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Blasts may dampen Divali shopping spirit
Teachers put on I-card preparation duty
JNUSU poll: AISA’s Mona Das retains president’s post
Divali melas: Dazzling lights and |
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Getting acquainted with Divali myths
80.2 per cent adults suffer from tooth decay
Shahi Imam faces lawyers’ wrath for violating protocol
Faridabad woefully short of fire-fighting staff
Scindia School to renovate infrastructure facilities
Bail granted for man accused of customs duty evasion
Workshop on art therapy to heal chronic ailments
Youth booked for drama to kidnap himself
Tips to keep off respiratory problems NDMC official held for posing as CBI officer Rights group asked for advice to make city disabled-friendly NBW issued against Medha Patkar
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Blasts may dampen Divali shopping spirit New Delhi, October 29 Busy markets in the Capital, including the sprawling retails in the entire National Capital Region, would be impacted the most, hitting the business and the traditional Divali fervour, trade and industry sources said. The Id-Ul-Fitr shopping would also be affected in the walled city of Delhi and other major cities and towns in the country. They said the serial blasts have been so timed as to spread the maximum panic among the shoppers and the traders. The Paharganj area is at a stone’s throw from Sadar Bazaar, the busiest wholesale market in the entire North India. “The business in Sadar Bazaar would surely be hit,” the traders said. They said today’s blasts would impact the festive shopping in the remaining days of the festivals to the extent of 75 per cent. Rough industry estimates put the total Diwali-related shopping, including gifts, sweets, utensils, clothes, passenger cars and motorcycles at a whopping Rs 10,000 crore. Banking sources said the ATMs in Mumbai alone churn out Rs 250 crore a day around the festive season of Diwali and Id. About the same amount of money is rolled out from the ATMs in Delhi. The busy malls in Gurgaon, Noida and East Delhi are also going to witness the dampened spirit of the festival. “Besides, the sale promotion schemes of the car manufacturers, fast moving goods firms and consumer durables would also suffer a setback,” industry sources said.
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Metro security on high alert
New Delhi, October 29 As per DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal, though no formal meeting was held to review the security, all metro stations had been told to be on high alert. The security of the metro is still with the reserved battalions of the Delhi Police. It was to be transferred to the CISF a couple of months back following intelligence reports of a possible terrorist strike after the Ayodhya incident. However, it was not transferred.—TNS
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Teachers put on I-card preparation duty
Faridabad, October 29 According to a spokesman of the association, the local authorities have assigned them the duty of preparing voters; identity cards in the district in various areas and at least one-fifth of the total strength of several government schools in the district has been put on this duty. This has resulted in heavy loss in terms of education for the students of these schools, who were forced to take private tuition in the absence of teachers of various subjects from the schools. Teachers involved in the work for preparing identity cards claim that they cannot do double duty. The work assigned to them is time-consuming and they cannot spare any time for regular teaching of classes in their schools. The Haryana Government had passed an order in September last that no government school teacher would be involved in non-academic work by any office or agency during the academic session. While the studies had been on full swing particularly for the board exams of various classes, assigning such a duty has baffled both the teachers and the parents. They fear that it could adversely affect the studies and results of the schools, and the blame would flat on the teachers, claimed a teacher and member of the association. It is also learnt that an official of the education department here who had protested over the issue and had opposed the assignment of preparation of voters’ I-cards was asked to give an explanation by the administration. The HSLA has asked the state government to relieve the teachers from such duties and has reminded it that it was a gross violation of its directives. It claimed that such a duty, which was unpaid, was not only exploitation but would also result in irreparable loss to the students.
