G plus vol 2 issue 26

An evening celebrating the

Special

Sattriya culture PG 10

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G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

Rosie Huntington Career Decisions Made for Her

Page 23

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 27 APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

PRICE `10

Bihu in the air

Machine made products threatening

traditional Assamese markets

PG

06 WARD NO 24 Motghoria

PG 14

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G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Lead Story

Private schools under administration’s glare

Juthika Baruah

T

he Kamrup (M) district administration is keeping a strict vigilance on the private schools of the city whereas the State Government has also decided to bring an act to rein in private schools violating norms building, land, safety, fees structure and salary system of the teachers.

Of the 377 high and higher secondary schools in Kamrup (M), 256 are private and based on a survey, it has been found that out of these 256 private schools, 145 are running without any permission from the administration and the district education department.

Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (M) M. Angamuthu said it is a matter of serious concern as these schools are playing with the future of thousands of students. On the other hand, replying to a query on the Assam Government’s implementing an Act to regulate private schools, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco School, Father Sebastian Mathew said that being a missionary school they take minimum fees from the students which is Rs. 1,530 per month and the faculty members are being paid according to the pay commission.

The Father said that the administration should rather focus on the government schools rather than the private schools as poor infrastructure quality of public schools force guardians to think twice before admitting their children there. “We collect minimum fees from the students and also maintain the infrastructure. Private schools are concerned about the students but the government school teachers are least bothered about the future of the students,” the Father said.

Earlier, during the Budget session of the Assam Assembly, AGP MLA Keshab Mahanta had raised the issue of private schools violating norms to which Education Minister Sarat Borkotoky said that he would discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and try to control them by enacting a special law. He further alleged that the schools do not even respond to any communication by the ministers. The schools charge high fees from the students but when it comes to the salary structure of the teachers, they are not at all satisfied with the salaries that they get.

A teacher of a city based school, Maitrayee Dutta said that the salaries are not up to the mark as per the effort they give to the students. “It’s very difficult to produce a good student and it being a big responsibility, teachers should be provided with a decent salary,” said Dutta.

Meanwhile, Deepa Choudhury, a

guardian whose daughter studies in a reputed school of the city said that the fee structure is so high that one has to be financially able to afford it. “Every guardian dream of getting their child admitted into a good school but if the schools charge high fees, some parents can’t afford. So the school fees should be reasonable. Everybody can’t deposit Rs. 50,000 during each admission,” said Choudhury.

Principal of Axom Jatiya Vidyalaya, Ghanashyam Medhi said that the current fees at the school are not enough to pay the teachers of the school. He said that there is a deficit

of Rs 6-8 lakhs every month which should be managed with a short term loan.

Director of National Public School, J.N. Das said that the school has several buses with a capacity of 34-36 seats each and the salaries of the teachers are more than the amount fixed by the Sixth Pay Commission.

He said that the fees charged from the students are reasonable which is much less than Delhi Public School or Royal Global School.

Angamuthu later said that the schools should take the necessary approval from the education department

or else the students and parents will be in trouble in the future. The 145 schools were also found violating the Right to Education Act, 2009 and the Assam Non-Government Educational Institutional (Regulation & Management) Act, 2006.

The administration has started the mission by visiting the city schools and found that the school vans are in dysfunctional state which was seized from St. Mary’s and Don Bosco schools.

We will evolve a mechanism to restrict the private schools from charging exorbitant fees. The administration will allow only rational fees structures.

There are reports that many private schools do not pay the academic as well as the non-academic staff. Many schools do not recruit quality teachers.

Such state of affairs must come to an end and the high-powered committee will do the needful,” Angamuthu said.

DC Angamuthu said that of the 851 schools buses that ply on city roads, 524 vehicles recently underwent a fitness test conducted by the Regional Transport Authority of Kamrup (metro). Fitness certificates were issued to 401 buses. The rest have been asked to fulfil the necessary conditions to avail the certificates.

Meanwhile, a special committee formed by the Kamrup Metro district administration led by ADC Rajib Prakash Barua to ensure implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines on school buses as also other aspects of schools started its operations on Monday.

The team visited Maharshi Vidyamandir at Silpukhuri and Srimanta Sankardev Academy, Dispur who found some lacunae in their schools buses including carrying of students above the prescribed capacity and lack of safety equipment and first aid facilities in the schools.

Both the schools were served show cause notices and asked to reply within a week. They were also asked to obtain permission from the state government to run the schools. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

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G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

In The News

NPS authorities to

face legal action “Myadi Patta can be cancelled for the welfare of the public” -Deputy Commissioner

Kalyan Deb

A

uthorities of National Public School have been slapped with legal action under several acts for constructing walls illegally blocking the original channel of water at Deepor Beel.

The development came after the Kamrup (Metro) district administration on March 31st carried out an evicted drive against illegal encroachers around Deepor Beel to mitigate threats to the ecosystem of the water body. Apart from 20 structures that were constructed in the area, a major portion of a wall constructed by the trust body NET of National Public School (NPS) was also demolished followed by an FIR lodged against the trust body later in the evening.

The drive was carried out following an order from Deputy Commissioner which mentioned that some individual pattadars at Mikirpara Chakordoi and Pamohi villages, under Ramsarani Mouza, constructed walls that obstructed the natural flow of storm water. The order said the trust members will face action under the Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act, 2008, Assam Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 2012, Assam Hill Land, Wildlife Protection Act, Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Ecological Sites (Protection and Management) Act, 2006.

The Trust’s view The trust body claimed that they were not issued any prior notice before the eviction. “We constructed the wall on myadi land identified by government officials and have proper documentation issued by the authorities. We have had possession of the land for the last eight years. We had also asked the district administration and the revenue circle officials to demarcate the land and the construction was only carried out after the permission was issued by the

Authorities’ say Deputy Commissioner M Angamuthu said the eviction drive will continue till the entire area surrounding the water body is cleared of encroachers. The eviction drive is a continuous process and many establishments were demolished by the district administration earlier to clear the elephant corridor along the water body.

“The NPS authorities have destroyed the water body by earth-filling and erecting boundary walls, thereby disturbing the natural flow of the Pamohi drains.

They have caused damage to the Beel’s biodiversity and ecosystem,” mentioned the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, prior to the eviction drive.

“Deepor Beel is a natural heritage and not public property. Even if they possess myadi patta for the land, they cannot construct any sort of structure. For that, a special NOC has to be obtained and myadi patta can be cancelled for the welfare of the public,” said Angamuthu.

It can be noted that earlier, Angamuthu directed all enforcement agencies to refrain from permitting earth-filling and construction activities around Deepor Beel.

In 1989, the state government declared a 10.1-sq km area of the water body as Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. It was also proposed that a 4.1-sq km core area be designated as a bird sanctuary. Nearly 122 species of seasonal, migratory and other varieties of birds fly down to the water body every year. Considering the ecological importance of the wetland, Deepor Beel has been included in the Asian Wetland Directory and was declared a Ramsar site in 2002.

authorities,” said JN Das, director, Gems NPS. “The violation of the acts that were cited while carrying out the eviction is not applicable to the land.

According to the three stages of the act that has been invoked, neither the rule planning and nor area defining was carried out during the entire procedure. The circle officer was approached in the first week of March prior to the eviction in order to demarcate the land but he failed to show up”, Das said adding, “Also several other properties surrounding the area encroach more such alleged land and are carrying out several business activities within, whereas such lands were left untouched.”

The land that covered an area of 76 bighas was meant for construction of the institution in the near future.

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

Weather report for the week SAT 11 April

SUN 12 April

MON 13 April

TUE 14 April

WED 15 April

THU 16 April

FRI 17 April

Sunny.

High level clouds.

More clouds than sun.

Morning clouds.

More sun than clouds.

Morning clouds.

More sun than clouds.

19 / 32 °C

21 / 33 °C

22 / 31 °C

20 / 33 °C

19 / 36 °C

20 / 37 °C

22 / 39 °C

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

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In The News

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G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Special

Machine made products threatening

traditional

Assamese markets Juthika Baruah

C

ome Rongali Bihu and there is a flurry of shoppers going market hopping, trying the latest traditional outfits for the Bihu.

But it is a matter of great trepidation that the market for Assamese traditional wear is being taken over by non-Assamese persons, selling duplicate items, which is fast becoming a matter of concern and threatening the dignity of the Assamese culture.

Machine made Assamese traditional jewellery, Mekhala-Chadar and Gamuchas are being sold in other parts of the country by nonAssamese businessmen whereas the original Gamuchas and mekhalachadars are made in taat xaal but the power loom items are not the original one. The market for Assamese traditional jewellery has also been taken over by outsiders, who make them out of bronze which costs much less and are then sold as traditional jewellery.

Lakhimi Baruah Bhuyan, Owner of Zangfai, an Assamese traditional jewellery shop said that there is a traditional demand intact for traditional jewellery which is natural and is not related to fashion. “The designs made by our people are being taken out by the non-Assamese and sold at a low price which leaves the local artisans in trouble. People also buy the jewellery thinking it is original Assamese jewellery that they found it in low price. The market of traditional jewellery should remain intact within the state so that the local artisans don’t have to lose their source of livelihood besides maintaining the dignity of the Assamese jewellery,” said Baruah.

She said that it’s not only during Bihu that people prefer to buy traditional jewellery but the demand remains throughout the year, although customer response is comparatively more during Bihu as it is also the season of marriage. Now-a-days people mostly prefer traditional jewellery rather than gold ornaments as they match better with mekhalachadars. The range starts from Rs. 1,500 per set while the Gaam Kharu which is worn during the Bihu dance is Rs. 18,000 per pair.

“The traditional item is in demand among the young generation as they like to wear the jewellery when they come to know about the value of the traditional jewellery.

Most of the women now wear traditional jewellery rather than gold in both Bihu as well as in marriage or

any other party,” added Baruah.

On the other hand, the gamuchas which holds a great significance in the Assamese culture are also being woven in power loom although it is illegal according to the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985. The demand of Gamucha is high during Rongali Bihu as gamucha is being given as Bihuwaan to the near and dear ones as a token of love and respect. The ongoing Gamucha Mela at Handloom and Textiles, Assam have displayed the gamuchas woven in xaal

whereas the gamuchas that are available in the market are power loom products.

Director of Handloom and Textiles, Assam, Deba Kumar Nath, while speaking to G Plus said that the gamuchas woven on power loom are illegal according to the Act. The department has also appealed the people to boycott power loom gamuchas which is a shame for the people.

