mpg - 03 national study tour report (mit sog)

| MIT School of Government (MPG 03) 2007-08 1

REPORT ON NATIONAL STUDY TOUR TO DELHI

MPG BATCH 03

14th March 2008 – 23rd March 2008

Every year, the MIT School of Government organises a National Study tour to Delhi

– the capital of the country. As MIT School of Government is motivated with the

mission of ‘Kindling the Flame of Democratic Leadership’ it wants to equip the

students with the necessary knowledge about functioning of the democratic

institutions in the country. Hence through a study tour to Delhi, the students get an

opportunity to actually see and experience the functioning of Loksabha, Rajya

Sabha, various ministries and other political offices. Thus the purpose behind this

study tour is to make the students see the ‘corridors of power’ with their own eyes,

organising their interaction with prominent political leaders who can guide them for

their prospective political careers, arranging some meetings with important NGOs

and international organisations to view their functioning. Thus, overall this gives the

students a practical exposure to the functioning of democracy at the higher levels in

the country.

This year the MIT SOG National Study tour to the capital of the country – Delhi was

organised from 14th March 2008 to 29th March 2008. 32 participants accompanied

by faculty Ms. Mukta Kulkarni and Mr. Kapil Chandrayan left for Delhi by Jhelum

Express on 14th March 2008. The team reached Delhi on 15th March 2008. Dr. (Col.)

Sneh Sharma, Associate Director MIT SOG, Ms. Hemangini Shah, Faculty and Mr.

Sankalp Singhai joined the group later in Delhi. A delegation comprising of Ms.

Olivia Balak and 8 students from the Hague University, Netherlands also joined

them in Delhi for the entire study tour.


On 16th March 2008 i.e. the first day of the Study Tour, the group visited

important places and monuments in Delhi such as the Red Fort, Lotus Temple and

India Gate.

Red Fort

Lotus Temple India Gate


In the evening an appointment with veteran Congress leader Mr. Veerappa Moily

was scheduled at his residence. Mr. Moily, the Chairman of 2nd Administrative

Reforms Commission and Ex-Chief Minister of Karnataka spoke to the MIT SOG

participants for about an hour. He informed them about the various reports he has

submitted in the capacity of Chairman of Administrative Reforms Commission. He

gave an excellent lecture on necessary reforms in various organs of administration.

He also spoke about delimitation and employment guarantee. It was followed by a

very informative discussion.

Mr. Veerappa Moily

being felicitated by

Dr. (Col.) Sharma and

Mr. Pardeep Chowdhary

On the second day of the tour 17th March 2008, the MIT SOG team visited the

President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) at 10.00 am. Through a well-guided tour of

the Rashtrapati Bhavan, they got to see the grand edifice from inside. The

participants had the opportunity to see all the important places such as the Durbar

Hall, the Ashoka Hall, and the famous Mughal Garden etc.

MIT SOG Delegation

at

Rashtrapati Bhavan


After lunch the team departed for Center for Media Studies (CMS). Established in

1991, CMS is an independent, ‘not-for-profit’ organization dedicated to research-

driven initiatives that enable policy makers to take informed decisions on

development and social change to improve quality of life. CMS is widely recognized

for the rigor of its study methodologies, the innovative approaches that it brings to

research initiatives and for credibility of its findings. Our team interacted with Dr.

Bhaskar Rao, the force behind CMS and his colleagues. He spoke about the

necessity of having an alternate media and social research organization. He said

surveys and researches should finally help the society to grow. He also emphasized

the necessity of building up a strong and vibrant civil society. His colleagues spoke

about the various activities undertaken by CMS in the fields of Communication,

Environment, Education, and Health etc. Our team was inspired by the kind of work

CMS does and especially by their social concern.

Dr. Bhaskar Rao interacting

with the MIT-SOG team

After the visit to CMS, another

appointment was scheduled with

Mr. Om Prakash Kejriwal, Chief

Information Commissioner. In his

educative interaction with MIT SOG participants, he cleared their various doubts on

issues related to Right to Information Act and how it can be used as a means for

social change. He emphasised upon the responsibility of the youth to educate the

general populace in that regard. His interaction became quite interesting due to

various case studies and examples he gave to show how RTI is a potent weapon for

ensuring clean and effective administration.

Mr. Om Prakash Kejariwal

MIT-SOG students


From the information Commission’s office, the MIT SOG delegation rushed for the

next appointment with a senior leader, Mr. George Fernandes at his residence.

Mr. Fernandes, Hon. Member of Parliament, Rajyasabha, Ex-Defence Minister and

convener of NDA, gave his valuable time to the MIT SOG team, despite his failing

health. In an interactive session with the students, he lamented on the plight of

Indian democracy where dynastic politics has stifled the true spirit of democracy.

