A VISION OF GOLDEN RUSSIA

AN ACHIEVABLE ACTION PLAN

Proper planning, right policies and meticulous implementation can help in realizing the dream of Golden Russia. I propose the following action plan with the same purpose and vision. This outline plan has been detailed out in the subsequent chapters. The action plan is self-sustaining and this gigantic project of national importance can be financed with additional oil revenue.

If the plan is properly implemented it will increase national income and GNP by at least $100 to $500 billion. Thus, a mere investment of $ 3 billion can bring in $ 100 billion to Russia. More importantly, the action plan will improve the overall life of Russians.

Total investment - $300 million.

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ENCOURAGING MEDITATION IN RUSSIA

It is a matter of great pride that Russia is finally on the right path of real democracy. Spirituality can play a very significant and positive role in bringing real happiness to Russian citizens.

Introducing and supporting meditation in society on a mass scale will benefits greatly its followers without any adverse effect on society at large.

To counter the growing problems of social disorders in Russia, like - alcoholism, declining population, growing frustration, obesity, general ill health conditions, heart diseases, like - CAD (Coronary Artery Diseases), diabetes, blood pressure and many other health problems, meditation can do miracles.

The best antidote to these social disorders will be spirituality. Once a person has faith in a peer entity- Almighty God, lots of burden on him will be reduced. Because, now he can delegate the burden on God, and will no more constantly be worried by his consciences. Now, he has the confidence that some how all omnipotent God will very lovingly take care of him. This feeling of security will do miracles for his absolute well being. No more he will now have to indulge himself in excessive alcoholism to escape the hard realities of life. Now he has the God to share his agonies and pleasures, and not the self-ruining alcohol or any other vices in him. With this feeling in the mind, he will now feel more secured and much relieved. Spirituality has played a dominant role in Russian culture for centuries and the society flourished under its aegis.

In the present day Russian society, this is the most cost and time saving technique to help people to conquer all the major problems in life.

To achieve this pious goal, an autonomous body comprised of meditation and human behavior experts may be set up. It will help ensure the smooth running of a newly set up 24-hour National TV Channel - "Happiness". The channel will help an average Russian to be healthier, happier and most significantly, spiritually awakened.

Therefore, the Government in Russia may play a vital role in re-establishing the age old tradition of spirituality Preksha Dhyan (a kind of meditation established by an Indian Jain saint Acharya Mahapragya in Moscow), Transcendental Meditation (propounded by Meharshi Mahesh Yogi in the present era and other renowned seers), The Art of Living etc., have been scientifically proven by many a scientist and medical experts of the world, to help cure all the above problems. With the help of these self-developmental techniques, one learns to communicate silently with his inner-self (soul). Once the communication is well established with the supreme soul, it can do miracles, as the meditation is a technique to connect an individual soul with the universal supreme soul. That is why the word miracle has been established in human consciences inadvertently.

Total budget for the new channel may be $100 million per annum. It should be given in the form of a Government grant to the newly constituted autonomous body.

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The Government deficit financing will be drastically reduced because of very low interest cost on Russian bonds, besides the income from additional sources and economic activities.

Interest rate has a direct connection to inflation rate. Lowering interest rate will definitely lower inflation rate, as it has been happening in America and Japan.

Many people argue that low interest rate will fuel economic activities thereby fueling inflation. But, it is not correct. Historically it has never happened in any country. But certain banking lobbies perpetuate this theory, that they can make more for their money on high interest rate.

Russia should break this catch 22 and bring down interest rate drastically. This action will create a win-win situation for all in the society and would prove to be the MAGIC formula for economic prosperity of Russia.

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Russia heavily depends upon energy (mainly oil and natural gas) exports for critical shares of its total export earnings and government revenues. Oil export revenues also are used to help pay off Russia’s large foreign debt. The sharp rebound in oil prices over the past few years has been good news for Russia and especially for its oil sector. The suggested measures to enhance the increase in revenue from oil are given as hereunder: -

1. Russia has huge quantity of natural gas in Siberia. Pipelines should be laid in co-operation with China, Japan and South Korea. These countries have very high oil and natural gas demand.

