October 2010 • Vol - I • No. 1
UP CLOSE
Top model Shruti Agarwal shares some behind-the-scenes moments when posing for the hottest calendar in India!
MY STORY - UNCENSORED
Reformed drug addict Simanta Das candidly recalls his heroin days.
18 OPEN FORUM Passionate reader responses on the mega dam hydel projects of Arunachal Pradesh
38 ECO TALK Prarthana Banikya on why the Bt Brinjal should never reach the dinner plate
40 ETHNICITY 58 WORLDLY WAYS Find out why people skewer their cheeks during the famous Phuket Vegetarian festival
Raktim Phookan on the amazing story of how a pukkaEnglish lady became the ‘Naga Queen’.
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SEPTEMBER 2010 │the eclectic
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October 2010 • Vol - I • No. 1
PALATE
Celebrity chef Atul Lahkar gives away some exclusive finger-licking recipes!
52 GLOBETROTTING Take a trip to the land of the pharoahs with Sumita Sharma
60 SOCIAL SENSE ET talks to high street shoppers on Puja spending
PANACHE
Designer Nandini Baruva brings on a preview of her latest collection – Bling on
64 PICTURE PERFECT House with a view - Amazing seasonal shots of Chan Mahanta’s prairie home in St Louis, U.S.A
72 TECH-KNOW GPS makes a foray in the Northeast
56 TOUCHING LIVES President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, Rong Bong Terang speaks on how literature is the best medium for unity
Magazine Partner
October 2010 • Vol - I • No. 1
THE NE TRAIL
Get a taste of being Tarzan in Namdapha tropical forest, with Bornali Gogoi
REGULARS PLATFORM
ET profiles Jitumoni’s dance journey to victory in the Li’l Masters mega competition!
TELL TALES
The Ultimate Revenge - A short psychological thriller to leave you flabbergasted!
EDITORIAL CHAIRMAN
Parama Hazarika
EDITORIAL managing editor Tanushree Hazarika tanu@eclectic.co.in
associate editor Loya Agarwala business editor Rajat Agarwal contributing editor Nazneen Hussain content supervisor Himakshi Goswami
CREATIVES senior layout artist Madhusmita Das art supervisor Dipankar Saikia
ADMINISTRATION director Bibha Hazarika administrative officer Prasanta Talukdar deputy admin officer Monjari Mahanta
AD SALES & MARKETING manager marcom Koushik Hazarika +91 99575-62510 manager pr & bd Pooja Barkataky bangalore – D. Kant Venkat +91 98454-47778 ● ads.bangalore@eclectic.co.in delhi – Ad Space Mart +91 98108-02411 ● ads.delhi@eclectic.co.in kolkata – Abhijit Sahu +91 98310-61511 ● ads.kolkata@eclectic.co.in mumbai – Mousumi Moitra +91 98195-79758 ● mousumi.m@eclectic.co.in chennai - Mr. S. Surianarayanan +91 91766 84818 ● ads.chennai@eclectic.co.in CONTACT US
head office Eclectic times • Eclectic House • 34, PB Road Rehabari • Guwahati Assam • India • PIN 781008 landline +91-361-260 68 95 mobile +91-94355 44836
corporate office Eclectic times • C/O- Maverick • 10th Floor A-Wing Mittal Tower • MG Road Bangalore • India • PIN 560001 landline +91-80-425 60 000 emails info contact@eclectic.co.in editdesk editorial@eclectic.co.in subscription subscribe@eclectic.co.in advertisement ads@eclectic.co.in website www.eclecticmag.com Edited, printed and published by Tanushree Hazarika on behalf of Eclectic Media Enterprises Pvt. Ltd, Eclectic House; 34, PB Road, Rehabari, Guwahati - 781008. Printed at Swapna Printing Works Private Limited Doltala, Doharia, P.O.- Ganga Nagar, Dist- North 24 Paraganas, Kolkata- 700 132 Design © Tattva Creations Pvt. Ltd Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders. The publishers apologize for any omissions, which they will be pleased to rectify at the earliest opportunity. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.
N
ortheast Indians! On credit to the fine blend of aptitude and adaptability, they have managed to spread their wings to almost any area you can think of. They are contributing in a significant way, wherever they are involved. The Northeast has always been a culturally rich region. Quite often, we hear of NE musicians, artists, writers, etc. winning accolades. Jahnu Barua, Adil Hussain, Ratan Thiyam, Zubeen Garg, Angaraag Mahanta, Sourabhee etc are a few, achieving fame at the national level. Young Jitumoni, is perhaps one of the youngest who recently made us all very pleased. However, nowadays we see Northeast people excelling in various other fields as well. From IT wizards to media personalities, from entrepreneurs to super models, they are creating ripples across India. Ranjan Das, born in Assam, succeeded in becoming one of the youngest CEOs in India for a software giant like SAP at the age of 39; of course the fact that he passed away last year makes us sad to lose a brilliant son of the soil so early. Arnab Goswami and Tracy Shilshi, again from this region, are two popular Indian media personalities who make us hold our heads high. PA Sangma and Agatha Sangma, have put the Northeast on the list of smart and reverent politicians. Mary Kom from Manipur has made us beam by recently winning the world boxing championship consecutively for the 5th time. We have supermodels like Shruti Agarwal, a Sikkimese, who is the epitome of beauty and smartness. She is adorning our cover this issue. These are just a handful of names. In fact, there are many more NE success stories. Apart from the media-highlighted individuals, there are plenty of others, who are adding to this talent pool in a subtle way. There is no dearth of where and how NE people are creating opportunities and making themselves and the region noteworthy on the bigger map. We have definitely uplifted ourselves from the time when we were a cribbing society desperate for mainland attention to one where our actions speak louder than words. No wonder, everyone is looking Northeast! With the tagline on our cover - People, Life and more – we have endeavoured to branch out into more categories to bring you a wider spectrum of topics. Whatever your preference, be it the Northeast (Ethnicity) or the world (Worldly ways), the environment (Eco-talk), science and technology (Tech-know), or personal stories (My story – uncensored), you’ll find it all - and more inside the pages of Eclectic times. Hope you like the mix of articles we have brought to you. Will impatiently wait for your feedback. Wishing you all a happy Durga Puja. Regards,
Tanushree
ree i o s l a c i A mus
I
n order to celebrate the golden jubilee of Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati, a two-day musical fest was organized at the Rabindra Bhawan Auditorium on 3 & 4 September. Titled Sur Sonowali, the fest commenced with a chorus sung by fifty renowned artistes of the state which was specially penned by Kirti Kamal Bhuyan and directed by Ramen Baruah to commemorate the event. The special programme of the first day was the presentation of the first Assamese modern song and other old songs which had been composed from as early as 1924. Altogether 13 songs were presented and sung by renowned singers like Pulak Bannerjee and Tarali Sarmah. The highlight of the second evening was the Goalpariya chorus which was well received by the audience. Photographs: UB PHOTOS
October 2010 │eclectic times │ 11
Let’s get q
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uizzical
porting th e the regio tagline, Winner tak nal round e of the Tata s it all, Business Crucible on 9 Septe Quiz 2010 was h eld in Guw mber. Tw o ah Burhanur Rehman a spirited participan ati ts, Syed nd Monjiu the Green rR Sh winners a ield company were ehman, from nd receiv adjudged ed 75,000. Th c ey will no a cash prize worth lear w be able Rs the regio nal to national fi winners of 18 oth participate with er cities a nale to be t the h of which the grand eld in Mumbai in Oc tober, prize is a rupees. whoppin g 4 lakh Bharti Air te l, represe Alok Barja nted by R tiy udra De prize mon a, were runners u p and rec ka and ey of R s 3 eived 5,000. Th han d e d o e pri ve guest Nee r to the participan ze money was ts by the la chief Teleservic j Mahalnabis, COO , E as t zo n e. T h e qu e, Tata iz was ho quiz maste sted r, ‘Pick brain Giri Balasubraman by well known iam, also ’. k n ow n as
ic’ m a n y ‘d a r Fo kitchen
Ltd, enware Pv t ynamic Kitch d company, ase a Kolkata-b s in eir product th d e r launch ia t Ind , af te of northeas the markets marketing of their ful ely West the success er states, nam nataka th o in s ct u prod d, Kar a, Jharkhan Bengal, Oriss y. herr and Pondic cts, their their produ : apar t g n o Am ty ave a special e latest chimneys h th in designed ilt from being y have inbu e th y, g nolo er th O . rs so German tech n as leakage se Induction filters and g ude unched incl Domestic products la , e rt ital Inve rs Cookers, Dig smosis (R .O) water eO UPS, Revers nsers. water dispe d an rs e rity to purifi p s y give rio The compan confidence and omer gaining cust ey also plan to expand Th . n o ti satisfac e near al level in th n io at n e to th future.
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ECLECTIC MODEL HUNT All you beautiful girls out there, here’s some big news. Eclectic magazine is organising the “ECLECTIC MODEL HUNT”, a mega event that will give you the most glamorous platform to prove your talent to the world. From dainty darlings to dazzling divas, if you want to turn into a star overnight, this is one place you’d do anything to be in. The winner has lots of surprises for her in store. Along with a lot of goodies, she also gets a portfolio shoot and will get to be the cover face of ECLECTIC TIMES. So, what are you waiting for? Just fill up the form below and rush in your entries to: ECLECTIC MODEL HUNT 2010
Eclectic House, 34, P. B. Road, Rehabari, Guwahati - 781008 Call us at +91 94355-44836. Email us at modelhunt@eclectic.co.in. The last date for entries is 31st October, 2010. ELIGIBILITY: You must be single, between the age group of 18-24 years, and with a height of not less than 5’2”. Fill up the form provided below with all the details and also send at least 3 recent photographs of yours.
REGISTRATION FORM NAME ____________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH (DD/MM/YY): _____ / ____________/ _____________ FATHER’S NAME _____________________________________________ NATIONALITY ________________________ OCCUPATION _________________________ QUALIFICATION ______________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ MOBILE: _____________________________E-MAIL: _____________________________________ HEIGHT (FT.): ____________ WEIGHT ___________ (Kgs) AGE ___________________ VITAL-STATISTICS __________
__________ __________
HOBBIES: ___________________________________________________________________ WHERE & HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? _________________________________________________________________ WHY DO YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN ECLECTIC MODEL HUNT 2010? (In not more than 20 Words) ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN PART IN ANY MODEL HUNT / BEAUTY PAGEANT BEFORE? [If your answer is yes, please state the competition you’ve participated in and the position won (if any).] Tick where appropriate. Yes: ________ No: ________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ I, ____________________________, declare that the information given above is true. The management reserves the right to disqualify me at any point of the competition if any information that I’ve provided is found incorrect.
DATE
The contest is open only to girls from the Northeast • Incomplete forms are not valid • The selected contestants should make themselves available for the specified days of the contest • All travel expenses to be borne by the contestant • All travel risks to the venue of the event will be borne by the contestant • Management reserves the right to use the photographs, interviews, and video footage of the contestants for sales promotion, advertising, and live / recording programming • Dates of the contest can change due to extraneous events beyond our control • Prizes or gifts are non-transferable and no substitutes will be given • Any legal dispute will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Guwahati only.
NAME & SIGNATURE
Blooming fashion
A
designer mela titled Fashion Bloom wa s organised at the NEDFi Haat fro m 10 September. Th e mela was inaugurated by well known designe Garg, along with ac r, Garima tor Asha Bordoloi an d Assistant General Manager NEDFi, Ashim Kumar Das. Around 36 designers participated in this mela from different parts of th e Northeast, including Dibrugarh and Tinsukia; there were some who had come from Orissa too. Apart from the usua l mekhela chadors, ku rtas and sherwanis, there were artifacts made from water hy acinth (paani meteka) and jute, inc luding handbags an d other household accessories. Other ite ms like dr y flowers an d candles were also on display and all the products in ge neral were priced moderately.
Youthful hope
Youth in Aspiration of the d an es op “H on seminar gional Institute at Jubilee Hall, Re ld he as w ” ur ip Man on 7 August. Maj e (RIMS), Imphal ief guest, of Medical Scienc ) welcomed the ch th ou (S AR IG n, s, Gen C. A Krishna s opening addres cipants and, in hi the to e du h ut yo invitees and parti e s faced by th m le ob Shri pr y, e th nc lle ed s Exce highlight rgent activities. Hi su in e d th an d te re ra ltu gu cu bandh anipur inau t, Governor of M ga am Ja gb an an ch El ba s. ru es Gu addr ered the keynote d vt of Manipur an seminar and deliv Go D, PW er ne gi En f ie Ch d ed an t Binoy, retir aired the firs t Rupchandra, ch uth reputed journalis relating to the yo cs pi To ging respectively. ga ns en io ss an se in nd ts co lis se the pane by d te en es pr e t er tis of Manipur w like eminent ar icons of Manipur , gave discussion. Youth ionist Thaja Irom at uc ctoria and ed Vi ted SP ra ite Dy , re nd ey na Sada nces. Th n of their experie ccess tio su rip g sc in de ev d hi ile ac ta d de obstacles an g in m co er ov to that the key determination. ssed with strong is to remain focu
A
October 2010 │eclectic times │ 15
Magnificent Mary
Manipur’s M ary Kom add to her ever-g s another fe rowing list o ather f achievemen it to the boxi ts by making ng squad wh upcoming A ich will be p sian articipating in the defeated L. Sa Games to be held in Gu angzhou, Ch ritha Devi an in a. Kom d 51kg flyweig Meena Kum ari to qualify ht category in the secon in to the at Talkatora d round of th Indoor stadiu e tr ia ls m held in New Delhi an the Indian B oxing Feder d organized at by io n . Noteworth that Kom qu y is the fact alified a day af ter landing in from Barbad India os after winn ing the wom World Cham en ’s pionship titl e
Global management guru of m Tezpur, Assam, Pr Originally hailing fro llogg Ke tly Dean Emeritus of Dipak K. Jain, presen rsity, ive Un nt at Northwestern tional na School of Manageme er int g SEAD (the leadin IN by ed int po ap has been J. Frank Brown. xt dean, succeeding ne its as ol) ho sc s busines ere he is presently from 2001-2009, wh an De ’s gg llo Ke s Jain wa in Entrepreneurial Goldman Professor n rto Mo d an y nd Sa the air he has held r of Marketing, a ch Studies and Professo iversity and aduate of Gauhati Un since 1994. He is a gr ce and a ien in Management Sc received a Masters of ty rsi m the Unive PhD in Marketing fro Texas at Dallas.
