Racial Profiling And The American Culture - 843 Words

I grew up in a family where my father was a doctor and my mother a homemaker, both immigrants from Pakistan hoping to achieve the American dream. Growing up in a white-dominant community and attending a high school with predominantly, white students and teachers, I was restricted in my growth and freedom. I was treated differently by my friends, peers and faculty members as I tried to acclimate to the American culture. My low social status, identity as a student in my high school was due to my race and gender. My race, defined by my phenotypic traits, compelled my peers and teachers to treat me differently, because of association with an inferior race. Despite being born in America, my foreign looks and association with another country, led me to be captured by the chains of racial profiling. My family, my low-social status in a White-dominated institution and my membership in primary groups were all pivotal aspects that have allowed me to attend UC Davis, where I plan to combat the low expectations of my Pakistani race. Raised by traditional Pakistani parents, who migrated to America in hopes of a better life and future, I was encouraged by my parents to achieve success through education. My family was a pivotal institution, a â€Å"complex collection of interdependent roles and relationships that combine to perform an important social function,† that forced me to pursue success by my higher education (Gutierrez November 3, 2015). In America, my father worked long days andShow MoreRelatedEssay on Criminal Profiling1253 Words   |  6 PagesCriminal profiling is one of few first things to think of when it comes to forensic psychology. Criminal profiling is featured in popular television shows such as in Law and Order and CSI. 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Racial profiling is a practice that targets people for suspicion based on their race, ethnicity, religionRead MoreRacial Profiling : An American Trauma921 Words   |  4 Pages2017 Racial Profiling: An American Trauma One of the most imminent threats looming within American society is race relations. America is a melting pot of different races, cultures, and religions, yet the matter of racial profiling still remains prominent today. By definition it is considered â€Å"an activity carried out by enforcers of the law wherein they investigate or stop any individual in traffic or round up people of the same race or ethnicity for crime suspicion† (NYLN.org ). This profiling hasRead MoreRacial Profiling And Affirmative Action1638 Words   |  7 PagesWhen comparing racial profiling and affirmative action, some might think that the two terms are not the same; it is possible that some people think that racial profiling is considered wrong, and affirmative action is considered right. However, they are the same, and both are morally wrong, but for different reasons. Racial profiling is morally wrong because in most situations, it is usually used by law enforcement in apprehending a criminal. Howe ver, it usually targets someone because of their raceRead MoreRacial Profiling And Its Impact On Society1310 Words   |  6 Pagesthe word â€Å"stereotype† has raised doubts about justice since it has existed and progressed as part of the American culture for a long time. Stereotype can be classified into many subcategories, one of which is racial profiling. This issue, where authorities target certain individuals based on their racial characteristics, has never ceased. According to many influential claimsmakers, racial profiling has stained the United States by negatively affecting society and disturbing the certainty of justice

The Field Of Personality Development - 1337 Words

Abstract The way we walk, to the way we talk. How we reason, and how we act, all depend on our personality. Personality development is relevant to adolescent development because the two go hand in hand. With development comes development of who someone is, their personality. In this paper I will look deeper into the genetics behind personality development, as well as the environmental aspect. I will relate personality development to aspects of learning discussed in the course material. I will explain currently asked questions in the field of personality development, and I will tie that into current research on the topic. Finally I will explain the importance of personality development to the study of education and human development.†¦show more content†¦When we are children, we are susceptible to changes in our environments and we do our best with what genetics gives us. As humans, we feel the need to internalize certain events in our lives. A death, a breakup, sickness, and tragedy, are all events that can change who you are. These events can also change how you look at the world, and eventually change who you are. Which eventually all adds up to who we are, what we act like, and who we become. Genetics â€Å"Heritability, 50% of variation in observable personality traits is attributable to genetic influences† (Leohlin 6). The second you are born, almost fifty-percent of who you are is already decided for you. That means that, your personality does represent a mixture of your parents to an extent. However these genes are susceptible to change like anything else. A traumatic experience, or an illness can change something in your genes and ultimately affect your personality. They have seen this is in identical twins separated at birth, they share similar characteristics, but they are different people. Genetics play a big part in personality development, however they are more of guidelines, not step by step instructions. Environmental The environment in which we live has an impacting effect on our personalities. What happens around you, and to you, change your for better and worse. Environmental factors include, parenting style, the beliefs of

