Green building council launched for eco-friendly environment in the city
PG 04
VOLUME 03 | ISSUE 38 JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
PRICE `10
sex PG
02
With underprivileged girls migrating to Guwahati in search of decent jobs and survival, some organized gangs lure them, motivate them or force them into prostitution
603 seats in three streams lying vacant in city colleges PG 11
G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016
Himadri Das
New Chic on the block
Page 24
11
2
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Lead Story
R
ecently there was a scene of chaos at Paltan Bazar one night where some women were engaged in a big quarrel with some men. Overhearing the conversion we learnt that the women were asking for more money over some deal. Later a paan shop owner said that the women were sex workers and they keep on the lookout for customers in the area. G Plus decided to check the prostitution scenario in the city.
City spas, sex trade points under police radar
With underprivileged girls migrating to Guwahati in search of decent jobs and survival, some organized gangs lure them, motivate them or force them into prostitution Rahul Chanda With incidents of immoral trafficking increasing in the city the pickup points of sex workers are also increasing
Pickup points According to the police, there are many pickup points in Guwahati and it is very difficult for the police to apprehend the workers red-handed. Finally proving them guilty in court is even tougher. The main pickup points in Guwahati are Ganeshguri bus stop, beneath the Ganeshguri Flyover, Jalukbari, Opposite Dispur Police Station, Hatigaon, Geetanagar, Paltan Bazar (near Bajaj showroom and Meghdoot Hall) and Chandmari. There are many gangs working across the city dealing in sex trade and the pickup points are the places from where customers usually pick the worker. According to the Immoral Trafficking and Prevention Act 1956, the customer, in such a trade, is also an accused and is liable to punishment. Interestingly, many pickup points in the city happen to be in the proximity of police stations. According to a source in the ASTC multilevel car parking in Paltan Bazar, many people go to the parking lot at nights with sex workers and sometimes even some police personnel are seen to be going inside the parking lot in the company of sex workers.
Modus operendi According to a lady police officer, migrants from different states come to Guwahati in search of work. But with the success of securing a job eluding them, they start forming gangs and lure poor people from outside the state. These poor girls are brought from other states with promises of decent jobs and a better life but are later forced into flesh trade. The age group of the sex workers is mostly 16 to 21. They get into the business and some houses in the city are used as brothels. To get customers the sex workers wait at the pickup points at night. The pickup points are mostly at the thickly populated junctions and markets where a huge nexus works together to lure the customers. They are then taken to hotels, or the houses where the deal is concluded along with the act. She also said that immoral activity is a major problem in Guwahati and the number of cases is increasing in the city.
Spas turning into
Many city spas are turning into sex trading points Ganeshguri bus stop, beneath the Ganeshguri Flyover, Jalukbari, Opposite Dispur Police Station, Hatigaon Chariali, Geetanagar, Paltan Bazar (near Bajaj showroom and Meghdoot Cinema Hall) and Chandmari are some of the major pickup points
G Plus photo
prostitution points The lady officer said that last year the police raided a couple of spas in the city and discovered that some spas are facilitating or indulging in sex trade. The officer said that girls mostly from Thailand, neighbouring states like Nagaland and Mizoram, and also from Upper Assam come and start working in the spas. The officer said that later in some spas, the owners motivate the girls to get involved in prostitution against high remuneration. The official said that this year so far, because of elections and other duties, the police have not raided any spa. They also did not get any specific inputs or information and simply raiding spas blindly without success does not amount to much of an exercise. The officer said that at present they do have some inputs and very soon they are going to raid some spas. The officer also said that the girls who work in the spas are from poor families and get trapped or lured into the immoral business.
The customers Anyone from a student to security personnel, truck driver, rickshaw puller, trader, businessman
and others can be a customer. According to sources, in some hotels in the city, the hotel workers and drivers also have a nexus with pimps of such gangs and they know the pimps well enough to earn cuts by sending customers to them. The lady police officer said that Paltan Bazar is a hub for immoral trafficking and activities and very recently there were some eunuchs in the area who were also working as sex workers. The eunuchs also have some women friends and they locate customers for them. Sometimes some of them are seen being a social irritation in the area. According to the lady officer, the police pick the workers sometimes but it is difficult for the police to catch them red-handed making it further difficult to prove the crime in court. According to sources in the police many college going students are also indulging in the business and they usually are picked and taken to hotels. The lady police officer said, “The hostel wardens should be careful and should set a deadline for the students to return to the hostel and also everyone should abide by the law.”
The increase An auto driver said under condi-
tions of anonymity, “I always drive at nights because there is less traffic and also the passengers are willing to pay more. Before, I used to see the sex workers only in Paltan Bazar area, but these days they are everywhere and areas like Ganeshguri, Dispur, Chandmari and Jalukbari are crowded during the nights with such people. I have ferried many people who pick up the workers from such points and take them to hotels - especially in Paltan Bazar.” He further added that at every point there are some men who keep an eye on the workers and if something goes wrong the men step in to confront the customers, which explains that they have a huge gang and it’s not easy to quarrel or bargain with them.” Some workers in Paltan Bazar just take money from the customers and do not go with them. The customers are in no position to complain to the police and put their reputation at stake. Guwahati does not have a red light area but news on prostitution is always there coming from various parts of the city. And the so-called pickup points in Guwahati are also increasing. The question remains that as it is a crime which is tough to prove how the authorities will tackle it and how the poor people who are lured and forced into this dirty profession be rescued.
Organized gangs are indulging in sex trade across the city Most of the pickup points are in the proximity of police stations The workers are mostly in age group of 16 to 21; in some cases there are even minors The gangs lure poor women from other states with the promise of decent jobs and later force them into the business Some college students are actively indulging in the business Customers are mainly students, security personnel, truck drivers, rickshaw pullers, traders and businessmen Police finds it tough to catch them red-handed rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
I
n a bizarre incident, several trees were found with Asafoetida (Heeng) injected in them in order to kill them. The matter came to light on 23rd June when several trees on the stretch from Jonali to Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden were found with holes drilled in the bark of the trees. Unlike any other busy area of the city the entire stretch of RG Baruah Road is privileged to have the shade of several trees. Planted along the Bahini River (the large drain to the east of RG Baruah Road) the roadside is covered with several trees most of which are eucalyptus. Moreover, it is these eucalyptus trees particularly that have fallen victim to the despicable act. The incident caught the attention of the local electronic media as it appeared that there was some vested interests who were willing to cut down more trees in the area. According to a post shared by a conscious citizen and a tree lover, Sewali Kalita, it was mentioned that attempts are being made to illegally cut down more than hundred trees. She mentioned that a few people are striving to cut down the trees from Zoo Tiniali to Ganeshguri of RG Baruah Road. “Many times I called the former mayor, Abir Patra, to inform him about the cutting down of trees while developmental work was carried out in the area by the government. I even had arguments with PWD labourers and officials and thereafter tried to inform him about the same but I received no response from him,” Sewali stated to G Plus adding, “I also got into an argument with officials who refused to disclose which department they were from. It was the day before the trees were found with Asafoetida (Heeng) was injected in them. They had even threatened me and said that they would cut the trees by any means.” The incident came to the notice of the Minister for Environment and Forest, Pramila Rani Brahma who had visited the area later that day. Following the incident a probe was ordered by the newly elected minister; howev-
City social forestry under threat; tree killer on the loose
3
Concern
Asafoetida deliberately used to kill several trees next to the Bahini River on RG Baruah Road; motive still remains KALYAN DEB unclear
Photo Credit sewali kalita: trees on r g Baruah road injected with asafoetida
er no concrete results have emerged so far. Meanwhile, such unabashed eccentricity raises concern, keeping in view the deteriorating natural environment of the city. Sewali also informed that while carrying out the de-siltation process on Bahini River last year the officials dug the roots of the trees and filled them with silt. Sewali asserted, “I have been planting trees in the area for the past five years. The act of digging the area near the root of the trees has only harmed the trees. I even made a written complaint to the former mayor that they should not dig the root of the
trees to deposit the mud of Bharalu and Bahini Rivers. I also mentioned it during G Plus’s Ward Talks held at Shraddhanjali Kanan where the mayor himself was present. Departments such as PWD, GMC, ASEB, Forest Department and GMDA should give us the clarifications as to who are behind this sinful act. I have been personally planting trees around Guwahati for the past ten years and if someone has cut the trees illegally, I cannot bear it.” Asafoetida is a traditional Indian root killer and has been proved to be an extremely effective method to kill trees. Asafoetida takes a minimum
of two weeks or even more to kill the tree roots while maintaining the soil texture. The importance of trees for the conservation of biodiversity is wellknown to people. Amidst the deteriorating environmental condition people should help facilitate forest restoration. It is increasingly important to identify potentially effective local conservation strategies that accommodate existing perceptions of the value of the trees. Recently, local villagers unearthed a clandestine tree-felling racket at Bamunigaon in West Kamrup. The
forest department placed three lower level staff under suspension, sparking outrage among conservationists who feel attempts are being made to shield senior officers having nexus with the timber mafia. An inquiry was initiated during which the probe team seized 53 sections (logs) of felled trees from the area. Locals spotted the stumps of freshly cut trees the next day and raised a hue and cry. The area from where the trees were felled is Ambari Pahar. Cutting of trees has been a daily affair with no preventive measures coming from the forest department. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
4
Buzz
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Green building council launched for eco-friendly environment in the city
Juthika Baruah
T
he Green Building concept was launched in the city as the city’s infrastructural development is expanding and to preserve the environment the concept of green building was introduced in the construction sector. The demand for energy, water and materials in the building industry has been growing phenomenally over the years and the need has arisen to address the minimization of natural resources for the buildings construction and their associated impact on environment. The construction sector therefore needs to play a responsible role towards preservation of the environment. In this context, green buildings can play a catalytic role in addressing environmental issues and concerns. “A green building is one which uses less water, improves energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants as compared to a conventional building,” said Saurav Choudhury, Member of Green Building Council, while speaking to G Plus. Sustainable buildings and earth-centric formulas are inherent in our ancient approach to building design and construction. The monuments, havelis, courtyards are excellent examples of this approach. Buildings were intricately woven around Panchabhutas - the five elements of nature and the bounty of Mother Earth was respected and harnessed. The need of the hour is to re-discover our past and build on our vibrant ancient concepts like Jaali systems, domed structures, water management practices, traditional cooling systems and use of local materials.
Benefits of Green Buildings:
1. 40-50 % saving in electricity consumption as compared to a conventional building 2. 20-30% saving in water consumption 3. Addresses national priorities: conservation of natural resources, water efficiency, energy efficiency, handling of municipal waste and health & well-being of the occupants 4. Intangible benefits: enhanced ventilation and better views & day-lighting 5. Enhanced health & productivity of occupants
Green buildings use less water, improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources which are essential for a city undergoing infrastructural development Artistic impression of a green building
Illustrative Green Building Features: Building design Envelope Glass Appliances Lighting systems Renewable energy sources Energy monitoring Water fixtures Water management Sourcing of building materials Certified wood Sustainable site measures Transportation Landscaping
Orient building to allow optimum sunlight and ventilation High performance walls, roofs • fly ash bricks for walls, over deck insulation, etc., High performance glass – double glazed units, Low e Glass BEE star rated equipment and appliances • air conditioners, refrigerators, geysers, etc., Energy efficient lamps and luminaries • T5, CFL, LED, High frequency electronic ballast etc., Solar photovoltaic, solar water heaters, biogas etc., Energy meters and sub meters to measure, monitor and sustain building performance Use ultra low & low flow and flush water fixtures • dual flush systems, (high flush 4 – 6 LPF / low flush 1.5 - 2 LPF), water less urinals etc., • Provide rain water harvesting/storage structures • Treat 100% waste water onsite • Use water meters to monitor the consumption of treated grey water, irrigation water, rainwater reuse, domestic hot water etc., Use eco-friendly building materials and try to source materials that are locally manufactured (within 400 km) from project site • Use wood certified by local forestry or rapidly renewable materials (plantations which can be completely replenished within 10 years) for all wooden products and furniture • Retain and reuse fertile top soil during construction for landscaping, post-occupancy • Maximise the vegetated open space in the building • Use alternative fuel vehicles such as electric cars for local conveyance and encourage car/ van pooling and public transport • Reuse treated waste water for landscaping • Use drought tolerant and native species for landscape to reduce irrigation requirement
Irrigation efficiency
•
Interior finishing materials
•
Optimise ventilation & day lighting Views for occupants
Use drip and sprinkler irrigation systems for enhanced water efficiency
Use NO or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials such as paints, adhesives, sealants, coatings etc. • Design openings to enhance cross ventilation • Ensure maximum daylight into all occupied spaces Design interior layouts which would provide a better connectivity to the occupants with the external world
The Guwahati Chapter of Green Building Council initiated by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) with the support of the stakeholders has launched green building rating systems to suit various types of buildings which bring together a host of
sustainable practices and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts and in the process promote sustainable built environment in the country. IGBC Green Building Rating Systems are based on five elements
of nature (Panchabhutas) and are designed to holistically address national priorities. Till date, IGBC has launched 13 different green building rating programs to suit various types of built-environment.
• IGBC Green Homes • IGBC Green Schools • IGBC Green Existing Buildings • IGBC Green New Buildings • IGBC Green Factory Buildings • IGBC Green Townships • IGBC Green MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) • IGBC Green Landscape • IGBC Green SEZs • IGBC Green Interiors • IGBC Green Residential Society • IGBC Green Campus • IGBC Green Cities IGBC rating programs are aligned with various National Codes & Standards including National Building Code of India (NBC), Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), MoEF’s Environmental Impact Assessment, The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE). IGBC ratings broadly cover the following aspects: • Sustainable Architecture and Design • Site Selection and Planning • Water Conservation • Energy Efficiency • Building Materials and Resources • Indoor Environmental Quality • Innovation juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
CCTNS pulls poor response as tenant verification still not a mandate in Ghy Rahul Chanda
T
Even after one and a half years of the establishment of the commissionerate, police fails to mandate tenant verification; six months after the CCTNS launch police have received only 30 online requests
he formation of a Commissionerate in any Indian city brings forth changes in the policing system and the police are bestowed with certain extra powers which are used to improve the law and order situation. Thousands of people come to Guwahati in search of jobs and finally settle down in the city. According to the police, many crimes in the city take place because of the floating population. When people do not achieve a decent lifestyle through jobs or business, they slip into criminality, often in gangs, and indulge in various illegal activities. In many cases they even get away with the crimes as they become untraceable. A source in the Gorchuk police said that the local police have, many a time, failed to nab the culprit because the owner of the house where the criminal lived as a tenant was unable to provide the permanent address of the criminal. The house owners often fail to conduct tenant verification or do not take it seriously. The source also said that in Assam the owners cannot be sued if he/she does not undertake tenant verification. Even in a city like Bhubaneshwar, owners have to submit details of their tenants with the concerned police stations and the police conduct regular inspections to ensure its proper compliance. Violation of the order invites 6 months’ jail and Rs. 1,000 fine. In Guwahati people were facilitated with online tenant verification from January 2016. So has the status improved?