“From this year, the authorised tax department decided to collect tax from the people who will sell gamuchas made on power loom. Last year,

Now-a-days people mostly prefer traditional jewellery rather than gold ornaments as they match better with mekhala-chadars.

The range starts from `1,500 per set while the Gaam Kharu which is worn during the Bihu dance is `18,000 per pair.

20,000 gamuchas were sold from the handloom department and this year also it is expected to sell at least 2030,000 gamuchas. There are 22 stalls in the Gamucha Mela from Kamrup district,” said Nath.

Meanwhile, machine made mekhala-chadars are also being sold outside the state. To keep alive the source of livelihood of the local weavers, different Bihu melas are being organised so that the weavers get a platform to sell the local product.

Sikha Rani Choudhury, one of the participants of the Bohagi Mela held at Silpukhuri said that this type of exhibition is helpful for the weavers to display their products so that the Assamese traditional mekala chadar could remain in their hands.

“We are targeting the teachers and girls residing in hostels to sell mekhala-chadars as the scope is high amongst them. We want to make the girls aware about the traditional dress of Assam so that its demand rises among the youth,” said Choudhury.

During the festive season of Bihu, it has been seen that people demand gamuchas, Assamese jewellery and mekhala chadars as these three items signifies the culture of Assamese tradition, Bihu. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the people to keep alive the dignity of the items by giving the weavers a right platform. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

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Special

Government to take stepS against

gamocha duplicity

Aditya Gogoi

I

n the wake of a number of complaints of duplicity, the state government has said that action will be taken against such dealers of traditional Assamese gamocha. The sale of gamocha has increased ahead of Assamese New Year which is celebrated as Bohag or Rongali Bihu across the state.

Gamocha, also known as Bihuwaan plays an important role in the festival of Bihu as it is gifted to the family members and elders as a mark of respect and love.

The state government has asked the dealers to issue receipts on the originality of the products mentioning ‘Original Muga/Eri silk of Assam’ or ‘Silk of Varanasi/Mysore’ as applicable so that consumers can make a conscious choice to buy the products.

As per the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, gamocha (gamcha) is a reserved article for exclusive production by handlooms and production of the same by power looms would attract penalty including imprisonment under Section 10 of the Act. The circular issued by the gov-

ernment also said that all the dealers in the state dealing with buying and selling of gamochas will have to give a declaration to the respective prescribed authority that they do not deal with any gamochas other than those produced by handlooms in contra-

As per the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, gamocha (gamcha) is a reserved article for exclusive production by handlooms and production of the same by power looms would attract penalty including imprisonment under Section 10 of the Act.

vention of relevant provisions of Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985.

It may be mentioned that gamochas are exempted from Assam VAT Act and VAT is not leviable on the same in order to promote handloom sector.

But, recently, there were complaints of some sellers duping the buyers with power loom made gamochas in the name of traditionally produced one.

So, the government has asked the dealers to issue bills for all the products while clearly mentioning about the details of the products which has come as great relief for the buyers.

“The prescribed authority of the taxation department would invariably check whether the dealers are issuing such bills indicating clearly the details as stated above during the special inspections and any deviation of the same would be dealt with as per law.

This is very much required since the traditional Mugu and Eri silk based items such as Mekhala Chadar and Muga saree are also exempted from Assam VAT Act,” said a senior government official.

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G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Home

Society

Kalyan Deb

for the Homeless

I

ncidents of elder abuse is increasingly making headlines in media and other circles, but sadly, although enough noise is being made over the issue, most people are still in a state of denial, especially the middle class, insisting it doesn’t happen in our families. Many elderly have experienced some kind of abuse or the other, usually from family members, especially from children and daughters-in-law. While several functions are staged to honour the elderly, especially, mothers and motherhood and customary calls made to wish mothers and motherly figures, mothers lodged in old-age homes have endless stories of neglect to share.

With an objective of providing food and a complete stay in a homely and secured environment amidst a natural ambience to senior citizens, Mother Old Age Home, an entity of Monalisa Society was founded on June 21st, 2012 and has been serving the elderly ever since. The old age home started with its first inmate Shantanu Kumar Das (75), who was abandoned by relatives after the death of his wife and has been sheltered in the home since its establishment.

The initiative of starting the old age home was taken by the duo, Monika Sarma and Utpal Kumar Harshavardhan, who, after coming across incidents of the aged ones being tortured and abandoned by their family members, the NGO opened up the old age home.

Talking to G Plus, Monika Sarma, co-founding member of Mother Old Age Home shared a few stories of some of the inmates of the home.

“Several inmates living in the old age home have either been abandoned by their family members or voluntarily left for the old age home. Few of the inmates before being brought to the home were left on the streets by their family members, one of whom is Jamuna Devi Jalan who was found in Fancy Bazar area by policemen after being abandoned by her sons and left on the street to starve to death”, said Monika Sarma.

“Another inmate Adou Rabha, who hails from Tamulpur was left by her son after being brought to Guwahati during last year’s Vishwakarma Puja and was left in the streets for three days until she managed to find the home through the help of the neighbouring people. Since then she has been a state of depression and at times talks in a deranged manner. Several efforts were made to find her native place but we have not succeeded so far. Since then she has been a part of the family”, Sarma added.

Victim of elderly abuse Charubala Choudhury was left in the old age home by her son as she was being harassed and tortured by her daughter-in-

The Objectives: To care for the destitute old people who have no one else to care for them. They are given shelter, accomodation , food, clothing medical care etc. free of cost.

• To care for the old people whose family has no time to care for them. It is provided for a nominal fee.

• To provide comprehensive and quality care and to ensure that the resident senior citizens live with respect and dignity in a secure, compassionate, congenial environment and surroundings.

• To act as a center where the knowledge and experiences of life of the senior citizens are utilized in a constructive manner so as to contribute more meaningfully to both, the residents and the society.

• To establish a social institution where society not only interacts and looks after senior citizens but also learns from them “the much needed values of a healthy and peaceful society”.

• To provide companionship, emotional support, therapeutic occupation, recreation facilities and activities to overcome social isolation.

• To provide independence to senior citizens in daily life, and to reestablish high values of life nurtured by them.

law. Besides Charubala, several others such as Deubori Borkuch (80), Kanaklata Choudhury (85) and several others share the same story.

Not just the ones abandoned by family members but destitute ones are also taken into the old age home.

Since its recognition and significance is well known among the surrounding people, such abandoned people are brought in to the home if the police

find any such unclaimed aged ones.

After serving the society under the flagship of Monalisa Society for more than five years, during which it initially executed several programmes for the welfare of children and the less fortunate, Mother Teresa Old Age Home currently has 21 inmates and takes in boarders aged between 55 to 60 years. Located in Jyoti Nagar in Ganesh Nagar, Bamunimaidam, the

old age home is currently running with the help and support of Debojit Hazarika, D.Mathur, Jagannath Das, Ranjit Borthakur and Gopal Jalan. The home is currently located in a rented building where it has been operating from for the past two years and looks forward to the help and support of the people and the government.

The old age home not only takes care of the elderly but also provide a homely environment to the inmates.

Occasions such as the foundation day

of the home, women’s day and the birthday of the inmates are celebrated in the home.

Although such homes provide relief to the ones living the second innings of their life, the pain and sufferings towards the end is really poignant. But everyone wishes to spend this stage of life peacefully and undoubtedly these homes can serve this purpose very well. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

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G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

City

Neelakshi Bordoloi

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ven as the controversy over percentage of pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets and the lack of any Indian studies between tobacco consumption and cancer refuses to die down, the government seems woefully oblivious to the cross border smuggling of flavoured cigars and cigarettes flooding the city market.

Most of these flavoured cigarettes, which comes in different flvours like cinnamon, mint or clove, come with little or no pictoral health warnings which is mandatory under Section 7 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, (COTPA), 2003 which states that there shall be no production, sale and import of cigarettes or any other tobacco product unless every package of cigarettes or any other tobacco product bears on it label, specified warning.

These flavoured smokes are very popular among the teens, especially those starting to smoke and young girls because they do not leave the tell tale smell of nicotine and ash, which becomes an instant give away if one gets caught by their parents or guardians.

Talking on the condition of annoynimity, a young student said that she loves the cinnamon flavoured cigarettes, which she procures with the help of her friends because it is ‘milder’ than the regular domestic brands and do not leave a bad after taste in her mouth.

Foreign cigarette brands

continue to flood city markets Packs contain little or no pictorial health warnings

“Besides, there is no danger of my ever getting caught for smoking because my mouth smells like I was having peppermints or other mouth freshner, not smoking. It is cool to smoke these brands and I enjoy them very much,” she said.

The trend is very much alive among youngsters, especially those whose parents strictly moniter their social habits and there have been instances when, for all their smartness, young smokers have also been caught by their guardians, although such cases are few and far between.

A young parent, Sushmita Sharma of Panjabari, while talking to G Plus, expressed concern at the prolification of such foreign brands of cigarettes because they attract youngsters with their attractive packaging and their ‘mouth freshner’ tags.

“I have two young boys and although I strictly monitor their habits, I cannot always be sure what they consume outside the house in company of their friends. There may be many who consider smoking fun and grown-up but they are unaware of the harmful effects. Although we try to issue them general warnings about the dangers of smoking, who knows what they have in the com-

These flavoured smokes are very popular among the teens, especially those starting to smoke and young girls because they do not leave the tell tale smell of nicotine and ash, which becomes an instant give away if one gets caught by their parents or guardians. pany of their peers,” she said.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (2009-10), in Assam 40 per cent (39.3 per cent) of adults (15 years and above) used tobacco. About 7 per cent of adults were smokers and 24 percent used smokeless tobacco.

Furthermore, 51 per cent of adults were exposed to secondhand smoke at home.

The total economic costs attributable to tobacco use in Assam amounted to Rs 541 crores in the year 2011 for persons aged 35-69, of

which 47 per cent was direct medical costs and 53 per cent was indirect morbidity costs, according to the study on Economic Burden of Tobacco Related Diseases in India conducted by the Public Health Foundation of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the WHO Country Office for India.

Dr Arundhati Deka of National Tobacco Control Programme, while talking to G Plus said there is little that can be done at the state level to tackle the issue as it requires international cooperation from neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Nepal, from where most of such products are smuggled in.

