G plus Volume 2 Issue 20

Preventing bone density loss

City marks the celebration of PG 16

Ali Aye Ligang

PG 21

Kendall Jenner Still Being Bullied By Models?

Page 23

VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 20 FEB 21 - FEB 27, 2015

PRICE `10

Nezone

CONTROVERSY OWNER to drag GMC to court

Barefoot Foundation

An initiative for the underprivileged

PG

12

Violators of With various media reports about the recent explosion at Hotel Nezone flooding the city, the owner plans to take legal action against GMC to claim compensation for the losses incurred PG 02

8000 cases

still pending

in Dispur police station

Building Norms Stand Tall

PG

11

WARD WATCH

PG

07

ALAKANADA WARD NO 01 PG 13 Poor road, drainage system, waterlogging

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Lead Story

Nezone COntroversy

owner to drag GMC to court rahul chanda

T

he mystery over the recent explosion at Hotel Nezone still continues with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) suspending its Kamrup (metro) unit secretary on charges of demanding money from the hotel owner illegally.

There is also a disagreement noticed between the hotel owner and Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) officials over the entire process of closure of the hotel as the GMC had sealed hotel Nezone on 6th January stating issues like non-availability of trade license by the owner. The incident has raised questions on the entire process of building permissions and the nexus between the middlemen and authorities who extract money from property owners to get their work done.

The claim

After the explosion on Sunday, some media reports indicated that the owner suspected NSUI leaders might have been involved in the blast, after they demanded money from the owner Dilip Prasad to persude GMC officials to reopen the hotel. The owner proved the allegations made on the NSUI leader about extortion by providing a video footage to the media where the NSUI district secretary and one of his friend were seen demanding money from the owner to manage the GMC officials. But later, the owner Dilip Prasad said, “Intensity of the explosion was quite high which made me think that there might have been some people behind the incident, and my doubt directly went to the NSUI members who came to ask money from me to manage the GMC officials” he said.

Later, however, he modified his statement saying that when he inspected the hotel more closely, he came to the conclusion that the explosion took place because the hotel’s ACs had been running since last one month and seven days. When the GMC sealed the hotel, the electricity connection was not disconnected, he added.

Prasad further added that to build the hotel he got Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority’s (GMDA) permission on 28th December 2010. The said hotel also obtained trade licence vide Registration number – 181/147 dated 20/12/2011 from GMC. The owner also obtained a permission for a restaurant namely Amrapali on the same date. According to the owner, he also applied for a no objection certificate from GMC for car parking facilities on 20/11/2011 and GMC sent a letter to the then city SSP who forwarded the letter to the local

“I did not know why they (the GMC) sealed my hotel in my absence. How would I rectify the issues if I don’t know what the problems are,” said the owner, adding there are 35 employees in the hotel and the hotel was built at an approximate cost of `5 crores.

Sunday’s explosion entirely destroyed the hotel’s ground floor and the hotel owner is consulting lawyers to take legal help to get compensation for the destruction.

police station for a report. The local police station had also submitted the report to the SSP but it is still pending for disposal. Prasad then said that he was astonished to know that GMC sealed his hotel on 6th January 2015 without issuing any notice or any prior information. The owner said that after 6th January, he requested the GMC commissioner twice to cancel the sealing orders through written applications but they went unheeded.

“I did not know why they (the GMC) sealed my hotel in my absence.

How would I rectify the issues if I don’t know what the problems are,” said the owner, adding there are 35 employees in the hotel and the hotel was built at an approximate cost of Rs 5 crores. Sunday’s explosion entirely destroyed the hotel’s ground floor and the hotel owner is consulting lawyers to take legal help to get compensation for the destruction.

The blame game

With various reports coming out in the media about the hotel and the nexus between the NSUI leaders and the authorities like GMC and GMDA, the GMC gave a clarification to the media on February 17.

According to GMC’s statement, notice was served to Nezone Hotel for non-availability of trade license on March 3, 2014. The statement said that a second notice was also served to the party on March 28, 2014, but

the party did not response. According to GMC, all notices were duly served to the hotel owner and proper receipts had been obtained for the same.

The statement said that after providing ample opportunity and due to non-response by the party, the sealing order was passed by the GMC commissioner under section 390 of GMC Act, 1969 on November 4, 2014 after which the hotel was sealed on January 6, 2015 by a team of GMC officials led by a collector in presence of the hotel owner and local police officials.

The statement also said that before sealing the hotel, the electricity connection was disconnected by the GMC team. After the explosion on February 15, the GMC inspected the site and lodged an FIR at the Gorchuk Police Station. The GMC statement said, “It has come out in a section of the media that there was a nexus between GMC officials and certain youth organisation in extorting money from the hotel owner. The GMC strongly refutes such false and baseless allegation made against the GMC officials,” adding that GMC has written to the Commissioner of Police to enquire into the matter and take necessary action as per provision of law.

The difference

Reacting to GMC’s statement, the Hotel Nezone’s owner Dilip Prasad said, “GMC is making false claims as when the hotel was sealed I was in Jorhat. I never received any notice from the GMC and if required I will prove it in court.” He further added that he will drag GMC to court for compensation of the losses incurred by him due to the mysterious explosion which took place in the hotel.

He also said that he is not scared of NSUI as whatever he did should be done by everyone who is approached for bribe.

Meanwhile, NSUI president Mrinal Kumar Hazarika said that the Congress’ student wing’s Kamrup (Metro) unit general secretary Manabjyoti Das has been suspended for indiscipline. Manabjyoti was seen in the CCTV footage negotiating with the hotel owner. City Commissioner of Police Jyotirmay Chajravarty said, “We are investigating the matter and waiting for expert reports to find out the exact reason of the explosion. If the NSUI angle is not related to the blast, the investigation will further approach in a different angle to find out the extortion charges. Firstly, we want to find out the exact reason for the explosion, and rest of the investigation will move ahead accordingly.” rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

3

In The News

GMC takes charge where PWD remains blind

KALYAN DEB

T

he culvert on the GS Road that remained untouched for several years has finally managed to gain the attention of authorities, with the process of de-siltation been carried out recently with GMC’s initiative.

While a brief spell of rain for about an hour is enough to inundate the busy GS Road and the by lanes connected to it at various pockets in the city, the PWD remained blind to the pathetic condition of the residence. Christianbasti, Walford, Ganeshguri and Bhangagarh areas along GS Road regularly submerge in knee-deep water, as the clogged drains are unable to carry the excess rainwater, causing problems for commuters.

“None of these government agencies seem concerned about the waterlogged streets till now. The drains at Ganeshguri are clogged with trash, making it impossible for the drains to carry off excess rainwater. The existence of the culvert on the GS Road was unknown until the recently implemented process of de-siltation was carried out,” said Chandan Saikia, a resident of Kacjharibasti.

“The drains are not cleaned properly and there is no one to monitor the cleaning of drains. We approached the PWD and GMC several times to appoint officials to regularly monitor the cleaning, but to no benefit. It is only recently that the drains were cleaned but the waste remain heaped by the drain itself for several days,” said Sanjib Sarma of the Walford area.

It has also been alleged that due to the authority’s negligence the city is flooded after every rainfall creating havoc among the citizen. Several areas in the city suffer from the problem of water logging due to the lack of proper drainage system or blocked drains and to prevent the same, the work of cleaning drains in the city is to be carried out by three different government departments.

Criticized for taking up de-siltation drives in Guwahati just ahead of the monsoons, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has assured people of completing the task of cleaning the drains of the lanes and by-lanes of the city well ahead of monsoons.

“The work of cleaning the culvert on GS Road is underway and since the initiation of the de-siltation project it has been seen that the water flow in the drains has become more swift. As the responsibility of the cleaning and maintenance of the drains on such roads is the responsibility of the PWD, it is only after the

Criticized for taking up desiltation drives in Guwahati just ahead of the monsoons, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has assured people of completing the task of cleaning the drains of the lanes and by-lanes of the city well ahead of monsoons. implementation of the recent scheme that GMC has taken up the responsibility of cleaning of such drains”, said MMIM Borah, Chief Engineer of the GMC. To check the problem of waterlogging, the de-siltation project worth Rs 42 crore, kicked off from 1st November 2014, would cover more than 2,000 drains of Guwahati.

The drains of lanes and by-lanes of the city are under the GMC’s jurisdiction, whereas the major drains are the responsibility of the Water Resource Department while the drains on major roads are to be cleaned and repaired by the Public Works Department.

Countering the allegations that the city is flooded after every rain-

fall, MMIM Borah, Chief Engineer of the GMC said, “The GMC has submitted an estimate of expenditure of Rs 42 crore to the State government for cleaning the city drains, which is a three year contract and the budget will be sanctioned in three different sessions. This year’s budget will be prepared and presented in the budget session to be held on March 2.”

“Unlike the past few years, the small drains of the city would be cleaned up well ahead of the rainy season. This year’s process of desiltation started from November 1, 2014 and will continue till March 31, 2015, which will also cover all the small drains of the city. The GMC will take steps to clean such drains, even though it may be in any other

department’s jurisdiction, since cleaning the small drains of the lanes is a must to check waterlogging”, Borah added.

To do away with the lack of coordination among various departments and government agencies in the de-siltation project, several steps have been initiated. It may be noted that all the drains of the city belonging to the PWD, Water Resource Department and the GMC have been incorporated into the de-siltation project under the supervision of GMC. The performance-based threeyear contract project would be taken up under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and executed by private parties. The entire city has been divided into 30 parts for carry-

ing out the cleaning and de-siltation of all the drains of Guwahati excluding the five major water channels viz Bharalu, Mora Bharalu, Basistha, Bahini and Bonda-Silsako.

The tendering process for selecting the private parties to carry out the de-siltation has been initiated by the GMC. The work would be monitored under a four-tier inspection process to be initiated by ward committees, magistrates deputed by the DC, NGOs engaged by the district administration and officials of the GMC. Meanwhile, following the desiltation process GMC has bought ten more JCBs which help boosting the cleaning process around the city. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

4

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

In The News

New Minor accuses Assamese IAS officer of film to

sex abuse

premier on TV

rahul chanda

Unique initiative to combat loss in theatre releases

I

n a yet another incident of the protector turning abuser, an IAS officer and designated Labour Commissioner in the city allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl working as a domestic help in his house has put the entire city in shock.

According to Dispur police, the labour commissioner, Chohan Doley was arrested and sent to judicial custody on February 17 last. A case has been registered in the Dispur Police Station (case number – 327/15 under section 376 of IPC, 6 POSCO Act and also a section of JJ Act).

N

The incident

According to sources in the city Childline, in a statement by the minor, the 16-year-old victim was staying with the labour commissioner as a domestic help since last six months.

According to her, there were three girls staying at the commissioner’s house located in Hengrabari Barbari area, and all three of them belong to Lakhimpur district. As the girls come from poor families, someone known to their parents brought them from Lakhimpur promising a wage of Rs 1500 per month. Doley stays with his wife and a grown-up daughter.

According to the victim’s statement to Childline, in the month of December, Doley’s wife went to Dhemaji for few days and the victim and other two girls stayed alone with the labour commissioner. “He asked me for tea, I took a cup of tea in his room, when he closed the door and forced me to do bad things with him. I declined and also shouted for help but he slapped me and forcefully sexually abused me,” the victim told Childline. She further informed Childline that when the next day, Doley’s wife returned from Dhemaji and she narrated the horrifying story to his wife, she laughed and told the victim that she would soon send her back to her village.

The revolt

Approximately two months went by after that incident, before the 16-year-old could muster enough courage to change her fate. She was scared and desperate as she was not sent to her village and she was missing her monthly periods. According to the victim, the labour commissioner conducted a pregnancy test which was negative, and she heard him telling his wife that there is nothing to worry about. On 16th

February, the victim with another 13-year-old domestic help ran away from Doley’s house and took shelter in a neighbouring residence. The people there handed her over to Satgaon Police who reported the incident to the city Childline. According to the victim there was one more minor girl working in Doley’s residence, so, the Childline officials visited the labour commissioner’s house to rescue the third girl, but did not find her there.

Both the girls were produced before the Child Welfare Commission, who directed the police to register the case and act according to the law. The police took the girls for medical test and later the 13-year-old was sent to Kalyani Niwas Girls Shelter Home run by Indian Council for Child Welfare while the 16-year-old victim was sent to Jalukbari Shelter Home.

The labour commissioner is in judicial custody now and the police is further investigating the matter.

It needs mention here that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 was formulated in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The Dispur Police has registered the case under this act which makes provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of the child at the hands of the judicial system. It provides for special courts that con-

duct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a manner that is as child-friendly as possible. Hence, the child may have a parent or other trusted person present at the time of testifying and can call for assistance from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence. Above all, the Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported.