Australian Journal Basic Applied Sciences †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Australian Journal Of Basic And Applied Sciences? Answer: Introducation Employment of mobile advisors by service offering firm is becoming a new trend in the business world. This is because of the flexibility that it brings. Due to increasing popularity of the mobile advisory, a lot of research is being conducted in the field. The research has been driven towards identifying factors that influence success of the mobile advisory services and mode of improving the services being offered through internet meetings and at clients offices; which are the two main aspects employed in the mobile advisory(techtarget, 2017). Previous research brings out mostly consistent findings that mobile advisory is increasing receiving acceptance among firms. However, the previous research concludes that wider and deeper research need to be conducted to improve the services being delivered to clients. Besides, creation of awareness and education of both service providers and clients so that both of them make decision from an informed point of view(T Heckert, 2006). Inasmuch as research on variables involved in mobile advisory services has been conducted and explored, there is much to be discovered. This is because little has been unveiled or directly investigated concerning the staff views and improvements to be done. Consequently, more research need to be carried out to address these issues in order to provide better services in a better environment that favor both clients and staff. Objectives In the process of bridging the gaps in the current study or improving the field of mobile advisory services, the research will purpose to find out the staffs opinion about their experiences in conducting services to clients as mobile advisors and highlight some of the improvements the staff believe should be employed to improve the services offered; in the process of delivering taxation and advisory services to clients. In the process of achieving this main objective, the main objective will be broken down into three smaller objectives so that the research process becomes smoother and more refined. Thus the main objective will be broken down into the following three objectives: To find out advantages of mobile advisory services based on the staffs beliefs and perception. To discover problems encountered by staff in the process discharging their duties as mobile advisors. To highlight and list mobile advisory service staffs suggestions on how to improve the mobile advisory services being offered. The three smaller objectives will mark the basis for the formulation of the research questions and the kind of information to be sourced from the respondents. The research questions, which will be driven towards meeting the research objectives and how each of them is linked to the research objective will be as follows: How can the mobile advisory service be improved? This question is driven towards meeting objective number three above. The responses given will be a boon in realizing the improvement parameters that should be employed is refining the services offered to clients. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile advisory services? This research questions brings out the cons and pros of the mobile advisory services from the point of view of the staff. Inasmuch the respondents are members of staff only, the responses given can be used to model clients views because the members of the staff are the ones who interact with the clients and can give clients feedback for record and implementation. Consequently, the responses given to this question will aid meeting of objective number one. What are the challenges encountered while discharging mobile advisory services? The answers to this question will highlight the problems the staff face while offering mobile advisory services thus help in meeting objective number three. Research type and method selection To achieve the objectives of the study, the research will employ qualitative techniques as opposed to quantitative techniques. Qualitative research makes use of non-numerical data and mainly seeks to decipher meaning from the data that aid understanding of social life and study of targeted population or places. This is unlike quantitative research techniques that make use numerical data and aims at determining causal and correlation relationships between variables(Crossman, 2017). Since the research does not aim at determining any statistical trends or formulating causal and correlation relationships, qualitative research is the most applicable and will be employed to meet the objectives of the study. This is because this research is driven towards qualitative analysis of staffs (targeted population) in order to decipher the quality of the services offered using mobile advisory services. The research will employ the following qualitative research methods: observation, interviews, que stionnaires, focus groups, contents analysis of visual and textual materials and open ended surveys. Observation: The chosen staff (sample) will be examined in the natural setting of the work place Interviews: The chosen staff will be asked question orally or via the phone to respond on various research questions. Questionnaires: The chosen staff will be served with questionnaires to fill and analysis done later. Focus Groups: The focus group in this case will be the sample selected to participate in the pilot test. The sample will be examined, interviewed and observed to collect the information required. Content Analysis visual and textual Materials: Staff feedback and office records will be assessed and analyzed. Open ended Surveys: The respondents will be allowed to respond to the questions the way want. This will facilitate wider data collections(Crossman, 2017). Population and sample Space Description The population of the study is the entire staff which is composed of one hundred and thirty advisory services staff. The staff is located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Due to the size of the population and location at different places, a smaller sample will be selected to ensure efficiency of the process and cut down the cost of the research. To determine the sample size, there are a number of considerations to be looked into. These are population size, margin of error, confidence level of the analysis and percentage value(market, 