Ex-Congress neta backs BJP govt’s new liquor rules PG 02
VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 10 DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
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New Saraighat bridge delayed yet again
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G PLUS APR 23 - APR 29, 2016
New Chic on the Block Deepsikha Talukdar hap py new yea r, 2017
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Lead Story
happy new year, 2017
rahul chanda
Ex-Congress neta backs BJP govt’s new liquor rules
The excise department has generated Rs 104.17 crores more in revenues over the last year till November; cancelled 9 warehouse licenses for non payment of pending dues
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ecently the excise department made a number of amendments under Assam Excise Act implementing many new decisions in the process. The decisions include change of opening and closure timings of bars and wine stores, new dry day rules and change of license renewal fees among many others. As the year comes to an end how much did the excise department generate in revenues and what was the reason behind such major decisions? The previous government had modified the bar and wine shop operating timings, so why did this government further change the timings and withdraw the dry day provisions previously imposed on the first and the last day of every month? G Plus closely looks at the new excise rules and the reason for implementing them. The new rules Some of the major rules announced by the excise department include reduction of licence renewal fees of bars and wine shops. Wine stores selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in the urban areas previously had to pay annual licence renewal fees of Rs 3 lakhs. This
has been reduced to Rs 2 lakhs per year. For the rural areas the renewal fees has been reduced to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 3 lakhs. For bars in hotels in the urban areas the fees remain the same at Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum, but for the bars in hotels located in rural areas the fees have been reduced to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 2.5 lakhs. The fees for standalone bars or bar-cumrestaurants in the urban areas remain the same at Rs 2.5 lakhs, but in the rural areas it has been reduced to Rs 1 lakh. Sources in the excise department said that wine shops and bars in rural areas do not earn as much as those in the urban areas and hence the decision. The other change of rule was that sale of IMFL in licensed premises may be conducted up to 12 midnight under a separate late closing license issued by the collector with the previous sanction of the state government and on payment of a fee prescribed in clause 19(III) of the rules. Excise sources said that the fee for the permission to keep the premises open till midnight is Rs 1 lakh. The next major decision made by the excise department is the new dry day rules. The Congress government had implemented dry days on every first and the last day of a month. The Congress government had then opined that many people waste their money on liquor after getting their salaries and the salaries do not reach their homes and therefore the justification of keeping the first and last days of a month as dry days. The present government has withdrawn the dry days on the first and last days of the month. The dry days as declared now are on 26th January, 15th August, 2nd October, Janmotsava of Sri Sri Sankardeva every year, and any other day that the state government may, by notification, declare as dry day. On enquiring why such a decision was taken by the present government, the
PRO at the excise commissionerate, Sailendra Pandey talking to G Plus said, “This year during the ISL inaugural match on 1st October, many VVIP guests and also a lot of football lovers from outside the state came to Guwahati. But because it was a dry day the bars and hotels did not serve them liquor. The Assam government lost around Rs 1 crore approximately in revenues over those two days.” He further said that during dry days people who drink go to Meghalaya or other states to buy liquor and this only adds to the state’s losses at the gain of the other state. So the government decided to withdraw the dry days because the government was losing revenue. Talking about the change in the opening and closure timings, Pandey said that the justification was the same being many people go to Meghalaya to drink even as the shops remain closed here thereby giving birth to illegal sale of liquor by some people who sell at higher prices whenever there is a dry day or when the shops are not open. The president of IMFL association Alok Dutta talking to G Plus said, “We are happy with the government’s new decision as there was a huge illegal liquor sale nexus created by the previous dry day decision and we lost a huge amount of money.” He further said that the previous government did not effect the changes with any good intentions for the society but they may have had some tacit understanding with some vested interests to create the illegal liquor market. G Plus also talked to former excise minister Gautam Roy who said, “I support the new rules as when I was the excise minister I wanted to implement these rules only but the chief minister did not allow
me to do it.” He also said that that the implementation of dry days and late opening of bars and wine shops was the then chief minister’s decision which he did not concur with. He said people who drink can easily make provisions even on dry days with the government not earning anything from it. So the
“I support the new rules as when I was the excise minister I wanted to implement these rules only but the chief minister did not allow me to do it,” Gautam Roy, former excise minister under Congress government. former Congress excise minister supports the BJP government’s decision. But did the excise department earn better revenues in 2016? REVENUE From the table it is clear that in eight months there has been an increase of Rs 107.14 crores in revenues for the excise department this year over the previous year. In November the department generated Rs 113.82 crores as revenue in spite of demonetisation and this is something worth pondering over. Current excise minister Parimal Shuklabaidya talking to G Plus said, “The excise department previously used to run on baaki (credit) and phaaki (bluff) but now the system has changed.” He said that there were around Rs 300 crores in arrears
• Excise department scraps old excise rules • Shops and bars to open at 11 am and to remain open till 10 pm • No dry day on the first and last day of any month • The IMFL association lauds the new rules • The department has also reduced the licence renewal fees of wine shops and bars operating in rural areas • Till November 2016 the excise department has generated Rs 104.17 crore more revenues than the whole previous year • In December the excise minister cancelled 9 licenses of wholesale warehouses for non-payment of pending dues • Former Congress excise minister supports the present BJP government for implementing the new rules
due from the wholesale warehouses in the state. The minister said that two months ago the department gave an ultimatum that at least 50% of the arrears should be paid by 30th November or else the license would be cancelled. Many of the warehouses paid but 9 of them lost their licenses in December due to default. In November many warehouses cleared their arrears and therefore huge revenue was generated. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
Excise revenue up to November 2016 in comparison (in crores)
Sl No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Month April May June July August September October November Total
2016 - 17
2015-16
Revenue collected 69.17 62.89 55.92 61.72 68.21 62.67 76.43 113.82 570.83
Revenue collected 49.14 55.15 50.94 59.32 55.85 61.05 69.86 62.38 463.69
Difference 20.03 7.34 4.98 2.40 12.36 1.62 6.57 51.44 107.14
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
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Lead Story
12.30 am deadline upsets New Year party goers rahul chanda
The administration sets deadline for ending New Year party celebrations; liquor can be served till 12 midnight and food till 12.30 am; decision irks party goers
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very year the district administration implements rules and regulations for the various celebrations in the city. Now, as it is New Year celebration time, the district administration and the police have placed many rules for the party goers. In a press conference, the deputy commissioner of Kamrup (M), M Angamuthu said while talking to media that action would be taken against organizers if they fail to adhere to the guidelines. G Plus closely checks the guidelines and also talks to organisers and party goers to gauge if Guwahatians are happy with the administration’s diktat.
The administration rulesAccording to the guidelines, all programmes should be completed by 12.30 am and no celebration beyond the specified time
will be allowed on the night of 31st December. Angamuthu informed that hotels, banquet halls, bars and clubs have been asked to follow the timings strictly. The DC also said that while most of the bars would have to close at 10 pm, around 35 odd bars have acquired necessary permissions to run till 12 am. He said that as far as hotels and restaurants are concerned, they will have to stop serving food before 12.30 pm. He asserted that strict action would be taken against the owners if they fail to follow the guidelines. Special squads comprising officials of excise, transport and police departments will be patrolling the city throughout the night. He said that the quality of the food served will also be checked and tested by food inspectors and people hosting any events in hotels, bars or any
other place must ensure that proper hygiene and cleanliness is maintained. The administration will also ask the bar owners to try and keep provisions for dedicated drivers who could drop the customers back home. Along with the district administration the police have warned the public to avoid breaking rules. The police rules City commissioner of police, Hiren Nath, has asked all the police stations in the city to verify the status of the licensed arms available under the station’s jurisdiction. He said that anyone found flaunting or misusing licensed arms in public places during the celebrations will face legal actions. The commissioner also warned against moral policing at New Year functions and has urged the public to pro-
• Administration sets 12.30 am as deadline to end all programmes on 31st December • Liquor can be served only till 12 midnight and food till 12.30 • Police warns against moral policing and also warns revellers against flaunting firearms • Fireworks/crackers strictly prohibited • Administration warns hotel/bar owners to adhere to the guidelines • Driving license might be suspended for three months if caught drunk driving.
vide inputs in case they come across any untoward or indecent incident. The police is very confident that drunk drivers will face a tough time this year as the commissioner said that violators may even face suspension of driving license for three months. Till November 2016, 1,102 licenses have been suspended for drunken driving. The police will deploy forces across the city and all check points will be scanned thoroughly. All the bars and hotels will be under police scanner and security will be beefed up to avoid any untoward incident. All said and done are these decisions welcome? Party goers “It is a very naive decision by the authorities. They should have extended it till 2:30 am at least. New Year starts post 12
midnight and all we will have are just 30 minutes to celebrate the beginning of the year with our loved ones,” said Gandharv Jain. Another party goer. Ayush Todi said, “At least the authorities can spare the last day of the year and let people celebrate their happy times with their near ones. Restricting people to enjoy the night won’t help in any kind of development. The deadline should be extended till 2 at least.” Similarly many city party goers are upset with the decision and many are planning to go to Meghalaya for late night parties. G Plus talked to many city bar and hotel owners who have mixed views about the restrictions, as some feel it is a good step, and some feel the decision will give them less business. But more than the owners the party goers are very upset. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
New Year Special happy new year, 2017
Guwahati misses several buses in 2016 rahul chanda
There are many projects which the city authorities claim to be working on and 2016 expected a bit more development in Guwahati. G Plus highlights the projects which remain pending as the years pass by with 2016 not being any more worthwhile than its preceding ones The project was funded by Oil India Limited (OIL) through their CSR programme and OIL agreed to supply litter bins worth Rs 1 crore to GMC. The city witnessed litter bins getting installed in the initial months of 2016 but after a few months the exercise stopped. As the year came to an end the litter bin project remains incomplete. Only GS Road has some; the rest of the city still await its share of litter bins whereas cities like Jorhat and Dibrugarh have litter bins everywhere. Door to door garbage collection not 100% successful
`(L-R) Garbage, Water logging, Street Vending | File photo
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very year brings hopes of development to the city; dreams that the city authorities claim to be planning and working on for change and development. Over the last three years since its inception, G Plus has kept track of the city’s gains and losses. This year, we explore what the city missed out on as opposed to all that it should have gained in 2016. The authorities like GMC, GMDA and others had, many a time, claimed (and continue to do so) about the various projects which were meant to be completed but still remain far from completion. Also, after the BJP formed the government, people’s expectations shot through the roof. So was the public’s selection of its leaders wise enough or is it a grave mistake committed? G Plus checks out what the city deserved but did not get. Yet no solution for urban floods 2014 marked the worst that the city could ever witness on the issue of urban floods. Guwahati got submerged with every smart shower. The city authorities went into action with a number of eviction drives along the river bodies of the city. During the 2015 rains a lot of places continued to face water logging - especially Anil
Nagar and Nabin Nagar. In 2016 the scenario remained the same. The de-siltation exercise is not continuous because of fund crisis and no permanent solution seems to be in sight. The authorities did not try to come up with a different drainage channel that could take the city water out of the city through a different route. So every rainy season the risk of urban floods remains as before and the authorities evict illegal settlements only after the city is submerged by the first few summer rains. 2016 did not bring any permanent solution to the issue. No street zones yet
vending
Since 2014, after the Supreme Court order, the GMC officials have continued claiming that a vending committee has been formed and a survey has been done which showed that there are approximately 7,000 street vendors in the city. All these days, the officials have also kept claiming that 6 vending zones will be created wherein these 7,000 vendors will be permanently settled. The irony remains that there is not even a single vending zone in the city. Rather, there is today a nexus of street vendors and a disjointed vending mafia where the mafia takes money
from the vendors and “allots” them space on the streets and footpaths to sell their products thereby increasing the vendor population manifold and making the city a pedestrian’s nightmare. 2016 did not see an inch of vending zone space. No parking continues under many flyovers In 2015 GMC took up the project of providing vehicular parking under the Ganeshguri flyover. CCTV cameras were installed for 24/7 monitoring of the parking area. At present, 50 four-wheelers and 200 two-wheelers can be parked at a time. It was also proposed then to create parking spaces under the flyovers at Sixmile and Bhangagarh. In 2016 the flyovers were supposed to be used for parking but it did not happen and the traffic scenario still remains chaotic. Litter bins not yet installed in entire city The GMC in 2015 decided to install litter bins in entire Guwahati phase-wise. In the first phase, the entire stretch of almost 10 kms of the GS Road from Paltan Bazar was supposed to be covered wherein 200 litter bins were installed in criss-cross fashion 100 metres apart from each other.
