village.#3 Raymond PriceRay Price hails from a country of turmoil. The left arm spinner from Zimbabwe who was once the leading bowler in the world was born fighting.At birth, the odds of him surviving was just 25%. He lost his hearing ability to menigitis but later a surgery restored his hearing. But the effect of the disease reflected badly on his coordination skills as a child.When he started playing for Zimbabwe, Price was considered useless and was forced to leave cricket in 2004 as a part of the massive influx that shook Zimabawe Cricket.Before becoming a professional cricketer, the left-armer was involved in a lot of menial jobs. He repaired air conditioners and cleaned toilets to win bread for his family.He made a return to Zimbabwe cricket when he was at the wrong end of 30s and used his guile to spin webs around the opposition batsmen. He together with Utseya became two leading bowlers in world cricket.#4 Kamran KhanBollywood is known for its out of the world logic and unrealistic proceedings. The protagonist from being a mendicant would turn into a millionaire in the space of a 5 minute song.Albeit, these gimmicks seem farfetched, the land continues to prove its bollywoodish stories with a preponderant number of incredibly astonishing tales of soaring personalities. Let it be Satyam Nadella’s ascension to the helm of Microsoft or Kalpana Chawla’s rise to the space, India keeps proving that cinematic events do happen in real lives.In cricket, of course, there is a story of cricketer that is worth making a movie on. Kamran Khan, a left arm slingy express bowler who played fro Rajasthan in 2009, rose from near oblivion and became an overnight star.AdvertisementHe was from a family of wood cutters which gifted him with strong shoulders. He lived his life in poverty. With just a pair of white cricket kits, he commuted between Kanpur and Lucknow for trials.He didn’t have a place to sleep, and hence, would spend his nights in the railway stations. Though he had the pace that could trouble batsmen of all calibre, he didn’t have enough money to exhibit to people who matter.But luck greeted him with glee, when Rajasthan’s director of coaching spotted him in a T20 tourney in Mumbai. Soon the 18 year old was handed over a contract of $24,000.Had that money reached his hands two years earlier, he would not have lost his mother, he admitted later. For a boy sleeping on the rugged railway platforms, five star hotel luxury beds were5 Mohammad YousufMohammad Yousuf aka Yousuf Yohana, is aruguably one of Pakistan’s most technically sound batsmen.With his exquiste timing, high back lift and delayed shots, the Pakistani batting supremo have earned a lot fans. But a very few us actually have paid heed to his darker younger life.Yousuf was born in the Hindu caste of Balmiki, who were considered untouchables. The ruthlessness of the caste system forced his family to convert to Christianity. Though the conversion brought the family some recognition, it failed to improve their dire economy.AdvertisementYousuf’s father was a worker in a railway station and the family lived in a railway colony. The financial frailty of his family didn’t allow the Pakistani batsman to possess a bat. He used wooden planks of outlandish shapes to strike tape balls. Yousuf was spotted by the Golden Gymkhana but his circumstances dictated terms and he gave up the hope of playing for Pakistan.He wanted to join an organisation with a first-class team, which will be the dual solution for his need to earn and thirst for cricket. But when money became the primary need, he gave up cricket in 1994. He tried to earn some pennies driving Rickshaws.The pendulam swung; A local club had a paucity for players. Hence, Yousuf was stopped short of working for a tailor’s shop and was roped into the team as a makeweight. Someone who was expected to make up numbers ended up scoring a century.When he began his first class career, Lahore rejected him both due to his background and religious faith. But his cricketing dexerity trnscended all social distinctions and Yousuf became Pakistan’s fourth Christian cricketer.6 Manoj TiwaryThe young aggressive batsman from India who has earned the monicker "India's Kevin Pietersen" for his penchant for hitting balls to the midwicket boundary is yet another Indian who defied fate and refused to bow down in the face of adversity.Tiwary proved the conviction that cricket is a rich man's sport wrong. He was a son of a railway officer. The Indian right handed was born in a family of five, in Kolkata. His father could not fend for the family let alone spend for his cricket expenses.However, Tiwary was obstinately glued to the love of his life. His passionate infatuation with cricket finally paved the way for him to break grounds. His brother Raj Kumar Tiwary, realizing the inherent talents of his younger brother, finally obtained loans to send him to the local club.He made his Ranji trophy debut in 2005 and captained India's U19 team. He is much known for his innings in the final of IPL 2012, when he diligently finished an exhilarating run chase for his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.#7 Mohammad IrfanThe 7 foot 1 inch tall Pakistani seamer, didn’t want his height to go to waste, but was unsure how it can be materialized. His eternal quest came to an end when he found an exceptional bowler within himself.Irfan, the tallest cricketer ever, was born into a poor family of a lower class. He could complete only his secondary education and joined a PVC factory to earn a living. Although, he was an avid cricketer, fear of losing his livelihood never allowed the giant bowler to concentrate on cricket.As every South Asian, he started with a tennis ball and later parlayed his exploits onto a hard ball cricket. He says that he played for his village club wearing Shalwar Kameez and school shoes since he could not afford proper kits.AdvertisementIt took 5 years for the Pakistan Cricket Board to reckon his talent as it is the case with all talents from smaller towns. However, his cricket future became rest assured after he made his first class debut.His performances in the first class fixtures of Pakistan in 2009 was extremely impressive and soon a contract from KKR flew his way. However, IPL’s aversion to Pakistan dissuaded a contract being signed between Irfan and KKR.8 Pathan brothersIrfan and Yusuf Pathan of India have both set the stadiums on fire on more than one occasion. But the