Haridwar, April 17
It seems quite unimaginable that a place which was brimming with millions of people till a few days earlier is bearing a deserted look today.

Till Wednesday, the day of the Pramukh Shahi Snan, these places had experienced no darkness and no silence as verses were being recited and sermons were being delivered non-stop at the camps there. At some places, mass bhandaras were being organised.

From saints, sadhus to common devotees, the Mahamandaleshwar Nagar and Akhada camps had been abuzz with Kumbh-related activities since the mega fair began on Makar Sankranti day on January 14.

After the completion of century’s first Maha Kumbh’s last Shahi Snan on April 14, the Kumbh city, which made all sorts of human conglomeration records, life has now started treading towards normalcy.

The setups for saints and Mahamandaleshwars that had been set up at areas like Bairagi, Pantdeep, Gauri Shankar, Neeldhara camp area in Mahamandaleshwar Nagar are now being dismantled at a fast pace.

Already many Kumbh camps have been vacated by their spiritual allottees and the non-stop buzz that was the USP of these camps has gone missing. A silent void is fast engulfing the whole area which stretches several kilometres.

Akhadas, which played a pivotal role in the Maha Kumbh proceedings, are also packing their bags at their Kumbh cantonment camps marking the completion of the mega fair in Haridwar.

The fact that ordinary pilgrims have also left the Kumbh city has doubled the void being felt at the Ganga ghats.

The roads that till a few days back were full of saints, pilgrims, tourists and local people and were in total controlled of the mela police are now being used by camp managers and their vehicles to ferry their belongings.

Workers dismantling the camps and tents can be seen all over the mela area. Though many prominent akhada saints and other religious gurus are still there, the loading of their belongings has already started.

Many of those who are yet to leave for their homes were either seen relaxing or walking around the area discussing the events in the past four months.

The cultural night camp and the exhibition centre have already been removed from Haridwar. The Cultural Department’s camp bolted from the Kumbh camp area on April 11, three days before the Pramukh Shahi Snan. The exhibition centre left the very next day.

Notably, mela lands had been alloted to the akhadas and saints for the full tenure of the Kumbh Mela which will end on April 28 with the Vaishakh Adimasaha Purnima Snan, but the departure of the multitudes with the Baisakhi bath unofficially signifies the end of the Maha Kumbh in the holy city.

Dehradun, April 17
Senior BJP leader and MP Shahnawaz Hussain called on Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank here today to congratulate him on the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela at Haridwar.

Shahnawaz Hussain said the success of the Maha Kumbh 2010, in which around six crore devotees participated from all over the world irrespective of caste and creed, has given the world the message of peace and unity.

He said that this was the first occasion in the history of the Kumbh Mela that people from 140 countries speaking 68 languages visited Haridwar and took a dip in the Ganga.

He said the success of the fair had enhanced the reputation of Uttarakhand as well as of India.

He gave all credit to the young Chief Minister for successfully shouldering the responsibility and for showing excellent leadership and management skills.

Chief Minister Nishank said he had been receiving congratulatory messages on the successful conduct of the fair from India and abroad.

He said to give better facilities to common pilgrims, the state government had appealed to the VIPs from India and abroad not to visit the holy city during Kumbh so that the common pilgrims did not feel any inconvenience.

The CM thanked all personnel of the state who worked devotedly and wished them happiness and prosperity.

Dehradun, April 17
The Congress has termed as laughable the claim by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister to seek Nobel Prize for the successful conduct of the Haridwar Maha Kumbh.

In a statement issued here today, Yogendra Khanduri, member of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC), said it was strange that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was seeking Nobel Prize for holding Maha Kumbh.

“The Chief Minister should know at least that the Nobel Prize is not meant for organising such events and programmes. Started in 1901, the Nobel Prize is supposed to be given in the field of physics, chemistry, physiology/medicine, literature and peace for remarkable achievements. In 1969, the field of economic science was included, but then the Nobel Prize Foundation Board decided that it will allow no further new prize,” Khanduri pointed out.

Khanduri said the Chief Minister at the most could try only to register this event in the Guinness Book of World Records, because of the congregation of the large number of people that have gathered at a particular place to take dip in to the Ganga river.

