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Sep 23

RKD NewsNet September 2023

From the desk of Dr. Mohan Dewan | Assisted by: Adv. Arjun Pradhan Adv. Shubham Borkar

RKD NewsNet September 2023

1 Know The Real India:
Ganesh Chaturthi- Celebrations & Significance
2 RKD News:
Dr Niti Dewan invited as a distinguished panellist R K Dewan & Co. wins the Indian Law Firm Awards, 2023 for Pharma & Life Sciences Training Programme on the Legal Aspects in International Business and International Intellectual Property Rights
3 Perplex
4 International
Trademarks

Stories behind Brands - Cartier’s Juste un Clou Collection: A Powerful Symbol of Love and Sacrifice
5 India Trademarks
Filing of evidence before the egistrar of Trademarks
Cover Story
Ganesh Chaturthi - Celebrations & Significance
Ganesh Chaturthi, an auspicious festival observed in the month of Bhadrapad (mid- August to mid-September) as per the Hindu calendar, is one of the widely celebrated festivals with utmost devotion for Lord Ganesh in many states in India and even outside the country. Lord Ganesh (also referred to as Heramba, Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayak and Pillaiyar), is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is known by 108 different names and represents good fortune, wisdom, prosperity, and health.
6 Snips and Specs Unsung Heroes - Dr Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar Hidden Gems of India: Kannur
The festival, also called Ganesh Puja, celebrates Lord Ganesh as the God of new beginnings and remover of hurdles. While the festival is celebrated all over India, there is particular pomp and fervour in the festivities, especially in the cities of Pune and Mumbai, Maharashtra. We at R K Dewan & Co. are blessed and take pride in having our presence in these cities, which are considered the heart of these celebrations, including aartis, prayers, vibrant decor, and huge processions.



The celebration of this festival is rooted in a fascinating legend. It is said that, in his childhood, Lord Ganesh was entrusted with the responsibility of guarding his mother while she was bathing and was instructed not to allow anyone to enter.

Even when Lord Shiva himself attempted to enter, Lord Ganesh dutifully prevented him. In a moment of anger, Lord Shiva accidentally severed Lord Ganesh's head. This event deeply moved Goddess Parvati, who was adamant that Lord Ganesh be brought back to life.

To restore Lord Ganesh, it is believed that Lord Brahma affixed the head of an elephant onto his body, resulting in his distinctive portrayal as an elephant-headed deity. The observance of Ganesh Chaturthi is a way to commemorate and rejoice in the rebirth of Lord Ganesh. It offers an opportunity for people to express unwavering devotion and seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings, empowering individuals to overcome any challenges they may encounter on their journey.
HISTORY
Although it is unknown when or how Ganesh Chaturthi was first observed, the festivalhas been publicly celebrated in Pune since the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj(1630–1680, founder of the Maratha Empire). In the 18th century, the Peshwas weredevotees of Lord Ganesh and started a public Ganesh festival in their capital city ofPune during the Hindu month of Bhadrapad.
However, during the British Rule, the Ganesh festival lost state patronage and became a private family celebration in Maharashtra until its revival by the Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who championed the festival as a means to circumvent the colonial British government ban on Hindu gatherings through its anti-public assembly legislation. The festival became a public event later when Bhausaheb Laxman Javale (also known as Bhau Rangari) installed the first public Ganesh idol in Pune in 1892.

CELEBRATIONS

Ganesh Chaturthi unfolds as a vibrant 10-day jubilation characterized by the adornment of Ganesh idols with a puja, earnest prayers within households and
public shrines, melodious Ganesh Chaturthi aartis, and an array of cultural commemorations.

With changing times, Dhol-Tashas (pictured below) have become an integral aspect of the Ganesh festival celebrations as a form of celebratory music and performance instrument, despite the fact that originally, the beats of these instruments signified victory during a war.