144 children were rescued by the city Childline in the year 2014 from across the city for protection from abuse. Under protection from abuse there are various categories in which the children are usually abused, child labour (minors used as domestic and commercial help in hotels, dhabas, garages etc), sexually abused and trafficked. From January 2012 to January 2014, Childline Guwahati rescued 329 child labourers from the city working in various houses and commercial establishments. Protecting from abuse, the Childline rescued 122 children within 2012 to 2013 and 113 children within 2013 to 2014. In 2014, from January to December, 144 kids were rescued which is higher than the previous years. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

ational award winning filmmaker M Maniram has come up with a new concept to premier his latest movie on television before it hits the theatres. Maniram says as producers of Assamese films inccur huge losses these days, he has taken a risk with the new concept.

“I’m taking a risk to premier my film on television before it is released in theatres. No one has ever done that here in Assam. I hope if people like it, they will go to the theatres to watch it,” said Maniram, who is best known for his award winning film ‘Mon Jaai’ in 2008, said on Saturday in Guwahati.

Accordingly, his new movie ‘Khondhikhyan, the transition’ will be premiered on at least three television channels in the month of April. “I have approached the corporate bodies and they have assured me of their support for the premier. As a filmmaker, I have worked very hard for the project and I would want my work to be watched by people,” he said.

There are several reasons why these Assamese films do not fare well which include not getting proper screening timings and high rate of tickets among others, he said.

Maniram also rued not having a favourable atmosphere for promoting Assamese films. “Our filmmakers hardly get suitable slop for screening movies. Besides the distributors are not that helpful either,” he added.

‘Khondhikhyan, the transition’, is a 90-minute crime thriller which revolves around of kidnapping of a girl. Another filmmaker Bani Das, who was unhappy with the current system on film policy in the state expressed his hope for the new concept.

“The state government policy is very faulty which hardly helps the filmmakers. Mani has tried out something. I hope he succeeds but the way ahead is pretty tough,” Das said.

Earlier, Maniram’s film ‘Mon Jaai’ received accolades from different parts of the country.

British team visits WW-II cemetery in city

A

ten member British delegation led by the speaker of the House of Lords, Baroness D’Souza visited the Gauhati War Cemetery located at Nabagrah road, Silpukhri on Thursday. The delegation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) visited the cemetery and paid their homage to the soldiers from this part of the world who laid down their lives during the World War II. “The visit is an emotional experience for all of

us remembering the 486 Commonwealth servicemen who fought and laid down their lives fighting against the Axis powers.” D’Souza said.

The Regional Manager of Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) during the visit said, “The built by the CWGC during the WW-II. The cemetery holds great potential but not much attention is given by the State government to include it in the major tourist destination list of the state”.

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

5

In The News

Master sculptor dreads a swelling Luit for Lachit statue installation

G PLUS FEATURE

W

ith only eight percent left for the completion of the ambitious 35 feet high Lachit Borphukan statue, master sculptor Biren Singha whose hands are busy sculpting the mammoth piece, is ready to face the biggest challenge of his life-the mighty Brahmaputra.

In few weeks time, Singha will be shifting the statue from the safety of his studio on to a pedestal almost in the middle of the river. A rise in water level and torrential undercurrent of the river now awaits Singha who will be now doing the wielding works at the joints as part of the installation of the statue.

The statue will depict Lachit and his fellow soldiers facing the marauding Mughal forces in the Battle of Saraighat of 1671. The battle took place by the banks of the Brahmaputra River and it put Lachit onto the pedestal of eternal glory as it was under his brilliant strategy that the Ahom army thwarted the attacks of the mighty Mughal army.

“The river itself is a big challenge for me. I have never been involved in a project as overwhelming as I will be requiring true grit while carrying out the wielding phase of the work. I will be using ropes that will be tied over me as a harness,” said Singha.

“It would have been better if the statue were on the river bank instead of being right in the middle of the river. But nonetheless, it is an ambitious project and both the state government and the people of the state are pinning their hopes on me. I want to give the people the best and Lachit is such a revered figure that nothing could be compromised,” added Singha.

Sources at a department concerned said that based on estimation of the current pace of work, it

The statue will depict Lachit and his fellow soldiers facing the marauding Mughal forces in the Battle of Saraighat of 1671.

The battle took place by the banks of the Brahmaputra River and it put Lachit onto the pedestal of eternal glory as it was under his brilliant strategy that the Ahom army thwarted the attacks of the mighty Mughal army.

is expected that the statue of Lachit and eight of his soldiers will be seen standing on a pedestal in the middle of the river by mid April.

The statue will comprise of a 35 feet bronze statue of Lachit, eight statues of soldiers of 18 feet each and two canons with a length of 32 feet each. The soldiers and the cannons will be composed of fiber glass and is awaiting completion. The total size of the pedestal is 12 by 12 by 1.5 meters and it stands on a well of 8.5 meters diameter.

The main statue will stand four feet above the pedestal while the others will be placed below Lachit. The pedestal will be placed five meters above the High Flood Level (HFL) of the river and 50 meters below water.

The ambitious project was delayed due to fund constraints and high cost of materials and also due to the unpredictability of the river during monsoon seasons in the past few years.

“The civil part is complete and is awaiting the completion of the soldiers and the cannons. There were not enough funds in hand and it caused the delay. The budget also escalated and cost of bronze is also high. But we expect that it will be complete by April,” said an engineer involved in the project.

6

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

City

Transport body urges redraft of new

‘transport bill’

Mrinmoyee Hazarika

C

ondemning various features of the new Road Transport and Safety Bill 2014, proposed by the union government last year, members of the All India Transport Worker’s Federation (AITWF) has urged the Centre to redraft the bill.

According to AITWF, the new bill is seeking to transfer powers of the state government which include important areas like imposition of fine and road taxes to the central government.

“With the help of the new transport bill, the Centre is attempting to transfer important powers of the state government including provisions of fines and road taxes into its (Centre) own ambit. It will badly affect the states,” said Biren Sharma, general secretary, AIRTWF, Assam state committee.

Sharma also alleged the proposed Road Transport and Safety bill 2014, which is going to replace the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, is an unrealistic one.

“At a time, when the government should concentrate on improving infrastructure related to road safety, instead, it is trying to impose some dangerous sections of law prevalent in developed countries on the citizens of the country. Those dangerous sections has provisions which mentions severe punishments for drivers of two wheelers, four wheelers and other vehicles,” Sharma stated.

In the meantime, Sharma indicated that AIRTWF is not opposing other sections, which has provisions for drunk driving and other offences made by the drivers, mentioned in the proposed bill of road transport

“The new bill proposes to hand over the state government’s power of issuing fitness certificate to the vehicles to NGOs. There is a possibility that important powers and functions might be transferred into the hands of private and corporate sectors.”

Biren Sharma The general secretary of AIRTWF, Assam State Committee

and safety.

“But, we are opposing some sections mentioned in the bill which may led to criminalisation of drivers.

Because, meeting an accident is not in the hands of the drivers always.

The new bill proposes a fine from Rs 10,000 upto Rs 3 lakh and minimum 7 years of imprisonment to the drivers in case of an accident, whereas, currently the expanses incurred by road traffic accident victims is covered by insurance under the existing motor vehicle act,” said Biren Sharma.

The proposed road transport bill has provision of fine of Rs one lakh and four years of imprisonment to the drivers in case of accidents involving aged persons and fine of Rs three lakh and seven years of imprisonment in case of involvement of children.

“We have been demanding the amendment of the existing motor vehicle act and introducing welfare schemes for the benefits of lakhs of transport workers of the country.

Besides, in order to ensure safety and security of the pedestrians, government has to construct road crossing facilities like foot bridge, un-

Proposals of the Road Transport and Safety bill 2014 The bill proposes strict penalties and heavy fines for violating signals. The proposed fine varies from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000.

It proposes fine of Rs. 5 lakh per vehicle, as well as imprisonment, for faulty manufacturing design, besides cancellation of licenses for rash and negligent driving and holds both the manufacturer and the user liable. In case of using vehicle in unsafe conditions such as using a vehicle which has prior defects, violates the safety standards; a penalty of Rs. 1 lakh or imprisonment for six months, which may extend to one year or both, is proposed.

It proposes the creation of three lead agencies: National Authority for Road Safety, National Transport and Multimodal Coordination Authority and State Transport Authority.

It has set targets to reduce the number of fatal road accidents.

Strict penalties for offences involving children.

Unified vehicle registration system and registration to be linked with insurance, vehicle offences, and vehicle fitness. vehicle fitness testing and worthiness road tests for all cars and two-wheelers every five years. multi-modal integration of bus rapid transport and intracity transport.

Provisions for NMT and pedestrian bicycle infrastructure.

Emphasis on safety of schoolchildren/women/persons with disability.

derground subways, maned railway tracks etc,” said Sharma.

Moreover, the proposed act has mentioned formation of three new authorities- Motor Vehicle Regulation and Road safety Authority of India (MVR), National Road Transport and multi model co-operation Authority (NRT) and Highway Traffic Regulation and Protection Force (HTRPF).

The general secretary of AIRTWF, Assam State Committee, Biren Sharma also said, “The new bill proposes to hand over the state government’s power of issuing fitness certificate to the vehicles to NGOs. There is a possibility that important powers and functions might be transferred into the hands of private and corporate sectors.”

Sharma also stated that AIRTWF is going to organise a meeting on 21st of February, 2015 to discuss various sections of the proposed road transport bill in detail, where members of all trade unions, motor workers union and other concerned representatives and citizens would take part. mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

Church body demands judicial enquiry

E

xpressing concern at the series of attack on churches over the last two months, especially in Delhi, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), demanded that the central government should initiate a judicial enquiry.

They also urged the government to provide enough security so that such incidents do not happen again.

“The attacks on Christians and their places of worship have intensified in recent weeks. The council

demands that the central government should take steps to ensure repair and restoration of the damaged churches besides a judicial enquiry to punish the culprits,” said a statement of CBCNEI signed by its general secretary Solomon Rongpi and justice and peace secretary Atungo Shitri.

After vandalizing a church, the miscreants reportedly damaged a Christian missionary school in New Delhi. According to reports this is the sixth such incident of attack on Christian institution since November in the capital.

We are concerned that the fundamentalist groups have engineered conversions of Muslims and Christians in different places of the country.

India being a sovereign and secular country, the constitution guarantees to all its citizens with freedom of practicing our own faith and religion

On February 2, St Alphonsa’s Church in the Vasant Kunj area of South Delhi was also attacked besides two similar incidents were reported in January among others.

The council also rued the silence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It’s unfortunate. He should have issued a statement installing confidence and security amongst the peace loving Christian community of the country. We also urge the government to create a sense of security, safety and a new hope for all the minority communities,” it further said.

On the Ghar Wapsi issue, the council expressed serious concern.

“We are concerned that the fundamentalist groups have engineered conversions of Muslims and Christians in different places of the country. India being a sovereign and secular country, the constitution guarantees to all its citizens with freedom of practicing our own faith and religion,” they said.

Moreover, the council has appealed all the people and organization to uphold the secular values in the country.

7

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

8000 cases still pending

in Dispur police station

RAHUL CHANDA

W

ith the formation of city police commissionerate, the structure of police functioning has changed with various senior police officers getting extra responsibilities to check the law and order situation in Guwahati. As there are three police districts in the city now, every district has some police stations under it and G Plus checks the crime scenario of the East Police District while analysing the crime rate of the district, police station wise.

The structure Cases registered and disposed in police stations under East Police There are six poDistrict, Guwahati lice stations under East Police District (Dis2013 2014 Police pur, Hatigaon, Basistha, Charge Further station Registered Disposed Registered Disposed Bhangagarh, Khetri and sheeted investigation Sonapur) with a Deputy Dispur 2760 2172 2748 3158 653 2505 Commissioner of Police heading the entire Hatigaon 480 426 384 473 97 376 district. There is an AdBasistha 992 896 1182 945 377 568 ditional DCP under the Bhangagarh 285 346 231 345 91 254 DCP who has three Assistant Police CommissionKhetri 194 209 176 202 110 96 ers (ACPs) under him.