Interestingly, Khanduri pointed out that as a matter of fact lakhs of pilgrims could not enter Haridwar due to traffic jams and consequently could not take a dip in the Ganga on the auspicious occasion. “The entire traffic was jam for eight to 10 hours. Seven devotees lost their lives in a stampede in Haridwar. Thus, organising of the Maha Kumbh could not be said to be successful from any point,” he added.

Dehradun, April 17
The rising mercury is forcing Doonites to think of places to chill out with family and friends.

Children, who are feeling bored sitting at home after examinations, are cajoling their parents to make a trip to watery getaways in and around the state capital.

Residents are taking to swimming and water sports as these are the best ways to beat the heat.

Schools in the city have started their summer camps and are providing the option of swimming to their students this summer.

Tourists are heading towards cool spots like Kempty Falls, Bhatta Falls, Haathipaon in Mussoorie along with the Sahastradhara reservoir, Lacciwala waterfall, Dakpatthar, Assan Barrage, Gullarghati, Robbers Cave waterfall and swimming pools situated at Guchhu Pani.

“We have come from Delhi to spend our holidays in the Doon valley away from the hot humid climate of the metro.

“My children and wife love to relax in a swimming pool, but these are overcrowded in Delhi. So we planned a visit to Dehradun and are feeling relaxed in the serene environment here.

“I enjoy swimming and I’ll be visiting all major waterfalls for sure,” said Adarsh Verma, who works with an MNC.

A hot spot among water sports lovers is Rishikesh. River rafting camps are organised from October to April in Rishikesh and the thrill and excitement can only be experienced.

Tourists from faraway countries come to enjoy water activities and to learn dynamic traditional yoga.

“River rafting and windsurfing are two of my favourite things. I heard about rafting in Rishikesh from my friends. But as I didn’t know swimming, I avoided it all this while.

“This vacation, I tried my hand at it and experienced pure joy. The entire trip in the water was an adventure,” said Apoorva Tiwari, engineering student from Bhiwani.

For locals who love to swim and relax in the lap of nature, Robbers Cave and Tapkeshwar Temple are some of the places that are accessible free of cost.

Being situated in remote areas, these places are ideal locations away from the hustle bustle of the city. Visitors cannot be but hypnotised by the swimming pools and clear water of the Tauns river in the midst of mountains, cool breeze and scenic beauty.

“I love swimming in Guchu Pani as the area is easily accessible by my friends and me. There are no visiting charges and we bathe and relax on the banks the whole day long,” said Rahul, a resident of Nayagaon.

Security guards, swimming aids and small canteens serving fast food have made it easier for the people to visit these places. People also come with food packed from home or get them raw that is then cooked at the spot after hours of fun in the pool.

“To provide security, we have deployed security guards. People are allowed to come between 9 am and 5 pm to spend hours eating and swimming. We have made strict rules to keep the place as well as the river clean.

“For those who are a bit conscious about themselves, separate swimming pools for men and women have also made. Tourists from Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab come in large numbers on weekends here,” said Mahender Thapa, who runs a canteen and swimming pool at Sahastradhara.

Mussoorie, April 17
Angry parents of Dalit students in Mussoorie vent their ire against the double policy of the school management at the Central School of Tibetans (CST) yesterday.

They were led by Surendar Pal. The parents said the CST management was not admitting Dalit children earlier. Now the CST had issued a list of new admissions based on political recommendations without any entrance test. This was against the Constitution, the parents said.

Surendar Pal alleged that that a few days back, the management of the school had pasted a notice saying “Indians not allowed” on their notice board which was later removed.

Pal expressed surprise that all this was happening even after the enactment of the Right to Education.

Youth Congress leader Shailendar Bisht said the school was ignoring the just demands of Dalit parents and they had every right to educate their children in the school.

He added that Indians had become refugees in their own country with this denial of basic right to the people of Mussoorie.

He held that “if Indians are not allowed to study in their own country, then Tibetans should take their school to Dharamsala or some other place”.

The SDM Mussoorie said the school management had its own compulsions according to the guidelines provided to them, but she still would investigate the matter and try to resolve it soon.

The Central School of Tibetans was constituted to educate Tibetans refugees several years back, but now as most of them were studying in Tibetan Homes, seats were available in various classes.

The fees in the school is bare minimum so many Dalit families line up to educate their wards in the school.

