G Plus Volume 1 Issue 39 by G Plus

VOL 01 | ISSUE 39 | JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

`10 ges 24 Pa

NGOs TO SAVE GMC AFTER RAMKY DEBACLE? 02 PG NO

Claudia Leitte Catching Up, Pg 24

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Lead Story Rahul Chanda

he Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) might have bragged that they tried their best to manage the city garbage by outsourcing the task to Ramky, but all the efforts went in vain as the private party terminated the agreement and decided to pack up from the city. So what will happen to the garbage and the solid waste, which gets generated from approximately 2.5 lakhs households of the city? Will the GMC have a new plan in place? Why did Ramky take such a step? Will they make a comeback? G Plus explores the possibilities.

NGOs TO SAVE GMC’S FACE AFTER RAMKY DEBACLE?

The beginning

To manage the city’s garbage, in the year 2008, GMC after a detailed study, floated a tender inviting private companies to participate in the project and in turn, also accumulate profit for their firms. The only company, which applied for the project was Ramky and the tender was awarded to the same company. According to the agreement, Ramky was expected to make sure that following things started working efficiently -

With Ramky’s contract expiring on 30th of June, the GMC has taken the help of NGOs to help them collect garbage from around the city. But how successful will the model be and will the public be willing to shell out extra money for the services?

House to house garbage collection Secondary garbage collection and transportation to sanitary land field Conversion of waste to energy Sale of energy According to GMC sources, the garbage management project has been a total failure. The GMC sources said, “Ramky failed to generate revenues from the user charges as they covered only 50% of the households. They were able to only collect less than 50% secondary waste. The result is that the project was a total failure and the city remains dirty as it was in the past.” Also, according to the GMC, from the government sanctioned `35 crores, `22 crores were released to Ramky and rest of the expenditure was pumped in by the company to run the project as they were expected to accumulate profit.

Ramky defence

According to sources in Ramky, the first agreement termination notice was sent to the GMC on 2nd December 2013 informing that Ramky will stop working in the city from 1st January 2014. GMC called Ramky officials and asked for some extra time. It was decided that Ramky would stop working from June 1st 2014. The GMC commissioner again requested Ramky to work till 30th June as because of the model code of conduct, the urban body was not able to float any tender. So, finally Ramky is set to pack up on 30th June 2014. But why did Ramky decide to end the services?

List of 23 selected NGOs NGOs

Ward No

Puberun Social Welfare

Sibanga NGO

Udayan Social Welfare

Nabadeep Welfare Society

Akashi NGO

Jiban Sathi Welfare

Subhakangsha

Bahnisikha

SEWAK

Suraj

Asthitya

BONDE

Pragati Sangha

Suprabhat Welfare Society

Gitanjali

Ma Kamakhya

Pragjyotish Samaj Kalyan Society

Uttaran Social Welfare Society

Bharati Yuba Shakti NGO

Enajori

Pragjyotish Samaj Kalyan Society

Lokakalyan Samajie Santha

Ramky Guwahati project manager Anupam Mishra agreed to some of the facts narrated by GMC regarding the project, but he explained the reason of the failure from their part as well. He explained, “Till now Ramky has invested around `58 crores in the project but has not been able to generate any revenue, in fact it has just incurred losses by investing a lot in the project.” He further explained why the project failed to take off. He said, “There are approximately 2,80,000 households in Guwahati. We started collecting door-to-door garbage in Guwahati, but after a month, when we went to ask the user for charge from the households, which was `50 per house, the citizens denied to pay it as, according to them, they were already paying the property and scavenging taxes to the government. We then went to the government asking how we would generate revenues and provide services if we do not get paid. The government asked us to cover 1 lakh households and said they would pay us `45 per household. We started doing that and covered 1 lakh households for which we were getting `45 lakhs per month from the government as the user charge for primary collection. But, the garbage of another 180000 households was always a concern, which we were not collecting. Similarly, secondary collection of waste was also not 100%, and if we talk about expenditure, we spend around `95 lakhs per month.”

New plan

The last working day for Ramky in the city is 30th June 2014. From 1st July, GMC will have a new plan

in place to keep the city clean. As per the new GMC ward distribution plan, there are 31 wards in the city and according to the new GMC plan of action, 31 different NGOs will take care of the wards working individually in different wards. The NGOs will do house-to-house garbage collection and dispose the waste at the GMC dustbin of the area. The NGOs will also be responsible for cleaning the drains and streets in that ward. Recently, GMC floated a tender with various criterias for the NGOs. Many NGOs applied and until now, 23 NGOs have been selected for 23 wards. NGOs for eight more wards will be selected before the end of June and all the NGOs will start working from 1st July 2014.

Money matters

All these days, inspite of Ramky doing the city clean-up job, GMC still had to invest approximately `80 lakhs per month. Now the estimated budget to be spent every month is approximately `1 Crore and the households will have to pay `30 per month to the NGOs for collecting garbage every day. This will include the area drain cleaning task too. If there are 7000 households in a ward, all the households will be paying `30 each per month, which comes to `2.1 lakhs and this amount will go to the NGO of that ward. The GMC will also provide an extra 30% of the total amount to the NGO as a fee to collect the amount from the households as many people will be employed to collect the money. The GMC will also provide tricycles and auto vans to the NGOs. To start the work, the NGOs will

require various equipments and for this, they will be given `45000 initially as mobilisation advance. Will the NGOs, after availing all these facilities, work efficiently? To keep an eye on the work efficiency of the NGOs, GMC has made some rules i.e. every month to receive the money from the GMC, NGOs will have to submit a bill along with a certificate from the ward councillor and the zonal engineer. If the councillors are not happy with the work done, the NGOs will not receive the money collected from the households as the money will be deposited in the GMC’s account within 24 hours of collection. According to highly placed sources in Ramky, GMC has a monthly budget of `1.35 Crore for waste management per month. All this while, the GMC used to pay `58 lakhs to Ramky every month. Now they have an estimated approximate budget of `1 Crore per month for the new plan. The NGOs have the chance to accumulate profit and keep the city spick and span as well, but the question is will the NGOs work? The councillors and engineers are expected to prepare the NGOs’ report card, but with the long alleged reputation of graft, will the examiners be victims of bribery as well? The GMC until now, has just planned about collecting garbage from households, but what about energy generation? With the city getting submerged by only a small shower and the problem never getting resolved, will the new garbage management formula work?

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

G-View

Ghy to get more abattoirs The authorities plan to set up additional slaughterhouses to keep unauthorised vendors at bay and ensure healthy meat for the people of the city.

Mrinmoyee Hazarika

aking advantage of the situation of having a limited number of abattoirs in the city, numerous meat vendors have been selling meat to the citizens without possessing a valid license for the same, which eventually leads to a huge loss for the government exchequer and posing serious health hazards to the consumers. The lone abattoir or slaughterhouse functioning under the Livestock and Poultry Development Corporation (ALPCO), located near the Khanapara area does not have the capacity to cater to the needs of the entire city of Guwahati. The abattoir has three meat processing plants, which include sheep, goat, pork and poultry with a capacity to slaughter around 1,500 goats, 100 pigs and 3,500 poultry in a day.

Demand

The demand for meat is huge for a city like Guwahati. Though, there is no exact record of the demand of the same, sources at veterinary department has mentioned that the two outlets of ALPCO situated at Khanapara and Chenikuthi sale around 2300 kg of chicken every month. Both the outlets have been selling around 1400 kg of mutton and 700 kg of duck meat every month. Though there is no record of the amount of meat being sold by the authorised and other roadside or unauthorised meat shops of the city, it is obvious that the size is even bigger than the government outlets. “There is always a scarcity of meat compared to the demand for the same. The sale goes up during the winter, but, again it is not always possible to provide the required amount of meat as demanded by the customers depending upon the availability of the same,” an official at the ALPCO outlet told G Plus.

Currently, there are 116 registered mutton shops in the city. Similarly, there are around 350 registered and around 200 unregistered poultry shops in Guwahati. The city has 26 registered and 17 unregistered beef shops. There are only 6 numbers of registered pork sellers in the city, whereas, the number of unauthorised pork sellers is unlimited.

Authority’s move

Taking into account the numerous meat traders in the city, doing business without having a license, the GMC is coming up with new acts and laws. “As per the draft rule of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (Regulating the use of markets and slaughter houses) Bye-Laws, 1976 amended in 2012, all the new marketplaces to be constructed or being constructed by the GMC will have provision for a slaughterhouse with the minimum required facilities. The meat sellers belonging to the nearby areas of those markets will have to come to the designated slaughterhouses in order to slaughter the animals before selling. The meat traders from Ganeshguri and other nearby areas of Khanapara have agreed to use the slaughter house located at Khanapara,” veterinary officer of the GMC, Arun Sarma told G Plus. Highlighting the urban body’s move to renovate the existing markets under GMC, Sharma said, “In order to regulate the meat sellers of the city, GMC will not allow slaughtering of any animals on the road or in households for commercial purposes. The new slaughterhouse by-law allows the authority to levy fines of up to `25000 to the illegal meat traders of the city” “In our regular drives that are

Health hazards

Apart from the homogenised or pasteurised meat being sold through the government outlets, the authorities have encountered traders who have been selling infected or adulterated meat to the customers through their shops. “Last year during the periodic drive that is carried out in the month of November by the officials of GMC, the district administration and the veterinary department, we found two meat shops (authorised butcher shops) at Fatasil Ambari and Chandmari selling infected meat. After catching the traders red handed, we disposed the meat on the spot.” Sources at the veterinary department told G Plus. The source further raised concerns over the occurrences of such incidents in other meat shops in the city considering the fact that numerous unauthorised meat traders have been operating in the city and selling infected meat to the customers.

Sources at the veterinary department has mentioned that the two outlets of ALPCO situated at Khanapara and Chenikuthi sale around 2300 kg of chicken every month. Both the outlets have been selling around 1400 kg of mutton and 700 kg of duck meat every month.

carried out once or twice in a month, we impose a fine up to `500 to the unauthorised meat traders. Moreover, we destroy the products or the raw meat being sold by both the authorised and unauthorised meat traders on the spot if we find any infection in the product,” Sharma added. Acknowledging the fact that the illegal meat shops are causing a great deal of harm to the government exchequer, Sharma said that an approximate amount of `15 lakh of revenue had been realised by GMC from the fish, milk and egg markets during the financial year 2013-14. “During the fiscal 2011-12, GMC had collected an amount of `16 lakh of revenue from the fish, milk and egg markets. The successive year witnessed a loss in terms of revenue collection because of the closure of the fish market at Paltan bazaar. A rough amount of `14 lakh of revenue has been collected during the financial year of 2012-13,” Arun Sharma told. He also mentioned of introducing a new act, which will allow GMC to have control over the private markets of the city.

mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

In The News

FROM BAD TO WORSE

PHOTO: ub photos

CM Tarun Gogoi

Assam Legislative Assembly

PHOTO: sanjib kalita

Rajgarh

Zoo Road

Nabin Nagar

Hatigaon

Lachit Nagar

Pub Saraniya

Tarun Nagar

PHOTO: dibyaraj

PHOTO: ub photos

he heavy shower lasted for around 3 hours; it started at approximatelw 2300 hours and ended by 0100 hours. No doubt, it was a proverbial torrential downpour but it was not something that Guwahati had not ever witnessed before. But the resulting floods and water logging which ensued was mind-boggling. Keeping the usual suspects aside, some new places in the Hatigaon, Bora Service, Juripar, 6 Miles, Dispur, Bharalumukh, Kalakhetra, Beltola and Lokhora highway areas were inundated in water which were almost chest deep in certain areas. There were also reports of a few deaths from these floods with some of the victims getting electrocuted Urban floods are definitely not a new phenomenon in Guwahati, but what makes this a very big concern for the citizens and the district administration is the fact that this year, there were multitude of drives and initiatives which were taken up to ensure that urban floods would be less of a problem this season. With projects like de-siltation, drainage clean-ups and so called garbage management, the impact was expected to be lesser. But the Thursday night shower seems to have brought everything crashing down.

