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UN Recognition to Ramman Dance
Ramman dance being performed at Lata village of Chamoli district. A Tribune photograph
Flashback 2009 |
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Nigam comes up with package tours for Kumbh
Winter session blues for commuters
Due to restrictions on traffic for the assembly winter session, Dehradun residents have been forced to cross the riverbed of the Rispana river. Tribune photo: Anil P Rawat
Doonites make merry on Christmas
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank being greeted by children dressed as Santa Claus at a
function in Dehradun on Friday.
Gurukul, Nainital in next round
State men’s, women’s basketball teams announced
A batsman defends the ball in a match during
the 58th District Cricket League in Dehradun on Friday. A Tribune photograph
YMCA register 14-run victory
Exhibition held at DAV Public School
Fill Pots School celebrates annual day
10-wkt win for Kiwi Academy
Students celebrate Christmas at Children’s Academy in Dehradun on Friday. Tribune photo
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UN Recognition to
Ramman Dance Many masks used in the dance have been stolen and villagers don’t have the means to make new ones Neena Sharma Tribune News Service
Dehradun, December 25 Due to neglect and disinterest among locals, several masks, which were used in the dance form, had been many centuries old and were also part of other dances, have gone missing. The practice of using masks while performing the ballet is popular in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts with the tradition of Ramman recognised by the Unesco typical to Saloor, Dungra and Selang villages of Uttarakhand. In Ramman, the tale of Ramayana is enacted through dance. Through myths, tales and legends, the dance form locates the history of Rama in the region. Similar dances are enacted during March and April in dozens of villages in the state dedicated to different local deities. However, the soul of these dances are the centuries-old masks used by the dancers, each vividly different from the other. These display the ingenuity of the creators who followed rigid rules and followed religious traditions in the selection of material and then crafted them. The masks are no longer with the villagers and only a miniscule number of them know the craft of making masks. “A total of 21 masks were stolen in 2007 from Lata, a border village of Chamoli where another version of the Ramman dance is practiced in a different form. Even masks from Badagaon and Salur villages were stolen. “These are not isolated incidents, but organised gangs are operating in the state while the police remains clueless and has not taken up these cases of theft. “The recognition for Ramman may not help us as the damage has already been done. Masks, which are more than 200 years old, are no longer with the villagers and new ones cannot be made as the villagers may not have the wherewithal to make them,” said Dr Sunil Kainthola, a social activist. The process to select the tree that is used to make the masks is undertaken in ‘amrit mahurat’ in shukla paksh (waxing fortnight of the moon) as per the Hindu calendar. The preferred trees are generally walnut, bhojpatar and madar. In Saloor Dungra village, the mask is dedicated to the local deity Bhoomiyal Devta. “Legend has it that the use of masks may have been inspired by the Chhau dance of Assam and a similar dance form of West Bengal. A close interaction between the hills and these regions may have taken place through the merchants who paid annual visits,” said Nand Kishore Hatwal, an author who has undertaken research in the various dances popular in Garhwal. Culture experts said that the recognition by the Unesco may only help in the documentation effort, but these have already been carried out by the locals. Efforts to support the craftsmen and artistes would have helped in preserving the art for posterity and that has not come by.
