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Privately owned island With multiple development potential conveniently located on the west coast of India.
Piram Island District - Bhavnagar 364 002, Gujarat State - India
Piram Island (Kalpdweep)
According to Indian Mythology, there was a Kalpadhenu a cow as well as Kalpvruksha a tree that granted ones wishes from which the word "Kalpsar" was derived, a multi purpose, mega project with an estimated layout of Rs. 55000 corers, for creating a fresh water lake in the gulf of Khambhat "Kalpdhenu", "Kalpvruksha" and "Kalpsar" are the combination of two word in which the word "Kalp" is common, dhenu means a cow, vruksha means a tree and "sar" means sarovar (lake). Kalpdweep is also combination of two words Kalpa and dweep. Kalp means wishes and dweep means an island and when combined means an island, which will grant innumerable wishes. The value of the land: The value of the land is more dependants on its business potential rather than its farming yield. In farming the ploughing, sowing, fertilizers, pesticides, labour, investment and maintenance is extremely costly. Secondly, there is a persistent water and electricity shortage. Thirdly, the prices are determined and there is no such profitable return from subsistence farming. The same farmland area (if viable) converted to industrial use it will get more price, but the same land if converted into residential plots it will get even more price, whereas, if the same land is converted to commercial purposes it will get much more price than residential plots also. There are two examples of this: In the state of Gujarat there is a village known as Alang situated on the seacoast in Bhavnagar district. It used to be such a village where people were not ready to pay even as little as Rs 1000 per acre but now a mere auction has risen up to Rs. 1.29 crore for just one-third acre after being converted to ship breaking-yards. Where the money paid is just for the use of the land and not as rent or free- hold land which belongs to the Gujarat Maritime Board. The other example is in the U.S.A state of Nevada, there is a city called Las Vegas world famous for its casinos, which has sprung up in the desert and is America's fastest growing city and conventional capital. Its population doubled in size in the last decade from six million to twelve million with barely twenty percent of the population being local Nevadans. It boasts of nine of the country's (U.S.A) largest hotels and the biggest hotel in the world. This is due to the constant demand for casino gambling and a huge profit margin has increased the demand for land. The value of the land depends on the potentiality of the businesses that can flourish upon it. There are many factors that boost the potentiality of business some of which are: Location, monopoly, security, privacy, infrastructure, market, government incentives etc. Piram has most of them at their best. Piram business and commercial potential: 1. The excellent location for exploiting Tourism 2. Diamonds and Jewellery 3. Millennium Township 4. Residential-cum-Commercial Town-ship for NRIs only 5. Casino 6. Free Trade and Duty Free Shopping Zone 7. Information, Communication and Entertainment 8. Shipping related Services 9. Aviation 10. Agriculture 11. Business Houses 12. Super Exclusive Convention Center for Business and -Industry 13. Super Exclusive Club of international Standard 14. Educational Institute and Training Center 15. Exclusive Institute for Cosmetic Therapy 16. Naturopathy and Meditation Facilities 17. Tapping the Natural Resources 18. Religious Centre 19. Business Headquarter
20 Overseas
Bank
Tourism: 1. Wildlife Tourism 2. Heritage Tourism 3. Holistic Tourism 4. Eco Tourism 5. Medical Tourism 6. Cultural Tourism 7. Adventure Tourism 8. Business Tourism 9. Agri-Tourism 10. Entertainment Park 11. Theme Park 12. Herbal Park 13. Water Park 14. Ice Park 15. Children's Park 16. Conventional Center 17. Shopping Center 18. Sports Center 19. Jungle Resort 20. Health Resort 21. Science City 22. Casino 23. Motel 24. Virtual Reality Park 25. Timeshare
Diamond and Jewellery Park 26. Diamond 27. Gold 28. Silver 29. Culture Pearl 30. Jewellery
Casino: 31. Cards 32. Poker 33. Roulette 34. Money wheels 35. Poke plus 36. Slot machines 37. Horse race 38. Lottery 39. Online lottery 40. Net gambling
Aviation: 41. Aviation 42. Aviation training institute 43. Chartered services
Information Communication and Entertainment: (I.C.E) 44. Earth Station 45. Uplink Station 46. Videoconference 47. FM bends 48. Courier 49. Film Training Institute 50. Film studio 51. TV Programming 52. Animation 53. Music 54. Advertisement 55. Live Entertainment 56. Out-sourcing 57. Free trade and duty free shopping 58. Super Exclusive Club of International Standard
Township 59. Integrated Township 60. NRI’s Township 61. Township for Billionaire’s only 62. Township for celebrities only
Shipping: 63. Private port 64. Shipping services 65. Warehouses 66. Naval training institute 67. Shipbuilding 68. Ship Re-building, repairing etc
Tapping the natural resources: 69. Solar Park 70. Wind farm 71. Tidal Park 72. Biomass gasification 73. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversing Equipment 74. Oil exploration 75. Storages of Oil & gasses
Business Houses 76. Super Exclusive Convention Center for Business and Industry 77. Apparel Park 78. Pharmaceutical Park 79. Educational Institute and Training Center 80. Exclusive Institute for Cosmetic Therapy 81. Naturopathy and Meditation Center 82. Overseas Bank
Agriculture: 83. Agri-clinic 84. Tissue-culture 85. Horticulture 86. Floriculture 87. Organic farming 88. Hybrid seeds 89. Algae 90. Aqua-culture 91. Mini zoo 92. Animal husbandry 93. Food processing 94. Indoor and outdoor nursery 95. Herbal Park 96. Botanical Park 97. Bonsai Park 98. Bamboo Park 99. Cactus Park 100. R & D Centre
101. Export
house 'Residential cum Business and Commercial Township'
The greatest achievement so far for India at the beginning of the 21st century is the turning of the NRI back to the motherland. Whereas during last 30-40 years, many Indians left India in search of better job and business opportunity, they are coming back to a motherland where earlier professionals had left due to corruption, licensing, controls and beauracracy, the winds of time are changing being attracted by new opportunities and the wish to do 'something' for their motherland. This is a good omen for India. Almost all human beings have an affinity to their motherland so it is no surprise that NRIs have a sense of pride in being of Indian origin. Governments of different nations have formed policies which include deriving advantages to be taken from their people living abroad, whether that is the land of domicile or not. In spite of Israel being a comparatively small country, it derives business advantages from Jews all over the world. Jews are well known for their patriotism, business acumen, intellect as well as industriousness all over the world. Israel gives many incentives as well as political backing to Jews residing out of Israel, and takes advantage thereof. Non-resident Chinese are very advanced in this field and have a major hand in the development of China. Non-resident Chinese have deposited $ 45 billion when they were invited by the government of China. The first consideration of a country's super power is its economy followed by its army and armaments. Today it is the aim of every nation to have a sound economy with galloping foreign investment horizons in academic provisions sees no bound. Perfect infrastructure facilities like