Controversy laid to rest over ashes immersion in Rishikesh
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 4
Finally, after a fortnight long brawl that had arisen after ashes immersion being done in Rishikesh of celebrities at Parmarth Niketan Ashram Ganga ghats, today Swami Chidanand Muni of Parmarth Niketan and Teerth Purhohits of Haridwar, after an hour-long meeting, sorted out the differences on this matter.

Chidanand Muni arrived here today, accompanied by Acharya Balakrishan, Vice Chancellor of Patanjali University, at Divya Yog Mandir Trust in Kankhal, where he held a meeting with agitating Teerth purohits and pandas of Haridwar.

Both the sides put forth their stance, with Chidanand Muni remarking that be it immersion of ashes of parliamentarian and cine star Sunil Dutt or of parents of Anil Kapoor and Kailash Kher, he had not performed the ashes ritual personally.

He further added that it was not he who urged them to perform ashes rituals in Rishikesh instead of Haridwar, but as it was their family members’ wish only to perform immersion in Rishikesh amidst his presence.

Acknowledging the immense religious-spirtual-mythological significance of Braham Kund, Har-Ki-Pauri sanctum sanctorum, Chidanand Muni said that in religious scriptures Himalayas and Har-ki-Pauri have been accorded immense value.

So be it Maha Kumbh holy bath, taking holy Ganga dip or performing of rituals, including ashes immersion, these sacred places have a specific place in Hindu religion.

Though Chidanand Muni did not accept that ashes immersion was not apt in Rishikesh, the revered saint indirectly hinted that one should not make an issue of ashes immersion if done elsewhere as its one’s faith or proximity to a certain place which makes them not to come to Haridwar for performing of such rites.

Taking a dig at the way the ashes immersion and related rituals have taken a commercial look in Haridwar, Chidanand Muni, though didn’t name anyone, said that be it Haridwar or Rishikesh, it was responsibility of all of (saints-teerth purohits) to make sure sentiments of the coming devotees and the worldwide religious image of Har-ki-Pauri was not affected.

Parmarth Niketan head also cautioned that by taking this issue to streets by teerth purhoits, a wrong message had gone in public. “So rectify it and we all should make sure that such issues are on priority basis solved with dialogue and mutual consent.”

Pointing towards the infrastructural cleanliness aspect at Har-ki-Pauri, Chidanand Muni termed the religious site equivalent to Mecca and urged all to work in this regard so as to change the image of this revered site in sync with its religious importance.

Adding on this, he said that in the coming few months he along with like-minded people are contemplating on making Har-ki-Pauri (Haridwar), Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh) stretch a model area for which - be it government, saint community, social organisations and common people - everyone’s suggestions and cooperation will be sought.

A media briefing was also held later at Divya Yog Mandit Trust jointly by Chidanand Muni and Haridwar’s Yuva Teerth Purohit executive members.

Ujjwal Pundit, chief of the Yuva Teerth Purhohit Sabha, expressed satisfaction on the meeting and said that they was no wrong in opposing the ashes immersion in Rishikesh but “as of now, this chapter is closed and there is mutual respect, regard, recognition and bonhomie between both the temple cities teerth purohits.”

ECI modifies orders on video recording of poll results
Rajeev Khanna

Nainital, March 4
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has modified its instructions with regard to the video recording of the display of each Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and its display on large screens for each counting table while the counting of votes for the five states takes place on Tuesday.

This has been done as the previous instructions were not found to be practical. In addition to this, it was found that this would result in too many wires in the counting halls, which may get entangled. The ECI

has also come to the conclusion that in several smaller places such a large number of video screens are not available.

However, the ECI has given instructions that the display of the EVM shall be shown to the satisfaction of the counting agents, and if necessary the counting supervisor shall hold the EVM up for easy viewing of the display by the counting agents.

According to the ECI, full security arrangements have been made for counting. Counting will be done in the presence of counting observers.

There will also be micro observers for counting and in each round two EVMs will be recounted by the micro observers.

The ECI has further pointed that round wise result sheet would be signed jointly by the Returning Officer (RO) and the observer. The round wise result would be announced loudly by the RO and written on a

large blackboard or white board in the counting hall.