Last Gate

Post the traumatic conditions, the Chief Minister of Assam was seen wading through some water-logged streets and the Lok Sabha MP of Guwahati, Bijoya Chakraborty was also heard to be talking about new systems and plans. But then, how long will the citizens take things lying down? With the city dreaming and aspiring towards bigger dreams, these problems throws a spanner in the entire machinery. So what next for the authorities? Will they ever be able to find a solution to this perpetual problem or will Guwahati always suffer year after year, with floods becoming a part of its annual calendar. If things keep continuing this way, then we might as well demand flood relief funds for the city.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

GRB IN TATTERS

In The News A recent study has found out that the Gender Responsive Budgeting scenario is deteriorating due to lack of awareness and implementation.

ADITYA GOGOI

he pathetic scene of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in the different departments of Assam has been exposed by a study conducted by the North East Network (NEN), an NGO, which works on gender related issues. The status of GRB, which was introduced by the union ministry of finance in 2007 is further deteriorating in the state during the last few years due to the lack of awareness of the government agencies and departments. The report - Using Gender Responsive budgeting to track and monitor compliance with CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) - also said that there are several shortcomings of the GRB process in the state since it was introduced in 2008-09. GRB was initiated to ensure specific budget planning

allocations for women for identifying and reflecting needed interventions to address gender gaps in sector and local government policies, plans and budgets. The report, which was done under the leadership of Supriya Khaund said that the number of state departments reporting Gender Budgeting (GB) has declined year on year from 10 departments in 2010-11 down to seven in 2012-13. The education department does not break above 0.3 percentage and shows a concerning declining trend. Besides, GRB allocation in social welfare department has come down to a mere 7.23 in 2013 from 49.46 in 2010-11. The department of health and family welfare, which is responsible for maternal health fares even poorer as mere 0.54 percent of total budget in 2010-11 was allocated for GB. If that is

so, it almost got extinct in 2012-13 to 0.01 percent. In the latest 2012-13 GB, not a single department has double-digit percentage while four departments have zero percentage allocation. On top of that, the report further revealed that no department was able to utilise 100 percent of its allotted GB from 201011. The department of elementary and secondary education has been the most successful in utilising the GB with 79.29 and 87.08 percentage in 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively. The report has also recommended all the departments to follow a clear and common methodology in this regard. “The state is expected to fulfil certain obligations in reducing discrimination against women. The onus is on the government. Our report is an attempt to

examine whether Assam has engaged in GRB and the delivered the stipulated quantum of allocation,” said Monisha Behal, executive director of NEN. Expressing serious concern at the poor scene of GRB, Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give importance to gender issues in the country. Hameed also blamed the state governments of the northeast India for the poor show. “There are lots of gaps in the GRB process. It has not even completed a half way march. For this, all the respective state governments are responsible. The new government, with absolute majority should give priority to these issues when they take oath. If they want to do it, I don’t think anybody can stop them,” Hameed told G Plus. Hameed also said that the issue

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should be raised during the midterm appraisal of the planning commission at the earliest. “There are a lot many things for which the real issues got omitted from the priority list. When things like corruption, inflation and others dominate the scene, issues like GRB somehow lags behind, which is very unfortunate,” she said. Hameed, whose career demonstrates a long-standing commitment to sustainable development and the education of women, also felt that due to the typical mindset of the patricidal society, there is lack in the women’s participation on politics and others activities. “It’s a serious issue. Politics is a game of numbers in democracy and so people think that a man will get more votes than a woman in our country. This is due to the typical mind set. It has to be changed,” she added.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

The Week That Was City News

Gauhati University emphasises on scientific thinking

tressing the need for development of scientific thinking, a series of manuals called “explore and understand your environment, people and their practices” has recently been released by the Vice–Chancellor of Gauhati University Dr Mridul Hazarika for the VIPNET (Science) Clubs in India. The main purpose behind the series release is the development of scientific thinking and outlook among the common population through popularisation of science, especially among young generation. The series covers some important subject areas which are associated with our daily life irrespective of whether we live in urban areas or in rural environment. The series is designed to strengthen the project based learning approach in the club activities

in relation to student members’ curricular learning. It also focuses to help VIPNET club members to observe their surroundings from a different perspective. Dr Hazarika said such manuals written in simple language and preferably in local language would go a long way in bridging the gap between what have been achieved and what should have been achieved in respect of science popularisation in the country. The series of manuals have been published by Society for Socio–Economic Awareness and Environment Protection (SSEAEP), Nagaon, under the sponsorship of Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. These will be distributed among more than 7000 VIPNET clubs in India.

Awareness meet on water supply project

ith an objective to inform the people of Kumarpara area about the Guwahati Water Supply Project, an awareness meeting was held on June 20 at the Santi Sabha of the area. This meeting which was attended by around 40 local residents, started with the introduction of the project, purpose of the meeting followed with screening of a documentary film which is based on the on–going activities of

the project and a Power Point presentation describing in details about various components of the new water supply project. The Kumarpara area comes under South Central Guwahati Water Supply Project and the residents of that area will get drinking water through 24x7 Pipe Water Supply Scheme with adequate pressure. It is to be noted that Government of Assam has initiated four Water Supply Projects using all

City mall workers to form association

ith so many sprawling shopping malls in the city, Guwahati has become a shopper’s delight. But the employees who work in these shopping malls are a harried lot. This led them to form an association as soon as possible. There are more than 500 local youths working in the shopping malls in the city and

AP official Contractual teachers seek job regularisation website needs upgradation

emanding the regularisation of their jobs, more than 2,000 activists of the All Assam Secondary Additional Teachers’ Association staged a dharna at Dighalipukhuri on June 24. They have also demanded that the teachers should be given the opportunity to do B.Ed. The activists of the Association also took out a rally to the Kamrup (metro) Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister. All Assam Secondary Additional Teachers’ Association President Jayanta Saikia said, “There are around 6,000 secondary additional teachers in the State who were appointed in 2010 on a contractual basis. Our contract will expire on June 30. The Director of Secondary Education has assured us that the contract will be extended. But we want our jobs to be regularised.” He added, “Since we have four

need to engage some department officials to update the official police website regularly has become urgent. As the official police website still displays slain police officer Nityananda Goswami as the superintendent of Hamren police district. Goswami and his personal security officer Ratul Nunisa were shot dead on June 5 by Karbi rebels during a search operation in Rongphu Hanse, a remote hilly village in Hamren district, 200 km south of Guwahati. After Goswami’s death, the state government had immediately appointed Debojit Deuri to take charge of the district. Instead of Deuri’s name, Goswami’s name still flashes on the website as the district SP, thanks to the police department’s lackadaisical attitude. Former Assam Police director general Hare Krishna Deka told reporters, “The website was launched during my tenure as DG. The idea was to help people access information about the activities of the state police. It was supposed to act as a mode of communication between the cops and the public. However, it is not maintained and updated regularly.” That’s not all. The website’s ‘missing persons’ list was updated last on September 10, 2013. Similarly, the ‘press release’ and ‘newsletter’ segments of the website do not work and have nothing to offer visitors. “The ‘daily crime report’ page of the website was last updated on November 8, 2013,” said Hriday Baruah who is working on a research paper on the modernisation of Assam Police.

years teaching experience we demand that our jobs should be regularised without sitting for TET. In fact, even in the Sarat Barkakati Standing Committee report, which was presented in the Assembly on March 21, 2013, it has been mentioned that secondary additional teachers were appointed on merit basis and hence their jobs can be regularised even without TET. However, the Education Minister has even ignored this report. “The All Assam Secondary Additional Teachers’ Association has submitted two writ petitions in Gauhati High Court in support of their demand. Association Chief Secretary Debajyoti Bora said, “In 2013 when we submitted the writ petition, the Education Minister asked us to withdraw the petition and assured us that our jobs would be regularised. But he has not fulfilled his assurance.”

Ghy Chess Championship begins at GTC

he Rajat Chandra Sarma and Kamini Priya Devi Memorial Guwahati Chess Championship 2014 Open got underway at the Gauhati Town Club on June 25. Altogether 41 players, including 21 international rated players are taking part in this seven-round Swiss League championship. The event is being conducted by Salina Masum as the Chief Arbiter.

available modern technology in construction of infrastructure, laying of pipe lines with state of art technique operation, management and maintenance system. The project is now implemented by Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). After completion it will be managed and maintained by Guwahati Jal Board which will function with aid and advice of the State Government only.

The Guwahati team will be selected for the forthcoming All Assam Chess Championship from this meet. The event carries a prize fund for the top five players along with a running trophy for the champion. After the first two rounds played, a group of 11 players are leading with 2 points each. Results of top 10 boards: Bipin Singh bt Dhrupad Kashyap, Prodip Bhuyun bt

Rajesh Kalita, Pranab Kumar Nath bt Bhabisnup Pranti Bordoloi, Chiraranjan Bhuyun bt Shahil Dey, Biswajit Bharadwaj bt Manthan Kashyap Datta, Ravikant Tiwari bt Debanga Kalita, Sahajahan Ali bt Pragya Dixit, Gunajit Khataniar bt Dhanjanjya Kumar Tiwari, Sankar Tiwari bt Kishor Kumar Deka, Deba Kumar Das bt Prandeep Bhattacharjya.

they are being made to work for 10–12 hours every day. An employee said, “Our salary is too meagre, around `4,000–`5,000. We are made to work overtime but we do not get paid extra. It is time for us to organize ourselves so that we can air our grievances in an organized manner. Hence, we will form an association very soon.”

Training on para– legal and advocacy skills

five day long training programme on para–legal and advocacy skills held at JAGRITI from June 20th to 24th, by The Legal Cell for Human Rights (LCHR), a civil society organisation based in Guwahati. Pratima Devi Sarma, Chairperson of the Assam State Social Welfare Board, discussed on different social welfare schemes available under the Social Welfare Department. Dr PN Bora, State Programme Manager of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Ravi Sagar, Director of the Legal Cell for Human Rights and advocate of the Gauhati High Court, also graced the occasion. Dr Bora delivered a detailed speech on the schemes of the NRHM. Twenty nine trainees from different places of Assam like Jagun, Chapar, Kumarikata, Tinsukia and Baganpara participated in the training programme. The participants were trained on provisions of various Acts and social security schemes of the government. The LCHR is involved in organizing such training programmes and conducting legal awareness programmes for the rural people of the state.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

The Week That Was

AFA secretary reacts over team name

discussion between two key officials of the Guwahati Franchise for the forthcoming Indian Super League and the secretary of the Assam Football Association Ankur Dutta was held on June 26 in the city to sort out a solution on the name of Guwahati team. Ankur Dutta, Secretary of the Assam Football Association has expressed concern over the naming of the Guwahati franchise in the Indian Super League (ISL) which is scheduled to be held from October with eight teams. Dutta, who returned after attending the recently held FIFA Congress at Sao Paulo, said that ‘Guwahati’ should be included in the team’s name. He said IMG Reliance has allotted the franchise to Guwahati but not to the North-East. So, Guwahati’s name must be included while naming the team. The Guwahati team, owned by Bollywood star John Abraham, Shillong Lajong and Sanjib Narain, has been named – North East United Football Club. Dutta revealed that he will write to IMG Reliance in this regard and urge the team management to include Guwahati’s name.

Special train for the summer season A superfast special train between Guwahati and Howrah for one trip on both directions has been started by the Indian Railways to clear extra rush of passengers during the summer holiday season. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said that the 03058 will depart from Guwahati at 8.15 pm on June 24, while the 03057 will depart from Howrah on the same day at 12.30 am. The train will have stoppages at New Bongaigaon, New Coochbehar, New Jalpaiguri and Malda Town. In addition, NFR has also announced two each of a fast

passenger’s special train between Kamakhya and Katihar. The 05714 will depart from Kamakhya at 7 am on June 24 and June 27, while the 06713 will depart from Katihar at 4.45 am on June 23 and June 26. The train will have stoppages at Changsari, Nalbari, Rangiya, Pathsala, Barpeta Road, Bijni, Bongaigaon, New Bongaigaon, Basugaon, Kokrajhar, Fakiragram, Sapatgram, Tikpai, Basbari, Golakganj, Agomoni, Tufanganj, New Coochbehar, Alipurduar Junction, Hassimara, Dalgaon and Binnaguri, among other stations.