roads, railways, airports, ports, electricity, water, education will ensure perfect business and maximum employment. Indian Diaspora has taken this into serious consideration. Business, industry, venture capital, information technology, management consultancy, consumer service retailing, media, advertising, entertainment are the fields that need worldwide exposure which may be made smooth with NRI help. Today there are approximately 20 million NRIs residing in one-third of the world's countries (almost in120 countries). According to one estimate the total yearly income of NRIs is approximately Rs 19,40,000 crore ($ 440 billion), which is 3 times, the Indian G.D.P. NRIs have used their entrepreneurial skills and have fully utilized capabilities in which they have been highly successful. It is estimated that the total income of all the NRIs is 25 times more than the annual budget of the Gujarat government and twice the annual income of the Indian government. NRIs are earning annually an income, which is equal to the total budget of the Central government as well as the entire 28 States government budget of India. Their median income of Indian American is $ 60,000 (as against the general American one, about $39,000), the magazine says. "They boast something like 2,00,000 millionaires. They are extraordinarily educated, leaders in many professions. They include about 40,000 doctors, 45,000 engineer a staggering figure to which you can add about 12,000 medical students and interns. In short, this is a group of American super achievers. Americans of Indian origin are the most upcoming among all the ethnic groups in America, and after 1990, a record of 108% development among them is recorded In the last decade income has increased up to $ 217 billion meaning a rise of 117%. There are 1000 NRI professionals in the Silicon Valley either employed or who own their business and whose annual income is 40 billion dollars. NRls have achieved an economic strength and have made India proud of their achievements. Some NRIs have even progressed politically like in Mauritius, Guyana, Fiji, and Surinam etc. where they have managed to rise to the topmost post of Presidency, which is no small feat. When Indians left during the decades, India was not economically sound 'Touchdown Media' a company in America is widely consulted by Indian owned corporations in the US. According to president of Touchdown Media, Rahul Walia, the purchasing power of American NRIs is increasing on a daily basis due to which entrepreneurs have got an opportunity to expand their business globally. "Indian Americans are entrepreneurial, hard-working, striving, traditionalist, family oriented, religious, assimilationist, patriotic what could be better?" It would be a golden opportunity for Indian businessmen because generally Indian American prefers to purchase quality product from Indian as well as which is made in India. Asian American Hotel Owner’s Association (AAHOA), a premier Asian advocacy group with 9,000 members, combined worth of $40 billions, 90 percent of which are Gujarati. Gujarati-owned Hotels-Motels (21,000 of the 53,000) make for a staggering 42 % of the US hospitality market. Indian American hoteliers pay $ 700 million in taxes every year and create more than one million jobs. There are 20 million (2 crore) NRIs all over the world, most of whom are in the U.S. (3 million) 4 lakhs in California; 3 lakhs in New York; 2.5 lakhs in New Jersey and 11akh in another dozen states of OSA; Europe (2.5 million); Nepal (4 million); South Africa (1.5 million); England (1.6 million); West Asian countries (1.2 million); Canada (1 million); Malaysia (1.5 million); Sri Lanka (1 million). In "little India" magazine published in New Jersey there was recently an article which read that there are 27% Gujarat is in the States who speak Gujarati at home, eat Gujarati food and shop from an Indian grocery store, celebrate all festivals and 70% go to the temple everyday and marriages are performed as per the Hindu marriage rites which shows just how deep the roots run! Developing countries, including India, are benefiting enormously from the migration of their workforce and the resulting foreign exchanger remittances, a new World Bank study has said. In fact, India is among the biggest beneficiary of this trend, World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) for 2006, the central theme of which is migration and remittances, has reported. Officially recorded remittances worldwide exceeded $232 billion in 2005, with India receiving almost ten per cent of the amount ($21.7 billion). China came in second with $21.3 billion, followed by Mexico ($18.1 billion), France ($12.7 billion) and the-Philippines ($11.6 billion). India has surged ahead of the G-8 economies including former Powerhouses Japan and Germany, its nearest rival China and Europe's ‘Celtic Tiger' Ireland, in a global survey of business confidence seen to mark a seismic shift in the way world economic power is sliding eastwards. India's lead comes for the first time ever in the annual four-year-old survey by Grant Thornton International. Graeme Forbes, a partner of Grant Thornton told TOI that the survey, carried out among more than 7,000 owners of medium-sized businesses from 30 countries last autumn 2005 gave Indians the right to be bullish about the future. The survey, which canvassed a mixed bag of domestic and foreign business owners in every country, underlined a startling optimism on the Indian front. The survey says the most optimistic business owners of all - for the third year - are in India with an optimism/pessimism balance of +93, a relentlessly upward surge from + 88 in 2004, +83 in 2003 and +25 in 2002. India's score is a dramatic contrast to the slump in US business confidence, which comes in at +32, less than half what it was in 2004. In China, said Forbes, the score was +77. "It's not all that far behind India,” cautioned Forbes but yes, it does indicate that the bullish mood in India takes it "right to the top of the tree". India is already the world's fourth largest economy, just behind Japan but considerably behind the Big Two-the US and China. It wins certainly over take Japan by the end of this decade. This is based on GDP measured in terms of what economists call purchasing power parity (PPP). During the first 4 years of the 21st century. India has attained unparalleled success in economic stability. India has managed to reach levels prescribed by economists as parameters of macro-economic stability, which has astonished the whole world. This is evident from the figures shown in the interim budget. India's foreign reserves amount to 130 billion dollars and the economy is advancing at the rate of 6-8% GDP growth, which is more than twice the average world growth. Instead of taking grants and loans from outside, India is now offering loans and is counted as a creditor country in the IMF (International monetary fund). The globalisation has led to doing away with the bottleneck of beauracracy and laws have been improvised and those laws which curtailed foreign exchange movement have been abolished during the past few years the effect of which is showing now leading to a world class infrastructure and communication network being set up. This has led to a favourable condition where NRIs would be encouraged to invest in this current situation. India is to emerge in the 21st century as a developed nation and economic superpower the responsibility of which also lies upon the shoulders of our NRI brothers. India is now market friendly and the government has taken a lot of steps for NRI. The Central government