Death of a sister…

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 27 May 2009: Surendra Nautiyal, younger brother of Anshu Nautiyal – the girl who was strangulated on Saturday morning – is at a loss for words. “She was a simple girl and had no friends at all – neither in our neighbourhood nor in her college (DAV College, where she was a student of B Com Ist year),” said Surendra, who himself is a first year student of a Polytechnic Institute at Suddhowala.

Ironically, with BCom Ist year results of Garhwal University coinciding with her tragic killing, Anshu’s family is least bothered about how she had fared in her first year exam. “She secured above 60% in her Plus Two from Nari Shilp. Plus, apart from working at the PCO (Rs 1000 per month for personal expenses), she never missed her BCom tutorials at Mitr Lok Colony,” added Surendra, pointing out that ‘by nature, my sister was an introvert.’

“I had filled the DAV admission form on her behalf and also took her to the exam centre.” Daughter of a retired Group IV employee of Survey of India, Anshu reportedly kept her mother informed before leaving for any place. “Even to visit our neighbourhood shops, she always informed our mother.”

But, then, what happened in this case? “The PCO owner, by nature, used to enquire from me, whenever she was late (the PCO at Paltan Bazar reportedly opened at 10 a.m.) or sick. But this time, he did not inform us and also kept his phone switched off,” he added, pointing out that his sister did not have a mobile phone.

Though police reports say that the killer strangulated Anshu at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Anshu’s family feel that they could have saved her if the PCO owner had informed them when she did not reach her work place.Anshu has two other sisters including three brothers. “She was the youngest of the siblings,” informed Harish Nautiyal, elder brother of Anshu, who along with their neighbours were on a dharna at Gandhi Park this evening.“Forget about a mobile phone, she even used to walk the three kms distance on foot from Sridev Suman Nagar Colony to the Paltan Bazar PCO.”

Harish, who is a private worker, added that his sister being gullible in nature, ‘anybody could easily talk to her’.

There was a delay in filing an FIR due to confusion over territorial jurisdiction between Bindal Chowki and Khurbura Chowki in the night of Saturday, 23 May.

“As per the law laid down by the Supreme Court, police cannot refuse to register an FIR on the ground that they do not have jurisdiction. If, however, after investigation is over, if the police come to the conclusion that they have no jurisdiction, they should forward the case to the magistrate empowered to take cognisance of the offence,” said Sarit Sharma, a lawyer practicing at the Dehradun District Court.

“The Apex Court gave this ruling in the Satvinder Kaur vs State of Delhi in 1999,” he said, adding that family members in cases of inaction by the police in disappearance/ kidnap cases could also approach the HC for issuance of Mandamus/ Habeas Corpus as well as also complain to the Human Rights Commission.However, it is another matter that Uttarakhand does not have its own State Human Rights Commission.

“The poor get no justice,” said Vimal, one of Anshu’s neigbours.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=1216

ICFAI University does not need AICTE approval: VC

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 26 May 2009: Professor Prabhakar Anant Kulkarni, VC of ICFAI University, Dehradun, who is in the eye of the storm following the varsity’s BTech students (848) demanding AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) recognition of their courses, is pretty much acquainted with the latter’s working.

“Previously, I worked as AICTE’s Western Region member for 10 years,” Kulkarni told Garhwal Post, while appealing to the agitating students to join classes.

Speaking exclusively to Garhwal Post, Kulkarni said that following their agitation since 27 March, the students had fallen behind their academic schedule by 4 weeks. “All semesters should have ended by 27 April,” he said, reasoning that final year BTech students (about 70 in Biotechnology, Electronics and Computer Science) had appeared for their final year exam today.

The agitation also forced the varsity to postpone its semester exams for Ist and 2nd year, which were scheduled for 13-14 May. “If normalcy returns, we are ready to reschedule our academic calendar. The management is even ready to hold extra-classes to complete the remaining syllabus in 18-20 days before holding their exam,” he added.

Interestingly, and quite inexplicably, while on the one hand, while final year BTech students took their exam today, their juniors chose to continue their agitation near the Assembly. “Some of the agitating ICFAI students have become tools in the hands of opportunists,” the VC alleged.

“If their agitation had merit, then the final year BTech students would not have appeared for their exam today.”

Affiliation issue

Answering an issue, which was raised by the agitating students (See Garhwal Post story, published yesterday), Kulkarni said that Section 8 (r) of The ICFAI University Act, 2003 had wrongly mentioned the word ‘AICTE’ after and. “The word ‘covered’ does not mean affiliation from AICTE,” he said, adding that ‘had the lawmakers intended the University seek affiliation from AICTE, they would have clearly mentioned it in the Act itself’.

“Section 8 (r) is in conformity with sec 22 of the UGC Act, which prescribes the nomenclature of the degrees that can be given by a university. But AICTE, with no such nomenclature, was wrongly inserted in the 2003 ICFAI Act.”

Admission wrangle

On the other issue of ICFAI’s plan to give admission to students from ICFAI’s other independent institutions based in Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, etc., he said the 2003 ICFAI Act permitted them to do so. “Section 8 (u) permits us to admit students from other institutions,” he said, clarifying that in 2005, following the closure of Rai University, ICFAI Academic Council had given admission to 4 of its students in Dehradun.

(However, when contacted for his opinion, Kaushelendra Singh, ICFAI Student Union leader said, “As per law, transfer of students can take place from one UGC recognized university to another UGC recognized university.” According to him, ICFAI BTech students of Doon would suffer if others are allowed in as it would affect quality of teaching…)

On the question of whose responsibility it was to see whether ICFAI University, Dehradun conformed to the AICTE norms or not, the VC stated that their Board of Governors and Board of Management included nominees of the government/UGC.

“While, in the ICFAI Board of Management, the state government can nominate one Principal Secretary/ Secretary to the state government, Higher Education, for the Board of Governors, the UGC has already nominated Prof Ashish Dutta. Similarly, the State Governor has also nominated two members –Mrs Brar (Welham Girls Principal) and Shalendu Neogi (ex-Director GAIL),” he asserted, adding that in case of any requirements they are authorised to bring it to the notice of the University.

NAAC rating

Kulkarni emphasised that in view of the importance of NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) ratings among employers, ICFAI University, Dehradun ‘is planning to apply for it’. “In 2/3 months time, we would be applying for NAAC ratings for all the courses of the varsity,” he said, adding that being an autonomous body of UGC, for NAAC ratings, a prior existence of five years for a varsity ‘is mandated’.

“Apart from this, ICFAI University, Dehradun has also been accorded provisional membership to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). In due course, we would become a full-fledged AIU member,” he said.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1184

Son of sitting MP also among striking ICFAI students

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 25 May 2009: Harihar Mishra, a BTech III year Computer Science student of ICFAI University, Dehradun is a celebrity among his friends, who are on dharna outside the Assembly seeking AICTE approval for their BTech courses. “My father – Ram Prakash Mishra – is a Member of Parliament from UP’s Shahjahanpur,” Harihwar told Garhwal Post, adding that he has informed his father about their ongoing agitation.

Among the 300-odd ICFAI’s BTech students, who had gathered near the Assembly today, there was also Sanjay Patel, IIIrd year Computer Science student, whose father is an ex-MP from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh State. “He belongs to BSP,” said Patel, who unknown to his heavyweight politician father, is on a hunger strike since last Monday at their protest site.

“I am just living on plain water,” added red-eyed Patel, pointing out that in the last eight days, he had lost 7-8 kgs.

Since March 27 (see Garhwal Post story published yesterday), ICFAI’s BTech students are on a warpath seeking AICTE affiliation for their courses. Following the hunger strike by over a dozen students since last week, two students – Rahul and Vivek – have been hospitalised so far.

Ultra Vires

Speaking to Garhwal Post, Kaushelendra Singh, ICFAI Student Union leader, said that ICFAI University, Dehradun was planning to accommodate students from its other centres from Hyderabad, Bangalore and Jaipur to Dehradun. “This is illegal,” he said explaining that following the Apex Court guidelines given in Prof Yashpal vs Govt of Chhattisgarh (2005) had nullified Section 7 (b) of the The ICFAI University Act, 2003 enacted by the Uttarakhand Government, even with retrospective effect.

The said section reads: ICFAI University, Dehradun can establish a campus in the state, and have study centres at different places in India and other countries.

According to the protesting students, the impugned section was not amended by the state government in tune with the Apex Court guidelines. “Already, there is an infrastructure problem, then how can they accommodate an additional 3000 students at one place,” Singh asked. “By August, students from other centres would be given admission here.”

Reading from The ICFAI University Act, 2003, the students also allege that acquiring AICTE affiliation by the University was mandated under the said Act. “As per Section 8 ( r ) of the said Act, they require permission from UGC and AICTE for running degree courses,” pointed out Singh.

