How they make it accessible Essay Example Essay Example

How they make it accessible Essay Example Paper How they make it accessible Essay Introduction Shakespeare is a difficult text for most 16 year olds to understand. His use of Shakespearian phrasing and poetic iambic pentameter makes the text difficult. We have been studying Franco Zefferelli’s Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrman’s Romeo and Juliet. Film directors like Baz Luhrman and Franco Zefferelli have borne this in mine when making films of the play and have adopted different strategies to make the play more accessible for teenagers.Franco Zefferelli’s film was made in 1968 in a traditional medieval setting in which Shakespeare set the play. Zefferelli’s career as an opera director is put to spectacular use in the movie by his use of medieval clothing and props and music, which creates a very visual image of the Shakespearian times.To attract younger audiences he uses very young actors in Romeo and Juliet to play lead role. The older actors were established Shakespearean actors who had long experience in playing Shakespearian roles.Zefferelli focu ses on the main action in the play cutting the secondary stories the more reflective scenes. However Zefferelli expands Act 3 scene 1 by extending the fighting much more than it is in the play.Baz Luhrman’s version of Romeo and Juliet was set in a modern American society with modern clothing and buildings. We see traffic, police helicopters flying, tall skyscrapers, road and gang casualties and scenes of overall chaos. This world that the viewers are shown is overwhelmed with violence which emphasizes the initial fight scene in Act 1 Scene1, which is much like the beginning scene of the Zefferelli’s Romeo and Juliet. However Baz Luhrman exploits and emphasises the violence in his movie and creates a gun instead of a sword culture, so it is more appealing. This shows Baz Luhrman made a much greater effort to make the play accessible and appeal to a much younger and wider audience.In his movie you can differentiate which characters belong to which family. Baz Luhrman doe s this by dressing the two families in different styles of clothes. The Montague’s with light hair and brightly coloured surfing clothes. The Capulet’s with dark hair and dark leather clothes. Both the families are like gangs with their own identity and they are resembled like the Mafia gang culture.Luhrman also substitutes the sword for the gun in his version of Romeo and Juliet. To make it appeal to a wider audience and therefore makes it much more accessible for teenagers because the use of guns is linked more with the youth culture today.In Luhrman’s film the images and references are much more recognisable to a younger audience. There are references to soap opera, gangster films and westerns all of which are used to help young people understand Shakespeare’s words. The film adopts a much more frenetic style of filming which adds to the tension and creates edgier aspects to the film. It also prevents young people getting lost in the film and becoming bored.I will be focusing on Act 3 Scene 1. This scene is pivotal to the rest of the play, as without it there would be romance rather than tragedy.In Act 3 Scene 1 Baz Luhrman makes the weather an effective device in symbolising and reflecting the mood in the scene. The day starts off scorching hot but there is still an element of tension. This gives the audience a sense of fear and anticipation that something will happen. As the Capulet’s stride towards the Montague’s the weather begins to change the sky clouds over and the whole place seems to darken the whole setting-a technique to signify something dire will occur.Zefferelli also places heavy emphasis on the weather. The lighting is very bright so it emphasises the heat of the day, directing Mercutio to mop his face with a handkerchief. The humidity of the scene is pivotal because it causes Mercutio to climb into a fountain to cool off, thereby providing an opportunity for Tybalt to splash him, and start the fight that results in both their deathsBoth directors use a very hot setting. Zefferelli plays Act 1 Scene 3 market square. This was effective because it was set where the play is. This helped the film fit the script and was appropriate. He also uses deserted surrounding, which represents the heat of the day, and dusty streets like old westerns. This all adds effect of the time that it is taking place. When the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt starts, the fight has a very jocular approach to it with laughing and boys having fun. This also helps the viewer understand the death was an accident and was a mistake.However Luhrman sets his scene on the shores of Verona Beach which moves on to an old theatre which is broken in half, this reminds the viewers of the original play which was set on the stage. Also, by putting the stage in the scene where the fight is happening, Luhrman might be trying to illustrate that the whole of these two families lives is on a stage, where audiences watch what is going to and about to happen in the play. Luhrman’s change of setting helps create a more enticing fight and keeps the viewers interested.Sound effects are always vital in films like this to enhance the dramatic effect and build the tension. Luhrman uses thunder to create tension. The sound is used to create the unsettling atmospheric mood of danger and loss throughout the whole scene.The first piece of music you really notice is when the Capulet’s Approach the Montague’s on the beach it is best described as â€Å"gangster music† its quite quiet but noticeable and makes you feel that on of the gangs will lash out at any moment. There is then a change in music when Romeo enters the scene there is a sudden change in music to represent Romeos character, peaceful and calm.However when Romeo is in his car chasing Tybalt the sound of his engine drowns anything else out even though there is some background music. When Romeo and Tybalt are fighting under the statue there is music but it soon fades out to silence as Tybalt drops his weapon. All that can be heard after this is Romeo pick up the gun and shoot Tybalt after this he drops the weapon to the floor and looks up aghast at the statue above loud dramatic classical music is played; this all adds to the growing tension and leaves the audience in shock. When Romeo drops the gun it drops in slow motion and silence but the sound of it hitting the floor is very clear and loud, this helps the audience what he has done. The sound effects and music helps teenagers to get more in to the movie. The music is appealing to wider audiences and helps audiences get in to the movieIn Zefferelli’s play music isn’t used greatly, it is used in short amounts at key points to help build tension and convey feeling, like at the point where we find out Mercutio is dead, there is a short piece of tragic music, this helps the audience understand that the play has changed from a romance to a trag edy.Most of the others sounds in the play are of speech, because even though Zefferelli focuses on the action and draws out the fight scene, the action never draws away from the words, they are an important part of his play. There are church bells tolling in the background at the beginning of the scene, a reminder of the marriage that has just taken place. Bells also close the scene, being audible just after the death of Tybalt. To show turning points in the play.Perhaps the most important aspect of this film is the way Luhrman uses his camera angles to add tension and drama. In Luhrman’s play the camera angles are changed much more rapidly. Quick movements across the camera and panning help indicate the speed and chaos of the scene. Luhrman has the ability to make people look powerful or weak and does this very well. When the Capulet’s approach the Montague’s they show low angle shots on both Tybalt and Mercutio who are the two most powerful characters in the p lay. This low angle shot make the person look powerful and creates a kind of showdown atmosphere between Mercutio and Tybalt also in this part of the scene it shows close ups on the other Montague’s and shows their intense fear of the Capulet’s.Later on during the fight between Romeo and Tybalt it shows a close up of Tybalts face to show his intense hatred of Romeo a close up of Romeo’s face is also shown he seems to want to be at peace with the Capulets due to his recent marriage with Juliet. When Tybalt strikes Romeo to the ground a high angle shot looks down on Romeo and makes him look helpless. A low angle shot is then shown to make Tybalt look powerful .Later on as Mercutio punches Tybalt to the ground a high angle shot makes Tybalt look weak.When Romeo chases Tybalt in his car a close up is shown on Romeo’s face entranced with rage. Another shot goes to a close up on Tybalt who looks guilty and repentant what he has done has just sunk in. A high ang le shot shows the cars as Romeo rams the Back of Tybalt’s. Once out of the car both men scramble for Tybalt’s gun and Tybalt picks it up first. Then he points the gun at Romeo who has lost any care for his own life because he is so enraged and he walks towards and forces Tybalt’s gun to his head. This is a very ironic piece of film as Tybalt is the man with the gun but Romeo is the more powerful of the two a high angle shot shows this.When Romeo picks up the gun Tybalt had dropped and fires into Tybalt, close ups on Romeo’s face show he is crying as he fires the gun into Tybalt who’s face is shown in slow motion as his body jerks with the force of the bullets hitting him A high angle shot shows Tybalt floating lifelessly in the water underneath the statue then a high angle shot shows a repentant and tearful Romeo staring up at the statue. You see all the anger drain from him and this is replaced by guilt.In the Zefferelli version, longer camera sho ts are taken in a much more conventional way. This is less interesting but gives more depth to each take, because of this the pace is much slower which makes the film less gripping. Blurred effects are also used later to show more clearly the growing tension.After having seen both versions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet I think that each film was made for a very different reason. I think that Zefferelli’s film was made to be as accurate to the original as possible but I think that Luhrman wanted to modernise the play for a modern audience.However I think Baz Luhrmans production of Romeo and Juliet is more appealing to younger audiences because it is contemporary to their time. They can relate to this because they already know about settings and situation in the film which may interest them. I think it is easier to interpret the meaning of the difficult text and the use of guns and other modern props make it so. How they make it accessible Essay Thank you for reading this Sample!