declared an NRI tourism day on 9th January the day that Gandhiji returned to India from South Africa. The NRIs have no reason whatsoever to complain as India is marching forward as a world-class economy. Multi national companies have entered India with Indians at the helm and high-powered positions. The India that the NRIs had left is not the same which is the reason that the NRI should act as a catalyst to boost India's image as a world economy. In India currently there is a total of 23 billion dollars deposited in Banks by NRIs of which 12 billion dollars have been deposited during the last four years. The annual $ 440 billion dollars earned need not be fully invested but only a fraction of 5% or 10% of that income if invested in India will lead to a development income generated of $ 22 - 44 billion dollars. India offers the highest returns with among the lowest risks of any market in the world. India is on a high that will last for the next 20 years. NRIs have already invested more than $ 2 billion into India. Even more can come. There will be a downturn, a year from now; two years from now; who knows when, but it will happen. The Indian market will outperform the rest of the world over the next 20 resources. Indian Diaspora has taken into serious consideration that NRIs should be included in the development of the nation as one of the main resources. India has approved a lot of NRI demands and made a provisions thereof and recently also allowed dual citizenship to promote NRI funding and are allowing NRIs to open their accounts in foreign exchange as well as in rupees. And these deposits are free of tax. They can invest money in shares; stocks, bonds as well as property which when sold the proceeds can be repatriated. While in India there is no restriction in shopping for jewellery or investment in equity i.e. shares and stock. There is also no law requiring them to declare any jewellery brought by them from outside. NRIs are now also permitted to take over Indian companies. Besides, the government has made it easier for the NRI to invest in India by availing the Single Window Clearance System. Non Resident Indians (NRIs) have put forward a proposal of investing 2.7 billion US $ (Rs 120 billion approx.) in real estate according to a report. NRIs have shown a keen interest to invest for the progress of their "Motherland" and up to now about 250 lakhs NRIs were ready to invest in real estate business, but could not due to government restrictions but now, all the hurdles have been ruled out by implementing new Single Window Clearance System. If Dubai, population of hardly 1.5 million people can create world class Residential cum Business and Commercial Townships by reclaiming the sea (The Palm Jabel Ali, The Palm Jumeraih, The Palm Deira, The World, The Pearl, etc) why can't India a population of more than 1000 million plus 20 million population of NRIs can create such type of Town-Ship. It would be far more viable and potential because of the population, production, cheap labour, etc. India offers the highest returns with among the lowest risks of any market in the world. It is a well-known fact that if a combination of cheap man-hours and expertise is required, India is the perfect place for it. China has the world's best metallurgical expertise; Indonesia has cheap labour; Russian laborers are highly educated but a combination of these factors is found only in India. Gujarat has also put a positive step forward in this direction. Recently the Gujarat government announced in its Industrial policy 2003 an intention to establish "NRI Investment Trust Bank". The demand of the day is that NRIs should come forward to cheer India as a global player in International power games. "Business means Gujarat, Gujarat means business". When we talk about business, the name of Gujarat naturally comes to mind. Gujarat knows what a business is and is serious about business. If it is no exaggeration - no other state understands business better than Gujarat. Even father-son relation is built on business when it is business. Not for nothing, it is said: "In Gujarat, every house is a shop or a workshop." The spirit of Gujarat is the spirit of enterprises. Gujarat has been the growth engine of the national economy. All this was possible because the state took major initiatives in infrastructure development like roads, ports, storage, telecom facilities, markets, computers, electricity, and most importantly water. In all these sub-sectors, the desired degree of success was achieved through encouraging the private sector by facilitating their operations. Though positive steps have been taken by the government of India, more steps are essential which can lead to favaurable conditions where NRIs would be encouraged maximize investment. One of them is Residential cum Business and Commercial Township for NRIs only (NRIs Township). This type of Township should come under Special Economic Zone, Duty-Free Zone, permit for Casinos, Permit Bars, etc. This can be a miraculous feat.
Non Resident Indians (NRIs) have put forward a proposal of investing 2.7 billion US $ (Rs 120 billion approx.) in real estate according to a report. If only 5% of this proposal is invested in Piram Island it would generate Rs 6 billion (Rs 600 crore), which is sufficient to create one the best 'Residential cum Business and Commercial Township' of India. NRIs have shown a keen interest to invest for the progress of their "Motherland" and up to now about 250 lakhs NRIs were ready to invest in real estate business. If only 5% of 2.5 lakh NRIs (12,500) who are interested to invest in real estate business can generate 250 crore by investing in ownership of house, fractional ownership (ownership sharing) of house or by taking a time-sharing in "Township for NRIs only."
NRI Township cum Exclusive Resort
A FLOATING CITY
Almost massive floating city with, a discotheque, a cinema room, a video game parlour, a library, a shopping arcade, and a large number of restaurants and bars. A floating city with 13 decks is the mega cruise liner Superstar Virgo that is stated to be one of the ten largest ships in the world. This ship belongs to Star Cruises, which is based in Singapore. It comprises nearly 1000 cabins of various types. The restaurants cater to different nationalities and the first cruise ship in the world to feature an Indian restaurant with chefs from Mumbai. This is also a special section for children and infants. The ships are equipped with nine lifts. The overall length of the ship is 268.60 metres, its dead-weight is 6000 tonnes, the total weight of the paints used in the ship is 220 tonnes, the total length of the cable which have been laid for various purposes is 1978 kilometers and the length of the pipes installed is 150 kilometers. The ship travels at a speed of more than 24 knots. Luxury liners are available in international market whose sea worthiness is the verge of expiry.
Most probably they are sold for scrapping (ship breaking). This type of ship can be purchased and converted into hotel or town-ship. It is possible to start quickly and economically, by docking refurbished passenger ship in the lagoon. This may be reached by a cable car or an under water gallery made by transparent walls in the lagoon. This may be reached by a cable car or an under water gallery made by transparent walls. Once the ship is docked, the machinery can be removed and sold since it is not used for voyages anymore, which will increase the availability of space and the sale of those parts which are not needed will recover about 40 to 50 percent of the money spent on purchase of the ship.