The said section reads: ICFAI University, Dehradun can prescribe such courses for Bachelors Degrees, PG… which would be covered by UGC and AICTE…(What though is the definition of ‘covered’ in this contest is difficult to decipher.)

University’s stand

When contacted, Prof Prabhakar Anant Kulkarni, VC of ICFAI University, Dehradun said that about 1000 plus students ‘have expressed their desire to complete their BTech course fom ICFAI, Dehradun’. “The paperwork for acquiring University status for ICFAI’s other independent institutions in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and Bhuvaneshwar is underway,” he explained.

He also denied that with the arrival of more students at ICFAI University, Dehradun would affect the quality of teaching. “We have already appointed 47 faculty members from IITs and other reputed institutions for BTech programmes in Biotech, CS, Electronics and Mechanical in Jan/Feb itself.

”On the issue of AICTE approval raised by the protesting students, he said that ICFAI University, Dehradun was within the ambit of law. “As per the existing law, getting AICTE approval is not needed for a University. A regulation free administration works better,” he emphasised.

About the problems faced by some passed out students on account of alleged rejection of their job applications by some PSUs he said, “We have filed an RTI on 5 May with the HRD Ministry seeking its stand on three points: 1. Whether ICFAI University, Dehradun requires AICTE approval. If it is not, then are the students eligible to apply for government jobs…”

“We expect to get a reply soon,” he hoped, adding that with the arrival of students from ICFAI’s other institutions from other states it would ‘lead to the development of a cosmopolitan character in ICFAI. “There would also be increased competition among students, which is good.”

He, however, said that new students would be admitted from other ICFAI centres ‘based on their capability to provide them academic facilities’.

Commenting on proposed amendment of Section 7 of The ICFAI University Act, 2003 following SC verdict in Yashpal case by the Uttarakhand government, he said, “I don’t think the Yashpal case has any connection with the proposed amendment of section 7 of The ICFAI University Act, 2003.”

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=1173

AICTE Mess: ICFAI’s BTech students have a point…

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 24 May 2009: Legal complexities, it seems, have become roadblocks to the future of 848 BTech students doing courses viz Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, BTech Biotech and BTech (Mechanical) from ICFAI University, here.

Faced with rejection of their job applications (first batch in the four above mentioned courses have passed out) from Delhi Metro, Indian Navy and Technical Branches of the Indian Army on the ground that their degrees are not recognised by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), have forced their juniors to boycott their college.

Beginning their protests from ICFAI campus, Selaqui, on 27 March, they have been staging dharnas at all the well-known protest sites outside the Secretariat and State Assembly premises.

“We have been misled by ICFAI University,” said Kaushelendra Singh, ICFAI Student Union leader and a third year student of Computer Science, who is on a hunger strike with his classmates inside a temporary tarpaulin tent near the Assembly.

AICTE fixture

The students say that although ICFAI University, Dehradun is recognised by UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and statutorily created by Uttarakhand Government under ICFAI University Act 2003 (Act No.16 of 2003), they still require AICTE recognition to apply for government jobs.

“There are some PSUs as well as private institutions that compulsorily look at whether a BTech institution has AICTE recognition or not. They are not ready to listen to our explanations,” added Singh, pointing out that the Apex Court guideline issued in the case of Bharathidsan University vs AICTE (in 2001) had certain loopholes.

Apex Court stand

A clear reading of the Apex Court judgment in the famous case relating to the requirement of AICTE approval for BTech courses, a copy of which is with Garhwal Post, leads to contradictory interpretations.

In that case, the Supreme Court had held: Under AICTE Act, 1987, a University is not needed to acquire prior approval of AICTE for conducting technical education courses of its choice. Ironically, the same judgment adds another clause, which reads: However, a University is obliged to conform to the standards and norms laid down by AICTE.

Now, the point is who would see whether the University (ICFAI University, Dehradun in this case) conforms to the standards and norms laid down by AICTE? According to the protesting ICFAI students, the responsibility lies with the State Government. “It is the state government (during the tenure of ND Tiwari regime) that gave legal recognition to ICFAI University, Dehradun by legislating the ICFAI University Act 2003 (Act No.16 of 2003). So, if there is any problem, it is the government's duty to rectify it,” Singh explained.

Interestingly, though ICFAI University, Dehradun did not feel the need to acquire AICTE recognition for running BTech programmes, it acquired recognition for other programmes. The website maintained by the University says that for its law programmes it has Bar Council of India recognition, while for its Bachelors' Programme in Education, it has acquired NCTE’s (National Council of Teacher Education) recognition.

Whether it was the silence of the Bharathidsan case in Law as well as BEd programmes that has led it to seek approval for these courses, is not known.

Meanwhile, the unsolved problem is forcing students to miss out their academic career since 27 March, 2009. The fallout of the impasse over the AICTE affiliation would hit mostly the non-local students, who constitute almost 90% of the BTech students’ strength. “We are mostly from Bihar/Jharkhand, UP, Delhi, West Bengal, while the rest are from Uttarakhand,” said Anuj Kumar Singh, a resident of Patna and a III rd year ECE student, adding that he took admission after reading a survey done by a prominent magazine on ICFAI.

“The survey did not mention whether it has AICTE affiliation or not. But it only ranked private universities as per which ICFAI Hyderabad was placed in good rank,” he recalled.“When we took admission, we never imagined we would run into any sort of problem in the future as it was recognised by UGC and established by a State Act. Now, what we have learnt is that AICTE recognition is of paramount importance,” said Swamy Srivastav, a resident of Faizabad and first year student pursuing Computer Science.

Swamy’s elder brother reportedly is a final year BTech student at ICFAI’s Hyderabad campus. “All BTech students of ICFAI campuses in the rest of India like Bangalore, Jaipur and Hyderabad get their degrees from ICFAI University, Dehradun,” he said, pointing out that this was against law."My brother is more confused than me, as he has successfully bagged a job with a good software company though off-campus placement. By July, he has to produce his certificates, which have to go from ICFAI University, Dehradun," he informed.

Recently, in reply to an RTI query filed by a student of ICFAI University, Dehradun on 16 April (a copy is with Garhwal Post), the UGC on the question whether constituent colleges of ICFAI University, Dehradun were approved by UGC, replied: ICFAI University, Dehradun cannot open any off campus centre beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Uttarakhand as per the decision of the Apex Court in the Prof Yashpal vs Govt of Chattisgarh case. The university also cannot grant affiliation to any college.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1158

Plus two topper from Welhams aims to be CA

By PRABEER SIKDAR

Dehradun, 21 May 2009: Unlike what is common is Bihar among academically brilliant, Pranay Todi, a Welhamite, who topped Commerce Stream in the state by securing 98.75% in ICSE, wants to be a CA. “I am not cut out for Civils,” Todi told Garhwal Post, post his victory in the percentage war, from his home at West Champaran District, Bihar.

“My interests have been more oriented towards MNCs, stock markets and not others.”

The affable guy from Bihar, who after completing his class X from Assembly of God Church School (Bihar) joined Welham Boys, set a new academic record for his school as well. But he was not entirely the bookish kind in school.

“I was the captain of our school Table Tennis team and also took active in squash, cricket, football, volleyball, writing (was editor of ‘Sankalp’ the school’s Hindi magazine), School prefect, quizzer …,” said Todi, while crediting his success to a perfect blend between academics and extra-curricular activities at school.

Success Secrets

Todi is proud of being a Welhamite. He makes a case for boarding school education when it comes to scoring marks. “Unlike Day Scholars, who most often join tutorials after school, a boarder has to participate in extra-curricular activities,” he said, reasoning that such exposure broadens mind. “I also never missed weekly movies screened by our School Film Society,” he added, while underscoring the need for entertainment.

Citing other reasons for his success, he said that group study with his friends also helped a lot. “We friends did both—study and masti – together,” he disclosed, explaining that spending quality study hours was more important than studying at a stretch.

“Though I did not attend any tutorial classes, my teachers at Welham Boys were always there to help,” he informed, adding that apart from good teachers for conceptual clarity, for better scoring, one also needs to master the art of writing answers accompanied by a lot of practice.

Son of a businessman, Todi, who is now preparing for his CA Foundation Exam (to be held in June), wants to join B Com (Honours) in Delhi University’s FRCC.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1162

U’khand LS verdict: Implications for voters

By PRABEER SIKDAR:

DEHRADUN, 17 May 2009: With all Congress candidates bagging the LS seats in Uttarakhand, there is now an intellectual debate about what it would eventually entail for the voters, who had voted for the Congress and those who had opted for the BJP.

For instance, with the Election Commission choosing to display the final vote figure constituency wise, it is public knowledge as to how many voted for a particular party in a given constituency.

Post the verdict, it is interesting to note that sitting Congress MP Vijay Bahuguna, who successfully retained his seat from the Tehri LS constituency, had fared badly from Tehri proper, i.e., he secured 10,930 votes as compared to Rana’s 13,094 votes.

