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Rebel MLAs summoned to Delhi
Hindu bodies see design in Ganga’s statue
Preparations on for Kumbh Mela
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NHRC helps widow get family pension
Thomso-08 kicks off with Hasya Kavi Sammelan
ECG course concludes at IIT
Awesome threesome
Crackers in selected markets only
Financial meltdown: Shoppers keep away from markets
Day 1: South zone winner all the way
Rising Star marks comfortable win
Dispensary reopened
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Rebel MLAs summoned to Delhi
Dehradun, October 24 Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, former Chief Minister, today went to New Delhi. Chief Minister Major-Gen B.C. Khanduri (retd) is also expected to meet senior party leaders. According to sources some legislators who have raised the banner of revolt against the Chief Minister Khanduri have also been called. They will meet senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj who has been entrusted with the task of mollifying the rebels. Khanduri faced the first revolt after he took over the reigns of the state in September this year when 24 party legislators led by former CM Koshiyari complained against his “style” of functioning. They were pacified at that time and asked to work for the success of the party in the panchayat elections that were held in the first week of October. They were also made to understand that their demand would be looked into after the completion of the panchayat elections on October 10. The problem re-surfaced on October 20 with reports that 17 party MLAs had submitted their resignations to national party president Rajnath Singh. This occurred at a time when the Chief Minister had started an exercise to pacify the legislators by offering them positions of chairpersons of various cells and committees. These positions were specifically removed from the purview of the office
of profit to please the legislators. However, Harbhajan Singh Cheema, BJP legislator from Kashipur, dared to openly express his feelings against the Chief Minister. In a damage control exercise, senior leaders of the state BJP, including the Chief Minister, denied that there was any threat to the government. In a move to discipline the rebel legislators, Cheema was issued a show-cause notice for his utterances. Despite public posturing, a worried party high command wants to resolve the crisis before the crucial assembly polls in four states and the impending Lok Sabha elections. According to party leaders here, Koshiyari is expected to meet party chief Rajnatah Singh while Uttarakhand health minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will meet former party chief Venkaiah Naidu. Chief Minister Khanduri will leave Delhi for Nainital tomorrow along with Dr Murli Manohar Joshi to attend a programme there. The rebel legislators, although afraid to speak out publicly, are hopeful that the pressure by them will yield some result in the coming days. |
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Hindu bodies see design in Ganga’s statue
The basic structure for fixing the statue has been set up but work has been affected due to vociferous protests by various religious organisations. The statue of “Maa Ganga” has been designed by Maa Katyayni Trust of Chhatarpur Temple, New Delhi. The statue is being erected in the middle of Har Ki Pauri, VIP Ghat and Malviya Deep. Religious organisations have protested against the move. Ganga Sabha president Ram Kumar Mishra says: “ An agreement was made between the Katyayni Trust and the Ganga Sabha council on May 28, 2001, on the statue, but the terms on which we gave permission haven’t been met.” “Har Ki Pauri is a pilgrimage centre and as the holy Ganga herself resides here, so where is the need for any statue,” asks VHP district president Virendra Kirtipal. “ Ganga is worshipped in the river form, so there is no need for a symbolic structure to worship her,” he elaborates. A trustee of Katyayni Trust said, “The statue is for a religious cause and we have the administration permission too. It’s illogical to make the statue an issue.” The administration is trying to pacify the protesters at the same time ensuring that work on the statue goes on unhindered and fast. Haridwar Development Authority secretary tells said: “ With Ganga being more than just a river for the Hindus, any construction on it will certainly raise issues.” Meanwhile, the Ganga Raksha Cell, Bajrang Dal and Gauraksha Committee are also objecting to the statue. But, local people don’t seem to be towing the line of protesters. Gaurav Chaubey says: “ This issue is baseless and protesters only want to be in the limelight and make their political presence felt.” What is worrisome is that these issues have diverted attention from the main issue -- cleaning of the Ganga. |
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Preparations on for Kumbh Mela
Haridwar, October 24 The mela area is extended to about 130 sq km, which includes Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni-Ki-Reti and Swarg Ashram. Five crore people are expected to bathe in the holy Ganga at Haridwar which speaks volumes about the task ahead for the administration to ensure comfort, facilities and safety to the visitors. The DM said priority was being given to roads and Rs 142 crore would be spent on better connectivity. Besides, Rs 29 crore would be spent on electricity, Rs 27 crore on drinking water and Rs 34 crore on health and hygiene. He said city roads were in a bad shape and Rs 36 crore would be spent to upgrade these. Questioned on sewage accumulating in the city, he said already a 27mld sewage treatment plant had started functioning under the Ganga Pollution Control Board and a 17 km-long sewer has been laid. Another sewer line between Laltaura Bridge and Ganesh Ghat would be laid. |