Online verification DGP, Assam Police, Mukesh Sahai, talking to G Plus, said that the police have started an online portal (CCTNS) where owners can directly apply for tenant verification and the people of the city and state now do not have to physically go to the police station for verification purposes. He also said that along with tenant verification there are many other services provided to the citizens for which requests can be made online. Assam Police launched the portal in January 2016 for the public. The following e-services are available online for citizens viz. tenant verification, domestic help verification/employee verification, character certificate, protest or strike request, procession request and event performance request The police want to add more services to the portal but are presently hopeful that the available services would be availed initially.
The response A highly placed source in the police said that the awareness level among the people is low because of which the police is getting poor response from the people. The source said that in the last 6 months, the police have received
only 30 requests for verifications out of which 12 have been disposed and 18 are still pending. The source said that the police was even thinking of starting FIR registration service online through CCTNS but the success of the currently available services is important to start a new service. Also the source said that there is lack of a technically literate force in the police stations and in all the police stations at least 2 to 3 personnel should be IT savvy and dedicatedly devoted to the CCTNS workflow. Police was able to digitize many FIRs filed last year. 1,05,123 FIRs were registered in entire Assam in 2015 out have which the police have digitized 1,01,485 FIRs through CCTNS. This essentially means that 98% digitization of FIRs in 2015 has been done across the state. Similarly, in Guwahati 13,130 FIRs were registered last year out of which 11,896 (91%) FIRs were digitized. But all these were done just by the reguar police personnel. Once the online portal starts getting decent response the police stations will have to process the requests on time. The police has not informed the public about the deadlines but internally, according to the source, particular deadlines are set for all the police personnel as follows: • Tenant verification – 45 days • Domestic help verification/employee verification – 45 days • Character certificate – 15 days • Protest or strike request – 10 days • Procession request – 10 days • Event performance request - 10 days In Guwahati for events like Durga Puja and Bihu people can request for permissions online now but the source said that a mere 30 requests in 6 months is rather poor and the state government and police should think of ideas that can make the portal a success.
The threat Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is just 444 km away from Guwahati and the recent terror attacks in the neighbouring country rang all security bells in Assam too with the intelligence keeping a special vigil on all the border areas. But Guwahati being the hub of not
only Assam but the entire northeast it is mandatory that all who enter the city should be thoroughly monitored with background check before they start living here as some of these people become a threat to the city.
Is tenant verification not mandatory here? A forgery case was registered in Fatasil Ambari police station and the accused was never arrested as the source in the police station said, “The accused stayed in Kotabari area but after the crime the owner of the house had no idea about the accused as no verification was done.” The source also said that in a major murder case in Lokhra, the accused (Biku) was not arrested as he used to stay in his relative’s place and his verification was never done. Inevitably, he was never traceable despite many rounds of interrogations done on his family. Similarly, the Fatasil Ambari police said that tenant verification requires a law which is not there in Guwahati, and it leads to an interrogation problem as the house owners cannot be sued if they do not verify the tenants technically. The police said that most owners do not cross-check the antecedents of their tenants. If a young stranger asks to take the house on rent saying he is a student, they simply take it at face value. They’re happy as long as the tenant pays the rent on time. They’re least bothered about their activities. A senior police official in the police commissionerate said that the Guwahati police is asking all the owners to do tenant verification but it is not mandatory. He said, “Tenant verification is not a priority to us right now as we have other priorities.” He further said that because of the commissionerate there are many officers who take care of all the cases and almost all the cases in Guwahati are usually solved. He also said that because of mobile GPS system the criminals are tracked and nabbed and in some cases because the tenant verification is not done, tracking the criminal takes some time. While the police claim that they are asking the public to do verification, many house owners do not even know
the procedure. A form provided by the local police station has to be filled and the identification proofs are to be submitted to the police stations. A highly placed source in the police said that actually after the identity of the tenant is submitted, the permanent address and any previous criminal record should be verified. The situation today is that if someone submits the verification request on his/her own will, the police merely stores the details in the police station and effectively does not conduct any verification of the tenant. So, the whole thing is basically an exercise in futility. The police officials these days keep claiming that after the commissionerate came into force, there are many senior officers and the amount of supervision has increased. The irony remains that these senior officials have not been able to mandate a simple security related verification process. On top of that, a huge amount of money has been spent in constructing and launching of portals like CCTNS, but people are not using it. Indeed, after one and half years of the formation of the commissionerate at least tenant verification should have been mandated.
5
Governance
Section 144 enables police to issue orders to house owners asking them to provide information about tenants In the case of foreign nationals, landlords should provide a copy of the passport and other travel documents as well as purpose of stay In case of Indian citizens, a copy of rental or lease agreement along with passports, contact numbers, order of appointment with the employer and their PAN card or any other official identity document has to be provided House owners who don’t comply with this order can be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code which attracts a month’s simple imprisonment or fine or both This can be implemented by the police and after the formation of the commissionerate Guwahati police can issue such orders Ironically it’s been one and half years but Guwahati police has not yet made tenant verification mandatory CCTNS also receives poor response In 6 months police receives only 30 verification requests rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
6
Crime
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
4 arrested on alleged extortion charges
KALYAN DEB
“They tried to burn me and made me sign a suicide note” - Rishiraj Kaundinya
Dispur police arrested four youths on 5th July on alleged extortion charges The accused Debaprakash Bhagawati, Rajesh Sahu, Pronit Gogoi and Utpal Bora allegedly demanded Rs 2.85 crores from one Rishiraj Kaundinya Kaundinya is the Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Dima Haso Autonomous Council It was alleged that the four had been blackmailing Kaundinya and demanding extortion money from him Meanwhile, it was stated that the four had visited Kaundinya ‘s apartment purely because they were called by him
A
mid the hue and cry of terrorist activities in the surroundings of the city and neighbouring Bangladesh a case of alleged extortion came to light. Dispur police arrested four youths on Tuesday, 5th July for demanding extortion money to the tune of Rs. 2.85 crores from one Rishiraj Kaundinya. The four - Debaprakash Bhagawati, Rajesh Sahu, Pronit Gogoi and Utpal Bora - were arrested from Kaundinya ‘s flat at Alok Apartment in Six Mile in the city. Police recovered a cash amount of Rs. 5 lakhs from their possession and a pistol from the vehicle in which the four accused travelled to the flat. The accused have been booked under Section 342, 325, 387 and 34 R/W 25 (1A) arms act (Case number 1599/16). It was around 8:30 pm on Tuesday when the four were arrested from Kaundinya’s apartment at Six Mile which they had visited the apartment to collect the money. In the meantime, the police had already been tipped off and they, accordingly, managed to apprehend the four. Kaundinya is the Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Dima Haso Autonomous Council. It was alleged that the four had been blackmailing Kaundinya and demanding the extortion money of Rupees 2.85 crores from him.
The version of the accused Meanwhile, the four accused namely, Debaprakash Bhagawati, Rajesh Sahu, Pronit Gogoi and Utpal
nabbed contractors inside police station lockup
Bora have dismissed any authenticity in the allegation. It was stated that they had visited Kaundinya’s apartment only because they had been called by him to collect some money that was due to them and which had been paid to Kaundinya earlier by them. Of the four accused, three are supply contractors who had business terms with Kaundinya while Utpal Bora had merely accompanied them to his place. Relatives of the accused mentioned that the entire arrest was planned by Kaundinya. It was informed that Kaundinya had called Bhagawati, Sahu and Gogoi to collect the money which he owed them. “The arrest happened as a result of a trap laid by Kaundinya and there is no authenticity in the allegations levelled against them. All three of them had business terms with Kaundinya who owed a substantial amount of money running into lakhs of rupees to them. The three Bhagawati, Sahu and Gogoi had given around Rs. 1 crore to Kaundinya to get some work orders done on some projects and also on the billings of earlier projects,” mentioned a relative of one of the accused. “He was delaying the process of issuing the bills of earlier projects and due to the same, a large amount of money remained unpaid to them. The three had borrowed the money from different sources in order to pay Kaundinya and were upset since the work was not getting done. The three had also fallen into an argument with him the previous day that had ended up in a brawl,” the relative mentioned.
It was mentioned that the next day (i.e., Tuesday, 5th July) Kaundinya had called the three to his apartment to pay back Rs. 10 lakhs but finally managed to give only Rs. 5 lakhs. As the four were about to leave the apartment, they were stopped by men in khaki. Of the three Rajesh Sahu was one of the main investors who had a major part of the amount left unpaid. Meanwhile, relatives informed that Utpal Bora, who was arrested along with the other three, had only accompanied them to Kaundinya’s residence and was not involved in any business deal.
The version of the accuser \
The accuser Rishiraj Kaundinya dismissed all ideas of being associated with them on any business matters. He also mentioned that he got acquainted with Bhagawati a few months ago and were in good terms. “I got to know him through a few common friends but was never involved in any business deals with him. He used to come to me with people who were looking for contracts in Dima Hasao but I had always said that I am not eligible to provide any work. Debaprakash Bhagawati is one person who is known to have borrowed money from several persons in Assam and in order to pay back his debt he started blackmailing and mentally torturing me. Had they been true, they should have gone to the police before coming down to my house,” Kaundinya stated to G Plus.
“Bhagawati even tried to burn me the day before and hit me with his gun. He left me a suicidal text on Monday saying that he would kill himself. I rushed to his place as soon as possible. There they made me sign on a suicide note and tried to burn me. He even hit me on my head with his pistol but I managed to escape. I rushed to the police station all soaked in kerosene. This is the kind of torture I had to go through,” Kaundinya informed. He also mentioned that Bhagawati has been involved in several criminal cases in Assam and complaints have been lodged against him in other States as well. Kaundinya also mentioned that there are ample amounts of evidence such as threatening call recordings and several others that can prove his wrong doings.
Severity of the case
The recovery of a pistol from the vehicle in which the four had travelled to Kaundinya’s residence makes the incident more serious. The accused have been booked under Section 34 R/W 25 (1A) of the Arms Act. However, the ownership of the pistol remains foggy and more details will unfold only after the forensic report is acquired. The pistol was recovered much later from the time that the four were apprehended. The accused have dismissed the information about the presence of the pistol in the vehicle and mentioned that it was deliberately placed in order to set them up.
The accused informed that Kaundinya owed them money and had called them to his apartment to repay a portion of the amount Relatives of the accused mentioned that the entire arrest was planned by Kaundinya A pistol has also been recovered from vehicle in which the four had travelled to Kaundinya ‘s residence and this adds to the severity of the incident Kaundinya informed that Bhagawati has been threatening him since the past several days It was also mentioned that Bhagawati tried to burn Kaundinya and even hit him with a pistol Kaundinya was also made to sign a suicide note kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
F
or most middle class Indians, there has been one perpetual dilemma – whether to go for a private sector job or a government sector job. In the last couple of decades the private sector opened up huge job prospects prior to which a government job was the ultimate prize for a job seeker. Looks like we are back to the times where government jobs are starting to become more attractive again. After the 7th Pay Commission recommendations announcement by the central government, many Guwahatians are beginning to feel that in a city like Guwahati private jobs do not pay much and government jobs are paying better salaries in spite of lesser work load. G Plus sees what the exact scenario is and who wants what. The survey G Plus talked to 100 youths who are all pursuing some professional course or the other and asked them which sector they would prefer to opt for on completion of their studies. 10 out of 15 MBBS students said that they preferred to join government hospitals as they would get better experience there and despite lack of any specialization, the salary would still be decent. 5 MBBS students said that they will join private hospitals outside Assam as the salary and infrastructure is good there. 40 students from professional courses like MBA, Mass Communication and Biotechnology said that they will try for government jobs as it pays well and there are many associated benefits. Similarly, 20 students from the same categories said they will go for private jobs as the growth is faster. However, they added that they will try to get jobs outside as in Guwahati the private sector does not pay well. 14 students said that they will set up their own business whereas 11 students were not sure what to opt for. Overall 50% students in professional courses want to opt for government jobs in Guwahati because of the salary and a secured future whereas 25% feel private jobs is better but not in Guwahati. Wondering how many people are unemployed and what kind of jobs they want G Plus visited the labour and employment departments to get some details. Unemployed youths A highly placed source in the employment office said that by the end
50% city professionals
Buzz
seek govt jobs
With the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations announced by the central government, city youths feel that only government jobs pay well in Guwahati whereas the private sector exploits employees
Rahul Chanda
G Plus talked to some senior officials in the industry in both the sectors to know the facts.
Registered unemployed youths in Assam
2012 2013 2014 2015
16,22,729 16,77,192 17,46,520 19,15,886
of 2015 it was calculated that there are around 19,15,886 unemployed youths registered in Assam and these numbers are increasing by the year. The source also said that in 2015 it was noticed that around 15,65,076 youths opted to work in sectors not classified by occupation.