Sound Bytes Jorhat boy Am rit Pritam has ba this year’s Natio gged nal award for as sisting his men and guru, Oscar tor awardee Resul Pookutty in the Malayalam film superhit Keralavarma Pa zhassiraja. Hav in movies like Gh ing worked ajini, Black, Saw Amrit happens ariya and Blue to to be a famous name a few, Northeast conn Amrit has also ection to the O won the award scars. fo r Sound Record Pookutty for Gh ing along with ajini in the IDEA Resul IIFA Awards’200 the Apsara Film 9 and for Blue in and Television Pr oducers Guild Aw Currently, he is ards 2010. working as a Ch ief Sound Edito Sound Designe r-cumr at Canaries Po st Sound Studio Mumbai and hi at s latest project is Endhiran (The Robot). 16
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October 2010 │eclectic times │ 17
Experts, civil society groups and leading citizens are in uproar over the proposed hydroeclectirc power projects in the Northeast region. With the recent visit of the Union Minister of Environment and Forest, Jairam Ramesh, what are the ramifications for the people of Northeast? ‘DAM PRADESH’ over Arunachal
With 784 dams looming India wants to Pradesh, the government of m Pradesh” “Da the s make this land of our nachal will Aru of ple peo of India. We, the damned ‘Dam be the worst sufferers of this quality The y. Pradesh’ in the 21st centur concern of tter ma a of construction is also in India. tion rup cor t pan ram because of the ists, rial ust These projects will help the ind and ers ine ministers, contractors, eng by millions and bureaucrats to become rich r completion afte tor fac y urit sec billions. The be doubtful. If of these projects will always the future, the in there is any Indo-China war s. Once dam the ck atta Chinese would first wouldn’t y arm ian Ind the d, cke dams are atta be able to do any thing.
JAIRAM RAMESH : ACTING LIKE THE ‘PIED PIPER’ OF HAMELIN Through exploitative development and the construction of dams, India is one of the countries which viola te human rights in many states. Displacement of people by cons tructing dams is one of the main reasons behind the growth of Naxalism in the tribal states like Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and other tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Oriss a. The puppets of the central government and industrialists i.e the ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, are talkin g about development by constructing dams. We all know who will best benefit by these mega dams in reality. Who has given this idea or pattern of development to the peop le of Arunachal Pradesh? If they are really concerned about the common man, where are these power companies when villag es get washed away overnight by the release of dam waters? This idea of development by the use of hydr o-power is an imposed concept of development. It is out and out exploitative in nature. True development will come to the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh when there is use of traditional wisdom and indigenous technology for harn essing little streams and rivulets for generation of power in each village by the villagers themselves. This is called the real democratic form of grassroot development through mini projects as practiced in countries like Vietnam. As for the use of solar power, one doesn’t have to look far. Manipur, one of the most culturally deve loped states of the Northeast is harnessing solar energy in the remotest of villages. It is time the people of Arunachal Prad esh dump the present state government and the political leaders who are misguiding the people. Jairam Ramesh is acting like the ‘Pied Piper’ of Hamelin, the pipe player in a folkt ale who plays the magic pipe and leads all the rats to their death. For the government of India, the people of Arunacha l Pradesh have become the rats for experimentation. In orde r to do away with these rats, a piped piper from Delhi has been sent.
Ropi Jamoh, Bank road tiniali, h
Itanagar, Arunachal Prades
Rupam Borgohain, Milan Nagar, Dibrugarh
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OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH Learn from Rahul Gandhi : . “Development is not about factories, dams and roads al and cultur ial, mater is goal The e. Development is about peopl supreme of is factor n huma The e. peopl the for t spiritual fulfillmen value in development.” ---Rajiv Gandhi Rahul Gandhi kept his father’s ideals alive by giving strong of Orissa support to the agitation of the Dongria Kondh tribals He any. comp ta Vedan giant g minin the t in their fight agains s and home their saving for le strugg their in them by stood has for ta Vedan by over sources of livelihood from being taken i criticised bauxite mining. In his recent visit to Orissa, Rahul Gandh of ership minist chief the under Orissa of t nmen the state gover tribal the of rights Naveen Patnaik of taking away the basic human rn conce ssed expre Rahul communities of the mineral rich state. ry, count the in heard being rarely are that the voice of the poor s levels. while the voice of the rich was heard in India at variou z Learn from the Dongria Kondh tribe of Orissa : This unique tribe has shown how a small marginalized t the community has emerged successfully in their fight agains the Unlike hills. giri Niyam the in e proposed mining of bauxit al community leaders of the Dongria Kondh tribe, the politic They t. corrup 1000% leaders of Arunachal Pradesh have become on comm the or ation popul will never speak for the grassroot chal people. Instead they will misguide the people of Aruna anies comp r powe by them to t taugh song the sing Pradesh and like Jaypee and Reliance corporations. : z Learn from Akhil Gogoi in neighbouring Assam of cause the up take r farme It is wonderful to see a simple nge challe and Assam of state the of ation the grassroot popul corruption and the mighty Indian central government. z Learn from Manipur and the MANIREDA : The Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) is lighting up remote villages in Manipur with and Y. solar energy. Laishram Manglem, Director of MANIREDA of Manipur y Agenc State the of cer offi c ifi scient senior Kholchandra, villages many in s government have installed wind-run power-plant able renew this with s in Manipur lighting up homes and street lessons energy. Will the Arunachal Pradesh government take some ers and minist the since so, think don’t I ? regard this in from Manipur and hearts their government officials of the state have already sold India. nd minds to the power companies of mainla central The idea of development which power companies, the is s lobbie r powe these by t bough ers minist and government of pt conce not at all sustainable development. This is a wrong g comin the in s million for er development which will spell disast years.
z
Hayang Deuri,
DAMS: ‘HARAKIRI’ COMMON MAN FOR THE Under the pretext of con sultations, the industrialists and minis ters will manipulate earlier non-biased envir onmental reports and brainwash gullible masses. It seems Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are heading for collective ‘Harakiri’ (Japanese word for ‘Suicide’) and this ab etment to suicide is carried out by both the central and the puppet state gover nments, the most influential industrialists, spineless ministers, slavish bureaucrats and all concerned temporarily builders. How foolish is man to con trol rivers? All the holy books - Git a, Upanishad, Bible, Quran, etc say, “Do not walk proudly on ear th: your feet cannot tear apart the ear th nor are you as tall as mo untains.” The false super- ego of man and greed has blinded a section of our fellow beings. Unfor tunately, it is we, the other half, who will bear the brunt of their greed in the name of ‘develop ment’. If the central government an d the puppet state governments are so ver y concerned about ‘development’ of the No rtheast, why don’t they take up the issue of flash floods caused by dam waters and releas es from dam reservoirs too?
Parthasarathi Konwar,
Bharalumukh, Guwahat
i- 781 009
NEXT MONTH’S TOPIC: COMMONWEALTH GAMES : Where did we go wrong? Send in your emails by October 10, 2010 to: editorial@eclectic.co.in. The best responses will be published in the next issue.
Boginadi, Lakhimpur October 2010 │eclectic times │ 19
henever the country’s Northeast is spoken about in terms of scenic beauty, Arunachal Pradesh always steals the show. Its flowered valleys, perennial snow-fed rivers, stiff cliffs, emerald forests and blue green hill ranges are indefinable. Within it’s boundaries lies the tropical forest of Namdapha. Spread over 1985 sq km, the attitudinal variation within this jungle is unequal to any other forest in the Northeast; within its domain there are tropical rainforests as well as high rises of up to 4571m of the snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.
Tropical Perfection Located at the bottom of the Indo-Burmese border and embraced by the Patkai hill range, Namdapha comes under the Southeast Asian rainforest which is the second largest of tropical rainforests, characterised by the impenetrable profusion of vegetation growth. This frost-free state of life and plentiful rain ensures rich plant growth, right from the forest floor to the canopy. This means 20
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Fact File Gol banglo, Deban. Photo- F.D. Office, Namdapha
z The name Namdapha is a derivative of Tai - nam means ‘water’ and dapha means ‘one of the tribe’ of Chingphow. z Namdapha is at the tail of Diyun river which spills out from the Chowkan Pass (2432m) of the southeast corner of Tirap. It enriches the forest with numerous streams and nallas satiating every aspect of life.
Orchid flora of Namdapha. Photo: Khyanjit Gogoi
that all year round there is the availability of fruits, flowers and leaves to support all the animals in the food chain. The presence of jungle pools are a viable habitat for aqua fauna like fresh water fishes, rare water fowls, reptiles and mammals. An impenetrable precious forest refuge like Namdapha exists only in three prime locations of the world - in Brazil (which flourishes in the Amazonian basin of South America), the South East Asian Rainforest of Malaysia, Borneo, Java and Bali and the African Rainforest of the Congo basin.
Flora and Fauna Unlimited As can be imagined, the biodiversity it possesses is extraordinary. For animal enthusiasts, the wildlife that
flourishes in Namdapha is enormous. Four species of big cats - tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard - rule the pyramid of life here. Trumpeting elephant herds keep the plant growth in check by uprooting the saplings lying in their path through this forest. The presence of bird life is overwhelming; over 350 species have been counted. Two of the world’s rarest waterfowls, the White Winged Wood Duck and White Bellied Heron inhabit the jungle pools and the wetlands of Terai respectively. Namdapha also houses most of the snakes that exist in Arunachal (more than 80 species); even the presence of the Meadow Pit Viper, one of the Southeast Asian vipers, has been recorded for the first time in India - in Namdapha. Its hot and humid atmosphere provides ideal living
z The Diyun river bisects the forest and then splits in two major courses – the Noadihing and the Burhidihingwhich end in Lohit and the Brahamaputra respectively. z Unlike Mahayana Buddhists of Kameng, Namdapha is influenced by Hinayana Tai which is apparent in the Khamti, Chingphow and Tai Phake communities. z Millet is the major food grain but the rice beer produced from it is one of the world’s tastiest rice beers, whose name - Marawa - is sweeter than the taste! October 2010 │eclectic times │ 21
Nature’s games Every step you take of this amazing jungle, you will be stopped by stunning displays of flora and fauna, right from the forest floor to the canopy above. Here are a few snippets of nature that you might see: z Moving through a pool covered by a palm tree, you may be shocked by a sudden whoosh of flight of a pair of hornbills. z After a sudden shower inside the forest, the reddish hues of sunshine will light your way. z A small twig of fig tree with half eaten pink fruits may fall down in front of you, dropped by the hornbills high above in the canopy. z Clouds may float towards the trees and a thunder storm with heavy rain may ensue without even the slightest warning. z A flying squirrel might peep at you from its nest hole in the ficus tree.
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Young Lisu ladies. Photo: Pronib Das
Short-nosed vine snake. Photo: Abhijit Das
conditions for amphibians, especially tree frogs. In fact, Namdapha even has its own endemic frog called the Namdapha Bush frog! For the botanist, Namdapha is an asset for the world’s floral kingdom. Its potential as a biological hotspot makes it a dream destination for biologists, naturalists and conservationists. However, its thick vegetation, poor visibility and inaccessibility keeps Namdapha on a low preference as a tourist destination.
The Noadihing. Photo: Khyanjit Gogoi
Ready to go? The best time to go to Namdapha is between March-April when the orchids are in bloom. Try staying at the Deban rest house. Between trekkings, or before leaving Deban, if you can spare a couple of hours then climb up to the small temple of Dangoria Baba and marvel at the view; a twin hill will almost cover the horizon except for a narrow lookout where the sky will
form the back drop of the forest. Back in Miao, you may visit the museum near the Field Director’s office or roam around the Chingphow villages. Don’t forget to buy some of the bright and geometrically designed handicrafts of the Chingphows and Taiphakes; they make excellent souvenirs. Namdapha can never be covered in one visit as major parts of it remain inaccessible and its alpine range is almost untouched, for most of the time the Daphaboom guards its snow capped mountain. As a wildlife refuge, Namdapha is incredible but its significance is in its freshness as a virgin forest; you just have to see it, breathe it, to believe it. The writer is a conservationist working with Eastern Himalaya. Acknowledgement: Abhijit, Paim, Khyanjit, Isaac, Ananta and the Frontliners of Namdapha.
October 2010 │eclectic times │ 23
ith reality shows becoming quite the norm on television, parents are all too eager to showcase their children’s all-round talents – be it in music, acting or dance. And while many kids may come back with broken hearts, there are the fortunate ones who return home holding the big trophy and the fat cheque – thus fulfilling their parent’s dreams. But what about those children whose parents can barely provide the bare necessities, forget being able to send their child to take part in some reality show? And what if, 24
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by some strange quirk of fate, such a child, after screening through countless auditions, could actually make it to the big stage? Wouldn’t that be sheer luck? Well, that’s exactly what happened with Dance India Dance (DID) Li’l Master, Jitumoni Kalita, who comes from a very humble background. It was his cousin, a
Photo: Kamal Dey
Himakshi Goswami in a cosy chit-chat with Jitumoni - our splendid li’l champ who brought laurels to the Northeast by winning the Dance India Dance (DID) Li’l Masters mega competition
choreographer himself, who suggested that he should try his luck in the auditions of DID Li’l Masters, a reality dance show for kids that was aired on Zee TV. After clearing the first audition in Guwahati, there was no looking back for Jitumoni as he got through all the auditions and was finally selected in the mega auditions in Mumbai, from among the 100 students, to make it into the top 16 of the show.
Living in a remote part of Maligaon, going to meet Jitumoni was not all that easy. Finally, as we entered his home, we saw the eleven year old l’il master himself unwinding in bed with the TV remote in his hands. Yes, there was something about this kid-next-door that instantly brought a smile to one’s heart. As we started talking, Jitumoni was quick to point out where ‘home’ actually is: “I am from Sualkuchi. My parents stay there but I have been living here for past two years with my pehi (paternal aunt).” Intelligent and talented, there was also an obvious innocence about him because he didn’t have a clue why we were there! As soon as I told him, he quietly switched off the television set and took his position like an obedient little student. He listened to my questions but, just like any normal kid, he was more curious to know the purpose of the dicta phone in my hand! Getting on with the conversation, Jitumoni recalls, “Dancing became my interest ever since I was in the second standard. When my cousin and her friends would practice dance, I used to stand behind them and follow their moves. But when I went for the auditions in South Point School, Guwahati, I never thought that I would get selected.”