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NHRC helps widow get family pension
Dehradun, October 24 An NHRC spokesman said the commission moved after taking cognizance of a complaint by Ratni Devi, wife of Bacchulal of Silanga village. She said her husband who had served in the Provincial Armed Constabulary(PAC) of Uttar Pradesh and retired retired in 1955 died on November 30, 1981. He was drawing pension from the Almora treasury. She had been trying since his death in 1981 to get family pension but in vain. She sought intervention of the commission in the matter. Since requisite report was not received from the accountant- general, Allahabad, the commission issued summons to him. In response, he submitted that the family pension payment order had already been sent to the accountant-general, Dehradun, for payment from the Ranikhet treasury. The AG office, Uttarakhand, has now sent her the family pension after 27 years. |
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A fascinating journey in colours
Drhradun, October 24 It has now taken form of paintings that decorate innumerable homes across the country and abroad. Displaying his art at Saras Mela is Ashok Kumar Paswan. His great grandfather, grandfather and father made Madhubani paintings before him. Learning from his parents while they painted at home, he says: “ I picked up the art observing my mother, who used colours that were available at home. It wasn’t easy though. I had to continue with my education but the urge to follow in the footsteps of my parents and brother was so great that at times I skipped school to be able to improve upon my drawings,” says Paswan. The importance now being accorded to the Madhubani paintings would not have been possible without the contribution made by Mahasundri Devi of Rathi village, who introduced cloth painting in 1978. Prior to that, women painted motifs on paper. A Dalit, Paswan exemplifies the struggle undertaken by the underprivileged in carving out their own identity even as upper class artists frowned upon them. “Our predecessors created their own genre. At first it was difficult to make a mark but gradually we gained confidence and embarked upon an independent path that not only gave us recognition but a deep sense of artistic satisfaction too” avers Paswan. A painting that is 30 inches long takes between five to 25 days to be completed, the magic is in the pen or the nib- holder that has to be manoeuvred deftly with colours that are usually natural and have to be mixed together. “To create a distinct identity, we relied on mythologies narrated by our grandparents.” Winning state awards in 1986 and 1987 came as personal vindication for Paswan. |
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Thomso-08 kicks off with Hasya Kavi Sammelan
Roorkee, October 24 "Thomso provides an opportunity to the students to showcase their talent, this not only helps in cultural and educational promotion but assists in overall development of student's character," he said. This year around one thousand students of 170 educational institutes from across the country are participating in Thomso, he added. Later, the youth carnival witnessed a magnificent start to the event as the performance of noted poet Dr. Kumar Vishwas in the laughter show “Thahake- Hasya Kavi Sammelan” began shuddering the belly of spectators with an everlasting cheer and fervent cackle. Dr. Vishwas stroked comic poems on various contemporary issues of India in his distinguished humorous style, especially, striking idioms on the insensitiveness of media for the sake of commercialisation, besides delivering witty liners on corrupt politicians. The other prominent performers on the occasion were Ras Bihari Gaur, Sampat Saral from Jaipur, Kazi Hasan, Pawan Agre. The message of “save India and keep the Indian flag sky-scraping” was conveyed from the theatre. ‘Thahake” had that staged star attractions of entertainers excelling in the genre of humour had the spectators in split with their satire, comic poems, and witty one liners. The versatility of the comedians remained a key feature for the success of “Thahake” that gave a journey of giggle to the spectators in a parody atmosphere created by the guest stars. |
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ECG course concludes at IIT
Roorkee, October 24 The course was organised as a part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed between the IIT and University of Glasgow for academic interaction. Under this MOU both the organisations have agreed for joint research programs, holding lectures and symposia, exchange of faculty and students, besides exchange of information and publication. Initially, both have agreed to collaborate in the area of electrocardiography through joint efforts to establish a database of ECGs recorded from healthy Indian individuals and a series of lectures on electrocardiography. Prof. Peter Macfarlane of University of Glasgow, the resource person in the course delivered lectures on comprehensive Electrocardiography while Prof. Vinod Kumar of IIT Roorkee, delivered lectures on Digital Signal Processing (DSP), applications in ECG Signal analysis. |
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Awesome threesome
