G Plus Vol 4 Issue 02

Divorce: Not a social stigma in Assamese society any more

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Fatasil police on toes with rampant crime in Kalapahar

PG 13

Usmita Das

G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016

New CHIC on the block

PG 24

VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 02 NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

PRICE `10

Guwahati wastes 18 hours a day at rail level crossings The TVUs of all the city rail level-crossings suggest that the crossings have since long required road over-bridges to avoid traffic congestion but the State Government has not bothered to take any action yet.

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Saraighat Bridge to open on 1st January’17

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Guwahati plagued by

Lifestyle diseases

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Unhealthy lifestyles, parties and late nights are becoming the main cause for lifestyle diseases that people are suffering from and these are beginning to pose greater risks than infectious diseases

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Lead Story

Guwahati wastes 18 hours a day at rail level crossings

There are 8 railway level-crossings between Kamakhya and Guwahati railway station There are 13 railway level-crossings between Kamakhya and Narengi

Rahul Chanda

The TVUs of all the city rail level-crossings suggest that the crossings have since long required road over-bridges to avoid traffic congestion but the State Government has not bothered to take any action yet.

On average 82 trains cross a level-crossing daily

The crossings and train vehicular unit (TVU)

A gate closes for approximately 13 minutes for a train to pass The crossing gates remain closed for approximately 18 hours Commuters get only 6 hours to commute through the levelcrossings The TVU ratings calculated every year suggest that at least 12 level-crossings must have over-bridges Railway sources say the cost of construction has to be borne by both NFR and state government equally The railway authorities have kept the government informed about the matter over the last 7 to 8 years The state government till date has not taken any initiative The present PWD minister said that over-bridge proposals for national highway crossings have already been submitted to the railway ministry The minister said that the government is making proposals for city level-crossings as well but the same will take time Guwahatians are severely irked and seek a solution asap!

railway gate no. 4 fancy bazaar at 3pm | surajit Sharma/G Plus

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he recent attempts of the city traffic police to implement some new rules on AT Road by enforcing one-ways literally hit a road block and the decision had to be revoked the very same day. The Police opined that failure of the exercise had to be attributed to the large number of railway level-crossings in the area which choked the traffic every few minutes rendering one-way traffic on AT Road impossible. Similarly, residents of Fancy Bazar, Kumarpara, Bharalumukh, Athgaon, etc., talking to G Plus, said that commuting from one place to another through the level crossings often

pose insurmountable odds as the gates remain closed most of the time due to train crossing. Every time the gates are raised the traffic jam is beyond manageable. Exactly how many level crossings are there in Guwahati? For what length of time do the gates remain closed on a daily basis? Who is responsible for making road over-bridges or under passes at the crossings that could ease traffic and why are the authorities not doing the same?

Which are the crossings where bridges have become imperative and how can this be determined?

G Plus tries to explore some possible situations.

According to highly placed sources in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) there are 13 level crossings between Kamakhya and Narengi; 8 of these are between Kamakhya and Guwahati railway station. The source said that NFR is aware of the problem faced by the local people because of level-crossings and therefore the Railway conducts a yearly survey to determine the Train Vehicular Unit (TVU) and to understand which level crossings should be converted into road over-bridges or under passes. According to the source, the Railway, before constructing any railway track, studies the TVU of every crossing and decides whether there should be an over-bridge or an under pass.

TVU is determined by an arithmetic calculation after studying the number of vehicles passing a particular crossing and also the number of trains passing the same crossings. According to the source if the TVU of a particular crossing is found to be more than 1 lakh units then that crossing requires a road over-bridge. We also learnt that before constructing the broad gauge track line in Guwa-

hati in 1984, the TVUs for all the crossings were studied and wherever it was deemed necessary an over-bridge was made. The source also said that the Railway does a survey where every year a TVU is calculated for every crossing and till the next ten years of construction of railway tracks, if it is found that the TVU of a particular crossing requires an over-bridge or an under pass then the railways constructs it at its own expense.

Beyond ten years the responsibility is shifted to the government which owns the road, and while the yearly TVU calculation is continued, the resultant data is sent to the State and the Central governments. Now, after ten years if it is found that the TVU has exceeded 1 lakh units at a particular crossing, the State or the Central government sends a proposal to the railways to construct an under pass or over-bridge at the crossing for which the railways bear 50% of the construction cost. Given this, what is the present TVU of all the crossings in Guwahati? G Plus studies the TVU units to find out which level-crossings require under passes or over-bridges with the knowledge that if the TVU is above 80,000 units the requirement is an under pass and if it is above 1 lakh units, the crossing requires an over-bridge.

TVU of the city’s level-crossings as of January 2016 and the requirement of road over bridge Name of the Road

TVU of the level crossings

PK Phukan Road Santipur Road Bharalumukh Road RRB Road BRP Road AT Road Jail Road Tokobari Road Kukurmuta Road Baruah Road Sarania Road Anuradha Road ASEB Road, Bamunimaidan

Average No of trains per day

661960 365844 763250 761100 539822 716294 631840 634361 261846 198900 197903 539306 86832

95 86 86 86 86 86 88 91 78 78 73 86 48

Requirement of under or over bridge Requires road over bridge (ROB) Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires ROB Requires road under pass

So, out of 13 railway level-crossings in the city the TVU units show that 12 crossings require over-bridges and 1 requires an under pass. G Plus also tried to calculate the approximate time for which the gates remain open for vehicles to cross the crossings.

Approximate time for which the gates are open Talking to sources in NFR it was known that calculation and pinpointing the exact timings that a particular gate remains closed is very difficult as the same is never calculated. G Plus also talked

to senior officers at Guwahati Railway Station who said that the exact time for which the gate is kept open or closed cannot be specifically stated as before the arrival of a train all the level crossings receive a signal that the gates have to be closed. Now, if one gate closes at a particular time,

the other might close a bit later depending on vehicles that are in the process of passing through the crossing. The gateman has to wait till the track is free to close the gate. When all the gates are closed an automatic signal is sent to the train allowing it to pass the crossing. G Plus visited some gates

to observe the time lapse between closing the gate, passage of the train and thereafter, reopening of the gate. After observing 7 trains it was found that the gates remained closed for anything between 12 minutes to 18 minutes. Talking to the gateman at one of the Rail level crossing he, speaking on con-

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

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Lead Story ditions of anonymity, said that the gate is closed approximately for 10 to 15 minutes every time a train passes. He also said that sometimes the gates are also closed for shunting of trains. Engines are often tested, removed or fixed and not all gates are closed for this activity; only the relevant gates are closed and so it depends from gate to gate. But he added that on average, level-crossings are closed for 13 minutes per train passage.

So it can be safely stated that a gate closes for approximately 13 minutes every time a train passes.

From the TVU chart and the average of all the crossings it can be seen that approximately 82 trains in total pass through a level-crossing every day. So, if 82 trains pass a particular crossing and if the gate is closed for approximately 13 minutes every time a train crosses, the particular gate remains closed for approximately an astounding 18 hours every day. Vehicles get only 6 hours a day to commute through the crossings!

A businessman in the Fancy Bazar area near Jail Road level

crossing talking to G Plus said that it is getting increasingly difficult to work because the level-crossings remain closed most of the time and it takes hours to cross one.

He said that he deals in electronic items and his customers are mostly from AT Road side. While his deliveries to his customers take two-three hours elsewhere in the city, it sometimes takes one to two hours just to cross the level-crossing because of the traffic jam. This severely hampers business. Similarly, all businessmen in the area are supremely irked with tackling the level-crossings on a daily basis and want the government and the railways to think of alternatives like rerouting the trains or constructing an underpass or overbridge at the level crossing. So if an over-bridge is such a compelling need, why is the government not taking any initiatives?

The reasons The railway source talking to G Plus said that since the last seven to eight years the yearly TVU

another city level crossing | surajit Sharma/G Plus

readings suggest that there should be over-bridges at most of the city’s level-crossings and this has been suggested to the State government many times. But the State government is not taking any initiative. Public Relations Officer of NF Railway, Jayanta Sarma talking to G Plus said, “Railway is ready

to share 50% cost to construct over-bridges and under passes if the State government sends us the requisite proposals. We will share the cost and accept such proposals.” It has been more than 10 years that these level-crossings have been in existence. The TVU ratings suggest that the level-crossings that require over-bridges are the responsibility of the State government as the city roads are constructed by them. The railway tracks are constructed on the land bought by the railways from the State government. G Plus tried to talk to many senior PWD officials but they did not want to comment on the issue saying that they will have to study the matter thoroughly. The State PWD Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya, talking to G Plus said, “We recently met the Union Railway Minister and have submitted the proposal of making over-bridges at the crossings on the national highway and it will soon happen. We are aware that even the city crossings require over-bridges for which we are making a proposal but it will take

Meenakshi Arora in FICCI-Flo meet

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eeping FICCI-FLO’s vision of empowering women, NE Chapter of FICCI-FLO had organised a session with a eminent senior counsel of the Supreme Court of India, Meenakshi Arora, wherein she addressed issues related to sexual harassment at workplace, witch-hunting in Assam, women’s right to inheritance, domestic violence amongst other issues. In order to create awareness a panel discussion with eminent personalities from different sections of the society was conducted by noted advocate Angshuman Bora, Gauhati High Court.

The panelists were Dr. Richa Pandey from the Forensic Department of GMC, Tinat Atifa Masood, journalist, Loni Chaliha, educationist, Dr. Roshan Ara Begum, IAS, Rakhee Sirauthia Choudhury, Advocate Gauhati High

Court and Indrani Deb, Chairperson FICCI-FLO NE. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Rumi Phookan were among the august gathering. Commenting on the programme prior to the session, Indrani Deb said, “The programme on ‘Woman and Law’ has been designed for bridging the gap between the women and their legal rights. Women need to empower themselves with the knowledge of law which governs the society and regulates it. The legal fraternity is there to help the citizens but no one approaches them. A panel discussion on these relevant issues of the state by expert panellists along with guest speaker Meenakshi Arora, senior counsel from the Supreme Court of India will enlighten the audience with their experience and expertise in the field of legal world.”

NE magazine celebrates 10 years of existence

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he Eclectic Group, which is a leading media and communications house of northeast India, headquartered in Guwahati, has completed 10 eventful years. Since the past decade, it has been bridging the gap between the region and the rest of the world, bringing opportunities to the people of the northeast and highlighting the strengths of a resilient land. In a press meet organized at the Press Club to commemorate the event, the Eclectic Group shared its eventful journey and upcoming plans.

Tanushree Hazarika, Managing Director of the Eclectic Group said, “Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between the region and the rest of the world. Even within the region, we know so less about each other. We have tried to showcase our region in the best possible manner. We have also been practicing journalism in a completely ethical and responsible manner. We are also blessed to have an excellent group of associates.”

Elaborating on the editorial journey, Nasreen Habib, editor of Eclectic NorthEast said, “Eclectic NorthEast has always stood for journalism of courage, and believed in the power of the pen to bring social change and give voice to NE India’s marginalized communities. We have also constantly highlighted the achievements of our people to contest the popular image of the NE as a violent zone.

While there are issues, there are also success stories, often lesser-known. We have also extended the magazine to have a new digital wing: the Eclectic Northeast website. It represents the changing face of northeast India with dynamic content in an easy-to-read and visually appealing format.”

Former editor of The Sentinel and one of NE India’s

most well-known journalists, Dhiren Bezbaruah, who attended the event as a special guest said, “I am delighted to be a part of the 10-year celebrations of Eclectic NorthEast.

I don’t think there is any other magazine in this region which can match Eclectic NorthEast in any aspect, be it printing quality or content. There are a lot of journalists who are good in every aspect but lack the courage. It is thus heartening to see Eclectic NorthEast not shying away from bold stories.”

Utpal Baruah, the Director of UB Photos, who also attended the event as special guest said, “We have been associated with Eclectic NorthEast since its inception. A good thing about Eclectic is that it has given a platform to young photographers. In the northeast, photographers do not get much scope to showcase their work. But in Eclectic, I see the work of photographers, many of whom have been my students.”

some time because we have to be prepared for the 50% construction cost.” He further said that the previous government did not take any serious initiative on the issue but the present government will make sure the issue is resolved given some time. Regarding elevating the tracks from Kamkhya to Guwahati railway station, a railway source said that the idea has germinated and the department is brain-storming as the cost is crucial. The source said that it requires Rs 5 to Rs 15 crores to construct a railway track of a one kilometre distance and so things have to be calculated.

Whatever be the answers from the authorities, the issue remains that the city rail level-crossings allow only 6 hours a day to the commuters to commute: a massive hindrance to development and a sheer wastage of valuable commuting time and energy. The State Government’s intervention is the need of the hour as things will only worsen tomorrow. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

APSC Chairman arrested on corruption charges

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PSC Chairman, Rakesh Paul, has been arrested on charges of corruption at around 4 pm on Friday last. According to a very highly placed source in APSC, the chairman had not come to office for a better part of the day and arrived at around or after 3.30 pm. He apparently landed straight into the hands of the waiting police force which whisked him away. Details are awaited. This is another high profile arrest in the crusade against corruption launched by the current government against tainted government officials and is, by far, the biggest catch

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Health

Lifestyle diseases

Juthika Baruah

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steadily swamping Guwahatians

Unhealthy lifestyles, parties and late nights are becoming the main cause for lifestyle diseases that people are suffering from and these are beginning to pose greater risks than infectious diseases

ifestyle diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in Guwahati and silent killers like diabetes, cancer and heart diseases are becoming common within the urban population.

Lifestyle diseases have emerged as bigger killers than any other diseases as most of these diseases escape early detection and diagnosis. The diseases are preventable or curable only with early diagnosis and timely detection and diagnosis is usually done only when people become suspicious of a particular health problem. Here are some of the most common lifestyle diseases which people of Guwahati need to take seriously.

ute. Diabetes is the no. 1 cause of kidney failure and it also causes blindness.

It has also been reported that diabetes is more prevalent among pregnant women and the reason is the unhealthy lifestyle that people are leading. The main reason for diabetes is stress and in most cases it is also hereditary. Diabetes can be prevented through regular exercise and physical activities like running, jogging, cycling, swimming etc. and the patients should follow a healthy diet chart.

GNRC had initiated the Lifestyle Disease Prevention Campaign in 2015 and till date 40 camps have been completed out of which 350 people were diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes among the youth below the age of 25 is fairly common now-a-days.

Stroke

Type 2 Diabetes According to a recent survey of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) there are 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide and India accounts for nearly 69 million. India is known as the diabetes capital of the world and it has been estimated that by 2035, 592 million people or one person in 10 will have the disease, i.e. it will increase by 55%. Guwahati has witnessed that people afflicted with the disease has doubled over the last five years, is now on a 15% growth annually, and the

most frightening thing is that the disease remains hidden until it becomes fatal. Half of the patients remain undiagnosed as they are not aware of it and for every one person diagnosed there are 3-4 persons in the pre-diabetes stage.

Diabetes among Indians is 5 times that of the white population and one person dies of diabetes-related complications every 6 seconds or 6 deaths in one min-

A stroke results when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain has a blockage thus creating an oxygen deficiency for the area of the brain it was carrying it to. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally and in Assam only 35% of the people are aware of stroke while the rest do not even know the term. In Assam, 54,890 persons are afflicted by stroke every year according to a study conducted by GNRC. GNRC reports state that 145 people suffer stroke per day - every hour there are 6 people. One person dies of stroke every half an hour. Common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol are quite prevalent and inadequately controlled due to deficiency of awareness. The incidence of stroke is increasing due to unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles in South Asian

countries notably in India.

