DISSERTATION

ON

DIFFRENCES IN LIFESTYLES OF INDIA AND SINGAPORE

BY: KANIKASINGLA MBA-IB, SEM-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPIC 1- SYNOPSIS 2- CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE PART 1 Chapter 1- INTRODUCTION PART 2- COMPARISON Chapter 1- PEOPLE Chapter 2-CULTURE, ATTITUDE $ BELIEFS Chapter 3- INCOME DISTRIBUTION Chapter 4- CUSTOMES $ ETIQUETTES Chapter 5- LANGUAGES Chapter 6- ENTERTAINMENT Chapter 7- SPORTS Chapter 8- MUSIC $ DANCE Chapter 9- FOOD Chapter 10- FESTIVALS Chapter 11- RELIGION Chapter 12- TRANSPORT Chapter 13-EDUCATION 3- CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I owe a great many thanks to a great many people who helped and supported me during the writing of this dissertation. My deepest thanks to Lecturer, Mr. Roopak Gupta, the guide of the project for guiding and correcting various documents of mine with attention and care. He has taken pain to go through the project and make necessary correction as and when needed.

My deep sense of gratitude to my colleagues for support and guidance. I would also thank my Institution and my faculty members without whom this project would have been a distant reality. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my family and well wishers

SYNOPSIS
INTRODUCTION;
LIFESTYLE is a way of life or style of living that reflects the set of attitudes, habits, or possessions associated with a particular person or group. Such attitudes, habbits etc, regarded as fashionable or desirable. A set of behaviors, and the senses of self and belonging which these behaviors represent, are collectively used to define a given lifestyle. A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. The behaviors and practices within lifestyles are a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions. a lifestyle is a means of forging a sense of self and to create cultural symbols that resonate with personal identity. Not all aspects of a lifestyle are entirely voluntaristic. Surrounding social and technical systems can constrain the lifestyle choices available to the individual and the symbols she/he is able to project to others and the self. I want to take this opportunity to compare the lifestyles of India and Singapore so I can have some idea regarding the difference between both the countries.

Objective:1- The primary objective is that it will help me to get a better understanding of lifestyle and standard of living of people in these two countries better. 2- Here I would like to study why and how there exists a difference between the lifestyle, traditions, culture of a developed and a developing economy. 3- TO look for the similarities between the lifestyle of both the countries.

Scope:1- It would help me to enhance the basic knowledge about lifestyle, traditions, values of both the countries.

Methodology: Collection of secondary data on the majority.

It would be a descriptive research

PART-1 Critical Review of Literature:

LIFESTYLE :
The term lifestyle was originally coined by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929. . In sociology, a lifestyle is the way a person lives .It refers to the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level ,etc., that together constitute the mode of living of an individual or group. A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. The behaviors and practices within lifestyles are a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions. A lifestyle typically also reflects an individual's attitudes, values or worldview. Way of living of individuals, families (households), and societies, which they manifest in coping with their physical, psychological, social, and economic environments on a dayto-day basis. Lifestyle is expressed in both work and leisure behavior patterns and (on an individual basis) in activities ,attitudes, interests, opinions, values, and allocation of income. It also reflects people's self image or self concept; the way they see themselves and believe they are seen by the others. Lifestyle is a composite of motivations, needs, and wants and is influenced by factors such as culture, family, reference groups, and social class. Therefore, a lifestyle can be used to forge a sense of self identity and to create cultural symbols for the way a person is. Lifestyles keeps you informed about the latest in health and nutrition, encourages personal and family growth, community contribution, and can even provide financial security for those interested in their own part-time or full-time business.

LIFESTYLE INCLUDES:
PEOPLE QUALITY OF LIFE INCOME CULTURE RELIGION LANGUAGE MUSIC ART FESTIVALS TRADITIONS CUSTOMES VALUES BELIEFS FOOD CLOTHES DANCES TOURISM HEALTH CARE SPORTS

CHAPTER-1 INCREDIBLE INDIA

A Nations culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
India, officially the Republic of India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventhlargest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast, it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; Bhutan, the People's Republic of China and Nepal to the northeast; and Bangladesh and Burma to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives; in addition, India's Andaman and NICObar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand and Indonesia.Four of the world's major religionsHinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhismoriginated here,

while Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. The Indian economy is the world's eleventh largest by nominal GDP and fourth

largest by purchasing power parity. Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India has become one of the fastest growing major economies, and is considered a newly industrialized country; however, it continues to face the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, corruption and inadequate public health. A nuclear weapons state and a regional power, it has the third-largest standing army in the world, and a rank tenth in military expenditure among nations.It is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.

SINGAPORE:

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state island country off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometers (85 mi) north of the equator, in Southeast Asia. It is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south. Singapore is the world's fourth leading financial centre and a cosmopolitan world city, playing a key role in international trade and finance. The port of Singapore is one of the five busiest ports in the world.

Singapore has a long history of immigration. There are slightly over 5 million people in Singapore of which 2.91 million are born locally. Forty-three percent of the population in Singapore are foreign-born. Singapore has a diverse population made up mainly of Asians (mostly Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Asians of various other descents) and some Caucasians. A.T. Kearney named Singapore the most globalised country in the world in 2001 in its Globalization Index. The Economist Intelligence Unit in its "Quality-of-Life Index" ranks Singapore as having the best quality of life in Asia and eleventh overall in the world. Singapore possesses the world's ninth largest foreign reserves. The country also maintains armed forces that are technologically advanced and well-equipped. Before independence in 1965, Singapore had a GDP per capita of $511, the third highest in East Asia at the time. After independence, foreign direct investment and a state-led drive for industrialization based on plans by former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee and Albert Winsemius created a modern economy. After a contraction of -6.8% in the 4th quarter of 2009, Singapore claimed the title of fastest-growing economy in the world, with GDP growth of 14.5% for the year 2010.

Singapore today is a thriving centre of commerce and industry, with intense economic growth. Singapore is not merely a single island, but is actually the main island surrounded by at least 60 islets. Measuring a compact 640km, its size really belies its capacity for growth. Singapore is now a rapidly developing manufacturing base. The Republic, however, still remains the busiest port the world over with more than 600 shipping lines herding super tankers, container ships, passenger liners, fishing vessels and even wooden lighters in its waters. It is also a major oil refining and distribution centre, and an important supplier of electronic components. Its rich history as a popular harbour has turned it into a leader in shipbuilding, maintenance and repair. Singapore has also become one of Asia's most important financial centres, housing at least 130 banks. Both business and pleasure are made more accessible and smooth flowing by the Republic's excellent and up-to-date communications network, linking it to the rest of the world through satellite and round the clock telegraph and telephone systems. Now fully grown into an Asian Dragon, Singapore is, somehow unsurprisingly, a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

PART 2
CHAPTER-1

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE LIFESTYLE OF INDIA WITH SINGAPORE WOULD BE DONE ON THE ABOVE BASIS:

PEOPLE OF INDIA

India is a fascinating country where people of many different communities and religions live together in unity. Indian Population is polygenetic and is an amazing amalgamation of various races and cultures. It is impossible to find out the exact origin of Indian People. The species known as Ramapithecus was found in the Siwalik foothills of north western Himalayas. The species believed to be the first in the line of hominids (Human Family) lived some 14 million

years ago. Researchers have found that a species resembling the Austrapithecus lived in India some 2 million years ago. Even this discovery leaves an evolutionary gap of as much as 12 million years since Ramapithecus. There are many diverse ethnic groups among the people of India. The 6 main ethnic groups are as follows. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Negrito Proto - Australoids or Austrics Mongoloids Mediterranean or Dravidian Western Brachycephals Nordic Aryans

Negroids The Negritos or the Brachycephalic (broad headed) from Africa were the earliest people to have come to India. They have survived in their original habitat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese and the Great Andamanese are some of the examples. Some hill tribes like Irulas, Kodars, Paniyans and Kurumbas are found in some patches in Southern part of mainland India. Pro-Australoids or Austrics These groups were the next to come to India after the Negritos. They are people with wavy hair lavishly distributed all over their brown bodies, long headed with low foreheads and prominent eye ridges, noses with low and broad roots, thick jaws, large palates and teeth and small chins. The Austrics of India represent a race of medium height, dark complexion with long heads and rather flat noses but otherwise of regular features. Miscegenation with the earlier Negroids may be the reason for the dark or black pigmentation of the skin and flat noses. The Austrics laid the foundation of Indian civilization. They cultivated rice and vegetables and made sugar from sugarcane. Now these people are found in some parts of India, Myanmar and the islands of South East Asia. Their languages have survived in the Central and Eastern India. Mongoloids These people are found in the North eastern part of India in the states of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. They are also found in Northern parts of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Ladakh. Generally they are people with yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair and medium height. Dravidians These are the people of South India. They have been believed to come before the Aryans.

They have different sub-groups like the Paleo-Mediterranean, the true Mediterranean, and the Oriental Mediterranean. They appear to be people of the same stock as the peoples of Asia Minor and Crete and pre- Hellenic Aegean's of Greece. They are reputed to have built up the city civilization of the Indus valley, whose remains have been found at Mohenjo- daro and Harappa and other Indus cities. Western Bracycephals These include the Alpinoids, Dinarics and Armenoids. The Parsis and Kodavas also fall in this category. They are the broad headed people living mainly on the western side of the country such as the Ganga Valley and the delta, parts of Kashmir, Kathiawar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Nordics or the Indo-Aryans This group were the last one to immigrate to India. They came to India somewhere between 2000 and 1500 B.C. They are now mainly found in the northern and central part of India

PEOPLE OF SINGAPORE
Economists describe Singapore as a modern miracle because it has built its success on only one resource, its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength is its hardworking, adaptable, goal-oriented, and resilient population. In fact, it is highly regarded by the Business Environment Risk Intelligence as one of the best labor forces in the world. Singapore's population of approximately 3,612,000 (June 1996) comprises 77.3% Chinese, 14.1% Malays, 7.3% Indians, and 1.3% people of other descent. Singapore's indigenous people were the Malays, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore became a magnet that drew thousands of migrants and merchants. It still retains its special multiracial quality acquired from its early days when Arabs, Chinese, Europeans, Indians, and Straits-born Chinese (or Peranakan) came to live side by side with the indigenous Malays. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community. It is a country where the three main races (Chinese, Malay, and Indian) complement and supplement each other. There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. The working language is English and it is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, speaking both their mother tongue and English.

With this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions. Its skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temples, and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Zoroastrians.

CHAPTER-2 INDIAN CULTURE, ATTITUDE $ BELIEFS

The term culture refers to a state of intellectual development or manners. The social and political forces that influence the growth of a human being is defined as culture. Indian culture is rich and diverse and as a result unique in its very own way. Our manners, way of communicating with one another, etc are one of the important components of our culture. Even though we have accepted modern means of living, improved our lifestyle, our values and beliefs still remain unchanged. A person can change his way of clothing, way of eating and living but the rich values in a person always remains unchanged because they are deeply rooted within our hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture. Indian culture treats guests as god and serves them and takes care of them as if they are a part and parcel of the family itself. Even though we dont have anything to eat, the guests are never left hungry and are always looked after by the members of the family. Elders and the respect for elders is a major component in Indian culture. Elders are the driving force for any family and hence the love and respect for elders comes from within and is

not artificial. An individual takes blessings from his elders by touching their feet. Elders drill and pass on the Indian culture within us as we grow. Respect one another is another lesson that is taught from the books of Indian culture. All people are alike and respecting one another is ones duty. In foreign countries the relation between the boss and the employee is like a master and slave and is purely monetary whereas in Indian culture the relation between the boss and the employee is more like homely relations unlike foreign countries. Helpful nature is another striking feature in our Indian culture. Right from our early days of childhood we are taught to help one another in need of help and distress. If not monetary then at least in kind or non-monetary ways. Indian culture tells us to multiply and distribute joy and happiness and share sadness and pain. It tells us that by all this we can develop co-operation and better living amongst ourselves and subsequently make this world a better place to live in. Even though India is a country of various religions and caste our culture tells us just one thing 'phir bhi dil hai Hindustani '. Indian culture is also about respecting elders, honoring heroes and cherishing love. It is a land of aspirations, achievements and self reliance. Indian culture has a very high level of tolerance and hence the advent of so many external cultures was not restricted. Adaptation to any culture or embracing a religion was always the democratic culture. Indian history is about war heroes during Indus valley civilization and the initial time when currency was coined. Indian history talks a lot about self reliance especially in terms of food and agricultural produce. This was the great effort put in by the farmers and support received through irrigation. The modern agriculture also shows a lot of indigenous methods of preserving the produce. The Chola dynasty, the great King Emperor Ashoka and the secular era of Emperor Akbar will always be green in our memory. Several books are written on the rich Indian culture wherein the saints preserved the Vedas and scriptures. There are shlokas and mantras i.e. chants that can evoke positive energy and revoke enthusiasm in life. The rich culture of yoga as a part of life and the goodness of ayurveda has now got an universal lifestyle approach. Our roots are strong and despite the westernization and access to technology, the distinct Indianness is still maintained whilst celebrating Diwali or observing the Shravan fast. This is also believed to be a land of Lord Rama which is Ayodhya or the birthplace of Sri Krishna is considered as Mathura. The birth of Sikh religion and the reverence felt by all Indians is still intact. Indians are extremely secular and especially in the metros there is seamless blending of Indians during Xmas and Id.

Values and beliefs in India :

Tradition in India is about values that transcend down generations automatically. These are genetic traits and simplicity is the main ingredient. Ancient culture believed in a lot of dogmas and rituals that can be termed as false beliefs and Indians are an intelligent lot to traverse these paths and modify the social requirements. Indians are highly flexible in the sense they would like to imbibe the changes dictated by western influence and yet clearly affirm their belief in traditions. It is customary to respect elders and touch their feet as to seek their blessings. Occasions or festivals demand a lot of participation in terms of rangoli drawing, diyas and an array of yummy treats made in the authentic variety as per the caste and geography. Hindu rituals are a lot about song and dance and each family has a natural way to adjust to these formats. It is a ritual to pray to the Goddess of learning Ma Saraswathi to achieve success. Similarly business people always insist on drawing the Swastika which marks prosperity and worship the Goddess of wealth. With the advent of technology and women emancipation there is a trend to mingle free with the western concepts of dress, belief, work and also get into a secular concept. But one can feel a distinct Indianness and most of our brethren abroad miss their homeland. Indians all over the world are known for their hospitality and high level of tolerance. Their adaptation power is high and hence they are able to scale heights in the international arena. Putting oneself on the global map, Indians are seeking new vistas of communicating their beliefs and tradition. The gift of health and well being through yoga and meditation is a great source of Vedas in the rich Hindu tradition which has actually benefited the world. The values in India is about living life with a zest and observing the belief that there is one God prevailing despite so many religions. Respecting elders, understanding cross culture traditions, free mingling to accommodate tolerance, staying interested in rural welfare are the values of India. The artifacts, cuisine handicrafts, attire and lifestyle of the rural folks is still followed and preserved by Indians.

Attires in Indian culture : Ethnic charm is exuded in simple outfits in India. The
tropical climate is well adapted to the range of muslins and cottons. The mixed variety in cotton goes from viscose, polycot and also cotton silk which has a sheen of its own. Attires are very much about the region and climate. The Himalayan costume is suited for the environment where the dress is a blanket wrap in red and black secured with a ethnic pin. The ornaments or jewelry is a festive adornment with a big red bindi to complete the outfit. The sari happens to be the most versatile drape with its amazing styles of draping and design. The sari is the traditional dress of India which also modifies as per material, drape and style with each region. This has also gone up to international drape style followed by ranking designers on the ramp shows. The chungari sari of the south has the tie and dye pattern that finds its counterpart in the bandhi print of Gujarat. There are embroidery

types that seem to be the intrinsic talent of certain regions. The cardigans and shawls are hand-woven from the North especially the Himachal and Arunchal belt. This displays the rich handicraft culture of India. The modernization in winter wear is seen with details like pockets, zippers, blends of fabrics and easy feel wear. The gota work of Rajashtan and Punjab is skilled golden zari strips woven or fixed on to the main garment like a sari or the dupatta. The most comfortable dress is the salwar kameez that radiates Indianness and is also comfortable. The south Indian Kerala set-saree is the beautiful print in cream and golden which can be teamed with colored blouses. The navvari sari or the nine yard drape of Mahrasthra is usually found in leaf green color that is symbolic of the newly married bride. The colors also seem to be in mauve, red or blues and the sarees happen as Narayan peth, paithani and various other Belgaum prints. The padavai is the ghagra choli for young girls in the south that is incomplete without the gold jewelry especially the kaashi gold chain and jhumki earings This is also modified as ghagra choli is simple cottons for daily wear in the villages and designed as the lehenga choli in designer wear in the metros.