Berthe Morisot Bio - French Impressionist Painter

Berthe Morisot Bio - French Impressionist Painter Movement, Style, Type or School of Art: Impressionism Date and Place of Birth: January 14, 1841, Bourges, Cher, France Life: Berthe Morisot led a double life. As the daughter of Edme Tiburce Morisot, a high-level government official, and Marie Cornà ©lie Mayniel, also the daughter of a high-level government official, Berthe was expected to entertain and cultivate the right â€Å"social connections.† Married at the advanced age of 33 to Eugà ¨ne Manet (1835-1892) on December 22, 1874, she entered into a suitable alliance with the Manet family, also members of the haute bourgeois (upper middle class), and she became Édouard Manets sister-in-law. Édouard Manet (1832-1883) had already introduced Berthe to Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro - the Impressionists. Before becoming Madame Eugà ¨ne Manet, Berthe Morisot established herself as a professional artist. Whenever she had time, she painted in her very comfortable residence in Passy, a fashionable suburb just outside of Paris (now part of the wealthy 16th arrondissement). However, when visitors came to call, Berthe Morisot hid her paintings and presented herself once again as a conventional society hostess in the sheltered world outside the city. Morisot may have come from an august artistic lineage. Some biographers claim that her grandfather or granduncle was the Rococo artist Jean-Honorà © Fragonard (1731-1806). Art historian Anne Higonnet claims that Fragonard may have been an indirect relative. Tiburce Morisot came from a skilled artisanal background. During the nineteenth century, haute bourgeois women did not work, did not aspire to achieve recognition outside the home and did not sell their modest artistic accomplishments. These young ladies might have received a few art lessons to cultivate their natural talents, as demonstrated in the exhibition Playing with Pictures, but their parents did not encourage pursuing a professional career. Madame Marie Cornà ©lie Morisot raised her lovely daughters with the same attitude. Intent on developing a basic appreciation for art, she arranged for Berthe and her two sisters Marie-Elizabeth Yves (known as Yves, born in 1835) and Marie Edma Caroline (known as Edma, born in 1839) to study drawing with the minor artist Geoffrey-Alphonse-Chocarne. The lessons did not last long. Bored with Chocarne, Edma and Berthe moved on to Joseph Guichard, another minor artist, who opened their eyes to the greatest classroom of all: the Louvre. Then Berthe began to challenge Guichard and the Morisot ladies were passed on to Guichards friend Camille Corot (1796-1875). Corot wrote to Madame Morisot: With characters like your daughters, my teaching will make them painters, not minor amateur talents. Do you really understand what that means? In the world of the grande bourgeoisie in which you move, it would be a revolution. I would even say a catastrophe. Corot was a not a clairvoyant; he was a seer. Berthe Morisots dedication to her art brought on terrible periods of depression as well as extreme exultation. To be accepted into the Salon, complemented by Manet or invited to exhibit with the emerging Impressionists gave her tremendous satisfaction. But she always suffered from insecurity and self-doubt, typical of a woman competing in a mans world. Berthe and Edma submitted their work to the Salon for the first time in 1864. All four works were accepted. Berthe continued to submit their work and exhibited in the Salon of 1865, 1866, 1868, 1872, and 1873. In March 1870, as Berthe prepared to send off her painting Portrait of the Artists Mother and Sister to the Salon, Édouard Manet dropped by, proclaimed his approval and then proceeded to add a few accents from top to bottom. My only hope is to be rejected, Berthe wrote to Edma. I think its miserable. The painting was accepted. Morisot met Édouard Manet through their mutual friend Henri Fantan-Latour in 1868. Over the next few years, Manet painted Berthe at least 11 times, among them: The Balcony, 1868-69 Repose: Portrait of Berthe Morisot, 1870 Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets, 1872 Berthe Morisot in a Mourning Hat, 1874 On January 24, 1874, Tiburce Morisot died. In the same month, the Socià ©tà © Anonyme Coopà ©rative started to make plans for an exhibition that would be independent of the governments official exhibition the Salon. Membership required 60 francs for dues and guaranteed a place in their exhibition plus a share of the profits from the sale of the artworks. Perhaps losing her father gave Morisot the courage to become involved with this renegade group. They opened their experimental show on April 15, 1874, which became known as the First Impressionist Exhibition. Morisot participated in all but one of the eight Impressionist exhibitions. She missed the fourth exhibition in 1879 due to the birth of her daughter Julie Manet (1878-1966) that previous November. Julie became an artist too. After the eighth Impressionist exhibition in 1886, Morisot concentrated on selling through Durand-Ruel Gallery and in May 1892 she mounted her first and only one-woman show there. However, just a few months before the show, Eugà ¨ne Manet passed away. His loss devastated Morisot. I dont want to live anymore, she wrote in a notebook. The preparations gave her a purpose to go on and eased her through this painful sorrow. Over the next few years, Berthe and Julie became inseparable. And then Morisots health failed during a bout of pneumonia. She died on March 2, 1895. The poet Stà ©phane Mallarmà © wrote in his telegrams: I am the bearer of terrible news: our poor friend Mme. Eugà ¨ne Manet, Berthe Morisot, is dead. These two names in one announcement call attention to the dual nature of her life and two identities which shaped her exceptional art. Important Works: Portrait of the Artists Mother and Sister, 1870. The Cradle, 1872. Eugà ¨ne Manet and his Daughter [Julie] in the Garden at Bougival, 1881. At the Ball, 1875. Reading, 1888. The Wet-Nurse, 1879. Self-Portrait, ca. 1885. Date and Place of Death: March 2, 1895, Paris Sources: Higonnet, Anne. Berthe Morisot.New York: HarperCollins, 1991. Adler, Kathleen. The Suburban, the Modern and Une dame de Passy Oxford Art Journal, vol. 12, no. 1 (1989): 3 - 13

Argument on Gay Marriage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Argument on Gay Marriage - Research Paper Example Same – sex marriages have good aspects and bad aspects depending on which paradigm it is being assessed in to. The way I shall approach this paradigms are dependent on the current political discourse and on the social order of things. In the current political discourse, the Republicans are the ones who are strongly in opposition with the legalization of same – sex marriages; with the exception of Fred Karger. Fred Karger is an openly gay person who is vying for the presidential seat (Harris). He is the only in the whole nomination list of the Republicans who is in support of same – sex marriages, which is totally in contrast with his fellow Republican who are aspirants for the candidacy (2012 Republican Candidates). What makes him apart from the other nominees aside from being a supporter and part of the LGBT community? The answer is plain and simple. Each of them has separate standards. In most cases, the paradigms of the other potential bearers are mostly guide d by religious conventions. Assessing the paradigms, there are several contentions that must be engaged carefully. Political activity is considered to be free of any detrimental conditions. If there is a principle of separation of church and state in a democratic society like the United States, then there is a need to fully implement