Dinner with shark
NRI Investment Trust BankToday there are approximately 20 minion NRIs residing in one-third of the world's countries (almost in 120 countries). According to one estimate the total yearly income of NRIs is approximately Rs 19,40,000 crore ($ 440 billion), which is 3 times, the Indian G.D.P. NRIs have used their entrepreneurial skills and have fully utilized capabilities in which they have been highly successful. It is estimated that the total income of all the NRIs is 25 times more than the annual budget of the Gujarat government and twice the annual income of the Indian government. NRIs are earning annually an income, which is equal to the total budget of the Central government as well as the entire 28 States government budget of India. The greatest achievement so far for India at the beginning of the 21st century is the turning of the NRIs back to the motherland. The winds of time are changing being attracted by new opportunities and the wish to do ‘something’ for their motherland. This is a good omen for India. Almost all human beings have an affinity to their motherland so it is no surprise that NRIs have a sense of pride in being of Indian origin. Governments of different nations have formed policies which include deriving advantages to be taken from their people living abroad, whether that is the land of domicile or not. India is to emerge in the 21st century as a developed nation and economic superpower the responsibility of which also ties upon the shoulders of our NRIs brothers. India is now market friendly and the government has taken a lot of steps for NRI. Recently the Gujarat government announced in its Industrial policy 2003 an intention to establish "NRI Investment Trust Bank. The demand of the day is that NRIs should come forward to cheer India as a global player in International power games. India offers the highest returns with among the lowest risks of any market in the world. India is on a high that will last for the next 20 years. NRIs have already invested more than $ 2 billion into India. Even more can come. There will be a downturn, a year from now; two years from now; who knows when, but it will happen. The Indian market will outperform the rest of the world over the next 20 years. With dawn of the twenty-first century, India's visionary foresight, long term planning, and self-dependence policies, has strengthened its economy. Now instead of depending on other nations India is taking a positive step on its own resources. Indian Diaspora has taken into serious consideration that NRIs should be included in the development of the nation as one of the main resources. Though positive steps have been taken by the government of India, more steps are essential which can lead to favaurable conditions where NRIs would be encouraged maximize investment. Example: 1 Today there are approximately 20 million NRIs residing in one-third of the world's countries (almost in120 countries). According to one estimate the total yearly income of NRIs is approximately Rs 19,40,000 crore ($ 440 billion). If NRIs the world over invests only 5% of their income, within a year with "NRI Investment Trust Bank" they accrue about 22 billion dollars, which will multiply into 110 billion within 5 years as a result our international debt is 110 billion, which can be paid off within 5 years. Example: 2 According to one estimate the total yearly income of NRIs is approximately Rs 19,40,000 crore ($ 440 billion). If NRIs the world over invests only .5% of their income, within a year with "NRI Investment Trust Bank" they accrue about Rs 9700 crores which will multiply into Rs 58200 crores within 6 years as a result the mega project like Kalpsar, which takes 6 years to complete, can be done without any government finance. The interest earned by NRIs if they deposit with NRI Trust Bank will be more than interest earned when they deposit money with foreign banks, and when the Indian government pays this interest it will be less expensive than loans taken from foreign banks. NRIs will be satisfied by earning more interest and can take pride in supporting the development of their motherland. This can be ca1led a win-win situation. The mega projects such as the "Garland Project" (linking major rivers), "Sagar-Mala" Project (a water transport project), "Sujalam-Sufalam" project (an estimated Rs 6088 crore project for 10 water-starved districts of Gujarat), or any other mega project can be easily carried out with NRI funding. Overseas BankLarger foreign banks, which are operating in India, are expected to seek a greater market share, which would be aided, by benign regulatory attitude towards branch expansions and the easing of investment norms in private sector banks. The proposed option of setting up a subsidiary in India would also help the foreign banks in this regard, said Fitch Ratings. The rating agency, in a report titled Foreign Banks in India - 2003 Results", Said while foreign banks account for only around 5 percent of total bank deposits and 7 percent of total bank loans in India, they comprise an important part of the banking sector in metropolitan areas. The report looks at the financials of 21 foreign banks that account for 97 per cent of the total assets Weld by foreign banks in India. The four largest foreign banks with full service presence across all products account for over 70 percent of the total assets of all foreign banks in India as at end-March 2003. Standard Chartered Bank leads the race with 24 per cent of the total assets followed by Citibank at 22 percent, HSBC 18 per cent, ABN Amro Bank 8 per cent and Deutsche Bank at 5 per cent. According to the rating agency, foreign banks have generally enjoyed strong support from their parents. The capital adequacy ratios of most foreign banks in India were above the regulatory minimum level of nine per cent. In the last fiscal HSBC and Standard Chartered received additional capital from their parent amounting to $150 million and $80 million, respectively, following the revision made by RBI in the calculation of Tier-1 capital. Four smaller banks (Amex, Credit Lyonnais, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale) with low capital adequacy ratios also received capital infusions from their parents. The report added that the asset quality of large foreign banks is better than the average for Indian banks. While loan, quality has been a problem for some medium and small foreign Banks; loan loss coverage ratios are usually high and are supported by the periodic capital infusions by the parent. Fitch added that a locally incorporated subsidiary would enjoy greater scope for growth through increased freedom in opening branches or acquiring other Indian banks. The new Exim policy would help reduce interest rates on export credit in fact, a senior banker said that the policy had taken the country one step closer to full capital account convertibility. In the policy, the government has exempted banking units operating from Special Economic Zones (SEZ) inside India from maintaining cash reserve ratio and statutory liquidity ratio. These units can mobilise foreign currency funds and lend this currency without maintaining the statutory deposits with the RB1. The move would certainly help banks reduce the interest rates to units in the SEZs. As of now, Indian banks give foreign currency loans to exporters at internationally competitive rate linked to London inter Bank Offered Rate. Now, this rate will go down further. In fact, banking units in SEZs would now be virtually foreign branches of Indian banks while being located within the country. The dollar loans are being given at 40 to 50 basis points over LIBOR, which is at around 2.75 percent with this new policy initiative the rates are likely to come down by 10 to 30 basis points. In the policy, large export houses with good track records. - With the rank of "status holder' - can repatriate their export proceeds in 360 days in stead of the present limit of 180 days. The exporters are also showed to retain their entire export earnings in foreign currencies. This measure dearly exhibited the government's high confidence level thanks to large foreign currency reserves, which has crossed the $90 billion mark. RBI is examining the question of requesting banks to treat at least the status holders as prime borrowers. This would entail the banks to lend to status holders at prime rates, even for term loans. In fact the policy has tried to make the SEZ as the nodal agency to achieve high export growth.
A constantly increasing demand for casino and a huge profit margin makes this business so fabulous that very few among the many profit-making businesses can compete with it. Some of the examples are Las-Vegas, Nepal and India’s first “Floating- Hotel” (Pride of Goa). A Nasscom study says country’s gamming industry is poised to grow 2500 crore by the end of 2009. Today it is more varied and estimates show that casinos flourish and for that it is most important to have privacy as well as security. Some of the world-renowned gambling places have risen from mere towns such as Las Vegas. For casino it is important to have privacy as well as security and Piram is the ideal place for that. In this day and age gambling takes place in several forms the most famous of which are cards, poker, roulette, money wheels, poker plus, slot machines, horse racing and on line lotteries. Fuelled by the explosion of Internet and acceptance of casino gambling as mainstream entertainment worldwide, online gambling is growing at a torrid rate. Horserace betting is legal in India. It would be much easy to get permission of casino for foreign passport holders; such as in Katmandu (Nepal), Hanoi (Vietnam), Macau (China), Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai were only foreign passport holders are allowed to gamble in foreign currency. Currently, Goa was the only home to India’s legalized casino but two more legal casinos are being set to come, one in Gangtok (Sikkim) and other in Daman. The Sikkim government, which has been looking to turn the state into a hotspot, passed the Sikkim Casino Games Act in 2004, making casino operations legal. The country’s biggest real estate developer DLF and hospitality chain Sarovar Hotel & Resort are on course to separately set up the country’s first inland casinos in Sikkim’s capital. Fiesta Casino, as it will be known, will come up over 52,000 square feet area equipped with 500 electronic slot machines for Poker, Blackjet and Roulette. The 200 room luxury resort will come up over 10 acres of sea facing land. The casino will be leased out to an Indian company holding a gamming license under Gambling Act of Goa, Daman and Diu, 1976.