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JNUSU poll: AISA’s Mona Das retains president’s post
New Delhi, October 29 While the radical Left, the AISA, walked away with the top slot, the other Left faction, the SFI-AISF combine, also retained their hold on the rest of the three posts in the central panel. AISA, which had managed to shock the then incumbents, the SFI-AISF in last year’s election by defeating their presidential candidate by a margin of 137 votes, saw a climbdown this year. Mona who polled 1,097 was only 52 votes ahead of SFI-AISF’s Shona, who polled 997 votes. SFI-AISF’s Dhananjay won the vice-president’s post by defeating AISA’s Kanika Singh by 26 votes. Fauzan Abrar also of the same party defeated his nearest contender by 180 votes to win the post of general secretary. Arani of SFI-AISF who polled 760 votes defeated the nearest competitor, Sandeep of the AISA by 249 votes to win the joint secretary. The verdict of this year’s JNUSU elections, which was held on November 4, has been a fractured one. Maintaining their hold on campus, the red brigade taking a dig at the ABVP’s performance is vehement that a majority of the students want the saffron kept out. “This year’s elections like the previous year’s were a clear indication that the students are not keen in saffronising the campus,” said an SFI-AISF activist. But these elections were not just a battle between the red and the saffron. It was as much a battle between the two Left factions, the SFI-AISF and the ultra-Left AISA.
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Divali melas: Dazzling lights and cacophony of crackers
New Delhi, October 29 The melas were initially organised as socialising spots, but they are now turning into a complete package of entertainment. Over the years, Divali melas have undergone a sea-change. Accompanied by musical concerts, cultural shows, art and craft exhibitions, fun-rides, stalls of tempting food items, books, cards, exquisite diyas, candles and decorative gifts, these carnivals have turned into big commercial grounds. Workshops and display of vibrant and colourful items like silhouette paintings, brass statues, clay idols, traditional outfits, wall and floor covers, curtains and ethnic jewellery provide a world of shopping opportunities. While the mehndi designers in the melas draw women, tattoo paintings fascinate the fashion freaks. Also, the fair organisers try to introduce novel methods like Rajasthani dances, dandiya performances, puppet shows, skits, fashion shows and musical concerts in order to attract more people. Competitions like Antakshari, tambola, card parties, games and DJ sessions are also lined up to add on to the enthusiasm. Even those wishing to make easy money get their chance via lotteries and lucky draws. Bollywood stars also make their way into this big business. Performances by Shivani Kashyap, Jasbeer Jassi, Jaspinder Narula, Vinod Rathod, Micky Narula, Kailash Kher and other such artists have become quite a trend in these social events. Local talents featuring traditional and contemporary dance and music have also become indispensable to these functions. Visited by a large number of industrialists, traders, exporters and journalists, these melas have really become a major attraction for all and sundry. Advertisers also find these melas a big centre for promoting their goods and services. The clutter of multi-size posters and banners put up in various corners turn these fests more into a hub for sponsors than a festival event. Money is spent lavishly on the décor and ambience of these functions. The well-heeled get an opportunity to celebrate whereas those who do not have much money have to satisfy themselves with just a glimpse of these expensive melas from outside. Amidst this display of money, the essence of the festival is getting lost somewhere. The dazzling lights might brighten the dark moonless night of Divali, but the cacophony of crackers and the inconsequential luxury of these events overshadow the sanctity of the occasion.