Other constituencies, where Bahuguna lost to the BJP were Purola, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Ghansali and Dhanolti. The moot point is: Whether this factor will be considered or would affect in any way Bahuguna’s (or any other Congress MP in the other four constituencies in similar cases) when it comes to spending under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MP LAD) funds.

(As per rule, each Lok Sabha MP gets a choice of suggesting to the DM developmental works to the tune of Rs 2 crores per annum in his/her constituency every year.)

“No,” says Shankar Chand Ramola, General Secretary, Uttarakhand PCC and Chief Campaign Manager of the party during the poll. “There would be no partiality. All developmental works in the constituencies would be carried out based on priorities and necessities,” he asserts, adding that due to delimitation, some of the assembly constituencies were new, so the verdict, in some areas, went against the party candidates.

“There would be no revenge factor in play,” he emphasises, pointing out that winning Congress candidates, would ‘sincerely implement Central government schemes under NREGA, Bharat Nirman, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, etc., in their respective constituencies impartially.

A similar view was also echoed by Harish Virmani, City Congress President, who was instrumental in setting up electoral committees in all the 60 wards for Congress Party candidates – Vijay Bahuguna and Harish Rawat. “Logically, in view of the next Assembly Election in the state (three years down the line), the Congress party would strive to see that there are more development works in areas where we secured less votes,” he underscores, while making a strong case against CM Khanduri, who he says should ‘step down on moral grounds’.

EC’s Motive

Though it is not clear why, despite being an LS election, the EC did not object to release of voter data constituency wise, a lower level Congress party worker confides anonymously that ‘it gives scope for partiality’. Though only time would tell on where the winning candidates choose to spend their MPLAD fund, the method itself appears questionable.

However, Ramola defends the present system saying, “This shows the way voters voted for a party. As a consequence, now, a party would put in more efforts in areas where it got less support.” “Work would be positive in negative areas,” says Jitendra Chauhan, another City Congress worker.

An inevitable corollary leading out from this predicament is: Whether the BJP state government would ‘punish’ those constituencies which did not vote for the BJP candidates or put in more effort to woo them back to the fold before the Assembly election also remains to be seen.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1040

NDA topper Dhar wants to join Naval Academy

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 20 May 2009: The 17-year-old Abindu Dhar had watched American swimmer Michael Phelps making his record haul at 2008 Beijing Olympics on television. So, it is no surprise that the final year RIMC cadet, who topped the NDA exam this year, wants to join the Naval Academy, Goa after his three year stint at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
“I like swimming,” he told Garhwal Post.
Son of a Jammu based government officer, Dhar not only has a blazer in Academics (aggregate of all academic performances beginning from class VIII), but also actively coordinates with his fellow cadets in taking out RIMC’s Monthly Chronicle. “I am also the secretary of our College Journalism Club,” said Dhar, appearing indifferent to his success.Apart from Dhar, this year, 14 other RIMC cadets also got selected in the NDA Exam, which was taken by over three lakh students all over India. Of these, eight cadets found a place in the top 50.
Sharing his success with Garhwal Post, Dhar said that one should have a focused attitude to tackle the exam. “Unlike other competitive tests, NDA is different as one has to know a bit of everything,” he explained.
“From English to GK, biology, physics, geology, chemistry etc., everything has to be covered. The emphasis should be more on mathematics (plus one and two),” he said, while giving credit to RIMC faculty, especially SK Tyagi and Rachna Malhotra, for his success.“One also has to take extra burden to learn concepts of Biology, Physics and Chemistry again as only class 10 level questions are asked.”
Coaching
On the need for coaching to crack NDA, Dhar pointed out that one can do well even without coaching. “For psychological tests also, coaching is not required but it may be useful for performing endurance/ obstacle tests,” he said, while advising NDA aspirants to give emphasis on physical fitness. “Jogging for a while everyday also helps,” he suggested.
SSB Experience
Dhar, who was called to Bhopal for his five-day SSB test, said that he was caught on the wrong foot after the interviewer asked him to list five negative things about RIMC. “I knew the positive things but was totally clueless about anything negative about it,” he acknowledged.
“Except this question, I convincingly answered the others,” he added.
Maritime thoughts
Referring to maritime security lapses in the Mumbai episode, Dhar said, “There should be more coordination among Navy, Coast Guards and the police.”
Compared to Pakistan’s naval strength, Dhar said that India was on a better footing. “While India is able to produce indigenous aircraft carriers at the Kochi shipyard, Pakistan is not,” he said.
About the future requirements of the Indian Navy, he made a case for induction of nuclear submarines. “Unfortunately, we do not have the capability of producing indigenous nuclear subs, but some day, India will,” he asserted.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1090

Doon film buffs kept ‘Zanjeer’ going for 15 weeks

Flashback

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 19 May 2009: Prakash Mehra, a small town man from Bijnor who gave Amitabh Bachchan the persona of ‘Angry Young Man’, is dead but the ‘fire’ in his films, still linger on in memories.

Take for instance, Manohar Yadav, 45, a private worker (near Raj Plaza) and self-proclaimed fan of Amitabh Bachchan, who despite his advancing age still nurtures the angry young man image of Vijay, the character played by Big B in many films. “I watched Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) thrice,” Yadav told Garhwal Post.

The film, which ran for 16 weeks at Kanak Cinema, drew a houseful crowd for three weeks. “During that time, we paid Rs 2 lakhs advance, considered very high that time, to get the film,” recalled LS Dhawan, Manager of Kanak Cinema, adding that the Balcony seat then cost only Rs 5.

“The front circle cost Rs 1.90 paise and Rs 3 was the price for Upper Stall,” he said, adding that all Mehra-Big B films pulled in heavy crowds. It is another story that Kanak Cinema, now, makes money mostly by showing Bhojpuri movies.

At Payal Cinema, which screened the Mehra directed ‘Sharaabi’ (1984) for 16 weeks, the film reportedly drew a houseful crowd for 7 weeks. “Mehra’s film ‘Namak Halaal’ (1982), ran a repeat screening after being shown at Prabhat Cinema, for 12 weeks,” recalled Taranjeet Singh Kohli, a man looking after Payal Theatre’s parking lot for more than 25 years.

According to Chhotu Rehman, who runs Chhaya Scooter Centre opposite Payal Theatre, ticket seekers for ‘Sharaabi’ formed serpentine queues running up to the main road. “Then, the show timings used to be 12-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 p.m.,” he disclosed, pointing out that excess crowd used to disturb their work.

In contrast, Payal, where a dubbed version of Hollywood film ‘Island Mummy’ is currently being shown, had only 20 people inside the 945 seat theatre at the 4 p.m. show.

But one man who witnessed the soaring popularity of Big B in Doon among film buffs (then there were no Cable TV, CDs, DVDs, etc.) clearly, is Bala Kishen, 56, a lineman- turned-machine operator-turned booking counter staff at Prabhat Theatre.

“Prakash Mehra’s three hit films – Zanjeer (1973), Laawaris (1981) and Namak Halal (1982) – were screened at Prabhat Theatre,” informed Kishen, who has been working at the same theatre for more than 35 years.

“Zanjeer ran for 15 weeks and always used to block traffic for hours during the show,” recollected Kishen, adding that tickets then were priced at Rs 3.60 for the balcony. “The die hard fans in the front seats only paid 60 paise.”

According to Kishen, Mehra’s ‘Laawaris’ (1981) ran for 14 weeks, while Namak Halal (1982) had a successful run of 13 weeks. (Unfortunately, due to non-release of new films, Prabhat Theatre is now screening a repeat of the Aamir Khan starrer ‘Ghajini’ with only a handful crowd.

Interestingly, following Zanjeer’s successful run of 100 days here, Mehra gifted a memento to the owner of Prabhat theatre. The memento, which depicts the figure of a jumping horse, is still carefully preserved.

But why horse? “The horse symbol had a pivotal place in the plot of Zanjeer,” explained Kishen. “Vijay (Big B) comes to know about the identity of the villain Teja (Ajit), only by looking at the bracelet that had a horse tied to it…,” Kishen pointed out.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1106

Arora greets Bond on his 75th B’day

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 19 May 2009: Upendra Arora, owner of the Rajpur Road based The Green Bookshop and a longtime friend of Ruskin Bond, was the first to greet the eminent author on his 75th birthday at the latter’s Ivy Cottage in Landour.

“I drove up to Mussoorie and was the first to greet him at 10:30 a.m.,” said Arora, adding that he congratulated Bond’s adopted son – Prem and his wife – for looking after the ageing author with love and affection.

According to Arora, whose book shop the author frequented (he still does, sometimes) to browse classics written by the likes of Thomas Hardy, Henry Fielding, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, etc., while staying in Doon (he lived in Astley Hall and Old Survey Road for some years), he presented Bond a multi-coloured carnation bouquet.

