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No letup in Kumbh rush
Alva, family take dip in Ganga
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India deserves Nobel for peaceful fair: CM
Rajpur MLA lauds Nishank
Stampede: Cong seeks probe
Dolis of gods, goddesses leave for Kumbh
Shanti Kunj proves a big help
Technical error delays admission forms printing
New office-bearers of academy of sciences
RIMC celebrates Baisakhi
Sanjeev’s ton sculpts AG triumph
Attract BCCI with good cricket, says SAI coach
Amit’s fiver ensures narrow win for Khalanga
Diamond academy defeat Ladpur XI
American School of Baroda register six-wicket win
Welham Boys, Lawrence School in last four
Heat takes toll on butterflies
SSB demands more force on India-Nepal border
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No letup in Kumbh rush
Haridwar, April 15 A glance at any road in Haridwar for the past three days and one can only see people and only people every where. Such is the condition that eateries and restaurants are closing hours before their scheduled time as they are short of food stock. Milk stores are without milk aggravating pilgrims’ woes. A family from Gujarat at Shiv Moorti Chowk late night on finding that all hotels, restaurants and eateries have run out of stock, opted for biscuits and carbonated drinks to feed themselves. “At least, I have enquired at 50-odd eateries, but there is no food. Even bread and milk are not available in Haridwar. What could I do coming thousands of kilometres away with the host government’s billboards welcoming us and here we are not even getting a milk packet. So, left with no option, I had to buy biscuits and cold drinks,” said a perturbed Ashutosh Kumar from Gujarat. Similarly, buses are overcrowded while every other train is fully occupied from top to toilets. Such is the condition that railway personnel have to guard the railway engine as even pilgrims try to occupy driver’s cabin too! Despite dozen-odd special Kumbh mela trains, the rush still seems to be an ending one. Though today there was a slight respite in traffic restrictions and two-wheelers were allowed to ply till specific points bringing the normal local life to somewhat normalcy. According to locals who have seen several Maha Kumbhs and Ardh Kumbhs, this Baisakhi-Mesh Sankranti (4th Shahi Snan) twin baths crowd was the biggest. Such is the crowd that almost there is not an inch of space at Har-ki-Pauri and roads leading to Upper Bazar, railway stations, Mayapur, Kotwali, all bus stations, railway station, Devpura, Rishikul, Jwalapur and national highway stretch from Gurukul
Kangri University to Bhoopatwala. Meanwhile, people paid tributes to those who died in yesterday’s Birla Bridge accident. Spiritual Guru Satpal Maharaj prayed for the victims’ souls and demanded more monetary relief for the victims from the state government. Former Haridwar legislator Ambrish Kumar has demanded a judicial inquiry into the accident-cum-stampede and termed the tragedy due to mismanagement of the mela administration and the mela police.
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Alva, family take dip in Ganga
Dehradun , April 15 The Governor, along with her husband Niranjan Alva, daughter Manira, son Nikhil and other near and dear ones, also witnessed the magnificent Ganga aarti from the VIP Ghat. The Governor who reached Haridwar on the occasion of Maha Kumbh said she had wished to take a holy dip on each of the main snans, but set aside her plan in view of the devotees coming from far-off places and the convenience of the mela administration. Praising the positive role of the electronic and the print media for the success of the Kumbh mela, the Governor said media representatives had portrayed the world’s largest religious congregation in consonance with Indian cultural traditions and the devotees’ faith with full sensitivity before the entire world, for which not only Uttarakhand, but the entire country was grateful. The Governor said the arrival of crores of people from across the country for a holy dip in the Ganga was a unique example of the Indian culture. She said this was a living proof of unity in diversity which had earned the country a special place worldwide. She expressed hope that every Kumbh devotee would inculcate and imbibe the spirit of national unity and brotherhood and contribute to the development of the country and the society. The Governor was accompanied by her Secretary Ashok Pai and his wife Rekha Pai, ADC Neeru Garg, Dr Suneeta Nandwani and others.
