Silver Stone Spa raid fails to elicit sex trade evidence
GMDA’s permanent solution for city floods
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VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 09 DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
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8% PoS availability in Ghy renders PG 02 e-perks useless
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Swachh 04 Survekshan ends GMC hibernation
Government stresses on solar power to meet city’s electricity PG demands 05
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G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016
New Chic on the Block Smita Medhi
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Lead Story
8% PoS availability in Ghy renders e-perks useless
rahul chanda
Following the central government’s footsteps, the state government has announced various incentives for cashless transactions but only 8% of Guwahati’s commercial establishments have PoS machines while in rural areas the internet connectivity is far from seamless
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acking the central government’s decision of demonetisation the state government recently announced various incentives to promote digital transactions. In the process the government also decided to adjust various losses that might accrue in such transactions from its own coffers. The so-called combat against black money is drawing mixed responses with a section of people lauding the move and others dubbing its implementation as unplanned and amateurish. But as 46 days have passed and with the clamour for digital transactions coming from all angles, G Plus takes a look at Guwahati to find out what the digital transaction scenario is like. How many trading establishments in the city have PoS (Point of Sale) machines? It looks at the benefits and threats of using e wallets, the government’s caps and the benefits the state will earn. G Plus talked to many Guwahatians to understand if they were happy with the city’s digital transaction status. The revenue In a move to promote cashless transactions among the people of Assam, finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced incentives on the same. Central government oil PSUs have offered 0.75% discount on the price of diesel and petrol to the customers if they pay electronically and the state government will also offer an additional 0.75% discount to the same. This amount will be adjusted with the VAT dues to be paid by the oil PSUs. Again, all patients whose user charges are Rs 500 and above will be allowed 10% reduction if they pay electronically. If hospitals incur financial losses on this account, the state government will compensate the same. But to all appearances, it looks like this compensation money will be eked out from taxes paid by the public. Similarly, property tax and trade license fees charged by urban local bodies (ULB) will be reduced by 10% to those who pay electronically. If any urban local body (ULB) incurs any financial loss on this account, the state government will compensate them; in all likelihood the loss will be compensated with public
money. Similarly, as many as 18 caps were announced. Also, as incentives to the administration by way of CM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, a new award called Digital District Championship Award will be instituted for 2016-17 ending 31st March 2017. A cash award of Rs 50,000 and a citation will be given to those DCs who will contribute significantly towards capacity building, digital transactions, brand building, sustainability of less cash economy and digital payments in a district. Congress chief spokesperson Apurba Bhattacharjee, talking to G Plus, said that the Sarbananda Sonowal government does not have any agenda and is blindly following the Centre’s directives. He said that the state will incur huge losses with this move. Talking about digital transactions, the BJP government still does not know that people in rural Assam hardly have any idea of online transactions and even if some do, internet connectivity is a huge issue. He said that the tea garden labourers are still suffering from deficiency of ATM machines and in such a situation it is laughable that the present government is talking about digital payments and e wallets. He said that the demonetisation was aimed to upset the Congress party but it is only upsetting the common man and the state government is just following the footsteps of the centre making things more complicated. According to media reports, even the government has been hit hard by demonetisation. The reports suggested that the state government is expecting a loss of over Rs 1,100 crores at the end of the current financial year. G Plus checked the scenario in Guwahati so far as the ATMs and PoS machines are concerned. There are approximately 850 ATMs in Guwahati out of which 301 are SBI ATMs and rest are of the other banks. G Plus visited around 200 ATMs across the city between 19th and 22nd December and discovered that 18 ATMs were not working whereas the rest of the ATMs were only dispensing 2000 rupee notes. There were lesser queues. So are the people happy with the 2000 rupee notes? A small paan shop owner at Paltan Bazar, Sanjeev Rai, taking to G Plus said, “I am
ATMs and PoS Total SBI ATMs in Ghy – 301 Other ATMs – 549 (approx) Total ATMs – 850 (approx) All dispensing Rs 2000 notes Total SBI PoS in Ghy till 31 March, 2016 – 3429 SBI PoS installed between – 1 April to 7 November, 2016 – 362 SBI PoS installed after demonetisation till 20 December, 2016 – 209 Applications received by SBI – 989 Pending at various levels – 780 Total SBI PoS in GHY – 4000 Other banks – 1000 (approx) Total PoS machines in Ghy – 5000 (approx) Commercial establishments in Ghy – 70,000 (approx) Therefore, only 8% shops have PoS and so, how and who will earn the government incentives?
• State government follows centre and announces incentives on cashless transactions • Congress dubs the move as devoid of agenda and claims that the state will lose revenue • Guwahatians getting increasingly irked as around 850 city ATMs continue to dispense only 2000 rupee notes • Only around 5,000 of around 70,000 commercial establishments in the city have PoS machines • Many merchants awaiting delivery of PoS machines supply of which seems to be very poor • Demonetisation elicits mixed response after 42 days
a pos machine at a store | file photo
very upset with the whole notebandi (demonetisation) move as our sales have dipped sharply.” He said that most of the people come to purchase items with a 2000 rupee note in hand and providing change becomes difficult. An irked medical representative, talking to G Plus during the afternoon, said that he was trying to have a meal and had visited around 25 food joints from Beltola Tinali to Ganeshguri but couldn’t find one as no one had change for Rs 2000. Further, they
were not accepting PayTM payments or cards as they didn’t have PoS machines. He said, “I have a daily lunch budget of Rs. 80 maximum. If I have to use my card I have to visit an expensive food joint where I can secure a meal that would cost me at least Rs 200. I withdrew 2000 rupees after trying around 10 ATMs as none of the ATMs were dispensing 100 or 500 rupee notes. I even visited the ATM located at the local SBI head office and that one was no good either.” People are now be-
ginning to wonder why ATMs are continuing to dispense 2000 rupee notes and this is proving to be irksome. The PoS machine scenario in Guwahati is even worse. An army doctor, who until a few days back was travelling in the US, recently visited Guwahati. While talking to G Plus he said, “In America and Europe, when a purchase is made even for a few cents, debit and credit cards are accepted while in India, especially Guwahati,
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
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Lead Story most merchants accept cards on purchases of minimum 200 rupees.” He added that he has also observed very few shops having PoS machines in Guwahati; PoS machines are mainly available at shopping malls and some prominent departmental stores. A highly placed source in the SBI, talking to G Plus, said that at present there are 4,000 SBI PoS machines in Guwahati. He further said that on 31st March 2016 there were 3,429 PoS machines. Between 1st April, 2016 and 7th November, 2016 362 PoS machines were installed. From 8th November, 2016 to 20th November, 2016 only 209 PoS machines were installed whereas there are 780 requests pending at various banking levels with 989
applications being received from various merchants. A grocer at Rehabari, talking to G Plus, said that he applied for a PoS machine 15 days back and is still awaiting delivery of the same. Sources in the banks said that supply of PoS machines is very poor and therefore the installations are not being done. A private bank executive who at present is visiting various shops to promote and install PoS machines, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that in Guwahati there are mainly two banks which are installing PoS machines - SBI and HDFC Bank. He said that the PoS machine supply to Guwahati is very less at present and in total there are currently around 5,000 POS machines including ones
Silver Stone Spa raid fails to elicit sex trade evidence
of SBI. So the situation is: there are only 5,000 PoS machines in a city which has, according to GMC sources, approximately 70,000 commercial establishments! Talking about mandating PoS machines by the government, G Plus talked to excise minister, Parimal Shuklabaidya who said that it has to be checked and seen if it can be mandated. Whether the government incentives on digital transactions will help the city and state is a futuristic question but the current scenario is bleak enough for people to be any happier than they have ever been. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
rahul chanda
Police registers a case under immoral trafficking act in spite of not finding any such evidence; city spa owners upset over such raids which defame the entire professional spa business
silver stone parlour at a.t. road| file photo
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n suspicions of an illegal sex trade racket, in a recent incident in Guwahati, Bharalumukh police raided a unisex parlour or spa (Silver Stone) located on AT Road area near Aathgaon flyover and detained three female workers for questioning. They were later handed over to their guardians. Since a long time, news have often surfaced that spas or parlours raided in the city have thrown up illegal sex trade rackets whereby people have now come to believe that most spas or parlours are actually fronts for sex trade. But is this true? In the recent incident no one was arrested and yet the police registered a case. G Plus tries to find out what exactly was the incident and was the parlour involved in any illegal business? The incident
A police source from Bharalumukh police station, talking to G Plus, said that the police received information that illegal sex trade business takes place in Silver Stone spa. Accordingly, the police team headed by ACP Madurima Das raided the spa on the afternoon of 22nd December. On entering the spa located on the fourth floor of PC Das market building on AT Road, the police team found three girls in the age group of 20 to 25 waiting for customers. The police team checked the four rooms inside the spa thoroughly and did not find any untoward evidence. But as the police had received a complaint, taking suo moto cognizance, the three girls were brought to the police station for questioning. The police source said the girls were questioned and they denied any illegal sex trade going on in the
spa but the police, taking cognizance, registered a case (case number – 606/16 under section 3/4/7(B) of The Immoral Trafficking Act 1956) and the girls were handed over to their parents. One girl was from Dimapur and the other two from Darrang. So what was the hullabaloo all about? Spa woes A G Plus team visited the PC Das building complex and on reaching the fourth floor saw that the spa was closed. There is a 25-year-old bar also located in the building on the first floor and the people from the market in the building opined that the spa is a decent joint that has no record of indulging in any untoward activities. A shopkeeper, talking to G Plus in anonymity said, “The spa is a decent place where people
visit to take massage and no immoral activities take place there. Even the police was not able to find any evidence.” He said that these days the police, after receiving any information, act on it without trying to understand that the information might be a hoax or laden with vested interest. Meanwhile another parlour owner, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that people look at spas and parlours with a frown but all spas and parlours are not involved in such businesses. The police, time to time, keep visiting spas in the name of raids but they usually don’t find anything. There are reputed spas with professionals working there to provide relaxation to their customers but the police raids bring a bad name to the entire business. A police personnel, reacting to such allegations, said that the police acts only after getting special inputs and it is tough to catch the culprits red handed, which helps them get away from the law. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
• Police received complaints against Silver Stone spa located on AT Road • Police raid the spa on 22nd December but fail to find any evidence related to sex trade • Police brings three female workers for questioning, later hands them over to their parents • Neighbours in the market complex say that the spa is not involved in any such trade • Police still registers a case taking suo moto cognizance • City spa owners upset over police raids as it brings a bad name to the whole business
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
City
Swachh Survekshan ends GMC hibernation
Rahul Chanda
With the Swachh Bharat contest just around the corner, the city authorities are waking up to publicise the so-called ‘cleanliness drives’ with the sole aim of scoring high in the contest to claim that a lot of work has been done.
volunteers at a swachh bharat rally | file photo
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ecently, Mayor Mrigen Sarania and other GMC authorities were seen inviting the media and visiting many localities of the city for the so-called cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Also, very recently it has surfaced that the city authorities are gearing up for the Swachh Survekshan under which Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) conducts a “cleanliness contest” which ranks cities based on their progress under the mission. Talking about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the question arises: is it really an honest initiative or just a publicity stunt by the government that impels city authorities to clean certain spots only on Swachh Bharat Divas or during other contests organised by the MoUD and hogging footage on local media? What happened in 2016 if Swachh Bharat was serious business at all? How much money did the central government provide to Kamrup Metro under the mission? What is the Survekshan contest and does Guwahati have any chance of scoring high? G Plus checks out the realities. What happened in 2016? We tried to follow the standing claims of GMC officials that given any year, a lot of work always gets done.
