Vol 4 Issue 18 by G Plus

Latest POCSO case raises questions on authoritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Act awareness

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Emotional Himanta mulls quitting after SEBA bungle

GFA 2017 sets city abuzz! PG 06

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VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 18 FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017 PRICE `10

Guwahati has a large number of high school options to send their children to. Most of the schools have good infrastructure and the quality of education dispensed is high. Moreover, most of the schools have a host of extra-curricular activities for the all-round development of the students. G Plus checks out a few of them to give the reader an idea of what can be expected when it comes to making a choice for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education.

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Lead Story

Latest POCSO case raises questions on authorities’ Act awareness

Rahul Chanda

With an NGO registering a case against a university professor and his wife for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl child labourer, the question remains why the case was not filed by the police or bodies like CWC which sent the girl to the shelter home and why an NGO had to enter the scenario to seek justice for the girl child

he Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO) was drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Many training sessions and refresher courses keep taking place to train the police officials to deal with POCSO cases. But a recent case registered in Dispur police station against an academician of Assam Agriculture University has raised doubts on the police and their efficiency in dealing with POCSO cases. A 13-year-old girl child was allegedly sexually assaulted by an associate professor of the agriculture university and the girl finally had to flee from his house to save herself from his atrocities. So what exactly was the incident? Who registered the case? Did the police and other bodies like Child Welfare Commission (CWC) file an FIR on time? G Plus looks into the case.

The case According to the UTSAH, the NGO which filed the complaint, reacting to an anonymous call on 1st February, Childline Guwahati and Dispur Police res-

cued a 13-year-old girl child from the residence of Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita (House No 3, Bye-Lane 3, Juripar, Panjabari, Guwahati, Assam). Following the rescue,

the child was placed at a Guwahati-based shelter home for girls. The rescued child was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Kamrup Metro and in her statement to the CWC, the child mentioned that she had been working as a ‘child labourer’ for the last 2 years at Juripar, Guwahati, despite her mother’s unwillingness. The NGO said that owing to their poor economic condition, she was compelled to work. The NGO said that in the house of her employers, she was made to do all the household chores and was repeatedly mentally and physically abused by

them. According to her, she was underfed and was disallowed from keeping any contact with her mother. According to the NGO, she also said that whenev-

er Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita’s wife was away, he would ask her to give him body massages. The CWC sent the girl to a government registered children’s home for counselling and temporary shelter.

What had happened? The NGO said that on 15th February the case was reported to them. The case work report conducted by the children’s home revealed much information about the girl and the alleged crime against her. The girl had earlier lived with her mother who was a temporary worker in

a tea estate. She has been working as child labourer since a very young age as her economic situation compelled her to remain out of school. A woman from Mangaldai had brought the 13-yearold to Guwahati and placed her at her daughter Munmi Kalita’s house as a baby sitter. However, as time passed, she was also made to do all the other household chores. According to the NGO which filed the complaint with the police, the 13-year-old wanted to return home after two months but Munmi Kalita disallowed her saying that she had already paid her mother in advance and that she keeps on providing money to her whenever there is a demand. Munmi Kalita and her husband Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita would ill-treat her; the NGO said that this involved repeated beatings with sandals and shoes. The NGO said that according to her statement to the children’s home, when Munmi Kalita was away from home, her husband Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita would call the girl into his room and ask her to massage his whole body, including his head, chest and thighs. According to the NGO the girl in her statement said that that during the massage Kalita would wear transparent red-coloured shorts and he would hold her hand and make her touch his private parts to which she would vehemently protest. According to her statement, once Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita tried to touch her breasts. The girl in the statement said that once when Dr. Dhrubajyoti Kalita’s car got a minor scratch when she was closing the garage gate, he kicked her. That day the girl decided that she had to flee. On 1st February she escaped from the employers’ household at around 3 PM and hid at a neighbour’s house and the Childline Guwahati team rescued her the same night. All said and done, the question remains as to why the case had to be registered by an NGO and that too after around twenty days later despite Childline and the police promptly presenting her before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in front of which she had stated

that she was assaulted?

The delay When asked why they did not file a case taking suo moto cognizance, the Dispur police said that Childline had taken the child along with them and there-

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G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Lead Story fore it was their responsibility or that of other bodies which were following the case. The police said that at that time it was their duty to help Childline in rescuing the child and they did it. The CWC chairman-in-charge, Jitu Dutta, talking to G Plus said that after the girl gave her statement before the commission she was sent to the children’s home as a case cannot be registered with just one statement. Hence, she was sent for counselling to the children’s home. Even after counselling her statement was the same and thereby the case was registered. When asked why an NGO had to file a case and not the CWC, he said that anyone can register a case under POCSO and the NGO did it before them. The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Binjamani Das, talking to G Plus conformed that counselling is required to understand the child’s state of mind. And so, when after counselling she did not change her statement, the case was registered by the NGO. No matter whatever excuses the CWC and the DCPO come up with the case was registered after almost 20 days of her rescue bringing one to question whether it does require as long for these agencies to understand a child’s state of mind. 20 days is a fair length of time for influential people to destroy evidence. Both the accused are now absconding though and it will hardly come as a shock if they come up with anticipatory bails in

the near future.

The complaint The NGO has also sent a complaint letter to the commissioner of police with regard to accepted behaviour norms while recording statement of the girl. G Plus received a copy of the complaint which stated that on 21st February, Dispur Police had taken the victim’s statement u/s 161 CrPc in the afternoon. However, the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Dispur led a team at 10 PM to the children’s home to take another statement from the victim. The complaint letter said that this procedure was unnecessary as it defies the principle of ‘best interest of the child.’ According to the General Principles of the Model Guidelines 2013 of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 (issued by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India), every child has the right to have his/her best interests given primary consideration. Section 2(9) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act 2015 defines ‘best interest of child’ as the basis for any decision taken regarding the child, to ensure the fulfilment of its basic rights and needs, identity, social well-being and physical, emotional and intellectual development. Young children generally sleep early, especially in Child Care Institutions (CCI). There-

fore, the basis for wanting to take the statement of a child at 10 PM was unwarranted. The complaint letter to the commissioner of police stated that additional help was sought from the All-women Police Station in Pan Bazar. It had come to the notice of the NGO that the interview methods applied by the Officer from the All Women Police station, while recording the second statement, were seemingly unfriendly. E.g., while interviewing the child at the CCI the Investigating Officer (IO), Nebha Keot, repeatedly asked the child questions like “Are you telling the truth?,” and “If you are not telling the truth, the situation might turn against you.” The complaint letter said that this interviewing process violates some guidelines of the act. Miguel Das Queah, the head of UTSAH (the NGO which registered the case) said, “My question is why the Dispur police have not yet arrested Dr Dhrubajyoti Kalita and his wife.” He wondered if it was a strategy to give him enough leeway to easily get an anticipatory bail or if it was police apathy towards a person in a powerful position. The question that looms large is whether the police and other bodies like CWC are efficient and trained enough to deal with POCSO cases. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

GMDA CEO gets man arrested for offering bribe

Rahul Chanda

With the GMDA and GMC building permissions process remaining lengthy and full of hassles, the new CEO tries to set an example that offering bribes cannot get things done

GMDA CEO Varnali Deka

hether it was a publicity stunt or a genuine effort to set an example against corruption by an IAS officer is an answer that only the officer can give but in an interesting incident a man was recently arrested for trying to bribe a bureaucrat. The Bhangagarh police recently arrested one Mridul Paban Khaund of Kahilipara for trying to bribe the new Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) CEO, Varnali Deka, to get his work done. So how did he approach her and what made the IAS officer take this punitive action? G Plus looks into the incident.