Crafts and related trade workers – 63,506 Plant and machine operators – 22,936 Elementary occupation – 14,851 Workers not classified by occupation – 15,65,076 Total – 19,15,886
Occupation-wise jobs opted for by unemployed registered youths in 2015
So around 20 lakh youths are registered unemployed in Assam and out of this, around 16 lakh youths prefer government jobs but are open to any sector and do not have any preference for occupation. The source in the employment department said that the youths in Assam either opt for government jobs because it is the most secured and highly paid. If they fail to get one, they go out of Assam and work in the private sector as this sector outside Assam pays better than what people get here. To take a look at the salary scenario in Assam,
Technical and associate professional – 85,321 Professional – 36,601 Legislators and senior officials – 22,776 Clerks – 63,341 Service workers and shop and market workers – 23,918 Skilled agriculture and fishery works – 17,560
Private sector Office boy/Peon/ 3rd grade employee Safaiwala/ 4th grade employee Executives/clerk
7
Assam government
Central government
Rs. 5000
Rs. 17000
Rs. 25000
Rs. 5000
Rs.12000
Rs. 22000
Rs. 22000
Rs. 40000
Rs. 40000
Rs. 80000
Rs. 50000
Rs. 1.2 lakhs
Rs. 70000
Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15000 Assistant manager/ Rs. 22000 to Rs. Senior officers 30000 Rs. 35000 to Rs. Manager/APS officers/ Similar central 50000 government officers General managers/ Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 bureaucrats lakh
Salary disparity A joint director level Assam government officer talking to G Plus said in anonymity that there is a huge disparity in salary pay scale between private jobs, state government jobs and central government jobs which brings a huge difference in the society. He said a private janitor working in Guwahati gets somewhere around Rs. 5,000, whereas the Assam government janitor or 4th grade employee gets Rs. 12,000 as a starting salary. Meanwhile the central government janitor gets somewhere around Rs. 25,000 as the starting salary. Similarly in all the posts there is a huge disparity in salary and therefore the youths mainly prefer central government jobs, thereafter a state government job and on failing to secure either, they go for private jobs in Guwahati. G Plus talking to some HR personnel of private companies and government officials prepared a salary chart according to the salary received by employees in Guwahati. According to media reports, lower-ranked Central government employees draw significantly higher salaries than their counterparts in the private
sector or even in the Assam government, but in the upper tier the reverse is true. After the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations announced by the central government, even the state government is mulling over revising state government salaries as the same recommendations after the budget session according to sources. But what about the private sector employees in Guwahati? The joint director level officer said that in Guwahati there are a handful of telecom companies who pay decent salaries but other MNCs exploit the employees. He also said that some private companies do not even have provident fund accounts for the employees which make their future insecure to that extent. The officer said that there should be some regulation so that even private sector jobs are secured and the salary allotment is according to the price rise in the market. A private company employee who works as a sales executive, talking to G Plus, said that after working for 5 years in the industry he gets Rs. 20,000 and is facing a tough time managing the monthly budget for his family. He said that he is upset that he is not working in the government sector thinks his future is destroyed. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
8
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
In The News
2ND BRICS YOUTH SUMMIT
Gateway to young minds for governance
Vivek Lohia and Saurav Jhunjhunwala
“T
he recent global phenomenon points at how young people don’t work through agitations but through institutions.”- Siddhartha Bhattacharya, MLA on being asked about the significance of such summits. In a country which has witnessed a phenomenal rise in student movements recently and in a state where the youth came together to spearhead the most monumental regional movements of the late 1970s and 1980s, young minds gathered again but this time for a different reason. The occasion was the prestigious 2nd BRICS Youth Summit held in the city on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd July, 2016. Taking forward the initiatives of the first summit held in Russia in July 2015 for the creation of a permanent platform for youth cooperation, interactive and stimulating discussions on various aspects related to youth development, the summit saw the assembly over 50 foreign delegates including Ministers and Head of Executive authorities on Youth Affairs. The Indian delegation, in particular, was a mixed bag of young students, NGO professionals working for youth initiatives, social entrepreneurs and representatives of UN agencies. The convention of youths focused on enhanced people-to-people contacts of BRICS members-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with the theme “Youth as bridge for intra-BRICS exchanges.” The first day began with much enthusiasm as several State Ministers, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the delegations from each member nation assembled at Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok. The arrival of Assam Chief Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, kick-started the inaugural session and the ceremonial lamp was lit. Sonowal exuded the optimism that the youth of the state and the region would develop the spirit of unity and friendship with the youth from the BRICS nations. He shared the dais with the current portfolio holder Jitendra Singh, Assistant President of All China Youth Federation, Xuejun Wan, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam, V.K. Pipersenia, Joint Secretary, National Youth Secretariat, Brazil, Roberta Pires Ferriera de Miranda Silva, Federal Agency on Youth Affairs, Russia, Evko Olga, Deputy Minister, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, South Africa, Buta Manamela, and Secretary, Youth Affairs
Assam cM Sarbananda sonowal and former CM Tarun Gogoi at the briics summit
& Sports, Govt. of India, Rajiv Gupta. Dr. Singh in his inaugural speech, was highly optimistic that the BRICS nations which comprise 43% of the world population and with 30% GDP and 17% of world trade hold the key to the future of 21st century world if they work seriously, judiciously and assiduously. The Union Minister also said that India, with a demographic dividend of 65% population below 35 years is emerging as a youth power to be reckoned with. An interactive session was also held in which participants and youth delegates posed a volley of questions on the economy, policies, culture, sports et al to the visiting dignitaries. The inaugural session witnessed addresses by BRICS members and finalized the agenda to work on for the working sessions in the next two days, followed by cultural programs showcasing traditional dances of the region. The next Saturday at Vivanta by Taj started with a Yoga and Meditation Session for the delegates. In the working sessions, wherein the members from the BRICS nation deliberated on four thematic areas, i.e. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Social Inclusion, Youth Volunteerism and Youth Participation in Governance. A typical caucus included a presen-
tation put forward by each country highlighting their country’s stand on the sub-theme followed by questions from delegates present inside the hall. The symposium became an interactive platform for the delegations to put forward their queries and suggestions to the recommendations of the respective nations. The result of all the negotiations was to be reflected in the call to action paper that was to be prepared later in the night collectively by all the delegates and put forward the next day for final approval. This was followed
by banquet dinner with cultural exchanges and performances from the participants of BRICS nations. Similarly, the final day again began with Yoga and Meditation Session followed by the presentation of working session reports and finalization and adoption of the BRICS Call to Action on Youth. The draft was actively negotiated and each word was carefully reviewed. The aim, as stated in the preamble, was discussing the challenges and identifying various opportunities to address the needs
of the youth and recognized areas of cooperation based on mutual interest. The final draft included important recommendations like promoting and replicating the Know About Business (KAB) entrepreneurship program within the BRICS nations, creating a BRICS Social Science Youth Research Network, establishing online platforms to highlight best practices and facilitating cross-learning to access opportunities and promote a model of BRICS Summer School. And finally, comprehending and exploring the possibility of creating a BRICS Youth Council (BYC) with a minimum of two-thirds representation of youth. In order to give the delegates an exposure to Assamese culture, a city sightseeing program was also organized later in the evening including a special tour of tea gardens towards the outskirts of the city. BRICS surely remains the only international platform to have such a unique Youth summit representing the mammoth 720 million young people in the age group of 10-24 years of its member nations in total and hence creates a window to be a part of the mainstream diplomacy. However, the absence of a minister of state or any MLA added to sidetracking of a quintessential local prism. We can only hope that such forums become more accessible to the local youth. To keep our agendas localized in a globalised world we have tried to outline a procedure for the application process for our young readers Subscribe to yas.nic.in Apply to volunteer programs for different world events like FIFA 2018, RIO OLYMPICS 2016 etc.
Delegates at the brics summit
9
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Ward Watch
5 most landslide prone areas of the city
(L-r) Khargali, sunsali, khanapara
G
uwahati, needless to say, is the premier urban hub of northeast India. It is the nerve-centre of all economic and business activities taking place in the extreme north-eastern part of India. Rise in the city’s population has resulted in encroachment of its forest and hilly areas. Haphazard construction of settlements without any necessary preventive and safety measures has resulted in instability of the hilly terrains and their slopes. Deforestation, illegal settlement constructions, inappropriate drainage system, high-rise construction works together with intense and prolonged rainfall in the city has resulted in perilous barren slopes on the hills. Of late, the frequency and intensity of landslide incidents has increased in the city. There has been huge casualty and damage of property due to this geographical hazard. Every monsoon, Guwahati witnesses various landslide incidents which not only cause loss of property but have also claimed many human lives. Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) carried out a study in 2014 in order to identify the landslide prone areas and delineate the comprehensive landslide vulnerable zones. The study identified 366 landslide vulnerable sites that include 18 hills of the city; some of these require immediate attention to prevent loss of human lives and property. The survey was conducted to assess and evaluate landslide risks with respect to potential loss
of human lives, properties and infrastructures in greater Guwahati city. The survey also aimed to conduct landslide susceptibility mapping for identifying critical zones of instability by analysing the field data and soil samples, and for assessment of risks in the hazard-prone areas. Finally, it aimed to provide a basis for systematic planning of short term and long term measures to contain landslide disasters. Two Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) teams comprising 4 student volunteers of Assam Engineering College were formed to locate all the sites in Guwahati where landslides have already proved to be a major threat or which are vulnerable to future slides and rock fall. One important observation during the RVS was that Guwahati does not have a scientifically designed hill area drainage network, based on a total 48 watershed management approach. This in turn increases the erosion of topsoil from city hills and at the same time leads to slope failure. It is also a reason for flood. The landslide hazards, in general, cannot be completely prevented; however, the intensity and severity of their impacts can be minimized if the problem is recognized before development or deforestation begins. Unscientific cutting of hills forming steep hill slopes and weak structures very near to the unstable slopes primarily has increased the risk to human lives and property. Till now, although the landslides in Guwahati have been observed to be at isolated places only, haphazard cutting of the
hill slopes at more than one place of a hillock may lead to total instability of the entire hillock. This has increased the chance of catastrophic landslides covering a large area.
Sunsali Among the most landslide prone areas is Sunsali on the outskirts of the city. It was identified with 77 points which are prone to disaster. Located by the Brahmaputra River, the Sunsali Hill (215 m high) area is one of the isolated but highly landslide prone areas of the city.
Noonmati With the onset of the monsoon in the city, landslides were reported from Noonmati. However, no casualty was reported during the mishap. One woman sustained minor injuries when she tried to run seeing a neighbouring wall collapsing at Salbari in Noonmati. The tin roof of the Assam type house of one Manik Das was damaged on 19th April after a guard wall collapsed. Following the incident the houses of Manik Das and another person, Basfor, was vacated. Landslides in the hills alone have claimed over 100 lives in about a decade. In the study carried out by ASDMA there were 40 points identified in the Noonmati area.
Kharguli The Bonkonwar Nagar area had witnessed landslides at several places
affecting normal life of the people. In a past incident, two arterial roads of the area were affected after a massive chunk of loose earth fell off at two places narrowing down one road and blocking a stretch of another road. A brick wall and veranda of a residence also collapsed due to the landslide. A nearly 20-metre stretch of road witnessed landslide with earth falling near the houses of people living in the foothills. Nearly 25 families live in the foothills of a hillock in Bonkonwar Nagar, which is one of the areas that fear a big disaster should there be another torrential downpour in the area. Kiran Das, whose house is adjacent to the hills, said that the same area witnessed a landslide in 2012 after which the road was constructed in the year 2013. She also mentioned that a guard wall is compulsory requirement to protect the road. One of the most prone areas to landslide, there were 37 points indentified in Kharguli.
Khanapara It is a common sight during monsoon when road communication between Guwahati and Shillong gets cut off due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. In the study carried out by ASDA, 33 locations were identified as landslide prone. Similar news made the headlines when landslides were reported from the Byrinhat and Unming area near Nongpoh, bringing road traffic along National Highway 40 to a standstill.
KALYAN DEB
Narengi In the Narengi area a total of 31 areas were identified as landslide prone which was proven when the death toll rose to 6 this year. A body was recovered after three days of struggle in a landslide in Narengi. Army jawans had to be deployed after the administration failed to clear the mud and debris. Though locals feared that two others might have been buried under the mud, no more bodies were found. In 2014, a total of 16 persons lost their lives in greater Guwahati area due to natural calamities like flood and landslide as well as electrocution. But in 2015, no loss of life was reported from anywhere in the city due to precautionary measures like sealing of houses in danger-prone areas and relocation of families residing in vulnerable localities. Last year, the DDMA of Kamrup Metro conducted more than 65 awareness programs in 19 hillocks of Guwahati. Meanwhile, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, along with the Kamrup District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), recently sealed five houses at Akashi Nagar in Bamunimaidam following a landslide as the houses were found to be unsafe. Several deaths and loss of property were also reported with the onset of the monsoons which is a clarion call for more concrete measures to prevent such mishaps. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
10
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Concern
9 cases of Japanese Encephalitis reported in Kamrup (M) K
Juthika Baruah
amrup (M) has reported 9 positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) while the state has witnessed 127 numbers of cases with 38 deaths. Upper Assam has been the most vulnerable. 22 districts in the state have reported positive cases of JE and districts like Nagaon, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh are more vulnerable. “This is the season that paddy grows in the fields. Therefore the mosquitoes increase in this season and there is no system to make the areas mosquito free. Fogging is done in many places and Impregnation Treated Bed Net (ITBN) has also been distributed to the people so that the cases do not increase. The people should also be aware about keeping the surroundings clean and hygienic. Unhealthy and unhygienic environment is the reason for the increase of mosquitoes,” said B.C. Bhagabati, State Surveillance Officer, IDSP, National Health Mission while speaking to G Plus. Bhagabati informed that people should also be aware that vaccination should be taken on time and October to January is the best time to be vaccinated as it takes one month to build up the required immunity. “The vaccine is provided free of cost but still the people do not want to take the benefit after which they become victims of JE. The symptoms of JE are headache, fever, convulsion, unconsciousness, vomiting etc.,” stated Bhagabati. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease. If it is not treated, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to seizures, spastic paralysis and even death.
9 cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) reported in Kamrup Metro 38 deaths reported from JE 22 districts are affected from acute JE syndrome 127 positive cases reported in Assam
G Plus photo
The state witnessed 127 positive cases of Japanese Encephalitis resulting in 38 deaths with upper Assam being the most vulnerable The fogging and spraying drives have been taken up between the months of April to December but the question is how effective these drives are or would be. “People have a wrong concept that fogging and spraying will help in preventing JE or other vector borne diseases. As fogging and spraying is bad for health we try to take the drive as less as we can so that it does not harm the people. These drives are taken to satisfy the public and it should be limited as it contains harmful chemicals,” said Anindita Chanda, Medical Officer of GMC. Chanda said, “The breed of mosquito which can cause JE is different and it bites only during daytime.