Too busy to win
Photo: Himangshu Lahkar
A simple kid
“I really had a great time there but it was sad when my friends got eliminated. I miss all the masti now.”
The thought of bagging the winner’s title never actually came to his mind when he joined the show in Mumbai because he said he was too busy enjoying his 4month stay over there in the company of his new friends, though he did miss his family.“I really had a great time there but it was sad when my friends got eliminated. I miss all the masti now,” says a nostalgic Jitumoni.
The celebrity touch
With a bunch of talented professionals from the industry like Sandip Soparrkar, Farah Khan, Terence Lewis, Mithun Chakraborty, Remo D’Souza and Geeta Kapoor, DID Li’l Masters was indeed a fantastic show and gave amazing exposure to the kids as they got to perform in front them. A memorable moment for our little master was when he danced with Salman Khan. “It was a pleasure meeting Salman, he has a October 2010 │eclectic times │ 25
and his assistants. They taught me Russian folk, Classical, Indian folk, Cha Cha, Salsa and Contemporary. I thank him for the effort he took in giving me the best of his knowledge in dance. We’re still in touch and right now he’s busy choreographing with Farah ma’am,” Jitumoni reveals. There has been a prominent change in this child before and after coming back from the show. As he said, “There was a fear in me whether I would perform well or not, but now, I am totally confident that anywhere I go, I can give my best. Also, I couldn’t understand Hindi when I went for the show. But now, I can aaramse (easily) speak the language.”
Photo: Kamal Dey
Faith
great body! We danced together on the popular number, Bachke rehna re baba and he really liked and appreciated my dance,” recollects a proud Jitumoni. “The judges gave us genuine comments and tips to perform better and didn’t say things to simply please us.”
Confidence grows Jitumoni felt that though he had performed in several stage shows 26
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Jitumoni’s ultimate devotion towards the Almighty at his age is something worth talking about! Since his childhood, it’s been a habit that he prays for an hour every day. Even when he left for Mumbai, he took his ‘Ganesh baba’ along with him and in spite of the hectic schedule, he still managed to take 15 minutes out for his puja every day. “I had to take a short cut then as life was in a hurry,” he grins.
The ‘moment’ “It The moment they were was a about to pleasure meeting announce Salman, he has a great the winner, earlier, they Jitumoni body! We danced together prayed were nothing like DID Li’l that if on the popular number, Masters where he had he learnt a lot given his Bachke rehna re baba of new forms best and and he really liked and if janta had of dance. His art was polished blessed appreciated my after he joined the him with their dance.” show and he gives votes, he should the credit to his dearest skipper, Dharmesh. “I was being trained by Dharmesh Sir
definitely be made the champion. But he admits that he was not under any
kind of pressure from his skipper or his family. Once he was declared the winner he says, “It felt simply great!”
we’re really happy that he made a name on his own.” As per his contract with Zee, Jitumoni would be offered shows for the next 2 years. Recently, he’s Welcome Home, Champ back in town from Mumbai after Babu, as they call him, got a performing in Sony TV’s Comedy ka warm traditional welcome after Daily Soap. He has been assigned a returning from the show, which tutor for a short while until he he found very funny! But, resumes school. “There there has been no Once I was difference in the love done with the was a fear and care from his interview, he in me whether I family. “They love was more me just the way than happy to would perform well they used to do pose for my or not, but now, I am photographer before – no more, no less,” he smiles. totally confident that friend and His grandmother, entertain us anywhere I go, I can with sitting by his side, some smiles poignantly astounding give my best.” as she says “He’s my dance moves. grandson. His dad is a While I watched him daily wage earner and whatever happily hopping around, he earns is not enough for our I just thought that if nurtured well, family. We couldn’t even dream that this guy can create wonders. he would go such a long way. But,
Jeetu’s special do’s & don’ts: do practice and do pray regularly. Don’t put on weight! (chuckles) Aim: to be a choreographer Favourite stars: Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and Michael Jackson – all of them dance in style! Favourite actress: Katrina Kaif (she’s pretty) Favourite television show: WWE Favourite wrestlers: Jeff Hardy and Rio Mysterio Love to eat: Eggs Likes: to play in the water Dislikes: Teeta Karela (Bitter gourd)
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one of the well known designers in the city recently showcased the preview of her latest festive collection, titled ‘Bling on’ at her boutique, Kirameki, on the MRD road, Guwahati.
he new collection which has both Indian and western outfits is all about bright prints and colours, which includes kurtis, tunics, sarees and mekhela chadors in different fabrics such as, cotton, lycra, knits, silk, net and jacquards. The garments are embellished with stones, sequins and beads in complementing colours. The collection, which features exclusive pieces at reasonable and affordable prices, has been made in keeping with the tastes and versatility of the city woman.
Summery cool cotton lycra coffee ‘n’ pink printed dress 28
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Bold and beautiful printed chiffon halter top with flower applique at neckline
Pocketing fashion cotton lycra printed dress with princess line ‘n’ pocket detailing
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Old world charm pink ‘n’ peach printed floral dress with balloon hem ‘n’ ruffled sleeves
Glitz and glittery lycra tunic embellished with stones at yoke
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Flower Power cotton lycra floral printed skirt ‘n’ embellished neckline tee
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Satiny Cool - tie ‘n’ dye printed sheer shift with satin belt and swarovski detailing at neckline
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Model: Nandini Baruva Photographs: Kamal Barman Make up: Pranab
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Popular celebrity chef Atul Lahkar shares these exclusive quick ‘n’ easy non- vegetarian recipes. Try frying ‘em up after a tiring pandal-hopping trip to keep your tongue and tum tantalized! CRISPY FRIED MUTTON RIBS WITH HOT CHILLY DIP Ingredients 500 grams mutton ribs 1 tsp red chilly powder 2 tsp ginger paste salt to taste 200gms rice flour 1 cup curd 200ml refined oil For hot chilly dip 6 whole red chillies 2 tomatoes 4 garlic cloves 25gms ginger 1 bunch coriander leaves Method Clean and cut mutton ribs and drain thoroughly. Take a bowl, mix curd, ginger paste, lemon juice, salt, red chilly powder with the mutton rib and marinate for one hour. Heat oil in a pan. Put rice flour in the marinated mutton and deep fry until golden brown and crispy. To make the hot chilly dip To a hot pan, add oil, garlic, tomatoes, red chillies and stir continuously. Add salt and fry until the chillies and tomatoes become soft. Remove from fire and grind all the ingredients to a fine paste. Serve with the crispy mutton ribs.
FRIED PORK WITH MUSTARD LEAVES Ingredients 500 gms pork 2 bunches mustard leaves (lai xaak) salt to taste 2 tbsp ginger juice
Method Heat a pan on low heat and put in the pork (don’t put any water or oil). Add salt and ginger juice and fry, stirring continuously. Now remove from the flame and put aside. Wrap the fried pork in the mustard leaves and fry on a low flame. Serve hot with steamed rice
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FRIED CHICKEN WRAPPED IN GREEN BANANA Ingredients 250gms chicken 4 green bananas 4 green chillies 2 tomatoes, chopped salt to taste 3 tbsp refined oil 2 bunches coriander leaves 2 tsp red chilly paste 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste Method Clean and cut the chicken into small pieces. Heat oil in a frying pan, add green chilly, ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute on low flame. Add chicken, chopped tomato and fry continuously. Add chilly paste, salt and chopped coriander leaves, and continue to stir till the chicken is tender. Now remove from heat. Cut and clean the green bananas, remove the skin, take the tender part and slice to wrap the fried chicken and then shallow fry it until the green banana becomes crispy. Serve hot.
TRADITIONAL CHICKEN BARBECUE Ingredients 1 kg chicken 3 tbsp mustard oil 2 tbsp ginger paste salt to taste 1 tsp turmeric powder 4 capsicums 4 tomatoes 6 bamboo skewers 2 tbsp lemon juice Method Wash chicken and cut into small pieces. Cut the capsicum and tomatoes into small square sizes. Put the chicken in a bowl and add salt, ginger paste, turmeric powder, mustard oil and lemon juice. Take the marinated chicken, capsicum and tomato and place on grill. Roast the chicken in a charcoal fire until it is tender. Remove from fire and serve hot with steamed rice. October 2010 │eclectic times │ 35
Simanta Das, a reformed drug addict, recalls his struggle with heroin in this candid and, at times, shocking first-hand account.
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y journey into hell started in 1980 because of peer pressure from a friend of mine, who wanted me to prove my friendship to him. I was only 16 at the time and our friendship meant a lot to me. So, I would sometimes take grass, marijuana or pop a few tablets but I wasn’t hooked to any of them, it was just for the sake of fun. But the day heroin came into my life, I became a scapegoat, a junkie. When I started the habit, drugs were easily available and very cheap. It used to cost us Rs 80 per gram. So, two or three of us could easily pool in the money to buy a gram. We would dissolve a little of it on a spoon with water and then inject it into our vein. We would even share syringes. Soon, I couldn’t live without it and had to have my fix everyday. Once, when I was about 24 years old, I overdosed. Usually I would take my first shot at 5a.m. just so I could brush my teeth (otherwise I couldn’t even put the brush to my teeth) but that particular day, I was unable to get the drug in the morning so I took a few tablets to stop getting withdrawal symptoms. In
the afternoon, I was able to get hold of some heroin and the moment I pushed the syringe in, I suddenly lost consciousness, still leaving the syringe stuck to my vein. But somehow, people got me to the hospital and I survived. It scared me, but it did not scare me enough. Heroin is such a drug, the moment you are off it, the withdrawal symptoms are so terrific and so bad that to become normal, you have to use the drug. It was a vicious circle. When I was a drug addict, the only thought in my mind was where am I going to get my next fix from? Who do I thug? Whom do I lie to? I was 120% a liar, even more than 100%. Lies automatically came out because I had to hide 20 other lies. I even snatched my mother’s gold chain one day to pay for my habit. My family tried to make me understand, they tried everything. Nothing helped. My mother died in 1994. She never saw me as a sober person, she always saw me as an addict. I regret that she didn’t see me as what I am today. The turning point was my wife actually. She helped me a lot. She
located a person who had a rehabilitation centre – in fact the first Rehab in Guwahati - Mashwara Rehabilitation Centre in Panjabari, Guwahati. By that time I was in a do-or-die situation. Heroin had taken its toll on me - in every way - physically and emotionally. The day I checked into Rehab, I weighed only 35 kgs. I was wearing a coat and was so thin that the counsellor told me I looked like the hanger for the coat. Heroin withdrawal has terrible symptoms. You feel cold one moment, hot another, you get goose pimples all over your body, watery eyes or you may drool. You don’t feel like talking to anybody, you get angry very quickly. I had a bad time in Rehab. I had to be tied up because I created a lot of nuisance. When I came out, I was off heroin but I substituted it with alcohol and ended up becoming an alcoholic. For my heroin habit, I had sold off my property and whatever was left, I sold it off to sustain my alcohol addiction. I was totally broke. So, I was sleeping in the Guwahati railway station. Sometimes I felt like committing suicide but to do that, you need courage which I didn’t have.
I finally decided to get off the alcohol when I was at the railway station just before the new millennium. Speculations were going on that train reservations were going to go haywire on the computers due to the 1999/2000 changeover. Then I thought that if these things can also go haywire, why can’t my life also change? I can also have a new life when the new millennium starts. That got hold of me. So, I went back to Rehab and I was there for four years. I became a counsellor, then an HIV counsellor. I finally came out in 2003. When I look back, I was on heroin for 16 years and then on alcohol for another 4 years. I realise that I escaped from reality for 20 years of my life. I was cut off from the world. I wish life was like an audio cassette which I could rewind and start again from that day I got onto drugs. I went on the wrong path. Today I can say that I haven’t done drugs or touched alcohol for 11 years, but I always tell people that the day you put me on the funeral pyre is the day you can guarantee that Simanta won’t drink or take drugs anymore. Till then I can’t guarantee anything, because addiction is a life-long problem. When I was taking drugs, I thought that the people who didn’t take it were foolish and I was the intellectual but later on in life when time passed, I found out how I was the fool and they were the intellectuals. People who are sober enjoy every second of life, but people who are addicts don’t enjoy any part of life, it’s just an artificial enjoyment they have. Today I get high on life, there’s nothing more beautiful than a sober life. There’s nothing I crave for anymore, except the love of my family and the love of people.