With regard to the counting of votes scheduled to take place in all the five states where polling has been carried out, the ECI has stated counting will be carried out at 168 locations, which include 16 locations in Uttarakhand. It has stated that the candidates and their election agents would be allowed inside the counting hall.

The ECI has clarified that counting agents of candidates would be allowed at each counting table and videography of the counting process would be done in each hall.

With regard to the recent polling in the five states, the ECI has claimed that technology was used to provide facilitation to the voters like setting up of round the clock call centre with 1950 toll-free number for recording of complaints. According to the commission, more than 25,000 complaints were registered across the country, out of which 1800 are pending disposal. The web search for names of voters in all the states was made available and all the urban polling stations in big cities were covered under the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.

Traditional wooden craftsmen of Munsiyari leaving profession
B.D. Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, March 4
The traditional wooden craftsmen in Munsiyari region of this part of the state are gradually leaving their craft due to the reasons ranging from decreasing demands due to changing taste of society and non-availability of raw material due to strict forest laws. “Till the last generation, four villages of Umargara, Baram,Toli and Garthi in Munsiyari area used to be involved in this profession but in my generation, only my family is involved in wooden work; others have shifted to other professions or government jobs,” said Puskar Ram, a wooden craftsman in Umargara village of Munsiyari.

According to Puskar Ram, he is traditionally trained to make a variety of wooden wares like agricultural equipments, musical instruments, measurement equipment of traditional Kumoan society and equipment to churn tribal tea,named Jya and churning equipment for milk and curd. “In olden times, when plastic and steel equipment were not prevalent, the villagers used to depend on these wooden equipments for almost every household activities but after the new plastic utensils came into being, our profession started facing paucity of clients,” said Puskar Ram.

“We used to make naliya and dumka for the use of tribal Bhotias and measurement equipments like nali, khyak and mana and structures of wooden equipments like hurka, dangor, dhol, dholak for local farming community traditionally and depended on that craft but in last 30 years, the demands for these equipments have almost stopped making us to leave the profession,” said Madan Saniyal, younger brother of Puskar Ram.

According to the craftsmen, besides decreasing demands of these traditional wooden utensils and wares, non-availability of raw material has also posed a big question before these craftsmen. “The old plantation of woods of gathi and sanan have gone out of supply due to over-exploitation but the Forest Department has not planted new saplings of these plants forcing the craftsmen to import the wood from outside Munsiyari,” said Madan Ram Saniyal.

The lone craftsmen family of these wooden wares in Munsiyari said that he has made new experiments and exhibited his craft at Delhi Hat in the year 2009 and finds that if new designs could be used in wooden craft, it can be a good profession to depend on. “During my brief stay in Delhi Hat, I came across the clients who were ready to pay required prices for the wooden craft of their own choice; if we could avail the training in these new designs, we can also upgrade our life standers in this craft alone,” said Madan Ram Saniyal, who accompanied his brother to Delhi Hat.

“We need new forests of the plants, from which we obtain raw material and new technology for the craft besides designs prevalent in the domestic market and international tourist markets, for we could sustain our craft,” said Madan Ram, who has now trained himself as a teacher and wants to leave the wooden craft of his ancestors.

According to the wooden craftsman, as most of the people have shifted from their villages to urban areas and nearby towns and have abandoned agriculture, the demands even of agricultural equipments have also gone down. “Even those living in villages have either left cultivation and changed their lifestyle according to new steel utensils and iron equipments of agriculture, which has resulted in scrapping the demands of these wooden equipments, forcing us to leave this profession,” said Madan Saniyal.

Guidelines for wildlife NGOs soon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
Following the arrest of two People For Animals Dehradun employees in the Anti-wildlife Conservation Act, the Uttarakhand Forest Department has decided to issue guidelines to be followed by wildlife NGOs during the rescue of birds and animals.

On March 2, a Special Operation Group team of the Rajaji National Park had arrested four persons, including two employees of the PFA, Dehradun, while they were in the process of selling an owl for Rs 51,000. The two PFA employees arrested were animal ambulance driver Manoj Kumar and animal shelter attendant Sanjay Kumar.