Poly Medicure Ltd introduces renal, respiratory and blood banking in Assam market G PLUS NEWS
P
JE virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes
oly Medicure Limited, the leading manufacturers of medical devices & disposables under the brand name Polymed is foraying into Respiratory, Renal and Blood Banking sector. The Rs. 394 crore company, Polymed plans to tap the domestic & international market in a big way with their stateof-the-art technology & quality products. Mr. Hemant Bhalla, VP-Sales & Marketing, Polymed, while addressing the media in Guwahati said, “The Renal, Respiratory and Blood Banking markets are rapidly growing in India. The market has grown robustly in past few years to become the potential investment field for players. Various factors such as prevalence of diseases, alarming rise in levels of pollution, sedentary lifestyle, poor food habits & increasing penetration of health insurance have contributed substantially to spur demand for these services in the country.” Starting with Guwahati, Polymed plans to introduce advanced range of Respiratory care products, Renal care products including machines, Blood Banking including equipments machine and DEHP & PVC free products to the portfolio to provide better patient care in all major cities of Assam region.
Therefore we used to do fogging in the day time before 5 pm. This breed of mosquito is seen to take birth in clean water which the people are not aware of. People have the concept that the mosquitoes that fly in the evening and which is of a smaller variety can lead to dengue or JE whereas such mosquitoes are not at all harmful. Dengue and malaria are caused due to the mosquitoes that bite in the daytime and therefore we ask the people to use mosquito net in the daytime also.” Certain areas have been identified by the GMC for carrying out concerted drives against the spread of mosquitoes. These include Kahilipara, Lalganesh, Santipur, Fatasil Ambari,
Islampur, Ulubari, Chatribari, Paltan Bazar, Bamunimaidam, Gitanagar, Ganeshguri, Bhangagarh, Lakhra, Saukuchi, Khanapara, Beltola, Police Reserve, Fancy Bazar, Bhetapara, Basistha, Noonmati and Panbazar. Fogging drives have also been intensified in schools, colleges and hostels. Japanese Encephalitis is the leading viral cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Asia. The disease could kill or disable a child and it primarily affects children under the age of 15 years. 70% of those who contract the illness either die or survive with long-term neurological disabilities. The JE virus is transmitted by the Culex mosquitoes. Water birds and pigs
play a major role as amplifying hosts. Humans get infected following a bite by an infected mosquito. Vaccination is the most cost effective and the best means of preventing a child from contracting JE. It has been suggested to the people that they should keep the areas clean and maintain hygienic and healthy environment. As the mosquitoes breed on solid waste like car batteries, tyres, drums etc. where water accumulates, such objects should be removed from the places or should be burnt away. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
March ahead ceremony of Dr Borooah G PLUS NEWS Cancer Institute
I
n a bid to upgrade the infrastructure facilities, Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute started series of programme at a March Ahead Ceremony in the Auditorium of the Institute on 5th July 2016. A state-of-the-art CT Simulator machine commissioned at a cost of Rs. 5 crores was inaugurated by Md. Khusamuddin from Tapadar Para, Karimganj, who is undergoing treatment for throat cancer in the Institute. This machine will help radiotherapy planning through simulation and will also be able to perform diagnostic CT scan. Mr. Khusamuddin after inaugurating the machine expressed his profound happiness and complimented the Management of the Institute profusely for giving an opportunity to inaugurate the machine. He prayed to Almighty that the beautiful environment of the Hospital will always remain intact in future. Sri Hemchandra Boro from Mazgaon, Udalguri, who is also undergoing radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer laid the foundation
stone of PG Hostel to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.05 crores. Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute conducts various academic programmes under Srimanta Sankardeva University of Health Sciences, Assam and Gauhati University. Mr. Boro stated that it is an honour for him to get such an opportunity and he is visibly excited. He stated that he has no words to express his happiness and will always remember it in his life. Master Asif Ahmed, a 8 year old boy from Dalgaon Khuti, Darrang who is undergoing treatment for lymphoma laid the foundation stone of the building for the fourth Linear Accelerator to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 87.00 lakhs. Smt. Manjuri Praja of Bamunibari, Jorhat, who is undergoing palliative treatment for oral cancer laid the foundation stone of Nuclear Medicine Ward to be constructed at a total cost of Rs. 1.26 crores. High Dose Rate radioisotope therapy facility is not available in the entire North Eastern States
and this will fulfil a long-felt need of the region. Praja in her remark stated that she does not know how to read and write and to express her feelings. The Director, BBCI Dr. Kataki in his welcome address highlighted various academic and research programmes of the Institute. He stated that with up-gradation of infrastructure facility, Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute will be able to render their services more efficiently. Starting of M.Ch in Surgical Oncology at BBCI for the first time in the entire North Eastern States is a big achievement for the people of the region. Popular actor Mr. Utpal Das attended the function as Guest of Honour and he appreciated the Management of the Institute for giving the patients an opportunity to inaugurate various infrastructure facilities. He laid emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis of cancer and assured that he will definitely involve in the welfare measures for the patients initiated by the Institute.
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
603 seats in three streams lying vacant in city colleges
11
City
Juthika Baruah
Seat capacity to be increased to enable more students to secure admission into colleges Additional shifts to be started to accommodate more students Top colleges in the city record high cut-off marks 603 seats are lying vacant in the city colleges Students advised to take admissions in open university as an option G Plus photo
Colleges have been asked to increase the number of seats due to the growing number of students and also to start additional shifts
W
ith the pass percentage of HSLC and HS examinations showing an increasing trend, HS pass-outs are facing difficulties during admissions as the number of college seats are limited. The state government has therefore announced that colleges need to increase the number of seats to accommodate more students. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have instructed the college authorities to increase the number of seats in all the streams and also to incorporate additional shifts so that more students can get the opportunity to be admitted into their desired colleges. Looking into the difficulties faced by the students in securing admission to the degree and higher secondary courses, the state government has instructed the colleges to provide such facilities so that every student can get the opportunity to study in the colleges of their choice. A meeting was held on 30th June between the government and the different universities like Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, Assam University, Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, Cotton College State University and Bodoland University to discuss about the ensuing problem of college admissions wherein the universities were urged that the colleges under the respective jurisdictions should
increase their seat capacities for the convenience of the students. A guideline was issued on 11th July, 2013 vide letter no. 353/2013/5 of Assam Higher Education mentioning that shifts should be inducted in the colleges. The government also suggested the Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) as an option should students find difficulty in getting admission in regular colleges as the degree provided by the University is at par with other regular universities. The KKHSOU, started in 2006, has produced 59,135 degree/diploma holders till date since its inception. It is said that the B.A., B.Sc. and B. Com. degrees provided by the university is at par with other colleges when it comes to job qualifications. The government therefore urged the chancellor of the university to increase the number of study centres and instructed that the centres be made more active. It has also been alleged that the education system under Gauhati University is deteriorating and therefore those students who do not get admissions in the colleges under the university may well apply at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) or KKHSOU as their degrees are equally acceptable. The government has also conducted a meeting with the principals of the colleges of Greater Guwahati in which it has been listed that 422 seats in Arts stream, 57 seats in Sci-
ence and 124 in Commerce stream are still lying vacant and waiting to be filled up. Accordingly, a committee was formed with the principal of B. Barooah College as the coordinator. The principals of the colleges will have to submit the list of vacant seats and accordingly the coordinator will fill the seats. The government has implemented a scheme for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families whose income is less than Rs. 1 lakh to get concession in fees. It has also been instructed that the students who have applied in multiple colleges and taken multiple admissions thereof have to decide
in which college they want to study and withdraw their admission from the other colleges by informing the principals of the respective colleges thereby releasing the seats for other students within 10th July. After 10th July, the officials will visit the colleges and if they find the name of one student in more than one college, their admissions will be cancelled. The government also notified that the relevant students should produce certificate of low income group so that they can get the benefit of the scheme implemented for BPL families and if any student produces fake documents, strict action will be taken
against him/her. In a recent meeting, the education department entrusted B. Borooah College with the task of helping students who were unable to get admission elsewhere. In a letter to principals, the directorate said many Class XII pass-outs would not get admission due to high cut-offs and shortage of seats in colleges. “B. Borooah College has been instructed to facilitate the process of admission in Guwahati city. Students from arts, science, and commerce backgrounds who could not get admission anywhere will be absorbed in the city colleges depending on vacancy,� Assam College Principals Council president, BK Das said. The leading colleges of the city like Cotton College, B. Borooah College, Handique Girls’ College and Gauhati Commerce College recorded high cut-off marks this year. The fee structure of different colleges is not uniform and there are different parameters such as number of teachers in a department, guest faculty, college infrastructure, self-financing course, electricity bill, GMC Tax, Water Tax, number of non-teaching staff and laboratory expenditure etc. which were also discussed in the meeting.
juthika.baruah@g-plus.in G Plus photo
12
City
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated in Guwahati
G Plus News Service
I
rath yatra in guwahati photo Credit: Prakash Lohiya
t is believed that, every year, during the mid-summers, Lord Jagannath, with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, travel on grand chariots, from his temple in Puri, to the countryside. This belief of the Hindus has given birth to one of the biggest religious festivals in the country which is known as the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival. With time, the festival has crossed the borders of Puri, and reached the other states of the nation. Showcasing the religious front of the State, the Guwahati Jagannath Rath Yatra 2016 that was celebrated with much joy and vigor, passed through the arterial roads of the city. The Guwahati Jagannath Rath Yatra is an initiative of the ISKCON Guwahati, which highlights the cultural richness of Assam, and also spreads the message of unity and brotherhood.
The procession of Rath Yatra started from Ulubari Higher Secondary School playground, and culminated at the Jagannath Cultural Complex at Six Mile, after passing via Bhangagarh, Ganeshguri, Last Gate, and Beltola Tiniali. Hundreds of people, old and young alike, took part in the colorful program, chanting and dancing to devotional songs. According to the organizers, the festival boosts up the spirit of universal brotherhood and ignites the feeling of peace, prosperity and joy in the hearts of anyone who wholeheartedly accepts the Lord as the Supreme power of all living entities. The organizers of the festival explained how the festival helps people get enlightened about the Krishna consciousness movement and leads us to self realization. People from different communities of the State dressed up in their
traditional dresses and performed dances. Some portions from the mythological epics were also enacted by some artistes. Meanwhile, the Hare Krishna Movement of Guwahati celebrated its 4th annual Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra at Hajo in association with the authorities of Sri Hayagriva Madhav Mandir. People and citizens across caste, creed and community took part in the festival enthusiastically. Keeping the age long tradition, every household offered holy Prasad and the festive ambience also provided an opportunity to soak in spiritualism. The groups performed Harinaam-Sankirtan, naam-kirtan, dhol-nritya, etc. as part of the festival. The procession also witnessed energetic participation of students from various educational institutions, highlighting the cultural treasure trove of the state.
Night shot of the rath yatra
Weather report for the week Guwahati
SUN 10 July
MON 11 July
TUE 12 July
WED 13 July
THU 14 July
FRI 15 July
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain
Numerous showers
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms
Numerous Shower
26 / 36 °C
25 / 36 °C
25 / 36 °C
26 / 37 °C
26 / 34 °C
23 / 32 °C
SATURDAY
09 July
Heavy Rain
25 / 30 °C
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
13
Snippets
From Cartier to Kamakhya
Jewellery expert and artist Olaf Van Cleef plans to team up with Hastakshar to conduct a painting exhibition here showcasing his art of embellishment for which he is known G plus feature
R
ecently, jewellery expert Olaf Van Cleef, a consultant at Cartier, and who belongs to the well known Van Cleef jewellery family, visited Guwahati. During his stay at Vivanta by Taj, the jewellery expert exclusively talked to G Plus expressing his motive behind his visit to Guwahati and also how he loves the art of embellishing old paintings. Olaf ’s deep rooted connection with India can be traced to the times when his mother used to visit India and Olaf first accompanied her when he was 14 years old. Olaf wants to be known as Olaf Van Cleef rather than as the scion of the Van Cleef family. He said, “1942 was the last year a family member worked at Van Cleef and Arpels. I belong to just a branch of the large Van Cleef family tree. But we prefer to keep it low-profile. I am an artist, not a jewellery designer. I am just an employee of Cartier and help them sell the jewellery.” He further said he himself has his own identity and he prefers to be called an artist.
Embellishment
G plus photo
Purpose of Guwahati visit During his stay at Taj, the artist visited the Hastakshar Art Gallery in the hotel and appreciated the different paintings showcased in
A
the gallery. Olaf said that each and every painting in the Hastakshar gallery explains many things about the region and he wants to conduct a painting exhibition next year in Guwahati in collaboration with the gallery. He mentioned Guwahati as
a special part of India which is home to various exotic insects, animals and birds. He intends to showcase the culture, butterflies, birds and flowers of Assam through his exhibition. As he admires the works of famous painter Raja Ravi Verma,
Olaf said that embellishment for him is to give new life to an old painting. Cleef furnished snap shots of some of the paintings embellished by him which made the texture of the paintings come alive after his touches of embellishment. He said that it is not compulsory to use expensive stones for embellishment but the work should be artistic in the sense that the final product exudes an aesthetic appeal. He also bought two paintings from Hastakshar which according to him where very artistic and he can further improve the paintings with his art of embellishment. He showed the G Plus team an embellished iPhone cover which he said he could easily sell for Rs. 22,000 in India. Olaf liked Guwahati because of the people here and plans to come here again soon.
Guwahati girl tops Miss Diva audition
G Plus News
lankrita Bora of Guwahati topped the Northeast zone audition of Miss Diva 2016 and will be representing the region in Mumbai. Alankrita will be accompanied by Plabita Gogoi, Pranjali Purkayastha, Sanghishree Roy, Shivani Baker, Sonam Ongmu Bhutia, Suhasinee Sandilya and Imlibenla Wati who have been selected for the finals of the beauty pageant. The auditions for
his visit to Guwahati was timed with the Ambubachi Mela and he was even considering embellishing the paintings of Maa Kamakhya. Olaf embellishes old paintings using swarovskis and other precious gems paying careful attention to details making the final product a visual delight. Olaf had embellished many paintings of Raja Ravi Verma - especially the four master pieces Saraswati, Ahalya, Laxmi and Hamsa Damayanthi. But what exactly is embellishment according to him?