Individual household toilets Throughout 2016 the GMC officials kept saying that a total of 7,135 applications from various wards have been received by GMC for setting up individual toilets. The application forms have been verified and approved by the member secretaries and chairmen of respective ward committees. So far, a total of 6,667 beneficiaries have been uploaded out of which 3,016 beneficiaries have been verified online. According to the scheme Rs 4,000 will be
provided in two instalments as subsidy to construct toilets. Now, according to sources in GMC, only Rs 20 lakhs has been received from the centre for the scheme and therefore the money has not yet been distributed to the applicants. This excuse cropped up at the beginning of the year and continues to exist. So practically, not a single individual household toilet has been installed. Functional public toilets Again throughout the year, GMC claimed that in response to the present scenario of sanitation and hygiene in Guwahati, critical locations were identified around the city to erect toilets for public convenience. The officials said that the sites are at prime locations where there is acute necessity of toilets. All the toilets have been designed so as to accommodate proper sanitary facilities especially for women and the differently-abled. In reality the following are the only locations where there are functional public toilets in the city executed by GMC in PPP mode: • • • •
Fancy Bazar Nepali Mandir Khanapara Bhangagarh
So, there were only three public toilets constructed in 2016; the Fancy Bazar toilet was constructed the previous year. Toilets are also proposed at the following locations: Underneath Bhangagarh flyover • • • •
Basistha Temple Mathgharia DC office premises Panbazar
Dreams remain dreams; when these will be completely constructed remains vague even as authorities continue
E-Toilet On 17th May 2015, GMC had installed two blocks of e-toilets, one each for ladies and gents near the foot bridge of Maligaon Chariali. According to GMC officials, it was the first of its kind in the entire north-eastern region of India. Similarly due to space constraints faced in Guwahati, portable toilets were proposed to be installed in various parts of the city both for men and women. Following are the locations where portable toilets were claimed to be installed: • Near SB Beorah College • Underneath Six Mile Flyover • Near Dispur College • Near Zoo Tiniali • Anil Nagar near Gayatri Sweets • Panbazar, near water works office • Under Chandmari flyover • Rukminigaon A source in GMC said that in 2016, 10 biodegradable toilets and 18 portable toilets were installed which have been placed in all these locations and are, from time to time, carted to spots where big events take place. During events some toilets are indeed seen but at the locations the same toilets are hardly seen. Moreover, GMC officials always brag about house-tohouse garbage collection. Garbage collection GMC has always claimed that NGOs have been engaged in all 31 wards for carrying out the task of house-to-house garbage collection. The NGOs have a total manpower of 450 workers who operate a total of 480 tricycles and 64 auto trippers across the city. Secondary collection and transportation is done by GMC. The staffstrength engaged for the purpose is: • PWD divisions – 6 • Zonal Engineers – 15
• Junior technical officers – 12 • Supervisors – 81 • Hand carter – 422 • Road sweeper -339 • The bins and vehicles engaged for the secondary collection and transportation are: • Garbage compactors – 22 • Collection bins – 200 • Dumpers – 26 (of various capacities) • Excavators cum loaders – 12 • Mini loader -6 • Push carts – 200
But does the garbage collection happen? Many people said that the door-to-door collection is not up to the mark as the NGOs do not visit the city households on a daily basis. Meanwhile, some NGOs said that when the project started, GMC provided some auto trippers and tricycles, but till date no upkeep has been provided to the vehicles and the instruments. GMC officials said that there are some financial crises which the body faces every now and then and which have to be solved. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is expected to cost over Rs 620 billion. The central government provides an incentive of Rs 12,000 for each toilet constructed by a BPL family. Total fund mobilised under Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) as on 31st January 2016 stood at Rs 3.69 billion. An amount of Rs 90 billion was allocated for the mission in the 2016 union budget of India. The government and the World Bank signed a US$1.5 billion loan agreement on 30th March 2016 for the Swachh Bharat Mission to support India’s universal sanitation initiative. World Bank will also provide a parallel $25 million technical assistance to build the capacity of select states in implementing community-led behavioural change programmes targeting social norms to help ensure widespread usage of toilets by rural households. But surprisingly GMC received only Rs 20 lakhs in the last two years from centre for the abhiyan. A highly placed source
in GMC said that all the campaigns have been carried out by the urban body and only Rs 20 lakhs was received which is still lying unused as the money is for providing subsidy for individual toilets and scrutiny in that regard is still going on. So, Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has not provided enough funds to Guwahati till now. Now the city authorities like GMC and district administration have to pull up their socks to contest with other 500 cities in Swachh Survekshan contest. Swachh Survekshan Contest In a bid to scale up the coverage of this ranking exercise, the Swachh Survekshan-2017 which is to be conducted in January 2017 was launched across the country by the central government. The contest will rank 500 cities/towns having population of 1 lakh and above. Total marks for the contest is 2000 in which 30% will be decided on the basis of citizen feedback, 25% on direct observation and 45% on municipal documentation. The city authorities, in the coming days, are expected to publicise the contest and ask people to participate by downloading the Swachh Bharat app and send feedbacks. Also, many cleanliness drives are being conducted and the GMC is documenting all the drives. According to sources, the authorities are planning advertisement campaigns and promotions so that when the MoUD researches, positive responses should be provided by the citizens. The entire strategy is to change the people’s mindset within the month of January itself when the MoUD will seek feedback and assess the city. The truth remains that if there was no contest all these initiatives would not have been taken. The entire Swachh Bharat mission has turned out to be a publicity stunt and not a whole-hearted initiative to make the city actually swachh. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
S.No. Area of Evaluation Weightage 1 2 3 4 5
MSW-Door to Door Collection, Sweeping and Transportation MSW-Processing and Disposal ODF / Toilets Information, Education and Behavior Change Communication Capacity Building –SBM eLearning Portal
40% 20% 30 % 5% 5%
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Governance
Government stresses on solar power to meet city’s electricity demands kalyan deb
The total demand of the state is 1,400 to 1,500 MW of which 377.2 MW is produced by APDCL while the excess energy has to be outsourced
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ndia is battling with a two-pronged problem of environment as well as energy crisis. Together with its prolonged struggle to remove the evils of inequality, poverty and improvement of the human development indicators, a constant degradation of environment and ecology has become a runaway problem, leaving a large section of the population in the country energy deprived. Like the rest of the country, the north-eastern region is dominated by fossil fuels when it comes to electricity generation. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), even with an installed capacity of 3.5 Gigawatts, there is still a shortage of 5.1% of electricity for the people in this region. This figure however does not include the millions of people who do not have access to electricity in the country. Similarly, Pallab Lochan Das, Minister of State for Power, had earlier stressed on solar power and said that the department is working towards enhancing its revenue and considering other options for power generation to meet the demand. He also urged people to install solar panels on rooftops that will help in solving the issue of power crisis. “In the coming days, the government may even buy the excess electricity produced by residents. Despite having a higher capacity infrastructure, our production gets hampered owing to lower supply of conventional energy. We are planning to install rooftop solar plates in government offices, high rise buildings and apartments. This will not only help in generating additional electricity but also help in people in earning revenue,” Das had said.
The usages The conventional usages of solar energy are through solar thermal where the sun’s energy is used to heat water or other fluids, and can also power solar cooling systems. Another known process of using solar energy is through Photovoltaic (PV system) which is designed to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The solar panels operate on sunlight rather than the temperature of the city. The system comes along with an inverter and a battery that stores the converted amount of electricity according to its capacity. The process works in two ways viz. off-grid and on-grid system. While the off-grid system is connected to a battery, the on-grid system here is connected to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) which is calculated through a metre provided by the department. The process In order to ease the process the government had announced 70% benchmark cost subsidy for special category states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and those in the northeast. However, there will be no subsidy for private commercial and industrial establishments since these entities are eligible for other benefits such as accelerated depreciation, customs duty concessions, excise duty exemptions and tax holiday, etc. In Assam, a nodal agency, Assam Energy Development Agency (AEDA), was appointed to act in the areas of New and Renewable Sources of En-
ergy (NRSE) for the state of Assam and initiate all activities to generate roof top solar energy. The initiative would focus on various uses - either industrial or domestic - and especially for the rural, hilly and border areas not connected with the conventional grid. The initiative also focused in disseminating information about the recent technological advancement and already available technology in solar energy among consultants and entrepreneurs. “We have been the nodal agency for the ministry since 1998 and have been working on several solar projects through different government subsidies. One of the projects is named Remote Village Electrification Program where around 40,000 households, covering over 700 villages were lit with stand alone individual roof-top solar. Currently we are going ahead with several installations that will come to an aggregate of 1.8 MW from several parts of the state which is an off-grid system,” said Mrinal Krishna Choudhury, Deputy Director, AEDA. Meanwhile, the appointment made in August 2016 was based promoting roof-top solar which is an off grid project without battery backup. It means that after sundown the solar panel would not function. “In our state there is a regulation from the regulatory commission that has limited the consumption to 40% of connected load which is a bottleneck. A reason behind the same is that if everybody starts generating power straight to the grid the transformer might not be well geared up. So the distribution should be on the distributing transformer and not on the individual household,” Choudhury added.
APDCL’s own power generation • Namrup Thermal Power Station (120 MW) • Lakowa Thermal Power Station (157.2 MW) • Karbi Langpi Hydro Power Project (100 MW)
a solar panel | file photo
Meanwhile, the government and several departments are working on a policy that will be on tariff basis and net metering policy which will be beneficial for households and institutions and also come in handy during power cuts. The Benefit Unlike conventional energy sources, PV systems produce clean electricity. Grid electricity is paid for as one uses it with payments stretching out for lifetime. In contrast, the majority of PV system expenses are paid for at the time the system is installed through the subsidy provided by the government. After that, the energy is essentially free. In strictly economic terms, the rate of return for your PV system depends on three things - solar resource, electricity prices and state policies or incentives. However, there is still lack of awareness among the people
The excess energy is purchased from national grid NEEPCO Natural gas-based Kathalguri Power Project Ranganadi Hydro Power Project Khandong power station Kopili power station Kopili power station, Stage-II Doyang Hydro Electric Project
Ministry of Development North Eastern Region Coal-based Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project Gas-based Lakwa Gas Turbine Palatana Power Plan
Tamil Nadu tops the list of solar power capacity with 1,555.41 MW while Rajasthan stands at second position, with 1,301.16 MW and Gujarat third with 1,138.19 MW. as it has been seen that most of the roof-top solar powers are either implemented on government or educational institutions or on commercial establishments whereas, promotion on household levels are yet to be seen. In the present phase of energy crisis in the country, efforts must be made to come up with a futuristic and democratic energy model which is decentralised, distributed and renewable and with the initiation of solar energy in households would help in mitigating the electricity deficiency in the state. Meanwhile, several steps are being taken and it is likely to be seen that the project will be initiated in the next few months. Though the State’s own electricity generation is around 250 MW, it is getting power from the central sector power generating companies, like NEEPCO and NER. Besides, it is also making purchases from the open market to meet its power demand, which is around 1,000 MW during the off-peak load hours and around 1,500 MW during the peak-load hours. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Snippets
City school celebrates Founders’ Day
G Plus news
cm sarbananda sonowal at rgs. also seen ak pansari (l)| file photo
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oyal Global School celebrated its Founders’ Day on the 22nd December 2016. The occasion was graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of Assam Sri Sarbananda Sonowal as the chief guest, Sri Himangshu Shekhar Das, IAS (retd.) Chief Information Commissioner Assam as the guest of honour, Chairman Sri AK Pansari, Vice-chairman Sri AK Modi, Prof. Dr. SP Singh, Vice-Chancellor of The Assam Royal Global University and Senior Vice-President of the Gyan Sagar Foundation, Executive Vice-President Sri Ankur Pansari, Principal Ms. Anubha Goyal, Vice-Principal Sri Mrinmoy Kanti Das and other esteemed guests. The ceremony started with the song “Heal the World” by the school choir followed by the staging of the dance-drama “Krishna”. The drama portrayed Krishna in various perspec-
tives - a God-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero, the supreme power, and the seeker and knower. The entire life of Krishna was depicted since his birth to death. In this program, the toppers of all the streams of the batch 2015-16 were felicitated along with the national awardees for sports and academics. The in-house production “Hues of Nature” - a music album was also released . The album epitomizes nature in its different forms through music. The guests were enthralled by the art exhibition wherein the art work of the students were displayed. The exhibition included works of different mediums such as charcoal study, pen and ink, water color and many more. The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gusto and the program was a great success.
Brain Jam National Quiz successfully completes its 11th edition G Plus news
Prize money sports quiz contest on Jan ‘09
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G Plus news
he 1st Pulin Das Memorial Open Prize Money Sports Quiz Competition, 2017, organised by Guwahati Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA), will be held on 9th January, 2017 at 3 pm in the Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, Guwahati. The preliminary screening and selection round will be held at 10 am on 9th January at the same venue. The top three winning teams will received a cash awards of Rs. 10,000/- , Rs. 7,000/- and Rs. 5,000/- respectively. The quiz will be conducted by renowned quiz masters Mr. Dipankar Kaushik and Mr. Dilip Sarma respectively. Mr. Nabajyoti Kalita, General Secretary of the association informed in a press release that any team comprising of two members are eligible to take part in the competition. Intending participating teams may contact the General Secretary of the association for details at 9435559885/9435005610 or email – guwahatilawntennisassociation@gmail. com.
late pulin das | file photo
SITUATION VACANT
FOR EX-SERVICEMEN, WIDOWS/UNMARRIED DAUGHTER OF EX-SERVICEMEN (ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE) 1. Following vacant posts in the Deptt of Sainik Welfare Assam are being filled up. (a) LDA (b) Steno One (01) (c) Welfare Organiser
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Ten (10) One(010 Three (03)
2. The eligibility criteria is as under :Eligibility Criteria Ex-Servicemen.
Widows / unmarried Daughter of ExServicemen
bangalore blues with the winning trophy of brainjam 2016 | file photo
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he 11th year of BrainJam Quizzing was dedicated to India’s all-time favourite quizzing enthusiast, Mr. Neil O’Brian. It was also the first edition for BrainJam as a national quiz. The Indian Oil Servo BrainJam 2016 National Quiz, conducted and hosted by Barry O’Brien, was equally entertaining for the participants as well as the large audience that turned up for the event. The event was held on 17th December, 2016 at Pragjyoti ITA Machkhowa, Guwahati. This year BrainJam selected the finalists from all the four zones across the country – North, South, East and West. Also two teams from Guwahati joined these teams in the race to the finals after having won the prelims round conducted earlier that day. The Indian Oil Servo BrainJam
2016 National Quiz was won by Bangalore Blues, represented by Anustup Dutta and Thejaswi Udupa, leading the next two teams by five points. The winners won a coveted trip to Dubai along with the RG Khanna Memorial Trophy. After an intense tie-breaker between Delhi Dil Se and Bombay High, Delhi Dil Se represented by Subhajit Bhattachargya and Kunal Malhotra emerged as the runner-up and grabbed the second prize of a trip to Bangkok. To celebrate the occasion, a 28-paged tabloid was also released. The audience also won a lot of varied gifts while answering Barry’s questions. Also a pre-event quiz which was conducted across this year went quite viral on social media also a pre-event quiz in the social media platform which saw participation from India’s top B-schools was a huge success.
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Submission of Application
Last date of Application Rejection of applications Date of Interview
Qualitative requirements Remarks (a) Ex-Servicemen Clerk (GD)/Clerk (SD) only. 1. Age. Not more than 50 years of age (b) Should be in possession of proficiency at the time of appointment. certificate for office management. 2. Experience in accounts would be (c) Sound knowledge in computers (MS Word/Excel) given preference, subject to fulfilment (d) Medical Category — Acceptable Upto P2 of all other criteria. (e)Willing to work in any districts in the State. (a) Civ Edn — Graduate from recognized University. 1. Age. Not more than 38 years of age (b) Sound knowledge in Computer (MS Word/Excel). at the time appointment. (c) Medically fit. 2. Experience in accounts would be (d) Should be able to work in any districts of the given preference, subject to fulfillment state. of all other criteria. (e) Particulars of Dependents should be in conformity with the Discharge Book/Discharge Certificate/PPO. As per the rules of the Govt of Assam. Appointments will be against the vacant posts at Guwahati & in the districts of Dhubri, Lakhimpur, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Hailakandi, Karimganj, Goalpara & Haflong, but actual posting would be based on the administrative requirement of this Office & welfare & wellbeing of the Ex-Servicemen community. All posts are transferrable within the rules. 1. Bio-data forms are available with all ZSWOs. 2. Personal Application along with Bio Data duly completed in all respect together with copies of relevant documents to be submitted to the following address:Directorate of Sainik Welfare Assam, House No 74, Sainik Bhawan, P.O. Lachit Nagar, Guwahati — 781007 29 Dec 2016. Applications of ineligible candidates or incomplete Bio Data forms will be rejected without intimation to the applicant. Date, Time and venue for Selection Test / Interview will be intimated separately to the eligible candide.es whenever scheduled. No TA/DA will be admissible for attending the selection test/interview.