Sonapur 425 487 222 322 169 153 Two police stations are under one ACP, so, Dispur and Bhangagarh police stations are under ACP Dispur, Basistha reaucrats have made it their home Police faces a lot of problems and Hatigaon under ACP Basistha, in the area, it is a vital zone in the while carrying out their duties and and Sonapur and Khetri are under state. the most important one is the lack of Basistha is the second police manpower. According to DCP east ACP Sonapur. Every police station station which registers a huge num- Himanta Kumar Das, there are 17 is headed by an officer in charge. ber of case and because of all the IOCs in Dispur Police Stations and main coal depots established in the all of them are are responsible for inarea, it has a lot of importance. Ac- vestigating cases which are registered According to records, Dispur cording to highly placed sources in in the police station. But, these officpolice station registered maximum the police, the officer in charges of ers also have to take care of the law cases among all the police stations Jorabat police out post and Basistha and order situation for security. They under East Police District in the Police Station were recently trans- are also deployed for VIP security duyear 2013 and 2014. Dispur PS is ferred because they were involved ties, so, to dispose off more cases, the the most important police station in a nexus of forming a syndicate investigating officers have to dedicatin the district as it registers maxi- allowing banned Meghalaya coal to edly work on investigations for which mum cases not only in Guwahati enter Guwahati without following ideally there should be different units but in entire state. According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for security and investigations. Simihighly placed sources in the police, norms. After the formation of com- larly, the Dispur police station covers there are approximately 8000 cases missionerate, the behaviour of all a vast area, and hence there should be still pending in Dispur Police Sta- police station in charges are thor- more out posts in the area to cover all tion. As Dispur is the state’s capital oughly observed. Similarly, Hati- places.

The East Police District DCP and considered the most VIP area gaon and Bhangaghar report less in the state, the local police has to cases than Dispur and Basistha but said, “I request all the general public be always alert about the incidents even these police stations are pretty to help us in building a public friendhappening there. Ganeshguri falls important. Khetri and Sonapur ly police.” He further added that the under the same police station and it falls under tribal belt and registers most common problem the entire pois a business hub at present in the least cases in the entire district. lice force face is that most of the FIRs city, which makes the area pretty Acccording to records too, Dispur are exaggerated, so, he requested the important. The entire Dispur area registers the maximum number of public to mention only facts while is newly built and as maximum re- cases and the pending cases are also lodging any complaint and to help police investigate issues. tired government officials and bu- too high.

Problems

The cases

City

Traffic copS goes tech savvy to curb stunt riding

H

igh end motor bikes passing the city streets in full speed is the most common sight possible in Guwahati. Youngsters riding their mo-bikes and performing deadly stunts on city streets have been creating havoc and all the efforts by traffic police here to check these riders have so far gone in vain.

However, the city traffic police have decided to take the help of cutting edge technology to curb the menace. Soon the traffic police are going to introduce ‘speed radar gun’ technology here to put a break on it shortly. Initially, two such guns will be in action on trial basis in the city.

A speed radar gun, a small device shaped and used as a gun, is specialized to detect the speed of objects, especially automobiles. It sends out a radio signal, and then receives it as it bounces off the object.

“The gun can calculate a fast moving vehicle or motor bike’s

speed by measuring the difference in shooting and receiving the frequencies. The speed radar guns can either be hand-held or mounted on a vehicle,” he added.

The traffic department believes that with the radar gun technology, it will be able to detect over speeding vehicles and impose strict action on the drivers.

“After these guns arrive, there will be a training session too. Initially, we will focus on G S Road, RGB road and NH-37 where most cases of reckless driving are reported,” the official added.

Though the procurement of such speed guns were completed in 2013, lengthy and slow police modernization process was allegedly putting it on hold.

“There were no after-sell service for the gadgets earlier. It took some time to get local servicing facility,” he added. A speed gun costs around Rs 5 lakh each.

Fire safety norms rampantly flouted in city

D

espite numerous incidents of fire gutting an entire locality and causing loss of human sometimes, buildings of Guwahati are yet to be designed or equipped with all fire safety facilities.

Such negligence is so rampant here for over the few years that the fire and emergency services, Assam (FESA) has issued over 5000 notices to various kinds of buildings here alone last year. The notices were served to the owners of these buildings with suggestions to take adequate fire preventive measures in them.

What was shocking to find is that commercial places, schools and even hospitals in the city were among the top flouters of fire safety norms.

“Over 680 commercial, 410 school, 90 hospital and nursing homes were served with such suggestion notices to either modify their existing fire safety arrangements or to change the preventive models. In some cases suggestions for changing the building design or layout were

also cited,” said an official in the fire department.

Similarly some 77 laboratories here have also received such suggestive notices from the department in 2014.

Even residential buildings too have been flouting standard fire safety norms and measures while constructing their houses.

“Over 2010 residential and 428 residential cum commercial apartments were found to have overlooked these safety norms,” the official added.

It was revealed in the figures that the city based hotels, lodges and wedding halls were the most rampant flouter. “Despite repeated notices, many among them did not pay heed to it. Last year some 578 hotels, lodges and wedding halls were served with suggestive notices by the department,” he said.

Even 43 LPG, oil depots and petrol pumps; 10 cinema halls, nine shopping malls and four cracker shops were too served notices last year.

8

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

City

CRIME RISE AIDS

SECURITY AGENCIES

KALYAN DEB

W

ith the growing incidents of crime being reported in the city, various private security agencies have come up to cater to the growing demand for hired protection in recent times. The industry’s most notable growth has been in the past 6-7 years where the agencies took charge of responsibilities of both private and commercial organisations along with providing protection to property, assets, or people. Such agency personnel are also largely seen in events controlling and assisting the attending crowd, managing traffic and systematic parking. Apart from the business outlets, banks, ATMs, etc. the presences of security personnel these days have become a basic necessity for one’s safety of property and self.

The Scenario

Along with commercial hubs, the requirement of a security agent has also become a basic necessity of the residential complexes. Since the growth in the crime scenario such as theft, kidnapping and several other criminal activities in the city, people have become more concerned about their security issues. Since, most of the families these days have working people and several criminal activities taking place even in broad daylight, the security issues have attracted more concern regarding one’s protection of property, asset and self.

“Since most of the family members remain away from home for most part of the day so the people are more conscious regarding their security”, said BiplabSen, Branch Manager, G4S Secure Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Kangkana Medhi, a resident of Ashirwad Enclave in Survey, Beltola road while mentioning her concern over the security of her family asserted, “These days, incidents of theft are taking place all over the city, which is certainly an issue of concern among the public. Specially, in the residential complexes, the matter of security requires more concern, since during the absence of security personnel, any person can trespass in the complexes without being intervened. So, the presence of a security guard is one of the essential requirements of a residential complex.”

“With the introduction of the security agencies, people can be relieved since such jobs being considered demeaning, it is tough to hire one for such jobs. So with taking responsibility of meeting such requirements it is a more reliable option rather than hiring an individual”, Medhi added.

“A house-wife is the one who stays at home for most part of the day

and the only one responsible for the safety of the house and in such situations, the presence of a trustworthy security personnel is very essential.

Specially at night it is necessary for a security guard to remain alert”, Medhi added further.

The Regulation

The center drafted Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA) in the year 2005 encouraged the states to enact & enforce it.

A controlling authority of the state government provides a certificate to a particular security agency, apart from the trade license and labour license to run a security agency.

Adopted by the respective states the law provides a much-needed regulatory environment for proper functioning of a security agency.

According to PSARA, a security agent has to go through a training period of 160 hours after the conduction of physical fitness and medical check up, conduct in public and correct wearing of uniform, security of the assets, security of the building or apartment, personnel security, household security, fire fighting, crowd control, etc. are provided. A background check of the enrolling security agent, police verification certificate and gaonbura certificate is among the priorities that are carried out.

“The training requirements for the private security industry have evolved over time. For many years security guards were poorly chosen and poorly trained (if at all), partly because security guard companies who contracted with clients in private industry were paid very little for their security guard services. In today’s scenario contracts were awarded to the private security agencies based on the budget and requirement of a client”, said Biplab Sen, Branch Manager, G4S Secure Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Measures

Recent incidents of registered cases of security agents being involved in criminal activities have raised a question on the private agencies of the city. Though several security measures are being carried out before recruiting personnel as a security agent, several acts of ill doings have been observed in recent times.

“In such matters the security agencies take the responsibility and take required measures. The services of an agency are provided according to the requirement and budget of the other party and if any such activity takes place, a procedure is followed under which proper investigation is carried out”, said B.C. Roy, assistant

According to PSARA, a security agent has to go through a training period of 160 hours after the conduction of physical fitness and medical check up, conduct in public and correct wearing of uniform, security of the assets, security of the building or apartment, personnel security, household security, fire fighting, crowd control, etc. are provided.

manager, Omega Security Solutions.

“The recruited agents undergo an evaluation process during which one’s police verification is required and has go through a training period. To avoid such circumstances, the family backgrounds of the agents are also thoroughly checked and kept in touch with”, added Roy who is also a retd. assistant commandant, SSB. Biplab Sen adding further said, “Some of the agencies ignore the minimum wage of the security agents as per government norms i.e. Rs.180 per day and work in minimum budget, which gradually result in ill doings by the guards. Also some of the agencies do not follow the PSA regulation acts according to which an agent should undergo through a training period and should be within the age limit of 20-35 years of age and exception can only be made in case of an ex-serviceman that is up to the age of 50 years, considering one’s physical fitness.”

Major (retd.) Surajit Barman, Managing Director, Sun Security Agency asserted, “There are certain security agencies in the city that work for minimum service tax in order to provide their services, which is against the government norms and creates an unhealthy competition among the private security agencies.

An agency has to pay a service tax of 12.36 per cent to the government,

thus for a reputed security agency it is inconsiderable to ignore the minimum wage of a security agent.

Whereas, in the residential complexes where the requirement of a security although equally necessary as of a commercial outlet but due to the mindset created among the people by certain agencies regarding the service charges that does meet the requirement of a security agent according to the budgetpresented by the societies, so many of the security agencies avoiding providing security agents in residential complexes.”

The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) an Inter Service organization functioning directly under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (Ministry of Defence) in order to maintain a youthful profile of the Armed Forces also provides sponsorship to the security agencies initiated by ex-servicemen. The sponsorship that lasts for four years, directs the clients that approach the DGR to ex-servicemen initiated private security agencies in the required region. Committed towards generating opportunities and nurturing reemployment and entrepreneurship, DGR also assists ex-servicemen to train and acquire additional skills and facilitate their resettlement through a second career. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

9

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

City

WATER SUPPLY PROJECT KALYAN DEB

F

LEAVES GHY IN SHREDS

ollowing the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) tie up with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project of providing round the clock supply of portable water in every household by 2016, several areas have been facing a situation of havoc during the implementation of the project. Areas that are affected by flood are more of a concern with monsoon knocking at the door.

will extend to the railway line near Chandmari which is a larger area compared to others”, Das added.

Meanwhile, the restoration process of the roads after the water supply transmission of main pipelines and allied works in Guwahati, is the responsibility of IVRCL Limited, an India-based Engineering, Procurement and Construction, handled by Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Programme (AUIIP), Government of Assam. The value of the work is Rs 63.66 crore and the completion period is 24 months.

“The responsibility of the restoration of the roads is the responsibility of the IVRCL and a consultant from the department monitors the process.

Also in several areas it has been seen that people were driving their vehicles right after the road being constructed, which is a major reason of the degradation of the road condition. Moreover, the areas where the restoration process has not been up to the mark will be monitored on receiving complaints and will be repaired,” Das said, adding, “The lanes of the city

People’s concern Apart from the time consumed for the installation of pipelines around the city which is a matter of concern among the people, the post project restoration process of such roads has allegedly been not up to mark.

“The installation of the pipelines was carried out in June-July last year during which the well-constructed road was tempered with and the entire road was left in a very poor condition. After soiling, the road remained abandoned for several months due to which last year’s rainfall created massive flood situation in the area.

It was only in the recent past that the restoration process was carried out where the road was constructed with asphalt/coal tar mix. Though the process was carried out, the road condition was very poor and after few days the entire material used for the construction started degrading,” said Pitambar Talukdar, a resident of Hengrabari.

In areas such as Rajgargh link road and Bishnupur where the pipeline project is underway, it has also raised concern among the people.

“Since the implementation of the water supply project in the area, the condition of the road has worsened.

The project was initiated in mid-December and has not been wrapped up yet. While both sides of the road is being installed with water pipelines, the situation has deteriorated with traffic congestion throughout the day covering the entire stretch of road with a cloud of dust”, asserted Mahesh Deka, a resident of Rajgarh Road.

Authorities say While people raise concerns about improper restoration of some by lanes in the city, the Assistant Engineer, JICA, Arup Das asserted, “The installation process takes about a

Since the implementation of the water supply project in the area, the condition of the road has worsened. The project was initiated in midDecember and has not been wrapped up yet. While both sides of the road is being installed with water pipelines, the situation has deteriorated with traffic congestion throughout the day covering the entire stretch of road with a cloud of dust

Projects

Implementing Agency

Expected Commissioning in

GMDA- PMU - JNNURM

June 2014

JICA assisted South Central Guwahati Water Supply Project

GMDA-PIU - JICA

November 2016

JICA assisted North Guwahati Water Supply Project

GMDA-PIU - JICA

July 2016

ADB Assisted Assam Urban Infrastructure Project (AUIP)

GMDA-PIU – ADB

December 2017

West Guwahati Water Project - JNNURM

week to ten days followed by a process of hydro testing of the installed pipes.