CULTURE,ATTITUDE $ BELIEFS OF SINGAPORE

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. Behind the facade of a modern city, these ethnic races are still evident. The areas for the different races, which were designated to them by Sir Stamford Raffles, still remain although the bulk of Singaporeans do think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or culture. Each still bears its own unique character. The old streets of Chinatown can still be seen; the Muslim characteristics are still conspicuous in Arab Street; and Little India along Serangoon Road still has its distinct ambience. Furthermore, there are marks of the British colonial influence in the NeoClassical buildings all around the city. Each racial group has its own distinctive religion and there are colorful festivals of special significance all year round. Although the festivals are special to certain races, it is nonetheless enjoyed by all.

In Singapore, food is also readily and widely available. There are lots of cuisines to offer. We have, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western, Italian, Peranakan, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion. It is very common to savour other culture's food and some of the food can be very intriguing. Indian food are relatively spicier, whereas Chinese food is less spicier and the Chinese enjoy seafood. Malay cooking uses coconut milk as their main ingredient, that makes their food very tasty.

Attitudes and beliefs

Meritocracy
The government claims that meritocracy is a cornerstone of Singaporean society, and that people are rewarded based on their personal achievements, with no regard to their ethnicity or background. However, critics such as Kenneth Tan have alleged that "in practice, meritocracy is often transformed into an ideology of inequality and elitism".

Social and religious harmony

Singapore is a secular immigrant country. The main religions in Singapore are Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Respect for different religions and personal beliefs is heavily emphasized by the government, but the concept of religious harmony has also been dismissed as a "facade" or "myth"

Democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality

The concepts of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality are enshrined as stars in the Singapore national flag. Freedom in the World 2006 ranked Singapore 5 out of 7 for political freedom, and 4 out of 7 for civil liberties (where 1 is the most free), with an overall ranking of "partly free".

CHAPTER-3 INCOME DISTRIBUTION

SINGAPORE:
Rising income inequality is often experienced together with high growth, and Singapore is no exception. It registered consistent GDP growth of 6-7% over most of 1990s and 2000s .At the same time its Gini coefficient rose from 0.43 to 0.47. This raises an interesting argument - Does income inequality drive growth? Or is it a natural consequence of growth? Or is income disparity systematically bred by the very policies and strategies that Singapore pursued to grow? The affluent and rapidly ageing state has pursued a policy of meritocracy, high net immigration, and minimal social risk-pooling. It adopted a single-tier mandatory savings . system to finance retirement, housing as well as health care; unlike other OECD and Asian countries. It increased its non-citizen population by three times between 1990 and 2005 to maintain global competitiveness on one hand; and resolve its low fertility issue on the other It strategically supported the high performers to carve a niche for them. These enabled. Singapore to leverage on globalization to attain material wealth. However, as a sideeffect did these policies subtly alter the social dynamics of the Singapore society by promulgating income inequality? And if it did, how big is the impact of this income disparity for Singapore? What could be possibly done today to alter this trend?

INCOME TRENDS IN SINGAPORE

Data on income and expenditure is sparingly available in Singapore. The only data available is that published by DOS since early 2000s which provides only a limited time frame for

comparison and analysis. Even from the limited information, it is possible to draw four pieces of evidence highlighting widening income disparity in Singapore.

2.1 Household Income Trends

a. Current Mean Income: SGD 6, 830 Current Median Income: SGD 4,870 Thus, Singapore presents a unique situation where the income distribution is so skewed that more than half the people earn only two thirds of the average wage. The acuteness of this skew (almost an inverted normal) is shown in the household income distribution of Singapore for the year 2007.

b. The ratios of the top to bottom quintiles of households by income from work fell from 14.4 in 1980 to 11.4 in 1990 and rose again to 20.9 in 2000, showing that income inequality improved in the 1980s and deteriorated in the 1990s. The seemingly large disparity of 1990s is attributable to growing number of households with retirees whose income is derived not from wages and salaries but from pensions, property income, and transfer payments (Table 2). China (1995) showed that many of those who fall in the lowest 10% bracket live in luxurious

apartments.

c. High growth in average monthly household income between 1980s to 2000s is attributed to females joining the labor force which lead to almost doubling of the household income (S$1510 in 1990 to S$3114 in 2000 or 2.06 times)

d. Another trend that deserves mentioning is that the average monthly income per individual increased significantly as the household size decreased from 4.2 persons in 1990 to 3.7 in 2000s

2.2 Income Growth by Income Group All income groups of the employed households showed significant income growth per household member in real terms in the past decade. However, the income growth of the topmost quintile (6-11%) was almost double that of the lowest quintile (3-4%).

CHAPTER-4
INDIAN CUSTOMES AND ETIQUETTE
A number of faiths and religions have merged in India and exist simultaneously. India is a country with "Unity in Diversity". This diverseness in culture makes India a unique country in the world with a lot of different customs and traditions. Traditions and rituals in India have become an integral part of everyday life. Customsof India are a major attractionforthetouristscominghere. Right from birth to death, an Indian keeps on performing various customs and traditions. Almost every occasion in India (birth, engagement, marriage, death and so on) has a ceremony attached to it. Following are some of the Indian customs: Birth ceremony Soon after the birth of a child, a ceremony for naming the child takes place. A priest tells the first alphabet from which the name of the child should start. Traditional Welcome Indians believe in the phrase "Atithi Devo Bhava", meaning a guest is the reflection of God. In the traditional welcome, the guest is garlanded and a tikka (vermillion) is put on his/her forehead. Even the Tourism Ministry of India has launched the 'Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign to make people aware of India's rich culture and traditions. Wedding Ceremony Weddings are conducted in India with great fanfare, following various customs and rituals. The wedding is not a single day affair in India; rather, the functions carry on for 3 - 4 or even more days.

Joint Family System

A majority of the people in India prefer to live in a joint family, which could comprise anywhere between a group of two or more members to even over 20 members sometimes. As per the Indian way of living, the commanding position in a family is held by the eldest earning male member. He consults other adult members on important issues, but it is his decision that ultimately prevails. However, a lot of importance is also given to the advice of the eldest retired members of the family.

Namaskar/Namaste The most popular form of greeting, especially the elders, is to say Namaste with the hands joined at the chest level. It is also used at the time of farewell. Lighting Lamp/Diva In almost every Indian household, a lamp/diva is lighted before the altar of God in the morning. Some people light the lamp in evening also. Prostrating Before Parents and Elders Indians prostrate before their parents, elders and teachers by touching their feet. The elders in turn place their hand on prostrating person's head and bless him/her. Death Ceremony After a person passes away; the cremation is done according to certain rituals. The rituals continue a few days after the death.

Prostrating before parents and elders: Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses by placing his or her hand on their heads. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us and the sacrifices that they have done for our welfare. It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another and creates an environment of mutual love and respect among people ensuring harmony in the family and society.

Tilak: Tilak is a ritual mark on the forehead. This Custom is unique to Indians and helps to easily identify us anywhere. The tilak is usually made out of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine, camphor, etc. It can also be of a sandalwood paste (chandan) blended with musk. It is applied on the spot between the brows which is considered the seat of latent wisdom and mental concentration, daily after a bath and on special occasions, before or after ritualistic worship or a visit to the temple. Married women used to put a kunkum mark on their foreheads all the time. In many parts of North India it is applied as a respectful form of welcome, to honour guests or when

bidding farewell to a son or relatives. The tilak or pottu invokes the feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. Arati: Towards the end of every ritualistic worship of the lord or to welcome an honoured guest or new wedded couple, we perform Arati. It is performed as an act of veneration and love. To perform arti, five small lamps called niranjanas are filled with ghee or oil and arranged in a small tray made of metal. A wick is made out of cotton wool and placed in the lamps. A conchshell filled with water, auspicious leaves or flowers, incense or lighted camphor are also placed in the tray. The lamps are lit and the tray is rotated in a circular motion in front of the deity or the person to be welcomed. At the end of arti, we place our hands over flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head. The purpose of performing arati is to ward off evil effects and the malefic influence of the evil eye. Garlanding: Flower garlands are generally offered as a mark of respect and honour. They are offered to welcome the visitors or in honour to the Gods and Goddesses. The garlands are generally made with white jasmine and orange marigold flowers. They are weaved in thread tied in the end with a help of a knot. During the wedding the bride and groom exchange garlands to express the desire of the couple to marry each other. In the above lines, we have mentioned only some of the customs and traditions of India. Other important occasions when different customs and rituals are followed are the Indian festivals. Come and visit India to know more about the other fascinating aspects of Indian customs and rituals.

BUSINESS Etiquette
Knowing how to conduct yourself within the framework of a specific culture can be crucial to the success of your business in any foreign country and India is no exception. This is why it is important to study the countrys culture and background before doing business on the ground, and one of the keys to conducting yourself successfully among the local people is by practicing and refining business etiquette in India. Appearance First impressions are important. In India, men and women are expected to dress in certain ways, sometimes adhering to religious beliefs and practices. Men for example are usually expected to wear a suit and tie for business, although in the summertime, they are allowed to remove the jacket due to the heat. Women, on the other hand, are expected to dress conservatively, with practical dresses and pantsuits as the general preference.

It is also important to note that leather belts or bags may be considered offensive to some Indians since they consider cows to be holy. Hindus venerate cows and this bovine reverence often means refraining from the use of leather products. Manners Belief in certain religious ideas often dictates how Indians conduct themselves both personally and professionally. For example, it is considered insulting to call someone over by gesturing with the palm up and a finger wagging. Standing upright with hands on the hips is also considered to be an angry or aggressive posture and should be avoided if possible. Whistling, though unintentional, is impolite and winking thought of as insulting especially to women. It may be misconstrued as a form of sexual provocation. Pointing feet is impolite as well, as Indians believe that feet are unclean, so that if your feet or shoes accidentally touch a person, it is necessary to apologize. Gift-giving is also a common practice among Indians. However, wrapped gifts must not be opened in front of the giver. It is customary in India to set aside wrapped gifts and open them when the giver has already left. Communication In a country as big as India, there are bound to be a profusion of different languages and dialects, but the good thing about doing business in India is that here, English is used as their primary means of communication when doing business. Take not, however, that although English is used, there are words in the language that may take on a different meaning when used in the context of an Indian culture. The word "no" for example, can be a very harsh word for the local people. As such, refusing an invitation directly is often avoided. Indians prefer to be evasive in replying negatively, often preferring to say Ill try rather than being outright in declining. "Thank you" is another curiosity when used in India. In general, Indians find it offensive when their guests thank them at the end of a meal. Saying "thank you" is considered a form of payment and unacceptable among hosts when said by their guests. Finally, it is important to note that titles are important in India so that it when communicating with business partners, it is a must to address them using the correct titles.

Etiquette and Customs in Singapore

MEETING AND GREETING: Greetings will follow a strict protocol often based on both the ethnic origin and age of the person. Younger people or those who work in multi-national companies may have adopted the western concept of shaking hands with everyone, but this is not the case with older or more reserved Singaporeans. Ethnic Chinese shake hands. Their grasp is rather light although the handshake itself can be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Introductions are always done in order of age or status. Between men, ethnic Malays shake hands. Men and women do not traditionally shake hands, since Muslim men do not touch women in public. Younger Malays may shake hands with foreign women, but it is more appropriate to use the 'salaam' (bowing the head) greeting. This is also the greeting to be used when two women meet. Ethnic Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient. As with the other groups, the elderly or the person with the most status is introduced first.

TITLES/ NAMES CHINESE Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname or family name is first and is followed by two personal names. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which of their two personal names to use. Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them that.

Malay Many Malays do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector bin. So Noor bin Isa, would be Noor, the son of Isa. Women use the connector binti, so Zarina binti Isa would be Zarina the daughter of Isa. The title Haji (male) or Hajjah (female) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. The name Sayyed (male) or Sharifah (female) indicates that the person is considered to be a descendent of the prophet Mohammed.

Indian Many Indians in Singapore do not use surnames. Instead, they place the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. The man's formal name is their name 's/o' (son of) and the father's name. Women use 'd/o' to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father. Since many Indian names are extremely long, they commonly use a shortened version of their name as a sort of nickname. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. Sikh Indians all use the name Singh to denote themselves as Sikhs.

Gift Giving Etiquette Since there are cultural differences in how the three main ethnic groups treat gifts, they are listed separately. Gift giving to ethnic Chinese: A gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This demonstrates that the recipient is not greedy. Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.

Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death. Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper as these are mourning colours. Wrap gifts in red, pink, or yellow since these are happy colours Elaborate gift wrapping is imperative. Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork as birds are the harbinger of death. Do not give odd numbers as they are unlucky. Do not bring food if invited to a formal dinner party as it insinuates you do not think the host will provide sufficient hospitality. Bring a small gift of fruit, sweets, or cakes, saying that it is for the children. Gifts are not opened when received. Flowers do not make good gifts as they are given to the sick and are used at funerals.

Gift giving to ethnic Malays: Never give alcohol. Do not give toy dogs to children. Do not give anything made of pigskin as Malays are Muslim. Give the gift when you are departing, rather than when you arrive. Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning. Wrap gifts in red or green paper. If you give food, make sure it is halal. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving to ethnic Indians: If you give flowers, avoid frangipani as they are used in funeral wreaths. Money should be given in odd numbers, so give S$11 rather than S$10. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large. Do not wrap gifts in white or black. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colours as these bring good fortune. Do not give leather products to a Hindu. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes. Gifts are not opened when received.

Business Etiquette:

Business in Singapore is more formal than in many western countries. There are strict rules of protocol that must be observed. The group (company or department) is viewed as more important than the individual. People observe a strict chain of command, which comes with expectations on both sides. In order to keep others from losing face, much communication will be non-verbal and you must closely watch the facial expressions and body language of people you work with.

Building Relationships & Communication Personal relationships are the cornerstone of all business relationships. Business is a matter of being tied into the proper network, which is the result of long- standing personal relationships or the proper introductions. This is a group-oriented culture, so links are often based on ethnicity, education or working for the same company. Once you are recognized as part of the group, you will be accepted and expected to obey the unwritten rules of the group. Relationships take time to develop. You must be patient as this indicates that your organization is here for the longterm and is not looking only for short- term gains. Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business. Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered. Most Singaporeans are soft-spoken and believe a calm demeanour is superior to a more aggressive style. Watch your body language and facial expressions.

Business Meeting Etiquette Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance, whenever possible. The most formal way to schedule a meeting is to write to the person concerned, although most Singaporeans will schedule an appointment by telephone, fax, or email. Do not try to schedule meetings during Chinese New Year (late January/early February), since many businesses close for the entire week. You should arrive at meetings on time. Punctuality is a virtue. There will be period of small talk before getting down to business discussions. Since questioning authority is a taboo, it is important to encourage questions when after making a presentation and then smile when a question is eventually asked. Presentations should be accompanied by backup material, including charts and figures.

Never disagree or criticize someone who is senior to you in rank as it will cause both of you to lose face and may destroy the business relationship. Pay attention to non-verbal communication.

Negotiating Always send a list of people who will be attending the negotiations and their title well in advance. Always wait to be told where to sit. There is a strict hierarchy that must be followed. Business negotiations happen at a slow pace. Singaporeans are non-confrontational. They will not overtly say 'no'; likewise, their 'yes' does not always signify agreement. Singaporeans give a respectful pause of up to 15 seconds before answering a question. Do not start speaking too quickly or you will miss the answer. Be prepared with a mental list of concessions you would be willing to make that would not injure your own business. Singaporeans are tough negotiators on price and deadlines. Decisions are consensus driven Avoid losing your temper or you will lose face and damage your relationship. If you are signing a contract with ethnic Chinese, the signing date may be determined by an astrologer or a geomancer (feng shui man).

Business Cards Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions. Business cards are exchanged using both hands. If you will be meeting ethnic Chinese, it is a good idea to have one side of your card translated into Mandarin. Have the Chinese characters printed in gold, as this is an auspicious colour. Hand your card so the typeface faces the recipient. Examine business cards carefully before putting them in a business card case. Treat business cards with respect. This is indicative of how you will treat the relationship. Your own business cards should be maintained in pristine condition. Never give someone a tattered card.

CHAPTER-5 Languages in India

The languages of India belong to several linguistic families, the major ones being the Indo-European languagesIndo-Aryan (spoken by 72% of Indians) and the Dravidian languages (spoken by 25% of Indians). Other languages spoken in India belong to the Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman, and a few minor language families and isolates. The principal official language of the Republic of India is Standard Hindi, while English is the secondary official language. The constitution of India states that "The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script." Neither the Constitution of India nor Indian law specifies a national language, a position supported by a High Court ruling. However, languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution are sometimes referred to, without legal standing, as the national languages of India.