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India deserves Nobel for peaceful fair: CM
Dehradun, April 15 “It was a suggestion by some foreigners and I fully endorse it. The country should be given a Nobel Prize for Peace for holding the Maha Kumbh successfully,” he said. Nishank, who complimented the administrative machinery for the successful completion of major baths in the past four months, claimed that more than five crore devotees from all over the world had participated in the Maha Kumbh so far. “More than one crore people took holy bath in the Ganga in Haridwar on April 14, one of the major Shahi Snans of the Maha Kumbh. People from 148 countries speaking 68 different languages had taken part in the mega fair,” he claimed. He thanked the President, the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, the governments of neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan for giving valuable help of providing police personnel and Central paramilitary forces for the conduct of a peaceful Maha Kumbh. “More than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed on round-the-clock duties for the Maha Kumbh due to terror threat,” he said. Nishank claimed that the Maha Kumbh, that would continue till April 28, had been unique in many ways. “Except for a minor accident in which seven persons lost their lives, it was one of the most peaceful Maha Kumbhs of such huge proportions,” he said. About yesterday’s incident, he said there was no stampede and all persons who fell into the river were saved by timely intervention of the Jal Police, a wing of the Uttarakhand Police Department. “This is also false that Juna Akhada decided to boycott the Shahi Snan. In fact, they were perturbed over the unfortunate accident involving one of their vehicles and decided to take bath at their own ghat instead of Har-ki-Pauri,” he said. Our Jal Police saved a total of 519 persons from drowning in the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh period while 108 emergency service points attended 12,634 calls on April 14, out of which 57 per cent were from Haridwar.
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Rajpur MLA lauds Nishank
Mussoorie, April 15 He further said the Kumbh mela passed off peacefully baring one unfortunate incident, in which seven persons lost their lives. The Chief Minister was quick enough to announce relief to the deceased. Joshi also said on the final Shahi Snan more than 1.5 crore devotees took a holy dip in quest of the “amrit”, which was the largest conglomeration of people on the earth at a single point of time and at one place. Joshi further said the Chief Minster kept track of the administration working day in and out. The prestige of the state and the nation was at stake and the government was quite serious about its successful completion. Joshi said many dignitaries praised the arrangements at the Kumbh, including state Governor Margaret Alva, LK Advani and Nitin Gadkari. Joshi said the Mussoorie Mandal had completed the target of 5,000 signatures on the issue of price rise and inflation with which the common man was affected. He also informed that the BJP workers in a large number would head for Delhi on April 20 to protest on the issue. When questioned on the issue of lack of medical staff, electricity cuts and incessant burning at garbage dump yard in Mussoorie, Joshi said he would convey the genuine demands to the Chief Minister. He also directed Dehradun ADM to look into the matter of burning toxic waste from the dump yard immediately. Mussoorie BJP president Roop Singh Kathait, senior BJP leaders Madan Mohan Sharma, Harish Saklani and others were also present on the occasion.
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Stampede: Cong seeks probe
Dehradun, April 15 “After seven deaths of pilgrims yesterday, the BJP government should stop taking credit for a successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh. One thing is certain there was utter lack of coordination and mismanagement on the last Shahi Snan. The administration was not prepared to handle a huge influx of crowds. It was sheer luck that the first three bathing dates were incident-free. The Congress has also been raising the issue of poor quality of projects undertaken for the Kumbh and ensuing corruption in awarding contracts,” said Arya. Addressing a press conference, Arya said the BJP government’s three-year rule in Uttarakhand had been a disaster. “They have failed miserably on all fronts. The public distribution system is not functioning properly, unscheduled and scheduled power cuts have brought life to a standstill. Criminal activities are on the rise and the law and order situation
has gone from bad to worse. Instead of finding solution to the problems of the masses, BJP leaders are involved in petty bickering and busy settling scores among themselves,” said
Arya. He said to protest against the BJP misrule, the Congress would hold a statewide signature campaign from May 1 and organise demonstrations and dharnas at the district, tehsil and block levels. “At the end of three-month campaign, 10 lakh signatures will be collected and presented to President Pratibha
Patil,” he added. While on the issue of extension of the Central industrial package to
Uttarakhand, Arya threw the ball in BJP’s court saying that it should have first held discussions with the Punjab government to withdraw a writ petition challenging the exemptions to
Uttarakhand. “In Punjab the BJP-Akali combine government is in power. The matter could have been sorted out
amicably,” he said.
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Dolis of gods, goddesses leave for Kumbh
Mussoorie, April 15 Devotee Madan Prakash, accompanying the doli, said they had come all the way from their village, which was more than 20 km away from Mussoorie. He said it was considered auspicious to bathe their doli during the Kumbh in Haridwar. Rajpur MLA Ganesh Joshi also joined in the procession for a few kilometres. The doli snan has been organised by the Maa Parvati Kumbh Yatri Samiti.
