The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Delhi and neighbourhood

	In tatters they wish for two meals a day Prashant K. Nanda New Delhi, January 1 “I wish, me and my four kids get two meals a day in the new year,” said Noor Jehan, as she tried her best to cover her children — two boys and two girls — with a pair of gunnysacks and a torn blanket. “For me New Year is another day of survival and sleeping on the roadside. Allah ko pata hai kal kya hone wala hai (Only Allah knows what is in store for me tomorrow),” said the 40-year-old woman, who sleeps on a pavement near the Delhi Gate monument that intersects the New and Old Delhi. While the affluent spent the New Year eve enjoying the midnight revelry in hotels, clubs and homes or watching TV from under their warm quilts, for over 1,40,000 pavement dwellers in the Indian Capital, it was just another day of destitution and struggle for survival. Jagdish Lal, another homeless person, who huddles under a shop front on Netaji Subhas Marg, said he does not understand the difference between old year and New Year. “Hamare liye kal, aaj sab saman hai. Only rich people enjoy their life and unfortunate people like us shiver in the cold and wait till death,” Lal, 56, told IANS, wondering why anyone who would talk to him about it at midnight. “For us every day is a fight for food and survival,” he said, as he held the hand of another homeless person with tears in his eyes. Lal and Noor Jehan are just a few of the tens of thousands of homeless in the national Capital who feel that any special day like — New Year’s, only intensifies their sorrow. In a way they are a stark pointer to the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, as the Indian economy surges with nine per cent GDP growth, marginalising in the process a significant segment of its 1.1 billion population. “It reminds us of our poverty. It reminds of our helplessness and it reminds us of our fight for survival,” said Aslam, 62, another pavement refugee. Aslam, who came here from Agra some 40 years back, has been sleeping on the roadside for over a decade near the Jama Masjid. “Earlier, I used to work in a factory, but after the factory was closed down, I am on the roads,” he said while sitting in front of a shop. A cement sack containing a thin blanket, a couple of half-burnt bamboo sticks and a bundle of bidi (handrolled cheap cigarette) is all he had to fight the numbing cold with on New Year’s eve night, when the city recorded its lowest temperature in five years at 2.6 degrees Celsius. For Mohammad Khan, 32, Vinod, 22, and Khurshid, 37, three rickshaw pullers in the Paharganj area near New Delhi Railway station, New Year meant another day of wait in vain. “After pulling rickshaws, we sleep on the roadside. Sometime we get food and sometime we manage without it in the night. Last year, on New Year’s day I had no money. I spent the day without even a single piece of roti (bread),” said Vinod. “I wish to earn at least Rs 80 a day so that I can feed my three kids. I may stay without it, but how can I tell my four-year-old daughter that she has to spend the day without food,” said Khurshid almost in tears. But there was a bright side to this poignant tale. Ram Kumar, 7, who sells balloons at a south Delhi traffic signal, said, “New Year means more money for me. People purchase balloons from me and my five-year-old sister is selling flowers. I have sold 10 balloons tonight. “One lady gave me Rs 10 but did not purchase any balloon,” Kumar said as her sister Saloni ran to another car with a bunch of flowers. Like always, some pavement dwellers are a little hopeful, if only for the sake of their children. “I want my two kids to study and become officers. Every day, I pray god to give my children a better life, at least they should not live in hunger and sleep on the roadside,” said Yuvraj, 29, a physically-challenged beggar, crawling on the sidewalks on two stumps in place of amputated legs. — IANS
	Sizzling bashes kill New Year chill New Delhi, January 1 Farmhouse bashes, galas at five-star hotels, intimate family gatherings...residents of the Indian Capital partied every which way to usher in the New Year, the coldest in five years. Unlike in previous years, the spirit of celebration was slightly different at the close of 2007 on Monday night. Delhi chose to play it safe and a tad low-key though the clubs, discotheques and party venues were packed. The 40 special squads of the Delhi Police that patrolled the Capital throughout December 31 till early Tuesday, to keep tipplers in check, did not report any major incident, though a few persons were detained in the outskirts for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Delhi Metro mounted a special vigil and closed a key line early. Connaught Place in the heart of the Capital imposed curbs on traffic and regulated the flow during peak party hours. “We were worried that post-party fatigue, coupled with alcohol, could take a toll on drivers,” said a senior Delhi traffic police officer. Studies show that though driver fatigue is the most “underestimated” in accident statistics, it is