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Ranbir encounter, Kaladhunghi episode dented police image
Sandeep Rana Tribune News Service
Dehradun, December 25 In 2009, while incidents like the Ranbir encounter case, Kaladhunghi incident or the fleeing of undertrials from police custody tarnished the image of the Police Department, 2010 is bound to be a challenging one for the force considering the security of the century’s biggest fair - Maha Kumbh Mela beginning in January. Though Uttar Pradesh and the Centre are sending its police forces for the security of the mammoth fair, but as it is the first big event for the state of Uttarakhand, it will certainly be a big test for the police. This year, several police personnel were seen at the receiving end of politicians and the people’s wrath, others are facing trials for their alleged involvement in criminal cases and there are some who have been suspended or terminated from service on disciplinary grounds. The most disgraceful case for the police was the Ranbir encounter in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently filed a charge sheet against 18 cops for their alleged involvement in the killing of Ranbir. Earlier, the special CBI court had rejected the bail plea of seven policemen. The 22-year-old MBA student was killed on July 3 when he, along with his accomplices, was fleeing on a stolen bike. The Ghaziabad resident allegedly fled snatching the gun of the then sub-inspector GD Bhatt. The incident had sent shock waves in the state after Ranbir’s friends and family members alleged that Ranbir was killed in a fake encounter. Buckling under pressure, Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ had ordered a CBI inquiry into the matter. There were also reports that the youth might have been tortured before being shot from close range. A case of murder was registered against 14 policemen and six other cops were shifted to Police Lines. The then Dehradun Superintendent of Police (SSP) was removed from service. If this incident wasn’t enough to the bring dishonour to the police, then the Kaladhunghi incident was yet another blow to the department. Balwant Singh Kanyal, a BJP leader was shot dead by a BSP activist inside the Kaladhunghi police station in Nainitial. This led to arson and violence in which an irate mob set the police station ablaze and beat the policemen brutally leaving one dead. The persons who indulged in looting, arson and violence alleged that Kanyal, who had gone to seek police protection, was shot dead openly. It was also alleged that the police was involved in the incident. For showing such carelessness and being apathetic, the Chief Minister had ordered suspension of all police personnel who were on duty at the police station at the time of the incident. Policemen had to face the politicians’ ire and were beaten publicly. And to top it all, action wasn’t initiated against these politicians as the police buckled under political pressure. One such incident happened on September 17 in which the in charge of a police post was humiliated and beaten up in the open by BJP leaders over a trifle issue near Shantikunj in Haridwar. The agitated leaders had snatched the stars of the Khadkhadi police post in charge Pankaj Pokhriyal and chased him down the road much to the horror of the commuters. They even manhandled the city circle officer Pankaj Bhatt. The other policemen present there watched the incident helplessly. Even though the uniform was humiliated in the open by BJP leaders, but the police still needed an inquiry into the matter before taking action on those who took law into their hands. The lackadaisical attitude of the police shows in the fact that since the formation of Uttarkhand as many as 27 under-trials managed to escape from Dehradun district police custody. Out of the 27 under-trials, 13 are yet to be caught while 13 others have been arrested and one shot dead during an encounter with the police. Most of the cops, from whose custody the under-trials fled, were either suspended or their services terminated. In the past 30 days, two under-trials - Shakeel and Asid, members of a gang of robbers -managed to dodge the police in two different cases. The six cops in whose custody the criminals had been put were suspended by the Dehradun SSP and inquiries were ordered in incidents. A look at the number of police personnel suspended this year is also a milestone. Though the police doesn’t keep the concerned data, but many such suspensions cases in the past few months have come to light in the capital. The reasons for the suspensions were various - an extra-marital affair with a police colleague, forging the signature of the station house officer to issue character certificate to a person who was earlier booked, staying aloof for days without intimation to become a saint or being booked under the Dowry Act. Admitting that more cops were suspended this year, Garhwal Inspector General of Police said, “There is a need to be more professional and we are holding training sessions for cops in that regard. The force is inexperienced as most of them have only five to six years of experience. It will obviously take them some time.” Despite all this, the police also took some credit for having solved some cases and having reduced the incidents of some crimes. “This year, cases of theft, murder, burglary and vehicle theft have reduced while there is an increase in the cases of robbery,” added the IG.
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Nigam comes up with package tours for Kumbh
Dehradun, December 25 The nigam has also prepared 10-package tours, three for Kumbh and seven for Garhwal, sightseeing to provide national as well as international tourists enriching experience during the Kumbh mela. For economy accommodation, the nigam will create a huge tent colony encompassing accommodation of one-room sets attached with bathrooms. Yugal Kishore Pant, GMX, GMVN said, “We have selected a vast land between Gate and Gauri Shankar in Haridwar and named it Naya Dweep. On this island, we will build a tent colony. We have decided to strike partnership with private players to get quality work. Soon the tender process would be started.” He also said all kinds of basic infrastructure and food would be provided in these tents. The nigam will go eco-friendly way where polythene usage will not be allowed and biodegradable disposal system would be installed. The number of tents and the charges to rent them is yet to be finalised. The pace of the nigam in this matter is slow seeing the over looming date of the Kumbh next month. But in other regard of preparing package tours, the nigam has completed its task. Well aware that the international tourists would prefer a bigger offer, along with Kumbh darshan, has tried to sell religious, wild and adventure tourism. Pant said, “We are offering three-package tours related to the Kumbh, which will involve sightseeing in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie. Then seven others will include adventure tourism, where tourists will be able to do rafting, trekking and rock climbing in Koudiyala and Asan Barrage. People can enjoy safari by going to Chila for Rajaji National Park. Auli is the biggest bet for winter sports.” The nigam is not disheartened over closure of its main temples Badrinath, Yumnotri and Gangotri for winter. It has got plans up its sleeves to take tourists to those temples where Gods’ idols of these temples have been shifted. Pant said, “The tourists will be taken to temples in Joshi Math, Kharsali and Mukhba where idols of God of Badrinath, Yumnotri and Gangotri have been shifted, respectively.” Nigam will provide comfortable conveyance of Tata, Qualis and 27-seater bus for tourists.