Cancer Cancer has also risen at an alarming rate and in Assam throat cancer is more prevalent due to consumption of betel nut and tobacco. A CME program on women’s cancer and its changing paradigms was held at Dr. B. Barooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) where cancer of breast, uterine cervix, uterine endometrium and ovaries were seen to be collectively rising among women.

According to the Population-based Cancer Registry (PBCR), Kamrup-Urban recorded the highest incidence of cancers of the breast, uterine cervix, and ovary. As per the report, the incidence of women’s cancers in Assam ranges from 25 to 50 new

cases per lakh women population in a given year. Among the relative proportion of cancers in women in hospitals like Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, and Adyar Cancer Hospital in Chennai, breast cancer was the leading cancer followed by uterine cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, as stated in the NCRP report.

In BBCI, breast, uterine cervical and ovarian cancers were the three common women’s cancers with a relative proportion of 16.1%, 13.6%, and 4.9%, respectively of all cancers. A study published in Journal of Global Oncology in which BBCI also participated showed that StateII & III breast cancers had better survival rates in breast conservation surgery than modified radical mastectomy. The role of sentinel biopsy in breast and endometrial cancer was also discussed during the scientific session. With better sanitation and hygiene, improved living condition, incidence of cervical cancer in the country is gradually declining without any screening intervention.

Obesity Childhood obesity has become a cause for concern in the urban areas as 30% of private school children have obesity which is much higher than the government school student which is about 11%.

Childhood obesity is a threat for adult diabetes and high cardio-vascular risk factor as it is the future of diabetic patients

and heart disease and most of the mortality cases in adults are due to the cardio-vascular attacks.

“Assam has about 12% of childhood obesity under the age of 5-7 years which is hereditary but most of the cases are found due to unhealthy lifestyle. Childhood obesity leads to high cholesterol which causes early heart disease in men.

Females have problems like irregular menstrual cycle,” said Dr. Dipti Sarma, Head of Department of Endocrinology, Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

“In a recent survey in Guwahati among school students, it has been found that Body Mass Index (BMI) is much higher under the age of 14 years. The normal BMI in female should be 21-22 and in male, 22-23. In rural areas, the BMI is found to be more at the age of 12-13 years amongst the males while in female, it is high at the age of 14 years. The urban children do not get adequate amount of Vitamin D which comes from sunlight,” said Dr. Sarma.

Dr. Sarma further stated that obesity also leads to psychological depression as overweight children are generally neglected by their peers. It also affects the pulmonary function. Sleep Apnoea can also occur due to obesity. The doctor also informed that obesity is also the reason that people become disabled in their adulthood and it is seen that if a person is sexually healthy then he is normal as obesity is also the cause of impotency. Infertility stems from obesity in case of females. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

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Concern

Vandalism in hospitals occur due to lack of transparency Clinical Establishment Act to the rescue Salient Features: • The Act was enacted by the central government under Article 252 of the constitution for the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim (and also for implementation in the Union Territories).

Other states have a choice of implementing this legislation or enacting their own legislation on the subject.

• The purpose of the Act is to provide for the registration and regulation of clinical establishments with a view to prescribe minimum standards of facilities and services, which may be provided by them.

• The implementation is to be effected through a threetier structure — the Central Council, the State Council and the District Registering Authority.

• The act will be applicable to all clinical establishments (hospitals, maternity homes, nursing homes, dispensaries, clinics, sanatoriums or institutions by whatever name called) that offer services for diagnosis, care or treatment of patients in any recognised system of medicine (Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani or Siddha), public or private, except the establishments run by the armed forces.

• Registration is mandatory for all clinical establishments.

No person shall run a clinical establishment unless it is registered and for that the establishment has to fulfil certain prescribed conditions.

• The act mandates all clinical establishments to provide medical care and treatment necessary to stabilize any individual who comes or is brought to the clinical establishment in an emergency medical condition, particularly women who come for deliveries and accident cases.

• The hospitals are required to follow a particular template for display of the various rates related to PD, Investigation/diagnostic, emergencies, etc. which is detailed in the draft documents issued by the Ministry.

clueless about the treatment being carried out. Thus, the same leads to indignation among the patients’ kin if and when the condition of the patients deteriorates.

“It is also the responsibility of the concerned doctor and the hospital to share all the reports and information about the conKalyan Deb dition of the patient while going for a second opinion. In order to put such transparency in place the government has initiated the Clinical Establishment Act 2010 which is likely to be implemented by November will bring the necessary transparency in the hospitals,” the official added.

The Clinical Establishment Act 2010

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andalising of hospital property after the death of a kin has become a “popular” indulgence over the past few years. The same raises several questions and fingers are pointed at the doctors alleging their negligence. But the same also raises questions on the civic responsibility of the people.

A recent incident was reported where relatives of a patient vandalised property of a city hospital. It was alleged that the officials of Rahman Hospital took blood samples of a patient after his demise leading to outrage among the relatives.

Numerous such cases have surfaced in the past where the relatives allege that it is the negligence of doctors that leads to demise of the patients. However, the question that arises is who owns the responsibility. After considering several cases and speaking to officials of Directorate of Health Services it has surfaced that it is the lack of transparency or the “communication gap” between doctors and relatives of the patients that leads to such outrage.

On admitting a patient the hospital takes necessary measures that are not relevant to the relatives of the patients. Medical accidents and litigation can have a profound and long lasting effect on both doctors and patients. Research has shown

file photo of directorate of health services

that for doctors, working in a profession which is intrinsically stressful, the added stress of litigation and accidents is leading to considerable strain and sometimes to maladaptive and inappropriate behaviour on the part of some doctors. For many it is leading to the practice of defensive medicine. For patients the picture is no better. Some are left with no clear idea of what has happened or why they have been injured by their medical treatment. Many are left needing further remedial treatment.

“It is most important for the hospitals to maintain transparency in the mode of treatment.

The patients should be made

aware of the procedure that will be carried out during the treatment like various tests, medicines prescribed to the patients and the estimated expense in the treatment. The doctors should also make the family members aware about the criticality of the condition of the patient. Through this, the family members will not only be better informed about the ongoing treatment but will also have the option to seek a second opinion,” said an official of Directorate of Health Services.

It is also observed more often than not that there is lack of communication between the doctors and the patients’ family members which keeps them

It is also observed more often than not that there is lack of communication between the doctors and the patients’ family members which keeps them clueless about the treatment being carried out.

Thus, the same leads to indignation among the patients’ kin if and when the condition of the patients deteriorates.

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 had been enacted by the central government to provide for registration and regulation of all clinical establishments in the country with a view to prescribing the minimum standards of facilities and services provided by the hospitals. The act makes it mandatory for registration of all clinical establishments, including diagnostic centres and single-doctor clinics across all recognized systems of medicine both in the public and private sector except those run by the defence forces.

The registering authority facilitates policy formulation, resource allocation and determines standards of treatment. It can impose fines for non-compliance of the provision of the Act. The Act lays down Standard Treatment Guidelines for common disease conditions, for which a core committee of experts has been formed. Further, the Act mandates all clinical establishments to provide medical care and treatment necessary to stabilize any individual who comes or is brought to the clinical establishment in an emergency medical condition, particularly women who come for deliveries and accident cases.

The hospitals are required to follow a particular template for display of the various rates related to PD, Investigation/diagnostic, emergencies, etc. which is detailed in the draft documents issued by the Ministry.

Minimum standards to be followed by clinical establishments Further, Section 12 of the Act lays down that for the registration and continuation of a clinical establishment, such clinical establishment shall fulfil the conditions namely, • the minimum standards of facilities and services • the minimum requirement of personnel • provisions for maintenance of records and reporting kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Opinion

Divorce: Not a social stigma in Assamese society any more

Chandrika Das

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“Divorce isn’t such a tragedy. A tragedy’s staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love.

Nobody ever died of divorce.” -Jennifer Weiner, Fly Away Home

ivorce technically means the termination of marital relations between two persons. But otherwise, divorce is dispirited truth of the commitment and trust of two people who once vowed to be with each other through thick and thin – until death do them apart.

In recent years, more and more couples are walking out of their marriages. The trend is evident not only among the couples who are earning well but also within the lower middle class families. The figures below give a realistic picture of the scenario in Kamrup (M).

• 1980s - 10-20 cases per year • 1990s – 175- 300 cases per year • 2015 – a jump to 1200 cases • So far in 2016 nearly 800 cases have been registered within the jurisdiction of Kamrup (M) Overall there are host of factors that are contributing to the rising trend of divorce.

Intolerance and lack of patience Be it in financial, emotional or sexual context, people today have options and have become used to picking these options once they see their marriage beginning to lose charm. This is no more a stigma in our society. If their needs are not fulfilled by their spouses, then they stray to look for someone more suitable. It is as simple as that! The pursuit of personal happiness, personal fulfilment is pushing couples to walk out of ‘unhappy marriages.’

Marriage within the Assamese society is no more just ‘Assamese’ In today’s globalized world, cross cultural alliances have become acceptable. While that, accompanied with the in-love feeling seem reason enough to get

married at the beginning, these often fall short in keep the marriage fresh forever. Liberal minded parents find no qualms in inter-cultural marriages between Assamese-Bengali, Assamese-Punjabi, Marwari-Assamese, Assamese and other tribes. Partners in mixed marriages may be supportive to each other’s beliefs and choices, but still often run into unexpected issues. Differences in the way two individuals look at two different lifestyles, food habits, celebrations, or at the least, even in their language of communication, have much bigger impact on the marriage than that can ever be thought of. Eventually, couples tend to walk away from the commitment.

Women empowerment and sense of individuality A significant upshot of modern society is that more and more women are filing petitions for dissolution of marriage nowadays.

A report of the civil court of Guwahati states that 65% - 70% of divorce cases are being filed by the women. “Women have started to stand up and speak for themselves. They have a definite sense of selfhood, and are not willing to sell themselves short, stay in abusive marriages, infidelity, or compromise with their careers,” says a 48 year old teaching professional of the city (name withheld).

Earlier, cruelty, desertion and harassment, domestic violence, dowry used to be the common grounds of divorce. Today, homosexuality has emerged as another reason of divorce. While incompatibility has become a significant reason for divorce among young couples, couples with more than 10-12 years of marriage are increasingly getting separated on grounds of infidelity. “People today no more accept nonsense.

Each divorce case is different.

While there are cases of adultery and domestic violence, there are also cases where the couple had to compromise the relation because their careers mattered more to them. While in most cases the women are the victim of domestic violence and dowry cases, there are also incidents where women seem to file false cases under 498

(A) of IPC”, says Nikita Barooah, criminal lawyer, Gauhati High Court.

Divorce can never have good impact on anybody. It shatters faith, and it shakes the commitment we carry in us. The problem confronts people all over the world, and there is no solution to it. While couples are rushing towards it with no second thought, courts are trying to prevent hasty and frivolous divorces. The courts try to promote reconciliation through phases of counselling.

Because, once it’s over, there’s no way out.

Quotes by divorcees “The divorce option, I think, varies from people to people.

Sometimes, it could be possible to override tensions in a marriage, if there is friendship and respect.

But without these, it is better to dissolve a relationship that only causes pain. If possible, part as friends, with dignity and respect - especially if there are children who might suffer.” – Teaching professional, 48 years old (name withheld) “When my husband raised hands on me for the first time, it was not the physical pain that broke me. More than anything, I was afraid of the fact that I will have to share the room and the bed with the person I was scared of the most. And that was the worst feel-

ing I’ve ever lived with. I decided to call it quits as I had no reasons to stay. It’s difficult to answer the society always. But once you learn to accept the truth, and walk with your head held high, things seem easy.” – 27 years old media professional (name withheld) “Nobody’s at fault for a broken marriage. Truth is we nowadays have very less patience. We both got divorced on mutual grounds.

We saw no point of clinging on to something that doesn’t work.” – Manash Baruah, movie director, Guwahati “When I got married, I expected a beautiful life. Soon after the marriage, my husband started

raising hands on me. He would kick me if the food did not match his taste standards. He would beat me if I looked ‘less beautiful’ in front of his friends. When I conceived with twin babies, I started hopping that things would fall into place. I was not allowed to talk to my parents, not allowed to step out of the house. I decided to leave the marriage, when I saw a disturbed future for my babies. He is entitled to pay me maintenance every month. My babies do not know who their father is. I feel happy and sad about it at the same time.’ – Barnali Das, 32 years old housewife.

“Women want more than just a financial umbrella. Divorce is becoming common because women have started to realize that it’s no more a taboo. Their families and parents are being supportive. The priority of a marriage is changing.

People look for a peaceful environment rather than masking it with something fake. For me, divorce is a revolutionary change in the lives of two people, especially the woman. Life of a divorcee is not easy.

But the world has become so open today that connecting with the outer world is very easy. People no more fear isolation, and the social stigma is disappearing. Dealing with the post trauma period for a divorcee is crucial. I, on behalf on my NGO, Prithibi, help people to deal with that gloomy period of life. I want women to be strong and move ahead with pride.” – Dr. Akashitora Saikia, Film actress, social activist and writer.

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

7

City

The 10-year ordeal Saraighat Bridge to open on 1st January’17

Kalyan deb

T

he long running construction of the Rs 346 crore, one-storey new Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra River is to be completed by 31st December. The bridge, which will connect the river’s south and north banks, is expected to reduce the pressure of traffic on the existing Saraighat Bridge. The flyover at Jalukbari will touch the approach of the bridge and the existing roads. Currently, commuters travelling on the snarl-ridden stretch from Jalukbari to the existing two-lane Saraighat Bridge are facing a harrowing time. As stated by sources the problem will be solved from 1st January.

The construction activities of the bridge started in 2006 and because of numerous problems, it took Gammon India, the construction company engaged in the project, ten solid years to complete the construction. This is so far the longest single girder bridge in the country with a length of around 1,493 metres.

Obstacles faced in the initial stages The implementation of the proposed bridge took over a year to initiate due to several hurdles and precautionary measures that had to be considered during the planning of the bridge. Construction of a new major bridge so close to an existing bridge was a very difficult task as far as sinking of the wells was concerned. Moreover, it has been constructed only 50 to 60 metres downstream of the existing Saraighat Bridge.

Besides, an operating oil pipeline also runs very close to two new wells of the new bridge. Oil India Ltd. (OIL) had expressed inability to shift the pipeline considering many factors, including cost and time. However, all the problems arising out of such factors were handled successfully but consumed due amount of time that stretched close to two years.

According to reliable sources the design was made by IIT, Delhi and SPAN but there was a mistake in the design of the bridge which was later handed over to Mott Mc Donald Company Pvt. Ltd. for redesigning. “The total length of the bridge is 1,493.58 metres and comprises of a single girder which should otherwise have 13 girders. The cantilever construction method that has been used will form the continuous girder. The speciality of the bridge is that it is 50 to 60 metres downstream from the existing Saraighat Bridge and there is only a 24-metre gap between the two bridges which can be risky. But with the new technique and special protection the risk had been mitigated,” a highly

Construction time-frames elsewhere in India Bandra-Worli Sea Link cost Rs. 16 billion bridge, is officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link and was built by the Hindustan Construction Company.

