The second edition of The Huddle, started on February 17, comes to an end. Presented by Yes Bank, The Huddle , a thoughts and ideas conclave, is a platform that attempts to bring under a single roof some of the best minds from politics, academia, the entertainment industry, the corporate world, sports and civil society.
Day 2 saw a plethora of guests including Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former Ambassador of Pakistan to US Husain Haqqani, former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and former RBI Governors.
We will be back next year.
Watch:
Session 7:
Comedy is Change: Danish Sait, comedian and actor
Danish Sait, comedian and actor
5.15 p.m.
As a I child enjoyed the spotlight, I used to imitate people. Today I do the same thing and get paid for it, says Danish Sait.
"Through my prank calls I gained followers and thought of using it as a social commentary to throw light on smaller evils." We started with creating Live videos on Facebook on different issues. And Humble Politician Nograj became a household name, especially among the 20 year olds. We went on to make a film.
We created this satirical piece as it reaches out to people and they understand issues better.
"We have reached out to 14 million people, 53,000 people commented on the film, 15 million views. By watching the movie, if they laughed they opened their mouth, if they opened their mouth, they opened their eyes, if they opened their eyes, they opened their minds. This was the aim of the film."
There's no better time for getting into comedy than now with proliferation of live streaming platforms, he says. On why youth connect with him, he says, " I am not pretentious. On social media, I am talking my language, probably that's why youth feel I am relatable."
Session 6:
Crafting Success: The rise and rise of P.V. Sindhu. Badminton player P.V. Sindhu in conversation with Prem Panicker, journalist and editor.
Badminton player P.V. Sindhu in conversation with Prem Panicker, journalist and editor.
4.30 p.m.
There is lot more to do in 2018, says Sindu. "There is Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the All England championship this year. I am aiming for more wins."
On how she grew from her game in Rio Olympics in 2016, where she won a silver, to the Glascow match, she says that badminton as a game itself has changed in a short time, especially in the women's circuit. "It is longer and we need to maintain fitness and endurance. My strategy has also changed," she says.
On career best ranking of Number 2, she says, I cant take it easy. Even as a top player, my game has to be same with all players regardless of the opponent's ranking.
On calendar of matches, she says, "We cannot do anything after a calendar come out. A player has to know which match to play and which to leave out. This is also based on fitness level."
Many players today doing exceptionally well. "It is great that many more academies are coming up and infrastructure is improving. Such academies can nurture more talent."
Government is also supporting badminton now and is keen on creating sports infrastructure, she says.
About her training strategy, she says, I have 6 to 7 hours of practice session a day apart from gym training.
Ask if she has a time for personal life in the midst of a packed schedule, she says, "It is tough, but I enjoy my game and I don't take it as a burden."
A coach plays an important role in a player's life, she says. My coach, Pullela Gopichand, works as hard as me. "There needs to be trust between a coach and player and I am happy that my coach believes in me and has confidence in me."
Session 5:
In defense of the realm: How prepared is India? Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in conversation with N. Ravi, Director, The Hindu
Defense Minister Nirmala Sithraman in conversation with N. Ravi, Director, The Hindu
3. 15 p.m.
Stating that speaking about defence is a task even for a trained spokesperson, Ms. Sitharaman says, "Every sector of defence ministry and India is being given due attention."
Procurement on capital or revenue account is on, she says, adding, " We want to make India a Defence production hub and later an export hub. Untill recently 60% was imported. Now, 35% of defense production has been outsourced to Indian firms. 170 contracts have been signed in 4 years. We are also focusing on Indian designed, developed and manufactured products."
Indigenisation has helped both Indian defence and industry, she says. In the last two years, we have completely utilised the budget allocation and this year it has been increased to 7%, she says.