Diamond: The Indian diamond is once again coming to the limelight, this time with a vengeance. The industry is witnessing a fast recovery with booming exports and increasing profitability, true to the meaning of the slogan "Diamonds are forever". India has emerged as the undisputed leader in the international diamond market, commanding for the first time more than 55 percent of the cake. "The diamond sector has done India proud, as the only segment in which the country enjoys more than 55 percent of the world market share by value, 80 percent in volumes and 90 percent in terms of pieces. Total gems and jeweler exports from India in 2000-01 were 7.78 billion. However, things changed with the exports of precious metals to the US resumed around 12 percent overall up to March this year. The first quarter of this year saw a growth of over 25 percent in exports to the US and other European countries. Moreover following the slump in the US, many local exporters started exploring export potential in Europe and West Asia and there have been some trade transactions. Moreover, following abolition of 6.5 percent customs duty by the US on imported precious metal for a period of five years up to 2006, the exports from the diamond city could go up to Rs 50,000 crore per annum. Gold: For the first time in India a new opportunity is presenting itself for investment with world-class players now joining hands to develop the market. The magic sector is gold. Thanks to the new gold deposit scheme and other changes which are now underway, gold holdings, estimated to be anywhere between 10,000 metric tonnes to 30,000 metric tonnes will increasingly be put to productive use. This averages to an investment pool of about Rs. 9000 billion. With even a fraction of this coming into the market, huge volumes of precious metals will be brought and sold; recycled and refined and also traded and invested. India's appetite for gold continued unabated. India continues to be the largest and fastest growing gold market in the world, requiring around 2.3 metric tonnes gold. Today, even if only smuggled and recycled gold is taken as the opportunity window, a local refinery would have a ready business for refining and recycling to the tune of about 245 tones. At a reckoning of Rs 6000 per 10 grams or Rs 60 crore per tonne, this creates a ready market opportunity of Rs. 1460 billion (Rs. 1460 crore). This opportunity can be utilised better if international quality gold refining (gold of 999.9 fineness) is available locally. Silver: Silver refining capacity in this country is also minuscule and not on par with international standards. Today, even recycled silver is taken, as the opportunity window a local refinery would have a ready market of Import of silver is restricted - which translated into higher landed costs. A local refinery can tap into this market with each because the internationally accepted hallmarking collaborators who would provide 99.9% purity will certify purity levels. Pearl: The sikka-based fisheries research centre of Gujarat Agricultural University has developed a new technique for producing round cultured pearl scientifically, for the first time in the state. The centre has also developed another technique for producing coloured pearls in oysters. Years of research have resulted in this rare achievement. The centre at Sikka uses the 'clustering' system, developed in house, to produce more real pearl oysters. The nurturing of these pearl oysters required the right temperature, seawater salinity and clear seawater. The temperature and salinity of seawater is suitable at Piram Island. As far as the clarity of water is concerned, this can be solved by either constructing a lagoon or small ponds. Jewellery: Competitive pricing, coupled with good craft-man-ship, has been the key to the overwhelming response from the international Market that attracts attention to the Indian Jeweler industries. "Our designers too have attained international acclaim."
China has effectively used its special economic zones (SEZs) and open cities since it began the opening-up process in 1980. It opened SEZs in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou and Xiamen, and declared the entire province of Hainan an SEZ. In 1984, it opened 14 coastal cities to overseas investment, a benefit not available to other cities. It then decided to expand the coastal areas and extend the concept of open economic zones with special shops. If you thought the days of Indians returning from abroad with suitcases bursting with foreign goods are over, think again. Indians who travel abroad are being seen as a sizeable and big spending community. A recent survey by the Singapore Tourism Board on the spending habits of tourists in the island state shows that Indian visitors are by and large the biggest spenders. "An Indian tourist spends two and a half times more than the average visitors from any other country," the survey states. The detailed survey was carried out from January to December '98 by the Singapore Tourism Board to record various aspects of tourist arrivals and their habits. "The figures on Indian spending are particularly significant because India ranked ninth in terms of number of visitors to Singapore, third highest revenue generator, but was first as far as average per capita expenditure is concerned. The per capita expenditure of an American was Rs 20,000, which was second highest spenders in Singapore, spending nearly 40% of an average Indian's expenditure. Though India attracted only approximately 3 minion international tourists every year, the high spending and footloose Indians have been targeted by prominent tourist destinations in the other countries in the Far East and the Middle East. According to the World Tourism and Trade Council (WTTC), of the 2.6 million outbound tourists from India, over 60 percent went to Singapore and Dubai, which many regard as an extended shopping mall. The commerce and industry ministry has proposed opening up of the foreign investment policy to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in construction of commercial properties such as shopping malls and hotels. Officials said construction of commercial properties could attract large amount of FDI in the broad sector of real estate, FDI of up to 100% is allowed only in the "development of integrated township." India is high on the radar of foreign investors and thus, there is a need for creating an appropriate financial mechanism that will attract tong-term (10 -15 years) investments especially for infrastructure development. International retailers are queuing up to take a share of this profit-making venture in India. Dubai based Life Style International, world famous Wall-Mart, Marks & Spencer and Toys 'R' US are at the threshold of setting up retail outlets in India. The French company plans to invest $250-300 million in the venture; the US Company on the other hand plans to invest $100 million in three years. While Groupe Casino has decided to pick up 49% percent stake after the retail is opened up for FDI. Weitnaurer Holdings, a famous Swiss duty-free conglomerate and Flagship of Weitnauer Group of Companies, is eyeing to capture duty-free shops in the country with its aggressive market strategies in the coming months. Singapore's famous departmental store Mustufa that is the destination of all Indians in this city-state is all set to enter India. This is even as the company has just brought over a jewellery shop in Chennai. Jewellery is the part of the staggering 100,000 products the company sells through its departmental stores. Mustufa is looking for four acres of land wherever they find at reasonable price because they are well aware that four acres of land would be difficult as well non- viable to locate in the city center. A distant location would not deter them. One of their stores is like 30-35 shops, so it is likes a whole market. Thus, it will become a destination for consumers. Weitnauer Holdings Ltd. has identified itself as a serious player for the Indian duty free shops market. India is an important commercial destination apart from tourist spot and company has been seriously thinking on tapping the Indian duty free shops since long. Shoprite, Africa's largest retailer has obtained an approval to conduct wholesale business in India. But, according to industry sources, it is also tieing up with an Indian franchisee for a large format retail operation that is expected to start early in the end of this year. India Inc's global march in fast forward mode is opening yet another brand new avenue of business. Duty free shops, restricted to airports till now, are set to spring up at a number of seaports. Unlike their counterparts at seaports, the duty free outlets at the seaports will initially be aimed at cruise passengers, crew of the ships calling in at these ports and the storage requirements of those ships. Government officials dealing with the initiative, being pushed by the department of tourism, say one of the key goals of the new facilities is to attract the growing number of tourists on cruise liners to shop at these outlets.