The arrest of two PFA employees had sent shock waves among wildlife conservationists. Even the working of the district unit of the People For Animals had come under question.

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has taken stern note of the incident and decided to issue guidelines to be followed by wildlife NGOs for the rescue of birds and animals. Head, Anti-Poaching Cell, Uttarakhand Forest Department, SK Dutt said the Forest Department would shortly issue guidelines to be followed by the wildlife Non-Government Organisations in the state.

“While undertaking the rescue of wild animals, the NGOs should also inform the Forest Department and should also keep the department in confidence”, he pointed out.

PFA Uttarakhand member secretary Gauri Maulekhi admitted that the incident called for serious action. She, however, pointed out that the district units of the PFA worked as independent units with the PFA Uttarakhand only acting as their facilitator.

“The PFA Dehradun least maintains communication with the PFA Uttarakhand. PFA chairperson Maneka Gandhi has been informed about the incident and we are awaiting her response”, Maulekhi observed.

Holi celebrations at peak in Kumaon
Tribune News Service

Nainital, March 4
The Holi celebrations across Kumaon have started with people from all walks of life starting to participate in the festivities and the various forms of Holi that come along.

With the Holi Baithaks continuing over the last two months since they began with the first Sunday of the Hindu calendar month of Pausha, the Khadi Holi celebrations have also started from Sunday afternoon.

In Nainital, the Nayna Devi temple was the theatre of festivities on Sunday afternoon as teams from Champawat and students from the local CRST Inter-College came up with spellbinding performances of Khadi Holi which was not only enjoyed by the locals but also a large number of tourists also descended on the premises of the temple to get a peep into the original folklore of Kumaon. The event had been organised by the local cultural organisation Yugmanch.

Senior member of the organisation Zahoor Alam says, “This is the 16th Holi Mahotsava organised by us. It was started to revive and preserve the original Holi of Kumaon and promote brotherhood. We have succeeded in both endeavours.”

After the performance at the temple that was marked with a parallel Baithak Holi session by the Mahila Sanskriti Manch, the artistes and the people moved to the Ram Sevak Sabha premises in the Mallital market in the form of a musical procession.

Another round of performance was held at the Ram Sevak Sabha and the artistes were honoured by the Yugmanch.

The Ram Sevak Sabha, an old and prominent cultural organisation, too has been organising a series of Holi Baithaks as well as a competition for the women Holi singers and dancers over the last three days.

A series of sessions of both Baithaki and Khadi Holi will take place in the town over the next three days. Similar sessions are also being held across Kumaon, particularly in the hilly terrain of the region.

Stress on need to make nursery education more flexible
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 4
For wholesome development of children, nursery and primary mode of education needs to be flexible so as studying doesn’t seem a burden for children but as an interesting fun activity. This was stated by SCERT-Uttarkhand art professor Sanjeev Chetan at an educational-creative workshop held at Euro Kids International School at Shivalik Nagar.

Dr Chetan emphasised that now mental-sentimental and psychological development was enhanced by indulging kids in such recreational activities.

While Dr Ashok Sharma, MCS Bal Vidyapeeth Principal, stressed on moulding the education curriculum in sync with the changing times.

At the workshop various activities were organised for students who participated with enthusiasm showing their talent, skill and aptitude in these activities.

Expert academicians also gave tips to teachers on the mode of teaching, keeping in mind the psyche of the young students.

Parents of the participating children were also given a charted mode on upbringing of children so as to make study more entertaining and effective.

Euro Kids Principal Sakshi Verma said that contrary to normal perception the play group, nursery and kindergarten are pivotal in students’ overall development, as in higher classes stress is more on percentages and results.

Subodh Kumar, Satendra Pal, Ashok Gupta, Sugandha, Namita Gupta, Pradeep Chaudhari, Anurag Gupta, Deepanshu Gupta, Saurabh Gupta, Manoj Kumar, Raj Kumar, Anup Kumar among others also gave tips at the workshop.