“Carnation flowers are Bond’s weakness,” Arora disclosed, pointing out that Bond had revealed this to him many years ago. “We have been friends for the last 25 years.”During his short but sweet visit at Bond’s Landour home, Arora pointed out that a mother-son duo had come all the way from Mumbai to greet the author. “The mother, who is known to me, had promised her son a visit to Bond’s home if he fared well in his exams,” said Arora, while emphasising his popularity among children.

So far, according to Arora, Penguin India has published more than 70 books authored by Bond. “About 40 titles are still in print,” he informed, adding that 25 more titles have been published by Rupa.

Among Bond’s bestselling books include ‘Rain in the Mountains’, ‘Friends in Small Places, The Room on the Roof’, Bond’s collected fiction, Book of Nature, Best of Bond, etc., revealed Arora.

Bond’s secrets

On being asked to reveal the secrets of his good health, Bond reportedly told Arora, “Be content with life and try to take some time off to look out of the window…”

“I don’t envy anyone. I don’t believe in grabbing what is not mine, because it leads to stress and unhappiness in life…,” said Bond, while crediting these principles for his good health and longevity.

Meanwhile, The Green Bookshop is stockpiling Bond’s popular books for its upcoming programme in Doon on May 23. “The programme is titled Come, Meet & Greet Bond, which will also be attended by Ravi Singh, CEO of Penguin India,” Arora told Garhwal Post.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1070

Slowdown Marriages: Matchmakers give mixed verdict

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 18 May 2009: While laid off IT employees in Hyderabad and Bangalore are finding it difficult to tie the nuptial knot, for Doon based would be brides and grooms, the problem in the slowdown period is of a different kind.

“A change in the selection criteria of would-be-grooms has come about due to the slowdown,” says Bhupender Singh, owner of the Neshville Road based Gurukripa Sangam Matrimonial Services, a Marriage Bureau that specialises only in Punjabi matches from four major Punjabi sub-groups viz Bannu, Hazara, Arora and Khukrain.

“Now, some girls’ families, in this economic crisis, are willing to overlook the earnings of potential grooms if they have MBA, MCA or IT degrees from prestigious institutions,” he discloses, stating that boys with plain degrees (MAs, BScs, MScs, MComs, etc.) were no longer preferred by working girls.

“For qualified and well-settled girls, it is difficult for boys with plain degrees to expect matches,” he states, adding that he had also witnessed cases when some girls rejected boys even when they had permanent but lower level government jobs.

“So far, I have seen a 90% rejection rate for such boys, but the same is not true if the groom-to-be is a high ranking government officer.”

Trends

A new trend among brides to be, says Singh, is their preference for working boys (private sector) outside Uttarakhand, but whose families are settled here. “In Uttarakhand, there is not much money in the private sector. As a result, about 75-85% of the girls prefer to settle outside the state (Delhi, Gurgaon) post their marriage,” he explains, pointing out that there was not much of an impact of the slowdown on the marriage market.

According to Soni, owner of the newly established Nehru Colony based Bandhan Marriage Bureau, professionally qualified girls prefer boys in their same profession. “The trend, so far, in our bureau has been girls seeking boys with similar professional degrees,” she says, acknowledging the existence of some impact of slowdown. “Government jobs were always few. So, a groom working in the private sector is the only option left for the girls,” she clarifies.

Age

“A year-and-a half ago, when we started our marriage bureau, the minimum age for girls was 23, but now, almost 80% of them are 27 and plus,” informs Singh.

The average age of the groom during the same period, adds Singh, had increased from 27 to 29. “Now, almost 70% of the boys are aged 29 plus,” he points out, while describing this tendency as normal ‘as high qualifications are directly proportional to the age’.

Dowry

However, despite lack of a drop in the number of marriages during the current period, a major consequence has been an increase in dowry amount sought by grooms. “Earlier, the going rate was about RS 2 lakhs, but now a well-settled groom commands a price tag of Rs 5-6 lakhs,” reveals Moudgil, a retired officer of BHEL and owner of Jeevan Sathi (a Marriage Bureau), which he has been managing for the last 16 years.

Moudgil, for whom playing matchmaker is a pastime, claims to specialise in Army personnel marriages. “Girls are at a disadvantage now because boys are coming at a premium,” he says pointing out that Army Officers don’t normally demand dowry. “But, rising marriage expenses are also a fact, which cannot be ignored,” he says, at the same time.

Another matchmaker, who runs the Happy Couple Marriage Bureau on Haridwar Road, when contacted by Garhwal Post, adds that ‘it is a busy year’. He told this correspondent to contact him later as he was busy attending to a client in his office. Hope somebody got successfully 'connected'.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=1067

Poll musings of a Hyderabadi

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 17.05.2009:

The Shakespearean quote – What’s in a name? – though a cliché, will never lose its relevance. A case in point: I subscribe to two ‘national’ dailies – XX and XY – both having ‘India’ sitting stylishly on their mastheads, but then, so what?

I claim, with utter disdain, that these so called ‘national dailies’ have woefully failed short of their mandate given their high flying titles. Otherwise, what then explains the neglect of Andhra Pradesh (the state where Congress won 33/42 seats, higher than any states in India) in LS poll coverage and analysis.

For me, as a journalist based in Uttarakhand, and not as one who is rooted in Andhra Pradesh, one of the possible headlines for a short 150-200 worded story would have been: YSR (YS Rajasekhar Reddy) adds 33 seats to Cong Kitty. But, alas, there was neither a news story nor a poll analysis about the ruling party’s grand win in AP.

Some journalists, down South, have all along believed (which now supposedly gets confirmed after the 15th General Elections) that the fortune of the Congress at the Centre, is dependent on how the Congress Party fares in the LS poll in Andhra Pradesh. In the 14th General Election (2004), the state Congress Party led by YSR, secured 29/42 seats (then the highest for Congress in any state), and again in the 15th General Election, YSR helped the party bag 33/42 seats, again the highest in any state, successfully keeping the anti-incumbency factor at bay.

As against this, what hit the headlines prominently in these so called major dailies was how Cong fared in UP (20/80), BJP in HP (3/4), Cong in Rajasthan (20/25), Cong in Uttarakhand (5/5), BJP in Chhattisgarh (10/11)…

This is again, against the rule in cricketing tradition, where one always writes about the top scorer and the reasons for his success thereof. But it was not to be.

One major repercussions of the Cong’s solo win (it bagged 156/294) in AP Vidhan Sabha (both elections held simultaneously) is that unlike Uttarakhand, now, there are no chances for the creation of a separate Telangana State. (The statehood movement started in 1969, more than 400 people i.e. Telangana martyrs sacrificed lives, so far.) In the next five years, there is no hope, as the Congress there stands for a united Andhra Pradesh (a la Mulayam, who was against the creation of Uttarakhand).

There goes my dream. The longstanding demand had led to the creation of pro-Telangana (there are 10 Districts in all here in this region) parties like TRS (similar to UKD, here, but like it, it also got routed there).

However, the lack of post-poll analysis on AP did not surprise me after I glanced at a news item in that same ‘national daily’ about how an AP man was responsible for bringing Swine Flu to India… The point was: the story was datelined in Delhi.

Being a Hyderabadi, I always thought the Nawabi City was hailed as an IT hub. But, now, living in Uttarakhand, I wonder if my native city is facing a broadband crisis.

My fair criticism about the mainstream print media is not unfounded, for I believe and see media as a service provider, a vehicle of change and information. Ultimately, they should stand for what they claim to be, i.e., Pan Indian.

Elsewhere, like any other loyal Hyderabadi, I rejoiced at cricketer-turned-politician Azhar’s win from Moradabad. A comparative news story headline, which I envisage, from my present home in Tehri constituency is: Azhar hits bulls eye, Rana knocked for six! (I really wonder why the EC is not partial towards this Hyderabadi, who despite being in Uttarakhand, could not cast vote, while Azhar was allowed to contest from Moradabad! Surely, a violation of my fundamental right under Article 14.)

Moral: Cricket and cricketers win. So, another two General Elections down the line, if BJP decides to change its pro-Hindutva rhetoric, it would not surprise if it chooses to field the Pathan brothers from Muslim dominated constituencies and register wins.

And, lastly, coming to Rahul Gandhi, 39, I would have liked him to address a Press Conference in Doon for there was one question I would have liked the Congress Yuvraj to answer: When are you getting married?

Post his victory from the Congress’ dynastic UP bastion, it would really throw up a surprise, if the most eligible bachelor ties the knot during the current LS term.

One possible choice, according to me, is Rani (Mukherjee), as she has a good fan following in India especially in West Bengal, where Congress is in a poor state of health. Moreover, if they get married, Congress would get another high-profile star campaigner!

What say?