Janasanyog/1822/16 Sd/Commodore K.C.Choudhury,VSM,(Retd), Director, Directorate of Sainik Welfare Assam,Guwahati
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
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Governance
Permanent solution for city floods 2nd water exit channel to be completed by 2017
Juthika Baruah
The second channel has been proposed to solve the city’s artificial flood problem and it will be laid along the service road of NH-37 bypass to drain out the excess water
a photograph of the inundated anil nagar | file photo
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rtificial floods in Nabin Nagar and Anil Nagar have been a long pending problem and although many measures have been taken to solve it, the administration has seen repeated failures with people having to suffer severely during monsoons. From the next year however, residents of the said area might see a ray of hope as the government has come up with a “permanent solution” (which was apparently left incomplete way back during the Bimala Prasad Chaliha government) to flush out the excess rainwater through a second channel that will be constructed with an RCC drain along the service road of NH-37 bypass from SIRD, Khanapara culvert point to Basistha River near Brahmaputra Board Office complex. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) Chairman Dhiren Baruah has written a letter to the chief minister proposing the new channel to carry out the excess rainwater as a permanent solution to get rid of the artificial floods that occur every year. The government has immediately looked into the proposal and has sanctioned funds to complete the work by 2017. Speaking to G Plus, GMDA Chairman, Dhiren Baruah said, “The city started experiencing urban flooding/storm water flooding from the year 1998-99 and the situation subsequently got worse due to indiscriminate and unplanned development of the city, inadequate drainage system, absence
of separate sewage system and inept garbage management. The primary drainage system of the city is maintained by Bahini, Bharalu, Mora Bharalu and Basistha Rivers. These rivers are presently carrying three aspects of city effluents namely sewage system, garbage dumping and storm water drainage resulting in worst conditions of water logging in the low lying areas.” The state government has sanctioned Rs. 53.79 lakhs for raising the existing guard walls along both sides of Bharalu River from Jonali to GS Road bridge and has also sanctioned Rs. 228.32 lakhs for construction of concrete silt trap with silt removal arrangement as a pilot project at Bharalu River near ASTC Central Depot. The GMDA Chairman also informed that another Rs. 15 crores is necessary for setting sewage treatment plant so that the silt and garbage couldn’t be thrown into Deepor Beel which will affect the eco-system. Baruah said that no permanent measure has ever been tried and implemented for which the problem of artificial water has never been solved and pumping out the excess water is not the solution as Bharalu River alone does not have the capacity to drain out the water. An initiative has been taken of comprehensive drainage project for Guwahati city by GMDA to address the urban flooding where issues like development of water bodies, drainage network, silt trap, garbage trap, diversion of flood water, pumping arrange-
The state government has sanctioned Rs. 53.79 lakhs for raising the existing guard walls along both sides of Bharalu River from Jonali to GS Road bridge and has also sanctioned Rs. 228.32 lakhs for construction of concrete silt trap with silt removal arrangement as a pilot project at Bharalu River near ASTC Central Depot. ments are significantly placed even to tackle the storm water coming from Meghalaya. An RCC drain would be constructed along the NH-37 as part of the proposal which would be executed by GMDA and it will be completed before the monsoon of 2017. Though the need of a comprehensive storm water drainage facility was long felt for Guwahati city, which witnesses massive inundation during the monsoons, a permanent remedial measure was lacking to mitigate the urban flood problem of the city. As natural water exit channels – Bharalu, Mora Bharalu, Bahini and Basistha rivulets take the additional burden of storm water, the drainage system often collapses due to heavy siltation, illegal encroachment, garbage dumping, etc. GMDA has also written to GMC, APDCL, PWD, Water Resource Department and Public Health Engineering seeking NOC for the alignment of the proposed drain so that it could bring out a permanent solution of the urban water flood in the city. Other long term measures to be introduced in the city include a comprehensive drainage project in greater Guwahati, including pumping stations, silt pits, development of water bodies apart from gradient drainage network to tackle the storm water flooding of Guwahati city. A new sewage system, comprehensive wetland development and comprehensive garbage management mechanism would also be introduced
to deal with the water-logging problem of the city. In order to drain out the rain water accumulating in Chandmari and Pub-Sarania areas, the Country Town Planning Department constructed an RCC box drain (2’4m x 2’4 m) and led it to fall into Bharalu River with a sluice gate but without any provision for pumping which was done in 1980 and in the following decades more drains were added to the parent drain in the areas upstream of Anil Nagar despite protests. In order to provide relief to people of the area affected by artificial (man-made) flooding in these areas more severely in Anil Nagar since early eighties, the water resource department constructed flood walls on both sides of Bharalu River with arrangement of pumping in 2007-08 but the capacity of the pumps was inadequate. In September 2015, national and state disaster relief forces had to be deployed in Anil Nagar and electricity was cut off for 3 days plunging the entire area into darkness. In the same year, on demand of the people more pumps were installed and inefficient sump wells, which on account of accumulation of debris prevented the pumps
• 2nd channel draining out the artificial flood waters to be completed by 2017 • State government sanctioned Rs. 228.32 lakhs for construction of concrete silt trap with silt removal arrangement • Rs. 53.79 lakhs sanctioned to raise the existing guard wall along both sides of Bharalu River • Another Rs. 15 crores necessary to set up the sewage treatment plant • Artificial flood in the city will get a permanent solution before 2017 monsoons from working smoothly, have also been modified. But more alarming is the state of the right bank flood wall, a portion of which collapsed into the river due to inadequate design depth and poor quality of construction. Because of shallow foundation, the river cannot be cleaned fully through mechanical dredging. The breach was restored in May 2015 but cracks and holes remain. In the September 2014 floods, the wall was overtopped at places and the river water percolated through the gaps and holes. This was repeated this year on 18th June. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Christmas Special
‘Baking’ a difference!
Ronmi Bora
With the Christmas festive fervour, G Plus takes a sneak peek into the work of a few budding talented home-bakers in the city to highlight the changing scenario in home-baking and the advent of edible ink printing, 3D decorations and customized cupcakes
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nce upon a time, standing tall and alone was 130 year old bakery named Shaikh Brothers. It still remains tall but not alone anymore. In 1989, Eggs O Tic came into existence which set a benchmark to baking trends in the city. Over the years there have been phenomenal changes with coming of Repose, Loyans and very recently, the Sugar Butterfly as commercial bakers. But it is the home-bakers who are creating a difference taking baking to the level of art.
now that Rodin’s Home Makes has been in business. However, they would like to expand it in the near future with more products. Right now they are busy with Christmas orders which they need to deliver in Shillong. “I have a dream and that is to open a bakery and an outlet where I will employ only hearing-impaired boys and girls. Hope it bears fruition,” summed up Rodin Rahman.
spread the word like no means of advertisement could ever do. In fact, the name ‘Vanilla Bloom’ was chosen from an FB poll that I had arranged; it was contributed by a junior from school,” said Upasana.
Guwahati is becoming a city that loves art and creativity,” concluded Neha.
TIK TOK BAKEHOUSE
CAKE COTTAGE
CAKE iT
VANILLA BLOOM
RODIN’s HOME MAKES
by Rodin Rahman “In 2009, my younger son Rodin, who is hearing-impaired, asked me a very pertinent question. ‘Ma, what to do with my life? Time is ticking.’ This question put me into a tizzy. I gave it some deep thought for a couple of days and decided to pass on my skills to him - the skill of cooking and baking, but this time with an agenda. Rodin needed to start earning,” said Kulkul Rahman, Rodin’s mother, entrepreneur and passionate cook in conversation with G Plus. In April 2010, they bought three Bajaj OTG’s and converted one room in the house into a baking room. Their first product was carrot and walnut muffins; they still remain much in demand. Gradually, they introduced plain butter cakes, pineapple muffins and eggless chocolate cakes and started taking birthday cake orders. It has been a fulfilling six years
by Upasana Saikia “Vanilla Bloom” happened by chance, shared Upasana Saikia, who had quit her reputed corporate job after reaching a saturation point. She was initially keen to open a popular franchise based out of Mumbai but it did not take off. “I had already quit my job. And I didn’t want to join another corporate. I was very low then and it was my mother who joined my broken pieces. I still remember her words when she saw me crying out of anxiety, “If you want it so badly, why don’t you do it yourself ? What’s so hard about baking that you can’t do?” Those words were a life changer,” said Upasana in conversation with G Plus. She didn’t even possess an OTG when she decided to start “caking.” She got her first huge break - an order of 60 assorted cupcakes for a schoolmate’s engagement. The rest, as they say, is history. “But there’s something that I can’t deny. If not for my friends from St. Mary’s Convent, Vanilla Bloom would have taken some more time to take-off. They helped me
by Neha Gupta Neha has always been ver y passionate about any form of ar t and creativity and this led her to pursue making edible art. It was not pre-planned. Cake iT was conceived in April 2015 with the concept of an ar tisan making customized and boutique cakes. “I see a bare cake as an empty canvas waiting to be painted; thus my tag line “creating ar t on cakes,” said Neha. “Clients know now that they can bring a stor y or a moment close to their hear ts to us or imagine anything at random and we will translate it into reality. It requires skill and hard work. What could be better if the translation of a mere thought into reality is way f resher and sweeter? It’s an absolute pleasure when my clients give me the f reedom to create a consumable work of ar t because they tr ust the outcome which is ver y impor tant for a home baker. Oppor tunities and change is impor tant and
by Ruhi Borooah Ruhi mentioned how, since childhood, baking had been her passion. After completing graduation she decided to pursue a diploma course in baking and cake art at Bangalore. While experimenting with different techniques of baking and designing cakes, she hit upon the idea of turning her passion into profession and these experiences gave her the confidence to start her small venture, Cake Cottage. Ruhi added that she never compromises with the ingredients of the cakes. As some of the ingredients are not available in the local markets, she sources them from markets of the metropolitan cities. “I like to think of every cake that I bake as my canvas where I can showcase my creativity by experimenting with different colours, designs and shapes to create my personal work of art. While baking custom cakes, I follow the specific demands of the customers but at the same time add my own variations,” said Ruhi.
by Anubha Goswami, Ankita Kakaty and Bibhash Bormedhi Tik Tok Bakehouse is the brain child of three of B-school besties - Anubha, Ankita and Bibhash - nurturing the passion for entrepreneurship and innovative bakes. Having decided to give the city of Guwahati a customized bake house with the mantra ‘Making the edible incredible’ thereafter clubbing this great idea on paper, naming it after the clock’s “Tik Tok” (which stands for ‘to be on time’), the journey started with a bang in June, 2016. “A national brand held a workshop at our Ganeshguri centre to showcase a few skills on baking. Customers now-a-days don’t mind paying extra to enhance their celebration with sumptuous cakes and other delicacies. Hence, to ensure professionalism, we geared up our venture, still in its nascent stage, to evolve as a pro-bake station. Sometimes a client is so specific in the intricacies that we have to bid a goodbye to our sleep to get it all done, make a prompt delivery despite the ugly traffic or the water-logged Guwahati roads,” said the baking professionals. The scenario stands changed today in Guwahati and with such entrepreneurships, world class confectionary is just a phone call away. ronmibora@gmail.in
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
City churches gearing up for Christmas revelry
Dispur baptist church,christian basti | file photo
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he sound of bells and Christmas carols are reverberating through the December air as churches in Guwahati are geared up to celebrate Christmas. The capital city is ready to celebrate Christmas with all traditional fanfare and special moments set aside to seek peace and good will among all people irrespective of caste, creed, community and language. “The peculiarity of Christmas lies in the fact that it is celebrated by many non-Christians as well. There are many people belonging to other religions who also come to attend the midnight mass. Even if they don’t participate in the carol singing, they just sit around and listen to the sessions,” said Rev. Angel Dainari of Church of North India. Many people think Christmas is on 25th December and that’s all there is to Christmas. However, for many people around the world, in different countries and in different Christian traditions, Christmas lasts a lot longer than that - and it’s even celebrated in different ways at different churches. The Church of North India,
the church of north india, guwahati | file photo
Guwahati, the oldest church in northeast India established in the year 1844, is all set to celebrate Christmas with a series of programs and activities to mark the coming of Christ apart from the regular service offerings. The advent of Christ has been marked by 9 lesson carol singing, pre-Christmas celebration with the underprivileged and nativity scenes. On 24th December, Christmas Eve will be observed with a midnight service starting at 11 pm while on 25th December, the holy community service will be held at 9:30 am and celebrations will go on the entire day. A gathering of around 4,000-5,000 people is expected, as opposed to the regular gathering of 130-150 people during prayers and servings. The St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral Church at Panbazar, which is the oldest Catholic Church in northeast India, celebrates the occasion as more of an intense spiritual exercise, together with some external celebrations. Being one of the most wellknown and oldest churches of the city, it attracts a massive gathering of more than 8,000
people from all across the northeast region belonging to all religions – be it Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. The regular servings are offered thrice – morning, afternoon, and evening. But the main Christmas Day Mass is scheduled at 9 am on 25th December. It is attended by a large number of people, followed by a feast, lighting of candles and exchanging of gifts. Dispur Baptist Church, Christian Basti, was established in 1890 in association with the Asomiya Baptist Sabha. For each of the weeks following Thanksgiving up to Christmas, the church has a special observance. This is sometimes merely the lighting of candles or a special prayer. The church also puts on special Christmas plays or strict nativity scenes that depict Jesus’ early days.
Christmas Special
Nehal Jain
St Joseph’s cathedral, Don bosco, panbazar | file photo
Every Sunday, this church organizes the Children Sunday School wherein the children are taught to read the Bible. From 10:30 am, gospel songs are sung and at 11 am, the formal service begins. The Christmas celebrations begin on 24th December with
the presbyterian church, chatribari | file photo
The church holds special Christmas Eve celebrations and prayer sessions, which people from outside the Christian community also attend. It puts on one of the most beautiful Christmas decoration in the city every year that attracts a large number of people. While the regular Sunday services are attended by around 50 people only, the Church is visited by more than 1,000 people on the eve of Christmas. On 25th this year, the service will be held at 9:30 am, and the celebrations will go on throughout the day. All rituals will take place strictly in accordance with the liturgy. The Presbyterian Church, Chatribari, is one of the newest churches of Guwahati, established in the year 2010. If one wants to pray in peace, away from the massive crowd of Pan Bazaar on Christmas day and explore the unexplored, this church is the place to be.
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the service worship at 6:30 pm, followed by a feast. On 25th December, the worship begins at 10:30 am, followed by lunch. Church worship service begins at 6:30 pm followed by dinner.
People from outside the Christian community are also invited to the service and feast. A mass prayer takes place wherein they do not strictly read from the liturgy, but from their own words for the welfare of those present in the church. The Guwahati Baptist Church, established in 1845, is one of the oldest churches in Guwahati. Regular services and programs are held by the Church that is attended by all its members. It has organized a 6-day door-to-door carol singing program to mark the advent of Christmas. Pre-Christmas celebration was also held in the Church on 18th December. The Guwahati Baptist Church celebrates Christmas every year with some special programs for the underprivileged section of the society. This year too, Christmas celebrations would be held among the inmates of the Central Jail, Guwahati. The celebration would include singing of carols and distribution of fruits. Members of the Church also organized Christmas program for the children of an orphanage in Guwahati.