City News

Road show to bond connection with locals

team of artists, students, designers, musicians from South Korea is all set to visit Guwahati in the first week of July to explore all opportunities for collaboration with local creative practitioners. The initiative has been undertaken by The Research and Innovation Ashram, Guwahati. According to Shankar Barua of The Research and Innovation Ashram, the South Korean team will also visit Shillong. “This will be an arts and culture Roadshow from South Korea starting on July 6. The

team is in pursuit of interactions and engagement with the local creative community of North East India,” said Barua. The team comprises of 15 creative practitioners and curators. The three-fold agenda of the visiting Roadshow will be to experience as much as possible with the local people, place, and culture, spend as much time as possible with local creative practitioners of all description, and essay ad hoc arts actions in the course of the visit, in collaboration with local creative practitioners.

Rumour over the leak of APSC papers

he CID has initiated an inquiry into the alleged leak of question papers of Combined Competitive Examination (Mains), 2013, to be held on June 28. However, APSC denied the allegation and stated that it is a conspiracy against the commission to malign its image.

The main examination is slated to begin on June 28. CID officials visited APSC’s office here in the morning of June 26 for initial investigation. Violet Baruah, SP (CID), said they have started a preliminary inquiry after they received a complaint that question papers of general studies and

English of the mains exam have been leaked. The commission reacted to the allegations and released a press statement on its official website, denying the charges. “The principal controller of exam has checked the purported question papers and said the allegations are not genuine. The commis-

sion has decided to approach the appropriate authorities to investigate the matter,” said the APSC statement. APSC clarified that the exams will be held on the dates and venues notified earlier. Some 2,955 candidates have cleared the preliminary examination and qualified for the mains this time.

Assam ranks 30th among 35 states on education index

ccording to the report published by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration and the Union HRD ministry, Assam has finished a poor 30th among 35 states and union territories in India. The composite educational development index (EDI) in upper and lower primary levels taken together for the year 2013-14 in the country. The state’s position is even worse at 32nd

when the EDI of only the primary level is taken into account. The top five states with best EDI in lower and upper primary levels are Puducherry at number one followed by Lakshwadeep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. All other north eastern states have been ranked above Assam. The only silver lining for the state is that in the outcome category in the primary level only, which includes rates of student

enrolment and drop-outs, it has ranked number one in the country and fifth in the country in upper primary level. A set of 24 indicators have been used in computing EDI which are re-grouped into four sub-groups - access, infrastructure, teachers and outcome indicators. Only five states - Madhya Pradesh (31), West Bengal (32), Jharkhand (33), Bihar (34) and Uttar Pradesh (35) - are below Assam.

TO MY FIRST TEACHER, LOBO MISS... Eulogy

n India, primary school teachers are not given the kind of position that they actually deserve. They also do not get the salary they deserve. People tend to think that they are just teachers, teaching small children. But what they fail to realise is that it is not ‘just’ about teaching small children. It is not at all an easy task teaching a child, who has no clue of what alphabets or numbers look like or mean. And it is the primary school teacher who hold the hands of the little ones and teach the first line of ‘A,B…’ . Miss. Cynthia Lobo was one such teacher who held the hands of many a little child leading her/him to the world of alphabets and numbers. To us, in St. Mary’s, she was Miss Lobo and to those who she taught in the Little Flower School, Dibrugarh, she was Miss Cynthia. As Alpana Khound Phukan, a senior teacher in Maria’s Public School commented on my status on Miss Lobo, “My KG teacher at Little Flower School, Dibrugarh. She was Miss Cynthia to us. Just adored her. She was the one who held my hand and painstakingly taught me the cursive.” Along with more than 60 com-

“Lobo Miss has students spread all over the world, students who were tiny tots when she met them the first time, now established in life and career”

ments I received on my status on Miss Lobo that I had put up as soon as my primary school friend, Praneeta (who is herself a teacher now at Don Bosco), gave me the news of the passing away of Miss Lobo, Uma Talukdar from Toronto too commented, “My first teacher.” Yes, Lobo Miss has students spread all over the world, students who were tiny tots when she met them the first time, now established in life and career, but who carry fond memories of her as “the first teacher”. One can never forget one’s first teacher. I too can never forget Lobo Miss. Her love, her patience with tiny tots who at that age were so easily distracted, who hardly had any idea as to why they were in a place called ‘school’. In my later years whenever, wherever I met her, she would hold my hand with a twinkle in her eyes that said it all. Whenever I passed by my school I would always try to look beyond the gates and the room that is gone now, but etched in my mind - the one where I first stepped into, and with that room swimming into my memory would, as if it was the most natural link, loom the face of Lobo Miss. It is strange how one can remember certain things long left down the passage of one’s life vividly as if it was

just yesterday. And yes, primary teachers always leave a deep impression in one’s mind, perhaps because apart from parents, they are the ones with who the little ones spend such long hours. They are the ones who bring into blank formative minds alphabets and numbers that become part of life itself. I salute my first teacher, Lobo Miss. I am able to write this today because she introduced me to the world of alphabets. Wherever you are, Lobo Miss, may you be happy. You have with you warm wishes and fond memories of hundreds and hundreds of tiny tots who have now grown into adults juggling with numbers and alphabets you had taught, who would, given a second chance, go back to childhood once again and let your hand guide the magic of alphabets and numbers.

Dr. Srutimala Duara Srutimala is a bilingual writer from Guwahati and has authored short stories, novels and has also written columns for many national newspapers. She is also an associate professor of English at the Handique Girl’s College.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Politicking

HIMANTA GETS MAXIMUM LIKES BUT GOGOI SAFE Sonia Gandhi’s trusted lieutenant Mallikarjun Kharge recently visited the state to take stock of the dissident situation in the party and has taken back feedback to the High Command for it to decide the plan of action.

rahul chanda

he Assam dissidence problem has reached its peak as now the Congress high command is facing a tough challenge resolving the long pending political problem in the state. Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi had sent her most trusted lieutenant, leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge to analyse the situation and submit a report to her. Kharge visited the state capital on 23rd June and left for the national capital on 24th June. The Rajiv Bhawan and Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok turned into political battlefields with meetings after meetings and the media thronged the two locations to get the updates for news reports but nothing much could be inferred. With showers submerging the entire city, people were still curious to know who would rule the state until the next assembly elections.

The meetings

After Kharge reached the city, the first meeting was held at Rajiv Bhawan where presidents of 27 state districts, APCC President Bhubaneshwar Kalita and other Congress heavyweights were present. Sources said that the meeting was basically to analyse what the district workers think of the scenario and whom do they support. The meeting was also held to decide on the action plan of Kharge and the later important plans. The Chief Minister was also present in the meeting. Later in the evening a major meeting took place at the Hotel Brah-

maputra Ashok. The meet started at 8pm and Kharge individually met all the state MLAs, party MPs and former MPs, present ministers and all other party members from both the Gogoi and Sarma camp. 74 out of 78 state MLAs were present during the meeting. Kharge had a one to one session with all the politicos and took their views on what they want in the state.

The views

According to highly placed party insiders, most of the politicos were of the view that there should be a change in the leadership. Some MLAs backed Tarun Gogoi as the Chief Minister and wanted him to continue as the state’s CM. There were also some views that whatever the high command decides would be accepted and the ball was passed on to Sonia’s court. According to some media reports, dissident Congress leader and health and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma put three conditions before the party high command to end the crisis. Sarma wants the post of deputy chief minister and home department. He also wants any one of the health and education departments. Sources told G Plus that though there were mixed views, most of them want a change in the leadership and Himanta Biswa Sarma is backed by many, as the new face as Chief Minister. The Gogoi loyalists did back him but the number of MPs and former MPs from the state are totally towards Sarma. Both pro-Gogoi and anti-Gogoi

Differences of opinion are there and some want change in the leadership. Kharge met a large number of people. I cannot say what will be his report and cannot even predict it. He gave a patient hearing to each one’s views. The ultimate decision will be taken by the high command” camp, furnished lists of MLAs supporting them and Kharge discussed at length the political situation with all the state party politicos. The sources in the party also said that there are some MLAs who are play-

ing the game very diplomatically. They back both the leaders in the face, but change sides after every major high command decision. Basically some Congress MLAs till now, do not know whom to back and whom not to. These are mainly the first timers who still have to understand the pros and cons of politics and understand who is more powerful. But, Kharge had met all the members.

The closed door meeting

On 24th June, before Kharge left for the national capital, Tarun Gogoi reached Hotel Brahmaputra at around 11 am and there was a lengthy meeting between Kharge and the CM. According to sources, Kharge informed Gogoi that according to majority of the state Congress workers, including the MLAs, MPs, ex-MPs and ministers, there should be a change in the leadership. For the first time Gogoi broke his silence after a long time on the dissident issue and told the media, “Differences of opinion are there and some want change in the leadership. Kharge met a large number of people. I cannot say what will be his report and cannot even predict it. He gave a patient hearing to each one’s views. The ultimate decision will be taken by the high command.” Kharge after his visit said, “Opinion and feelings were expressed. I will convey the same to the party high command and whatever the high command says, we will abide by it.” So, for the first time the CM sound-

ed a bit jittery about his rule and his views reflected insecurity in his mind. But, the question still remains whether he will remain the chief minister or will his former lieutenant and present biggest rival Himanta Biswa Sarma replace him?

The analysis

According to sources, the high command is going to take a stand next week and Kharge will submit a report to Sonia Gandhi. Congress, after losing the Lok Sabha polls, will never want to lose any of the state ruled by it. It’s not just Assam, but there is an issue of dissidence in all the states ruled by Congress. There was a rumour that the Congress high command wants to change the Chief Ministers of three states - Haryana, Karnataka and Assam. But, with states’ general elections just one and half year away, the party will not want to take a major risk. To woo the dissident gang, there might be a strategy of reshuffling the government and giving major chairs to the MLAs from the rebel group. Tarun Gogoi, who is known to have a very good relationship with the Gandhi family, will somehow retain his chair for the time being but will have to make some sacrifices amongst his loyalists. Whatever be the result, the development work is a concern as the state continues to suffer as the caretakers are busy fighting amongst themselves.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

City

BURGLAR TROUPE

TROUBLES FANCY BAZAAR

RAHUL CHANDA

eing the business hub of the city, Fancy Bazar witnesses many crimes, but recently, it has seen a huge spurt in mobile phone theft. With various business establishments in the area, the white collar crime is also on the rise. How is the crime scene being tackled by the cops? There is a police outpost in the area which is keeping an eye on the area happenings 24/7. It is a positive sign that, according to the police, not even a single murder case has been registered in the area since 2013.

Various crimes

Recently there has been a new group, namely the Iranian group, which consists of people mostly from Siliguri, who come to the city, commit crimes and return on the same day. The group comes to the city and as Fancy Bazar is a business area, they track down businessmen who are carrying money. Their modus operandi is such that one member

of the group puts human excreta on their cloths from behind while another group member inform the victim about this. As soon as the victim tries to clean himself, the third member snatches the bag and vanishes from the spot. The same day, the group returns to the city they come from. The Fancy Bazar police outpost officer in-charge Noor Hussain said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have started reporting such cases recently and we have also arrested people involved in the crime. They are from other cities like Siliguri and they leave Guwahati the day they commit the crime.â&#x20AC;? Similarly there has been a tremendous rise in the number of mobile thefts in the area in recent times. According to the police, some females too are involved in the mobile theft cases. There is also a nexus of illegal migrants in the mobile theft cases as the mobile phones are transferred to other locations as soon as

the phones are stolen from the area. According to police, 97% mobile phones are recovered by the cops after it is stolen as these days tracking a mobile phone is possible using modern technologies.

Other crimes

As Fancy Bazar is a business area, there are quite a number of cases of forgery, breach of trust and cheating registered. Businessmen hire people and trust them with their businesses but later on they realise that the person they trust, are cheating them since a long time. After they realise the truth, they report the case to the police and it becomes pretty complicated for the cops too, to crack the case as there is hardly any evidence left. The police have to scrutinise the bank accounts of both the victim and the accused. Most of these cases go unresolved. The police also report cases of forged signatures on the bank

cheques. There was a case registered where a draft was forged by an employee of a firm. There are also many godowns in the area from where many products get sold and exported. There are also incidents of product theft reported in the area as people working in the godowns have a nexus with other people who steal the products from the godown and sell it in other markets at cheaper rates.