best would be when both of them put together a partnership to take India home against Sri Lanka in the first T20I in the island.Irfan Pathan is a seam bowling all-rounder who is popular for his banana swing into right handers. His brother Yusuf Pathan is leather ball marauder who hits the ball a mile. Despite their on-field exploits being affluent, both of them were born in an impoverished family.Their father was a muezzin, someone who calls for prayers in a mosque. The Pathan brothers were so adhered to the game that their cricket had no bounds. His father often had to apologize to the worshippers for the intrusion caused by their cricket inside the mosque.AdvertisementEven though their father wanted them to become Islamic scholars their lust for cricket won the battle.Irfan Pathan made his debut for India in 2003. In 2006, he became the only bowler in history to take a hat-trick in the very first over of a test match. His prodigious swing made him to be compared to the likes of Wasim Akram and later with his improved batting forged a comparison between him and Kapil Dev.Yusuf, on the other hand. is a ball basher. He has two ODI hundreds and and some useful wickets with his smart off breaks.9 Dinesh ChandimalChandimal has had a roller coaster ride for Sri Lanka.From being a chucker for Dharmasoka College, he got a scholarship to play for Ananda College- one of Sri Lanka’s leading schools, captained his school’s first XI- the only student to do so after getting a scholarship, broke a school record that had stood for 40 years, was asked to join the NCC by Kumar Sangakkara, made a century at Lord’s, scored twin fifties in his test debut at Durban, was made the vice-captain of both Sri Lanka’s test and ODI teams, was made the captain of the T20 side, played in the 2014 WT20 as captain, then dropped himself midway through the tournament, was later axed from the helm and was finally dropped from the team.Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal, the man with a cherubic smile brought in what Mahela as a school kid dished out to cricket fans in the 90s. He was a prodigy who made his willow break records.AdvertisementChandimal started his cricket career at Dharmashoka Vidyalaya as an off spinner. After playing two games, he was found to be a chucker and was barred from bowling. His coach threw the keeping gloves at him and he held on to them firmly. Until 17, it was his skills behind the stumps that earned him a spot in the first XI. Before long, his batting improved and he earned a scholarship to Ananda College.But fate spun a plight around his life in the form of the boxing day Tsunami. The monster wave that struck the island in 2004, took his home, his cricket kits and everything else the family had along with it. Chandimal’s family was left wretched. Instead of lamenting over what has come to pass, the family relished the fact that it didn’t suffer any casualties.In Ananda, he became the captain of the side and went on to win 12 outright games for his school, the first such occurrence in Sri Lanka’s school history.His test debut incidentally came on the boxing day of 2011, exactly 7 years after the waves wrecked havoc with his family. Braving the venomous pace of the South Africans, Chandimal put the lessons of the tsunami into good effect showing gritty tenacity in helping Sri Lanka win their first test on the Proteas soil.10 Pulina TharangaThe Sri Lankan leg spinner’s tale is poignant and utterly devastating. The giant waves that destroyed most parts of South Asia in 2004, leaving indelible marks in the history of the nations sharing the Bengal Sea, didn’t fail to scar Pulina Tharanga’s life.As with all Sri Lankans, cricket was in his genes. He was born to a fishing family in the south coast of Sri Lanka in a poverty stricken village.Pulina wanted to play cricket but his parents eschewed him from pursuing his dreams since the family could not afford the expensive cricket equipment. But he furtively started playing cricket without any protective gears and earned his wing into the under eleven team.AdvertisementWhile his parents did extra jobs in addition to fishing to feed the family, Pulina continued playing cricket surreptitiously.At the dawn of 26th of December, 2004, Tharanga left for school to inform his coach of the leg injury he had sustained. The coach asked him not to go back home since there was a deluge in the village.The youngster didn’t pay much attention since the village getting flooded during high tides was a norm. He stayed at his friend's house and his brother came to pick him. On returning to the infernal wreckage of his village, he asked his brother as to where their mom was. “The sea has taken her away” came the answer. The sea that fed his family had now preyed upon his mother and the entire village. The fishing village was no more, his family’s livelihood was now a part of the history.Aged eleven, Tharanga was too obstinate and persistent to give up on his dreams.AdvertisementHe sought the help of Foundation of Goodness, a trust run by Murali, to help him materialize his dream. As a result, he got his first cricket gears and kits. But tragedy had found Pulina to be an excellent companion. Soon, the Lankan lad lost his father at sea. Having been orphaned in his teenage years, Pulina was too strong to be lamenting the loss he had incurred.Kushil Gunasekara, became Tharanga’s mentor, but he was reluctant to ask his mentor for money. On seeing Pulina’s unyielding love for cricket his grandmother paid for his cricketing expenses.His talent measured him up to play for Tamil Union Club. It was during that time a chance to play for Sri Lanka’s under 19 team came calling. In the trial match, Pulina scored 70 and picked up 4 wickets with his leg breaks.He became a part of the U19 squad to Australia for the world cup. Even though, Sri Lanka failed to make it to the top eight, Tharanga earned encomium from Sangakkara for an innings he played against South Africa.Tharanga walking in at Sri Lanka 68/6, made a fighting unbeaten 50 to take his team to a respectable total. His innings was a microcosm of his resilient character, the character that was moulded by monster waves, tragedies and poverty.Tharanga now makes 2000 Sri Lankan Rupees per first class game and returns them intact to his loving grandmother who helped resuscitate his cricket career. He still lives by his granny’s wise words, “Never ever play cricket for money.”CREDIT-Fauzan Fahad