During the process, the installed pipes are tested with water pressure for twenty-four hours in order to check for any kind of leakages. Such process is carried out since after the installation process, the roads will be restored with bitumen/coal tar cold mix, so repeating the same process will be tormenting.”

“Moreover, it takes almost a month for the pipeline to settle down after the installation process during which the soiling of the land area is constituted. It is only after a certain period that the road is constructed with bitumen/coal tar mix. Also in order to avoid pollution, the cold mix asphalt is used during the restoration process. In Rajgarh road, the pipeline

Budget 349.7 crore

720 crore

should be completed by the end of the current year ahead of the projected commission and the rest of the city should be by mid 2016.”

The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority has tied up with the central government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank for total funding of Rs 2,713 crore for undertaking four water supply projects, which will cover the whole of the city.

It needs mention that JNNURM is funding the project for the South West region, JICA is funding the project for the North and South Central regions while ADB is funding the project for the South East region of Guwahati Metropolitan Area (GMA).

10

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

City

STREET FOOD GOES TO THE NEXT LEVEL KALYAN DEB

S

treet food in the city of Guwahati upgraded to the next level with the introduction of food vans with a customised kitchen installed within. The newly introduced trend of food business is one of the newest of the western taste that can be seen in the city. Within a very short period of time from its introduction, food vans has spread throughout the city, having gained huge popularity and are able to attract foodies in large numbers. Several food vans have even managed to make a mark by providing their exquisite delicacies since the residents of the city are known for their love of affordable street food. But many cannot help being apprehensive, as the vendors rarely keep to the prescribed norms of cleanliness. However, over the past year, street food, more precisely such food vans have gained in popularity, even among the most hygiene-conscious of persons.

In the recent times, when street food would produce a picture of a wooden cart that sells popular street fare like chats, phuchka, chana and to the most momos and noodles, have changed. Such vans not just serve the usual delicacies such as momos, rolls, etc but have extended their menus to several other cuisines such as Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Indianwestern fusion, etc. Food vans can be seen in several areas of the city such as Panbazar, R.G.Baruah Road, Basishtapur Road, etc and vans can be seen crowded with food lovers for most part of the day.

The Panbazar area, which is generally considered a crowded one, has become the hub of such food vans.

Being near to Cotton College, the Guwahati High Court and the Nehru Park, people in the area mostly prefer such food vans rather than walking into a restaurant.

Moving Restro, a food van that has been carrying out their business in the Panbazar area near Cotton College has gained popularity among the students and visitors of the Nehru Park for the moving restaurant serves the dietary requirements.

“We have been carrying out business in this particular place for the past seven months and try to maintain proper hygiene in the portable kitchen within the van. The business hours start from 10 am in the morning and since we only carry limited quantity of food, we can only continue till 7 pm. Apart from students, we also serve the people visiting the High Court and the Nehru Park for most part of the day and during after hours we remain dependent upon the passers by who make a stop for an

evening snack”, said Pranabjyoti Das, owner of Moving Restro.

“Unlike the restaurants, we do not even a refrigerator since by the end of the day there are no leftovers.

Moreover, to maintain proper hygiene, the kitchen of the entire van is washed every day. Since, the food is prepared in front of the customers, one has to be convinced enough that the kitchen is clean enough before ordering the food”, added Pranabjyoti who always had a leaning towards the food business.

Rishika Das, a student of Cotton College said, “The food served in such vans is very cost efficient and are quick served to the customers. Being a student, I prefer having lunch from such food vans since the food is prepared in our presence. Apart from the base items, it can be considered more hygienic and also less time consuming and I can quickly have my lunch and carry with my post-lunch classes.”

“We also have variety of options such as noodles, rolls, there is also a different van that sells dosa so one doesn’t have to go too far to have lunch”, Rishika added.

“The food served in such vans are very cost efficient and are quick served to the customers. Being a student, I prefer having lunch from such food vans since the food is prepared in our presence. Apart from the base items, it can be considered more hygienic and also less time consuming” Rishika Das, a student Among most food vans in the city, Mama’s Food, a mobile restaurant has gained significance among the food lovers of the city. Following a trend inspired by a television channel TLC, Mama’s Food introduced a fusion in Indo-western food to the city of Guwahati and serves delicacies such as barbeque, wrap, taco, etc and brought several other delicacies that are only found in eminent restaurants.

“Being a foodie myself it has always been an inner desire to indulge in the food business. The channel TLC has inspired me a great deal to come up with the idea of setting up a restaurant on wheels. Moreover, while most of the

restaurants charge a great deal for such food items which is also time consuming, Mama’s Food is an attempt to serve the best quality food at very economical rates with proper hygiene”, asserted Amit Bora, who has also been a participant in Masterchef India.

“As a foodie, I really appreciate the initiative of providing such mouth watering delicacies. Most of the items such as wraps, tacos, and barbeques are served with the best of quality and it raises no question to how Mama’s food has been able to attract food lovers from throughout the city”, said Pankaj Das, a regular visitor of Mama’s Food.

“Street food is available at a mere

fraction of the cost of a meal at any swanky restaurant. Besides, tickling the taste buds, the larger quantities served is also a major draw. In fact, the only difference is the conditions in which the food is prepared and served.

In my consideration the food that is prepared in my presence is more hygienic and one can clearly see that proper cleanliness maintained in the portable kitchen within the van,” said S.K. Sharma Thakur, a lawyer of Guwahati High Court.

Documentation

Though such mobile vans have been successfully running their business throughout the city for almost a

year now, none of the vans have proper documentation or licence to continue their business. Meanwhile, the authorities have recently initiated a survey over the city on the street vendors that also include the mobile food vans running around the city. Divided into five parts, committees have been formed namely, east, west, north, south and central to carry out a survey on the street vendors and would provide the vendors with trade licences thereafter.

“Due the inavailability of a trade licence we did face some problems in the recent past. The authorities, after exchanging views with us, have agreed to provide us with a proper licence to successfully carry on with our business. I believe that every citizen has the right to earn one’s living and also we are maintaining proper decorum in our place of business. We take responsibility of maintaining cleanliness of the area of the business is carried out and also pay for our parking”, said Amit Bora.

“We recently submitted the required documents to GMC officials for provision of trade and food licence that is likely to be issued by first week of March. Apart from that, a tax of Rs20 is collected from every vendor

by GMC officials every evening for parking the vehicle and maintenance,” added Pranabjyoti Das.

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

11

Violators of Building Norms Stand Tall

City

KALYAN DEB

F

ollowing the massive flood situation that created havoc in the city during the monsoon of 2014, several eviction drives were carried out in the city. Several citizens residing on government lands beside the water reservoirs were evicted as well as those who built houses beside the water routes violating the building norms were evicted. During last year’s eviction drive, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) had decided to go on the offensive against violators of building by-laws and had said several big business establishments had been identified among violators of building by-laws. Yet several buildings blocking such water routes around the city still stand tall unaffected.

Meanwhile, in H.P. Brahmachary Road, Ulubari, a building constructed three years earlier has become a matter of concern for the residents of the area. The building that was faultily constructed over the drain has been a major reason of water logging in the area. The drain, which connects to Sorusila, according to norms, should be of fourteen feet in breadth but since the construction the drain, it has been congested to a breadth of mere six feet. The land previously owned by L.N.Bora had been later sold to Anju Shifani after which the present building was constructed.

“The building was only constructed three years ago and it can clearly be seen that the boundary wall has been built over the drain. The property has been sold several times after being constructed and is currently owned by a construction company and is still seeking buyer. It is one of the major concerns among the people of the area and one of the reasons of causing flood apart from the road condition”, asserted Akan Das. Following past year’s massive flood situation it has been alleged by several citizens of the city that the

In H.P. Brahmachary Road, Ulubari, a building constructed three years earlier has been a matter of concern for the residents of the area. The building that was faultily constructed over the drain has been a major reason of water logging in the area. The drain, which connects to Sorusila, according to norms, should be of fourteen feet in breadth but since the construction the drain, it has been congested to a breadth of mere six feet. The land previously owned by L.N.Bora had been later sold to Anju Shifani after which the present building was constructed. drive was completely biased and only the weaklings of the society were targeted, while refraining from targeting the rich ones.

“It seems that the authorities only eyed those who somehow managed to earn their living, turning a blind eye to such examples that stand tall in the heart of the city. In the first place, the permission must have been issued on accepting prodigious amount for bribe for which the people are having to face the consequences”, said Biswajit Roy. Meanwhile, according to GMDA, the permission of construction of the building was issued by GMC and any kind of eviction drive to be run in such matter is the concern of the GMC. “It is surprising that the permission was issued for such kind of construction. It is only after proper evaluation of planning of construction site, that permission is issued. Since the introduction of Building Bylaws, the GMDA issues the planning permit

only after proper analysis of the drawings and the construction site. Besides, since the permit was issued with GMC’s authority it is only in their hands to run any kind of eviction drive”, asserted a source from GMDA. According to the provision of new Building Byelaws, that was constituted last year, permission for construction shall be issued in two stages. Planning permit shall be accorded by Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) as per provisions of Master

Plan and Zoning Regulations in force and relevant provisions of Act, rules and Building Byelaws.

The planning permit, along with three sets of drawings, shall be forwarded by GMDA to Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), urban local bodies and panchayats, as the case may be, with intimation to the applicant within a time limit of 30 days.

Building permit shall be accorded by GMC or by other urban

local bodies or panchayats, as the case may be, relating to the issue of construction under the ambit of planning permit and provisions of Building Byelaws within 45 days from the date of receipt of the planning permit.

The new Guwahati Building Construction Regulation Byelaws, 2014, framed under Section 4(1) of the Guwahati Building Construction (Regulation) Act, 2010, is published in the official gazette. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

Weather report for the week SAT 21 February

SUN 22 February

MON 23 February

TUE 24 February

WED 25 February

THU 26 February

FRI 27 February

More sun than clouds

Mostly sunny

Sunny

Sunny

Sunny

More sun than clouds

Broken clouds

13 / 28 °C

12 / 28 °C

13 / 30 °C

14 / 30 °C

14 / 31 °C

15 / 33 °C

17 / 32 °C

12

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Society

Barefoot Foundation

An initiative for the underprivileged

KALYAN DEB

W

ith a motive of providing education to every individual, the initial project of Barefoot Foundation was carried out in the year 2009, following the implementation of the Right to Education Act where the right to free primary education for all was made compulsory. With an obligation to develop secondary education accessible to all, in particular for those in the rural areas, Barefoot Foundation eyes the goal of a country where everyone is educated, also focusing on ending poverty and social injustice. Barefoot Foundation is one such NGO which is guided by the spirit of social welfare and passion for removing social disparity by undertaking activities in areas like education, health care, poverty alleviation and self-employment schemes.

Educational projects Education is both the means as well as the end to a better life. Proper education empowers an individual to earn one’s livelihood since education creates awareness in an individual on a range of issues – from healthcare to appropriate social behaviour to understanding one’s rights, and in the process evolve as a better citizen.

Though the NGO has been functioning only from the past two years, the project of providing education was initiated in the 2009 itself when Sanjib Rag Dey did a survey on schools both private and government, as well as teaching institutions that charge ample amount of money.

To strive through the red tape education system and oppose the hype in the cost of primary education, Barefoot Foundation focuses on ending poverty and social injustice.

“In interior areas, the agricultural sectors are a major contributor to the GDP of the country but when we look at the education scenario, the students who go to government schools lag behind in their annual results when compared to those attending private schools. Moreover, such students cannot afford to take private tuitions where a tutor charges a minimum of Rs 250 per subject. So, in order to provide quality education to such students, honourary volunteers of Barefoot Foundation provide education for a mere charge of Rs 33.33,” said Sanjib Rag Dey, founder of Barefoot Foundation.

“When compared to private

schools, the students of a government school do not score better results for which, the parents are equally responsible since they do not keep an eye on the progress of the students.

Whereas, in our centres we not just keep a tab on the progress of each and every individual, but also provide a progress report of every student 15 to 20 days prior to their annual examination which helps us to work better on the feeble ones,” Dey added who initiated a survey titled, Talent Search Examination, through which the output of the government and private schools was collected.

Employment With opportunities of employment provided by the NGO, Barefoot has volunteers who with a zeal for public welfare play the most pivotal role at social transformation. The volunteers are paid an honorarium of Rs 4,500 per month. Through the education scheme, it has helped several youths to provide employment.

Promoting the project of social entrepreneurship, Barefoot helps in setting up of private coaching institutions by providing funds and several other requirements such as blackboard, desks and benches, chalks, etc.