responsible for 20-24 per cent of fatal car crashes. Fears aside, the Capital partied hard even as the temperature dipped to 2.6 degrees Celsius. Farm houses in Mehrauli and Chattarpur, along the Gurgaon-Delhi road, lived up to their partying reputation. For the fist time, women bartenders were flown in from Mumbai to serve liquor in two parties at Mehrauli, after the Supreme Court gave the green signal to women to “toss drinks at liquor counters in bars and private parties”. Many Page 3 persons attending a bash thrown by event manager and fashion choreographer Liza Varma and her husband at their Mehrauli farmhouse gave it a star rating. “She throws New Year’s Eve parties every year. The fact that she is a fashion designer makes her parties elegant, special and intimate. Only the best-known people in the Capital are invited to it,” said businessman V.N. Dalmia. The parties hosted by Deepak Pahwa, Bry-Air chairman, at his bungalow in Civil Lines was also a big draw. “They are usually open house affairs with bands, drinks, dinner and an invitee list of 100,” Dalmia said. The proceeds from the party hosted by the Delhi Round Table (also known as the Delhi Action Forum), an influential lobby of businessmen, will go to charity. The Capital, however, missed its charismatic host A.D. Singh, known for his bashes. He was celebrating in Goa. Most of these parties grossed a tab of half a million to a million rupees, including bands, drinks, catering and entertainment. However, there were some moneybags, who spent over Rs 5 million on their theme parties at the Sainik Farms and in the estates of Jaunapur on Delhi’s outskirts. There were hot parties at two hotels — Le Meridien and The Intercontinental. The Napoleon and Eau bars at the Le Meridien featured live performances by musician Krishna from Mumbai and a group of six ballet dancers from Finland. The venues were packed to capacity despite the price tags of Rs 5,000-8,000 per couple. At The Intercontinental hotel, party-hoppers were bowled over by the themes. “This is wonderful,” said a couple, employees of multinational software companies in Gurgaon. By 9 pm, The Vogue, the Chinese eatery at the hotel, was full for its theme party called ‘Gateway to Heaven’, whose entry price was Rs 5,555. The Grill, another restaurant at The Intercontinental, had romance as its theme, at Rs 22,222 per couple. “We served a four-course continental dinner and Dom Perignon champagne,” a senior hotel official said. The eateries on Pandara Road were full and the clubs in Noida featuring shows by live bands overflowed. “It is because the cover charge is a reasonable Rs 2,000,” said an undergraduate student of St. Stephen’s College, who was partying with classmates at Noida on Monday night. The party colours were different this New Year’s Eve. Pink, fuchsia and blue replaced black, as more women were spotted sporting pretty spring shades. Men stuck to formal Western wear, while the younger lot flaunted branded T-shirts, denims and heavy jackets. “Actually, it was not all that stiff-upper lip as far as the dress code is concerned,” said a diner at The Intercontinental. Many people chose to stay at home. “I usually stay at home on these special occasions and try to make my little parties as intimate as possible,” said fashion designer Jatin Kochar, who spent his New Year’s Eve with family and a few close friends. “The party scene in the Capital is going out of control. There is so much of money being spent, but something is missing - the personal touch,” he felt. For the homebodies, lifestyle and entertainment channels on television offered more than plenty. Yearenders, recaps, Bollywood rewinds and special New Year’s capsules - there was a lot to smile about. — IANS
	Filmstars pledge to improve life Subhash K Jha New Delhi, January 1 What is Brand Bollwyood’s New Year’s pledge? Little touches that add value to their lives and to the industry in general, say the stars. In 2008, the promises include showing greater concern for saving energy, loving oneself and practising austerity. Actress Koena Mitra wants to follow her heart to where it takes her while actor Manoj Bajpai wants to kick smoking. Here’s a list of what the stars have promised themselves in 2008. Lilette Dubey: “I see time slipping away. In 2008, I want to renew bonds with my family and friends. And I want to travel more. But, the most important of all, I’m going to make my first film. Yes, 2008 will be the year of my directorial debut. I love new challenges, always, wish me luck.” Riteish Deshmukh: “Normally, I don’t make any resolutions. But, this year, I’m making an exception. I want to become more energy-conscious. I’ll make a conscious effort to save on electricity, wherever I can.” Ruslaan Mumtaz: “This year, I want to spend far less money than I did last year. I, recently, went on a holiday and came back broke. I had to cancel my year-end holiday plans. In 2008, I want to stop using the credit card.” Sammir Dattani: “I want to stop being the good sweet cute boy next door. I want to get really mean on screen. I want to play the villain in a slasher movie, where I get to be ugly