Dehradun, October 24 Depiction of Geet Govind by Bharati Shivaji was the highlight of the evening, personal improvisation brought into the dance form was succinctly brought forward. Kiran Sehgal presented Krishan Leela in Odissi style, a dialogue between Radha and Krishan was effortlessly rendered by her. Each performer gave her best while retaining their distinct identity. Vocal support was provided by Ram Chandra Sahu. Speaking about her dance performance Shovana later said that, as artists we are moved by the happenings around us, outraged at the plight of environment, she was quick to draw a parallel with the disrobing of Draupadi in Mahabharata. “We continue to repeat the same mistakes and the object of our desire or exploitation of mother earth, we are polluting it,” she added. |
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Crackers in selected markets only
Dehradun, October 24 Orders to this effect issued by the additional district magistrate (Administration), U.C.Kabadwal, clearly prohibits sale of crackers in Paltan Bazaar (from Kotwali to Clock Tower), Dhamawala Bazaar (from Kotwali to Jama Masjid), Dispensary Road, Motio Bazaar (from Paltan Bazaar to Old Cinema Filmistan), Hanuman Chowk, Jhanda Mohalla, Band Bazaar, from Survey Chowk to DAV College Road and main bazaar of Karanpur. Apart from these areas, sale of crackers has been banned in all narrow roads and streets of the city, where fire tenders can’t enter. City residents have appreciated the decision taken by the administration. “Considering the fact that fire threat looms large on account of sale of crackers in congested markets, it is good that this Diwali, administration has prohibited the sale of crackers at all such vulnerable markets,” opined Jatin Mittal, a college student. |
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Financial meltdown: Shoppers keep away from markets
Dehradun, October 24 Festive mood is missing from market despite Dhanteras is a day away. “Purchasing power looks considerably reduced this year and we are keeping our fingers crossed for the remaining few days of festive season,” observes Sushil Jain, a Dehradun based businessman. The festival entails purchase of new utensils keeping in lines with the tradition. Despite little support from market, the small time sellers of Diwali products, too are coming up with all types of innovations to attract buyers. Fancy candles, ceramic candles, perfumed and even floating candles have flooded the market. Major manufacturer of candles in Dehradun, Sai Candles at the Dispensary road is busy preparing a 160 kg candle that would be as high as 8.5 feet and will be one of its kinds. “We will put up that candle in display on Dhanteras day,” says Vipin Mittal of Sai Candles. A candle that can change into 12 types of colours is also on display and costs at Rs 650. The clay idols of Lakshmi Ganesh are also in big demand. Agra, Varanasi Chennai, Lucknow and Kolkatta are mainly contributing to the clay idols market while China made fibre idols are also making heyday. But the tradition here has certainly holds onto the clay idol market as 80 percent of the people still prefer clay idols to Chinese ones. Sanjeev, proprietor, sells decorative flowers admits that Chinese products are a threat to indigenous industry to a close. “We are fighting on two fronts, on one hand there is falling purchasing power of consumers this season, on other hand these Chinese products are eating up the indigenous ones,” he adds. Charan Das, flower seller has come up with free gift schemes this Diwali. “We are providing free gifts with every home delivery whether it is local or outstation, discloses Amit a worker at the shop. In the high value products market, the companies too have come up with flurry of products. Even the warranty period has been increased substantially. But then lack of purchasing capacity too is affecting the consumers considerably. The traders look very much apprehensive and are certainly looking up for some miracle in the days to come. |
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sports Vishal Thakur
Dehradun, October 24 South zone comfortably defeated North zone in their first league match by 40-29 and in their second league match of the day they defeated West zone in a closely fought match. The scores were 24-21. In another league match played between Central zone and West zone, Central zone gave a tough competition to the opposition before going down 32-27. In the last league match of the game Central zone won convincingly against North zone with the score of 35-10.
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Rising Star marks comfortable win
Dehradun, October 24 Earlier in the day, Yuva-XI won the toss and elected to bat. The decision to bat first proved suicidal for Yuva-XI as they were all out at the score of 85 runs. Arjun of Rising Star Doon was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 4 wickets. Yuva-XI finished the match in style after reaching the target with seven wickets in hand. In another exciting match between Aryan Group and Love City, Aryan Group piled a mammoth total of 141 runs in the allotted 15 overs. In reply Love City was all out on 57 runs. Aryan Group won the match by 84 runs. Wasim from Aryan group was judged man of the match. He scored 38 runs and took five wickets. Earlier, Love City had won the toss and had elected to bat.
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Dispensary reopened
Mussoorie, October 24 President of the Nagar Palika
O.P. Uniyal and Harbhajan Singh, head of the Nirankari Mandal here, worked together to fulfil this demand of the local people. Nagar Palika members Jai Kumar Gupta, Sushi Kumar, Nand Lal and local community members were present on the occasion.
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Dehradun, October 24
Dehradun, October 24