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Food as we know it, may never remain the same again if genetically modified crops get the go ahead says Prarthana Banikya
urs is a food-loving family and most of our family get-togethers have food as a priority! Whenever I go to the bazaar, I never ask myself if a particular cauliflower or cabbage is safe for consumption. Why should I? After all, food is something I take for granted and eating safe food is our basic right. Or is it? Last year, there was a lot of media speculation about the genetically modified Bt Brinjal which contains a gene artificially infused into its genome from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (hence the name Bt). This genetic insertion is said to give the Brinjal plant resistance against insects. Since the debate started in 2006, citizens across the country are in uproar refusing to be treated like laboratory rats and being forced to consume the modified variety. They say that the Bt Brinjal is unsafe for human consumption for several reasons : 38
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1. The study team of the Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (CRIIGEN), France and several independent scientists, concluded that the Bt brinjal may prove to be a serious risk for human and animal health. 2. When Bt brinjal was tested on rats they showed signs of allergies, immune system changes, damages to organs like kidneys and liver, growth and metabolism changes and adverse effect on the reproductive system. 3. Bt Brinjal contains anti-biotic resistant genes which pose serious public health concerns. Last year, Bt brinjal almost reached our dinner plates had it not been for the public demanding adequate testing on whether genetically modified crops are safe
for human consumption. If released, Indians would have been the first to consume a Genetically Modified (GM) crop. Greenpeace, a non-profit environmental organisation, with a presence in over 40 countries took the forefront in the demand for food safety. It all started in February 2006 when Greenpeace, under the RTI Act 2005, approached the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) demanding to see the biosafety data generated and submitted by M/s Mahyco, the company which developed Bt brinjal in India. But DBT took a pro-Mahyco stand and endorsed their claim that the company’s commercial interests will be harmed if it was made public. However in April 2007, the Central Information Commission brushed aside this argument saying that the public’s right to know what is in their food is more important than the commercial interest of a private company. In August 2008, the biosafety data from these tests was made public by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). Since then, the protracted struggle for the right to safe food has been a long one. Since Bt and non-Bt brinjal look identical, we will have no way of knowing whether the brinjal we consume daily is genetically modified or not. Not only that, GM seeds (unlike chemical pesticides or fertilisers or drugs) can never be recalled once released. This is an irreversible technology. Therefore, the introduction of Bt brinjal is a complete violation of consumer rights. Due to the public concerns raised extensively across the country, the Environment Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh held public consultations in different cities of
the country to take on board these concerns. On 2 February 2010, Mr. Ramesh announced an “indefinite moratorium” on the release of Bt brinjal, thus effectively ruling out the entry of the other 56 genetically modified food crops, which are under various stages of being genetically modified and could have otherwise come in through the door, opened by Bt brinjal. He said, “The moratorium will continue for as long as it is needed to establish public trust and confidence.” However, our fight for safe food may be longer than we expect. In August 2010, the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Several state governments and activists have been opposing the bill. Agriculture ministers of the country have raised their concerns about the devastating effects of the bill
which will hand over the control of food from the farmer to the multinational companies. They have also voiced the need to have serious consultations with individual States, experts and the people prior to enacting the legislation. In particular, people have raised their voices over one of its provisions, which states: Whoever, without any evidence or scientific records, misleads the public about the safety of organisms and products… shall be punished, with imprisonment for a
Greenpeace, a non-profit environmental organisation, with a presence in over 40 countries took the forefront in the demand for food safety. term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to one year, and with fine which may extend to Rs 2 lakh, or with both. So here we are again standing the test of time to protect our food once more. And if I had to, I would do it a hundred times over to ensure that the food we consume is safe, not only for us but for generations to come. The author was formerly with Greenpeace
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Ursula’s mother hoped she would find a husband in India rather than study in Oxford, where she wanted to pursue her studies, but as the family did not approve of girls studying at University, they gave her an Aston Martin and sent her on a life-changing trip to India – to accomplish both. Raktim Phookan tells us more about her fascinating story. ou may have heard about her or you may never have, but when you finish reading this piece of mine, you may like to join me in saluting her spirit. India’s north-east has always been unique and enchanting. A melting pot on a migration route, where nature has nourished and protected all those who have sought shelter, high up in the mountains or way down in its verdant valleys. Where else in the world will you find so many small communities, each retaining their own culture and traditions? See the fusion in the form of Alpine Macedonian origin (but now Assamese) and the still blue-eyed or the Austric-origin Khasi native, with a Mon Khmer mother tongue and a matriarchal society. Way back in the 1930’s, this land of ours was one of the last, living anthropological museums of the world. It beckoned and mesmerized 40
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Ursula Graham Bower in her Zemi Wedding dress.
many but even after completing a hundred-year rule, the white man was yet to document every aspect and every facet of our lives. Visualise life in 1937, as I take you on a trail through bridle roads and tracks you would never expect a young lady to take, for she had to walk most parts of it through rugged terrain, mostly steep mountain slopes and slushy valleys. Climbing mountains higher than Ben Nevis, she hopped onto a lorry where there was a road, and in some places, where there was no track, she cut corners by floating down on bamboo rafts like any son of the soil would and enjoy that wonderful feeling. With a name sounding like my Ao Aunts, Aropla, Ajungla, Alomla and Apokla, Ursula was actually English, a bubbly lass of 23 years, when she first visited Assam on holiday with her friend Alexa Macdonald, whose father was then posted at Manipur.
Driving through the shades of green in the Nambor of the Assam plains and up the Hills on the Golaghat–Kohima–Imphal Road, Ursula was enchanted by the land and its colourful people, particularly the handsome Nagas as her entourage crossed Mao Thana to reach idyllic Imphal. A strange feeling of affinity seemed to enter her mind like a divine intervention, transcending the body. A land to which she belonged and, only by accident, was estranged from. An invitation from Col. Taylor, the Civil Surgeon and his wife, took her on a ten-day trip to Ukhrul, the eastern sub-division and Tangkhul Naga country, with small pockets of Marring and Khoiraos on the fringes. Alexa then arranged for them to visit Tamenglong, the western subdivision and the Barak River with Mr. Jeffery, the State Engineer, on his bridge inspection tour. This trip to the Kabui, Zemi and Lyeng country was criticised by many. Unlike the
Ursula was enchanted by the land and its colourful people, particularly the handsome Nagas as her entourage crossed Mao Thana to reach idyllic Imphal. A strange feeling of affinity seemed to enter her mind like a divine intervention, transcending the body. A land to which she belonged and, only by accident, was estranged from.
Jessami headman
Ukhrul trip on bridle roads, this visit would take about three weeks, require staying in jungle camps and taking long treks over native paths. Women, then, did not join such hill tours. Through Haochong and Lukhambi, crossing the Irang valley, up the climb to Khebuching, the party reached Tamenglong. Rafting down the Barak, they reached the suspension bridge, carrying the Silchar track. Leaving the Kabuis of Kambiron, it was a train ride up the Hill Section. Savouring the oranges of Mahur, the party returned to reach Imphal by Christmas. Sailing back to England, she had no idea that she would be visiting Assam again. Impressed by her photographs, a family
friend introduced her to the Royal Geographical, Royal Central Asian Societies and also to friends, who were anthropologists. A common query was: Would Ursula be going back to finish what she started? The very next year, an opportunity arose in the form of an invitation from Jeffery, who was on the verge of retirement: Would she like to join him in his last trip down the Barak? Checking up with Professor J.H. Hutton of Cambridge and Professor Hodson of the PittRivers Museum at Oxford, Ursula learnt that there was work she could do. Very little photography or filming was done in the Manipur Hills. Spending her savings on films, she was once again Assam-bound. After the Barak trip was over, she
applied and received permission to do her anthropological photography in the Hills. With Abung, a Kabui Naga, for a help and a kind, gentle Meetei Compounder, she reached Ukhrul, enroute to Nungbi villages, Khulen and Khunao to film pottery making. Every day, in every village that she would reach after a long trek, the Red Crosstrained Ursula would first hold her dispensary sessions and then start her documenting work. This was the routine till they reached the night’s camp. Photography was no strain but the numbers, who needed medical attention, made it very hard work. The salt wells at Mariem, the fusion at Chingjaroi and the weaving skills of Tuinem were captured on reel. She covered the Somra-similar Kharasom, the Kuki village of Paotong and even reached Jessami of the Angamis before returning to England in 1939. Soaking in what she saw and logging everything with an impartial view and fair mind, she displayed a knowledge and maturity not expected in one so young. Ursula Graham Bower had the pundits applauding in admiration. October 2010 │eclectic times │ 41
Mother and Child - Chingjaroi Namkiabung - British Empire Medal Winner
The winter saw this livewire back in Imphal only to be told by the Political Agent that she could not be permitted to tour the Manipur Hills. Thanks to J.P. Mills, then Director of Ethnography in Assam, she chose the Zemi in the once seen, melting pot of North Cachar Hills. It was in this beautiful Hill District of Assam that fate blessed her in a way only destiny can, showing what it had in store for this spirited girl. Ursula made Laisong her new home. Her travelling dispensary mainly covered Asalu, Impoi, Tolpui, Hangrum, Guilong, Bopungwemi and Kepelo, near Haijaichak, to name a few settlements. The Kacharis and smaller scattered villages of the Rangkhols, Bietes, Thadous and Chongsens noticed her caring and devotion for the sick and needy. The Zemi, her main object of study, adopted her as one of their own. Masang, one of Rani Gaidiliu’s innermost circle, believed she was the reincarnation of the Rani, as did the inhabitants of many a Zemi village, who had heard about the Rani’s prophecy. Mainly, with the help of her aide, the intelligent Namkiabung of Impoi and community elders, she documented the Zemi way of life, customs and traditions, even trying to find traces of the lost tribe, the Siemis, who knew the fine art of 42
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Angami in full regalia
making the sacred deo-moni. With the Japanese at our doorstep in 1942, Ursula was entrusted with the responsibility of forming a “Watch and Ward” squad. She recruited and led the “Bower Force”, a band of Naga and Kuki Scouts, which fought as a constituent of the famous V Force, covering an area from Kuki Khuangmual in the north to Khangnam, overlooking the newly-built Kumbhirgram air-field in the south. They marched upto Tamenglong in the east, when ICS Officer Sharp was presumed killed. Monitoring enemy movements, they ambushed enemy search parties. Allied pilots, whose planes were shot down, were rescued, evacuees helped to retreat and the wounded brought back for treatment. In recognition of her role and the contribution of her Unit, Captain Bower was made an M.B.E. (Member of the British Parliament) and also awarded the Lawrence Medal. Ursula said yes to the charms of Lt. Col. Tim Betts of the V Force, a former coffee planter, ornithologist and later, the first Political Officer of the Subansiri District. They married in the Anglican Church of Shillong in 1944. Later, in beautiful Magulong, the headman of the village, the charismatic Khutuing, gave her away as the bride Katazile,
meaning “giver of all”, in a Zemi marriage to Col. Betts. The Subansiri stint gave her the opportunity to work with the Nyishis, Apa Tanis and the Hill Miris, opening up another hidden corner. She may not have been trained in anthropology but her splendid camera work, cine films and her eye for detail stunned the knowledgeable, earning her a place alongside luminaries like J.P.Mills, Bill Archer and Christoph von FurerHaimendorf. Living up to the ethos of her alma mater – Rodean – with the views of the open sea, dramatic sky and the distant horizon, Ursula’s love for adventure ensured her entry into the hallowed portals of Oxford, as a scholar, par excellence. After the India chapter of their lives, the Betts family moved to Kenya, before settling down in the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Christened the ‘Jungle Queen’ by the American Pilots, Ursula was the Naga Queen for the British. Supposed to be as pretty as they come in the pictures, the girl from Cricklade, Wiltshire, passed away in 1989. A spirit and a soul, rare and noble. Indeed, extraordinaire. Amazonian. The author is a freelance writer based in Guwahati
In recent years, the Catholic Church has had to confront a damaging series of worldwide allegations of sexual abuse and the issues must be addressed if trust is to be restored. Dr. Nilmoni Sikdar shares his concerns. s a representative of a vocal minority, I must express my opinion about the Catholic Church’s morality with regard to their relationship with the laity. I’ve never had a high impression of the Vatican and most of the heads of Catholic churches, including the present one, because I disagree with their take on certain issues such as family planning, management of poverty and deprivation (in some of the poorest countries of the world), their secretive unholy alliance with the mafia during the Second World War, their strong opposition to research and development of stem cell therapy, which incidentally is a breakthrough in finding cures for some of the most serious diseases afflicting humanity. For the last few years, there has been worldwide media attention on the abhorrent subject of sex scandals and indecent physical abuse by Catholic priests perpetrated against children. I shake with horror and disbelief when I think of how the
priests abuse the trust and faith that was entrusted to them to look after their folks (in this case children and some cases, mentally backward adults) by inflicting so much harm to them, which often results in posttraumatic stress to the victims in later life. In fact, they’ve ignored the human rights issues of millions of Catholics of the poorest countries of Asia, Africa and South America. The situation in the Catholic establishment in the Republic of Ireland is no different than the rest of the world and the recent revelation that the present Pope’s Cardinal and adviser, who was originally from the Irish Catholic Church, was allegedly involved in indecent acts against children and vulnerable adults (who were unable to resist and defend themselves) speaks for what ‘high moral ground’ the Cardinal holds. There are more skeletons in the cupboard and tales of indecency and inhumanity which have been brushed under the carpet. The latest news is that the present Pope has stopped further investigation. I ask the reason why? The Vatican City, which is a part of Rome, is the spiritual and the political capital of more than 1000 million Catholics of the world. Its followers far outnumber the followers of other Christian churches. In terms of power and affluence, it has the stature of an independent, sovereign state. It has its own national flag. It has ambassadors in all the important political capitals of the world. It has a seat in the United Nations community of nation states. Though it has a population of only 1.25 million, its power transgresses right across the world wherever there are people following the catholic faith. When I went to the
Vatican, I was spellbound by the sheer opulence and the beauty of the place. Michael Angelo, the great sculptor, has created a world of magic that defies all imagination in the Vatican. Every painting, every stained glass, every dome, walls, pillars, coverings were pieces of art of utter brilliance. There were other things, however, that we were not allowed to see, the reason being that people do not need to know all the material possessions inside the Vatican. I wonder why this richness was shrouded in secrecy from the human race, amidst all the holiness of the bastion of Christ. In this 21st century, when more and more denominations in the Christian churches are opening up to scrutiny, are becoming more transparent, are having bigger and sweeping reforms like ordaining women to priesthood, it seems the Vatican is just going the opposite way. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Head of the Anglican Church (the biggest non-catholic organisation of the U.K) has made some comments in general regarding some of the bad things prevailing in the Catholic dioceses, but overall the reaction from the Catholic establishment was a defensive explosion, which I view as most unfortunate. Why the defensive attitude and secrecy? It will leave me thinking for a long time to come. The author is a retired doctor based in the U.K.