Dehradun, April 17
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Doon Girls School, Rupali Memorial Art Competition was organised on the premises of the school here today. The chief guest at the function was Monica Taluqdar, a famous painter, who inaugurated the competition.

Around 120 students from 20 schools participated and showcased their skills on three main topics, “national flower”, “animals are our friends” and “collage- making on kite festivals”. The programme was coordinated under the supervision of Principal Monisha. The art competition was divided into three categories A, B and C.

Judges of the competition were Monica Taluqdar, Paul Dambe and Admiral Koppikar.

Along with Principal, other prominent members of the organisation were also present at the event.

Dehradun, April 17
On the occasion of Baisakhi, students of Welham Boys School celebrated the festivity by showcasing 13 styles of ballroom dancing, including tap dance, rumba, jive, Mexican hat dance, hip hop, rock ‘n’ roll, morris, kalari paytoo and others. The event was entirely a fun-filled programme with bhangra being the main attraction of the celebration.

The morning session of the celebration included parents-teachers interaction, where teachers gave the academic progress of the students. Students were also awarded with Scholars’ Recognition for excellence in academic and co-curricular activities by Principal Dev Lahiri.

There were about 80 awardees who received excellence in subject award, distinction certificate award, scholars’ gown and scholars’ scarf.

Both parents and students enjoyed the celebrations while teachers and the management presented it wonderfully.

Dehradun, April 17
To build awareness about obesity and diabetes, Eco-watch Society, along with Diabetes Foundation (India), will organise a race “Run to Live” for schoolchildren studying in classes between VI as XII on April 18.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Diwakar Dev, president of the society, said the run covering 10 km from Saint Joseph Academy School to Scholars Home (senior level for classes IX upwards) and back, while for junior level (for students up to class VIII) from Scholars Home to St Joseph Academy was being held to make children aware about the ill-effects of sedentary lifestyle and how it could give rise to obesity and later diabetes.

Vice-president of the society and a leading doctor of the city Dr Kuldeep Datta said of late there had been an alarming rise in the number of obesity cases among children and juvenile diabetes. “The race is to raise consciousness about leading a healthy lifestyle from a very young age,” he said.

More than 2,000 students are expected to participate in the run. All top schools of the city, including Summer Valley, St Joseph’s Academy, Convent of Jesus and Mary and others, are expected to participate.

The event will be supported by the ONGC and other private organisations and companies.

Dehradun, April 17
The state government has assured the Uttarakhand Table Tennis Association all help in the successful hosting of the South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship for Boys and Girls at Dehradun on June 5 and 6.

Seven countries Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and India are likely to participate in the championship.

Around 80 to 100 players are expected to participate in the championship.

A meeting was held in the office of Rakesh Sharma, Principal Secretary, Sports, Tourism and Technical Education, and attended by Nitesh Jha, Director (Sports) and Ashok Wasu, Organising Secretary of the South Asian Junior Table Tennis championship.

Sharma said it was an honour for the state that such a championship was being held here.

He also said the state government would provide total support for smooth and successful conduct of the championship in a manner befitting the highest standards of the organisation and hospitality.

He announced that the state government had sanctioned a special grant of Rs 5 lakh for the championship and would also provide the use of the multipurpose indoor stadium in Maharana Pratap Sports College at Raipur.

The government would also help in mobilising sponsorship for the event. He also said Jha had been authorised to take all decisions in connection with the conduct of the championship and he would provide all possible logistic as well as organisational assistance to the association.

It was also decided that the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam would provide transport for the players, officials and delegates.

The Sports Department would host/sponsor a special dinner for the players, officials and delegates on June 5 to be attended by the Chief Minister. Ashok Wasu said the association had already decided to host a valedictory dinner for the players, officials and delegates on June 6.

It was also proposed to approach the Chief Minister to inaugurate the championship and the Governor to preside over the closing ceremony.

The meeting also decided that the Tourism Department would organise cultural programmes during the opening ceremony as well as the closing ceremony to showcase the rich culture of the state and the country.

Dehradun, April 17
Welham Boys School retained the title of Afzal Khan Memorial Basketball Tournament defeating Woodstock School 66-46 here today at Doon School. While Doon School got the third place as it defeated Lawrence School, Sanawar.

