Tamil-Brahmi inscription on pottery found in Thailand

A unique Tamil-Brahmi Inscription on pottery of the second century AD has recently been excavated in Thailand. A Thai-French team of archaeologists, led by Dr. Bérénice Bellina of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France, and Praon Silpanth, Lecturer, Silpakorn University, Thailand, has discovered a sherd of inscribed pottery during their current excavations at Phu Khao Thong in Thailand.

At the request of the archaeologists, Iravatham Mahadevan, an expert in Tamil Epigraphy, has examined the inscription. He has confirmed that the pottery inscription is in Tamil and written in Tamil-Brahmi characters of about the second century AD. Only three letters have survived on the pottery fragment. They read tu Ra o... ,
possibly part of the Tamil word turavon meaning
`monk.' The presence of the characteristic letter Ra confirms that the language is Tamil and the script is Tamil-Brahmi. It is possible that the inscription recorded the name of a Buddhist monk who travelled to Thailand from Tamil Nadu. This is the earliest Tamil inscription found so far in South East Asia and attests to the maritime contacts of the Tamils with the Far East even in the early centuries AD.

Prof. Richard Salomon of the University of Washington, U.S., an expert in Indian Epigraphy, has made the following comment on the inscription: "I am happy to hear that the inscription in question is in fact Tamil-Brahmi, as I had suspected. This is important, among other reasons, because it presents a parallel with the situation with Indian inscriptions in Egypt and the Red Sea area. There we find both Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and standard-Brahmi insciptions; and we now see the same in Vietnam and South-East Asia. This indicates that the overseas trade between India to both the West and the East involved people from the Tamil country and also other regions."

Iravatham Mahadevan adds: "Already we know of the existence of a touchstone engraved in Tamil in the Tamil-Brahmi script of about the third or fourth century AD found in Thailand and presently kept in a museum in the ancient port city of Khuan Luk Pat in Southern Thailand. There is every hope that the ongoing excavations of the Thai-French team will bring up more evidence of ancient contacts between India and Thailand."

Date:16/07/2006
URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/16/stories/2006071603952000.htm

Ma Ying-Jeou Visit to India [22-06-2007]

Taiwanese opposition leader and presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou, whose party enjoys good relations with Beijing, Tuesday called for enhancing trade and investment between India and Taiwan and underlined the need for Taipei to seek permanent peace with Beijing.
“We are here to rediscover India and let India rediscover Taiwan,” said Ma here in the first visit by a leader of Kuomintang (KMT) or Nationalist Party to India in the last 60 years. “I come here to seek a new beginning with an old friend. We could prepare for even closer ties between India and Taiwan,” said Ma, the presidential candidate of his party for the 2008 presidential polls. He spoke in glowing terms about the transformation of India into a new age economy. “There is enough room for India and Taiwan to develop trade and investment between them,” said Ma while alluding to the steadily increasing business ties between India and Taiwan.
Bilateral trade between India and Taiwan, the hub of computer manufacturing and LCD units, is estimated to be around $3 billion. Ma also took positive view of growing economic and strategic relations between India and China and said Taiwan, with its vibrant economy and a healthy appetite for foreign trade, can play a “not so significant role in this process.”

Tibetan Olympic Torch in Taipei

The Taipei leg of the torch relay for the 2008 Tibetan Olympics took place 24-02-2008 with Tibetan expats in Taiwan, several Tibet support groups and Miss Tibet 2006 Tsering Chungtak in attendance [Tsering Chungtak, a sociology major from the University of New Delhi, made headlines last December when she was expelled from the 2007 Miss Tourism competition in Malaysia for standing up against the Chinese government and refusing to wear a sash that read "Miss Tibet-China."] "I feel very, very happy to be here today? to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics," Chungtak told spectators, supporters of the free Tibet campaign and reporters gathered in front of the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, Taipei where the relay took place.

The Tibetan Olympics has been organized by Tibetans in exile, and will take place in Dharamshala, India -- the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile -- between May 15 and May 25. The events include long-distance running, swimming, shooting and archery, and six track and field events, according to the Tibetan Olympics Web site. Tibetans in exile have filed an application to the International Olympic Committee to participate in the Beijing Olympics as "Team Tibet," but it was rejected. The Tibetans therefore decided to organize their own Olympics. The relay began in New Delhi, India, on Jan. 30 and Taipei is the second stop for the relay after it passed through Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 17.