Construction began in 2000 and the first 4 of the 8 lanes were opened to the public on 30th June, 2009. All eight lanes were opened on 24th March, 2010.

saraight Bridge | surajit sarma/G Plus

placed source informed G Plus.

It was also mentioned that floods and high currents reduced the working period for the construction of the bridge considerably. Every year, the working period was reduced to only about six to seven months due to such factors.

Originally, only the main bridge and the grade separator were considered while planning the project. But later on, additional work of signal-free crossing at Jalukbari point was also added to the original scope of work as well as a flyover at the junction point of the road from Hajo. These increased the cost of the project considerably compared to what was estimated originally.

Now, while the major works related with the project are completed, railings, crash barriers, mastic, bituminous carpeting of the main bridge and flyovers, earth work and pavement works in the process of completion.

Rainfall activities during August and September last prevented the laying of bituminous carpet over the girders. Rains also hampered construction of the approach road and earthwork, sources said. The NHAI also faced problems of land acquisition, obtaining forest and environment clearances and shifting of public utilities like telephone and electricity poles which added to the delay in construction of the bridge.

Construction minutiae

The bridge will be able to bear the highest prescribed load as per the Indian Road Congress specification. When asked to explain the uniqueness in its construction, sources said this bridge is made of a single girder, which is resting on eleven wells and two pile foundations on high bank – one on each of the banks of the Brahmaputra.

When asked to explain the technique applied in constructing this single girder, sources said the girder was initially constructed as cantilever girders from each pier and then all ends of the girders were joined together to produce a continuous girder, sources said.

A common way to construct concrete cantilever spans is to counterbalance each cantilever arm with another cantilever arm projecting in the opposite direction, forming a balanced cantilever; when they are attached to a solid foundation, the counter balancing arms are called anchor arms. Thus, in a bridge built on two foundation piers, there are four cantilever arms, two of which span the obstacle, and two anchor arms which extend away from the obstacle. Because of the need for more strength at the balanced cantilever’s supports, the bridge superstructure often takes the form of towers above the foundation piers.

“The DPR suggested that there would be a reinforce earth in the main carriageway from grid separator to the approach which can be risky with the high seismic

force. Therefore, shock transmission units have been fixed to block the seismic force. The design also suggested that the well should go up to -11 levels which is not safe and we decided to take it to -16 levels,” the source added.

The remaining work of reeling and crash bearer will be completed before 31st December including layering the bridge with bitumen. One of the most important features is that the Jalukbari Rotary will be signal free and will have interconnecting flyovers, one underpass and sleep road. The signal free crossing means that the vehicles coming from all the four directions will not collide with one another and can run in their own direction without having to halt. “A signal-free crossing has also been set up where there are three loops and ramps. The vehicles passing from each side can pass through the loop without hampering the traffic at any time,” the source added.

After the construction of this project, a major missing link in the state will be eliminated. Places like Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Mangaldai and a few others will become satellite townships of Guwahati, reducing the pressure on the city itself. Besides, a new green Guwahati can be created in the north bank housing an additional population of two lakhs with provisions of green industrial, commercial, educational and IT hubs that will make the city ready for the Act East Policy.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu the longest river bridge in India. Over the river Ganges it connects Patna to Hajipur. The construction of the 5,750-metre bridge began in 1972 and was inaugurated in May 1982.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge in Nashik, Dwarka - 2nd longest road bridge in India.

Construction began on 4th January, 2010 the 6.1 km bridge was approved

by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002 and was opened on 14th June 2013.

Vidyasagar Setu in Kolkata - the longest cable-stayed bridge in India. Links Kolkata with Howrah. Total length 823 metres, Vidyasagar Setu is the longest cable– stayed bridge in India.

Construction began on 3rd July 1979, and the bridge was commissioned on 10th October 1992.

New Yamuna Bridge in Allahabad - 3rd longest cable-stayed bridge in India. Construction of the 260 metres bridge began in 2000 and was ready by the end of 2004. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

8

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Health

Palliative Care Day observed in city Gplus News

Medicine of Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute has organized a cycle rally on Thursday to celebrate the

ADMISSION NOTICE

SAINIK SCHOOL GOALPARA ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR SESSION 2017-18

Sainik School Goalpara invites applications for admission for class VI and class IX for the year 2017-18. The details are as follows :Admission

Age Vacancy 10 to 11 years as on 110 01 July 2017 i.e born (approx) between 02 July 2006 and 01 July 2007(both days inclusive) 13 to 14 years as on 01 July 2017, i.e. born between 02 July 2003 and 20(approx) 01 July 2004(both days inclusive)

Class VI

Class IX

T

he blood bank of Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has been awarded the prestigious NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) accreditation. NABH is considered as the highest national recognition for quality patient care and safety conforming to global benchmarks for excellence in healthcare service delivery. The blood bank of the hospital started functioning on 4th May 2015, and it has received the accreditation within 17 months of its foundation.

Commenting on the recognition, Abid Tauqeer, Facility Director at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Guwahati said, “Our hospital is the third hospital in the entire northeast India to win this recognition. This has given us an opportunity to benchmark with the best healthcare practices globally and provides our patients with the highest quality of care.” Narayana Superspeciality Hospital had also received the NABH certification for its over-all highest standards in quality care delivery and patient safety 2 years ago.

NABH in association with Narayana Superspeciality Hospital will be organising a training program on implementation of NABH standards for blood banks on 3th, 4th and 5th November at the hospital premises. The program is open for participation from doctors as well as technical experts from blood banks all over northeast India.

NABH accreditation gives an assurance to people about the quality standards and protocols followed at the blood bank. While, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Guwahati had also received NABH and NABL certification for its over-all highest standards in quality care delivery and patient safety and the lab services respectively, it is a moment of pride for the entire team at the hospital to be the 84th blood bank out of 2,787 blood banks in India to receive the NABH accreditation.

SC

Reservation : 15%

ST

:7 1/2%

Domicile

:67%

Other State :Remaining seats Defence

:25% of seats

(Serving/Ex-servicemen) of Domicile & other state category

Cardinal Dates Date of Examination Sale of Prospectus and Application Form at Sainik School Goalpara Last Date of Submission of Application Form

15th January 2017 17th October to 18th November 2016 30th November 2016

Cost of Prospectus & Registration Fee Mode

By Hand/Online

By Post

General/Defence Rs 400/Rs 450/-

SC/ST Rs 250/Rs 300/-

Remarks School website www.sainikschoolgoalpara.org Downloaded application form should be deposited along with the fee through Bank Draft in favour of the ‘Principal,Sainik School Goalpara payable at SBI Mornai(code 9148)

Scholarships Candidates from Assam are to provide a scholarship of Rs.30,000 /- irrespective of parental income.

Contact Address and Telephone Number The Principal Sainik School Goalpara PO – Rajapara, Dist – Goalpara Pin – 783133(Assam) 03663-287076/287118

1381/16

Blood bank of city hospital gets NABH accreditation

service to the people of northeast since 2003.

Dr K Bhagabati, palliative medicine specialist of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute elaborated the significance of the day. Dr D Dakua described about the objectives of celebrating the day. A host of volunteers of palliative care service of the institute were present at the rally. Mr Tarun Sonowal, social worker, offered the vote of thanks to the participants of the rally which was anchored by Mr Bhrigu Kr Mishra.

The rally started from Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute and passed through Ulubari via DGP Office to Guwahati Club, to Paltan Bazar via Handique Girls’ College, to Rehabari via Nepali Mandir and ended at Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute.

Janasanyog

T

o mark the celebration of Palliative Care Day, Department of Palliative

day in collaboration with Greater Guwahati District Cycling Association. Approximately 30 cyclists from the association had participated in the rally. The rally was also joined by Deepsikha Cancer Care Foundation and Sacred Heart Palliative Care Centre.

The rally was flagged off by Mr K Basumatary, himself a cancer patient undergoing treatment at the Institute.

World Hospice & Palliative Care Day is celebrated all over the world to increase awareness about palliative care services, to generate funds for charitable works and to motivate people for

joining and starting this essential service in every nook and corner of the country. The theme for this year is “Living and Dying in Pain: It doesn’t have to happen.”

In India, about 8 to 10 lakh people are detected with cancer every year. Because of illiteracy, ignorance, lack of awareness, fear, myths, social stigma, poor communication etc., approximately 75% of patients report to a cancer hospital or to a tertiary hospital in a very advanced stage and little can be done from the curative point of view. It is the role of palliative care to care for these patients until they die. Palliative cares try to give the patients a meaningful and dignified life.

Palliative medicine department of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute is rendering palliative care

N.B : The school does not patronize any coaching institution/Agent. Admissions will be strictly on the basis of Merit.

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

9

Politicking

Cong goads Sarba to prove Rs 2250 Cr social welfare scam

Rahul Chanda

Current chief minister directs streamlining of the social welfare department two months ago Expert committee starts streamlining the functioning of the department In the process, a scam worth Rs 2250 crores comes to light Revelations detect 9 lakh entries of ‘ghost children’ in Anganwadis Rs 150 crores were siphoned off every year for non-existent children for 15 years Similarly 390 fake Anganwadis are detected CM promises strict action against the perpetrators Tarun Gogoi snubs Sarbananda Sonowal questioning “Where is the enquiry?”

Former social welfare minister Akon Bora says he is not worried as during his tenure there were no anomalies

file picture of tarun gogoi and sarbananda sonowal | g plus photo

With the present government claiming that there was a huge scam in the social welfare department over the last 15 years, members of the previous government question the chief minister on the non-institution of an enquiry

R

ecently, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his anger at the unearthing of a huge scam in the social welfare department and he even said that the government would initiate drastic actions to reform the department. He also vowed to punish those guilty of siphoning off enormous sums of money meant for the nutrition of poor children of the state. What was the scam and how was it possible?

What is the reaction of the previous government to the allegation and what does the former social welfare minister have to say about the scam? G Plus checks out.

The scam According to sources in the social welfare department, two months ago, the chief minister directed streamlining of the functioning of the department. The

experts, in the process of streamlining, dug deep to find out what sort of irregularities were going on in the department. As a result, huge anomalies came to light which has raised many questions on the credibility of the department. According to the findings 9 lakh entries of ‘ghost children’ were detected, which has brought to light an exaggerated figure of Rs 150 crores per year for 9 lakh non-existing children. The scam thus, is to the tune of Rs 2250 crores at the rate of Rs 150 crores per year for the past 15 years. Now the total beneficiary figure of 44 lakh children has been reduced to 35 lakhs after the exposure of the scam. Also 390 fake Anganwadi centres have been detected by the reviewing committee as these centres were falsely created for diverting funds. Because of the findings, the monthly expenditure required for the supplementary nutrition

DBS principals’ meet 2016 to have eminent speakers Gplus News

T

he ‘Gateway to the Northeast’ has welcomed the delegates of the 4th National Education Conference of Don Bosco School Principals that is currently being held at Don Bosco School, Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam from 4th to 6th November 2016. It is a bi-annual educational conference that is being attended by about 250 Salesian Principals from across India and provides them with a common platform to discuss and deliberate on issues affecting education today and to

find new ways of preparing the young to be future-ready to meet the challenges of 21st century.

The theme of the conference is

“Transforming India through Education.”

The inauguration of the Conference was held on Friday, 4th November at 6.00 p.m. with the keynote address from Shri Jairam Ramesh, MP, former union minister for environment and forests, GoI. On 5th November, Dr. (Fr.) Fabio Attard SDB, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, Rome will hoist the flag and address the gathering on “Preparing a Global Citizen in the Don Bosco Way.” A social entrepreneur, co-found-

programme meant for mothers and children has dropped drastically. Anganwadis are set up by the social welfare department and is funded by the union ministry of women and child welfare and not by the education department. The setting up of Anganwadis, supplementary and also food supplies to the same are looked after by the social welfare department. So after the revelation of such a huge scam by the present government, members of the previous Congress government have adopted a combative stance.

Previous government Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, talking to the media, said that the BJP government has the habit of talking about scams taking place in every department. Acer, MD, B-ABLE Susil Ramola will share on “Leading Change in 21st Century.” Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop Emeritus, Guwahati will highlight on “Preparing Young Minds for a Corruption Free Society.” There will be a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Saikia, Chairman, VC, Cotton College State University, Assam which will be followed by Enchanting North East: A Cultural Razzmatazz. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam will be the chief guest at the function.

On 6th November at 9.00 am, Rev. Fr. Joseph Manipadam, National Secretary, Education, CBCI, India will enlighten on

cording to him, recently the BJP government said that there were financial anomalies in the agriculture department and then again in the irrigation department. He questioned where the enquiries were in each instance. He said that the government should also address the problem of unemployment and resolve the issue of price rise. Former social welfare minister Akon Bora, talking to G Plus said, “There were around five social welfare ministers in the state in last 15 years and during my time I suspended many officials because of irregularities.”

He said that the Anganwadis are allotted in districts after the proposal comes from the district level committee where even the DCs are members. The list of the Anganwadis is then sent to the union ministry of women and child welfare. The ministry scrutinises the list and only after its approval the Anganwadis are allotted. He also said that during his time there was mismatch in the ratio of children in the Anganwadis and he personally visited the Anganwadis and cleared the difference. In the process many irregularities were unearthed and accordingly officials were dismissed. Bora said he revamped the social welfare department totally during his tenure and structured it so that there were no irregularities. He confidently said that during his tenure things were clean and therefore he is not worried about any enquiries. Rather he said that the present government should conduct an enquiry which will clear up things and prove that he was clean.

So the members of the previous government has snubbed the claims of the chief minister and many congress members termed it as a poll gimmick as the by-elections to the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat and Baithalangso assembly constituency is just around the corner. Whatever be the allegations and the defence, the present government should make their claims factual by ordering a high profile probe which will clarify who is responsible for siphoning off the huge amount of public money. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

“Challenges to New Education Policy, Government of India” and Shri Derek O’Brian, MP, National Chief Spokesperson, TMC, West Bengal will deal on “Education a response to Emerging India and a tool for Creating Socio-Political Leadership.” Professor Emeritus, IIT, Delhi, and Founder of SPICMACAY, Padmashree Dr. Kiran Seth will be speaking on “Education towards National Integration and Promotion of Cultures.” Sunita K. Bhuyan, renowned violinist and social activist will speak on “Leadership, Change and Empowerment.” The programme will be concluded with a valedictory function and presentation of Don Bosco Educationist Awards.

10

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Feature

Sports psychology a supplementary tool to boost performance

Ronmi Bora

W

ith Guwahati on way to earning the tag of being the sporting capital of the country, the importance of sports psychology for the city’s sportsmen and women cannot be undermined ‘Sports are 90% mental and 10% physical the body achieves what the mind believes.’

With the scenario of sports in Guwahati going through a palpable change with the ISL gaining stupendous popularity in recent times, sports psychology is gaining great momentum as it plays a vital role in the lives of athletes. Professional sports psychologists often help athletes cope with the intense pressure that comes from competition and overcome problems of focus and motivation. They help athletes to improve performance and recover from injuries. But sports psychologists do not just work with elite and professional athletes. They also help regular people learn how to enjoy sports and stick to an exercise regimen.