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Shanti Kunj proves a big help
Haridwar, April 15 As per data at Shanti Kunj, approximately 20,000-odd pilgrims stayed at its premises daily as the institution had made specific arrangements for pilgrims on its 100-acre area. Add to this daily food arrangements for 50,000 people was done at Shanti Kunj Ashram where four mass kitchen prepared two-times-a-day meal for pilgrims. In addition to this, prasad was also distributed by these “bhojanalyas”. A special temporary base hospital for the Kumbh was also operated by the ashram to provide 24-hour medical facility to pilgrims. As per the hospital records, on an average 500 persons are utilising medical services at this medical centre. Many VIPs also stayed at the ashram, easing pressure on the mela and local administrations. Like Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh came with his whole cabinet of 60 legislators and four parliamentarians. Volunteers from Shanti Kunj, clad in white-yellow traditional dress, were stationed at important crowded places such as the railway station to guide and help the pilgrims. Mela Officer (Railways) Manoj Sharma has lauded the efforts of the volunteers who, for hours, guided the commuters politely. Several conventions like on the Ganga, Kumbh fair, ill-effects of tobacco and religious programmes like Pragya-Puran Katha were also organised at the ashram. Besides pilgrims performing dhyan-yoga and chanting of Gayatri mantras, pilgrims also came to the ashram to see the religious flame which has been alight since 1926.
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Technical error delays admission forms printing
Dehradun, April 15 “This year has not been lucky enough for me. The year began with the news of disaffiliating of some reputed colleges of Uttarakhand and now the non-availability of the entrance forms of the university. The delay of the management is making us nervous day by day. The Right to Education has been implemented by the Centre, but the students are still deprived of their rights in the state like Uttarakhand. Administration will have to give a wake up call to the management for the sake of the affecting students,” complained Manas Arora, an aspirant of BPharma. Registrar CS Mehta said: “The dates of selling of admission forms had been delayed to April 19 due to the less printing of the forms that has adversely affected the examinations to be conducted in future. The management of the university has planned to conduct entrance tests in 24 cities of the state. The courses offered by the university are MCA, BPharma, hotel management and BTech lateral course. The seats available in the UPMT (MBBS and BDS) are 300, MCA-1200, Bpharma-840, Btech (lateral)-800 and hotel management- 330”. However, the university has given a ray of hope to the aspirants who can take up entrance examination at Uttarakhand Technical University also other than Garhwal University, which in 2005 got a status of Technical University by an Act passed by the state government and has been conducting examinations in varied courses.
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New office-bearers of academy of sciences
Dehradun, April 15 Formed in 2007 with the motive of promoting science education in Uttarakhand, the chapter conducted election for its second term 2010-13. The election was done with the participation of 24 fellows through voting. Former Vice-Chancellor and outgoing Chairman of the chapter AN Purohit handed over the letters of charge to new office-bearers and congratulated them for the success. He said the chapter would conduct programmes dedicated towards making people aware of science, environment and conservation and popularising science in the state. Dr Rawat said: “Going by the mandate of the academy, a popular science lecture series and seminars on science education and research will be held across all districts of Uttarakhand in association with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST).” Dr Arora had an illustrious career as a glaciologist. He was a former director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and at present is spearheading glaciological studies in the Himalayan region and Dr Rawat is a plant ecologist by profession. Besides conducting programmes for popularisation of scientific research, the academy has also instituted Best Science Teacher Award given to academic fraternity for their contribution in the field of science education every year.
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RIMC celebrates Baisakhi
Dehradun, April 15 Cadet Gurvir Talwar, cadet Sachinpreet Singh, cadet Hasanpreet Singh, cadet Ajinder Arora, cadet Hardaman Singh, cadet Tuhin Goswami, cadet Karan Sohi, cadet Supreet Heera, cadet Rakesh Singh and cadet Guninder Sidhu sang bhajans and coordinated the event. Community kitchen was also organised after Gurbani. Chief guest at the event was Col H Dharamrajan, SM, Commandant, RIMC, extended his greetings to the cadets on the occasion and thanked Ragiji for successful coordination of the event.
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Sanjeev’s ton sculpts AG triumph
Dehradun, April 15 The AG team batting first mounted a big total of 227 in 25 overs losing just two wickets. After the opening batsmen RS Negi (11) and Rajeev (18) went back to the pavilion early, first and second down batsmen took the responsibility of leading the team. Both Sanjeev Jagmola (101) and Swami (57*) gave valuable contribution for their side. Jagmola’s innings instilled the confidence in the teammates to set up a big target. While Swami kept up the good work from other end to ably support him. For the Income Tax team, Balbir and Gautam took a wicket each. The Income Tax team batsmen couldn’t stay on the pitch for a long and scored only 113 for seven in allotted 25 overs. Balbir was top scorer with 26 runs for the side. AG’s JS Sawant took three wickets, the highest of the match. Dharam Singh and S Swami got two and one wicket, respectively.
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Attract BCCI with good cricket, says SAI coach
Dehradun, April 15 He said, “There is a need to organise more and more tournaments at a higher level and invite teams from other states to play here to promote the sport. Only then will the BCCI realise that good cricket is being played here and it will do something with regard to the recognition”. Sharma was one of the coaches at the Pace Bowlers Academy that was shut down in 2000. “It was unfortunate that the academy was closed. It was producing very good players. The academy was being run by the SAI and the BCCI. As there was a lack of funds with the SAI, the academy had to be shut,” he added. Earlier, he interacted with the players at the Matawala Bagh cricket ground. He gave them valuable tips that were appreciated by the budding players.