If there’s anything happening around you that inspires you to speak up and let the world know, write to us at Eclectic House, 34 P. B. Road, Rehabari, Guwahati - 8 or email to editorial@eclectic.co.in October 2010 │eclectic times │ 43
Posing - not once but twice - in the prestigious super-glam Kingfisher swimsuit calendar, Shruti Agarwal has modelled for some of the biggest names in the industry. ET meets the homebird .…
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ortheast beauties are renowned for their exotic looks and beautiful skin but somewhere under that demeanour lies more than the eye can see. Take Shruti Agarwal, for instance: Though she was catapulted into the limelight through Kingfisher stardom, this former Miss Pune, who has walked the ramp for famous designers such as Manish Malhotra, J.J Vallaya, Krishna Mehta, Manish Arora, Anju Modi, also has a degree in Communications and Public Relations and has appeared in countless TV commercials and music videos to boot. So you see, behind those sultry stunning looks, lies a smart and intelligent young woman. But there is a special reason why we can feel especially proud and smug about Shruti and that is because she has a Northeast connect, as her mother is from Sikkim. In this exclusive interview with Eclectic Times, Shruti reveals her journey from being a small town girl to high-glam fashion model. Eclectic Times (ET): Tell us about your life so far! Shruti Agarwal (SA): Well, my dad is from Himachal Pradesh and my mum is Sikkimese so I am half Himachal and half Northeastern. After completing my schooling in Kalimpong, I went to Mumbai for my further studies. In 2005-2006, I started modelling and from there I did the Ganesh Hegde music video, the Kingfisher calendars (2006 and 2008), Lakme Fashion week, Will’s Fashion week and so on. So I feel I had a very good start, I met the right people at the right time and I was in proper shape, so I guess everything fell in place for me; modelling has been very good for me. ET : The Kingfisher calendar, would be any model’s dream. Any interesting memories? SA : It was shot by Atul Kasbekar, one of the best photographers we have in the country. He has an eye for talent. In 2006 we 46
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went to Australia. It was a beautiful place and the very first calendar shoot for me. I was very new then but I got to learn a lot - like how to pose, what to monitor - and I was trying to grab everything! And after that, in 2008, it was like home. We shot in Ladakh and it was the same thing - Atul and the gang - and was so much fun! I remember I had a shot where I had to mount the two humped camel. The camels in Ladakh are not like the ones we see in Rajasthan, they are very big, hairy and scary looking! As a kid I had ridden on a camel, but for the shoot I had to sit and try to move with the camel, which I was not really trained to. Plus there were so many of us - the camel guy, Atul, the makeup artiste and two or three other people and I was like oh my god, what would happen if the camel gets scared and takes off ! I was in a bikini and it was September and raining but once I got on, I knew I had to simply worry about having to pose and look relaxed. And the end result
was perfect. A lot of people would look and think it was easy, but we had to do so much around it. It was a very amusing experience. ET : Do you feel you have been lucky? SA : Yes, I would say I have been so far lucky and blessed by God. When you have that bond with your family (like I have with my mom, dad and brother) and they understand your work and back you, they push you to do better - and this is also a feel-good factor. Also, once you have a good base, when you have done good work – as in my case the fashion week and the Kingfisher calendar - it is easier to get work, as long as you keep yourself in shape and sustain yourself. Of course, if you keep working, in time you keep going higher and higher and better and better. So far I have enjoyed modelling and loved doing shows.
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There’s still a lot more to do, but yes my next step would be that I want to explore acting and theatre as well. These are all inter- related things so if you try something and feel you are better at that, then I think you should definitely try.
ET : What prompted you to start modelling? SA : It wasn’t planned actually. I studied in a convent and there you have your seniors telling you that you should try modeling. So when you have those fashion shows on those annual functions and foundation days, I didn’t want to participate but my teachers forced me to participate. That’s when you realize your potential. So when I started modelling, I was enjoying earning my pocket money and learning at the same time. But of course I also met the right people at the right time and place in Mumbai, so I thought I should give it a try and when I tried, I realised I was good at it and decided to make it my profession. I think it was a good timing, that I met these people who encouraged me.
ET : So, are you modelling full time? SA : I am modelling full time and I have been in this field for four years. There’s still a lot more to do, but yes my next step would be to explore acting and theatre as well. These are all inter-related things so if you try something and feel you are better at that, then I think you should definitely try.
ET : As a model do you follow strict diets and regimes or are you a foodie? SA : I am a big foodie and I do eat everything as long as I am exercising, but if I am not exercising, then I cut down on my eating. It becomes a little difficult to watch your diet when you are travelling but otherwise I am very free with my mind and body. I have fun, but yes, when it comes to work, I take it seriously. ET : In general, would you say the fashion world is cut throat competition? SA : No. The thing is if you are insecure, a lot of people you come across will also show their insecurity towards you, but if you are secure, stay confident and know what you want, then there are a lot of people who 48
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will genuinely respect you for who you are. Of course I should not leave out the people who are jealous of me as long as it’s healthy competition. Some models do, especially those who are friends of mine, while some don’t. So you should not cross that limit, I am doing my work, we can have friends, but I try and keep work and friends separate. ET : Do you think Indian models are doing well abroad the way international models are doing well in India? SA : Well there are models from other countries who are doing shows here in different fashion weeks, and since ours is a big country, a lot of designers and models are also going abroad. There are models like Ujjwala Raut, but yes there should be more like her. There are so many other Asian models going abroad, so why should we lag behind? ET : Who’s your favorite designer and why? SA : I have quite a few, not only one. I love Manish Malhotra , Rocky S., Vikram Phadnis, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Gauri and Nainika. I think they all are very good. ET : There is a notion that fashion designers take advantage of models. What do you think? SA : I think it has got to do with what people you want to work with. I don’t know but as a girl, I think its better to stay alert. The designers you know, they are very friendly, they are really nice. I think it’s a very nice industry, all of us work together, go out for parties. It’s the same like working in office, we are professional, we all work and nobody has time, nobody has reached the top taking such wrong ways. Although there are rumours of designers having affairs but at the higher levels, these things are not there.
I am charming, sweet and adventurous but if someone steps on my wrong foot, then I get angry.
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ET : How were you as a student? SA : I was an all rounder. I participated in debates as I was very good in English but I was also good in sports. I was a good student and I was very naughty but I never disrespected my teachers.
and Robert Pattinson. They are good actors and they are boyish and manly. Among the female actors, I like Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. Bollywood/male : Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Ranveer Kapoor and out of the females, I like Kareena Kapoor, Kajol and Katrina.
ET : How much do you know about the Northeast? SA : I have been to the Northeast but unfortunately, I don’t know it that well. Any little that I know is about Sikkim and my birthplace, Kalimpong. It is very clean, the air, the water and the food.
ET : Are you into music? SA : Very much… big time, I am half Northeastern so I am into Rock, R&B, Hip hop, not heavy metal rock, and I like Amy Winehouse.
ET : Do you like any particular cuisine from the Northeast? SA : I love Sikkimese cuisine. I love momos, I can eat any amount. I love Sikkimese noodles with pork. I am not so much into spicy food, so I like Northeastern food. ET : Lets’s describe Shruti Agarwal in a nutshell? SA : I am charming, sweet and adventurous but if someone steps on my wrong foot, then I get angry. People can expect me never to get angry about anything, as long as they don’t get on the wrong side. Otherwise Shruti Agarwal is a very, very nice person.
ET : What are your future plans? SA : Right now I am enjoying travelling, modeling and learning new things. ET : What do you think of our magazine? SA : Well, Eclectic is a great magazine. The features and pictures are really good. I feel there’s so much talent in the Northeast,
If you are insecure, a lot of people you come across will also show their insecurity towards you, but if you are secure, stay confident and know what you want, then there are a lot of people who will genuinely respect you for who you are.
ET : How do you unwind after a hectic day? SA : I like to catch up with friends, have some coffee, go out for a nice movie in the theatre which is totally relaxing. It’s a good experience to watch a movie when you can unwind. Otherwise, I like to go for dinner with friends. ET : What kind of movies are you into? What are your favorites? SA : I love all kind of movies, be it romantic movies, comedy but I don’t like action movies. ET : Your favorite Hollywood/Bollywood actors? SA : Hollywood- there’s Leonardo Di Caprio 50
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everyone has potential and talent. People know about music and everyone knows how to play the guitar. Everybody is really nice and sharp. People are opening up to new things, you see Northeastern people everywhere be it in metros or any other city like Mumbai. Now even a lot of media companies or even other companies are opening up here so that’s really good. ET : The last and the million dollar question, are you single? SA : Yes, I am single, at least right now! I think I have a lot of good friends, who are really good to be with but right now, I am not in a relationship. In conversation with Koushik Hazarika
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The Great Sphinx
anding at Cairo International Airport on an October afternoon, we were slightly taken aback by its noisy atmosphere, much like a chaotic Indian railway station! Egypt is in fact, like India in many ways. For example, travel agents and tour operators are aplenty and are always on the lookout for gullible tourists. Bargaining is also the order of the day and for Indians, that’s not a difficult task! We got some handy copies of Cairo’s exclusive guide booklets for free, and arranged a sight-seeing package for two days. As we headed to the hotel from the airport, taking a glimpse of one of the world’s busiest cities, we noticed a strange blend of modernity and antiquity; women move around in western outfits (though with long sleeves) and of course a head scarf. Our hotel, like most other hotels, was on the bank of the River Nile. Even from the window of our room, we could see at least five bridges across the river at a gap of half a kilometre each, which enabled both the banks to develop at the same rate. All the bridges have wide walkways on both sides, full of people strolling or just gazing at the breathtaking beauty. The river dazzled with glittering lights from both the banks, as well as the numerous dinner cruises sailing on it. 52
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We had the first sight of the Pyramids at Giza that evening. The majesty of the massive structures against the backdrop of the crimson sunset was magnificent. As we sat for a sound and light show, travelling through the channels of history to the Egyptian civilization, we wondered at how they have withstood the ravages of time for more than four millennia.
FACTS: The tallest pyramid is known as the Great Pyramid of Khufu and stands at 137 metres, though it had another 8 metres on top of it in gold cap; unfortunately, it was looted by invaders. The other pyramids are of Khaphren, son of Khufu and Mecarenas, son of Khaphren. These three form the trio of great Pyramids. There are three more pyramids of the queens nearby. The Temple of Anubis (God of mummification) where kings were mummified, the Sphinx and the Pyramids create a peerless and aweinspiring visual imagery often seen in postcards and movies. We took a camel ride around the Pyramids and a little beyond in the vast expanse of the Sahara. Around 20kms away from Giza, at a
The Nile River
place named Sakara (named after ‘Sukor’ the Egyptian God of Death), there are other pyramids, equally intriguing but lesser in magnitude. We crawled inside Queen Teti’s Pyramid. Though one has to crouch and tread carefully on a wooden plank, one can stand up inside the inner chamber which is well lit and feels ventilated. It’s amazing how even the colours on the painted relics, the roof and walls of these tombs have survived the relentless onslaught of time! So rather aptly, it is said “We all bow to time, but time bows to the Pyramid.”
FOOD: Lunch in an Egyptian drive-in restaurant was included in the package. We just had to order our main dish and the whole table was full with an array of accompaniments, each tastier than the other. The Egyptian bread called Kubbush (softer and thicker than our Tandoori Roti) served on the house, is to be eaten with sesame paste, cheese sauce, varieties of vegetables etc. Dessert was a plateful of fresh ripe dates straight from the tree! The two-hour dinner cruise on the Nile enhanced the splendour
Tourists on a camel ride, around the Pyramids
The majesty of the massive structures against the backdrop of the crimson sunset was magnificent. As we sat for a sound and light show, travelling through the channels of history to the Egyptian civilization, we wondered at how they have withstood the ravages of time for more than four millennia. October 2010 │eclectic times │ 53
Cairo Museum
of the metropolis as we had drinks and dinner along with its in-house entertainment. A belly dancer and a swirling dancer (akin to a Turkish dervish dancer) with his hour-long, non-stop whirls captivated and enthralled spectators from all across the globe. Inside the Cairo Museum
OTHER SIGHTS: The neoclassical Cairo museum is resplendent with relics of both North and South Egypt. Traveller’s Tip: Take a guided tour or buy a museum guide from the museum’s book shop. The Tutankhamen galleries, exhibiting the fineries worn by the young king and his queen in the museum is a
‘must see’. Though it may not cater to your aesthetic sense, the ‘mummy room’ is another spectacular marvel displaying the scientific advancement of a people so ancient. There’s also an animal mummy room, thanks to the animal-loving nature of the ancients. I remember catching sight of a mummified crocodile, baboon, cats, birds and a big fish, before rushing out of the room. Wonderful, but a little creepy! Cairo is such a lovely and happening city that you would rarely desire to be cooped up in your hotel room. To add to it, it has its lovely people who are very tourist-friendly and helpful. Your security is also taken care of, by the presence of ‘Tourism Police’ in all hotels and monuments. After four memorable days at Cairo we drove down the desert road to Alexandria (founded by Alexander in 332 BC), northern-most city of Egypt on the coast of the Mediterranean sea. But that’s for another day! The author is a freelance writer based in Guwahati
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President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, Rong Bong Terang, shows us how there can be unity in diversity – through the world of literature. iterature, like music, can be likened to a universal magnet uniting people from different walks of life, cultures and even generations. Indeed, literary bodies help to propagate the message of literature as a means of enlightening all and the Assam Sahitya Sabha, the largest literary body of the state of Assam, is no exception. Its present president, noted litterateur Rong Bong Terang, believes that the Sabha is not only for the Assamese alone but for the whole of the Northeast. As he elaborates, “Now people have started to understand what the Sabha and the aim of the Sabha is all about. I am also going to different states like Arunachal Pradesh to popularise the language among different people. The Sabha also aims at the unity of the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys. In Tripura too, we have spoken to the Chief Minister and we are planning to build a research centre there; in fact, the work has already started. We need to strengthen our relations with the state. We are also working on a research centre in Jorhat, and yes, the work of developing a website for the Assam Sahitya Sabha is also going on.” In keeping with its mission of spreading literary awareness, Terang believes that 56
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expanding one’s horizons beyond the home states is integral to its aim. “We have been to Kolkata and the people know about Bhupen Hazarika and Lakshminath Bezbaruah; there is even one road which is to be built in the name of Lakshminath Bezbaruah as well as a research centre. There are also statues of different eminent personalities of the state like Anandaram Baruah proposed to be built at the Scottish Church College. The government has now taken steps to go to states like Orissa too. We are also carrying out shobhajatras in different places in the state and are building up stronger relations of Assam with the rest of the country through the medium of modern literature.” Terang also empathically vouches for the practice of translations from/into different languages as an important way of uniting different cultures and languages. “Translating literature into different languages goes a long way in the promotion of Assamese literature and this process has already started too. The National Book Trust has done it. I feel the ‘aadan –prodaan’ or the exchanging of different literatures is the best way to promote upliftment. In the Assam Sahitya Sabha too, we have asked new and
The Sabha president reminisces… I have a lot of memories associated with my childhood. That was the best part of my life. I grew up in a village where we ran amongst the paddy fields - we had a different kind of environment. Today in cities, people do not get such life. I have many anecdotes on my childhood on which I have also written a book. I also remember once when I tried smoking ‘bidi’ but I was caught by my teacher who punished me. I had read about Gandhiji’s life, I used to think that even I should try to become like him. But I had learned one lesson in childhood and that was that if we have faith and determination, we can change our lives.
