Dehradun, December 20
Civil Defence awards were conferred at a function here today by Rajender Singh Bhandari, Minister of Civil Defense, Home Guard Commandant and Chief Warden Chander Gupt Vikram.

The awards were given in different categories for both north and south post which included best accident prevention officer, best woman officer, best blood donor, best traffic controller, chief warden, best one to display air fight, EMRI 108 Ambulance personal, salaried and non-salaried home guards, honorary officers and best sector wardens.

Felicitating the awardees, Bhandari appreciated civil defence said it is a great service towards the humanity. This organisation should further be expanded to other districts of the state.

He said, “Civil Defence is taking care of external as well as internal security by providing selfless service. People working for it contribute to it when they come back from their job places in the evening and deserve big applause. With civil defence we have put a safety system in place, which help needy in times of accidents, fire, earthquake, terror attack and other natural calamities, and train public in disaster management.”

Chief Warden Chander Gupt Vikram threw light on other aspects of Civil Defence and said this year they have chosen the theme of bringing improvement in traffic regulation in the city. “Besides traffic regulation, we will also keep welfare of our senior citizens on top of our priority list where we will see whether they are treated well by their kith and kin,” he said.

Holding the dais as anchor, Yogesh Aggarwal, who was also awarded for donating blood for 89 times beamed saying, “It is a great honour for me to be associated with Civil Defence and, saving precious lives through blood donation.”

Umeshwar Singh Rawat who was awarded in north category said this award would further boost his morale in continuing service. Narender Luthra, another awardee of south category said, “Our work in training education institutions such as SGR College, GGIC Lakhi Bagh, NSS Camps in fire fighting, earthquake damage control, traffic awareness and other social work has been duly recognised by the Apex body.” 

Haridwar, December 20
Various organisations and outfits have come out in open against the derogatory statements of a Fox news channel scribe in Haridwar. Mass protest and effigy burning of the channel was held at Bhagat Singh Chowk today with the protestors demanding written and verbal apology both from the channel network and the reporter.

Akhil Bharatiya Congress Committee member Dhirendra Pratap termed the comments as derogatory, low and exposed the pseudo mentality of the American media towards India.

“We will not sit back until they apologise and this is a blow to our ancient cultural heritage. It seems pointing on our culture and faith has become a norm of the western people and we should get united so that they don’t dare next time,” said Pratap.

Demanding action from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh former Delhi University student’s union president Madan Singh Bisht said if we are not taking any action then this will give wind to more such tirades and pseudo statements from the western world.

He pointed the river Ganga has a relation and faith with crores of Indians, which no other river has and this is what perturbs western world. “Why don’t they come here and take a look while Ganga treads from hills to plains and see what’s the significance of the river in our lives and culture,” said Bisht.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Kranti Manch too has lashed out at the comments broadcasted by Fox Channel. Convenor of the manch JP Pandey has criticised the statements and said while on one hand America is non-cooperating on Global Warming issue their media instead of focusing on this aspect is broadcasting baseless comments.

Dhirendra Pratap also held talks with Pauri Garhwal parliamentarian Satpal Maharaj and Uttarakhand vice-president Brahma Swaroop Brahmachari to further take this movement forward at all fronts so that no one dares to question on Indian traditions, faith and heritage.

Those who spoke at the occasio.n were Mira Raturi, Haji Rao, Amar Singh Ahtiyan, Afzal Ali,Roshni Kaliyan, Manoj Giri, Dharam Pal Bharati, Shiv Kumar Kashyap, Sonu Sardar, LalChand Kashyap, Sonu Jat,Rajesh Sharma, Surendra Saini, Nandan Singh Bhandari, Sushil Aswal, Shahnawaz Khan among others.

Dehradun, December 20
A renowned scholar and noted columnist, Dr Asghar Ali Engineer, has called for the creation of a South Indian Federation along with strong electoral reforms in the country to combat the ever-rising menace of communalism, which has engulfed the Indian subcontinent.