PS: All things said, the failure of NDA in the 15th General Election, is a personal loss to me as I desired to be IT exempted for an annual income of Rs 3 lakh. I hope, UPA hijacks this promise from BJP’s manifesto.

(With inputs from my Dad, in Andhra Pradesh).

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=GupShup&article=1034

EMRI to induct GPS based ambulance tracking system by year

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 15 May 2009: EMRI Uttarakhand, which has completed one year of its operation in the state, is working to connect its entire fleet of ambulances with Global Positioning System (GPS) based Ambulance Vehicle Location Tracker (AVLT) by the end of 2009.

According to Anoop Nautiyal, EMRI Chief Operating Officer (Uttarakhand), once implemented in the state, the technology will be the first to be adopted by any EMRI centre in the country. “Under this system, we would digitalise all the approach roads in the states. Once the caller puts a call to our centralised call centre in Doon, the system would automatically show the nearest available ambulance from the place of the caller,” explained Nautiyal.

Among others, the system is also expected to help in improving the response time of Emergency Medical Staff and also save wastage of fuel. Presently, EMRI has a fleet of 90 ambulances in all the 13 Districts of the state.

Commenting on the performance of EMRI, which completed one year today, Nautiyal pointed out honesty, integrity and transparency as its success mantra. “We attribute our success to the team work put in by EMRI’s entire 650 staff,” he said, adding that EMRI has tied up with 290 Hospitals (including 106 private) in the state.

Problems

Speaking to Garhwal Post, Nautiyal blamed poor communication facility in 17 locations in the state. “Out of the 90 locations we are in, 17 do not have any telephone network,” he said, while acknowledging that it was depriving people of Emergency Services in these areas.

Surprisingly, out of the 17 locations, where EMRI staff has been facing connectivity problems, 10 locations fall in Pauri, the home district of both the Health Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and the Chief Minister BC Khanduri.

The 10 affected locations in Pauri were Mori, Pabo, Bironkhal, Thalisain, Chandakot, Pokhra, Kaljikhal, Lansdowne, Riknikhal, Dhagu and Nainidanda. The other seven locations facing connectivity problems include one in Uttarakashi (Mori), one in Almora (Salt), Chamoli (Gairsain), two each in Pithoragarh and Rudraprayag.

Disclosing EMRI’s challenging nature of work, he acknowledged absence of road heads as a major concern.

“In some villages, the nearest road head was as far as 30 kms away,” he rued.

“80 percent of the villages in Uttarakhand have an average population of about 500 each. The irony is that most of them are sparsely located, and in many of them, it is not even feasible to lay permanent roads,” he added, while emphasising that there was scope for improving the overall road infrastructure in the state.

He also underscored the need for improving the existing health infrastructure in the state. “Right now, the demand for health services in the state is more than its capability to supply. Moreover, PHCs and CHCs also need to be augmented.”

Statistics

During its one year operation (15 May, 2008 – 14 May, 2009), EMRI attended 53948 patients. Of these, pregnancy cases topped the charts with 18434 cases (34 p.c.) followed by 8885 Road Traffic Accidents (16 p.c.).

According to Nautiyal, apart from inadequate road infrastructure in some places, alcohol influenced driving and driving without helmets were the major causes of accidental injuries. “Most of the victims were two-wheeler riders, who were most often under the influence of alcohol and without any protective headgear,” Nautiyal told Garhwal Post, adding that most accidents occurred in places like Haridwar, Kashipur, Dehradun, Haldwani and Rudrapur.

Significantly, the State Health Department had proposed to establish Trauma Centres in some select places, which till date, have not materialised.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=1014

In ‘VIP Colony’, Avian visitors are also special!

By PRABEER SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 14 May 2009: Although ‘VIP Colony’ residents (21 EC Road) have long been agitating for construction of a 100 metre approach road, this has not in the least affected the arrival of the winged visitors to this colony.

As one enters the Colony, one unmistakably gets to see food and water bowls for visiting birds on the boundary walls of half-a-dozen houses here. And this is not just a one-off instance as some people (this colony is home to many retired government employees) have been religiously doing it for many years.

The remnants of the original Litchi garden are still visible in some of the homes, here, as one can see at least one litchi tree in most of them. Being spacious, most homes also maintain their gardens, where fruit bearing trees like guava, plum, mango, etc., easily attract various kinds of birds round the year.

“I feel elated feeding the birds,” says Promila Shukla, a retired lecturer of IDPL Inter College, Rishikesh, whose home is in VIP Colony.

Interestingly, the Shuklas, whose children are based in Delhi, have been feeding the avian visitors for 20 years! “This is a family tradition for us, which was started by my father-in-law, the late RD Shukla,” she adds, pointing out that at specific times of the day, their household is visited by winged friends. “While sparrows throng our area in the early morn, parrots prefer to visit anytime between 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.,” she says.

Among the birds giving their roll call here are common house sparrows, domestic as well as wild pigeons, parrots and other more exotic small birds.

RL Shukla, 63, husband of Promila, after his retirement from IDPL, has become a keen bird watcher. “After being hit with paralysis in 2000, I could hardly move the right side of my body, but my wife has nurtured me back,” he discloses.

Shukla, now not only helps his wife in doing household chores, but also, sometimes, is entrusted with the task of keeping the bird feed in food bowls. “We feed Bajra to the birds, as it is easy to carry,” admits Shukla, pointing out that a kilo of bajra (costs only Rs 10-12) lasts for 15-20 days.

Apart from bird feed, the avian members also get to enjoy seasonal fruits like mango, litchi, papaya, guava, plum (soon to ripen in 15 days) etc., growing in most gardens here. “The abundance of flowers is also a source of attraction,” she acknowledges.

Bird watching Benefits

According to Shukla, seeing the same birds come to their place everyday and eating to their hearts fill, provides them a unique, indescribable joy. “With nothing to do after retirement, looking after our garden and birds, has become our favourite daily pastime,” reveals Promila, who is originally from Sirmaur District (near Shimla).

“Unlike humans, birds are truly free,” she says on a philosophical note.

SMS campaign

Meanwhile, Eco Friends, a group of youngsters working to create awareness about green issues, has started an SMS campaign for birds. The SMS reads: Many birds die in summer without water. Save them. Plz put out water pots for thirsty birds on balcony/window, etc. Fwd this msg to at least 5 people. God will help u.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=992

Post-poll Conduct

What did contestants do while awaiting judgement?

By Prabeer Sikdar

DEHRADUN, 14 May 2009: Although the Lalu Prasad Yadav brand of political humour is missing among politicians in this part of the country, post the last phase of Lok Sabha elections in Uttarakhand, here is what some of the LS contestants told Garhwal Post about their day after the big day.

If it was a day of cricket for shooter turned BJP politician Jaspal Rana, who contested from Tehri LS seat, his rival and ex-BJP turned BSP politician, Munna Singh Chauhan found time out to meet his 7-year-old son, which was overdue for over a month.

“Due to the hectic poll campaign, I could not give sufficient time to my son,” Munna Chauhan told Garhwal Post, adding that post election, he was enjoying these precious moments.

According to Chauhan, during poll time, his son had to stay at his maternal grandparent’s house in Dalanwala.

Unlike his business as usual days, Munna spent most of the day meeting only relatives and friends at his Sahaspur home.

So, what was his observation on the big day? “Although BSP managed to give a close fight to the Congress, it seems the latter’s rumour-mongering cut into Muslim votes,” he told Garhwal Post, pointing out that two days prior to the poll, Muslim votes stood at a fifty-fifty ratio vis-à-vis Congress and BSP.

“However, post the rumours, on the final day, 25% of Muslim votes shifted to the Congress kitty,” he observed, terming it a big loss for him. According to him, though the capital witnessed a better polling average, the polling average in the entire state was poor.

“And what if…?” “Whatever be the results, Munna is here to stay in politics.”

As for shooting star Jaspal Rana, instead of his usual wake-up time at 5 a.m., BJP’s poster boy lazed in bed till 7:30 a.m. “After having breakfast at 9 a.m., he held deliberations with party workers about the possible outcome of the poll, including the permutations and combinations for 1-2 hours,” said Bharat Bhushan, a close confidante of Rana.

The shooter, later, is said to have shared time to interact with his children – Devanshi and Yuvraj – with whom, he could not spend time for 2-3 months in a proper manner.

Interestingly, in the afternoon, Rana went on to attend the engagement ceremony of BJP leader Rajender Tomar’s daughter in Ballupur. “The engagement date was planned well in advance,” added Bhushan, pointing out that in the evening, Rana tested his cricketing skill at a friendly game at Mudhone.

Later, the star politician paid a visit to the Kali temple to seek the Goddess’ blessing (for a positive outcome in the poll!).