“Institutions around the city are registered under the 1860 So-

Barefoot’s next initiative is the setting up of vocational training centres which will be instituted in the rural areas within a short period of time. Focusing on the women of such areas, the project will include activities such as weaving, embroidery, etc. ciety Act but are running as a business organisation whereas the act is associated for any literary, scientific, or charitable purpose as described in the act. Hence, we aim at becoming an emerging alternative provider of education against the backdrop of the state’s failure to provide relevant and quality education for economically and culturally disadvantaged groups. We also aim at providing educations to the needy, marginalized street children, making low-literate youth employable and empowering

women. Our volunteers are provided with an honourarium of Rs 4,250 per month to those teaching in our centres, which helps one to earn his/ her basic requirements and during the rest of the time, one can indulge in other activities for one’s survival”, Dey added.

Other Projects Focusing on the empowerment of women and girls, since this section of the society is disproportionately affected by discrimination and suffers abuse and violations in the realization of their rights, entitlements, access and control over resources.

When equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities overcome poverty, marginalization and social injustice.

Barefoot’s next initiative is the setting up of vocational training centres which will be instituted in the rural areas within a short period of time. Focusing on the women of such areas, the project will include activities such as weaving, embroidery, etc.

“The project is expected to be initiated by the month of April, where vocational training will be provided to uneducated women such as weaving and the same will also help them to promote entrepreneurship since the marketing will be initiated by

Barefoot Foundation”, said Dey, who has his career background in broadcast media and has also worked in several documentaries.

“Since most of the textile materials are either imported or bought from other parts of the country so it will create more opportunities for such women to come up as entrepreneurs as they will also be able to sell the goods at cheaper prices”, Dey added.

Located in most districts of the state of Assam such as Bongaigaonj, Morigaon, Golaghat, Nagaon, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Dhubri, Majuli and many more, Barefoot Foundation has over 400 centres throughout the state with over 500 volunteers and 60,000 students being educated currently with a belief that education is not a luxury or merit but is a right that every individual should enjoy and no one has the privilege to interrupt the NGO works towards an emerging and developing country. Since, child education holds the key to the progress of the nation itself, Barefoot Foundation commits to provide basic education to all the underprivileged children. Barefoot Foundation is a step towards creating awareness about the gripping inequalities, which have plagued our society for so long. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Ward number 1

13

Ward Watch

ALAKANANDA

Population 33,000 (approx) | Voters 22,000 (approx)

Contractors create dispute in government land meant for drainage

KALYAN DEB

Concentrated area Alakananda (West Lankeshwar) Ward number 1 Sub-division: 1(a) Councilor Sukur Ahmed Phone number 8876683245 Area sabha member Tabibul Ali Phone number 9864276286 Population of ward number 1 33,000 Voters: 22,000 (approx.)

Population of Alakananda 300 (approx.)

Voters 140 (approx.)

S

ince the settlement of residents in the area in the year 1995, Alakananda has been in a similar state and has been deprived of any major development ever since.

The road can be seen covered with a cloud of dust created by the passing of any vehicle due to the pathetic road conditions. Adjacent to NH37 that connects the Jalukbari area to LGB Airport, Alakananda is located in Lankeshwar and has up to 40-50 residents. The road also connects to Khanamukh village situated in the valley of Deepor Beel. Due to the poor road condition, transportation had been a major problem since the settlement of civilization in the area.

The lack of proper drainage is one of the major reasons of the poor road condition. Since the road lies on a lower bed than that of the drain by the highway, the same is one of the major reason for flood on the particular road.

“The condition of the road has been similar since the settlement of people in the area in the year 1995.

Few years ago, the residents of the area collectively took responsibility of the construction of the road. We collected Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 from each of the homes according to one’s convenience but since the amount was not sufficient to construct a proper bitumen pitched road, so over the

Problems Poor road, drainage system, waterlogging Councilor’s speak

years the condition kept degrading”, asserted Hemanaba Kumar, a resident of Alakananda.

“Also a major reason of the poor condition of the road is its connectivity to the main drain beside the highway. Since the road is on a lower bed than that of the drain, so it keep the floodwater from passing out. Moreover, the lack of proper drainage system on the road is also a reason for waterlogging on the particular road and remains logged for hours,” Kumar said, adding “Though there were drains on each side of the road that was constructed with the initiative of the residents, with the passing time both the drains got filled with the soil eroded from the road due to flood. Prior to monsoon, we ourselves clear the drains for the logged water to pass through. During monsoon, commuting through the road for

the people gets really tough. The office goers and the school students face the worst of such situation.”

Through a collective effort by the residents of the area, an application was sent to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) along with the consent of councilor Sukur Ahmed and MLA Hemanta Talukdar six months prior to the GMC election and again a reminder was forwarded in the recent past for repairing of the road and drain of the area.

Reciprocating to the application, the authorities had assured the development of the area within a brief period, but the resident still awaits any kind of development initiative and as the monsoon season again closes in, the road’s condition is creating concern among the residents.

Talking to GPlus councilor Sukur Ahmed asserted, “The road has been handed over to FDR (Flood Disaster Relief) fund which has already been sanctioned by the tender is being awaited. The below par condition of the area is in my consent regarding which the Flood Disaster fund was approached. Along with Alakananda, several other areas adjacent to NH 37 have been included in FDR fund.”

“A drainage project has been constituted for the cleaning and constructing of the drainage system by the highway. The project will continue from three to five years for proper construction of drains including areas such as Garigaon and Lankeshwar.

Meanwhile, some of the residential complexes constructed by the highway near Forest School have built their entrances over the drain itself, creating dispute in implementation of the project. According to them, the area falls in their property, which is government land and meant for the drainage.

GMC commissioner and the collector have been approached and visited such areas and assured to sort out a solution very soon”, Ahmed added.

Meanwhile, several areas have been well constructed including the installation of proper drainage system in the ward. Also the West Jalukbari Development Committee has taken the initiative of cleaning of the drain by NH 37 that connects Jalukbati to LGB International Airport kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Art

Celebrating Inclusive and Collective Spirits

North East Pride Walk 2015

Subhrajit Roy

A

year ago, a voluntary initiative sparked some young minds of the region to organize the first ever LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer) Pride Parade in the heart of Guwahati. With the same enthusiasm, later in August 2014, these volunteers organized the DIALOGUES: LGBT Film & Video Festival for the first time here under the banner of XUKIA. Such collective initiative has achieved a profound dimension when it celebrated the first anniversary on February 15, 2015, organizing the North East Pride Walk 2015 from Dighalipukhuri to Guwahati Club Rotary in the city.

This year the Pride Walk witnessed the participation of more organizations, volunteers and supporters across the country. Talking about the changing scenario of LGBTQ movement in the region, Pawan Dhall of VARTA from Kolkata says, ‘I feel very enthusiastic to see the growth of the pride movements in different parts of the country especially in the NE. The steps we have taken forward for our

rights, there is really no going back and we have to keep growing and involve more and more people.’

Adding more to this, Anindya Hajra of SAHRA (The South Asian Human Rights Association of Marginalised Genders and Sexualities) said, “I can only see that more and more numbers of people are joining, not only the LGBTQ people, there are more supporters, students, youths and other allies from other movements. This is a very positive sign, because the objective behind such movement is to break the isolation that exists and create more dialogues and conversations. Many of

us are trying to do such things in different ways through reaching out to student communities, film festivals as well as writings. I am here for all such collective spirits, which are growing bigger and becoming more inclusive.”

Among the local participants, Jahnabi Goswami of Assam Network of Positive People (ANPP) said, “As the Honourable Supreme Court has defined the third gender, definitely the transgender people should enjoy all their human rights. This way, I am hopeful that section 377 will go away from India very soon.”

Minakshi Bujarbaruah of XUKIA,

one of the organisers, said, “We all talk about violence on women and it is high time that women rights organisations, civil society bodies and others also address the violence towards LGBTQ in the region.”

As the law has restricted someone’s expression of choice, the parade had representations of law practitioner and student as well. Rebina Subba, a lawyer by profession, representing SAMAKAMI, Meghalaya said, “It is quite hard to work in Meghalaya on a sensitive issue like homosexuality, as being a Christian state, first and foremost, religion does not allow to discuss openly.

Eventually, as we speak about gender and sexuality issues, we start with HIVAIDS, which gives us a shield kind of protection. It is for the second year that all the NE states have gathered together for the cause of pride and united their voices for LGBTQ issues.”

Similarly, law student Bidhan Barua, who was in news for gender change issue, added, “After the landmark pronouncement of judgement by the Honourable Supreme Court on

third gender issues, Gauhati University has arranged special transgender quota to give me admission. Thus with the collective support of the members within as well as outside the community, many other things have to be done which can bring changes in the society and such a pride can bring changes in the mind set of the people.’

The representations from National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Guwahati episode of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) have always been behind this walk since its inception. In addition to this, representation from WAJOOD, Hyderabad was also observed this year. As Ruth Schaldach, a German research scholar of TISS, Guwahati brought solidarity wishes from Germany and Australia, Rajib D Mukherjee of WAJOOD encouraged the volunteers with cheering slogans. Similarly, Tilottama, who brought a twelve member delegation from Manipur, said that people have become strong and brave about their own orientation through such pride walks.

Parallel Stories, Unparallel Feelings Subhrajit Roy Many issues related to women are always focused through stage acts. In this series, Croatian playwright Miro Gavran’s ‘All About Women’ is a world famous creation.

Recently the Indianised adaptation of the same was staged on February 16-17, 2015 at the Rabindra Bhawan in Guwahati. Named, ‘Ahh!!!

Women’, a directorial piece by Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan was presented by his team D’Passion Collective in association with Forum for Total Development of North Eastern Region (FORT DONOR) and Priya Communication.

The play is the collection of five parallel stories depicting the changing patterns of women characteristics, in one of which three kindergarten girls who once argue over the specialties of their Barbie Dolls, support each other when one of them gets nervous on stage while presenting a song at the Annual Day Function. The characteristic of friendship and childhood innocence are reflected in this particular story.

In second such story, three friends who use to work in the same organization, feel jealous of each other at the time of their career progression. Similarly, the friendship of two exceptionally close ladies attains a point of uncertainty when a third

Ahh!!! Women woman comes into their lives in one of the stories. A mother can balance many things, which is well depicted in a story where two sisters are at loggerheads with each other over a man who was once the boyfriend of the younger sister and now the husband of the elder one. Finally, the character may not change although age progresses fast as three ladies in their eighties and nineties in a retirement home are also found to prove their characteristics of jealousy and quarrel over their performance in a concert in one of the stories. All these stories interweave each other and with the passage of time remain intact as well.

The cast of play include, Jula Baruah, Reeti Dutta, Nayantara Sarma, Rudrakshi Bhuyan, Saquiba Naseeb, Neetali Das, Roshmi Datta and Urvashi, in which all of them have played multiple characters. With her well modulated voice Jula Baruah impressed the audience a lot, while Rudrakshi, Roshmi and Saquiba played the characters of the kids. The music in the play is well designed by Promiti Phukan and the tunes of the live piano played by her give the background score of it a different dimension. Though minimum properties are used in designing the set of the play, the light design by Tapan Baruah gives it a multidimensional feel.

On the direction and design front, though the concept was well conceived, but much mis-coordination was observed in the presentation as five stories took much time to interlink with each other.

Although all these stories are recognizable with our own lives as the facts reflected in the play are truly universal, but at certain points certain important issues remained unfocussed in the play.

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

HOW DO YOU TREAT OTHERS? Robert Taylor

When others are angry with you, loving to you, critical of you, and so on, do you treat them the same? We tend to treat others, except those in a position of authority or power over us, the same way they treat us.

Let’s say you enter a restaurant expecting great service and a tasty meal.

The waiter or waitress is snarly and literally throws the food on the table.

You ask for a glass of water to go with the meal and they act as though you had asked for something impossible.

Our first reaction is to be unkind in return and also decide that they will not receive a tip. Is this the right reaction in this or in any situation?

Perhaps they have just been informed a loved one is seriously ill and in a hospital, or they haven’t the money to pay their rent and are facing eviction from their home, or they have a severe headache. This list could go on endlessly.

The problem we face is that we have no way of knowing what the other person is going through at that point in their life. Even the finest people are sometimes so overwhelmed by circumstances they act rashly. And who is to say we wouldn’t act the same way in similar circumstances?

The next time you begin to treat another as badly as they have treated you, try to put yourself into their circumstances. We can never put ourselves into the exact position of another, but it will help us to be more understanding.

By always doing our best to treat others as we would wish to be treated, we make things better for ourselves and others with whom we come in contact.