History of sports psychology Sports psychology is a relatively young discipline within psychology. In 1920, Carl Diem founded the world’s first sports psychology laboratory at the Deutsche Sporthochschule in Berlin, Germany.

By the 1980s, sports psychology became the subject of a more rigorous scientific focus as re-

searchers began to explore how psychology could be used to improve athletic performance, as well as how exercise could be utilized to improve mental well-being and lower stress levels.

Sports psychology today Contemporary sports psychology is a diverse field. While finding ways to help athletes is certainly an important part of sports psychology, the application of exercise and physical activity for improving the lives of non-athletes is also a major focus.

Trained in American Board of Sports Psychology in New York, young Assamese sport psycholo-

gist, Mridu Sharma, has worked with the US Tennis Association.

She is currently engaged with Indian shuttlers at Pulella Gopichand Badminton Academy, Indian National Training Center after being offered her first assignment in India by Sports Authority of India. Mridu shares her varied experience and expertise with G Plus.

“Sports in India has witnessed a slow but steadily growing trajectory. Emphasis on sports nowadays has been made right from the formative years in school with physical literacy advocacy programs borrowed from the West, but with a culturally-fair twist. I have been following up with one such physical literacy Long-Term

Mridu Sharma extreme right with Ashwini Ponnappa extreme left before departing for Rio Olympics 2016

Athlete Development (LTAD) program already adopted in a few states in India with a keen interest by none other than Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself,” said Mridu in a conversation with G Plus.

Such strong advocacies should uniformly be implemented in the whole of India and bringing it closer home she considers the approach noble in our own chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s vision of transforming Guwahati into the sports capital of India.

Beginning with the successfully conducted South Asian Games in Guwahati and Shillong to the glitzy Indian Super League opening ceremony in the city, to the much-awaited U-17 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Guwahati, trends are only emerging. However, Guwahati is yet to make that break in emerging as a global name in Indian and world sport.

Guwahati is a talent pool in sports. Systematic and step-bystep client-centered integrative athlete assessment and evidentiary approaches would make that break for a valid and reliable predictor of improved performance, along with an improved scenario.

Mridu’s mentor and supervisor, Dr. Roland Carlstedt, Ph.D., says, “Ultimately effective consulting is about the science and science cannot always be neatly packaged.”

Moving beyond mere intuition and assumptions, an elaborate client-centered assessment and intervention paradigm is devised that is technology-supported, implicated by a constellation of personality traits and behaviors as mediators of key peak performance elements. The Carlstedt model that Mridu follows is considered highly innovative, advanced and methodically sound taking guesswork out of typical assessment and mental training. Taking through a sneakpeek, instead of requiring athletes to only ‘visualize’, the visualization paradigm uses heart-rate-variability (HRV) to detect autonomic nervous system changes in the manipulation of mental images.

The identified neurophysiological co-factors then demonstrates how they interact to influence and sustain focus or obstructing negative

thoughts or patterns to interfere with levels of attention for peak performance. Anyone would concur on the dynamics of focus and effects of intrusive cognitions on sport performance.

When such a ground-breaking approach finds way en-route an emerging sports city like Guwahati, results would be there for all to see. “The West knows better” holds true because they have lived these trends earlier than us, seen challenges much earlier and mastered the potential of filling in earlier than we have. So we could always embrace learning from them, by the possibility and could bring in those collaborations from the ‘bests’ of both Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital which even her supervisor is associated with.

Mridu further adds, “Two points of caution: 1) This is not a ‘guru’ driven perspective. The school of thought does not speak from an experts’ notion of how to ‘do’ sports. There should always be an ongoing pursuit, mobilising more scientific approaches and principles in potential fields of behavioral sciences with an example of mental training. 2) ‘Practice’ or ‘implementation’ if done only within the four walls of a decorated office, without athlete interface to accomodate practice, can highly be doubted to be practice at all and implementation never possible. To see the light of the day, directly observing athlete performance from the initial intake at early years to the final report longitudinally, without ‘placebo beliefs’ is the key.

In short, we start ‘Young.’

To sum up, Mridu concluded with the following words, “Having worked in relatable sports and sportspersons as a professional for some time now, I am affirmative to the idea of mobilizing the right ‘what to do’ through the coming together of someone favoured by many but thoroughly admired by me (in his knowledge and insight in sports) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, experienced professionals, qualified athletes from various sports, and I, into filling of those gaps.”

If Guwahati is receptive, things are only going to get better!

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN 06 Nov

MON 07 Nov

TUE 08 Nov

WED 09 Nov

THU 10 Nov

FRI 11 Nov

Sunny

Sunny

Sunny

Mostly Sunny

Sunny

Mostly Sunny

24 / 19 °C

26 / 17 °C

28 / 17 °C

33 / 21 °C

33 21 °C

31 / 20 °C

SATURDAY

05 November

Isolated T-Storms

29 / 22 °C

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

11

In The News

The lurking danger – Hindu Bangladeshis

What the

Tweet!? #TheGameHasJustBegun Izaaz AHMED

A

ssam has always been a large-hearted state – one which has been receiving people from all walks of life with a great degree of congeniality and hospitality. Be it in terms of faith, creed, or ethnicity, the state has, more often than not, been able to preserve the true spirit of the Indian Constitution.

While this magnanimity certainly made it one of the poster children for secularism and inter-faith harmony, it also left the state vulnerable to hordes of illegal migrants.

People, especially from Bangladesh, taking advantage of Assam’s porous borders, began swarming into the state with utmost nonchalance - as if it were their birth right to do so. And before the administration could take stock of this menace and nip it in the bud, things spiralled out of control to such an extent that this unsanctioned influx jostled the otherwise amiable Assamese people into a state of alarm and pandemonium.

Alarm, for it poses a threat to the indigenous language and culture of the state in multifarious ways; and confusion, as the problem at hand is no less than a ticking bomb waiting to go off.

NEW HOPES ON THE HORIZON The BJP, while campaigning for the state elections in Assam, had taken a definitive stance on this issue, promised to rid Assam of the burden and fortify the state in all respects. Consequently, the people fell for the promises and hoisted BJP to power. Though there is no denying that the new government is delivering on this front, a fresh agenda taken up by it isn’t quite going down well with the natives.

The decision to evict the illegal Muslim Bangladeshi migrants out of the frontiers of Assam, but, at the same time, retain the unlawful Hindu Bangladeshi migrants, has drawn widespread flak and censure. While the Assamese people are relieved over the mandate to force this illegal Diaspora out of the borders, the view of sheltering a substantial number of it is muffling their spirits. What is even more disapproving and discomfiting is the justification dished out

by Dr. Himanta Bishwa Sharma, one of the most prominent leaders of BJP in Assam, in this regard.

The popular politician surely put his foot in his mouth by opining that holding back the Hindu migrants would save Assam from becoming a Muslim-dominated state in the days to ensue.

Twitterati on #ArnabGoswami’s resignation from the Editor in Chief of Times now Ashoke Pandit @ ‫‏‬ ashokepandit Never in d past has an anchor leaving a news channel become national news in itself. Shows d popularity of the man #ArnabGoswami. @TimesNow Ankit Lal @ ‫ ‏‬AnkitLal My worst fear is that #ArnabGoswami might join Twitter to compensate for lower decibel levels on TV...

Rahul Roushan Now every English news channel will be back being number one. #arnabgoswami Virender Swag @ ‫ ‏‬virender_ swag #ArnabGoswami resigned from Times Now to Join Pakistan Channel to Kill Terrorists Live on TV

KMSS Activists burn the effigy of himanta biswa sarma | Gplus photo

UNDERSTANDING THE SENTIMENTS Assam has never had the image of being a ‘bigot.’ The new generation hasn’t seen the state being splintered on the lines of religion and language. In this backdrop, an official statement coming from such an eminent person isn’t just preposterous, but also dangerous to the prevailing sentiments. An average Assamese isn’t concerned about anyone’s religious supremacy or dominance, but about their own individual interests. While it’s very important to safeguard our indigenous entities, it’s equally important not to get lopsided towards any section, thereby stoking the flames of injustice and bitterness in the other rightful natives.

PRACTICAL APPROACH To put things into a better perspective, the state of Assam is already mired in problems. Ranging from infrastructure to employment, the place features behind its contemporaries in a lot of sectors.

In fact, one of the greatest tasks lying ahead of the government is to make the state self-sufficient and empowered so that the young blood doesn’t have to move out in

search of a better life and career.

This brain drain is costing Assam a lot, certainly in terms of revenue, but most importantly from the standpoint of ‘culture-preservation’; for who would uphold the aboriginal traditions and culture of the state if the best of minds prefer being elsewhere. And, with such odds already being stacked against the place, giving an official go-ahead to such huge a population to reside here would only make the existing setbacks insurmountable.

The idea of standing up for the Hindu Bangladeshi migrants might sound righteous to many in the first place, but upon careful consideration, it ceases its elevated nature, and sounds exactly like opening the Pandora’s Box. This conspicuous act of generosity can prove counterproductive, for it basically dishes out all the liberty to a huge section of people to garble the real logic behind the initiative, and use it to their own advantage. In the absence of a foolproof mechanism to draw a clear line of distinction between the Muslim migrants and their Hindu counterparts, going forward, even a Muslim migrant can swagger into the state incognito, whine about his cooked-up afflictions back home, and easily earn the patronage of

the state. And such instances happening on a routine basis - which, under the status quo, would be unavoidable – is bound to plague Assam as well as India chronically.

The centre considering the idea of providing shelter and refuge to the Hindu migrants, ones who have fled their native place on the grounds of religious persecution, is completely reasonable and respect-worthy. But, narrowing it down to one single state, that too one not in the best of shapes, is absurd. Moreover, Assam might not have been the centre’s pick for all the high-flown reforms all this while, but have always been the first choice for settling down the immigrants. And, therefore, in the wake of these hard knocks that the state is already saddled with, asking it to play home to a zillion other people would be like putting an ailing lady in charge of a slew of patients.

The most prudent way forward would be to distribute the population among different Indian states.

The ones that are well-off should also be asked to take on this onus.

Assam cannot and should not be the only state shouldering this burden. While we’ll always have a room for them in our hearts, it would be a grave mistake to share our land with all of them.

Patakha Chikna @ ‫‏‬ Madan_Chikna 9 PM to 10 PM will be on silent mode as #ArnabGoswami resigns from Times Now. Desi Banda @ ‫‏‬ KommonIndianMan After #ArnabGoswami’s exit, hope Times Now will be better than Times Then.

Tracy Shilshi @ ‫ ‏‬tracyshilshi Aaj toh #NewsHour is gonna break TRPs.. LOL #ArnabQuitsTimesNow #ArnabGoswami Haziq Qadri @ ‫ ‏‬haziq_qadri #ArnabGoswami resigned to end noise pollution in the country. What a relief! sharma SURESH @ ‫‏‬ suresh9742 #ArnabGoswami should be given the charge of DD News and see every other channel disappear. @ manoharparrikar Lata Varma @ ‫ ‏‬Lata_MV It was heard that #arnabgoswami took ‘noise free’ Diwali a bit too seriously. #arnabresigns Rajesh Arora @ ‫ ‏‬Rajesh_ Arora1 #ArnabGoswami favourite song right now Accha chalta hu duaon mein yaad rakhna mere zikr ka zubaan pe swad rakhna

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Bazaar

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Paltan Bazaar streets flooded with “Bhutia” woollen garments Juthika Baruah

The Bhutia market springs up in the Paltan Bazaar area with the onset of winter Selling of woollen garments is the only business that these nomadic Tibetans have The shopkeepers are from Nepal although they are referred to as Bhutanese

Asha displaying her woollen garments in her stall | surajit sharma/G Plus

The products are brought from Nepal and the shopkeepers are basically a nomadic lot based out of Tibet residing in Nepal and the market they trade in is known as Bhutia market.

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ith winter round the corner, the Bhutia market in Paltan Bazaar is all set to sell woollen garments.

Three to four months every winter the Bhutia market throws itself open to shoppers but this year the shopkeepers are a tad apprehensive seeing the late onset of winter.

The sellers originally belong to Tibet and due to the compelling political reasons, most such Tibetans do not have a permanent address and are virtual nomads roaming about in different places to earn a livelihood. “After Tibet was divided and different parts fell under India and Nepal it became difficult for us to stay there.

We can neither stay in India nor in Nepal. Therefore, we have to roam around for our livelihood. We come here to Guwahati for threefour months and go back to Nepal

and do cultivation for the rest of the months,” said Asha, a shopkeeper who comes regularly to sell winter garments in Paltan Bazaar, while speaking to G Plus.

Asha said that the winter season is too cold in Nepal and not suitable for farming and so they come to Guwahati for business as it is their only other source of livelihood. “We come here by the end of October and continue the business till December-January and go back to Nepal. We do not have any other business and very few options for earning. Therefore, for this business, we have to come here annually,” said Asha.

She said that she has been coming to Guwahati for the last three-four years and unlike the previous years business has not been too good this year so far.

“The citizens of Guwahati have a

wrong notion that our fixed prices can be bargained over but if we do not keep the prices fixed we incur losses. The prices of the products are reasonable but people want to bargain further and often do not buy if we do lower them. We come all the way from Nepal and we have so many expenses from food to lodging. If we incur losses the whole exercise does not make sense. We have decided in a meeting to keep the price fixed so that we can at least earn a minimum profit from our sales,” Asha said.

She also informed that she has done a survey in the city markets and has come to know that their products are much cheaper than similar stuff in other markets of the city. “The items that we sell here in the range of Rs 1,000-1,500 will cost Rs. 3,000-4,000 in Nepal but people don’t understand this

and keep on bargaining. It’s very difficult to make the local people understand about the differences but the other people who come from outside know the difference and they do not object to the price,” said Asha. She further informed that they bring products of worth Rs. 5 lakhs and make a profit of around Rs. 3 lakhs.

Another shopkeeper, Munmee, said that as it is not so cold in Guwahati now-a-days the business is not as good as it used to be and there are so many options and choices for the people in the city. “This year the sale is not good till date and we hope that it will be good by the end of the year. We have varieties of sweaters, shawls, woollen caps, jackets, woollen kurtas for girls etc. The products are being brought from Nepal wholesale which comes

The products are brought from Nepal wholesale and also come from different parts of the country like Lucknow, Ludhiana, etc. from different parts of the country and also from Lucknow, Ludhiana etc.,” said Munmee.

The vendors of the market are basically from Nepal and visit the city in the month of October with a large variety of winter wear for children, ladies and men. “It is the people of the city who named the place as Bhutia market. It is probably due to our facial features, which are very much similar to the Bhutanese people as we are neighbours,” said Pasang Lama who has a stall in the so-called Bhutia market and has been visiting the city since 2008.

juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

Second fully digitalized branch of SBI launched in city

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tate Bank of India on Tuesday announced the opening of its 2nd fully digitalized branch called SBI Intouch Branch at Silpukhuri. VK Pipersenia (IAS), Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam inaugurated the Branch in the presence of the Chief General Manager, SBI NE Circle, PVSLN Murty, General Manager Network- II, Panna Lal

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Das, Deputy General Manager (B&O) Jogesh Ch. Sahu, Circle Development Officer, Kaushik Sinha and Regional Manager (Kamrup Metro), Hari Har Patnaik.