2. A central tax should be levied on percentage basis per barrel of North Sea Oil prices. For example, if North Sea Oil price is $35 per barrel and, the tax is 20%, then the tax will be $7 per barrel.

3. More than half of Russia’s merchandise export revenues come from the sale of oil, oil products, and natural gas. The Russian government should cerate stabilization fund in which all extra revenues $20 per barrel should be transferred to this fund, which will be used to for further oil exploration and plans for betterment for an average Russian, as fundamentally oil wealth belongs to all Russian citizens. They must be benefited.

6. Russian oil production has rebounded over the past few years. New refineries should be set up in combination with multinationals to further boost oil revenue. Special incentives should also be given to companies.

7. Although Russian oil and natural gas revenues provide as much as 40% of the national government’s budget (and more than half of export earnings), mainly through taxes on hydrocarbon production and duties on exported crude and products. Yet Russia should not remain over dependent on hydrocarbons. Instead, it is recommended that Russia should push ahead with diversification in alternate resources of energy.

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Seeking the membership of European Union is the most important step towards realizing the dream of Golden Russia. This one move alone will help in resolving major problems and there is no conceivable flaw in this action. The only prospective negative point in becoming member of European Union is that it may affect the Russian pride, which is not true. Some old style bureaucrats may also feel threatened as they will be no longer able to weild unlimited power on Russian society. A prosperous and happy Russia is more important than the whims of certain individuals and Russia has certainly nothing to loose in becoming a member of European Union, the gains are rather enormous:

1. Membership of European Union would lead to monetary stability. Once European currency is adopted the problem of devaluation will be eliminated, as Russians will also be using Euro which is today one of the strongest currencies in the world.

2. The biggest problem of high inflation rate will be resolved automatically in Russia.

3. There will be a free flow of huge number of tourists from Europe into Russia thereby contributing a lot of revenue and creating more number of jobs.

4. Technological and business management skills of other European countries will also benefit the Russian society at large.

5. Membership of European Union would help pave way in getting membership of NATO. This will also help Russia in securing membership of World Trade Organization (WTO).

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It looks; it is high time when Russia should make an entry into the NATO to take up its membership. The fact remains that today Russia is not Soviet Union. In the recent years Russia has made tremendous progress in reforming the nation in to a democratic and civil society.

Russia has been carrying a feeling of insecurity for over last 50 years and has fought a long cold war starting from the year 1918. Through this period Russia posed the most serious threat to NATO. European and North American leaders felt a possible threat posed to their democracies by both insurgencies of the communists as also the Soviet military threat. Accordingly, Atlantic and European leaders negotiated the Washington Treaty in 1949, establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which aimed to provide common defense to the member nations. Ever since NATO’s creation, the relationship between NATO and Russia is far better than at any time.

NATO and Russia, since then, have signed an important agreement called the Rome Statutes, giving the Russia a status of an observer within NATO. The agreement provides the Russia with the right to vote on all non-important matters within the North Atlantic Council. Many a vital issues however, are still unsettled between the Alliance and Russia.

It remains a fact that Russia makes 10 times more nuclear weapons than America. It continued to do so even at the cost of serious threat to many other countries of the world. But today Russia realizes the need for establishing an absolute peace in its own land as well in the whole world. While this noble thought helps to eliminate themutual rivalry between the Russia and America in the race to prove their supremacy over each other.

Today both the nations feel the need of establishing the peace in the whole world and seems to strive hard to accomplish this common noble goal. The golden opportunity arising from the chaos of collapse and disintegration of USSR has surely made Russia to think positive in this direction. Now, with God’s grace cold war has ended. NATO countries and even America have become friends to each other, Russia has also become a member of G-8 group, the most powerful association of the nations on the earth. In this sprit of friendship, now right time has come for Russia, that instead of remaining adversary it becomes a friend and equal partner of NATO countries. It will help eliminating any threat of total mutual destruction and war on both sides and creating a new dawn of peace in the world. It will lead to a healthy environment of creating new job opportunities for Russia and NATO countries. This move will help Russia usher into a new age of prosperity and peace. It will be a Win – Win sort of situation for all.