After Ramky the GMC hired 31 NGOs for its 31 wards and claimed that garbage will be collected every day. Initially the GMC made excuses of having to supply auto dippers and other infrastructural equipment to the NGOs but after a few days all the NGOs received all the amenities. The work started and in 2015 things were moving in the right direction. 2016 though witnessed some chaos. The amenities which were provided in 2014 were not maintained because of fund crisis and accordingly the NGOs stopped collecting garbage daily. There are some areas in the city where the NGOs collect garbage just once a week. Also, the NGOs do not collect the monthly garbage collection fee of Rs 30 per household regularly resulting in GMC not earning anything and just having to continue pumping in money on the project. Therefore, instead of the project becoming completely successful, 2016 witnessed a huge slow down. Water supply project still not functional Four water supply projects are simultaneously running currently in Guwahati which aim to provide 24/7 water supply to Guwahatians. In 2009-10 the PMCs for these four projects were selected on fulfilment of the criteria laid down by the state and the central governments. Also the funding agencies were selected as they are the ones providing the required loans to the state for these development projects. The share of the fund was 90:10 centre:state. The
work started in 2010, 2012 and 2014 respectively. Initially, the South West Guwahati water supply project was expected to be completed by end of 2014. The date shifted to early 2015 and then to end of 2015. Continuing the extension habit, it got extended further to beginning of 2016 and then to the end of year. Now GMDA officials are claiming that the project will be completed and people will get drinking water from 1st April 2017. The entire city was dug up in this “watery” dream but the project is nowhere nearing completion. The dug areas remain unfilled and Guwahati, as on date, is a dusty mess. Another bus missed in 2016! Multi level parking lots not yet completed The GMDA had taken up construction of an automated multi-level car parking place adjacent to MMCH campus at Panbazar under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR), with a view to facilitate car parking to ease out road congestion in the city, particularly in Panbazar and Fancy Bazar area. The total cost of construction was estimated at Rs 11 crores and was funded by DONER under NLCPR at 90:10 cost sharing basis. Accordingly, the DONER ministry has so far released Rs 759.17 lakhs and the state government has also released its 10% share. The construction work was entrusted to M/S Simplex Project Ltd of Kolkata. So why is it that after five years of its commencement, the work, according to GMDA officials, is still “ongoing” as the estimated time of completion then was the beginning of 2014 while now it is estimated to be commissioned by March 2017. These are only a few of the buses missed. There are many other issues. For example, in one whole year, the Smart City project was only able to select a project management consultancy and nothing else happened beyond that. Also, the recently formed government has not been seen to be doing anything tangible in all the issues stated above. The city authorities like GMC continue to complain of fund shortage at the slightest pretext for various works. Any change is yet to be seen. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
New Saraighat bridge delayed yet again
happy new year, 2017
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Governance
Juthika Baruah
The NHAI and other state government officials want the New Saraighat Bridge to be inaugurated after Magh Bihu as all loops and sectors of the bridge will be completely ready for public commute by then
The new saraighat bridge | G plus photo
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he new Saraighat Bridge which is scheduled for inauguration on 1st January, 2017 is not exactly fully ready according to some officials of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Moreover, some highly placed officials in the government sector are saying that it would be more convenient for commuters if the bridge would be inaugurated during Magh Bihu. State transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary announced that the bridge will be inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on the first day of 2017 whereas the officials of NHAI said that if the bridge is inaugurated during the forthcoming Magh Bihu, by which time the entire work will be completed in the true sense, it would be more convenient for the public. “Vehicles that will come from the airport side will connect to the bridge by Loop 3 which is not complete yet. There remains a bit of work that is important to be completed before the inauguration so that the public will not face any problems when they start commuting on the bridge. Therefore, we want that the bridge be inaugurated during Magh Bihu; as it is the people have waited for so many years for the completion of the bridge, another 15 days should not be an issue,” said a highly placed official of NHAI while speaking to G Plus. The implementation of the proposed bridge took over a year to be initiated due to several hurdles. Also precautionary measures had to be considered during the planning of the bridge. Construction of a new major bridge so close to an existing bridge was a very difficult proposition as far as sinking of the wells is con-
cerned. The bridge has been constructed only 50 to 60 metres downstream of the existing Saraighat Bridge. According to reliable sources, the initial design was made by IIT, Delhi and SPAN but there was a mistake in the design of the bridge. It was later handed over to Mott McDonald Company Pvt. Ltd. for redesigning. “The total length of the bridge is 1,493.584 metres and comprises of a single girder which should otherwise have had 13 girders. The cantilever construction method has been used which will form the continuous girder. The special feature of the bridge is that it is 50 to 60 metres down-
stream from the existing Saraighat Bridge and there is only a 24-metre gap between the two bridges which can be risky. But with the new technique and special protection the risk had been mitigated,” a highly placed source informed G Plus. It was also mentioned that floods and strong currents reduced the working time for the construction of the bridge. Every year, actual construction could be carried out for only six to seven months due to such factors. Moreover, the NHAI authorities emphasized on the beautification project at the Jalukbari rotary and had also written a letter to the state government to withdraw the bus stoppage near the Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra. “The stoppage of any vehicles should be moved out to another place and street vendors should not be allowed to operate in the area. The dignity of the Bhupen Hazarika memorial has been lost due to such encroachments and it has affected the tourist flow to the memorial. I don’t understand why the government has not taken any step against the bus stop which is illegally set up,”
said the official. The official added, “Initially we thought of making a park but that will not be a proper place for a park as the Lachit Park is already there. Therefore, we thought of making the entire area green. Solar lights will be used in and around the area and the flyover will be illuminated with solar powered lights.” He also informed that the beautification project will be completed after the inauguration of the bridge as the design has been sent to Delhi for approval. The remaining works of railings and crash bearers will be completed within 31st December including layering the bridge with bitumen. One of the most important features is that the Jalukbari Rotary will be signal free and will have five flyovers, bridge, one underpass and sleep road. The signal free crossing means that the vehicles coming from all the four directions can move in their own directions without having to halt. The official said that the traffic burden on the Saraighat Bridge would be drastically reduced with the new bridge over the Brahmaputra River.
• Inauguration of the new bridge over the Brahmaputra River likely to be postponed till Magh Bihu • NHAI officials want the inauguration during Magh Bihu so as to make it more convenient for the public • State transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary had announced that it will be inaugurated on 1st January, 2017 by union minister Nitin Gadkari • NHAI officials emphasize on the Jalukbari beautification project to keep alive the dignity of the Bhupen Hazarika Memorial • The total length of the new bridge is 1,493.584 metres and comprises of a single girder “The travelling distance between Guwahati and the north bank will also be reduced after the opening of the new bridge,” the official informed. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Governance
happy new year, 2017
Dist admin to maintain strict vigil on picnic spots
Juthika Baruah
The District Administration has issued strict guidelines for celebration of New Year and also for picnickers visiting ecologically vulnerable picnic spots spots with polythene and plastic bags and left over food is not allowed • Carrying and using weapons as defined in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is prohibited • Consumption of alcohol and boisterous revelling is strictly prohibited • Trespassing the wildlife sanctuary and the reserved forests will be treated as an offence • Fishing, boating and swimming in the water bodies in and around the wildlife sanctuary is risky and not advisable
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• Parking of vehicles of all types obstructing the animal corridors is not allowed
A popular picnic spot | File photo
icnickers will now have to think twice before choosing to have a picnic around the wildlife sanctuaries within Kamrup (M) as the district administration has issued certain guidelines to check that fun and entertainment of the public does not hamper the flora & fauna or trigger the degradation of the eco-system in and around such picnic spots. The administration has also imposed Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in and around the areas of Deepor Beel and Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary which are among the most visited spots. The guidelines have been imposed to keep the picnic spots clean as also to prevent from any accidents or untoward incidents. “The youths now-a-days create a lot of nuisance during picnics and for many, picnic means consumption of alcohol. We have witnessed many accidents
and unlawful activities during the picnic season and therefore we have imposed the guidelines. Any party which violates the guidelines will have to face strict punishment,” said an official of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (M). The Administration has imposed certain guidelines for the picnickers: • The promulgation of Section 144 of CrPC will be forthwith encompassing the entire winter season up to the month of March, 2017 • Rollicking and frolicking to the accompaniment of high decibel music systems committing sonic violence is prohibited • The littering of the picnic
• No action upsetting the serenity and tranquillity of the sanctuary is allowed • Violation of discipline around the sanctuary clamped by the district administration will be viewed seriously The must do’s are • Use of dustbin • Not only picnicking but also any sort of assemblage is banned in both the wildlife sanctuaries of Kamrup (M) area extending from the watch tower within 500 metres. Fine of Rs. 5,000 will be levied on persons violating the above provisions and especially for littering. The official informed that the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Circle Officer have been instructed to mon-
itor the spots and if anyone is found violating the guidelines in the forest area, action against them will be taken by the DFO. It has also been instructed that proper signage of picnic spot is to be placed by the forest department. The administration has kept a strict eye on the picnickers this time so as to reduce the number of untoward incidents that take place. Commenting on the steps taken by the district administration, one of the picnickers said that the administration has taken a good initiative but at the same time it is also harassment for the picnickers to some extent as people go for picnic to enjoy the day and to relax. “We go for picnic to enjoy for just one day in a year and if we have to be conscious about following guidelines of the administration during the picnic it takes away the charm and enjoyment. It is obvious that we will not hamper the environment and people know how to use the picnic spots. Just because of a section of people who can be unruly all can’t be blamed,” the picnicker said. Moreover, the administration has also issued guidelines for the New Year celebration and instructed that all parties should be over by 12.30 AM on 1st January. The guidelines include: • No celebration beyond 12:30 PM will be allowed on the night of 31st December/1st January. • Serving of liquor in the bars will be as per the time mentioned in the license. All other celebrations are to be closed by 12:30 PM
No of Vehicular Accidents in the New Year:
2013-2014 31st Dec 2013 TOTAL RTA 22
2 Wheeler 13
2014-2015
1st Jan 2014 TOTAL RTA 34
31st Dec 2014
2015-2016
1st Jan 2015
2 Wheeler
TOTAL RTA
2 Wheeler
TOTAL RTA
17
22
12
24
31st Dec 2015
1st Jan 2016
2 TOTAL 2 TOTAL Wheeler RTA Wheeler RTA 14
16
11
16
2 Wheeler 9
positively. • Bars shall not keep open beyond specified time as per license terms and conditions, i.e. 12 midnight. • Use of fireworks/crackers during the programme is strictly prohibited. • There shall not be use of any kind of narcotics or illegal intoxicants. • Smoking shall be regulated strictly as per law and smoking shall not be allowed within any area so prohibited. • No vulgarity of any kind is allowed. • Sufficient numbers of volunteers shall be deployed by the organizer for orderly conduct of the programme. • Loud speakers, if used, must follow the guidelines issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. • Arrangement of fire fighting/first aid should be made by the organizers. • Organizer must give undertaking in a prescribed format to the effect that they shall not violate any conditions laid down in their permission order. • Any premise which intends to celebrate the New Year for which specified permission is required, need to get No Objection Certificate from the Commissioner of Police and also permission from the District Administration (Excise Branch). If there is any intention of consumption of alcohol, it has to be clearly mentioned in the application for special permission itself (one day temporary license). • Permission for holding musical functions must be obtained from competent authority. • All programmes will be performed within socially acceptable ethical and cultural values. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Snippets
happy new year, 2017
New university announces admissions in March 2017 Gplus News
A K Pansari (R) Addressing the media
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yanSagar Foundation is all set to start ‘The Assam Royal Global University’ established by The Assam Royal Global University Act, 2013’, passed by the Government of Assam.
Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Singh has taken over the charge as the Vice-Chancellor of The Assam Royal Global University. The first session of RGU will begin from the coming Academic Session 2017-18 and admissions will
open in March 2017. RGU will offer varied courses in Engineering & Technology, Business, Commerce, Architecture, Fashion Designing, Fine Arts, Pure & Applied Sciences, Information Technology, Communications & Media, Behavioral & Allied Sciences, Languages, Performing Arts and Law from the academic session 2017-18 and many more in the years to come. The University shall provide competitive, dynamic, industry-oriented & research driven curriculum guided by panel of experts from all the related fields as members of Board of Studies and Academic Council, which reflects the mix of various old & modern University syllabi. RGU will also incorporate CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) providing a vast range of electives as per students’ choice, along with their major course. The course curriculum will also be complemented by value-based education along with various co-curricular activities, cultural events, sports and yoga for the overall development of the students. RGU will also have tie-up with various national/international university/institution of repute along with MoU with various corporates/industries to give exposure to its students and faculty.
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City to get new Renault dealership with 3S facility
Gplus News
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enault India, one of the fastest growing automotive companies in India, is set to inaugurate its new dealership in city. Guwahati Metropolitan Renault is expected to be launched amidst the festive fever of New Year celebrations and Magh Bihu which is just around the corner. The 3S dealership facility that integrates sales, service and spares will offer Renault’s best-in-class products to the discerning customers in Guwahati and adjoining areas. Speaking about the soon to be held inauguration of the new dealership, Raj Singh, General Manager, Guwahati Metropolitan Renault said, “Renault is one of the fastest growing automobile manufacturers in India. In a short span of time, we have ex-
ponentially grown our presence in terms of sales and network expansion. The launch of our new generation dealership in Guwahati will showcase our commitment towards this objective of strengthening our presence in this important market. In order to serve our customers better the dealership is equipped with a well qualified and experienced team of professionals”. Guwahati Metropolitan Renault is located at Garalia near Sarusajai on NH 37. The dealership is spread over an area of more than 20,000 sq. ft. and will provide a wide range of accessories and top-of-the-line 3S service experience to the customers in the region.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Feature
happy new year, 2017
Demand for Muga twice its production; industry on tightrope Nehal Jain
However, the prints and designs closely resemble a pure silk saree. Future of silk industry Artificial silk sarees are going to be trending more than ever since women who wear sarees on a regular basis are now switching to artificial silk sarees due to the prices of cotton going up and its tremendous resemblance with silk sarees at a much cheaper rate. During a seminar on the future of the muga and paat industry of Sualkuchi organised by the Department of Chemistry of Sualkuchi Budram Madhab Satradhikar College recently, the problems facing the silk industry were highlighted. It was pointed out that the demand for muga silk is two times more than the muga fabric production, which is another major threat to the silk industry.
A piece of Sualkuchi Silk product | File photo
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eaving is one of the most important aspects of the cultural life of Assam. The state produces three different varieties of silks. Each has its distinctive characteristics which makes it unique from other silks. Those who have seen Assamese silk have always proclaimed that there is nothing like the “Paat” or the “Muga” or the “Eri” in Assam. Muga Silk is the pride of Assam and is a gift of nature to the state. It is the only state in the country which produces Muga silk by rearing “Antheraea assamensis” or Muga worm. The golden colour and shine of Muga silk gives it a unique look. In fact, it is also known as the “muga” colour. Another unique characteristic of this type of silk is that the shine of the fabric improves after every wash. That is why, Muga silk is considered one of the costliest silks in the world and for every Assamese woman, a Muga mekhala chador (traditional dress of Assamese women) or a Muga saree is always a very prized possession, much like her gold ornaments. The silk is supposed to be the strongest silk in the world, after the spider silk. Paat Silk fabric in Assam is derived from silk worms that live on mulberry trees and is also known as Mulberry Silk or “Nuni Paat” in Assamese. This type of silk has a distinctive white and off-white colour and is known for its brightness, high quality and durability. Paat silk is produced in limited quantities compared to the other two varieties of silk because very few mulberry worms are reared in Assam and are usually sourced from other states. Eri Silk, which is produced in substantial quantity and is indigenous to the state, is extremely popular in Assam. This silk is derived from Eri worm or Samia cynthia ricini, which is found in and around Assam. Eri silk fabric, also known as Endi, has a course and thick texture as most of the fabric is hand spun and is used for making shawls, jackets etc. However, nowadays, finer textures are also available, which are used for making sarees, summer stoles, kurtis etc. Eri silk is not only a warm and soft fabric, but also has excellent characteristics such as it is anti-fungal, non-toxic, bio-degradable and a most sustainable textile.
Sualkuchi – the Manchester of Assam Sualkuchi, a village in the Kamrup district, is the only region in Assam which is exclusively into silk weaving and hence referred to as the “Manchester of Assam.” According to the Department of Industries and Commerce, Assam has presently about 7,00,000 looms but powered looms are of limited quantities and are mainly found in Sualkuchi. These are used for commercial production of silk fabrics. In fact, the handloom industry of Sualkuchi deals with three varieties of textiles commercially: cotton, silk and khadi cloth. Silk is majorly produced and woven here and then transported to Guwahati via road. People can either directly buy silk products from Sualkuchi or from the various retailers dealing in Guwahati. There are other designers too that deal with silk products that are different from the traditional products. Assam silk – losing its fame The easy availability of other varieties of artificial silks from other areas and at cheaper costs has overshadowed these natural silks. Variants like Banarasi silk have entered the market, which are available to the makers of clothes at lower prices and thus, the purity of silk is being played with. Now, we have pure silk, artificial silk, as well as mixed quality. The silks in Assam are mainly limited to making traditional dresses. From pure silk to artificial silk When it comes to buying a saree for weddings or other special occasions, most people opt for silk as it exudes richness. However, buying a silk saree on an occasion every time may burn a hole in your pocket. And thus people opt for artificial silk. Art Silk or artificial Silk saree is a synthetically manufactured saree which resembles silk. It has been manufactured by mixing the positives of cotton, silk and wool fabrics. So, it is as soft as cotton, rich as silk and breathable as wool. Just like the pure silk saree, art silk sarees are airy, super light and really comfortable. The manufacturing cost of art silk sarees is way less than that of pure silk. Art silk sarees are made of rayon which is a result of regenerated cellulose.
Artificial silk sarees are going to be trending more than ever since women who wear sarees on a regular basis are now switching to artificial silk sarees due to the prices of cotton going up and its tremendous resemblance with silk sarees at a much cheaper rate.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Look Back 2016:
happy new year, 2017
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New Year Special
The top news that rocked the year
Guwahati enters the list of top 20 smart cities
BJP knocks Congress out New Saraighat Bridge on in state elections priority completion list
On Republic Day, the central government announced Guwahati as one of the cities in the first list for conversion to smart city.
With a whopping number of seats won, BJP toppled the 15year Congress rule to form the government at Dispur with Sarbananda Sonowal as CM.
New Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal issued instructions for the bridge to be completed by September 2016, given that the completion date of 2010 has been missed by a long margin. The bridge is now scheduled to be inaugurated during the forthcoming Magh Bihu after further delays.
Guwahati wastes 18 hours a day at rail level crossings A most successful and impactful coverage of G Plus was the survey that brought to light the not-so-happy fact that Guwahati wastes 18 hours a day at rail level crossings. The story was so impactful that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced multiple initiatives for the development of the railway routes. Demonetization and cash crunch in city
Ropeway project revived: Slated for early completion After the National Monument Authority nod, the ropeway project was halted due to fund crisis but the new government had put the project on priority and asked GMDA to complete it by June 2017.
Tourism Department launched ‘Awesome Assam’ with Priyanka Chopra as the Brand Ambassador The Govt. of Assam in the year 2016 launched the Awesome Assam tourism project with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra as the Brand Ambassador of Assam Tourism.
On the night of 8th November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced scrapping of 500 and 1000 rupee notes putting the city through unprecedented harassment. However, believing that the move would cut down the black money, the move leaves us with new hopes.
APSC scam APSC Chairman Rakesh Paul and member Samedur Rahman were arrested in connection with a shameful pay-for-job scam. The drama continues.
Guwahati organised South Asian Games Guwahati was the host city to the 12th South Asian Games. India dominated the 12th edition with 146 Gold, 79 Silvers, 23 Bronze for a total of 248 medals in February.
Autowalas vs Uber: Cottonians join the vandalism Befouling the glory of Cotton College, a section of the students of Cotton College’s MNDP Hostel displayed their hooligan instincts during a Uber vs Autowalas clash in the city.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
In the News
happy new year, 2017
Aamaar Aalohi to give new dimension to tourism in Assam
kalyan deb
Homestays in rural areas to alter the tourism scenario of the state providing employment to many rural people who will extend the famed Assamese hospitality Locations identified for homestay Location Tinsukia (Dibru – Saikhowa) Dibrugarh (Naharkatia) Sibsagar Majuli Jorhat Golaghat (Kaziranga National Park) Morigaon (Pobitora) Haflong & Umrangsu Hajo – Suwalkuchi Sonitpur (Nameri – Bhalukpong) Barpeta (Manas National Park) Darrang (Orang National Park)
Priyanka Chopra with chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal
I
n the backdrop of Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra being appointed as Assam Tourism’s brand ambassador, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Tourism, also launched the semi-urban and rural homestay initiative titled “Aamaar Aalohi” meaning “our guest.” Framed with the objective of giving a new dimension and thrust to the rural homestay facilities in the state the initiative aimed towards creation of self-employment opportunities. Priyanka Chopra was officially appointed as Assam Tourism’s brand ambassador on 24th December during an event where she said that she would show the world how “awesome the state is.” Abstract The idea behind the inception of the concept is to promote tourist accommodation in private homes in rural and semi-urban areas of the state. This project would encourage villagers to arrange homestays for tourists against reasonable charges. The tourists will be able to enjoy the true essence of rural life of the state away from the bustle of a city. This would be done keeping in mind the promotion of tea tourism, religious circuits and ethnic culture where guests would be required to venture into the interiors of the state and can choose for homestays. The scheme will not only allow tourists to experience Assamese customs but also relish the ethnic cuisine. “The tourism industry has
the potential of providing huge employment opportunities to our youth. We will soon create infrastructure that will encourage homestay. Under this project we will also impart soft skills and hospitality training to those villagers who join the homestay project,” the minister said while addressing media persons. However, the conditions should be also easily accessible for the tourists. While sanitation, road connectivity and hygiene remain challenges the department has short-listed some of the areas that attract comparatively more numbers of tourists. In the first phase of the initiative twelve locations have been identified for a budget of around Rs 16 crores. Each homestay will be registered under the Assam Tourism Home Stay Scheme and will have several standard divisions that are expected to draw a large number of visitors from different places. These houses with clean toilet facilities would be located in the rural/non-urban areas and will be reasonably furnished and ready for providing accommodation to tourists. They would have motorable road connectivity and will be located preferably close to tourist spots. On the heels of roping in the Bollywood actor as its tourism brand ambassador, Himanta Biswa Sarma also unveiled the budgetary allocation for the sector that will see four-fold jump in the next financial year. “In the next fiscal, we will allocate Rs 460 crores for the tourism department. It would be a quantum jump from the present
Rs 100 crores,” Sarma said. The Roadmap Unveiling key elements of the government’s roadmap towards transforming Assam into a global tourism hotspot Sarma said that Assam is probably one of the world’s most naturally beautiful destinations which has not been affected by concretisation. “We are a state of villages and provide several ideal locations to “rediscover yourself.” The appointment of Priyanka Chopra as our ambassador, our soon to be announced tourism policy and our new homestay scheme are all key steps and fully in line with this approach,” the minister said. Meanwhile, the Bollywood actor said that the true essence of Assam and the northeast is not appreciated fully in India and in all likelihood even the world does not know much about it. Chopra assured her commitment to present the incredible part of Assam’s diversity and unity to the outside world in the right perspective.