Alankrita Bora (C)
this year’s pageant was held at Red Hot Chilli Pepper in the city on 5th July where around 30 participants from all eight states of northeast took part. Talent scout of Miss India Organisation, Bennett Nadhan, shortlisted the aforementioned contestants who will compete along with other shortlisted candidates from all over the country. Jayanta Ray, Talent Partner, Miss India Organisation organised the audition
in the city. Talking to G Plus Bennett Nadhan mentioned, “The auditions have already concluded in ten cities but considering the ample amount of talent in northeast, an audition has also been
also carried out here. The potential of northeast has already been proven when Priyadarshini Chaterjee claimed this year’s Miss India crown. This is the second time that Red Hot Chilli Pepper has hosted the audition and
Participants in miss diva audition
their local support has made our job much easier.” The selected finalists will take part in Mumbai auditions that is scheduled to be held later this month. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
14
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Snippets
Assam MP Rajen Gohain gets Railway portfolio
“Grade 1, Grade 2 Officers of State Government to declare property return” - Sarbananda Sonowal
G PLUS NEWS
A
s an initiative to bring transparency and weed out corruption from the Governance, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had di-
G PLUS NEWS
rected the Chief Secretary to prepare modalities for a legislation to access the properties of the ministers, MLAs, Government officials, ex-ministers, ex-
MLAs and ex-Government officers. Commenting upon the initiative, the CM said, “The new legislation will add more teeth to weed out corrupt practices and will recommend stringent action like confiscation of property if property disproportionate to their known sources of income is found.” The CM also directed a system where all Grade I and Grade II officers of the state government is likely to submit their property return within 31st December, 2016. It is directed that Grade I and Grade II officers failing to comply with the new rules set by the CM will invite stringent action like denial of promotion, bank loan facilities, passport service facilities etc.
Free eye check up camp at Guwahati Press club
T
he ASG Eye Hospital organized a daylong free eye check up camp on 5th July at the Guwahati Press Club, for the media persons based in the city who are facing different eye problems like redness, dryness, regular watering etc. The camp was attended by over 70 media persons, along with their close relatives. Staff from ASG Eye Care, a unit of ASG Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Mohit Sharma, Jyotishman Borah, and Madhusudan Banerjee conducted the camp. During the course of the camp, it was found that journalists, who regularly work outdoor, face the problem of allergic eyes. Eye redness and regular watering is one of the most common diseases they face. On the other hand it was found that, the indoor media per-
G PLUS NEWS
T
he administration department of Assam Secretariat, in collaboration with NIC, Assam State Unit,
sons working on computers for long periods face the problem of redness and even dryness. The experts advised the media persons who work outdoor to use ultra-violet protective sunglasses and the indoor workers to use the anti reflection coated glassed to get rid of
hazardous computer radiation. ASG Eye Hospital is a chain of super specialty eye hospitals serving 15 cities of the country. It was initiated by the eye experts of AIIMS, New Delhi and has its expansion in the northern and eastern India.
G PLUS NEWS
R
ajen Gohain, MP of Nagaon, was among the 19 new ministers who swore by their new portfolios in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expanded the list of Council of Ministers for the second time since 2014. The 19 new ministers appointed are from 10 different states of the country, viz. Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and UP. Commenting on the issue, Rajen
Gohain said, “It is a historic day for the people of Nagaon and I promise to fulfill my duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. All the developmental issues related to Assam will be on my priority list with setting up of the AIIMS at Raha being the first.” Rajen Gohain was first elected to Lok Sabha from Nagaon in the year 1999. Gohain, who is a four time MP, was re-elected to Lok Sabha from Nagaon in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Gohain has been a member of the BJP since 1991 and has also served as its State president.
Flash floods affect city again
G PLUS NEWS
e-pass entry system at Assam Secretariat
has initiated a comprehensive e-pass system for the Assam Secretariat, as part of the 100-day Action Plan of the
government. As reported by an official, with effect from 1st July, any sort of manual system of issuance of visitor’s entry pass, car pass, and special entry pass has been abolished. From the concerned date, entry passes will not be generated manually nor will any manually issued pass be accepted. The service of the new e-pass is available through online system by logging in to http://103.8.249.88/applyonline. Officials of the Govt. of Assam/ Govt. of India/autonomous bodies who are working outside the Assam Secretariat may use the URL available to apply for car passes or entry passes or can also apply through the administrative department.
A
one and half hour long torrential downpour during the afternoon hours yesterday put the city to misery again. The heavy shower that started around 3 PM and lasted for more than an hour paralyzed areas like Jorabat, Panjabari, Sarumataria, RG Baruah Road, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Zoo Road Tiniali, Chatribari, and many other places of the city. Vehicles, especially two-wheelers and small cars, had a tough time maneuvering through the water-logged streets. “We have been residents of Nabin Nagar for the last 30 years. Every year
the artificial flooding causes the same problems. Over the last few years, the problem has worsened. An hour-long shower brings so much problems for us that it almost becomes impossible to step out of home.” Officials at the Kamrup Metro district administration said that pumps have been pressed into service at many affected localities to flush out the floodwaters. Asked about the repeated flash floods, social activist Dwip Baruah said that piecemeal measures are not enough to deal with the issue.
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Of ideologies and commitment
I
f it is asked that what triggers a youth uprising, the moot point that will arise is the negligence of the ruling class towards a particular population in a particular demography within the territory of power. The act of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir has the ideology of separatism, whereas those that arose in north eastern India in the 80’s all had the idea of independent states. The bitterness emanating from such ideologies can still be felt in this part of the country, though many such organisations have already shunned the path of extremism. Many youths who had left home and had joined those banned organizations believing that the Indian democracy cannot uplift them or their community were always neglected or ignored by mainland India. In the hope of a better tomorrow many of them took up arms at one point in time but are now surrendered individuals. Following the ideology of regionalism and independence, the youths who killed their fellow countrymen have now already seen the downfall of their own endeavours. In this context, Jailor Khan (Nabadeep Borgohain) has witnessed both the types of extremism, be it in Kashmir or in the northeast. He lost his beloved Pareez (Namrata Sharma) at the hands of Jihadis for being liberal in her thoughts. The perpetual frown on his face is the manifestation of being brutally angry with
the terrorist youths: a consequential impact of losing Pareez. His face off with jail inmate Dipta Barua (Rupam Chetia), who leads an organisation in the northeast, brings some dramatic changes in his thought process. A fearless medical student, Dipta is very firm in his belief and accepts his death penalty happily without applying for any mercy petition. Further, Dipta’s wife Uma (Kalpana Kalita), who acts as a support system to him, brings the papers of organ donation for his consent and signatures. Jailor Khan listens to the entire conversation between Dipta and Uma and learns that they have lost their son at the hands of secret killers. A changed Jailor Khan then requests Dipta to petition for mercy, but Dipta refuses with the remarks that the nation and the system might be able to kill him but cannot kill the ideology he has nurtured. He also believes that his ideology will find other takers through some other warrior. But is that original ideology still alive or has it taken a diluted version? That is the question of the hour. With these extremities between the ideas and ideologies, Jirsong Theatre recently enacted the play “Indipity” at Rabindra Bhawan, Guwahati on 30th June, 2016. Conceptualised, designed and directed by Pranjal K. Saikia, the play dealt with a subject where the youthful dreams and aspirations of many that were evident at earlier times have no value nowa-days. But the impact of those can
still be felt with the state of Assam in particular and the whole northeast in general being left far behind on the development front. While on one hand, the negligence of mainland India cannot be avoided, such extremisms, on the other hand, have created a different image about the region in the minds of the citizens residing in the other parts of the country. As a cumulative effect of both, the development in the region has taken a beating.
The play had an excellent set design by Rabijita Gogoi and Umakanta Sonowal, with multidimensional aspects, where the woods of Kashimr and the lock-up cell of the Assam jail can be seen together. The light design by Koushik Borbora (Easel Event) made those set properties very distinctive in some particular scenes. Music by Mondeep-Monmeet was also subjective to the plot. But the costumes were not perfect as was required, especially that of the Jailor
15
Art
Subhrajit Roy
and the Kashmiri terrorists. Coming to the acting part, except Kalpana Kalita and the two child artists Laisly and Himangshu, the rest of the artists could not create much of an impact with their performances. As a case in point, the language spoken by the Kashmiri terrorists demanded some Arabic or Sindhi phonetics, but what was delivered was not even in proper Hindi. Finally, to discuss about the directorial segment, eminent theatre personality Shri Dulal Roy, when asked about his suggestions immediately after the presentation, had remarked on speeding up the act. Expect for two/three scenes, the exchange of dialogues between the characters in many of the scenes remained disjointed. The climax scene however, proved to be a visual treat where the combination between the sound, light and properties gave it a signature touch. With the message to carry forward ideology and vision through generations symbolically portrayed by transplanting Dipta’s eyes on a kid, the play raises the big question to those people following whom many unknown youths gave up their lives. The leaders who nurtured those ideas are mostly safe and secure in their lives now. Do they really care about the sacrifices of those unknown youths? Probably not!
16
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
G Talk
E
New Population Corrector
W
D
I
T
O
ell, I guess I am resigned to the fact that man is a selfrighteous entity. Much as I would like to avoid clichés like one man’s meat is another man’s poison, the facts of the world seem to tell no different a tale. Every person seems to be able to justify his actions with consummate ease: whether it is petty thievery, a big public arson, a barbaric act of rape, hi-tech international warfare or the blood-curling savagery of terrorism. The justification can be anything, with the latest being “religion.” Thomas R Malthus was an English clergyman who gave deep thoughts to economic problems. Eventually, he propounded a theory of population where he stated that human population grows at geometric progression, i.e., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 ... while its subsistence (which is food) grows at an arithmetic progression, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... and so eventually the human race will be wiped out due to lack of food. To prevent such a calamity, Malthus advocated the principle of preventive checks – deliberate population control measures including late marriage and so hopeful lack of fertility, etc. Failure to implement preventive checks would entail nature to take over by way of positive checks where large scale human destruction would occur through natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, famine, war, disease etc. After all, dear earth could only take so much load and its orbital balance simply had to be maintained. Today, much to what would have been Malthus’s chagrin is something he
R
I
A
L
could have never envisaged. And he would have been at his wit’s end as where to place this new population corrector: terrorism. When Malthus propounded his theory in 1798, a mere 218 years ago, he had reckoned for population overtaking food in about 2000 years. While the human race is still a long way off the Malthusian target, the new population corrector is showing all signs of speeding things up in wiping out the human race while food still remains plentiful. Whether today terrorism is triggering a preventive check or whether it is a positive check that nature is wielding is no one’s guess. But the catch is that the terrorism check is certainly not on account of food shortage. It is on account of something seemingly irrational and incomprehensible to many in which bizarre natural forces have played as much a part as human mental machinations. The point of concern is that this seeming irrationality seems profoundly rational to someone who we term as terrorist. To him, he is doing no wrong in butchering his way around it seems. And so, while the terrorist is so justified where he feels he is doing no wrong, that old poison and meat cliché seems to hold true. In the brutal wars of the past, innocent lives have been pitifully lost. Perhaps, modern terrorism is nature’s unique way of maintaining its checks and balances on our ugly human race.
Swapnil Bharali Executive Editor
Ignore them, defeat them
I
SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA
was in a conversation with someone recently who was talking about how the festivities of Eid have been overshadowed by terror attacks everywhere. Although it was Eid on the table, the conversation would steer back to a Dhaka or a Mecca attack. No one of course willingly does it, but people seem to relate terrorism to a religion. That is probably because the mass consumer media paints it that way. We have often tried to conclude that political rivalry fuels terror attacks and that people are casualties in the crossfire. There was a time when fear of terrorism spread through word of mouth. But in the age where media penetrates faster than any other medium of communication, the fear that spread through word of mouth now spreads via this media. So what is the biggest strength of these terror groups? The moment we label these organizations and give them room for being discussed, we have lost a battle that we should not even have been a part of; a battle that does not deserve our intellectual space and forums. So what do we do that makes this dull roar completely inaudible? Even the terrorists know that more than making their physical presence felt, it is their mere presence
on the internet that has given them the scope for being recognized. Apart from Abbottabad, there are hardly places that you would actually know as a terror group’s base of operations. Added to this, increasing activities of cyber and digital terrorism have acquired so much room on the internet that anyone sitting behind a screen could make his presence felt, regardless of whether the person actually has an army behind him, shaving scalps or training children to wield arms. Even the counter terrorist groups thus formed, resort to the internet to hit back at them, an example being Anonymous (the hacktivist group that has been known to take down ISIS networks) There is a difference between having a small shelf life and yet acquiring immortality on the internet. An audience on the internet is flaky. They feel too strongly about things for short periods of time and then everything is lost in the wind. The ideals of terrorism do not need to be destroyed with drones and armies. All we must do is snuff out their voice and suffocate them by not talking about them. The fear they have spread in us will die because we are a flaky lot and unlearn faster than we learn. Must we talk about the ISIS?
Are the hikes in VAT, petrol and diesel prices and the partial withdrawal of the LPG subsidy any indicators of the forthcoming “acche din” for the state of Assam?
A
ll development measures are seeded in capital mobilization. That the pace of development undertaken by the previous government was tedious goes without any argument. And so, mobilization of funds is of paramount importance given that the pace of development of the state has to be shifted by many gears. In this context, the current government has not lost any time in taking the requisite hard measures early into its incumbency. Given the circumstances, we can’t do much but believe in the Finance Minister’s claim that the burden of the 1% hike in VAT would not make much of an impact on the people of the State while it would earn extra revenue to the tune of Rs. 700 crores from commercial ventures. However, it would have been in the interests of the people if this realization procedure was elaborated further. Moreover, we need not forget that prices of medicine are governed by printed MRP and this necessarily ensures that consumers will not be impacted at all. Complementing all of this is the fact that Assam is on the verge of receiving a handsome royalty on oil this year; the figure being pegged at is Rs. 2,000 crores and the benefits accruing thereof will only be passed on to the people. Add to this is the decision taken by the state government to revise the salaries of the state government employees to bring it at par with the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. While this would become effective from next year, it is something definitely on the anvil. All in all, with a little bit of probable hardship, the “acche din” looks to be right round the corner.