By signing the treaty of NATO Russia looses nothing, rather it gains tremendous world acclaim. Then what Russia is waiting for? Hurry it up Russia!! By getting enrolled in NATO Russing has golden opportunity to prove to the whole world, that the manufacturers of the world’s biggest haul of weapons are one of the greatest protectors of the peace endower of progress and prosperity to the world. It is like a step more towards the making of dream Golden Russia. All the NATO members including entire Europe and USA are eagerly waiting to offer a red carpet welcome to Russia in NATO.

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Political structure is the backbone of any country. Even the social and economic status of a country is decided by the structure of its Government. It is very important for any country in the world to have permanent political stability for getting the faith of its public and from other countries, which is inevitable for its growth and sustenance in the global scenario.

When there is a change in the Government of a country, it is not merely a change in the ruling political party. In fact, the new set of people who take up the chair bring new plans and policies for the country. It is often different and some times even contrary to former Government, which deviates the whole country from its path of progress.

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Tourism is one of the major industries in the world. Scores of countries base their economy upon it. Russia is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination among all the countries of the world. It gets a major chunk of its tourist influx from Germany, Finland, USA, Great Britain, Italy, France and Japan. In this new era, Russia has a very rich ancient cultural heritage and unique natural potential which has attracted the interest of the foreign tourists.

There is an adequate potential for the growth of tourism in Russia by encouraging heritage tourism, eco tourism, cultural and educational tourism. Tourism can provide 2 million new jobs in Russia within 3 years at a very low investment of $630 million per annum.

It is proposed that Government should set up a new goal of attracting at least 10 million tourists to Russia every year within next 5 years, so that Russia can earn at least $ 20 billion as foreign exchange every year. To realize this gigantic venture, I make the following simple and relevant suggestions:

To promote tourism it is suggested that a separate autonomous board should be constituted under the Ministry of Tourism, which should be headed by a senior level officer of the Government of Russia. There should be four other members on the board selected or nominated by the different sectors of tourism industry. This Tourism Promotion Board would prepare policies and programs for the promotion of tourism and provide necessary assistance and advice in the development of the industry. The Board would also provide all types of facilities to the tourists like - centralized money exchange, bus-rail-car-air facilities, hotel reservations, state tourism counters and tourist guides.

Like all other countries even Russia too is prone to the problem of unemployment. More than 20 million youths are under the grip of this problem. Government of Russia needs to address this problem seriously by taking initiative for implementation of the employment schemes and self-employment projects.

The Employment Exchanges, Employment Bureau, Placement Services etc. should be geared up for providing suitable jobs to the educated youth in the country. Tourism can play a very crucial role in generating employment. To accomplish this gigantic mission, I suggest that Government should utilize the services of the unemployed youth by providing them suitable training in the field of tourism: -

The autonomous Tourist Board will set up Reception Committees at each International airport to increase the tourist influx in Russia. The members of the Reception Committee will organize "Welcome Ceremony", Folk dances, Welcome Songs etc. in honour of guests (the tourists) while following the ancient traditions and cultural practices of Russia. Each and every tourist would be garlanded by the members of the Reception Committee. The Reception committee should be headed by a Protocol Officer. Similar kind of reception is being given to tourists in Hawaii, USA.

Training of tourist guides/instructors is very essential for providing proper facilities to the tourists. The services of these guides may be utilized as per the desire of tourists. These guides would be well conversant with all the historic places, famous buildings, important sites etc. situated in the area concerned and provide useful information to the tourists. To train these guides, some instructors may be appointed, who will provide necessary training to the newly appointed guides. For this purpose, about 100 practical training centers may be set up all over the country. These centers would provide intensive training courses to the Guides. In addition to these, video-training course for the benefit of guides who are working in rural and remote areas of the country may also be prepared.