“I am fortunate that the government of Assam has appointed me as the tourism ambassador of the state and I will take Assam, its people, food, wildlife, greenery and culture to the global stage and truly show the world how awesome Assam is,” the Quantico protagonist said while addressing the media. “I may not have been born in Assam but I am an Indian and take incredible pride in my country. Assam is a part of India and I am as much a part of this state as any other part of the country. As such, I can claim to be an honorary Assamese,” the Padmashri awardee said, adding, “I will not say that I know very much about Assam but I am discovering it myself. I do hope to be able to show the world Assam from my vista.” Asked whether due to her busy schedule she can justify her commitment to the cause, Priyanka said that she has not ever let anyone down and takes her responsibilities and commitments very seriously. The actress, who had portrayed the protagonist in the Bollywood film Mary Kom, said that
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the northeast is the crowning glory of India and the seven sister states are its jewels. Though each may have a different essence yet all are beautiful in their own way, she said. “I have travelled with Mary (Kom) to Manipur and had earlier come to Guwahati when my uncle was posted here and also after becoming Miss India for different fashion shows. The experiences in Manipur and Assam are different but both have been beautiful,” the Priyanka said. Priyanka, who visited the Kamakhya Temple earlier that the day said she was moved and inspired to have been blessed by the deity and is looking forward to experience the Brahmaputra, wildlife - particularly rhinos, trekking, mountaineering and rafting. Himanta Biswa Sarma had launched the logo of Assam tourism with the punch line “Awesome Assam” in September, 2016. The new logo depicts the one-horned rhino, world-famous Assam tea and the mighty Brahmaputra on one canvas.
Yearly status of flow of tourist
kalyan.deb@g-plus.in
Financial year
Footfall of domestic tourists
Footfall of foreign tourists
Total
2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016
41,27,447 44,08,336 45,44,666 44,44,393 48,63,826 56,42,950
15,633 16,660 17,708 19,086 20,005 26,320
41,43,080 44,24,996 45,62,374 44,63,497 48,83,831 56,69,270
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
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New Year Special
Resolutions 2017 Sarbananda Sonowal Chief Minister, Assam “My wishes, my respect to all classes of people of Assam. My aim will be the betterment of all people of Barak and Brahmaputra Valley. We take the resolution of a making a strong Assam with the people’s help and support.”
Ashutosh Agnihotri Commissioner & Secretary, Industry and Commerce & Transport “My resolution is to remain positive and keep striving for a better today and tomorrow and to publish my books of poems, both in English and Hindi.”
Diganta Hazarika (Actor) I am not a person who makes resolutions generally. I fail to keep it. However, in the coming year, I want to sign better movies, do some shoots that would be good for my name. I want to stay fit, and add more to my health. I have plans for my personal life too, but let’s keep it personal for now.
Siddhartha Bhattacharya MLA, Gauhati East “I intend to take forward the works already initiated to make Guwahati a more beautiful and habitable city.”
Mukesh Sahay DGP, Assam “My resolution is to serve the nation, state and its people tirelessly with a smile. We wish everyone a happy, safe, healthy and prosperous 2017.”
Sanjukta dutta (Fashion designer) My new year resolution is to stick to my commitments with work. I’d like to worry less and just put my whole-hearted involvement to my work. Along with all the commitment, I’d want to live my life to the fullest too in 2017.
Ramendra Narayan Kalita MLA, Gauhati West “I would be busy taking the works decided by the government forward and try my best that Assam could become foreigner-free. I will not leave any stone unturned to develop Gauhati West.”
Hiren Nath Commissioner of Police “One thing I will regularly do is physical activities and I will work out regularly which I could not do the last couple of months. I take the resolution that I will remain fit.”
Prastuti Parashar (Actor) This year, I have few strong roles lined up for myself. I want to actively play those characters and send the message of women empowerment to our people. I have always played strong roles, and even this year I want to dedicate myself to my profession.
Louis Aind Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) For the New Year I never thought of any such resolution but the only way I can justify my resolution is by being happy. If you are happy you can make a lot of other people happy and it will reflect on your work and the way you approach people and then you distribute the happiness to people.
Atul Bora MLA, Dispur “I resolve that I will try my best to solve all the problems faced by the people of my constituency. I support Modiji’s decision of demonetisation and in the coming year people will understand the importance of such a decision.”
AP Tiwari MD, ASTC “The vision and objective of 2017 is to provide effective, efficient and comfortable transport to the people of Assam, which will be IT enabled, passes for people, clean service which is Swachh Bharat and a number of other features required and relevant in this regard.”
kopil bora(Actor) I want to work hard and put my hundred percent for the betterment of the society through my professional life. In my work, whatever I can, I want to do for the upliftment of Assamese society. In my personal front, I have plans such as developing my communication skills. Lastly, I want to wish the city a very happy new year with a request to everyone to celebrate it safe and low.
Amanjeet Kaur Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) I am not a believer of resolutions as such but I do believe that one can always work towards things that were left out and I will try to work towards fulfilling those responsibilities. I will be trying even more to make the lives of the citizens easier and endeavour to do better in my job.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
New Year Special happy new year, 2017
Murderous Guwahati: Sensational crimes of 2016
G Plus recounts the murky incidents in 2016, some of which bordered on the demonic. The seriousness of some of these crimes often lead one to wonder how safe Guwahati really was. Body recovered under mysterious circumstances
the charges, he did admit to having a one-sided love affair.
The year saw its first murder mystery on March 8th, 2016 when Deepshankar Mazumdar, a 37 year old youth was found dead in a seated position in the front passenger seat of a car. The body was recovered around 6:30 am the next day by people out on morning walk. There were several wounds on his face and foam was oozing out of his mouth. The case was suspected to be a planned murder, and an FIR was lodged by his family members at the Dispur police station.
Unnatural deaths aggravates city’s crime record The week from 21st May to 27th May saw a number of crimes taking place in the city. From unnatural deaths, suicides, alleged murders and recovery of dead bodies, the city saw it all within a span of a mere week. The series of events began on 14th May 14th when Paltanbazar police recovered the body of Pra-
and was missing since the incident was recovered a few days later from Katigorah in Cachar district. On 25th May two dead bodies were recovered from different parts of the Dispur area. A woman, identified as Bindiya Debi, reportedly hanged herself at a relative’s place after struggling to meet the financial requirements to feed her children. The same week another body was recovered under mysterious circumstances from the premises of an under
4 arrested on alleged extortion charges Dispur police arrested four youths on July 5th on alleged extortion charges. The accused Debaprakash Bhagawati, Rajesh Sahu, Pronit Gogoi and Utpal Bora allegedly demanded Rs 2.85 crores from one Rishiraj Kaundinya. It was alleged that the four had been blackmailing Kaundinya and demanding extortion money from him.
Back-to-back mystery murders rock Guwahati Two female bodies, one of which was badly burnt, were recovered in the city within a span of four days suggesting brutal rape and murder from two separate deserted areas. In an incident that took place on 14th March, a 16 year old girl’s burnt corpse was recovered in a deserted area in Jyotikuchi. Investigation revealed that she was raped, killed, and then carried to the deserted area and burnt. On 17th March, another body of a 22 year old was discovered in a wooded area at Noonmati. She had been missing since the previous day and a case had been filed by her family members. A bag containing her college documents was also recovered from the crime scene, and police undertook investigation.
ailway Protection Force personnel from Guwahati along with the RPF/CIB team conducted a special drive against touting activities at Guwahati station 16th December. During the drive one person namely Shri Paramanda
Paltan Bazaar police busted a sex trade racket in a parlour located in Lachit Nagar in the month of August. Police received secret information about the immoral activities in the parlour and raided it finding people in compromising situation and also recovered unused condoms. Police arrested 11 persons including the manager, customers and the owner.
Four members of a family were found dead in a hotel in Guwahati on 28th September. Two suicide notes were found at the crime scene that pointed towards the fact that the four members of the family - father, mother, a relative and a child - committed suicide due to a supposed bribe-for-job feud. Of the two notes, one was addressed to the chief minister, health minister and DGP of Assam where the deceased, Prasanta, admitted that he committed suicide because of cheating and fraudulent acts of one Pulin Gogoi who is working in Assam Police. Bloody Tuesday
tim Kumar Sharma from Room No. 8 of Hotel Sukhmoni at Paltanbazar. In another shocking incident, the bodies of Parveen Majumdar and her 4-year old son, Rizwan Majumdar were recovered from Rajdhani Lodge at Dispur on the evening of 14th May. The body of Bapon Majumdar, who had accompanied them
construction apartment named Prag Panorama Apartment in the Last Gate area. The deceased was identified as Pinky Tanty who was around 27 years of age. According to police, there were cut marks on her feet and arms due to which the possibilities of sexual assault had also been taken into consideration.
RPF arrests tout at Guwahati Railway Station
R
Spa, parlours under scanner with Lachit Nagar sex trade bust
4 commit suicide fearing impending bribe-for-job scam
Alleged one-sided love leads to acid attack in Guwahati On 26th March, the city experienced its first case of acid attack when a 26-year-old lady advocate became a victim of the attack near Pragjyotish College, Bharalumukh. The miscreant threw acid on her at around 6:30 pm and escaped instantly. Dibakar Baishya Sahu, the victim’s relative, a former colleague, and a lawyer, was seen as a suspect and was arrested by the police. Although he denied
who was arrested in April 2015. Police got their cue when they traced a vehicle that was being transported to Dimapur. It was after keeping track of several other associates of Yadav that police finally managed to lay a trap for him.
Das, aged about 45 years, s/o late Nitai Das of Pan Bazar, PS- Latasil, Dist- Kamrup was caught with recovery of two railway reservation tickets bearing PNR No. 6159567843 and 6762438083 of Train No. 12346 Saraighat Ex-
Brakes screeching on car lifters, another operative arrested Basistha police made a breakthrough in the vehicle lifting case when a team of men in khaki nabbed one Ramesh Yadav from Dimapur on 16th July. Yadav was an associate of notorious vehicle lifter Anil Chauhan,
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press and 15960 Kamrup Express. Two blank reservation forms and cash of Rs. 1,000/- was also recovered from his possession. A case has been registered vide no. 916/2016 under section 143 of Railway Act in this regard.
In another incident, the on duty RPF escort team comprising Sitaram Meena and Hitesh Medhi in 12067 Jan Shatabdi Express while checking coach no D-10 between Dimapur and Bokajan station on 19th December detect-
Two macabre incidents on 1st November took place when at around 6 am in the morning, the dead body of a vegetable vendor, Bhabesh Choudhury, was discovered by locals of the Hari Mandir Path in the Down Town Area. The body was hanging from a pole. In another incident, the previous night, Haider Ali, a petty trader was shot at near the Inter State Bus Terminus in Gorchuk by two motorcycle-borne youths. ed 6 live rounds, 2 mobile phones and cash of Rs. 12,940/- from the possession of two persons. The arrested persons are Rahul Gogoi aged about 25 years s/o Chenairam Gogoi, PS & Dist. Golaghat and Shri Jan Bora aged about 18 years s/o Late Bhaiti Bora, of Furketing, PS & Dist. Golaghat were arrested in this regard.