LEAD KINDLY LIGHT W

hen women lead the way, the others following them at a later part of their lives become all the more passionate to light up the paths of others.

The two words, ‘women empowerment’ has been a major topic of discussion probably even before we knew how important they could be in the larger context of the term.

Having said this, did we even know that the poet, the politician, Sarojini Naidu travelled extensively between 1915-1918 all across the country to counsel women and empower them in more ways than one?

And this is where I have the second strong connection with this lady of my admiration, the first being poetry.

Speaking about poetry, I especially remember having read Coromandel Fishers back in school and it kind of stayed in one corner of my ‘favourite memories’ chamber.

The Coromandel Fishers Rise, brothers, rise; the wakening skies pray to the morning light, The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.

Come, let us gather our nets from the shore and set our catamarans free, To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!

No longer delay, let us hasten away in the track of the sea gull’s call, The sea is our mother, the cloud is our brother, the waves are our comrades all.

What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god drives?

He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.

Sweet is the shade of the cocoanut glade, and the

scent of the mango grove, And sweet are the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices we love; But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee; Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge, where the low sky mates with the sea.

After visualising this poem, one is wont to fall in love with the words she weaved to portray the sea and its surroundings. When I recited this poem recently at a Rotary meeting, I could feel the collective emotion within the group of people who were listening in rapt silence to my recitation.

Sarojini Naidu, the eldest amongst eight siblings, was born Sarojini Chattopadhyay, in a home which wrapped her in art and culture and extensive discussions on the freedom of the country. Her father wanted her to be a doctor but she preferred to be a poet. But she was no less an emotional doctor for many women across the country, whom she met, spent time with, counselled, advised and most importantly, empowered them to latch onto their dreams. It could have been a dream like starting a small-scale industry at home or a dream to serve the country or a dream to get enrolled in school.

Patriotic to the core, Sarojini Naidu met these women and told them that no dream was small. Every dream is big. Every dream is one step to make the country a better place. And if the women take responsibility for the country, then definitely that country will shine in the map of the world.

A woman patriot, politician, orator and administrator, of all the famous women of India, Sarojini

Naidu’s name is at the top. Not only that, but she was truly one of the jewels of the world. Being one of the most famous perosnalities of the 20th century, her birthday is celebrated as “Women’s Day”. She was an Indian Independence activist and was jailed in 1942 for taking part in the Quit India Movement. She served as the first governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh from 1947 to 1949 and the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state. She was the second woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress in 1925 and the first Indian woman to do so.

Sarojini Naidu after becoming the President of the Congress party went onto preside over the annual session of the Indian National Congress at Cawnpore (now Kanpur) in 1925. In 1929, she presided over the East African Indian Congress in South Africa. In 1930, during the Salt Satyagraha, she was one of the women protesters at the Dharsana salt works, Gujarat. In 1931, she participated in the Round table conference with Gandhiji and Madan Mohan Malaviya.

A woman empowered to the core, Sarojini Naidu didn’t need a man to give her the space to become the person who she rose to be. She carved her own niche, standing forth in all her grace and charm to be a beacon, a light, an idealistic leader whom millions of others like me can emulate and follow.

As we celebrate the life of Sarojini Naidu on her birth anniversary on the 13th of February, I personally would like to dedicate a poem on this occasion

TO MY COUNTRY The purple sunset Cloaked, in her dark stead; Then wolves – Are they not but, the Follies of men?

To bring hyenas and Bats!.......Racing Towards the mortal?

Who is he (here) That laughs – without A tear in the eye “I” she whispers – But she’s mottled – the Jarring sound of chains Blotting the song on her lips She’s now banished From her loved one – but She was the one – for Whom, the war was fought!

T’was a bloody battle Ages old, Reminiscence of heroes In tombs?

Why? We are But gullible Flocking the street Mocking the democrat Wounding – The dead, the sick, Why? Are we thus so weak?....

Unable to pluck The thorns from her feet A shrouded figure Now creeps With bloodshot eyes….

Spreading the plague Thrashing the old And bleeding the young; In disguise?

A mother weeps In the hearth Consoling her child Just born.

tinat ATIFA MASOOD

15

Life

Wealth is Not Just About Being Rich

O

ne of the greatest illusions created in the world is wealth. There is so much disparity in the world. There is no reason why someone is begging for a piece of bread and another is wasting food. However, there are seven types of wealth: Comfort in material wealth The first type of wealth is what we commonly understand as material wealth. Just being born in Ford’s home, somebody acquired all that wealth without any effort. Why does this happen when somebody else had to toil all his life to make money?

Health equals wealth Just having money is not sufficient.

Some people may have a lot of money but they cannot eat well. They are suffering from many diseases — that wealth is nothing. Some people do not have money, but they have enough to eat and are healthy.

Courage to become wealthy One must see life as a game and should play without worrying about the outcome. But if one is afraid of making mistakes then one lacks the wealth of courage. And without that there is no fun in life even if the person has a lot of money. Someone may not have any money, but if they possess courage, they reflect wealth.

The friendly wealth The fifth type of wealth is friendliness. You may have the other types of wealth, but still feel no sense of belonging.That is what happens at most parties — rich people go to a party to show off their wealth, but feel out of place. Parties are like competition grounds or battlefields; everyone is carrying a shield. That is no wealth at all.

Need skill to be wealthy Another wealth is having different skills and talents. Some people write well, some good at debating, some have a knack for music, some cook well, some are good in administration, and so on. Some, put their maximum efforts to achieve what they want, yet they fail. Effort is not enough to achieve one’s goal.

Be dignified, be wealthy The world is full of lessons if only we observe it. Be as humble as the grass.

Then nothing can touch you. No one can humiliate you. Always, walk like a king and be a perfect servant!

Memories are also wealth Our memory only develops when we are three or four years and we start understanding things. The moment we become aware of our source of memory, and our infinite past, our whole life changes. It’s just like someone suddenly realises how wealthy he or she is. Immediately your style of walking changes. This is the awareness of the source.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Health

Preventing bone density loss

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s a natural process of aging, every part of your body starts to lose its vitality and strength. Your skeletal system or bone health is no different. Mineral loss in bones starts sometime around the age of 35 and continues till late in your life and this is not something to be ignorant about. Deteriorating bone health leads to osteoporosis, arthritis, joint pains and other debilitating conditions that could compromise your living standards to a great extent. While, you can blame age and general physiological process for this natural disaster, your lifestyle and vices are also accountable for the same.

G PLUS FEATURE

Here are few things that you can do to prevent bone density loss Get enough calcium in your diet: This is no news for you that calcium is vital for your bone health. However, do you really pay attention to get the requisite amount of calcium through your daily diet to improve bone health? If no, then this can alone be a leading cause in weakening your bones and making you prone to fractures later in life. Remember you need at least 1000 mg of calcium daily in your diet for better bone health. In case of lactating mothers the requirement is 1500 mg. However, never go overboard with your calcium intake as it could lead to other consequences like kidney damage, frequent urination and muscle weakness among other complications. Some good sources of dietary calcium are leafy green vegetables, dairy products, dry fruits etc. Try to get more calcium from dietary sources than supplements.

1.

Concentrate on acquiring other vitamins and minerals: While calcium is important for bone health and density, it alone won’t be of much help. This is because your bone health depends 80 percent on calcium intake and 20 percent on minerals like phosphate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, fluoride along with vitamins like D, A, C and K. In the broader perspective though it is believed that Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, however, the other micronutrients and vitamins also have a major role to play in ensuring calcium absorption. Eat a proper balanced diet so that you don’t miss out on essential minerals and vitamins for the sake of your bones.

2.

Quit smoking: Cigarettes contain nicotine and free radicals that make the bones weak and prone to

from bones that happens due to excessive intake of animal rich protein.

Hence, having a balanced diet is imperative in preventing bone density loss.

6.

bone damage. In women, smoking affects the hormonal activities in addition to reducing bone density and hence leading to osteoporosis. Smoking increases the production of two proteins that stimulate the production of osteoclasts, cells that break down bones. This also causes osteoporosis and weakening of the bones.

Smoking restricts blood flow to bones by blocking small arteries, resulting in weaker bones. A study has also indicated that constant smoking could increase risk of hip fracture by 31 percent in women and 40 percent in men.

3.

Reduce alcohol intake: Heavy consumption of alcohol interferes with Vitamin D metabolism and absorption of calcium by the bones.

Moreover, liver function in alcoholics gets impaired, which further reduces Vitamin D levels in the body.

It also decreases estrogen and testosterone levels in humans, which leads to osteoporosis. Occasional drinking doesn’t have such severe consequences on bone health as chronic drinking.

Heavy consumption of alcohol interferes with Vitamin D metabolism and absorption of calcium by the bones.

Moreover, liver function in alcoholics gets impaired, which further reduces Vitamin D levels in the body.

4.

Say no to caffeinated drinks: In a study conducted by the Swedish Department of Toxicology’s National Food Administration, researchers found that women who drank 330 mg of caffeine or more a day had an increased risk of bone fractures.

Another study also showed that

Opt for resistance training: Exercises go in a long way to ensure strong bones and improve bone mass density. However, this doesn’t mean taking a stroll in the park everyday of your life. It is weight-bearing exercises that work against gravity is what makes your joints and bones stronger ensuring bone mass density. Brisk walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs and weight training all aid to better bone health and aid in building bone mass density. A study concluded that when such activities were encouraged in childhood it lead to better bone health in adulthood and reduced the chances of osteoporosis and fractures. consumption of diet colas and soda could also interfere with bone health and lead to osteoporosis. The source of caffeine was also important while establishing a connection with bone density loss. However, it is essential to keep in mind that caffeine intake alone doesn’t affect bone health. Low calcium intake along with continuous caffeine intake would erode bone health adversely.

5.

Check your protein intake: Protein is important for muscle health and aids in building bone health too, however, too much of protein in your diet, especially animal protein, is detrimental towards bone health. This is because too much protein in the diet releases a chemical with acidic properties called sulfate, which is neutralised, by bone citrate and carbonate leading to bone density loss. However, other nutrients in foods can help in protein metabolism without bone density loss. For instance, high potassium levels in plant protein-rich foods, such as legumes and grains, will decrease calcium extraction

7.

Balance your vitamin intake: While the retinol in Vitamin A is also crucial in bone development however too much of it can interfere with Vitamin D absorption and ruin your bone health. A study published in Nurses Health Study II, found that women taking vitamin A in doses exceeding 3,000 mg a day were twice more likely to suffer a hip fracture than women who take 1,500 mg or less a day. However, this was more prominent with Vitamin A consumption from dietary supplements and animal sources as liver, egg yolks, meat etc., while Vitamin A from plant sources were not linked with any negative impact on bone health.

8.

Check your sodium intake: Excessive salt in your diet can be damaging to your health and your bones too. Sodium in your salt leads to excretion of calcium through perspiration and urine thereby making your bones go weak and rob them off their strength.

HEALTH TIP Eat more white meat than red meat. White meat is not just chicken. Turkey is an excellent low fat white meat.

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

17

Entertainment

Malaika adds oomph to ‘Farah Ki Daawat’

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ctress-producer Malaika Arora Khan surprised everyone with her moves in the kitchen and dedication on TV show `Farah Ki Daawat`.

The actress on Tuesday shot for an episode of the food-based chat show, which will be hosted by filmmaker Farah Khan.

The 50-year-old filmmaker has brought in all her friends from the tinsel town to show their culinary skills.

Actors like Abhishek Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood have already treated Farah by laying out sumptuous meals.

Bollywood’s beloved onscreen and off-screen couple Genelia D’Souza and Riteish Deshmukh also became a part of Farah’s culinary journey, which will be aired on Colors channel starting February 22.

Irrfan walks out on being asked a question about Nawazuddin Siddiqui

T

here have been rumours of a cold war between Irrfan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui since their last outing together, ‘The Lunchbox’.

Though both have denied any kind of friction, the former’s reaction to a question on his contemporary has set the gossip mills buzzing again.

A source says, “Irrfan is busy promoting his upcoming film, ‘Qissa’, and during an interview with a television channel, he was asked about clashing with Nawaz at the box office. He asked the reporter to stick to questions about the film. When the same question was posed again, he stormed out of the room in a huff.”

Another insider maintains that the actor did not lose his cool, but simply decided not to continue the interview. “Post a point when the reporter did not stop asking that one question, Irrfan said ‘thanks’ and walked out of the interview,” adds the source.