The branch expects to cater to the expectations of young India. The key services provided by the branch include automated account opening and retail credit

facilities, ATM (Automated Teller Machine), CDM (Cash Deposit Machine), ECD (Electronic Cheque Deposit Machine), Swayam Passbook Printer and even Video Consultancy facility. The newly opened branch is in tune with the bank’s policy to expand its branch network and provide exceptional digital banking services to customers.

chief secy v.k. pipersenia at the launch ceremony

Shri Pipersenia, Chief Secretary, handed over account opening kits to some of the new

customers of the branch in the presence of customers and other senior functionaries of the bank.

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

13

Ward Watch

Fatasil police on toes with rampant crime in Kalapahar

Kalyan Deb

Concentrated Area: Kalapahar Ward Number: 17 Sub-division: 17(a) Councillor: Madhuchhanda Deb Phone no. 9864852326

Police’s say

WARD NO

17

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ith figures of crime surging, a challenge for the police commissionerate presents itself calling for some immediate remedial measures before things turn gargantuan. From robbery to shootout and theft, the Kalapahar area has witnessed it all in the recent past.

The list does not end just here and petty criminal activities such as chain snatching, etc. carried out in broad daylight are becoming rampant.

A bizarre incident of theft On 31st August last cops of Fatasil Ambari police station nabbed four criminals who stole a passbook updating machine mistaking it for an ATM machine from Binovanagar SBI building in Kalapahar. The four thieves, Sahab Ali and Saiful Rahman of Hajo, Mainul Haque of Nalbari and Saddam Hussain of Satgaon, Guwahati were caught by a routine police patrol team trying to zip away in a Chevrolet. They somehow managed to use a VIP car for the crime - allotted to one B. Maheswari 8 years ago. For what can be termed as a funny and foolish act by the group of robbers the fact

|surajit sarma/G Plus

that they still managed to get hold of the machine and was nabbed while trying to flee remains a concern for the locals of the area.

Other thefts It has also come to light that chain and mobile snatching in broad daylight is another cause of concern for the locals of Kalapahar. It was almost becoming a regular feature until recently two kingpins of such crimes were arrested by Fatasil Ambari police.

The two culprits named Raiza and Bosco were nabbed by the police and this helped bring down the chain-snatching incidents in the area.

“Chain snatching was rampant in the Bhaskar Nagar and Roller Flour Mill areas of the locality in the recent past. Chain snatchers were always on the prowl looking for victims. The snatchers would come on bikes so that they could easily flee by snatching the chains of women who were moving on scooters or rickshaws or even on foot. They steal expensive jewellery or mobile phones and sell them in the market for a petty price in order to buy their dose of intoxicants,” a local of the area stated to G Plus.

It was also mentioned that be-

sides the aforementioned areas, the Lokhra Road witnesses frequent incidents of theft. Several locals echoed a statement where it was suspected that there is a particular basti in the Dhirenpara area that is home to several miscreants indulging in such crimes.

“In most of the incidents of theft it has come to light that the miscreants take a similar route of escape that leads to Dhirenpara but no action is being taken to nab the culprits,” asserted a group of local residents.

Double whammy to Dilip Banik In a shootout incident in the city on 14th June last, miscreants shot a jewellery trader identified as Dilip Banik late at night. Banik and his wife, as on any other day, were travelling back home on a scooter after shutting their jewellery shop located at Bhaskar Nagar at Kalapahar. Suddenly four men on two motor bikes, their faces covered with black masks and helmets, surrounded them and attempted to snatch a bag, which the miscreants believed had their day’s earnings, from the couple.

When the couple resisted, the miscreants sprayed pepper into their

Meanwhile, the police assured that active patrolling is being carried out in the area and there are several police officials who remain active at night despite the restrictions.

“We keep patrolling the area and we have the PAPA 24 vehicle monitoring. Regarding the theft, the spot where the wall was tampered with was not visible from any angle. So they took advantage of the same. Other than that we have apprehended several culprits redhanded and have mobilised the police officials around the area,” stated Loknath Deka, Officer In-charge, Fatasil Ambari police station.

Free movement of illegal arms in the city is a major concern. Easy access to guns by goons has become a major challenge for city police. eyes. The wife who was carrying the bag was also injured during the tussle while one of the miscreants took out a gun and shot Banik on his left leg before fleeing the spot. Banik said they fired two rounds, of which one hit him following which Banik was rushed to a private nursing home. The miscreants, however, could not take away the bag.

Police are yet to disclose much about the identity of the men who attacked the trader, but claimed to have received specific inputs about the gunmen. Following the attack, activists of the Nikhil Asom Swarna Silpi Samiti staged a dharna in the area demanding arrest of the culprits involved in the shootout.

Following investigation on the same Fatasil police nabbed a gang of five viz. Sudip Biswas, Kasim Ali, Amir Ali, Dipankar Deka and Jaded Khan. The police had also recovered Rs 2,400, an iPad and a few mobile phones.

Banik again was victim to a theft when miscreants broke into his jewellery shop on 29th Octo-

ber at around 2.50 am. The burglars accessed the shop by making a hole in the 5 inch wall of the shop and broke into the lockers stealing ornaments worth Rs. 10 lakhs.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage that captured one of the miscreants was also recovered but he could not be identified as he had his face covered. Following the theft several police officials with sniffer dogs visited the crime scene.

“Surprisingly, the sniffer dogs led the police to the opposite direction which was towards the Kalapahar hillock whereas the CCTV footage showed that the miscreant escaped in the other direction,” Banik stated to G Plus.

Meanwhile, Banik still remains unaware of the reason of being targeted twice. “I neither have any personal grudge against anyone nor have I been threatened by anyone. There is no trace of the thieves while the police claimed that investigation is still underway,” Banik added. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Sports

NEUFC in dire need to regain form

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orth East United FC needs to arrest its poor run of form or risk missing out on a place in the semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League.

NEUFC set the ISL alight winning three of their first four matches but since that bright start, the Highlanders have failed to get full points, drawing one and losing the last two matches at home. In its next clash NEUFC will face Mumbai City FC on 5th November at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium and will need to bring in massive improvements to fight their way back among the top four.

“We are not bad even though we have lost the last two games and six points at home but we are creating a lot of chances. Of course, it’s only a matter of time that we will be back and we will fight to be in a good position,” said Northeast head coach, Nelo Vingada.

It is not just the losses that will worry the Portuguese tactician.

NEUFC’s first three victories all came with clean sheets, conceding just one goal in their opening four matches. But they have now conceded four goals in their last three matches.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul,

one of the most impressive goalkeepers in this edition of the ISL, was injured in the last game and his absence could hurt the hosts.

Subrata has made 24 saves, just two less than Edel Bete this season, and has three clean sheets to his credit.

Mumbai City FC have looked strong on their away games and have arrived in Guwahati after

securing a precious point against defending champions Chennaiyin FC with a stunning late goal from Leo Costa. Mumbai City FC has collected eight points away from home this season and it shows just how much they have improved over the editions.

In the first two years, Mumbai City FC managed just eight away points from 14 matches (ISL

Ranjit Dutta memorial tennis championship in city

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Schedule

maybe it’s not a good point. After playing the way we did in Kolkata and winning, coming to Chennai and playing against the champions, getting this draw in the end… the confidence is really high in my team,” said Guimaraes.

Mumbai City is placed second with 12 points from eight matches and will jump to the top with a positive result against NEUFC. Earlier Atletico de Kolkata hit back in spectacular fashion to floor NEUFC 2-1 in an entertaining battle at Highlanders’ home ground. The win took Atletico de Kolkata to the top with 12 points at the end of their first-leg matches while NorthEast United has to settle for the third spot with 10 neufc warm up before their match | file photo points after losing their last two matches at home.

2014: 3, ISL 2015: 5) but today Both teams surprised their look to be on course for a place in fans with changes to the line-up.

While NEUFC left out Romaric the semi-finals this year.

Mumbai City FC coach Alex- and Nicolas Velez from the startandre Guimaraes will be under- ing line-up due to injuries, the standably confident that his team visitors surprised many by leavcan continue with their impres- ing the hardworking Lain Hume sive performances. on the bench. Marquee player “I think the draw was a fair Helder Postiga made a return to result against Chennaiyin FC. It’s the side but could only make it to a good point for us but for them the bench at the start.

Aviation minister launches

Hastakshar art gallery

at LGBI airport

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10th Nov: Signing in from 10am

11th Nov: 7AM match starts 9:30 AM inauguration of tournament by Chief Guest and guest of Honour

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late ranjit dutta (3rd from left) with his students | file Photo

he 1st Late Ranjit Dutta Memorial Open Tennis Championship will be held in the city from 11th to 13th November, 2016 at Nurul Amin Tennis Complex, Nehru Stadium, Guwahati and will be organized

by Racquets & Balls Tennis Association.

The tournament is being organized for U-10 boys and girls combined, U-14 boys and girls

singles and Open Mixed Doubles and Veterans Doubles above 40 respectively. A cash scholarship has been instituted for all the finalists.

Late Ranjit Dutta was a renowned figure in Assam tennis and represented the Assam team in the National Games held at Guwahati 2014 and was former Assam No. 1 who has won over 40 championships.

12th Nov: Matches to be contd.

From 7AM onwards 13th Nov: Matches to start from 7AM onwards 7PM – prize distribution ceremony

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union civil aviation minister inaugurating hastakshar art gallery at lgbi airport

astakshar,’ a unique initiative by First Hand Foundation, has launched another art gallery at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati at its departure area. Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Civil Aviation Secretary, RN Choubey inaugurated the new gallery with a brush stroke on a white canvas in presence of LGBI Airport Director BK Tailong.

Hastakshar had already opened an art gallery at the arrival area of the airport last year in December. The galleries are platforms for the artists of northeast to showcase their creativity and talent by exhibiting art and sculp-

tor pieces in diverse medium, both traditional and experimental installations.

The initiative is to encourage and appreciate art and its role in society through direct engagement with original works of art and sculpture. Many renowned artists and even fresh talents from northeast have their art work empanelled with Hastakshar.

First Hand Foundation Director, Anoop Khanna said, “Guwahati being the gateway of northeast receives plenty of tourists visiting from all around the world.

An art gallery at the airport is a great opportunity for showcasing various local and national artworks.”

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Trotter

Don’t ban children; ban parents from social media Parents from all over the world are proudly putting pictures of their children on social media.

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t might be taken for granted - but no previous generation of children will have had the experience of having their entire childhoods intensively and publicly documented in this way.

In the UK, the average parent with a social media account has posted 1,498 photos of their child online by their fifth birthday, according to a survey. This might be a global phenomenon for proud parents - but what about the children, who will have been too young to have any choice in the matter.

But the very first people to

have had some of their childhood pictures posted online are now reaching adulthood. And they are not always happy about their formative years being preserved in digital aspic. There are children whose parents post pictures right from their birth, documenting everything at every phase. Parents may not realise it, but by posting photos and videos of their children online, they are creating an identity for their children that might not be welcomed, according to psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy, who specialises in social media.

“One of the major arguments

is, do parents have the right to assume control over their child’s identity?” he said. “They believe, this is our child, we own their identity. But children believe they can change and control their identity online.”

Although social media is a nice way to document things and you can look back on it and have a really nice timeline, some people also find it embarrassing. Stories about online privacy are often about children and teenagers being warned of the dangers of publishing too much personal information online. But in this case it’s their parents who are in the spotlight. Parents have no “natural instinct” about what would be the right level of pictures on social media, say teenagers, and therefore for some parents, the safest option is avoiding social media altogether.

The problem is that parents document their whole life before they get a chance to decide if they want it for public viewing. Children are their own people, and sometimes parents forget that.

Instagram photos may help identify Landscape Hotspots

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apping into social media posts on photo-sharing platforms like Instagram, Flickr and Panoramio can help identify people’s opinions on scenic landscapes and preserve them from the effects of urbanisation, researchers say.

The study shows that geotagged photos - complete with millions of comments - can provide data for predictive models to help guide land use policy, con-

servation planning and development decisions worldwide.

“Millions of people post pictures of their favourite places on social media every day. We can use this data to determine something about the places that we, as a society, value most,” said Jordan Smith, Assistant Professor in the Utah State University, US. The research comes as land use in Europe and worldwide continues to shift because of urbanisation. Land devoted to ag-

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riculture, mining and forestry may be managed for recreation, leisure activities and tourism instead.

Researchers created algorithms to filter data from the photo-sharing websites Instagram, Flickr and Panoramio and mapped the geographic distribution of images in Europe and ranked sites into four quartiles, from most- to least-visited locations.

In analysing visitor patterns, researchers found the most-valued landscapes included mountainous areas, locations near rivers and lakes, and areas near population centres.

“Using social media to uncover and quantify people’s interest in ecosystem services is an exciting new approach to understanding the important connection between natural resources and human health and well-being,” explained one researcher from the North Carolina State University.

In addition, the new photo-sharing data provides a snapshot of the values of millennials, a key demographic group for future land use decisions as well as provides an exciting alternative to small-scale social surveys, which are expensive and laborious to administer, the researchers said.

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1.71 billion monthly *active users (15% increase year over year.) *Active users are those which have logged in to Facebook during the last 30 days

32.1 million Facebook users are between 25 and 34 years of age in US alone The average person has five social media accounts and spends around 1 hour and 40 minutes Five new profiles are created every second.

Artificial intelligence to design your worst nightmare!

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cientists have created a “Nightmare Machine” an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can understand what makes certain images frightening and transform harmless-looking images into stuff of nightmares.

The primary reason for building Nightmare Machine was to explore the common fear inspired by intelligent computers, said researchers including Pinar Yanardag from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. They wanted to confront the anxiety inspired by AI and simultaneously test if a computer is capable of understanding and visualizing what makes people afraid. The designers used “deep learning” - a system that mimics the neural connections in a human brain - to teach a computer what makes for a frightening visual, according to Manuel Cebrian, a principal research scientist at CSIRO in Australia.

“Even though there is a lot of room for improvement, some of the faces already look remarkably creepy!” said one of the researchers. “We wanted to playfully explore whether and how AI can indeed become a demon, that

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can learn how to scare us, both by extracting features from scary images and subsequent refinement using crowd feedback,” Iyad Rahwan, an associate professor at MIT Media Lab, told ‘Live Science’.

Once deep-learning algorithms understood the visual elements that were commonly perceived as spooky, they applied those styles to images of buildings and human faces - with chilling results.

Some of Nightmare Machine’s faces are almost abstract, but subtle - suggestions of hollow eyes, bloody shadows and decaying flesh resulting in disturbing images.

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

G Talk

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“Ease of living”

olf is a good game. Its generally undulating course offers a level playing field to bad and good golfers because of its “handicap” rules. And so it basically offers an example to all and sundry on how to create conditions that can be considered equal to everyone who holds a stake in the matter of relevance.

Today, the greatly tragic news is that Assam and the rest of the states of the northeast are languishing at the bottom of a list that ranks the states of the country on the factor of “ease of doing business.” The ranking merits no surprise, thank you very much.

For long I have harboured some thoughts and business experiences that have often made me wonder if Assam should be allowed some “handicaps” to play at par with the Gujarats and Rajasthans – something akin to the hill states of the northeast.