The organizers of the torch relay purposely chose Jan. 30 to begin the relay, because that was the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi, the leader of the non-violent resistance movement against British colonial rule, Chow told the audience at the ceremony.

After Taipei, the torch will travel to Dharamshala, India for a ceremony to mark the 49th anniversary of the March 10 Tibetan Uprising. The relay will then continue through eight other cities in six countries -- including Japan, the US, Bolivia, the UK, South Africa and Israel -- before the torch finally returns to Dharamshala on May 25 for the Games' closing ceremony.

Radio Taiwan International to meet its listeners in India in Feb

Radio Taiwan International will hold Listeners’ Club Meetings in India

Schedule*

February 23, 2008 (Saturday) –limited to 35 listeners

Time: 11:00 AM-14:30, Chennai (Madras)

February 24, 2008 (Sunday)-limited to 70 listeners

Time: 11:00AM-14:30, Kolkata (Calcutta)

March 1, 2008 (Saturday)-limited to 35 listeners

Time: 11:00 AM-14:30, New Delhi

Qualifications:

1. Please write an email and state which meeting you would like to attend by writing “Chennai”, “Kolkata” or “New Delhi” in the email “subject”.

2. In the email, please state your name, address, telephone number, your ID number and how many years you have listened to RTI.

3. Only listeners with passes will be allowed entry.

4. Attire: casual, but proper as requested by the management of the venue.

5. Please send your email to rti@rti.org.tw  by January 25, 2008

P.S.

1. Priority will be given to listeners with RTI ID since we have received a number of letters stating their interest in attending the meeting(s).

2.  RTI will not be responsible for any transportation/lodging and other expenses

*Venues will be announced later

Kinetic signs pact with Taiwan firm

                    The board of directors of Kinetic Motor Company has recommended a preferential allotment of equity shares to Taiwan-based Sanyang Industry Co. Ltd. (SYM). Kinetic will issue 20.65 lakh shares at a price of Rs. 66 per share aggregating Rs. 13.63 crore as per Securities and Exchange Board of India guidelines amounting to SYM holding about 11.1 per cent stake in the enhanced capital of Kinetic Motor. Kinetic has also entered into collaboration with SYM for technology and manufacturing of the latter's models in India, according to a release.

Date:14/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/14/stories/2006011407641800.htm

A New Perspective on Taiwan-India Exchanges

         There is huge room for cooperation between India and Taiwan. Strategically speaking, the geographic position and the military force of India play an important role in ensuring Taiwan's security and in balancing the power distribution in Asia. In terms of economy, ever since the 1991 economic reform, India has become one of the major economic entities in the world. The middle-class population of more than 2 million could thus be seen as a market worthy of long-term exploration. Lastly, from the perspective of politics, India is the most populated democratic country that shares a common value with Taiwan. It would be appropriate for the two countries to share their experiences in democratic governance as well.

The Establishment of the Taiwan-India Cooperation Council (TICC)

         In 2005,Taiwan Thinktank held the "India-Japan-Taiwan Trialogue: Prospects for Democratic Cooperation" conference for the cause of reflecting on the integral development in the Asia-Pacific region and calling for India to play a more active participation in East-Asian affairs. The then Minster Yu, Shyi-Kun of the Executive Yuan granted Taiwan Thinktank to establish the Taiwan-India Cooperation Council as a medium for information exchanges between the two countries. After Mr. Yu made such statement, people in India have been anticipating its establishment, while Taiwan Thinktank undertook several meetings on pertinent details. Meanwhile, the Executive Yuan urged to accelerate the foundation of a preparatory committee, and suggested that trade and economic cooperation between India and Taiwan must be put on top of the agenda. Following the Trialogue from last year, representatives from Taiwan Thinktank visited South India in mid-May to further the establishment of the TICC. The experience gained from the trip and its report would be an important reference for establishing the Council.