Lawyer turned judge turned lawmaker Vijay Bahuguna, sitting Congress MP from Tehri, is keeping his fingers crossed for the 16 May verdict, which he termed as ‘Judgment Day’. “The mystery is akin to the time, when as a lawyer, I argued a case and waited for the judgment,” explained Bahuguna, who spent his entire day relaxing.

When asked about the possible outcome of the poll, he matter-of-factly said, “I am hopeful but the mystery of the ballot box (he means EVM) cannot be predicted. I am just waiting for results.”

For Army man turned politician TPS Rawat, BJP’s Pauri LS contestant, it was time for a long overdue haircut. “I went to the market today and got myself a much needed haircut,” Rawat told Garhwal Post.

Since morning, Rawat attended all phone calls by himself and also found some time to go through his snail mails (letters). “I got so many letters, but during the hectic poll schedule I could not get time to read them,” he said.

Interestingly, Rawat also found time to manage his domestic front, which had threatened to go out of control due to poll compulsions. “There is a problem with the water pipes and electricity lines in my home. So, I called both the plumber and the electrician,” he disclosed, pointing out that, later, he also shared some memorable time with his 6-yr-old granddaughter Anushka.

And did u sleep? “Yes, a good one-and-a-half hours, that too after 6 months!”

For BJP Minister and Almora LS contestant Ajay Tamta, surprisingly, 14 May, was business as usual. “There is no change in my daily life. After doing Pranayam at 5:30 a.m., I got back into my routine mode,” said the minister, while exuding confidence about his win.

“There is no anxiety. People have been watching me for the last 18 years and voting for me. So far, they have given a mandate in my favour in Local Body elections and the Assembly elections but, now, they will vote me to Parliament,” said Tamta, adding that he went to his office at his normal time.

Tamta, later went to meet his injured sister, who met with an accident during the poll campaign and is now being treated in Haldwani Hospital.

(Efforts to contact other LS contestants proved futile as even after repeated attempts most of their mobile phones were found switched off. Anyway, Garhwal Post respects their new found, but short-lived privacy till 16 May).

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=991

Swaraj Kumari – Self-Reliant 81-year-old Mom

By ANITA SIKDAR

DEHRADUN, 13 May:

The Mother -- the greatest divinity on the earth, whom we look up to for all our needs as a child, also expects her children to look after her the same way when she grows old. But there are some unfortunate ones, who despite having blood relatives, are forced to live a life of relative neglect.

One such case is that of 81-year-old Swaraj Kumari, a former teacher of the National Institute for Visually Handicapped (NIVH) (taught for 31 years), who now lives in an Old Age Home, Nehru Road.

Surprisingly, even at this ripe age, Swaraj, now a grand-parent, remembers all the memorable details about her own mother. “My mom taught me to be independent in my life. This is the reason that my mom gave me the name Swaraj (self-rule),” she said, disclosing that her parents educated her even after marriage.

“I was also a student of my mom in 5th/6th classes, when she taught me at Hansraj Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Lahore (she taught there for 17 years). After Partition, we shifted to Delhi, where she continued her profession by teaching in an Arya Samaj School,” she recalled.

Swaraj, who did her graduation and Montessori training, eventually became self-reliant and served as a teacher at the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) for 31 years. “Here I used to teach Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Handicraft,” she added.

Swaraj, who after retirement from NIVH, chose to spend the rest of her life at Prem Dham, a home for the aged, instead of spending time with her children. “For the last 10 years, I am living independently here, living off my pension,” she said.However, even at this age, Swaraj still misses her mom, especially the delicacies made by her with Desi Ghee.

“Being a student of my mom I was not a mischievous girl and never gave her a chance to scold me,” she reminisced.

“My mom was my inspiration in fulfilling my duties as a mother. I have done everything, whatever I could do, for my children, whom, too, I taught what was taught to me by my mother.”

Recalling the incident that led her to decide to live independently, she said, “I left my family after I fractured my leg, and joined the Prem Dham (Home for the Aged), where I am leading an honorable and independent life with the pension money.”Continuing further, she said, “It was not at all because of my children or family that I left them. It was my wish to lead an independent life without becoming a burden on children, which is also good for me and them.”

She believes that ‘there is nothing to grieve about if one is educated and self-dependent’. “This makes me different from other neglected ones at Prem Dham,” she asserts.

Swaraj, who was not aware about Mother’s Day, wants to pay tribute to her mother by remembering her on the day, though it was painful for her and she was keen about the programme to be held at Prem Dham on Mother’s Day.

“A Mother is always a Mother, She is always special and nobody can replace her,” she felt.Certainly, nobody is like mom, though sometimes she becomes harsh and scolds us, she said. “But there was a lesson behind every scolding. Because, the significance of every word she used can be understood, only when we grow up….”

Garhwal Post salutes this mother.

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=942

Unable to vote, they nurture hope

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 12 May 2009:
Elections mean different things to different people, depending on what, and where they are. For some, if it is time for false promises, or others, it is time to be part of the poll bonanza brigade. The rest are genuine.
With voters making up their mind to make their mark in the last phase of LS election tomorrow, Garhwal Post interacted with some of the unfortunate ones, who would find it difficult to cast votes, for reasons beyond their control, but definitely under the control of political leaders, at some point of time.
The families of three patients we talked to (who are undergoing treatment in Doon Hospital’s Trauma Ward), were from different places, but there was a common thread: No medical facilities there.
“It is natural for people needing emergency medi-care facilities in our village, to be taken on a makeshift bamboo stretcher for three kilometers,” said Ajay Pal Singh, a farmer and resident of Uttarakashi, who had brought his ailing son for treatment at Doon Hospital.
“He is suffering from a mysterious brain disease,” he disclosed, adding that from their native village Kupra (a distance of 200 kms from Dehradun), the nearest Government Hospitals were based in Badkot, Naogaon Block and Mussoorie. “In all these places, there are no proper government medical facilities,” he rued.
Even though Kupra is connected with 108, according to Singh, who came here along with his wife and young son-in-law, the villagers ferry emergency patients for a distance of three kms in a makeshift stretcher. “From Sena Chatti, we boarded a 108 ambulance and came to Nav Gaon Block. Again, from there, we hired a Jeep for Rs 1000 and came to Doon Hospital,” said Praveen, son-in-law of Singh, who appeared unfazed by his brother-in-law’s medical condition.
“Had you been in your village, whom would you have voted for?” “Munna Singh!” was the prompt reply.
In the other room was a 70-year-old man from Sinjal Gaon (20 kms from Mussoorie), undergoing treatment. “He suffers from severe chest pain,” said Heera Panwar, daughter-in-law of the patient, who had come here along with her husband and brother-in-law.
According to Panwar, whose father-in-law is on a drip, there were no qualified doctors in their neighbouring villages. “For villagers in Maraad, Sinjal, Khat, Aganda and Bhal, we depend on quacks for treatment,” she said, pointing out that the nearest Government Hospital was in Thatyud Block, 15 kms away from Sinjal.
Although EMRI 108 has been a hot topic among politicians in the run up to the poll in Uttarakhand, according to Panwar, there weren’t any in Sinjal. “My husband works as a waiter in a Hotel in Rajasthan and, fortunately, he is here on vacation, so we can take care of my father-in-law,” she confided.
“But why come this far for treatment?” “Though there are private hospitals in Mussoorie, they are out of reach for people like us. As for the other nearby government hospitals, they exist only for namesake.”
“Had you been in your village, whom would you have voted for?” “Jaspal Rana!”Another patient lying beside the father-in-law’s bed was 68-year-old Brahm Singh from Shiva village (20 kms from Paonta Sahib), Sirmur District (HP), which is also going to the polls, tomorrow.
Shimla LS constituency constitutes three Districts: Solan, Sirmour and Shimla. “Dhani Ram Shandil (Congress) is the sitting MP and candidate from Congress this time,” Nather Singh told Garhwal Post, adding that in the previous general election, ‘he won on a BJP Ticket’.So, what is special about Shitli Village? And why are you here, at Doon Hospital? Nather, a farmer, who is here along with his father-in-law and a friend, said, “Doon hospital is a distance of 2 1/2 hours while it takes about 8 hours to reach Shimla.”
Ironically, according to Nather, sixty years after independence, from Shitli village (total population 450, which is 40 kms away from Paonta Sahib), the nearest main road was at a distance of 8 kms at Shilai. “Being a hill village, we have to trek four hours, often carrying women in labour in makeshift stretchers,” he said, pointing out that there was no PHC at their village.
“The nearest private hospital is at Paonta Sahib, which is not for us.”When asked whom they would have voted for had they been in their native place, Nather replied, “Against the sitting MP, but that fellow will miss our votes tomorrow.”
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=945