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and immersion celebrations, Dhol-Tashas are played as a mark of respect towards Lord Ganesh, keeping the culture alive among the youth. Performers of all ages and walks of life come together to create a musical epiphany like no other, and one can see diversity and secularism, during the processions in cities like Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai.
The festival clebrations are similar across India, with slight variations in rituals and traditions in each region. Modak, is believed to be Lord Ganesh's favorite dessert, and indispensable to the celebrations. Modaks, are steamed dumplings made with rice flour, cashewnuts, cardamom, jiggery and poppy seeds. An offering comprising 21 modaks is distributed as “prasad” during the festival. Pune: Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, hosts the best Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in the country. The festival is a joyful and colorful event in the cultural, religious, and social fabric of Pune.

Hyderabad: Like Pune and Mumbai, Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is a popular destination to witness the royal celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Steamed Modak, is the traditional recipe. Other recipes for the dessert include Saffron, Coconut and even Rose petals.

Mumbai: Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, celebrates the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm and zeal. More than 6000 idols are commissioned every year. Although the festival is celebrated nationally, the maximum grandeur is witnessed in the city of Mumbai.
Goa: The festival of Ganesh holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Goa, where the celebrations are full of frolic and fun, bringing reunification of families and friends.

Ganpatipule: Ganpatipule, a small city in Maharashtra, has a series of vantage points and beaches offering some attractive views of the sea. The Swayambhu Ganapati Temple of Ganapatipule is renowned for its unique idol of Lord Ganesh.
GANESH CHATURTHI ACROSS THE WORLD: A MULTINATIONAL CELEBRATION
Even though originating as a quintessential Hindu festival in India, Ganesh Chaturthi has found its way into the hearts and homes of the Indian diaspora in several countries worldwide.
  • Malaysia: A Nine-Day Culinary Tribute across Malaysia, Ganesh Chaturthi heralds nine days of gastronomic devotion. The ritual sets the stage, invoking Lord Ganesh's earthly presence and initiating the culinary celebrations. Sweet dishes and tantalizing culinary creations are offered to the deity over this period. The festivities culminate in a vibrant procession, where the idol is lovingly carried to a water body for immersion.
  • Singapore: Floral Adornments and devotion in the vibrant city-state of Singapore, Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by intimate home worship. Delicately decorated Ganesh idols adorned with vibrant flowers and sacred kumkum and turmeric are the centerpieces of devotion. Offering sugarcane and corn, along with embellishing front gates with mango leaves, adds a charming touch to the festivities.
  • Mauritius: The island nation of Mauritius mirrors India's Ganesh Chaturthi traditions with heartfelt devotion. Homes are meticulously cleaned and adorned with colorful flowers to welcome the deity. Lord Ganesh's insatiable love for food finds expression in the offering of Modaks.
  • Nepal: Honoring Lord Ganesh with utmost devotion in Nepal, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with profound reverence. Devotees welcome idols of Lord Ganesh into their homes, engage in heartfelt worship, and relish delectable feasts in the company of friends and family. The culmination of the festivities involves the immersion of the idols, echoing the practice in India. Temples play a pivotal role by conducting prayers and sharing modaks.

  • Canada: Grand Celebrations in Toronto across the Atlantic, Toronto, the bustling Canadian metropolis, transforms into a hub of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The Indian diaspora celebrates the festival with a tapestry of cultural and religious events.
IPR AND GANESH CHATURTHI

Trademarks - There are applications for trademark registration in the records of the Indian Trade Marks Registry which have been filed for Ganesh idols such as

for statues and figurines which are made of or coated with precious or semi-precious metals or stones.

In 2018, Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti mandal located in Andheri West was granted a trademark registration for its Ganesh idol, “Andhericha Raja”. The eight-and-a-half foot idol which is made by the sculptor Rajan Khatu, has not been changed for 21 years.
After being confronted, the Defendanthalted the manufacture and sale of thesaid counterfeit goods.