in looks and action.” Koena Mitra: “I don’t like to restrict myself to rules and resolutions. I’m not a planner. I never planned anything. So, in 2008, I want to be even more spontaneous. I want to follow my heart wherever it takes me. I want to make mistakes, so that I can learn from them. I want life to be full of surprises, unpredictable and adventurous. Can I have all of this?” Arshad Warsi: “In 2008, I’m really going to start looking after myself. And, I want to work even harder on my films. No more supporting roles for me. I’ll now support myself.” Tusshar Kapoor: “My new-year resolution is to get more fitness-conscious. I want to get as physically fit as I can. And I’ve promised myself a holiday this year. One more thing, I’ve resolved to be more careful this year in selecting my roles.” Prashant Raj: “In 2008, I want to get serious. There will be a lot of focus on commitment in my life. At the same time, I want to enjoy myself to the hilt. Is that a contradictory wish?” Raima Sen: “I really need to get more regular about my workouts. And, I need to get more decisive this year. I have been giving in just to be polite.” Manoj Bajpai: “After 18 years of smoking, I’ve kicked the habit. In 2008, I want to stay away from the cancer stick.” Neil Mathur: “My New Year resolution is to make no resolutions. I make them every year and forget to stick to them.” Amrita Arora: “I know being bad is good. But I want to be a better human being in 2008. I want to kick my habitual impatience and work much harder than I did in 2007.” Simi Garewal: “My New Year resolution...to speak more Hindi, as I am going to do more Hindi shows on television.” Saif Ali Khan: “To never smoke again, to take care of my health, be extremely regular with my workouts, make more time for those whom I love, to stay keyed into my work and to make sure that I enjoy what I do.” Sonam Kapoor: “The death of my grandfather at the end of the year made me realise how urgently I need to spend time with my family. My New Year resolution is to spend as much time as possible with my grandmother. I realise that at the end of the day it’s those whom you love that you need to preserve the most. And, since my grandfather would always joke about the fact that I don’t have a boyfriend, I think I need to get one in my life. Where can I order one?” Preity Zinta: “2007 was professionally stressful. I did some of my most complex characters and, at the end of the year I needed a break. Now, in 2008, I will do some fun roles. My New Year resolution is to let my hair down and never let down those whom I love.” Bipasha Basu: “In 2008, I want to be fitter and healthier. I also want some more interesting work to come my way. And I want to travel a lot more in leisure.” Kunal Kapoor: “My new-year resolution? To shave at least once a week.” Urmila Matondkar: “Why make New Year resolutions? I learn from my mistakes throughout the year.” Kangana Ranaut: “In 2008, I want to find love...but not the way you’d think. I want to find it within myself. I want to love myself, so I can be a better person for myself and for others. And I want to learn more stuff...play new instruments, read new books, see the world. I want to fly.” — IANS
	Round-up Jamia focused on history and science Charu Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 1 Through 2007 Jamia Millia Islamia University registered steady growth. Apart from the usual round of academics, admissions and examinations, the university has held some rather interesting seminars, workshops and conferences of both national and international significance. It has also launched new programmes in its recently set up centers and held a vast variety of cultural activities. In February, Jamia Millia Islamia University organized a key two -day seminar on ‘Celebrating a Century of Muslim Women’s Education in India’. The seminar in detail analyzed the historical development of Muslim women’s education in India. It addressed certain factors , including their socio-economic status, the role of the community, the role of Indian state and other external factors influencing the lives of Muslim women. Senior academicians, research scholars and policy makers from both India and Pakistan participated in the seminar. Yet another interesting seminar held in the first half of the year was at the faculty of architecture. The seminar focused on planning practices in India. ‘Architecture for Masses, focused on issues concerning the masses. It provided a dynamic opportunity to academicians, architects, planners, decision makers and students from across the nation for in-depth discussions and deliberations on issues of vital concern for masses. Simultaneously a three-day Natural Science Info Fest (NSIF) from February 28. The idea behind this fair was to bring academic intelligentia and stake holders in the university alongside innovators with their contributions, products, books, publications, software, and patents together under one roof with a unique opportunity to share their contributions and have a fruitful exchange. All six departments of the faculty of natural science were the organizers of this