Varsity to begin course in petroleum engg
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
Graphic Era Hill University (GEHU) would commence a course in petroleum engineering from this academic session and is looking forward to introduce medical college in the state, Kamal Ghanshala, chairman, Graphic Era University, said while addressing the media at a city’s hotel here today.

“After attaining success placements of students in all courses of the university, we are commencing new course in petroleum engineering from this academic year,” he said.

He also congratulated students as well as staff of the university for obtaining placement of 1168 students this year in the various well-renowned companies and making outstanding record of the students’ placements. “It is indeed incredible that just in two days the university placed 610 students and has broken the old records of the institute,” he added.

He emphasised that 588 students of B Tech, 90 of MCA, 150 of MBA, 123 of BBA and 120 of BCA have been placed so far along with 37 students of B Sc and 55 students of B HM. He also boasted of granting scholarship of Rs 5.57 crore to students in the year 2011-12 and awarding 25 per cent relaxation to the brilliant students hailing from weaker section of society.

Present on the occasion were Dr M R Tyagi, Chancellor, GEU, Dr Sanjay Jasola, Chancellor, GEHU, Subhash Gupta, OSD and Dr MP Singh, proctor.

Attempted bank robbery case of Roorkee cracked
Tribune News Service

The accused in the attempted SBI robbery in police custody in Roorkee on Sunday. Photo Navreet Milton

Dehradun, March 4
Roorkee police has cracked the attempted bank robbery case in Roorkee Cantt where an attempt was made to rob the State Bank of India branch on the intervening night of February 19 and 20. The police followed the lead gathered from the crime site by noting down the number imprinted on the oxygen cylinder of the gas cutter which had been used to cut through the strong room security doors. The investigations led the police to the IOC Oil Refinery in Mathura (UP), where they apprehended Satbir Singh, who is a gas welder and had rented out the same to the main accused, Signalman Sunil Singh, for Rs 200.

The police arrested Satbir Singh. During his interrogation, he revealed that Signalman Sunil Singh had contacted him along with Pradhan of Bhai village in Mathura. Satbir along with three other accomplices, Suresh, Chotu and Guddu, contacted Signalman Sunil Singh once they reached the Roorkee Cantt where Sunil collected the gas cutter. Satbir further revealed that Sunil told them that they won’t do anything on the 18th as it had become late. Sunil later inducted his team into the Cantt area by making them wear Army uniforms on February 19. Pushar Singh Sailal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP),Haridwar, said that the Army authorities are making enquries whereas the accused Signalman Sunil Singh has confessed his crime to the police.

Vajirabad School winner in science model exhibition
Tribune News Service

Students see models at a science fair in Haridwar on Sunday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar Gaur

Haridwar, March 4
The first district science fair concluded at Dr Hari Ram Arya Inter-college here today. As many as 58 government schools from across the district participated in the fair.

It was organised by the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

Students made models on various issues like global warming, solar wind energy, water and air pollution etc.

In the science model exhibition, Vajirabad School was declared the winner. Munda Kheda and Mangalore Government Inter-college win the second and third positions, respectively.

A quiz based on science topics was won by the Lakshar block team. The second and third positions were won by the Narsain and Roorkee block teams, respectively.

Another quiz based on general knowledge was won by Suhel Akhtar of Government Intermediate College, Haridwar. Abhinav Kumar of National Inter-College, Bhogpur, win the second position and Shivam Giri of Madhyamik Vidyala Godorana win the third position.

In the essay writing event, Shubham of Nizampur School stood first, Alvina Rao of Sikhrauda stood second and Himani Sharma of Kankhal Government School win the the third position.

Additional District Education Officer Ramendra Kushwaha lauded the efforts, creativity and talent of the participating students.

Holi Milan samaroh at kalyan parishad
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
A Holi Milan samaroh was organised by the Kurmanchal Sanskritik Aywum Kalyan Parishad at their office here today. Members of the association presented colourful cultural programmes which were the main attraction of the day.