On of there is difference between defence positioning of NDA and UPA, she says, "I see differences in the sense of giving priority to neighbourhood and peace on the periphery. India till now was seen as a regional power whose forces had tactical strength. But this is changing now. Today, India is being perceived as a global strategic player. In the last 3 to 4 years, the Indian trajectory has only been going up. The way the world looks at India has changed"
We have been absolutely firm on the border, says Ms. Sitharaman, while admitting to the fact that there have been increased insurgency in the western border. "The real reason is apparent . There is perhaps an understanding in Pakistan, for which Kashmir is an unfinished agenda. But, the recent increase has been largely contained. Nearly 200 terrorists have been finished off at the border."
The forces are completely prepared to face any contigency. But inspite of provocations we have been very measured in our responses.
On the Doklam issue, she says, we have used institutionalised mechanisms between India and China to address it and all departments of the Indian government were engaged continously. "It has proved that constant engagement and diplomacy can yield results."
The armed forces are being used not only for fighting external forces but also internal forces. In Jammu and Kashmir, the army is fighting internal forces aided by external forces.
Ms. Sitharaman clarifies that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is not across the board, but applies only to certain areas.
Responding to a question on Rafale deal, she says, "There is no controversy with the deal. It was considered during the UPA regime. However, the deal never came through. So the question of technology transfer is a non-existent argument."
On a question about there reason for not revealing price of the Rafale deal, she says, "I want to answer, but it will only help our enemy. The UPA also had sought cover under national security interest to not reveal information on similar questions."
Session 4:
Winning: Can the Congress turn the tide? Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda in conversation with Nitsula Hebbar, Political Editor, The Hindu.
Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda in conversation with Nistula Hebbar, Political Editor, The Hindu.
2.30 p.m.
Stating the Congress is committed to develop stronger local leadership in States, Mr. Gowda says "The Congress central leadership has been giving space to local leadership to chart their own course of development."
On the position of Congress in the northeast, he says, "Lets not come to a conclusion about northeast. We see good chances in Meghalaya. But, Nagaland is a volatile situation. But we need to wait and see how northeast plays out."
On Rahul Gandhi's temple run, Mr. Gowda says, " Indira Gandhi also went to temples and also had close relations with Shringeri Math. Congress represents all faith. In south, we have a more diverse understanding of diverse Hinduism. The BJP is trying to shift the debate on issues of livelihood and other real issues to cover its failure on growth and jobs."
Stating that brand Modi is fading, Mr. Gowda says, "Rahul Gandhi can connect better now. Under Modi, the growth has not been great and jobs have disappeared. The narrative is failing."
On the tour with Rahul Gandhi, he says people are seeing Rahul Gandhi as more believable and reliable. "Modi promises Heaven, Moon and Earth. But Rahul Gandhi walks the talk. He is building a long-term trust worthy relationship."
Asked about what the Congress' plan for the Bengaluru's lakes are, Mr. Gowda says, "We have a very rich heritage of lakes. There is a problem with Bellandur lake. But, come to other lakes. We have revived 26 lakes in the city. The long term solution to Bellandur will come when sewage is treated. We are investing close to Rs. 2,000 crore on STPs."
Karnataka offers an unique example, where we have carried growth, prudent fiscal practices and welfare measure. This is what the central leadership is looking at. "Karnataka is a success model."
On a question on Karnataka Tree Preservation, he says the amendment is for promoting agro-forestry. It means planting and harvesting. It is only meant for commercial timber.
On a question about land grabs in Bengaluru, "Mafia has not party."
On whether there will be new and better candidates from Congress, he says, "I cannot promise overnight to change the set of candidates. We must nurture them and it is a long-term process. That is what Rahul Gandhi is trying to do."
On who will be a match to Modi in Karnataka, Mr. Gowda says, "Our CM Siddaramaiah has been more than a match to Modi. In every State we will have a face like this."