“We had participated in a high level meeting at Delhi last year where the problem of smuggled tobacco products was taken up among top health ministries and delegates of several neighbouring countries sharing international borders with India. The union ministry has instructed us to take whatever action is possible in the field to ensure such products do not flood the market unchecked,” she said.

She, however, added that they face problems in implementing the directive as they cannot prosecute

the real culprits involved in the smuggling racket. The most that the officials have been able to do is to seize such packets and destroy them occasionally, while fining the vendors for selling them. But it is often not an easy task as most of these packets are sold in secret.

On the other hand, Ruchira Neog, Executive Secretary of Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA) sid, “Cross border infiltration of cigarettes and cigars from Myanmar and Nepal is a matter of grave concern as all of these products do not carry any pictorial health warnings on its packets.

These tobacco products are flooded in city markets and are mostly consumed by students and youth as they are available in different flavours”.

Also, with the current non-implementation of pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the tobacco packs with effect from April 1st 2015 and as was proposed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, it becomes all the more important to take all necessary measures to stop penetration of smuggled tobacco products most of which come with little or graphic warning, from neighbouring countries into our state, she added.

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G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Art

An evening celebrating the

Sattriya culture

M

by profession and a graded artist of Sattriya and Odissi of Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati, presented the most recent choreographies by Padmashri Nrityacharya Jatin Goswami with her captivating performances along with a duet performance with renowned sattriya dancer, Provakar Goswami. Dhrubajyoti Baruah, a versatile vocal artist and music director, performed Vyas Ojapali along with his group from Darrang district.

A Sattriya-based fine art and photo exhibition preceded the main programme which was inaugurated by renowned artist Neel Pawan Barua. The exhibition showcased clay sculptures on Sattriya dance by Dr. Bahom Kaling Darang, a dental surgeon by profession and a self-taught artist by passion. It also displayed a

ukti Mangal, a society started by Dr. Lima Das to promote art and culture among the youth of Northeast, enthralled the audience at Rabindra Bahvan on Thursday through Sadhana Darpan, a programme celebrating the Sattriya culture through dance, root music, sculpture, art and photography.

Eminent personalities of the art form and critics of national repute graced the function with their presence. The evening’s programme was inaugurated by Sankar Prasad Kakoti Bora, Regional Director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Noted journalist of The Hindu and a renowned dance critic, Shyamhari Chakra was also present to cover the event. Dr. Lima Das, a dental surgeon

Blue Star targets doubledigit market share in FY 16

A

ir conditioning and commercial refrigeration major, Blue Star Limited, has announced the launch of a new range of contemporary, energy-efficient and eco-friendly room air conditioners for the residential segment, which apart from sophisticated features, array of colours and state-ofthe-art technology, offer considerable power savings.

The company plans to continue its thrust in this segment with its new line-up for 2015 and is targeting a market share of double-digits in FY16 as compared to the current

8.5 per cent, in terms of value.

Blue Star’s new line-up of room air conditioners comprises over 80 models. Apart from being energy efficient, the range of split air conditioners for 2015 has a stylish look with multi-colour options in the 3-star and 5-star models such as pearl white, champagne gold and wine red to appeal to home consumers.

In addition, the new range boasts of features including i-feel for comfort where one sits, seven fitters for ultra-pure air, turbo operation, hidden display, long distance piping, auto mode, dry mode, sleep mode,

blow/self clean function, elegant remote control, rust-resistant construction, self diagnosis, scroll compressor and acoustic insulation on compressor, amongst others.

The company will also continue to aggressively promote its inverter range of residential split air conditioners for the benefit of upwardly mobile customers. The inverter compressor in these units varies its speed depending on the ambient load, resulting in perfect cooling, apart from considerable energy savings. Inverters save up to 30 per cent power over the 5-star rated split air conditioners.

series of quirky portraits called ‘Rasas’, depicting the emotions in Satriya dance through modern art, by Dr. John Patowary who is an alumni of Regional Dental College, Guwahati and a self-taught Pop-art artist. A contemporary take on traditional art by mother-daughter duo - Bandita Ghosh and Subhanjana Ghosh, also adorned the exhibition. Photographs displaying the moments captured by Arup Jyoti Kalita of Sattriya dance performances by some of the most renowned names of the art form were also featured in the exhibition.

The event was organized in association with Byatikram MASDO and supported by LIC. It was was also partnered by Eclectic North East, 92.7 Big FM, G-plus and JBs.

Conference of Power, Renewable Energy and Mines Ministers of States and UTs held at Guwahati

M

inistry of Power, Government of India is organizing a two-day conference of Power, Renewable Energy and Mines Ministers of States and union territories for the first time in the North Eastern region of India, especially in Assam.

The conference, which took off on Thursday at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati, was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and NRE. The two day conference is being attended by Power, Renewable Energy and Mines Ministers from 23 states and union territories.

Goyal said, “All states should sort out the procurement to generate more power. It will give all the States employment opportunities as well as power. We have specially taken a big CSR initiative as we are going to establish five cancer hospitals in coal mining areas in the country.”

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

11

City

money not a hindrance for making good film Aditya Gogoi

National award winning filmmaker

T

here are very few filmmakers who have been able to win the national award in their debut film. Guwahati boy Suraj Kumar Duwarah is the latest member of this elite group. His film ‘Orong…strangers in the mist’ has won the best film award in Rabha language for ‘its sensitive portrayal of a young man as he drifts through a life that offers little promise or excitement’ in the recently declared national film awards.

“I immediately realized that the hard work which we put together just paid off. It’s an inspiration to keep on working,” Duwarah said of the moment when he heard the good news from Utpal Borpujari, New Delhi based film critic and filmmaker.

But at the same time, the award bestowed more responsibility on the shoulder of the young filmmaker.

“As I have mentioned, it came as a responsibility as well. As I was a cinematographer, now as a director – both in terms of finance and quality along

with consistency, my days will be tougher. Now people will have more expectations from me. As a technician, I could have worked with anybody but as a director, there will be ideological conflicts. But at the same time I have to think of my survival,” he said.

But as a filmmaker of the new generation, he is extremely hopeful and courageous enough to walk against the tide.

“We have plentiful of stories to be told in the region. These are to be explored and told to the people of the world. With the growth of technology, we the filmmakers, face tougher challenges these days. People have access to the global top quality movies today. So, if we need to stand up to this standard, we need to work harder,” Duwarah, former student of the Regional Government Film and Televi-

Suraj Duwarah sion Institute in Guwahati said.

While saying so, he also admits that money is not the major hurdle for a filmmaker. “Though we often hear some filmmakers try to say that money is a major hurdle but what I feel is that even without a huge budget, a really good film can be made,” he said.

Besides, our filmmakers still do not give more importance to the content or the script and the treatment.

The script is important as it directs the director and the story directs the script. Story is directed by the concept.

All these things matter a lot in making a film. I hope if the filmmakers can focus on these things, the scenario will develop, Duwarah added.

Talking about the film, he said that it’s a tribute to adolescence. It is a saga of a 14 year old boy named Rasong, who lives with his step-father, mother and a younger brother in a small village of Assam. Rasong had to leave his school to join a job of a diesel pump operator to support his family despite his

mother’s reluctance. Since the pump site is situated deep inside the forest, he is tormented by isolation and faces a few unruly circumstances. As a result he tries to escape from this situation in an unusual way.

Duwarah, who started his career as a cinematographer, always prefers to be called that instead of a director. “I’m a cinematographer and I enjoy doing it.

I did my studies from Regional government Film Television Institute. After that I have been working with different directors for the last one decade. It has been a learning experience and it gave me a good insight of the reality. You got to learn something or the other from everybody with whom you work,” he said.

He also thanked the entire crew, sound designer Debajit Gayan, editors Jhulan Krishna Mahanta and Jitplavan Roy and chief assistant director Jaicheng jai Dohutia and the cast Royonti Rabha, Debraj Rabha and Kanuranjan Rabha for the success.

12

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Special

Guwahati Bihu THE

Guide

Ulubari 14th April

15th April

16th April

9:00am Flag hoisting by Rabindranath Dutta

10:00am Drawing Competition

10:00am Sports Competition

03:00pm Bihu Husori Competition

01:00pm Zeng Bihu Competition

10:00am Bihu Fashion Competition 06.30 pm Cultural evening 06.45 pm ‘Ronagali’ Memorial ceremony by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora

06.30 pm Cultural evening featuring Barasharani Bishaya Chief Guest Ramen Goswami

Your ready reckoner for the events at the most popular Bihu tolis and of the artists

04:00pm Comedy Competition 06:30pm Cultural evening inauguration by Megharanjani Medhi

17th April

18th April

10:00am Fancy dress Competition

10:00am Fancy dress Competition

Papon

05:00pm Prize distribution

05:00pm Prize distribution

15th April Bharalu

06.30 pm Cultural evening inauguration by DGP Assam Police Khagen Sharma

05.30 pm Cultural evening inauguration by Kashmiri Saikia Baruah

Zubeen 12th Kumarpara

14th Maligaon 15th Kharguli

14th April Chandmari

16th April Noonmati 17th April Geetanagar 19th April Fatasil Ambari

GIGt Aler

15th April

16th April

9:00am Cultural Procession

12:00 noon Bihu Dance and Best Kuwari Contest

12:00 noon Zeng Bihu competition

10.30am Release of ‘Gogona’ by Eli Ahmed 12:00 noon Dhulia Competition 05:00pm Cultural evening inauguration Kirti Kamal Bhuyan 10:00 pm Angarag Mahanta

17th April

17th Ulubari 18th Pathsala

20th Mangaldoi

14th April

9:45am Smriti Tarpan by Purna Chandra Sharma

16th Fatashil

19th Tihu

Chandmari

9:30am Flag Hoisting by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora

16th Japorigog

05:00pm Cultural evening featuring Bihu Husori 08:00pm Best Bihu Dancer and Best Bihu Konwari Contest (final) 09:30pm Tarulata Kutum 11:00pm Bihu Husori by Dihing Husori Group, Digboi

06:00pm Bihu Husori by Maligaon Bihu Sangha 08:45pm Zeng Bihu Competition (final) 10:15pm Bihu Husori by Sekerapar Bihu Husori Group, Shivsagar 10:45pm Bornali Kalita Later Behorbari Outpost featuring KK and Mohan