Individual mother tongues in India number several hundred; the 1961 census recognized 1,652. According to Census of India of 2001, 29 languages are spoken by more than a million native speakers, 122 by more than 10,000. Three millennia of language contact has led to significant mutual influence among the four language families in India and South Asia. Two contact languages have played an important role in the history of India: Persian and English. The Indian subcontinent consists of a number of separate linguistic communities each of which share a common language and culture. The people of India speak many languages and dialects which are mostly varieties of about 15 principal languages. Some Indian languages have a long literary history--Sanskrit literature is more than 5,000 years old and Tamil 3,000. India also has some languages that do not have written

forms. There are 18 officially recognized languages in India (Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added in 1992) and each has produced a literature of great vitality and richness. Though distinctive in parts, all stand for a homogeneous culture that is the essence of the great Indian literature. This is an evolution in a land of myriad dialects. The number of people speaking each language varies greatly. For example, Hindi has more than 250 million speakers, but relatively few people speak Andamanese. Although some of the languages are called "tribal" or "aboriginal", their populations may be larger than those that speak some European languages. For example, Bhili and Santali, both tribal languages, each have more than 4 million speakers. Gondi is spoken by nearly 2 million people. India's schools teach 58 different languages. The nation has newspapers in 87 languages, radio programmes in 71, and films in 15. The Indian languages belong to four language families: Indo-European, Dravidian, Mon-Khmer, and Sino-Tibetan. Indo-European and Dravidian languages are used by a large majority of India's population. The language families divide roughly into geographic groups. Languages of the Indo-European group are spoken mainly in northern and central regions. The languages of southern India are mainly of the Dravidian group. Some ethnic groups in Assam and other parts of eastern India speak languages of the Mon-Khmer group. People in the northern Himalayan region and near the Burmese border speak SinoTibetan languages. Speakers of 54 different languages of the Indo-European family make up about threequarters of India's population. Twenty Dravidian languages are spoken by nearly a quarter of the people. Speakers of 20 Mon-Khmer languages and 98 Sino-Tibetan languages together make up about 2 per cent of the population.

Languages in Singapore

The Singapore government recognizes four official languages: English, Malay, And Chinese (Mandarin), and Tamil. These official languages, along with a multitude of other languages, reflect Singapore's multiracial, multicultural and multilingual nature. As of 2009, there are more than 20 languages identified as being spoken in Singapore. Singapore's role as a trading settlement in colonial times, and now a prominent cosmopolitan center of trade and services, has long attracted foreigners from Asia and beyond. The languages they brought with them greatly influenced the languages in Singapore. In the early years, the lingua franca of the island was Melayu Pasar, a dialect of Malay, the language of trade in the Malay Archipelago. While it continues to be used among many on the island, especially Singaporean Malays, Malay has now been displaced by English. English became the lingua franca due to the British rule of Singapore, and was made the main language upon Singaporean independence. In early years it served to unite the races which each had their own languages, and remains the primary language of academic education. Hokkien briefly emerged as a lingua franca among the Chinese, but by the late twentieth century was eclipsed by Mandarin. The government promotes Mandarin among Singaporean Chinese since it views Mandarin as a bridge between Singapore's diverse non-Mandarin speaking groups and as a tool for forging a common Chinese cultural identity.China's economic rise in the 21st century has also encouraged a greater use of Mandarin. On the other hand, other non-Mandarin Chinese languages such as Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Cantonese have been classified as dialects. Government language policies and changes in language attitudes based on such classifications have led to the subsequent decrease in the number of speakers of these languages. Tamil is the predominant Indian language in use, however many other dialects are found. Unlike the smaller Malay and Chinese dialects, Indian dialects are able to be used in schools and other situations. Singapore has a policy of bilingualism, where students learn in English but are taught the language of their ethnicity, referred to as their "mother tongue". The mother tongue is seen as a way to preserve unique cultural values in the multicultural society, although their usage is decreasing in the home as English becomes more predominant. The loss of the dialects has been even more prominent, as many are now banned from usage on mass media and may only be spoken by the elderly.

Chinese languages
Chinese is the most commonly spoken home language , spoken by 51% of the population.
Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is generally spoken as the lingua franca among the Chinese community in Singapore. Known simply as Chinese, it is the designated mother tongue or 'ethnic language' of Chinese Singaporeans, at the expense of the other Chinese languages. It was introduced to Singapore during the time that it was a British colony in the 1920s Today, Mandarin Chinese is generally seen as a way to maintain a link to Chinese culture.
Other Chinese languages
Other Chinese languages, sometimes known as Chinese dialects, such

as Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, and Hainanese also have a presence in Singapore. Amongst them, Hokkien used to be an unofficial language of business until as recent as the 1980s.

Malay languages
13% of Singaporeans speak Malay as their home language.

Bahasa Melayu

Malay is termed the "national language" of Singapore, and is written in the roman script. To reflect Singapore's Malay heritage, Malay is used in the Singapore national anthem and in military foot drill commands. Malay is generally spoken by the Malays in Singapore, the indigenous people of Singapore.
Other Malay dialects

Historically, other Malay languages (sometimes called Malay dialects) used to be spoken in Singapore as well. These include Javanese, Bugis, Minangkabau, Batak, Sundanese, Palembang dialect, Kedah dialect, Terengganu dialect, Boyanese and Banjar. The use of these dialects has declined over the years in favour of Bahasa Melayu, which is the standard form of the Malay language used presently in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. It is very similar to the language of Indonesia .

Indian languages
Tamil

As of 2010, Indians make up 9.2% of Singapore's total population .About two-thirds of the Indian population are Tamil speakers from the India's southeastern state of Tamil Nadu. As of 2005, about 38.8% of Singapore's Indian population speaks Tamil frequently at home. This is a drop from 2000, when 45.3% of the Singapore Indian population spoke Tamil at home. Tamil is taught in schools as a Mother Tongue.
Other Indian languages

Other Indian languages spoken include Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati. There is a Hindi Society which is the biggest Hindi-language institution in Singapore. Classes are held at seven Hindi Centres and fifty-four schools participating in a Parallel Hindi Programme (PHP). They cover the entire spectrum of formal general Hindi education in Singapore, from Pre-Primary to Pre-University.

CHAPTER-6
ENTERTAINMENT IN INDIA
Entertainment in India is one of the biggest industries grossing revenues beyond human capabilities to count. The cultural heritage of the country goes on to prove the significance of art and culture in all the ages of the country. Entertainment however captures a broader perspective by considering any activity that provides pleasure to man and is considered as recreational. Sources of entertainment in any country depend upon the tradition, culture and the resources available in that place. India as a country has supported the cause of art, literature and music from time immemorial. Entertainment in India in the recent times comprises of the cultural activities, sports and several of the festivals celebrated here. Modes of Entertainment in India Each and every mode of Entertainment in India comes with its own sets of elegance and sophistication. The number of programs that the people over here draw pleasure from is innumerable. There are several other ideas of entertainment in the recent times that has been imported from the western countries. Generally Indian citizens prefer to stick to

their roots and draw immense pleasure from their own culture. Some of the prominent modes of entertainment that have existed for long to attain the status cult have been discussed below. Music This mode of entertainment was there from the time man used to be lesser civilized. India is being accepted world wide as the originator of this form of art. The music industry in India is divided between the modern day music and the classical. Both of the forms of the music have their own grounds as a commercial prospect. The biggest music house in the country is however is the Hindi and several other film industries. Music is an integral part of the Indian panorama and has enthralled everyone with its distinctive panache. Cinema Cinema captures the biggest share in the Entertainment in India. The Indian Film Industry is touted to be the biggest in the whole world. The Hindi film industry along with the several other regional film industries are estimated to churn out the maximum number of films in a calendar year than any other country. The Hindi film industry is recognized nationwide and is operated from the economic capital of India, Mumbai. The other prominent regional film industries are the southern film industry and the Bengali film industry.

Nightlife in India
India's nightlife is diverse and growing. Tucked away, youll find everything from intimate bars and pubs, to multi-level nightclubs. Those interested in something more traditional will find no shortage of cultural performances either. However, you do need to know where to look.

Legal Drinking Age The age for the legal consumption of alcohol varies across the different states in India. In Delhi, it remains at 25 years, despite ongoing discussions about lowering it. India's party state of Goa has the lowest legal drinking age of 18 years, along with Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Elsewhere it's generally 21 years. However, venues aren't usually strict about enforcing these limits. Gujurat is known as a "dry state", where alcohol is illegal without a permit. In most cities in India, nightlife is early to start and early to end because of the curfews in place. While Mumbai may have the biggest selection of party places in the country, come 1.30 a.m. theyre all starting to close for the night. With a few exceptions, the scene is similar in Delhi and even worse in Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad which have 1111.30 p.m. curfews. Even in Goa, most places are forced to close by 10 p.m. due to noise restrictions. Many venues have found that the solution to the curfews is to open during the day, or early evening. However, if you like to dance, Bangalore is not the place for you. Dancing is unfortunately banned there! Surprisingly, the nightlife in Kolkata offers the most for late night party people. Theres no curfew in place like the other cities, enabling bars and clubs to stay open until the wee hours of the morning. This is quite unexpected in a city once known for its wide-spread poverty. (Note: a 2 a.m. nightlife curfew has now been introduced in Kolkata ). Pubs, Bars and Clubs As drinking traditionally isnt part of Indias culture, the country's bars tend to be divided into two categories - cheap, seedy local bars frequented by Indias male population, and classier venues catering to the progressive middle and upper class crowd. The latter can only be found in major cities. An interesting term used in India is that of the resto-pub or resto-bar. These are restaurants that double as places where you can drink, and sometimes dance later in the night, as many restaurants dont serve alcohol in India. A elegant example of a resto-bar is Escobar, in Mumbais hip suburb of Bandra. Mumbai has become very cosmopolitan in recent years and is constantly serving up an array of trendy new bars in and around Bandra, and as well as in south Mumbai and the tourist area of Colaba. Goa is also renowned for its plethora of bars and clubs. In addition, its the only state in India to have casinos. Large clubs that are exempt from the curfews are usually only found in 5-star international hotel complexes, and sometimes in shopping malls. Due to their prohibitive cover charges (sometimes as high as 3,000 rupees or $70 per couple) and cost of drinks, only the richest Indians can afford to party at these places. The facilities are world class and if it wasnt for the music interspersed with the latest Bollywood tracks, prompting a frenzied display of dancing from the crowd, you could easily forget you were in India.

Mumbai is the place to come for busy travelers hangouts offering a lively atmosphere and cheap beer. The live music venues in Mumbai are also excellent. Bangalore, with its large blend of expatriates, has a booming pub culture with plenty of live gigs. In addition, some great traditional and rock bands can be found playing in Goa and Delhi. Outdoor Parties The hedonistic, hippy state of Goa has developed a reputation for its outdoor psychedelic trance parties, and theyre still in existence to some extent despite tough regulation. The scene has become very underground and impromptu, with parties taking place in remote locations around Anjuna, Vagator, Arambol, Morjim, and Palolem. Other popular locations for outdoor psychedelic trance parties are around Manali and Kasol in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, and Guwahati in Assam, in north east India. Police presence is an ongoing threat, and many parties are shut down if the required bribe money hasnt been appropriately paid. Cultural Performances From its impoverished background, Kolkata (Calcutta) has grown into the cultural capital of India. Its got much to offer those interested in live dance, drama, and music. Daily evening performances are held at the Rabindra Sadan Cultural Centre. In Mumbai, those interested in cultural performances should head to the National Center for Performing Arts at the tip of Nariman Point. Delhi, as well as the cities of Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan, also have interesting cultural programs.

ENTERTAINMENT IN SINGAPORE
Singapore is a favorite recreative destination that provides ample ways for people to amuse and entertain themselves. Singapore, a country of islets and distinct indentity of local regions, allows the multicultural, multi variety of entertainment to exist. People can choose from resorts, parks and cineplexes to bars and pubs to spend quality time and have a lot of fun. Parks and resorts are aplenty in Singapore each offering a variety of rides and are set on different themes. 'Night Safari' is unique and can be experienced in Singapore only

While on a Night Safari, one can witness animals engaged in their night life like looking out for food or prowling. The zoo currently houses more than 900 animals of 135 exotic species such as African bongo, Cape buffalo, striped hyena, blue sheep, golden jackal and one-horned rhinoceroes. Some of the famous parks are mentioned below.

Cineplexes Cineplexes provide a fulfilling expereince for watching movies and

spending good times with friends and relatives. Singapore has good cineplexes dotted all over for a pleasant movie watching with a lot of other fun options available for the cinemagoers.

Pubbing is another favorite activity of the locals and tourists alike. People indulge in
night bar hopping and chill out the entire night. Partying through the night has become very popular. Happy hours in Singapore are roughly between 17:00 and 21:00 hours

Shopping is another favorite activity in Singapore. There are places worth a dekko for
ethnic shopping, such as, Chinatown and Little India. A plethora of shopping malls offer exciting ranges of goods and articles. Mustafa Shopping Centre is open 24-hours among others.

NIGHTLIFE OF SINGAPORE:
After hours, Singapore practically transforms itself from an ever-so-efficient business hub to a buzzing network of bars and nightclubs. Singapore is a city state that offers a host of new surprises and opportunities for everyone who visits this place. . The Night Life in Singapore is very interesting and refreshing if you visit the Night Clubs in Singapore. The Night Clubs of Singapore are some of the best spots for boozing and partying through the night. Busy executives loosen their ties and kick up their heels to the sound of jazz swingin 'at Harry's Bar along Boat Quay, and earnest students-by-day let down their hair for some laid-back bar-hopping at famous Mohammed Sultan Road.

Pubbing and clubbing at Singapore is a must if you want to feel the night-pulse of the city; experience the city only by day and you get just half of the picture. A majority of the Night Clubs in Singapore host musical performances by live bands. You can simply set the dance floors on fire by dancing with the kind of music that you get to hear at the Night Clubs in Singapore. You will get to hear some of the best genres of music played in these nightclubs. The atmosphere is simply electrifying. Words fail to express the excitement that is there in the air at the Singapore Night Clubs. The bars inside the Singapore Night Clubs offer you the widest collection of cocktails and concoctions that you will surely relish. Dance and drink to your hearts content and be a part of the revelry at the Night Clubs in Singapore. As many Singapore Night Clubs are huddled together in the same area, it is very convenient for you to hop from one night club to the other. Singapore's Night Clubs caters to the preferences of every people. If you prefer to relax in a quiet environment then you will find many such night clubs in Singapore. In case, you prefer to party hard with your friends, then also you can find such night clubs here that plays loud music. When you are in Singapore, be sure to get down at Orchard Road and Mohammed Sultan Road if you are looking for some of the best Night Clubs in Singapore. Not only this, but there are many other popular night clubs located in other spots of Singapore.

CHAPTER-7
SPORTS IN INDIA

Sport in India includes cricket, chess, badminton, field hockey, tennis, association football and golf. Field Hockey is the national sport in India, in which the country has an

impressive record with eight Olympic gold medals. Other popular sports are football, cricket, tennis ,volleyball ,badminton, and also homework and many people make an emotional investment in their favorite spectator sports. Cricket is the most popular sport in India. After the 1982 Asian Games hosted in New Delhi, the capital city now has modern sports facilities. Such facilities are also being developed in other parts of the country. Besides sports and games included in the international sporting agenda, there are many which have developed indigenously. Throughout the country a wide variety of sports are played. India is home to several traditional sports which originated in the country and continue to remain fairly popular. These include kabbadi, kho kho, pehlwani and gilli-danda. The British rule brought many popular sports in India including football, rugby union, cricket, golf, tennis, squash, hockey, boxing, snooker and billiards. India has hosted or co-hosted several international sporting events, such as the 1951 Asian Games and the 1982 Asian Games, the 1987 Cricket World Cup and 1996 Cricket World Cup, the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, the 2010 Hockey World Cup and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Major international sporting events annually held in India include the Chennai Open, Mumbai Marathon, Delhi Half Marathon and the Indian Masters. The country is currently hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup and is scheduled to host the first Indian Grand Prix in 2011. It has also been the host to the Cricket playing Indian Premier League in 2008, 2010 and is scheduled to be in 2011.