The programme commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by chief guest Dr R K Jain, managing director, Combined Medical Institute. He was accompanied by A K Shah, associate vice-president, Nainital Bank, and Pravin Joshi, state secretary, Uttarakhand Congress Committee, as guest of honour and special guest, respectively.

A souvenir was awarded to Sudesh Istwal, senior journalist, for his dedicated contribution to the society while other distinguished guests were given shawls by the association.

Dr H C Shah, president of the association, congratulated all a happy Holi and prosperous life while exhorted the members to conserve the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.

NSS students spread ‘green’ message through skits
Our Correspondent

Mussoorie, March 4
A seven-day community service camp organised by Government Polytechnic College, New Tehri, concluded in Bhandargaon village near Chamba town in Tehri Garhwal today.

During the camp, NSS students educated the villagers about the importance of planting saplings and preserving the environment through skits and songs.

They also presented plays to encourage blood donation and literacy in society. Some students highlighted the menace of AIDS and ways to eradicate the stigma surrounding it.

Cultural programmes were also organised. Monica Bisht and Sapna Chauhan sang Saraswati Vandana which was followed by the presentation of patriotic songs.

Programme officer Arvind Chauhan said besides studies, students should also participate in such creative activities.

He further said in the NSS, students learn ways to lead a disciplined life.

Anuj Kumar was declared the best NSS student.

Medical camp by diabetic association
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
Hundreds of patients took free medical advice and medicines at a medical camp organised by the Doon Diabetic Association here today.

Dr Bhushan Kumar, a practising physician for over three decades and chest specialist, conducted the camp. A doctor in medicines (MD), Dr Bhushan is also a fellow of Chest College of Physicians and was formerly a visiting scholar of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle. He is also a Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada.

The Doon Diabetic Association has been in the forefront of holding yearly free medical camps for the past many years, providing free check-up and even medicines to over 200/300 patients. Tests are also conducted for blood sugar. An additional feature this year will be to conduct lung function tests.

Dr Bhushan Kumar and Dr Ajay Khanna, a noted cardiologist, checked the patients.

Bhalla is Punjabi Biradari chief
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
A meeting was held at the Punjabi Biradari Welfare Society Bhavan here today where KK Bhalla was appointed the president for the second term.

MM Sabharwal was appointed general secretary, Rajeev Sachar secretary, Rajinder Singh vice-president, Yashpal Bhatia treasurer and Amaulak Singh, CP Kapoor, Shyam Anand, BD Bakshiinder Singh executive members. It was decided that the new hall, built on the official premises of the organisation, should be allowed to be used by people of other communities for public functions at a minimum cost.

The members said the Punjabi community should continue to work for the betterment of society and undertake social causes such as yoga camp, tree plantations and scholarship distribution. A magazine of the organisation will be released on Baisakhi.

Shivalik, Doon varsity teams win
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 4
The Shivalik team beat Education Hub by 93 runs in a match in the 60th District Cricket League match played here today.

Batting first, Shivalik scored 166 runs in the allotted overs. Amit scored unbeaten 51 runs. Ashok contributed valuable 41 runs to the team’s score. Education Hub bowlers failed to give an impressive performance.

Chasing the target, the Education Hub team was all out for 73 runs, thereby ensuring 93-run win for Shivalik. Himanshu scored the highest 30 runs. Amit of Shivalik took 4 wickets.

In another match, Doon University won by 65 runs against PWD XI. Batting first, Doon University scored 220 runs. Rohit scored the highest runs (43). The PWD XI team was all out for 155 runs. Manoj with 31 runs was the highest scorer. Shashank of Doon University took 3 wickets.

Holi Mahotsav begins in Pithoragarh
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 4
The four-day Holi Mahotsav began here today. It is being organised by the Ram Lila Prabandha Karini Samiti, a cultural organisation.

According to the programme released by the organisers, the mahotsav, which is being organised at Ramlila Ground, will showcase varieties of Khadi Holi by teams of Kali Kumaon, Gangolihat, Almora, Sor and Munsiyari and local Holi teams from the Sor valley.

“We have tried to include all colours of Kumaon Holi by inviting teams from all regions,” said Jagdish Punera, secretary, organising committee.