11:20pm Arohan Bordoloi Later Behorbari Outpost featuring KK and Mohan

05:00pm Prize Distribution

07:30pm Rhinos Band featuring Sangita Borthakur, Santa Ujir, Queen Das, Samar Hazarika, Anupan Rabha and Digen Mahanta

06:00pm Bihu Husori by Swargadeu Shilpi Samaj

10:30pm Zublee Baruah

06:45pm Goalparia Lok Geet by Alka Pandey

01:00am Closing Ceremony

21st Hengrabari

New Guwahati 14th April 8:30am Cultural procession with former MP Kumar Deepak Das 9:30am Flag hoisting by Bisheswar Hazarika 11:30am Mukoli Bihu Competition 03:00pm Zeng Bihu Competition 04:00pm Modern Dance Competition 07:00pm Cultural evening 9:00pm Kashmiri Pathak

15th April 9:00am Sports activities for children and adults 06.00 pm Cultural evening Release of Bahona by Anjanjyoti Choudury 08.30 pm Dikhu 10:30 pm Shayanika Bhuyan (Singer)

16th April 06.30 pm Cultural evening featuring Babu, Beena Rajkumari and Rupak Talukdar accompanied by Bipul Kathar and Gayatri 12.00 am Behorbari Outpost featuring KK and Mohan

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

13

Special

Bharalumukh 14th April 10:00am Flag hoisting by Abdul Majid Swahid Tarpan by Rumi Kr. Das 11:00am Sports activities 07:00pm Cultural evening inauguration

by Jayanta Das 09:00pm Gargi Dutta (Singer)

Khanapara 14th April 9:30am Cultural Procession 10:00am Flag Hoisting by Satyabati Gogoi 10:30am Smriti Tarpan 11:15am Goru Bihu Inauguration 11:30am Sports Activities and Competition 11:45am Mukoli Bihu 5:30pm Cultural Evening featuring Baby Queen

15th April

15th April 11:00am Bihu Husori Competition 01:00pm Zeng Bihu Competition 07:00pm Cultural evening 09:00pm Papon

Simanta Sekhar

16th April 11.00am to 5:00pm Naam Competition, Fancy dress Competition and Sports Activities

11th April District Library 14th April Latashil

07:00pm Cultural Evening

15th April Chandrapur 16th April Gorchuk

10:00pm Babu (Singer)

18th April Roha 25th April Jorhat

Latasil 14th April

15th April

9:00am Cultural Procession

8:00am onwards Sports activities for children and adults

10:00am Flag Hoisting by Kandarpa Das

2:00pm Zeng Bihu Competition

10:30am Bihu Toli inauguration by chief minister Tarun Gogoi and chief guest Sarbananda Sonowal

7:00pm Cultural Evening

11:00am Mukoli Bihu

04:00pm Cultural Evening featuring Dhulia Circus group from Rampur 05:00pm onwards Deuri, Boro, Karbi and Nepali folk dance

9:00pm Drama ‘Lachit Borphukan’ by Prabin Phukan

06:00pm Prize distribution ceremony 08:00pm Bihu Samragi 10:00pm Bihu Konwari (final and prize distribution)

11:00am Quiz Competition

11:00pm Simanta Sekhar

10:30pm Manoj Kashyap

Ganeshguri 14th April

15th April

9:00am Cultural Procession

10:00am Sports Activities and Competition

10:30am Fancy Dress Competition

10:00am Flag Hoisting by Mahabir Patowary

7:00am Cultural Evening

11:00am Drawing Competition

10:30am Jalpan Distribution

4:30pm Prize Distribution

11:00am Sports Activities and Competition

10:00am Sports Activities and Competition

5:30pm Cultural Evening featuring Joy Chakrabarty and Kailash Rabha

09:00pm Deep Darshan (Moi Zubeen Hobo Bisaru)

17th April

07:00pm Inauguration of cultural evening by George Becker

16th April

06:00pm Cultural Evening

10:00pm onwards Amar Hazarika, Santa Uzir and Parbin Pori

8:30am Sports Competition

5:30pm Cultural Evening featuring Bhrigu Kashyap Ridipta Sharma and Laughing Train

02:00pm onwards Sports activities 04:00pm Bihu Konwari and Bihu Rani contest

11:00pm Krishnamoni Chutia

02:00pm Dihanaam Competition

16th April

08:00pm Cultural Evening inauguration

by Jitu Tapan

9:00pm Babu (Singer) 11:30pm Boron Bikash Later Bihu Perfomances

16th April

17th April

10:00am Sports Activities and Competition

10:00am Fancy Dress Competition

7:00pm Cultural Evening

11:00am Drawing Competition

9:00pm Krishnamoni Chutia

15:00pm Prize Distribution Ceremony

Later Anupam Dutta

08:00pm Kollol Borthakur 10:00pm Assam Bihu Husori Competition

14

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Ward Watch

Ward number 24

Motghoria residents battle for survival over land, basic amenities

Concentrated area Motghoria Councilor Paresh Kalita Phone number 9435116854 Sub-division 24(b) Area sabha member Dipak Das Phone number 985073892 Problems Clash in government land, drinking water

Kalyan Deb

T

he land near Motghoria adjacent to Mother Teresa Road has been a matter of dispute between the NF Railway and the residents who have been residing in the area for over eighty years now.

The dispute has been going on since the settlement of residents that are alleged to have illegally encroached upon the land. Though till date no settlement has been reached, the ball is being dodged to each other’s court and the same has been a continuous process.

Recently, an eviction drive was carried out in the proposed drainage system, which had caused havoc among the residing population of the area. As alleged by the residents, no prior notice was served to them before carrying out the eviction drive.

However, they admitted that they were occupying part of the railway land without permission and also agreed to reach a settlement prior to the eviction drive.

Earlier, the Gauhati High Court had given the green signal to the railways to evict encroachers from railway land in the particular area, negating a stay order on the eviction, which some 50 families were occupying illegally.

Apart from NF Railway, part of the land and the residents, adjacent to the Mother Teresa Road is in clash

with PWD and the matter has been in dispute in the High Court for the past several years.

“The land has been in dispute for the past 30 to 40 years and has not come to any kind of settlement ever since. Most of the residents are even paying tax to the GMC although they are claimed to be encroachers. The question is, if the land is encroached why is the government taking tax from us”, said Hrishikesh Deb, a resident of the area.

“Most of the people residing here are not economically sound and several families earn their living from the shops set up by the road. Also a notable fact about the land is that the entire area including the Narengi hillock was a tea estate during the British rule and has only been claimed by the government after the construction of the main road. While several residents on one side of the road managed to get the documents of the land done and also acquired myadi patta, those settle on the other side of the road are still struggling,” Deb added.

Apart from the land dispute, the residents of Motghoria have expressed concern over the lack of street lights on the road that remains busy with heavily loaded trucks and other vehicles for most part of the day. Though no untoward incident

has taken place as yet, but the women find it troubling to commute through the road in the afterhours.

“There are trucks that remain parked by the road for most part of the day and at night, several people take to alcohol consumption by the road itself as it remains dark after sunset, so for a woman it becomes difficult to pass by such areas. However, no such mishap has taken place yet but the installation of street lights would prevent any kind of wrong doings or accidents since the road remains busy all day”, Deb asserted.

The Motghoria area that has a diverse population of all religion and ethnic background also suffer from the problem of drinking water as most of the families have to buy their share of drinking water on a daily basis.

“There are several areas in the area that suffer from the problem of drinking water apart from those houses that have tube well or well installed within their premises. Most residents have to buy drinking water”, said Biplab Kalita, a local resident.

“There are not many convenient ways of water supply in the area, apart from a few tube wells and wells that have been set up over the years for the use of public but those installations do not fulfill the requirement”, Kalita added.

The land has been in dispute for the past 30 to 40 years and has not come to any kind of settlement ever since. Most of the residents are even paying tax to the GMC although they are claimed to be encroachers. The question is if the land is encroached why is the government taking tax from us

Hrishikesh Ded a resident of the area

Councilor’s say Talking to G Plus, councilor of Ward Number 24, Paresh Kalita said, “The allegedly encroached land has been in clash among PWD, NF Railway and the local residents for the past several years and is far from reaching any kind of settlement. Since the matter is in the High Court, so any kind of settlement will be decided by the court itself. The proposed drainage site has been evicted by the railways recently but the remaining land will remain untouched unless any settlement is reached. Meanwhile, in the evicted area, the construction of an underground tunnel to flush out the city’s rainwater is being affected as construction could not be carried out because of the encroachments.”

Agreeing that there is a problem of drinking water, the councilor said that it has been a problem for a several years. However, the pipelines for the water supply pro-

ject have been installed throughout the area and the project will take another two years to be properly executed.

“For the residents in the basti area, several number of wells and tube wells were installed by MLA Akon Bora who also provided a fund of `2 lakh to carry out a water boring project in Gokulpur situated in the area. Regarding the problem of water supply, the refinery authority has also been approached to provide a helping hand in order to meet the problem of drinking water”, the councilor asserted, informing that a proposal for the installation of street lights on Mother Teresa Road, starting from BG Tinali till Six mile via Pathorquary and VIP Road has been forwarded to the government. The project, which is awaiting sanction within a short period of time will have street lights installed throughout the main road over the area. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

Adil’s hilarious act as an Assamese Aditya Gogoi

O

ne of highly critical actors of the present time, Adil Hussain who was in the city recently had a chit chat with G Plus. The ‘Life of Pi’ famed actor who plays the role of an Assamese in his next movie ‘Jai Ho Democracy’, a political satire, sounded excited before its release later this month.

He also shared his experience with the veterans of Hindi cinema like Om Puri and Annu Kapoor among others in his movie where another Assamese, Seema Biswas also played a role.

“It was a hilarious experience to be in the sets. As I’m playing an Assamese, I had to bring certain changes in the accent. I had to speak Hindi in an Assamese accent. At times I would burst into laughter in the sets and everybody would start laughing,” Adil said.

The film directed by Ranjit Kapoor

It was a hilarious experience to be in the sets.

As I’m playing an Assamese, I had to bring certain changes in the accent. I had to speak Hindi in an Assamese accent. At times I would burst into laughter in the sets and everybody would start laughing and Bikramjeet Singh Bhullar features Om Puri, Annu Kapoor and Satish Kaushik among others.