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Winter session blues for commuters
Dehradun, December 25 Four days of VIP movements and assembly activities have given a pain in the neck of the common man. People, especially those from connecting areas of the Vidhan Sabha like Haridwar Road, Defence Colony, Badripur, Jogiwala, Shastrinagar and many more, are facing problems due to the inconvenience caused by the political activities. The problem has forced people to take shortcut routes that can be sometimes dangerous. Ashok Mishra, a resident of Defence Colony, said, “The colony is for senior citizens and ex-servicemen. The medical conditions of the residents are probably uncertain. At any time of the day, they might get a stroke or require visiting a doctor”. “I’d request political parties and other protesters not to create havoc on the roads. Many office and school-goers have to face problems due to gheraos and rallies. I’d also like to request the authorities concerned to keep a check on goons and hooligans so that they do not create a ruckus, at least, on the roads,” he further added. While MLAs are moving in their comfortable vehicles, common people are forced to cross rivulets and nullahs. The restricted areas near the Vidhan Sabha have raised avenues to earn money for slum dwellers residing on river banks as they are charging money from commuters for crossing the riverbeds. Nalin Pun, another resident of Defence Colony, expressed his anguish on the present scenario during the assembly session. He said, “Today I was late to my office due to the barricading on the roads. I’ve to cross the rivulet near Deep Nagar to reach the office. I got lucky that I crossed the creek without inconvenience, but the one who was coming behind me fell down from his bike due to the busting of a tyre of his bike”. The SP (City) said barricading was made for security purpose and to prohibit chaos of protesters. The diversions were made only after the alternative routes were decided.
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Doonites make merry on Christmas
Dehradun, December 25 One of the most famous and frequented churches, the Saint Francis Catholic Church, was beautifully decorated with balloons and lights. Men, women and children dressed in new clothes attended the primary masses held at 8 am and 10 am, respectively. Preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ, a large number of devotees were guided by Paris priest Bernard Daniel, bishop Patrick Nayar (retd) and father Benu. “Today all of us have gathered here to take God’s blessings to make our lives peaceful and worth appreciating,” said bishop Nayar. After the mass payers and melodious choir singing, the devotees were given param prasad and the permission to meet the priest.
However, to enjoy the spirit of the festival, vendors were selling candles, Jesus posters, crosses and were captivated by the informative models, which in a great detail explained the origin and growing days of the Christ. “We are selling posters, key chains, CD’s, rosaries, cross and are happy to sell it to people who have gathered to worship in the name of God,” said Shalini, a stall owner. While the prayers gave people an opportunity to get together under one roof and irrespective of caste, creed, colour and sex enjoy the day of Christmas. “Our celebrations for Christmas starts a week ago, along with cooking traditional plum cake. We visit our friends and family where we sing carols and give blessings,” said Vanshree Scott. “I am a non-Christian, but as I love this festival I purchased a Christmas tree and tonight I am going out for dinner with my family,” said Mansi, a college student. St Thomas Church was also equally decorated allowing people to come and freely worship. It conducted a mass around 10 am, which was attended by approximately 150 persons. Christmas cakes, soft drinks and other edible items were distributed to all. “We celebrate Christmas to connect with people from different walks of life as well preach the teachings of Jesus and convey that along with external celebrations. The idea is to believe in good deeds and remove the malice from our hearts,” said M Clavance, a member of the church. “The mass payer started since 12 am yesterday and till today almost 1,500 persons have been visited the church. To continue with the festivities on the December 27 we will be organising a Christmas tree competition,” said Rajeev, a volunteer at saint Francis Catholic Church.