India at major international events

India first participated at the Olympic games in 1900, with a lone athlete winning two medals in athletics. The nation first sent a team to the Summer Olympic Games in 1920, and has participated in every Summer Games since then. India has also competed at several Winter Olympic Games since 1964.India had won total 20 medals at Olympic Games. India won its first gold medal in Men's Field hockey in 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games. Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games and India's first gold medal since 1980, when the Men's Field Hockey Team won the gold. India is remarkable among nations for having won very few Olympic medals despite a population exceeding a billion, around half of them under the age of 25. Numerous explanations have been offered for the dearth, including poverty, malnutrition, neglected

infrastructure, the lack of sponsorship, the theft of money and equipment, political corruption, institutional disorganisation, social immobility, the predominance of cricket and other cultural factors.

CRICKET:
Cricket has a long history in India and is the de facto national and most popular sport by a wide margin in India. It is like a religion in India played on local, national and international levels and enjoys consistent support from people in all parts of India. Its development has been closely tied up with the history of the country, mirroring many of the political and cultural developments around issues such as Caste, Religion and Nationality. The highest profile rival of the Indian cricket team is the Pakistan team. Cricket is the most popular Sport in India, but it is not the nation's official national Sport (a distinction held by Field Hockey). The governing body, BCCI, was formed in December 1928. The India national cricket team won the 1983 Cricket World Cup and the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, and shared the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka. Domestic competitions include the Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy, the Deodhar Trophy, the Irani Trophy and the Challenger Series. In addition, BCCI conducts the Indian Premier League, a Twenty20 competition.

FIELD HOCKEY:
Field hockey is the official national Sport in India. Hockey India, formed on 20 May 2009, is the new apex body of the country which has the sole mandate to govern and conduct all activities for both men's and women's hockey in India. Until the mid 20th century, India dominated international Hockey, winning 8 Olympic gold medals, the World Cup in 1975 and were runners-up in the 1973 World Cup. The Indian player Dhyan Chand, the most famous Indian hockey player, was described as a 'wizard' by the European press. However, India's recent performance have been below par and India is currently ranked 9th in the world. BADMINTON: Badminton is a popular Sport in India. Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is currently ranked second in the world and has been named the Most Promising Player of 2008 by

the Badminton World Federation. This is the first ever achievement by any Indian shuttler, after Prakash Padukoneand Pullela Gopichand who both won the All England Open in 1980 and 2001 respectively. CHESS: Chess has risen in popularity in India in the last few decades primarily due to its star player GM Vishwanathan Anand. He is the current World Champion and he has revolutionized the popularity of this Sport in India. Also it is believed that the game originated from India.

Volleyball
Volleyball is a Sport played all over India, both in rural as well as urban India. It is a popular recreation Sport. India is ranked 5th in Asia and 27th in the world. Doing well in the youth and junior levels, India came in second in the 2003 World youth championships. Currently, a major problem for the sport is the lack of sponsors. Indian senior men's team is currently ranked 46th in the world.

Basketball
Basketball is a popular Sport in India. It is played in almost every schools, although very few people take it professionally. India has both amen's and women's national teams in Basketball. It also made 1 Olympic appearance in Basketball and appeared 20 times in the Asian Championship. India is currently ranked 41st in the world in Basketball.

Billiards and snookers

India has been a force to reckon with in world billiards competitions. An impressive assembly of great champions like Wilson Jones, Michael Ferreira and Geet Sethi has underlined the powerhouse status of the country. Snooker Federation of India, the apex body, play a proactive role in popularizing the game. Many such efforts have been done by the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India in the recent past to enhance the popularity of the game in the country. Several training camps for identifying budding talent and providing them regional and state sponsorship have been organised by the Billiards and Snooker Federation in various parts of the country.

Regional and other sports

Gilli-danda
It is a sport played using one small stick (gilli) and a large stick (danda) like cricket with ball being replaced by gilli. It is still played in villages of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra etc. states of India only as a recreational sport among boys. also is played in very warm weather.

Kancha It is played using marbles (kancha) in cities as well as villages by small boys only as gully sport. The winner gets the kancha of other boys. Kite-flying It is played by many people in India in cities as well as villages. The festival of Makar Sankranti is marked with competitions of this sport. Other sports Other sports and games namely air sports , atya patya, bridge, carrom, cycle polo, fencing, gymnastics, judo, karate, kho-kho, mallakhamb, roller skating, rowing, shooting ball, soft tennis, squash, swimming, taekwondo, ten-pin bowling, tennikoit, tug of war, yachting, have dedicated following and their own national sports federations.

SPORTS IN SINGAPORE
Sports in Singapore has been popular since the colonial times when it filled the idle hours of the colonial masters and also was a time when sports was a prerogative of few. But as the economy, society and polity changed the earlier trend has changed and now one finds active participation from the populace. Singaporeans participate in a wide variety of sports for recreation as well as competition. Popular sports

include football, cricket, rugby union, swimming ,badminton, basketball, cycling and table tennis. Most people live in public residential areas that often provide amenities including swimming pools, outdoor basketball courts[1] as well as indoor sport centres which provide facilities for badminton, squash, table tennis, american football, gymnastics, indoor basketball and volleyball, among others.

Living on an island surrounded by the ocean, the people also enjoy many water activities including sailing, kayaking and waterskiing. There is also a number of avid recreational scuba divers, a prominent diving spot being the southern island Pulau Hantu, known for its coral reefs.

Association football is arguably the most popular spectator sport. Singapore has its own professional football league, known as the S.League. Launched in 1996, the league now

consists of 10 teams competing with each other in stadiums around the country. In 1998, 2004 and 2007 the Singapore national football teambecame the champions of the Tiger Cup, the premier football competition in South-East Asia. While not a major sporting power, Singapore's athletes have performed well in regional as well as international competitions, especially in table tennis,badminton, sepak takraw, bowling, sailing, silat, swimming and water polo. To date, Singapore has won two Olympic silver medals, one at the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics by weightlifter Tan Howe Liang and the other at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics in the women's double table tennis by Singapore players Li Jiawei, Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu. The country has come close thrice (all in women's single table-tennis, fourth-place finishes in 2000, 2004 and 2008). Some athletes such as Li Jiawei and Ronald Susilo have become national celebrities. In the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, Singapore won 5 Gold, 2 Silver, and 10 Bronze medals. The traditional games like the like congkak, capteh, gasing and sepak are now declining in their popularity. These games are also found in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. One can also find that certain traditional games are still played in the households. With the independence the government now promotes sports in Singapore with the view to create a robust society and also to foster a greater national unity. Singapore Sports Council is in charge of the promotion of sports in Singapore. The popular sports in Singapore include football, swimming, badminton, basketball and table tennis. The residential areas also provide the facilities for sports like swimming, basketball and other indoor games. On the other hand the water sports in Singapore includes sailing, kayaking and water skiing. The important diving sites in Singapore include Pulau Habtu that is popular for its reefs. The most popular sport in Singapore is football and the S. League comprises of 10 teams that compete with each other all through the year. Further to conserve the sports heritage of Singapore, the Sports Museum contains the Singapore sports history and is located at West Entrance of the National Stadium. The museum stands to inform, educate and entertain the public of Singapore's sporting heritage. The National Physical Fitness Award in 1982 requires a mandatory participation from all the students within the primary and secondary education.

Recreational
Favourite Singaporean sports include outdoor sports such as football, basketball, cricket, swimming, sailing and various indoor sports such as table tennis and badminton. Most Singaporeans live in public residential areas with amenities such as public swimming

pools, outdoor basketball courts and indoor sport complexes nearby. As might be expected on an island, water sports are popular, including sailing, kayaking and water skiing. Scuba diving is another recreation, particularly around the southern island of Pulau Hantu which is known for its rich coral reefs.

Domestic competition
Singapore has its own football (soccer) league, the S-League, formed in 1994, currently comprising 12 clubs including foreign teams. Other foreign clubs are interested in joining. The Singapore Slingers joined the Australian National Basketball League in 2006, which they left in 2008. They are one of the inaugural teams in the ASEAN Basketball League founded in October 2009. Beginning in 2008, Singapore started hosting a round of the Formula One World Championship. The race was staged at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the Marina Bay area and became the first night race on the F1 circuit and the first street circuit in Asia.

CHAPTER-8
INDIAN MUSIC AND DANCE
MUSIC:
Music is the soul of the cosmos. It is found everywhere from the rustling of the trees, to the playful streams to the pitter-patter of the raindrops. Indian music in particular, is one of the oldest and finest forms of human passions like agony, ecstasy, sorrow, hope, desire etc. Indian music has strong connections with religious traditions and faiths. Origin of music, in India, is traced to the shabdha brahma, Om. The Vedas, representing the most ancient literature known to the world, are set to a distinctive melody that is absolutely soothing. In India, music has been categorized by the scriptures into two major streams known as the margi (classical) and the desi (folk).
Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is complex and rich with direct emotional appeal. The origins of classical music can be traced to the Natya Shastra (Dhrupad - 4th century BC), a Sanskrit treatise on drama, which encompasses music as well.Dhrupad developed as a part of worship in temples and various rituals such as yajnas. Dhrupad has four distinct gharanas or schools namely, Gudiya Govarhar, Khandar, Dagar and Nauhar. Two classical traditions started to diverge only around 14th Century A.D: Hindustani in north India and Karnataka (Carnatic) in the south. Both traditions derive inspiration from the indigenous bhakti ("devotional") movements. Both systems are essentially monophonic (consisting of unharmonized melody); employ a drone (one or more notes sustained against a melody); and are modalthat is, the melody line, which may either be composed in advance or improvised, is based on one of several hundred traditional melody matrices called raga. The fundamental elements of both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music are raaga and taala. Raga (melody) is India's contribution to the world of music. A highly scientific and practical scheme of raga classification introduced by Venkatamahi became the foundation for Indian classical music. The seven notes called sapta svaras of Indian classical music are Sa (Shadjam), ri (Rishabham), ga (Gaandhaaram), Ma (Madhyamam), Pa (Pancham am), dha (Dhaivatam) and ni (Nishaadham). A raaga is a scale of notes and melody is the aural form or the tune from the scale of notes. The other fundamental element of Classical music taala, is the rythm or the timemeasure. Taalas always occur in cyclic pattern. Tala thus involves both a quantitative element (time units or counts) and a qualitative element (accent or stress). The basic building blocks for taala are angas. Various combinations of these angas give rise to varioustaalas. There are 35 principal taalas. The most common taala is the Adi (first, foremost) taala. Though they have similar origins and source, according to ancient scripts, they seem distinct. Carnatic music is kritibased and saahitya (lyric) oriented, while Hindustani music emphasises the musical structure and the possibilities in it. In western classical Piano one octave consists of 12 notes, whereas in Indian classical music the same consists of 22 notes or shrutis. Svara is generally defined as a note whereas a shruti is the microtonal intervals between two svaras.The svaras in Hindustani music have a different nomenclature in comparison to Carnatic music. The 12 notes are calledShadja, Komal Rishabha, Shuddha Rishabha, Komal Gaandhaara, Shuddha Gaandhaara, Shuddha Madhyama, Tivra Madhyama, Panchama, Komal Dhaivata, Shuddha Dhaivata, Komal Nishaadha and Shuddha Nishaadha. The two main vocal traditions in Hindustanic music are dhrupad, the purest of all, without any embellishment and completely austere in its delivery, and khayaal or imagination (13th century), with a romantic content and elaborate ornamentation and also has a greater display of virtuosity and imagination. Less abstract vocal forms fall into the

light-classical variety: bhajans, kirtans, dadra, thumris, tappaas, nazms, ghazals (shers) and qawwali. An important landmark in Hindustani music was the establishment of gharanas under the patronage of princely states. A gharana is more a school of thought than an institution. Each of the gharanas developed distinct facets and styles of presentation and performance.
Classical Instruments

The antiquity of musical instruments in India is evident from the prehistoric cave paintings and sculptures of ancient temples. Indian musical instruments can be broadly classified into four types: tantu or stringed, susir or wind, avanadaor percussion and ghana comprising of bells, cymbals and gongs (jal-tarang). The instruments of Indian classical music fall into two main categories: those that carry the main melody and those that accompany. Among melody instruments the voice is considered pre-eminent. Of the many other melodic instruments, the most prominent are the plucked lutes, sitar and sarod in the north and vina in the south; the transverse flute basri; and the double reeds shahnai and nagasvaram. Accompanying instruments serve three functions: to provide a drone, to provide a secondary melody, and to keep time and give rhythmic support. For the drone the most common instrument is the long-necked lute tambura. In the south the Western violin is used to provide a secondary melody, as are the bowed lute sarangi and the hand-pumped keyboard harmonium in the north; to keep time and provide rhythmic support the Carnatic system uses the double-ended drum mridangam, the small frame drum kanjira, large chenda and the earthen pot ghatam; the Hindustani system generally employs the pair of kettle drums called tabla and occasionally the double-ended drum dholak orpakhavaja. The other stringed instruments are the single-stringed ektara, dilruba, esraj, tanpura and the mayuri. Other wind instruments include the nadaswaram, ninkirns and pongi. The other well known instruments (Hindustani music) areSurbahar and Santoor and (devotional) like the conch.

Indian Folk Music

Majority of India's population still lives in villages, and many old traditions remain. Except in the tribal areas, men and women are usually segregated in song, having independent repertoires and occasions for music. Women's songs, often unaccompanied, are sung at weddings, childbirths, and festivals and during agricultural and household activities. Men's songs, often accompanied at least by percussion instruments, are connected with devotional practices, particular festivals, and work.

In most regions specialist musicians perform for ritual, devotional, didactic, and entertainment purposes, sometimes as hereditary responsibility but often for payment in kind or money. These specialists include priests, religious mendicants, village entertainers, storytellers, and theatrical troupes. The role of folk music has been eroded substantially in many parts of India by the spread of films, which have developed their own hybrid forms of music influenced both by traditional Indian and Western music. Classical music, however, remains largely free of these influences.

DANCE:
Dance and music are an integral part of Indian life. The body is used most beautifully as a medium of communication to express the various moods and emotions most effectively. The Natya Shastra, written by Bharatha around fourth century BC, is the source of all forms of Indian classical dance. It is regarded as the fifth Veda. The uniqueness of Indian classical dances is that they are all devotional in content. Brahma, the supreme Creator, is believed to have created Natya by taking literature from the Rig Veda, songs fromSama Veda, abhinaya or expression from Yajur Veda and rasa or aesthetic experience from Atharva Veda. It speaks in great detail of the different kinds of postures, facial expressions, mudra or hand expressions, and the attire and ornaments to be used. All dance forms are structured around the nine rasa or emotions. They are hasya (happiness),shoka (sorrow), krodha (anger), karuna (compassion), bhibasta (di sgust), adhbhuta (wonder) bhaya (fear), viram(courage) and shanta (serenity). All dance forms follow the same hand movements, with variation creeping in due to local demands. Folk dances have gained more popularity, as they are easier to understand and perform. They do not require the skill and expertise of a classical dance performer. They are performed by the rural folk and are extremely enjoyable. Almost every village has its folk dances. These are performed on festivals, ceremonies etc. All night dance dramas are popular throughout India and mark all major festivals.

Bharatha Natyam This dance is the oldest of the classical dance forms, and its origins can be traced to Bharatha's Natya Shastra. It is a highly traditional and stylized dance form. Strict about the techniques used in performing it disallows any kind of innovations except in the repertoire and forms of presentation. Kathak Kathak finds its roots in katha- story. A band of story-tellers, attached to temples in Northern India, narrated stories from Indian epics. Later they added mime and gesture to their recitation. With the advent of the Muslims, it was brought out of the temples and in to the courts of the rulers. Kathakali It is one of the most refined and most scientific dance forms of Kerala. This art demands complete control over practically every fibre of the body. Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks and costumes. The stories for attakathas, the verse text for Kathakali piece are selected from epics and mythologies. Kuchipudi This dance drama of Andhra Pradesh is the corresponding style of the Bhagvata Mela Nataka of Tamil Nadu. Except that the emphasis is on the animation, the grammar is derived from the Natya Shastra. Manipuri Manipuri is the dance form of Manipur and is inextricably woven into the life of the people of the state. The dance form is mostly ritualistic, and has still preserved the dance drama technique, which draws heavily from the rich lore of the legend and mythology. Mohiniyattam This dance form too belongs to the Devadasi dance heritage, like Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi. The word 'mohini' literally means the maiden who steals the hearts of men. It is essentially a solo dance.
Odissi

This is also based on the Natya Sashtra and it can be traced back to 2nd Century BC., when the Jain king Shastra ruled. The present Odissi is a solo form. Its technique is built round a basic motif in which the human bodies takes the thrice deflected (tribhanga) position of Indian sculpture.

Yaksha Gana
This belongs to Karnataka and has a rural origin. It is an blend of dance and drama. Its heart lies in 'Gana' meaning music. The language is Kannada and the themes are based on Hindu epics. The costumes are almost akin to the Kathakali dance costumes and the style too seems to have drawn inspiration from it. As prescribed in the Natya Shastra, it has the Sutra Dhara (conductor) and the Vidhushaka (the jester).