What inspires him… I am an avid nature lover, I like looking at the sky, the birds, the environment around me. I get a lot of inspiration from nature. It has always inspired me and it still does.
budding writers to send their manuscript and if we like it, we will publish it. There are many writers of different languages who write very well in Assamese. In fact, a lot of Nepali writers write very well in Assamese and they have written some very good scripts too.” While spreading literary awareness is all very well, one of the biggest challenges surely lies in keeping the sanctity of literature alive in the younger generation, for every culture of the world stands to slowly dilute through the youth unless the elders can keep interest levels high. Terang is quick to point out that the Sabha has, for this very reason, initiated literary events. “We have organised kavi sanmilan
more difficult to do this today than ever before. “The culture of reading amongst people has decreased; it’s a busy life, but there are still people who like to read. For me, I try and focus on my books. That’s the best way for me to relax. I plan my next novel, my next poems. My advice and message to the people would be : please take out some time off your busy schedule and try and read, because readers are a writer’s inspiration and we need your views to write better, so please keep reading…” As an eminent writer, whose focus on contemporary social life in the state is evident in his works, his words come from a certain depth and wisdom. With a repertoire of
in places like Dhupdhora and have invited young poets and writers to participate. So, we should create an environment, a platform, for the younger generation; that is when they would gradually get interested. We understand that in order to keep the Sabha progressive, we need to involve the younger generation too.” Juxtaposed with an awareness to keep in touch with one’s identity, it is widely accepted therefore, that literature stands as one of the most powerful means of attracting the youth towards this wonderful world. However, Terang admits that it is
books under his belt, Terang literally swears by the wisdom of literature as a means of finding peace and expression within oneself. With so much unrest going on in the world, does Terang feel that, in our hearts, we are still a peace-loving people? “Yes, I think we are very much in harmony. The common people at least live in complete harmony. Look around and you will get to see it yourself. I think we should not crib too much about it because that is when things go wrong; everybody wants to live in peace and harmony.” Photographs: Himangshu Lahkar October 2010 │eclectic times │ 57
If you have a fancy for unusual traditions of the world, take a trip to Phuket between 8-16th October and see the extraordinary Phuket Vegetarian Festival for yourself!
on’t be fooled by the demure-sounding name of this vibrant and exciting festival! It’s a spectacular event held over nine days in Thailand usually during October every year and, though many of us might find it quite gruesome, it has deep significance for the Chinese population in Thailand. But before we jump into the jugular (no pun intended, see later!), a little history first.
HISTORY The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, as the name suggests, is central to Thailand’s Phuket area, though it is celebrated throughout Thailand; the festivities are at their height in Phuket, where about 35% of the population is Chinese. The festival started about 150 years 58
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ago in Phuket, in the Kathu district, where the majority of the Chinese tin mine workers were settled. They formed such a large portion of the community that a group of Chinese opera performers were hired to entertain them and their families. During the Chinese ninth lunar month, Phuket was hit with an epidemic of malaria and the loss of many lives – even the performers were falling ill. So they decided to stick to a strict vegetarian diet and pray to the nine emperor gods who would ensure purification of the mind and body. Amazingly, the epidemic ceased and on recovery, the people celebrated by holding a festival to honour the gods as well as express the people’s happiness at surviving what was, in the nineteenth century, a fatal illness. Since then, the Chinese in
Phuket refrain from eating meat, drinking alcohol, engaging in sex, quarreling, telling lies or killing for nine days during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar as they believe this will help them obtain good health and peace of mind.
THE FESTIVAL BEGINS On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the nine emperors. Since the arrival of the gods are believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from the temples to the sea-shore or river to symbolize this belief. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await the arrival of the gods. The ceremonies of the festival take place in the vicinity of
the six Chinese temples scattered throughout Phuket. The first event is the raising of the Lantern Pole, an act that notifies the nine Chinese gods that the festival is about to begin.
MAH SONG OR“ HORSES OF THE GODS” Mah song are the people who invite the spirits of gods to possess their bodies. Mah is the word for horse in Thai, and mah song refers
protect them for the duration of the festival, during which flagellation and self-mutilation is practiced. It is believed that the gods skewer the cheeks of the mah song with objects as a way of absorbing bad energy, so that they can free others from bad karma, illness or sorrow.
including sticks and swords, but some also pierce their arms with pins and fishhooks. It is believed that while they are possessed, they do not feel any pain. They can be seen shaking their heads back and forth continually, and usually do not seem to “see” their surroundings.
PROCESSION
THE FESTIVAL ENDS
The festivities in Phuket include a procession of mah song wearing elaborate costumes who act as the mediums for the spirits. Acts of self
At the temple during the festival there is also fire-walking and blade-ladder climbing. While large crowds of people gather to watch, the entranced mah song distribute blessed candy and pieces of orange cloth with Chinese characters printed on them for good luck. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the priests inside the temple are heard, where most devotees stay and eat vegetarian meals. The festival reaches its climax on the ninth day when hundreds of devotees send the deities back home.
It is believed that the gods skewer the cheeks of the mah song with objects as a way of absorbing bad energy, so that they can free others from bad karma, illness or sorrow.. to how the spirits of the gods use the bodies of these people as a vehicle, as one rides a horse. Only pure, unmarried men or women without families of their own can become mah song. At the temple they undergo a series of rituals to
mortification undertaken by the mah song (who are in a trance whilst acting as mediums of the gods) have become more spectacular and daring as each year goes by. They most commonly pierce their faces with a variety of implements,
(ET Feature)
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While the dhak beats and the puja bells tinkle during this festive season, is the jingling of your money bag more enticing? ET takes to the streets to find out what you think about puja-spending.
isten up, if you’re not already aware (which we doubt), Durga Puja is almost here! And while there are those who swear by the religious renewal of faith during Puja, there are some for whom the only connection to religion is the religious way they have saved up all year long, only to splurge with a vengeance this season! We at ET decided to test the pulse of the people. So one wet and warm afternoon, we trudged along the streets of Fancy Bazaar and spotted the shoppers flitting in and out of the markets. Of course, we accosted them to tell us what they thought of the spending extravagance of Puja : did dollar signs light up their 60
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“Puja is not what it used to be earlier, it has become a way for people to show off their wealth - it’s like a competition. If someone is wearing something worth Rs.5000, the other thinks of wearing something more expensive than that. This has become the trend now and there is a tendency to show off. This is not good,” says Sushil Goyel.
eyes in merriment or did they dread the very idea of throwing away their hard-earned money in as long a time as it takes to gobble up the sacred prasad? The first person we came across was young student Rituparna Das. “In our day-to-day life we normally wear simple clothes and move around, so I think Puja is a good time to indulge in new clothes, it’s a festive season and it’s a time for family get-togethers and merry making, so obviously you want to look your best. I don’t mind spending a little extra during the festive season, because we normally spend so much on food, travel and even in education so I think spending a little extra on clothes etc. is acceptable.”
TOP 3 PUJA BUYS
If you thought all students thought the same, we chanced upon another. This time it was Khamru Dailaw who didn’t quite think along the same lines. “I think it’s not just about festive season. You can buy anything anytime and not only during the festive season. I myself don’t spend excessively, I buy only what I require and don’t shop only because I want to buy. I don’t think for festivals, you need to spend so much anyway.” Wise words from one so young, it seems. Or is he just plain tightfisted and a wet blanket when it comes to the excitement of festivals? Well Pranamika Daimary, also a student, had her reasons for thinking the same thing: “Once in a while it’s ok, but you don’t have to waste money, when there are so many poor people around you. And not only bihu and puja, you will always find people shopping for something or the other in the market and why markets alone, even in those shopping malls, you find people all the time. Sometimes it’s not even necessary at all. Ok if you need something you can go and buy it, but extravagant shopping every time doesn’t have any meaning, I don’t support that. I shop, but I don’t just buy for the sake of buying. And in festivals like puja, people waste money like anything, that’s not good. If you have money, fine, don’t show it off.” Well it was time to find older people to see how they perceived the spending of those crisp notes during Puja. Smita Das, a working lady, already had a couple of bags in her hands of what seemed like clothes. Maybe she was exactly what we were looking for: the perfect splurger. “See, basically I am a shopaholic and I like to
z Car and other mechanical gadgets z Gold and silver jewellery z Clothes
shop throughout the year, be it puja, bihu or any other festivals so I don’t mind going a little overboard during the festive season.” Yes, we were quite right, a splurger through and through! To balance the equation, we sighted an older man and made a beeline for him. We made through the rows of parked cars and throngs of people to accost working professional Sushil Goyel, who told us: “Guwahati itself is very expensive, so people wasting their money unnecessarily on food and clothes is not acceptable. I think it’s too much and I don’t think it is required. Yes, if it is a festive season they can indulge a little, but not too much. Somebody is not getting a single meal a day and someone is indulging in expensive things. Puja is not what it used to be earlier, it has become a way for people to show off their wealth - it’s like a competition. If someone is wearing something worth Rs.5000, the other thinks of wearing something more expensive than that. This has become the trend now and there is a tendency to show off. This is not good.” In all fairness, Puja has always been a time to buy new clothes since time immemorial. There is simply an economic bonanza every year with fiscal waves of spending throughout India. Though there are those amongst us for whom the decadency is nauseating, the ethos surrounding this festival cannot be overruled. You simply have to experience the merry making right from the first day to the last to understand the emotions, the madness, the happiness, the love and excitement associated with this festival – and that includes spending those banknotes! (ET Feature) October 2010 │eclectic times │ 61
Monica’s rejection takes a sadistic turn in this gripping story of revenge by Loya Agarwala
Dear Rahul, I’ve been meaning to tell you how my world crumbled the day you betrayed me. It’s taken a long time for me to be able to conjure up the courage to tell you how I fell apart after that day. Time travels fast and a lot has happened in between but if I don’t tell you now, it will be too late. So Rahul, sit back when you read this letter; believe me, you’ll be grateful that you did….. What a fool I was! Stupidly, I really had thought that what we had was special. It was too good to be true, almost like a fairy tale:Two young medical students meet, fall in love, get married, have great careers, expensive holidays, a couple of children and they live happily ever after. Anyway, that was what I thought but you proved me oh, so wrong. In one moment, it all came crashing through, leaving me devastated. That day when I came back from my lecture earlier than expected, my 62
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life changed forever. When I knocked on your door, there was no answer but I could hear muffled whispers and so I looked through the key hole. That was when I saw you and her locked in an embrace in your bed. In that moment my heart sank to the bottom of my soul, numbing my senses, sickening me to the stomach. I don’t remember much after that. My brain has shut out the memories. All I can remember is the overpowering nauseous feeling of intense hatred that had instantly sublimed from the pure love I had felt for you. I remember the rage that flowed through my veins like burning lava and I vowed that I would never rest until justice was done. I was alone after that. I was empty inside. I’d given you my heart and you’d taken it and turned it inside out without feeling - just like I calmly turned out a drawer-full of your love letters to me; there were no remnants of you left after that –neither in the drawer nor in my heart, just a feeling of intense loneliness.
I remember the rage that flowed through my veins like burning lava and I vowed that I would never rest until justice was done. As medics, we get used to seeing life and death, don’t we? But have you ever seen a dead person walking around in a live body? Well, that’s what I’d become. My movements were automated, moving only by a force I wasn’t in control of. If it hadn’t been for the Anatomy Professor, I wouldn’t be writing this letter to you today. Apparently she had caught me, just in the nick of time, trying to sever my vein using the scalpel we used for cutting open the dead. But it was okay, because as far as I was concerned, I was cutting into something already dead: me. But ironically, that moment brought me back from the dead. She insisted I tell her what happened and I did. Seeing my condition she told me to drop a year. She told me she
Our reunion was magical, wasn’t it? It was just like old times. I knew you meant it when you said you were sorry in between our gasps as we were submerged in the throes of passion. had friends who worked for a charity organisation and she could get me a work placement for a year in another country helping victims of famine and epidemics and I could continue my studies again when I returned. So I decided to take a year’s break and go to Africa. So, that is where I’ve been for the past year - helping others to heal outwardly and, in the process, healing myself inwardly. Oh, before I forget, I fell in love with a man while I was working there. His name was Steve. He couldn’t have come at a better time into my life. His love acted as a soothing balm to my burning, broken heart; you probably wouldn’t even be able to see the cracks now. Eventually, the year flew by and it was time for me to return and yes, I’ve come back a stronger person. I called you the other day because I’ve been thinking about you a lot ever
since I got back. Leaving Steve wasn’t easy. He gave me a special goodbye gift - a gift I wanted to share with you. So that’s why I insisted on us meeting again- as a sort of peace offering between us. I’m glad you agreed to meet me. There was so much that I wanted to share with you. Our reunion was magical, wasn’t it? It was just like old times. I knew you meant it when you said you were sorry in between our gasps as we were submerged in the throes of passion. But, Rahul darling, your apology is a year too late. It’s all too late now. When I woke up the next morning, I quietly slipped out of your bed while you were still fast asleep. Just before I left your room, I glanced back; I just had to take a last look at your face. You were sleeping so soundly. Oh, before I forget to mention, I’m sure you’d want to know about
Steve’s gift - the one I wanted to share with you? Well, you probably won’t remember the moment I gave it to you because it wasn’t wrapped in pretty paper with a ribbon. Oh, no, it was much more intimate than that. Rahul, I hope you are still sitting down, because the special gift I gave you is already flowing through your veins this very moment, in the form of the HIV virus. Don’t worry, it was his gift to me too and I wanted to share it with you because of all the pain and anguish you caused me a year ago. I couldn’t think of a more befitting gift for you. It’s true, past sins do cast long shadows, Rahul. So, see you in heaven, darling. I’ll be waiting for you, if you make it there. But for the likes of you, you’ll probably be better off in hell. With love always, Monica
October 2010 │eclectic times │ 63
picture perfect
“Once we were in St. Louis, we came to like it because the environment here was much greener, like Assam. So, St. Louis immediately struck a chord where we felt quite at home.” Chan Mahanta
Photo : Above All Aerial and Specialty Photography
magine being given the opportunity to view exclusive artwork whenever you felt like it and all throughout the year...? Well, Chan Mahanta is a lucky man. As he enjoys the culmination of his efforts in building his home and prairie from scratch, the views are reminiscent of the environment of his ancestral home back in Assam. Originally hailing from Namti in Sibsagar district, Mahanta had always dreamt of building a house on the banks of the Brahmaputra. But after having qualified as an architect from IIT Kharagpur in the late 60’s, fate took him to the United States where he did indeed end up building his
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dream house – only that Namti became St Louis and the Brahmaputra became the Missouri. As he basks in the aftermath of his hard work, never did he think that he’d see such exquisite masterpieces around his home, for every season nature paints a different landscape of the same scenery. Come winter, spring, summer or autumn, the scene changes its mood in hues, colours and lighting. In this exclusive photo feature, Mahanta shares nature’s exuberance, as seen through the same frame of his camera lens through the four seasons of the year.