India's healthcare has helped sell its image. The country is poised to pocket a major chunk of the $ 3 trillion global healthcare industry in coming years. Incredible India, amazing India! It could be a slogan for India as a destination for medical tourism. India's travel industry is taking clue from Singapore, where 1.5 lakh people visit each year for medical treatment from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. These medical tourists contribute $ 1 billion to Singapore's GDP each year, and the country which has an agency to market medical tourism, is now beefing up its medical tourism infrastructure. Handful of Indian healthcare providers will find a mention on the British National Health Services (NHS) map - albeit only in the listings section. This listing comes at a time when Indian hospitals, especially starry ones with expensive rate charts, are looking at the NHS to fulfill dollar laced medical tourism dreams. Although the listing is an independent agency's effort, Indian players are hopeful that it is the beginning as far as the NHS is concerned. The NHS, which has 30 trusts running various hospitals across the UK, has a long waiting list of patients. It has been giving patients the option to 'choose and book' in hospitals having shorter waiting lists. If the NHS extends its 'choose and book' list to include some options in India, the 'desi' medical tourism dream could take off. Given the high figure, the offer from NHS Family Choice - an independent agency that compiles a directory rating healthcare providers within the NHS system in the UK as well abroad has found many takers in India. Around 80 private hospitals and healthcare institutions across India paid a registration fee for a mention in its rating directory. This includes big groups such as the Apollo, Max Fortis and Wockhardt as well star hospitals like Hinduja, Asian Heart Institute and Aditya Jyot Eye in Mumbai. The large Indian community in the UK, which is covered by the NHS, the opportunity is huge even if a fraction of the ethnic Indians option to travel back home for treatment. According to Vishal Bali of the Wockhardt group of hospitals, who is a member of the CII National Healthcare Committee, the NHS Family Choice first approached the CII team in Delhi, which then gave it the address of 80_odd members of the Indian Healthcare Federation (IHF) members are chosen on the basis of stringent criteria, ranging from quality consciousness to the number of beds. In a sense, its members are the crème de la crème of the Indian healthcare industry. "The India centric directory is the beginning of recognition for healthcare facilities in India." Many major surgeries can be performed in India at a tenth of their cost in comparison with the Western countries. This cost advantage and India's large pool of well-trained professionals will draw global business. Gujaratis, forming a significant chunk of Indian Diaspora regularly fly back home from US, UK, Australia, Africa and other countries in big numbers for major medical treatment and even health check-ups in the up market. Not only did they get the treatment done for almost free but also get a chance to catch up with the family by spending a small amount on the airfare. Is it a hotel? Is it a hospital? As it turns out, the panel facility inaugurated by the Apollo Group and the National Union of Seafarers India is both. Containing bars, lounges and Jacuzzis under the same roof as cardiograms, x-ray machine and pathology labs, its India's first so-called hospital. It will promote medical tourism in India, attracting international patients and corporate executives to avail a cocktail of treatment travel and fun. Already, such types of hospitals have been opened in many parts of India. Its clear, hopes to be the home to even more such establishment. That was obvious from the enthusiasm for medical tourism on display at a recent conference of hospital administrators organized by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Officials claimed that medical tourism would be "India's next IT industry" and referred to the country as the "healthcare destination of the world." First we need to develop a system, which classifies and approves hospitals, pretty much like hotels. About 12,000 foreign patients come each year to India just for healthcare services. More than 30% of the country's operations have given the sector priority as a lucrative business. This means they not only take care of travel and stay but also organise the hospital and doctors appointments. A combined package, which brings in the airlines, travel and tour agencies, healthcare providers and insurance agencies, could propel this further. India gets the bulk of its patients from the Gulf, Canada, Maldives, and Europe etc. According to a recent report by the consultancy firm McKinsey for the CII the tertiary care hospitals could make in every year until 2012 from medical tourism alone, an amount of Rs 10,000 crore. India can certainly become the destination of the world for having two great advantages - highly skilled manpower and substantially lower cost treatments. Another reason for patients flocking to India is that, doctors abroad don't give an immediate appointment. In the US, the UK, and even Australia, doctors reportedly give appointments for a tooth extraction after six months and by then; the tooth would rot and fall on its own. Those settled abroad aren't the only ones to undergo dental treatment at home for fear of burning holes in their pockets, but there is a steady rush of wannable immigrants too who would rather get their teeth cleaned, bridged and capped before leaving for foreign shores. Until about ten years ago, we were lagging far behind our western counterparts but today our technology is only six months behind that of the West. This gap has largely been bridged and conveyed this to the world by Internet. Incentives like tax exemptions for expansion and setting up of private hospitals, 20 percent custom duty on life saving medical equipment, custom duty exemption on life saving drugs, higher depreciation on medical equipment and more, announced in Budget-2003 was just the medicine they needed to capture the multi-crore global healthcare pie! This will enable to offer excellent quality medical care at most competitive price. The money saved in duties will be passed on to the patients. Latest cosmetic-plastic surgeries are also being done in India at competent rates. An increasing number of NRls prefer local cosmetic surgeons to their foreign counterparts as they get the same treatment at one-tenth the cost as well as without long waited appointment. Cosmetic surgery gets lucrative lift, as the business is also booming globally; especially in Asia where a westernized look is increasingly desirable. Cosmetic treatments have become almost commonplace, thanks to changing social attitudes and pressures and above all, to technical innovation that is now starting to fulfill its potential. Last year, roughly 9.4 million cosmetic procedures were performed in America alone, more than three times the number in 1999, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. A decade ago, the business was largely a matter of a surgeon and his scalpel. It was expensive besides which recovery was often bruising and long with satisfactory results not guaranteed. Today, however new technology and products are making cheaper, minimally invasive cosmetic improvement increasing the norm. India's largest travel company Kuoni India, is considering a joint venture with a private hospital and an insurance company so that it can begin to bring in patients looking cheaper medical care in India. It's just not people from the Gulf States or Thailand that will be attracted by this proposition; the West has a huge ageing population, which has to bare enormous economic and social costs for ill health. India can be beautifully positioned to tap this especially if destination like Piram Island that conjures sunny, relaxed images ware patients could rest and recover is marketed along with the country's cheap medical facilities.