this matter. In a civil society, there is a need to secure the rights of the people because choices are part of it. Should anyone be deprived of their choice because of sexual orientation? Definitely, it should not be. Discrimination is seriously dealt with by constitutions where people should not be discriminated because of the choices made (Johnson and Kuttner 183). In this case, it can be considered that sexual orientation is also a preference that should be discriminated. Individuals have the freedom to decide what they want to do with their lives and the government must secure all the possible means to ensure that these liberties are protected. Rel igion, in most instances, has provided a fundamentalist approach when it comes sexuality due to institutionalized ethics it propagated (Johnson and Kuttner 180). This is where most of the contentions about sexuality and gender comes in. Does the religion have the right to forbade people who want to pursue their ideal as part of LGBT community? No. In order to fully understand this matter, there is a need to point out that marriages have certain types: the religious and the civil marriage. In religious marriage, sex and sexuality are means for procreation. In civil marriages, there is a need to include the freedom to choose partners. Marriage, in a strict sense, is a basic civil right (Johnson and Kuttner 186). People who are religious may opt to have a civil marriage, a religious marriage or both. All of them still boil down to the choice of those who wants to get married. Now, do LGBT couples would opt to have a religious marriage? Most likely, they would not. They would prefer to have a civil marriage where there is no religious intervention. The very act of the conservative and religious orders in preventing same – sex marriage is already an imposition. The predicament is plain and simple. LGBT marriages face double standards which can be quite problematic due to interference. In my opinion, I would even be sensitive to the LGBT couples attitudes and

Predicting Individual and Group Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Predicting Individual and Group Behavior - Essay Example ndividual and Group Behavior in Schools is vital, Principal Harris went the opposite direction, he should have established a prudent connection with Mrs. Harmon, the other faculty heads and staff in general immediately after noticing the negative vibe emanating from them and considered their alternative proposals closely. The last meeting would have given him an insight about Mrs. Harmon and the likes wants namely; additional pay for the extra task delegated to them and flexible time allocation that would facilitate the research hence improving the schools instructional platform (Senge, 2001). These were important connotations that Principal Harris would have taken care off at the first light to get a better result oriented scenario. Principal Harris lacked a proper time management platform in achieving instructional plan for the school amongst the available human resource at his disposal. He should have effectively delegated the tasks that involved the whole school fraternity; faculty, staff and community so as to be more thorough in obtaining the right information for best model formulation and in the process saving time, a very valuable tool in task execution in any organization. Instead he only gave the task to his immediate deputies Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Harmon leaving out the rest of the workforce and stakeholders. Task delegation scenario is put at risk here because of only entrusting a fraction of the entire workforce and interested parties like the parents and the community at large that supposedly the teachers were against. The internal environment of the school seemed to be discordant and not influential for best performance and productivity. A culture of uniformity in values and the school’s go als and objectives needs to be revisited and the faculty together with the staff trained either through workshops, seminars or webinars, the importance of uniformity in the school’s core value of always improving students’ performance in accordance with the

Information Systems Essay Example for Free

Information Systems Essay An information system (IS) collects, processes, stores, analyzes, and disseminates information for a specific purpose. Like any other system, an information system includes inputs (data, instructions) and outputs (reports, calculations). It processes the inputs by using technology such as PCs and produces outputs that are sent to users or to other systems via electronic networks and a feedback mechanism that controls the operation. Information systems generally are classified into five categories: office information systems, transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems, and expert systems. McD Information system There are many types of information systems used in McDonalds such as : Transaction Processing System (TPS) First transaction happens when two people make an exchange, and collecting data about it called transaction processing, so transaction processing is collecting, storing, modifying, and retrieving the transactions of an organization. Transaction system is important to answer routine questions, and it helps to conduct business such as payroll, employee record keeping or paying an employee. Its important to store the data of the transaction save and protected because transaction generally involves an exchange of money which is critical to any organization. How Transaction Processing System is implementing in McDonalds? McDonalds everyday sells a huge amount of hamburgers ,so McDonalds should order raw material from its supplier , each time McDonalds place an order with its supplier , a transaction happens , and the transaction processing system records the relevant information such as supplier ‘name , address , the quality of the items purchased and finally the invoice amount. Decision support system (DSS) Decision support system is used to model data and make quality decision based on the data , making the right decision is usually based on the quality of the data and ones ability to analyze the data , Decision Support Systems are usually computer applications with a human component. They can sift through large amounts of data and pick between the many choices and supports the non – routine decision. How decision support system implemented in McDonalds? At first McDonalds began as a small restaurant, selling foods to customers , the business expanded slowly ,then McDonalds analyze the market well to come with opportunity, as we know we live in the time of technology , so McDonalds thought of providing wireless services , so the company gather information about the customer usage of wireless services , length of stay and sales level , then the decision support system analyze the data to come up with the decision of providing wireless service in their restaurant. Management Information Systems (MIS) Management information system is a system that provides information needed to manage organizations effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: technology, information, and people, and the most important resource is people, the information that we get supports the routine decision making in the functional areas How Management Information System is implemented in McDonalds? In McDonalds they implement MIS system which is used to produce periodic reports such as a daily list of employees and the hours they work, or a monthly report of expenses as compared to a budget. McDonalds used MIS because the purpose of MIS is to provide profitability and information to help managers and staff understand the business performance and plan its future direction.

