Saturday, July 10, 2010

Raja Todar Mal

Raja Todar Mal was the Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. Raja Todar Mal revolutionized and changed the revenue system of Akbar’s Mughal Empire. He was from the Khatri community of Punjab (some consider him to be belonging to Kayastha community). He was a Khatri and not a Kayastha is also supported by the fact (as found in his many paintings) that he wore a secrate thread, which is traditionally worn only by Bhahmins, Kshatriya and Kharis but not Kayasthas.

Early days Raja Todar Mal’s Life: Raja Todar Mal became well versed in his administrative skills while working under Sher Shah. He joined the Akbar’s court as a clerk. Akbar was impressed with his administrative capability and gave him the post of ‘Wazir’. As a finance minister he transformed the land revenue collection and assessment into a systematic process. Reconstructing the land tax structure and introducing compensation for crop damage were also his ideas. His systems were so effective that all the others and even the British followed it later on.

Raja Todar Mal’s role in Akbar’s court: In 1560 A.D, Raja Todar Mal became the Finance Minister in Akbar’s court. Before that Khwaja Malik I’timad Khan was in that service. Raja Todar Mal introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey  and settlement system, revenue districts and officers. He can be counted as one of first statisticians in India  and perhaps in the world.

Akbar gave the title, ‘Diwan-I-Ashraf’ to Todar Mal in 1582 A.D. Todar mal’s systematic land reforms of 1582 A.D, popularly known as the ‘Bandobast’ System, gave way to the framework of subsequent land taxation systems, including that introduced by Thomas Munro.

Todar Mal was also an able soldier and General. He accompanied Raja Man Singh to crush the Afghan  rebels in Bengal. Todar Mal did foresight the significant importance of a single language for all administrative works  to be effective.  So he promoted Persian as the language for official purpose.

Raja Todar Mal’s family: Todar Mal was born in a Khatri family and he was told to be abandoned by his parents and he grew up somewhere else. He had two sons.

Last Days of Raja Todar Mal’s life: Raja Todar Mal constructed a new temple on the site of the destroyed Vishwanath temple in Varanasi in 1585 A.D. In 1586 A.D Akbar shifted to Lahore and so was Todar Mal. And Todar Mal died in Lahore in 1586 A.D, the same year as Akbar’s other navaratna Raja Birbal.
Why was Raja Todar Mal Popular?

Many of the fundamental data collection schemes as practiced by Todar Mal were used thereafter in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries.

Todar Mal’s genius was recognized by one and all and his popularity can be seen even these days. He was also featured in the video game Sid Meier’s Civilization 4: Beyond the Sword as a “great merchant” available in the game.

Raja Todar Mal’s palace at Fatehpur Sikri: Raja Todar Mal’s place at Fatehpur Sikri is called ‘Todar Mal Barrahdari’. This double-storeyed building is made up of red sandstone and is square in shape with chamfered angles.

There is a tibara dalan in the middle of each showy piece of the front of building on the ground floor and the arches are synchronized well with pillars and brackets on the upper storey. The corner rooms are given delicate tower like forms and are inter-connected. The upper storey has rectangular corridors overlooking the hall below. The central hall has a vaulted underside of a building; this building presents harmonious fusion of different architectural traits.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How to keep kids safe online

Staying safe while using the Internet can be a daunting task for children who are unaware of many risks. Here's how you can protect your kids:

Create a list of rules for Web usage, and post it near your computer.
Keep your home computer in an open area of your home, not behind closed doors of your child's bedroom.
Set parental restrictions in your Web browser.
With many free email accounts, you can also set parental controls that allow you to block messages that contain offensive language or come from specific people.

Know which sites your kids visit. Check your browser's history once a week to mitigate any unpleasant surprises.

Establish clear rules about making purchases, and monitor your credit card activity.

Help your kids create their screen names and passwords. Make sure the screen names are nondescript and don't identify your kids as young children. Explain the importance of keeping passwords confidential.

If your children visit social networking sites, monitor their profiles and contacts list for inappropriate material. Talk to them about whom they are connecting with online - particularly new friends.

Speak to them about what is not acceptable to post, including personal information like your phone number or address. Some parents take this a step further and restrict their kids from posting their last name.

Don't allow your child to set up a face-to-face meeting with an online friend unless you're present - even if it's with a friend from school.

