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`I am an Indian first and an Indian last' 

BELLA JAISINGHANI  
Sadanand Shetty sells industrial valves through his firm, FouressEngineering. He also sells the dream of a united India to readers of hismonthly publication, One India One People. The publication is targeted atthe "educated, concerned Indian", be he policy-maker or ordinary citizen.Shetty, who is the uncle of actor Sunil Shetty, started the One India OnePeople Foundation on August 15, 1997, when the country was celebrating the50th year of its independence. Shetty strongly felt, and still does, thatmuch needs to be done to rid people of their divisive mentality.

"The One India One People (OIOP) Foundation is a trust formed with the aimof bringing the people of our country under a common banner -- that of beingIndian first, last and always, and to promote the spirit of `One Nation OnePeople' among all sections of society," Shetty says.

The OIOP Foundation runs a monthly magazine to achieve its objective. Thishas been the single focus of its attention so far. Shetty plans to instituteOIOP clubs in schools and colleges to reach the message to students. "Wewant to contribute our share towards building our nation into a leader ofnations. Our magazine does not even accept any advertisements," he says.

"The core philosophy being nurtured at the heart of the OIOP Foundation isthat our country is not made up of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, SouthIndians or North Indians, but only Indians. I am an Indian first and anIndian last. Nothing is more important to me than the country which has mademe what I am today."

The OIOP magazine has committed itself to highlighting issues that concernthe country and makes an attempt to offer solutions. The magazine publisheshard-hitting and socially relevant articles along with light-hearted,informative pieces on Indian culture. Shetty firmly believes that a positiveoutlook can lead us to a bright future and truly make India a world power inthe new millennium.

Among the issues OIOP has discussed so far include constitutional reform,corruption, marginalisation of women, and of course, the nuclear debate. Thelist of contributors has luminaries like Prof. Mushirul Hasan, M V Kamath,Dr Dipankar Sinha, Justice Hosbet Suresh and Justice S M Daud.

The magazine has regular features on `great Indians' and profiles people whocontributed to shaping the country's destiny. From scientists like Sir C VRaman to unknown fighters of the freedom movement like Ganesh ShankarVidyarthi, down to the young Saurav Kalia, who was martyred in the recentKargil conflict, OIOP has its task all cut out. The magazine has a sectionfeaturing some of the most exquisite tourist destinations in India, like theJaipur fort and the backwaters of Kerala.

Shetty describes the magazine as a clarion call to the nation. But for allits nobility of purpose, One India One People is priced at a steep Rs 50 andis hardly seen on the stands. Unless these aspects are remedied, theargument cannot be won.

Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

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