With the area having two discos, the cases of prostitution in the discos and hotels in the area is not usually reported. There was one case of murder registered but the investigation proved that it was just an accident. The area otherwise is peaceful, but the new cases of mobile thefts and the introduction of the Iranian group has raised concern among the cops and the residents.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

City

PICTURE PERFECT Shubhojit Roy

he doors of the Kamakhya temple were opened for the devotees once again on Thursday after being closed on the initial days of the Ambubachi festival. The festival saw around 5 lakh devotees from all around the country thronging the Nilachal Hills to receive blessings from Maa Kamakhya. The main entrance gate of Kamakhya was seen magnificently decorated with flowers during the festival. The Ambubachi Mela also saw rise in business for the food stalls, the shops selling various ornaments and many other places of business interest. G Plus brings you the ambience of Ambubachi.

The Sadhus

With smoke from their chillums rising all across the Nilachal hills, the presence of Sadhus and saints who have arrived from different parts of the country was another scene. Swami Sivananda, a saint from Varanasi who is known to be the oldest living saint on earth at 118 years was also

Devotee lockets on display

seen alongside his disciples. Sivananda is going to be named in Guinness book of world record for being the oldest living saint; still enjoying good health. Swami is addressed as Baba by his disciples who are very much optimistic that he will enjoy many more years. Another saint named Swami Rameshwar of Patna who has been coming to the festival since 1984 was also present for the Ambubachi.

While speaking to G Plus, Swami Rameshwar thanked the district administration for all the arrangements and congratulated on the success of the festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been coming here since 1984, and I am very satisfied with the arrangements that have been made by the district administration,â&#x20AC;? stated Swami Rameshwar. One of his disciples, Kamlesh, who is an active member of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayam Sevak) spoke about the importance of Hinduism in the society. He further expressed his interest in spreading the message of RSS and Hinduism to hearts of people in this part of the country. There were a few more Sadhus in the premises, who were seen interested in flaunting their dread locks. Many devotees took the opportunity to seek the blessings from the saints by touching these dread locks. The picturesque temple and the surroundings were absolutely spectacular during the festival.

Business

Rosary Beads are a common feature

Waiting for alms

During the period of Ambubachi, the street stalls were flooded with a huge number of customers. From jalebis to garlands to ornaments to small statues of deities, the stalls and outlets were filled with customers.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

City

Unlocking the dread locks

A sadhu in meditation

A baba showering blessings to his disciples

During the peak hour on Thursday morning, we approached one of the customers who was busy shopping. “I am trying to select a framed photograph of Maa Kamakhya that I can take back home. I have also bought some Rudraksh mala to gift to my relatives back home. This is my first visit to Kamakhya during Ambubachi. However, I have come here on two occasions but not during the Ambubachi festival,” said Dinesh Paul from Purulia of West Bengal. On asking about how his experience was during the festival, Paul says, “I am truly satisfied and I think the motive of my life has been fulfilled. The authorities too have been very helpful and I am thankful to them.” While climbing the stairs of Kamakhya temple, we came across an Aghori saint who was selling products which is known to be used for Tantric rituals. The saint looked like a vision from another world in his full black attire, a trident by his side and a garland of small human skull beads. “I am selling the materials to be used for Tantric rituals. I have an iron horse shoe, horse hair, snake eyeball and other stuff,” he said. At the corner of the VIP parking

The ambubachi crowd

space outside the Kamakhya temple, we spoke to Bhrigu Kalita, who was making jalebis and he said, “It’s all the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, that the business has been good this one week. People like to come to my shop after visiting the temple for some hot and sweet jalebis.”

The Facilities

The facilities provided by the district administration were very much

appreciated by the pilgrims during the Ambubachi festival. The DA had provided ASTC bus services from the Kamakhya station to the Kamakhya temple. Around 150 to 200 toilets were set up at various places surrounding the Nilachal Hills from the top of Kamakhya to the old Pandu station. Morover, there was assistance in the temple premises for people who had lost their relatives in the crowd. For every lost person or any material, the

authorities at the temple announced the names over a PA system. Many NGO’s were also seen participating in the festival and providing free food at different devotee centres in and around the Nilachal Hill. Security cameras were also installed at various points of the Nilachal Hills for proper surveillance and police along with army batallions and scouts and guides played a major part in the security aspect of the tem-

ple premise and the devotees. The foothill of the Nilachal Hills saw major traffic congestion for past few days, and the rain only made it worse for the commuters. However, all said and done, the Ambubachi festival has been a great success for the city and its people and it has also been a great accomplishment from the tourism point of view.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Ward Watch

Navagraha road shubhojit roy

D WARO N 12

THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY

Sub Division 12A/ 12B/ 12C No. of Voters 18,000 (approx.) Concentrated Region Navagraha Road Major Issues Inconclusive state

ying in the heart of the city near the Silpukhuri area, the Navagraha road is the connecting stretch between Silpukhuri and the the Navagraha temple situated at Chitrasal Hill. The area is also famous for the Guwahati War Cemetery located in the area. The war cemetery was started during the Second World War for burials from the several military hospitals posted in the area. Being a place of such historical significance, the Navagraha road automatically falls in focus for places of interest in the city. G Plus finds out if the area has any issues of major concern.

The roads & drains

Most of the Navagraha road is well pitched and of concrete except for some parts which have fallen apart. The drains too are big enough to carry the waste water of the locality. Speaking to Sangeeta Medhi, a housewife who has been living in the same locality since birth, it was found that the roads were fixed during the last Rajya Sabha elections. Sangeeta says, “Things are alright but still a few things are missing. Some parts of the road need to be fixed while the drain needs to be cleaned. At the bottom of the hill, you will find the drain often blocked by plastic wastes.” She further complains that the well from where her family gets the water often dries up because many households are using bore-wells for water supply.

Drinking water

Drinking water is one of the major problems in many parts of the city. Similarly, the people residing at Navagraha road too face scarcity of water. “Some houses have the water supply that is provided by the GMDA, while many other houses use boringpumps to lift the underground water. However, the approval of permission to use the boring-pumps by household is very much questionable,” says Neelima Das, a housewife in the locality. Astonishingly, the consumers of the city are still not fully aware about the desperate situation where they are consistently utilising the underground water and depleting it.

The garbage van

On many occasions, we have seen that the garbage collecting van of GMC is not regular. A similar problem is faced by the Navagraha road

Drinking water is one of the major problems in many parts of the city. Similarly, the people residing at Navagraha road too face scarcity of water.

as well. “The garbage vans do come but they are very irregular. So, sometimes, people are bound to throw the garbage on the road or on drain, as the van does not come. Moreover, there is no garbage bin in my locality. There is one bin in the foot hill, but there are no bins in the uphill,” said Kamalesh Deka, a local businessperson who has been living in the area for over 20 years.

Councilor’s version

Bolendra Bharali, Councilor of Ward No- 12 has stated that the authorities are facing a problem as the Ramky infrastructure is leaving the city and the company is not at all interested to work in its last 10-15 days. “The garbage collection problem might exist till the 15th of next month as Ramky is not at all active at the moment,” states Bharali. On asking about the reason for why it was neces-

sary to overthrow Ramky out of business, Bharali says, “Ramky was also supposed to sweep the roads besides secondary collection, which they did not do. Besides that, Ramky was unable to divide the biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. In addition to that, only 50 metric tonne of manure was produced out of its target of 350-400 metric tonnes. Ramky had also promised us of producing electricity through the wastes which they couldn’t.” Speaking of water-boring in different households, Bharali informs, “A new act will be implemented very soon which will disallow people to set up deep well boring-pumps without any permission from the authorities.” On a different note, Bolendra Bharali further stated that a new road connecting the Navagraha Road and Kharguli through the house of Former CM Prafulla Kumar Mahanta would soon be constructed. Even though the Navagraha Road remains in an inconclusive state with glimpse of both good and bad aspects of the area, the people might face some problems of garbage disposal as Ramky has withdrawn its services and is uninterested to work anymore as told by the councilor. It will however be interesting to see how the post Ramky period shapes up for the people of the city.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Business

NABARD SUPPORT TO GODOWNS CHANGE IN LAND LAW G Plus Bureau

he National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) has started addressing the needs of critical infrastructure like godowns for Assam since the state has a huge shortage of these very necessary storage spaces. NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS), a wholly-owned subsidiary promoted by NABARD has recently set up a new Zonal Office at Guwahati that looks after the entire northeast India, including Sikkim. It is to be noted that there are only two zonal offices - one in New Delhi and the other in Guwahati. R. Amalorpavanathan, Chief General Manager of NABARD said “Support of `31.05 Crore has been extended to Mizoram towards the construction of 27 godowns with an aggregate capacity of 8,350 MT. An amount of `5.24 Crore was sanctioned to Tripura for the construction of 27 godowns with an aggregate capacity of 4,600 MT. In Assam around 54 projects of godowns were taken up at a cost of `36 Crore.” The credit plan for agriculture sector in Assam for 2014-15 is fixed at `5176 Crore. NABARD has sanctioned `600 Crore for Assam for various projects under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

Out of `5176 Crore, around `3340 Crore is for crop loan and `1836 for the term loan. NABARD has promoted an innovative method of rice cultivation popularly known as System for Rice Intensification (SRI) to reduce the cost of cultivation and improve the productivity. A model SRI project covering seven districts of Assam with a budget of `119.84 lakh covering around 4,000 farmers in the state has been launched in 2011 and the implementations of the projects are in the final stage. An area of around 1,400 hectare would be brought under SRI method of cultivation in 3 years’ time. The cumulative sanctions under all tranches in Northeast India region under RIDF accounted for `7,983.32

Crore for 3,185 agri-related, irrigation, power, roads, bridges, and social sector projects till March 31, 2014. According to NABARD, “Around 1,112 agri-related projects have been sanctioned in Manipur for `118.74 Crore, 2091 projects for `2945.55 Crore in Assam, 38 power projects in Tripura for `4.2 crore, 353 road projects in Meghalaya for `232.33 Crore and 1,511 projects under social sector in Manipur for `176.33 Crore.” He said that NABARD is working towards creating an understanding with Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium for support with loan assistance and capacity building. “We are also trying to work out a project with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for promotion of the dairy sector.”

ssam has relaxed the norms allowing transfer and non agricultural activity in agricultural land where no farming activity is taking place. Non-availability of land for industrial activity in Assam has locked in projects worth `4000 Crores in Assam. According to an official communiqué issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, there are a large number of plots of land, which are recorded as agricultural land but in actual practice those are not fit for agriculture or have not been cultivated for ten years or more.

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“With a view to ensure optimum utilisation of such available land and to promote non agriculture activities like setting up of industries, educational institutions, health institutions, housing etc, which play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the state including creation of employment opportunities, the state government have decided to allow Deputy commissioners to give NOC for transfer of such land which are recorded as agricultural land but are not fit for agricultural purposes or where there is no agricultural activities for ten years.”

NO RISE IN LPG AND KEROSENE PRICES

DA Government stated that there would be no rise of LPG and kerosene prices. “There is no such proposal in the government. We are not even thinking on that line,” Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said when asked if the government was mulling raising prices of cooking gas by `5 per cylinder and kerosene by `1 per litre on a monthly basis. He was talking to reporters here after the Cabinet meeting. Speculation was rife that the government might raise prices of cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene aimed at wiping out the `80,000 Crore subsidy on the two fuels. Subsidy on LPG currently is at a staggering `432.71 per 14.2-kg cylinder and at `5 per month increase it will take 7 years to wipe out the subsidy.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Society

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS UNDERWAY shubhojit roy

The Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir is in the midst of its centenary celebrations and is getting ready for a grand theatrical rally next year.

he Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, the stalwart of Assamese theatrical culture is going to complete its centenary in the year 2015. The ‘Golden age’ of Assamese theatre in the end part of 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century saw the establishment of different theatrical halls in the state, that helped in the development of the theatrical movement in Assam. The Kamrup Natya Samity, a temporary stage for theatrical activities was upgraded to the Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir in the year 1923 in Guwahati.