Let your kids know that if they come across anything that makes them feel uncomfortable - whether it's objectionable material or a social situation where they feel bullied - to immediately alert you.

If your kids have an e-mail address, don't allow them to give it to Websites, online contests, or people they don't personally know. Email addresses are bought and sold every day to criminals perpetrating phishing, spamming, and spoofing schemes.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Benefits of Massage Therapy

While the profession of Massage Therapy has been ridiculed and criticized, the benefits and effects of treatment have time ands time again been proven in case studies and experiments. Many people, who believe in massage therapy as a legitimate medical profession, still don’t know all the amazing benefits it can have on the body.

In this article I will give you just a few of the many advantages of Massage Therapy. First the body has many immune factors and many massage techniques can increase those factors. Long strokes of massage increase blood flow and increase the circulation of blood and the immune cells in the blood, speeding up healing times of patients with injuries or diseases.
Sedating techniques such as stroking and light touch can decrease the sympathetic nervous system resulting in relaxation, decrease in fight-or-flight response and slowing many conditions that involve the sympathetic nervous system’s over-activity. Massage to an area of inflammation can help reduce the swelling and pain, light stroking away from the area and specific positioning of limbs with swelling can reduce the inflammation and help the area heal faster.

In specific cases such as tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, scar tissue from surgery and many more, a technique called fractioning is used. This application is used to stimulate receptors in the tissue, bring more blood flow to the area of injury or adhesion and help heal the area and decrease restriction on the tissues. This technique is also used to lengthen muscle or ligament tissue which has become adhered or shortened abnormally; this will increase motion of a joint or muscle and will eventually benefit the patient in their daily life.

Many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are treated immediately with surgery; this is usually not the safest and most effective way to treat it. Massage can decrease carpal tunnel syndrome nearly 100% of the time and nearly 100% of the symptoms will be gone without use of surgery which can cause other problems related to scar tissue. Sometimes carpal tunnel syndrome is a misdiagnosis of pronator teres syndrome, a condition which only a massage therapist can fix.

Postural difficulties affect every person, whether there are directly aware of it or not. Low back, neck, shoulder and head pain are usually indirectly caused by postural imbalances, massage is most likely to help in most of these situations by restoring postural balance. Of course the therapist’s given homecare will help the patient improve postural imbalances in daily life.

Headaches are usually caused by postural problems in the neck or back; tight muscles can refer pain into the temple or about the eye and sometimes even into the jaw causing the illusion of a toothache. These special points on tight muscles are called trigger points, and the only way to relieve these muscle knots is with massage pressure techniques as well as other related techniques. The patient’s willingness to do homecare stretches to reduce the trigger point size and effects are also tantamount.

Yet another benefit of massage that many of you may not know is constipation, the infrequency of bowel movements can be a great health concern in many people causing diseases of the intestinal system, pain, inflammation, back pain and increased weight. Massage techniques applied to the abdomen, down past the organs and directly onto the colon through the abdomen can move intestinal contents through the colon and can commonly result in a bowel movement right after treatment. Decreasing bowel obstructions in the colon is a common and incredibly beneficial treatment for many people.

The effects and benefits of massage are endless and unimaginable; I suggest that skeptics try a treatment or two for themselves, and enjoy.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Khol For Eyes

The kohl is a black powder made from natural ingredients that Arab women used to highlight and beautify his eye in its origins.

Can bring out the whiteness of the eyes with them embellished, and even protects them from external factors such as dust, the rays of the sun, the smoke. Set the line for the inner eye, the top and in the inferior.

It is a dry powder that normally comes with a stick for its application and makeup must soak in water or oil for this use before switching to the dust. It employs tear, closing the eye and slides for the entire eyelid, along the shape of the eye.

It is recommended, coat if you are a beginner in the use of kohl to apply before makeup because it is very easy to stain the skin with kohl.

If behind your application there is a feeling of coldness, or even a slight itching is normal as it can also be used to refresh the eyes, although this in no sense be prolonged nor very strong. If so, withdraw quickly, as would be produced by an allergy or reaction to the product.

Kohl also is sold in paste, and usually receives, among other names, that of kajal. Lately it has become one of the most requested beauty products to beautify their eyes.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Ateet Ki Ek Dheeth Khirki

After so many years, sometimes between life's struggles and responsibilities of mind after a very stubborn when I started this past Kidkhi brash, little ten-year-old Raghu's found standing there on that stage, that one evening in Jhutpute withdrawal sad .... and dreams were left unfulfilled gone from Begane ones with the pain. Slipped and stopped doing the same mode Jhhan Raghu Raghav ear Umet took his life on the street Tede Mede ...