Koushik Hazarika
L
et us take a look at all the hikes put together. 1) Withdrawal of the partial subsidy of Rs. 14/- from the LPG cylinder. 2) Petrol and diesel prices hiked by 76 paise and Rs. 1.67 per litre respectively. VAT on 127 essential items raised from 5% to 6%. For a government that has been in power for a shade over a month and which has come to power virtually with a landslide victory on the premises and promises of “acche din” and “poriborton” the hikes portend a dangerous despotic disposition that is set to make life distinctly uncomfortable for the common man. For all his defence of the hikes, the new Finance Minister needs to elaborate clearly how a costlier diesel in a truck freighting vegetables and fish will not affect prices. And if the retail prices are not going to be affected, from where is the government hoping to collect the targeted Rs. 700 crores within this year? The government’s official clarification in this regard desires to state that “essential items like paddy, rice, wheat, pulses, sugar, salt etc. are exempted from VAT.” This is small consolation considering that prices will rise anyway with the other two hikes. All matters apart, two things that strike a disenchanting note is the manner in which the government is seeking to bulldoze itself into making the already difficult life of Assam even more arduous. And two, the timing of the decision could not have been worse given the woes of floods and rains currently battering the state. I am afraid, the government will face the ire of the people and trying diversionary tactics like revision of the salaries of state government employees as per recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission will not get the desired results as not all are government servants.
Swapnil Bharali
Letter to the Editor Panbazar Water Treatment Plant Dear Sir, Here are a few points to clarify/note regarding the old water supply infrastructure of Guwahati from an octogenarian citizen of Panbazar who has seen the evolution of the system of piped water supply of this premier city of Guwahati which is today on the verge of collapse and many new officers have many claims regarding the same. To the best of my knowledge, however, it is as follows: 1) There are three functioning water works in Uzanbazar and Panbazar area of Guwahati. Of these the one at Satpukhuri at Uzanbazar, though functioning from 1930’s, has been recently renovated. 2) The other two are in Panbazar of which the older one was constructed in 1962 and the next one in 1980’s. This second one was reportedly made for the capital complex. This is the background reality. But now the Superintendent Engineer in charge has through your esteemed newspaper dated 25th June 2016 stated that these two water works are too old to meet the requirements and so, he is washing off his responsibilities. It would be better if they could maintain the existing setup at least to meet the requirements of the immediate surrounding areas of Panbazar, Fancy Bazar, Uzanbazar etc., if not the whole city which has grown in magnitude in both size and population. The added problem of tankers coming from all over the city to collect water and distribute where needed has proved to be a great menace for which ultimately we the immediate surrounding population are the greatest sufferers both in terms of traffic problems and broken roads for the heavy trucks plying 24 hours especially as the final outcome is inadequate water supply for us.
Political student organizations
Niloy Kumar Das Retired professor, Gauhati University Panbazar, Guwahati
Dear Sir, AASU, ABSU, AAMSU are the three front ranking students organizations of the state. We believe that student organizations should be apolitical and at the same time should be like factory producing future law makers of the state. To be candid enough at present it is apparent that besides AASU all the other student bodies or organizations appear to be apolitical. The role played by Probin Boro in the last assembly polls does not send a positive signal for anyone representing a student organization. The end result is there for everyone to see as Prabin Boro is today licking his own wounds. Less said the better about AAMSU which is completely based on religious lines. Hats off to Samujjal Bhattacharjee! The ex President of AASU, who has always maintained a non political character while he was in charge of AASU. Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,
GNB Road, Guwahati
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
What initiatives should the govt. keep in mind during the construction of the botanical garden at Fancy Bazaar?
In Focus
Meet Ranjana Bhajanka Exterior Designer
R T
here are a lot of other available government land tracts to create a botanical garden. We need multi-level car parking in Fancy Bazar. The current parking scenario out there is pathetic. Instead, they can turn Nehru Park into a botanical garden cum institute - if location is the only criteria for the proposed garden. People should start looking at it as a Guwahatian and NOT as supporters of political parties and politicians.
Nibir Bhuyan
M
ost large cities have botanical gardens and they are interesting. Bringing plants from all around the world and then getting them to grow in the same space is a large feat. Often the soil is a large expense because if you are going to bring in specialty plants from other continents, you sure better have premium soil. Here are a few suggestions for recreation, aesthetic and study purpose that can be considered: 1. The garden must regularly organise training courses for students, farmers, entrepreneurs and floriculturists. 2. Within the Gardens, a tea room can be situated for serving morning coffee, light lunches and evening tea to the visitors. 3. A shop in the garden which should have an attractive range of gifts, stationery, garden requirements and both indoor and outdoor plants. 4. Other initiatives can be tree plantation drives, annual flower shows, exhibitions, etc.
Satyajit Chakrabarty
T H
he government should think about the parking and the vegetable market instead of making a botanical garden. If the vegetable market is shifted there will be less traffic.
Ashish Goel
imanta’s “himontali.” Stupid idea. The previous concept was better with convention centre, hotel and trauma centre with helipad and parking space for 300 cars. Also 80% space would have been reserved for greenery. Now this corrupt minister has taken some bribe and has changed the plan.
Sunny Borah
I
believe a section needs to be made where the entire vegetable and fruit market can be shifted so that the relevant roads will be clean. It will be systematic then. More space will become available and traffic will be smoother. Further the plot is so big that it can be used for other purposes also.
Abhishek Bhansali
I
think botanical garden should be mostly trees because it will bring down the temperature plus as the Fancy Bazaar area is very polluted, it will be helpful in decreasing the population. It will be a great step of there is some nature within concrete polluted city.
Myna Barua
17
anjana Bhajanka, who is an exterior designer, had started her landscape studio Oxy Zone in 2014 with the intention of giving the best landscape design to the exteriors of houses and other environments. This is quite in demand today. Ranjana who has done her schooling from Shillong and passed Grade XII from Chennai came back thereafter to her home town, i.e. Guwahati, and got married. It was after 20 years of her marriage that an unfortunate incident took place in her life wherein she had to lose her husband. Thereafter, she realized that she needed to do something in tune with her passion which would also earn her enough money to run her family. She started her own business - a landscape studio. “I was working in a company but after a certain period of time I realized that I should start something of my own. Landscaping has always been my passion. I had otherwise practiced interior designing a long time back and when I thought of doing something of my own, I decided to launch the landscape studio in 2014,” said Ranjana. According to Ranjana, interior designing is quite challenging and allows scope for a lot of creative expression but people are not aware or do not take the exterior seriously. The exterior is all related to greenery and plantation needs to be an integral part of life. The exteriors should be maintained well. “Basically I work on outdoor elements and products like fountains, sitting arrangements, outdoor lighting, umbrella, gazebos, etc. There are many things that need to be or can be done with the exterior and I have done many government projects. Right now, I am busy with 11 projects – all at the same time,” said Ranjana. Being a single woman with two daughters, Ranjana has displayed exemplary courage to move forward with a goal in life and that is how she has reached a position from where she doesn’t have to look back in her career. “There are many challenges but all these can be overcome. Until and unless one steps into the swimming pool one cannot learn swimming. Textbooks cannot teach you
how to swim,” she said. Ranjana added that if one knows how to value one’s own life only then people will value them. She has been constantly supported by her family and her daughters to surge ahead in her career and this has helped her immensely in seeing success in life. “Earlier, most people were very much into interiors; they did not know how to maintain their exteriors. But even a small exterior space can also be maintained well. Most people do not think creatively as how to utilize their balconies or the surroundings as they do not have the idea or concept of which plants need to be keep outside and which can be maintained inside. My agency steps in here and I advise and help out to arrange the exterior in such a way that spaces are properly utilized and the aesthetic appeal remains intact,” added Ranjana. Many creative things can be done with the exterior which keeps the mind fresh while the landscaping adds a sense of beauty. Ranjana is also planning to start an organic hub as people are more into organic products nowadays. She will also start Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) services for maintenance works in the government sector as it is difficult for the people to maintain designed landscapes in a proper way. She also sends her products outside the city and fills in the demand that exists for such products against lack of local availability. She also has a future plan to set up a studio in Dimapur where she would take up more projects. Other than her profession, Ranjana is also passionate about shooting and in her leisure time she practices the sport. She also likes travelling whereby she collects creative designs from different parts of the country. Even as the world is turning into a concrete jungle, every bit of greenery is bliss and to create the mixture of both is a dream come true for Ranjana. Over the years the studio has matured with the upcoming market and has created some exquisite designs for both interiors and landscaping. It has been able to build up a trust in the customers through its designs bringing life to their dreams.
18
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Lifestyle
VAASTU SHASTRA
recipe of the week
The proposed ropeway linking North Guwahati and its Vaastu impact
SUGAR FREE COOKIES
T
he Government has finally cleared the ropeway project over the Brahmaputra River from Kachari Ghat to North Guwahati (Madhyam Khanda) after getting the “No Objection” from the National Monuments Authority and it is likely to be completed in 2017. It was envisaged way back in 2003 and the foundation stone was formally laid in 2009 but the work stopped in 2011 due to three major factors. The Archaeological Society of India objected to one of the pillars being constructed on the historical Urvashi Island stating possible destruction of the island because of the construction. Secondly, there was a fund crisis. Lastly, a pillar which was constructed near the Urvashi island, got tilted due to faulty wellsinking and it became technically unviable! A senior engineer from M/S Gammon India Ltd., who had supervised the Jogighopa Bridge over the Brahmaputra, suggested a plan and method of correcting the tilted well foundation and pier in 2011. He is a friend of mine and I forwarded his suggestion to the concerned authorities. But the Government did not go ahead with this due to financial crisis. The present plan is to join the ropeway on a pier near the Umananda Temple from Kachari Ghat near the present DC’s bungalow and the final 1km to the north bank of Brahmaputra will be joined via another pier sunk in the river between the Umananda Hill and North Guwahati. Any structure has Vaastu effects on its surroundings. The northern and eastern sides of a structure
are not affected. But the southern and western sides are affected as a heavier structure is built on the north or east. Here the pillars or the piers are the heavier structures. The starting pillar at Kachari Ghat will have some negative Vaastu impact on the bungalow of the Deputy Commissioner. A post or tower can send negative energies or poison arrows up to a distance of two and a half times its height. After that, the energies become diluted. There is now another new pillar proposed instead of the Urvashi Island on the southern bank of Brahmaputra. It is going to be very near the DC’s Court and it will have some bad effects. The third pillar is proposed on the northern side of the Umananda temple so that the view of the temple is not obstructed from Guwahati. But this will throw some negative effect on the temple itself. The pillar in the river will not cause any harm to anyone. The pier on the north bank at North Guwahati will also be beneficial to the people residing on the northern side close by having a heavy structure at south. Its bad effects will be absorbed by the river. The constant movement of the cable carts over the river will impart varying impacts but since it will be over the river, there will be no significant effect as the flowing water will disperse the energy. It will be just like any other bridge.
Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist
Diabetes is a killer. One has to be very careful with one’s diet once it is diagnosed. However, once in a while one tends to really crave for something sweet. These biscuits are a saviour. Besides being sugar free they are wholesome and have no refined flour.
Knead all together. Mould into cookie shapes and bake for 20 minutes in a pre-heated oven. Wait for the biscuits to cool thoroughly before storing them. If you are a total vegetarian please omit the egg and make them. You may have to increase the quantity of Atta which will act as a binding agent.
Ingredients
T
his recipe is one of my own concoctions. I decided to make these sugar free cookies after getting thoroughly frustrated in not finding good, wholesome biscuits in the market.
PROCESS
• • • • • • • •
1 cup wheat flour or Atta. 1 cup oats 1/2 cup dry coconut powder 1/2 cup plain muesli 1 egg 1 tblspn butter 1 tblspn olive oil or refined oil 6 drops of sugar free Natura. KULKUL RAHMAN Entrepreneur, mother and a passionate cook
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
19
Lifestyle A better
PROTEIN INGESTION & STRENGTH TRAINING
LIFE
INDIANS: a bunch of people trying all the time not to be Indians
I
mean, we all agree on this trait of the Indians. We don’t like our language and want to speak in a foreign language. We don’t like our traditional attire and want to adopt what people from other parts of the world wear. We don’t like our movies and music and want to only listen to what the aliens produce. Moreover we don’t like our skin and hair colour and want to use all the chemicals in the word to change that. And come on, kids these days don’t even know what on earth is Bharatnatyam. Not that I’m saying that we all should boycott everything that’s not Indian and be Mahatma Gandhi of the modern times. It is totally OK to love foreign music or movies because personally I too feel that Bollywood produces SHIT. Period. It is totally OK to wear t-shirts and shorts because they are any day more comfortable and easier
than wearing a dhoti. It is totally OK to speak English because it indeed is the official language of this country. BUT does that give us the right to be all judgmental on a person who cannot speak English or takes pride in speaking the local language? Or judge the person who listens to only Indian music and does not watch Hollywood movies? Or on a person who wears a saree or a kurta? I have never seen an American trying to speak English with a Hindi accent. Nor have I seen a blonde colour her hair black or use black eye lenses. You will never see a foreigner try doing things that are foreign to
5 ONLINE SHOPPING HACKS
him/her. You will always find these foreigners take pride in doing, listening, eating and speaking what’s their own. Fair & Lovely won’t sell a single container of its tubes in the African countries. All I’m bothered about is the present generation where boys and girls think it’s cool to speak only in English, wear coloured eye lenses, do only the hip hop, watch only Hollywood movies and listen to only their music. And if you’re not doing these, you’re “GAONLIYA.” At this rate, “this is so Indian” will soon replace “this is so middleclass.”
Madhur Jayne A practicing chartered accountant and a certified nutritionist. He is the cofounder of a coaching centre for chartered accountancy and commerce students. He is a life coach and trains people on subjects like time, health, lifestyle and people management. Visit www.madhurjayne.com for more details.
Cool Couture helps to tackle one item at a time than dealing with giantsized tasks that can be quite overwhelming.