In his interactive sessions on the concluding day of a workshop on “Communalism and Future of India” organised by the Madhu Limaye Shodh Sansthan and the Manava Bharati Mission here, Dr Asghar said: “It is time that people-to-people contacts are strengthened and boundaries are done away with in the South Asian region. To begin with the countries of the Indian sub-continent can initiate the move and later include Myanmar and Sri Lanka in the Federation”.

He also advocated that it should be made mandatory that the winning candidate in the polls should get at least 51 per cent of the total votes. Hitting out at the political class for creating discord among the masses for its own vested interests, he said responsible governance would emerge once the politicians got to know that they couldn’t win elections by simply dividing people on the lines of communalism and casteism.

“People must put pressure on politicians to legislate law where by it will be mandatory for winning legislators to procure at least 51 per cent of polled vote share,” said the scholar. He added that India needed an all-inclusive electoral system not like the present mode, which allows a politician to enter in the assembly or Parliament even if he manages to get up 25 per cent, or less votes.

“The results of the Lok Sabha elections-2009 have shown that a majority of winners in this election obtained around 18 to 23 per cent. This indicated majority voters did not even vote and a person was qualified to represent them,” he asserted. The rulers create bitterness among people and it is also incorporated in the existing education system, he added.

Replying to a series of questions on Pakistan, he stated: “A majority of Indians do not know the role of common Muslims during freedom struggle. Only a select group of Muslim community leaders find place in textbooks while the rest is portrayed as supporters of Pakistan”. Talking about reasons for country’s Partition, he said it was imperialistic design of British capitalism that led to the formation of Pakistan not the people to people animosity.

He said Partition would have been avoided had there been a system of universal franchise in place. “But, voting rights during that period was only with educated class and those who were of capitalistic bent of mind,” he said, adding that aspirations of the Muslims middle class, Jawaharlal Nehru’s concept of economy and egoism between the Muslim League and the Congress were other factors responsible for the country’s bifurcation.

Replying to a query on the Maoist struggle being witnessed in a large part of India, he said Maoist struggle in India was against small landlords and not against feudalism, as the latter did not exist anymore. “We have through legislation and various other methods slowly eradicated the feudalism in our country. As a result present Maoists struggle is against landlords owning 200 or more acres of the land,” said Dr Asghar.

On the issue of terrorism, he called for a deep understanding of the processes that compelled an individual to take to arms. Pointing at the present state of Pakistan and its terrorist manoeuvres against India, he pointed out that democracy still did not exist in Pakistan and it was the Army that continued to call the shots. It is in the interest of the Army to create disturbances and conflict with India. “One needs to understand that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari’s statements regarding condemnation of terrorism in Kashmir and his call for a friendship with India were a prelude to the 26/11 killings of Mumbai,” he asserted.

“Our mission is to create a violence-free democracy. But, ironically our leaders get people to kill each other for getting themselves elected. The aspiring leaders structured the Gujarat riots of 2002. More than 2,000 innocents were killed so that the party came into power.

This is not a real democracy,” he said, adding that getting justice for victims of riots will also help in combating communalism and would check youngsters from treading the path of hate and violence. 

Dehradun, December 20
Uttarakhand Congress has constituted a six-member committee that would look into Kumbh Mela preparations regarding security and infrastructure.

Opposition leader Harak Singh Rawat said while the Hardiwar Maha Kumbh was a little less than a month away, preparations for the mega fair were inadequate and not up to the mark. He said the Congress was extremely worried over a peaceful conduct of the fair taking into account a lack of preparations of the state government and has decided to come up with the committee that would look into the preparations and submit its findings to the Prime Minister.

Rawat said any unfortunate incident at Kumbh could bring bad name to the state and thus the state government must not take any chances. Accusing the state BJP government of resorting to substandard constructions, Rawat said while the state government had been busy with its internal bickerings for a long time, the Kumbh Mela preparations were given least importance.

He said with the Kumbh conmmencement approaching very fast, there was a little scope left for the completion of all mela works on time.

He expressed surprise over Uttar Pradesh agencies getting contract for Kumbh works. “Uttarakhand has no dearth of construction agencies whether it is Rural Engineering Services, Public Works or even construction wing at the GMVN.