Patents - An application for a grant ofPatent was filed in respect of an inventionwhich was a “synergistic compositionmade by mixing paper pulp waste, clay,rice husk ash, and fly ash with water,which was useful in making art objectsand idols from industrial and agriculturalwastes” as disclosed in Indian PatentApplication number 1056/DEL/2000.

Designs - In 2001, there was even anapplication filed for Design registrationof a Ganpati Idol bearing Application No.186721
RKD News

Dr Niti Dewan invited as a distinguished panellist at Café EQ 5.0
R K Dewan & Co. is delighted to share that, Dr Niti Dewan was invited as a distinguished panellist at Café EQ 5.0, to share her invaluable expertise in leadership and business development and uncover the true potential of Emotional Intelligence, encircling the theme "Learn to Lead & Influence Effectively" on September 9th, 2023 Saturday, at Strategy Hall, Hotel Blue Diamond Koregaon Park, Pune.

The panel for the event was also graced with the presence of Mr. Manoj Apte, RJ Sangram Khopade and Mr. Adeeth Joshii and the discussion was moderated by Dr. Prateek Surana.

R K Dewan & Co. is thankful to the Quantum Foundation India for organizing this event and looks forward to many more such events in the future.
 
We are proud to announce that, R K Dewan & Co. has been featured as a Winner and been recognised for its Pharma & Life Sciences practice area, by the India Business Law Journal in the esteemed Indian Law Firm Awards, 2023!

Renowned for its strong domestic and international connections as well as an efficient approach to filings, R K Dewan & Co is the preferred Intellectual Property firm of many top Indian companies, multinationals, Fortune 500 companies and start-ups across a broad spectrum of industries & all technology sectors.
The firm has completed over 80 years of dedicated and excellent service in the IP field, one of the longest standing IP law firms in India with the highest reputation for quality, honesty, and expertise and represents over 6,000 corporate and individual clients worldwide.

We are humbled by this recognition by the India Business Law Journal (IBLJ), which is a market-leading magazine that delivers expert analysis of the legal and regulatory challenges facing domestic and international businesses in India. Since 2008, IBLJ has been organizing the Indian Law Firm Awards to celebrate the hard work, ingenuity and excellence in the country’s legal profession.

We thank our clients who have continuously trusted our work as well as our team for this achievement!
Training Programme on the Legal Aspects in International Business and International Intellectual Property Rights

"The art of teaching, is the art of assisting discovery." well said by Mark Van Doren and well demonstrated by the R K Dewan & Co. team who successfully delivered a day-long session on various aspects of Intellectual Property Rights encircling the theme, "Legal Aspects in International Business and International Intellectual Property Rights" at the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, (MCCIA) in Pune, India on September 2nd, 2023.


The program began with Dr Mohan Dewan gracing the occasion and sharing his words of wisdom on the basics of Intellectual Property Rights to protecting them in India as well as abroad. Thereafter, Dr. Niti Dewan illuminated the participants on the Impact of Patent Rights on International Trade, International Patent Prosecution & Patent Search and the niches regarding the protection of Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Designs on an international level.

Subsequently Adv. Mohit Khatri and CS Ashutosh Muglikar shared their domain-specific knowledge well coupled with experience and touch upon the various facets of IPR. Dr. Dewan concluded the program with an interactive Q&A session and also presented the certificates to the participants.

R K Dewan & Co. is thankful to the team MCCIA for the wonderful organization of the event and looks forward to many more such events in the future for a better IPR Aware world and society.
International Trademarks
Stories behind Brands - Cartier’s Juste un Clou Collection: A Powerful Symbol of Love and Sacrifice
Brands are more than just a name or a logo; they embody a story and a legacy that have been built over time. Behind every brand, there is a rich history and a unique set of circumstances that have shaped its identity and contributed to its success.