“It was great to be surrounded by master actors. It’s all about the political system,” said Adil who plays Major Baruah. The film is about the murky world of India’s political class, where ministers and leaders procrastinate over everything, even on something

as grave as border security. Seems Biswas plays the role of Mohini Devi in the film.

Adil, who recently completed his debut movie in Tamil, ‘Yatchan’ said that the he is willing to learn Tamil besides Spanish. Though he expressed his willingness to learn the language before acting in the movie, due to lack of time he could not fulfill his dream.

“Finally it had to be dubbed. But I have to make sure that I understand what I say during the scene. I remembered the words and its meanings. I can’t fake emotions and I feel terrible if I pretend to do something that I don’t understand,” he said.

Adil plays a crucial role in the film directed by Vishnu Vardhan. “I’m quite familiar with the language. But I did not get any opportunity to learn it. May be in a short time I will try to learn Tamil and Spanish,” he said.

Adda film festival invites mobile films

T

he Adda Short Film Festival, organized by a group of city youths, in its 11th year has introduced films made by mobile cameras – ‘Shoot in Cell’ to attract the youths towards cinema.

“Our goal was to take good movies to the reach of the common people. Besides, to encourage the young filmmakers is also our agenda. Due to lack of sufficient equipment, some interested youths may not be able to make films. Here we want to give a platform to them.” said Amardeep Gogoi, one of the founding members of the group in the city.

This year the festival will be conducted in a three-day event for the first time on November 13, 14 and 15 this year.

Besides, selected short films and documentaries will also be screened during the festival.

“We are glad that we have been able to continue our process. When we started, the scenario was not that encouraging but

today at least 10 such festivals are organized across the city. And many new filmmakers have come up with their creations,” Gogoi said.

The organizers have also invited the filmmakers to submit their films for the festival.

The national award winning filmmaker Suraj Kumar Duwarah and producer of the film Rajiv Kalita were felicitated this week.

Their Rabha language film ‘Orong…stran-

gers in the mist’ won best film award in the recently declared national award.

Duwarah, who is also a member of the group since its day of inception said that his association with Adda has helped him to emerge as a better filmmaker.

“Adda has created an environment for the filmmakers to work and create new ideas.

The entire crew of our film is associated with Adda and it’s a great feeling for us,” he said.

15

City

16

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Health

New threats to

food safety and the World Health Day

Dr. Bikash Rai Das, Consultant Heart Surgeon, GNRC Hospital

N

ew threats to food safety are constantly emerging. Changes in food production, distribution and consumption (i.e., intensive agriculture, globalisation of food trade, mass catering and street food), changes to the environment, new and emerging bacteria and toxins, antimicrobial resistance—all increase the risk of food becoming contaminated.

Increase in travel and trade enhance the likelihood that contamination can spread. New data on the harm caused by food-borne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods, and the need for coordinated, cross-border action across the entire food supply chain, according to WHO. World Health Day was celebrated on 7 April, with WHO highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with food safety under the slogan “From farm to plate, make food safe.”

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year, a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health. The day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health. Every year, the World Health Organisation selects a priority area of global public health concern as the theme for World Health Day, which falls on 7 April, the birthday of the organisation.

The theme for World Health Day 2015 is Food Safety, a theme of high relevance to all people on the planet, and multiple stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private sector, and intergovernmental agencies. The purpose of the day is to raise

awareness of the importance of food safety. The World Health Organisation’s ‘Five keys to safer food’ are - keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures and use safe water and raw materials. It is very important that we know how important food safety is. Did you know that food that contains harmful bacteria, viruses (the first Ebola cases were linked to contaminated bush meat), parasites and chemical substances is responsible for over 200 diseases, from diarrhoea to cancers. So, we all need to be aware of the threats to food safety, the diseases they can cause and how to protect ourselves. Therefore, World Health Day this year will focus on these points.

World Health Day gives all of us a worldwide opportunity to focus on key public health issues that affect the international community.

Safe food underpins but is distinct from food security. Food safety is an area of public health action to protect consumers from the risks of food poisoning and food-borne diseases, acute or chronic. Food safety is thus a prerequisite for food security. The World Health Organisation helps and encourages countries to prevent, detect and respond to food-borne disease outbreaks—in line with the Codex Alimentarius, a collection of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice covering all the main foods.

New data on the harm caused by foodborne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods, and the need for coordinated, cross-border action across the entire food supply chain. World Health Day will highlight the challenges and opportunities

Food production has been industrialised and its trade and distribution have been globalised.

These changes introduce multiple new opportunities for food to become contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals. A local food safety problem can rapidly become an international emergency. associated with food safety under the slogan “From farm to plate, make food safe.

Food production has been industrialised and its trade and distribution have been globalised. These changes introduce multiple new opportunities for food to become contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals. A local food safety problem can rapidly become an international emergency. Investigation of an outbreak of food-borne disease is vastly more complicated when a single plate or package of food contains ingredients from multiple countries. Examples of unsafe food include undercooked foods of animal origin, fruits and vegetables contaminated with faeces, and shellfish containing marine bio-toxins.

WHO issued an analysis of the global burden of food-borne diseases.

The full results of this research, being undertaken by WHO’s Food-borne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG), are expected to be released in October 2015. Some important results are related to enteric infections caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa that enter the body by ingestion of contaminated food. The

initial FERG figures, from 2010, show that there were an estimated 582 million cases of 22 different food-borne enteric diseases and 351,000 associated deaths; the enteric disease agents responsible for most deaths were Salmonella Typhi (52,000 deaths), enteropathogenic E. coli (37,000) and norovirus (35,000). The African region recorded the highest disease burden for enteric food-borne disease, followed by South-East Asia. Over 40 per cent people suffering from enteric diseases caused by contaminated food were children aged under 5 years. Unsafe food also poses major economic risks, especially in a globalised world.

Germany’s 2011 E.coli outbreak reportedly caused US$ 1.3 billion in losses for farmers and industries and US$ 236 million in emergency aid payments to 22 European Union member states.

Efforts to prevent such emergencies can be strengthened, however, through development of robust food safety systems that drive collective government and public action to safeguard against chemical or microbial contamination of food. Global and national level measures can be taken, including using international platforms,

like the joint WHO-FAO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), to ensure effective and rapid communication during food safety emergencies.

At the consumer end of the food supply chain, the public plays important roles in promoting food safety, from practicing safe food hygiene and learning how to take care when cooking specific foods that may be hazardous (like raw chicken), to reading the labels when buying and preparing food. The WHO Five Keys to Safer Food explain the basic principles that each individual should know all over the world to prevent food-borne diseases. It often takes a crisis for the collective consciousness on food safety to be stirred and any serious response to be taken. The impacts on public health and economies can be great. A sustainable response, therefore, is needed that ensures standards; checks and networks are in place to protect against food safety risks.

Recognising that food safety is a cross-cutting issue and shared responsibility, the World Health Organisation welcomes the participation of nonpublic health sectors (i.e., agriculture, trade and commerce, environment, standardisation) in this campaign and seeks support of major international and regional agencies and organisations active in the fields of food, emergency aid, and education.

World Health Day 2015 is an opportunity for all of us to alert governments, manufacturers, retailers and the public to the importance of food safety—and the part each can play in ensuring that the food on peoples’ plates is safe to eat.

School students get health tips from NH experts

N

arayana Super specialty hospital in Guwahati initiated a school reach-out programme to mark the occasion of World Health Day. Over 200 students and teachers across city schools attended the seminar, which drew attention to the subject of food safety, healthy eating and basic hygiene.

The objective of the programme was to sensitize students and teachers on the impact of food borne diseases on human health and the golden keys to food safety. The interactive sessions were conducted by the hospital’s clinical nutritionist, Shabista Nasreen.

Apart from an hour long interactive session with the students, food safety quizzes were also conducted to reinforce learning. The excitement in the air was palpable as the students intently listened to the talk and enthusi-

Shabista Nasreen , dietician at Narayana Super speciality hospital addressing school students in Guwahati at a program on food safety, healthy eating and basic hygiene.

astically participated in the quiz.

“Individuals can play an important role in promoting food safety from practicing safe food hygiene, learning how to take care when cooking certain specific foods items, to reading the labels when buying packed or frozen food,” said Redt. Wg. Cdr. Ghosh, Facility Director, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Guwahati. He further added, “Most foods borne disease are preventable with proper food handling.”

The seminar assumes significance at a time when increased instances of food related illness are emerging across the globe with an estimated two million deaths occurring worldwide every year. The seminar reached out to young adults and teachers across select city schools and distributed education materials on food safety and healthy eating habits.

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

17

Special

AGSU Mukoli Bihu Juthika Baruah

on Schedule

I

n keeping with its annual tradition, the All Guwahati Students’ Union (AGSU) will organise the Mukoli Bihu on 14th April on the day of Goru Bihu at Judges’ Field to welcome the Rongali Bihu with different performances like Bihu and other ethnic dance forms.

The Students’ Union will also felicitate 16 National Award winners of the state- Ukhrao Gaura Brahma, Koushala Brahma, Anurag Saikia, Padma Bhushan Jahnu Baruah, Padma Shri Lakhinandan Bora and Jadav Molai Payang, Monica Devi, Santi Basumatary, Kaushik Baruah, Bipul Deuri, Hemanta Kumar Das, Manabendra Adhikari, Suruj Kumar Deorah, Rana Kalita, Bhabananda Borbayan.

There will be two dance performances of Bihu and other ethnic dance form and there will also be programmes like Zeng Bihu, Bihu Husori etc. Mukoli Bihu is well-known and it is performed by a group of young unmarried men and women. The women folk wear

the traditional golden silk muga.

The group sings and dances Bihu.

Jeng Bihu, on the other hand, is performed and watched only by the women folk. The song includes Bihu numbers sung by the performers.

Bihu is the reflection of Assamese society and culture. It makes

the innovativeness of nature during the spring season visible. Mukoli Bihu is organised to initiate Rongali Bihu which is held in an open platform and artistes from different fields perform during the Bihu highlighting the different traditions and culture of the state.

On the other hand, workshops on Bihu dance are being organised by different people and groups to spread awareness about the traditional dance of Assam and to keep alive the tradition. The Bor Luit Kala Kristi Bikash Kendra has also organised a ten day workshop on Bihu and

Deuri Bihu Dance where 110 girls participated, among which were 25 girls from Snehalaya who were given a chance to learn Bihu dance free of cost.