SANSKRITI 2015 CONCLUDED Date: 16/01/15 Venue: Shipgram Asian Institute of Management and Technology, Guwahati, successfully organised its annual intercollege extravaganza Sanskriti 2015 on February 14th and 15th respectively at Shilpagram. The most awaited event was started off by lighting of the lamp by Prof. Dr Niren Deka, Principal of Asian Institutions followed by a chorus by the students of the institution. The event witnessed a large number of students from different colleges and other educational institutions competiting in Quiz, Debate, Dance, Rock show, Fashion show, Paintings and Sketch as well as Mr. Sanskriti and Miss Sanskriti of the year. Mr. Mrinmay Gayan of NERIM, Guwahati and Miss Karnavi Dev of Dispur College bagged the title of Mr. As well as Miss Sanskriti 2015 for this year. The main attraction of this two day event was the live performance of VH1 Supersonic featuring DJ Gurbax and popular metal band Demonic Resurrection.

‘Humshakals’, ‘Action Jackson’ lead Golden Kela Awards nominations

F

ilmmaker Sajid Khan’s 2014 film `Humshakals` is leading the 7th Annual Golden Kela Awards with five nominations, while Prabhudheva’s `Action Jackson` has bagged four nominations.

The awards are an Indian version of the Golden Raspberry Awards, which take place in the US. This year, the Golden Kela Awards will honour the worst of Bollywood films released during 2014.

Multi-starrer comedy film `Humshakals`, which starred Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Bipasha Basu, Ram Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia and Esha Gupta in pivotal roles, is nominated for Worst Film, Worst Director (Sajid Khan) and Worst Actor (Saif), as well the Most Atrocious Lyrics and the ‘Baawra Ho Gaya Hai

Ke’ Award.

Ajay Devgn-Sonakshi Sinhastarrer action masala film `Action Jackson` is also nominated for the Worst Film and for the Worst Director category, apart from Worst Actor and Worst Actress.

Apart from `Humshakals` and `Action Jackson`, other films in the Worst Film category are Salman Khan-starrer `Kick`, Hrithik Roshan-starrer `Bang Bang!` and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer `Happy New Year`.

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Reviews

e m ase a G le re

ie w e Mov vi e r Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vinay Pathak Director: Sriram Raghavan

S

riram Raghavan’s new film’s title comes with a helpful tip for audiences. The censor certificate preceding the actual film informs us that it’s titled Badlapur: Don’t Miss The Beginning. The tagline is a critically important detail.

The first 10-odd minutes of Badlapur are beautifully-crafted. A simple, everyday street scene takes on terrifying proportions. Taut with tension, unpredictable and dramatic, it’s a powerful opening sequence.

It’s also the prelude to a letdown because it turns out that’s all Badlapur has: a superb beginning. Almost everything that follows is missable.

Inspired by a real-life incident, Badlapur is about two men who are haunted by a crime that one of them committed. Raghu (Varun Dhawan) is an advertising executive with a picture perfect life that is savaged unexpectedly when his wife (Yami Gautam) and son encounter the bank robber Liak (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Two things appear to be constant over the next 15 years: Raghu’s violent grief and Liak’s sly cheekiness.

However, there are actually many twists in this tale. Whether it’s the prostitute Jhimli (Huma Qureshi) or the inspector in charge of Liak’s case (Kumud Mishra), no one in Badlapur is quite what they seem. The two exceptions are Yami Gautam and Radhika Apte’s characters. They’re the two good wives of Badlapur and both pay dearly for their untwisted simplicity. It’s interesting that both of them do what they do selflessly, in order to protect the ones they love — one tries to protect her son; the other, her husband. But in face of the adrenaline rush of violence, their love stands no chance.

In fact, all of Badlapur feels vaguely familiar because the aesthetic and storytelling are so heavily inspired by modern Korean noir, in which everyday people reveal them-

selves to be capable of extraordinary cruelty. What Badlapur lacks, however, is their tautness. By the time interval strikes, you realise you’ve spent the better part of an hour watching a plot that doesn’t progress because it wants to unveil a grand surprise to the audience in the second half.

The tempo does pick up after the interval, but at the expense of logic and it isn’t enough to whip up our flagging interest in Raghu and Liak. Part of the problem is that there is no tension in Badlapur. Liak and Raghu circle each other from safe distances. There’s no threat to Liak’s life or to that of anyone he cares about. Raghu’s actions become increasingly illogical and his motivations become difficult to fathom.

The last part is intentional, but it doesn’t help to hold the attention of an audience that cares less and less for Raghu.

Logic in general goes down the drain as Badlapur progresses.

For instance, why would a well todo businessman (with no apparent criminal connection) not turn to the police when he’s threatened by a random stranger who makes crazy eyes and ignores a delicious pomfret dish?

Given the man runs a successful restaurant, it’s impossible he doesn’t have friends among the local police.

Does it make sense that a man would stash Rs 2.5 crores in an unsealed vat, in a warehouse that (presumably) has hundreds of people working in it? At one point in the film, the police claims to have enough evidence (including DNA) to make an arrest, but they ignore all that because someone else comes forward and admits to the crime. What is this place where it doesn’t strike the police that their evidence is enough to prove the confession is false?

The answer is in the name: it’s Badlapur. And if you do see the film, don’t miss the beginning. Really.

RUGBY 15

W

hile Martin Johnson was managing the England rugby team, the press frequently criticised the total absence of flair in his side. Fear of failure, they suggested, was stifling England’s ambition. Considering this, Rugby 15 must have been belched into existence for the express purpose of tormenting Johnson. This is a game where any attack - no matter how creative, deft or fleet of foot - can be smothered with a single tackle.

Because you’re smart, you’ll already have gathered that this is not the rugby game we’ve been waiting for. There’s little excuse for it being this poor. Despite apparent complexities, rugby is simpler than people think: a numbers game based on territory, possession and space. The complicated bit happens at the breakdown, when a player is

tackled and teams try to shove each other off the ball. It’s the defining element of Rugby Union. And it’s the bit that Rugby 15 gets monstrously wrong.

There are so many other things I haven’t had time to talk about: passing is erratic and imprecise.

Multiplayer games are a muddled nightmare, whether competitive or cooperative - I played it with a fellow rugby fan and it actually made him angry. Running sideways is more effective than running straight. There’s no online mode. Worse still, it’s full of bugs.

The worst example? After grounding the ball for a try, play would often continue. My player would then clamber to his feet and run the ball dead, like Forrest Gump without the chocolates, joy or whimsical, elegiac exploration of modern American history. Preposterous.

u D YoOULen SHList Album name: ‘Vestiges & Claws’ Artist: Jose Gonzalez

E

ver since his transfixing 2005 cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats” earned him an international following, Swedish troubadour Jose Gonzalez has developed one of the most recognizable sounds in indie rock. His voice is a singular instrument, warm and textured, like a soft leather glove rubbing against skin, and he complements it with circular melodies played on a custom-tuned guitar, working in the astral-folkie vernacular explored by John Fahey, John Martyn and, of course, Nick Drake.

But fans of “Heartbeats” may be disappointed to find that Gonzalez’s third solo record, Vestiges & Claws, his first solo set since 2007’s In Our Nature, houses some of his least tuneful material to date. The 36-year-old is no stranger to melody; “Stay Alive,” his contribution to the film soundtrack to 2013’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, is drenched in it. But Vestiges & Claws is a study in restraint.

I Will Go with You: The Flight of a Lifetime Artist: Priya Kumar

I u D YoOUL ad SH Re

Will Go with You is a journey to the end of life and the beginning of a brand new eternity. Take your seat aboard SK502 on row 26 among four evolved souls, who through their life and living take you through an escapade that will change the way you see your own life - forever.

The story is a fast paced adventure aboard a flight with a pilot who has decided to end his life by committing suicide, endangering every passenger on board. Every twist and turn leaves you gasping.

On another level, the book brings you face to face with questions that linger in your consciousness long after you have turned the last page.

Come aboard a suspense filled drama of life and death woven by master storyteller Priya Kumar as she takes you on a ride that you will never forget.

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Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazar)

Daily at 11.00 AM, 2.00, 5.00& 8.00 PM

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Daily at 11.00 AM, 2.00, 5.00& 8.00 PM

Daily at 2.30 & 8.30 PM

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

19

Tech Watch

Microsoft makes Lumia 435 and 532 official in India

M

icrosoft just launched two of its newest smartphones in India. The two devices include the Lumia 435 and Lumia 532 devices, which have been priced at Rs. 5,999 and Rs. 6,499 respectively. The specifications of the devices put them in the thick of things, in the budget segment in India.

Oppo R5 Gilded Limited Edition to be available in India

O

ppo has just announced OPPO R5 Gilded Limited Edition for the Indian market. The smartphone is made available in the market from 20th February onwards at a price of Rs. 29,990. There are 10,000 units of the smartphone available globally. The smartphone is available across India only through pre-booking.

The OPPO R5 Gilded Limited Edition includes gold frame, keeps R5’s ergonomic and ultra-thin stainless steel frame.

According to Mr. Tom Lu, CEO, OPPO India, “This phone has been developed with the end user in mind.

We used cutting edge manufacturing techniques to create a phone that fits perfectly into the users’ hands, and that feels incredible. The gold frame has been forged nine times and then finished by hand to give a perfect sheen and feel. It has a quality that is

Apple bags patent for virtual reality headset

not available anywhere else in the industry. The R5, like the rest of the R series delivers a truly stylish, exquisite and distinctive design and will continue to delight our customers with its innovative yet practical functions.”

The Oppo R5 is an ultra thin phone measuring 4.85mm, slightly bigger than Vivo’s X5MAX (4.7mm).

The smartphone has a 5.2-inch

AMOLED full HD display. The phone sports a 13MP rear camera with Sony Exmor IMX214 BSI sensor and 5MP front-facing camera.

The smartphone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat along with custom ColorOS 2.0. It comes with 16GB internal storage. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB. It is powered by a 2000 mAh battery.

Vu launches new LED TVs

How to get rid of unwanted popups ads

I

t usually happens a lot time that whenever you browse/ visit some website(s) you get an unwanted ad popup which is very annoying and it some times redirect you to some other site which have some unwanted or inappropriate content. But now you can get rid of these popups as there are some methods which will help you to fight back!

Method 1 - Install a popup blocker called “Adblock Plus” :

A

pple has been awarded a patent for an iPhone-compatible headset that would display virtual reality images. The US Patent and Trademark Office approved Apple’s patent, called the “Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display.”

The patent described a headmounted portable electronic device

that an iPhone can be inserted into in order to display virtual reality.

It also includes a remote control to enable a user to change screen content while wearing the headsetiPhone display. The headset would allow users to view media including television and feature films while travelling, according to the patent. Apple first filed for the invention in September of 2008.

Qualcomm announces new 64-bit Snapdragon chipsets

Q

ualcomm has announced four new chipsets for its partners’ upcoming range of affordable smartphones. The company has lifted the covers from the Snapdragon 618, 620, 415, and 425 chipsets. All four chipsets use 64-bit architecture and come with support for 4G LTE networks.

The new Snapdragon 415 and 425 are part of Qualcomm’s 400 series of chipsets. Both chipsets feature octa-core CPUs with clock speeds of 1.4GHz and 1.7GHz respectively. Similarly, the Snapdragon 618 and 620 are part of Qualcomm’s 600 range of chipsets featuring a hexa-core and an octa-core CPU setup respectively. The CPU cores on both the Snapdragon 618 and 620 are clocked at 1.8GHz.

V

u has launched 15 new televisions today, ranging from 9 inch to 85 inches. Priced between Rs. 9,000 to 9,00,000, the new range also include full HD and 4K UHD TVs. The company also plans to launch a Windows TV soon. Vu entered into an exclusive tie up with Flipkart for online sales of TV sizes up to 55 inches, rest are available on Vu stores.

Devita Saraf commented “Last

October Vu experienced unexpected success with the Vu Android TV which launched exclusively on Flipkart.com. It was sold out during the pre-launch period. Customers have been demanding more Vu products online, and this upcoming launch is a pioneering effort by Vu and Flipkart to meet that demand. Flipkart’s services arm, Jeeves, also ensures fast and quality installations and service which today’s customer also requires.”

Blackberry 10.3.1 update starts rolling out to Blackberry 10 devices

B

lackberry has announced the ver.

10.3.1 update for BlackBerry 10 smartphones including the BlackBerry Z30, Z3, Z10, Passport, Q10, Q5, and the Porsche Design P’9983 and P’9982 smartphones.

10.3.1 is the company’s first major update since ver.10.2.1 last year and brings a whole new range of features and enhancements for Blackberry 10 users. It brings BlackBerry Blend which seamlessly connects your Blackberry to your computer or tablet, so you access your messages, mails and documents across different devices and platforms.