The Character of Uncle Ben in Death of a Salesman Essay -- Death Sales

The Character of Uncle Ben in Death of a Salesman The character of Ben in Arthur Miller's Death of A Salesman serves a complex dramatic function.   He is Willy Loman's real brother, the idealized memory of that brother, and an aspect of Willy's own personality, and these distinct functions are sometimes simultaneous.   Through his aggressive actions and vibrant speech, the audience is given a strong contrast to Willy's self-doubt and self-contradiction.   In addition, the encounters between Ben and Willy serve as an extended examination of professional and familial morality.   Finally, Ben personifies the burden of Willy's expectations in regards to both material success and the proper role of a father. The most fundamental of Ben's characteristics evident in his language is his haste.   Appearing in the middle of Willy and Charley's card game, Ben's first words are, "I only have a few minutes"   (45).   He makes his departure shortly after announcing, "I'll be late for my train"   (52).   During his second appearance, he declares, "I haven't much time" and "I've got to go"   (85-6).   These lines are emblematic.   In the two scenes with his brother that are based on Willy's memories, Ben comes and goes when he chooses, despite sometimes desperate pleas that he stay.   This is in direct contrast to Willy, whose life has been structured around appointments and whose livelihood depends on the forbearance of near strangers. Because of his position as a traveling salesman, Willy never controls the parameters of his interaction with other people.   He calls upon customers and must depend upon their willingness to see him in order to make a living.   Willy's affair with The Woman is only partially motivated by a need for sexual fulfillme... ...l Ben.   The briefness of these meetings also serves to convince Willy of his own inferiority by concealing any difficulties that might have existed in Ben's life.   Ben has exactly the wrong degree of interaction with Willy.   If he were entirely absent, he would not haunt his younger brother so.   If he were more fully present, he would either have been of more comfort to Willy, or have been revealed as a more fully human, less mythic character.   As it is, Ben serves only to remind him of his past loss, emphasize his current failure, and provide the means of his final destruction. Works Cited Centola, Steven R.   "Family Values in Death of A Salesman."   CLA Journal.   37.1 (1993):   29-41. Jacobsen, Irving F.   "Family Dreams in Death of A Salesman."   American Literature.   47 (1975):   247-58. Miller, Arthur.   Death of A Salesman.   New York:   Penguin, 1976.

Republic Day

Dear brothers and sisters, India celebrates our 63nd Republic Day which is one of three national days in India. Commonly 63rd Republic Day is a public holiday in most of the countries to honor the day on which the country first became republics. In such some are Commonwealth countries, the British sovereign was ruling the state until the change of status. Even though India obtained freedom on August 15, 1947, Indian Constitution implemented and came into effect only on January 26, 1950. King George VI, the last and only â€Å"King† of the modern India, was leading our state during the evolution period from 1947 to 1950. Lord Mountbatten and C. Rajagopalachari were serving as the Governors-General of India at that time. Afterwards Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first president of India on January 26, 1950. With this the Parliament officially approved the Constitution of India and declared itself as a â€Å"Republic† on January 26, 1950, a date thereafter celebrated every year as Republic Day in India. The Constitution had been prepared by the Constituent Assembly based upon India is becoming the liberal from the British rulers in 1947. So we can consider 26th of January was initially India's â€Å"Independence Day†. As everybody know Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation, had taken a lot of efforts to get freedom for India by many symbolic acts during India's Freedom Struggle against the British colonial rule. Acceptation of the Constitution on January 26, had given an extra strength to Country that has obtained liberty from the British Raj on August 15, 1947. There are two other annual national holidays in India apart from Republic day. One is Independence Day on August 15, 1947 and other one is birthday of Mohandas K Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. Lets talk about India Republic Day celebration official celebration in New Delhi. According to he Republic Day celebration on January 26th every year a grand parade is held in New Delhi, the Capital of India, beginning from Raisina Hill near the Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan, along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort in the heart of the city to honor this occasion. Defence forces of state, Indian Army force, t he Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force performs the past in parade with their ceremonial dress and official decorations on this auspicious occasion of Republic Day. The President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute from the parade. There will be an invited Head of State of another nation as Chief Guest of the parade which is the highlights of Republic Day celebrations. The Republic day parade also involves many customary dance groups, to signify the cultural legacy of India. At the end of parade Air Force jets perform a colourful flypast by in a tiranga formation which is adventurous and eye-catching at a time. Similar celebrations with such parades are held in the capitals of all the states of India on the Republic day. The Governor of the each state takes the salute in their respective celebrations. More over all official government offices will also celebrate this national day which is also considered as people's day. At the beginning of parade on Republic day, the Prime Minister of India wears a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, honoring all the jawans who missed their worth lives for the country in the war. Then he address the public and give Republic day message in his Republic day speech. Next to this the President comes in his motorcade with the escorts of his bodyguards. Foreign Head of State – who is the Chief Guest at the celebration will follow the President in the Republic day Parade. Once finish this salutation, a 21 gun salute is presented, the President unfurls the National Flag and the National Anthem is performed. This regards the beginning of the parade. The Republic day Parade commences with winners of bravery awards passing the President in open jeeps. Then all of the Armed Forces of India divisions salute the President of India. The Republic parade also sees the Indian Military exhibiting its latest acquirements such as tanks, missiles, radars, etc. There are also considerable parades from the various departments Police contingents, Home guards , Civil Defence and the National Cadet Corps. A colorful cultural parade will follow the military parade. In this cultural parade India's wealthy cultural tradition is displayed with tableaux from various states. Each state represents its distinctive festivals, historical locations and art forms. The next will be the ride past of children, who have won national bravery award winners at last year, on elephants. School-children from all over the country also take part in the parade on the republic Day. The most adventurous item is the next one, displays of skillful motor-cycle riding, usually by Armed Forces. Following this the fly past of Indian Air Force salutes the president symbolically by fight planes. The republic Day celebration will not be end in one day. The official closing ceremony of Republic Day festivities will be held on the third day evening of January 29 after Republic Day. This is renowned as Beating the Retreat. On this occasion of this Republic Day we should stick with our own pledge for our Bharatha Matha to save the country and ourselves. The Republic day pledge should be against terrorism and corruption and we should stand for honesty which is taught by Mahatma Ghandi, father of the country. Also our leaders must be corruption free and alert to threats those we are facing from the countries like Pakistan, China and US. Unlike the US, Pakistan and China have been aggressive ups and downs in India's relationship with them. Therefore Leaders in Indian Government must attempt with effective discussions to eliminate the issues which are threatening India recently. India should not come again in the situation like attacks to Mumbai, Indian most commercial City. Let's dream and hope for corruption free and other threats free peaceful India in upcoming years and contribute from our side. Republic Day â€Å"No Hindu, No Muslim, No Christian, We are just Indian. † Respected judges, respected teachers and dear audience. Today we gather here to celebrate one of the National festivals of India, it is Republic day. It is a great opportunities for me, as you allowed me to share few words on this occasion. On this day, it was January 26, 1950 we declared our country as a Republic country by adopting our own constitution. Actually, the preparation of our constitution was over earlier than this date but we choose January 26 for this, because this date has its own significance earlier than this day. It was January 26, 1930 on the bank of river Ravi, our freedom fighters pledged to attain â€Å"Sampurna Swaraj† and started new agitations to make India freedom from the