Chakiarkoothu
This form is performed only by the menbers of the Chakiar caste. A highly orthodox type of entertainment, it can be staged inside temples only and witnessed by the Hindus of the higher castes. Among the various dance forms in vogue in India are Krishnanattam and Ottanthullal.

Folk Dances of India

Folk dances vary according to the region and sub-cultures. Puppet dances/ drama are also dominant in Indian folklore. In some places puppets are so highly regarded that actors study how to move like puppets.Fold dances have no specfic grammar. They fit in with the scheme of festivals in each region.

MUSIC AND DANCE OF SINGAPORE

The music and dance in Singapore has a significant contribution to make to the rich and multihued culture of the city that makes it one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the whole of South East Asia.

MUSIC:
Singapore has an urban musical scene, and is a center for rock, punk and other genres in the region. The 1960s produced bands like The Crecendos with hit songs like Mr Twister. The Quests, who had hits like "Shanty", "Don't Play That Song", "Jesamine" and "Mr Rainbow". "Naomi & The Boys" with a house hold hit song "Happy Happy Birthday Baby" as well as other pop-rock bands including The Thunderbirds, The Trailers, The Western Union Band, October Cherries and The Silver Strings. Folk music includes the ethnic Chinese, Malay and Tamil sounds. The launch of the nation's arts centre, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, has served to focus the island's classical music making. It is now the venue for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's subscription and gala concerts. In addition, the arts centre has ensured a representation of classical music from the four primary cultures in the land. In particular, the regular festivals of Hua Yi, Pesta Raya and Kalaa Utsavam ensure that interpreters of these different repertories are heard on a regular basis.

Folk music
Peranakan Peranakan folk music is noted for its fusion of English in Malay-inspired tunes, largely because the Peranakans themselves are often conversant in both languages. Contemporary tunes continue to be composed based on the Peranakan culture, such as "Bunga Sayang", a theme song from Dick Lee's musical "Kampung Amber". The song became an often-sung staple of the National Day Parade, and gained international exposure when it was performed for the opening ceremony of the 117th IOC Session at the Esplanade.

Pop and rock music

Singapore's pop scene began in 1960, when the Blue Diamonds performed, and really launched after Cliff Richard & the Shadows arrived a year later, thus launching the beat boom. Like much of the world, the British Invasion began in 1963, led by The Beatles. Some bands remained instrumental, while others incorporated singers. Soon, British R&B became popular, and spawned a local Malay variety. Pop stars of the 1960s included Naomi & the Boys, D'4 Ever, Antarctics, Mike Ibrahim & the Nite Walkers, Swallows, Ismail Haron & the Guys and Les Kafila's. In the late 1970s and early 1980s saw the rise of rock bands such as Sweet Charity fronted by the charismatic vocalist Ramli Sarip. The band had such an influence in the Singapore and Malaysia music scene that it later led to a rock explosion in the mid 1980s. The 1990s produced bands with alternative and in die influences such as Concave Scream, Humpback Oak, The Padres, Oddfellows, Livionia, with the band KICK!, signed

to the Pony Canyon label, making a strong wave in the POP scene with a slew of radio hits & a strong fan base.

Punk and hardcore genres

A popular band in Singapore is an all-Malay punk band Rancour which have gained popularity and musical success in a Malay "battle of the bands" programme called "Anugerah Band". Canadian Hardcore Punk band Comeback Kid and American Hardcore punk band Sick of It All have played in Singapore before. Screamo is less popular but is still known in the music scene with Japanese screamo band Envy having a maintainable fan base in Singapore. Emo is less common but there are still bands who have or are still playing of that genre.

Heavy metal
Heavy metal has a small but not insignificant presence in Singapore's music scene. Popular bands like Slayer, Dream Theater and Helloween have played in Singapore receptive crowds, usually at an open field at Fort Canning Park. Weekly small scale medium scale gigs are held almost weekly at locations such as BlackHole212 Substation. Most recently, on 15th February, 2011, Iron Maiden played to a crowd 12,000 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. to to or of

There have also been many notable local metal bands in the growing underground scene. Special mention includes:

Black metal stalwarts Impiety whose name has traveled way past our humble shores, Extreme Metal veterans Rudra who created a new metal genre called Vedic Metal and a cult following worldwide. The band has also attracted the attention of Musicologists. Several papers have been published about Vedic Metal and the band, Local Death metal band Absence Of The Sacred had the honour of Kevin Talley, current drummer for Dth and ex-Dying Fetus drummer, to session for them. Wormrot has recently been signed by UK record label, Earache Records.

Metal bands in Singapore run the gamut and include bands from many varying subgenres. However it is not uncommon for bands from the more underground genres to view bands from more mainstream genres with disdain. Unfortunately, there is little support for metal in Singapore's mainstream media. However, Metal music of this generation are lucky to be featured occasionally on Brader

Bo's show, Vicious Volume of RIA 89.7 fm. Oshiego was also featured in Lime Magazine's 30 Hottest Local Acts, a compilation CD, with the song "Now Suffer" originally from the titular EP.The local Heavy Metal scene is Singapore is not daunted by the lack of support from the local mainstream media, and has established its own ways of disseminating information by utilizing popular internet based social mediums such as Facebook, Twitter and Blogger. One notable organisation is Heavy Metal Tribune, which features many local metal acts as well as others from other parts of the world, mainly to allow each region to reach out to one another, while providing local metalheads to know what they are up against.

DANCE:
Dance in Singapore comprises traditional and contemporary forms.. It has a relatively short history of creative, artistic and professional dance. The range of dance reflects the cultural diversity of Singapore .There is a consistent struggle between the rejection and acceptance of western dance influences and the re-emphasis of ethnic cultures from time to time. The Singapore identity through dance is a challenging one often on a outward looking perception rather than the acceptance and recognition of indigenous/original creativity. Notable non-profit artistic dance legacy include ECNAD and Arts Fission Company.

CHAPTER-9
FOOD OF INDIA
You can eat a different Indian dish everyday, but still not repeat it for an entire year! Indian food is as diverse as its culture, its religions, geography, climatic conditions and traditions. All of these combine to influence the preparation of Indian food. Essentially spicy, the cuisine is, however, not always hot. It is the different combination of a handful of spices that produce the most delectable dishes in the world. In India, preparation of food is an art, perfected over time and passed through generation by just word of mouth. Food is also an important part of Indian festivals and traditions; no festival or celebration is complete without a feast. Special preparations are a must during festivals.

Range of Cuisine:The food of India offers a staggering range of dishes to the gourmet
with an adventurous palate. The character of cuisine in India is essentially regional;

reasons for this must be found in the sheer size of the country which forced every area to develop a style of cooking of its own. As a result, not only dishes, but flavors, colours, methods of cooking, down to even the style of cutting the vegetables prior to be cooked changes as often as the landscape does. What has helped along this diversity is the amazing number of religions and the sects and sub-sects within them; each of them often have strict dietary codes. For example, Hindu Brahmins may not eat onions, ginger and garlic which meant that a special cuisine came up around that bias and so on. The most striking contrast in eating habits shows up between the meat-and-bread eating northern regions and the pulse-and-rice southern regions. For example Dal (lentils), the all-time favorite across India, differs in cooking style from region to region. The dal makhni of the north is made with liberal amounts of butter and cream, while in Gujarat, the western part, it is a sweetish preparation. In the south, it is cooked along with countless vegetables. Various forms of milk products like, curd, cream and paneer (cottage cheese) is used in cooking in the north. In contrast, the south Indians use this sparingly. Instead, they use coconut in almost every dish. Here, it would be apt to mention that even the cooking medium differs as, the north Indians use mustard or vegetable oil, while the south Indians use groundnut or sesame oil. Keralites use coconut oil for almost all the dishes.

NORTHRN India The 'Roti' or 'Chappatis' or 'Parathas' (unleavened bread fried on a griddle) accompanied with a wide assortment of "curries", which include spicy vegetables and lentils is the typical north Indian food. Punjabi food is a lively mixture of varied spices, with a tempting aroma. Punjabi 'tandoori' cooking is popular throughout the world. Huge earthen ovens are half buried in the ground and heated with a coal fire lit below it. Marinated meat, chicken, fish, paneer, rotis and naans of many types are cooked in this novel oven. Another popular combination is the 'makki ki roti' and 'sarson ka sag'.

The food from North India also traces its descent from Persian ancestors and then more definitely from the 16th century Mughals. The Mughals brought with them Persian and Afghan cooks who started North Indians on the rich and fragrant Persian rice dishes, such as pilafs and biryanis (meat-based pilafs). Garnished with pounded silver (vark), these dishes along with spicy kormas (braised meat in creamy sauces), koftas (grilled spicy meatballs) and kababs used to grace the tables of emperors.

Western India
The original cuisine of western India is principally vegetarian. This is largely due to the enterprising, but strictly vegetarian, Marwari community from Rajasthan, who have now spread all over the country. The Marwari cuisine is a good example of how the best was made of locally available stuff. It is spicy and extremely rich with almost everything being doused in ounces of ghee (clarified butter) and is famous for its mouth-watering aroma. Essentially, the cuisine is simple with dishes like alloo bhajis (spicy potatos), karhi (chickpea dumplings in yoghurt sauce), dal batti (lentil dumplings oozing with ghee dunked in dal) which are polished off with rice and pooris (puffed whole wheat fried breads). An interesting aside here is the Goan cuisine, which effectively mixes local Konkan and Portuguese flavors. The Goan cuisine with its tongue-curling hot vindaloo curries and distinctive sweet and sour dishes is very popular all over the western ghat region. The Indian salmon and Bombay Duck is popular which is neither from Bombay nor a duck, but a small sun-dried fish cut and sold in strips. Maharashtrian food offers a variety of crunchy crisp snacks like the 'vada pav', 'misal' and 'pav bhaji'.

Eastern India

Eastern India is close to the sea and gets plenty of rain. Hence rice and fish are staple all over here. The hilsa (a variety of fish) and macherjhol (fish curry) is legendary all over India. Curry is not the only thing with which fish is eaten; it is smoked, grilled, fried, made into pakoras (patties), stuffed into green coconuts and now into burgers too. The other good thing of the eastern cuisine (Bengali) is their delicate sweets. The difference here is that the sweets of the north India are based on khoya (milk which thickened slowly until it forms a sweet dough), which is quite heavy. However, those of east India are based on milk, curd and chena (light cottage cheese) and hence are much more lighter on the palate. 'Rasogullas', gulab jamuns', 'malai sandwich', 'chena murkhi', 'anarkali' and 'rajbogh' are just a few of the endless delicacies served. The 'mishti dhoi', yogurt sweetened with jaggery, is made in every home. Southern India Rice is served everywhere and always in south India and flour-based breads are rare, if at all. Rice is used to polish off the very spicy curries of the south, which are liquidier than those of the north. These curries are often pulse-based and if this sounds restricting, you'll be surprised at what a few spices here and there can do to completely change the taste of things. The south Indians put chillis, mustard,

coconut oil and various other spicy seeds to very effective use to conjure up mouth watering dishes like dosas (rice pancakes stuffed with potatoes and vegetables), idlis (rice dumplings served with sambar), and so on. HERBS AND SPICES

A lot of care and thought goes into the preparation of every Indian dish. A study into their recipes reveals a lot of surprises. Every single ingredient of the dish is there with a purpose and compliments each other. In fact, the succession of dishes also keeps in mind the flavour and 'nature' of the spices, whether hot or cool. Spices and herbs used in Indian cooking are either fresh or dried in which case the flavour changes for each form. However, that is not all: the dried spices and herbs are used in various ways. They can be used whole or grounded (more often than not still pounded at home!) and they may be roasted, fried, deep-fried, half-done, well-done all according to the taste that the cook wants to give to the eventual dish. Some of the commonly used ingredients in Indian food are: Chilli (hot fiery red or green); Coconut; Garlic; Ginger; Basil, coriander (cilantro), mint and parsley; Fenugreek (methi); Saunf; Garam Masala; Mustard Seeds; Tamarind (Imli);Saffron (Kesar) and Rose water (gulkand).

FOOD OF SINGAPORE
Food is well-loved in Singapore. Coffee shops, hawker centres, restaurants, food courts, cafes and snack shops hug the numerous well-ordered streets of Singapore city and its suburbs. All types of delicious food are sold at all times, from hearty hawker fare to fancy gourmet meals. Waking up in the morning at 6am, you are as likely to enjoy a breakfast of kaya toast or congee just at your doorstep. When midnight strikes and you feel peckish, you can always find comfort in a 24 hour coffee shop nearby with crispy roti prata and curry, or Teochew porridge. In Singapore, housewives are blessed with bountiful fresh produce of seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits in more than 150 wet markets throughout the island, dishing up delicious home-cooked meals for their families. If it be a Chinese household, steamed fresh fish, stir-fried Chinese choy sum, pork rib with winter melon soup and loh bak (braised pork in black soya sauce) may grace the table. An Indian family may tuck in heartily to chicken curry, rasam, dal, spiced cabbage and cucumber pachadi, while a Malay family will eat as well with beef rendang, stir-fried vegetables, sambal beans and fried tempeh.

Yet as different as they may seem, the various communities of Singapore have come to share a culinary tradition that fuses and celebrates its ancestral cuisines. In less than two hundred years since modern Singapore was founded by the British as a trading port, the people that inhabit this island has created a distinctive cuisine. Food in Colonial Singapore When Sir Stamford Raffles and his contingent from the East India Company (EIC) landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819, they found on this island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, a small population of about a thousand, consisting of some 900 native people, 20-30 Malays and a similar number of Chinese.The inhabitants lived a simple existence growing fruits but no rice, and depended on their livelihood on collecting jungle produce, fishing, small scale trading and piracy.Little was known of Singapore before that, though archaeological digs have found evidence of it being a prosperous trading port known as Temasek in the 14th century. Very quickly, people from various lands came to trade and work. The Chinese from the region and southern China arrived in droves to work as traders, artisans, coolies, craftsmen and itinerant trades; the Arabs from the Hadramut region came as traders and mercenaries, the Jews and Armenians came as traders; the Indians came first as sepoys of the Bengal Native Infantry, and later as convicts, indentured labourers and in the early twentieth century as clerks, educationists and traders; the Malays from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian islands came as traders and workers; and the Eurasians from the region came to work in commerce, law, medical services, government and trade. By 1824, the total population of Singapore rose to over 10,000 and by 1850 to over 60,000. These immigrants brought with them the food of their own lands. As early as 1837, Howard Malcolm, an American missionary in Singapore wrote of partaking in a Chinese wedding banquet at the home of a wealthy Chinese merchant, with Chinese delicacies of shark fins, bird nests and fish maw. Agriculture did not dominate the Singapore economy even then. Rice being the staple of all it immigrants was only produced in tiny amount on the island as there was little suitable land available for rice cultivation, leaving its population having to import most of its rice from Siam, Java, Manila and the Riau archipelago.However there were small farms growing vegetables, sweet potato, plantains, Indian corn and tropical fruits on the outskirts of Singapore town. Buying and selling of fresh food according to many British anecdotal accounts was a colourful affair. The first market with its unique octagonal structure was built in 1820 in Telok Ayer, very close to the commercial area and the Chinese quarters. It soon became overcrowded with vendors selling, meat, vegetable and fruits sprawling to the surrounding areas. By the end of the 19th century, there were five big markets on the