The incident According to GMDA CEO

Varnali Deka, she has a number of visitors daily and she tries her best to meet everyone. She said that on 21st February, 40-yearold Mridul Paban Khaund came to meet her and requested her to clear his file. She responded by saying that she would need to go through the file and thereafter, necessary steps will be taken. Quoting Varnali Deka: “Khaund said baido ki lage moi di dim (I will give you whatever you want).” She said that he was offering her a bribe which irked her and she asked her PSO to call the police. She said that to set an example against corruption or even completely eradicate it steps like these have to be taken and her experience as an officer had taught her these values. She also said that the man later apologised for his deed but she wanted to set an example. She said that she is now trying to find his file and check what his request is.

mission. The police said that he tried to bribe the GMDA CEO thinking his request will be processed speedily. He was arrested

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The police Bhangagarh police, talking to G Plus, said that Khaund is a resident of Dakhingaon, Kahalipara and he is trying to construct his house for which he requires per-

after he tried offering the bribe to the IAS officer. The police said that a case has been registered in the police station (case number –

36/17 under section 448/109/214 of IPC read with section 12 of prevention of corruption act). The police said that the cases related to corruption is mostly handled by a senior official and at present Khaund is in the judicial custody. Trying to bribe the GMDA CEO with hopes of speedy process of his file has resulted in judicial custody for Khaund. It has to be mentioned that acquiring building permissions by Guwahatians is always a hassle and people,

since ages, have resorted to offering bribes to many officers in GMDA and GMC. The government is mulling amendment of the building by-laws and should that happen the government should ensure that there is no opportunity or scope for the officials to take bribes to issue permissions. Also incidents like the Khaund’s arrest might work as an eye opener for many. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

In the News

Constitutional protection crusade meet costs govt Rs. 16.9 lakhs Rahul Chanda

File photo of the event organized at Vivanta by Taj on 16th December, 2016

n interesting controversy erupted recently when a bill amounting Rs 16,90,580 was raised by a firm called Nirupama Television for a round table dialogue on constitutional protection of Assam. The event was organised at Vivanta by Taj on 16th December. According to some reports over regional media the event was organised by Dr Nanigopal Mahanta, an academician with Gauhati University. According to the reports Nirupama Television belongs to him. The reports also suggested that the event was not approved by the government and the Department of Implementation of Assam Accord is unaware of any such event sanctioned by them and therefore the government is in no position to pay a bill which was raised for an event organised by a private individual. Was the event organised by a private party and not the government? What was the outcome of the event? Should the government pay the bill? G Plus explores what exactly might transpire and who should foot the bill.

Assam Accord department A highly placed source in the Implementation of Assam Accord Department, talking to G Plus, said that the event was supported by the government and the organisers had acquired all approvals of the government. The source said that the bill amounting to Rs 16.9 lakhs was submitted by Nirupama Television which was the organiser of the round table dialogue and because they had not submitted the receipts and the vouchers the payment has been kept in abey-

ance. The source said that the department had to ask for the vouchers from the event organisers and when the vouchers are provided the department will scrutinise the same. Once it is established that the bill is justified the payment will be made. On being asked whether there was any pressure from a cabinet minister to make the payment at an early date, the source denied it vigorously and said that the bill will be paid just as other government bills are paid after scrutiny. Thus, according to the department, the event was backed by the government and the organisers had all the approvals. As Dr Nanigopal Mahanta’s name was dragged in the news reports, G Plus also talked to him and asked him if he owned Nirupama Television and why the event was organised in a 5-star hotel at public expense since the government is footing the bill.

Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta On being asked why these reports were coming against him and if the event was indeed backed by the government, Mahanta said that there are some points related to the issue involving its background, logistics and the recent controversy. About the background, he declared that like many others he too wanted a change of political regime in the state in 2016. With the change in the regime, he began to diligently rake up the issue of ‘Constitutional Protection’ and implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. Constitutional protection for Assam is one issue that he has been pursuing for a long time and raising at various forums. He staunchly believes that

if constitutional protection is to be provided to Assam, this is the last chance. In fact, he was invited by ‘India Foundation’ at Goa (led by Ram Madhav) and India Policy Foundation at Bhopal (led by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and other top BJP leaders) to make presentations on the issue where he presented his approach for the implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord. According to him, at the request from the highest authority of Assam, he conducted a series of 3 indoor meets (away from the glare of media) with intellectuals, journalists, activists, prominent lawyers, constitutional experts, writers, etc. on the issue of modalities for the implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord in the presence of Ram Madhav, the state chief minister and other authorities. The arguments and gist of these meets were presented to the government of India. After the completion of these series of discussions he was requested by the Chief Minister of Assam to conduct a round table with the civil society representatives of Assam. According to him, initially the meet was to be held at Hotel Shoolin Grand, but due to the busy schedule of the chief minister it had to be postponed and later had to be shifted to Vivanta by Taj as the other hotel was reserved on 16th December 2016 – the rescheduled date of the meeting. So the round table dialogue on constitutional protection of Assam was organised on 16th December at Hotel Vivanta by Taj and in that meet, perhaps for the first time, people from all walks of life, the Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal, Finance,

Health and Education Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, PWD Minister Parimal Suklaboidyo, Culture Minister Naba Doley , MP Biswajit Daimary and many other dignitaries and representatives of various organizations, unions, media persons, intellectuals etc. took part. He added that apart from the Chief Secretary and DGP, almost all top bureaucrats and police officers of the state were present throughout the meet. More than 450 people gathered in that meet. Almost all major indigenous ethnic groups from all areas of Assam were represented in the meet. He said that more than 350 people had lunch during the meet as it was a day-long affair and people had come from across the state whereby some had to stay in the city for two to three days. Hotel rooms had to be booked accordingly and these rooms were not in Vivanta by Taj.

Why Vivanta by Taj? He said that 16th December 2016 was a very hectic date with the city having a number of weddings and related party gatherings. As such, no other decent hotel was available. The hotel they had booked couldn’t give them a revised date. He said, “It’s on record.” Also all these were decided in consultation with the chief minister and other top officials of the state. This was not his decision alone in which he was a part. Out of more than 350 people, the meeting was attended by 140 prominent persons from various parts of Assam (other than Guwahati). Majority of them were lodged in hotels, guest houses etc. Also, to and fro fare was provided. He also said that he initially wanted to organise the meet in an auditorium of Gauhati University, but the other state officials and members who were part of the organising committee decided to have Vivanta by Taj as the venue. Mahanta added that this question may be raised to the chief minister as well.

Who own’s Nirupama Television? Mahanta said that additionally an event management group was appointed (with 15 persons) who worked for seven days on all the logistics and arrangements. The team, under his leadership, started the process of extending invitations from about a month before. The programme could not be done

incognito. In the meet with government officials, the event management firm suggested the name of ‘Nirupama Televsion’ as the nodal agency to liaise with the government, it being an empanelled production house with Govt. of India – PPC (NE) having Empanelment No. 406, category A and DDK (Ghy) having Empanelment No. 312, category A. It was a name suggested by the event management team. He said, “My mother (whose name is incidentally Nirupama) and I have nothing to do with it. In fact all communications to the government of Assam was made Nirupama Television. One can check with the Home commissioner.” On top of that, all the transcripts and decisions of the round table were sent to the Government of India immediately. As a result of such initiative by the chief minister, a few steps have already been taken towards the ultimate goal. Mahanta added that after the event, the team was asked to submit the bill and the concerned government departments will engage with the event management team regarding the outcome of meet, bill with vouchers etc.

Vested interest Mahanta said, “I think some people do have vested interests against me. I know this issue will be dragged. Perhaps some people might have wrongly felt threatened at their aspirations. It is as if I was waiting all my life to gobble up this amount and make the fortunes of my life by holding this one conclave. I shall be happy if people ask me the aim, the effort, the need for constitutional protection, the modalities.” He said that people are threatened and jealous because he is close to the state finance minister and therefore they are trying to castigate and malign him. Meanwhile, the Governor of Assam had asked the state government not to organize any of its events at private facilities like hotels and instead had asked them to opt only for government establishments like the Circuit House, GMCH Auditorium, Rabindra Bhawan and educational establishments like IIT-G and Gauhati Univesity. So the round table dialogue, despite being for a cause but being organised at a 5-star hotel, raises questions about proper utilisation of public money. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Crime

5 arrested in multi-crore agri dept scam

Rahul Chanda

their alleged involvement in multi-crore agriculture department scam.