2. Days matter Shop on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays as websites provide great discounts/deals on these days. As soon as it hits 12.00 AM on a Tuesday, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive in! This not only saves you a good amount of money but also helps you to save time.
3. Search for Coupons
S
hopping almost feels like therapy. When you want to relax you go for a massage but when you wish to uplift your mood, you go shopping. In a world filled with online websites, there are a few that stand out. Personally, I like to shop at Nykaa for Makeup as they carry a number of international & Indian brands. When it comes to clothing, I prefer Jabong. The best part about shopping is when you come across an offer or a discount. Shoppirate.in provides some droolworthy discount coupons that are useful to avail some great offers on popular Indian & international websites. If you’re a shopaholic like me, discounts can take you a long way as you save quite a good amount of money. In my case, I always search for coupons online before I press the “Checkout” button online. Who doesn’t like saving some extra bucks? When people logon to a website, everyone has one common mission: to get the best deals, ever! Here are 5 ways you can snag it without breaking a sweat:
1. Make a shopping list Life becomes easier when you’re organized. The internet is filled with offers & discounts but you need to pick and choose the ones you want. Lists make life more efficient. Make a list of items you want to buy so that you can go on a mission to find each one of them. I usually make one even if I have to shop for makeup online. This
The best feeling in the world is when you get a discount coupon and it works! When you’re eligible for 20% discount, why not exploit the opportunity? Always search for coupons before you click the “Confirm order” button. You can browse through Shoppirate.in for some coupons that can save you a good amount of money on some of your favourite websites! For example, for Jabong.com, they offer a number of drool-worthy discounts.
4. Let items stay in your cart Wondering why? Usually online retailers notice the carts and after a month or so send you a discount coupon to finish your transaction. This is just a much-needed push for you to purchase the item. Although this process takes time, it’s well worth-it!
5. Use Multiple Coupon codes At times, certain websites allow multiple coupon codes. Use them strategically to avail great discounts. For example, if you have one coupon code that gives you a 10% discount and the other one that gives you Rs. 500 off, use them backto-back to avail a deeper discount. I hope these tips help you to sharpen your onlineshopping skills. Sonika Ajmera Fashion Blogger
I
t is generally recognized that active individuals require more dietary protein due to an increase in muscle protein degradation and protein breakdown that occurs during exercise, as well as the need to further complement intramuscular protein resynthesis and increase muscle growth during the post-exercise recovery. Thus, a strategically planned protein intake regimen timed around physical activity is integral in preserving muscle mass or promoting muscular hypertrophy, ensuring a proper recovery from exercise, and perhaps even sustaining optimal immune function. Previously, high levels of blood amino acids following a bout of resistance training have been found to be integral in promoting muscle protein synthesis. Evidence supports the benefits of the timing of protein intake and its effect on gains in lean mass during resistance exercise training. Given that much of the research to date has been conducted on resistance exercise, more investigation is required to ascertain the effects of protein timing on other modes of exercise.
THE STUDY: To understand the ingestion of protein and its effects right after exercise a research was done utilizing 130 United States Marine subjects examined the effects of an ingested supplement (8 gms carbohydrate, 10 gms protein, 3 gms fat) immediately after exercise on the status of various health markers. These data were compared to 129 subjects ingesting a non-protein supplement (8 g carbohydrate, 0 g protein, 3 g fat), and 128 subjects ingesting placebo tablets (0 g carbohydrate, 0 g protein, 0 g fat). Upon the completion of the 54-d trial, researchers reported that the subjects ingesting the protein supplement had an average of 33%
fewer total medical visits, including 28% less visits due to bacterial or viral infections, 37% less orthopaedic-related visits, and 83% less visits due to heat exhaustion. Moreover, post-exercise muscle soreness was significantly reduced in subjects ingesting protein when compared to the control groups. Plus previous studies have also demonstrated that whey protein elicits immuno-enhancing properties, likely due to its high content of cysteine; an amino acid that is needed for glutathione production. Hence, previous research has indicated that ingesting a protein source that is rich in essential amino acids and is readily digestible immediately before and following exercise training is beneficial for increasing muscle mass, recovery following exercise, and sustaining immune function during high-volume training periods. While protein ingestion is emphasized in this article, the concomitant ingestion of protein and carbohydrates prior to and/or following exercise has also been shown to be advantageous in increasing muscle protein synthesis; a result which is likely due to an increase in insulin signalling following the ingestion of carbohydrates.
CONCLUSION: It has been found that intake of protein post workout is always beneficial for building lean muscle and helps in recovery. (Source : ISSN)
BIBHU MONI SINGHA,
Gym Manager Training & Nutrition Head, SFL Fitness Gym & MMA For further Workout Programs & Diet follow me on Facebook or log on to my website – www.bibhuuniversalfitness. com. You can also watch my videos on my YouTube channel.
20
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Reviews Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Amit Sadh, Randeep Hooda Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
S
ultan Khan is slightly immatured for his age and so while he is running a cable business, a love at first sight moment for him changes his life. After a chance meeting with Aarfa, Haryana’s famous female wrestler, Sultan falls for her and tries every trick in the book to woo her. He soon learns that she will only marry a wrestler who has competed beyond the state level and that becomes the motto of his life. Sultan trains himself to be worthy of her and to stand tall in his own eyes. With his physical as well as mental strength, Sultan goes on to create milestones and even wins at the Olympics. He even marries Aarfa but his toughest fight with life is yet to come. Will Sultan’s growing arrogance ruin his marriage with Aarfa? Witness the rise, fall and rise of Sultan! Frankly speaking, Sultan‘s trailer itself was enough to give you an insight into what the film is all about. The only thing that will come as a surprise is that actually it is a love
vie Mo view Re
So while the first half is entertaining with Salman’s killer physique being plastered on screen and soon his funny dance moves, it is the second half that tires you out. Emotional drama in the second half seems a tad bit unnecessary but then again, these are the signs that it is a YRF film. Salman Khan definitely worked hard on attaining that body and he needs to be lauded for it. At 50, watching him wrestle, dance, romance and emote with such ease in Sultan will be delight for his fans. The stark change that his character goes through is ably portrayed by him. He is definitely a watcher in this film! Anushka Sharma gives a strong support to Sultan’s character in the film. Her performance is fairly good and surprisingly the chemistry with Salman too. Amit Sadh and Randeep Hooda have cameo roles in the film and both fit their roles quite seamlessly. We do wish there was a little more Randeep in the film!
story. The writers offer nothing fresh when it comes to the plot of this film. It is laden with cliches and if you are Bollywood buff, you know what will be the second half in the interval itself. Question is, was the execution good enough for you to forget the loopholed script? I’m not a huge fan of films that take cinematic liberties for granted and come up with larger than life stories. In case of Sultan, it is not an over the top story, it’s just that it is too Filmy. At one point, Aarfa’s love story forming a hurdle in her ambition reminds us exactly of Mary Kom. So basically, it is highly archaic and hence the typical elements of a sports drama come in picture. The dialogues have been penned in keeping with Salman’s personality. Sadly, none of them have the quality to become epic like the Chak De ‘Sattar minute’. Sultan’s character is interestingly built as he goes from being immature to focused to broken as life throws punches at him.
F
a movie that’s painfully rote. Screenwriters Adam Cozad (“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”) and Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”) follow the formula of the recent “Alice in Wonderland” movies, setting the story after the action we know from the books while also indulging in enough flashbacks to make half of the film an origin story. Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) has returned to England to assume his title of the fifth earl of Greystoke, but U.S. government agent George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) compels him to travel to Africa on the invitation of the king of Belgium, who has sunk vast amounts of money into exploiting the resources of the Congo. Like “John Carter” and “The Lone Ranger” before it, this movie packs
in so much generic derring-do that there’s little time to focus on what made the character so memorable in the first place. And on the heels of this year’s “Jungle Book” remake, the wild-animal CGI falls a little short as well. (Let’s not even dig into the film’s racial undertones or white-savior story, much less the suggestion that the only way to stop a bad colonizer is with a good colonizer.) “The Legend of Tarzan” isn’t as singularly joyless as many of this summer’s other current offerings, but it also feels distinctly like a missed opportunity. Even when Skarsgård offers up the character’s famous jungle cry, it sounds more mournful than enthusiastic, and that sentiment seeps into the entire enterprise.
PVR Cinemas
HUB, GS Road 9864800100, 9864800200
vie Mo view Re
close to Downing’s heart as anything else. A characteristically polished recording produced by Downing, it involves discerning use of strings and horns, as well as help from some longtime associates. Wife Audrey Wheeler Downing on background vocals, Melvin Davis on bass, and Randy Bowland on guitar are all along for the trip. Kirk Whalum’s flute augments “Nights Over Egypt,” and Najee takes a saxophone solo on “Street Life.”
sultan 10.45, 11.00 AM, 2.00, 2.15, 5.15, 5.30, 8.30 & 8.45 PM u Yo LD OUad H S re
L
Ulubari 0361 2541335
ASTC Complex, Paltan Bazar 9854066166
Ravinder Singh
ife would have been easier had it been possible for us to plan falling in love; More importantly, avoid falling in love... ‘Love is not for you,’ she told herself. Inside, just like any girl, she desired to be loved. She had accepted her life the way it was, till one day love showed up un-
Apsara Cinema
GOLD Cinema
Author:
u Yo LD OU N SH ISTE L
Sultan 10.30 AM, 1.45, 5.00 & 8.40 PM
Sultan 10.30 AM, 1.45, 5.30 & 8.45 PM
This Love that Feels Right...
Artist:
T
Sultan 10.30 AM, 2.00, 5.30 & 8.45 PM
Fun Cinemas
Book:
Will Downing
and the early ‘90s. The likes of Jean Carn’s “Don’t Let It Go to Your Head,” Williams’ “Black Butterfly,” René & Angela’s “Your Smile,” and Brenda Russell’s “Get Here” -- easily the biggest crossover hit among the selections -- are reinterpreted faithfully with Downing’s typical richness and restraint. Phyllis Hyman’s “Meet Me on the Moon” (1991), cowritten by Gene McDaniels, is the deepest selection, but even that one is far from obscure, and it’s evidently as
Noonmati 03612656968, 9954544738
Sultan 9.30, 10.30 AM, 12.50, 1.50, 4.10, 5.10, 7.30 & 8.30 PM
Album:
Black Pearls
he source material for the inspired, allcovers Black Pearls album was popularized strictly by women. It’s an unsurprising concept, given that Will Downing made his 1987 solo debut with a version of Deniece Williams’ “Free” and went on to cover classics by Rose Royce and Aretha Franklin. The singer’s first album for the Shanachie label, this features updates of well-known songs, mostly ballads, that originated in the late ‘70s
Anuradha Cineplex
Dona Planet. GS Road 08800900009
Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson Director: David Yates rom the author of ‘John Carter’! is a tagline that no studio would use to promote a movie, but “The Legend of Tarzan” — another dive into the pulpy output of writer Edgar Rice Burroughs — feels like another perfunctory attempt to breathe new life into a familiar property. There’s never a moment in this new film that comes off like anyone involved was driven or aching to put a new spin on Tarzan; instead, it’s a reflection of public awareness of the character, whose name gets a little registered trademark symbol in the opening and closing credits. If marketing-based decisions didn’t sometimes lead to entertaining movies, Hollywood would be a ghost town, but here we have talented people on both sides of the camera still creating
NOW SHOWING
announced, uninvited! That’s the thing with love. It doesn’t take permission. It’s in its very nature to gatecrash into our lives Standing face-to-face with love, she finds herself asking, ‘Is this love right?’ The answer is not simple. It never was... This intense love story will shake every belief you’ve ever had.
GOLD Cinema Salasar Building, Lakhtokia 9854077177
sultan 10.45, 11.00 AM, 2.00, 2.15, 5.15, 5.30, 8.30 & 8.45 PM
GOLD Cinema
LG Towers, Narangi 8811001898 sultan 11.00 AM, 2.15, 5.30 & 8.45 PM
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
21
Entertainment
A
ngeekar Films’ first Assamese feature film Aei Maatite has been directed by independent filmmaker and eminent theatre personality Dr Sitanath Lahkar. The movie finished its editing and the film is an adaptation of Dr. Lahkar’s famous stage play Tamasaa based on the burning issue of witch hunting. The movie has been edited by Dr A Nagraj, who with the experience under his belt has been involved with various documentary films. Dr Nagraj, who is based in Tezpur has worked on the film’s various aspects for over two months. Aei Maatite is his first Assamese feature film and he has taken extra care in treating the subject matter considering its seriousness. The story, screenplay, dialogues, lyrics and direction of Aei Maatite are by Dr Lahkar who is also a retired Principal of Cotton College. The shooting of Aei Maatite was done in five locations – Jaipur village in Rani, Guwahati, Dimoria, Tezpur and Panikhaiti. A major part of the film was shot at Jaipur, where the unit received overwhelming help and support from the villagers. Kamrup District Administration, Assam Police, Fire Services Department, Tezpur University, Dimoria College and Cotton College have provided crucial support in the making of this film. This ‘action-drama’ film has some very critical scenes, shooting of which were done with utmost care and precision. The movie features rustic action scenes which have hardly been seen in Assamese films. The film will cinematically showcase some of the inhuman killings in the
name of witch hunting. The entire shooting unit worked tirelessly to get those sequences done, which is sure to mesmerize the movie lovers. Witch hunting or witchcraft is a serious social menace riding on superstition, coupled with greed for wealth and personal grudge of certain criminal gangs. It is prevalent in many states like Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives due to this evil practice, where villagers took part in mass murders under the influence of superstition. Aei Maatite has a very strong message against witchcraft, upholding the value of scientific temperament and human life. The film Aei Maatite will mainly talk about the witch hunting problem in Assam and how a section of people are using witchcraft for their own interest. Witchcraft has no reason at all and is shrouded with darkness of superstition, which is to be overcome by the society. The lead male character in Aei Maatite is portrayed by Rupam Chetia. The lead female role of the film is played by newcomer Monisha Goswami, while Khwrwmdao Narzary acted in the lead negative role in his first Assamese film. Dr Lahkar has also chosen to act in the movie for a special character. Other prominent senior actors and actresses in the film are Anil Das, Chetana Das, Bimal Jyoti Choudhury, Dr. Rajeev Doley and Lalit Sarma. Also, Rajib Craw, Meena Ingti, Jina Rajkumari, Sasanka Samir, Dilip Phukan, Smita Lahkar, Bhupesh Sharma, Satyajit Gogoi, Trideep Lahkar, Raj Kumar
Dipali Barthakur receives Jonbai Cultural Award
U
nder the initiative of the Jonbai Sangskritik Gosthi, led by well known music director and singer Manas Rabin, the Jonbai Cultural Award was conferred upon the ‘Nightingale of Assam’, Dipali Barthakur on the occasion of World Music Day. The award consists of a citation, a cheleng chador, a japi and Rs. 30,000 in cash. Along with Manas Rabin and other office-bearers of the Gosthi, director Rajesh Bhuyan, actors Minu Bania, Nayan Nilim, music director Biman Baruah, singer Bhitali Das, Nirmali Das, Sajon Nayak, Tushar Arjun, among others, were present at the eminent singer’s residence. Dipali Barthakur’s husband, eminent artist Neelpaban Baruah, was also present on the occasion.