20th century was considered the age of stress while the 21st century will become the age of depression. It is presumed that by 2020 depression will become the second commonest disease and psychiatry will become the most flourishing branch in medical fraternity. W.H.O. gas redefined disease as physical, mantel and spiritual well being of a person and not only absence of disease. Any disease can be produced (to some extent) cured by changing the thought pattern. Psyche or mind plays a substantial role in it more so in psychosomatic diseases like heart disease, BP, diabetes, mental illness, cancer --- the disease are caused by stress & strain and unhealthy life style. A day will come when nations will be judged by the well being of their levels of health, nutrition and education and not by their military or economic strength nor by the splendour of their capital cities and public buildings. Dr Benson from Harvard University, Dr Deepak Chopra, Carlo Simonton and other experts has clearly shown that relaxations are powerful tools in the treatment of psychosomatic diseases. In natural ambience of Piram Island - majestic and pristine, and naturopathy centre will merge into the landscape with natural ease. The land cradled in the ocean's lap. To add to it, the size of Piram Island is perfect to enjoy the feeling and view the endless of nature to the horizon all around. In a location so exotic that you can experience a rendezvous with nature and your inner self --- an ideal condition for the body and the mind to respond to yoga and meditation for the most positive effect. Naturopathy is based on the principle that the body has the power to cure itself using the five elements of nature this being air, water, fire, earth, and space called as 'Panchmahabhutas.' Ayurveda is the time tested and trusted ancient medical system of India which provides longevity and health in body, mind and spirit. Panchkarma (Detoxification Process) has the power to remove the excessively accumulated toxins in different systems as well as improve immunity. Shamana (Palliative Medicine), Rasayana (Medicine & techniques for rejuvenation) and a proper guidance for lifestyle and food habits are the base of this treatment. (Prevention is better than cure) If you want to heal your body, you must first heal your mind because any suffering is the suffering of mind and body together. To accelerate this process, Meditation, Pranayama and Yoga based relaxatation techniques along with psychological counseling is the best. An ideal combination of ayurveda, naturopathy, alternative therapies and holistic practices like pranayama, meditation and yoga based relaxation techniques can rejuvenate and recharge body as welt as mind. Health can be restore and maintain by harmonizing the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual elements. This can be one of the reasons for brain training course, which is held once a year on the Tessera Island by the 'Creative thinking guru Edward de Bono: The natural environment and landscape of Piram is a perfect setting for the development of a facility in a naturopathy, yoga, ayurvada, herbal medicine, holistic health, stress management, healthy lifestyle, visualization, rhythmic breathing, relaxation techniques, positive attitude, homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, unani, siddha, therapeutic diet, meditation, physiotherapy, magnet therapy, hypnotism, reiki, vibrionics, pyramid therapy, flower remedies, Kirtian photography, biofeedback, music therapy, laughing therapy, panch karma, hip bath, colon hydro-therapy, enimas, hydro-jet bath, whirl-pool bath, oil therapy, ghee therapy, mud therapy, aroma, sun therapy, colour therapy, juice therapy, vipassana, kundalini, etc. It can become hub of spiritual heating and meditation; bridging the technological miracles of the west with the wisdom of the east. "The greatest achievement for man, more significant than the conquest of the universe is the knowledge of body and mind. Health is natural were as disease is unnatural. Different faces of today's fast track life having competition, uncertainty, and work pressures, domestic tensions... Adding to it are the irregular food habits and pollution. All these invasions definitely loose the 'ease' in life and the plethora of these extensive problems manifest into dis-ease'. Indulgent lifestyles now cause a slew of serious lifestyle aliments.
(Massage from the Director General of W.H.O.) The modern man is running against time he is the victim of hurry, worry and curry leading to i1l health. On getting up from the bed the hard grind begins, the stress and strain of fast life, running against time, extended hectic work hours nerve racking projects, constant ringing of phones and mobiles, odd and hurried lunch hours, disturbed sleepless nights, physical and mental fatigue -- all this time the invisible 'Yamraj' is patiently waiting with protruding, lolling out tongue and droppings saliva to grab one of us. Right now we are sitting on top of the active volcano, which may erupt at any time. We are wired to a ticking time bomb, which may blast at any time, and some of us will pop off prematurely and start our journey to the eternal abode, leaving the children and spouse to weep and suffer. Is there no way out from this gloomy maze? Off course there is --'Piram' the paradise on earth with a unique hospital combing the latest technological know-how's of the west and the alternative mediums and the time tested age-old techniques of the east, (meditation, yoga, pranayam, rhythmic breathing, etc.) the amalgam of both the worlds, in pollution free natural environment. The staff is very courteous, loving and compassionate, come here to recharge your (mind, body and soul) batteries. We can assure you it will be an out the world experience, which you will cherish throughout your life -- so see you there - bye. We cordially welcome you 10 Piram the Academy for a better world on the picturesque background of pollution free, environment-friendly Island in Guff of Khambhat. This Academy for better world combines the graceful charm of a well laid out functional setup with abundant freshness of nature and backdrops of the sea. The sanity of medical complex provides an apt environment for faster recovery, enriches the physical and spiritual experience in an atmosphere, that is both stimulating and (invigorant) relaxing, no distressed patients harried doctors but cool administrators compassionate loving, caring, soothing, cajoling Nightingales with a smite on their face and a loving heart -- a forgetting therapy. Here you can harness natures healing powers and rediscover the doctor within each one of us, find nuts and bolts of creativity, fight efficiently the battle of the bulge (obesity).