Thus providing construction contract to UP agencies is not justified,” Rawat added. The Congress leader also had a dig at the state BJP government, accusing it of failing to utliste the Annual Plan amount. 

Dehradun, December 20
Holy Quran is not a religious text but a constitution for the entire humanity and it should be made available to all, irrespective of religious affiliations. This was stated by Maulana Mohammed Kalim Siddiqui, at a meeting to spread the message of tolerance and humanism here today.

Mohammed Sidiqui said: “Those who claim to read the book, assuming it only to be a religious book have been closed to it’s finer aspects. The book is a treatise on right conduct for human beings,” he said.

He said the strife that we see around us was a product of our clouded vision. At times under the influence of negativity, many of us become irrational. “But, it is a temporary phase. The good always triumphs over evil and for the betterment of society one should shun negativity as it gives rise to wrong actions.”

The best human being is one whose neighbourers irrespective of caste creed or religion are happy with him, he added.

The Maulana said a man should be thankful to the Almighty who has given countless bounties to the humans in this wonderful world. “Can a Human ever think for what he enjoys in his lifetime,” he said.

Further, making a fervent appeal to the masses, the Maulana said every good deed that we did has a positive impact and even a criminal should be given a chance to make amends. “During a visit to the Tihar jail, I met hardened criminals, most of them were serving life term. But, they were remorseful too and I think they should be given a chance to make amends”. Maulana Badrul-Huda, Maulana Altaf, Qari Mohammed Ahsan and Maulana Masroor were other prominent persons present at the meeting.

Haridwar, December 20
With lakhs of married couples not able to having a child due to infertility and other related reasons, the test-tube baby is the best option available and in Indian context, where social taboos are prevalent, mass awareness is needed to have child through this methodology. This was voiced by District Magistrate R Meenakshi Sundaram at a seminar at Uttaranchal Test Tube Baby Research Centre in Jwalapur as 
chief guest.

Meenakshi Sundaram stressed that though in metro cities this concept was gaining popularity very fast, in smaller urban and sub-urban areas this methodology needed to be promote yet.

He also divulged on various schemes of the central government for providence of better pregnancy facilities and the measures to bring down the mother-child death ratio.

While Dr Shandya Sharma of the research centre highlighted on the history of test-tube baby. She said, “World’s first such baby was born in July 25, 1978, named Louise Joy Brown in the UK while in India this technique was utilised in 1981.”

Dehradun, December 20
In view of different political parties, student unions and other organisations planning to gherao the legislative Assembly and block the road ahead of the winter session starting from tomorrow, the police has made elaborate security arrangements to tackle these protesters.

The police is deploying seven companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary and one platoon of Black Commando comprising 30 to 35 personnel for the winter session of the legislative Assembly to be held from December 21 to 24.

SP (city) Jagatram Joshi said all security measures, including bomb squad, tear gas, rubber bullet and anti-riot cell would be active during the session.

Besides, traffic coming to Astle Hall, Balupur Chowk, Jogiwala and Clock Tower would be diverted to avoid any traffic jams during the event.

SSP Abhinav Kumar said the elaborate security arrangements had been made and the police was ready to avoid any untoward incident.

He added that if protesters tried to create nuisance by blocking the road or by gheraoing the legislative Assembly, the action could be initiated against them with the permission of senior police officers.

The SSP added that a mock drill to face any challenge during the session was also organised at the police lines.

These arrangements are being made in view of the Congress call of gharaoing Assembly during its winter session. It is pertinent to mention that over dozen different groups of protesters are sitting outside the legislative Assembly for a long time which pose a threat to smooth functioning of the winter session. 

Dehradun, December 20
With Christmas only a few days away, all bakeries and confectionery stores are loaded with goodies of the festive season. City bakers have pulled up their socks to prepare loads and loads of special bakery products for “Bara Din”. People with sweet tooth can relish the sumptuous quiches, as they are available in a wide variety.

The mushy pies, seasonal fruitcakes, fudged tarts, nutty brownies, crunchy cookies and flavouring biscuits are ready to sell in the markets in nice decorative packings while the tempting and mouthwatering plum cakes are the main attraction of Christmas.