2017). However, this being a qualitative analysis, much consideration will be given to the spread of sample and even distribution of the sample selected. Since there are four locations where staff are located, assuming that they are even located at these locations, 10 staff will be chosen from each location leading to a total of 40 members in the sample space; which consist of 30.3% of the population. Data Analysis The collected data using the methods will be analyzed in the following seven steps(MADELON, 2015): Step I: the collected data will be transcribed and written in various forms Step II: Thereafter, the data will be organized in groups based on observed similarities. Step III: The first set of field notes drawn from interviews, observations or document reviews are given codes for organization based on stage step I. Step IV: Check and note personal reflections or other comments in the margin. Step V: The materials will be sorted out and sifted to identify similarities in similarities in patterns and relationships; including some differences between common sequences and sub groups. Step VI: At this stage, the identified patterns, commonalities, processes and differences are singled out and made ready for the next wave of data collection. Step VII: Elaboration of a small set of generalizations that cover the consistencies discerned in the database Step VII: Examination of those generalizations in light of a formalized body of knowledge in the form of constructs or theories Findings Limitations It is important to acknowledge that this research will be done in an accounting environment and applications of the finding to a non-accounting organization that offers mobile advisory services may face the following limitations: Sharp disparities in the type of clients dealt with may be a great limiting factor. There may be an organization that deals with illiterate clients thus may not be conversant with zoom or other video conferencing tools. Legal formalities required may differ thus requiring physical meetings at designed locations; based on the services offered. Explanatory sequential mixed methods are sequential mixed methods that are characterized by a collection and analysis of quantitative data and thereafter followed by a collection and analysis of qualitative data. Thus in explanatory sequential mixed methods, quantitative data collected and analyzed first(foodrisc, n.d.). Explanatory sequential mixed method is appropriate when using qualitative results to aid in describing and interpreting finding of quantitative research design. On the hand, exploratory sequential mixed methods are sequential mixed methods that are characterized by an initial phase that entails a qualitative data collection and analysis. This phase is then followed by data collection and analysis that is quantitative in nature. The method is appropriate in designs geared toward exploration of a phenomenon. Besides, the method can be employed in design purposing to develop and test new instruments(ResearchRundowns, n.d.). Finding Literature Isa, C. R., 2011. The Role of Organizational Fairness and Motivation in the Relationship Between Budget Participation and Managerial Performance: A Conceptual Paper. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(12), pp. 641-648. Osikhena, K., 2017. Relationship between Budget Participation, Budget Procedural Fairness, Organisational Commitment and Managerial Performance. [Online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269551345_Relationship_between_Budget_Participation_Budget_Procedural_Fairness_Organisational_Commitment_and_Managerial_Performance [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Noor, I. H. B. M., 2012. BUDGETARY PARTICIPATION: HOW IT AFFECTS PERFORMANCE AND COMMITMENT. [Online] Available at: https://visar.csustan.edu/aaba/Othman2012.pdf [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Josua Tarigan, D., 2015. The Influence of Budgeting Participation on Managerial Performance in. Journal of Accounting and Finance , 15(8), pp. 1-11 Summarizing article findings Source 1: Employees participation in setting the budget creates an aspect of fairness and mutuality. This not only creates a sense of ownership but also encourages the employees to work hard to toward the realization of the budget(Isa, 2011). Source 2: There is a positive relationship between budgetary participation and organizational commitments that influences managerial performance when it comes to the very budget. In brevity, the articles records that there is a positive implication on the performance of the budget in relation to the performance and managerial motivation. Consequently, to increase managerial performance, the management team should involve the in the budget creation process(Ogiedu, 2017). Source 3: The source finds out that there is both indirect and direct effect of budgetary participation and managerial performance. These comes as a result of employees commitment to the formulated budget. Thus for an organization to improve its performance, budgetary participation can be a strategy of achieving the same(Noor, 2012). Source 4: There are three main findings in the article. First, it is noted that there is a high probability between improvement of employees performance and budgetary participation. Secondly, job-relevant information of an organization can be enhanced by budgetary participation. Last but least, job-relevant information is a great factor when it comes to improvement of employees performance(Josua Tarigan, 2015). Writing Argument There is a strong relationship between budgetary participation and motivation towards achieving the budget(Isa, 2011). Budgetary participation has both indirect and indirect effect on the performance of the budget. When employees participate in the formulation of the budget, there is dedication by employees when it comes to seeing it succeed(Noor, 2012). Besides, indirectly, budgetary participation not only enhance managerial performance but also act as a booster to job-relevant information(Josua Tarigan, 2015). Additionally, another factor that causes budgetary participation to enhance employees motivation toward