These background stories have become an integral part of the brand, and they serve as an essential tool for building brand loyalty and connecting with customers. There are various brands that you think you know about, but do you really know them?
Juste un clou, which translates to "just a nail" in English, is an iconic jewellery collection from the luxury fashion house, Cartier. The collection consists of a range of bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings that are designed to look like bent nails. The origin story of Juste un clou is a fascinating one, with its designer, Aldo Cipullo, drawing inspiration from unexpected sources and infusing designs with deeper meanings and symbolism. Before creating the “Juste un clou” collection, Aldo Cipullo was a talented jewellery designer who had already made a name for himself in the industry. He had previously designed the iconic Love bracelet for Cartier, which was a huge success and remains a popular piece of jewellery to this day. However, Cipullo was not content to rest on his laurels and was always looking for new challenges and inspiration.
The idea for Juste un clou came to Cipullo in the late 1960s, during a time of great social and cultural upheaval. The world was changing rapidly, and people were questioning traditional values and norms.



Cipullo wanted to create something that symbolizes both love and sacrifice. He found his inspiration in a nail, an everyday object and he reimagined it as luxurious and desirable pieces of jewellery.

He believed that nails had a certain raw beauty and authenticity that could be elevated through design. The nail, which is the key element of the Juste un clou collection, is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In Christian tradition, the nails used to crucify Jesus are seen as symbols of his suffering and sacrifice for humanity, and they are often depicted in art and literature as powerful symbols of love and devotion.

Furthermore, the design of the Juste un clou collection also embodies the idea of sacrifice.
The collection features nails that have been bent and reshaped into intricate and elegant pieces of jewellery. This transformation required a great deal of effort and skill, and it could be seen as a metaphor for the process of self-sacrifice and transformation that is often required in relationships.

The collection was launched in 1971, and was an instant success after it became popular among both men and women, as a symbol of love. The collection remains a beloved and iconic part of Cartier's legacy. It continues to inspire and influence designers and fashion lovers around the world, and its timeless design and rebellious spirit ensure that it will remain a classic for years to come.

Perplex



Fun Questions, shared by Philip Furgang

What do these seven words all have in common?

1. Banana
2. Dresser
3. Grammar
4. Potato
5. Revive
6. Uneven
7. Assess

No, it is not that they all have at least 2 double letters....
(Answer at the end of the Newsletter.)
India Trademarks
 
Filing of
evidence
before the
Registrar of
Trademarks


Evidence is required to be filed before the Registrar of Trademarks at several instances during the prosecution of a trademark application. If an applicant claims use of a trademark at the time of filing of an application, the trademark rules require that the applicant submits a declaration which affirms the first date of use of the mark in DD/MM/YY format.

To support this declaration, the applicant is required to file evidence, showing the exact goods/services for which the mark is being used and the claimed date of use. During prosecution, when a mark is under examination, evidence of use is sometimes asked for, particularly if there is a conflicting mark on the records of the Trademarks Registry.
Even to overcome the objection under Section 9 of the Act, the applicant needs to prove the acquired distinctiveness / secondary meaning of the trade mark applied for and the same can be done by the filing of evidence of extensive use of the trade mark.  This evidence is also required to be submitted by means of an affidavit and documents, supporting the use of the mark by the applicant. Still further, during opposition proceedings, the applicant / Opponent is required to submit evidence at the evidence stage of the opposition and hereto the evidence is filed under cover of an affidavit along with documents. Not even in the examination or opposition process, even in the process of Assignment of trademarks it is necessary to submit an affidavit attesting that there is no pending litigation and that the ownership of the trademarks are not in dispute.

An affidavit in support of the documents is a “legal declaration made under oath, confirming the authenticity and veracity of the evidence provided”. It serves as a statement of truth and adds credibility to the supporting documents filed by the Applicant / Opponent / registered proprietor. Further, it ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.
 The Trade Marks Act 1999, specifically states in Sec 129 as follows:

 In any proceeding under this Act (the Trade Marks Act, 1999), before the Registrar, evidence shall be given by affidavit. Of course, there is a proviso that the Registrar may, if he thinks fit, take oral evidence in lieu of or in addition to such evidence by affidavit.