Bihu dance Guru Jina Rajkumari said that although a ten day workshop is not enough to learn Bihu dance but at least they were given an idea of the dance so that they could be made aware of the traditional dances of the state.

“Along with the Bihu dance, I also keep other ethnic dances so that they could learn about all the dances which could help them in the future.

We try to keep the tradition alive, elements of which is vanishing day by day. There are also some people who want to learn the traditional dances but don’t get the scope as city dwellers often have a busy schedule and such workshops are important to give them a gateway to escape their mechanical lifestyles. The parents also show interest in bringing their children to learn the dances so that they can perform t appropriate platforms,” said Jina Rajkumari. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

18

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Special

Markets flooded with latest fashion to welcome

Rongali Bihu Juthika Baruah

W

ith Rongali Bihu around the corner, markets of the city are flooded with people shopping to their hearts’ content and business establishments falling over each others trying to woo maximum footfall ahead of the festive season.

The Assamese community traditionally exchange Gamocha, also called Bihuwaan to the near and dear ones as a mark of respect and love and the people put on new clothes on the first day of the Assamese New Year during Rongali Bihu. Therefore, people thronged to buy their traditional wears like mekhala-chadar, gamocha and other stuff on the occasion of Bihu.

From shopping malls to small shops to Fancy Bazaar, places are crowded with people from all age group.

On the occasion of Bihu, all the brands of shoes and apparels have offered discount on their products making it convenient for all classes of people to buy their choices of products. “We are getting a wide range of customer as Bihu is near and people from all age group, whether young or old, rush to the market to buy new clothes for each day of Bihu. Till date, the response from customers is good and since there are still 4-5 days left

for Bihu, we hope the flow of customers will increase,” said Bhabesh Deka, a shopkeeper.

Another shopkeeper, Rantu Das said that this is the season of both Bihu and marriage and therefore, the customers throng to buy all types of clothes like salwars, mekhala-chadars and other traditional wears. “During Bihu, women mostly prefer sarees and mekhala-chadars to wear in the festive season and as it is also the season of marriage, the sale of mekhalachadars is also high. When it comes to mekhala-chadar, the demand of buwa(woven) mekhala-chadar is high which is easy to wear other than the Paat or Muga mekhala-chadar,” said Das. Rupali Dutta, a customer, said that she had come to shop for the entire family and she had bought Gamochas as Bihuwaan to the family members which is a tradition. “Along with the gamocha, I will have to buy clothes for my children as well as for myself as everyone wants to wear new clothes while going out to attend Bihu functions and the children want new clothes for each of the four days,” said Dutta.

On the other hand, Bohagi Melas are also being organised where the

necessary items of Bihu like Dhol, Pepa, Gogona, Pitha, laru and other items are on display for any potential customers. The dhols ranges from Rs. 500-5000 while bahi (flute), mohor singor pepa, which are not otherwise easily found in the city, are being displayed at the mela at a reasonable price so that the city people could also enjoy these traditional instruments during the Bihu.

“The mela has been organised to celebrate pre-Rongali Bihu with the traditional items from clothes to food.

Although people generally don’t prepare laru-pithas during Rongali Bihu, there is a group of people who want laru-pitha during this Bihu as well. To satisfy all these varied demands, we have put stalls of laru-pitha, doi-sira, gur (jaggery) etc. without which Bihu is otherwise incomplete,” said Labanya Das, General Secretary of Anindita Mahila Samaj, Silpukhuri.

Das said that they organised both Rongali and Bhogali Bihu to emphasize on the significance of Bihu. Women, especially the young girls preferred

the melas and exhibition as the mekhala-chadar found there are unique which is not available in the market and today’s youth demand unique pieces of clothes, be it mekhala-chadar or sarees or salwars.

P. Hira, one of the participants said that the price of hand woven Gamocha starts from Rs. 130 to Rs. 220. According to him, mostly elder women come to buy traditional clothes for their family members as gift during Bihu. The demands of people differ from every age group and accordingly they keep stock of clothes of every design.

Leena Rajkumari Baruah of Siro Seuj Kala Kristi who have organised Bohagi Mela at Dighalipukhuri said that the main objective of the mela is to show the tradition of Assamese culture to the young generation as well as to provide a platform to the local weavers who have struggled hard to keep intact the traditional products of the state.

Other than the traditional items like mekhala-chadar, jewellery and gamocha, markets are also flooded with different products like shirts, tshirts, shoes, pants for the men. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

W

READ LIKE A WORM

ith e-books galore, today children have actually forgotten to smell books and read them from start to end.

I remember as a kid, my Mom would tell me that if I kept reading books at the pace that I did, it wouldn’t be too long before I had to take glasses. And, when I actually had to, I was glad that the doc told us that my being myopic had more to do with my genes than being a book worm. So, I got back to my reading with even greater force than before. Now, I wish I had kept a record of all the books that I had read since I was a kid. Must be over 2000 till date! Maybe more, but nothing less!

I pity some of the kids today as they will never know the romance of a book, falling in love with it and retaining that love for life.

My affair with books has been a thinking.

Even comics can be a very long, serious and faithful one; definitely one affair I am not easily to healthy diversion. I remember fall out off, since it started when I reading ‘Phantom’, the entire series in comic books and also in the local was just a little girl.

But Mom was not always ad- newspaper, “The Assam Tribune”, verse towards my reading habit. which used the bottom left-hand Since, I loved books so much, she corner of the second page for the would make it a point to take me comic strip, to be continued the every Sunday to the Shillong Dis- next day. My excitement gathered trict Library. And both of us would momentum the minute I held the read books for hours. Mom would newspaper to open to the second read books of her interest and I page and find out about the life would read mine. At the end of a of Phantom, his wife, Diana and two and half hour session of read- their children, Kit and Heloise. I ing, we would again pick up two remember reading Mandrake, the books each, to be returned in a fort- magician and Lothar, his friend fighting the bad men, all in comic night.

All throughout the bus-ride books. The Superman series caught back home, I would be thinking of my fancy much later. But more than anything, I was desperately in love when to start reading the books.

But Mom had other plans with Tintin and Captain Haddock. though. She would make me study Even though I couldn’t afford the first for the next day of school and expensive comic books, however, I then only was I allowed to touch the was lucky to have cousins who kept the entire series bound together for books.

These days, children have so easy reading. And I would borrow many diversions; the television, PSP them and keep them for days, more games, bowling, the movies or just so because I wanted to read them ‘chillin around with friends over several times over, which I actually coffee’. Not that these diversions did.

I never really appreciated hisonly have their negative impacts but the most important diversion, that tory classes because they were mostly about dates and years of of, reading has gone sadly missing.

I remember, I used to have the DEBoccurrences I could hardly recolKALYAN new Enid Blyton series all stacked lect, even after pondering endlessly RAHUL on techniques to remember them. up for the winter holidays, all bor-CHANDA comics were my friends when rowed from my cousin, an avid These Mrinmoyee Hazarika reader herself. And during the holi- I was pathetically lonely. I was fasdays, the first thing on waking, even cinated by “Jhansi ki Rani” beyond before I had brushed my teeth, was my dreams and I started to visualise rahul.chanda@g-plus.in to start reading. It would probably of being like her; a brave dare-devil, kalyan.deb@g-plus.in take me half a day to finish one yet feminine.

The pictorial narrative of the book. mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in What I am today has a lot of two epics, Ramayana and Mahabcontribution to the books I had read harata, are still vivid in my mind as a little girl. The Famous Five, The as I had probably gone over these Secret Sevens, The Naughty Girl, stories in comics well over 50 times.

Brer Rabbit, all amazing series that I I would read them once and then enjoyed reading and could possibly start all over again as if I had just started reading them. read again.

It is very important that a child I had read Shakespeare in school and my favourite story was should start its affair with books ‘Merchant of Venice.” I have started as early as possible. Books can be reading Shakespeare again just to a great alternative (if not always) to toys, which a child outgrows enthuse myself with the dramatics.

Like I always say, ‘Reading ma- faster than clothes. A child can be keth a man”, so we must encour- moulded to love different kinds of age every child to read books of all books as early as 21/2 to 3 years. It genres, which will enhance their is during these formative years that creative minds and get them to start a child starts soaking in every bit of kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

information from care-givers and peer groups. And we can dream of a bright future for our children if we seek to pass on interesting and correct information. According to some studies, the child starts learning from the mother’s womb.

I couldn’t understand when my mother suggested to my aunt, then a mother-to-be, to read interesting books to make her child more intelligent. It may be purely coincidental that now my cousin works in a multi-national IT company of international repute. So, should we connect it to the fact that my aunt used to teach Science and Maths in school? Maybe yes and no! This could be something we would like to believe but I personally feel that there could be no side-effects in expecting mothers to read good books during the nine months of her pregnancy. I for one read and wrote a lot, while I was expecting my child.

I had the opportunity to rewrite the diary of the Fifth President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, which he wrote when he was in jail. Since, I stayed home most of the time; I decided to read a bunch of books.

I went onto complete five of them, which I feel is quite a feat, which wouldn’t have been possible under regular circumstances.

I think it is very wise to carry reading material wherever we go.

At the slightest opportunity, we can just flip it open and start reading.

For example, while waiting at the dentist’s, instead of looking at the clock and the peeling paint on the walls and flipping through the ohso-worn-out-magazines-from-2013 and also while travelling by bus or waiting at a queue, the book can transport us to a different world altogether.

And perchance, we are not carrying a book, then a notebook can be a good space to jot down important ideas that might cross the mind. These points can later be arranged in a meaningful pattern of writing and that can be another source of interest altogether.

tinat ATIFA MASOOD

19

Life

All Religions Are One

T

he Ganesh festival, People often ask, ‘Why do they first worship the idol of Lord Ganesha and then immerse it in water?’

You know, there was a brilliant idea the Rishis (wise sages) had behind keeping this custom. They said that pooja simply means that whatever God does for us, we do the same for Him as a token of love and gratitude.

It is like a way to play with the divine, just the way the divine plays with us.

So this divine play is called pooja.

This is why we ‘play’ with the idol of Lord Ganesha (by offering worship) and after some time, the clay idol is immersed in the water. This entire process is a way of expressing to the divine, ‘O Lord! You who are present as the very soul dwelling within me, I pray to you to just manifest in the form of this idol for some time so that I may play with you, just as you lovingly play with me. I wish to celebrate with you’.

After the worship is over, we ask the divine to return once again deep within our hearts. And we then immerse the idol in water.