The initial years

The first permanent stage made out of wood for drama performance was set up in Guwahati during the 1880s at the residence of the Buzar-

baruahs at Latasil, which was then recognised as the Natya Mandir. An earthquake struck in the year 1897 that completely destroyed the Natya Mandir and during that same period, the Arya Natya Mandir was set up, which became the centre point of cultural activities of Guwahati at that time. Although the Arya Natya Mandir was under the administration of the prominent Bengalis of the city, both Assamese and Bengali cultural programmes were held regularly. However, an ill-fated incident occurred revolving around a drama festival that was organised in connection with the coronation of George V in 1912 at the Arya Natya Mandir. As a result of the incident, some people from the Assamese community decided to start with a new theatre hall

The centenary celebrations have already started from 2013 and will be concluded in the year 2015. The celebration got flagged off on 10th November 2013”

of their own for performing ‘original Assamese drama’ and therein lies the origin of the Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, which now stands as a centre of theatrical excellence at Uzan Bazar in Guwahati. The hall was initially named as Guwahati Public Hall, which was later changed to Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir. The responsibility of constructing the hall was given to Bholanath Das, Jogendranath Barua, Chidananda Chowdhury, Radhanath Phukan, Satyendranath Bora, Durgeswar Sarma and Chidananda Sarma. They succeeded in arranging for a plot of land at the Uzan Bazar from Harinath Sarma, the site of the Doloi Ugratara Temple, with the permission of the lessee Nabin Chandra Bardoloi. The fund-raising got initiated with the donation of `600 by Chidananda Choudhury of Panbazar. The tin roof for the hall was acquired at `400. Sambhunath Bora and Bholanath Das also contributed to the construction, which was completed in 1915. In the very same year, the Kamrupa Natya Samiti was formed, where Gopinath Bordoloi took the position of secretary and Raghunath Choudhury was given as the position of the stage manager. Ten years later, with a big donation received from Mahendranath Barua, a Golaghat based planter, the hall was fully revamped and it was then, from 1924, that the hall was named as the Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir after Kumar Bhaskara Barman, the former ruler

of Kamarupa. During this period, the theatrical legends such as Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, Mahendranath Dekaphukan, Umesh Chandra Choudhury and Bhubanneswar Barua were actively involved in events at the theatre. Jyotiprasad set up his Chitralekha Natya Sangha and used Natya Mandir often for staging his programmes.

The centenary agenda

As the Kumar Bhakar Natya Mandir is about to complete its 100 years in the year 2015, Dhiren Baruah, former President of the Natya Mandir seems very jubilant and spoke about the upcoming programmes. “The centenary celebrations have already started from 2013 and will be concluded in the year 2015. The celebration got flagged off on 10th November 2013. Many laureates of Assam from literature and theatrical fields were also felicitated in the year 2013,” mentioned Baruah. It was also revealed that the biggest theatrical rally in the entire Assam will be flagged off in Guwahati in the year 2015. Even though, theatrical stages like the Ravindra Bhawan has arrived in the city over time, the Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir still holds a very important place in the hearts of the people of Assam from the viewpoint of theatre and literature. It will undoubtedly be interesting to see how the biggest theatrical rally of Assam gets underway in the upcoming year.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Health

Gulp down water to your heart’s content Beat Heat Stroke & Dehydration

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Although, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Headache, Dizziness, Disorientation, agitation, or confusion, Sluggishness or fatigue, Seizure, Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, A high body temperature, Loss of consciousness, Rapid heartbeat, Hallucinations. The symptoms of a heat stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Therefore, a doctor should always be consulted.

Dr. Bikash Rai Das, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, GNRC Hospitals

ith the Monsoon yet to arrive in the North-East, the prevailing hot weather conditions in Assam and other parts of the North-east have hit the people hard. Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur if someone has been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have become dehydrated. Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot one feels when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders our body’s ability to cool itself. The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 32 degrees or more. So it’s important, especially during heat waves to remember that the heat index is even higher when one is standing in full sunshine. One may be especially prone to develop heat exhaustion during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the “heat island effect,” asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.

There are two types of heat exhaustion:

Water depletion: The person may suffer from excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Salt depletion: Signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps, and dizziness. Although heat exhaustion isn’t as serious as heat stroke, it isn’t something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death. Heat cramps: Painful cramps of the abdominal muscles, arms, or legs. Heat exhaustion: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, weakness, muscle pain, and sometimes unconsciousness.

What is dehydration?

More than 75 percent of our body

weight is water. Water is essential to our metabolism, the way our bodies function. Technically, dehydration sets in when a person has lost 2 percent of his or her body weight. How quickly that happens depends mainly on the conditions. It’s especially dangerous for infants and young children, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions to become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount taken in. Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well as being a dangerous side effect of diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Untreated dehydration can lead to three worse types of heat illness:

What puts one at risk for dehydration?

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, direct sun, and high humidity, without sufficient rest and fluids puts one at risk for dehydration. A child is at more risk as the child’s body surface area makes up a much greater proportion of his overall weight than an adult’s, which means children face a much greater risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people. Certain health conditions which include heart, lung, kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any conditions that cause fever can cause heat stroke. People with diabetes are at increased risk of heatrelated illness. People who are taking medications like diuretics, sedatives, tranquillisers, stimulants, some heart and blood pressure medications, and medications for psychiatric conditions are at more risk to suffer from Heat stroke.

How can dehydration be prevented?

We can prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.

Health Tip

Heat stroke is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors, people with mental illness, obesity, poor circulation, and those on certain types of medications or drinking alcohol are most susceptible to heat stroke.

We’ve to make sure that we are taking in more fluid than we are losing. We can try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. We can drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

Treatment for dehydration

If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult the child’s doctor. In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance. For moderate dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids may be required, although, if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalisation, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

What signs of Heat Exhaustion should we watch for?

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion in-

However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels. If a person becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

clude: Confusion, Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration), Dizziness, Fainting, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle cramps, Nausea, Pale skin, Profuse sweating, Rapid heartbeat. Thirst doesn’t really kick in until someone has lost 2% of his or her body weight as sweat. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a lifethreatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors, people with mental illness, obesity, poor circulation, and those on certain types of medications or drinking alcohol are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. A temperature of 40 degree centigrade or higher and severe symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, seizures, disorientation or delirium, lack of sweating, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and coma can occur in heat stroke.

What causes heat stroke?

Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin.

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate care. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that, when untreated, can be deadly. Any child with heat stroke should be rushed to the nearest hospital. If anyone has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room or try to find the nearest cool and shady place. It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first-aid measures one can take while waiting for help to arrive, including the following: Get the person to a shaded area, Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating, Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits, Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated, Cool the person rapidly however one can. Intravenous (IV) fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke. So, next time you go out in the sun, make sure you drink plenty of cool water early and often. Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration.Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colours. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella. Never leave children or pets in closed cars on warm or sunny days. Ask the children out to practice or play fully hydrated. Then, during play, make sure the children take regular breaks to drink fluid, even if the child isn’t thirsty. By taking these simple measures you can beat the heat.

It’s not that some people have will power and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Events PHOTOS: PRANAB DOLEY

Designer Sumit Dasgupta

COUTURE FASHION WEEKEND Date: 21st , 22nd May, Venue: ITA Complex

Designer Pushpanjali Dutta

Designer Robert Naorem with Dayana Erappa

Designer Khrielasier CriSh Liezietsu

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Events

WORLD MUSIC DAY Date: 21st May, Venue: Shradhanjali Kanan

Pankaj Sarma,Pragyan Baruah & his group

4th Elemnent Tribute to the Lt. Khagen Mahanta, Pratik Baruah & Cultural group

Aucto Creation recently organised its eight celebration of the World Music Day at the Shradhanjali Kanan. Many artists and bands of different genres from various parts of the region were invited. The event was titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Rhythm with the worldâ&#x20AC;? as it was in the past. The event saw an impressive attendance and the drizzle did little to dampen the mood and enthusiasm of the performers as well as the audience.

Swadhyay

Chip & Dale

Print Partner

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Reviews Director: Mohit Suri Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor, Reteish Deshmukh

Director: Michael Bay Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci

t’s probably around the twohour mark of this big, bloated, bombastic spectacle of a sequel that you might start thinking to yourself, why are we doing this again? Money, obviously. Because Transformers: Age of Extinction - the fourth film in Michael Bay’s robots-going-berserk-on-Earth franchise - reeks of it. The film’s reported $189 million budget is obvious from its opening moments in which huge alien spaceships thunder over the planet dropping bombs as beautifully rendered dinosaurs flee from the flames. It’s there when the stars of the show - those gigantic robots known as Autobots and Decepticons - do battle in yet another whiz-bang-blur of an action sequence soundtracked by headacheinducing dubstep. And yes, it’s also there with the film’s blatant product placements and tie-ins, this time not-so-subtely advertising everything from hip-hop stereo systems to energy drinks and - yep - even women’s lingerie. Age of Extinction smugly knows it’s going to be among the year’s biggest blockbusters, so it doesn’t mess with its formula of hunks, babes, cars and droids strictly employed since the 2007 original. That’s despite this being billed as somewhat of a reboot, with muscle-bound lunkhead Mark Wahlberg replacing the fast-talking antics of Shia LaBeouf in the three previous instalments. This one also comes with a cast straight out of a sun-drenched Coke commercial, with Irish lad Jack Reynor for the girls, and impossibly long-limbed Nicola Peltz

for the guys. But, despite it’s box-ticking obviousness, its blatant ripping off of its predecessors, its terrible oneliners and obvious jibes at itself, this is a grubby guilty pleasure that can be enjoyed on a purely visceral level. Sure, you’ll have to get over some stuff. Like believing that Mark Wahlberg is actually some kind of mad, undiscovered inventor genius, who actually has the skills to repair a trashed truck that might just be the long lost Optimus Prime. Or that governments really would want to use alien metal to clone Transformers and create their own armies - especially after the city-destroying events of the previous film. It’s hard to see Obama approving that one. That it all ends up going horribly wrong in a 40-minute set piece in China is a somewhat muted commentary on corporate America, and a predictable and jarring mashup between Robocop and Jurassic Park that has to be seen to be believed. Or not, if you have indeed had enough at the two-hour mark. This one comes with several new bots - most notably the sleek silver Galvatron and bullying menace Lockdown. They’re aided by some deliciously dark baddies courtesy of Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer doing his bad Boss-thing as a government official, and scenestealing tough guy Titus Welliver as the head of a team of secret agents tracking and destroying the last remaining Autobots. But mostly what this Transformers does is exactly what previous instalments do: bash you about with heavy metal machinery so often you’ll need an ice pack and a lie-down afterwards.

ohit Suri’s Ek Villain starring Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kaopoor will keep you glued to your seats as the intriguing tale is packed with many remarkable twists and turns that turn a protagonist into antagonist. The execution is such a picking point of this flick that even if one says that it’s a remake of Korean movie ‘I Saw The Devil’ the director shouldn’t shy away from accepting it. Having said that we should also clear the air that it’s just a plot alike the former flick picked up in Ek Villain. While you watch this flick you will find similarities but not for long. Mohit Suri doesn’t adopt the entire story but just takes the premise to give his own design, which is filled with necessary innovative alterations. The good taking on the evil isn’t an innovation factor we would bore you with as it’s already much hyped during its promotions. It’s Mohit Suri’s propensity of narrating the tale, which is more fashionable than his earlier flicks. The story is mostly narrated in flashbacks. Allow us to tell you the initial plot. Guru (Sidharth Malhotra) is a silent but callous gangster in Goa working for his boss (Remo Fernandes). He is struggling with his previous aching past and is finding it difficult to come over as it comes haunting him again and again until he come across this happy-go-lucky girl Aisha (Shraddha Kapoor). She helps brining him out of his dark times of yore and finally Guru falls

in love and marries her. They shift from Goa to Mumbai to kick-start a new life but their tender life is given a jolt when Aisha is murdered in a rather suspicious manner. Filled with rage Guru is out for seeking revenge from the murderer. But finally when he comes across him, whose name is Rakesh (Retiesh Deshmukh), he finds it difficult to provide him any harm as surprisingly this murderer is apparently inoffensive and modest. What is the past of this attacker and what probably led him to kill Aisha? Is he serial killer, a pycho or is highly obsessed with something? Mohit describes such intriguing tale packed with twists and turns. Ending up the comparisons half the way with the Korean movie, EK Villain needless to say has its own shades. While we have mostly came across numerous emotional revenge sagas, Ek Villain just doesn’t ponders over this traditional idea, instead it goes further with a remarkable twist with the protagonist turning antagonist. As far as performances are concerned actors have come up with their surprising act. Reteish Deshmukh tops the chart in our list

who delivers villain performance with perfection. After watching him tickling the funny bone of the audience one would be shocked to witness his impeccable negative act. Sidharth Malhota, who is just two flicks old, with Ek Villain shows that he possess the efficiency to pull off any character given to him. His expressions suit the intense character and we would recommend you to look out for his grey shades. It’s again a delight to watch Shraddha Kapoor. She is charming and fills the screens with his lively presence. Her chemistry with Siddharth is perfectly captured by Mohit. Aamna Sharif as Retish’s wife is brilliant. Kamaal R Khan’s cameo appearance is good. Music by Ankit Tiwari and Mithoon isn’t in awe of any review since it’s already a sensation among song lovers all over. Songs like Galliyan, Awari, Banjaare aren’t only mesmerizing for ears but for eyes too since their picturisation is stunning. Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain will keep you glued to your seats as the intriguing tale is packed with many remarkable twists and performances.