If I have to delve into the problems that Assam faces when it comes to purely living here (leave aside doing business for the while) I wouldn’t know where to stop. To mention a few of these would again be exercise in despondency. Intermittent power supply, bad surface connectivity, government clearances and interferences, bandh culture, fear of extortion, militancy, general laziness, corruption ... these are just some of the immense pitfalls that virtually wheedle out any happiness that one might hope to have while living in Assam. All or most of these do not find existence in the better states of the country.

Consider an entrepreneur trying to set up a business in Assam – say a hotel. The number of government clearances that are required from the

various departments starting from the trade licence to DC’s or the Police Commisioner’s SARAI licence with all the pollution, fire, labour, sales tax registration et al thrown in between, the entrepreneurial spirit is already set to take a huge dent right at the very beginning.

There is no single-window service in Assam. Let’s again take the example of a builder – a much envied entity of the society. The bindings of the RERA Act are uniform throughout the country. Service taxes are uniformly levied as well.

But the Guwahati market for the products (say, a flat) is diametrically opposite to Delhi or Mumbai or any other metropolitan city for that matter in the sense that while the one is a totally need-based market, the others are speculative as well.

Where is the fairness in making matters uniform throughout the country when the very foundations of demand and supply are so different?

The Act East Policy has remained an eye-wash; proximity of the north-eastern region to south Asia remains on paper. The primitive characteristics of the region and its distinct lack of development will ensure for a long time that all talks of promoting the region will remain confined to glittering seminars and newspaper headlines. As for ease of doing business, some day that might also follow suit but I guess we would wiser off to have some ease of living first.

Swapnil Bharali Editor

To the re-written rules of TV

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all it TRP, call it megalomania or call it an insufferable program, Arnab Goswami’s hour-long debates on TV were iconic and there was a reason why year after year, Times Now has been one of the leading English news channels in the country. Playing a crucial role in creating a ‘partly informed’ nation, Arnab’s debates since its inception had the audience enraptured, glued to the screens and were crucial in framing public opinion. Before Arnab, I doubt there was a TV anchor who received such polar hate and love at the same time. The man is basically a trendsetter, with loud unignorable catchwords, hashtags and his iconic way of keeping his point before anyone else.

Personally, I am not a fan of TV, but the issues Arnab would dig up and present to the audience, in the crudest form possible, was what got him the attention of the masses in the first place. Other media houses had forgotten to be blunt, direct, question the stakeholders and instead of serving ‘karaari chai,’ presented to the audience a stale cup of tea on a cold rainy day.

Yes of course, people will say that Times Now never presented real news and sensationalized,

but I would credit that to the entire production team who basically tapped on years’ worth of frustration in people and asked some really pertinent questions.

The reason for Arnab Goswami’s popularity apart from that is that he televised arguments between various stakeholders and the entire nation would sit square of the television, shout and curse at the screen and which Indian doesn’t love to do that?

What set right for Arnab’s TV show is that there has been a change in the audience; more people now had access to television from the lower strata – the frustrated Indians. The scope for mellow and intellectual debate has narrowed since and now the crudest form of presentation sells. And now, Arnab’s style of presentation will be copied and presented to the public again.

But there can only be one hero of the show, the one who put RaGa to shame, took shots at the MNS and played judge, jury and the executioner in his show for two straight hours. In his parting words, Arnab said that “The game has just begun” – indicating a major comeback. Let’s hope for the sake of the unentertained class, Arnab comes back, louder than ever!

SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

Soft-skilling the academically qualified

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f I remember right, a certain Mohandas Gandhi, in his autobiography, “My Experiments with Truth,” dedicated a chapter to his attempts at refining himself to be the English gentleman.

While it is impossible for me now to recall verbatim Mohandas’s description of his efforts, there is no denying the fact that he had made sincere endeavors at presenting himself to the world in a more suave and polished manner than his basic education and thereafter, his super-qualifications had coached him to. His endeavors were personally driven, borne more out of what he thought and sensed was the right way out rather than through a formal ‘grooming’ course. A simple problem for him was that such courses were unheard of in those times and Mohandas remained as much the “naked fakir” to Churchill as the charming, rustic “Bapu” to us.

That chapter had indeed made an impression on me during my formative years and it was always with a sense of rueful edginess that I had brought myself to terms with my lack of finesse and etiquette in my social and professional interactions. My continuous efforts had been to improve myself in this regard and often, the sense of inadequacy that I felt in several instances of my social dealings made me want to enroll myself in a guided course that would have polished the rough edges in my personality. Pity the lack of the same in my time as well!

Generally speaking, the attributes of gentlemanliness and sophistication are inherent in all human beings; it is the outward manifestation of the same that leaves a lot of room for improvement. Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Kapil Dev and Md. Azharuddin have all remained successful cricket captains of India. Yet, how eloquent Gavaskar or Shastri were in their speeches at the end of a match than were Kapil Dev or Azharuddin! The reason was obvious; the polished personalities of Gavaskar and Shastri shone through on every such wordy oc-

Too many cabs

casion. But then, eminently notable also was the vast improvement in the persona of Kapil and Azharuddin over the years that by the end of their careers, they were among the most suave sports celebrities. The efforts they put in, in this regard, were palpable!

Kapil and Azhar embodied the importance of enhancing personality-values to good qualifications (cricketing in their case) as a mandatory prerequisite for graceful acceptance by modern Indian society.

As for the contemporary employment scenario, this acceptance factor is a categorical industry demand and this was brought home to me during a recent business networking meet where I bumped into two entrepreneurial business partners who were toying with the idea of floating a “finishing school.” I realized, on introspection of the extremely valuable conversation that I had with them, that if Mohandas had felt the need of it way back in his days in South Africa and had indeed primed himself to face the world, the modern times, with its excruciating demands, makes the manifestation of a good personality a definite necessity.

Reflective of the Assamese society, especially of its academically qualified youth, the fact remains that it is the hesitant presentation of their selves and abilities in social, business or recruitment interactions that deprives them of due recognition at most platforms. This is where, I instinctively felt, that the idea of the two entrepreneurs can make a huge contribution. One of them told me, “Thousands of students pass out through the portals of educational institutions every year but only a few manage to bag the coveted jobs. This is not because of a lack of technical or academic abilities but of, what is now called, soft skills. Even after bagging a job, many find it difficult to continue in it due to a mismatch in expectations and misunderstanding of the corporate culture.” A builder friend of mine had a story to tell that was somewhat on similar

Swapnil Bharali

lines. He had employed a young civil engineer at his construction sites. 6 months into the practicalities of what he was academically trained for, he was a disillusioned young man, somehow believing that life today is a bed of thorny rose petals; he took off to Mumbai (opting to find the petals rather than tackle the thorns) to try his luck at modeling!

And so, just to empower my knowledge as to how this disillusioned engineer could have benefited from a finishing school, I asked one of the entrepreneurs and he had this to say, “You see, everyone can do with a finishing touch. Students of professional courses get a head-start by becoming job ready, college students develop essential communication skills and emotional quotient for better career planning, school students get an early start for the rigors of life in an increasingly competitive world, businessmen can develop essential leadership, communication and man-management skills and of course, homemakers can seek to improve their impact through a proper guided course.” That model-engineer could have indeed benefited from one of these options purely because just about a fortnight back, he had apparently again dropped into my friend’s office admitting that his relocation to Mumbai was possibly a big mistake in his life. My friend’s heart went out to him but he was once bitten and so twice shy about offering a job proposition to him again.

Soft-skilling the educated youth might just be the answer to the qualified, young Assamese professional seeking to find his place in the sun. After all, industry requirements of the day demand employment of the best among the ‘interviewed’ candidates. The challenge of excelling in such situations is just what might create the difference between being employed or otherwise. Acquiring the soft skills is the need of the hour for the Assamese youth; the interviews can thereafter be easily encountered and the employment figures.

Letter to Editor

Of late, Guwahati has seen a mushroom growth of cabs on the streets thanks to Ola and Uber firms which are flooding the roads of the city. Each day one can witness many cabs being added to the streets of the city. No doubt with the introduction of such taxis (perhaps more reliable, cheaper and comfortable) people are largely benefitted as hiring an auto rickshaw nowadays gives goose bumps to the commuters by way of exorbitant fares charged by them. So these taxis are giving an opportunity to the unemployed youths of the state an alternative means of livelihood. But at the same time the government, particularly the transport department, has to keep some tab over mushroom growth of cabs in the city. It is often observed that drivers of these taxis/cabs park their vehicles randomly on the streets causing massive jams on the both sides of the road. There has to be some sort of limit or cap over the number of such taxis in the city. Most of the arterial roads of the city are jam-packed daily during the peak hours and with further addition of taxis (which are almost added daily), it is going to pose serious traffic problems in coming days. Either the government has to find some new alternative roads within the city or they have to limit the number of taxis after a certain point is reached.

Gaurrav Chowdhury, GNB Road, Guwahati-1.

Corrigendum: In the last issue of G Plus dated Oct 29 - Nov 4, 2016, Page 5 carried the news article titled “Lack of funds derail NRC process.” The third bullet point in the the highlights carried the line, “30.59 lakh documents despatched for verification...”. The figure should have read as “3,05,995 documents.” The error is regretted. Editor

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

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17

In Focus

Tareekh pe Tareekh”

– the curse of the judiciary

Sidharth Bedi Varma in conversation with Meenakshi Arora, Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of India FICCI-FLO organized a session on Women and Law with Meenakshi Arora, Senior Counsel, Supreme Court and we got to talking with her about the various issues that plague the Indian justice system and her thoughts on the cogs that must be put in place for better functioning of the Judiciary.

Meet

Arijit Choudhury Architect

“I’m a senior counsel and a senior counsel does not get too much time for hobbies, but travelling is something that I really enjoy.”

1. Do you think the procedure of dispensing justice to women has improved over the past few years especially after the Nirbhaya incident?

I think there is awareness now. I think there is sensitization within the jury and justice delivery has definitely improved. I can speak for what’s going on in Delhi and around but that however may not be representative of the entire country. But there is an improvement.

2. Many people still find it hard to “run after” justice because access to justice is difficult. How do you think this impediment in delivery of justice can be overcome?

See, one thing is that you need more legal aid. Access to justice is also difficult financially. The second thing is that there is a delay in the justice delivery system which deters many people. If we have swifter dispensation of justice, it would help the situation. But given the fact that we don’t have as many judges, it is a cause for concern. More access to legal aid must be given to people who cannot afford it and that should help the situation. People want to see results and when they don’t, they get disheartened. The ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ is what is putting people off. But the judges have their own problems. If a judge has 100 criminal cases in front of him, there’s only so much he can do.

3. There has been misuse of law and judgements have been given in favour of women in several instances. E.g., “Allegation of rape/sexual harassment.” What is your take on that?

Rape is a very serious offence. Don’t forget the fact that when a woman is accusing someone of rape, she is exposing herself to a stigma that comes with it. These issues are also very hard to prove – sexual harassment/allegations of rape because they happen in privacy and there are no witnesses to it. So I would personally say that when a woman makes these allegations, we must take the complaint seriously.

What you need is a good investigative mechanism, good IOs (Investigating Officer) and there is enough scientific mechanism available to determine the truth from farce.

But, we do not have trained officers who will be able to make out the difference between a true case and a wrong one. The policing system for this clearly needs strengthening.

4. Rampant foeticide has ruined the demographic balance of the country especially in states like Haryana. This in turn has led to human trafficking from states like Assam and rest of NE. What do you think needs to be done to tackle this problem?

‘That’ part of the country with the obsession for a male child has led to a skewed gender balance. I’ll give you an example: there is a village in Haryana that boasts that in their village a baraat only goes out, but never comes

I’m now looking forward to social media penetrating down to the lower rungs of the society. People in urban areas are tech-savvy but the mobility of the same has to come to people in the rural areas. in, proving that there are only males in the entire village. Now having skewed the balance so badly, there are efforts to reverse the same.

However, that is not enough. There is a need to put in place stricter laws. Strengthening and enforcement are the two aspects that need work. In 1800’s the British had put in place a rule where every pregnancy and the result of the pregnancy had to be informed to the authorities. It’s up to our Government to try it, but the British did it!

5. What do you think is plaguing the Indian judicial system?

There is a taint somewhere, but I don’t want to talk too much about it. It may not be too much, but the judiciary is a place which cannot afford to have a taint or anything against it because people repose their faith in it.

6. What role do you think social or digital media plays in the galvanization of mass support and do you think, in its absence, Nirbhaya would have still been a landmark case?

I completely agree! The government tried a lot to stop the masses from gathering at India Gate, Delhi, but failed! Social media today has come to stay and we witnessed it in Nirbhaya.

They closed the metros and other forms of communication but people managed to send out tweets, texts and used various forms of media to gather for the demonstration. It has played its role in other countries. Today, it is the most powerful tool that you have, whether you do the right thing, or the wrong thing. But if you do the right thing, it is one of the most amazing mediums of dissemination of information – it is a floodgate.

And without social media, I don’t think the incident would have been as large as it was. But let me tell you one thing – I’m now looking forward to social media penetrating down to the lower rungs of the society. People in urban areas are tech-savvy including my office staff, peons, drivers and others, but the mobility of the same has to come to people in the rural areas. The percolation from the cities must now go into the villages and that is when it will have the power to empower.

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ransforming imagination into a fascinating concrete structure is how we define architecture but it is the person in the profession who gives us a better perspective about the art. A veteran, or rather one of the early birds in the profession of architecture, Arijit Choudhury believes in using the natural elements and had to face several challenges in the initial stages of his career. Arijit is also a strong believer of using natural resources and energy while constructing a structure.

“The philosophy of architecture is off the track and haphazard to some extent when it comes to the city of Guwahati. Moreover, there is no documentation of the history of architecture of the state which is the unfortunate part. It was only introduced during the British rule.

Although we have Rang Ghar and Kareng Ghar as historical landmarks, the masons and the designs were borrowed from different places.

Architecture is a multi-disciplined subject and one has to keep several aspects including utilisation of environmental endowments without hampering the same,” Arijit stated during a conversation with G Plus.

“The use of ventilators has been reduced to a major extent and people go for other artificial resources to feed their luxuries. That is when an architect comes into scene since it is only he who can give people a better understanding about keeping artificial resources at a minimum. If you have a long dark corridor in your home, it can give people a negative impact at the first sight. We can use light bulbs as an option but an architect can show how to use natural light. I can proudly say that I do not have an air conditioner at my home till this date,” the architect mentioned.

On a career spanning over forty years Arijit has constructed several state-of-the-art structures such as Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya in Beltola, NEDFI House in Ganeshguri, Polo Towers in Shillong and Assam Valley School among several others.

However, he is not the first from his family to be a part of the profession; rather he is a part of three generations of architects.

Born in Tezpur on 2nd January, 1950 to parents Abani Choudhury and Anu Choudhury, Arijit is the second of four siblings. He also spent a fair part of his childhood in the company of his uncle, Munin Choudhury’s, who is also an architect.

This inclined him towards the subject.

He joined Sainik School, Purulia and passed out with the first batch of students. He later joined Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai and graduated in 1974. After working for two years in different firms he returned to Guwahati and started his own practice along with a partner and named his firm ‘Accelerando.’ One of the major projects that he landed was a food and drugs laboratory in the Six Mile area in 1979-80. Thereafter, he never looked back. He was also the one to introduce interior designing in the region. Arijit is currently working on a state-of-the-art tea blending and storage facility of the Williamson Magor Group that has a racking system which will be one of its kind in the north-eastern region.