'Congress’ paanwala-cum-former state agitationist still longs for Govt job

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 12 May 2009:
Having contacts in high political circles does not always work to one’s advantage. One man who can vouch for this fact is 48-year-old Dilip Singh.
Since 1973, Singh has been supplying Banarasi paan (now out of fashion), gutka and tea (started in 2007) to well-known and lesser-known activists at Congress Bhavan from his modest tin shop on Nashville Road, which is a stone’s throw away from the Congress Party State Headquarters.
“The craze for Banarasi paan ended in 2007. Now, most them prefer Gutka,” says Singh, adding that he also makes a dozen rounds to supply tea to the Congress party workers at regular intervals.
Flashback
Just a hundred metres away from Singh’s shop, which is sometimes also managed by his son, is a full grown Tun (Red Cedar) tree. “This tree was a witness to what had happened to me on 3 September, 1994,” he says, while pointing towards the Cedar tree, just opposite the Congress Bhavan on the other side of the road.
“Influenced by the Uttarakhand agitation, I closed down my shop on that day, and joined my friends for a pro-Uttarakhand rally at the Clock Tower,” he reminisces.
After shouting his lungs out to voice ‘Uttarakhand Hamara Hain…’ the next thing Singh was being chased by a crowd of policemen. “I was mercilessly lathi-charged under the Cedar tree, and later bundled into the police van,” recalled Singh, who eventually spent 6-days in Bareilly jail from 4 September to 8 September, 1994, under sections 151, 107 and 116 of the CrPC. (The incident occurred just before the Rampur Tiraha incident.)
“In all, 48 people from places like Chukhu Mohalla, Dobhalwala, Mannugunj, Macchi Bazar, Bakralwala… were arrested and taken to Bareilly,” he recalls, adding that all agitationists had food in Bareilly jail only on 5 September, noon.
During his incarceration, Singh was severely thrashed on the soles of his feet and thighs. He says, “Before embarking for Bareilly, the policemen took away matchboxes from our possession, leaving only Beedis with us.” 2009
A ‘well-known’ figure among Congress workers/ politicians at the Congress Bhavan, Singh still makes a living by selling gutka and tea. “For the injuries I sustained during the agitation, the government gave me Rs 50,000 in 1996,” disclosed Singh, who now feels cheated.
According to Singh, during the tenure of the ND Tiwari Government (2002-2007), a GO was passed providing jobs in government departments (mainly in Group IV) to agitationists who had spent 7 days and above in jail, including the injured. “I have approached everybody to plead my case, but I did not succeed,” Singh lamented, while pointing out that some of his colleagues, ‘now work in the RTO, Excise Departments’.
Some 250 state agitationists got government jobs during the Tiwari regime.
Unfortunately, due to his failure to plead his case before those who mattered, Singh has unwittingly become a butt of jokes here. “He has been around here for a long time, but could not pull the right strings,” said a Congressman.
When contacted, Sushila Balooni, President of the Rajya Nirman Andolankari Samman Parishad, who was busy doing last moment campaigning, said that, post poll, there was ‘no likelihood of changing the existing rules for providing government jobs to agitationists’. “The 7-day jail requirement would remain the eligibility criteria,” she said.
However, though unschooled, Singh, who can lay claim for a government job under the ‘injury clause’, still hopes for a change to happen post election.
Keeping his hopes alive till this day, Singh has carefully kept all his agitation days’ memorabilia – jail entry, medical certificate and representations to the DM, etc. – neatly folded in a polythene bag.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=944

‘Divine’ fish become source of attraction at Jawahar Aquarium

By PRABEER SIKDAR

MUSSOORIE, 7 May 2009:

It is neither a tiger nor a horse, but this species of fish, which is on display at the Mall Road based Jawahar Aquarium, is officially known as Tiger Horse.

Call it a coincidence or divine luck, what is special about two of the three Tiger Horse fish (9-10 inches in size), here, is that one can see God’s handwriting on them! Omnivorous in nature, a closer scrutiny of these fish reveals Islamic terms, which are by nature engraved on their bodies in copper pigmentation. “On one fish, on one side is written the word ‘Allah’, while on the other side, is written the word Mohammad,” disclosed Harish Sharma, MD of Jawahar Aquariums.“Similarly, on another fish, one comes across the Kalma (La ilaha illallah) written in Urdu clearly,” he added.

Discovery

“The ‘divine writings’ on the fish were revealed to us by a visiting Islamic scholar from Ajmer (Rajasthan) last year,” said Sharma. “This happened in June, 2008.

”Since, then, almost all electronic media houses have extensively covered this unique natural phenomenon leading to an increase in visitors. “Right now, we are getting about 700 plus visitors everyday,” claimed Sharma, opining that in days to come, ‘it would peak’.

However, these ‘divine fish’, which have become the cynosure of all eyes, would not have landed here in the first place. “Actually, we had ordered for a separate species of fish from West Bengal. Instead, we got Tiger Fish,” pointed out Sharma, adding that even the box it was in, was also found broken on arrival.“It itself is a miracle that they survived because at the time of their arrival, they was hardly any water in the box.”

Divine message

According to Sharma, who is also credited with designing the interiors of the Aquarium, the markings point towards the existence of a supernatural power. “There is also a message of vegetarianism.”

http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Feature&article=887

Govt should also subsidise pilgrimage to Mansarovar: Mufti Abdul Mannan Kalimi

By Prabeer Sikdar

DEHRADUN, 7 May: Mufti Abdul Mannan Kalimi, 57, is not widely known outside UP’s Moradabad, but the Congress High Command still holds him in high esteem. At the time when former cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin was campaigning for Congress’ KC Singh ‘Baba’ in Kashipur, recently, Kalimi was busy guiding his wife Sangeeta Bijlani in Moradabad.

He is the one who introduced Azharuddin to the Muslim dominated electorate of Moradabad, where he works as an Islamic lecturer at the Islamic Academy College, Moradabad. He teaches Quran/Hadis.

Regarded as an Islamic spiritual leader, Kalimi is also the National President of the Delhi based Majlis Ulema-e-Hind (a religious organisation having branches in 14 Indian states). He is an expert in Arabic, Persian, Hindi and English languages.

He is now in Doon as an AICC Election Observer for UP/Uttarakhand to urge Uttarakhand voters to go the Congress way. Here are some excerpts from an exclusive interview:

Q. Why do you consider Congress as good for the Minority Community, specially Muslims?

The Congress party is the one that would protect the rights of the minorities, as it is secular and peace-loving. Though SP and BSP are also secular, these parties are based on caste and community distinctions, which may not lead to development.

But, both the major political parties in India have at some point of time been anti-minority.

If one looks at Gujarat and anti-Sikh riots, it is true. But at the moment, Congress is good for Muslims.

But what if there are few takers for what you say and Muslims in Uttarakhand go on to vote the way they want?

My job as an AICC observer is to advise the people of my community. Ultimately, it is up to them to cast votes according to their conscience.

In what way have you helped Azharuddin in Moradabad?

Being new to Moradabad LS constituency, I introduced Azharuddin to the electorate by holding meetings in his favour.

Kalyan Singh has embraced SP. How do Muslims view this development?

We are ready to forgive him for his role in the Masjid demolition if he asks for forgiveness.

What is wrong if Muslims extend support to BJP?

This is not possible because they have treated Muslims as second rate citizens.What solution do you think is right for the Ayodhya dispute?The Court’s verdict would be final for us. We are ready to accept whatever the court concludes. And unlike the BJP, this is also what the Congress party also agrees to in principle.

But during Rajiv Gandhi’s time, the Congress government had bypassed an SC judgment in the Shah Bano case, to make a law as per the wishes of the Muslims. How do you react?

The Ayodhya dispute is different to Shah Bano case, in the sense that in the former, people of two religions are involved, while in the latter, it was not the case.

How do Muslims view Afzal Guru case?

The apex court has already given its verdict, while the clemency petition is pending with the President of India. Whatever be the outcome, I don’t think Muslims would have any problem.

India is said to be a secular country, but why do only Muslims get Haj subsidy? Your comments.