achieving the budget is a sense of ownership that is felt by the employees thus creating determination and joint involvement towards its achievement. The significance of culture Human nature is inherited, culture is learned; however, individuals within all cultures vary based on differences, preferences, values, and experiences(Hofstede, 2011). Power distance refers the extent to which members of an institution, an organization or family anticipate inequality when it comes power distributions. On the hand, individuality refers to the extent in which a person in a society look after themselves (individualist) or incorporated in a strong and cohesive groups (collectivism)(Hofstede, 2011). Culture Participation in budgeting The researchers suggest power distance can be minimized by creating an involvement scenario. That is, by involving those members of the society that consider themselves lesser in decision making and activities, they see themselves worthy and determined to be at the same level with other members. Besides, the researchers suggest that power distance is a hindrance to performance while collectivism is enhances performance(Dauw-Song Zhu, n.d.). Factors that influence in budgeting Employees attitude towards budget participation is influenced by a number of factors: The usefulness of the budget: The attitude of an employee towards the budgetary participation may depend on the whether the employee consider the budget worthy or relevant. When the employee consider the budget worthy and relevant then his or her interest will be inclined towards its success. This is contrary to when an employee considers the budget irrelevant and not worthy(Dauw-Song Zhu, n.d.). The motivation of budget: This refers to the internal motivation that an employee derives from the budget activities. If an employee is highly motivated by the budget, then he/she will have an attitude that is driven towards its achievement(Dauw-Song Zhu, n.d.). The feedback of the budget: The degree of the information an employee receives on the budget is a great determinant of the attitude of the employee toward the budget. When the feedback is consistently and fully given the concerned employee, there is a high likelihood that the employee will be inclined towards its achievement; subject to the previous factors outlined above(Dauw-Song Zhu, n.d.). Writing an Introduction Budgetary participation is a process through which the management teams members whose performance evaluations are involved, in part or full, in part-budget related activities and influential setting of those budgets. Inasmuch there is an option of leaving out some team managers in matters pertaining budget formulation, full participation of the management team increasingly becoming employed in the budget creation. Consequently, it is important for decision makers to be informed by looking into factors that influence budgetary participation before starting the process. References Crossman, A., 2017. An Overview of Qualitative Research Methods. [Online] Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/qualitative-research-methods-3026555 [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Dauw-Song Zhu, ,. F.-Y. N. C.-W. L. Y.-H. H. S.-H. C., n.d. A Study on the Factors Affecting the Budget-related Attitude of Hospital Departmental Managers and The Relationships of These Attitudes with Performance. [Online] Available at: https://gebrc.nccu.edu.tw/proceedings/APDSI/2002/papers/paper149.pdf [Accessed 18 September 2017]. foodrisc, n.d. Mixed methods research. [Online] Available at: https://resourcecentre.foodrisc.org/mixed-methods-research_185.html [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Hofstede, G., 2011. Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context. [Online] Available at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/orpc/vol2/iss1/8/ [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Isa, C. R., 2011. The Role of Organizational Fairness and Motivation in the Relationship Between Budget Participation and Managerial Performance: A Conceptual Paper. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(12), pp. 641-648. Isa, C. R., 2011. The Role of Organizational Fairness and Motivation in the Relationship Between Budget Participation and Managerial Performance: A Conceptual Paper. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(12), pp. 641-648. Josua Tarigan, D., 2015. The Influence of Budgeting Participation on Managerial Performance in Service Companies: An Evidence from Indonesia. Journal of Accounting and Finance , 15(8), pp. 1-11. MADELON, 2015. QUALITATIVE DATA-ANALYSIS: MAKING SENSE OF DATA IN 4 STEPS. [Online] Available at: https://www.7sens.es/uncategorized/making-sense-of-data-qualitative-data-analysis-4-steps/ [Accessed 18 September 2017]. market, C., 2017. Sample size calculator. [Online] Available at: https://help.surveymonkey.com/articles/en_US/kb/How-many-respondents-do-I-need [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Noor, I. H. B. M., 2012. BUDGETARY PARTICIPATION: HOW IT AFFECTS PERFORMANCE AND COMMENT. [Online] Available at: https://visar.csustan.edu/aaba/Othman2012.pdf [Accessed 18 September 2017]. Ogiedu, K. O., 2017. Relationship between Budget Participation, Budget Procedural Fairness, Organisational Commitment and Managerial Performance. [Online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269551345_Relationship_between_Budget_Participation_Budget_Procedural_Fairness_Organisational_Commitment_and_Managerial_Performance [Accessed 18 September 2017]. ResearchRundowns, n.d. Mixed Methods Research Designs. [Online] Available at: https://researchrundowns.com/mixed/mixed-methods-research-designs/ [Accessed 18 September 2017]. T Heckert, A. L. A. R.-B. C. D., 2006. Relations Among Student Effort, Perceived Class Difficulty Appropriateness, and Student Evaluations of Teaching: Is it Possible to Buy Better Evaluations Through Lenient Grading?. College Student Journal, 40(3), pp. 588-596. techtarget, 2017. web conferencing. [Online] Available at: https://searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com/definition/Web-conferencing [Accessed 18 September 2017].