island - the Telok Ayer, Ellenborough, the Rochore, the Clyde and the Orchard Road markets. Yet all these itinerant vendors or hawkers are not confined to these spaces. John Cameron in his rare book, Tropical Possessions in Malayan India, gave an eyewitness account of how these hawkers predominate the landscape in 1860s Singapore, adding chaos and bustle to the town. "There is probably no city in the world with such a motley crowd of itinerant vendors of wares, fruits, cakes, vegetables &c. There are Malays, generally with fruit; Chinamen with a mixture of all sorts, and Kling with cakes and different kinds of nuts. Malays and Chinamen always use the shoulder-stick, having equally-balanced loads suspended at either end; the Klings, on the contrary, carry their wares on the head on trays. The travelling cookshops of the Chinese are probably the most extraordinary of the things that are carried about in this way. They are suspended on one of the common shouldersticks, and consist of a box on one side and a basket on the other; the former containing a fire and small copper cauldron for soup, the latter loaded with rice, vermicelli, cakes, jellies, and condiments; and though I have never tasted any of their dishes, I have been assured that those they serve up at a moments notice are most savoury, and that their sweets are delicious. Three cents will purchase a substantial meal of three or four dishes from these itinerant restaurateurs. Various eye-witness accounts wrote of the proliferation of hawkers throughout Singapore in the 19th century. Among the snacks and meals offered were perhaps cakes of agaragar, soups, rice with Chinese-styled dishes and noodles. Hawker food was popular in these early days because it provided a cheap and delicious meal to many who had come to work without their families. Indeed, the gender ratio for the Chinese, Indian and European communities was extremely unbalanced before the 1870s. From this humble beginning, hawker fare had become an indelible part of Singapore food. Beyond this humble street fare, food seems to be eaten mostly at home. Restaurants were not in abundance in Singapore. A Chinese, Li Chung Chu, wrote in 1887 of the very few Cantonese and European restaurants. Feasting in wealthy Chinese homes was done in the gardens of private homes with Chinese food and European food! Due to the paucity of materials on the written accounts of food served at the homes of the various immigrant communities, one is left to conjecture what they ate at home. But it may not be far to say that most stuck to the cuisine they were used to in their homeland. Besides fruits and vegetables that were grown locally, there was plentiful fish, poultry and pork, and excellent mutton which would satisfy the dietary needs of the various communities. The British in Singapore however ate handsomely. Their meals reflected the culinary mores of Victorian England, with a vast number of dishes for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Being in the east, curry, rice, sambals and tropical fruits were often included in the rather substantial dinner that most would be used to. John Turnbull Thompson wrote

of these ample dinners in his 1864 memoir, Some Glimpses into Life in Malayan Lands. In one such dinner, after the soup came the fish, joints of Bengal mutton, Chinese capons, Kedah fowls, Sangora ducks, Yorkshire hams, Bombay ducks, salted turtle eggs and omelettes all washed down with pale ale. This was followed by a dessert of macaroni puddings of all shapes and custard downed with champagne. Then came a huge round of cheese, and finally a variety of tropical fruits. Such a grand style of dining predominated the British colonial society in the 19th century, with food prepared by Malay or Chinese servants. Although Singapore colonial society was largely segregated with each community living within their own quarters, good food was able to cross boundaries. Over time, the main communities of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians adopted strains of each others cuisine, so that Chinese condiments of soya sauce is as common to the other households as Indian curry powder is to the rest. The food of the British filtered down to the Asian population, thanks to the Asian cooks they employed. Many Chinese cooks were Hainanese, who over time learnt how to prepare British standard fare of pork chops, roast chicken, butter cake and chicken pies, though some with a local twist to it. Other British products of the era, including, luncheon meat, canned sardines, condensed milk, toast and tomato ketchup became a part of Singapores culinary landscape.

Singapore Cuisine Deriving from the rich culinary traditions of each communitys ancestral lands with flavours that are often robust, it is natural to follow that the food of Singapore is extremely flavoursome, frequently spicy, and consist regularly of a mix of Chinese

condiments, with Indian spices and Malays ingredients of tropical herbs and fruits of chillies, coconut, lemongrass, galangal and the like. Singapore cuisine was often described as parts Chinese, Malay and Indian. This is somewhat true, yet certain dishes that seems to be Chinese or Indian are now distinctly Singaporean in character, and far different from their original cousin. The Hainanese chicken rice with its ubiquitous ginger-garlic chilli sauce, is as different as its Hainanese counterpart; black pepper crab and chilli crab in many Chinese seafood stalls are native inventions; while roti prata and curry is quite unlike its Indian cousin, and Indian rojak is really an alien dish to anyone from India. Yet when we speak of Chinese of Indian food in Singapore, this is to be further specified by their regional origin. The Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine that flourishes and inspires Singapore food is intimately linked to the regions from which the various communities were from. For the Chinese, it is the food of southern China, including the cooking of Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Foochow people. For the Indians, it is south Indian food from the areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Malays derive their food from their ancestral lands of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Java. The food of the Straits Chinese (Nyonya) and Eurasians too dabs vibrant colours on Singapores culinary landscape. These fusion cuisines, forged in the throes of intermarriage in the region from the 16th century are utterly delicious and are perhaps a precursor of the marriage of flavours now present in Singapore cuisine. Straits Chinese cuisine is the union of Chinese-Hokkien cooking with Malay cuisine. While Cuzinhia Cristang (Eurasian cuisine) is a robust blend of Malay cuisine with Portuguese and Dutch cooking in the 16th, 17th and 18th century, yet with a good sprinkle of Chinese and Indian influences from fellow immigrants. This diversity of cuisines, flavours and aromas have made Singapore food what it is today. A peek at the Singapore pantry will find it well-stocked with a myriad of condiments and produce from these cuisines. Singaporeans have created a food culture of its own over the years. Undoubtedly, hawker fare, which is Singapores traditional fast food takes its pride of place in Singapore culinary pantheon. To many Singaporeans, the best food is often found in these very humble abodes. Despite individual food proclivities at home, Singaporeans of all communities have come to share a common food experience in many aspects. At a party with typical Singapore food one will usually find a varied menu of popular dishes such as chicken curry, nyonya chap chye (mixed vegetables), Chinese sweet and sour fish, samosas, fried noodles, popiah (Fresh springrolls), Malay bubur cha cha and agar-agar. These common foods continue to extend to those indulged during festivals. Be it Hari Raya Puasa (end of

Ramadan), Deepavali (Indian festival of lights) or Chinese New Year, one is almost certain to find pineapple tarts, kueh lapis and the various festive cookies. Singapore cuisine is more than just a sum of Chinese, Malay and Indian food, a notion that used to be popular. It has evolved over the years to become a cuisine of its own, providing Singaporeans with food memories unique to themselves.

CHAPTER-10
INDIAN FESTIVALS
Indian Festivals

Indians love celebrating. Every little occasion from the harvesting of crops, welcoming the spring or rain, to seeing the full moon lends itself to joyous celebrations splashed with colors, music, folk dances and songs. Even the birthdays of divine beings are celebrated thus. The homes are neatly decorated, new dresses are worn for every occasion, prayers offered to Gods, and lot of sweets and goodies are cooked. Most of these festivals are common to most part of India however they may be known by different names in different parts of the country. Different cultures also mean that different rituals are followed.

Time for celebration: January:

Makar Sankranti/Pongal This harvest festivals are predominantly celebrated in the southern part of India. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the flying of kites.

Republic Day Celebrating the anniversary of India's establishment as a Republic 26th January 1950, all the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army. February- March: Vasant Panchami is a festival in honor of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. Maha Shivaratri This is a day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third deity of the Hindu trinity. Holi This is one of the most exuberant and colorful of all festivals. Jamshed-i Navroz is the New Year's Day for the Parsi community who adhere to the Falsi calendar and celebrate with feasting. Mahavir Jayanti is a major Jain festival and commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankar. Ram Navami is the day of Rama's birth and is celebrated as a day of great piety, with the chanting of prayers and the singing of ballads. April: Easter and Good Friday These Christian festivals are also celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. Baisakhi The solar new year's day is observed on this day throughout northern India, which is also the new year's day of Tamil Nadu. Id-ul-Fitr or Ramazan Id is a day of feasting and rejoicing as it marks the end of the end of Ramazan (Ramadan), the Muslim time of fasting. May - June: Buddha Purnimaa The Buddha's birth, enlightenment and his reaching nirvana are all celebrated on this day.
July:

Festival of Chariot Lord Jagannath's great temple chariot makes its stately journey from his temple in Puri, Orissa. Naga Panchami This festival is dedicated to Ananata, the serpent whose coils Lord Vishnu rests between universes. August: Raksha Bandhan is an integral part of the Hindu family structure whereby a woman ties a rakhi or decorative thread on the wrist of her brother to remind him to protect her if the need arises.

Independence Day The anniversary of India's independence commemorates the day on August 15th. It is celebrated all over the country with meetings and flag-hosting ceremonies. September: Janamashtami The birth of lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation on earth of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated throughout India. Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid celebrates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. Onam Onam is celebrated Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Ganesh Chaturthi This festival is dedicated to the popular elephant headed God, Ganesha. Pune, Madras, and Bombay are the important centers of celebration. Ladakh Festival: Ladakh (in the mighty Himalayas) is a blend of various culturesCentral Asian, Tibetan, Northern India etc. Sports (polo and archery), its folk dances and songs, its age-old social and cultural ceremonies, its art and handicrafts, all come alive in a colorful kaleidoscope. September - October: Navaratri/Dussehra/Durga Pooja. Navaratri, the Festival of Nine Nights, is celebrated in honor of goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The tenth day, Dussehra, commemorates the victory of Rama, of the epic Ramayana, over Ravana. Diwali or Deepawali This is perhaps the happiest of Hindu festivals. Countless number of lamps are lighted at night, giving the impression that the stars have descended on earth. Gandhi Jayanthi: A solemn celebration marking the birth date of Gandhiji, the father of the nation. Gurpurab: The birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism (OctoberNovember), and of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Guru (December-January) November: Govardhan Pooja A Hindu festival dedicated to the holiest of animals for the Hindus, the cow. Guru Nanak Jayanthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion. December: Christmas is widely celebrated all over India and is especially interesting in Goa and Kerala, where some of the local culture has been absorbed into the festivities.

FESTIVALS OF SINGAPORE
With its multicultural nature, Singapore has a full calendar of colour ful festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of Lights (Deepavali), Chinese New Year celebrations and the Buddhist celebration of Vesak Day.
Because of the multi-cultural nature of Singapore society there is a wide range of festivals in Singapore.

Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year (2-day Public Holiday in Singapore)

Chinese New Year generally falls in January or February, depending on the Chinese lunar calendar. Traditionally, the new year is welcomed with dragon dances and parades. Red pieces of paper with good wishes written on them are pasted on doors and walls. Chinatown has many markets around this time and is especially lively at night. This is the only time of year when many businesses close. The main celebration involves a reunion dinner on the eve of the new year and visits to relatives and friends on the first two days. After the reunion dinner, parents and other relatives distribute hong bao (red packets containing an even amount of money, in new notes) to the family's unmarried children as a gesture of good fortune. In Singapore, although the public holiday is only two days the celebrations can last for half a month. The 15th day is the close of the festive season.

Qing Ming (Clear and Bright Festival)

Usually held on 4 or 5 April to celebrate the clear and bright days of spring, Qing Ming is also a time for the remembrance of ancestors, and it is often referred to as Tomb Sweeping Day. During the festival the graves of ancestors are visited and tended. The festival promotes filial piety and a sense of gratitude to one's ancestors and draws thousands of people to local temples.

Yu Lan Jie (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts)

Usually celebrated in August or September, depending on the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese believe that the souls of the dead are released for feasting and entertainment on earth. Chinese operas are performed for them and food is offered to the ghosts.

Mid-Autumn Festival (also the Mooncake or Lantern Festival)

A traditionally auspicious occasion for the Chinese community, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place from early September to early October and celebrates the end of the farming year and an abundant harvest. The mooncakes signify unity and a cycle completed. This is a good opportunity for visitors to experience Singapore's unique blend of the best of the modern world and rich cultures. In Singapore, lantern competitions are held and the winning lanterns exhibited in the Chinese Garden.

Dragon Boat Festival

Held in May or June, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death of a Chinese saint who drowned himself as a protest against government corruption. Celebrated with boat races in specially crafted dragon boats across Marina Bay.

Muslim Festivals

Ramadan

The time of this event changes every year. It is a time of fasting for Muslims; from dawn to dusk they eat and drink nothing. During Ramadan food stalls are set up in the evening in the Arab Street district, near the Sultan mosque. Geylang Serai, one of the theme villages in Singapore, featuring Malay culture is well worth a visit in the evening.

Hari Raya Puasa (A Public Holiday in Singapore)

A Muslim festival which marks the end of Ramadan which is celebrated by Muslims with a large family feast. The date changes annually. Hari Raya Puasa signifies "openness" of both mind and heart, and in multi-racial Singapore this is often expressed by inviting non-Muslim friends to share the Hari Raya festivities.

Hari Raya Haji (A Public Holiday in Singapore )

A time of prayer and remembrance, Hari Raya Haji marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage rites performed in Mecca.

Muharram

The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. The first month of Islam teaches lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta'ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. Some Muslims fast during this period

Buddhist Festivals

Vesak Day (Public Holiday in Singapore)

Falling in April or May, Vesak Day celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. This event is marked by various celebrations, including the release of caged birds to symbolise the setting free of captive souls. Gifts are distributed by charitable organisations to the poor and needy, regardless of their race or religion. Buddhist youths participate in mass blood donation exercises held in hospitals. Vesak celebrations in Singapore are also marked by mass candlelight processions, in which thousands of devotees chantsutras (holy verses) and pay homage to the Buddha. The highlight of the festival is a mass religious and cultural gathering held at either the Singapore Indoor Stadium or a major public theatre.

Hindu Festivals

Thaipusam
A Hindu celebration, popular with the Tamils, which has been banned in some countries. Held in October, when devotees honour Lord Subramaniam by piercing their bodies with needles. A procession marches from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to the Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Road. Kavadis (metal structures adorned with feathers, effigies and containers of milk) are carried on the shoulders or attached to the body with metal piercing.

Thimithi
Thimithi, the fire-walking ceremony, is conducted at the Sri Mariamman Temple in the month of Aipasi, between October and November. Like Thaipusam, the devotees go in procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Mariamman Temple, led by a priest. After the priest has ceremonially walked on a bed of burning coal, the devotees follow one by one, witnessed by thousands of people assembled in the temple.

Tamil New Year

The Tamil New Year begins in the month of Chithirai, between April and May. To herald the New Year, morning worship is held in temples in honour of Surya, the Sun God, the remover of all darkness and gloom. Some Hindus take a ritual bath early in the morning, and the day is spent visiting temples and relatives.

Deepavali (A Public Holiday in Singapore)

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Like Thimithi, it is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aipasi. Because of its ancient origins, the festival is enveloped in a variety of legends, the most common one being that it marks the slaying of an oppressive ruler named Narakasura by Lord Krishna, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Tiny oil lamps are lit to guide the souls of departed relatives to the next world. Children love Deepavali because of the many social visits and treats they are given.

Navarathiri

A religious festival involving nine nights of prayer, and worship of the Goddess Durga, signifying the triumph of good over evil. Married women pray for the well-being of their families, and community prayers are offered for the well-being of the nation.

Christian Celebrations

Christmas (A Public Holiday in Singapore)

Celebrated on 25 December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The entire stretch of the Orchard Road shopping belt is lit up with decorative lights from November to early January.

Good Friday (A Public Holiday in Singapore)

Falling in March or April according to the Christian calendar, this day commemorates the death of Jesus Christ.

Easter

Celebrated in March or April according to the Christian calendar to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Other Celebrations

New Year's Day (A Public Holiday in Singapore): Celebrated on 1 January Labour Day (A Public Holiday in Singapore): Celebrated on 1 May

National Day (A Public Holiday in Singapore): Celebrated on 9 August. A large parade is held to honour patriotism. Awards are given as a means of recognising various forms of merit and service to Singapore.

CHAPTER-11 RELIGIONS OF INDIA

India has a positive kaleidoscope of religions. There is probably more diversity of religious and sects in India than anywhere else on earth. Apart having nearly all the world's great religions represented here, India was also the birthplace of two of the world's greatest (Hinduism & Buddhism), an important home to one of the world's oldest (Zoroastrianism), and home to an ancient religion unique to India (Jainism).

HINDUS
Hinduism is the name given to a family of religions and cultures that began and still flourish in India. Like other Eastern religions, it doesn't fit comfortably into the same box as Western religions like Christianity. Hindus do not separate religion from other aspects of life. For Hindus in India, Hinduism is an inextricable part of their existence, a complete approach to life that involves social class, earning a living, family, politics, diet, etc., in addition to the things Westerners view as religious. The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. Originally the name

referred to people living in a particular region of the world, regardless of their faith; so in the 18th century someone could quite sensibly be described as a "Hindu Muslim". There are 750 million Hindus in the world, and most of them live in India. In the UK there are 400,000 Hindus, 160,000 of whom are active in their faith. Hinduism includes a very wide range of beliefs and practices, so there aren't many things that are common to all Hindu groups. However they all have a "family resemblance" to each other. Hinduism has no founder, no creed, and no single source of authority. The things most often common to Hindus are a belief in a single Divinity or supreme God that is present in everything, belief in other gods who are aspects of that supreme God, belief that the soul repeatedly goes through a cycle of being born into a body, dying, and rebirth, belief in Karma, a force that determines the quality of each life, depending on how well one behaved in a past life. Most Hindus worship at home and have a shrine there. Hindu temples are the focus of religious life, but there is not a strong tradition of corporate congregational worship. Hinduism has not had a significant tradition of seeking to convert people, although some modern Hindu sects now do seek converts.