British Rule. So, on 1950 on this day we declared our India as a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic. As this festival is related to our nation, it is celebrated all over our country. It celebrated in schools, colleges, government and non government offices and industries. It becomes a public festival as every Indian celebrates it. On the eve of this day, our honourable President gives a message to the nation. In his/her message he/she analyses the achievements of government and gives indications towards the future plans of the government towards the welfare of our country. All over the country people celebrates this festival. In national capital Delhi, there is a grand celebration. People from every corner of the country come here to participate in the grand Republic day celebration. The grand celebration occurs at the India Gate and Rajpath of New Delhi. The entire route is decorated with our national flags. Many foreign delegates also come to witness India's progress on this occasion. At the beginning of the celebration, our Prime Minister salutes the martyrs of soldiers who laid their life lives for our country on Amar Jawan Jyothi, at the India Gate. Then he moves towards the celebration point. Then our President comes to the celebration point who is welcomed by our Prime Minister. All the commanders of three wings, Air Force, Army and Navy come to participate in the grand celebration. After this, flag hosting happens by our president and as soon as it completes we give a grand salute to our national flag by singing â€Å"Jana Gana Mana†¦. â€Å". Then the award ceremony starts, our president gives valuable awards for those who sacrificed their life in different situations for our country and countrymen. Even some kids also selected for bravery awards for this occasion, who showed their braveness while miserable conditions. Then the grand parade starts from the Vijay Chowk by all different wings, such as Army, Navy, Air force, Paramilitary forces, NCC, Tanks, Anti aircraft missiles, radars etc. Then a cultural program is organized by school children. After this dance program, tableaux from different states and national territories move on the route to show their culture and progress to the world. At the final stage aircrafts of Indian Air Force shows their talents in the sky. They send a message to the world that sky also in their limit. Overall, I can say it is not only the day of celebration but also the day to remember those great lives who sacrificed everything for this country. We should take a resolution to work for our country and its progress. So, at the end I want to say one thing that, we may from different region or religion but we are one, only one Indian. So, think about this country before thinking about your religion or region. Jai Hind. Republic Day Republic Day Speech 2009 Ladies & Gentlemen! My heartiest felicitations to you on the occasion of 60th Republic Day! This is a sacred day for each one of us, when we come together to pay tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of the independence and sovereignty of our nation. Today we remember the extraordinary contribution of all those, who have toiled to build a free and modern India. Chandigarh, in itself is a Mini India symbolizing a truly dynamic City, with a success story of growth and development, achieved through public partnerships.The Administration has made great strides in every field, with a special emphasis on ensuring social justice, safe and secure environment, high quality civic life and equal opportunities for everyone to grow. Adding another milestone, the City has become the first Plastic Free city after becoming the first Smoke Free City of the country. Various mega projects including Le Corbusier Center, Education City , Modern Terminal Market, Housing project for Slum Dwellers, Warehousing project, Milk Village etc. are in the pipeline.The upcoming Chandigarh International Airport will further boost the stature of Chandigarh at the national and international level. The Administration is dedicated to provide proper facilities to disadvantaged sections, senior citizens, economically weaker sections and has undertaken various schemes. Two landmark projects namely AASHA KIRAN – A vocational training Centre for differently abled and AASHREYA – A home where the mentally challenged, would learn and live with comfort and dignity, have been launched.Both these prestigious projects focus on empowerment and creation of an ‘Inclusive & Barrier- Free Society’ with an aim of securing all rights of disabled persons in a practical way. The first phase of the Street Children Home & Vocational Training Center at Village Maloya, a project set up of Rs. 7. 40 crore has already started. The second phase would be functional soon which will accommodate 300 street girls for empowering them. The Tourism Industry in the city has witnessed paradigm shift consequent to various initiatives taken by the Chandigarh Administration.Chandigarh Tourism has won Today’s Traveller Platinum Award for the most Responsible Tourism Plan of 2008. Efforts are being made by the Administration for getting the name of the city in UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage List. In order to pay homage to the creator of Chandigarh and great French Architect Le Corbusier, the Le Corbusier Centre has been launched in Sector 19. The Center showcases and exhibits the multifaceted life and works of Le Corbusier, to acquaint future generations with the rich cultural heritage of the city.Apart from organizing cultural events pertaining to the region, the Administration has also organized cultural events of other states. A major initiative was ‘Poompoohar 2008’ which was jointly organi zed by the Chandigarh Administration and the Tamilnadu Government. The Health and Family Welfare of the residents is always paramount. The first phase of the Regional Center for Mentally Handicapped in Sector 31 will be operational shortly providing comprehensive training and education to at least 1000 mentally challenged children.Facilities like diagnostic and medical care, training, counseling for the prevention of disability and training facility for the parents and guardians of the mentally challenged children will be made available. New facilities of Bronchoscopy and Computed Radiography System have been installed at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector-16. Trauma Unit with emergency operation theatres has also been added in the GMSH 16. In order to provide assistance to the people residing in the backward areas of the city, Health Melas are being organized from time to time.The commitment to provide good facilities and infrastructure for health is being further reinforc ed by major infrastructural additions. The Administration is building a new OPD Block which will cost around Rs. 8. 46 crores, in the Govt. Multi Speciality Hospital, Sector 16. In addition, the work to have a new E-block, which will cost more than Rs. 23. 00 Crores, has already started in the GMCH-32. In the coming year the Administration also proposes to create additional infrastructures for various dispensaries, polyclinics and health facilities.The issue of Education has always remained at the top of the Administration’s priority list. With the incessant efforts made by the Administration the decks are finally cleared, for setting up the Education City, at Sarangpur Institution Area, with the signing of 9 MoUs with the Chandigarh Administration. We have further strengthened the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and expanded the Mid Day Meal Programme up to the upper primary level. We are also establishing new techniques to build high quality model Schools. Special emphasis is being la id on the Placement Cell in each college for curbing unemployment.The Chandigarh Administration has taken initiatives for promoting Chandigarh as a Knowledge City and has received huge investments from various IT Companies. The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP) once completed will create more than 60000 IT jobs. Already, more than 8000 IT professionals are working in the RGCTP. I am happy to inform you that this year till November 2008, the software exports from RGCTP alone have crossed Rs. 400 Crores. Infosys has completed its second software development block and Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel are expected to operationalise their Centres by April 2009.Similarly most of the BTS sites are also under development. As a part of e-Governance initiatives, the Department Information Technology has made technology available at grass root level through Sampark Centers and e-Gram Sampark Centers. As many as 27 varied Public Utility Services are being provided from 10 e-Sampark Centers in different parts of the city and 13 e- Gram Sampark Centers spread across the villages of Union Territory. These centers have given major relief to the rural people by providing one stop solution centers in their neighborhood.In order to ensure transparency in its delivery mechanism, the Department of Food & Civil Supplies has initiated the process of a smart card based Public Distribution System. The Detailed Project Report has been approved by the Government of India and the process of selection of the partner is in process. The Administration has dedicated two major projects to the residents of the city including the Beant Singh Memorial & Center for Performing and Visual Arts and a New Lake in Sector 42. These two projects, have given city residents a major fillip, especially those residing in the Southern Sectors.With the reopening of the spruced up