Apart from architecture, Arijit also enjoys photography and adventure exploring. He tries to visit places less visited by other people and enjoys camping there. Arijit also does mapping of various such areas and this has come in handy for many of his fellow adventure enthusiasts.

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Lifestyle

VAASTU SHASTRA

INSTRUMENTS USED IN VAASTU

More than 2.5 mg of EMF radiation has been found to be harmful. We can determine the safe distance from high EMF fields with the help of the Gauss meter.

Dowsing

Several instruments are used in Vaastu to determine the directions and the energy vibrations. Depending on the intensity of Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF), Vaastu analysis can be done. They are:

Magnetic Compass

This is the most important instrument to determine directions, especially the geographic north. The compass must be used to find the exact direction of a house or plot to make the Vaastu assessment. Up to a 10 degree deviation of the compass needle is somewhat acceptable.

Avoid using it near steel structures or electrical items.

Lecher Antenna

It was discovered by German physicist, Ernst Lecher. It has a loop of wiring with a sliding strut which acts on the principle of resonance.

Lecher Antenna can be used to measure the defective human energy meridians and shift in the fields and pinpoint defective areas of the house.room and rooms at southeast. It can also be used in the family room.

a) The Pendulum: The pendulum can be of any metal or crystal tied to the end of a thread. It acts as per the desired intention of the dowser to find EMF level or auric pattern. It starts moving sideways or in a circular pattern to indicate energy levels. If the dowser exerts too much intention in finding an energy pattern, it may indicate a positive swing which may be wrong at times. b) Dowsing Rods: These are L or Y shaped rods which are held by both the hands to measure the energy field. It is very accurate in finding underground water sources. The rods are loosely held by the hands and when the point of the water source is reached, they start moving automatically.

Some people have the natural ability to dowse the EMF signals or bio-energy fields. It is taught in Pranic Healing and it is also called scanning. This is an integral part in Pranic Feng Shui.

Acmopol

The Acmopol is an indicator of electric and electromagnetic ambient pollution. The acmopol has a buzzer, which operates immediately as it enters the area where the pollution exceeds the tolerable limits for a normal person.

Kirlian Photography

This is a camera which can capture the image of the bio-energy field. The Aura or electro-magnetic field of plant leaves, small objects or human fingers can be photographed with the help of this camera. The photographs are analysed by experts to ascertain the mental and physical condition of the person.

Dr. Gauss Meter

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist

This meter can measure the level of magnetic and electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations.

recipe

of the week METHI MALAI MURGH

PROCESS Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste and salt for 20 minutes. Heat oil in a pan, add whole garam masala. Add chopped onion and chopped green chillies and sauté for five minutes on high heat.

Add chopped methi leaves and chopped spring onion leaves. Cook for ten minutes and add marinated chicken. Continue cooking on high heat, add coriander powder, turmeric powder and black pepper powder. Cook covered till chicken is fully done. Add garam masala powder, mix and stir in fresh cream.

Chicken in any form is loved by all. Be it a kid, teenager, adult or an oldie, chicken lovers are all over the world. When cooked, it can be presented in many guises. Sauté it, fry it, toss it, bake it, steam it, curry it ... eat it the way you want to. Whatever its form may be upon being cooked, its flavour may change but it remains high on protein, low on fat and can be digested easily.

Today, I present a creamy aromatic chicken dish made with methi and malai. Hope you like it.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chicken 800 grams, Fenugreek leaves 1 cup, Ginger-garlic paste 2 tablespoons Onion chopped 1 cup Fenugreek leaves (methi) 1 1/2 cups Spring onion greens 1 cup Coriander powder 2 tablespoons Whole garam masala a little oil 4 tablespoons Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon Green chillies chopped 2 tablespoons Black pepper powder 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala powder 1 teaspoon Salt to taste Fresh cream 1/2 cup KUL Goswami RAHMAN Entrepreneur, mother and a passionate cook

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

19

Lifestyle THE LIFE BAKERY - by Madhur Jain

Cycling to creativity

I

remember cycling myself to swimming classes and a gazillion of tuitions way back in my school days. My first ever, most exciting day in life was the day my father bought me a cycle. But as I grew up (which everybody usually does) things started to change. I entered the wannabe cool phase in life and switched to a motorcycle, got myself a mobile phone and applied a handful of hair gel every day. Basically, I did what everybody else was doing.

As we grow up we tend to avoid the road less taken, we tend to avoid trying out new things in life, we tend to avoid those things that aren’t cool anymore. So I gave up cycling and never thought I’ll get back to it ever again.

Thanks to what I do at The Life Bakery these days, I once again wanted to try out something different and fun.

A few months ago, I did not renew my gym membership for the first time in 10 years and instead bought myself a bicycle with that money. And when I first rode this bike, I immediately realized how much fun this thing is. It made me feel like a kid again. It made me want to check out new places in the city and around.

Here are my top reasons why you should consider buying a bicycle again (no matter how old

you are) and start cycling: • Cycling is not only a fun filled activity, but also a great way to work out.

• Besides being another form of travel, cycling is environment-friendly as it does not use any fuel like petrol or diesel but only uses muscle power. You can also contribute to saving the planet by commuting short distances on a bicycle. Biking is good for your knees.

• In today’s hectic lifestyle we have forgotten to take a moment and look around at nature.

Cycling is a great activity to explore new places in the town and be one with nature.

• Increased blood flow to brain helps in boosting mental capacity. Studies have found that cycling can keep Alzheimer’s at bay.

• A study found that just 25 minutes of aerobic exercise boosts at least one measure of creative thinking. Credit goes to the flow of oxygen to your grey matter when it matters most, sparking your neurons and giving you breathing space away from the muddle and pressures of ‘real life.’

• Regular, daily cycling has huge benefits that can justify you binning your wallet-crippling gym membership.

So, what are you waiting for?

Jump on that bicycle and pedal away to enjoy the immense benefits of it.

Madhur Jain

Madhur Jain is the founder, author and podcaster at The Life Bakery.

The Life Bakery is focused on sharing life hacks, tech and tools to make life awesome. Visit www.thelifebakery.com

enough is ‘which type of beard would suit me best?’

Here is a small list that’s going to help you figure out your next winter scruff

W

concept of No Shave November is actually a very noble one. Its goal is to grow awareness about cancer, in terms that cancer patients lose their hair and to show them support, we let our hair run free and wild. And the money you save on shaving and grooming is meant to be donated to educate and spread awareness about cancer prevention.

With winter fast approaching, clean skin is going to go out of style and No-Shave-November is going to be hashtagged with all the selfies regardless of people knowing its relevance. Beards are about to get really popular, really soon. Unfortunately, one question that simply does not get asked

Tips for Nutrition daily lifestyle.

and

Eat a food or beverage high in protein about 20 minutes before, and again immediately after your strength-training workout. And do the same after a vigorous cardiovascular workout, such as Cycling, Running or even just a long Current thinking among walk. protein researchers is that this nutrient is more bioavailable When you work out, for your muscles if consumed you break down muscles. in relatively small quantities Consuming high protein throughout the day. For edibles— with a little bit of women, 20 grams per meal is carbohydrate and nutrients the ideal amount the body can —will build your muscle utilize efficiently. For men, that mass and your strength more can go up to 30 grams per meal. effectively. Don’t forget to So, with an average proteindrink water, because you goal of 120grams per day (or also need to hydrate yourself 1.2grams to 1.6grams per kg properly! of body weight), consuming 30 grams in the morning, A good regimen includes mid-day, afternoon and in the drinking some skimmed milk evening respectively, there before workout (1/2 a cup, should be optimum utilization or about 4 grams of protein). of protein.

In addition to high-quality protein, it contains important Daily day lifestyle tips probiotics which keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy.

Work less - New research It also offers high-quality shows that if you work more carbohydrates, calcium, than 56 hours per week, the potassium and magnesium — likelihood of consuming excess important nutrients that you alcohol goes up dramatically. need to replenish your muscles. Alcohol consumption increases cortisol, and together they both increase belly fat. If you’re looking to shrink your belly, trimming back your working hours while choosing calorieburning exercise for stress relief (in lieu of alcohol) will do over again. wonders for your waistline.

Painter’s Don’t consume caffeine after Brush Moustache 6PM - Caffeine can be a double If you have a prominent whammy on cortisol levels, nose, it’s great to have a painter’s especially if consumed at night, moustache or a handlebar stash. when it is likely to negatively This should however not be affect the quality of your sleep. considered as a slim or a tapered Getting quality, uninterrupted design. The body of the stash will sleep each night is critical to go with a bigger nose. reducing cortisol, so you’ll want to avoid caffeine in the evening A full beard hours.

If you have a short face, with a pointed narrow chin, your face Take time to “unplug” - A probably looks like a triangle. For recent study showed that those this, a full beard is great because who were constantly “plugged it gives off a rounded finish while in” to technology all throughout making your face look longer. It the day (TV, smart phones, is necessary to make sure that the computers) were significantly beard going beyond the chin is a more stressed than those who little rounded at the bottom and took time to “unplug” during not pointed. designated time blocks each day.

More stress equals more belly fat, so if you want a trim belly, start planning some device-free time each day.

Cool Couture

The No Shave November

ith the onset of November, Facebook is trending with two major campaigns: ‘Winter is Coming’ and ‘No Shave November.’ ‘Winter is Coming’ is the very obvious Game of Thrones reference, but what is No Shave November?

Of course, humans will not have a whole month dedicated to keeping themselves un-groomed in this era of waxing and out of the blue selfies. Most of the people have unfortunately missed the point behind having a ‘No Shave November.’ No, it is not the game of ‘men’ that Facebook and Twitter posts talk about and is definitely not a test of masculinity. The

NUTRITION IN A DAY

Goatee and Moustache The extremely popular Walter White look of Breaking Bad fame is great for most faces. It can give a square face a nice rounded finish and tightening the beard can cut a couple of pounds from a heavy person. The growth for this is however a 2 month noshave period. This can go wrong pretty easily if you are not careful with the stash and then the whole process starts again. Remember to keep the lip growth full. Wet shave on the cheek every 48 hours is best to keep your face looking fresh.

Beard oil is great to keep your beard from flying around.

Close and clipped to the face If you are blessed with a strong, hard face and have a prominent jaw line, take that trimmer and give it a trim. A 1 mm clipping is great for such faces. This softens the face a little, and gives it a great even look. It’s quick, minimalist and gives it a nice stubble look for you to run your hand over and

BIBHU MONI SINGHA,

Sour

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.

(Source: Livestrong) ( com. You can also watch my videos on my YouTube channel.

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G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Reviews Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Harshad Chopda, Kiku Sharda and Priya Banerjee Director: Jaideep Chopra

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vie Mo view Re

he story is about four close friends who somehow come to know the world is going to end in 7 days. The music has been given by Music Director duo Agnel Roman & Faizan Hussain may be a few years old in the industry but they are not new to the industry. With singers Like * Benny Dayal, **Vishal Kothari .Lyla, Minal Jain Producer-director Jaideep Chopra intends to offer quality content in the genre of comedy with his upcoming film “2016 The End” just like one of the most successful directors of the industry, Rajkumar Hirani.

Producer-director Jaideep Chopra intends to offer quality content in the genre of comedy with his upcoming film “2016 The End” just like one of the most successful directors of the industry, Rajkumar Hirani.

“I’m a big fan of Rajkumar

Hirani, and the way he made his films such as ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Munna Bhai’ and ‘PK’. Somewhere down the line, I’ve attempted to keep my film in the same zone as what Hirani tries to create. I think I’ll be able to justify this fact. The audience needs entertainment and content, and if they receive that from my film then it is justified,” Chopra said.

“Indian audiences have become very intelligent nowadays.

The manner in which the movies of the 70s, 80s and 90s were made, the zone has become entirely different today.

Asked about juggling the duties of both producer and director, Chopra said: “This is a very big problem because sometimes the producer in you rises, who is involved with controlling the budget and sometimes the director comes in who wants to take creative calls.

“This is an internal fight be-

tween the producer and director but usually it is the director who wins because being a creative person, my first motive is to make a good film to present it to the audience.”

‘2016 The End’ revolves around four youngsters, who are caught in a peculiar situation.

This basic plot develops into a series of comic events.

The album has just four songs in it. The first song is ‘Umariya’, a slow and sultry techno number sung by Lyla.

Lyrics such as ‘Umariya Choti Choti Balkhati Lambi Chooti..

Galo Pe Til Hai Mere Aakhen Moti Moti’ don’t really mean anything profound, but makes the track catchy. The electronic intro augmented by sitar riffs also makes it interesting. The fusion track mixes traditional percussion with modern beats well.

But what stands out the most is Lyla’s voice.

A

or Bruce Wayne’s traumatic childhood again.

Planning beyond the Avengers assembly line, Marvel needs another Iron Man-like sucker punch with another Robert Downey Jr. performance shaking up perceptions of what superheroes can be. There’s a lot of Tony Stark in Dr. Stephen Strange, and dashes of Downey in Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Marvel’s next big thing among several.

Cumberbatch is inspired casting as Stephen, displaying a limber sense of humor seldom surfacing in his capital-T thespian choices. A brilliant neurosurgeon, Strange operates to the beat of a ego-massaging soundtrack; a Shining Star in the O.R. or maybe Marvin Gaye. Cumberbatch introduces the character in full

jaunt, asserting superiority while charming Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) against her better judgment. Strange is changed when a car crash crushes his hands beyond repair, at least by medical means, though he blows a fortune attempting in vain. He’s pointed by a therapist to a former paraplegic (Benjamin Bratt) now playing pickup basketball, who credits his healing to the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in Kathmandu.

Trekking to Nepal, Stephen meets the Ancient One, her righthand sorcerer Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and a stone-faced mystic librarian named Wong (Benedict Wong) who’ll teach him to harness his gift for turning hand gestures into sparkler twirls. It’s cooler than that, but this movie is that sort of fun.

vie Mo view Re

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GOLD Cinema ASTC Complex, Paltan Bazar 9854066166 Paglee - Assamese 02:00 PM 05:30 PM ae dil hai mushkil 11:00 AM 02:30 PM 05:00 PM 08:30 PM SHIVAAY 11:30 AM 08:00 PM

Platform:

ble a middle-aged hen party, but Bon Jovi are keeping their radio rock dreams alive with album number 13.

Approaching a Bon Jovi album and expecting it not to be slathered in cheese is like asking Domino’s to lay off the mozzarella, so it should come as no surprise that This House Is Not For Sale is crammed with Bud Light anthems squarely aimed at soundtracking the leaving montages on reality TV contests.

I

Paglee - Assamese 05.45 PM ae dil hai mushkil 06.15 PM 08.35 PM Doctor Strange O9.35 PM

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Call Duty: Infinite Warfare

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Xbox One singer is trying hard to convince himself that such over-egged nonsense is, well, “knockout”. But elsewhere there’s an intriguing new vulnerability. Labor of Love – reminiscent of, of all things, Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game – is beautiful and sincere; and the country-tinged Scars On My Guitar, a love song to the instrument, is more touching than daft.

There are recurring themes of change and new beginnings, although Reunion says, “Start your revolution, I’ll see you at the reunion.”