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Getting acquainted with Divali myths
New Delhi, October 29 The word “Divali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”. “Deep” means light and “Avali” means a row, ie. A row of lights. Divali is celebrated 20 days after Dussera, on New Moon Day. It is the last day of the year in the month of Ashwin or Aaso. People show their happiness by lighting earthen diyas and decorating their houses with rangoli, bursting firecrackers and inviting family and friends for
a feast. In Jainism, the lighting of lamps is symbolic of lighting the lamp within us. Just as a light brightens everything around it, our presence should brighten people around us – we should be of help to others and bring peace and happiness to ourselves and others. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and as a brand new beginning for all. Divali is celebrated for five days, each day has its own significance and myths. Dhanteras: (‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ is the thirteenth day). The first day of Divali is Dhanteras. Doorways are hung with torans/garlands of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis are drawn with different colored powders, grains, flowers, etc. to welcome guests. Oil diyas (lamps) are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival acquired the name of Dipawali or Divali. Chhoti Divali or Narka-Chaturdashi: The next days is Chhoti Divali. On the dark new moon night, the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The legend is that King Bali of the nether world had become a threat to the gods. In order to control this Vishnu, disguised as a small boy, visited him and begged for enough that he could cover in three steps. King Bali was a very generous king and granted his wish. So Vishnu, with 2 steps, covered the entire heaven and earth. For his third step he had to step on King Bali’s head and pushed him down to the underworld. But for his generosity King Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to remove the darkness and ignorance and spread the light of love and wisdom. Laxmi-Puja: This day is also called “Chopda-Puja”. This is the day most businesses close the books of the old year and start new books. They do the sathiyo with 3 dots on top (Rational Knowledge, Rational Perception and Rational Conduct) on their accounting books. Divali: Hindus believe that King Rama came back to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravan, the king of Lanka. Jains believe that Divali is the day when Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankar, attained Nirvana. Divali is a celebration of lights. Just like a
lamp needs cotton and oil to keep going, your internal light needs rational knowledge, rational perception and rational conduct to keep going in the right direction. On this day, King Vikramaditya was crowned king and Vikram-Samvat started from this day. The Indian year is counted from that year (57BC) and hence is different from the English calendar year, starting Jainuary 1st. New Year Gautam swami was very attached to Mahavir swami. So after Mahavir swami’s nirvana, he became very sad. When he realized that his attachment was blinding his vision, he got over his sadness and he attained Kevalgnyan. Bhai Dooj: Mahavira swami’s brother, Nandivardhan, was very sad, Sudarshana, their sister, called King Nandivardhan to her house to try and help him get over his grief. That’s how Bhai Beej started - when the brother goes to the sister’s house. Gnyan Panchami: Gnyan means Knowledge. On this day, people pray to seek strength to be able to continuously learn. Dev Divali: The full moon day in Kartik (the first month of the Indian calendar) brings in the festival of Dev Divali. On this day Mahavir swami is remembered, Agams (Jain holy books) are read and homes and temples are illuminated. Thousands of Jains from all over the world go to Mount Girnar in Gujarat where special celebrations are held. Lamps are lit under the moonlight sky and a family feast celebrates the end of the Divali fortnight.
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80.2 per cent adults suffer from tooth decay
Noida, October 29 “Tooth decay has been found to be prevalent among as much as 80.2 per cent among adults in the age group of 35-44 years while gum diseases are prevalent among 89.6 per cent 35 to 44-year-olds. The free dental check-ups during Oral Health Month have been increased from six cities last year to 50 this year. More than 5,000 retail trade outlets have come forward to distribute coupons for the check-ups and oral health literature during Oral Health Month 2005”, according to Mr Vinay Hegde, Vice-President, Colgate Palmolive. The Indian Dental Association (IDA) has organised free dental check-ups in association with Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd till October 29 in Noida. The free dental check ups are being arranged as part of Oral Health Month, the month-long oral health awareness programme organized by Colgate and the IDA that runs through October 2005 Besides Noida, the free dental check-ups are also being offered in other cities across India and will see 3,600 dentists in 50 cities committing a part of their time for this initiative everyday over a two-week period in each city. For the first time, these free dental check-ups will be held across multiple locations in the clinics of the dentists instead of at public dental camps. Those interested can simply collect free coupons available at select retail stores in their cities. The free coupons list details of local dentists giving people the flexibility to choose where they want their free dental check-up done. Mr Graeme Dalziel, Managing Director, Colgate-Palmolive India, said, “Free dental check-ups last year were a big draw and we used feedback from those who benefited from them as well as inputs from dentists to not only expand the programme this year but also to make it more convenient than any mass dental check-up effort ever conducted previously. Dr. Suraj Kumar Sharma of the IDA said, “The mouth is a gateway to the body and there is a growing body of medical evidence linking poor oral health with some of the most dreaded diseases. These dental diseases can best be prevented through early detection and primary prevention.