The Deliberate Sinner Author: Bhaavna Arora

ihana is an adventurous and free-spirited girl, until she marries Veer, an eligible bachelor who comes from a wealthy family. While they appear ‘happily married’, their strong personalities are at odds. Veer, for the most part, is insensitive to Rihana’s physical and emotional needs, straining the relationship and leaving her feeling incomplete. Caught

U D YOOUL D A SH RE NOW PLAYING

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between the devil and the deep sea, Rihana has to now decide whether to walk out of her marriage and be a victim of society’s ridicule or compromise on her physical needs, which for her are the foundation for a healthy marital bond. Can they work out their differences? Will Veer give her what she desires or push her to do something desperate and scandalous?

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G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Web Watch

Google Announces Cheap and Accessible Virtual Reality App Enable Data Named Cardboard Compression

oogle has announced its foray into the smartphone virtual reality space with an app named Cardboard. The app is described as a “no-frills enclosure that transforms a phone into a basic VR headset”. Google has also released instructions on how to build a virtual reality viewer to use with the smartphone app. The viewer is constituted primarily of everyday items, including cardboard, lenses, magnets, velcro, a rubber band, and an optional stick NFC tag. Because the VR Toolkit is experimental, it won’t get the same level of quality and support that Google offers to other Android SDKs and libraries – and Google has warned that the toolkit’s contents may change or break without warning. Still, this is a fun way for developers to look at experimenting with VR.

Google’s next version of Android ‘L’ release has a new look, deeper ties to the web

itKat may have only found its way onto roughly 15 percent of phones at this point, but that won’t stop Google from looking to the future. The new version, teased by Sundar Pichai is simply being referred to as the “L” release right now. As previous leaks have indicated, this will be the most dramatic UI overhaul the OS has enjoyed since Ice Cream Sandwich debuted back in 2011. The heart of this overhaul is called Material Design -- a flatter look, with rounder elements and softer edges that will extend beyond tablets and phones to Chrome OS and Google’s various web services. You can see some of the new design philosophy at work already in the latest version of the

Proxy in Chrome for Desktop to SpeedUp Browsing

It’s worth noting that early Oculus Rift prototypes were designed around an iPhone with a VR viewer – so the concept isn’t that bizarre. Released with the app is the accompanying open software toolkit, as well a tutorial on how to start coding. Android phones must be running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or above to support Cardboard. Google will also be hosting a talk about virtual reality on Android. Will you be trying out Cardboard?

Google+ app on Android. But it goes beyond that. Shapes are simplified and there are smooth transition animations across the UI. And those animations aren’t just inside apps; they can also be between apps. For instance, you could view an image in the photo gallery, and then choose to open it in a thirdparty editor. Rather than laboriously closing the gallery and then opening the editor, the image itself could appear to float above the apps and simply shift into the second app, which is already open to the editing pane. Developers can also add the illusion of depth by adding “elevation” which automatically stacks visual elements appropriately and adds drop shadows.

Submitted by indrajeet Bhuyan

Maharastra Police to take action against those who ‘like’ objectionable content online

ou may land in trouble for ‘liking’ objectionable content on the social networking websites. Maharashtra Police have said those who like the controversial posts online will be booked under the Information Technology Act and under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Police say the move is to contain protests over objectionable content on a social networking site about Chhatrapati Shivaji, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Police, however, haven’t yet tracked down the Internet Protocol address of the person (yet unidentified) who posted the content online. There are chances it was done through a proxy server. Protests were held across Maharashtra over the weekend after inflammable content were spotted/spread on the Internet. Mumbai police’s cyber crime in-

vestigation cell has taken over the probe of the case. “Three different pages about these objectionable posts were created on Facebook. We have blocked all of them. Police are also taking help from the computer emergency response team (CERT). Besides, a letter has been sent to Facebook to furnish details about the persons who created the pages,” says Deven Bharti, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order). Section 66 (A) of the IT Act has been widely criticised across the country, especially after cases of abuse of the law by police. Back in 2012, two Mumbai girls were arrested over a Facebook post criticising shutdown in Mumbai during Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray’s funeral. Later, the charges were dropped. A Kolkata professor was arrested for allegedly forwarding derogatory cartoons representing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Microsoft may offer Windows 9 for free

umour has it that Microsoft will not only release a second update to Windows 8.1 later this year, but will also offer the next iteration, Windows 9, for free (or at a substantial discount). That’s according to a blog post by Russian hacker group WZOR, which reckons that those who have already purchased Windows 8.2 (or Windows 8.1 Update 2) could be in for a treat, but the decision hasn’t yet been

finalized at Microsoft HQ. There’s also talk of being able to disable Metro (or Modern UI) 2.0 on Windows 9 Enterprise version, a move that may well have been prompted by business users. Microsoft is rumoured to be currently holding a big internal event during which major decisions will be taken regarding the future of Windows. The last titbit that WZOR men-

tioned in its post is the fact that Microsoft is cracking down on leaks with the Chinese office being targeted. Microsoft employees wishing to test future versions of Windows will apparently get one crafted for each individual. Apple shook up the OS boat in 2013 when it announced that OS X 10.9 Mavericks would be released as a free download for OS X 10.8 users, marking the first free release of OS X.

hrome’s data compression proxy is available only for Android and iOS. This feature sends the web traffic to your device by reducing the size of HTTP packets using various compression resources. Jerzy Glowacki figured out a way to bring this cool data compression feature to desktop version of Google Chrome. He also released his extension that brings this data compression proxy to your desktop version of Chrome. It is opensource so you can also download and check the source code. Download ‘Data Compression Proxy extension’ from Chrome web store. After installation, it adds an icon in omnibar. Click on this icon to enable the data compression feature. If the icon is green, it indicates that it is enable. If it is red, it is disable. You can also check the data savings by visiting chrome:// net-internals/#bandwidth. Here you will see what data it has saved. This extension is very helpful for those who use data cards with limited internet bandwidth plans. This will help them in reducing the data usage and increasing the web browsing speed. 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

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

G-talk

Will the anti-ragging helpline be able to curb ragging? Namrata Das

Mayur Rajbongshi

Student, IIT Guwahati

BFA, 5th year, Government Art College

POINT

COUNTERPOINT

he Guwahati district administration recently instructed all the city secondary schools and colleges to have an anti-ragging helpline number for the newcomers so that they do not face any difficulties if by any chance they become victims of ragging. “We felt that an anti-ragging helpline should be put in place so that victims can instantly call the concerned college authority and the culprits can be nabbed. From tomorrow, the district administration will start giving strict directions to the educational institutions in the city where fresh batches of students are being enrolled to open one helpline number. No students should be harassed,” said administration officials. Now the question is that will the helpline numbers bar the incidents of ragging in city colleges? According to me it is a pretty decent move taken by the district administration as in institutes, the senior students after ragging the newcomers get away because the freshers are too scared to complain to the authorities about their harassments. With the helpline number in place, students can directly call up the college authorities without hesitating. The newcomers usually face a lot of challenges complaining as they do not know whether the authorities would believe them or not, and if the person informed is biased then the issue might not get highlighted and the person might come up with a temporary compromise formula. So, complaining directly to the helpline number may keep the identity of victim safe and in the meanwhile, the culprits can be prosecuted. The helpline number will also boost the confidence of the parents as they are now aware that any such incident can be reported and the institute having the helpline number will also be preferred more than the others. The district administration has agreed that the anti-ragging squads of the educational institutes will have a government official as the member for effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s rule on ragging. As a result, the institutes will not be able to hush up any incident from the government and will be compelled to

I People might again have questions about the effectiveness of the move, but to start with, it is a good approach and gradually there might be an individual helpline number by the government and the law directly may handle the issues without the involvement of the institutions. take stern action against the culprits. It was seen in the past that to save the reputation of the institution, the authorities used to form internal enquiries against any complaint and the issue used to be handled in such a way that the culprits were let off by just warning them, but the involvement of government official will make sure that the culprits are punished accordingly. People might again have questions about the effectiveness of the move, but to start with, it is a good approach and gradually there might be an individual helpline number by the government and the law directly may handle the issues without the involvement of the institutions.

find it hard to believe that the latest initiative taken by the government, which directs all the colleges and institutes to introduce a helpline to combat ragging will bear any fruit. First, the very word of government or the initiatives taken by the government brings about a foreboding sense of negligence in whatever schemes they propose to take up. This is because of the apathy shown by the government in regards to all the initiatives in the past.

First, the very word of government or the initiatives taken by the government brings about a foreboding sense of negligence in whatever schemes they propose to take up. This is because of the apathy shown by the government in regards to all the initiatives in the past.

The government introduced a helpline called ‘Dial 100’ for the people who needed help if they fall prey to any untoward incidents. But, I have not seen or heard any policeman reach the spot immediately ever, once someone calls for help. Similarly, the case will be the same with the anti-ragging helpline number. It is doubtful whether the colleges have the required infrastructure to develop or support a helpline number. Even if the college authorities develop such facilitates, by the time they respond or reach for help the damages will already have been done. Because, the hostel boarders of the college, are the worst sufferers of ragging. They have been facing ragging in a place where there is already a warden to look after the well being of the boarders. But, still there is no sign of the menace ending. At the same time, I would like to say that a little bit of harmless ragging is not bad since it helps to develop a bond between the newcomers and the seniors. Even, when we were in the first year, we wanted to be ‘ragged’ or get friendly with our seniors. But, this phase of introduction should not go beyond the limit. If someone faces the hardships of ragging right after entering the first year of his college life, then he will anyway try to force his juniors to undergo the same situation faced by him. Therefore, ragging must not be encouraged in anyway. But, again, it is highly doubtful that the government will be able to stop or combat ragging just by merely directing to introduce a helpline. Instead, they should try to create or start anti-ragging campaigns through the platform of social media. Now a days, social networking sites like Facebook are creating tremendous impacts on the minds and lives of the people, especially the youths. The impact was evident during the last general election. Therefore, I think it would build a great impact if the authority tries to think on those lines, if they really want to make any change in the society or combat any social menace like ragging.