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Trotter
happy new year, 2017
Headlines 2016: What affected the world
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Nehal Jain
In 2016, there was never a shortage of breaking news stories. Here’s a comprehensive recollection to the news that rocked the world this year. Brexit - In June, the whole world went through a period of shock when Britons (some unknowingly) voted to leave the European Union (Brexit). David Cameron soon resigned as prime minister and the region was thrown into political uncertainty. Pulse Nightclub shooting - In June, an ISIS inspired shooter massacred 49 people inside Orlando’s Pulse nightclub as 53 others were injured in the deadliest terror attack on US soil since September 11.
South China Sea dispute - The outgoing year saw no full-scale escalation of the territorial dispute over the South China Sea, but the tense situation remains unresolved. Among other things, Beijing launched direct flights to one of the airfields on the islands and made global headlines with the news that Chinese sailors had intercepted an underwater US drone in international waters in the South China Sea region. Antonin Scalia’s death - The political world was rocked when Antonin Scalia, the uber-conservative Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States was found dead at a hunting resort on 13th Febru-
ary. His death set off a chain reaction of events that included President Obama’s nomination of a new Supreme Court Justice and the Republican vow to block it at any cost. Blue Lives Matter - In late May, Louisiana became the first state to sign the Blue Lives Matter bill into law; a legislation that protects law enforcement and other public safety workers under hate-crime law. The measure came under harsh scrutiny from social justice groups, who argued that the law upheld police officers as “specialized citizens” while ignoring the ongoing and sometimes fatal police brutality in marginalized communities.
Terror attacks around the world - The Brussels, Istanbul and Nice attacks were among the year’s highest-profile terrorist attacks. The extremist attacks flared at a relentless pace throughout the year in disparate locales around the globe. Vladimir Putin - He cast a long shadow over the year and will be judged by history not only for his intervention in Syria, but also for his determination to prove to a timid, appeasing world that Russia is still a major player. He also made headlines by reconciling with Turkey, and ordering Russia’s withdrawal from an agreement with the US over the joint disposal of weapons-grade
plutonium, freezing cooperation in the sphere of nuclear disarmament.
orator.” The backlash was immediate and included people weighing in on social media.
Black Lives Matter - The #BlackLivesMatter movement made headlines, as the names of black people killed by police officers in the United States went up. The country launched into emotional debates about whether the justice system actually did provide “justice for all.”
A year in which unexpected celebrity deaths seemed common – Starting from David Bowie’s death on 11th January to Carrie Fishers’ death on December 27, 2016 experienced the demise of many celebrities. Alan Rickman, George Michael, Gene Wilder, Alan Thicke, Doris Roberts, Fidel Castro, Jayalalithaa and Mohammed Ali were among the many celebrities that died in 2016.
US Elections - 2016 was an election year like no other, and its result –Donald Trump winning unexpectedly – was felt around the world. It’s still to be determined whether Trump will “make America great again,” but with his inauguration coming up on 20th January, it’s almost guaranteed the incoming president will continue to be a top newsmaker through 2017. Trudeau’s Castro statement – Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s ode on the death of controversial Cuban president Fidel Castro had tongues wagging both at home and internationally. Expressing “deep sorrow” to hear of Castro’s death at age 90, Trudeau remembered the late president as a “legendary revolutionary and
Pokemon Go - The year also gave us a new global obsession — Pokemon Go. People across the world took to the streets looking for these little animated critters. Omran Daqneesh - Once again this year, Syria has furnished more than its fair share of conscience-pricking imagery, and few who saw the images of Omran Daqneesh, the bloodstained 5-year-old boy sitting silently in shock in the back of an ambulance after being pulled from the rubble of an airstrike in Aleppo, would have been unmoved.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
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happy new year, 2017
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Piggybacking on Priyanka
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1st August last was when I heard unconfirmed news that Priyanka Chopra was being roped in as Assam Tourism’s brand ambassador. My initial reaction was to tweet as follows: @priyankachopra grt choice fr brand ambassador. Tourism industry be ready to offer world standards. Visit Assam she’ll say. Big footfall. Confusion followed thereafter as our journalists, trying their best to get the story, made excruciating rounds of the tourism department but failing to elicit any confirmation of the news from the tight-lipped officials. Various coffee-table discussions in the various addas of Guwahati questioned the merit of the decision especially in the backdrop of our infrastructurestarved state where the very stakeholders were not mentally shaped towards extending hospitality to tourists the way say, Rajasthan or Kerala does. It remains an undeniable fact that tourism psychology is not yet prevalent among our hoteliers, cabbies et al that would brand our state as tourist friendly as on date. But Piggy Chops (an endearing Bollywoodish reference to Chopra) has come and ‘Kamakhyaed’ her way to the press meet at Radission Blu declaring that she will tell the world how awesome Assam is. What holds great significance to this good decision is the government’s plans to backup Chopra’s imminent claims. For all our worries about foreign tourists feeling indignant and resentful at our lack of proper tourist infrastructure despite Chopra’s claims of our awesomeness, the government is indeed giving the whole infrastructure thing a deep thought. Firstly, the budget allocation declared by the tourism minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is pegged
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at a phenomenal Rs. 460 crores – an amount that is good enough for a lot of work to get done. Further, the government is distinctly trying to weigh the strengths of the state which include its verdant rows of tea bushes, the rustic simplicity of its rural areas and of course its breathtaking landscape among others. It has laid importance to employment generation in villages and the masterstroke, if implemented properly, would be the “Amaar Aalohi” homestay scheme which will give an entirely new direction to the way tourism and employment can be handled and enhanced. If I understand it right, the government is making a holistic attempt at creating tourist footfall which will percolate to generating huge employment avenues badly needed at the village level. Foreign tourists, I know for sure, are enthralled by simplicity of thought and being at the receiving end of hospitality that they feel has been extended to them with a pure heart. And we Assamese, I also know for sure, are really good at this. All that would be required hereafter is a proper initiation of all the stakeholders towards meting out their best behaviour to tourists so that Chopra’s claims abroad are adequately backed up. A bit of infrastructural inadequacy here and there will just not matter if the hospitality rendered is heartfelt. The word-ofmouth will do the rest towards ensuring great tourism activity in the years to come. The thing to do over the next two years is to learn the tricks of the tourism trade while piggybacking on Priyanka. Swapnil Bharali Editor
2017 with hope
ith another year coming to an end yet again, I wonder if a new year really does bring about any change. Come Monday, it’s back to the same grind. A few of us may put some extra efforts to symbolically mark a new beginning though. No pessimism here but why can’t we treat each day as a new day instead of waiting for a year to end? But since we are so used to gauging our lives a year at a time, let’s take a look at the movers and shakers last year. For starters, Guwahati made it into the smart cities list and boy, was that a moment to rejoice for all! As one of the “fastest growing cities” in the country this was obviously the next step for Guwahati. To lend credibility to this stature, the city hosted the 12th South Asian Games that saw competing athletes from seven nations visiting. 2016 also saw one of the most significant events in the Assam’s political history – BJP came to power for the first time in a traditional Congress bastion. And as a natural consequence, a new promotional campaign for tourism in Assam was launched with the moniker “Awesome As-
sam.” The face chosen was none other than the Quantico star Priyanka Chopra. Not all went well though; the fag end of the year saw the government’s demonetisation move hitting the country hard. Guwahati felt the ripples as well. Amidst all this, the Guwahati Theatre Festival took the city by storm – 5 glittering days of top class Indian theatre. That was 2016 for you. Will 2017 be any different or another regular year? I believe it will be the same humdrum of a year. I reckon it would be a tough year for the media industry; read that as nothing scandalous to write about, no scams to report and no people to slam – which will never happen. No harm in wishful thinking, right? On a serious note though, we would really want to see real development in the state – in the health sector, education sector and infrastructure. Guwahati is slated to see some great projects but only if they all roll out in time. Right now, the new Saraighat Bridge has already been delayed again from its scheduled 1st January opening. Let’s hope this is not the case with all the other projects.
Koushik Hazarika
Nightshift in Assam State Zoo
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wo personnel from the Assam State Zoo, as reported in an Assamese daily a few days ago, were recently sent to Hyderabad for training in new immersive zoo technology. Apparently the zoo authorities are developing a technology-enabled facility for nocturnal animals, touted by the newspaper reporter as a “new year” gift to us. Nocturnal animals are active at night as compared to their relatively low or medium daytime activities. Owls, bats, civets, other primates and some desert animals that burrow themselves during the day for thermal regulation, have developed evolutionary adaptations for various survival purposes. Natural light from the sun, moon and the stars has for several million years provided all animals, including nocturnal ones, optimal cues for survival and reproduction. Despite a few variances, nocturnal animals largely use chemical and auditory signals as also a specially adapted visual system sensitive to brightness to gather information from the environment, these being adaptive developments that are crucial to their existence. The nocturnal house in the Assam State Zoo will operate through the filtration of light. This process is followed in all reversed lighting nocturnal houses. Authorities in the Kankaria Zoo in Gujarat who have recently built a nocturnal house have said that such artificial environments block sun-rays completely and create a nocturnal environment by day using technology that filters dim light that mimics moonlight. During the night, on the other hand, the house simulates daytime by reversing the light cycle. The purpose is of course to enable humans to observe these animals for pleasure or for study. These animals live behind glass
Liza Das
walls since the environment is a highly controlled one. The indisputable question here raised by animal ethics activists and science researchers is one concerning the health and wellbeing of the animals who are housed in these artificial enclosures. The challenges of maintaining light, temperature and humidity conditions conducive to the enclosed nocturnal animals are considerably pronounced. Though regulations advise the use of varying spectrum light, usually the practice in enclosed nocturnal zoos has shown the selective use of blue and red light. In a paper published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, returns indicated that continuous exposure to light intensity may adversely affect nocturnal melatonin production, melatonin being a hormone that conveys information to the organism for internal time-keeping via information from light. Laboratory studies have indicated that constant exposure to artificial light may also impact the rhythms of other hormones and disrupt the body’s internal timekeeping apparatuses. Infertility, heart ailments and carcinogens are general dangers to incessant streaming of artificial light owing to constant stressful conditions. This brings us to the question of animal welfare in zoos. Given the strident animal rights movement that began in the 1970s, a host of questions relating to animals in general, and animals in captivity either for experimentation and entertainment in particular, has been raised by philosophers, activists and animal lovers. Our anthropocentric world view tends to highly privilege human animals over non-human ones. This has had sanction in some religions, whether the sanction is for animal sacrifice or for our ‘legitimate’ domination over those sup-
Opinion posedly lower in the animal kingdom hierarchy. Such a worldview includes our continued use in the 21st century of animals for our entertainment, be it the snake charmer, the monkey handler, or large commercial platforms like zoos, aquariums and circuses. On the other hand, the ultra-rich flaunt their pet tigers and other exotic animals that are not evolutionarily companion animals like dogs have been for at least 10,000 years for humans. Zoos have been around for several hundred years, beginning with the ‘menagerie’ that was its predecessor in earlier times when kings and nobility kept exotic and captured animals as a display of pomp and power. In colonial times these menageries were ostensibly ‘educational’ platforms for the common people in the mother country who would get a glimpse of the fauna of distant conquered lands. Indeed, kidnapped humans of some races were also kept in chains and exhibited in cages as animals. Modern zoo enthusiasts defend the institution by arguing that nowadays animals are kept and cared for in enclosures and not in archaic cages. That however does not address the fundamental right of animals to live in their own natural habitats. One wonders how a ‘civilized’ species can readily cause pain and misery to other species. We are guilty of what the moral philosopher Peter Singer calls “speciesism”, another, perhaps the oldest, form of racism. The condition of animals in the Assam State Zoo is reported by some as not very bright to say the least, and the proposed immersive-simulation project for a ‘nightshift’ for animals is bound to add to the woes of more animals. Liza Das teaches at IIT Guwahati
Letter to the Editor Hopes from the Upcoming Year
In the upcoming year, the burgess of India would want to descry vibrant positive impacts from the decision of demonetization that the respected Prime Minister of India took, and in a way, would want to witness less of corruption prevailing from every section. The dwellers of Assam, however would expect the immigration predicament to be resolved, as well as the problem of destructive floods to be reduced. Furthermore, high hopes shall also reside among the people to see less of sabotage, but more of a healthy relationship between human and its environment, thus maintaining an ecological balance. But the strong desire of course will be to see India flourish in terms of all the crucial aspects like economics, politics, society, etc. So, a good start to the year is what people expect. For a more salubrious ending, as it is said, “Morning shows the day.” BishaldeepKakati Maligaon, Guwahati New Year celebration regulations
New Year is the time with which people restart their lives on a new calendar. But in Guwahati it seems that the people, especially the youths, are much more excited to party in their most favourite food joints, bar, restaurants and for a section of young people the whole scenario of the New Year turns ugly. We witness many accidents and untoward incidents in the New Year Eve especially because of the youths who drink and drive. The culture of partying on 31st December has increased so much that people forget to value their life which is very precious. The district administration has taken a good initiative by instructing all the bars and restaurants to close their parties by 12.30 AM so that no untoward incidents take place in the city. I, therefore, request the administration through your esteemed paper that the instructions and guidelines that have been given should be closely monitored by the government officials as most of the time it is seen that after giving the instructions some outlets do not follow the rules for which such incidents occur. Therefore, the officials should strictly monitor the outlets and if anybody violates the rules and regulations strict action needs to be taken against them. Ranjan Phukan, Via email
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
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In Focus
Meet
Bobby Sarma Baruah Is the administration’s 12.30 am clampdown on New Year parties a draconian directive?