That evening I sat on Grandma's bed got school homework was completed. Grandma's new sweater, his old eyes and sitting Yuniform my fingers hurt after were completed. Aruna was engaged in playing Stapu left unfinished homework. Then along with Aruna Bau law Saikl voice full of enthusiasm,

Bau came''G! ''
Shop''suddenly came Amma G Bau today? ''

Grandma was silent. Bau-law had come in, sit me on the head soon began Ferne hand,

Re''Why did not meet Raghu homework today? ''
Bauji was''more.''
Not tell you today that Raghu to his''most Bauji highest number received in all subjects in class.''
Amma''true! Raghu Why? My son will one day raise my name. Came to the shop were telling your headmaster Sir Hindi and English both in recitation Rfst you came. Next year I will put you in the Army school.''
''Yes! They all will be seen, suddenly got up from the shop you today?''Amma Bid
Amma has come''to printed cards.''
''''
''Hey Raghu - Aruna you go out and play.''
Little is left my homework''Amma! ''
... I talk to you later,''is Bauji.
Just two minutes''son.''

What I was thinking about taking books that Grandma and the kids behind Bauji we have to. It never happened then. .... There's something strange in the house is bustling. Last several days he returned home from school some people have come to see grandma sitting. So last Monday evening, people were coming home from the shop and we Bau G Yane shop two hours I sat and Aruna. But Grandma was home, sweet feed.

I came out and sat on the platform, at Mude grandmother. Aruna started playing again Stapu with starling, starling from the great big eyes saw me and started asking Aruna,''what happened today to Raghav? Aruna Ucka''given the shoulder. Mynah is one name that all my calls here in the neighborhood. Have read in my class. Given to me by jumping from leg Lngdi starling became Aut.

What starling'', then you play you go. ''

I was laughing and Aruna Ghyi Cid. Then came and we both call the Bauji left in the house.

''Let's both get ready, many days have you got to turn. Connaught Place will go before some shopping today, then from there, bring your favorite place to feed dosa and Colebhature.''

We both glowing with excitement lying. Aruna grandmother repeatedly insisted was the top Bnwate --

Amma's not fun''.''
Nabeta does not''walk away from me.''
Are not you always Mummy''Talti Hohmari and not leave you that.''
Amma Amma saw the Bauji Bau G, then said,
If all correct''Narayan, your wish will be fulfilled it.''
Children do not insist''Aruna. But we can not Saikl four.''
Bauji''! My Homework ...''
Come and get''''

We shopped a lot of my Aruna Knat Place and new clothes, Jhute, toys, care Gubbareaj Bau live without economic worries kept open heart for us. Turn heat came hungry and when we come to your restaurant dosa and Novlti mind like Cole did Bhature order.

There's been sitting up suddenly from Bauji something like I'm stuck inside. Mommy had me after passing from one who was closest to Bauji. His solitary, pain and struggle mind sharing. Even in the seven-year-old mother of Omar cremated with him when I was standing in a cemetery. Mother's death made me extra sensitive. His face his limitations all made sense until I Bigdte little - would get a sense. Today was something that was confusing them.

Aruna was busy grooming her doll's hair. And I've kept my toys beside - B - am my father's hands tied on a table sat in the currency. During the wait for orders to serve some say pose G Bau in my eyes, my deep brown eyes झाँकाघनी Brunion knows what that moment was not that he went back reluctantly.

Raghu''.''The father's voice seems to come from somewhere far away.
''yes! ''
The card out of shirt pocket they put in front of me.
The marriage is''coming Sunday.''
Bauji''Who? Aruna Chki''.
I have seen card was reversed by Pult. Grandma's name, home address, father's name and''to feel''with a stranger named Juda. If dad says do not trust myself not to.
What is''married, just in gurdwaras ritual, to bring home your new mom. Then Bss party.''

But I did not know what that Aruna had a moment. I was shocked, New Mommy! How can a mother's name unknown? Mom was a Mom Hin, new mom can come? Many say were cold Bauji Bhature Cole ... not even half that landed neck.