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

SKIP THE ‘E’ AND LET IT ‘GO’... ritu gupta gritu21@yahoo.com

hen we are born, there is no ego in us and as a child we are very innocent. A child is born without any knowledge and consciousness of his own. He is totally dependent on others for his survival so much so that even when he opens his eyes he sees the outside world. He then becomes aware of his mother and through her body. He sees the world through her eyes. When the mother loves him, greets him and calls him beautiful, the child feels good. In the same manner, they even understand when the mother is annoyed with him. Here is when the ego is born. Ego is born when a child starts growing up in a society. If he had to live in isolation then there would not be any ego! So precisely speaking, ego is the by-product of living with others in a society. Ego can never make life blissful and too much of ego can destroy your inner self. It’s like a plastic flower which looks beautiful from the outside but when you have a closer look it is full of dust. In the same manner, our

ast night, just before we went to sleep, Tirus made me burst at the seams with some of his martial art stances. There were a whole lot of them and they were simply too good. I especially loved one work-out where he goes round and round in a circle about three times, while pursing his lips and sticking his tongue out at every turn and then doing a ‘smash’ kick. Then there were the ‘lightning jump’ and ‘super dive’. Then, I had to do this being-beaten-in-the-slow-motion enactment with him, which made him very excited ‘cause it’s been quite a while since I played crazy with Tirus. It was fun to see him. I asked him where he had learnt all this and he gave me several vague answers, which somehow amused me. Some he learnt from television (I only wonder from which channel), he said, one or two from his cousin and the kicks from his Dad. Wow! I mean where was I when he was learning all this? Am I missing something here? Am I losing out on valuable time with Tirus? Left me thinking quite a bit. I surely don’t want to wake up one fine morning and find Tirus all grown up and everything, while I am still locked in that time when I was wishing to play and would have played ‘slow-motion’ with him! I grew up with my mother in Shillong who was always busy with her social engagements and my Dad, who worked in Guwahati, whom I met only during weekends. Mom was involved mostly in child and women welfare. And that would entail heavy duty activity on her part. Almost every day, in the morning around 11, she would be out with her friends passionately doing what she loved most; attending to the destitute, the differently-abled, or visiting slums to teach them. I loved what she did and she was and still is a role model for me. Mother’s work meant that I was left alone in the house and had to arrange for my needs on my own. However, this never made me unhappy at all! Rather, I was elated that Mom and I would spend quality time together soon. She never failed to understand this most vital as-

ego can make us feel powerful from the outside but deep within, it creates a lacuna. Whenever you are suffering, try to analyse yourself and you will find it’s the ego, which is causing all the destruction. It happened that one Zen master was passing through a street. A man came running and hit him hard. The master fell down. Then he got up and started to walk in the same direction in which he was going before, without even looking back. A disciple was with the master and he was simply shocked at this. He said, “Who is this man? What is this? If one lives in such a way, then anybody can come and kill you. And you have not even looked at that person - who he is and why he did it.” The master said, “That is his problem, not mine.” You can clash with an enlightened

man, but that is your problem, not his. And if you are hurt in that clash, that too is your own problem. He cannot hurt you. It is like knocking against a wall - you will be hurt, but the wall has not hurt you. The ego is always looking for some trouble. Why? Because, if nobody pays attention to you, the ego feels hungry. It lives on attention. This is how people exist. This is how people become dependent on others. It is a deeply entrenched slavery. Ego has to be a slave. It depends on others and only a person who has no ego is for the first time a master; he is no longer a slave. Try to understand this. As put very beautifully, “Ego is just like a dust in the eye, without clearing the dust, you can’t see anything clearly.” So clear the ego and see the world.

Where’s your Mamma gone?

pect that since she was giving time elsewhere, her daughter’s time should be compensated with a visit to the library, the park, the lake, the golf-links, a walk in the evening to eat corn off the cob and better still, a plate of chicken chowmein in Police Bazaar. However, these days, most children grow up without the attention of their parents, if per chance both of them are working. Mothers today play the role of an entrepreneur, a doctor, an engineer, a scientist, a teacher, an actor, with more passion than ever before, which means extra time at work. Their children are left sometimes to themselves. If we take a deeper look, it is a pretty grave situation. A recent Facebook post by one of my friends says, “....my 21 year old son says. Ma, you are so busy nowadays that you can hardly see me growing up.” Not a very happy feeling, I must say, for the young boy! In the recent past, some heart-rending incidents have left the nation shocked. Shocked because the brutality towards women by men has gone up manifolds. If it was just rape in the distant past, now it is rape of the most sordid type. But why is this happening? Is there a lacuna? Who can forget how Damini was robbed off the beauty to live her life only because she was a helpless woman in the hands of some ‘very flesh hungry’ domineering men, who didn’t think for a second before they snuffed out a special life. And the youngest and the most violent of the rapists was a boy who had never had any connections with his mother at a time when he was growing up. Last year, closer home in a village, another gory murder left us numb. This time that of a 6 year old by his 19 year old cousin, who kidnapped him for ransom but later ‘cut him up’ and threw him into a river for reasons best known to him. However, the surprising part of

the story was that the mother of the criminal was remorseless and to save ‘her son’ rather shamelessly cursed the other family for ‘sending him to jail’. If we look closely enough, in both the cases, the mothers had a major role to play for the turn of events. In the first case, the young boy grew up without the attention, love, affection and the positive strokes of his mother, all of which are the most important criteria for any child, girl or boy. However, the most beautiful relationship that a boy shares is with his mother. He grows up thinking of all the things he could do to please his mother, to see her happy and catch a glimpse of a smile on her face. In her happiness he finds his heaven and in her sadness, he is completely lost. In the second case, we see that in an attempt to falsely pacify her son, the mother had done more damage by going on a rampage and making her son think that ‘it is okay to commit a crime such as murder and get away with it. It’s okay to be considerate to one’s child but not acceptable for a mother to hide his misdeeds. Every day, we hear some heinous crime or the other committed by men, who if we are to study closely, have grown up in troubled or broken families. Society needs good mothers now, not to forget good fathers, on whom lies the onus of treating his wife and the women at home with respect. The child sees, hears and understands everything. Time is the only thing they want from us; special quality time because one thing is for sure-No child has a criminal mind unless forced by circumstances.

tinat ATIFA MASOOD

Life

Share In The Joy Of Giving In the Bible it is mentioned that, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Was Christ a communist; was he against rich people?

heard another interpretation. In Jerusalem, there is a door that is called ‹The Eye of the Needle Gate’. So this could be one of the interpretations. This door is very small, it is not big and so it is difficult for a camel to move through it. You know, when prophets say something, they say it according to that time and the people present at that time. Which is why he might have said that. This does not mean that all rich people are bad, or he was communist. You should take the essence behind his words. If you are insensitive then there is no way you can go to heaven. That is the essence. In those days, perhaps those who were very rich were insensitive people, and they didn’t care for others, they cared only for money. So he must have said that. In fact, you know, Bible was written 70 years after Jesus. After he left the world, 70 years later, the Bible was written. So the authenticity of that is also a big question now. Recently, they found 1500 year old scrolls, which says that Jesus was never crucified. This also came in the newspaper. So they found these copper plates with inscriptions on them that has a completely different story of Jesus Christ. So, you should always see the essence behind; what is the purpose behind those words rather than hold on to the words. Jesus has said, ‘I have come, not to make peace but to put father against son and mother against the daughter’. Does this mean that Jesus wants to break all the families? No! You must always see the context; the purpose and the essence behind those words. So, it is not that Jesus is against the rich. He was against violence, he was against insensitivity. Rather I would say, he was for harmony, he was for sensitivity. He wanted people to be sensitive. And he was for dynamism. In those days, the young generation would simply listen to the older generation, and not take any revolutionary steps, or bring any change. They just accepted injustice and kept quiet. There was so much slavery, so much poverty, yet people simply accepted. The older generation accepted, and the younger generations would also

start accepting, and they would lead the same miserable life. That is why he said, ‘I have not come here to just bring peace, but I have come here to put father against son, and mother against daughter because I want to bring change. I want the younger generation to rebel against, what the older generation are miserably going through and accepting’. So he said, ‘I have come to put the son against the father’. So, in the same way, a camel can go through the eye of the needle, but a rich man cannot, simply meant that if you are insensitive, if you don’t do any service and keep all things only for yourself then you will have no joy! You know, there is joy in giving, there is joy in contributing. Heaven means what? Happiness and joy. who is very stingy cannot experience the joy of giving. That is what it meant. If this is what communism is, sharing with everybody, then yes, he was a communist. If you say communism is not accepting God, then he was not a communist. If communism means justice for all, sharing with everyone; if that is the definition for communism, then he was one. Even today, many people do not know that millions of people were killed just so that a few communist leaders could remain in power. For these people to be in power. Many thousands and thousands of lives were lost. It was a red revolution. It was not a peaceful revolution. It was the bloodiest of revolutions in the world. If communism still tends to breed violence, we are against communism. It doesn’t matter whether they accept God or not, that is a very small thing. You can be an atheist, it doesn’t matter. You can be a good human being, being an atheist. But in the name of communism if you allow or justify violence, it is not acceptable. And that is what happened In West Bengal, why people rejected them (communists), because of unbearable violence, unforgivable violence. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Fun

Your weekly dose of HOROSCOPE

TAURUS Be ready to build bridges and strengthen relationships on Monday. Try others’ shoes on for size, and let ‘em know how they feel. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, your efforts at empathy and your emotional intelligence should have you sitting pretty — whether at work or personally, relationships look sweet now. Mutual fulfillment is a win-win situation! From Thursday through sometime Saturday, be active. Change your daily routine, fit in a walk, express your emotions, even see some art — it’ll all open your eyes. As far as the rest of the weekend, beware of passion turning into jealousy.

GEMINI Take a great idea — at work or in your personal life — and get it going on Monday. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, look closely: You’ll foresee a potential issue and be able to prevent it. (It’s so much better to nip it in the bud.) From Thursday through sometime Saturday, you’ve got tremendous energy of the fun and flirtatious variety. Plan a special date (and make the arrangements in advance!) or, if you’re single, get out and strut your considerable stuff. As far as the rest of the weekend goes, if you slow down, something important will come to you.

CANCER

SUDOKU

LIBRA

On Monday, you’re in a generous — maybe even extravagant — mood. Just make sure you can back up what you’re saying. By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, you’re exchanging grand plans for practical ones. You’ve got a low-key charm that’s far more alluring than others’ overblown efforts now. Take care with balancing the different aspects of your life from Thursday through sometime Saturday, when issues surrounding home or a partner are liable to come up. Will you be able to find the middle ground? A brisk walk on Sunday morning clears your head in a most helpful way.

LEO You’ve got bold, beautiful energy on Monday, so think big! By Tuesday and Wednesday, on the other hand, that energy’s turned inward. While others may wonder what’s up with you, those mental wheels are turning in ways that can produce some great stuff. You’ll likely be ready to share those thoughts — not to mention some feelings — from Thursday through sometime Saturday, and those who you tell about it will know they’re lucky. (Speaking of lucky, these days are also prime for romance. Go get ’em, tiger!) As far as the rest of the weekend goes, be ready to bring something out in the open.

VIRGO If other people are cramping your style on Monday, placate them and keep on going as best you can. By Tuesday and Wednesday, you should have much more freedom of movement — and that style of yours can earn you some serious admiration. Sometime between Thursday and Saturday, it’s time for a heart-to-heart. If a decision is involved, you’ll want to put your head together with a pertinent person. As far as the rest of the weekend, what you think you can get done and what’s actually possible are a little different. One thing at a time!

Think large scale and long term on Monday, regarding work, relationships and more. Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, zero in on some of the pertinent details — go step-by-step. And listen up, because you may hear (or maybe overhear) something helpful. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, the air around you crackles with your electricity — and when it comes to romance, something pleasantly shocking can happen now (especially if you make it happen!). During the rest of the weekend, do a selfless good deed (small, medium or large) to consciously change your perspective.

SCORPIO Stay behind the scenes on Monday. Making a splash just isn’t the best move now. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, some arrangements you’ve been making can begin to come together in the most pleasing way. Be sure to follow up, either at work or when it comes to personal (even romantic!) business. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, your inner depths are calling, but you’ll also want to stay attuned to the world around you. It’s all about balance. As far as Saturday night and Sunday go, you’re totally tuned in — not to mention the center of some very appreciative attention.

SAGITTARIUS You’re a great communicator on Monday, so get the word out, whether at work or on a more personal level. Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you’ll be more tight-lipped — you’ve got a lot on your mind now, and you may not be ready to share your findings or feelings. Have patience with those around you, annoying though they may be. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, their questions suddenly don’t seem so pesky, and you’ve got answers they’ll love. Fun’s in the stars, too, so pick your poison. As far as the rest of the weekend, you’re likely moving slowly. Rest up!