Rising Stars in South India: Bangalore and Chennai

         The economic growth in India has increased swiftly in recent years. Last year, the industrial growth rate in India was 7.4%, while the economic growth rate reached 8%. In India, the human resource in the field of technology is surplus, yet exceeds the demand. Indian engineers get 12% less paid every month than China's engineers, which equals to three days' wages paid to those in developed European countries and the US. It is also noteworthy that China has become India's second biggest business partner. In 2004, the trade value between India and Taiwan was less than 10% of that between India and China, which reached 136 million $USD. Yet China is not the only one; South Korea and Singapore have also become significant trading partners of India.

         It is the right moment for Taiwan to invest in the Indian market. With the grand landscape and a variety of cultures in India, it is a must for Taiwan to start the investment in the places where have fully-equipped facility. The most significant growth lies in the information technology industry, which bases in South India, instead of the political center in the North. Taiwan Thinktank therefore chose to visit the two major cities in South India: Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, and Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

         Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is the fifth largest city in the nation where two famous software companies, Infosys and Wipro, were both established. Due to the development of IT industry, India has experienced a rapid urbanization, which results in the lack of power supply and the need to improve infrastructure in Bangalore. However, foreign investment continues to flood into the city, which shows the local IT industry still poses a fatal attraction for investors.

         Chennai, originally named Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu in the region of southeast India and a newly-risen market as well. Being the fourth largest city in India, Chennai is developing its industry in a steady pace. The first science-based industrial park was set up in 1991 in Chennai; moreover, Chennai has transformed into a BPO center in recent years. Nevertheless, compared with Bangalore, the software export market for Chennai could still be improved. Additionally, Chennai is also nicknamed "the Detroit of India," exhibiting its prosperous automobile industry with Ford, Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors factories. With the promise of local officials assuring that the infrastructure and power supply would gradually improve, Chennai would eventually become as competitive as Bangalore.

The Road toward Bilateral Collaboration

         Due to the differences in language and culture as well as the stereotypes of Indian culture, the exchange between India and Taiwan is far less frequent than that of India between other countries. Encouraging the mutual understanding and seeking for the common interests, consequently, should be the first priority.

1) Economic and Trade Exchange

         Economy and international trade compose the foundation for Taiwan, while diplomatic clout and rich human resource as that of India. Under current condition there is a great need for the two countries to eliminate barriers in trades and to hold conferences on investment aids.

2) Exchange of Information Technology

         Taiwan excels in hardware manufacturing and marketing, while India outstands in software programming and design. India has been expecting the establishment of a research center based on reciprocal principles as a product for bilateral collaboration. Yet when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited India days ago, he mentioned the complementary role China and India play in IT industry, without acknowledging the fact that the hardware manufacturing ability China has now should give credits to the experiences from Taiwan. In view of this, Taiwan should be more alarmed, so as to prevent the marginalization of the coming Taiwan-India cooperation.

3) Exchange of Technology Professionals

         Both Hsin-Chu Science Park and Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology have recruited several technology professionals from India, who have been gradually forming an Indian community in Taiwan. The exchange of technology specialists should thus be thoroughly planned as a major base for collaboration.

4) Academia Exchange

         Both Taiwan and India put much emphasis on higher education. Granted that the exchange in academic and educational fields is enhanced, both parties could have a better mutual understanding, which would set the cornerstone for other forms of exchanges.

5) Exchange of Cultural Industries and NGOs

         Introducing the rich Indian culture to Taiwan would certainly raise awareness and interests of India among Taiwanese societies. In addition, NGOs in Taiwan could also be actively involved in issues concerning Indian peasants, women, poverty and its social welfare.

Looking Ahead

         Following the visit to South India in May, 2005. Taiwan Thinktank is planning to attend a bilateral conference this fall, aiming to consolidate the foundation for the Taiwan-India Cooperation Council. As an NGO, the TICC is expected to act as a medium connecting human resource, information, know-how and market research. It would further find out both individual and common leverage between governments and private sectors, so as to encourage bilateral exchanges in various fields. This way, the Council would contribute greatly to the strategic union between both parties and to guiding the path toward collaboration. 

04/11/2006

Author Soong Yun-wen

Source Taiwan Thinktank Communicator No.17

 

Taiwan cos looking to invest in Chennai

         Two of Taiwan's largest companies - ASUSTeK Computer Inc, a computer hardware manufacturer, and Formosa Plastics Group, with diversified interests including petrochemicals and energy, are committed to investing in Tamil Nadu, according to Mr Chuang Suo-Hang, Legislator from Taiwan.