Filmmaker
Rajesh Das We are like any other in India. I have seen the frenzy in Park Street this Christmas. Kolkata Police was so gentle while handling the crowd. I’m sure Guwahatians will respond in a more responsible manner. People should be allowed to enjoy and celebrate. We have appointed Priyanka Chopra as brand ambassador and on the other hand....... Rajeev Bhattacharyya Yes draconian. I presume it has been done to avoid mishaps and untoward incidents. But then what is the police for? Why was the commissionerate created at the first place? The entire society can’t be penalised for a few lumpen elements and these are found everywhere from Guwahati to Greenland. The state must know where to draw the line in a liberal democracy. Why not declare curfew from 6 pm in Guwahati? That way, the administration would be absolutely safe and shielded from criticism. Neetu Sarawgi Guwahatians by and large responsible but for a few, administration cannot take chances. If anything untoward happens, tomorrow we will question the same authorities for being unprepared. Criticism cannot be avoided. The administration has taken a decision for which they are being criticised by citizens who don’t agree, but they cannot stop taking decisions for fear of being criticised. Navanil Barua It’s an infringement of basic human rights and complete abdication of responsibility of the district administration. It’s a once in a year event and should never be constricted, restricted or whatever. If there is any untoward incident, the Govt should act and prevent. The blanket ban is probably aimed at the administrator shirking responsibility and enjoying his own party when he is paid by his masters to serve them as their servant. I strongly put this in view of the gross violation indulged in by the government in allowing a bar in the staff college which is an institute and also not even 200 feet away from Kendriya Vidyalaya. Diganta Baruah As I don’t visit any Bar in Guwahati, I shouldn’t comment on people’s behaviour. But one thing for sure, people in Calcutta bars were decent. I had been to Calcutta Club, Tollygonj Club, besides other bars in Park Street and the Dance Bars in Mumbai but people were within their limits. I do not really know what prompted the administration to take this decision. May be they do not have a good experience. I think last year the road accidents on the midnight of 31st were comparatively less than previous years. Soumikk Sengupta BS... Guwahati Traffic Police has only 2 formulas to control traffic, one is NO ENTRY and the other is ONE WAY. Likewise Guwahati administration has one medicine for all ailments and that is RESTRICTIONS... In whatever form it may be... But unfortunately these reflects their own incompetency only. Mitra Phukan Such killjoys, these administrators. They won’t even allow us to watch the sun rise on a new year. This is moral policing, not real policing. I wonder if they would allow me to bring in the dawn if I am praying at a temple? Bitopan Dev Sarma The administration should be curbing menace if created by any as per law. But imposing restrictions is like dictatorship. See our neighborhood city Shillong where Govt is organising celebration in Polo Ground as Midnight Year Celebration or Carnival. So why can’t it be the same in Guwahati? Everyone is matured and responsible; no one wants to risk his or her own life. Such imposition doesn’t change the mindset of a few people who go beyond their limits. So the administration should remove this boundary. Sumanta Deb It is a question of whether there are sufficient police boots on the ground to ensure peace, i.e. a favourable police-citizen ratio. I do not think the incidence of policing has increased in any significant manner since the early to mid 1990s when drunken brawls on Uruka and NYE was quite common. I remember a young architect working in Design Consortium, Panbazar (who had graduated from a premier architecture school of the country) was murdered on Uruka night inside his house compound after a mere verbal altercation. In Bangalore, successive police commissioners have vetoed the proposals of every CM and Excise Commissioner in the past decade and a half and have ensured that Bangalore shuts down at 11.30 pm, citing inadequate manpower to police the city if bars, restaurants and pubs remained open till 1.30 or 2.00 am. It is only recently in the past couple of years that they have been permitted to be open till 1.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Anirban Sarma I don’t go to any club or bars or anywhere on NYE. I’ve generally been with my wife, children and parents at home. But still I find clamping down on New Year’s party at 12:30 is something very ridiculous. I’m just wondering as to where are we heading. Suddenly all our steps are limited/restricted. All of a sudden your currency is banned. Next you are not allowed to withdraw your own money, even if you’re allowed than that too with limitation. And with the new denomination of currency which is introduced, people are just roaming around with it. They are not able to use it. People in many remote places have resorted to barter system. Now you’re not allowed to party late. I think a time will come where there will be limitations in laughing, eating, etc. etc.
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filmmaker has the capability to touch the emotions of his or her audience – to graze it or even to bluntly hit it. Telling a gripping story, editing the movie, overseeing a crew, directing actors and finally touching the sensibilities of the audience comes within the package that the job of a filmmaker bears. Bobby Sarma Baruah is a producer and screenwriter; her narrative content of socio-cultural issues through cinema across northeast and Assam has been highly appreciated. Born into a family of ingenious minds, Bobby inherited her artistic genes from her father Late Lakhi Sarma who was a sculptor, a painter and an artist of high calibre. The qualities that catapulted her to fame were also groomed by her mother who was also an artist. Oldest among three siblings, Bobby bloomed creatively under the encouragement of her mother Madhabi Sarma and learnt to sing and dance, participating in various cultural competitions where she won numerous awards. The filmmaker dabbled with her literary skills when she was barely in 5th grade, publishing her poetries in local newspapers. Ever since, she has been continuing her creative and literary pursuits. Bobby completed her schooling from Gohpur and during her higher secondary days, got married to Basanta Baruah, a businessman and a cultural activist from the same vicinity with whom she later founded the production house BB Entertainment Pvt Ltd. She went on to pursue her graduation from B Borooah College, majoring in Education followed by a master’s in Assamese Literature from Gauhati University. Balancing her family and her educational pursuits Bobby also attained a master degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Gauhati University. However, Bobby’s craving for creative excellence was her driving force. She eventually enrolled herself in the school of Late Amulya Manna followed by a monthlong Film Appreciation Course in FTII, Pune. Her debut feature film Adomya was awarded best film in spiritual category at the 13th Dhaka International Film festival. The film explored the sensitivity and emotional side of women. Apart from Dhaka, Adomya was screened as an official selection in more than fifteen international film festivals all over the world. Her second work of art “Sonar Baran Pakhi,” a biopic based on the life and times of the legendary folk singer of Assam Late Pratima Barua Pandey, Padma Shri, has been recently completed and is set to release by mid 2017. As director, producer and scriptwriter, Bobby Sarma
Baruah has made a number of short films, documentaries, music videos and TV serials on various indigenous folk cultures blending into one. She is also an accomplished poet and short story writer in Assamese language. She has also served as juror at the prestigious 14th Dhaka International Film Festival and Lucknow Children’s International Film Festival, both in 2016. However, Bobby never intended consciously to become a filmmaker; she rather wanted to be a teacher. Her stars obviously were differently aligned. Bobby’s career began in 2006 when she started making quickies for All India Radio. She also produced and directed music video films like Sontora, Sohoror Godhuli and Sohoror Tita Mitha between 2006 and 2008. Over the years, Bobby has made several documentaries and quickies based on regional culture. She has also directed a popular TV serial for Doordarshan named Jivan Jatra, various short films like Waiting for a Call, Deuta and Mirror, a thirteenepisode documentary on folk culture of different ethnic communities of Assam like Putapukhurir Bak, Kushan, Dhiniki Dhin Dao, Lagon, Alou Guyti Tolou Guti, Ural and Bishu. In 2009, she produced a stage drama named Maya. In the same year she directed a documentary film Santosh based on the postal features. In 2012 Bobby made quickies for World Bank followed by a 6-episode serial for Axom Sarba Siksha Abhijan Mission in 2012-13. Armed with her various experiences, the filmmaker debuted as a director in 2014 with her feature film “Adomya.” The movie is a story of a simple village girl, Juri, who gets married to an engineer from her village. After a few months, Juri’s husband dies of AIDS. At that time, she is pregnant and medical tests confirm that she too is HIV-positive. When her in-laws ask her to leave the house, she returns to her parents’ home where she is equally marginalized. After a few months she leaves for Guwahati to carry on her struggle for life. The film claimed the best film award in spiritual category at the 13th Dhaka International film festival and has also been screened at several festivals around the country and overseas. On her second directorial venture, Bobby said, “Pratima Baruah Pandey is definitely the golden feather of the Goalpariya folk songs of western Assam. She shed the silver spoon that was hers by birth and unhesitatingly mingled with the carriers of the traditional songs and came up with a repertoire which she flawlessly and soulfully performed at various forums. As a film lover I intended to capture the uncommon threads of life of this gifted artist who, despite being a girl child and being born and brought up in a royal family, braved all odds, mingled with mahouts, moishals and naworias in a rural ambiance.” Bobby’s love for reading and learning led her to further studies. She is pursuing her doctoral research for a PhD on influence of folk culture of Assam in Assamese cinema.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Lifestyle
happy new year, 2017
Urban Sketching
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any of us lead busy lives in metros or cities and most of our time is spent commuting from one place to another for work. We rarely have time to look at landscapes to paint. We may not even have scenic places to paint in a city. A way out or ‘hack’ is to sketch on the go or capture the interesting scenes in and around a city. Cafes, museums, malls and airports are full of interesting stories. Most artists who love to sketch urban scenes carry sketchbooks and pencils in their bags which they can fish out quickly to capture a scene. There is a Facebook group called Urban Sketchers which draws together people from cities all over the world and lets them post their work there. I connected with a group of Urban Sketchers a few years ago which led me to many interesting spots in the city. I especially love cafes and the buzz of people sitting round and talking or working, sipping coffee and eating. The sketch here is of the café in Prithvi Theater – the iconic theatre in Mumbai which stages quality plays. This café is famous for its celebrity clientele and Irish coffee. The Sulemani tea is one of my favourites. This sketch absorbed two Sulmani Teas, half a chocolate pastry and a chicken pan sandwich!