Tagore Theatre costing about Rs. 9 crore the city will witness more and more cultural activities. Though we have limite d villages in U. T. of Chandigarh, it is a commitment of the Administration to provide city like facilities in the villages. While drinking water facility, sewerage, storm water have already been extended to the villages, in the next financial year the Administration proposes to provide city-like street lights and start shifting from tube-well-based water supply to canal-based water supply for the villages.Plans in this regard are already being prepared. Those villages which have come within the MC limit, have also been planned by the Municipal Corporation for up-gradation of all types of infrastructure including roads, street lights, water supply, storm water community centers, parks etc. We have all faced the problem of increasing traffic day-by-day in Chandigarh. The Administration, being conscious of this fact, has taken initiative to improve the roads. On this we will spend Rs. 26 crores on improving the existing roads, on widening and four-laning of roads of Chandigarh and als o on route No. for Panchkula from Dakshin Marg, which is likely to be operational by May 2009. This has been a long pending demand of the residents of City which, I am glad, is being fulfilled. The residents of the city have been clamouring for large number of changes in the building rules of Chandigarh. After due deliberations with different stake holders and after a long time, the Chandigarh Administration has made larger number of people friendly and need based amendments in the building rules, which I am glad, will go a long way in meeting the day-to-day requirements of the people of Chandigarh.In addition, various processes for clearance of building plans etc. are also being streamlined so that people do not face any problem. The Sports infrastructure of the city is among the best in the country. Lately, the opportunity given to the UT Administration for holding the â€Å"54th National School Games 2008-09†, a Sports extravaganza, with more than 31 states and UTs partici pating has proven that the city possess State-of-the-art sports infrastructure required for hosting such National Events.The credit for this goes to the Sports Department which has been striving for not just creating world class infrastructure but also maintaining it. Soon, Floodlights would be installed at Cricket Stadium, Sector 16 and a new Astroturf Hockey Stadium and a New Basketball Court at Sector 42 would also be set up. The City Beautiful has an edge over entire nation as the young shooter Abhinav Bindra, brought laurels to the country by winning the first ever Olympic Gold in an Individual category. The Administration has taken up major initiatives in making Chandigarh a Slum Free City.The Chandigarh Housing Board will provide housing to 25,728 slum dwelling families thus making the city beautiful a Slum Free city. The Administration is also conscious of the housing needs of its citizens and as such plans have been made by the Board to provide more than 13000 houses in the UT. The implementation of providing more houses has already started with 2200 dwelling units of different categories already under construction. Keeping in view the recent advancements in the technology and the imperative need for conserving scarce natural resources, CHB plans to go in for construction of Green & Intelligent Buildings.It is through our consistent efforts that the City Beautiful is known as the Green City of India. The Green cover of Chandigarh is 35. 7% of its total geographical area. The Botanical Garden has been developed over 176 acres and has the rarest medicinal plants, apart from being a walker’s paradise. The Department is also in the process of establishment of a world class aquarium. In order to contain pollution and encourage clean fuel in the city, the UT Administration has started a drive to replace the existing Auto Rickshaws with LPG driven Auto Rickshaws.The Chandigarh Police is among the most organized and Tech Savvy in the country. As per th e recent survey conducted by one of the leading national magazine, Chandigarh has been rated as one of the top performing UT in handling law & order. Keeping in view the need for cyber security, a Cyber Crime Investigation Cell has been established. In order to provide security to the tourists in the city, Tourism Police has been launched in the city with the combine efforts of the Department of Tourism and Chandigarh Police.On the auspicious day, I on behalf of Chandigarh Administration convey heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. Such unfortunate incidents are cowardly acts and will never shake the faith of the nation. The country will forge towards development and growth and deal with these elements with an iron hand. On this momentous occasion, I once again call upon all of you, for an active participation and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the city and the nation as a whole. I, once again, convey my heartfelt wishes to you all on this a uspicious day. Jai Hind! Republic Day Republic Day Speech 2009 Ladies & Gentlemen! My heartiest felicitations to you on the occasion of 60th Republic Day! This is a sacred day for each one of us, when we come together to pay tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of the independence and sovereignty of our nation. Today we remember the extraordinary contribution of all those, who have toiled to build a free and modern India. Chandigarh, in itself is a Mini India symbolizing a truly dynamic City, with a success story of growth and development, achieved through public partnerships.The Administration has made great strides in every field, with a special emphasis on ensuring social justice, safe and secure environment, high quality civic life and equal opportunities for everyone to grow. Adding another milestone, the City has become the first Plastic Free city after becoming the first Smoke Free City of the country. Various mega projects including Le Corbusier Center, Education City , Modern Terminal Market, Housing project for Slum Dwellers, Warehousing project, Milk Village etc. are in the pipeline.The upcoming Chandigarh International Airport will further boost the stature of Chandigarh at the national and international level. The Administration is dedicated to provide proper facilities to disadvantaged sections, senior citizens, economically weaker sections and has undertaken various schemes. Two landmark projects namely AASHA KIRAN – A vocational training Centre for differently abled and AASHREYA – A home where the mentally challenged, would learn and live with comfort and dignity, have been launched.Both these prestigious projects focus on empowerment and creation of an ‘Inclusive & Barrier- Free Society’ with an aim of securing all rights of disabled persons in a practical way. The first phase of the Street Children Home & Vocational Training Center at Village Maloya, a project set up of Rs. 7. 40 crore has already started. The second phase would be functional soon which will accommodate 300 street girls for empowering them. The Tourism Industry in the city has witnessed paradigm shift consequent to various initiatives taken by the Chandigarh Administration.Chandigarh Tourism has won Today’s Traveller Platinum Award for the most Responsible Tourism Plan of 2008. Efforts are being made by the Administration for getting the name of the city in UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage List. In order to pay homage to the creator of Chandigarh and great French Architect Le Corbusier, the Le Corbusier Centre has been launched in Sector 19. The Center showcases and exhibits the multifaceted life and works of Le Corbusier, to acquaint future generations with the rich cultural heritage of the city.Apart from organizing cultural events pertaining to the region, the Administration has also organized cultural events of other states. A major initiative was ‘Poompoohar 2008’ which was jointly organi zed by the Chandigarh Administration and the Tamilnadu Government. The Health and Family Welfare of the residents is always paramount. The first phase of the Regional Center for Mentally Handicapped in Sector 31 will be operational shortly providing comprehensive training and education to at least 1000 mentally challenged children.Facilities like diagnostic and medical care, training, counseling for the prevention of disability and training facility for the parents and guardians of the mentally challenged children will be made available. New facilities of Bronchoscopy and Computed Radiography System have been installed at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector-16. Trauma Unit with emergency operation theatres has also been added in the GMSH 16. In order to provide assistance to the people residing in the backward areas of the city, Health Melas are being organized from time to time.The commitment to provide good facilities and infrastructure for health is being further reinforc ed by major infrastructural additions. The Administration is building a new OPD Block which will cost around Rs. 8. 46 crores, in the Govt. Multi Speciality Hospital, Sector 16. In addition, the work to have a new E-block, which will cost more than Rs. 23. 