Surinder Singh (Sunny), owner of Elloras at Rajpur Road, said: “We are the oldest bakers in the city. We have customers from other cities also. A number of customers have started heading towards the bakery well before Christmas. Other than our regular breads, pastries and cakes, we have specially prepared chocolate fudge and plum puddings for the fest.

Our special local as well as Delhi-based bakers have done their jobs perfectly to meet with the expectations of our regular customers”.

“We have tried our best to maintain the quality of the products and have priced them nominally. Lemon tarts, Danish pastries, almond-walnut brownies and ginger garlic breads are our hot-selling products,” he added.

Children as well as the elderly love the enchanting aroma and sweet flavour of the quiche. Other than breads and cakes, bakeries are coming with the finesse in salty snacks too. Patties, namkeens, wafers, chips, hot dogs, pizzas, burgers and biscuits are mostly serving the salty taste of Doonites.

“Our bakery started in 1994, and we have quality as well as goodwill in the market. We have three shops in the city. One is in Kaulagargh, other in Astley Hall and the third one is on Chakrata Road. Every year we do a great business during Christmas as well as New Year and this year also we are expecting a good turnover,” said one of the salesmen at Standard Bakery.

These bakeries are not only supplying their products to churches, eating joints and coffee houses but they also take orders to get them made for you. They can be customised and packaged according to the preferences and tastes of the customer.

So, step into your festive shoes and get going for the shopping spree as city confectioners have lot many things waiting for you. 

Dehradun, December 20
Agitated members of Citizen for Green Doon shouted ‘Ankhe Kholo’ slogans at a protest rally held here today organised to motivate and encourage public to raise their voices against the felling of trees.

Anjali Bhatia, member of CFGD, said, “Dehradun was fast turning into a desert due to this excessive deforestation. Forest Department and the DFO of Dehradun are responsible for the failure in doing their jobs.”

The activists urged the locals to work against the eradication of the evil practice and add weight to their protest. They graded axing of trees as the degradation of valley’s environment. The members also protested against the proposed MDDA plan of cutting down 32 green trees to make a parking lot at the old Vertinary Hospital on Dispensary Road. In their protest the activists demanded to develop a small green area that can be used as park in that particular area.

Dr Nitin Pandey said, “The recent axing of 84 green native trees in the premises of The Presidents Body Guards Estate at Rajpur Road near Jakhan to grow Mango trees, showed how casually, those who are entrusted to protect the trees, take their job.”

He also condemned the cutting of trees and said the people at that particular area will now be deprive of their ‘green lungs’.

While speaking to the media, Sonia Pandey, a member of CFGD and Laksha Mehta, an environmental activist, also expressed their resentment on the massacre. They said if the President knew about this mass execution, she would have been aghast. We will put in our whole efforts to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring.

Ruchi Singh Rao, Ravi Maheshwari, Ira Chauhan, Sunil Dutta, Florence Pandhi, Dr Kuldeep Dutta and Harninder Singh were among other participants of the rally.

Dehradun, December 20
The state government will make all-possible efforts to establish Uttrakhand as the biggest herbal and ayurveda centre of the world. This will provide employment to youth. It was claimed by Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank while inaugurating industrial, tourism and farmer festival at Pipal Koti.

He also inaugurated a 46-bedroom tourist complex, built at a cost Rs 9.74 crore. He said the tourist complex at Auli would be centre of SAF Games. He assured that the state government was ready for the Games and the Olympic Association could begin it any time.

Nishank also attended the silver jubilee celebrations at the Sports Stadium at Pipal Koti and Adarsh Vidya Mandir Inter College at Gopeshwar, where he gave go-ahead to auditorium on vacant land.

On this occasion, district panchayat president Vijya Rawat apprised him about shortage of departmental positions and asked him to fill all vacancies to precipitate developmental process in the region. The Chief Minister assured to sort out the water problem in Gopeshwar.

In these programme, MLA Badrinath Kedar Singh Fonia, MLA Karnprayag Anil Nautiyal, District Magistrate Neeraj Semal also accompanied him.