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Ward Watch
Ulubari Sohagpur in dire need of facelift Kalyan Deb
Deteriorating road conditions and drainage system irks residents of the ‘best’ city ward Concentrated Area: Sohagpur
WARD NO
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Ward Number: 14 Sub division : 14(a) Phone no: 9435010647 Councillor : Ashima Bordoloi Area sabha member : Niren Medhi Phone number : 9957174605 Problems : Poor road and drainage system
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residential area located alongside the hustle of the busiest part of GS Road, i.e. Paltan Bazar, Sohagpur lies virtually in the centre of the concrete jungle of Guwahati. With several side roads and lanes connecting it, the area provides an escape from the hullabaloo of the city and is basically a peaceful settlement of residences. The area is a part of the AM Road in Ulubari that is dotted with several eateries specialising in Manipuri cuisine. However, the road splits into two lanes as one goes in further and the locality welcomes one with several multi-storied apartments and other residential bungalows. The area connects to several surrounding areas such as Rehabari, Piyoli Phukan Road, GS Road, Ulubari, Manipuri Basti among others. However, the name “Sohagpur” might sound unfamiliar to one despite it being one of the oldest settlements of the city that is located alongside an important commercial hub of the city. The grievances While most part of the Sohagpur area is well entrenched with well-constructed roadways and drainage system the main lane offers one a bumpy camel ride basically. Such is the condition of the road that
vehicles cannot ply at more than 20 kilometres per hour as the entire stretch is carpeted with stones and pebbles worn off from the earlier constructed road. It was informed that the area, particularly the main lane, has been affected by flood situations for the past several years and no initiative has been taken in order to relieve the locals of the same. As asserted by locals, during the construction of the Ulubari flyover, a major chunk of traffic was diverted through AM Road. Although the move eased the traffic situation on GS Road, it resulted in huge damages to the road adding to the grievances of the residents of the area. It might raise a few eyebrows that the ward was once selected as the best ward of the city during a contest carried out by Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). “Every monsoon we have to face the same problem as the road gets flooded with water that rises up to 3 feet. It has been the same story that keeps repeating year after year. It is due to the drainage system which has inadequate breadth and depth and so the water overflows and eventually rushes into the residences of the area,” mentioned Reena Das, a local resident. It was also mentioned that
it is due to garbage dumped in several parts of the drainage system that creates such inconveniences for the locals as it blocks the flow of the rainwater. The garbage also further narrows the inadequately carved drainage system which becomes a prime reason for causing flood. Another local of the area, Deepak Medhi, echoed similar views and mentioned that the culvert constructed in the triway junction is stacked with a large pile of silt. “The garbage has piled up over the years with the authorities failing to carry out de-siltation process in the area. Several locals tried their hands at it but due to the culvert level being very low-lying
it has not been possible for any of us to clear the drainage system,” Medhi mentioned. The area also has several headstones on various lanes in the area and one of them bears the name of Capt. Robin Bordoloi, former MLA of East Gauhati constituency. However, to the utter grievance of the residents of the area no developmental process has been carried out till date. The construction As the road approaches Piyoli Phukan Road, the breadth gradually narrows down so much that it is impossible for two vehicles to pass through at the same time. The area houses several residents and small shops on either side of the worn off road and one has to stop or reverse to a safer, wider spot whenever a vehicle approaches from either side. “We have to look for a safe
corner when a vehicle approaches. Along with the poor condition, the road significantly narrows down in that particular stretch of the lane. The reason still remains unknown to us whether it was designed that way to be so narrow or whether it has been encroached. It is difficult for the residents to intervene in such matter as we are not aware of the details. However, the authorities should take necessary steps for the benefit of the people,” stated a local resident on the condition of anonymity. It could also be learnt that such problems have emerged due to the lack of active participation of the locals of the area and this apathy has added to the problems of the area. Over time, those who actively participated in the developmental initiatives of the area have gradually dispersed. However, some of the socially aware women of the area have taken the initiative to approach the current MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya and bring their problems to his notice. Meanwhile the councillor clarified the story of fund constrains of GMC. “There has been no funds released this year and any project will only be taken up after funds are released. We are hoping for that by March 2017 and only then we will be able to take up any initiative. However, the area is in the priority list,” stated councillor of the ward, Ashima Bordoloi. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
No headway in Fancy Bazaar D botanical garden project
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Snippets
DC office gets its first POS machine
Juthika Baruah
Despite the fanfare in the announcement by Himanta Biswa Sarma, GMDA has not initiated any steps to start the botanical garden project at the old central jail complex
r M Angamut hu, D eput y C ommis i oner, Kamr up (M) l au nche d a p oi nt of s a l e (P OS ) machi ne at Sr. Sub R eg ist rar of f i c e i nsi d e t he D C of f i c e Kamr up (M) premis es on Tu es d ay. As a p ar t of D i g it a l In d i a to promote c ash l ess p ay ment i n gov t of f i c es, t h is i n it i at ive has b e en t a ken by t he d ist r i c t admi n ist rat i on w it h t he help of St ate B an k of Ind i a. Th is is t he f i rst of it s
G Plus news
k i nd i n any D C of f i c e of Ass am. O n re qu e st of t he D eput y C om m iss i one r to promote t he c ash le ss p ay ment at gove r n me nt e st ab l ish ment s , SBI i nst a l le d t he P OS ma ch i ne f re e of c o st . C omme nt i ng on t he o cc asi on t he D C s ai d t hat it w i l l help t he st a ke hold e rs i n ma k i ng c ash le ss p ayment . “Ste pw is e it w i l l b e mad e f u l ly c ash le ss ,� he ad d e d. It is wor t h me nt i on i ng t hat w it h t he help
water tankers in ghy, a regular sight | g plus photo
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he state government had announced a new botanical garden at the old central jail premises in July. It has been five months now and no work has been initiated yet. The department is also not keen to provide any information on the project. With the announcement of the botanical garden traders and residents of Fanc y Bazar opposed the move saying that the parking that is being allotted by GMDA in the jail premises is more important than the botanical garden. The streets of Fanc y Bazar are too narrow to park vehicles on the roadside and the locality being the business hub of the city, people from across the nor theast region visit the place for business. GMDAs parking would allow people to park their vehicles easily. But now that the government has come up with the botanical garden project people are sceptical with the thought that when the government has not been able to revive the existing State Z oo cum B otanical Garden which is currently in a deplorable condition, a new botanical garden in the extremely commercial Fanc y Bazaar hardly looks like a solution. Meanwhile, the GMDA authorities are in no mood to provide any information as to the progress on the project or its master plan. When G Plus tried
to f ind out, it met with denials, refusals or evasiveness. While the Chief Engineer of GMDA said that the work of boundar y walls have already been star ted and an underground parking is likely to be constructed, another engineer said that the government has not sent any details to the depar tment and has given the project to a Singapore-based f irm for the design. Moreover, Chairman of GMDA, Dhiren Bar uah said that there are many more impor tant projects than botanical garden and for another six months the work will not be star ted as it needs proper design. He said that the parking has been allowed to make judicious use of the land so that revenue could be generated for the development of the city. The botanical garden, to be spread across 60 bighas, would be completed within 3 years of stipulated time as announced by the government. The project has been taken in order to revive the green environment amidst the pollutions of Fanc y Bazaar. Although the government has instr ucted GMDA to star t the work f rom this year itself the depar tment, on the other hand, has said that no instr uction has come from the government nor have they received any plan to star t the work. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
of t h is P O S ma ch i ne one c an ma ke p ay me nt as fe e s by us i ng c re d it and d ebit c ard of any b an k. Mr. Har i har Pat nay a k, AG M , Guw a hat i R e g i on , SBI , Kar na li Sar ma , D ist r i c t D e velopme nt C omm iss i one r, Kam r up ( M ) , S Dhar, L DM , R obi n B or a , Marke t i ng E xe c ut ive, R a me n Kr D as , Sr. Sub R e g ist r ar, As i m Sarkar, Sub R e g ist r ar, D C of f i c e and ot he rs d i g n it ar i e s we re pre s e nt on t he o c c as i on .
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Events
CTRL ALT DANCE The Official Pre-Party scenes Venue: Terra Mayaa DJ Ankytrixx from Mumbai
The main event will be held at Goa, but the heat is on at "Goa-hati" DJ Mani and DJ BEATRONIX with a friend (R-L)
DJ Dee, DJ Mistz and his wife share a moment together for the camera (R-L)
The Great Northeastern Run Venue: Khanapara, Veterinary Field
A Paralympic athelete makes the GNER
Sanjukta Parashar (IPS) ran in the 21KM category at the Great Northeastern Run
Going for glory
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
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Events New Year & Christmas Special
Dec 24th To Dec 30th
DEC 24
Khanapara Veterinary Science College Field Time: 10 AM 1st Northeast Auto Show 2016 Akid Zaman (L) in conversation with Ranjeev Lal Barua (R)
DEC 24
The Residency Tourist Resort Time: 06:00 PM X-Mas Eve Party - Gillin Abhi
Urmila Mahanta and Kopil Bora stole show for the evening as they starred in Janhu Barua’s That Gusty Morning
DEC 24
Underdoggs Sports Bar Time: 7 PM Pre -Christmas Party Dj Kamya & Kavya Kriti
Pranjal Sakia (L) with Manash Baruah (C) talking to Jahnu Baruah(R), director of That Gusty Morning
Urmila Mahanta at the screening of That Gusty Morning at Vivanta by Taj
DEC 24
Terra Mayaa Time: 08:00 PM Christmas Eve // Lloyd
DEC 24
Venue: Topaz Time: 08:00 AM Christmas Eve With Dj Zuby
Zerifa Wahid shares a light moment with Shahnaab Alam (Mumbai), Executive producer of Dhoom and Producer films like ‘Socha Na Tha’, ‘Ugly’, ‘Lunch Box’ etc
DEC 24
Venue: Hotel Palacio Time: 7 PM Christmas Eve Celebrations
DEC 24 Royal Stag Barrel Select - Large Short Films Venue: Vivanta by Taj An evening with the screening of 3 short films - Mehrooni, Unread and That Gusty Morning Tanushree Hazarika (L), Sunit Jain (C) and Rajeev Agarwal (R) making conversation over dinner
The Pernod Ricard team with Jahnu Baruah (C)
Venue: Guwahati Gymkhana Club, Dispur Time : 08:30 PM Christmas Eve With ‘The Waves’
DEC 24
Xs- The Place To Be Time: 7 PM Jingle Nite #Gennext Turns 4
DEC 25
Residency Tourist Resort Dispur Time: 7 PM Evolution 2.0 Feat. Marc Romboy & Nishan
DEC 25
Dreamland Amusement Park Time: 7 PM X-Mas Party Bash 2016
DEC 31
The Residency Tourist Resort Time: 06:00 PM Sunburn Echo Guwahati
DEC 31 Kula Saikia, Sheila Bora, Milton Queah with Mr. Bora (L - R)
Queah family’s PreChristmas party at Terra Mayaa while also celebrating Miguel Das Queah’s American Fellowship with guests
Vivanta By Taj Time: 7 PM New Year Gala At Vivanta By Taj - Guwahati
DEC 31
Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati Time: 08:00 AM New Year Eve Celebration
DEC 31
Venue: Kiranshree Portico, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati Time: 7 PM New Year Bash “ Party Under The Electric Sky”
DEC 31
Prerona Borborooah, Umi Bhuyan with Miquel Queah (L- R)
Joshua Queah slapping the bass as the entertainment for the evening
Hotel Rajmahal Guwahati Time : 7 PM Hotel Rajmahal Presenting New Year Evening With Dj Mak & Dj Marcc
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Concern
Drink but don’t Drive
An interview with Ghulam Kibriya, the president of the Advertising Club Guwahati about the PSA campaign against Drunk Driving primary idea behind starting this initiative and we wanted to make sure that we make it as eye-catching as possible so that we can get the message across. So every member of the organisation voluntarily contributed to the campaign in every form - idea, creative and media space to make it a success. Tell us about your PSA Don’t Drink & Drive campaign? Out of so many topics PSAs address, what made you focus on this campaign? What is the Advertising Club Guwahati all about? The Advertising Club Guwahati is an industrial body which was launched on 28th March 2015 with the intention of developing, promoting and initiating growth in the advertising and communications sector of the region. It was formed by a few like-minded professionals from the leading media houses and advertising agencies of the northeast and has members from organisations like The Assam Tribune, Asomiya Pratidin, Outreach Advertising, Rengoni among others. The mission of the Advertising Club Guwahati is to raise the standard of the industry, inspire the new generation to take up advertising as a profession and continuously strive to improve professional service to the clientele. Why have you chosen to do a PSA (Public Service Announcement) campaign? As professionals from the advertising and media world, we feel that we have a very responsible role in the society because we are all about communication. Since we play such a significant part in opinion formation, we felt that we should give something back to the people. What better than a PSA campaign that carries a strong message and is aimed at the greater good. This was the
Drunk driving is responsible for many accidents and even fatalities in the city. The issue has escalated so much in recent years that Assam has witnessed more that 50% deaths among all the road accidents caused which surpasses the national percentage of 36.4%. It is a serious concern for both the public and the authorities. With Guwahati witnessing a burgeoning party scene, we felt that it was necessary to raise awareness and caution
to address is simple – when you are not sober, it is better to avoid being behind the wheels. There have been many campaigns related to this topic but somehow people still don’t seem to understand the sense behind it. We are hopeful that our campaign can go on to educate the people and especially the youth that drunk driving is to be avoided at all costs. We do not want to sound like a killjoy and we are not against alcohol or partying. But we want people to be more responsible towards themselves, their family and friends. What approaches have you used to reach out to your target audience? And do you think this campaign will be able to influence public? We have planned an all around promotional campaign and will use print media, television, radio, outdoors, digital and initiate ground level activations to sensitise people about drunk driv-
people how much of a menace drunk driving has become. It is not just about individuals but families too, who have suffered because of this. Hence we thought that a campaign against drunk driving was necessary to be initiated in the city. We are very thankful to the Traffic department and Pernod Ricard for supporting us in this initiative.
ing. The campaign will also feature in the movie theatres to help reach out to the maximum audience possible. In the last few weeks, we have promoted the campaign through wrist bands and stamps imprinted with Don’t Drink and Drive at Brain Jam 2016 and GNER. We have also collaborated with various clubs and lounges in the city to spread the message.