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Shahi Imam faces lawyers’ wrath for violating protocol
Gurgaon, October 29 A couple of lawyers’ attention was drawn to the parking issue when they inquired about the trappings associated with the dignitary’s visit in the court. One lawyer said he was first under the impression that the Governor or some other government functionary had visited the court. The lawyers further contended that the high priest had come to the court as an ordinary litigant. Hence, his overall conduct in the court should have been in the realm of the ordinary. Some of them alleged that he was trying to indirectly influence the atmosphere of the court by using external symbols in his favour. The Imam, who has been accorded high security cover of “Y” category, further riled the lawyers when the personnel around him remained indifferent to their protests. The lawyers raised slogans against him. The lawyers were pacified only when the security personnel shifted the Imam’s vehicle from the parking zone while he was taken to the designated court. After completing the court process for which the Imam had come, the security personnel whisked him away from the general gate. However, the ugly scene continued for about an hour before the police acted to prevent things from going out of control. The high priest had visited the court in connection with his personal petition under the Guardianship Act seeking permission for disposal of more than 42 kanals of land of two minors of his community in Karanki village in Sohna area in this district. The hearing was in the court of a civil judge.
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Faridabad woefully short of fire-fighting staff
Faridabad, October 29 Dozens of fire engines from outside sources had to be requisitioned to contain the fire that broke out in at least three places here. These include a state government owned thermal power station and a famous shoe factory here. The officials of the district administration perhaps felt helpless as the local fire department had hardly the required number of engines and staff to deal with such a situation. While these incidents had certainly caused more loss and damage to the equipment and property due to delay in arrival of the fire control service, the matter had hardly been attended to by the authorities concerned at the fire department here with the population being around 15 lakh. The several thousand industrial units here required the most modern and well-equipped system and infrastructure to deal with any tragedy. The fire which broke out in the thermal powerhouse located in the NIT area here a few days ago was a reminder of the grim situation on account of fire-fighting here. According to an employee of the unit, fire engines from the Air Force station and private establishments had to be requisitioned when the fire broke out in the plant around 6 am. He said the loss could have been less if the fire engines from the fire station of the Municipal Corporation, Faridabad, located just one kilometre away, could have reached the spot immediately. Similarly, the fire that caused a huge loss in a leading shoe factory located in Sector 24 about two weeks ago was also an example of the utter failure of the department concerned to control the fire, said a worker of the company. Reportedly, senior officials of the local administration had a tough time contacting the fire stations of various private and public sector companies in getting fire engines and staff to douse the fire. At least 20 engines from outside sources had been pressed into service to tackle the fire, said an official. It is learnt that the fire department here has at least four stations in various parts of the city, but the total number of engines in working condition was less than six, while the number of employees manning these was not more than 25 against the requirement of at least 50 to 60. The number of engines of various capacity should have been at least 25, considering the rising population and the number of industrial and commercial establishments. Instead of taking measures to improve the situation, the officials seemed to have developed the habit of depending on other sources to deal with such a situation, claimed a local resident.
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Scindia School to renovate infrastructure facilities
New Delhi, October 29 “We will have new gymnasium, new tennis, basket ball and squash courts, while a new activity centre is in the offing,” Mr N K Tewari, Principal of
the Scindia School, Gwalior, said. The Scindia School is also planning to bring down the teacher-student ratio from the present 1:11 to 1:8. For this, it will hire around 13 new faculty members that will take the number of faculty to 65. Recently, the school has brought down the number of students to around 600 to focus on excellence, a release said. Meanwhile, the Scindia School conferred the Madhav Award 2005 on Mr Bharat V. Patel, Chairman (non-executive) and Consultant on Strategy, Policy and External Relations to Procter and Gamble (P and G), India. The Madhav Award recognises eminent alumni of the school who have distinguished themselves in their public lives. The Scindia School confers this award every year on Founder’s Day (October 21) to honour the work of students who have brought fame to their alma mater.