There is therefore no option for the applicant or the registered proprietor or the opponent but to file evidence by way of an affidavit and the affidavit may be supported by documents. This section protects, not only the Registrar of Trademarks but also practising Trademark Lawyers and Agents because it has sometimes been found that the documents submitted before the Registrar are not what they purport to be!

If evidence will be allowed to be filed without the support of an affidavit, clearly the person filing the documents and the person acting upon the documents will be held responsible, because if it is found that the documents filed were fabricated and not what they purported to be, there is a possibility that the applicant or the registered proprietor or the opponent may deny the responsibility of the inappropriate documents.

With this background, I am a little concerned with the finding of the learned Judge in the case of Kamdhenu V/S The Registrar of Trademarks (C.A.COM.IPD-TM) 66/2021.
The short facts of this matter are, an applicant filed an application for registration of the trademark “Kamdhenu” as a well-known trademark. Along with the application, it appears that the applicant filed documents to show that the mark was in use, but failed and when asked, refused to file an affidavit in support of the application. It would have been a simple matter for the applicant to file an affidavit and attach the documents in support thereof. Probably, if the affidavit had been filed in the first place, the mark would have proceeded to have been determined as well-known by the Registrar. However, the applicant was adamant and the Registrar, in my opinion, rightly refused the application.

However, what concerns me is the Hon’ble Judge deciding the case, even when confronted by Sec 129, which mandated the filing of evidence only by way of an affidavit, went on to observe that oral evidence can also be taken into consideration. Para 23 of the said judgement is reproduced as below:

Rule 124 of the 2017 Rules uses the word “evidence and documents”. The same could also include affidavits by way of evidence and other documents. However, it cannot be held that an affidavit would be mandatory, so long as there is sufficient evidence. A perusal of the word ‘evidence’ in the Act and 2017 Rules would show that evidence under Section 129 of the 1999 Act is to be given by affidavit.
However, oral evidence can also be taken into consideration. Section 129 of the 1999 Act cannot be read to mean that evidence only means ‘oral evidence’ or ‘evidence by way of an affidavit’ as defined in Section 3 of the Evidence Act. The said provision is as follows:

Evidence”. ––“Evidence” means and includes –– (1) all statements which the Court permits or requires to be made before it by witnesses, in relation to matters of fact under inquiry; such statements are called oral evidence; (2) all documents including electronic records produced for the inspection of the Court; such documents are called documentary evidence.”

Thus, as per Section 3 of the Evidence Act, ‘evidence’ would include both oral evidence and documentary evidence.

The Section itself states that taking oral evidence is at the discretion of the Registrar and this may be done in lieu of an affidavit or in addition to an affidavit. As per the order of the Registrar in the said matter, the applicant had not applied or requested the Registrar that the applicant would like to lead oral evidence in lieu of an affidavit.

In my opinion, being a special Act, Sec 129 of the Trade Marks Act will prevail over the general provisions of the Evidence Act and I am concerned that documents without an affidavit could be considered as sufficient evidence to establish a trademark as a well-known trademark.
This same principle can be extended to any of the other requirements under the Trademark practice, where evidence is required to be submitted.

Again, in my opinion and in all humility I do not believe that when there is a clear mandatory requirement that says that “evidence shall be given by affidavit”, any Court can interpret this by saying that filing of an affidavit is not mandatory and only filing of documents are sufficient. Referring to the public notice, it speaks of ‘evidence’ in support of the applicant’s rights and claims.

The term ‘evidence’ used in the public notice can only mean only ‘evidence’ as defined under Sec 129 of the Trade Marks Act. It is true that the Registrar, could if the Registrar thought it fit, take oral evidence, but in my understanding, oral evidence means examination-in-chief (and cross-examination if someone opposes the application) and an authorized person of the applicant would have to be produced before the Registrar for recording their oral evidence and the name of such person and request to the Registrar should be made in advance/along with application / within prescribed time for filing such evidence.