The scam According to APW president Abhijeet Sharma, they had filed a case in 2014 with the CID, Assam Police who launched an investigation into the alleged case of fraud in 2014. APW lodged a complaint accusing the deThe arrested officers being taken to the court by CID officials | G Plus Photo partment of siphoning Rs 700 crores. APW alleged he Crime Investigation Department fund allocations under the Rashtriya Krishi (CID) on Friday arrested five agri- Vikas Yojana and the Bringing Green Revculture department officials for their olution to Eastern India scheme had been involvement in the multi-crore agriculture misappropriated between 2010 and 2014. department scam in which crores of rupees The investigation that followed unearthed were siphoned off, according to some activ- a huge scam. According to media reports, ists in the state. Birendra Nath Sarmah who the Enforcement Directorate had also regwas SDAO Golaghat and now DAO Jorhat, istered a case suspecting siphoning of cenLakheshwar Gum, the then assistant exec- tral funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crores by utive (AE) engineer Golaghat and present the state agriculture department. APW said AE, Gohpur, Dilip Baruah, former Executhat they got to know about the scam after tive Engineer of Nagaon and presently an filing RTIs on the issue. Executive Engineer at Khanapara, Rohit Meanwhile, talking to G Plus, Pradik Bharali, JE Nagaon and Ranbir Kakati Kalita, president of Krishak Samiti Unyian EE, Nagaon were produced before the CJM Parishad, Assam said that even he had filed court after they were arrested by CID for a case with the CID against agriculture de-

partment officials for embezzling around Rs 1,500 crores in various schemes funded by the central government. He said products like lime, tractors, water pumps, seeds and fertilisers were expected to be distributed to the farmers according to the schemes, but when Kalita, through various RTIs, enquired about the status it was found that false challans were created and nothing were distributed. He congratulated the CID but meanwhile said that there are around 360 agriculture department officials who are involved in the scam and till now only 8 have been arrested (5 now and 3 earlier who are out on bail according to him). He said prominent former ministers like Nilomani Sen Deka, Rockybul Hussain are also involved in the scam and he will be happy when all the officials along with the former ministers are arrested. He said that the scam took place between 2011 and 2014 and Dr Kabindra Borkakati, who

was the director then, is the main accused. Kalita said that the Rs 1,500 crore scam took place in around 27 districts and the money for the farmers was siphoned off by the agriculture department officials.

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

In the News

Emotional Himanta mulls quitting after SEBA bungle Juthika Baruah

Many organisations demand SEBA be closed down as the board has been repeatedly making mistakes year after year thereby playing with the lives of students to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and submit the report within 10 days.

HSLC examination details As many as 3,80,665 students, including 1,88,263 males and 1,92,402 females are appearing in the ongoing HSLC examinations. The examinations began on 17th February with English paper and will conclude on 3rd March with practical examinations of the different subjects. Following reports of leakage of Social Science and Assamese question papers on Monday in Hojai and Baksa Districts, the SEBA postponed the Social Science ex-

Protests: Many organisations have staged protests throughout the state. Chatra Mukti Sangram Samiti and National Students’ Union of India also gheraoed the SEBA head office protesting against the incidents and demanded the resignation of the education minister from his education ministry portfolio. Moreover, they also demanded SEBA, which is repeatedly playing with the lives of the students, be closed down. It has also been alleged that the students have to sit for the examinations without lights in the examination hall to which Himanta Bis-

Students appearing for the HSLC examinations | G Plus Photo

ill Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) ever be able to redeem itself as a reliable organisation after the repeated goof-ups that have taken place year after year? This year also the Board has failed to conduct the matriculation examinations smoothly despite the education minister issuing clear and strict instructions to conduct

the examinations in a credible manner. The big question raised by the aggrieved guardians whose children have to face all kinds of hassles every year is whether the education system is actually deliberately playing with the lives of students for some strange political purposes that are beyond the comprehension of the lay people. It was assured by the education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that this year the HSLC and HS examinations will be conducted smoothly and steps have been so taken that no untoward incidents take place during the examination. But after the recent question paper goof-up (where question papers of Social Science were apparently distributed in two centres instead of the scheduled Mathematics) it was seen that the minister himself wants to step down and relieve himself of the education portfolio. He wanted to do so on the grounds that the rumour of a “paper leak” had been spread by a leading media house only because it has a personal issue with the minister.

Here’s what happened: Conflicting reports state that on the day of the Mathematics examination scheduled on 20th February, the packet of question papers got exchanged in Baksa and Hojai Districts. Instead of Mathematics, the question paper of Social Science and Modern Indian Language (MIL) were distributed to the examinees sparking panic among them. On realisation of the

mistake the question papers were taken back from the students immediately. The examination was delayed by about an hour until the Mathematics question papers were located. However, A SEBA official asserted that the question paper had not been leaked. The mistake was detected by the centre in-charges while tearing the outer cover of question paper packets and it was immediately resealed

amination to 8th March instead of 23rd February, while keeping the date of Assamese examination unchanged on 7th March. On Tuesday, the SEBA decided to further postpone the date of the Social Science examination to 11th March; it also rescheduled the date of practical examinations. As per the revised schedule now, Biology the practical paper exams will comleaked mence from 15th March instead Physics Exchange of of 10th March as question paper paper scheduled earpackets in the two leaked districts of Baksa lier. and Hojai Moreover, after the inciand sent back to the police stations. dent Ramesh Ch. Jain has been The inner plastic packaging was removed from his post as MD of intact in both the centres, confirmRMSA (Rashtriya Madhyamik ing no leakage of the papers. Shiksha Abhiyan) with immediate A leading media house of the effect. He is also the Chairman of state pounced on the story and SEBA and Commissioner & Secspread the word about the goof-up retary of Education and Tourism. adding that the question paper of Aruna Rajoriya has been appointSocial Science had been leaked. ed as the new MD of RMSA. However, the education minister Allegations: said that it was only because of this rumour that the dates of Social SciIt has also been alleged by the ence and MIL examinations had to Rangiya High School Teachers’ be rescheduled. Association that the question paHowever, while denying that per of Mathematics has been set the question papers were leaked, from the controversial reference SEBA said that new sets of ques- book of R.G. Publication written tion papers for both Assamese by Deepak Sarma, Pulak Mahanand Social Science will be printed ta and Anamika Sarma and a fair again. Meanwhile, the Assam gov- part of the question paper was not ernment has directed the Board from the prescribed syllabus.

wa Sarma insensitively wondered why anyone should need power during daytime when the light of sun is more powerful than electric power. But on Tuesday, minister of state for power, Pallab Lochan Das, assured that uninterrupted power will be supplied in all the examination halls. Das told reporters here that officials of Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) will visit all 854 examination centres across the state to understand the status of electricity supply there. He said the officials would work on war footing to sort out problems relating to power supply during the remainder of the ongoing HSLC/ AHM exams. “We will try to ensure hassle-free and uninterrupted power supply in all exam centres,” Das promised, though pleading helplessness in case of power failure in case of natural calamities.

Himanta’s view: The Minister however said that there was no paper leak but it was only due to the personal grudges being held by a leading media house owner that such rumours have been spread. He said that the students should not suffer due to a personal issue with the minister and he therefore has asked the chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal to be relieved from the Ministry of Education portfolio. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Buzz

Guwahati Food Awards 2017 receives over 1,60,000 votes

Ronmi Bora

With over 1,60,000 votes for 106 food joints over 186 nominations across 25 categories, the Guwahati Food Awards is set for the grand finale on 26th February to award and fete the best of the best in Guwahati’s food & beverages industry Guwahati Food Awards, initiated in the year 2015, is aimed at bringing together the best in the food fraternity and recognizing top performers who have set benchmarks in the city’s food & beverage segment. Overwhelmed with the response and goodwill generated from the local food and beverage industry and the masses alike in the past two years, GFA intends to carry forward the practice in its third edition which would definitely treble the excitement of all involved. This one-of-a-kind award provides a unique platform to both established players and emerging ones to make their presence felt within the industry and nominate themselves within the different categories in the sector. The gala awards ceremony is scheduled on 26th February, 2017 at Vivanta by Taj. Mr. Riyaz Amlani, Restaurateur & President, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) will be the chief guest. With 25 categories up for grabs, the awards will cater to the entire spectrum of the eating out space and the 3rd edition of the G Plus Guwahati Food Awards 2017 promises to be an ever bigger and more engaging event this time around with the participation of 106 joints from over 250 food joints in the city. An Interactive Workshop on Restaurant Management and Marketing will also be conducted on 25th February 2017 by industry experts. The session will highlight the evolution and innovation in the F&B industry, latest trends, pricing, location, understanding customer’s requirements, training & orientation of staff, marketing and various other tips for a new cafe and restaurant. The jury panel comprising of local food connoisseurs, chefs and experts is headed by Dr. Ashish Chopra, culinary historian and a celebrated food critic. Mr. Suresh Hinduja, CEO Gourmet India & Editor, Times Food Guide has been the Advisor to the Guwahati Food Awards since its inception. “In the last few years, there has been a slow change and the food standards of the restaurants here in Guwahati are improving. Guwa-