Today there is a need for spiritual education. Spiritual education is that which connects everybody together. There have been so many saints in time, and they have all had the same opinion – that everything is one.

You will be surprised if you listen to the description that Shri Adi Shankaracharya Ji has given about Lord Ganesha. He sings, ‘Ajam nirvikalpam nirakaram ekam’.

It means, Lord Ganesha is Nirakara (without form). So here Adi Shankaracharya Ji says, ‘O Lord Ganesha! You are the eternal, formless divinity manifest everywhere’.

You will find the same description about the divine in the beginning verses of the Holy Quran. The unfortunate part is that we know so little about our own religion and scriptures.

No religion in the world preaches that you should hurt or injure another being. Then why is all this happening today? It is because religious education has not been imparted in a proper way to everyone. Today there is a need for spiritual education. Spiritual education is that which connects everybody together. There have been so many saints in time, and they have all had the same opinion – that everything is one.

So the leaders in Iraq asked three things from us.

The first thing they wanted is Indian Spirituality, because they see it as a very unique way of connecting and bringing everyone together in love and harmony.

The second thing that they asked for was help in the field of education.

They said that the youth studying in the IIT’s in India are very intelligent and sharp. Please help our youth also get such good technical

education by getting trained in IIT. The third thing that they said was that they would want Indian teams to come to Iraq and extract oil from their oil wells. A lot of westerners are already doing this since a long time, but now we would want Indians to also come and benefit from the oil resources of our country.

I tell you, if all the countries make even 0.1% of the expenditure that they make in the field of defense towards spreading peace and harmony, the entire world can change. No one prefers hatred. But many times unknowingly it happens, or it happens due to fear and insecurity of others.

If we want World peace today, we have to start with ourselves first. Once you behold the divine light within you, I tell you, you will not find anyone a stranger. You will feel as if everyone belongs to you.

There is one thing I would want to share with you all. Before coming here today, the only other Islamic university where I have given a talk at, is at the University in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2012. Thousands of youth had gathered there that day. I remember that they had made preparations for that event with such enthusiasm.

There also I was asked why we worship so many different Gods and Goddesses in India. I gave them a simple example to explain this. See, from the same wheat flour, you make Halwa (an Indian sweet preparation), Puuris (a fried Indian flatbread) and Samosa (an Indian savoury snack). Is it not so? Similarly you use the same dough to make Pizza also, and for noodles also. Why do we do this? It is because we like a variety of foods.

In the same way, we in India always believe that God is one. But we dress the one divinity in different costumes! (Laughter) So we dress the divine in different attire and give every form a different name.

There are 1008 different names of the divine in Hinduism, and they have attached a form to every name. This is what it is.

The audience there appreciated this understanding. Some people said, ‘Gurudev, you have explained it so nicely. Until now could not understand why Indians worship so many Gods and Goddesses when God is one’.

So if we want World peace today, we have to start with ourselves first.

Once you behold the divine light within you, I tell you, you will not find anyone a stranger. You will feel as if everyone belongs to you. Every person in the world belongs to us.

But this realization can dawn once we become aware of our own light within that no one can extinguish.

The aim of pranayama and meditation is only this, to make you aware and realize the divine light within.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

20

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Reviews

u Yo D TEN SHOUL S LI

E GAM REVIEW

Mov Revi ie ew

Cast: Sunny Leone, Jay Bhanushali, Mohit Alawat, Rajniesh Duggal, Rahul Dev Director: Bobby Khan

E

k Paheli Leela is a musical-romantic film that revolves around the reincarnation story of a London-based Indian model named Meera, who lands up in Rajasthan to attend a photo-shoot. She falls in love with Prince Ranveer and marries him. But her life takes an interesting twist, when she meets her lover of her previous birth. How the mystery unfolds, forms the crux of the film.

It will leave you wracking your brains because the makers, banking on basic instinct, have brazenly decided that they don’t need any intelligence in order to craft a film. The painfully pointless Ek Paheli Leela is a fullblown cinematic conundrum whose depth is inversely proportional to the generous decolletage that is on show.

Yup, the Hindi film heroine has come of age. How much so, is apparent when we

see Sunny Leone, the brunt of so many giggly jokes just two years, take centre-stage in this surprisingly engaging and yummy yarn about a sexy British-Indian model who in her previous life was a sexy Rajasthani ‘chokri’ whom the local sculptor lusted after.

Movie buffs, who watched the first show of “Ek Paheli Leela” have said that the movie has a good script and wonderful direction. Sunny Leone, who has played the title role, has a lot of scope for performance, but her acting is not up to the mark and she needs to brush up her acting skills.

But, before you think of spending the beautiful hours of yours give it a thought: Can luscious Ms Leone, dazzling in her double avatar, really act? But does Sunny Leone’s ‘Ek Paheli Leela’ have more to it than just Sunny Leone?

Album: Coming Forth by Day Artist: Cassandra Wilson

P

The Sims 4

T

he Sims as a dollhouse, a role that The Sims 4 fulfills with some aplomb. If you want to build but prefer not to micromanage the details, the game comes with various prearranged rooms that you can fit together like Tetris pieces, but if you’re devoted to the arts of architecture and interior design, you have the series most streamlined set of buying and building tools yet. Buy and Build modes share the same interface, making it simple to mix creation and decoration rather than forcing you to approach each activity as an opposing side of the same simolean. Stretching and dragging walls into properly modular rectangles? It’s as easy as knowing how to use a mouse and keyboard. Not sure what category a chess set falls under? Just type a keyword into the search field and select the best match. Given the conflation of two modes into one, and the amount of categories to sift through, The Sims 4 does a creditable job of leading

erhaps the pairing of Cassandra Wilson and Billie Holiday carries a whiff of inevitability, but there’s nothing predictable about Coming Forth

by Day. Released to coincide with Holiday’s centennial in 2015, Coming Forth

by Day explicitly celebrates Lady Day by drawing upon standards she sang in addition to songs she wrote, but Wilson deliberately sidesteps the conventional by hiring Nick Launay as a producer. As a result of his work with Nick Cave, Launay mastered a certain brand of spooky Americana, something that comes in handy with the Holiday catalog, but Coming Forth

by Day is never too thick with murk. It luxuriates in its atmosphere, sometimes sliding into a groove suggesting smooth ‘70s soul, often handsomely evoking a cinematic torch song -- moods that complement each other and suggest Holiday’s work without replicating it. This is a neat trick: such flexibility suggests how adaptable Holiday’s songbook is while underscoring the imagination behind Wilson’s interpretations. Certainly, Launay deserves credit for his painterly production, but the success of Coming Forth by Day belongs entirely to Wilson, who proves that she’s an heir to Holiday’s throne by never once imitating her idol.

you right to the objects and tools you’re seeking.

In short, The Sims 4’s biggest problem is that The Sims 3 exists, and describing where it stumbles by necessity means looking at where the series has been. This is a lovely and lively game that elicits constant smirks, but The Sims 4’s moments never feel like part of a bigger picture. Spontaneity is limited in turn, which brings me back to that gargantuan telescope now sitting in front of the library. Gazing at the stars means enduring a loading screen, and while I appreciate the top-level commands that I can issue to family members playing in other lots, simultaneously spending time with other sims means enduring even more loading screens, or forcing my family to travel together. I love looking at and listening to The Sims 4, but those little digital people aren’t so enchanting as to keep me hooked-not when a decked-out version of The Sims 3 is far more inviting.

Book: Dark Temptations: The Naughty Proposal!

Author: Shanaya Taneja

You SHOUL Rea D d

T

ara: “I’m not interested in getting involved with a nice guy.

No more serious relationships! I just want to enjoy. This time it’s going to be my rules, my way.”

Sneha: “Who cares whether he is a nice guy or a bad guy. As long as he is a guy, you need to enjoy him and move on. At least, that’s what I do.”

Dheeraj: “This can just be our way to fulfil our dark temptations. Is that what you wanted to hear? So you just

take care of the time we plan to share, and leave the rest to a rich rascal like me.”

Abhimanyu: “Let’s enjoy every moment.” A wild night of pleasure and passion brings up The Naughty Proposal! that takes them on a bumpy ride from one bed to another. A proposal which involves sinful delight, amorous games and unbridled passion, where pleasure is the ultimate prize. Or is the prize something else?”

NOW SHOWING Ek Paheli Leela

Dharam Sankat Mein

Fast and Furious 7

Detective Btomkesh Bakshi

Apsara Cinema

Daily at 11.00 AM, 5.00 & 8.00 PM

Daily at 2.00 PM

Anuradha Cineplex

Daily at 10.00 AM

Daily at 12.45 PM

Daily at 3.15, 6.00 & 8.45 PM

Fun Cinemas

Daily at 8.45 PM

Daily at 5.50 PM

Daily at 9.45 AM & 3.10 PM

Daily at 12.15 PM

Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazar)

Daily at 12.30, 5.45 & 8.45 PM

Daily at 10.15 AM, 3.15 & 8.30 PM

Daily at 10.30 AM, 3.45 & 6.15 PM

Daily at 1.00 PM

Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar)

Daily at 10.30 AM, 5.45 & 8.45 PM

Daily at 10.15 AM, 3.15 & 8.30 PM

Dailt at 1.15, 3.45 & 6.15 PM

Daily at 12.30 PM

Gold Cinema (Narengi)

Daily at 11.00 AM & 8.00 PM

Dailt at 2.00 PM

Daily at 5.00 PM

Telebooking numbers: Anuradha Cineplex; 03612656968, 9954544738, Fun Cinemas: 9864800100, 9864800200, Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazaar): 03612735367, 9854077177, Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar): 9854066166, Gold Cinema (Narengi): 8811001898

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

21

Entertainment

Swara gets special gift from her mother on birthday

Dumb and Dumber Is Soha the ‘New Alia’?

Imran Khan tattoos daughter’s footprints on his chest

S

wara Bhaskar turns a year older today, but she is not in party hearty mode.

The actress will have a working birthday as she is shooting for her films ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ as well as ‘Nil Baatey Sannata’.

Swara’s mother, however, is flying down to Mumbai from hometown Delhi to be with her daughter. For Swara, there is no better gift than having her mom around for her birthday.

W

ell, its time you peeps take a time out from Alia Jokes, as there is a new ‘Beauty’ in town, Soha Ali Khan.