Session 3:
Coming of Age: The mainstreaming of parallel cinema. Actor and director Ratna Pathak Shah, actor and director Suhasini Maniratnam, director Amit Masurkar. In conversation with Veena Venugopal, Associate Editor, The Hindu
Actor and director Ratna Pathak Shah, actor and director Suhasini Maniratnam, director Amit Masurkar. In conversation with Veena Venugopal, Associate Editor, The Hindu
1 p.m.
Stating that Bollywood is not India, Ms. Shah says, "I come from a time when people talked about India they talked about great art. Suddenly all India represents outside our border is Bollywood. Bollywood is not India. This is a simplistic, vulgar and childish idea of India. It has promoted hypocrisy beyond relief."
On films like Dabangg, she says it gives out such a dangerous message especially about women, Ms. Shah said, "Films like these do not talk well of our civilisation."
Stating that there is a lot in common between reading a book and seeing a movie, Ms. Maniratnam says, "However, with digitisation, the divide between commercial and art cinema is being lost."
Speaking about his movie Newton, Mr. Masurkar says, "When I showed people the script of Newton, people said why do I want to make a film on politics. Struggle is not about selling a film, but getting the right idea."
On what directors expect out of women actors, Ms. Shah says, "In India, an actress who can cry is a wonderful actor. But I think a time has come when actors are being cast for their suitability for the role."
On directors gravitating towards stars, she says, even a well meaning star brings a certain baggage with them. The star sucks out a director."
Asked whether he would gravitate towards star, Mr. Masurkar says, "Rajkummar was successful when he did Newton. Younger generation no from film family realise they need to work hard."
Stating that she was the only woman among 120 students in cinematography, she says, "But even that did not prepare me for seeing international films. After seeing Bicycle Thieves I broke down. This is when I realised what cinema could do"
Stating that we need to have new blood in cinema, Ms. Shah says, "The incestuous world of cinema is dangerous." To this, Ms. Maniratnam says, "My son does not want to get into cinema."
Asked when does a film stop being entertainment and become a tool of changing lives, Ms. Maniratnam says, "In 1983, when I did Sindhu Bhairavi and played the other woman, many men came up to me and said it opened up a lot to them. The film showed that a man and woman could have an intellectual and artistic relationship."
Stating that he does not believe in making film for urban elite, Mr. Masurkar says, "We released newton in smaller towns as well."
To a question by Mr. Ram on the role of international film festival and whether Satyajit Ray still resonates, Mr. Masurkar says, "Festival do help In a way your are opening your country and culture to others. It does help reach out to more people."
On whether the money announced for films going to Oscars was received, he says, "It is a process and we hope it will comes."
On her criticism of films like Dabangg and if it was a disrespect to audience, Ms. Shah says, "The Indian audience disrespects itself when it watches only films such as Dabangg. The problem is that the film industry tries to clamp down on anything this is not Dabangg."
Session 2:
Asian Century: Does it have to be India vs China? Husain Haqqani, former Ambassador of Pakistan to USA, Shivshankar Menon, former National Security Adviser, Andrew Small, writer. In conversation with Narayan Lakshman, Associate Editor, The Hindu
Husain Haqqani, former Ambassador of Pakistan to USA, Shivshankar Menon, former National Security Adviser, Andrew Small, writer. In conversation with Narayan Lakshman, Associate Editor, The Hindu
12 p.m.
If both countries can manage the differences, it does not have to be about India vs China, says Shivashankar Menon. On Doklam crisis, he says though there will be face offs, but as long as we know how to handle it, the problem should not escalate. "Both sides dont want to escalate the problem. It has been the most peaceful border. There have been no deaths since 1975," he says.
Stating that in long run India and China will be rivals. "In a choice between democratic and totalitarian state, it is always the totalitarian state that chooses who the adversary is," says Mr. Haqqani, adding that Pakistani military elite has always thought of India as the permanent enemy, which I always have been critical about. "Pakistan has looked at the global context nd determined they'll back China," he adds.