SIKHS
Sikhism is the youngest of the world's four great monotheistic religions. It was founded in the 15th Century by Guru Nanak. The view that Sikhism is a variety of Hinduism is completely wrong, and gives great offence to Sikhs. There are 18-20 million Sikhs in the world, and 80% of them live in the Punjab state in Northwest India, where the faith began. There are 500,000 Sikhs in Britain, 80% of whom are active in their faith. 39% of UK Sikhs attend a religious service at a Gurdwara (temple) once a week. Other countries with large Sikh communities are Canada (225,000) and the USA (100,000). The word "Sikh" is Punjabi for "disciple" and Sikhs are disciples of the Gurus. Sikh men are particularly easy to identify because they all have a full beard, and wear their hair uncut and contained in a turban.

The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara or temple. Sikhism does not have priests, but most gurdwaras will have a Granthi. A Granthi is a learned Sikh who is skilled in reading the scriptures, however, a Granthi has no special religious status. The principle Sikh scripture is the Adi Granth, often called the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs believe that the words of these scriptures are the present day embodiment of the Sikh Guru and they treat the book with the respect and devotion that they would have given to a human Guru. Sikhism does not actively look for converts, but it is thoroughly welcoming to those who do want to convert.

CHRISTIANS
Christianity is a religion practised by nearly 2,000 million people worldwide. It originated in Palestine in the 1st century AD and is founded on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ [4BC-29AD], a Palestinian Jew. There are 6 million active Christians in the UK, but over 35 million in Britain would regard themselves as nominally Christian. There are many different variations or "denominations". The major division is between Orthodox and Western Christianity (which itself is divided into Roman Catholicism and Protestantism). From the beginning, Christianity has sought to convert people, however, many Christians today feel there should still be respect for what is good and true in other cultures and religions.

ISLAM
Islam is the world's second most followed religion. It began in its present form 1400 years ago in Arabia, but swiftly become a world faith, and now has around 1,200 million adherents. There are between 1.2 and 2.6 million Muslims in the UK, about 600,000 of whom are active in the faith. Those who are not active still regard being a Muslim as an important part of their identity. "Islam" is an Arabic word which means surrendering oneself to the will of God, and achieving peace and security by doing so. A person surrenders to the will of Allah by living and thinking in the way Allah has instructed. Islam is more than a system of belief. The faith provides a social and legal system

and governs things like family life, law and order, ethics, dress, and cleanliness, as well as religious ritual and observance. The countries with the largest Islamic populations are in Asia rather than the Middle-East. These are Indonesia (170 million), Pakistan (136 million), Bangladesh (105 million), and India (103 million). However, Islam's two holiest places, the cities of Mecca and Medina, are both in Saudi Arabia.

BUDDHISTS
Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition which stretches back over 2,500 years. Over the last 30 years Buddhism has seen growth in the West as its non-dogmatic nature, rationality, possibility of a spiritual guide, and opportunity for personal transformation have all made it attractive to post-modern society. It has about 500 million adherents around the world-45,000 active Buddhists in UK 'Buddha' means 'one who has woken up'. Most people live asleep, never knowing or seeing life as it really is. As a consequence they suffer. A buddha is someone who awakens to the knowledge of the world as it truly is and so finds release from suffering. A Buddha teaches out of sympathy and compassion for the suffering of beings and for the benefit and welfare of all beings. Buddhism does not actively look for converts, but it is thoroughly welcoming to those who do want to convert. Buddhism can coexist with other faiths.

JEWS
Judaism is the oldest of the world's four great monotheistic religions. It's also the smallest, with only about 12 million followers around the world. The Holocaust of the 1930s and and 40s transformed Jewish demographics-if the Holocaust had not occurred there would now be between 25 and 35 million Jews in the world, and far more of them would live in Europe. Most Jewish people in the world live in Israel or the USA. The largest European Jewish community is in France. There are 285,000 Jews living in the UK. Only 85,000 of them are active in their faith, but virtually all the others still regard being Jewish as a vital part of their identity.

Judaism does not seek converts. Those who convert to Judaism must undertake the observance of Torah (Jewish Law), including, if they are men, circumcision. There are small Jewish communities in a number of cities i.e. Kochi, Mumbai, Kolkata & Delhi.

RELIGION OF SINGAPORE
If you are new to Singapore, one of the first things you will notice about the country is how diverse its citizens are. As a multi-religious nation, Singapore is a rare but living example of how people from diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds can co-exist peacefully, while practicing their own religion. In fact, freedom of worship is enshrined in Singapore's constitution as one of the nation's top priorities. From a very early age, Singaporean children are nurtured to participate in harmony outreach programmes and understand each others customs and practices. Mdm Adeline Tso, Principal at Praiseland Childcare and Learning Centre said, "We encourage our children to see, hear, taste and experience the essence of our Singaporean culture." Everybody looks forward to Deepavali, Hari Raya, Vesak Day and Christmas (major festivals celebrated here) with equal fervour. Singapore is home to 10 religions, with Buddhism/Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity as its principal religions. Sikhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Baha'I, Jainism and the non-religious form the minority cluster. It is common to see people accepting more than one faith. Mdm Ying Neng York, a donation volunteerand Buddhist by faith, is one such person. When asked why she lights incense sticks outside the Hindu temple every day, she said,"I have a lot of faith in this temple. It brings me good luck."

Etiquette to observe at places of worship in Singapore: 1. Remove footwear before entering mosques and temples 2. Hindus wash their feet and hands at the entrance area 3. Some mosques and Sikh temples provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Hindu temples expect women to wear long attire below the waist 4. Buddhists and Hindus bring along flowers and fruits as offerings for gods, and burn incense sticks or lamps 5. Benches are provided for sitting at the prayer hall in churches, while temple and mosque goers sit on mats placed on the ground and kneel down for prayer. 6. Taking photographs is allowed unless specified otherwise 7. Eating and drinking is usually prohibited 8. Some devotees sponsor free food to fellow devotees on special occasions

Major religions here

Buddhism More than three-fifths of Singapore's population subscribe to Buddhism. The Chinese Mahayana Buddhism is the most prevalent form here. Followers of Buddhism practice teachings of Morality, Concentration and Wisdom. Fengshui, which is the art and science of evoking positive energy, is all part of this religion. The largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist temple in Singapore is the Kong Meng San Phor Kar See Monastery. Buddhism in Singapore is regulated by the Singapore Buddhist Federation. Other organisations such as the Pu Tuo Monastery help people set up businesses such as vegetarian restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and specialist Buddhist shops offering religious artefacts. Others like Tzu Chi and Kwan Im Welfare Society and The Metta Welfare operate free mobile clinics and other services all over the island to serve the elderly. Taoism Followers of Taoism adhere to the teachings of the ancient Chinese religious philosophy of Lao Tzu. It believes in respecting heaven, worshipping ancestors and being compassionate to all under heaven. Devotees make regular offerings of food and burn joss stick/paper in memory of those who have passed away. The concept of Yin Yang is derived from this religion. Thian Hock Keng, or the Temple of Heavenly Happiness, was built in 1842 in honour of the Sea Goddess Mazu. It is the one of the oldest Taoist temples in Singapore. The most important Chinese festivals are Lunar New Year, Qingming Festival, Vesak Day, Hungry Ghost Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Islam Followers of Islam profess to the teachings of Allah conveyed by Prophet Muhammad from the scriptural revelations of Quran, which contains wisdom of the past suitably blended with pointers for the future. Sixteen percent of Singapore's population believes in Islam, with the majority being Malays. The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore (MUIS) is the supreme Islamic religious

authority in Singapore. Other than building and administering mosques and coordinating the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, it looks after all the religious, social and welfare needs of Singaporean Muslims Masjid Sultan is one of the oldest mosques in Singapore. The most prominent Islamic face of Singapore is Mr Yusof bin Ishak, the first President of Singapore, whose portrait is imprinted on currency notes that are still widely used today. Christianity Christians follow the teachings of Jesus, the Son of God. The life of Jesus, his message, suffering, death on a cross and resurrection are recorded in the Bible. Believers accept Jesus as their Messiah. The Armenian Church, the oldest Christian church in Singapore was completed in 1835. Christian churches of all denominations including Catholics and Protestants can be found in Singapore. Services are conducted in many languages during the day for the benefit of various nationalities. The Roman Catholic population in Singapore comprises of Eurasians, Chinese, Peranakans and Indians. There are about 30 Catholic churches around the island. The Catholic Church is under the jurisdiction of the Holy See in Rome, and runs several schools and special homes. Protestant churches also hold many counselling services and anti-drug abuse programmes. Hinduism Followers of Hinduism the oldest religion in the world believe that the supreme God takes various forms as Brahma' the Creator, Vishnu' the Preserver and Shiva' the destroyer. The most popular manifestations of God worshipped in Singapore are Ganesha, Rama, Krishna, Murgan, Hanuman, Durga, Mariamman, Lakshmi. The style and medium of discourse here is South Indian. The bulk of 30 temples is managed and administered by the Hindu Endowments Board and the Hindu Advisory Board. Sri Mariamman Temple, established in 1827, is the oldest temple in Singapore. Every day, holy priests perform rituals at temples and chant ancient Vedic scriptures. Major Hindu festivals are Deepavali, Thaipusam, Navratri and Tamil New Year. Others There are about 15,000 Sikhs and seven Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in Singapore. Jews number around 300 and have two synagogues.

Important religious occasions

Lunar New Year The Lunar calendar is based on a combination of lunar-solar movements. It begins on the first day of New Moon after English New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. Family, friends and companies exchange cards and gift items of symbolic meanings, such as mandarin oranges and hong baos (red packets) to celebrate the Lunar New Year. On the eve of Lunar New Year, families usually gather for the reunion dinner. Every dish or food consumed has symbolic meaning. It is believed that staying awake all night will bring longevity for your parents. Auspicious colours such as red and gold are popular during the Lunar New year period. White and black are best avoided. Hong baos are

given to children containing even amounts of cash. It is also generally considered inauspicious to mention words like death' during Lunar New Year; instead, words like prosperity' and wealth' are preferred. Hari Raya Haji The festival of pilgrimage or Haj is probably the most important journey in the life of a devout Muslim. The fifth tenet of Islam requires all Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the tenth day of the Zulhijjah month to commemorate this religious occasion, and to honour pilgrims who have completed their Haj to Mecca. Hari Raya Puasa Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, which is the Muslim month of fasting and alms-giving. During the month of fasting, the Muslim community here attends carnivals at the Geylang Serai area, where stalls sell traditional Malay food and clothes. Vesak Day It is the day that the Buddha was born and 35 years later rose to self-awakening. The most important festival of the Buddhists comes on the first full moon day in May, except in a leap year when the festival is held in June. Deepavali The Festival of Lights marks the victory of good over evil when Lord Rama returned home after emerging victorious from defeating demon Ravana. During Deepavali, the entire Little India district is colourfully lit and decorated. Bazaars are crowded with stalls selling greeting cards, traditional food and drinks, home decoration articles, traditional wear, sparklers, oil lamps, incense, statues of deities and other paraphernalia for altars. Christmas

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ, and is celebrated on 25 December as a day of peace'. Today, Christmas is no longer a festival celebrated by only Christians as Singaporeans generally embrace the spirit of giving at this time of the year. Traditions of having turkey for Christmas dinners and singing Christmas carols are practised by many, while Christmas trees and elaborate decorations can be seen at most shopping malls every year.

CHAPTER-12 TRANSPORT OF INDIA

AIRWAYS Indian Airlines is the national carrier and its network covers a large number of places in the country as well as some of the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and others. Many private airlines have also come up, which although having comparatively smaller fleets, give good service and fly to select cities on popular sectors. Some of these include Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Air Deccan etc.

RAILWAYS Indian Railways has been categorized region wise into Northern Railways, Eastern Railways, Southern Railways, Western Railways and so on. The railways provide one of the cheapest mode of travel, as well as some of the most expensive and luxurious trains in the world. So you can traverse the length and breadth of the country at minimal fares or you can enjoy a smooth, fast, almost non-stop journey in comfortable air-conditioned chair cars or sleepers. Another unusual feature of the Indian railways is the toy trains. These are small trains running on narrow gauge tracks in hilly areas. Toy train services provide access to

Darjeeling in the East, Shimla in the North and Matheran near Mumbai, in the Western Ghats. The regular trains usually have the following classes of accommodation :
1st Class (Air-conditioned) 2-Tier Sleeper (Air-conditioned) 3-Tier Sleeper (Air-conditioned) Executive Chair Car (Air-conditioned) Chair Car (Air-conditioned) 3-Tier Sleeper Class Ordinary Class

ROADWAYS Despite the enormity of the country, travel by road is a common choice. Many small, out-of-the-way places are accessible only by road. The State Transport Corporations run regular bus services, as well as tourist buses, deluxe coaches and package tours. Private Tour Operators also offer comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. Taxis are also available for hire, including a variety of luxurious, air-conditioned, imported models in the large cities. In India, Hire-and-drive, Rent-a-Car services are also easily available, in large cities and other important tourist places. Chauffeur-driven cars are easy to hire. WATERWAYS Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are accessible by ferry by air from the mainland, while the Sundarbans area in West Bengal is accessible only through narrow creeks and water channels. In such regions, there are regular tourist services Goa is another destination which can be reached by sea from Mumbai, though it can also be accessed by land and air. In Kerala the backwaters serve not only as regular means of transport for the local inhabitants, but are now also being offered to tourists as a novel experience.

TRANSPORT OF SINGAPORE

Traveling in Singapore is both easy and economical. There is an efficient public transportation network, which offers taxis, buses, and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. With its excellent public transport system, Singapore is, without a doubt, the easiest city in Asia to get around. Singpapore's modern Changi International Airport is vast, efficient, and organized. There are banking and money-changing facilities, a post office, which is open 24 hours a day, credit card phones, free phones for local calls, Internet facilities, free hotel reservation counters, luggage facilities, restaurants, day rooms, fitness centers, saunas, business centers, and over 100 shops. The airport even provides free films, bars with entertainment, hairdressers, medical facilities, a swimming pool, and even a mini Science Discovery Museum. In other words, Changi International Airport has almost everything a visitor would require. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 and the newer Terminal 2. The Changi Skytrain, which is a monorail, shuttles between both terminals. Located on the extreme eastern end of the island, the airport is about 20km from the city center. To add on to the airport's efficiency, "airbuses" are provided to make traveling to and from the airport much easier. The airbus will take the weary traveler straight into town without any hassles and at a reasonable rate too. Singapore has over 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, which provide comfortable, hassle-free traveling at reasonable costs. Visitors can flag them down anytime. To further ease visitors, well marked taxi stands are available outside most major shopping centers and hotels. An extra charge will be added during peak hours, as well as for advanced booking. Clean, punctual, and air-conditioned, Singapore's MRT subway system is a hallmark of efficiency. It is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way of getting around Singapore within minutes. Do note that there are fines for littering, smoking, eating and drinking in MRT stations and on board the trains. The MRT operates from 6 a.m. to midnight at frequencies of 3 to 8 minutes.

Singapore's bus network is extremely frequent and comprehensive. Visitors rarely have to wait more than a few minutes and a bus will get them anywhere. If you are planning to travel a lot by public transport, it is best to purchase a copy of the Transit Link Guide, which has a list of all bus and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) services. You can also buy the Transit Link Card, a stored value card that can be used on both the MRT and bus. Most buses operate between 6 a.m. to midnight. Visitors should have a valid driving license from their country of residence or an International Driving License in order to drive in Singapore. During peak hours, all vehicles passing through Electronic Road Pricing Scheme (ERP) roads should have an InVehicle Unit (IU) installed in the vehicle. A Cash Card (stored value card) is used to pay the tolls. The toll is deducted each time the vehicle passes through ERP gantries. IUs can be rented at S$5 a day (minimum two days) with a deposit of S$120. Sales outlets are located near the Woodlands Checkpoint - at BP, Caltex, Mobil petrol stations, and two at Woodlands center.

CHAPTER-13
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN INDIA
Education in India is mainly provided by the public sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: federal, state, and local. Child education is compulsory. The Nalanda University was the oldest university-system of education in the world. Western education became ingrained into Indian society with the establishment of the British Raj. Thus India lost its native educational system. Education in India falls under the control of both the Union Government and the states, with some responsibilities lying with the Union and the states having autonomy for others. The various articles of the Indian Constitution provide for education as a fundamental right. Most universities in India are Union or State Government controlled. India has made a huge progress in terms of increasing primary education attendance rate and expanding literacy to approximately two thirds of the population. India's improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to the economic rise of India. Much of the progress in education has been credited to various private institutions. The private education market in India is estimated to be worth $40 billion in 2008 and will increase to $68 billion by 2012. However, India continues to face stern challenges. Despite growing investment in education, 35% of its population is still illiterate; only 15% of Indian students reach high

school, and just 7% graduate .As of 2008, India's post-secondary high schools offer only enough seats for 7% of India's college-age population, 25% of teaching positions nationwide are vacant, and 57% of college professors lack either a master's or PhD degree.