hati Food Awards have contributed immensely to increase the healthy competition and bring up the best in the local F&B industry. According to me, all the restaurant owners should take up the challenge with great enthusiasm and strive hard to excel more than their competitors,” said Mr. Suresh Hinduja in conversation with G Plus. The panel shall ensure the highest standards, credible process and unbiased judging parameters to select the very best that Guwahati has to offer. The winners shall be selected via a two stage process comprising an independent consumer survey, i.e. voting through the G Plus app, sms, website and mobile platforms followed by jury selection. The Guwahati Food Awards voting closed this year with over 1,60,000 votes which includes over 1,00,000 website votes, over 20,0000 SMS votes. This is 1,00,000 more votes than its previous edition showing phenomenal reach to the city’s taste buds. The highest nominations received were for the “Most promising new entrant” category. “As a jury member I can see and feel the real hard work backstage. A very good platform for all the enterprising people who offer the Guwahatians the different food options in the city and of course a big thank you to GFA for organizing such an event,” said Pinky Bharali, one of the jury members of Guwahati Food Awards 2017 and proprietor of Loyans, one of the city’s widely loved bakeries with multiple joints, in a conversation with G Plus. This year, the process saw over 100 restaurants from the city nominating themselves across 25 categories. The voting period continued for 2 weeks while a distinguished jury team visited the restaurants and participating outlets for inspection and re-

views. A cumulative score shall now be arrived at through a very credible process and the awards in the respective categories shall be announced at a grand awards night on the coming Sunday, 26th of February, 2017. Sunit Jain, the Publisher of GPlus and architect of Guwahati Food Awards said, “We are overwhelmed with the massive public support that we have received this year through engaging participation of the restaurants and their patrons. The Guwahati Food Awards have helped raise the benchmark of city’s foodscape.” Guwahati Food Awards 2017 also added a new category for ‘Home Bakers’ for the first time this year to encourage bakers to develop their hobby and passion into a profession by recognizing them at this platform. The

home bakers were asked to present a cake, and a savoury item to the jury panel consisting of Ms. Kashmiri Nath, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and expert on Assamese cuisine and Mr. Amit Chatterjee, Patisserie Chef, Vivanta by Taj. Guwahati Food Awards is an initiative of the city’s leading English weekly – GPlus, supported by Blender’s Pride Reserve Collection Music CDs, powered by Airtel, co sponsored by IO Plus Salt, Magic Cook Atta, Radio partner-Red FM, hospitality partner Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati, Outdoor partner-Outreach Advertising Pvt Ltd. The most coveted categories are “Restaurant of the Year” and “Most promising new entrant.” The restaurants nominated for the ‘Restaurant of the year’ are Three Guys Restaurant, Shahi Darbar, Nagameez, 6 Ballygunge

Registrations Categories Nominations Votes

Place, Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited, GM Gopal Maharaj, Chennai Kitchen, Paradise, King Chilly, Spectrum Dine, Shoolin Grand and Underdoggs Sports Bar & Grill. The highest nominations were received for the ‘Most promising new entrant’ category. Innovative new food joints that are the latest happenings in the city and have joined the race for the coveted prize are AHA TFT, Vaah India, Mughals-Taste Meets Tradition, Raja Mircha, Nirvana, Spectrum Dine, Hotel Shoolin Grand, Night Life, Krazzy Kitchen, Bellini, Barks Belly, Arabian Broost Chicken, Friends Adda, Tribal Kitchen, Blackboard Café, Titiksha’s Bakery, Iris Bar, Shoolin Grand, Chicago Pizza, The Basement Café, Back benchers Café, Naga Food Konspiracy, Brooklyn Blues and The Zouq.

GFA Snapshot 2015 2016 62 82 22 24 150 157 17,000 Above 45,000

2017 104 25 186 Above 1,60,000

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

City

Kalyan Deb

Wage related disputes on the rise in city 25%, and be used as a guide for fixing the minimum wage. These six criteria are considered by the central and state governments to fix the minimum wage. The minimum wage includes basic and variable dearness allowance which is revised twice a year based on Consumer

through an application addressed to the Assistant Labour Commissioner in Ulubari or District Labour Officer in case of district level cases and the issue described in the application. There are seven divisions in Guwahati altogether with one labour inspector in each division who holds the responsi-

Price Index. Meanwhile, in August 2016, the centre announced a revised version of the minimum wages act where a hike was effected in the minimum wage for unskilled non-farm workers of the central government to Rs 350 a day, from the previous wage of Rs 246. The categories were also revised as another section named “Highly Skilled” was added to the categories. After the revision the minimum wage was hiked by a handsome amount; this has created awareness among the employed section that has resulted in several wage related disputes. It is mentioned in the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, where all the provisions of the said Act are applied to wages payable to employees in any scheduled employment under sub-section (1), that the Inspector appointed under this Act shall be deemed to be the Inspector for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions so applied within the local limits of his jurisdiction.

bility of investigating any complaint of such dispute. “During the investigation process we try to come to an amicable settlement wherein both the complainant and the management are involved. We try to come to an orderly relationship and make a settlement. If settlement cannot be done, we forward the case to higher authorities where a confidential copy of the investigation is sent to the labour commissioner. Once the commissioner has studied the case, he or she will come to a conclusion and take a decision,” said Sanchayita Bhattacharya, District Labour Officer. “In cases of paying lesser wage or not paying at all the case is forwarded to the assistant labour commissioner. Once the assistant labour commissioner goes through the case the opposite party is given a time bound direction and if the party fails to do the same the district administration is notified about the same according to the Bakijai Act. The deputy commissioner holds the power to make a settlement through property attachment of the part,” the District Labour Officer mentioned. Meanwhile, it could also be learnt that since several such cases are pending with the district administration the power of taking such actions will be transferred to either the District Labour Officer or the Assistant Labour Commissioner.

File photo of Labour Commissioner’s office in Guwahati | File Photo

requent and unsavoury occurrences are disputes between employers and employees. The reasons may be various but the most common cases where disputes surface are on issues of salary. There can be several kinds of disputes between an employee and an employer. Blocking of regular salaries of the employees by their employers or the management or holding salaries for a longer period after an employee is retrenched to not

a segment called ‘scheduled employment’ that includes shops and commercial establishments, factories, skill-based works among several others. According to ‘scheduled employment,’ an employment specified in the schedule is appended to the Minimum Wages Act or any process or branch of work forming part of such employment. It is a pre-programmed systematic approach to satisfying a specific need for workforce in terms of a certain

giving the promised wages as discussed during the appointment are among the various salary related disputes that occur. It has been found that the number of registered cases has grown from 6 in 2013 to 18 in 2016 in Guwahati. There could be several possibilities for the rise in such cases. The growing number of opportunities of employment including awareness among people can be taken into consideration. However, there is a certain process the aggrieved employee needs to take if such a situation occurs. It is the labour commission whose door is to be knocked on in order to get redressal on such disputes.

project. Every project has certain workforce requirements which can be partially covered by resources of the domestic staff of a company. As per the Act, the minimum wages are fixed by the government but it also allows organizations to plan their costs to be paid out for compensations and benefits. The workers are categorised as per their skill, qualification and experience according to the labour law and in the same a certain minimum amount has to be paid to an employee. Conflicts may arise if the norms for the categories are violated. The norms for determining the minimum wage were recommended by the Indian Labour Conference in 1957 which decided that the minimum wage should

The norms The government has made

be need-based and should ensure the minimum human needs of the industrial worker. Five norms were suggested: YYThree consumption units for one earner in a standard working class family with the earnings of women, children and adolescents in the family being disregarded. YYNet intake of 2,700 calories for an average Indian adult of moderate activity. YYPer capita consumption of cloth of 18 yards per annum; this would mean a total 72 yards for the average worker’s family of 4. YYRent corresponding to the minimum area provided for under the Subsidised Industrial Housing Scheme for low-income groups. YYFuel, lighting and other miscellaneous items of expenditure to constitute 20% of the total minimum wage. In 1991, the Supreme Court ruled that children’s education, medical requirement, minimum recreation including festivals, ceremonies, provision for old age and marriage, should constitute