Ms. Jaya Jeitly, former President of Samata Party, joined the discussion after a

while. Ms. Jeitly who had already visited MIT SOG as an eminent faculty, again

appreciated the novel idea of the School of Government and shared some of the

valuable experiences in her political career with the participants. She also spoke

vehemently on the Tibet issue and violation of human rights in Tibet by the Chinese

authorities. Other issues such as Democracy in India, Women’s reservation also

came up during the course of discussion.

After that enlightening session, MIT SOG team retired back to the Hotel.

Mr. George Fernandes and Ms. Jaya Jeitly with MIT SOG team


On the third day of the tour, i.e. on 18th March 2008, the team visited the

Netherlands embassy and interacted with the senior officials there. It was a lively

discussion on the growing economy in India and its relationship with the

Netherlands. Topics such as the prospects of Indo-Dutch co-operation in various

sectors as the students from the Netherlands were also present. The team also

discussed about India as a South Asian power centre and the political scenario in

Netherlands as well.

From the Netherlands embassy, the MIT SOG team moved on to the

Parliament. After lunch at the Parliament’s canteen, the participants had a

session at the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training, whereby; the

functioning of the BPST was explained to them.

Later the team visited Loksabha and

Rajyasabha to witness the proceedings

from the visitors’ gallery. They had the

opportunity of listening to a discussion

on selection of news items in

Doordarshan. Eminent leaders such as Mr. Priyranjan Das Munshi, Smt.

Sushma Swaraj, Smt. Ambika Soni, and Mr. P. Chidambaram were present

during the discussions in Rajyasabha. After coming out of the House, the

MIT SOG participants had an opportunity to briefly meet Mr. P.

Chidambaram and Mr. Sitaram Yechuri.


Later in the evening, a High Tea was organised by Mr. B. J. Panda, Hon. Member

of Parliament, Rajyasabha at his residence for the MIT SOG delegation. In an

informal though interesting conversation with Mr. Panda, a young parliamentarian

from Orissa, informed us about his views on education, globalisation,

industrialisation etc. He also gave information about the efforts being taken by the

young parliamentarians, cutting across party lines, for understanding the

developmental issues facing the country. He also stressed on the need of

professionalism in the field of politics.

Mr. B.J. Panda explaining a point MIT SOG team with Mr. B.J. Panda

On the fourth day of the Study Tour i.e. on 19th March 2008 the MIT SOG

delegation visited an NGO called MARG (Multiple Action Research Group) in the

morning. Ms. Abha Singhal Joshi, the Executive Director, informed about the

functions of the organization, their vision and mission in general. MARG basically

works in the area of Legal literacy, Women and Children, Displacement and

Rehabilitation. The importance of educating our populace in legal matters became

clear to everyone after listening to the lecture at MARG.

Smt. Abha Singhal Joshi

addressing the students


Later on the MIT SOG team visited the RSS headquarters where they understood

the idea of Hindutva as well as the concept on which the RSS functions. The

philosophy of RSS was explained by Shri. Ram Madhav, Secretary, Organisational

Committee, RSS. He explained how the image presented by the media is distorted

and misguiding. There was a short film, which depicted how RSS serves the

humanity through its sincerity and commitment. Shri. Madan Das Devi, Deputy

Secretary, RSS and a senior RSS leader, also joined the interaction later on. After

the formal session, the MIT SOG participants had an informal interaction with Mr.

Ram Madhav over working lunch hosted by the RSS.

Shri Madan Das Devi and Shri Ram Madhav with the MIT SOG delegation


From the RSS headquarters, the MIT SOG team headed towards another

organization called Centre for Policy Research (CPR). The CPR was established in

1973 as a non-profit Society in Delhi. The CPR is an autonomous institution with the

objective of studying major policy issues before the nation and suggesting

alternative policy options. The CPR conceives of its larger role as one of contributing

to the clarifications of the continuing national debate on the present and future

development of the Indian society. The CPR works in close cooperation with policy

makers both political and administrative, academic policy researchers and the

media. It seeks to bring together on each issue, the key policy actors, namely,

politicians, policy thinkers, and administrators. Our team interacted with a

research wing of CPR, namely PRS Legislative Research. PRS Legislative Research is

an independent research initiative that aims to strengthen the legislative debate by

making it better informed, more transparent and participatory. PRS is the first

initiative of its kind in India. Young and dynamic researchers like Ms. Kaushiki

Sanyal, Senior Analyst; Mr. Chakshu Roy, Analyst; Ms. Priya Narayan Parker,

Analyst interacted with the participants. They informed us about their work, which

includes providing a brief and concise form of information on various bills to the

Members of Parliament. The interaction was followed by an interactive session.