00 Crores, has already started in the GMCH-32. In the coming year the Administration also proposes to create additional infrastructures for various dispensaries, polyclinics and health facilities.The issue of Education has always remained at the top of the Administration’s priority list. With the incessant efforts made by the Administration the decks are finally cleared, for setting up the Education City, at Sarangpur Institution Area, with the signing of 9 MoUs with the Chandigarh Administration. We have further strengthened the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and expanded the Mid Day Meal Programme up to the upper primary level. We are also establishing new techniques to build high quality model Schools. Special emphasis is being la id on the Placement Cell in each college for curbing unemployment.The Chandigarh Administration has taken initiatives for promoting Chandigarh as a Knowledge City and has received huge investments from various IT Companies. The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP) once completed will create more than 60000 IT jobs. Already, more than 8000 IT professionals are working in the RGCTP. I am happy to inform you that this year till November 2008, the software exports from RGCTP alone have crossed Rs. 400 Crores. Infosys has completed its second software development block and Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel are expected to operationalise their Centres by April 2009.Similarly most of the BTS sites are also under development. As a part of e-Governance initiatives, the Department Information Technology has made technology available at grass root level through Sampark Centers and e-Gram Sampark Centers. As many as 27 varied Public Utility Services are being provided from 10 e-Sampark Centers in different parts of the city and 13 e- Gram Sampark Centers spread across the villages of Union Territory. These centers have given major relief to the rural people by providing one stop solution centers in their neighborhood.In order to ensure transparency in its delivery mechanism, the Department of Food & Civil Supplies has initiated the process of a smart card based Public Distribution System. The Detailed Project Report has been approved by the Government of India and the process of selection of the partner is in process. The Administration has dedicated two major projects to the residents of the city including the Beant Singh Memorial & Center for Performing and Visual Arts and a New Lake in Sector 42. These two projects, have given city residents a major fillip, especially those residing in the Southern Sectors.With the reopening of the spruced up Tagore Theatre costing about Rs. 9 crore the city will witness more and more cultural activities. Though we have limite d villages in U. T. of Chandigarh, it is a commitment of the Administration to provide city like facilities in the villages. While drinking water facility, sewerage, storm water have already been extended to the villages, in the next financial year the Administration proposes to provide city-like street lights and start shifting from tube-well-based water supply to canal-based water supply for the villages.Plans in this regard are already being prepared. Those villages which have come within the MC limit, have also been planned by the Municipal Corporation for up-gradation of all types of infrastructure including roads, street lights, water supply, storm water community centers, parks etc. We have all faced the problem of increasing traffic day-by-day in Chandigarh. The Administration, being conscious of this fact, has taken initiative to improve the roads. On this we will spend Rs. 26 crores on improving the existing roads, on widening and four-laning of roads of Chandigarh and als o on route No. for Panchkula from Dakshin Marg, which is likely to be operational by May 2009. This has been a long pending demand of the residents of City which, I am glad, is being fulfilled. The residents of the city have been clamouring for large number of changes in the building rules of Chandigarh. After due deliberations with different stake holders and after a long time, the Chandigarh Administration has made larger number of people friendly and need based amendments in the building rules, which I am glad, will go a long way in meeting the day-to-day requirements of the people of Chandigarh.In addition, various processes for clearance of building plans etc. are also being streamlined so that people do not face any problem. The Sports infrastructure of the city is among the best in the country. Lately, the opportunity given to the UT Administration for holding the â€Å"54th National School Games 2008-09†, a Sports extravaganza, with more than 31 states and UTs partici pating has proven that the city possess State-of-the-art sports infrastructure required for hosting such National Events.The credit for this goes to the Sports Department which has been striving for not just creating world class infrastructure but also maintaining it. Soon, Floodlights would be installed at Cricket Stadium, Sector 16 and a new Astroturf Hockey Stadium and a New Basketball Court at Sector 42 would also be set up. The City Beautiful has an edge over entire nation as the young shooter Abhinav Bindra, brought laurels to the country by winning the first ever Olympic Gold in an Individual category. The Administration has taken up major initiatives in making Chandigarh a Slum Free City.The Chandigarh Housing Board will provide housing to 25,728 slum dwelling families thus making the city beautiful a Slum Free city. The Administration is also conscious of the housing needs of its citizens and as such plans have been made by the Board to provide more than 13000 houses in the UT. The implementation of providing more houses has already started with 2200 dwelling units of different categories already under construction. Keeping in view the recent advancements in the technology and the imperative need for conserving scarce natural resources, CHB plans to go in for construction of Green & Intelligent Buildings.It is through our consistent efforts that the City Beautiful is known as the Green City of India. The Green cover of Chandigarh is 35. 7% of its total geographical area. The Botanical Garden has been developed over 176 acres and has the rarest medicinal plants, apart from being a walker’s paradise. The Department is also in the process of establishment of a world class aquarium. In order to contain pollution and encourage clean fuel in the city, the UT Administration has started a drive to replace the existing Auto Rickshaws with LPG driven Auto Rickshaws.The Chandigarh Police is among the most organized and Tech Savvy in the country. As per th e recent survey conducted by one of the leading national magazine, Chandigarh has been rated as one of the top performing UT in handling law & order. Keeping in view the need for cyber security, a Cyber Crime Investigation Cell has been established. In order to provide security to the tourists in the city, Tourism Police has been launched in the city with the combine efforts of the Department of Tourism and Chandigarh Police.On the auspicious day, I on behalf of Chandigarh Administration convey heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. Such unfortunate incidents are cowardly acts and will never shake the faith of the nation. The country will forge towards development and growth and deal with these elements with an iron hand. On this momentous occasion, I once again call upon all of you, for an active participation and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the city and the nation as a whole. I, once again, convey my heartfelt wishes to you all on this a uspicious day. Jai Hind! Republic Day Republic Day Speech 2009 Ladies & Gentlemen! My heartiest felicitations to you on the occasion of 60th Republic Day! This is a sacred day for each one of us, when we come together to pay tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of the independence and sovereignty of our nation. Today we remember the extraordinary contribution of all those, who have toiled to build a free and modern India. Chandigarh, in itself is a Mini India symbolizing a truly dynamic City, with a success story of growth and development, achieved through public partnerships.The Administration has made great strides in every field, with a special emphasis on ensuring social justice, safe and secure environment, high quality civic life and equal opportunities for everyone to grow. Adding another milestone, the City has become the first Plastic Free city after becoming the first Smoke Free City of the country. Various mega projects including Le Corbusier Center, Education City , Modern Terminal Market, Housing project for Slum Dwellers, Warehousing project, Milk Village etc. are in the pipeline.The upcoming Chandigarh International Airport will further boost the stature of Chandigarh at the national and international level. The Administration is dedicated to provide proper facilities to disadvantaged sections, senior citizens, economically weaker sections and has undertaken various schemes. Two landmark projects namely AASHA KIRAN – A vocational training Centre for differently abled and AASHREYA – A home where the mentally challenged, would learn and live with comfort and dignity, have been launched.Both these prestigious projects focus on empowerment and creation of an ‘Inclusive & Barrier- Free Society’ with an aim of securing all rights of disabled persons in a practical way. The first phase of the Street Children Home & Vocational Training Center at Village Maloya, a project set up of Rs. 7. 