As the newly wed couple was at an event, the launch of a TV brand in Mumbai. They had a round of questions with the media. Apparently when Soha was asked to express her views on Shashi Kapoor winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, she replied, `I am a big fan of Rishiji (Rishi Kapoor) and he has just came on Twitter. I am also following him

and am proud that he won the award.` Soha had totally mistaken the identity of Shashi Kapoor with Rishi Kapoor. Boo! We wonder what Alia might be thinking, how dumb Soha is, as even Alia would be knowing the differences between the two megastars.

However, Ranvijay who was also present at the launch corrected Soha, to which Soha blushed and apologised.

Say what may! We believe Alia would be so relieved, that now she has company.

Poonam searching for her man

A

ctress Poonam Pandey, who made her acting debut with bold film “Nasha”, is now hunting for the leading actor for her next film “Helen” -through a social networking web site.

“The producers and the director auditioned over 1,000 actors and models but felt that the applicant did not have the X factor to star opposite me,” said Poonam.

The film producer says Poon-

am came up with this “maginificent idea” of online hunt.

“She suggested that we look for her hero from the very microblogging site of Twitter that made her a superstar.

We latched on to the idea, and Voila,” said Suresh Nakum.

“Helen” will be directed by Ajit Rajpal and is produced by Sureh Nakum and Vipin Medhekar under the banner of The World Networks.

Ranveer’s character in Dil Dhadakne Do

R

anveer Singh is playing an urban character in Dil Dhadakne Do. This is the first time he will be playing such a character.

In the past he has played a small town or village boy in his films, but never an urban character.

In Dil Dhadakne Do Ranveer belongs to an upper class Punjabi family that is on a cruise trip across the Mediterranean.

His character has a casual and comfortable, yet classy look that is being loved by people.

I

mran Khan who has been inked twice before , on his neck and arm, recently go a third tattoo, on his chest.

The design this time is a unique one as it features footprints of his 10-monthold daughter, Imara.

The actor got inked during a family holiday in Goa in January, by a tattoo artiste who has designed one of his previous tattoos as well.

Imran wanted to get something special, yet unusual done as soon as Imara was born., but he did not have a particular design in mind.

Imran’s mother had his footprints etched on a piece of paper, which she has treasured all these years.

That’s where the idea originated and Imran eventually decided to get it done.

When contacted, Imran confirmed the story and added, “Imara is my firstborn, and I wanted a tattoo that I would cherish forever.”

22

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Fun

Your weekly dose of

TIMEPASS

Mind power rules this week, as does developing an insatiable curiosity. You’ll go far if you read everything you can find and become inspired. Read motivational books if it will help you take action and do what you have to do.

The information you pick up could be crucial in helping you get a better job, persuading your love interest out on a date, or explaining why you deserve a pay raise. Creativity and romance rock, too (if you’re ready and willing).

Mental activity could keep you awake at night. Your subconscious mind seems to be very active at this time, too, so by tapping it you may be able to put its helpful attributes to good use. Consider journaling every day and your creative ideas could leap off the page, helping you resolve problems and gain a new perspective on life. Watch your dreams, too, as they can prove helpful. Later, your ability to get the best bargains comes to the fore.

A new influence kicks in, motivating you to start on all those plans and ideas you’ve been thinking about. Traveling, whether for pleasure or business, is strongly indicated, too. You’ll benefit more by taking the road less traveled. If you’re going on vacation, opt for places off the beaten track. They can open you to new life experiences. If you’re thinking of taking a course, look for one with a different take on a familiar subject. Dedicated action can bring career progress.

Sagittarius You’ll enjoy pitting your wits against others in a competitive sense, whether this involves sporting or entrepreneurial activities or both. This week’s powerful Mercury focus encourages you to think in terms of strategies to get what you want. Whatever you do, don’t leave things to chance. With just a little thought you can do so much better. Want to capture someone’s heart? Show you’re the best person for him or her, even if you have to act a little goofy to fulfill your dream.

SUDOKU

It’s well worth socializing this week as it could significantly change your life. Whatever issues or challenges you face, someone you meet is bound to have an answer - or at least some advice. Even so, it doesn’t mean you have to discuss your innermost secrets. Carefully choose the people in whom you confide. Venus dances into your sign this weekend, making you an attractive option. If romance is on your mind, this could be one of the better times to start dating.

This week is all about action related to your goals and ambitions. The cosmos may have some amazing surprises for you in the form of encouraging events or people you meet. If you have been procrastinating concerning an important career plan, this is the time to get busy. However, you will also benefit from befriending likeminded people who might be able to offer you support. In addition, Mars and Venus in Taurus can bring a sensuous quality to your love life.

Scorpio

Libra

Virgo

Leo

Cancer

Gemini

Taurus

Aries

HOROSCOPE

Allow your intuitive awareness to guide you through the maze of money matters this week. If you’ve despaired of ever getting your finances sorted out, the current alignment encourages you to renew your efforts. In this instance knowledge is power. The more you know, the more access you’ll have to facts that can banish fears associated with not having enough money. However, you also need to do something. Charm can pave the way to a golden opportunity where career matters are concerned.

What do you do if other people seem to question your motives? Perhaps you feel that a love interest, partner, or other people around you are being too inquisitive, and you don’t like it! This week you’ll need to flex your muscles and give as good as you get. If somebody seems to be trampling on your boundaries, let them know you won’t tolerate it. The confidence you gain as a result should stand you in good stead in other areas of life.

Your love life is getting much more interesting. If you’re in a long-term partnership, taking on a challenge together could be good for you both, especially if you increase your joint income as a result. Looking for love? Opt for a more proactive approach to finding the person of your dreams. This doesn’t just apply to socializing. You’ll also benefit from adopting a positive lifestyle with plenty of exercise. If you feel good in yourself, others are likely to respond to this.

Pisces

Aquarius

Capricorn A calm, peaceful life may seem like an unattainable dream. This week looks just as hectic as ever, particularly on the home front. It’s at such times when in the thick of it that you can make great progress. If you feel challenged, see it as a plus. It brings an opportunity to progress, even if unwillingly at first. You’ll need to soothe your nerves after so much excitement, and with romance high on the agenda there are plenty of chances for that.

There are two sides to the week ahead - very fast and very slow. When it comes to closing deals, getting a bargain, or sending your message out to the world, be quick off the mark. The faster you respond to the opportunities around you, the better off you will be. The Universe loves speed, so pick a goal and plan, talk, and advertise your way to success. After this you’ll be ready to kick back and relax to soothe those frazzled nerves.

Are you on the same merry-go-round and feeling overwhelmed, with financial issues causing feelings of frustration? If so, the way to deal with this isn’t to flail around in the water trying not to drown but to gather information and make intelligent decisions. You don’t have to sort this out alone - get help. If you feel panic rising, this is the time to find someone who can inform you of solutions you never knew existed.

Later, revive yourself with a homey get-together.

Useful Life hacks Organize Your Cleaning Supplies In A Hanging Shoe Holder

O

ver the door shoe racks are great for storing your stilettos, flats and wedges. But did you know this little invention could be used to store cleaning supplies? According to Homemade Simple, it’s the perfect way to save space in your pantry.

All you have to do is place your cleaners, sponges and air fresheners into each little pocket and put the rack in the most convenient place in your kitchen. You can also put it in the bathroom and store extra shampoos and soaps. It’s also a good way to keep harmful products out the way of children, if they are placed high enough.

JUST FOR LAUGHs Once a midget gets on an elevator and somehow pushes the button to go up, just before the door closes, a hand comes through and opens the door.

In steps a very large black man. The short man stares and says “You’re the biggest man I have ever seen.” The man nods his head, and replies “I’m 6-10, weigh 286 lbs., and I repair fax machine, I’m Turner Brown.” He faints! After coming too, the dwarf asks the man to repeat himself.

So he does, “I said I’m 6-10, weigh 286 lbs., I repair fax machines, my name is Turner Brown.”

He looked relieved and started laughing.

“For a minute there, I thought you said ‘I am a s ex machine, Turn Around’.”

Solution (Last Issue)

G PLUS APR 10 - APR 17, 2015

23

Catching Up

Guinness World Record set for fastest tractor at 88mph

Rosie Huntington

Wants to make her career decisions

A

new Gunness World Record has been set for the fastest tractor speed.

Four-time Rally World Champion Juha Kankkunen zoomed a Valtra T234 tractor up to a speed of 130.165 kph (80.88mph) at an emergency airfield in Vuojärvi, Finland.

Achieved on northproof Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres, Kankkunen managed to break the record with the tractor’s 247bhp from its six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

The record took place on 19 February and the total length of the packed snow strip was approximately 2,300 metres.

Soon, you may be able to change flights ‘mid-air’

S

cientists are planning to shape nuclearpowered planes that may allow passengers change flights mid-air and jets refuel in the sky.

The next generation of air travel would allow passengers to be delivered to the behemoths via smaller planes, along with their luggage.

Engineers are also working on “flying pet-

rol stations” that could enable non-stop flights.

Refueling in the skies would cut the amount of fuel planes need for take-off, when they are heaviest, making them better for the environment.

The concept has been tested with the help of professional pilots using simulators but, four years in, researchers have yet to trial anything in flight.

HUNTER BECOMES HUNTED Cop car nonchalantly parked in a No Parking zone

Picture by Adib Zamali

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s ambition is to be in a position where she makes her own career choices, rather than other people selecting her for jobs.

The 27-year-old modeland-actress feels “proud” when she is selected for a job but is aiming to be in a position where her fate doesn’t lie in anyone else’s hands.

She said: “Being a model, being an actress--it’s not decided by you. You’re chosen.

You’re cast, and that’s fantastic, of course. There is always a sense of pride when you make the cut, but there has always been a big part of me that wants to make things happen for myself. I’d like to get myself into a position where I’m starting something on my own. That’s my focus for this year.”

DEADPOOL poster revealed

F

inally the most awaited marvel anti hero movie Deadpool is out for release Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool.

Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Reynolds stars as the title character alongside TJ Miller as Weasel, Gina Carano as Angel Dust, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Morena Baccarin as Copycat and Ed Skrein as Ajax. The film will also feature the mutant Colossus, though Daniel Cudmore has confirmed he will not appear as the character.

Tim Miller is directing the movie from a script by Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Confirmed to be rated R, Deadpool is scheduled for a release on February 12, 2016.

24

G PLUS APR 11 - APR 17, 2015

Catching Up

Events

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