An affidavit would have been an expedient solution. Even, the interpretation of Sec 129 reproduced in the order is incorrect. The section clearly says that “evidence before the Registrar shall be given by affidavit” and does not say that will be ‘normally’ given by affidavit.
Does this mean that evidence of use required to be submitted for establishing use and evidence of use required at the time of opposition proceedings can be merely “documentary evidence” and no affidavit is required to be submitted, and the trademark examiner is bound to accept such documents unsupported by an affidavit as valid evidence?

Considering the above said aspects, the Union of India/CGPDTM should challenge and contest the said decision.
Snips and Specs
Unsung Heroes - Dr
Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar


Unsung heroes, often hidden in the shadows of the spotlight, are individuals whose remarkable contributions and selfless actions shape the world without seeking recognition. While the world celebrates prominent figures, it is the unsung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes, driving change, progress, and compassion. These unheralded champions emerge in various walks of life, from local communities to global stages, leaving an indelible mark on society. Their stories inspire us to appreciate the power of humility and the profound impact that individuals can have on the world, regardless of the recognition they receive. In this series of articles, we will be sharing stories of such unsung heroes of India.

In the realm of technological advancements, some individuals stand as unsung heroes, driving innovation and progress behind the scenes. One such visionary is Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, a name that might not be as widely recognized as others, but whose contributions have left an indelible mark on India's technological landscape. Dr. Bhatkar is the brilliant mind behind the Param series of supercomputers, which have played a pivotal role in shaping India's capabilities in high-performance computing.

Born in a small village, Muramba, in Akola district Maharashtr, Dr. Bhatkar earned his B.E. in Electrical Engineering from VNIT Nagpur, an M.E. from MS University of Baroda in Vadodara, and a PhD from IIT Delhi.

Dr. Bhatkar's journey began in the early 1980s when India faced challenges in obtaining high-performance supercomputers from other countries due to export restrictions. The then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's request for the supercomputer Cray YMP developed by Cray Research from the United States was denied. Dr. Bhatkar, a visionary scientist and technologist, was entrusted with the task of creating an indigenous supercomputer.

Dr. Bhatkar and his team took up the challenge and embarked on a journey to develop the Param series of supercomputers, which would eventually prove to be a turning point in India's technological landscape.

At a time when the world was dominated by technological superpowers, Dr. Bhatkar's vision was to create a platform that would not only reduce India's reliance on foreign technology but also drive innovation on home soil. This ambitious goal led to the birth of the Param project.
Dr. Bhatkar and his team not only developed the Param supercomputer well within the allotted time period of 3 years but also at a cost that was significantly less than the cost of the Cray YMP, including its site, installation, and commissioning. According to records, the PARAM Supercomputer was noted to be 28 times more powerful than the Cray X-MP.

The Param series of supercomputers, (short for "Parallel Machine) marked a significant turning point in India's technological prowess. Dr. Bhatkar's team successfully developed a line of supercomputers that were not only cost-effective but also remarkably powerful. The Param supercomputers harnessed the power of parallel processing, a technique that divides complex tasks into smaller and manageable parts and process them simultaneously. This breakthrough approach catapulted India into the League of Nations capable of high-performance computing, enabling scientists and researchers to solve complex problems efficiently.

The Param series of supercomputers created by Dr. Bhatkar and his team have been truly impactful in a variety of areas. Some of these areas include:

1. Scientific Research: The Param supercomputers have been instrumental in accelerating scientific research across various domains. They have aided researchers in simulating complex phenomena, conducting large-scale data analysis, and solving intricate mathematical problems.
Snips and Specs
2. Weather Forecasting: The Param series has bolstered India's weather forecasting capabilities, allowing meteorologists to predict extreme weather events more accurately. This has been crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

In addition to the above, Dr. Bhatkar holds a pivotal role in the establishment of institutions like C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) in the year 1988.