1. Unlike all other industries tourism brings in maximum inflow of foreign exchange. Hence tourism, including hotels should be declared as tax-free Export Processing Zone.

2. All imports related to tourism and hotel industries like - luxury cars, other related items etc. should be made duty free.

3. At present Russian hotels seem expensive in comparison to other hotels of the world. This is a big hurdle for the promotion of tourism industry. Therefore, 5000 suitable plots all over Russia should be allotted at a very reasonably low cost to international hoteliers with all necessary clearances to enable them to build standard hotels conforming to international standards in entire Russia. Now with this scheme, thousands of new hotels will be built and hotel charges will automatically come down to induce the tourists to visit Russia in larger numbers.

4. In today’s world of consumerism media can play a vital role in promoting Tourism. Russian Government should take help of global print and electronic media fraternity in enhancing its image as an attractive and safe tourist destination.

5. A total of 5,000 suitable plots of land all over Russia should be earmarked for the development of hotels and resorts to promote tourism industry and a very nominal rate should be charged from the entrepreneurs while allotting the same. These hotels could be built as a joint venture or on B.O.T. basis. It would be better if a Tourism Development Fund is set up to bridge "critical infrastructural gaps."

6. The private sector (Russian as well as foreign entrepreneurs) should be invited to join hands with the government for taking up new ventures in hotel industry. Emphasis should be laid to develop eco-friendly tourism.

7. There should be a proper coordination among Central and State Governments, public sector undertakings and the private sector. Programs of site-seeing the monuments, various art forms, handicrafts, folk dances, traditional fairs and visits to the exhibition of sputniks, space ships, space stations and cuisines should also be included in these services, for the preservation and enrichment of Russian culture and heritage.

8. It would be better if Russia encourage the participation of NGOs, local bodies etc. to develop a vast facilities for tourists. It would not only reduce the regional imbalance but also improve the social and economic standards of rural masses.

It will be in the interest of the industry, if a number of yoga and naturopathy centers are set up or tourists. These centers should be built up in the natural surroundings, for which Russia has been known.

The new tourism policy of Russia should give more concessions to the tourism industry so that it may achieve the set target and earn more foreign exchange for the country, which is the need of the hour.

Following are the suggestions for framing the new policies on developing tourism in a better manner in Russia:

1. Granting of tourist visa on arrival.

2. 5,000 plots to be allotted on heavily subsidized rates for hotel construction.

3. Plots for construction of restaurants and public utilities to be allotted at 600 tourist destinations to reputed national companies.

4. Setting up signboards in Russian and English language at 600 tourist destination approach roads.

5. Producing 100 video films on different Russian festivals and 600 tourist spots.

6. Setting up an international satellite TV channel promoting the positive side of Russia, and its tourist potential.

7. Creation of a Tourist Safety Force of 2,000 persons, who would be deployed in all major tourist spots.

8. Welcome Ceremony for each tourist at the airport.

9. Setting up of special regular train, bus and air links at all 600 potential tourist destinations.

10. Construction of 10 new international airports on B.O.T. basis.

11. Russian Federal Government may increase funding for Ministry of Tourism by 400 %.

12. Appointment of a Tourism Promotion Officer at each Embassy in different part of the world.

13. Setting up of additional ‘light and sound show’ at 100 major tourist spots lighting the rich cultural heritage of Russia.

14. Setting up a daily Russian Cultural Programme at all major tourist spots. 

15. Utilise the services of private cleaning agencies on contract basis at all 600 tourist destinations.

16. Special encouragement for setting up of time-sharing resorts.

17. Scholarships to be provided for 100 Ph.D. thesis on 10 most popular tourist destinations in the world, dealing with the subjects like - ‘Why they are so popular’ and what ‘Russia can learn and implement to increase tourists’ inflow.