People throng churches in
Haridwar
HARIDWAR: The Christian Youth Association organised a Christmas programme at the Methodist Church at BHEL. Father Johnson James read teachings from holy Bible while people attended the special Christmas prayers. Fancy dress and singing contests were held on the sidelines of the Christmas function in the church, which was beautifully decorated with lights. At city’s oldest Church (founded in 1904), the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Dev Pura, people attended the midnight prayers as church echoed with Christmas carols. Since early morning people thronged the church and Father Wilson Messiah gave sermons. He urged people to live in peace and harmony and urged all to profess communal harmony among all sects and religions of the country. Special prayers were also held at St Mary’s school church. Student followers from Jwalapur and other parts of the city also offered prayers to Jesus Christ. People from other sects also visited city churches and lighted candles. Shikha Ohri, a girl who visited Presbyterian Church along with her little brother, said: “This is the first time I have visited any church. The peace and religious feeling was as same as it’s when I visit any temple. Whether we light candles or diyas to convey our prayers to God the vital thing is the feeling and faith.”
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Gurukul, Nainital in next round
Haridwar, December 25 The day was a happy one for the local audience as barring Dehradun, Gurukul Kangri and Nainital won their matches and kept alive the hope that a team from the host state could win the prestigious tournament. The first match of the day saw a close contest between Dehradun and DHA Itawa teams wherein despite their best efforts, Dehradun boys couldn’t break the rock solid defence of Itawa players. Itawa, via a goal from Ishwar, pocketed the match. Meanwhile, Gurukul Kangri University had no problems and scored at will. Gurukul players living up to their status as defending champions and netted five goals and conceded one to Moradabad. Nainital too sailed to the next round with Gurukul with goals from Pawan and Monu in the 52nd and 54th minute. Ambala reduced the margin with a goal in the 54th minute. Haridwar municipal committee chairman Kamal Johra came to see the fourth match that was played between DHA Bareilly and Town Hall Club, Shahjahanpur. It was a nail- biting contest as at most times, the ball was stuck in the midfield. Both teams found it difficult to enter each other’s penalty areas. Through Ashal Khan and H Khan, Shahjahanpur gained a 2-0 lead in ninth and 12th minute, but Bareilly struck back in the 24th minute with a goal from Manish. At the end of regulation time, both teams were locked 3-3 and the tie-breaker had to be employed to break the deadlock. Shahjahanpur netted all four strokes while Bareilly players struck twice. In today’s matches, decision makers were Avinash Srivastava, Gyanendra, Pankaj Tyagi, Virendra Singh, Joga Singh, Kumer Singh and Balwinder Singh while the coordinator was Bajrang Kumar. Among the guests were Vimal Sehgal, Dr Mahavir Aggarwal, Manu Dev Bandhu, Krishan Kumar Bharadwaj, RKS Dagar, Kartar Singh, Shiv Kumar Chauhan and Ajay Malik.
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Easy win for Tapovan Boys
Dehradun, December 25 It was not an aggressive start for both the teams as players failed to establish coordination among them missing out on chances they got. Roshani Club scored its first goal in the 16th minute of the match, through Manish Bahuguna, who dodged two defenders before placing the ball in the nets. Thereafter, the Roshani Club team pressed hard on Tapovan Boys in an effort to score their second goal. But poor finishing by the team players made the scoring opportunity slip out of their hand. At the end of the first half, the Roshani Club team was leading by 1-0. In the second half the Tapovan team scored the equaliser in the 55th minute through Hement, who skillfully placed the ball in the nets. But, the Tapovan team joy could not last long as the Roshani Club team came back hard on scoring their second goal of the match through Nitesh in the 60th minute making it 2-1 for his side. At the end, it was easy victory for Tapovan team. Meanwhile, in the second match, the Sunderwala team defeated the Chandrabani XI team in a tiebreaker. The Sunderwala team took an early lead in the match and scored their first goal in the 26th minute through Abhishek Rawat. In the first half the Sunderwala team lead by 1-0. In the second half, the Chandrabani team came back strongly and scored an equaliser through Mohit in the 54th minute. In the tiebreaker, Shubham, Abhishek, Vijay and Deepak scored for the Sunderwala team, whereas for the Chandrabani team, Pradeep, Shiva and Sagar scored goals.