CAPRICORN Monday could find your week off to a bit of a rough start. Be alert to potential trouble spots, and have a contingency plan. By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, things go more smoothly, especially if you invest a little time in additional understanding. Ask a few extra questions - others will know you’re really engaged, and they’ll be impressed. You’re particularly work or goal-oriented from Thursday through sometime Saturday, but don’t miss the interpersonal angles. Relationships of all sorts need care and feeding, too. On Sunday, you can recharge in a very empowering way.

AQUARIUS Others may be dragging around on Monday, but you’re probably up to something extraordinary. Start the week with a bang! Around Tuesday and Wednesday, you’ll need to really focus. It’s important to find out what’s at the core now, so don’t miss the point. You’re extra brainy from Thursday through sometime Saturday, and if you also bring your best interpersonal skills into play, well, there’s very little you can’t do. Warmth and wit: It’s an unbeatable combo. As far as the rest of the weekend, you’ll probably want some privacy.

PISCES You appreciate the beauty of low-level clouds, but you don’t appreciate being within one at the start of the week. How are you supposed to see where you’re going? This happens now and again in your life, these moments of blind bewilderment. Light candles and make dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then read. Don’t commit to social activities. You may end up spending Thursday and Friday around the house as well — puttering, watching DVDs, doing whatever occurs to you. This weekend, your energy unexpectedly soars. Find an outdoor concert to attend.

JUST FOR LAUGHs The female brain works on a different tangent than male. Last night I was sitting in the living room, talking to my wife about life. In-between, we talked about the idea of living or dying. I told her, “Never let me live in a vegetative state, totally dependent on machines and liquids from a bottle. If you see me in that state, I want you to disconnect all the contraptions that are keeping me alive. I’d

much rather die!” My wife got up from the sofa with a real look of admiration towards me & proceeded to disconnect the Cable TV & DVD, then the Computer, the Cell Phone, the iPod, and the Xbox, and then went to the bar and threw away all my whisky, rum, gin & vodka and the beer from the fridge...

Solutions (Last Issue)

ARIES

The stars have you all charged up on Monday, but by Tuesday and Wednesday, your battery may be a bit low. Plug in — engage on a deeper level with a certain someone, dedicate your efforts in meaningful ways and be sure to listen to what your body is telling you. From Thursday through sometime Saturday, you can definitely put your renewed energy to great use, particularly when it comes to starting new projects or even new relationships. As far as the rest of the weekend, an issue that’s been simmering may come to a boil. Will you lose your cool?

TIMEPASS

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

BOUTIQUES G Plus will keep on publishing such relevant and useful information in this page in the coming issues.

Compiled by Mautapa Dhar

Aparna’s Boutique

Bhetapara, Ghoramara Road, Ghy-28, Ph-094 35 361455

Bandhan Boutique

G.n.b.road, Silphukhri, Ghy-3, Ph-9864056244

Bahurani

Nivas Boutique

Railway Colony Road, Bamunimaidan, Ghy-21 Ph-9864100850

Nonys

Shahjahan Market, Ganeshguri, Ghy-6 Ph- 9864417323, Ph- 9435194330

Boutique Corner

Pankh

C Pink

J Ali Road, Lakhtokia, Ghy-1, Ph-03612540656

Deeva (The Boutique)

B.r Phookan Road, Bharalumukh, Ghy-9, Ph-9435110898

D. P. Mitaas Boutique

Dp`s Asmita Girls Hostel, A. K. Azad Road, Rehabari, House No 19, Ghy-5 Ph-03612512952

Excellency

22 Gnb Road, Silpukhuri, Ghy-3 Ph-9435665015

Nr Meghdoot Cinema Hall, Jain Gali, M D Shah Road, Paltanbazar, Ghy- 8 Ph- 8486044415, Ph- 8876555505

Poorbi

Gopinath Bordoloi Road, Ambari Ghy-1 Ph- 098 64 014811

Pehnawa Boutique

Maruti Mansion 1st Floor, Opp Hanuman Tower, Balti Karkhana Gali, Athgaon, Ghy-1 Ph-9435109605

Riddhi Siddhi Arch

Rajdhani Appartment, Amrawati Path, Christian Basti, GS Road, Ghy-5, Ph-9864323595

Rishikas Boutique

Exotic Expressions

254 Sidddha Point, Athgaon, Ghy-1 Ph-9864068714

8high End

Babu Bazar, Fancy Bazar, Ghy-1 Ph- 03612545771

Glamour Glam

S No-125, Rajgarh Road, Ganeshguri, Ghy-7, Ph-9864047011

Hastakalakriti

Riverside, Uzan Bazar, Ghy-1 Ph-9435146823

Hidesign Boutique

Bye Lane No 4, G S Road A B C Tarun Nagar, Ghy-6, Ph-9954126712

Navagraha Road, Happy Villa, Uzan Bazar Ghy-3, Ph-09678001181 Nr Shiv Mandir, Dr B.Baruah Road, Ulubari, Ghy-7, Ph- 9864450976 House No. 67A (1st Floor), F.C. Road Latasil, Uzan Bazar, Ghy-1Ph- 09706057558 Zoo Tiniali, Ghy-5, Ph-9864018080, 9864060766 Westside, G S Road, Christian Basti, Ghy-5 Ph- 9678614541, 03612343940

Jasmine

Dona Planate, Christian Basti, G S Road, Ghy-5 Ph-9864135968

Kikis Boutique

Beltola Tiniali, Ghy-28 Ph-9435557676

Lavish Boutique

Shivam Complex, Shop No 1, Opp SBI, Bharalumukh, Ghy-9 Ph-9864822248, Ph-03612738780

La Belle Boutique

Christian Basti, G S Road, Ghy- 5 Ph-9435140494.

Meghna’s Boutique

Meghna’s Boutique, Ulubari Flyover, Ghy- 6 Ph- 9435547291

Ambulance 102 Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Downtown Hospital 9864101111, 9435012669 GLP Social Circle 2737373 GGUMTA (Mirza) 03623-227109 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251

BLOOD BANK

Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Ganga Blood Bank 2454742, 2455029 Lion’s Club of Ghy Central 2546611 Marwari Yuva Manch 2546470, 2547251 Saharia’s Path Lab (24 hours) 2458594

Nandinee’s Boutique

Shoppers Point, 1st Floor, Shop No. F-11, 13, 1st Floor, Fancy Bazar, Ghy-1 Ph-9864031938, 9864296679 Jayanagar, Tripura Road, Beltola, Ghy-28 Ph-9954274395

AMBULANCE

Nidana

Mangalam Building, Shop No 4 & 5, Bharalumukh, A.T. Road, Nr SBI, Ghy-9 Ph- 03612736530 Yakub Plaza,1st Floor, Opp Gomti Udyog, Nr Durga Mandir, Athgaon, Ghy-1 Ph- 9864412362, 03612480047

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Saheli

Shovita Boutique

Singkhap

Sushmita Ladies Fashion Boutique

Railway Colony Road, Bamunimaidan, Ghy-21 Ph- 9613104672

Shobhana

Sikh Temple, Fancy Bazar, Ghy-1 Ph-03612516940

Vons Boutique

J C DAS Road, Fancy Bazar, Ghy-1 Ph-03612637987

Vastrakala

Survey, Beltola, Ghy- 28 Ph-9864054122

Waheeda Lifestyle

45 Gnb Riad, Anbari, Athgaon, Ghy-1 Ph-9954546003

Citypedia

HOSPITALS Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) B Baruah Cancer Institute (2472364/66) Brahmaputra Hospital Ltd (2451634/678) Chatribari Christian Hospital 0361-2600051, 9207044374 Downtown Hospital 2331003, 9864079366, 9435012669 Guwahati Medical College (2529457, 2529561) Guwahati Medical College Emergency (2263444)

International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998) Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344

Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351) Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921 TB Hospital (2540193) Wintrobe Hospital 0361-2519860, 98647-77986 GNRC Hospital 0361 2227702 GNRC Life First Ambulance 9401194011

24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) DEAD BODY CARRYING VAN GLP Social Circle 2737373, 9435047046 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 GGUMTA 98640-16740 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Call Centre – 9678005171

OTHERS Fire Emergency 101 State Zoo 2201363 GMC Carcass Pickup 9435190720, 9864047222 LPG Emergency/Leakage 2385209, 2541118

RADIO TAXI SERVICES Prime Cabs 0361- 2222233 Green Cabs 0361-7151515 My Taxi 0361-2228888 Cherry Cabs 8876222288

Cinema Hall Anuradha Cineplex – 0361-2656968, 99545-44738 Fun Cinema (HUB)- 98648-00100, 98648-00200 Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar) – 98540-66166 Gold Cinema (Salasar) – 0361-2735367, 98540-77177 Gold Cinema (Narengi) – 88110-01898 police station SP, Kamrup District: Ph- 2540278 DGP Control Room: Ph- 2540242 SB Control Room: Ph-2261511 Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Azara PS: Ph2840287 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285

Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627

G PLUS JUN 28 - JUL 04, 2014

Catching Up

Claudia Leitte

Headlining acts!

WHO’S SHE Cláudia Cristina Leite Inácio Pedreira known by the stagename Claudia Leitte and nickname Claudinha, is a Brazilian axé and pop singer, and former vocalist of the group Babado Novo, from 2001 to 2008. SO WHAT She is one of the most popular female singers in Brazil, having sold over a million records during her solo career and being the recipient for many awards including a Latin Grammy Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album nomination for her first studio album As Máscaras. Now what After recording her song “We are the One (Ola Ola)” alongside Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez which served as the official song of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Claudia is all set to launch her career overseas after being signed by Roc Nation Management Group.

Robin Thicke WHO’S HE Robin Charles Thicke is an American-Canadian singersongwriter, musician, and actor. He is the son of actor Alan Thicke and actress Gloria Loring. Thicke has worked with popular artists such as Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Mary J. Blige and Pharrell Williams. SO WHAT Thicke is a self-taught pianist. Some of the first songs he learned to play and sing along with were by gospel artists such as Commissioned, Take 6, and John P. Kee, studying their licks and harmonies. Thicke has drawn influence from a variety or artists including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sting, Prince, Alanis Morissette, The Beatles, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. Now what The name of Robin Thicke’s new album is after his wife Paula Patton showing a desperate attempt to win back the affection of his wife with whom he got separated recently. The disturbing video, released this week, features real SMS messages sent between Thicke and Patton, interspersed with images of violence, and ends ominously with a shadowy figure walking off into the distance with these words: This is just the beginning.

What did I just hear? After suggesting that to prevent AIDS fidelity in marriage was better than use of condoms, health minister Harsh Vardhan has generated another controversy - this time by stating in his website that sexeducation in schools should be banned. Vardhan, himself a doctor, has said, “So-called ‘sex education’ (should) to be banned.” His website - drharshvardhan.com - also states the need to integrate value education with course content and put strong emphasis on exposing students to India’s cultural relations.

pick of the week The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would launch five satellites of France, Canada, Germany and Singapore on June 30. The indigenous PSLV-C23 rocket would carry 714-kg French Earth Observation Satellite ‘SPOT-7’ as the main payload. It would also carry 14-kg AISAT of Germany, NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) and NLS7.2 (CAN-X5) satellites of Canada, each weighing 15 kg, and the seven-kg VELOX-1 of Singapore. The satellites would be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under commercial arrangements that Antrix, the marketing arm of the ISRO, has entered into with the respective foreign agencies.

Kamur of the week BLAME IT ON THEM: Blaming each and everything on the authorities, even when the citizens are at fault. Be it traffic jams caused by a dolt trying to cross his bike over the dividers, the nincompoop who encroaches drainage space in greed of an inch of land or that person who threw a sofa (yes, a sofa) in the drain, which ultimately came floating along the road in the city flood! Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Arkashish Publications (P) Ltd., Katahbari, Garchuk, Guwahati and Published at H/No. 34, K. C. Choudhury Road, Chatribari, Guwahati - 781008, Editor: Koushik Hazarika. Phone: 0361 2737737, Email: info@g-plus.in, RNI No: ASSENG/2013/52641