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Bail granted for man accused of customs duty evasion New Delhi, October 29 “The offences alleged against him (Aggarwal) under the Customs Act are bailable and compoundable,” the court said. The court also imposed the condition that he would not leave the country without the prior permission of the court. According to Satish Aggarwal, counsel for Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the accused, who was arrested on Oct 13, allegedly evaded duty by diverting duty-free imported goods in the Domestic Tariff Area, by replacing them with junk goods during transit to the NSEZ. The original goods would then be sold in local markets, while the junk goods would be exported to Hong Kong and Singapore to fulfil export obligations, the DRI counsel alleged. During its investigation, DRI had followed an import consignment from Singapore headed for Aggarwal’s factory at Noida, which was instead delivered to his Paschim Vihar residence here. DRI had raided the residential premises of the accused and found that the consignment contained high-value computer hardware. In September, a truck driver had been arrested with another such consignment, who admitted to delivering imported goods from air cargo to Aggarwal’s residence and then load the truck with inferior goods headed for the Noida factory.
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Workshop on art therapy to heal chronic ailments
New Delhi, October 29 The workshop also aims at acquainting students and professionals with some practical tools and considerations for using art in healing for personal growth. At this first of its kind workshop, Dr Gary Walker in his address said, “Art therapy fosters creativity and creativity is directly connected to longevity. The creative process of art expression lifts morale, increases cognitive skills, decreases neuroses, stimulates the senses and brings new energy.” The process of therapy will be a combination of experimental activities and lectures alongside slide presentations.
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Youth booked for drama to kidnap himself
New Delhi, October 29 Dushyant, a student of B.A. first year from Correspondence College in Delhi University kept changing his job and was unable to give a satisfactory reply to his father about his salary. So he planned a drama to kidnap himself and collect money from his father so that he could return the ransom money in the form of salary to his father, said the police. On October 18, Vijender Singh approached the local police in Nand Nagri that his son had been missing and
Next day, another ransom call was received from the same caller. Subsequently, a case was registered and investigations were initiated. During investigations, it was revealed that Dushyant has approached his friends Mukesh and Pratap Singh to make the ransom call which they refused and asked him to join his family. Police said that the calls were made from STD booths.
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Tips to keep off respiratory problems New Delhi, October 29 Dr Manish
Mohil, Senior Consultant, G M Modi Hospital said, “There is a sharp rise in the levels of toxic particulate matter and noxious gases during Divali due to crackers and other fire works. Very small-sized particles have the ability to traverse deep into lungs and cause damage to respiratory passages.” He also said, “Among the other toxic gases emitted by fireworks,
sulphur-dioxide is perhaps the most damaging as it is found several times higher than the safe upper limits.” Dr Manish has asked those suffering from respiratory diseases to avoid exposure to gases emitted by fireworks, use air-purifiers or air-conditioners, keep inhalers handy and take a dose of bronchodilators in consultation with a doctor.
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NDMC official held for posing as CBI officer New Delhi, October 29 On the personal search of Suresh Chand Kassib, who is a Sanitary Inspector with the NDMC, the agency sleuths found a self-inking rubber stamp purportedly of the SP and other incriminating documents, the CBI spokesman said. A complaint was received from the Assistant Manager of Quality Restaurant yesterday that the accused visited the restaurant and by introducing himself as a CBI officer, threatened the hotel owner with the cancellation of licence. The accused was arrested yesterday by the CBI and a case of cheating was registered against him, it said.
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Rights
group asked for advice to make city disabled-friendly New Delhi, October 29 The DDA asked the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) to make their suggestion about the Delhi Master Plan 2021 after the Executive Director of the rights group Javed Abidi approached Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The NCPEDP had taken exception to the ‘omission’ of certain special facilities provided to the disabled and elderly in the Master Plan. Mrs Dikshit had agreed that a disability expert on access should be involved at every state of planning, design and implementation of the plan.
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NBW issued against Medha Patkar New Delhi, October 29
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