An aerial view of Chan Mahanta’s house on the banks of the River Missouri.
After the bleakness of winter‌
Like life itself, spring brings renewal
All photos are by the author, unless stated.
Racing into the lush green exuberance of summer with the many bounties of nature
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Only to slide into a last hurrah of misty autumn colours before receding quietly into the sunset of wintry life
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If you are a smart and socially savvy young professional with a zest for life, then send your photo and details to: editorial@ eclectic.co.in to be the eclectic man of the month.
Your name Prakhyat Shankar Baruah Years on earth 25 Profession Senior associate, Sales City you live in Guwahati Three words that best describe you Straight forward, impatient and humorous Person/Place/Animal/Thing you love most Wildlife photography Person you idolize Fidel Castro What you hate Showoffs A mantra you live by Don’t try to walk before you can crawl 68
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October 2010 │eclectic times │ 69
Avilasha Barooah, is a neuropsychologist a learning disability specialist and an NLP Coach and consultant. She offers consultancy in Guwahati and is currently working in GNRC hospitals limited
Q I am a 25 year-old girl and the guy I have been in love with for the last 4 years is from another tribe. He told me that he had informed his parents about our relationship but recently I came to know from his mother that they only thought of me as his best friend. I had even stayed over at their place quite a few times thinking that they knew everything and had accepted me in their family. But now I am not sure who lied to me, he or his mother? I am scared that they might not accept me. Also, many years ago I was dumped by another guy, and I fear that my present guy is going to do the same. What should I do? Please help me! Rashmi Talukdar, Guwahati. AVILASHA: I understand your desire to be fair and loyal to your boyfriend and his parents, despite the difference in cultures. But unfortunately, this isn’t really about his tribe as much as it is about his propensity to lie to you. The two of you have differences in tribes and beliefs, and those things can sometimes be worked through. But when there is a person in the relationship who is less than honest, that is more of an issue than anything else. This speaks about his character and about what he is willing to do to get what he wants. Carefully consider whether you want to be with someone who has repeatedly lied to you and if this relationship is based on honesty and trust? Is there a strong foundation to build on? Just think it through!
ET QUACK: Get some self esteem, woman! Put your nose up in the air, show him you don’t need him and he’ll come running to you. It works every time! Q I am a 28 year-old-man and since childhood I have always been a loner. Although I have friends, there are times when I want to cut off from the rest of the world and want to spend time alone. I often don’t want to talk to anybody and generally avoid people; my friends all know about this habit of mine. But now that I am in a relationship, my girlfriend doesn’t seem to understand this problem. She feels I am not serious about her and has decided to end this relationship. How
do I make her understand? Please advise. Surajit Dutta, Guwahati
AVILASHA: I understand that you’re a loner by choice and a normal individual who doesn’t necessarily expect others acceptance or approval to be happy. However, since you’re in a relationship now, you have to let go of thinking in ‘I’terms or you’ll end up really lonely after some time. Therefore, give more time to love and also learn to love unconditionally. It’ll not only make you feel way more useful but also grateful because you were of some use to a certain person. Be friendly and always try to help people who are treating you nicely – they’re worth it after all. Also don’t expect others to read your mind always! ET QUACK: Tell her (lie) in a sad, voice that the doctor has diagnosed that you’ve been suffering from ‘alone syndrome’ and the only medication is to be with a beautiful girl and just watch her melt!
Q I am a 17 year-old student and of late it seems that everybody has started to find fault in everything I do - from my teachers, friends and parents! It seems I am the only person in this entire world who makes mistakes and the rest of the world is right. I am in a relationship with a classmate who was really nice to me, but my parents feel even having a relationship at this age is not right. I feel tired and suicidal. What should I do? Roopa Saikia, Jorhat AVILASHA: A funny facebook quote says that “Hi, I’m a dinosaur and I’m always angry since my hands are too short to hug people”. The moral of the story is that a dinosaur might be actually trying to be friendly, but alas! people get frightened and run away. So maybe you send out wrong signals and hence people find faults with you. So you need to either control yourself and restrict your remarks to the weather, or lighten your load somewhere. Don’t run away from your problems and instead work on your stress issues. You just have to relax and try everything possible to fix your relationship
with your family, teachers and friends. Not having a family relationship is the worst feeling in life as they are the only ones that really care for you!
ET QUACK : Get some attitude, girl! Dye your hair, pierce your belly button, rip your jeans and don’t give a hoot to anyone! That’s the way to go!
QI am a working woman and am in love with a man who is married and has children. I don’t have a problem with that and I’m also fine if he doesn’t marry me. We have a mutual understanding between each other and things were fine until recently when his wife called me up and asked me to sever all relations with him. I tried to make her understand but she seems adamant. What should I do? I don’t want to be labelled as a home breaker but I cannot leave him as I love him a lot. Surachita Das, Guwahati
ABHILASHA : You remind me of the song “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right” by Millie Jackson. Anyways my advice to you and to all other women involved in affairs with married men is: Don’t do it. It’s heavenly in the beginning because, as the mistress, you are ‘perfect’ in his eyes. You’re the one he runs to when the wife does something wrong, or he needs an escape from the drudgery of life. You’re better in bed, a better cook, do nicer things, and are more fun to be with. But eventually, his problems become your problems and you will always be at the bottom of the totem pole because most men won’t leave their wives because of finances and kids. If they could have it out without those repercussions, they would leave in a heartbeat!
ET QUACK : Tell her that if only she was as beautiful and attractive as you, her hubby may not have strayed, but it’s not his fault he married an ugly old boring bat like her!
For heartaches, heartburns, multiple personality disorders, insomnia, anorexia, seeing dead people, sleepwalking and all other weird problems that you might have, Avilasha Barooah will try to suggest the best solutions possible. For alternate solutions you can always try ET Quack’s pointers. 70 │ eclectic times │ the October 2010 DISCLAIMER: Follow suggestions of the ET Quack entirely at your own peril.
If you are a smart and socially savvy young professional with a zest for life,, then send your photo and details to: editorial@ eclectic.co.in to be the eclectic lady of the month.
Your name Swarnali Gogoi Years on earth 27 Profession Human resource professional City you live in Kolkata Three words that best describe you Creative, free-spirited and fun-loving Person/Place/Animal/Thing you love most Dogs, especially my pet Loui Person you idolize Nadia Comaneci What you hate Hypocrisy A mantra you live by Always dream big coz “In Dreams lie realities” October 2010 │eclectic times │ 71
With Global Positioning System (GPS) being the new rage on the navigational aids arena, pack away your road maps for posterity! hough GPS was originally intended for military applications, today it is an accessible means of navigation to anyone all over the world. Hundreds of transportation systems which require navigation aids depend upon GPS for location and timing capabilities. The theory is quite simple really. Numerous satellites orbit the earth, each circling the earth twice a day at whopping speeds of around 7,000 miles an hour. As long as there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more satellites, the satellites broadcast signals from space that are picked up and identified by GPS receivers. These receivers compare the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. Thus the time difference tells the GPS receiver exactly how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can then provide an accurate three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the location of the object, plus the time, whatever the weather anywhere on or near the Earth. Today, anybody can buy a small GPS handset and enter this global navigation system to make life easier. For the traveller, GPS can accurately locate where they are and easily navigate to where they want to go, whether walking, 72
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driving, flying, or boating. In fact whatever the industry - be it space, aviation, agriculture, marine, rail, environment or public safety - this global navigation satellite system has truly been a blessing to the human race.
GPS in Guwahati GPS enables automatic vehicle location and in-vehicle navigation systems that are widely used throughout the world today. Young entrepreneurs Arunabh Sarma Pathak from Softtrack Solution and Gaurav Kumar Choudhury from Jay Consulting have introduced the GPS device in North East India. They have partnered to launch this revolutionary concept under the Vehicle Tracking System Management and Control Solutions (iTrack) using the Satellite images and Google maps with GSM technology. TE spoke to Gaurav Kumar Choudhury on this unique device.
How will the iTrack be useful? The iTrack has three unique features like Real time tracking, fuel reports, etc which can be useful to all kinds of vehicles like bikes, cars, boats, buses, logistic fleets like oil tankers, refrigerated vans, taxis even heavy vehicles like dumpers, earth movers. iTrack can be utilized as a total management device of all kind of vehicles.
How will it work? With the use of internet support Motorola G24-L cellular modem by which we can check the location of the vehicles in real time basis, via GIS maps, and satellite.
What sort of features does it have? It has fuel sensors for fuel theft, contamination and usages and mileage tracking. So, even if the car is stolen, the owner need not panic because of the unique GRADUAL STOP feature with which the vehicle engine can be turned off from any remote location via the internet or mobile phone. Moreover, the beauty of this device is its reporting delivery with a sophisticated MIS system which is auto-generated in the vehicle itself and can be customized to all kinds of reports as per the requirement and .001% failure rate.
Is the iTrack iCU series a certified product? iTrack is the only GPS unit in the world that has been certified by major testing companies around the world like TUV-GS, FCC Part 15, CB Certification, CE Certification, Emark . ICU Series has been tested and approved by military testing for shock and vibration.
Is the hardware visible to the driver? iTrack hardware is not visible to the driver. Visible hardware acts as a cause of tampering
GPS Interesting facts
by driver/operator and it’s one of the prime reasons most organisations have not been able to successfully implement a GPS Fleet Management Solution.
Can this hardware be reinstalled in any another vehicle?
z The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978. z A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994. z Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit. z A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended. z Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.
Absolutely. We will reinstall the unit in another vehicle at a nominal cost.
Will this hardware run down the batteries of my vehicles?
What software do I require?
No. When your vehicle is stopped for more than two minutes, the unit goes into sleep mode. It requires very little power in this mode.
All you need is an internet connection and password for online connection. The password will be supplied by OGS. There is no additional investment required. (ET Feature)
Control your Vehicle at your fingertip by GPS device z z z z z z z z
Engine ignition can be switched off helping the safety of your vehicle Exact location of the vehicle can be viewed anytime on real time basis Speed and mileage of the vehicle can be viewed as per GPS Engine operated and stoppage time can be generated for defined period for last six months Fuel consumption and fuel theft report can be generated Plan can be generated as per requirement with multiple option of location (Perimeter) Input ( Key/ Door/ Emergency) Speed (High/Low) with different permutation and combinations. Alerts can be set to predefined mobile numbers or predefined E-mail Ids.
5,P.P. Road, Opp Bhaskar Gas Agency, Rehabari, Guwahati-08 Email: gaurav.choudhury07@rediffmail.com, arunabh.sp@gmail.com Call- +91 98642 05020, +91 92070 40903, +91 96780 71575, +91 98640 93645
October 2010 Mayuri Sharrma is a Mumbai-based professional Tarot Card Reader, Columnist and Freelance Writer.
ARIES ( March 21- April 20) Work: People can get too overwhelmed by details - even you! It’s a good time to tackle projects individually, because you can get quite a bit done if you avoid the rush. Love: Being a dazzling creature yourself, you tend to be drawn to similar types. However, it might be time to switch your style. Perhaps an earthy sign gives you the support you secretly crave. Variety is the spice of life! Health/Style: Your mind is on your health, and it’s a great time to start something new and healthy together. It doesn’t have to be as hard-core as marathon training, something simple should suffice.
TAURUS ( April 21- May 21)
GEMINI ( May 22- Jun 21)
Work: You need to deal with your ambitions, and it’s not that hard, since you’ve got forward-thinking energy coursing through your mind, and you should be able to articulate your wishes well. Love: See if you can sit down with your sweetie for a talk about what you each are hoping for in the relationship. It might feel a little dorky at first, but you should both feel a lot better afterwards. Health/Style: Does a pal hold the key to reinvigorating your mundane look? Maybe your sister knows a great outlet store, or your workout partner could recommend a tailor who can make your wardrobe look like new.
Work: Your restless mood translates into the desire to explore different paths. You might come across unusual ideas that you’d normally consider unsuitable, but give them some thought, before you decide to discard them. Love: Have you been waiting for someone new to cross your path? Your energy is attracting all sorts of wildly different individuals your way, so you can expect to have some interesting conversations. Health/Style: Avoid preaching to others about their fitness habits and focus more on your own. While you do well in the gym, your diet could use an overhaul.
LEO ( July 23- Agust 22) CANCER ( Jun 22- July 22) Work: You’ve got to make sure that you’re pushing forward with your big plans. If you don’t take the initiative, someone else will - and that could mean that you’ll have to take the back seat. Love: Your social skills are in their prime right now, so get out there and strut! You should find it much easier than usual to meet new people, which is saying quite a lot for someone like you. Health/Style: Your time will be better spent reflecting on your next big style move than actually making any rash changes. So read up on new designers and ask for opinions - then bide your time a little longer.
Work: You need to be clearer about what you really want. If you can’t read your own ambitions, how can you expect to get anyone else to help you out along the way? Love: Disregarding your brain for the sake of love may have its charm, but you know what they say about rushing in where angels fear to tread. You don’t have to be afraid, but you should give more thought to your next move. Health/Style: The power to inspire real change is in your hands! If you’re going to get killer triceps or just tone up, don’t waste a minute. Take real steps now for a big payoff later.
VIRGO ( Agust 23 - September 21) Work: You need to explore some big changes - potential or already partially in effect. Your amazing mental energy helps you think through all the ramifications with ease. Love: Look at areas in your love life that generate conflict and figure out what you could be doing to bring the anxiety level down to the minimum. Even the smallest action is a step in the right direction. Health/Style: Not only are you getting a lot done, you’re having a great time doing it! Why not turn your closetcleaning project into a clothing-exchange party, or find a pal who needs to run the same errands you do?
CAPRICORN ( December 21 - January 19) Work: It’s always comforting when everyone comes from the same angle. Being in the company of like-minded people will make decision-making easier. Love: Make a real difference in your approach to love by paying attention to the details. Where are you meeting people? What do you usually do to get to know them? A change of habit could change the end results. Health/Style: A truly great look isn’t about designer duds or flashy shoes, it’s the sum of many other parts: well-groomed nails, wrinkle-free clothes and shiny, healthy hair. Tend to the little things for a while.