18. Presenting of a memento to each departing tourist as a goodwill gesture costing $ 05 each.

19. A 24 hour tourism channel may be launched to promote Russia world wide in English.

20. The Government may initiate issuance of free visa on arrival for tourists. Like Switzerland, it may also abolish visa requirement for tourist who come from Europe, USA, Japan, India etc.

1. The Russian Government may subsidise jet fuel to encourage international airlines to make Russia a stop over destination Total investment: (20 Million).

2. A reduction in landing charges for the international airlines can increase the airtraffic, which in turn will compensate this and would also help in increasing the tourists arrival in Russia.

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In Russia, 50% of the population lives in villages in a state of poverty. Therefore, it should be top priority of National importance, to raise their living standards by providing new avenues of opportunity to ensure jobs of their choices in their respective native places.

I am submitting hereby a totally new action plan to achieve the set target. If implemented properly, it will create 5 million new jobs. It will increase farmers’ average income by at least 75% to 150% in next five years. It will also generate huge additional revenue for the Government.

1. Seeds and growing technology pertaining to 400 different variety fruits and vegetables of the best quality, selected from all around the globe may be imported and given to the farmer to grow.

2. DVD will be made in such a manner that average farmers can learn from it, as how to grow and cultivate these new varieties of fruits and vegetables and other new products.

3. A 24 hour Farmers TV Channel may be started to demonstrate and generate interest among farmers as well as consumers in the new varieties of fruits and vegetables.

4. The best MBAs educated from Harvard universities of western countries may be hired to promote the sales of these new products all around the world.

5. Proper storage and transportation of the new produces in and air-conditioned wagons and trucks etc. should taken care.

6. A digital mapping of the area with the aid of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) may be carried out for the whole of Russia, through which a Control Super Computer will identify the areas suitable for the crops for this purpose. A separate PIN will be given to each area.

7. The whole information may also be made available on a big Internet portal, where one can just type in his portal PIN and find out which crops are best suitable for the area and where he can get the seeds from instructions DVD.

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Today, nearly every country of the world, whether developed, developing or undeveloped is facing the menace of growing unemployment.

How to go for improving this state of unemployment? Is there a way to solve this burning problems. I am submitting hereby a project to help improve the problem of unemployment in Russia.

Having traveled more than 50 countries of the world during the last 33 years, I had an opportunity to see for myself different facts of life in many other industrially developed countries. In developed nations an average person is earning more than $ 3,000 per month. God has bestowed upon us with the same two hands, mental & physical and mental capabilities and equal opportunities to all the human beings, then why does it so happen that the people of some nations have to slog hard to reach at par with the people of developed countries? Russians are mentally as well physically at par with people of any other country in the world, but still the fact remains that it needs to improve the employment status drastically.

Careful observations reveal that following are the reasons for this callous but deplorable situation: -

1. Lack of initiative and desire for improvement.

2. Lack of sense of patriotism.

3. Lack of moral values in society.

4. Lack of proper training to individuals in respective fields to enable them to do their job in the best possible capacities.

5. Lack of sufficient funds.

6. Inadequate use of modern technology in the field of industry and agriculture.

1. Setting up a National TV channel hook-up with satellite to run 24 hours a day exclusively for this purpose (with 10 channels).

2. Making of 1000 DVD films on all possible jobs, trades, small scale industries, agriculture etc. using latest and best knowledge from all over the world.

TV programes can be made interesting and exciting with the help of renowned video film producers endowed with great command in producing such serials. It should touch the core of the heart of millions of Russian viewers. In fact, an initiative is required to be taken up immediately at Federal Government level in this regard. Renowned producers of national repute should be assigned this task. They need to be taken in to confidence to prepare themselves mentally to fully cooperate for this national cause. Thus, people all across Russia will be encouraged to watch and learn through TV and video programs with full concentration and enthusiasm. This will help them to learn new skills to stand on their own legs to face the challenges of the future.

Team of these video film producers will travel all over Russia to study the potential and requirements of different parts of the country and may visit other selected countries to acquire the latest technology and know-how in each of the vocation that may easily be adopted in Russia.