What are the issues associated with drinking & driving that you are addressing with this campaign?
According to you, what roles can the government as well as public play to stop ‘drink & drive’ mishaps?
The basic issue that we wanted
As of now, the fact that the
Identification of ’Black Spots’ across city and NH
A
Road Safety Council meeting was held at the Ministers’ conference hall at Assam Secretariat, Dispur on Wednesday under Transport Minister CM Patowary.
The minister asked the officials from Police, PWD (Roads), State Highways (SH), National Highways (NH), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Devel-
opment Corporation (NHIDCL) to take adequate measure for identification, rectification and monitoring of ‘black spots’ and to ensure that proper signage, lighting and markings are done along with other com-
Traffic department is supporting our cause shows that they want to play a proactive role in educating the people and making them aware against drunk driving. This is a very positive sign and I feel that the authorities can play a big role here. Of course it is necessary to put up check points and get breath analysis done, but innovative and engaging campaigns is always more inclusive, non-invasive and allows people to embrace the restrictions with more open arms. If a more positive approach is used then it allows the public to respect the effort and also possibly accept it more easily. Mixing ‘drinking and driving’ is fatal, everyone is aware of it. But why do you think people are not taking this issue seriously, especially the youth? I think for most people, it is just about carrying the fun from the glass to the road. The feeling is probably, “I am sober enough to drive.” But what they fail to understand is that alcohol affects the reaction time and judgement of an individual and it is just a matter of microseconds which can lead to an accident. The failure to understand or realise this is probably the reason why peo-
We do not want to sound like a killjoy and we are not against alcohol or partying. But we want people to be more responsible towards themselves, their family and friends. ple do not take it seriously. And then, there is also the other thought which says that alcohol gives one a sense of false bravado and lowers inhibitions. Your message to the youth. The youth today are a savvy bunch – they are intelligent, have opinions and are aware. Hence all I would like to say to them is that they should lead the way and be the examples that the rest can follow. We can do all the campaigns that we want but in the end they are just ideas, words and visuals if they do not make a difference. I believe that these youths can be the one who can turn these ideas into actions.
ghulam kibriya with benoy babu, regional head, pernod ricard india
pliances conforming with the road safety principles. The Road Safety Council accorded highest priority in monitoring the black spots and that accidents are not repeated on the identified black spots for which a Lead Agency has been constituted to devote itself to road safety standards and will
be led by Nodal Officer Lalit Gogoi. The Road Safety Council also proposed that the best three performing SPs and DTOs in implementing road safety measures in their respective districts would be awarded by the Chief Minister during the forthcoming Republic Day.
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
15
Feature
Lamenting the loss of our folk media
F
olk media is a term used to denote people’s performances. The term at the very surface level can be described as the cultural roots of the people of a region. It is not only confined to dance and music but also includes arts and crafts or any other mediums that could convey a message to the bigger audience. In Assamese society, folk performance has always been a composite art. It is a fusion of elements from music, dance, versification, and religion pleasantry. It absorbs ceremonials, rituals, beliefs laid down upon generations in the course of social system. Folk media in Assamese society includes forms like Bhaona, street play (Baator Naat), Gayan Bayan, puppetry (Putola Naach), Jatra Party etc. These forms of media, with all forms of contradictions and multifarious activities, play a crucial role in preserving our values. Sometimes vibrant, otherwise elegant, these media underlines certain dominant ideologies of the society through its own people. Suppressed by the force of modernism in the present day society, sadly enough, these media are slowly becoming forgotten stories. Folk arts have changed its
chandrika das
structure continuously over centuries, yet facing the peril of the modern day society. Bhaona
Bhaona, a form of folk media introduced by Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev, which is over 600 years old, is just an entity of Raas festival and other very few festivities in the Assamese society. What emerged as a rich heritage in the hands of our ancestors is no less than a rare phenomenon today. Bhaona is a form of art which is based on our mythological stories and carries a spiritual endeavour. Years ago when the people of our society were not much literate, Bhaona acted as the bridge to convey the message to the bigger masses. It was initiated in the Brajavali dialect and later got transformed to the indigenous Assamese dialect. The art form slowly became prevalent among the masses of the villages but failed to reach the people of the urban society. Actors who were not educated, rehearsed the verses of the mythological scriptures and brought these forward to the people. The value of education in the Assamese was originally laid forth
by Bhaona. Now that education is easily affordable, Bhaona no more continues to play the significant role. Ashok Saikia of the publicity department of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, says, “We have done multiple number of Bhaona shows. The religious significance which the art form used to have back then, is lost in the current society. The society today no
alive when electronic media has bombarded every corner of the society.” Archana Kalita, former member of puppetry department of Kalakshetra said, “Invitation to stage shows sometimes pours in from rural areas of the state. But the problem is, very few skilled puppeteers are left to cater to the demands. Unless they receive financial help from the government, the chance of their survival is bleak.” It is a known fact that this ancient art is dying a slow death due to neglect and more sophisticated forms of entertainment. Puppeteers find it difficult to earn a living and feed their families just by doing puppet shows as there is hardly any audience interested. It would be very rare to find a puppet show these days and is only seen sometimes in fairs that try to promote traditional Indian art forms.
in the year 1961 is slowly dying and the few practitioners of the art form blame lack of patronage by government and non-governmental organizations for its decline. Leave alone others, haven’t we read of prodigies aged four or five who have already become cyber addicts? In the light of these realities, some of our traditional past times are beginning to die. One such is the art of puppetry, where hand-crafted dolls are attached to strings to narrate tales and pass on messages. It is communication via non-living entities. Today, only a handful of puppeteers from remote areas of Assam take the initiative to revive this ancient art. Saikia, while commenting on the plight of the art form said, “It’s a tough battle to keep the art
Street Play (Baator Naat)
puppetry (putola naach) | file photo
more needs artistic form of education; it is passé. Today the people demand practical education; the education that can lead them forward in life. We did Bhaona acts on importance of education, importance of culture. But today, these things are taught as the basic things right from the beginning of your school. Whether you tune on to the radio, or put on the TV, these messages are everywhere.” Puppetry (Putola Naach)
bhaona | file photo
way? Lifestyles have changed so rapidly that many of our traditional crafts and hobbies have been consigned to the archives. Television and videos consume our time and internet has turned us into obsessive compulsive freaks who cannot keep away the fingers from any sort of updates. The art of string puppetry that began in Assamese society
Remember the time you saw those magical figures dressed in a riot of colours and dancing to the tune of a lively music? Or when you felt immense joy and sadness as you watched them narrate the story of the charming prince in their own animated
Talking about street plays, Nomal Rabi Das of Srimanta Shankardev Kalakstera sighed, “We have done street plays for a long time in our lives. Street plays on themes like right to education, right to vote plays a role much bigger than being just a source of communication. What started as a strong mode of imparting education and generating entertainment no more remains the same. Today, street plays are either government initiatives as part of public service message, or a part of school or college curriculum. Earlier, these acts were imbibed equally by artists and audience, because they were passionate towards it. Today every form of art is commercial.
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Buzz
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Facility managers providing key solutions to apartment maintenance Kalyan deb
The traditional committee system of building maintenance where a secretary and president are appointed to look after day-to-day running of the complex is being increasingly replaced by professional companies who call themselves facility managers electrical facilities like lifts, etc. other such services with administrative work, the society members often feel reluctant to pay the fees or pay the amount late. Misunderstandings crop up easily and frequently leading to bad blood and huge embarrassment. Another area of concern common is the lack of clarity amongst residents relating to the actual calculation of the maintenance charges. While some societies have a fixed maintenance charge, others charge maintenance fees as per the area owned by each resident.
W
ith development always being welcomed the real-estate industry has been one of the principal contributors in the development of Guwahati as a city. From Assam-type houses to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) buildings and now to multi-storeyed apartments, the city is witnessing a massive change every day. The day is fast approaching when the few remaining Assam-type houses will disappear and will be replaced by tall buildings. Well, these are merely different phases of development. On this date, the sky-line of the city is dotted with several tall buildings most of which are residential complexes. With the increasing population and expanding boundaries of the city, the need of the hour for one is to get a roof over his head and a flat is the only reasonable option. The city has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of apartment blocks in the past couple of decades that has provided a roof to many locals as well as those who visit the city for a better shot at life and opportunities. The problems Living in an apartment has its own downside though. When one signs a lease or buys an apartment one is hopeful of experiencing only good things until the individual or family starts living there. Apart from thorny or unpleasant situations caused by neighbours, one may come across several civic issues. From problems in the bore-well, to cleaning
of septic tank, electricity and other house-keeping maintenance are part of the regular drill. It is quite obvious that there would be some ups and downs especially in housing societies where different sets of people live in close proximity to each other. Usually, every housing complex has a management committee that looks after the society issues and matters. The management body comprises of a few individuals residing in the apartment wherein they are given the responsibilities to solve problems, from petty to major ones. However, in today’s lifestyle it has become physically impossible to take out time to resolve someone’s issues. Big issues with favourable situations might get solved easily but sometimes it becomes very difficult for the committee to deal with petty issues like collection and managing maintenance fees or looking after small requirements of society members. It is the responsibility of the management committee to solve the problems. Meanwhile, the members of the society also face peer pressure from the residents as they are dependent upon the body to resolve issues such as power cut, disrupted water supply among several others.
Role of Facility Management Technology is solution to all the problems and it could be a way out for this condition too. Facilities management (FM) has developed into a major, thriving business sector and, as a discipline, continues to grow across the world. Well-managed sites and buildings enable organisations to function at their most efficient and effective level, achieving collaborations and offering real added value to the organisation’s core business. The range of services covered within the ambit of an FM has become more complex, as FMs has moved into the operational functions of client organisations that neither just include residential complexes but also commercial buildings such as hotels, hospitals and several others. FMs are a common approach of the specialists that have diversified skill base, in which the provider takes on responsibility for the delivery and management of all required service lines. These services span the range from housekeeping/janitorial services, water tank cleaning, electrical maintenance, and landscaping and horticulture maintenance. From a starting point of single-purpose contracts (typically, maintenance or cleaning), each handled by a specialist operative, the outsourcing concept has broadened over the years to encompass ‘bundles’ of services put in the hands of a multi-disciplined company.
Collection of maintenance fees Maintenance fees still top the list of an apartment society’s problems. Despite knowing the fact that maintenance charges are purely utilized for maintaining the apartment building with its security, common lighting and
Modus Operandi In Guwahati, most FMs offer similar services and with the growing market and the ability of addressing the people’s need of the hour several FMs have been introduced. However, the market in the same discipline is still in an incipient stage. ‘Spaces Facilities
“It is not possible for the secretary or president of a particular society to address a power cut in the middle of the night. That is where we step in,” said a leading facility manager of the city. Management’ is an establishment that has been a service provider to several organisations. The basic requirements of the residential apartments of the city are installation/maintenance of water filter plants, water tank cleaning and repairing/maintenance of bore-wells. “We began back in 2013 and introduced the concept of mechanised water tank cleaning in Guwahati. We brought our machinery from Germany through which around 3 lakh litres of water can be cleaned within two to three hours with minimum wastage of water. Such concept not only time saving but also requires lesser effort. If we go back 8 to 10 years each household knew their neighbours. However, on this date, not many people know their neighbours living in the same building. So why would anyone waste time in solving someone else’s problem? That is where we come into the picture wherein we with our professional team look after such problems,” said Abhishek Swami, CEO, Spaces Facility Management. “It is not possible for the secretary or president of a particular society to address a power cut in the middle of the night. So we realized that there is a void in this space and a huge scope for a professional service provider and tried to change the outlook of the people. We started off with water tank cleaning and gradually expanded our boundaries to commercial establishments,” Swami added. Moreover, such service providers require trained manpower and the problem could be addressed by undertaking rigorous training sessions for each project. Technical staff of such projects for engineering services is highly experienced and well qualified. Meanwhile, with the introduction of FMs in the city it has also opened doors for generating employment of skill based artisans. Swami also mentioned that the company has been able to provide employment opportunities for about 200 people. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
What the
Tweet!? Twitter on
rahul chanda #TaimurAliKhan and
unwanted parenting
Syed Tariq Pirzada @tariq_pirzada Saif Ali khan and Kareena Kapoor khan naming their child Taimur is equivalent to European naming their children Hitler..LOL.. #TaimurAliKhan Sickcular Fiberal @SickularLibtard Earlier Bollywood used to adopt Hindu names 2 woo Hindus for fame Now they name children by Jihadi Mass Murderers #TaimurAliKhan Abbas Haider @abbas_haiderr Nirbhaya Rape Prime accused was named “Ram” did he behaved like one? Then what make u idiots think that #TaimurAliKhan will be a warmonger? Joy @ Joydas Hatred, wishing death for a just born kid because they didn’t like the Name #TaimurAliKhan given to new born by their parent. That’s Sanghis Sir Ravindra Jadeja @SirJadeja Paid Media Is Busy Covering News Of #TaimurAliKhan Whereas Mamta Banerjee Is Busy Converting WB Into Pakistan. #JihadisSiegeBengal #Peace Rahul Singh Solanki @ Rahul_Sholankey Naming one’s son #Taimur is an evidence of utter ignorance of the crimes committed by those who invaded & plundered Hindustan #TaimurAliKhan Gabbbar @ GabbbarSingh 1000 apologies but when I saw #TaimurAliKhan trending I thought they found out the truck driver who ran over people in Germany. No Conversion @noconversion I never thought I would see GGG Daughter of Pritvi Raj Kapoor a devout Hindu naming her Son #TaimurAliKhan mass murderer of Hindus?? VIKYA KI BIWI @jain_tanima Life of celebrity kids.... Paida hote hi started trending!! #TaimurAliKhan
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Mark Zuckerberg’s J.A.R.V.I.S – an AI that controls his life
Gplus News
Zuckerberg’s Jarvis uses several AI techniques, including natural language processing, speech and face recognition, and reinforcement learning
M
ark Zuckerberg has ended 2016 having completed his personal challenge to build a Jarvis-style AI to run his home. He announced at the start of the year that he wanted to build a simple AI that could control his home, including his lights, temperature, appliances, music and security. He also wanted it to “learn his tastes and patterns, learn new words and concepts, and even entertain Max” (his daughter.) Zuckerberg’s Jarvis uses several artificial intelligence techniques, including natural
language processing, speech recognition, face recognition, and reinforcement learning, written in Python, PHP and Objective C. “Most appliances aren’t even connected to the internet yet. It’s possible to control some of these using internet-connected power switches that let you turn the power on and off remotely. But often that isn’t enough.” For example, he said it’s hard to find a toaster that will let you push the bread down while it’s switched off so he had to find a 1950s toaster and rig it up with a connected switch. Elsewhere, he
had to modify a food dispenser to feed his dog and a t-shirt cannon to deliver his iconic grey shirts. He began by building a Messenger bot to communicate with Jarvis “because it was so much easier than building a separate app”. He now texts the Jarvis bot and it can translate audio clips into commands. In the middle of the day, if someone arrives at his home, Jarvis also texts him an image to tell him who’s there, or it can text him when he needs to go do something. He paired this software with cameras which he installed on his front door showing multiple angles. From this, he built a simple server that continuously watches the cameras and runs a two-step process: first, it runs face detection to see if any person has come into view, and second, if it finds a face, then it runs face recognition to identify who the person is. Once it identifies the person, it checks a list to confirm Zuckerberg is expecting that person, from his calendar for example, and will let them in and tell him that they’ve arrived. By the way, Mark’s JARVIS has the voice of Morgan Freeman. Now let that sink in.