The process In case of any kind of wage dispute a complaint has to be filed

Registered number of wage dispute cases Year

Number of cases registered

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Sports

City to host maiden MMA tournament

sport that is gaining increasing popularity in recent times, Mixed Martial Arts or MMA, came into spotlight through a franchisee-based competition. The Super Fight League (SFL) is making its way to Guwahati with TransV’s Bidang Fight League which is to be held on 5th March. A hard-hitting combat sport, MMA involves striking and grappling - it doesn’t matter if the two competitors are standing or not - the opponent with a combination of techniques borrowed from other forms of martial arts. Wrestling, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, kick-boxing, taekwondo, karate, judo, etc. all form an important part of MMA with different components having different philosophies. The professional MMA league will be held under the aegis of Bidang MMA Gym and Fitness Centre and Trans Virtual Ltd, an IT Services Company from Guwahati and aims to bring all the excitement of the contact sport to the people of the city. The event will see participation of several Indian fighters such as Ravinder Balhara , Hemant Wadekar , Jackie Gahl-

ot, Kantharaj S and Vikash Dahiya as also woman fighters namely Pooja Tomar and Shalini among others. Players to look out for: Musa “Mayday” Conteh Nationality: USA Height: 6’2” Weight: 86.18 kg Class: Light-heavyweight Pro-fight history: 1 Win 1 Loss Jason “The Assassin” Radcliffe Nationality: British Height: 6’1” Weight: 83.91 kg Class: Middleweight Pro-fight history: 11 Wins 2 Losses Ravindra Balhara Nationality: Indian Height: 5’9” Weight: 83.91 kg Class: Middleweight Pro-fight history: 4 Wins 1 Loss Hemant Wadekar Nationality: Indian Height: 5’7” Weight: 89.81 kg Class: Light-heavyweight Pro-fight history: 4 Wins 2 Loss The event will also have amateur local contenders such as Manash Das,

Kalyan Deb Manash Daimary, Shantanu Baruah and Dhrubajeet Deka among several others. The event will also witness Jason Radcliffe from London and Mansa Musa Conteh from USA. Talking to G Plus, the founder of Bidang MMA gym and organiser of the competition said, “I was waiting for this moment for many years. This is going to be a huge event. Conceptualising the event has not been easy and it took me several months. Getting sponsorship was a mammoth task. However, I decided to go ahead with the savings that I have and hope that the success of this event will draw attention of the people and I hope the event will actually help the sport.” This is a 24-athlete knockout bracketed and will be played in 3 rounds for 5 minutes on each round. The matches will be fought with the same rules and restrictions as established by IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation). The event is scheduled to begin from 4 pm on the first Sunday of March at the Bhogeswari Phukanani Indoor Stadium, Dispur. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Special

Maha Shivratri festivities engulf city reiterating its calming significance

Ronmi Bora

aha Shivratri, ‘the Great Night of Shiva,’ is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, one of the Trimurti who comprise the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction according to Indian Mythology. This year in 2017, it was observed on 24th February. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva

on Shivratri festival falling on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight in the month of Phagun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva Himself according to Indian mythology, when His consort Parvati asked Him as to which ritual performed by devotees pleases Him the most. A legend explains the all-night worship of Shiva on Shivratri. There is

another possible reason for the origin of the all-night worship; it being a moonless night, people worshipped the God who wears the crescent moon as an adornment in his hair. That is Lord Shiva. According to legends, Shivratri is auspicious as the wedding of Har Gauri is believed to have been solemnised. Several devotees observe fast during Shivratri. Married women fast and perform puja of Mahadev with sincerity to seek marital bliss and unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband in Hinduism. Prayer ceremonies are performed as per the timings and tithi of MahaShivratri. Shiv Linga, an iconic representation of the Hindu deity, is bathed with water, milk, honey, bhasma (ashes), bhang and offered fruits, flowers and bel (wood apple) leaves. These are said to be the Lord’s favourite offerings. People also chant ‘Maha

Mrityunjaya Mantra’ to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. ‘Maha Rudra Abhishek’ is also performed to impress the God in his ‘rudra’ form. The mantras dwells Vedic scriptures and helps to remove negative energy and transform it into peace and joy. The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India, such as Vishwanath in Varanasi, Somnath in Gujrat, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and Baidyanath in Bihar are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated widely in the temples all over Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Assam, Nepal and even outside South Asia. In Guwahati, serpentine queues of devotees were seen in front of 18th century old Sukreswar Temple in the city. Located on the Sukreswar or Itakhuli hill on the

south bank of Brahmaputra River the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Sukreswar temple in Assam was built by King Pramatta Singh of the Ahom dynasty in 1744 A.D. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great pomp and joy in another iconic temple in Assam built by the Ahom dynasty, Sivadol located in Sivasagar meaning the ‘Ocean of the Lord Shiva’. Another famous 16th century Shiva temple named ‘Umananda Devaloi’ was constructed by the Ahom king, Gadadhar Singha, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of mighty Brahmaputra River. Shiva Chaturdashi is the most colourful festival held here annually. Devotees and tourists flock here from all across the globe. Thus, we see that the city of Guwahati was enveloped by the festive spirit of Maha Shivratri and especially youth enjoy ‘Ghuta/Bhaang’ Prasad in name of Har Har Mahadev.

O’ Lord Shiva He, the husband of Lord Parvati, The father of Lord Ganesha, The father of Lord Kartika, The mighty Lord Shiva. Trishool is your weapon, The holy bull is your vaahan, Devotees throng to the temples, O’ Lord, bless us from all angles. We worship you today, Our health be well and good, “Om Namah Shivaya’, We chant all the way. Hope your trishul and damaru, Helps keep your third eye at rest, Corrupt people, in a way, Be aware of nearing death. O’ mighty Lord Shiva, We worship you today, ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, We chant all the way. Gaurav Gautam Saha Guwahati

Ingredients YYWalnut – 200 grams YYAlmond – 200 grams YYCashews – 300 grams YYFigs – 200 grams YYDates – 150 grams YYGhee – 1 tablespoon

Dry Fruit Barfi W

e all know that dry fruits are packed with essential nutrients. They are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber, and are a perfect addition to your food choices on the days you choose to fast. Here is a recipe with all that goodness in each bite.

Method for Preparation Place the nuts in a food processor and grind into a coarse

powder. Remove half of the mixture into a bowl. Grind the remaining half into a fine powder. Chop the dried figs as finely as you can and place in a bowl. Deseed the dates (if you are using seeded dates) and mash them in a food processor. Take a heavy pan, add some ghee into it and set it on medium heat. Add the figs and dates and combine with the ghee. After a

few mins, add the ground nuts and bind all the ingredients together. Remove the mixture into a square dish. Spread it evenly in the dish and leave to cool. Once cooled, cut it into squares.

Pro tips1. You can bind the mixture into ladoos (small balls) and garnish with a whole almond on the top of each ladoo.

2. You may replace almonds with hazelnuts or pistachio. 3. You may add rose petals or lavender petals to give your barfi a scented fresh taste. A box of scented dry fruit ladoos are also a perfect gift to present to your loved ones on any occasion!