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Amit’s fiver ensures narrow win for Khalanga
Dehradun, April 15 Johri Tigers won the toss and invited Khalanga XI to bat first. The
latter scored 103 runs for eight in the allotted 15 overs. Sameer (30) and Sumit (30*) were the principal scorers. For Johri, Laurence and Manoj got three and two wickets respectively. In reply, Johri Tigers gave a good fight but fell short by four runs. They scored 99 runs for eight. Pawan top scored for its side with 24 runs. Amit was the pick of the bowlers claiming five wickets for Khalanga
XI. He was adjudged Man of the Match. Sameer and Vipin pocketed a wicket each.
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Diamond academy defeat Ladpur XI
Dehradun, April 15 The winning team set a target of 161 runs in 20 overs after deciding to bat first. Eklavya (58) and Abhishek (24) were the main scorers. Ayush also chipped in with 22 runs. Virender and Ban of Ladpur XI got three and two wickets respectively. Batting second, Ladpur XI was bundled out in 19.2 overs for 143 runs. Virender (43) and Rajdeep (32) were the principal scorers for the side. For Diamond Cricket Academy, Rahul took two wickets while Shubam and Himanshu took a wicket each.
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American School of Baroda register six-wicket win
Dehradun, April 15 The Uttarakhand Club won the toss and chose to bat first. The team scored 130 runs in 20 overs for eight wickets. Ashish (20) and Karan (15*) mainly scored
for the team. For bowling side, Ramesh got four wickets. Jai took two, Mahavir and Sanjay picked one
wicket each. Chasing the target, American School scored 133 runs in 17 overs for four wickets. Man of the match, Ramesh also performed even while batting, he scored 77 runs. Yasin also chipped in with 17 runs. For the Uttarakhand Cricket Club, Ravi was the lone successful bowler getting two wickets. He bowled three overs and gave 12 runs.
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Welham Boys, Lawrence School in last four
Dehradun, April 15 Bishop Cotton School and Doon School A team will lock horns in the quarterfinal tomorrow. In another quarterfinal tomorrow, Woodstock and Pinegrove School will play each other. Today, eight matches were played. Shri Ram School, Delhi, defeated Doon International 39-27. Pinegrove School also registered a win over Doon School B 38-27.
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Heat takes toll on butterflies
Mussoorie, April 15 According to environmentalist Vimal Sharma, butterflies are getting dehydrated and lethargic due to which they are not able to gather much nectar and therefore are either fainting or dying in the process. The only solution is to create artificial moisture by placing bowls filled with water around the plantation zone so that they do not have to travel in search of it. Butterflies play an important part in pollination of flowers and preserving environment. The water bowls will also provide necessary water for birds too, adds Sharma.
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SSB demands more force on India-Nepal border
Pitthoragarh, April 15 “This is the only border out of all international borders of the country which is open and there are no restrictions in transmigration of the people of both countries. Our jawans deputed on the border have to keep a strong vigil on thousands of people crossing the border daily,” said Aggarwal. Aggarwal, who was on his tour to the remote border areas of Dharchula subdivision at the Indo-Nepal border, said all five international bridges on Kali river at the border in the district were being fitted with close circuit TV cameras. This facility was only at Dharchula international bridge, which was now being extended to other bridges. “These CCTV cameras will be linked to our control room in New Delhi via internet,” said Aggarwal. The IG also said every
border had been given currency detectors to check the flow of counterfeit currency at the border, which had come into operation here now.
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Though exactly 24 hours after the last of the akhadas took a dip in the Ganga yesterday on the occasion of Mesh Sankranti’s Shahi Snan, still millions of pilgrims are taking a dip in the Kumbh city.
Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, along with members of her family, took a dip in the holy Ganga at the VIP Ghat at Haridwar today. She expressed sorrow and sympathy for the seven devotees who died in a stampede during the Shahi Snan yesterday.
Rajpur MLA Ganesh Joshi commended Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Kumbh mela officials on the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh at
Haridwar. Speaking to mediapersons at a press conference in Library Mussoorie, he said more than five crore devotees from the country and abroad sought blessings of Maa Ganga and bathed on the auspicious occasion of the
Kumbh.
Dehradun, April 15
Mussoorie, April 15
With the completion of the biggest of the Shahi Snan on April 14, several religious, social, educational and other institutional organisations contributed their bit in making the Kumbh a successful event.
Lending one such cooperative hand to the mela administration was Shanti Kunj Ashram which has got accolades from the mela administration for their unequivocal help for pilgrims.
Dehradun, April 15
Dehradun, April 15