NSIF, viz., Computer Science, Biosciences, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Geography. An entire array of new courses were offered in early April, which included an MA in conflict analysis and peace building at the Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, a bachelor of physiotherapy, a certificate diploma and Adv. Diploma course in Kazakh and Turkmenian language, department of Persian, an MA in social exclusion and inclusive policy, K.R. Narayan Center for Dalit and Minority Studies, certificate and diploma in tourism and travel management and translation proficiency, certificate in modern Arabic language, an M. tech in Nano-technology, an M.Sc. Tech (industrial mathematics with computer applications), M.Sc. bio-chemistry etc to name just a few. New centers were also set up during this period. The admissions process was completed smoothly in mid 2007 unlike the previous year. Further, the varsity campus was selected as a venue for hosting some events of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Jamia will serve as a training venue for Lawn Bowls, Rugby 7s, and Table Tennis for the Commonwealth games scheduled for 2010. A two-day VCs’ conference was held in Jamia in 2007 fall and the VCs deliberated at length on the 11th plan and on various aspects of education policy to be implemented in the near future. Later in the year, the Jamia founders day was planned and this was a huge event with a variety of functions spread over a week and with guests from all over India and neighbouring nations.
	85 held for drunken driving on New Year’s Eve New Delhi, January 1 The Delhi Police on Tuesday heaved a sigh of relief at the Capital’s New Year’s Eve passing without any major incident. But, they were literally on their toes the whole night — chasing drunken drivers and keeping a close watch on the rowdy revellers. At least 85 people were arrested for drunken driving on the city’s roads. Besides, 189 people were prosecuted for violating traffic laws, the police said today. The arrests were mainly for drunken and rash driving around Connaught Place — the business and commercial hub of the Capital, where most of the revellers annually zero in to ring in the New Year. “We have arrested 85 people on different charges, including rash drunken driving and violating traffic norms on Monday night,” said a senior police official. The Delhi Police had put adequate security measures in place to maintain law and order in the city on New Year Eve. All policemen and traffic officials were armed with alcometers, an electronic device equipped to ascertain the level of alcohol in a person’s blood stream. The police had also put barricades on all major traffic intersections and signals. “We have prosecuted 189 drivers under different sections. Seven vehicles were also impounded,” the official said. — IANS Journo held The Parliament Street police today arrested Neelu Ranjan, a journalist with Aaj Tak, for drunken driving and killing an ice cream vendor. However, he has been released on bail. Pankaj, the ice cream vendor was killed, when Neelu’s car rammed into his ice cream vend at Rajender Prasad Road and Yashwant Singh Circle in the wee hours of today. Pankaj was rushed to the hospital by the PCR, where he was declared brought dead. — TNS
	2.6 degree Celsius at Delhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 1 After late night revelries to ring in the New Year, residents of the National Capital Territory of Delhi today woke up to the coldest New Year’s day in five years with the minimum temperature dipping to 2.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature recorded at 2.6 degrees Celsius was four degrees below normal. The minimum visibility recorded this morning was 700 metres. The Met office has forecast a mainly clear sky with mist for tomorrow morning. The minimum temperature is likely to be around three degrees Celsius. Last year on January 1, the minimum temperature was 9 degrees Celsius.
	Excise collection up Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 1 Delhi has recorded 10.27 per cent increase in excise collection during nine months of current financial year. Finance and planning minister A.K Walia has said that Rs.934 crore was collected up to December, 2007 during the current financial year against Rs.847 crore during the corresponding period of last financial year. There has been increase of 4.5 crore in collection of excise on sale of liquor during week ending December 31, 2007 in comparison to corresponding week of the last financial year. An amount of Rs. 31.5 crore as excise duty was collected on sale of liquor during this period against Rs.27 crore during corresponding period of last year. Walia added that his department had been taking proactive steps to curb the sale of illicit liquor in the Capital-city and make available quality liquor to large number of visitors or tourists coming to Delhi. The department has allowed 255 restaurants and bars in the Capital to extend serving time from 12noon to 1a.m. In addition to this 14 outlets in 11 hotels have also been permitted to serve liquor for 24 hours.