(This recipe has been presented to you by Art of Living)

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

Partly Cloudy

Sunny

25° / 17° C

26° / 17° C

27° / 18° C

28° / 18° C

29° / 18° C

29° / 17° C

SATURDAY Sunny

26° / 16° C

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Travel

Union des Comores: Big life lessons from a tiny island

Vishwadeep Chaliha

can only dream of. He becomes eligible to stand in the first line at the mosque. I guess it is like attaining knighthood. All you have to do is invite the whole village and spend millions in a sumptuous feast and plenty of gold for your wedded wife. Preparations can take about 6 months and the functions that include village processions, continue for two weeks. Your children could even be going to college but men

View of the Comores island and the author (3rd photo)

omoros, or Union des Comores, is one of the 20 poorest nations on earth. Known as the island of the moon in Arabic, I had no idea of it until October 2013 when I landed in the capital city known as Moroni. I was apprehensive about an obscure country somewhere in the Indian ocean but I needed a job and took the plunge! You will hardly spot this old French colony in the Oxford Atlas, but a quick glance in Wikipedia reveals an archipelago located in the northern end of the Mozambique channel off the eastern African coast between north-eastern Mo-

zambique and north-western Madagascar island. Population 8,00,000, area 640 square miles, and plenty more! My trepidation gave way to the first sight of a village with green hills and the vast Indian Ocean with its clear blue waters slapping white sandy beaches astride with coconut trees. It was beautiful and a sight for sore eyes! I was wonderstruck working and living the first few months, perfect weather, no pollution, fresh sea fish, organic vegetables, weekends on the beaches dotted all over the island. Was this real? Then I found a unique similarity

reliving some memories of Golaghat in the 70’s. Here too, people sleep with the front doors open during the day. And then in the evenings, neighbours and friends would just barge in yelling your name or a sombre ‘kunba ase ne’?? Such places do exist even today, I thought to myself.

The country makes you feel enveloped in a secured zone. Crime rate is almost NIL. Walk around with a million dollars at 2 am and nobody even dares a confrontation except for a smile and a warm ca va? (How are you?). This was fascinating. All along, I knew that poverty begets crime. But look at these Comorians. Poor but yet so honest and happy-go-lucky people! There must be something more to it than meets the eye. Is it the detachment from mainland Africa? Is it a legacy of the French and Arab rulers subjecting these gullible citizens to servile manners? I went to the villages and found that the answer

lay in the strong foundation built by the family and village communities. Deeply religious Muslims as they are, each child is reared up on the good facets of the Quran, to live the right life, love thy neighbour, stay away from temptations and take refuge in Allah when in deep trouble. If anyone is caught on the wrong foot, he or she or the entire family is banned from living in the village and is shamed. Thus, entry into another village becomes restricted too! These early inculcations help the average Comorian to respect each individual and create a wonderful atmosphere of bonhomie throughout the country. There is an interesting concept of a ‘Grand Marriage’ which is perhaps unique to this country. Although not an obligation, it is considered a ‘must’ for every Comorian. If one can celebrate his marriage a second time with pomp and grandeur, he is donned with an elderly status and his standing in the community goes up several notches. He can wear certain dresses which the ordinary Comorian

with the ‘grand marriage’ qualification are sought after in the social circles and made village chiefs and leaders. I guess it is only here that you have the adage of ‘Baaperor biya dekhuwai dim’ turning into a reality. Another interesting example of mutual co-operation is the fact that marriage-gifts are mostly in cash and donors are recorded with the respective amounts. When the donors get married themselves, the gift is repaid and thus the cycle is repeated for each invitee. This ultimately reduces the burden of an expensive marriage. For the record, the current President of Comoros, Mr Azali Assoumani is yet to organise his grand marriage. In his village, he is just another inhabitant. Soccer is very close to the Comorian heart. Every young boy

dreams of starting off with a local club, migrating to France and launching his career, emulating the seniors. The national team is known as Coelacanths (seel-acanths) named after an extinct breed of fish that inhabited the Indian Ocean. Although the FIFA rankings show a dismal 140, it is only 10 notches below India and with the current crop of players playing in the French league, I am sure they will break into the top 100 in the next 5 years. The only sport visible is football - in street corners, schools, small playgrounds, terraces. I felt this passion once in a world cup qualifier against Ghana which ended in a 1-1 draw. The whole island was celebrating as if they had won the Jules Rimet cup. The madness is similar to cricket in India but the rhythm of the Comorians is something worth watching. The stadium was 40 kms away and it took me four hours to return home. Crazy fans danced their way back home for the full distance shunning public transport! Having gained independence in 1975 from the French, the country has three islands under its own governance and one disputed with the French authorities. Each island is a jewel and a haven for tourists who wish to explore off the beaten track. Walk into one of the world’s most active volcanoes or merely watch exotic birds, enjoy the French cuisine, or laze around the quaint beaches, you do it all. I have done it all in the last three and half years and would like to share the happiness with all of you. Want to relive the good ol’ times? Comoros is the place to be ... fly in, visa on arrival! The author is a professional in the insurance industry for close to 30 years and has been stationed in Comoros since October 2013. Interestingly, he started off his insurance career in Dimapur, Nagaland in 1987, followed by a stint in Guwahati, Digboi and then for about 5 years in Osaka, Japan. He is an avid traveller. Readers can catch him on chaliha64@ gmail.com

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Feature

Convent Schools Don Bosco High School Fees - Rs. 1300 per month Student strength - 2340 from KG to Class XII Extracurricular Activities- Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Taekwondo, Karate, Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Art & Culture, Chess, Carom, Billiards, Multi-Gym

Principal & Rector- Fr. Sebastian Mathew Campus Details - Playground covers 3575 sq m (65m x 55 m) with covered galleries for seating the entire student population. The cricket cum football field has three grass and one concrete pitch for cricket. The School has two basketball courts. The campus also houses the Don Bosco multipurpose auditorium cum sports complex.

Phone: 0361 254 0583

Holy Child School

Guwahati has a large number of high school o the schools have good infrastructure and the q Moreover, most of the schools have a host of ex development of the students. G Plus checks out of what can be expected when it comes to mak

Fees - Rs. 1300 to Rs. 1400 per month Student strength - 1395 from Class I to Class XII Speciality - The evening school starts at 3 pm and the first batch consists of students studying in the primary and middle sections of the school. The students are being tutored by the students of the higher classes for about an hour who make them complete their homework and explain the lessons.

Principal- Sr. Annie Joseph

And the ot

Phone: 0361 265 0044

Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public School Fees - Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3650 per month (The fees increase every year)

Faculty Higher Schoo

Fees: Rs. 63,000 to Rs. 80,500 a

Students- 2700 Campus details - Audio-visual aids are extensively used and children are encouraged to express themselves. They draw and learn through pictures, charts and diagrams. Extracurricular Activities - Co-curricular activities like tennis, badminton, chess, music, dance, singing, art & craft are the options which students could choose according to them.

Principal- Alpana K Phukan Phone: 0361 264 7880

25 acres of idyllic land by the banks of the migh boasts of a 2Â˝ acre of natural infrastructure: Hostel facilities with AC Room, W dining and study area, Basketball, Volleyb Cricket, Professional Coaching for Cricket, K Meditation Centre, Camp Site, Multi cuisine k Indian, Special academic, gui

NPS International School Fees- Rs. 2,000 monthly, Rs. 1,000 for Activities Students Strength - 1200 Campus Details - The school has a digital campus with wi-fi connection, e-library, smart classrooms by next education, CCTV surveillance and ERP for parent, teacher and student login. Extracurricular Activities - Art & craft, creative writing, music/dance, poetry elocution, public speaking, drama, athletics, swimming, jogging/ marathon, basketball/cricket, football/kabaddi and others

Principal - Prabhati Biswas Phone: 088765 55333

Kendriya Vid

Fees Rs. 500 flat per m Students- 2482

Campus Details - Classroom, S lab, Resource Room (Primary activity room, staff common ro multi-purpose hall.

Principal- Rajesh Dhaw

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Feature

Premium Schools Sanskriti The Gurukul Fees - Rs. 3250 to Rs. 3400 per month that includes transportation Student strength - 950 Extracurricular Activities- Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Taekwondo, Karate, Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Art & Culture, Chess, Carom, Billiards, Multi-Gym

Principal - Radha Baruah Sports activities - Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table-tennis, Aerobics, Chess etc. Special Mention - Sanskriti The Gurukul has been ranked No. 2 in India, No. 1 in Assam and Guwahati under the category Day-cum-Boarding schools in a survey done by Education Today among 836 schools surveyed in the country.

options to send their children to. Most of quality of education dispensed is high. xtra-curricular activities for the all-round t a few of them to give the reader an idea king a choice for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education.

Phone: 0361 227 0060

Royal Global School Fees- Rs. 1.50 lakhs annually Student strength- 1200 approx

thers...

Campus Details - The school with the modernised infrastructure has a robotic lab, language lab, Mac lab, 3D lab, smart class, science labs, Math lab, EVS lab, studio, library with Junior & Senior Resource Room, cafeteria etc. Extracurricular activities include sports, art & craft, music, dance, theatre etc.

