One of the most controversial incidents – with series of hearings, from supreme courts reform and justice aids to the Nanavati’s commission, the dates change year but justice is still out of reach for many. Questions have been asked – justice is pleaded… When mobs couldn’t differentiate between burning a taxi or a Sikh alive, when the local cops stood 30 feet away watching a fellow Indian citizen’s life long earning afire, this day dents a ‘?’ in this nations civil rights. Sikhs became refugees in their own country. Refugees under 1984′s present day government, who till date are questioned on the allegations of this controversial organized violence.

Several innocent Sikhs were killed in the shadow of rash actions of TWO sikhs. It was a sad day for the Sikhs, it was the sad day for India. The Sikh community which has a tradition of sending ATLEAST one son from the family to the Army – to serve the nation, on this very day, their chauvinism was rewarded! But, there was no retaliation. It was a pogrom!

I was in my mom’s womb, and as a growing child I hear their and the neighboring community(s) tail of escape, about some Hindu friends taking them in their homes, saving them from the numerous mobs. Just like hundreds and thousands… young parents lost a hope that day, they lost a dream… soon in years life came back on track, some are lucky to build on the ashes of their dreams… but some still live with the scars…

It was a saddest day not only for the Sikhs & Punjab was not just ‘A Bleeding Punjab’, it is a sad day for India! I honor the courage which enlighten the hope for a new beginning again in their hearts, I honor the humane hands of the hundreds and thousands of Hindu friends – who came forward to help their fellow civilians, I honor those 2700 innocent Sikhs who were killed… even today when the dishearten families await justice, their ever lasting courage, to be the ‘food factory’ for the nation and to be willing to sacrifice their sons in wars for the Integrity of this very nation, India.

Soon after the puja we had dinner at the ‘Sultan Kebab’. Our only savior in this small town! I had kebab wrap… proud to say now, I can make better kebabs!!! But whats important- being part of the celebration!. Actually, I badly needed a break, but I am not sure if I can afford more of these this week and even the coming weeks. During our long lasting dinner… to my dismay we ended up talking about corruption, exports, imports, mafia… I dont even remember who came up with this topic!!!

Soon the topic moved on… discussing imports and exports in Costa Rica… We have a Costa Rican with us – Daniel. We spoke about companies which have an huge impact on a country’s economy… and Costa Rica was the best example! Soon the topic rolled over to 32 and 64 bit processors… I felt as if I was having dinner on a family table… wondering why? well we had an argument – including me :p! But then we did focus on Costa Rica this time… Most of us know that Costa Rica is home to Intel’s (one of the worlds) largest assembly and test plant. I was really curious to understand their impact on Costa Rica and I kept on talking to Daniel… and when I came back I started reading more about Intel’s project in Costa Rica…and relate to the things that we had a chat on…

Intel – Now choosing a tiny country, a huge decision to invest to locate its US$300 million semiconductor assembly and test plant, led to several studies on the numerous impacts. These impacts on Costa Rica has been recounted. Twelve years, hindsight affords numerous impacts, many of which were unexpected. Now beyond the direct impact on the country’s economy – GDP, FDI and trade growth, which we spoke during the dinner, Intel’s continuous investment was a catalyst in Costa Rica’s image – as a global competitive investment location. I learned from Daniel that several Latin countries were in a competetive race and also a possible choice for Intel. But we know the result. This followed with a better investment climated and a new FDI scheme to secure more investment in other targeted sectors. Now my direct question was:

What do the people think?

And I guess the answer was obvious from Daniel’s face. The investment reached local community, affecting education, country’s knowledge base and business culture. But this was just the start… my curiosity lead to another question:

Does Intel pay tax to the Costa Rican government?

And to my surprise they are set up in the there own free zone. The Intel campus in Costa Rica was set up in its own free zone. The country’s free zone policy was revised. As a free zone investor Intel received incentives (huge ones): 100% exemption on import duties on raw materials, export taxes, local sales, excise taxes, 100% exemption on taxes on profits for eight years and 50% on the following four years. Fully expedited on-site customs clearance, ability to sell to exporters within Costa Rica….

These are some of the standard investment incentives for Intel in Costa Rica. A clear impact has been on the FDI of Costa Rica and a revolution in its export composition – In 1985 Costa Rica’s electric and electronic exports were mere 3% and in the year 2003 – 28%!!!! Impressive!

Talking about social impact – Intel has had an impact on the business culture and community in general… a highly regarded employer, a contributor to several social programs, environmental awareness. And has an huge role to play in the reinforcement of Educational infrastructure – Technical education, English reinforcement program, electronics, vocational schools and other engineering fields. Well I did manage to get a complete case study on Intel’s project… for those of you interested – it can be found here.

Bhangra Night…

Also on a cool note… Daniel and I have decided to perform a Bhangra dance on our graduation next year… we hope we find some more brave people! I wanted to perform some Bhangra and was looking for a partner… tomorrow – Daniel and I meet up and we do some rock and roll – Desi Style!!!