Narendra Modi Essay Example

Narendra Modi Essay The Grand Illusion? There may be general consensus that the election in Gujarat is a no contest but the jury is still out on whether to credit Narendra Modis performance as Chief Minister or credit his massive and expensive propaganda machine, which his critics say has vastly inflated his rather limited successes. The Modi PR machine never sleeps, but in election time, goes into overdrive. There are his surreal, and much publicised 3D speeches, 29 Vikas Raths equipped with projectors, and 10 LED Raths, each with a 110 screen, which roam interior villages. His personal website has been given a spanking new election upgrade. As has his other social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook page and Youtube channel. The frequency of advertisements on TV, print and online have multiplied. And he also has his own TV channel: NaMo Gujarat, which was launched just before the elections. But who runs this for Mr Modi, and who pays for it? As with most things related to Mr Modi, the answers are not easy to come by. The Modi spin machine appears to use a mix of official, quasi-official and private players, with fragmented responsibilities, a structure that allows for grey areas of accounting and accountability. One such hub is run in a corporate tower in Ahmedabad at the offices of Maulik Bhagat, who runs a software and media firm. Mr Bhagat is only 27 years old, but his father is a BJP party headquarter fixture. Also part of this firm is Modi confidante Parindu Bhagat. Hes a new, but integral part of the Modi spin team, creating the concept for a series of popular kabbadi ads, meant to highlight the leaderless state of the Gujarat Congress. Mr Bhagat says he is also coordinating the chief ministers mammoth online and social media campaign. We will write a custom essay sample on Narendra Modi specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Narendra Modi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Narendra Modi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer But at the BJP headquarters, Rajeeka Kacheeria, who heads the partys IT cell, seems to suggest that she is coordinating a similar effort. The confusion over who runs Mr Modis online operations extends to questions about the costs as well. Mr Bhagat admits that while social media is low cost, running websites and producing ads and buying ad space comes at a cost. He says he doesnt have any idea of budgets. There is equal secrecy about the other big expense: the 3D projections. The opposition claims they were quoted figures of R 5-6 crore per projection. If that were true, by the end of the election Mr Modi would have spent R 20 crore on the 3D visuals alone. But Mr Mani Shankar, the director of the projections says that his lips are sealed and he cannot talk about the deal. The same opaqueness surrounds the running of NaMo TV. All that is visible is its content: a mix of speeches, talk shows and promotional features on the government. NaMo TV and the 3D projections are run by Parag Shah, an ex-member of the chief ministers office. Mr Shah refused to come on camera. But then details of government spending have always been hard to come by. The publicity department of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which Mr Modi controls, in its annual budget for 2011-12 has set aside R 1 crore for hiring a PR firm in Delhi to showcase the Gujarat growth story. But expenses of different campaigns are spread out amongst different ministries, making it impossible to pinpoint ownership or a complete figure. www. ndtv. com/article/assembly-polls/narendra-modi-the-grand-illusion-306076 1/3 7/28/13 Narendra Modi: The Grand Illusion? | NDTV. com RTI activists like Trupti Shah and Rohit Prajapati describe how they were repeatedly stonewalled when they tried to get details of spending on some of Mr Modis pet schemes. Their RTI application was also about the governments claim of providing employment to 65,000 people during the Swami Vivekananda Employment Week. She said in reality the figure was much less. They were also not provided with details on the travelling expenditure of the chief minister and other ministers. As an apparent bid to show transparency in election fundraising, Mr Modi launched Dhan Sangrah scheme early this year. Controversially this set targets for party officials and ministers to raise R 500 crore from the public. The party refused to comment on how much they raised, but reports suggested that the scheme had to be abandoned after rising allegations that it was a form of indirect extortion. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Ami Yagnik says that since the voters do matdaan, one cannot ask them for dhan-daan for the party. To this Jainarayan Vyas, spokesperson for the Gujarat government, said that the targets were not for individuals but for party units. He admits that while he managed to meet his targets, many fell short. In their defence, Mr Modis team claims the publicity machine is low-cost, because it is propelled by adoring volunteers. Like an army of online followers who spread his word and take on his critics. Ms Rajeeka says that about four to five thousand people are involved in retweeting Mr Modis tweets and spreading his word. She says that his online followers are genuine. And yet, soon after Mr Modis spin machine declared that he crossed a million followers on Twitter, the hype was somewhat deflated by a piece of news which said almost 40% of his followers were fake. Ms Rajeeka claims this is a deliberate conspiracy to defame Mr Modi. So are claims of Ms Modis vast support base as exaggerated as his achievements? The Congress rather feeble counter narrative to the Modi success narrative is ads that make a parody of a popular folk song and describe the Gujarat CM as a phenku or exaggerator. A greater worry for the BJP is the powerful Gujarati press, which seems to have done a U-turn on Mr Modi. In a rare interview, Shreyans Shah, editor of Gujarat Samachar, the states largest selling daily, says that he would give (Modi) all compliments for his marketing ability. He is an excellent marketing manager and marketing man and he can sell a fridge in the North Pole. We asked Jainarayan Vyas about the anomalies in the claims being made by the Gujarat chief ministers spin machine. For instance Planning Commission figures show that Gujarat comes sixth in Agriculture, fifth in literacy rate and 10th in sex ratio. Mr Vyas says that while its true that some states maybe growing faster than Gujarat, this could be because they operate from a lower base. Selling Mr Modi to Gujarat is one thing but how did the Modi PR machine sell him to the world? The origins of the Modi PR hardsell began in the immediate aftermath of the 2002 riots. The ad firm Grey Worldwide, which had come up with the concept of Vibrant Gujarat for the tourism department, was given a wider and more ambitious brief to convert Vibrant Gujarat into an investor summit. In the words of a PR professional, it was to create happy, happening images of Gujarat. Since 2003, the five editions of Vibrant Gujarat claimed to have brought in pledges of 800 billion dollars, which some claim is unrealistic. Former Hindu journalist Nina Vyas says the Vibrant Gujarat website claims they had over 800 billion dollars of MoU totally. For the same period of 10 years, the Reserve Bank says that Gujarat got only seven billion dollars. So, where is 800 billion dollars and where is seven billion dollars? And you can see the absurdity of the figure because the whole of China for the same period received a total of 600 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI). I mean its an utter web of lies. When it is pointed out that Gujarat trails at number 5 as an FDI destination, Mr Vyas says it is unfair to only go by FDI figures and that other sectors have flourished, citing the example of auto majors Maruti and Tata. But the summits may have served their intended purpose. Manoj Ladwa , a UK-based lawyer and a Whitehall insider, is believed to have laid much of the groundwork that led to the UKs U-turn on Mr Modi. He spoke of how anti-Modi voices in the UK, like Curry King Lord Gulam Noon and Lord Meghnad Desai, changed their mind about the Gujarat chief minister. Some reports suggested that the change of heart maybe because of lobbying by firms like APCO Worldwide, the PR firm which replaced Grey in 2009. www. ndtv. com/article/assembly-polls/narendra-modi-the-grand-illusion-306076 2/3 7/28/13 Narendra Modi: The Grand Illusion? NDTV. com APCO refused to respond to specific questions on lobbying and instead claimed: Our mandate is limited to positioning Gujarat as an investment destination of choice and the Vibrant Gujarat Summit as a global business and knowledge hub. Mr Manoj says it is not lobbying but the Vibrant Gujarat success story which brought this turnaround. He says that the starting p oint was in fact the statement made by the British High Commissioner after meeting Mr Modi, where he said that engagement with Mr Modi would happen if it was in their national self-interest, which would primarily mean business interest. But when asked to name big investors that have set up shop after 10 years of hardsell, he says its not about the big ticket but whats happening on the ground with smaller players across different sectors. With victory in sight, any exercise to point out loopholes in Mr Modis claims might be academic. But is using a political PR blitz to paper over a controversial past and win elections good for the health of Indian democracy? (With inputs from Niha Masih)