Mr. Chakshu Roy-felicitated by Dr. (Col.) Sharma The PRS team

Later in the evening the team visited the headquarters of Forward Bloc. Founded by

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, this party adheres to socialist ideology. Mr.

Debabrata Biswas, General Secretary, Forward Bloc addressed the participants.

He spoke on Farmers’ issues, pro-poor policies and lastly the life of Netaji.


The lecture was intellectual and informative. They provided each of the participants

a set of essential writings of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Mr. Debabrata Biswas being

felicitated by Dr. (Col.) Sharma

The next appointment was with Mr. Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya

Sabha. He spoke about the Parliamentary system and the role of a Deputy

Chairman in Rajya Sabha. He also spoke on politics in general and the necessity for

active participation of youth in politics. It was a very fruitful interaction for the

students

Mr. Rehman Khan interacting with participants


Later in the evening the MIT SOG delegation met Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Hon’ble

Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment. He gave variety of information

related to his portfolio and his party. His talks on child labour, Rural Employment

Guarantee Scheme and women’s problems in job were extremely insightful.

Mr. Oscar Fernandes addressing students A group photo

On the fifth day of the Study Tour i.e. 20th March 2008 was a full-packed day.

The delegation met Mr. Sudhindra Kulkarni who handled the media cell for Shri

Atal Bihari Vajypee ji, our former Prime Minister. He shared his experiences as a

writer and a media adviser to the Ex-Prime Minister. He emphasized on the

importance of political communication. He also talked about various issues facing

the BJP as well as the entire country in general.

Shri Sudhindra Kulkarni

with MIT SOG Staff


This meeting was followed by a very interesting and inspiring interaction with Dr.

Kiran Bedi, the first woman IPS officer in India. In a very informal and affectionate

manner, she made the participants feel comfortable and at home. Her warmth and

hospitality touched the hearts of the participants. She narrated about the turning

points in her life that made her what she is today-Kiran Bedi-a fearless, efficient

officer and a woman with the spirit of ‘Never Say Die’. She spoke freely and frankly

about her experiences in her career as an IPS officer. She also spoke about her

decision to take voluntary retirement because of her inner urge for ‘change’ and

doing something different. Her energy, enthusiasm and clarity of thoughts

impressed all the participants. Her views on feminism, women’s role in family and

the society and on various social and political issues were so thought provoking that

the participants kept pondering upon them even after the meeting was over.

Smt. Kiran Bedi A group photo


In the afternoon the team visited CNN-IBN headquarters in Noida and got an opportunity to understand

working of the organization. Unfortunately Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai, the Editor-in-Chief could not meet the

team, as he had to leave for an urgent assignment to the Parliament. The visit to CNN-IBN was short but

it gave an idea about the functioning of a news channel. Mr. Radhakrishnan, Executive Editor

took the team around and explained the functioning of the entire organisation. In the course of

discussion, he emphasized on the media ethics and also quoted examples from his own channel to prove

that.

Mr. Radhakrishnan CNN IBN office

The last interaction of the day was in the Election Commission’s office. The MIT

SOG team was addressed by Mr. R. Balakrishnan and Mr. J.P. Prakash, the

Deputy Election Commissioners. Mr. Mendiratta, legal advisor was also present

during the interaction. Election Commission being the key institution in the

democratic process in India, the aspiring political leaders from MIT SOG were very

keen on asking a lot of questions to them. During the discussion a lot of issues like

recognizing a political party or debarring any party engaged in divisive, communal

or sectarian propaganda, comparison between the political system in India and

some of the developed countries like US, growth of regional parties etc came up.

The Deputy Election Commissioners handled all the queries of the participants in a

satisfactory manner. They also made them realize the massive scale of the Election

Commission’s work, considering the huge population and vast territory of India.


Mr. Balakrishnan, Mr. J.P. Prakash and Mr. Mehndiratta

addressing an attentive audience

On the sixth day of the Study Tour i.e. on 21st March 2008 the MIT SOG team

visited the BJP headquarters early in the morning. A galaxy of senior BJP leaders

such as Mr.Tarun Vijay, Mr.Pyarelal Khandelwal, Smt.Sushma Swaraj. Mr.

Prakash Jawadekar and youth leader Mr. Amit Thakar interacted with the

participants.

Mr. Tarun Vijay with Dr. (Col.) Sharma Shri Pyarelal Khandelwal

Mr. Tarun Vijay, former Editor of Panchjanya and now the head of BJP think Tank,

faced questions with comfort and calmness. He explained the theory of

uncompromising Hindutva.

Mr. Pyarelal Khandelwal, a senior BJP leader spoke about his Party’s evolution

and progress throughout these years.