Principal- Anubha Goyal Phone: 088226 07725

r Secondary ool, Amingaon

annually depending on grade levels

tudent strength - 1864

hty Brahmaputra, and the school water body and lush green hills. Wi-fi internet, Cable TV, Separate ball, Indoor Cricket, Football and Karate, Basketball and Football, kitchen serving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thai, Chinese, idance by experienced teachers

Delhi Public School Fees - Admission Fees - Rs. 40,000, Annual Fee for Readmission - Rs. 24,000, Tuition Fees - Rs. 12,300 to Rs. 15,600 per quarter depending on grade levels, Bus Fees Rs. 7,500 per quarter Student strength - More than 4000 Infrastructure - Hostel facilities, well equipped classrooms, well equipped science labs Extracurricular activities - Sports, Dance & Music, Home Science

Principal- Chandralekha Rawat

Principal - Loya Sinha Phone: 092070 46133

dyalaya

month

Science lab, Computer lab, Library, Jr. Science wing), Resource Room (Secondary wing), oom, maths lab, gymnasium, bio-tech lab and

wan

South Point School Fees - Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 annually Student strength - 3000 Campus Details - The school has two libraries for Middle and Primary School and 3 libraries for secondary and senior secondary school with a total of 8,000 books. It also has two playgrounds, one park, one indoor stadium and room for co-scholastic activities. Extracurricular Activities - Extracurricular activities in sports like volleyball, basketball, cricket, taekwondo music, art & craft, dance, singing etc.

Principal - Krishnanjan Chanda Phone: 0361 247 5977

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Snippets

Transgender association takes out rally in city

2 arrested for possession of drugs at Guwahati Railway Station

he Transgender Association of Assam took out a pride and protest rally in the city on Sunday to protest against non implementation of the NALSA verdict. The Supreme Court of India after hearing the petition filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), passed a historic judgement on Transgender Rights on April 15, 2014 and stated – “Recognition of transgender as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue.” However, despite the SC ruling, the present government has chosen not to implement the same

olice on Monday arrested two persons at Guwahati Railway Station and recovered drugs from their possession. The police noticed them ‘moving suspiciously’ on Platform No. 5 which allegedly caught their attention. The two men, namely Saiful Islam and Md. Belalluddin, on being searched gave up several strips of Ativan-2mg tablets from their possession. On being interrogated, they disclosed their modus operandi saying that they identified suitable passengers and made them unconscious by mixing the tablets in their food to steal their belongings. Both the accused were handed over to GRP later.

which is being seen as a violation of SC judgment on third gender. Bhrigu Borthakur, writing to G Plus said, “The lack of implementation of the NALSA verdict indirectly shows that they (government) consider themselves superior than Supreme Court.’ Another cause for the rally is also to sensitize the society and to end the discrimination faced by them. The transgender community continues to be subject of social humiliation and alleged police harassment. The All Assam Transgender Association took out the rally with the help of the NGO Care U 365.

Wine shops near highways to be shut down after 31st March

Guwahatians getting fraud calls that ask for ATM and PAN card details ting calls from suspect numbers where the person on the other end claims to be an agent of State Bank of India and asks for customers’ ATM and PAN card details. Cases have also been reported where the customers fell prey to the calls and lost money from their bank accounts. Reportedly, the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Assam, Himangshu Shekhar had also received one such call from the number - 7763944097, at 11:59 AM, on 13th February. The caller who spoke to the Commissioner in Hindi language claimed that Shekhar’s ATM card has turned dysfunctional due to some docu-

n multiple incidents it has been reported that people of Guwahati have been get-

ment related issues, which could be altered only if he provides the caller with his ATM and PAN card number. The caller who claimed to have called from Delhi Head Office however refrained from providing Shekhar any of his personal or professional details. Later when Shekhar traced the call, it came to light that the phone call was made from Yashpur Nagar of Madhya Pradesh. The CIC has already forwarded the matter in writing to the City Commissioner and urged the department to take necessary preventive action against such incidents.

Assam man in World Record for playing Assamese folk music while cycling

he Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered closure of all liquor shops along National and State highways across the country and directed governments to “cease and desist” from issuing excise licenses. The Supreme Court, on 15th December 2016, ordered all the bars and wine shops near the highways to shut down liquor business at the earliest. The Court has extended the date to 31st March and asked all

bars, wine shops, and hotels dealing with liquor business to close down within the given date failing which their liquor license would be cancelled. It is to be noted that currently there are 82 wine shops and bars located on the highway which are likely to shut down after 31st March. The bar of Radisson Blu, a five star hotel of Guwahati, located on National Highway 37 is also likely to get closed soon.

anjit Dihingia, from Gohpur, Assam has made it to the World Records for his unique talent of playing Assamese folk music with instruments like the traditional Pepa, Dhol, Taal, Baahi etc., while cycling for a distance of over 80 kms. The unique talent of Dihingia has won him appreciation and recognition from all over the nation and abroad. Speaking about his interest Dihingia says, “Our traditional music is starting to fade.

The new generation hardly knows the significance of these instruments. This is my noble initiative to popularize and make people aware of our rich culture.” Manjit has also bagged many prestigious records and titles earlier such as Talent Awards 2016, Global Awards 2016, Records of Republic, U.R.F National Records, U.R.F Asia Records, Records Holder at Golden Book of Records, Records Holder at Universal Records Forum etc.

Theft at Assam Secretariat

n a shocking incident that took place inside the campus of Assam Secretariat, it was reported that many valuables from the Human Resource Management Section (HRMS) situated on the 4th floor, A Block of Assam Secretariat were stolen on Wednesday.

According to sources, two finger print scanners, one laptop, and one web camera has been stolen from the room. Officials of Assam Secretariat have lodged an FIR related to the incident at Dispur Police Station. However, the officials and police are not sure if the incident took place during the

morning hours of Wednesday, or during Tuesday night. Reportedly, this is the second incident of theft in the campus within last one week. Incidents like these in the campus of Assam Secretariat, which is guarded by tight security 24 hours, have left everyone in shock.

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Snippets

Three politicians on police radar in APSC scam

Rahul Chanda

APSC Headquarters in Guwahati | File Photo

t’s been quite a while since the Assam Police submitted a 19-page part charge-sheet in the court of the Special Judge, Assam, Alokeswar Bhattacharyya. The charge-sheet contained names of Assam Public Service Commission chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul, commission members Samedur Rahman and Basanta Doley, assistant con-

troller of examinations Pabitra Kaibarta, commission staff Sayed Musharraf Hussain and Abbas Ali Ahmed, assistant engineer of town and country planning department Nabakanta Patir and Rahman’s personal security officer Mabud Ali Choudhury as the arrested accused. Rakesh Paul’s brother Rajeev and businessman Sudip Das, an aide of Paul, were

also named in the charge-sheet as absconding accused. Out of the 10 accused, 8 have been arrested and 2 remain absconding. G Plus talked to some highly placed sources to understand if, with the investigation being on, any politicians are involved in the scam.

Bail plea rejected Bail plea of the kingpin,

Nine Passport Seva Kendras to be set up in Assam

inister of State for External Affairs V K Singh today announced nine new Passport SevaKendras would be set up in Assam soon. According to an official release by Assam

Government, the minister announced setting up of new Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in the state during a discussion with Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal in Guwahati. “On request from the Chief Minister, Singh assured him that the External Affairs Ministry will set up Passport SevaKendras at Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur, Nagaon and Diphu soon,” it added.

Singh said the External Affairs Ministry will extend all required support to maximise the presence of PSKs in Assam and accordingly such centres will be opened at District Head Post Offices initially. Keeping in view of the hardship faced by the people of North East while availing visas for travelling abroad, Sonowal requested the Union Minister to take measures for setting up of Consulates in Assam. The duo also discussed about the potential of Assam to be the gateway to South-East Asia and strategies to implement the Act East Policy to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with neighbouring nations.