We returned. At that moment two years younger to me suddenly like Aruna Sayani became lightheaded. She put the doll toys and bringing my unaltered Amma's bed asleep Khr Kes Od. I understand that the secret of why new Ktole Amma used to sleep last several days I was different. Today I made without insisting on the close Ghya Ktole. We both brought two glasses of milk Amma refused. When grandma told not to go, stepmother and their children read the stories in the book reminds me not to come and Ludkh Rhindo tears when asleep.

Late morning and the school could not be awakened, Aruna was gone. Her breakfast time explained,''Raghu, see Son, your dad are very lonely. They need partners. Today I'm on my death to you tomorrow, who will?''

Amma's a one sentence would take thousands of questions. Then it could not explain Raghu after thousands of Amma, being in that big Khutumb, is one adult man in spite of how his momma and kids can be alone? Amma was also filled a young widow, she must also looking for any? Stepfather was not the law of Bau for their children then they were bringing new mother why? Social practices which they could not understand Raghu woman without a husband and wife without a man not to pause? The man did not think Raghu loneliness and anguish and fragility of women and power within ourselves to be whole. Today, he understands why his momma forever for that one became Ards Woman, why did he say at times in life sentences for his sentence proved divine!

But one evening that made me a grown-up had to Thajo happened. Homework that night she left the new mother did .. I often felt escape was thrown into the Army school ... but my mind once the studies were Thavo never thought Uct. True, the ... life of elderly discount intelligent Raghuvhin ear which he tried to get on the path Khr catch rebels, on ways I get stubborn Raghav life could not Thapta or not but on my terms, I've already hooked to life. Today when I am successful, satisfied ... then past the outside of the brash Kidkhi mode in my eyes but often stand Raghu is standing for this question that --

If that day is not exactly what would have happened if Raghav's life? So what happens when today's successful life is so learned? In which every position of being able to own pride makes it occurs high? Much more secure and spend all your childhood like a child's unique life lessons quickly Pdata whose childhood is?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Kisan Call Centre

Transfer of technology is what keeps the wheels of agricultural development moving. The success of agricultural and rural development strategy, initiated, planned and developed by the policy maker, the planner and the scientist, hinges on the effectiveness of the extension machinery and personnel, whose task is to transfer the technology from lab to the land. Technology transfer has brought a transformation in the lives of the people in the countryside and the farmers and others who have adopted the new technology and the methods of cultivation are happy to share their experiences with others.

A limitation in transfer of technology model continues to remain a challenge for the public and private extension systems. With the availability of telephone and internet, it is now possible to bridge this gap to quite a large extent by using an appropriate mix of technologies. With this objective in focus, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India launched Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) on January 21, 2004 across the country to deliver more effective extension services to the farming community. The purpose of these call centres is mainly to respond to issues raised by farmers instantly in the local language on continues basis. The farmers can dial the toll free helpline number 1800-1551, identified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, either from telephone or mobile from 6 A.M. to 10 A.M. on all the seven days of a week, from any part of the country, to get solutions for their problems in agriculture and allied sectors.

Concept of Kisan Call Centre
A Kisan Call Centre consists of a complex of telecommunication infrastructure, computer support and human resources organized to manage effectively and efficiently the queries raised by farmers instantly in the local language. Mainly, Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) using telephone and computer, interact with farmers to understand the problem and answer the queries at a call centre.

Operational Mechanism
The Kisan Call Centre is a synthesis of two hitherto separate technologies namely, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Agricultural Technology. Both have their specialized domains and work cultures. To optimally utilize the strengths of both these systems, it was proposed to take full advantage of professionally managed Call Centre mechanism and dovetail it with the specialized Subject Matter Specialists knowledge of Agricultural Scientists and Extension Officers, so as to facilitate its reach to the farming community. The Kisan Call Centre consists of three levels, namely.
Level-I: The call coming to the call centre is picked by an operator (Level-I functionary) who after a short welcome message takes down the basic information and query of the caller. These details are fed into a computer located next to the operator by the operator himself. The level receiver of the call would also feed into the computer the question being asked by the farmer. The first level operators preferably would be an agricultural graduate with rural background knowing local language. They should also possess good communication skills. They would be in a position to answer a majority of the questions likely to be asked by the farmers.