‘Aei Maatite’
a movie on Witch-hunting in Assam
Roy, Kumar Jyoti Sarma, Rajib Bayan, Manabendra Bhattacharya, Thomas Tumung, Utpal Das, Kamal Lochan Deka, Reena Teron, Dr Bijoya Goswami, Rajdeep Rahang, Tapashya Barua, Nayan Prasad, Kritima Das, AbaniSutradhar,Kiron Sankar, Debashis Saikia, Biju Buragohain, Abhinav Hazarika, Jubeel Kashyap, Deepak Malakar, Rupeswari Rahang, Apurba Malakar, Aman Rahang, Nabajyoti Das, Tarun Oja, Anuja Singha, Nitul Kumar Medhi, Garga Barman, Dhan Bishaya, Dhruba Jyoti Sarma, Achyut Malakar, Rituparna Saikia, Tehruddin Ahmed, Bhudhar Bar-
man, Layanu Das, Rubee Das, Bhaskar Sharma, Chitra Barma, Anil Haloi, Surajit Nath, Binod Saikia,Tilottama Sharma, SBL Boro, Rita Devi and Sabdi Bharadwaj acted in some important roles. A few other important characters of the film will be enacted by former Tezpur University Pro-VC and well-known lyricist-poet Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury, former Inspector General of Police S P Kar and Thengal-Kachari Autonomous Council CEM Kumud Kachari. AASU leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi, ABSU leader Pramod Boro, SFI leader Nirankush Nath and Cha-
tra Mukti leader Bittu Sonowal will also be seen in the film in their real names and roles. In total, the film has over 100 characters. Maatite are Anupam Baishya, Trideep Lahkar, Rajkumar Roy and Dipjyoti Deka. Music Direction has been done by Bibhuranjan Choudhury, while the Art Director is Golok Saha. The film’s songs were choreographed by Smita Lahkar. The Director of Photography is Pradip Daimary and Make-Up is by Aku Bothra. Still Photography is by Shelly Das and Manoj Mishra was the Production Manager during the shoot of the film.
‘Purab Ki Awaz’ set for international release ‘Purab Ki Awaz’, a Hindi film based on the life of Assamese freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua is set to release worldwide across 1000 screens on August 5 as a pre-Independence Day offering. The movie has been produced by Loknath Deka and directed by Chandra Mudoi. The film’s banner L.P.K.G Film Production has joined hands with a big distribution company like Pen-NCamera of Mumbai, which is going to release the film worldwide. Jamal Ahmed Rao, its Mumbai-based executive producer is hopeful about the success of the film. The film will be released in Mumbai, Delhi, UP, Kolkata, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, Assam; and internationally, it will be released in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Dubai-Gulf, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Japan and China. ‘Purab Ki Awaz’ stars Urmila Mahanta, Nipon Goswami, Debashis Barthakur, Monimala, Tapan Sarma,
Papori Bora, Ashrumoni, child artistes Rodali, Akshita and Jaffry, etc. The film’s chief assistant director is Dipak Roy, assistant director Swapnajit Borkakati, music director is Dr. Hitesh Baruah, Ajay Phukan and Tapan Kakati. The cinematography has
been done by Naba Kumar Das, edited by Syamal Das. The movie is Loknath Deka’s maiden venture under LPKG Production. He has produced and directed TV serials like ‘Prachir Kiyo Sristi Hoisil’, ‘Ferengadow’, ‘Abuj Morom’, etc.
KALYAN KUMAR KALITA
22
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Citypedia Taurus
Gemini
Get ready for an interesting week in which you’ll be eager to broaden your horizons. The only thing that might stop you is any doubt you may harbor. Someone could step in as a mentor, encouraging you to relax your comfort zone and try. The New Moon on Monday is the perfect time to write down your goals for this week and next and psyche yourself up to reach for them. All that’s needed is for you to take that first step!
Monday’s New Moon could start a revolution in your financial sector, encouraging you to manage your money more efficiently. Over the rest of the week, conversations and opportunities that come your way could open doors that help you earn more. The potential for increasing your income is certainly there. You only need to be alert to take advantage while you can. If you’re willing to put in a little more effort, you could get big results.
Monday’s Cancer New Moon is the best of the year for you, as it allows you a platform to make a fresh start. This New Moon is like having another birthday - there’s the possibility of your wishes being granted. It would be worthwhile to spend time thinking about what things you want to achieve in the coming year and writing them down. You may be surprised by how many items come true as a result.
With a lineup in your sector of spirituality and reflection, Monday’s New Moon could encourage greater focus on the subtler aspects of life. This might mean taking up a practice like meditation or yoga that can help you expand your awareness and understand yourself a little better. You might also find that inspiration flows freely, bringing ideas for your creative plans and projects.
Your social scene sparkles this week, with plenty of encouragement from the cosmos to network on plans and projects. Monday’s New Moon might be the jumping-off point for a collaboration that proves very fruitful. However, the week isn’t without its difficulties, as Thursday brings the potential for misunderstandings. You may be willing to compromise if it means keeping your friendships intact.
It seems you’re in the limelight, which is probably one of the best places to be this week. With a New Moon in your sector of career and ambition, you will be well placed to make a start on a goal that could have the potential to change your life. There may be others who disagree with you, and you might need to have a heartto-heart talk with some. However, it may only take a diplomatic approach to win them over.
Far horizons beckon, with a wonderful New Moon early in the week calling you to go on new adventures. This could be a time when you choose to take a class, travel, or even work or retire abroad. What could stop you from taking that first step is a desire to hang on to the past. However, nothing stays the same. The urge you have to push forward and take on new challenges is one that you should consider very seriously.
In what do you most want to invest? Whatever it is, Monday’s New Moon encourages you to move in a direction that brings the best possible outcome. You could have more resources at your disposal than you realize, and they include faith in yourself and in what you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re worried that you might lose out, it could be because certain fears are getting in the way. They may begin to dissipate when you take the first step.
Relationships could be very rewarding this week, particularly with a New Moon in your sector of connections and companionship bringing new possibilities your way. This is certainly a time to negotiate as opposed to trying to force the pace or bend a situation to meet your needs. Gaining the cooperation of others might mean that you can achieve a lot more than you could alone. If you have influential friends, they may be willing to pull a few strings for you.
With a focus on your lifestyle sector, this is an opportunity to reorganize your routines so that you can achieve more even as you have more fun. You should avoid days that are completely devoid of relaxation. In fact, Thursday could bring an event your way that helps you realize the fruitlessness of an attitude of “all work and no play.” Think about treating yourself to a spa day, movie, or anything else that makes you feel really good.
This is your time to strut into the limelight and showcase your skills and talents. With a focus on a dynamic sector of your chart, this isn’t the time to hide your light under a barrel. Shine brightly so that everyone can see. Monday’s New Moon is the best time to set your intention to get your creative ideas out to the world. Romance is also in the cards, with the week ahead bringing options for some sizzling nights out - or in!
Cancer
Libra
Capricorn
GUWAHATI
Leo
Scorpio
Aquarius
Virgo
Sagittarius
Pisces
EMERGENCY NUMBERS RADIO TAXI SERVICES Prime Cabs 0361- 2222233 Green Cabs 0361-7151515 My Taxi 0361-2228888 Cherry Cabs 8876222288
24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) D Modern Medicos, Maligaon (9864366763) Candid 24x7, Panbazar (2604422) DEAD BODY CARRYING VAN GLP Social Circle 2737373, 9435047046 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 GGUMTA 98640-16740 OTHERS Fire Emergency 101 State Zoo 2201363 GMC Carcass Pickup 9435190720, 9864047222 LPG Emergency/Leakage 2385209, 2541118, LPG Booking (ivr System) 7670024365 Child line Guwahati 1098
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Call Centre – 9678005171
BLOOD BANK
Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Ganga Blood Bank 2454742, 2455029 Lion’s Club of Ghy Central 2546611 Marwari Yuva Manch 2546470, 2547251 Saharia’s Path Lab (24 hours) 2458594
AMBULANCE
Ambulance 102 Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Downtown Hospital 9864101111, 9435012669 GLP Social Circle 2737373 GGUMTA (Mirza) 03623-227109 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 Free Ambulance to GNRC Hospitals Toll Free: 1800-345-0011
Sudoku
police station
About Sudoko
A Sudoku puzzle consists of 81 cells which are divided into nine columns, rows and regions. The task is now to place the numbers from 1 to 9 into the empty cells in such a way that in every row, column and 3×3 region each number appears only once.
Comissioner of Police: 0361-2540278 DCP, Traffic: 0361-2731847 DCP, (Central): 94350-49599 DCP, (East): - 94350-83103 DCP, (West): - 94350-27744 Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Azara PS: Ph2840287 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285
Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) B Baruah Cancer Institute (2472364/66) Brahmaputra Hospital Ltd (2451634/678) Chatribari Christian Hospital 0361-2600051, 92070-44374 Downtown Hospital 2331003, 9864079366, 9435012669 Guwahati Medical College (2529457, 2529561) Guwahati Medical College Emergency (2263444) GNRC Hospital 1800-345-0022 (Toll Free) GNRC Ambulance 1800-345-0011 (Toll Free) International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan
Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998) Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344 Narayana Superspeciality Hospital 088118 88888 Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351)
GMC helpline number for garbage collection
8811007000
last week solution
Aries
The week ahead brings an opportunity for a new start on the home front. If you’ve had a vision of how you want a room, garden, or the whole property to look, the week ahead could spur you on to make it happen. And with a positive link between Venus and Mars, it seems that the funds will be available for you to go ahead. However, you and your partner or other loved ones may need to negotiate plans that work for everyone.
Hospital
Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627 Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921 TB Hospital (2540193) Wintrobe Hospital 0361-2519860, 98647-77986 IHR-Institute of Human Reproduction 0361-2482619, 098641-03333 Dispur Hospital Reception 97070 20370 82539 99124 361-2235759 (Landline No. / Fax) Hayat Hospital 8011003110
Vigilance and anti corruption toll free number
1800-345-3767
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
7
23
Event
Days
Events
July 9th to July 15th
Sunset Pool Party
JULY 9 7pm TOPAZ
at Hotel Palacio on 3rd july
JULY 9 TERRA MAYAA
JULY 9 7pm XS
Searock Guwahati Eliminations
(Aperture Photography, Adreet Gogoi)
DJ Tejas at TOPAZ
JULY 9 2pm CAFE COPA
JULY 16 TERRA MAYAA
JULY 9 UNDER DOGGS
24
G PLUS JUL 09 - JUL 15, 2016
Catching Up Most shared story of the week Guwahati is all set have a new Mercedes showroom. In fact, it is the first showroom in the entire Northeast region. Formally titled, Mercedes Benz Axom Motors, people have already made their bookings and going by the comments we received, people have been looking forward to this for a long time. Mercs are ready to invade the streets of Guwahati. facebook.com/guwahatiplus twitter.com/guwahatiplus
Guwahati
GYAN
Did you know?
Sonaram Higher Secondary School
New
Chic on the block
Himadri das About Me
Hi, I am Himadri Das from Guwahati. I’m originally from Mangaldai. I am 18 years old and pursuing by BA from Handique Girls’ College. My parents have been very supportive in my choice of career as a print model. I completed my training in Sattriya and classical music.
Mojo
I am very passionate about Bihu dance, acting and travelling.
Route in the Woods
T
he Sonaram Higher Secondary School, established in 1894, is one of the oldest existing schools of the city. The school, during its initial days, was located in Panbazar but was later shifted to Bharalumukh. Till the 1980s, the school was considered as one of the best schools in town after Collegiate School but started deteriorating due to negligence. It
also offered many vocational courses such as carpentry, scouts and guides and NCC which were included in the school curriculum, but were later removed. Personalities like poet Raghunath Choudhury, poet Ambika Giri Rai Choudhury, litterateur Chandra Nath Sarma, and former chief minister Bishnuram Medhi were among the alumnus of the school.
I’ve chosen this profession because I love it and want to pursue it in the future. I’ve attended several workshops under Prashantt Ghosh and Tridisha Baruah. In the future, I would like to see myself as a successful print model and venture into the film industry too.
Ka m u r of the week
M
any state government employees took an off on Wednesday with a confusion in mind that Wednesday would be an Eid holiday. But later Eid was announced on Thursday which gave them two days off consecutively. But in the whole scenario many Guwahatians were irritated by two days of work halt in government offices. It also proves that some government officials just need a reason to take leave and people keep suffering.
WHAT DID I JUST HEAR?
A
s a measure to tackle the increasing rate of obesity, Kerala is all set to introduce the first ever ‘fat tax’ to be levied on junk and fast food items. In his budget speech, Kerala’s Minister of Finance proposed a tax of 14.5% to be levied on junk food including items like burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, doughnuts, tacos, etc.
PIC OF THE A prayer for peace
Photo: Adib Zamali
WEEK
Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Arkashish Publications (P) Ltd., Katahbari, Garchuk, Guwahati and Published at H/No. 34, K. C. Choudhury Road, Chatribari, Guwahati - 781008, Editor: Koushik Hazarika. Phone: 0361 2737737, Email: info@g-plus.in, RNI No: ASSENG/2013/52641