17
Trotter
YouTube stars say they were removed from Delta flight for speaking Arabic
Y
ouTube stars are more popular than Hollywood celebrities nowadays and to mess with them is like messing with millions of fans all over the globe. Two Muslim American YouTube stars who were returning home to New York after a world tour said they were removed from a Delta Air Lines flight in London on Wednesday after other passengers expressed discomfort with their presence on the plane. Adam Saleh, 23, a filmmaker from Manhattan, and his friend Slim Albaher, 22, from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, said they had been asked by the captain to leave their flight at Heathrow Airport after Mr. Saleh spoke in Arabic to his mother by phone, and he and Mr. Albaher followed up by speaking to each other in Arabic, causing alarm among British passengers on the flight. The news was met on social media with anger at the airline industry, but also scepticism, though passengers who were on the plane when it landed in New York corroborated the men’s story. Mr. Saleh, who has more than two million subscribers on YouTube, has a history of perpetuating video hoaxes and pranks, some of them aimed at exposing stereotypes about Muslims.
Gplus News
Delta said in a statement on Wednesday evening that, based on information collected so far, the two customers removed from the flight “sought to disrupt the cabin with provocative behaviour, including shouting. What is paramount to Delta is the safety and comfort of our passengers and employees,” the airline said. “It is clear these individuals sought to violate that priority.” After the disturbance continued for what Mr. Saleh said was about seven minutes, the captain was summoned, and he asked that the two men leave the plane with their baggage. At that point, Mr. Saleh started filming with his phone. He later shared the video from the airport, on Twitter, where he has more than 250,000 followers. (Source: New York Times)
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
G Talk E D
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The unhappiness quotient
H
e generally comes across as a man sporting a happy face despite his beard – something that is generally bracketed with tragedy. Former PM Chandra Shekhar sported one too and we, in those younger days, often discussed if shaving it off would make him and his short tenure happier. PM Modi, as I see him, is beguilingly different though. But the talking point today is happiness. Ever since happiness indices were drawn up by the United Nations, India’s rank generally hovered at around 120 - well below countries that we often tend to treat contemptuously like Somalia, Pakistan, Iran, and Bangladesh. Yes, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well, for God’s sake! The happiness index takes into account a country’s GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. Given the four parameters, it is but natural that India is placed so poorly with its vast inequalities in social and economic life. Contentment, so essential to happiness, finds no scope with Indians. In this scenario, I was not any more surprised than the other Guwahatian when, in a survey commissioned by LG and conducted by IMRB International in 2015, Guwahati turned up as the least happy city in the country. The study, based on parameters like Pursuit, Purpose, Pleasure, Passion and Context involved a sample size of 2,424 respondents across 16 cities namely Chandigarh, Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi. The latest news on the happiness quotient comes with the 3rd October 2016 release of the Assam Human Development Re-
port 2014, Managing Diversities, Achieving Human Development, by the government of Assam. The Report took into account the innumerable miscellanies even within the districts of the state while analysing varying degrees of human development outcomes. The Human Development Index (HDI) in Assam was placed at 0.557 - just about halfway of the desired level while observing that the overall level of human development has shown steady and continuous improvement in the last fifteen years. The Report was based on the largest survey ever conducted in the state for development purposes with a sample size of 39,998 households and 1,89,000 individuals covering all its districts. I sure felt that the happiness index was showing an upward curve; you tend to feel such things in your bones. But since 8th November last, all these weighty parameters, surveys and reports in the macro and micro contexts has not found any place in the move towards a cashless/less cash economy which has pulverized the happiness quotient to nonexistence purely because of the shambolic manner in which the exercise is being carried out. Today it seems nothing can remove the sense of uncertainty that seems to prevail in the minds of hard-working Indians when they continually see the changing stances of the government or the RBI’s deposit and withdrawal policies. The country seems to be in a maverick’s hands even as black money stories and busts continue to abound. A sad county is even sadder today. Swapnil Bharali Editor
Spewing venom needlessly
E
very time I feel that social media is a fantastic source for mass galvanization, I often have to change my mind purely because someone ends up saying something so moronically stupid that an equally moronic new trend begins to surface, the thread getting longer by the passing second. To explain with reference to the context, I am talking about Taimur Ali Khan, the newborn that Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan have been blessed with and who is currently the most hated infant on the internet, the worst thing being that the hatred is extremely misdirected. What’s in a name, I ask you? You are spewing hatred against a baby who has no clue about what is happening around him; not even the fact that his parents decided to name him after a tyrant from hundreds of years ago. Yes, going by that logic, all people named Krishna, Ram or Ganesh should be the poster children for everything right, shouldn’t they? But are they really? To lend credence to my logic, the bloody rapist and the prime accused in the Nirbhaya murder case was named Ram. Or should we just snub this? Unfortunately, our biggest strength is often also our biggest weakness.
We claim to be united in our diverse country and resolutely blame a Pakistan or an Afghanistan for perpetrating violence on our land. But we often forget to check our own backyard and summarily discount that right is always ‘too right’ while the left is well, left out of everything. Saif Ali Khan wrote a fantastic opinion in The Indian Express saying how the fabric of India is woven by many threads – English, Muslim and Hindu and as long as we are truly receptive of the ideas, we should not be attacking a faith or a name, especially that of an infant who will remain clueless about the brouhaha for a long time. This great country of ours is a majestic blend; not too many countries are so blessed. It is our differences that make us who we are. Of course, everyone is going to say their two bits anyway and but why smear a child who is yet to open his eyes, let alone have full control over his senses. We talk about a modern setup; we seek to have access to the latest and the best of everything and yet we continue to follow decadent old norms based on religious misguidance. Simply not done! SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA
Desi Girl for AWESOME ASom
S
o Priyanka Chopra is finally here, to represent Assam and all of us in the Awesome Assam campaign. Being the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ country, we welcome her back with both arms wide open to this part of the country, and now that she’s here, let me set some ideas right. The idea is that every brand endorser has a purpose as to why an endorsement is done. Brand endorsement is one of the later stages of branding. For the launch of a new product or even the repackaging of old products with a new look, the product has to be in good shape; that is the basic of advertising. Quality control for a product is more important than picking out a brand ambassador which in this case is the ‘state’ of Assam and its potential for tourism. There is a saying in advertising – “Bad advertising kills a good product, but good advertising kills bad product faster.” What I am saying is, if Priyanka Chopra or any other brand ambassador does help us get more tourist footfall and these tourists don’t experience the best that the state has to offer, it will lead to ‘word of mouth’ communication, which by the way, is the fastest medium of advertising. “If I visit Assam, and do not enjoy the place, I will go back and tell everyone that Assam is not worth your time. This information will spread like a plague among my friends, family, social media, tripadvisor and despite the possibly fantastic campaign done by Priyanka, it will all fall flat. There are bad rooms and lack of hotels. Apart from the Kaziranga Safari in the morning, we had nothing to do in the evening.” – An honest confession at a social gathering. So going by this, there is a lot of infrastructural upliftment that needs to be done by which I get to my first point: the ‘product’ (Assam) has to be ready. Secondly, there is the need for a good team. A good product needs a good sales team who can actually talk about their product, which again is not within us. Although Assamese people claim to be hospitable, we have to be more accepting of ‘outsiders.’ If you go to places like Rajasthan, Goa or Kerala, the locals behave in a certain way because they know that their economy works on the outsiders. Assam’s local populace is so un-accepting, that selling ‘our product’ will be a challenge. We have been blessed with an amazing topography and an infra has to be built on that. The team has to be ready to make every visitor, every tourist feel good here. From the taxi-wala to the auto-wala to the policemen – all the stakeholders that the tourist will come in contact with need to be ready to give the best to the tourists. To be precise, we are the ones who will be ‘selling’ the idea of Awesome Assam. We will be the first and the last point of contact because frankly, no one is coming to Assam to meet Priyanka Chopra. Neither will she be the one open-
ing the gates for the tourists and making them feel welcome. The third stage is the advertising and the communication that needs to be put in place. The campaign has to tell the story in a convincing and refreshing manner so that the world feels, “Yes, Assam is the place to explore!’ This can be told by a brand ambassador, not necessarily a Priyanka sort of celebrity. The brand ambassador has to reflect some sort of connection with the place so that there is a ‘buy in’ factor. A classic failure would be the use of Pierce Brosnan for the Pan Bahar campaign. The campaign failed because there was no ‘connect.’ We questioned why someone like Pierce Brosnan would consume Pan Bahar, a pan masala product. He is only a paid ambassador to that and the case is similar with Priyanka Chopra who is not just a Bollywood celebrity, but is a global figure now with her UNICEF engagement, Quantico and Baywatch in the making. You know, if she says, “Come to Assam or Visit Assam,’ there is no ‘connect.’ She can never build the connection. Why would someone believe her? There has to be a relevance to the appointment is what I’m saying. Now you might argue that Amitabh Bachchan endorses Gujarat Tourism despite having no connection to the place – and yet makes you feel convinced that, ‘Yes, Gujarat is a place I can visit.’ Here’s the answer as to why Amitabh Bachchan and Gujarat work. What Gujarat is selling isn’t nature or exotic sights and the opportunity to ‘come and explore.’ They are selling heritage, values, culture – Khushboo hai Gujarat ki & Mitti of Gujarat, and Amitabh Bachchan is an icon of culture and values in the country and that’s where the relevance is; that’s the ‘connect.’ He doesn’t necessarily have to be from Gujarat or have land or investment in the place. What is Priyanka’s connection with Assam? Nothing! She is a global icon, extremely popular, intelligent and has a ridiculous spread of fans across the globe and Assam has none of these! This makes the whole effort futile because you spend so much money in doing TV promotions, taking her for endorsements, doing shows across the world inviting people to visit Assam on her credentials, and then when people come (if at all they come), they will go back with a ‘not so good experience because step one and step two do not exist. In terms of utilization of funds, the amount of funds we would spend on Priyanka could actually be used for creative advertisements, which does not require a brand endorser or a celebrity, for example Kerala Tourism’s – God’s Own Country. The advertisement and the idea behind it were honest and thus it has been one of the most successful campaigns. Advertising has to be honest; you cannot sell a bad product. In fact, ‘we’ cannot sell a bad product because we are the people who will actually sell tourism. Regardless
Opinion sidharth bedi varma
of how happening and exotic Piggychops will make Assam sound, we will never be able to relate to it because we know what Assam is and it has a long way to go before becoming Awesome. The autowalas, rickshaw-walas, shopkeepers and hoteliers need to be more professional and should meet global expectations when they have a global ambassador. They have to be more professionally trained in their conduct with tourists. There has to be conviction among the people of Assam that yes, we will make this place better and truly Awesome. I heard that we are spending around Rs. 3 Cr for her engagement across different segments (TV advertising, hoardings and others); a hefty amount for a whole lot of nothing. The fourth point being a little subjective, in hindsight, I think that it is a bad decision for Priyanka Chopra personally to accept this offer. While PC has been all over the radar with her career and ambitions and for her a commercial venture should be purely commercial, her decision needed better judgement. Everybody is talking about her New York apartment, Baywatch or Quantico along with her UNICEF work. So for her to take this on and coming back to endorse a state of NE India isn’t one of her brightest ideas. She should take up issues that are more global and that match her stature basically. Do not misunderstand this by thinking that I said Assam is beneath Priyanka Chopra’s endorsement but I’m asking who is Priyanka Chopra? What makes her worthy of representing my state? She would have been a better choice as the “Incredible India” ambassador. She should have endorsed the Nation, or the LGBT community or something that big. But then again, where would Mr. Modi be? Where would he thump his chest? Apart from that, Priyanka must have come across Assam’s opinion of her and how she was lambasted saying WE DON’T WANT YOU which also fell on Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ears because the reverb was all over. If PC isn’t aware, then ‘shame shame’ on her PR team. Whatever the case may be, this decision is not helping anyone. Not Assam, not Priyanka and both stakeholders are going to suffer the loss from this.
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
19
In Focus
Meet
Will the liquor shop ban on national highways actually serve the purpose of lessening road accidents?
G Plus sought the opinions of its followers and readers on the above question and also wonders if the Supreme Court is unfairly curtailing the livelihoods of a host of people who are surviving on the liquor market Bimal Nandan A great success of a paralyzed man Mr. Harmant Singh on his journey to ban all licenses of wine shops on national and state highways across the country. 20 years ago he had an accident. From that day he is still in wheel chair. Salute Mr. Singh for your great job. Today Supreme Court order to ban on sale of liquor at shops within 500 meters of highways.
Mon Imaan Hazarika It is a welcome decision by the honourable Supreme Court, especially for Guwahatians as every night I witness trucks indulging in overtaking on NH 37. The way they drive, it does seem they are under the influence of alcohol.
Bibhash Deka It’s an excellent decision but my question is what will happen to the wine shops at Khanapara and Byrnihat? Will the law which will be imposed from 1st April be welcomed by them? Or will they fight back? Will not their livelihood be snatched?
Diku Talukdar Trust me, it won’t make any difference. Every month on 30th or 31st whenever the wine shops are closed, most of us know where to get the whiskey in the black market. Sometimes I laugh at myself when I compare the strong decision of Bihar in imposing complete ban and making it a dry state with us here in Guwahati. If my comment is published I would request GPLUS team to find out the spots where even on month-ends whiskey is sold and take steps to stop it.
Abu Malik Worst decision of government! Seriously wasn’t the torture of demonetisation enough for us that now Supreme Court is snatching away our jeene ka sahara?
Hrishikesh Baishya Supreme Court banned tinted glasses in vehicles. These can still be seen in abundance. Supreme Court banned smoking in public, it still can be seen in abundance. Need strong implementation measures to be successful along with keeping the nexus in check.