3. Medical Research: These supercomputers have also been pivotal in advancing medical research, facilitating drug discovery, genome sequencing, and the development of personalized medicine approaches.
4. Nuclear Simulations: Param supercomputers have contributed to the simulation of nuclear processes, enhancing safety measures in India's nuclear energy sector.
5. Engineering and Design: Engineers and designers have benefited from the Param series, using them for simulations, modelling, and virtual testing in fields such as aerospace and automotive design.
The primary goal of this initiative was to propel research and development in the realm of computing technology. Dr. Bhatkar's unwavering commitment was instrumental in shaping C-DAC into a driving force within the field, significantly contributing to India's technological prowess.

It gives us at R.K. Dewan & Co. immense pleasure that we were the first IP firm to file software patents for C-DAC

However, Dr. Bhatkar's influence extended beyond C-DAC's realms. His instrumental role in the establishment of institutions like ER&DC (Electronic Research and Development Centre), Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IIITM-K), ETH Research Laboratory, International Institute of Information Technology (I2IT) and MKCL (Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited) showcased his dedication to fostering innovation and digital literacy across diverse domains. Dr. Bhatkar's trailblazing contributions continue to serve as a beacon, inspiring India's technological landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's journey towards excellence.
Despite his remarkable contributions, Dr. Bhatkar's journey has not been without challenges. The recognition for his work has often been overshadowed by more mainstream figures in the global technology scene.

However, his legacy lives on through the institutions he has founded, the knowledge he has imparted, and the trail of innovation he has left behind.

Dr. Bhatkar's visionary leadership and dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology have earned him the title of an unsung hero. His brainchild, the Param series of supercomputers, has not only positioned India on the global map of supercomputing but has also empowered numerous sectors with transformative capabilities. As we celebrate India's technological achievements, it's crucial to remember and honour individuals like Dr. Bhatkar who have contributed silently yet significantly to the nation's progress.
Hidden Gems of India: Kannur
Not many people are aware that the French also had colonies in India. One of the French colonies was the small town of Mahe, which is located on the southwest coast of India. Next to the town of Mahe is the city of Kannur or Cannanore. Due to its important geographical location, Kannur used to be the capital of the Kolathiri Rajas for many centuries. The city is situated on the northern side of Kerala, in the midst of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Marco Polo, in his book of travels, also referred to Cannanore as a great emporium of spice trade.

Kannur is known for its enduring folk art, Theyyam (the traditional dance), music, and famous handloom. The city is also a place of historical interest and boasts many important monuments. One such significant monument is St. Angelo Fort.
Popularly known as Kannur Fort by the locals in Kannur, the fort holds a crucial geographical position along the leisurely shores of the Arabian Sea. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1505, the fort was captured by the Dutch Army and eventually traded to King Ali of the Arakkal dynasty.

Sometime around the 17th century, the fort was taken over by the British, and they made it the main army center of the Malabar region until 1947. This triangular-shaped fortress is built of laterite stone, with a fascinating history plastered all over its walls.
Many believe that the fort was also used as an underground prison, as many manholes could be found there through which people were sent to pitch-dark underground cells.

In the year 2015, thousands of cannonballs were discovered on the fort premises, leading archaeologists to believe they were buried as part of military preparedness. Today, the fort is located in the Cannanore Cantonment area and is considered a historical heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India.
We do not claim any copyright in the above image. The same has been reproduced for academic and representational purposes only
SEPTEMBER 2023
NewsNet is a monthly compilation of articles and updates by R K Dewan & Co. This publication is intended to be circulated for informational purposes only. The publication in no way constitutes legal advice/opinion being provided by R K Dewan & Co. to its readers or the public at large. R K Dewan & Co. encourages readers to seek professional legal advice before acting upon the contents provided herein. The firm shall not be responsible for any liability or loss that may be attributed to the contents of this publication. This publication is the property of R K Dewan & Co., and the same may not be circulated, distributed, reproduced, or otherwise used by anyone without the prior express permission of its creators.
Quiz Answers - In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter, place it at the end of the word, and then spell the word backwards, it will be the same word. Did you figure it out?
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