"While there are many companies are looking east at China, the economy is very closed there," says Andrew Small, adding that even private sector is operating more under the influence of the party than ever before. On whether India and US can come together to address China's exertion, he says, "China's strategic economic investments are achieving great things in smaller countries such as Maldives and Sri Lanka. Countries like India, Japan and US need a different response and back it up with resources.
Stating that the China-Pakistan relationship is a long term relationship, Mr. Haqqani says, China had decided that having friendly relationship with Pakistan to tie down India. "Indian soldiers will be engaged in Pakistan and cannot focus on China directly." With economic growth China may look towards strategic dominance, and India needs to be prepared for this. "India must start re-looking at this outlook."
"As China continues to protect a major player of terror in the region, I think it will once have to face the impact of this terror," he says.
Stating that India has an opportunity to change the world order, Mr. Menon says, "USA under Trump is no longer interested in running world order, but China though may be a global economic superpower, it cannot run the world order. India not being a status quo power and battling for change in old world order, it provides an opportunity."
China approach may be attractive at first, but one only has to look at th debt-trap faced backed Sri Lanka and Pakistan, says Mr. Haqqani. "Nobody lends endlessly without returns - monetary or strategic. Neglecting the strategic interests of China will be at their own peril," he adds.
In response to N. Ram, chairman, The Hindu Group, stating that commentators have done great disservice by distorting the India-China relationships, Mr. Menon says, "The problem is that we see India-China relationship as a T20 rather than a Test match. We expect every ball to be a six or a wicket. We need a new modus vivendi."
Session 1:
Balancing Growth and Inflation: D Subbarao, Former Governor of RBI C Rangarajan, Former Governor of RBI, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India, In conversation with Raghavan Srinivasan, Editor, The Hindu BusinessLine
D Subbarao, Former Governor of RBI C Rangarajan, Former Governor of RBI, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India, In conversation with Raghavan Srinivasan, Editor, The Hindu BusinessLine
10.30 a.m.
In the long term, there is no conflict between inflation and growth. In fact, sustained high growth rate is only possible in an environment of reasonable price stability. In short-term, there is a trade off, but there needs to be a balance, says Mr. Rangarajan.
On what is the acceptable inflation rate, he says, "We had once said that 4 % is acceptable. Zero inflation is impossible. If we allow growth ignoring inflation, there will be problems. We cannot allow inflation to reach 7 to 8 % for growth."
Too much growth that is beyond the productive capacity of the economy leads to higher inflation and is not worth it, says Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
Challenge is when output is below potential, while inflation is high. This is the problem currently, he adds.
Many people believe there is trade off between growth and inflation, this is a false dichotomy, says Subbarao. Low inflation is necessary for growth, he says. He says government policies have impact on output and inflation and the central banks can only work for price stability.
"If inflation goes up, growth goes down. The threshold is 4 %. It is a tolerable level of inflation," he adds.
"Politicians have a difficult job thank people think," says Mr. Ahluwalia, adding that they want low inflation in every commodity. "They are under attack on every front. Have a little sympathy for the finance minister."
To bring about relative price change, it is believed, we have to tolerate higher inflation rates. But opinion on the acceptable levels of inflation wary.
The acceptable level of inflation in our minds may be out of line with what other countries may consider appropriate. This may impact the exchange rates, says Mr. Rangarajan.
Stating that there is pressure not just from the demand side but also supply, Mr. Subbarao said, Central bank usually ignored the latter if they think it is short term. But, in India, the supply of commodities shocks the system.
There is a question of inflation not following the rule, but no one asks about fiscal deficit. "We keep postponing the limit," says Mr. Ahluwalia.
To raise growth rates, w need to raise investments, says Mr. Subbarao. Agreeing, Mr. Ahluwalia says that banking system should be given high priority. "The banks must be go back to lending."
Stating that the decline in growth is due to decline in private investment, Mr. Rangarajan says the government should meet industry representatives and find out what is holding back private investment.