Level-II: The level-II consists of Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) who are located at their respective places (Research Stations, ATICs, KVKs, Agricultural colleges), of work. In case the first level operator is not able to answer the question, the operator forwards (in call sharing mode) the call to the concerned Subject Matter Specialist. The data relating to the caller including the question asked is also transferred to the Level-II functioning on his computer along with the call. Hence, when the specialist takes the forwarded call, his computer also shows the data and question asked so that there is no repetition. It is envisaged that in normal cases, the entire spill over question from the first level get answered at this level. In case, it is not possible to answer, there is a system to revert back to the caller by post/fax/e-mail or by phone in 72 hours.

Level III: The level III consists of a dedicated cell located the Nodal Office. This would receive the questions that have not been answered at the first and second levels. Appropriate replies to these questions would be then framed in consultation with the concerned specialists available within or outside the State, by the nodal cell. The replies would be sent to the farmers promptly by post/e-mail/fax/telephone etc. within 72 hours of receipt of the question.

Monitoring and review: The nodal institutions monitor and review the various activities of the Kisan Call Centres on a regular basis. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India will review the functioning of all the Kisan Call Centres with the Heads of Nodal Institutions every month to start with for first six months and subsequently for every quarter in each of the Nodal Institution on rotation basis.

Conclusion: The Kisan Call Centres will thus enable the establishment of close linkages and seamless communication mechanism among the key stakeholders in the extension system namely - Farmers, Agricultural Scientists, Extension Functionaries and Marketing Agencies.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Innovation Creates Values

In the second decade of the 21st century, it is imperative that governments increase the quality of life for their citizens, and companies drive sustainable, profitable growth to compete effectively in the global economy. They do this through innovation.

Innovation is critically important but is it clear what innovation is? It can be many things: Doing things differently, thinking out of the box, coming up with new ideas and products, taking risks, being creative. The ability of an organisation to innovate is not only a function of processes and tools but also the organisation's culture and stakeholder behaviour. It is easy to see why innovation is misunderstood.

There's a commonly held belief that innovation and R&D investment are linked. This is a myth. There are companies which do not invest in R&D but are very innovative. Examples include Southwest Airlines (now the largest airline in the world based on the number of passengers flown), Walmart and Virgin Group. There are companies that have made huge investments in R&D and have little to show for it.

Examples include Ford [ Images ] and GM. Both companies were the largest investors in R&D at their peak, investing Rs 36,000 crore (Rs billion) a year. Investment in R&D and technology enables innovation; it is not an innovation metric.

The best example is Apple. Most would agree Apple is the most innovative company in the world. Its products are very appealing, deliver great value and are user-friendly -- the iPod, iPhone and the new tablet, rumour has it, iSlate. Does Apple invest heavily in R&D? No. Apple uses technology from multiple sources to enable the innovative lines of products and services that it produces.

There are at least eight forms of innovation being practised globally today: Customer-centric, disruptive, management, open, outcome-driven, radical, strategic, and value. The three most widely adopted forms are: Disruptive, open and value innovation.

Disruptive innovation
Disruptive innovation has been described in three books by Clayton Christensen of the Harvard Business School. Christensen's contribution is that companies need to define their value chains, understand the jobs their products or services are hired to do and be aware of the technologies that enable higher-value solutions to a customer group's problems.They could disrupt the existing market. We have seen disruptions in the past -- steam ships replacing sailing vessels, computers replacing typewriters, jet aircraft eliminating travel by ship.
Today we see disruptions occurring at a much faster rate: Tata Motors  brought out the low-cost Nano  for people who could not afford a car.

Is this a disruption? What are the implications for global automobile manufacturers? The print media is being attacked on all fronts, for example, by social computing and Google. The result is that major newspapers and periodicals are downing their shutters.

Low-cost, point-to-point airlines (Southwest Airlines and Ryanair) with no-frill service and very low fares are putting pressure on the major airlines who operate on the hub-to-hub model and have much higher operating costs.

Open innovation
Open innovation is probably the most popular form of innovation today. A recent development is that people are starting to question its real value. Henry Chesbrough of the University of California, Berkeley, is the leading proponent of open innovation and has published three books on the subject.

Chesbrough shows that today's organisations do not have the resources to do everything themselves. He recommends organisations put in the resources to access ideas from external experts, universities, members of the public, patents and scientific literature. Procter and Gamble's Connect + Develop programme is the most fabled example of open innovation.