Event Management Firm
In the near future it will be no surprise if the rich and famous hold marriage ceremonies on such islands. Besides it would be an ideal location for shooting marriage ceremonies for films and T.V. serials for a country that makes the highest number of films in the world and second highest TV serial in terms of hour. The 'shaadi' next door has just hit the Rs I - 2 crore mark. As the marriage season nears, it is time to splurge. Brides and grooms are putting on expensive dresses, tables are being laid with exotic food, and mandaps are getting the designer touch, while guests tap their feet to singers and DJs. Many say marriages are made in heaven but, this season, Gujaratis are making the ceremony a 'heavenly' one. According to sources, the expenditures range from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore across the state's cities. Earlier, people would splurge just on the bride and groom. Now, money is being spent on guests too. They are being pampered with an array of items. From the food to the mandap, and from invitation cards to entertainment, it is all about making a statement. So, the father of the bride isn't thinking twice before bringing in 'Kanta lagaa' girl Shefali Jariwala, Bally Sago, Abhijeet or Sonu Nigam to start the wedding celebrations on a rocking note that the charges are anywhere between Rs 5 lakh a night, doesn't matter. People are drawing up separate guest lists for each ceremony like sangeet, mehendi, wedding and reception so they can give personalized care. It's not just expensive mandaps that cost up to Rs 50 lakh, even floral decorations cost as much as a lakh for 'an evening. Imported flowers are being brought in to welcome guests. The hosts have also found that the way to the guests' heart may well be through exotic dishes. "Chefs are being flown in to layout a multi-cuisine spread, including Thai, Mexican, Italian and Continental food, costing a whopping Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 a plate. Brides and grooms are looking for gold and silver embroidery and want their clothes to be elegant. The price range is anything from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1lakh. Marriages are now made in heritage locales. The latest is where a bridegroom sporting an 'achkan' (sherwani), 'safa' (turban) with a 'morpeech' (peacock feather) and mojhdis (shoes) drives into a spruced-up palace courtyard in a vintage car with 'baraatis' in horse-driven carriages following him. Though inspired by Bollywood, these real-life weddings are a class apart, as they are performed not on expensive sets but heritage palaces and royal houses. A wedding in the opulent interiors of a palace with its expensive silk and chiffon drapes, carved doors and windows, bejewelled arches, marble floors, walls adorned with antique paintings welcome the guests in a traditional manner - with a 'tikka', garland and 'arti'. You don't have to be from a royal lineage to enjoy a slice of royalty, when you are attending one of the new ages Indian weddings. "A dream wedding in a pristine ambience is what the rich and the affording classes are looking for. Royal wedding packages top the list of 'Destination (theme) weddings', which are at least a decade-old phenomenon in India. If Rajasthan is dominating, Gujarat is slowly picking up. Heritage properties in Gujarat are now luring the commoners - promising them a slice of royalty - though be it for a day. We have Balaram Palace in Palanpur, Mandvi Palace in Kutch, Nilambagh in Bhavnagar, Riverside Palace in Gondal, Garden Palace in Balasinor, Shiv Nivas and Laxmi Vilas in Vadodara open to weddings. The royal splendour just doesn't end with leasing out the premises as wedding planners have now roped in royal jewellers, dress designers as well as chefs to give the entire event a periodic appeal. The package includes traditional costumes and accessories designed by in-house professionals for the bride, bridegroom and close family members. Traditional dancers and musicians put up a show, while royal chefs churn out a traditional menu. It's a one-stop marriage shop, offering a unique sagai-to-bidai package. They get the mandaps done; arrange the pundit and chase the halwai. They even usher in your 'baraatis'. A new crop of event managers has taken over the job of arranging marriages, letting the father of the bride spend the last moments with his daughter before she leaves home and the groom's father share with his son the secrets of a successful married life. And, as event management firms jump in for a share of the multi-crore marriage pie --- organising the good old 'shaadi' with clockwork precision and immaculate Planning --- the ordeal of having your children tie the knot is becoming a thing of the past. Though industry sources say managing a wedding comes with a price tag of Rs 50,000 and above. The services offered are varied. While event management firms even organise dance-training classes for hosts, some offer hospitality services like receiving guests at various entry points in the city and escorting them to designated venues. Those in the business say the market is growing at an unprecedented rate. There are many advantages. First, families can forget their worries. Then, professional bodies can get things done which normally wouldn't have been possible. We created an entire village, complete with huts and ethnic furniture, and even get a 'doli' to carry the bride. "It is the time factor that matters most. Most clients are NRls who are hard pressed for time to come to India, get their children married and return soon." The firm even has a tie-up with a leading hotel chain to facilitate wedding venues. Besides weddings people are now ready to leave other occasions such as Birthdays, Engagements, anniversaries, musical nights, fashion shows, beauty- peagents, trade fairs which are both industrial as well as cottage industry, contests, music launches, product launches, award functions, conferences, business luncheons/dinners, parties from dinner to cocktail, theme parties and other such social events in the hands of event management firms and for such occasions Piram is the ideal location.
The Information, Communication and Entertainment (ICE): ICE are the new engines of empowerment in the burgeoning knowledge economy. The global economic scenario as it stands today is driven by the information revolution and fuelled by the convergence of three key sectors – Information Technology, Communication and Entertainment (ICE). The takeoff of the New Economy has resulted in a flourishing demand for companies providing chip design, web – based design Internet and telecom software service etc. supported by an enormous pool of highly skilled professionals available in India. Indian companies have demonstrated their global competitiveness in this field. India today is only second to the US in terms of the number of English speaking technical professionals in the world. Indian design and engineering companies have now entered value-added software services. By 2008, the Indian IT industry is likely to mop up more than $ 100 billion in revenues, as against an estimated S 8.39 billion in 1999-2000. India has probably had the lion's share of benefits when it viewed from the IT and Communication perspective - from virtually zero just ten years ago, it has now growth to such an extent that it is hard to believe the difference one short decade has made...because of the widespread use of the internet, it no longer maters where one operates from. As companies such as Infosys, TCS and Gray Cell have demonstrated, it is now possible to bank on one's skills and ideas and find acceptance the countries like the USA and Germany openly admit their dependence on technology skills sourced from India - it is a safe bet that were countries like India to withdraw their support to the western IT world, things would rapidly become uncomfortable for the so-called 'developed world' world over, rather than be rejected on the basis of being located in a "Third World" country.
Ironically, the huge advances in communication have benefited countries like India more in the IT field that the very countries that invented these technologies. Countries like the USA and Germany openly admit their dependence on technology skills sourced from India - it is a safe bet that were countries like India to withdraw their support to the western IT world, thing would rapidly become uncomfortable for the so-called "developed world". In a very real sense, countries like the US and Europe suddenly find them being labeled as the 'IT Third World'. This fact has not been lost on the West. Today, virtually every major IT company from the US and Europe has operations here in India. Thanks to the rapid growth of communication in India, skilled personnel in India no longer need to travel to far away shores and India is rapidly gaining a reputation as an 'IT superpower'. Business, and life itself, has changed drastically in the past few decades. Vast distances mean very little today. With these changes, much business related factors have changed, too. Today, the ability to have access to up-to-the-minute information decides who wins, and who loses. With this in mind, the business world today invests heavily in communication resources. It has become clear to everyone concerned that without an efficient communication network, they might as well give up and hand over their business to the competition that is better equipped on this front. It takes a lot of willpower to decide to start operating in a country such as ours. Far away from home, the disadvantages of setting up an operation in India can be immense. For one, the parent companies need to know what is going on, not only on a day-to-day basis but also minute by minute. Even for 'local' companies, the need for efficient communication does not reduce. Manager need to able to stay in touch with their staff out on the field, with their various operating centres, etc. At one time, Information Technology and Communication were terms used separately and in different contexts. Today, they are almost synonyms for each other there can be no IT without communications or vice varsa.
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