40 crore has already started. The second phase would be functional soon which will accommodate 300 street girls for empowering them. The Tourism Industry in the city has witnessed paradigm shift consequent to various initiatives taken by the Chandigarh Administration.Chandigarh Tourism has won Today’s Traveller Platinum Award for the most Responsible Tourism Plan of 2008. Efforts are being made by the Administration for getting the name of the city in UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage List. In order to pay homage to the creator of Chandigarh and great French Architect Le Corbusier, the Le Corbusier Centre has been launched in Sector 19. The Center showcases and exhibits the multifaceted life and works of Le Corbusier, to acquaint future generations with the rich cultural heritage of the city.Apart from organizing cultural events pertaining to the region, the Administration has also organized cultural events of other states. A major initiative was ‘Poompoohar 2008’ which was jointly organi zed by the Chandigarh Administration and the Tamilnadu Government. The Health and Family Welfare of the residents is always paramount. The first phase of the Regional Center for Mentally Handicapped in Sector 31 will be operational shortly providing comprehensive training and education to at least 1000 mentally challenged children.Facilities like diagnostic and medical care, training, counseling for the prevention of disability and training facility for the parents and guardians of the mentally challenged children will be made available. New facilities of Bronchoscopy and Computed Radiography System have been installed at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector-16. Trauma Unit with emergency operation theatres has also been added in the GMSH 16. In order to provide assistance to the people residing in the backward areas of the city, Health Melas are being organized from time to time.The commitment to provide good facilities and infrastructure for health is being further reinforc ed by major infrastructural additions. The Administration is building a new OPD Block which will cost around Rs. 8. 46 crores, in the Govt. Multi Speciality Hospital, Sector 16. In addition, the work to have a new E-block, which will cost more than Rs. 23. 00 Crores, has already started in the GMCH-32. In the coming year the Administration also proposes to create additional infrastructures for various dispensaries, polyclinics and health facilities.The issue of Education has always remained at the top of the Administration’s priority list. With the incessant efforts made by the Administration the decks are finally cleared, for setting up the Education City, at Sarangpur Institution Area, with the signing of 9 MoUs with the Chandigarh Administration. We have further strengthened the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and expanded the Mid Day Meal Programme up to the upper primary level. We are also establishing new techniques to build high quality model Schools. Special emphasis is being la id on the Placement Cell in each college for curbing unemployment.The Chandigarh Administration has taken initiatives for promoting Chandigarh as a Knowledge City and has received huge investments from various IT Companies. The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP) once completed will create more than 60000 IT jobs. Already, more than 8000 IT professionals are working in the RGCTP. I am happy to inform you that this year till November 2008, the software exports from RGCTP alone have crossed Rs. 400 Crores. Infosys has completed its second software development block and Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel are expected to operationalise their Centres by April 2009.Similarly most of the BTS sites are also under development. As a part of e-Governance initiatives, the Department Information Technology has made technology available at grass root level through Sampark Centers and e-Gram Sampark Centers. As many as 27 varied Public Utility Services are being provided from 10 e-Sampark Centers in different parts of the city and 13 e- Gram Sampark Centers spread across the villages of Union Territory. These centers have given major relief to the rural people by providing one stop solution centers in their neighborhood.In order to ensure transparency in its delivery mechanism, the Department of Food & Civil Supplies has initiated the process of a smart card based Public Distribution System. The Detailed Project Report has been approved by the Government of India and the process of selection of the partner is in process. The Administration has dedicated two major projects to the residents of the city including the Beant Singh Memorial & Center for Performing and Visual Arts and a New Lake in Sector 42. These two projects, have given city residents a major fillip, especially those residing in the Southern Sectors.With the reopening of the spruced up Tagore Theatre costing about Rs. 9 crore the city will witness more and more cultural activities. Though we have limite d villages in U. T. of Chandigarh, it is a commitment of the Administration to provide city like facilities in the villages. While drinking water facility, sewerage, storm water have already been extended to the villages, in the next financial year the Administration proposes to provide city-like street lights and start shifting from tube-well-based water supply to canal-based water supply for the villages.Plans in this regard are already being prepared. Those villages which have come within the MC limit, have also been planned by the Municipal Corporation for up-gradation of all types of infrastructure including roads, street lights, water supply, storm water community centers, parks etc. We have all faced the problem of increasing traffic day-by-day in Chandigarh. The Administration, being conscious of this fact, has taken initiative to improve the roads. On this we will spend Rs. 26 crores on improving the existing roads, on widening and four-laning of roads of Chandigarh and als o on route No. for Panchkula from Dakshin Marg, which is likely to be operational by May 2009. This has been a long pending demand of the residents of City which, I am glad, is being fulfilled. The residents of the city have been clamouring for large number of changes in the building rules of Chandigarh. After due deliberations with different stake holders and after a long time, the Chandigarh Administration has made larger number of people friendly and need based amendments in the building rules, which I am glad, will go a long way in meeting the day-to-day requirements of the people of Chandigarh.In addition, various processes for clearance of building plans etc. are also being streamlined so that people do not face any problem. The Sports infrastructure of the city is among the best in the country. Lately, the opportunity given to the UT Administration for holding the â€Å"54th National School Games 2008-09†, a Sports extravaganza, with more than 31 states and UTs partici pating has proven that the city possess State-of-the-art sports infrastructure required for hosting such National Events.The credit for this goes to the Sports Department which has been striving for not just creating world class infrastructure but also maintaining it. Soon, Floodlights would be installed at Cricket Stadium, Sector 16 and a new Astroturf Hockey Stadium and a New Basketball Court at Sector 42 would also be set up. The City Beautiful has an edge over entire nation as the young shooter Abhinav Bindra, brought laurels to the country by winning the first ever Olympic Gold in an Individual category. The Administration has taken up major initiatives in making Chandigarh a Slum Free City.The Chandigarh Housing Board will provide housing to 25,728 slum dwelling families thus making the city beautiful a Slum Free city. The Administration is also conscious of the housing needs of its citizens and as such plans have been made by the Board to provide more than 13000 houses in the UT. The implementation of providing more houses has already started with 2200 dwelling units of different categories already under construction. Keeping in view the recent advancements in the technology and the imperative need for conserving scarce natural resources, CHB plans to go in for construction of Green & Intelligent Buildings.It is through our consistent efforts that the City Beautiful is known as the Green City of India. The Green cover of Chandigarh is 35. 7% of its total geographical area. The Botanical Garden has been developed over 176 acres and has the rarest medicinal plants, apart from being a walker’s paradise. The Department is also in the process of establishment of a world class aquarium. In order to contain pollution and encourage clean fuel in the city, the UT Administration has started a drive to replace the existing Auto Rickshaws with LPG driven Auto Rickshaws.The Chandigarh Police is among the most organized and Tech Savvy in the country. As per th e recent survey conducted by one of the leading national magazine, Chandigarh has been rated as one of the top performing UT in handling law & order. Keeping in view the need for cyber security, a Cyber Crime Investigation Cell has been established. In order to provide security to the tourists in the city, Tourism Police has been launched in the city with the combine efforts of the Department of Tourism and Chandigarh Police.On the auspicious day, I on behalf of Chandigarh Administration convey heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. Such unfortunate incidents are cowardly acts and will never shake the faith of the nation. The country will forge towards development and growth and deal with these elements with an iron hand. On this momentous occasion, I once again call upon all of you, for an active participation and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the city and the nation as a whole. I, once again, convey my heartfelt wishes to you all on this a uspicious day. Jai Hind!