Mecca being outside India, most Muslims are not financially able to visit the holy place. Therefore, there is nothing wrong if the government subsidises their fares. The same should also be implemented for pilgrimages to Kailash Mansarovar (Chinese control), Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) for Hindus and Sikhs, respectively.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Interview&article=886

BSP’s Munna Singh opts for musical poll campaign

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 6 May 2009:
While bigger parties are banking on film stars, cricketers and television actors to attract the people’s attention, BSP’s Munna Singh Chauhan, LS contestant from Tehri, has devised a unique mobile musical poll campaign.
Led by Saharanpur’s Shahnawaz ‘Pappi’, 28, a singer-cum- mimicry artiste, who also runs a recording studio called City Advertiser in Saharanpur, the mobile campaign team also includes another BSP party worker to distribute poll pamphlets.
Methodology
Using popular Bollywood tunes, Shahnawaz, who has pre-written lyrics, customises the song for the people of the specific area. For instance, if the team is visiting Mussoorie the song begins…’Mussoorie walo, Haathi par mohur lagana.. (Based on ‘Dil ka Aalam’ a song from the film Aashique).
“In Premnagar, the song would be: Premnagar walo, Haathi par mohur lagana…,” he explains.
The simple yet effective technique works since it automatically attracts the attention of the people. Not only is the voice melodious, but also the content of the lyrics, which is meaningful and also heaps praises on the contestant’s calibre.
“I retain the instrumental sound, and then add my own voice to it,” said Shahnawaz, who had recently participated in Star One’s mimicry show – ‘Hello Kaun, Pehchan Kaun’.
“I can mimic the voices of 44 Bollywood actors and also do stage shows,” he told Garhwal Post.
Now campaigning in Premnagar, Shahnawaz had earlier travelled to various locations in Vikasnagar, Dakpathar, Herbertpur, Mussoorie, Doon, etc. “On Saturday, we would visit Chakrata and Uttarkashi,” he told Garhwal Post.
Lucky mascot
Though only time will tell whether Munna Singh will triumph from Tehri seat or not, but according to Shahnawaz, he has been lucky for four politicians, so far. “I have been in the campaign business for the last 7 years. During this time, I have successfully struck responsive chords with voters four times,” he added.
Among Shahnawaz’s successful clients have been Bhupendra Singh Chauhan (Uttarkashi Municipal Chairman), SP’s Ashraf Ali Khan (Muzzafarnagar), Saharanpur MP Rasheed Masood and Wajahat Ali Khan (Muzzafarpur Nagar Municipal Chairman).
This time, based on the positive feedback given by Bhupendra Singh Chauhan, Munna Singh Chauhan is said to have roped in Shahnawaz. “I am also as nervous as Munna, as I am dying to see whether I turn out to be fifth time lucky,” confessed Shahnawaz, who is on a 10-day contract at the rate of Rs 7000 per day.
“We start at 10 a.m. and end by 7-8 p.m.,” he disclosed, adding that they have lunch on the way.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=857

Leaders beware – Informed young voters out to exercise franchise

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 6 May 2009:
Unlike what politicians think, young ‘n’ energetic voters, who have been hit by the poll bug, are not that easy to woo. Their fundas are clear: know the background of the contestant first, and then cast votes.
So, what if none of the contestants are up to the mark? “I have already heard about 49-0. So, if none of the contestants are fit, I would cast a protest vote,” said Mohit Kukreti, 19, who is doing a Hotel Management course in Mumbai.
Here in Doon to spend his vacation, Kukreti, who acknowledges his ignorance about the background of the contestants from the Tehri LS seat, said that he would bank upon Wikipedia and Google. “If these are not sufficient, I would depend upon the feedback from friends and family members.
”Issues According to Kukreti, the state lacks infrastructure. “National security and education in remote areas are other issues of concern,” he said.
The issue is also the same for Daman Preet Singh, 20, who is doing CA Inter from ICAI. “What we require are better basic facilities. We are still forced to travel in Vikrams, which should change,” said Singh, who knows the background of all the contestants from Tehri LS seat.
Disclosing his choice as Manmohan Singh, he concluded that the latest shoegate incident by Jarnail Singh on Union Home Minister P Chidambram would prompt Sikhs to switch over to the BJP camp because of the Congress’ inaction on the anti-Sikh riots cases. “I met this man, recently, at a Gurudwara in Chandni Chowk. The Delhi SGPC awarded Jarnail Singh a cash award of Rs 2 lakh for his daring action,” he claimed.
Ankush Negi, 20, a student of BBA (IMS), is well informed about the candidates in the fray in Tehri. “Bahuguna is a good choice over others,” he said, pointing out that celebrities never turn out to be good politicians. “If Jaspal Rana gets elected, he would also go the Govinda way,” he opined.
But what if the contestant he supports fails to do justice? “I would have no option but to wait for the next election.
”Prashant Pundeer, 21, another student of BBA (IMS), wants his ideal public representative to provide good infrastructure for higher education. “I, as well my other BBA friends, would support the candidature of Baguguna as he wants to set up an IIM in Doon,” he pointed out.
(All the students featured in the story attended a public meeting addressed by Vijay Bahuguna.)
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=GupShup&article=851

Miffed with Nagar Nigam, ‘VIP Colony’ residents to boycott poll

By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 5 May 2009:
With the last phase of General Elections about to be held in the state, public representatives it seems are already receiving brickbats from an unlikely quarter: the rich and influential residents of ‘VIP Colony’!
Fed up with the Nagar Nigam’s maladministration, the ‘VIP Colony’ (officially known as 21 EC Road) residents put up a banner late evening, yesterday, confirming their unanimous decision not to vote this election.
The reason
“The Colony has only one approach road, which has been under repair by the Nagar Nigam staff for the last two months,” said a resident, on condition of anonymity.
The residents complain that due to petty politics, the Nagar Nigam appointed contractor, who was supposed to lay a tar road for up to 100 metres distance, was acting lethargically.
“First, they dug up the road, which caused immense difficulty to vehicle owners as they were forced to park their vehicles outside the Colony entrance. This continued for more than 10 days. Later, the contractor entrusted with the task, laid stones without leveling the ground. This went on for almost a month…,” lamented another resident, whose vehicle got punctured because of this a few days ago.
Ironically, though all the residents suffer the problem collectively, they had, so far, not protested vociferously enough or in a visible manner. “Almost 80% of the residents are retired government employees. The remaining few are working employees, who do not have the time to stage a dharna or make the round of the Nagar Nigam offices,” said another resident, adding that this was the reason why nobody wants to be quoted publicly.
Apart from housing government offices, as well as a media house and a Fashion Institute, some of the important residents of this Colony include a serving PCS officer and a retired Judge of the High Court.
Among the prime reasons cited by the residents for their woes is that the Colony falls in a ward represented by a Congress Corporator, while the Mayor represents the ruling BJP. “We have met the Mayor a couple of times. But so far, we have got only assurances,” disclosed another resident.
“This political irony apart, there is also a kind of unionism among contractors, who do the bidding of the politicians.
”Interestingly, the residents have also made a local BJP leader the ‘Colony Pradhan’, who moved to the colony only recently. But, this also seems to be of no avail. “He moved to VIP Colony last year,” added another resident.
When Garhwal Post tried to contact the contractor to hear his version, his mobile phone was found switched off.
However, when told of the provision of a "protest vote" under the The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a ‘VIP Colony’ resident pointed out, “In the EVM, there is no such option’.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=Dehradun&article=868

The Nano Effect

By Prabeer Sikdar
Thursday, 30.04.2009
Since the days of Nano’s teething problems in Singur till now, the People’s Car, has become the darling of the media and the middle classes in India (as well as the lower middle classes).
What makes Nano phenomenal is that it has changed the way the advertising world behaves, i.e getting your products advertised free of cost. This is what is being done by the electronic and print media including reputed business journals, news blogs, etc., who are in a frenzy over the Nano.
As four-wheeler crazy people lined up at the Tata showrooms in various parts of India to book the small wonder, it reminded one about the diehard fans of Harry Potter, who did not mind waiting for hours to get a copy of the boy wizard’s adventures. Meanwhile, from the media, the Nano Effect has also spread over to books related to the car, which are reportedly doing good business. Pradeep Thakur’s abridged book on Nano – Tata Nano: The People’s Car (Rs 99) deals with the car’s journey from Singur to Sanad.
The next in the pipeline, with backing from the Tata Group, is said to be a book giving tips on trouble free maintenance of the car, i.e., a sort of Do’s and Don’ts. Those in the book business say that the sale of books related to Nano would not be dependant on its success.After the introduction of Nano, another point that bewildered many was why the Tata Group kept the price of the car so low when profit motive is the sole concern of every businessman. Was it to build the Tata Brand?
One major implication of Tata Nano’s success (depends on the feedback given by the 1 lakh customers) would be a spill over effect on Tata Group’s other vehicles. Presently, Tata Motors produces 11 models of passenger cars (including Nano), Utility Vehicles (four models), Commercial Passenger Cars (three models) and Trucks (six models). Ironically, despite this, nobody is talking about Indigo XL, Indigo Marino, Indica V2 Turbo or Xenon XT…
If Tata Nano is as qualitative (also affordable) as is being claimed, then why restrict it to just one lakh customers? Will, those who could not get lucky in the Nano lottery, be psychologically forced to go for other Tata products with some interesting loan schemes thrown in?
Ultimately, if things go according to what Ratan Tata thinks, car lovers would be divided into groups in India: Those who own the Nano and those who don’t. However, for four-wheeler lovers, the dilemma would remain: Those who could not own Nano, would not stop dreaming about cars, while those few lucky one lakh Nanowallas, would pray that it functions properly without any side-effects.
http://www.garhwalpost.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=GupShup&article=736