         Mr Chuang, who is leading an industry delegation to India, told reporters here that ASUSTeK Computer is one of the largest players with a more than 50 per cent market share globally. They are looking at setting up a manufacturing facility in India. A presence here would help them more easily access the markets in Europe, West Asia and Africa.

         Similarly, Formosa Plastics Group, the largest private sector player in Taiwan, is looking at setting up a power plant in Chennai and examining the options. These companies are part of a 61-member delegation that is in Tamil Nadu to examine opportunities for investments here.

`Taiwan Desk' requested

         He said that Taiwan has represented to the Tamil Nadu Government that they would need a `Taiwan Desk,' single window clearance facility for the paper work and an exclusive SEZ region for the small and medium enterprises from Taiwan investing here.

         Earlier, addressing the Indo-Taiwan Bi-lateral Trade Relationship meeting organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the Tamil Nadu Industries Secretary, Mr Sakthikanta Das, said the State Government would consider the request to ensure `concrete progress.' Mr Berton B.C. Chiu, Director General, Department of Investment Services, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, said that Taiwan had identified seven industries that would look at investing in India.

 

TN plans Taiwan Eco Zone near Chennai

         The Tamil Nadu government is looking at creating a separate Taiwan Economic Zone near Chennai.  The zone, spread over 500 acres, is planned to attract investments from Taiwanese small and medium enterprises, according to Tamil Nadu industries secretary Shaktikanta Das. Das said the state government was exploring possibilities of earmarking 500 acres for the proposed zone out of two locations in Tamil Nadu — Tidco’s SEZ in Ennore and SIPCOT’s industrial complex in Cheyyar.

         According to a Business Standard report, the decision to carve out a separate Taiwanese zone comes on the heels of increased interest among Taiwanese companies to invest in India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Taiwanese entrepreneurs recognise India as a powerful economic opportunity and are keen to explore investment opportunities here.

TN may be Taiwan's biz destination choice

Taiwan investors and manufacturers would look at Tamil Nadu as a business destination in the near future as a way to de-risk the country's external trade and investment, according to Dr Chi Su, leader of a Legislator delegation from Taiwan and member of the KMT political party, Taiwan.

         Speaking at a meeting held by the South Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said that with the political climate between Taiwan and China being uncertain, it was important for Taiwan to look at other options without `looking over the shoulder to see if the big man is watching'.

         Dr Steve Hsieh, Director, Department of Technology and Economy, National Policy Foundation, Taiwan, corroborated saying that 80 per cent of Taiwan's investment in foreign countries was in China. He said that from India's point of view, the best option would be to adopt the `cluster' method - attract the flagship brands in manufacturing and the ancillary supply chain would come automatically. Mr Shaktikanta Das, Tamil Nadu Industries Secretary, said stable political climate in India made it a favourable destination for investors and industries.

         The quality of manpower in Tamil Nadu, with 250 engineering colleges producing 80,000 engineering graduates every year, as well as the quality of physical infrastructure made the State an even more favourable destination, he said.

Taiwan identifies India for trade promotion

Taiwan has identified India as this year's target country for trade promotion and investment, Yuen-Chuan Chao, president and Chief Executive Officer of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), has said. Addressing presspersons after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) here on Saturday, Mr. Chao said Taiwan had short-listed information and communication technology, autoparts, textiles, food processing and pharmaceutical and biotechnology to be promoted in India.

         The total Taiwanese investment in India now stood at around $110 million as against billions of investment in relatively smaller economies such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. The volume in India was all set to grow manifold soon, he said A delegation, comprising exporters, purchasers and investors representing 70 Taiwan companies, would visit Chennai on May 15, Mr. Chao said. Chennai would also have an exclusive Taiwan machinery centre soon.

         He said the MoU, Taiwan's fourth with an Indian business chamber, would help in exchange of trade information and product promotion between the two regions. SICCI president S. Ramanathan said the MoU was a good beginning of a successful partnership and offered the SICCI premises for being used as a provisional base for the TAITRA, which was setting up its own office in Chennai.

"Taiwanese investment in India will grow manifold"