The morning hours at Prithvi on Sunday are great. Many celebrities bring their kids for the morning children’s show and the rest of the crowd comprises classy people with chic dressing. Prithvi is the place to bump into singers, actors, flautists and artists hanging around discussing projects or just sipping coffee thinking about the next production! Quite often, you also run into members of the Kapoor clan of Bollywood, who own this theatre. When I sketched this, the food counters were still empty as the morning food batches weren’t delivered.This is one of the most interesting places in Mumbai which I have sketched. Over the years, I have learnt immensely through my urban sketching - both about drawing and about the place. 2016 is about to end and Kochi Biennale, the big art show in India is on. Art festivals and exhibitions are being staged. It is a happening time and a good time for art. Many of you are buying Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Why not gift a sketchbook and set of pencils to someone? Who knows it may be a good start to the New Year! Kasturi Borkotoki Palette knife artist Human Resources Professional http://kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com/
recipe of the week
VAASTU SHASTRA
VAASTU TIPS FOR X-MAS & NEW YEAR
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his is the time for parties and everyone is gearing up to welcome the New Year after Christmas. With proper application of Vaastu and Feng Shui, these celebrations can be made joyous and successful. Since the main entrance is the entry point for energy, this must be kept neat and clean and well decorated. It is said that the gods of prosperity like it when the main door and the house are kept tidy. It is a Hindu custom to hang mango leaves inscribed with religious words on a thread over the main door. A tortoise in the centre of the house facing north ensures stability and gives strength. For entrances at north, avoid using red, purple and orange colours and triangular designs. Use blue colour and a wavy design and keep your wealth, prosperity and opportunities intact. The use of the cream colour is good
for northeast. To increase the flow of money, place flowers in a green flower vase or a money plant in a blue vase at North. Feng Shui believes in activating the five elements for success of celebrations like New Year parties or events. Flower petals are kept in a glass or metallic bowl full of water with a few pebbles or coins and a floating oil lamp or candle in it. Petals represent the wood element. Glass and pebbles represent the earth element. Metallic container and coins represent the metal element with the candle or lamp representing the fire element. You can see this being kept in the lobby of many hotels, shopping malls, etc. Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist
KALKALS OR KULKULS
KALKALS or KULKULS are prepared all over India at Christmas. They are crunchy, inch-long, curled or shell shaped sweetened fried dough sweets. Sugar and flour are combined with eggs, milk and butter to form a soft dough and then small marble sized balls of this dough are rolled on the tines of a fork or a comb to form a shell or a scroll and then deep fried in hot oil. The dough is sometimes rolled out and cut into different shapes such as hearts, spades, diamonds etc. with cutters or a knife and then deep fried in hot oil. The Kulkuls are later frosted or coated in hot melted sugar syrup.
process Making Kalkals is a time consuming process and thus requires many hands in its preparation. Hence a few days before Christmas, a separate day is designated as ‘Kalkal Day’ when every member of the family spends a few hours rolling out his/ her portion of the Kalkal dough. While one doesn’t know how the name ‘Kalkals / Kulkuls’ got its nomenclature it is probably because of the “curls” of this particular Christmas sweet.Mix the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder together. Add the coconut milk and eggs and knead a soft dough. Keep aside for an hour. Form Kalkals by taking small lumps of the dough and roll on the back of a fork or a wooden Kalkal mould, to form a scroll. Alternately, roll out the dough and cut into fancy shapes with Kalkal or cookie cutters. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry as many Kalkals as possible at a time. Keep aside. To frost the Kalkals, melt 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of water and when the sugar syrup crystallizes pour over the Kalkals and mix well. Store in airtight boxes when cold.
RECIPE FOR KALKALS (Fried sweetened balls of dough)
Serves: 6 Preparation time: 1 hour
Ingredients • 300 grams unsalted butter or ghee • 1 kg refined flour • 6 eggs beaten well • 2 cups thick coconut milk • ½ teaspoon salt • 300 grams sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • Oil for deep frying KULKUL RAHMAN Entrepreneur, mother and a passionate cook
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
Tech – Review: One Plus 3
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nePlus has come a long way in a very short time. It’s generated enough buzz the world over to make it one of the most eagerly tracked smartphone makers in the world. And it’s done all of this with a roster that now has a total of four smartphones. By striking at your value-for-money chords, the company offers its trademark flagship smartphone experience at prices that are nowhere near flagship-level. The newly launched OnePlus 3 is available for Rs. 27,999. On
paper, this phone is an absolute beast and appears to have what it takes to challenge the set conventions of flagship pricing. However, it faces tough competition from other smartphones that have already succeeded in defying those conventions like the Xiaomi Mi 5. The OnePlus 3 sticks to the same display size and resolution as its predecessors, with a 5.5inch 1080x1920-pixel screen that has a pixel density of 401ppi. However, OnePlus has decided to go with an AMOLED screen this time around. There is however a polarising layer that assists legibility under bright sunlight. Although it isn’t as crisp as the 1440x2560-pixel screens on
many flagship phones these days, it’s suitably sharp and will give you an excellent picture. Specifications The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC is finally picking up some steam, and is now on a handful of devices available in India. Not only does the OnePlus 3 have this SoC clocked at 2.2GHz for two cores and 1.6GHz for the other two cores, but it also sports a colossal 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of internal storage (non-expandable). Apart from this, there’s also dual-SIM 4G connectivity with support for both FDD-Band 3 and TDD-Band 40, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and
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Lifestyle
NFC. The phone has a 3000mAh non-removable battery, and is the company’s first device to feature some kind of fast charging technology. It comes bundled with a 20W Dash Charger, which charges the phone up to 60 percent in 30 minutes. About an hour’s charging should fully top up your phone even from near zero. The technology shifts power management from the device to the charger, which ensures that the phone doesn’t heat up too much while charging. We tried it, and it worked like a charm. This also means that it’s possible to keep using the phone while it’s charging without slowing down the charging process too much.
Qualities Of A Blossomed Consciousness
I
would like you to take these two words away from your dictionary - surrender and devotion. Both these words are very confusing. They have lost their essence and meaning in some way. And what is, is. Why do you have to label devotion? You have love, now you don’t need to give the love in your heart a name or a relation because then there is an effort, “Oh I want to be devoted, I want to be surrendered”. The more you try to be devoted the more you will feel you are going farther away from it. Everyone has commitment. When you have love, there is commitment. And love with commitment is what you call devotion. You have commitment, and you have love, and they go together. Now, let us see what is surrender? What do you need to surrender? Do you need to surrender all your good qualities? Your compassion, love, joy and peace? Or do you need to surrender stress? I wouldn’t like to use the word surrender. I would say -- let go of stress, let go of the negativity, let go of the small-mindedness, pettiness, this is all that you need to give up. But when you give a name to it, such as surrender, it appears to be very confusing or scary. These words -- devotion and surrender are used so much by communities of faith, that it has become a very big mess in the mind. Either we feel we have surrendered or we are so devoted, and this, in a very subtle way, creates self doubt. Even those who are very devoted will ask, “Am I devoted?” Why bother about all this? Your heart is pure and clean, your mind is clear, your heart is pure and you are sincere in your commitment, and if others say you are devoted, it’s up to them to say you are devoted! Do you see what I am saying? Today, words are losing their meanings. There are new paradigms coming and so some words are so misused or wrongly used. To avoid this confusion, instead of surrender, let us say - let go of all that you cannot bear.
Is this easy or difficult? Anything that feels like a burden, don’t you want to let go? Yes! Don’t you want to let go of worrying? That is what surrender is! Don’t you feel commitment and a connection? That is devotion. In religion, people have used devotion; in politics, they have used patriotism; it is the same relationship, isn’t it? What do all of them contain? Sincerity! An evolved consciousness has this quality. What is an evolved consciousness? Where there is no selfishness, no greed and no want. The wanting to grab something for oneself indicates poverty and an unevolved consciousness. When you are mature, there is abundance, and when you have abundance, none of these negative traits come close to you. Don’t bother if others think you are small minded, it is their problem. If you have not expressed yourself properly, you must express it. Express and ignore, educate and ignore. I think some of you have this question, ‘What do I do about the other. How do I deal with others if they are jealous of me, or if they are unjustly accusing me? What do I do?’ I would simply say, “Educate and ignore!” The quality of an evolved, uplifted, blossomed consciousness is sincerity. You cannot be a mature person without sincerity, confidence, refinement, sensibility and sensitivity. All these qualities are embedded in your consciousness. And as you grow, you will see these qualities simply start manifesting. You only need to have this commitment that I want to grow in my life. Again, don’t make that a feverish statement, “I want to grow, I want to grow” and run around like a headless chicken. Know that once you are on the path, you are moving ahead.
shri shri ravi shankar Founder- Art of Living Foundation
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Reviews
happy new year, 2017
Cast: James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey Deutch, Megan Mullally Director: John Hamburg vie Mo view Re
P
arents need to know that Bryan Cranston and James Franco star in Why Him?, a funny, if crass (and ultimately unoriginal), holiday-themed comedy about parenting, love, careers, and family. There’s lots of swearing (including “f--k,” “s--t,” “bitch,” and more) and some nudity (mostly backsides), as well as frank conversations about libido, sex acts, and more. There’s also plenty of brand-name dropping, as well as drinking, vaping,and marijuana use. That said, amid the over-the-top gags is the idea that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and that open, honest communication is key to resolving family conflicts and misunderstandings. And, although it doesn’t work out perfectly, the film does try to show an awareness of feminist values. Thanks to energetic, fearless performances from its stars, this often-crass comedy overcomes a pull toward
mediocrity. The five lead actors -and, really, the whole ensemble -are, frankly, fantastic. Too bad the script can’t seem to distinguish the witty from the cheesy, relying on tired cliches -- the wacky tech entrepreneur, the staid father, the same old generational arguments -- that feel done to death. Why Him? does deserve kudos for trying to inject some empowerment- and equalityminded ideas into the mix. But the execution is faulty: The film seems to contradict its own awareness of feminist values by incorporating more sexist ideas. Plus, it’s too crowded, with characters who don’t do very much and plot points that go nowhere or are just plain archaic, such as an exploration of conflicting generational attitudes toward technology. The title of the movie is “Why Him?,” your first indication that this raunchy R-rated comedy is far more interested in
the men engaged in battle across generational, emotional and socioeconomic lines than it is about the woman at the center of the fight. That woman, by the way, is a bright and bubbly Stanford University senior played by Zoey Deutch—a character of ambition and theoretical agency. But the likable actress (see: “Everybody Wants Some!!”) is relegated to functioning as more of an idea and a pawn than anything else. Anyway, after an increasing cavalcade of flatly crass visual gags featuring high-tech toilets, moose urine and poorly-timed sexual shenanigans, “Why Him?” collapses the way so many R-rated comedies do. It goes soft and nice and wants us to care about these characters who barely resemble human beings. After all, it’s Christmas. But everyone involved here should have asked Santa for a stronger script.
Cast: Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Michael Peña. Director: David Frankel vie Mo view Re
Anuradha Cineplex Noonmati 03612656968, 9954544738
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rief is a prevalent theme at the movies right now. Such diverse titles as “Manchester by the Sea,” “Jackie” and “Arrival” come at the difficult topic from wildly different angles—personal, political and otherworldly. But they all manage to justify their use of dead loved ones as a generator of not just emotion, but of understanding about what happens in the aftermath of such great loss. Director David Frankel (canine cry-athon “Marley & Me”) and writer Allan Loeb (the scribe behind such DVD bargain-bin dwellers as “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” “The Dilemma” and “Rock of Ages”) provide plenty of fancy window dressing, including a stellar cast and a fantasy Manhattan festooned with twinkly Christmas lights, pine limbs and dirt-free curbside snow. It’s a sure sign of over-compensation. Consider that “Collateral Beauty” features two Oscar winners (Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren), three Oscar nominees (Will Smith, Keira Knightley and Edward Norton) and a current Golden Globe nominee, as well as a likely future Oscar contender (Naomie Harris of “Moonlight”) in a pear tree. Even such secondtier players as Michael Peña and Ann Dowd carry some considerable cachet. Let’s start at the beginning. There is the Will Smith that we know and love, with that dazzling smile and oodles of manly self-confidence. He is rallying the troops at his successful ad agency by asking the pseudo-profound question, He spends his days in his office constructing elaborate mazes using a platoon of domino tiles, only to knock them all down in one fell swoop and start over (at this point, “Warning: Metaphor Ahead” should flash onscreen).