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State men’s, women’s basketball teams announced
Dehradun, December 25 The Uttarakhand Basketball Association conducted a 20-day pre-national basketball coaching camp for the teams in Dehradun from December 5 to 24 at Welham Boys’ School and Welham Girls’ School for men and women teams respectively. The camp was conducted by Anita Sethi, Pushkar Singh, JBS Maan and Vinod Vachani. The men’s team will be captained by Desraj of the ONGC and the women’s team by Anita Gairola of the Uttarakhand Police. Members of the men’s team are Desraj (Captain), S Sridhar, Murli Krishna, Anoop M, Dinesh Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Mohit Bhandari, Riyaz-ud-Din, Shabeer Ahmed, Trideep Rai, Shiv Kumar and Amit Rawat. The coaches are Vinod Vachani and JBS Maan while Durgesh Bhatia is the manager of the team. Chef de mission will be Harvinder Singh. The women’s team have Anita Gairola (Captain), Siddhima Nigam, Trishla Parek, Surbhi Bisht, Shashi Bangari, Monica Rawat, Shonika Rana, Malvika Singh, Meenakshi Kothari, Bhavna Bhist, Ahvanya Sharma, Rajni Tomar. The coaches are Anita Sethi and Pushkar Singh.
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Sachivalaya thump RTO
Dehradun, December 25 Batting first, the RTO team scored 155 runs. Opener T Kundal gave his team a good start and scored 29 runs off 41 balls. Middle order batsman Ratnakar scored 16 runs. It was lower order batsman Mohan who scored 46 runs off 38 balls that helped his team reach the 155 runs target. For the Sachivalaya team Rajendra Chaudhary picked up two wickets, whereas Vikas Rawat and Lalit Joshi took one wicket each. Chasing the target of 156 runs, the Sachivalaya team reached the target with six wickets in hand. Bhupender was the highest scorer for the team with 36 runs off 33 balls, hitting six fours in his innings. For the RTO team, Ratnakar took two wickets, whereas Mukesh and Ayush took one wicket each. Meanwhile in the second match, the Little Star team won the match against Tanush Cricket Academy by six wickets.
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YMCA register 14-run victory
Dehradun, December 25 Opening pair of Sanjeev and Tarun smashed the bowlers to give their team a flying start. Sanjeev scored 23 runs off 13 balls, whereas Tarun scored 12 runs of 14 balls. It was the middle order pair of Kamal and Avnish, who accelerated the innings run rate for their team. Kamal smashed 65 runs off just 38 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes in his innings. While Avnish smashed a well desired 50 runs in 23 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes in his innings. For the Ajabpur Young Star team, Navnishk took three wickets, Narender and Arvind took two wickets each. Chasing the target of 194 runs, the Ajabpur Young Star team batsmen too began on a strong note. Opener Naresh smashed 25 runs off 19 balls, while first down batsman Neeraj scored 41 runs off 31 balls. Middle order batsman Ashish scored 20 runs. For the YMCA team, Kamal gave three major breaks to his team in his four-over spells, whereas Avnish took two wickets.
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Exhibition held at DAV Public School
The exhibition had categories in scientific modelling, academics, home décor and culinary art. Scholastic India Pvt Ltd also conducted a book fair along with the exhibition. It displayed fiction, non-fiction, academic, creativity and hobby books. The whole atmosphere was like a fair of fun and frolic where children and their parents were enjoying taking part in the event. Tiny tots of the school put a decorated Christmas tree. They were also dressed like Santa Claus and they danced to the tunes of Christmas carols to usher the enjoyment of the Yuletide. The exhibition was a perfect blend of art, science and domestic chores.
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Fill Pots School celebrates annual day
Dehradun, December 25 Former Sports Minister Narayan Singh Rana was the chief guest of the function. Principal of the school Alamika Malakar, secretary of the managing committee Ruchika Rana and other staff members, students and parents were present at the event.
— TNS
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10-wkt win for Kiwi Academy
Dehradun, December 25 Batting first, the Tiger Club team failed to give a good display and was all out for 104. A majority of their batsmen were out for less than 10 runs. Vijay top scored with 27 runs while lower-order batsman Rajeev contributed 17 runs. For Kiwi Academy, Akshay took four wickets in six overs and Imdad took three wickets. Chasing a target of 105 runs, Kiwi Cricket Academy reached the target with all 10 wickets in hand. Openers Devandra scored 36 runs and Vinod scored 59 runs.
— TNS
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Students enjoy Christmas carols
Dehradun, December 25 Students of class play group, Nursery, KG and Class I presented dance and singing performances. Santa Claus made the atmosphere merry and full of frolic. He wished the students and staff merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He also distributed sweets and gifts to them.
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Many masks used in the dance have been stolen and villagers don’t have the means to make new ones
Since the winter session of the state legislative assembly has started, problems of common commuters have risen all of a sudden. Traffic snarls, barricaded roads and time-consuming diversions, have become the recent talk of the town.
Dehradun, December 25
Dehradun, December 25