Primary education
the Indian government lays emphasis to primary education up to the age of fourteen years (referred to as Elementary Education in India.) The Indian government has also banned child labour in order to ensure that the children do not enter unsafe working conditions. However, both free education and the ban on child labour are difficult to enforce due to economic disparity and social conditions.80% of all recognized schools at the Elementary Stage are government run or supported, making it the largest provider of education in the Country. However, due to shortage of resources and lack of political will, this system suffers from massive gaps including high pupil teacher ratios, shortage of infrastructure and poor level of teacher training. Education has also been made free for children for 6 to 14 years of age or up to class VIII under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009. There have been several efforts to enhance quality made by the government. The District Education Revitalization Programme (DERP) was launched in 1994 with an aim to universalize primary education in India by reforming and vitalizing the existing primary education system.]85% of the DERP was funded by the central government and the remaining 15 percent was funded by the states. The DERP, which had opened 160000 new schools including 84000 alternative education schools delivering alternative

education to approximately 3.5 million children, was also supported by UNICEF and other international programmes.

Secondary education
The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986, has provided for environment awareness, science and technology education, and introduction of traditional elements such as Yoga into the Indian secondary school system.Secondary education covers children 14-18 which covers 88.5 million children according to the Census, 2001. However, enrolment figures show that only 31 million of these children were attending schools in 2001-02, which means that two-third of the population remained out of school. A significant feature of India's secondary school system is the emphasis on inclusion of the disadvantaged sections of the society. Professionals from established institutes are often called to support in vocational training. Another feature of India's secondary school system is its emphasis on profession based vocational training to help students attain skills for finding a vocation of his/her choosing.A significant new feature has been the extension of SSA to secondary education in the form of the Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

Higher education
India's higher education system is the third largest in the world, after China and the United States. The main governing body at the tertiary level is the University Grants Commission (India), which enforces its standards, advises the government, and helps coordinate between the centre and the state. Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by 12 autonomous institutions established by the University Grants Commission. As of 2009, India has 20 central universities, 215 state universities, 100 deemed universities, 5 institutions established and functioning under the State Act, and 13 institutes which are of national importance. Other institutions include 16000 colleges, including 1800 exclusive women's colleges, functioning under these universities and institutions. The emphasis in the tertiary level of education lies on science and technology. Indian educational institutions by 2004 consisted of a large number of technology institutes. Distance learning is also a feature of the Indian higher education system. Some institutions of India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), have been globally acclaimed for their standard of education .The IITs enroll about 8000 students annually and the alumni have contributed to both the growth of the private sector and the

public sectors of India. However, India has failed to produce world class universities like Harvard or Cambridge. Besides top rated universities which provide highly competitive world class education to their pupil, India is also home to many universities which have been founded with the sole objective of making easy money. Regulatory authorities like UGC and AICTE have been trying very hard to extirpate the menace of private universities which are running courses without any affiliation or recognition. Students from rural and semi urban background often fall prey to these institutes and colleges. Three Indian universities were listed in the Times Higher Education list of the worlds top 200 universities Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2005 and 2006. Six Indian Institutes of Technology and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Pilani were listed among the top 20 science and technology schools in Asia by Asia week. The Indian School of Business situated in Hyderabad was ranked number 12 in global MBA rankings by the Financial Times of London in 2010 while the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has been recognized as a global leader in medical research and treatment.

Technical education
From the first Five Year Plan onwards India's emphasis was to develop a pool of scientifically inclined manpower. India's National Policy on Education (NPE) provisioned for an apex body for regulation and development of higher technical education, which came into being as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 1987 through an act of the Indian parliament. At the level of the centre the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology are deemed of national importance.] The Indian Institutes of Management are also among the nation's premier education facilities. Several Regional Engineering Colleges (REC) have been converted into National Institutes of Technology. The UGC has inter-university centres at a number of locations throughout India to promote common research, e.g. the Nuclear Science Centre at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. In addition to above institutes, efforts towards the enhancement of technical education are supplemented by a number of recognized Professional Engineering Societies like: (i) the Institution of Engineers (India); (ii) The Institution of Chemical Engineering (India); (iii) The Institution of Electronics and Tele-Communication Engineers (India); (iv) The Indian Institute of Metals; (v) The Institution of Industrial Engineers (India); (vi) The

Institute of Town Planners (India); (vii) The Indian Institute of Architects ,Dnyaneshwar Vidyapeeth etc., who conduct Engineering/Technical Examinations at different levels(Degree and diploma) for working professionals desirous of improving their technical qualifications

Literacy
According to the Census of 2001, "every person above the age of 7 years who can read and write in any language is said to be literate". According to this criterion, the 2001 survey holds the National Literacy Rate to be around 64.84%. Government statistics of 2001 also hold that the rate of increase in literacy is more in rural areas than in urban areas. Female literacy was at a national average of 53.63% whereas the male literacy was 75.26%. Within the Indian states, Kerala has shown the highest literacy rates of 90.02% whereas Bihar averaged lower than 50% literacy, the lowest in India. The 2001 statistics also indicated that the total number of 'absolute non-literates' in the country was 304 million.

EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE
Education in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which controls the development and administration of state schools receiving government funding, but also has an advisory and supervisory role in respect of private schools. For both private and state schools, there are variations in the extent of autonomy in their curriculum, scope of government aid and funding, tuition burden on the students, and admission policy. Children with disabilities attend special education (SPED) schools run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), which are partially funded by the Ministry of Education. Education spending usually makes up about 20 per cent of the annual national budget, which subsidises state education and government-assisted private education for Singaporean citizens and funds the Edusave programme, the costs for which are significantly higher for non-citizens. In 2000 the Compulsory Education Act codified compulsory education for children of primary school age, and made it a criminal offence for parents to fail to enroll their children in school and ensure their regular attendance. Exemptions are allowed for home schooling or full-time religious institutions, but parents must apply for exemption from

the Ministry of Education and meet a minimum benchmark. Special needs children are automatically exempted from compulsory education. The main language of instruction in Singapore is English, which was officially designated the first language within the local education system in 1987. English is the first language learned by half the children by the time they reach preschool age and becomes the primary medium of instruction by the time they reach primary school. Although Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil are also official languages, English is the language of instruction for nearly all subjects except the official Mother Tongue languages and the literatures of those languages; these are generally not taught in English, although there is provision for the use of English at the initial stages. Certain schools, such as secondary schools under the Special Assistance Plan (SAP), which encourages a richer use of the mother tongue, may teach occasionally in English and another language. A few schools have been experimenting with curricula that integrates language subjects with mathematics and the sciences, using both English and a second language. Singapore's education system has been described as "world-leading" and in 2010 was among those picked out for commendation by the British education minister Michael Gove.

Primary education
Primary education, normally starting at age seven, is a four-year foundation stage (Primary 1 to 4) and a two-year orientation stage (Primary 5 to 6). Primary education is compulsory and free, though there is a fee of up to SGD 13 monthly per student to help cover miscellaneous costs.

Foundation stage
The foundation stage is the first stage of formal schooling. The four years, from primary 1 to 4, provide a foundation in English, mother tongue (which includes Chinese, Malay, Tamil or a Non-Tamil Indian Language (NTIL)) and Mathematics. Other subjects include Civics and Moral Education, arts and crafts, music, health education, social studies, and physical education, which are taught throughout Primary 1 to 6. Science is taught from Primary 3 onwards.

Orientation stage
All pupils advance to the orientation stage after Primary 4, where English Language, Mother Tongue and Mathematics are taught at the appropriate level according to the pupil's ability. Schools are given the flexibility to develop their own examinations to

match pupils with the levels that suit them. The streaming system has been adjusted: previously, pupils were divided at Primary 5 to the EM1, EM2 and EM3 (English and Mother Tongue at 1st, 2nd and 3rd language respectively) streams, but since 2008 they are streamed according to subject. They can take their Mother Tongue at the higher, standard or foundation levels; Science and Maths can be taken at the standard or foundation levels.

Primary School Leaving Examination

At the end of Primary 6, the national Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is held. The examination determines whether the student is ready to leave primary school by passing; places in secondary schools are allocated according to students' performance in the examination.

Secondary education

Based on results of the PSLE, students are placed in different secondary education tracks or streams: "Special", "Express", "Normal (Academic)", or "Normal (Technical)" "Special" and "Express" are four-year courses leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE "O" Level examination. The difference between these two courses is that in the "Special" stream, students take 'Higher Mother Tongue' (available for Chinese, Malay and Tamil only) instead of 'Mother Tongue'. A pass in the Higher Mother Tongue 'O' Level Examination constitutes the fulfilment of the Mother Tongue requirement in Singapore, whereas Normal Mother Tongue Students will have to go through one more year of study in their Mother Tongue after their 'O' Levels to take the 'AS' Level Mother Tongue Examinations and fulfil the MOE's requirement. A foreign language, either French, German, or Japanese, can be taken in addition to the mother tongue or can replace it. This is especially popular with students who are struggling with their mother tongues, expatriates, or students returning from abroad. Non-Chinese students may also study Chinese and non-Malay students Malay as a third language. This programme is known as CSP (Chinese Special Programme) and MSP (Malay Special Programme). Mother Tongue teachers conduct these lessons in school after usual hours. Students of Higher Mother Tongue languages are allowed to have up to two points taken off their Olevel scoring, a scoring system discussed below where a lower value is considered better, if they meet set benchmarks. The Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) provides free language education for most additional languages that other schools may not cover, and provides the bulk of such education, admitting several thousand students each year.

Normal is a four-year course leading up to a Normal-level (N-level) exam, with the possibility of a fifth year followed by an O-level. Normal is split into Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical). In Normal (Technical), students take subjects of a more technical nature, such as Design and Technology, while in Normal (Academic) students are prepared to take the O-level exam and normally take subjects such as Principles of Accounting. In 2004, the Ministry of Education announced that selected students in the Normal course would have an opportunity to sit for the O-level exam directly without first taking the N-level exam. Ongoing debates have been revolving around the psychological effect of streaming and whether the concept of streaming should be entirely stripped away. With the exception of schools offering the Integrated Programme, which leads to either an International Baccalaureate Diploma or to an A-level exam, most students are streamed into a wide range of course combinations at the end of their second year, bringing the total number of subjects they have to sit at O-level to between six to ten, with English, Mother Tongue or Higher Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, one Science and one Humanities Elective being compulsory. Several new subjects such as Computing and Theatre Studies and Drama are being introduced in tandem with the Ministry of Education's revised curriculum.

Pre-university
The pre-university centres of Singapore are designed for upper-stream students (roughly about 20%-25% of the cohort) who wish to pursue a university degree after two to three years of pre-university education, rather than stopping after polytechnic post-secondary education. There are 18 Junior Colleges (JCs) and a Centralised Institute (CI), the Millennia Institute (MI, established 2004), with the National Junior College (NJC, established 1969) being the oldest and Innova Junior College (IJC, established 2005) the newest.

Junior college
Junior colleges in Singapore were designed to offer an accelerated alternative to the traditional three-year programme, but the two-year programme they offer has become the norm for students pursuing university education. JCs have also become synonymous with prestigious education. The Public Service Commission and other coveted scholarships (such as the FireFly, A*STAR and the President's Scholarship) are largely or exclusively reserved for these students.

JCs accept students based on their GCE "O" Level results; an L1R5 score of 20 points or less must be attained for a student to gain admission. JCs provide a 2-year course leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level ("A" level) examination. The CI accepts students based on their GCE "O" Level results; an L1R4 score of 20 points or less must be attained for a student to gain admission. The MI provides a 3-year course leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level ("A" level) examination.

Centralised Institute
The Centralised Institutes accept students based on their GCE "O" level results and their L1R4 score (which must be 20 points or below). A Centralised Institute provides a threeyear course leading up to a GCE "A" level examination. There were originally four Centralized Institutes: Outram Institute, Townsville Institute, Jurong Institute and Seletar Institute. Townsville Institute and Seletar Institute stopped accepting new students after the 1995 school year and closed down after the last batch of students graduated in 1997. There currently remains only one Centralised Institute in Singapore, the Millennia Institute, which was formed following the merger of Jurong and Outram Institutes. Additionally, only Centralised Institutes offer the Commerce Stream offering subjects such as Principles of Accounting and Management of Business. The standard of teaching and curriculum is identical to that of the Junior Colleges.

UniversitieS
Singapore currently has three full-fledged public universities (National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University & Singapore Management University), and one full-fledged private university (UniSIM).

The Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore each have more than 20,000 students and provide a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes including doctoral degrees. Both are also established research universities with thousands of research staff and graduate students. A third university, Singapore Management University (SMU), opened in 2000, is home to more than 7,000 students and comprises six Schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programmes in Business Management, Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems Management, Law and the Social Sciences. The University has an Office of Research, a number of institutes and centres of excellence, and provides public and customised programmes for working professionals through its Office of Executive and Professional Education. The fourth university, privately-run SIM University (UniSIM), opened in 2005. The University of New Brunswick, Queen Margaret University, The City University of New York, Baruch College, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Aventis School of Management, Curtin University of Technology & University of Wales Institute, Cardiff have established offshore campuses in Singapore to provide local and foreign (in particular, Asian) students the opportunity to obtain a Western university education at a fraction of the cost it would take to study in Canada, the UK, the U.S.A. or Australia. University of New Brunswick College, Singapore, Queen Margaret University, Asia Campus, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Asia began operations in Singapore between 2007 and 2008, with the Curtin University of Technology Singapore Campus & University of Wales Institute, Cardiff: Asia Campus due to join them in December 2008. The government has planned the fourth public university, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), to meet the rising demand for university education. It will start its operations at Changi in 2011. A fifth institution Singapore Institute of Technology to be started in 2011 was announced in 2010. The institution is intended to provide an upgrading pathway for polytechnic graduates.

CONCLUSION:
A Survey taken in 10 countries rated Singapore the East Asian country with the best quality of life for expatriates. Fortune Magazine `s list of best cities rated Singapore as the second best city in the world in terms of quality living. Singapore provides a safe environment, wide choice of housing, first-class medical services and excellent education, all of which ensure a high standard of life,whereas its not in india. Being globally connected, Singapore has an extensive telecommunications network that is complimented by state-of-the-art computer systems. Public transport in Singapore is comparable to the best in the world with buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) servicing almost every corner of the island. Although Singapore is a multicultural society, English is the main working language. Its` strategic position in Southeast Asia and a large international community makes Singapore truly cosmopolitan, a stew of the best of east and west makes for an ideal place to live in. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the world. All manner of good`s, necessities and luxuries alike, are readily available.

Our observations of the Singaporean lifestyle are somewhat limited, but they include:
Education is king - High emphasis on education (some complain that the children are worked too hard) and University education is common - business is the preferred curriculum; many study overseas. Hectic lifestyle - The streets are busy late into the evening with people going to work early, talking on cell phones on the move, and eating out. Reminiscent of New York City. Orderly - People may push you aside to get ahead, but they respect queues and laws - a very safe place to visit. Plan, plan, plan - The government plans far in advance of their needs. For example they are already negotiating water rates with Malaysia for the period beyond 2060 (60 years in the future) and they fill in land and build highrise residences 10 years ahead of the demand for the apartments.

Lifestyle in India is entirely different ,from that of Singapore . large number of differences exits majorly being : 1-Main religion followed in India is hindu as the percentage of hindus is more than others religions.

2- Working hours in India is more flexible as when there is more work they even go for night shifts wheras in Singapore ,people only work for a fix period of time. 3- Languages spoken in India is more than Singapore. 4-India follows traditions, and customs very seriously with full dedication than the people of Singapore. 5- In India you can get both veg and non veg food buh in Singapore most of the people are non veg ,so hardly you will find veg here. Singapore is an intriguing blend of Western modernity and Asian culture. For first-timers, it's an excellent way to get introduced to living in Asia. Within a total area of roughly 700 square kilometers, you'll find gleaming skyscrapers, Chinese shop houses, Malay mosques, Hindu temples, and endless chains of air conditioned shopping malls. Singapore is safe, clean, and green - proud of its reputation as a Garden City. Mercer's cost of living survey last year showed Singapore moved up one rank to become the 13th most expensive city in the world, for expatriates. Within Asia, Singapore is ranked 5th, after Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Osaka.