Bishov Pathak So we get in the by-lanes and the brawls gonna increase!
Nipul Ahmed Hmmmmm due to this profit goes to wine shop owners because they sell in bulk to illegal liquor sellers and that sale doesn’t show on the stock register. It’s the same thing whether you catch your nose straight or with your arm around your head. And recently withdrawing all the dry days and getting excise to check the stock registers of liquor sellers would have worked well and got some more revenues for the state. What would they get now?
Tushar Sood So what about all the highway dhabas? They will continue serving illegally.
Rahul Roy Sale of wine shop within the city gonna be benefited for sure! knock knock...
Upamanyu Borkakoti Entrepreneur
U
pamanyu Borkakoti is a young entrepreneur and co-founder of “The Tea Leaf Theory” that ships specialty Assam teas to over 60 countries. Born and brought up in the historic town of Sivasagar, Upamanyu was always fascinated by the beauty of the tea gardens in and around his town. However, luck never gave him the opportunity to visit any of them as he grew up. He soon moved to Delhi to pursue higher studies and completed his graduation from Zakir Hussain College. Upamanyu thereafter started working for an event agency called TIC and later joined one of India’s leading experiential marketing companies, Wizcraft, working there for 3 years. “During my graduation days, my friends would ask me about Assam Tea or the tea gardens but all I could share were pictures of the gardens as I was completely unaware of the industry. My career began just after my college. However, my 2-year stint in Sennheiser Electronics, a German audio company, was a real break where I joined the consumer marketing team and was actively involved in devising marketing strategies,” Upamanyu mentioned to G Plus adding, “I am fortunate and feel thankful to have landed into a career that I was always passionate about and would love doing throughout my life, even though walking the road less travelled was not easy. I always wanted to become an engineer but somehow life had other plans and I ended up in commerce.” While working with Sennheiser, the entrepreneur also pursued his PGDM with specialization in Marketing from IMT Ghaziabad and soon things started falling into place. Co-founder of The Tea Leaf Theory and Upamanyu’s childhood friend, Anshuman Bharali, initiated the idea of starting an online tea initiative. Anshuman is an alumnus of Ramjas College (Delhi University) and a financial consultant based out of Assam. “He was instrumental in setting up various medium and small-scale industries in Assam. During our college days we always had the urge to start something for the land and its people and bring it to the global map. Our basic idea was to make fresh Assam tea more accessible to consumers across the globe until we came across a few small organic tea growers from Upper Assam,” Upamanyu said. “We were moved by the plight of the small tea growers who had put their life and soul in setting up micro tea processing units, hand rolling some of the finest artisan teas I have ever tasted and still struggling to push their produce in local markets where consumers hardly valued them. And that was the “aha” moment even though we knew it was going to be tough operating in an unorganised industry. My cushy corporate 9-5 job started looking gloomy and boring,” the entrepreneur further added. The Tea Leaf Theory is not just an organic farmer’s cup of tea, but sells the finest rare produce from small farmers across India and Nepal. Having started working on this idea in June 2014, the organisation came into being with the initial launch in September 2016. In order
to strengthen their basics of tea production the duo started travelling extensively to various small organic tea growers’ factories across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Darjeeling, Nepal and Nilgiri Hills and gathered firsthand experience of tea production. During their journey the duo came across some of the most eminent personalities from tea research background who guided them throughout the journey. The expedition helped in strengthening their knowledge base in terms of tea production and understanding each and every farmer’s potential and commitment. It was the indepth research on the global tea scenario and better logistical connectivity that has led to the success of The Tea Leaf Theory so far. “It was quiet an adventurous ride as it was extremely important for us to know where India stood in terms of ‘specialty teas’ and to my surprise Assam’s specialty teas hardly had any recognition in the global market. Mr Ramen Gogoi had been our guiding force who believed in our idea of marketing specialty rare teas from small organic tea growers and create a niche for Indian teas. He stood like a rock behind us,” Upamanyu mentioned. On being asked about his future plans, Upamanyu said, “The finest grade Assam teas from the big factories has been a daily cup of breakfast tea in the developed nations; reason being the big gardens are huge and the specialty teas demands more time and meticulous detailing in production methods. This is why organically grown specialty teas are produced only in the small tea estates where the owners are actively involved and the passion runs in their blood. We are also experimenting with a couple of farmers across different geographies in Assam to produce Oolong and White teas and if things go right we would very soon be launching some of the most exotic varieties the world has ever tasted. Currently China leads the specialty teas market and that motivates us to strive harder to change the perception of Assam tea from a regular morning cuppa to a more enriching and special cup of tea.”
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Reviews Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra Director: Nitesh Tiwari vie Mo view Re
W
hen Mahavir Singh Phogat (Aamir), a wrestler from Haryana, loses hope of having a son, he trains his daughters Geeta (Fatima) and Babita (Sanya) to make wrestling history, thus breaking the taboo of Indian women participating in a sport thus far dominated by men. In the story department, Dangal offers few surprises because Geeta and Babita’s historic wins at the Commonwealth Games and following championships are common knowledge. However, this screen adaptation serves as a recap of their arduous journey and it vigorously recaptures their stubborn father’s resolve to make them professional wrestlers against the odds. Since it encapsulates the historic wins of the Phogats, who brought India glory, the film is also bound to inspire more women to seriously consider kushti as a sport. What works wonderfully here is
the writing. Director Nitesh Tiwari, along with Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain and Nikhil Mehrotra should be complimented for their tongue-in-cheek quality, peppered with humour and several poignant father-daughter emotions all through. Of course, a little bit is lost in translation because of the Haryanvi twang. But, messages on our obsession with the male child (prevalent since the dark ages), myopic stand on bringing up our daughters and the administration’s pathetic disposition towards sports, are loud and clear. It is to the film’s credit that though Geeta and Babita’s wins are documented, it still manages to engage the viewer with the wrestling tournaments and bring patriotic emotions to the fore. Most importantly, Dangal scores with its first-rate performances. An ungainly Aamir (22 kilos heavier) with grey hair is
pitch-perfect as the ziddi yet sensitive parent. The 51-year-old actor should be complimented for experimenting with his roles, unlike his contemporaries who prefer to play safe. Sakshi as his wife, is restrained, yet effective. Music director Pritam and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya manage an earthy soundtrack with Daler Mehndi’s title track pumping up the adrenaline. Also, the soft track Gilehriyaan, the Haryanvi rap and hip-hop Haanikarak Bapu and the Dhakaad number, are in perfect tandem with the narrative. Dangal works on the twin parameters it sets up for itself. One is a straight-forward film about a popular sport and those who play it: we feel and smell the `mitti’ of the `akhara’, the `daanvpench’ (moves) that truly skilled wrestlers use to face down formidable foes. We see the blood, sweat and tears that go into the making of champions.
I
awakened after only 30 years in space, and the Avalon won’t get to Homestead II for another 89 years. It’s lonely out in space, Elton John was able to observe as far back as 1972. Jim Preston, the character played by Chris Pratt in “Passengers,” learns this truth in a hard way. Jim is in a hibernation pod on the spaceship Avalon, headed from Earth to a colony planet called Homestead II, when the ship (which looks like a hybrid of a couple of crafts from “2001: A Space Odyssey” embraced by a helix) goes through a meteor shower. This jars the craft, and causes his hibernation pod to open. A little while after awakening, and enjoying the amenities of the giant ship—it carries 5,000 passengers to help colonize the new world, and is fully stocked for a four-month period during which the sleepers are awake to
ALBUM: Fireplace:
TheNotTheOtherSide By: Hodgy
B
ack in 2009, Gerard Long, then known as Hodgy Beats instead of simply Hodgy, was the first Odd Future member to release a solo tape. Although he didn’t complete his proper debut album, Fireplace: TheNotTheOtherSide, until 2016, there was an abundance of Hodgy-related releases during the intervening years: projects as part of OF, MellowHype, and MellowHigh, solo mixtapes and EPs, and appearances on a few albums worth of cuts, such as Tyler, The Creator’s “Sandwitches.” All the while, juvenile provocation and stoned eccentricity gradually became less prominent in Long’s output. The devel-
opment is epitomized here by “They Want,” a lucid, angered track in which Long laments murderous police, scolds an underachieving friend, and ties it together with a refrain of “They want you to fail, they want you to hate yourself.” Just beneath that is “Resurrection,” its lyrics concerning faith, hope, and mortality with a little humorous wordplay: “I wanna spread positivity like it’s leprosy, lord.” In “Barbell,” featuring a woozy and knocking Jonti production, Long professes spiritual elevation, self-reliance, and “speaking from your heart.” The curtailment of mischief never comes across as forced. The verses are con-
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Dangal 10:30 AM 01:45 PM 05:00 PM 08:15 PM Gold Mine 10:00 AM haunted house 7d 01.00 PM 04.00 PM Wajah Tum Ho 11:45 AM 05:15 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike (7D) 03.00 PM 07.00 PM
PVR Cinemas
Dona Planet. GS Road 08800900009 Dangal 10:00 AM 12:30 PM 01:30 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 07:30 PM 08:30 PM
Cast: Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence Director: Morten Tyldum t’s lonely out in space, Elton John was able to observe as far back as 1972. Jim Preston, the character played by Chris Pratt in “Passengers,” learns this truth in a hard way. Jim is in a hibernation pod on the spaceship Avalon, headed from Earth to a colony planet called Homestead II, when the ship (which looks like a hybrid of a couple of crafts from “2001: A Space Odyssey” embraced by a helix) goes through a meteor shower. This jars the craft, and causes his hibernation pod to open. A little while after awakening, and enjoying the amenities of the giant ship—it carries 5,000 passengers to help colonize the new world, and is fully stocked for a four-month period during which the sleepers are awake to get acclimated to their soon-tobe-home—he realizes something terrible has happened. He was
Anuradha Cineplex
get acclimated to their soon-tobe-home—he realizes something terrible has happened. He was awakened after only 30 years in space, and the Avalon won’t get to Homestead II for another 89 years. Despite their individual charms as performers, Pratt and Lawrence have very questionable chemistry. No matter how buff Pratt gets, his performing mode has an ineradicable “which way did he go, George?” haplessness to it, but that haplessness has some entitled bro notes as well. This makes Jim’s heinous action—“You murdered me,” an indignant Aurora screams at him, and she’s completely right—play even more despicably than had Jim been played by any actor with a genuinely creepy aura. If you believe in forgiveness, the way this movie stacks the deck to get to that place is, well, unforgivable.
u Yo ULD O SH play
vie Mo view Re
Galleria Cinemas
HUB, GS Road 9864800100, 9864800200 Dangal 11:35 AM 02:30 PM 05:45 PM 09:00 PM
GOLD Cinema ASTC Complex, Paltan Bazar 9854066166
Dangal 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM
GOLD Cinema
Game:SHANTAE: HALFGENIEHERO
Platform: Playstation 4
centrated and clear-eyed, delivered over varied musical support, including 88 Keys on the brawling “Final Hour” (with Busta Rhymes) and BadBadNotGood on the tripped-out “Tape Beat” (with Lil Wayne). This is certainly Long’s most substantive release, and also a highlight of the extended Odd Future discography. While the self-examination he committed to tape this time around isn’t quite as pointed as those of other figures in the genre this year, it’s a worthwhile story to hear as we welcome Hodgy back to the mic.
Salasar Building, Lakhtokia 9854077177
D
eveloper WayForward is pretty well dialed-in when it comes to the secret science of making a strong 2D platformer, and Shantae: Half-Genie Hero benefits greatly from that understanding. Shantae has a wide array of forms and magical abilities, and yet levels are designed to accommodate her talents in a surprising number of ways. And even if the gameplay weren’t as welltuned as it is, then the toetapping soundtrack, plucky protagonist, and beautiful hand-drawn animation probably would have been enough to win me over anyway. Right from the start, Half-Ge-
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nie Hero disarmed me with super-saturated colors and Saturday-morning-cartoon charm. Even ostensibly mundane stuff like the stage-select screen or running around town to talk to NPCs carries an air of unashamed, childlike fun and silliness. And Shantae herself is the force driving it all. Even when you put the controller down, she stands there bopping jovially to the beat of the music, and it’s hard not to join in. While it’s neither innovative nor high-concept, its hand-drawn look and toe-tapping music successfully channel a joy and enthusiasm that has become far too rare in modern video games.