LIBRA ( September 22 - October 22) Work: People will waver back and forth all the time unless you take the reins. They’ll look to you for guidance, so make wise decisions based on experience and deep conviction and you may want to help someone who’s struggling. Love: While it’s true (more or less) that opposites attract, right now you get more out of those who share your point of view. It could be a friend or a known romantic prospect, just go with what seems right. Health/Style: Take life into your own hands, and just like all of the other things you’ve stood up for and earned, you can earn this healthy life too. Start now!
SCORPIO ( October 23 - November 21) Work: Try to share your opinions with those around you -- whether or not it seems appropriate! Your good energy is perfect for getting others to see what’s right and what’s not. Love: Someone may seem dreamy to you, but if your core values aren’t matching up, it could involve a major wake-up call at some point. Ask serious questions that reveal their real heart - and the real you. Health/ Style: Focus on the most crucial part of style: feeling great! If those shoes are super trendy but super uncomfy, pass ‘em by. If your stylist swears a cut is all the rage, but you feel self-conscious, it’s not the rage for you.
AQUARIUS ( January 20 - February 18) Work: You’ve got the right kind of energy to take on almost any problem. See if you can get your friends or coworkers to follow while you lead the way - your brain can solve anything solvable now! Love: You almost certainly need a little extra time to yourself, but sweetie most likely needs you too. It’s going to be a hard call, but don’t be afraid of being a little selfish sometimes. Health/Style: You’re ready to add a new technique to your style toolbox. Have a friend teach you her famous lunge and squat workout, ask your stylist for new hairstyling ideas or schedule a professional makeup lesson.
SAGITTARIUS ( November 22 - December 20) Work: There’ll be a purpose in your sure-footed step. You’ll walk the walk and talk the talk as you schmooze in all the right circles. Love: Your energy is telling you to go deep. If you’re dating someone casually, now is a good time to have a state of the union talk. If you’re single, now’s the moment to explore your attitudes toward love. Health/Style: Enjoy the slower speed of the day - save fast-paced activities for another time. Your current mood is more Pilates than spinning, more browsing than purchasing and more bubble bath at home than treatment at a busy spa. Just breathe and relax!
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PISCES ( February 19 - March 20) Work: Strive for excellence in everything you do - after all, you won’t have trouble achieving any of your goals. Love: You can get what you’re looking for if you know what you have to offer in return. Take a good look at your assets, and be sure to take your time. Most importantly, don’t sell yourself short - hold out for a good match. Health/Style: Talk beauty with a coworker. She might just have a lead on your area’s best affordable haircut, for example, or where you can find stellar vintage pieces for a steal. Your workplace is a great source of style info right now.
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or those who swear by biryani, tandoori chicken and rolls, Food Exx is a great place to try because of late, it is being seen as the hottest place in town to get mouthwatering and quick Indian grub. Owned by Bhabesh Baruah, Food Exx started off as a simple takeaway joint back in 2007 and slowly grew in popularity due to its quality food and prompt service; today it even boasts of ample dining space. On entering the restaurant, the first thing that you notice is that it is being managed very efficiently. The manager informed us that they have thirty staff members who manage the busy place quite well. Though nothing extraordinary, the interior of the restaurant is quite tastefully decorated. Apart from its signature dishes of biryani and rolls, Chinese dishes also feature on the menu. Specialty Indian dishes such as Chicken Bombay, Reshmi Kebabs, Malai Zafrani and Chicken Tikka are very popular and perfectly complement the biryani. Well, the very mention of the names of the dishes was
enough to make my mouth water, but I decided to veer away from the beaten track; instead of ordering biryani, I wanted to try out something new. So, after a lingering look at the menu, I finally decided on laccha parantha, paneer tikka and prawn gravy. Whilst I waited for my order, the manager told me that the chefs have been brought from the restaurants of Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata; no wonder they can rustle up such lip-smacking biryani! He also said that a new branch of Food Exx has been opened at the ATDC (Assam Tourism Development Corporation) in Zoo Road and there they have introduced a special ‘thaali’ which has become very popular too. Contrary to what many
people have thought, the manager also cleared up the doubt that Food Exx is not a chain of restaurants, as many believed. After what seemed to be only a few minutes, the food arrived steaming hot and looking delicious. As I tucked in, I realised that the risk I had taken in choosing new dishes was well worth it as the food was really sumptuous. What also caught my attention was that the prices of the dishes were very reasonable and for a meal of three, the bill was very minimal. That pretty much summed up the reason for the restaurant’s popularity: moderately-priced food of high quality, making it an ideal place to dine with friends and family. Words: Susmita Rakshit Photos: Dipankar Saikia October 2010 │eclectic times │ 77
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ife often throws up challenges at us, one after another. How we accept or react to the challenges will set the tone for our future. In an autobiographical account, Latika Tripathi succeeds in weaving an engrossing tale of a single Indian woman who fights all kinds of emotional upheavals while struggling to find her true self. So be it, her maiden attempt as an author, takes the reader through a journey of an Indian woman’s life, her relationships that leave her with a feeling of emptiness, that finally set her on a soul search to find her purpose in life.
THE MANDALA OF SHERLOCK HOLMES Author: Jamyang Norbu Publisher: Harper Collins Price: 250
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he basic premise of the book was to document the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of Holmes’ visit to Tibet during the great hiatus. In 1891, the British public was horrified to learn that Sherlock Holmes had perished in a deadly struggle with the arch criminal Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he reappeared two years later and by want of explanation about his absence, informed a stunned Watson, “I travelled for two years in Tibet, therefore, and amused myself by visiting Lhasa.” Nothing was been known of those missing years until Jamyand Norbu, one of Tibet’s foremost writers today and an avid reader of Kipling and Doyle, decided to take the matter in his hands and investigate Holmes’ stay in Lhasa, Tibet.
Traversing the entire gamut of a broken relationship, marriage, divorce, and bringing up her child, Tripathi chronicles the pain and emotional turmoil of a young woman whose story will surely resonate with every average woman, caught in the vicissitudes of life. Like so many of us who seek solutions to our problems from astrologers, numerologists or so-called ‘godmen’, she flits from one to the other, only to be left wanting. Yet, it is in her deepest moments of despair and crisis that she realises her inner strength, and begins to turn her life around.
What he discovers is the ‘Mandala’, written by a wily Bengali scholar, Hurrie Chunder Mookerjee, Holmes’ travelling companion. The Mandala holds the key to the mystery and reveals Holmes in a landscape so fascinating, a game so intriguing, that it is difficult to resist. An exciting, often richly humourous detective story, The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes evokes the romance of Kipling’s India. It will not be too far fetched to say that this is a new Sherlock Holmes mystery, worthy of the master, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, himself.
I TOO HAD A LOVE STORY Author: Ravinder Singh Publisher: Srishti Publishers Price: 100
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s the adage goes, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Ravinder Singh’s
tten in an easy style, style sttyle, So be it Written explores many facets of life that we may all find ourselves in, regardless of whether we are a man or woman. Tripathi discovers, and finally realizes that ‘we make life too serious’…and that ‘it really is our now that defines our next moment’. In trying to look inwards, the author comes up with observations that will make you stop and reflect. As she says, “There are times when we try to superimpose our plans onto the plans of the universe. This is how we are the ones who block the divine from flowing to us. We have learnt so much at school and through our education that we forget there are lessons to be learnt beyond these too. Simple ones. The highest form of education is really the simplest kind. Love. Forgiveness. Sharing. Letting go.” If you can overlook the minor editing glitches, this makes for an enlightening read. Go for it. Nazneen Hussain
I Too Had a Love Story proves the aphorism true and beautifully depicts the beauty and power of true love through the writer’s own heart touching love story. It is a tale of the journey of two strangers who meet through a matrimonial site, whose relationship deepens until it becomes like a precious gift of the Almighty. Ravinder and Khushi have never seen each other, but love has made them one. The writer has successfully brought out the depth of their relationship through the lively and graphic delineation of their conversation, feelings and emotions. Reading this book is all the more enjoyable as the reader relates and identifies with the writer. Impatiently waiting for the next phone call, little surprises bringing them closer, late night conversations, tears and smiles, all these make it a read-till-finish book. For those who think that love is the most beautiful feeling above human definitions and parameters, I too had a love story is the perfect read and will make for an ever-cherished experience. Pooja Barkataky
must watch
hile movie theatres in Guwahati often bear an isolated look during the screening of Hollywood blockbusters, the scenario during the screening of the ‘Twilight’ sequel revealed that the ‘Eclipse’ could just be over. As, the ‘Twilight’ series proceeds to the next level of love, jealousy, vengeance and vampire loyalty, the movie sees complications brewing up in the endearing love between Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart )and her passion for the hunk werewolf Jacob (Taylor Lautner). In the first of the ‘Twilight’ series, what began as teenage love for the young Bella (who was willing to forsake her life for the much dead and bloodthirsty Edward), leads to complications and even war between vampires in this episode. While the urge for Bella to become a vampire surfaces more blatantly in this movie, her passion for the loyal and loving Jacob also seems to comes out to the fore with Bella recognising her own feelings for the smart and alive Jacob. Meanwhile Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) comes back for revenge as she trains an army of infant vampires whose jest and thirst for blood supersedes that of the older ones. What is rather humane in this sequel is how members of the Cullen family, namely Jasper and Rosalie, reveal their stories as human beings and how they became vampires in this world of flesh and blood. The attempt of the storyteller to move skin deep into these bloodless creatures is commendable.
Though Bella remains sturdy in her decision to become a vampire, what is evident towards the second half of the movie is her conflicting emotions for Jacob which creates a rift between her and Edward. A rather awkward statement that Bella makes to Edward after a moment of intimacy with Jacob is “I love Jacob, but I love you more” is quite reflective of a teenager in dilemma. Towards the end of the movie, what is ironic is that the once much-dreaded and uncontrollable army of infant vampires, who were on a killing spree in Seattle and on a mission to kill Bella for their mentor Victoria, are reduced to shreds in a very brief encounter with the Cullen family. The performances by all the stars were seemingly good, though at times the romantic encounters between Bella and Edward tended to get a little monotonous. Also the role played by the Volturi is somehow questionable as the Volturi, led by Dakota Fanning, enter the scene of war much later reminding one of the entry of policemen in erstwhile Bollywood movies. Also, the hype and horror associated with the fresh breed of vampire army just seemed unnecessary. The backdrop of the icy cold and rainy town of Forks which is perfectly blended with the colours and the element of underlying dander, is consistently maintained in the movie. Die hard Twilight fans will maintain that the book by Stephanie Meyer was far better, but for those who simply like Anupa Lahkar to watch real people in action, the movie is a moderate watch. Anupa Lahkar
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wenty-year-old Tanha Farmin Rizi stepped into the modelling world three years ago when she left her home town, Goalpara, to pursue a course in choreography from Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography in Bangalore. Her vital stats are 32-26-38 and her hobbies include dancing, singing and listening to music. She hopes to be a well known choreographer in future. Photographs: Anup Baruah
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ou’ve all had the feeling, I’m sure. You know, when someone is looking at you and they think you can’t see them but you can - as clearly as day - from the corner of your eye. It happened to me once when I’d gone to drop off my then tenyear-old son at school. A mother, who had just dropped off her son too, was pointing me out to her friend and was obviously talking about me. I pretended I wasn’t aware of it, but I could feel it. It made me feel uncomfortable and prompted me to wonder if I’d forgotten to brush my hair, or even get dressed, this particular morning. Palming down my naturally unruly locks, I glanced down briefly at my attire and reassured myself that I was as perfectly presentable as any busy mum. As my son said a rushed goodbye and disappeared into the confines of the school, I walked unfazed towards the school gate. By now both women were following me with their gaze. There were so many little boys running around, and other members of the ‘mum’ species, I forgot about it for a while - until I saw one of them snaking herself haphazardly through the crowd of people. I wanted to run but she was already opposite me. “Um... excuse me....could I ask you something?” “Yes!” I said rather abruptly. “Not here…” She looked around briefly before adding rather more quietly “…in private…” Before I could ask why, she pointed to the courtyard. “I’ll be waiting for you over there, after the bell, under the Gulmohar tree.” And she was gone. My temples began to throb. My heart pounded a little faster. I tried to remain unruffled. Why would she want to speak to me, in private? I wondered. I looked in the direction of the old, wise Gulmohar tree of the courtyard. Majestic and proud, his scarlet-fringed branches hung like protective arms over the school. Having stood there for decades, the keeper of countless untold secrets, surely he knew what it was about? And there she was under the tree, just as she’d said, 82
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waiting for me with her friend. The bell rang and there was a last flurry of activity before the boys started to disperse and disappear. I couldn’t wait any longer. My legs seemed to have a life of their own. Slow down! I told myself. Keep calm, don’t look too eager! They had seen me and, as I approached them, one nudged the other discreetly. The huge branches of the Gulmohar tree hung over us, the red curtain of brilliance being the perfect secluded backdrop to discuss this apparently very private matter. My hands were clammy now, my throat dry and I was sure another grey hair had just sprouted on my head. Her eyes lit up in recognition as she saw me. She jumped straight into conversation. “Well, I didn’t want to ask you in front of the other mums and boys, just in case someone overheard. It would spoil everything. I’m sure you’d understand.” “Well, I would if I knew! Please tell me, what is it??” I was getting obviously irritated. This had gone on for far too long. “Well, we’re having a surprise birthday party for my son on Saturday. He doesn’t know anything about it and so it’s all a super-secret! It would be wonderful if your son could come along, especially since they are such good friends....” I couldn’t believe it. My head instantly felt lighter. A smile of unabated relief overwhelmed me. “Yes of course he can go!” I replied, rather more enthusiastically than was necessary, giving her a full display of my 32 teeth. “Oh that’s wonderful. Please send him over at 4 o’ clock on Saturday afternoon! Bye!” And again, she was gone. I looked up at the branches of the Gulmohar tree. He’d just seen the show. He’d seen me go through all that stress and tension for such a small matter. Surely, all that pent-up suspense had knocked off a few minutes of my life! A faint wind blew through the air. The feathery leaves began to rustle in the breeze, but I could’ve sworn that they were laughing at me. Loya Agarwala