Richie Sambora has ridden off into the sunset and their live shows these days resem-

gold mine 7d 10.00 AM ae dil hai mushkil 10.45 PM 05.15 PM haunted house 7d 01.00 PM 04.00 PM SHIVAAY 02.00 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike (7D) 03.15 PM 07.PM Paglee - Assamese 08.15 PM

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ALBUM:

The House Is Not For Sale By: Bon Jovi

on Jovi’s first album since guitarist Richie Sambora’s departure doesn’t tear up the old formula. There are still stadium-ready rock songs and chant-friendly choruses. Jon Bon Jovi’s familiar well-weathered vocals tell stories of living in dreams, walking through hard rains and occasional ending up “higher than a rocket”. However, walls of guitars have been replaced by a brasher, more keyboard-based pop sound, and not all the post-Sambora tunes land as they should.

The ghastly Knockout, with any nearby kitchen sink hurled in, sounds as if the

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Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Benjamin Bratt Director: Scott Derrickson fter a tragic car accident, talented neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like Iron Man B.D. (Before Downey), Doctor Strange is a second-tier Marvel superhero, less renowned than any Avenger not named Hawkeye. Knowing next to nothing about a comic book hero is handy when origin stories are mandatory. Unless you’re into seeing Peter Parker’s spider bite

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n Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, the ease of traveling to space is as simple as pulling out of the driveway. This moment, in all its science-fictionalized spectacle, is emblematic of the rest of the campaign.

The game’s indelible cast has little time to be impressed with advanced technologies; they’re too busy fighting an intergalactic war. This story is Infinite Warfare’s showpiece--a rare, finely constructed Call of Duty tale that manages to outshine its multiplayer counterparts, including a highly involving Zombies cooperative mode.

YouULD O SH PLAY

Infinite Warfare’s campaign kicks off with a classic sci-fi trope: Earth’s dwindling resources motivates and drives humanity to colonize other worlds, but colonization and time give rise to an off-world insurgency. The version of this group in Infinite Warfare--dubbed the Settlement Defense Front--takes an aggressive approach, restricting the earthbound forces’ resources with blockades while also racing them to colonize new moons and planets.

When you take the controls as protagonist Nick Reyes, you promptly experience the savagery of the SDF firsthand.

GOLD Cinema Salasar Building, Lakhtokia 9854077177 Paglee - Assamese 02:00 PM 05:30 PM ae dil hai mushkil 11:00 AM 02:30 PM 05:00 PM 08:30 PM SHIVAAY 11:30 AM 08:00PM

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Entertainment

Dikchow Banat Palaax in Indian Panorama at IFFI, Goa

Documentary on NE bands to set International Film Festival on a high gPLUS fEATURE

gPLUS fEATURE

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ritically acclaimed Assamese feature film Dikchow Banat Palaax, which was released on 30th September across theatres in Assam, has been selected for Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held on 20th November, 2016. IFFI is held in Goa in November annually and it attracts cinema aficionados from across the globe.

Produced by Assam Film (Finance & Development) Corporation Ltd. and Utpal Kumar Das of Canvascope, Dikchow Banat Palaax was written, scripted and directed by national award winning filmmaker Sanjib Sabhapandit. It is worth mentioning that it is the only Assamese language film to be selected for Indian Panorama 2016.

Sanjib Sabhapandit, director of Dikchow Banat Palaax, said, “Selection to Indian Panorama is a very satisfying achievement.

The selected films will represent the country as the best of Indian cinema for one year all over the world. It will travel across the globe carrying a slice of Indian culture. This year the competition was very tough with films of giants like Adoor Gopalkrishnan, Girish Kasarvalli, etc. in the fray.

Our film has a wide human dimension and it is set in the backdrop of two culturally and anthropologically distinct people although they are neighbours. I believe a refreshingly new story, a good script, superlative acting,

brilliant camera work, authentic sound design and above all a very good team work that led to a good production design resulted in this glory.”

Commenting on the selection of the film to be screened at the reputed film festival, Utpal Kumar Das, executive producer of the film said, “I really feel proud that Dikchow Banat Palaax has been selected for Indian Panorama. Among the three films produced by Canvascope so far, this is our second film to be selected in Indian Panorama. The entire credit for our success goes to the team of Dikchow Banat Palaax. I would specially like to thank to my director Sanjib Sabhapandit and veteran actor Kulada Bhattacharjee for making this project successful.”

Dikchow Banat Palaax explores the relationship of a free-

dom fighter and a Naga woman through decades of separation.

Set in 1946, the film portrays the journey of a young Assamese man, who is banished from his home district by the British empire as he wanders to the Naga Hills. Love blooms and a Naga damsel gave him a few coins for his sustenance. But the love birds get separated until the protagonist recollects memories of his past in the year 2000, when he decides to revisit the place just to return those coins to the lady.

Veteran actor Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee is seen in a pivotal role in the film. Besides, Naga actress Lolenla Ao, Chikmik, and Mala Goswami are also featured in the movie. The cinematography is done by Parasher Baruah and music direction by Anurag Saikia.

One man short film on the sacrifices of a father - ‘Bodh’

A

n emotional short film revolving around a son’s utmost appreciation and realization towards his father’s essence, ‘Bodh’ weaves a deep emotional revelation by a son about a father’s love, care, compassion, bitterness, silences and sacrifices. He recalls each and every bit of association with his father fondly. Traits of value, love and reverence are explored throughout the movie and the revelations of the son for his father and understanding his father’s sacrifices allows his son to grow as a person in the richest sense of that term. The short film pays a tribute to the fathers who have been a pillar of strength to their children and family, no matter what their lives hold, they’re always a cushion to manage every fall for those around them.

The direction and screenplay of the movie has been done by Arindam Barooah. The dialogues have been penned by Rita Bhuyan Barooah. Director of photography for the movie are Gitertha Goswami & Bhaskar Jyoti Dutta. The movie has

been edited by Diganta Gogoi. The assistant director of the movie is Porosh Dutta and background sound has been done by Anupam Baruah. The one person cast has the lead played by Anurag Biswasi.

Awards & Honours •Award Winner at Accolade Global Film Competition 2016, USA •Award Winner at Best Shorts Competition, USA •Honorable Mention Award at International Independent Film Award, USA •Official Selection at International Film Competition (IFCOM) Festival 2016, Jakarta, Indonesia •Official Selection at 4th Indian Cine Film Festival-16, Mumbai, India •Official Selection at The IndieFEST Film Awards, USA •Official Selection at GRAND OFF - WORLD INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS 2016, Warsaw, Poland •Official Selection at Second Asia International (Wenzhou) Youth Short-Film Exhibition, Beijing, China •Official Selection at 5th Delhi International Film Festival 2016, Delhi, India •Official Selection at Filmingo Short Film Festival of 2016, Mumbai, India.

•Official Selection at 5th Delhi Shorts International Film Festival-2016, Delhi, India

G

uns and Guitars:A Musical Travelogue a documentary which charts the musical journey of eight rock bands from each of the Northeastern states, is set to enthral audiences at the 47th International Film Festival of India, to be held in Goa at the end of this month.

The documentary will showcase strong connection of the region with the music maestro and Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Bob Dylan.

The 94 minute film will end by showing a concert by Northeast’s very own Lou Majaw, which was performed on May 24th, the birth anniversary of Bob Dylan.

Bidyut Kotoky, the director

of the documentary was apprehensive about the reception of the documentary by the audience in the festival but with Dylan winning the Nobel Prize recently, things are looking up. “I was worried when I made the documentary. I didn’t know if people would be able to connect to the northeast and its music. Thankfully, I am getting invitations to screen the film in different parts of the world now” he said.

The musical documentary was selected as one of the 100 documentaries of this year by Colour Tape International Film Festival and it was screened at the Newark International Film Festival (USA) in September.

22

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Citypedia Horoscope of the week

Gemini

New contacts or ideas may impress, urging a review. Prepare for a test of confidence at home, bringing uncertainty or confusion. This week, your stars focus on simple work transactions. There’ll be furtive incidents in the air. Try to find out happening behind the scenes.

A partner or close associate will be under pressure from extended duty. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home.

But you may feel like retreating from the social bustle. Your proficient demands will clash with your requirements.

Relax and enjoy activities happening around you. Initial days of week will keep you happy and contented with everything happening around you. Good news is on the anvil that will pep up your week.

Your family will render cooperation letting you focus on opportunity elsewhere. Your financial position will remain satisfactory but will not match up luxuries that you are eyeing. Review and revise your investment plans to make most of the economic situation. Look after your health, taking great care of cleanliness around you.

You might have to shell out extra money due to some unexpected expense coming up. A partner might behave in a very odd manner.

Be willing to listen first before evaluating. Financially it will be an extremely beneficial week. Don’t put off the important tasks in hand.

Some of you may go overseas, and initiate the new beginning in their career. Health will remain generally fine baring few minor ailments like headache, cough or cold. You must exercise your patience in certain delicate and emotional matters.

Relax and enjoy activities happening around you. Initial days of week will keep you happy and contented with everything happening around you. Good news is on the anvil that will pep up your week.

Your family will render cooperation letting you focus on opportunity elsewhere. Your financial position will remain satisfactory but will not match up luxuries that you are eyeing. Review and revise your investment plans to make most of the economic situation. Look after your health, taking great care of cleanliness around you. Take all possible preventive measures lest you will fall ill.

Relax and enjoy activities happening around you. Initial days of week will keep you happy and contented with everything happening around you. Good news is on the anvil that will pep up your week.

Your family will render cooperation letting you focus on opportunity elsewhere. Your financial position will remain satisfactory but will not match up luxuries that you are eyeing. Review and revise your investment plans to make most of the economic situation. Look after your health, taking great care of cleanliness around you.

People in job will have a certain sense of dissatisfaction and look for new opportunities elsewhere. Just remain patient as things will improve soon. Curb your desire to spend recklessly or your budget may go haywire. A friend of yours may come forward to seek your help. Friends will be supportive and helpful this week. Your health might require your attention during the first half of the week. Better take care of your diet as well as routine. Talking idealistically, blend your good deeds with personal pleasure that you wish and want.

You don’t have to be obstinate, rather keep the avenues of communication open to get through your strategy. Stars indicate that there are rewarding times ahead for you. Just exercise patience to get all that you deserve. Students will do exceptionally well in their examinations. Small problems will sop up lots of your time and resources. Instead of wasting your resources find some creative solution to come out of jinxed solutionDo not speculation in the stock market as chances of losses are foreseen.

Beware of an unfriendly person who is very inventive. He or she might interfere in a work matter concerning you straightforwardly.

Students will achieve laurels in sports, games and competitions.

Do not lose temper over trivial matters. Be patient with everyone around. Do not jump to conclusions and make guesses. The responsibility of an important assignment might come your way. Health will remain good for most part this week. Those who had been suffering from fever or headaches will get relief.

Cancer

Libra

Capricorn

Your all problems will be sort out this week. Promotion or increment is on the anvil for the people in service. You will have a good understanding with your seniors. Business men will get new deals and contracts. Money will simply pour in from all avenues. Family wise it is a very fortunate week as you will enjoy most of the happiness and comforts. Stars foretell that this week is going to be a little complicated for you. It bring along with it heavy and sudden expenditures for you. Be careful and do not speculate recklessly.

Leo

Virgo

Sagittarius

Scorpio

Aquarius

Don’t feel disheartened by the testing and troubles concerning your professional area. Manage your new task with great deal of accuracy to maintain the trust at your workplace. You might also exaggerate your concerns. Students may get disappointed with their grades. Work hard and do not allow lady luck to go far away from you. Do not remain ignorant of the importance events happening around you. You all might splurge both travel and outings to spend the weekend blissfully. This is a lucky time to earn extra money.

Demonstrate confidence in your great ideas and let them exude positive impacts on others. This week is good time for making new contacts as your future will greatly depend on these. Those looking for new opportunities can expect a good chance concerning their career. Your familial demands will keep you occupied throughout the week. Job opportunities, salary increment, promotions are in store this week. Celebrations with your family and friends will bring great enjoyment.

Sudden and unexpected problems might erupt at end of the week thus spoiling your peace of mind. Try not to be stressful. Speculation and new investments should be controlled. Unemployed natives may have good chance of clearing all the interviews and getting good job. Therefore, be confidant and put your sincere efforts, success would be yours whatever you will undertake. Your relations with your life partner would be much better than ever. Share inner emotions and feelings without any hesitation.

GUWAHATI

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

Pisces

police station

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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.         

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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

Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344 Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351) Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921

GMC helpline number for garbage collection

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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) International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998)

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last week solution

Taurus

Aries

Hospital

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 GNRC Hospital 1800-345-0022 (Toll Free) GNRC Ambulance 1800-345-0011 (Toll Free)

Vigilance and anti corruption toll free number

1800-345-3767

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

23

Events

7

Days

Events

Nov 05th to Nov 11th

Lights in the night sky

City celebrates Diwali

BOOM 0.1 with BADSHAH feat.

Aastha Gill Fri | Nov 11 | 06:00 pm Sunday Salsa 6th Nov | Sunday |4 PM Rhythmix International Dance Studio Edward Maya 6th Nov | Sunday | 6 PM Underdoggs Sports Bar

Photo credits Surajit Sharma | G Plus

Earthen lamps add to the Diwali festivities in the city

Guwahati Carnival : The Go Go GoHaathi The World’s 2nd Peace Tourism Fest Nov 12 | 11:00 am | Saturday Shilpagram

NorthEast United FC vs Mumbai City FC Nov 05 | 07:00 pm | Saturday Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India College students design a Rangoli on Diwali night

Every lamp, every cracker illuminated Guwahati

24

G PLUS NOV 05 - NOV 11, 2016

Catching Up New

Most shared story of the week

Chic on the block

1.5K 178 After winning the title of Mrs India, Assam’s Seema Subedi Sraddha bagged the title of Mrs. Asia International 2016. A resident of Suagpur, Baksa, Seema Subedi represented India at the Mrs. Asia International 2016 beauty pageant held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and won the title. facebook.com/guwahatiplus

Guwahati

twitter.com/guwahatiplus

GYAN

Beltola

Did you know?

Usmita Das About Me Hello everyone I am Usmita Das and I’m a student of Delhi Public School, Guwahati. I was born in the enchanting city of Guwahati, a perfect ambience and peaceful atmosphere helped me to have a beautiful childhood.

As a child, I was fascinated about dance and it slowly became my passion and modelling was always a second love.

My parents have been a constant source of inspiration and support. I always look up to them and I want to do everything possible to make them feel proud about me.

In the future, I dream of scaling every possible height and I want to put in all my hardwork and create opportunities for myself.

Weight: 46.5 Height 5’3

A

prime residential area of Guwahati adjacent to Dispur, Beltola has a long history which dates back to mythical ages. During the Ahom reign, Beltola was a small kingdom the ruler of which assisted in the administration of the Borphukan in Guwahati, the Ahom Viceroy of Lower Assam and in maintaining relations with the communities of Khasi Hills. The Kingdom of Beltola survived under the British rule and existed till India’s independence. Not much is known about the history of Beltola but the name comes from the word Bilvapatra, which means leaves of Bael tree. It was said that in olden days large quantities of Bael tree leaves were sent to Kamakhya Temple to be used in rituals. It was from that time that the place is called Beltola. Beltola and Guwahati were separate places at that time. In 1973, Sarat Chandra Singha, the then Chief Minister of Assam, decided to shift the capital of Assam from Shillong.

Today Beltola is a prime and sprawling locality of Guwahati.

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