Dangal 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM
GOLD Cinema
LG Towers, Narangi 8811001898 Dangal 10:45 AM 01:45 PM 05:00 PM 08:15 PM
Grande Cines
5th Floor, G.S. Road, Paltan Bazar 098540 17771 Dangal 11:00 AM 01:15 PM 02:15 PM 04:30 PM 05:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:45 PM
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
21
Entertainment
Meeting the ‘Mercurial’ Jeff Loomis I
t’s been a little over a week since Jeff Loomis, one of the Gods of heavy metal music made his maiden tour to India and started with Guwahati as the first city of contact. We spoke to him
with a little bit of a Coldplay vibe going on at Underdoggs. Personally saying – the opening acts are hardly a yardstick for measurement for the Guitar shredding mayhem that was to follow. They don’t let fans take interviews because we tend of be biased, but chuck that! I know how good he is! How are you feeling tonight? How’s the India “vibe?” A: I’ve been on a super long f light from Seattle. I’ve been to the Taj Mahal, feasted myself to an authentic Indian dinner which I think tasted amazing and basically, it’s been good. The people are really cool. Playing on backing tracks, Jeff had on his playlist a couple of Nevermore songs, songs from his solo albums Plains of Oblivion and Zero Order Phase and from the Bible of Instru-Metal, Conquering Dystopia – a small introductory package for Guwahati sorta’ deal. Little did he expect that Guwahati would sing ‘Born’ and ‘River Dragon Has Come’ along with Warrel Dane on the backing track. How has your tone changed over the past few years? A: My tone has
changed a lot and most often depends on the sort of music I’m playing or the band I’m with. My tone is massively different in Conquering Dystopia in comparison with Arch Enemy. But I’ve always focussed on a sharp pick attack and my sound is very aggressive. He played in Guwahati with a single tone and some good delay which unfortunately did not include ‘Devil Theory,’ the 7 minute song which probably could only be mastered after you sell your soul to the devil. Chris Broderick and Jeff have been the Marty and Jason to an entire generation that missed out on the ‘attack’ and chemistry between guitarists. What are your thoughts on that? A: *pfft* Well I haven’t spoken to Chris in a long time. But he’s a great guy and now he’s playing in his own band called ‘Act of Defiance’ which is great. When he was in Megadeth, he didn’t really have the opportunity to play his music. It was more of Dave’s thing, Dave’s band. Now he writes his own tunes, plays his own music, tours but yeah he’s a great guitar player and still a good friend. Jeff’s Dreamteam, the super gig, the super band. A: I’m really fortunate to have played with most of the guitarists I grew up listening to like Tony Macalpine and Marty Friedman who are also my friends. But here’s who I’d have on each instrument: Guitars: Jason Becker (Cacophony) Bass: Billy Sheehan
(Mr. Big) Drums: Neil Peart (Rush) How is it working with Arch Enemy? A: It’s great! I’ve known Michael Ammot for a long time and in fact, Nevermore and Arch Enemy used to tour together. I had the itch to tour again after Nevermore and so I took it up when Michael made me the offer. I’ve been in the band and on the road for 2 years now and it’s a well oiled machine. Everyone in the band is extremely professional and I like to be in it. It may not be my band but I respect it for what it is and it’s a lot of fun. The standard question then followed – Jeff ’s inf luences in music. Although I know most of it, I still had to hear him say who possibly inf luenced a person who, in his own right, is a considered a God. His dad’s 70’s collection of vinyls included music like Fleetwood Mac which gave him diversity – “I’m not just a metal guy!” “My introduction to metal was with Iron Maiden’s Piece of Mind *mouths the opening riff of Where Eagles Dare* and that is what made me want to play the guitar.” Did you know? – Jeff started playing the drums first, but he grew sick of that (sic) and then picked up the guitar. Any plans on future collaboration with Keith Merrow or other projects? A: Well we have been talking about another EP for Conquering Dystopia because we’ve received lot of positive response from the fans. I’m also working on a third solo album which will be released
Ruhi – A thriller for the teens
T
he story started being written in the mid summer of 2016 by Arunav Barua Das with the idea of ‘trust,’ which is a sensitive term, and the writer feels that it is fading away from human beings
as we become more complex each day. This story is about two friends where one of them wants the other to be a part of the one-sided love story. “It was indeed a very tough to get this job done as the script was dark
and demanded determination and patience,” said director Arunav Barua Das. Many young and talented people came for the auditions and after a long review by the team, Jon Kalita, Priyanka Saikia, Kasturi Kashyap and Parag Kachari were selected to play the characters in the film. Apart from the main cast, Anayan Borah, Mrinmoy Kr Talukdar and Vishal P Chaliha played the side characters. “The characters played by Priyanka Saikia and Jon Kalita were remarkable,” said the director. It’s a story of love, friendship and trust. It shows what to extent humans can go to fulfill their selfish desires. It portrays the brutality and wicked nature of a human. On the other
hand, it also focuses on the life of teenagers and what happens from a single wrong step they take when they chose to listen to their evil conscience. The film has been edited and directed by the writer, Arunav Barua Das and he was assisted by Chivukula Bhavyashree. The film has been produced by Subheswar Das and Sagarjeet Gogoi. This group of young individuals that form Nufo Films are actively working to provide a platform to young artists to show their skills through the medium of cinema and also aims at making the Assamese industry soar higher. The 22 minute film is available on YouTube.
sidharth bedi varma in the summer of 2017 which currently remains title less and a new Arch Enemy album.
“Too green to join Megadeth” – your thoughts on Dave Mustaine’s comment about you joining Megadeth and who then went ahead and got Chris Broderick? A: Well yeah, when I sent the demo tape, I was 16 and they liked what I played. So I f lew out to play in person, and they were like, “Oh my god, you’re just a kid.” But Dave being honest said that I was too young. But it was really cool for me because it opened my eyes to a big band, production and stuff like that. He said stick with it and one day, you’ll make a great player! And lo’ and behold, in 2005 Nevermore went on tour with Megadeth on Gigantour. He also invited me to join the band later when Glen Drover was having some problems but I was in production for my solo album so I turned him down. Do I regret doing that? Maybe, I don’t really know but I’m very happy with where I am right now. Jeff and I also played the ‘one word reaction’ game for some guitarists who were on my mind. Here’s what he thinks of them. Marty Friedman: Exotic Dave Mustaine: Angry Alex Skolnick: Aggressive Yngwie Malsteen: Meatball *laughs*. The Pioneer John Petrucci: Great Michael Romeo: Classical Paul Wardingham: Awesome and incredibly talented Andy James: Great friend, great player!
Synopsis This is a story between Ruhi and Neha, two close friends who reside in the city. Ruhi has a good friend, Bhaskar, who she also feels strongly for. Bhaskar is introduced to Neha by Ruhi after which they become good friends and this leads to an affair between Neha and Bhaskar. Ruhi gets to know about the affair between them which makes her insecure and jealous turning her both obsessive and depressive. This leads to an entire plan where to punish Neha, Ruhi gets her kidnapped. Neha is tortured and abused by the kidnappers and in an attempt to run from the kidnappers loses her life. The movie however ends on the note that Neha never finds out who kidnaps her and thinks that her life was complete with her two close friends, Ruhi and Bhaskar.
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Citypedia Horoscope of the week
Aries 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.
Cancer
Keep your work focused on precise definite aims and seek your friends support. Act with discretion but without risking or losing the opportunity. Give careful thought before signing any document. You’ll have plenty of good opportunity this week to resolve your personal agenda. Spending will be on higher side. This week will open up some lucrative opportunities with attractive financial possibilities. The loan that was being tried to obtain will get disbursed this week. Health wise, it is a week of disorders concerning eye infection or dental problems.
Libra Your decisions will comprise of logical components. Expect a great deal of personal satisfaction, success and reward. Your enthusiasm and determination will be the answer to all this. Students will get admissions desired colleges or universities abroad. Colleagues and associates will be helpful. Be prepared for the best and expect the worst. Do not let too many distractions cloud your mind. Your spouse or partner may need special attention this week. Do not compete or compare with your partner to avoid ego hassles.
Capricorn
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.
Taurus Don’t waste your time over inconsequential matters somewhat look up towards major ones. Little things might distract you like an unexpected expenditure, or forgetfulness in some important matter so be careful with your things and arrangements. Self-employed people could get appreciation for their recent efforts, obtaining significant monetary booty. You are suggested not to give opinions on the subjects that you do not fully recognize. An enjoyable weekend will be spent by you with your loved ones.
Leo
Don’t waste your time over inconsequential matters somewhat look up towards major ones. Little things might distract you like an unexpected expenditure, or forgetfulness in some important matter so be careful with your things and arrangements. Self-employed people could get appreciation for their recent efforts, obtaining significant monetary booty. You are suggested not to give opinions on the subjects that you do not fully recognize. An enjoyable weekend will be spent by you with your loved ones.
Scorpio Be strong when facing difficulties and do not depend too much on others. If you want to take risks at your work place then you must stay aware of the risks. Your spouse may demand your attention. Family gatherings and celebrations will also take up lots of your time. Money will come in from recently accomplished deals. There could be several mental dilemmas that keep you troubled. Those engaged in service should be extra careful as there are chances of the stress taking a toll on their married life too.
Aquarius
Proceed to locate lucrative openings. Your earnings will be on up rise. Do not get instigated in case any junior tries to provoke you. Keep your tongue and verbal language under leash. Handle one thing at a time to avoid extra work and consequently confusion or conflict. Stars indicate that your spending is going to be liberal on various things like food, fun and clothing. Wait for the right time before doing anything hastily. Unemployed persons will get new job offers. You will feel exhausted and fatigued due to great work pressure.
Gemini
Sudoku
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.
Virgo You might have an unrewarding professional experience. But a slight push and backing of your colleagues and superiors will help you overcome such situation. This would be very busy and demanding week consuming lot of your energy and resources. Take up only that much work that you would be capable of doing. Repairs or renovation of your house for making it more comfortable is on the anvil…you can start making preparations for it. Friends will remain very helpful and supportive. Health wise this week will be a mixed bag of results.
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last week solution
Sagittarius
You’ll be able to get a new position without any major problem or effort. Those in entrepreneurship will find lucrative possibilities to set up short term projects that will move forward their career. Health care issues concerning elders will need attention. You are definitely going to have a good time irrespective of your spending capacity. Just avoid being impulsive; otherwise your professional life might suffer. Co-ventures with your friends can lead to profit. Health may pose some problems during this week.
Pisces
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.
Complete it Take a photo WhatsApp to 8486002320 or Inbox to G Plus on Facebook with Issue date Entries with correct answers get selected One lucky winner wins a Wrist Watch from IO Plus and G Plus Winner’s name to be announced at the end of every month.
G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
23
Lifestyle
Why there is pain in
longingness?
T
he pain is good will make you very creative. It will bring out the poet from within you, or it will make you an artist. It can also bring out the sevak in you. It can bring out the warrior in you. You have so many good qualities, and longing will bring them all out. There was one generation of Masters who were very tough. Tough in the sense, if you desire something, that will not happen. They would nip desire in the bud. If the you would say. “I want to go to California”, then forget about it, you will never go to California. To come to a state of no-
mind, they would use this tactic of crushing every desire that would arise. At some point of time you would have to give-up, and then you go to the no-mind state when you are unconditionally happy. If you would go to them and say, “Oh, I have this problem”, they would say, ”It’s your karma, bear it. You must have done something terrible, so experience it and finish it off”. That was the attitude – no compassion. Just imagine if there is no compassion, then what do you need to do? You have to stand up. A creeper needs a tree to
THE LIFE BAKERY - by Madhur Jain
Stay inspired
I
nspiration is an integral part of self development. If we wish to elevate ourselves from ordinary to extraordinary, what we need is strong inspiration from someone who could be our light in the tunnel. Inspiration is an internal factor in our personality, mostly defined in terms of emotions or thoughts, or a confluence of both emotions and logical thoughts, that induces us to do something or create in life. What inspires someone may not inspire another. Therefore inspirations are purely personal and very much individual specific. What we are inspired at present is dependent on our basic personality or characteristics and the degree of wisdom we possess. In a culture obsessed with measuring talent and ability, we often overlook the important role of inspiration. Inspiration awakens us to new possibilities by allowing us to transcend our ordinary experiences and limitations. Inspiration propels a person from apathy to possibility, and transforms the way we perceive our own capabilities. Inspiration may sometimes be overlooked because of its elusive nature. Thrash and Elliot developed the “Inspiration Scale,” which measures the frequency with which a person experiences inspiration in their daily lives. They found that inspired people were more open to new experiences and reported more absorption in their tasks. Inspired individuals have a stronger drive to master their work but are less competitive. Inspired people are more creative and show actual increases
in self-ratings of creativity over time. People who are generally more inspired in their daily lives also tend to set inspired goals, which are then more likely to be successfully attained. Inspiration can be found anywhere, anytime and with anyone. Just like I find inspiration in nature, you might find your inspiration in the twinkling lights on Christmas even. Some find food inspiring whereas for some travelling is true inspiration. What matters is that our inspiration should work magic for us. It should inspire us to create more, do more and excel in whatever we choose to execute. Some people love routine. They’re perfectly happy getting up at the same time, doing the same things, eating the same foods, and working the same job, day in, day out. I guess it’s comforting to them. But I’ve said it a million times and would like to reiterate “We have one life and we should make the most of it, make it as interesting as possible, be the best version of ourselves.” So stay inspired no matter what. Bob Marley once said “I have no education. I have inspiration. If I was educated, I would be a damn fool.” Let’s bake an awesome life.
stand up, but a tree doesn’t need another tree to stand up. So, they would completely destroy all that is delicate in you. If you are emotional, they would take a hammer. If you complain, they would say, ‘Let it be’. If you say, “Some people are blaming me”. They would say, “Yes, more people should blame you”. They would push all your buttons and make you so numb to everything in the world, till you realize that everything is nothing. It was a very tough journey. I don’t think anyone of you can survive for even one day, it was such a tough atmosphere.
All that you identify yourself as would be simply ripped off. It was a long and tough journey. which very few could survive. And there would be a millions chances to doubt and run away, only the very strong could survive such conditions. In The Art of Living, we have taken a complete 180 degree turn and adopted a completely different route. Here we say, “What is your desire? Okay, let it be fulfilled”. Sometimes I wonder, “Am I making everyone weak?” But there is no option. At least this has put you on the path of knowledge. I see you all are growing. Everyone is growing but I tell you, don’t get stuck in small little things. This world is Maya. There are always some issues that will prop up in life. You will have some excuse or some incidences to worry about. When
such things come, you have to remember that this is all Maya, this is all ephemeral, this is all impermanent and stand up. Your wants and desires are getting fulfilled. For some people it takes longer time, for some people it happens in a shorter time, and for some people it happens immediately. Many times, we only have put thought-constraints in our own mind. We put the sankalpa and we put the vikalpa as well. And to come out of this mess I don’t see any other path which is as effective as ours right now. If I find something better, I will myself ask you to do it. But the other generations of masters were very different. shri shri ravi shankar Founder- Art of Living Foundation
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G PLUS DEC 24 - DEC 30, 2016
Catching Up Most shared story of the week
Smita Medhi New
About Me Hey everyone! This is Smita Medhi, the daughter of the city where the Brahmaputra flows and the Kamakhya Temple lies. I completed my Masters in Business Administration from Girijananda Institute of Management and Technology, Guwahati and right now, I’m preparing for several competitive examinations.
Chic on the block
Mojo I’m sincere and hardworking and these, I feel, are my two drivers for success.
Route in the Woods I want to become a civil servant or an administrative official and serve my city with passion and dedication.
Vital status: Katrina Kaif was the centre of attention as a video of hers performing a Bihu dance, surfaced on the internet for her upcoming movie Jagga Jasoos.
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Height 5’7” Weight: 48 kgs 32-28-34 Coordinated by Tarkik Borah
Guwahati
GYAN
Did you know?
Guwahati Municipal Corporation building
T
he inception of the single-storied heritage building of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) building in Panbazar dates back to more than 80 years. Although it underwent a fact lift in the early parts of 2012 the heritage feel of the building remains preserved as the department wanted to preserve one of Guwahati’s oldest build-
ings. The building was used an office where Guwahati’s town planning works were carried out. This was way before the GMC came into being. Constructed with valuable saal timber back in the days, the foundation of this building is still strong. It was in 1971 that Guwahati Municipal Corporation was formed and was duly constituted in 1974 in the first meeting of the elected councillors.
Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Arkashish Publications (P) Ltd., Katahbari, Garchuk, Guwahati and Published at H/No. 34, K. C. Choudhury Road, Chatribari, Guwahati - 781008, Editor: Swapnil Bharali. Phone: 0361 2737737, Email: info@g-plus.in, RNI No: ASSENG/2013/52641