	Agra to get a facelift Brij Khandelwal Agra, January 1 What will the city of Taj Mahal get as a New Year’s gift? A long awaited makeover. A city, which is just 200 km from New Delhi and draws tens of thousands of foreign visitors every year, is so full of squalor and eyesores in parts, that many first - time visitors to the country recoil from it. But now the Agra Municipal Corporation has launched one of the biggest cleanliness and anti-squatting drives to make the 500-year-old city live up to its international reputation. After initial resistance from shopkeepers in the Loha Mandi and Shah Ganj areas, municipal commissioner Shyam Singh Yadav led his army of 200 cleaners armed with batons, bulldozers and other equipment recently to demolish illegal structures. “The campaign has started showing results and now encroachers themselves are coming forward to remove illegal constructions,” said Yadav, who is also a national shooting coach. The drive, Yadav told IANS, will continue till encroachments were removed. Agra has a population of 1.7 million. In 2007, residents were frequent victims of traffic snarls and chaotic roads because of the encroachments or squatting. Foreign tourists have also been avoiding several monuments across the Yamuna river and in the interiors of the city because of congestion and slow-moving traffic. “If the district authorities had been vigilant, there would not have been encroachments. The police has not been helpful either,” complained a Nagar Nigam official. The city administration and police intervened after Yadav’s gunner opened fire a week ago on a mob protesting the drive. Yadav had to requisition personal security. The safai karmacharis, or road cleaners, were armed with batons during the demolition drive to keep the protesters away. The stretch between the Loha Mandi road and the upscale Jaipur House neighbourhood is now free of squatter and illegal, ugly structures. The traffic is also smooth. The Madia Katra crossing too has been widened and cleaned up. The drive will now move on to the MG Road, the lifeline of the city. The bypass road will be taken up later
	India trains Cambodian soldiers New Delhi, January 1 Thirteen soldiers from the Royal Cambodian Special Force (RCSF) are currently undergoing an intensive four-week course at the Indian Army’s counter-insurgency and the Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte in Mizoram, Asia’s premier institute for imparting such skills. “The RCSF is keen to learn from the Indian Army’s experience in combating insurgency for the past 50 years. There is no better staging ground for this exchange of expertise that our facility at Vairengte,” an officer said. The training will conclude by mid-January. With its motto of “Fight the guerrilla like a guerrilla”, the school trains all ranks of the Indian armed forces, the paramilitary forces and personnel of the Central Police Organisations. The school has been recognised as a centre of excellence for counter insurgency training. According to school commandant Brigadier R.M. Painuly, “Low-intensity conflicts are becoming global in scope. It is widely believed that terrorism is becoming less territorially defined, global in reach and more decentralised. “Indeed, terrorism has now truly become a global phenomenon. They are no longer bound by limits of geography, because of which modern militancy has become a complex phenomenon,” Painuly says. — IANS
	Two shot Our Correspondent Ghaziabad, January1 Car-borne criminals killed two persons near Ganga Canal. The victims, Maruf and Ummed Ali, both resident of Nahal, were returning from Muradabad in a car after meeting their sister late Monday night along with their friends. In a complaint lodged with the police ,seven persons – Haji Munwa, Ikram, Tahir, Mahboob, Idris and Insaf -have been named. Enmity has been given as the cause of murder. The victims Maruf and Ummed Ali were returning to Mussori along with their friends, Momen and Rashid from Murad Nagar after meeting their sister. As their car reached Ganga Canal, a black Santro car over took their car and blocked their way. Before Maruf who was at the wheel, could respond, six persons jumped out of the Santro car and started raining bullets from automatic weapons on them. Maruf and Ummed Ali were seriously wounded in the firing, Ummed Ali died on the spot while Maruf succumbed to the wounds in hospital. The double murder has been done to avenge the murder of Alias in Nahal village during June 2007.
	No night shelter fee till Feb 28 Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 1 Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra today announced that entry fee to night shelters in the Capital would remain exempted till February 28. She announced this in view of the chilly weather conditions that prevail in the Capital till February. A large number of homeless people spend nights in night shelters. This has been decided to lessen their financial burden. Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has started demolishing unauthorised constructions at fourth and fifth floor in the Central Zone. Unauthorised constructions were demolished at D-807, New Friends Colony and O-55, Lajpat Nagar - II. Two properties were demolished in East Patel Nagar in the Karol Bagh Zone.