In the final, Sidarth emerged as the topscorer with 27 points. Samrth and Ravi scored 15 and 10 points respectively. For Woodstock, Gadhikari topscored with 23 points.

Meanwhile, the teams were given away prizes by headmaster of Doon School. Besides team trophies individual awards in different categories were also given.

Ravi of Welham Boys School was adjudged most valuable player of the tournament while Doon School’s Tussar Gupta got the award of most promising player.

Dehradun, April 17
Doon Public School got the better of Doon Blossoms School by 14 runs in the inaugural match of the Gardner Premier League, Inter-School Indoor Cricket Tournament for boys and girls held at St Thomas College, Dehradun.

The winning team scored 42 runs in the first innings while Blossoms School could score nine and 19 runs in the first and second innings respectively. Bhanu Partap scored 16 for Doon Public School.

In the second match, Constancia beat Carman School, Premnagar by 10 runs.

Carman scored 27 runs in the first innings and the winning team scored 36. While in the second innings the teams scored 21 and 22 runs respectively.

Zeeshan of Carman School and Akshay of Constancia scored 13 runs each for their respective sides.

In another match played today, Carman School, Dalanwala, posted a four-wicket win over The Heritage School.

The winning team scored 23 and 21 in the first and the second innings respectively. The losing side scored 20 in the first and 23 in the second innings.

In the last match of the day, St Thomas College-A won after it got walk over Doon Cambridge School.

Mussoorie, April 17
The American School Cricket Academy, Baroda, won the friendly cricket fixture emphatically. The American School defeated Mussoorie Public School (MPS) at Survey Grounds here by 52 runs.

After winning the toss, the American School batted first and posted a huge target of 273 runs in 35 overs. Jay Patel was highest scorer with 62 runs in 28 balls. Ajay Gandhi scored 50 runs in 30 balls and Ahmed Noor Pathan scored 35 runs for American School.

In reply, Mussoorie Public School could muster 190 runs and were all out within stipulated overs. From MPS Gulshan scored 52 runs, Mayan was second highest run getter with 38 runs and Dhruv Lal could garner 25 runs. Sidharth and Ajay Gandhi from American School took four wickets each.

The Baroda players will also play another friendly match at Oak Grove School Mussoorie.

Earlier, speaking to the players, chief guest Mukesh Lal thanked SAI coach NK Sharma for this wonderful exchange of cricketing techniques. He also said the game should be played in a true spirit of sportsmanship.

Later, speaking to the media, NK Sharma said this was a great opportunity for the boys from Baroda to be accustomed to high-altitude cricket practice as the conditions were different from the plains due to lack of oxygen. He also was of the view that if Uttarakhand state could construct few international-level stadiums at high altitudes, it would help in the germination of high-quality cricketers. Another aspect to this was that if the international-level ground was available in Uttarakhand, national camps could be held before any international tour for cold countries.

He also said the format of the Baroda Cricket Association for junior level was by far the best as they conducted more competitions annually which provided enough match practice.

Sharma also said the pitches supporting fast bowling should be created to motivate the bowlers. Unconducive pitches would lead to low level of confidence among our pace bowlers. He also said for him a true cricketer should be patient and play without any hurry.

Dehradun, April 17
A fast 58-run knock in 30 balls by Prince guided Doon Tigers to a facile win over Chaudhary XI by 58 runs in the second round match of the Day-Night Softball Cricket Tournament on the PRD ground on the Tapovan Road.

The winning side posted a big total of 132 runs in the allotted 15 overs at the loss of nine wickets.

Prince (58) was the mainstay of the innings. Sultan (29*), Sandy (16) and Abhay (15) also chipped in setting up the good target.

For Chaudhary XI, Shekhar, Anurag, Santosh and Raj got two wickets each while Siddarth pocketed one.

Batting second, Chaudhary XI was packed off for 91 runs in 13.3 overs.

Opening batsman Alam (22) and first order batsman Siddarth (21) could save blushes for the team.

After the duo’s departure, the team couldn’t get any good partnership and paid the heavy price for it.

For Doon Tigers, Pradeep captured three wickets while Vikas, Sandy and Abhay took two wickets each.

In the second match, Ladpur, Knight Riders thrashed Doon Defence Academy by 88 runs with the help of Sagar’s 72 runs knock which came in just 25 balls.