Nabil Sakkab, the retired chief technology officer of P&G's fabric and home care business, claims Connect + Develop has allowed P&G to keep R&D investment flat, while significantly increasing contribution of new products to top-line growth. P&G's growth goals require it grows its top line annually by Rs 18,400 crore (Rs billion) with new products and services. Put in perspective, P&G needs to create a new Gas Authority of India  every year.

Value innovation
Value innovation is the universal form of innovation. It is not restricted to just developing new products and services. It focuses on delivering value in any form and, therefore, has far less risk associated with it.The term value innovation was first introduced by W Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne in the early 1990s and was popularised in their bestselling book, Blue Ocean Strategy, published in 2005.Today Value Innovations, Inc is at the forefront in delivering value innovation methodology to the global market.Value innovation is defined as delivering exceptional value to the most important customer in the value chain all the time, every time. Unlike other forms of innovation, the most important customer can be internal or external to the organisation.

Exceptional value can be delivered in many other ways besides a new product or service. It could be a new process, a new way of going to market or business model, a new way of delivering the product or service, new packaging, or new services.

Any organisation of any size, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, an association, a government agency, a school board and so on can use the value innovation methodology. Support groups within an organisation such as IT, finance, purchase and human resource can use these tools to deliver much greater value to the most important customers in their business units.

In 2006, Don Paul, then Chevron's chief technology officer, brought in Value Innovations, Inc to determine if value innovation methodology and tools could help three Chevron technology subsidiaries deliver greater value to the business units, the internal customers.

A research project was selected to pilot the tools. With Value Innovations' facilitation and innovation tools, the project team collaboratively identified the most important customer, the asset manager. Value Innovations interviewed these asset managers using a contextual interviewing approach. A value curve with metrics was developed from the interview outputs.It took just five months to reduce a very complex research project down to four primary areas of focus. The Chevron project team sees many benefits to using value innovation methodology.

More global companies besides Chevron are now using Value Innovations' methodology and tools with great success. They include Alcan Pharmaceutical Packaging, Bekaert, Genencor, Ingersoll-Rand, and Procter & Gamble.

Central to the successful implementation of innovation is an organisation's culture and stakeholder behaviour. Air Products & Chemicals, Alcan Pharmaceutical Packaging, Boeing, Milliken, and Solvay Advanced Polymers, partnering with the Center for Innovation Management Studies at North Carolina State University, focused on how the potential for value innovation could be assessed in an organisation.

The outcome was a robust, reliable and statistically validated 33-item, web-based, value innovation process assessment tool. This tool provides scores on nine statistically independent factors influencing an organisation's culture for innovation:

    * Meaningful work
    * Open communication
    * Risk-taking culture
    * Empowerment
    * Customer orientation
    * Business planning
    * Agile decision-making
    * Learning organisation
    * Business intelligence

The tool includes an open-ended question where respondents can provide additional thoughts. The conclusion, from the answers at Alcan, Milliken and Solvay, was the three most significant cultural and behavioural challenges in order of importance: Open communication, empowerment and risk-taking culture.

Risk is a double-edged sword. Organisations are at risk if they stand still but see themselves taking risks if they decide to innovate. The chairman and managing director must take the lead. The chairperson sets the tone and makes it clear the company will take risk. Steve Jobs at Apple, James Dyson at Dyson, AG Lafley at Procter & Gamble and Richard Branson [ Images ] at Virgin have made it clear that risk is a part of doing business.

An organisation that uses value innovation methodology is lowering the risk associated by focusing on delivering greater value to the most important customer.

To drive India's annual GDP growth at over 10 per cent now and well into the future, the Indian government and companies, from Navratnas to small businesses, must make innovation critically important. To do this, they must:
# Assure that investments in R&D will enable value innovation in core and key growth industries,
# Assure that government ministers and company CEOs champion innovation and understand the proactive role it plays in setting the right tone and expectations,
# Recognise the significant impact an organisation's culture and people's behaviour have on promoting or inhibiting innovation,
# Identify the cultural promoters and inhibitors in their organisation and minimise the impact of the inhibitors,
# Make measured risk-taking acceptable at all levels of the organisation and reward those who take risks, and
# Adopt the use of value innovation methodology to develop breakthrough new products and services, business models, processes, support services, delivery methods, processes and packaging concepts; and increase the value delivered by all support functions to their internal customers.