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
New Assamese short film ‘Joubone Aamoni Korei’
KALYAN KUMAR KALITA
A
new Assamese short film, released recently, has been able to garner a lot of viewership on social media like Facebook, Youtube etc. The name of this typical Assamese comedy film, directed by Anuprash Das and produced by ‘Youthzkorner,’ is ‘Joubone Aamoni Korei.’ The screenplay of this film has been written by Anuprash Das with the concept of Anubhav Gogoi. The story of the film
revolves around a rustic girl who is mentally harassed by a young guy named Joubon Kalita of her village. But when she complains about it to her father, mother, elder brother and friend, they take it differently and that’s where a comic scenario is created. The key roles in the film have been essayed by Nilakshi Deka, Jonali Das, Hemanta Debnath, Deepmoni Das, Abhijit Kazi and Vargabi Boro with a special appear-
ance by Writuraj Gogoi. The music, sound design and editing of the film has been done by Anubhav Gogoi; cinematography is by Anuprash Das. The dubbing artists are Kamal Lochan, Anuprash Das and Chandamita Pathak. Besides this, the production house of ‘Youthzkorner’ has already made various short films which have been highly appreciated by Assamese audiences as well as film critics.
happy new year, 2017
Entertainment
Manju Borah’s film depicts victims of insurgency
“
Dau Huduni Methai” (Song of the Horned Owl), a film by Manju Borah, recounts the effects of insurgency and counter-insurgency on common folk through the perspective of Raimali, a young rape victim. As she lies in an abandoned house, she recalls how separatist violence mars her life, that of her lover and their families, contrasting its intrusive nature with indigenous folklore and the immutability of the Assamese landscape. About the film: Insurgency related fatalities
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Gplus News
have grown to an alarming number in the north-eastern region of India over the past 35 years. Close to 40,000 people have lost their lives to communal violence and region based disturbances, insurgency and counterinsurgency operations, and fratricidal wars between erstwhile comrades of militant organisations such as ULFA, UPDS, BLTF, and NDFB, among others. The majority of victims are common folk who have nothing to do with either the insurgents or the counter insurgency operations. They have no use for a sovereign Nagaland, an independent Assam or a separate Bodoland. They are the poor adivasis, the wage earning labourers and villagers busy tilling the land for their precarious survival. Yet they are the ones who have had to pay the maximum price. The film has already won many accolades like the Rajat Kamal Award, Official SelectionIFFI Indian Panorama 2015, and many more. The film stars Reshma Mushahary, Jasmine Hazowary, Ahalya Daimary, Nita Basumatary, Ajay Kumar Boro, Tony Basumatary, Onjoli Bodosa and Thamfwi Dangra Basumatary.
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Events
happy new year, 2017
New Year Special New Year Eve
Parties
31st December
DEC 31 Terra Mayaa Time: 8 PM New Year Eve / Bollywood & Commercial
Greg-OWritaam at Brooklyn Blues
Evolution Nishan + Marc Romboy Residency Resort
DEC 31
Underdoggs Time: 8 PM New Years Eve Celebration With Bismil
DEC 31 Radisson Blu Hotel Time: 9:00 PM Grand New Year Eve Party
DEC 31 Xs The Place To Be Time: 08:00 PM Big Bollywood Bash
DEC 31 Ozone Time: 8:00 PM Countdown
Chiranjib Live night at Shanghai Salsa
DEC 31 Greenwood Time: 8:00 PM The Entertainment
DEC 31 Taj Vivanta Time: 08:00 PM Passport Republic Of Partying
AYOPA fashion event sees enthusiastic participation To provide a platform to aspiring models and fashion designers of northeast India, Assam Youth Organisation of Performing Arts (AYOPA) organised a two-day event on 23rd and 24th December, 2016 at Silpagram, Guwahati. The events were directed by the chairman of AYOPA, Raktim Kumar Das. On 23rd December, AYOPA organised a Fashion Wizards Mega Model Hunt 2016 where around 80 contestants from different parts of northeast India participated. Among them Monmi Bora from Guwahati and Lanutangit Walling from Nagaland were the winners.
On 24th December, the second season of Fashion Wizards Designers’ Battle 2016 was organized to motivate young aspiring fashion designers of Assam. In the contest Bharoti Gogoi and Pinki Maina Bora from Sivsagar grabbed the title of “Best Fashion Wizard.” Moreover, Joishnu Bhuyan from Dibrugarh received the title of “Best Research Work.” The collection of Bhargav Deka was awarded “Commercially Viable” and Kaushik Deka from Dibrugarh was awarded the most Innovative Designer. The entire event was judged by actress and director Sanchita Talukdar, renowned actor Biki, fashion designer Khalida Sultana and fashion designer and choreographer Prasantt Ghosh.
DEC 31 Residency Resort Guwahati Time: 6:00 PM Sunburn Echo Guwahati Contact: 9205101936
DEC 31 Dreamland Amusement Park Khanapara Time: 7:00 PM Deamland Presents “Experience 2017” In Association With Go Live For Details Call : 9435675243, 7002216352, 9864032378
DEC 31 Hotel Rajmahal Time: 6:00 PM New Year Evening With Dj_Mak & Djmarc.
DEC 31 Hotel Palacio Time: 7:00 PM New Year Eve Legacy, Nyx, Symphony
DEC 31 Sky Lounge Khanapara Time: 8:00 PM Year Ender “Unlock 2017“
DEC 31 Venue: Topaz Time: 8:00 PM Bring In 2017 With Bollywood
DEC 31 Kiranshree Portico Time: 8:00 PM New Year Bash “ Party Under The Electric Sky” For Passes Contact:- +91 8486000630 / 8486000620
DEC 31 Jashan Grand, Gorchuk Time: 8:00 PM Temptation Nyt 2017
JAN 6
Nibir Bhuyan and David Goldsmith during Christmas Eve Party at NYX, Hotel Palacio
Nehru Park Time: 10 AM Metropolis Asia - Carnival Parade
G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
happy new year, 2017
Horoscope of the year 2017
The Aries 2017 horoscope foretells that when you go to more places it makes it all the more likely that you will meet someone who you click with. Go with your gut when it comes to old and new relationships. If something feels right then don’t hesitate to do it. The Aries horoscope 2017 shows that you will be more in control of your emotions than usual during this year.
Cancer
The Cancer horoscope 2017 predicts that things are going to be moving quickly this year. So try to take things in stride. Don’t try to do more than you know you can handle. Make sure to think before you act, not doing so could easily cause problems. The Cancer man in love can use their romantic feelings to make relationship better. In general, just use your bursts of energy productively and try to have a good year. People born during this time usually have similar personality traits, which can make them stand out as a Cancerian.
Libra The Libra horoscope 2017 predicts that this year will go by quickly, but that doesn’t mean that you will miss out on important opportunities. You will feel like you have more energy than usual, so use this to your advantage! Try to keep your personal world balanced, but also leave some time to spend with friends, partners, and family. The yearly 2017 predictions for the Libra star sign says that you will have a great year if you play your cards right. Keep yourself balanced, and your year should be balanced as well.
Capricorn
The 2017 Capricorn horoscope forecasts a year where you will get time to do everything that you plan. In general, this year may seem like it is going by slowly, but this will make it easier for you to keep up with everything going on around you. Savor each day for what it is worth. The horoscope 2017 advises you to spend time with your friends and family even though you want to be focused at work. Take times to do the things that you love and you will be sure to have a good year.
The 2017 Taurus horoscope predicts that in general, you are bound to have more energy than usual. This may feel strange and you may not know what to do with it. No matter what you do, don’t waste this energy! It won’t last forever so use it when you can. Zodiac 2017 predictions for Taurus zodiac sign suggest this is the right year to impress your boss or friends. Work on your relationships or hobbies. In general, have a good time, try new things, and don’t be afraid to plan for the future while to still have the energy to do it. express your feelings more if you want to have a successful relationship.
The 2017 Gemini horoscope predicts that there will be slow changes during this year, which will make it easy for you to keep up with. Try to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. This will help to keep your mental health in peak health just like your physical body. Try to be as optimistic as possible during this year. The more cheerfully that you think about the future, the more likely that you are going to have a good time. The 2017 forecast for Gemini asks you to use your free time to advance as a person as well.
The Leo horoscope 2017 predicts that in general, this year will be a bit slow but this will make it easier for you. Take things in stride. With time feeling like it’s moving at a slower pace, you may also feel like you are able to get more done this year. Use your time wisely. The 2017 astrology for Leos asks you to do your best to focus on advancing your career. After your professional commitments, work on improving your relationships with friends and lovers.
The 2017 Virgo horoscope predicts that in general, your year will move at a slow pace, but advance at the same time. You may not feel like you are making as big of an impact as you would like to, but it will all pay off in the long run. The Virgo star sign 2017 forecasts warn you to make sure that you are courteous to your bosses, friends and partners. Your relationships are highly important during this time. Try not to let things stress you out too much in 2017. Always try to spare some time for the people and hobbies that you love.
Leo
Scorpio The Aquarius 2017 horoscope predictions suggest that this year your life will take a more serious turn than it has in recent years. While you may be bored at times, know that you can do exciting things without emptying your bank account. The sun sign 2017 forecasts suggest that the Aquarius star sign can also make friends with co-workers to make work a little less boring. Use your days off in a fun way to make your free time all the more wonderful.
Aquarius 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.
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Sagittarius
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The Sagittarius 2017 horoscope predictions suggest that in general, even though this year will go by quickly you need to remember to keep yourself composed as often as possible. Getting stressed out about everything will only hurt, not help. If you need a mental vacation, don’t be afraid to take one. Be kind to your friends and family. Don’t push your mind or body too far. Know your limits, but don’t put any limitations on how great your year can be if you play Complete it to your strengths. Take a photo
Pisces
The 2017 Pisces horoscope predicts that this year will seem extremely great to you if you take all of the right steps. Sacrificing some fun for security is bound to pay off in the long run. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to have fun when you know that you can afford to do so. The Pisces star sign should never forget to spend time with friends and family when you have the chance in 2017. This will be a dynamic, and at times crazy, year for you. Have fun with it!
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G PLUS DEC 31, 2016 - JAN 06, 2017
Catching Up
happy new year, 2017
Most shared story of the week 3.6K 122
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Brand Ambassador of Assam Tourism Priyanka Chopra visits Kamakhya Temple to take blessings.
Deepsikha Talukdar
New
Chic on the block
About Me Hello everyone! I am Deepsikha Talukdar. I’m 22 years old. I’m from the lovely city of Guwahati in Assam. Currently I’m pursuing my Masters from Gauhati University. I’m a genuine and fun loving girl.
Mojo My hobbies are dancing, acting, listening to music and shopping. Also I love to explore new places.
Route in the Woods I’m very passionate about modeling. I started modeling 3 years back. I love being fashionable. Deepika Padukone is my style icon. In future, I would like to be a successful model. I believe the key to happiness is having dreams and the key to success is making your dreams come true. Photography: Tarkik Bora Coordinated by: Gaurav Pratim Dey
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