Mr. Prakash Javadekar, Spokesperson, BJP and current BJP nominee for

Rajyasabha anwered some of the queries of the participants. Smt. Sushma

Swaraj who has won the Best Parliamentarian award mesmerized the participants

with her commanding style, her clarity of thoughts and her impressive personality.

In an interactive session, she expressed her opinion on various issues such as pride

and honor of Hindi, the National language, hurdles faced by women in taking up

politics as a profession, women’s reservation bill, future prospects for BJP etc. She

clarified BJP’s stand on Sethu Samudram Project. She also spoke about the

leadership hierarchy in BJP. Thus it was a very lively and informative interaction.

Shri Prakash Jawdekar Smt. Sushama Swaraj

After a wonderful lunch in BJP headquarters the team headed towards the NCP

headquarters and met Mr.Tariq Anwar who explained the process of emergence of

NCP. He also informed about his own journey into politics. The NCP ideology, its

stand on Raj Thackerey issue and its policies on agriculture were some other topics

of relevance.

Mr. Tarik Anwar with Dr. (Col.) Sharma A group photo


In the afternoon the MIT SOG team was fortunate to have an interaction with Mr.

Prithvi Raj Chavan, Hon’ble Minister of State at Prime Minister’s Office (P.M.O)

who enlightened the participants with his knowledge in the political arena. Coming

from an influential political family in Maharashtra, Mr. Chavan narrated his own life

story especially about his entry into politics and his political career thereafter. He

explained the work of the PMO and his own contribution to that. He also spoke on

nuclear energy and the developments in the department of Space. Later he

answered some of the queries of the students.

Shri Prithviraj Chavan interacting with the group A group photo with students from Netherlands

The last appointment of the day was with Mr. Navin Jindal, a young and dynamic

parliamentarian from Kurukshetra, Haryana, who believes in the philosophy of

action. He narrated the success story of his efforts to make the National Flag

accessible to all the citizens. He inspired the students to take action and make the

change happen. He also briefed about his own constituency, the efforts taken by

him for developing it, which later on the MIT SOG team was to study as a

‘Constituency Study’ Project. He also talked about the role of youth in politics. His

youthfulness, enthusiasm and commitment was quite appealing to the young would

be leaders.

Mr. Navin Jindal A group photo


Seventh day of the tour i.e. 22nd March 2008 was a festival day as entire north

India celebrates Holi on the same day. The day began with a visit to Shri. Atal

Bihari Vajpayee at his residence. A huge crowd consisting of senior leaders from

across the parties, party activists and common people had gathered at the

respected former Prime minister’s house to greet him on the auspicious occasion of

Holi. A smiling Atal jee was welcoming and accepting the greeting of every one with

warmth and patience.

MIT SOG team with Shri Atal bihari Vajpeyee

Later the team met Mr. Ashok Tanwar at Indian Youth congress office. It was a

brief but fruitful interaction.

Mr. Ashok Tanwar Felicitated by Assoc. Dir. MIT-SOG

Then the students got an opportunity to meet Shri. L.K. Advani, the Prime

Ministerial candidate of BJP at his residence. Extremely fit and energetic, Shri

Advani ji, interacted with the students in a very matured and polite manner. A

reference to his quite recently published autobiography-‘My Country, My Life’ was

inevitable. He spoke frankly about the important events in his political career. He

answered the queries of the participants.


Shri L.K.Advani addressing the students Students taking autographs on the autobiography

The last meeting of the day was with Mr. Natwar Singh, former Minister of External

Affairs. His wide range of knowledge and vast experience was evident from his

conversation. He spoke on various topics such as

India’s stand on Tibetan issue, the mistakes done in

Sri Lankan Conflict, Indo-US nuclear deal etc. later he

showed his huge personal library to the students.

Overall it was an intellectually stimulating interaction.

Shri Natwar Singh showing his library

The eighth and the last day in Delhi i.e. 23rd March 2008, the MIT SOG team

saw Qutub Minar, where they were mesmerized by the splendid architecture. Later

they visited the Samadhi of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Then the team departed for Kurukhetra, Haryana for their Constituency Study

project.

Thus, overall it was a very meaningful and fruitful study tour, where the students

were enriched with a variety of experiences. Various historical places made them

proud about the glorious past of our country. The highest offices in the country

such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament instilled a desire in the minds of the

students to come to that level. Interactions with leaders of high stature inspired

them to embark upon a journey following their footprints. The functioning of

selfless and socially committed NGOs motivated them to take up some social cause.

Thus the purpose of the tour was very well served and the team moved on

satisfactorily towards the next destination.

mpg - 03 national study tour report (mit sog)

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