Users will also be able to get access to

From this method you will also get rid of banner/video ads from a website/YouTube 1) Go to https://adblockplus. org/en/ 2) Install the plugin 3) Done Methods 2 - Clean up your browser with “CCleaner” : This will clean the up the unwanted registry which is causing popups 1) Go to https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner 2) Download and install the softaware 3) Open it and click on “Run Cleaner” button (It will automatically choose the best settings to clean your desire web browser) 4) Done Method 3 – Remove unwanted softwares:

BlackBerry Assistant which uses voice and text commands to access emails, messages, set up meetings, etc. The update brings Instant Actions to BlackBerry Hub that allows you to quickly organize and action your inbox without having to go through each individual message.

Apart from Blackberry World, now the Amazon Appstore will come preinstalled on Blackberry 10, so users will have access to thousands of new games and apps. The Camera has got new features including automatic recommendations and an enhanced Time Shift mode. Users will now be able to capture images and record images at the same time.

Removing unwanted toolbars/softwares that are causing popups : a) Go to the control panel b)Uninstall it

Indrajeet Bhuyan is a 16 year old tech blogger and security researcher. He is passionate about computers and believes in sharing knowledge and information . He uses his spare time helping people and companies secure themselves. fb.me/ indrajeet.bhuyan

20

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Fun

Your weekly dose of Aries

TIMEPASS

Taurus

Your sensitive, spiritual side is out in full force early this week, so pay attention to subtle nudges that could save you time and money. The New Moon encourages you to move in new circles and think about expanding your social options. There’s fun to be had if you want it. Passions will be unleashed from Thursday, putting you in a much more proactive mood.

Your sex appeal could shoot up several notches, too, making this the perfect time for a sizzling date.

Leo

Gemini

You’re on a roll socially, with many opportunities to mix, mingle, and enjoy some fabulous evenings out. You might feel motivated to volunteer, too, particularly if others need a helping hand. It should now be easier to make headway with your career and begin to put plans into action. Later in the week the focus shifts to spiritual matters, rest, and relaxation. If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, the cosmos hints that the chance to recharge could do you good.

Virgo

With Mercury now gathering pace in Aquarius, interactions settle down and become more predictable. This is a good time to sign documents, close deals, and generally get back into the swing of things. When it comes to finances you’ll need to keep a grip on things. The Pisces focus suggests you’ll be tempted to splurge just for the sake of it, so go easy if you can. The fun begins later, when action-packed influences coincide with unleashed passions.

Sagittarius Home life seems upbeat so long as everyone is being honest with each other. There’s a chance that this might not be the case, particularly if you sense someone isn’t telling the truth. Any dilemmas resulting from this may be short-lived when Mars and Venus move into Aries later this week. Instead of holding back, people will be ready to tell it like it is, helping to clear the air. On a positive note, a burst of passion could reignite a relationship.

SUDOKU

HOROSCOPE Cancer

With a full house at the top of your chart, you might be in the position of having to make key decisions that could affect future plans. If you have big dreams, you’re ideally placed to start manifesting them. The New Moon in Aquarius encourages you to move outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself in the process. Your social life starts to sizzle from Thursday, with many opportunities for magical evenings out. Saturday in particular spotlights passion and desire!

The New Moon in your zone of shared resources may be one of the best times for reorganizing your financial situation, or at least making a start on it. Use this opportunity to get advice and put it into action. You’re also primed for adventure and embracing a learning curve. A lineup in Pisces might encourage vacation plans, whether you go abroad or stay close to home. The important thing is to relax and nurture key goals that you’ll soon put into action.

Libra

Romantic opportunities seem particularly upbeat this week, encouraging you to add a touch of magic to an ongoing relationship or to help a new liaison blossom. You’ll also find that everyday interactions, including business meetings, benefit from your creative and inspirational input. When Mars and Venus head into Aries you could be more impulsive when it comes to spending your money or flirting with someone who takes your fancy. It helps to adopt a sensitive approach to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

Capricorn

Scorpio

The midweek New Moon can be helpful if you’ve been thinking of starting a business enterprise or developing your creative potential. Mercury is picking up speed, so this is the perfect time to move from research to action. Romantic opportunities look promising, with a chance to take a budding liaison to a new level of commitment. Things really start to sizzle from Saturday, making this an excellent time for a passionate encounter. If Valentine’s Day was disappointing, this weekend should be sensational.

The early part of the week can offer tender embraces and the chance for a special date. Romance is sweet and magical, leading to the potential for a relationship that encompasses mystery and the unknown. You have a great opportunity to start on DIY projects or other plans as the cosmos lends its support. You’ll be more competitive at work and while working out. If you’re eager to exercise, you might decide to increase your reps in order to get fit.

Aquarius

This isn’t the time to be overconfident or take things for granted. Instead, it helps to bring balanced judgment to the table, particularly if your reputation is at stake. Later, indecision and a lack of facts may give way to a determination to succeed no matter what. A more dynamic mindset could work wonders as Mars and Venus enter Aries. This can also be the perfect opportunity to clear out clutter and get your place looking exactly as you want it.

This week’s New Moon is the second in Aquarius this year, bringing another opportunity to forge ahead with an idea whose time has come. As Mercury gets up to speed, you’ll find your efforts are quickly rewarded.

Meanwhile, continue to stay in control where finances are concerned. Cut back on items you no longer use or need, as doing so could save you a lot. New ideas inhabit your mental universe, enhancing conversation. Go easy to avoid a spat, however!

Pisces You’ll gain control of the reins as the Sun glides into your sign midweek, enabling you to forge ahead with personal plans. On the same day, the New Moon in your spiritual sector can be useful for starting practices such as meditation, yoga, or anything else that helps you feel more peaceful.

Mars and Venus jog into your personal money zone, so it’s time to take action. Avoid impulsive spending and direct your energy wisely. Take care of any immediate problems.

Useful Life Hacks Use Chips as Emergency Candles Chips aren’t just good for eating. When you’re fresh out of candles during a power outage, throw some Doritos into a ramekin and light ‘em up. Pringles work well, too. Actually, pretty much any kind of fried corn or potato chips will work.

JUST FOR LAUGHs One day Jimmy got home early from school and his mom asked, “Why are you home so early?” He answered, “Because I was the only one that answered a question in my class.” She said, “Wow, my son is a genius. What was the question?” Jimmy replied, “The question was ‘Who threw the trash can at the principal’s head?’”

At the doctor’s office, Tom was getting a check up. “I have good news and bad news,” says the doctor. “The good news is you have 24 hours left to live.”

Tom replies, “That’s the good news?!” Then the doctor says, “The bad news is I should have told you that yesterday.”

Solution (Last Issue)

21

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

Events

City marks the celebration of

Ali Aye Ligang

KALYAN DEB

T

he main festival of the ethnic Mishing community of the region, Ali Aye Ligang was celebrated in the city with performances of traditional rituals and dances.

Celebrated on the first Wednesday of the Assamese month of ‘Phagun’, the Mising tribe in Assam start celebrating their traditional festival ‘Ali Aye Ligang’ to mark the beginning of the season for sowing of seeds in the paddy fields.

All Guwahati Mising Kebang (Association) on Wednesday last began celebration of Ali Aye Ligang in a traditional way in presence of com-

munity members at Shilpagram. The association’s general secretary, Mukesh Doley informed that the festival begins with the worship of gods and preparation of a feast for the community in the traditional way.

The community also showcased its colorful culture and tradition dur-

ing the celebration of the traditional festival. A gala cultural event was arranged for February 18 and 19 in the city for central celebration of the festival where all the acclaimed artistes of the community participated.

“During the celebration, traditional dance forms of the Mising cul-

ture such as Gumrag, Latta Soman, etc were performed and also a Gumrag dance completion was conducted during the festival”, said Mukesh Doley, secretary All Guwahati Mising Kepang.

“In the city, the celebration of the festival has been observed since

During the celebration, traditional dance forms of the Mising culture such as Gumrag, Latta Soman, etc were performed and also a Gumrag dance completion was conducted during the festival” Mukesh Doley Secretary, All Guwahati Mising Kepang.

the year 1974, generally celebrated within the premises of every Mising resident but gradually the celebration took a bigger form and was brought to stage”, Doley added.

The first day of the celebration here was dedicated to the renowned Mising musician Ganesh Pegu while the second day was a tribute to late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the quintessential symbol of a composite Assamese culture, who died in November 2013.

Popular Mising singers like Taraboti Bori, Gajen Narah, Sadananda Payeng, Tarulata Kutum etc. also performed in the cultural extravaganza that also had performance by several singers from mainstream Assamese community.

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

Get hooked with Treasures of the sea- A sea food festival

D

ive into an amazing world of seafood delicacies at Barbeque Nation. Treasures of the Sea-a sea food festival, the latest food festival is in Guwahati.

If you love exotic treats from the sea you will not be disappointed.

‘Prawn cocktail, Seafood platter, Crispy Fried Anchovy with Tarmint Sauce, Mai Thai prawns, Basa Peri Peri, Maryland Crab Cakes’ take prime position on the menu. A variety of other dishes like lobster, prawns and pomfret fish will also be available. The chef has specially

Adityam Building, 2nd Floor, G.S.Road, Lachit Nagar, Ulubari-781007 Tel: 9864109280 Timings: 12pm-3.30pm & 6.30pm-10.30pm Buffet cost: 1500 for 2 Pax (Average)

imported the choicest of seafood for this festival.

A trademark of every Barbeque Nation food festival is the ambiance, which creatively captures the mood of the event. The decor has been designed so that customers are ‘submerged’ in an underwater world.

Don’t forget to enjoy tandoori crab in gravy. What’s more, the recipes behind the signature dishes will also be available at the table. The festival will end on 1st March, so make your bookings today.

Also avail special early bird offer by visiting barbeque nation on dinner before 19:30 hrs Wednesday to Sunday.

22

G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

23

Catching Up

Kendall Jenner

Brain makes you fall in love, not heart

I

n the matters of the heart, the brain reigns supreme, it has been revealed.

Larry Young, a psychologist who studies love at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, said that brain releases a cocktail of three chemicals, oxytocin, dopamine and opiates, which makes people fall in love.

All of those acts together in the brain’s reward system, which becomes wired to be especially tuned to the partner; the space, the sound, maybe the smell of the partner. Ox-

Still Being Bullied By Models?

ytocin, not be confused with the drug oxycodone, is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone,” and is responsible for the bonding between mother and baby and between partners. Dopamine is involved in exhilaration and excitement, Young said. Cocaine and sex both cause the brain to release dopamine. Opiates cause feelings of warmth and pleasure. Heroine and sex both cause the brain to release opiates.

Young further mentioned that the next time people see the partners, their reward system would be activated and love can also be like addiction.

K

endall Jenner is reportedly still being bullied by other models.

The ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star has been a key focus of New York Fashion Week but is still facing criticism from her peers. As it’s emerged fellow model Lexi Boling and Teen Vogue cover star Binx Walton wrote harsh comments about a backstage image of her posted on Vogue Germany’s Instagram account.

Lexi tagged her pal Binx in her comment, “@binxwalton she’s never looked better”, including a crying with laughter emoticon to which Binx replied, “that’s f**ked up”, with the same animated laughing face.

Kendall, 19, previously spoke out to deny allegations made last year that she was being bullied by her colleagues but it appears some are still unhappy with her upand-coming status in the fashion industry.

Broken heart is actually a real medical condition

A

new study has demonstrated that broken heart also refers to an actual medical condition that feels like a heart attack.

The study suggested that broken heart syndrome occurs during highly stressful or emotional times, such as divorce, the death of a spouse, a serious medical diagnosis or significant financial problems.

Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, Takosubo’s cardiomyopathy or transient apical ballooning syndrome. The underlying cause is not known but is thought to be secondary to the release of adrenalin and other stress hormones that have a deleterious effect on the heart.

Symptoms typically include

chest pain and difficulty breathing, and can easily be mistaken for a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome typically occurs in patients older than 50 and is more common in women, although it also can occur in younger women and men.

Wayne Rooney tells Man U star Angel Di Maria to hire Gurkha for security

Tech firm offers night with porn star to top employee

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ayne Rooney has reportedly urged Manchester United team-mate Angel Di Maria to hire a Gurkha to protect his property - like he has.

The Argentine was recently broken into by an armed gang, and was left shaken by the incident.

It has triggered talk of a possible summer move away from Old Trafford for the 27-year-old, who has failed to impress on a consistent basis since his big-money move from Real Madrid.

Rooney employs a Nepalese warrior to guard his mansion and has told Di Maria to do the same.

tech security firm is offering its employee of the year an unforgettable bonus - a night with a porn star.

While companies offer a cash bonus to hardworking staff at the end of the year, or even just vouchers, that does not suffice for Chinese firm Qihoo 360.

Reports said it is offering an evening with a Chinese porn star known as ‘Julia’ to their top employee for Chinese New Year, which is around the corner.

The employee will also be able to choose a five-day trip to Bali, or a Porsche.

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G PLUS FEB 20 - FEB 27, 2015

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