Rakesh Paul, was again rejected by the court in a case registered in Dispur police station recently and the absconding accused Rajeev Paul and businessman Sudip Das are still on the run. Meanwhile, the source talking to G Plus, said that over 100 people were quizzed till date in the case, out of which 12 are aspirants and 4 are APSC on job officers. The source, when asked whether, as reported by a section of the media, that Rakesh Paul used to pay money to rebel groups like ULFA (I), said that the reports cannot be denied and everything in APSC used to be huge scams. The media also reported that the investigation officer of the case has been getting threatening calls and added that the police are trying to investigate all those who are involved in threatening the officer. Now the question that remains is, are there any politicians involved in the scam?

Involvement of politicians When asked, the source said that he will not take names but in the coming days, if material evidence crops up, some politicians

might be questioned. On insisting the source to elaborate to G Plus the number of politicians who are under police radar, the source said that there are three politicians who are under police radar in the APSC case but unless the police get some material evidence they cannot be questioned. The source said that out of these three politicians who are under the scanner all are not outside the government; some are members of the present government and the names cannot be disclosed. The source said that the police can question someone only if they have material evidence proving that the politician is linked with the scam and the police are hoping that in the future the investigation might lead to such material evidence. G Plus had earlier reported that Rakesh Paul was introduced to the APSC selection committee by a politician from Barak Valley. So the APSC scam is set to unearth many hidden truths and only time and proper investigation will reveal the names of all the politicians who are involved.

Assam Govt to treat children suffering from CHD

n a Coronary Heart Disease screening camp conducted on Tuesday, the Government of Assam screened 1404 children across Assam. The Health Minister of Assam, HimantaBiswaSarma revealed

that out of the 1404 children who were screened 807 kids will be operated, free of cost in over 6 months in Guwahati, Bengaluru and Kolkata. This was the 9th CHD Screening Camp conducted in the state.

Paramananda Rajbongshi granted bail

he Gauhati High Court on Thursday granted bail to the Former General Secretary of Assam Sahitya Sabha, Paramananda Rajbongshi, in connection with the case of abetment of suicide. Justice M R Pathak after hearing from defence lawyer Bijon Mahajan granted absolute bail to Rajbongshi.

Rajbongshi was earlier granted pre-arrest interim bail in connection with the Jorhat Police Station case number 2553/2016 registered under 306 of the IPC after retired Accounts Officer of the Sabha Rajendra Nath Datta committed suicide on November 23rd last year. The FIR against Rajbongshi was lodged by the wife of the deceased.

Massive eviction and cleanliness drive from Khanapara to Airport

massive eviction drive throughout NH 37 under the direction of Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kamrup (M) will be conducted from 25th February, Saturday, from Khanapara to Guwahati Airport. During a meeting held on 23rd February, Thursday, the DC

along with CEO, ZilaParishad, Kamrup (M), DCP (Admin), Guwahati City, Jt Commissioner, all the ADCs, and officials of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and NH 37 decided to initiate the eviction and cleanliness drive to get rid of the blockages of the natural and second-

ary drains, and the factors that are leading to environmental pollution in the city. In the meeting, the NH 37 had been divided into five parts that would be looked after by five teams for the cleanliness drive – from Khanapara to Basistha, Basistha to Gorchuk, Gorchuk to Saraighat

Bridge including Jalukbari intersection, NH 37 under Azara circle, and NH 37 under Sonapur Revenue Circle. The required machineries and manpower, vehicles and other logistics support for the drive will be provided by NHAI and PWD (NH).

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

G Talk E

Tweet for tat

imantada can do us all a seva – close down the SEBA! The trepid festival that the matriculation examination once was has somehow given way to becoming a dark foreboding place where students can just trip over the edge into the abyss created by SEBA. From cows mistaking question papers for their cud to question papers being leaked – twice – onto last-minute rescheduling of exam dates due to blundering goof-ups, the state’s premier education department has reached its nadir. But that is just one part of the story. The other matter of greater concern is the tweets of Himantada of the past few days. The content and tenor of the tweets coming from one of the tallest leaders of the state is making us all wary. Sample the Metropolis closure tweet to start with. On hindsight now, it appears to have been a rush job or a knee-jerk reaction stemming from some wrong advice given to the minister resulting in the flagship winter event of the city being shut down in ignominy just hours ahead of its formal closure. And today, the greatly worrying thing is the minister trying to tweet his way out of a mess that involves the lives of more than 3 lakh matriculation candidates over an unsavoury piece of bungling by his education department. As we are carrying a detailed story about the mess in this issue, I will be brief here. The tweets of our dear leader seem to

be carrying a message that is wide off the mark. In fact, naming the person who is supposedly carrying a personal grudge and blaming his newspaper’s front-page crusade against the sordid goof-up for rescheduling exam dates is even more galling. The contents of the tweets somehow gives us the feeling that Himantada is losing his admirable self-confidence and discerning faculties that helped him filter the right from the wrong, the good from the bad. Tweeting that he wants to be relieved off his duties demonstrates a sense of resignation from the best known fighter in the state. Tweeting about media-mogul Jayanta Barooah having personal issues with him gives us a sense of unease that someone else just might be handling his Twitter desk; if it is not something as serious as that – then surely someone is feeding him the wrong advice. If SEBA is bent on being Himantada’s waterloo, it is best that the revered minister fights back and overhauls the whole department, and replaces the current lot with competent people. These gaffes cannot recur year after year: it is clear to us all that incompetence and complacency is by now deeply entrenched in the department. Copy the CBSE model, and maybe things will be okay. The tweets thereafter will be good and will certainly not tweets for tat! Swapnil Bharali Editor

The ‘gunda’ raj in a college campus The recent clash in the Ramjas College campus of Delhi University has sparked a massive outrage among students and political commentators. Indians have a funny way of coming back full circle to right where we started. We create an issue, visit it, re-visit it and keep prodding it, until it becomes irrelevant. If things like these continue to happen, DU’s hallowed campus will become irrelevant and not the playground for intellectuals they claim they produce. It was about last year (February 2016) that the JNU campus was the centre of the ‘intolerance’ debate. Recall if you can; but some people were against Afzal Guru’s hanging which then snowballed into a dissent and intolerance debate. The campus became hostile with security forces being deployed. Most of my friends, who went to Delhi to study, have now come back only to tell me, ‘vahan toh bas politics hota hai.’ Then why do we continue to circle back to the same debate? It is abundantly clear that the involvement of political parties

in colleges is no longer about promoting healthy college debates or to groom future leaders, but for parties to further their vested interests and to create a pool of opinion makers, who teach (use force if necessary) the ‘right’ way of living; a miniature stage for political leaders to continue to be relevant in the political discourse of the country. The involvement of political parties in colleges has only made the college campus a war zone. Student wings in colleges are the nesting ground for small goons who eventually join the big leagues and make headlines (I will not cite examples from the state because it’s are far too obvious). However, I will cite an example closer to home – the Cotton College elections. Fervent as they are, there are reports of midnight violent clashes and broken bones as election approaches. Is this the right way of grooming future politicians? Do we allow college politics to continue in the very way they have been or learn from bigger examples in the country? SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

Opinion

Patharughat: A leaf from the pages of history

nowing your roots better will let you know yourselves better and History plays a massively significant role here. Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13th April 1919 and we are all aware of it. But what about the equally astounding massacre of Patharughat? If we are honest enough, not too many of us know much about this massacre; as for me, I had a vague idea but that’s just about it. Just to acquaint myself with my history better I chose to dive in for some research and my efforts left me with goose bumps! History bears testimony that Assam managed to thwart multiple Mughal invasions maintaining its sovereignty until the British came under Yandaboo Treaty. They were set to change the socio-economic scenario. All exceptions and privileges people had enjoyed were suspended by the British. Their principal agendum was to increase the land tax. The common people became burdened and had no alternative but to oppose it. In 1868, approximately 7 years after the Phulguri uprising in Nagaon, a large number of people gathered at the Tahsildar’s office in Patharughat to register their protest. Fearing a violent fallout, the then DC of Darrang deputed a huge armed force as reinforcements. The British authorities, as was their nature, refused to cow down and went on a verbally combative mode. The infuriated mob

Mirza Arif Hazarika

tried to set the Dak Bungalow on fire. But the situation was brought under control by the local leaders who preferred to register their protest in a non violent manner. For the next 20 to 25 years there were no untoward incidents. But the spark ignited in 1868 was left simmering. While the BOGA SAHIBS thought that the tides of revolt had settled down, their assessment was far from correct. In 1893, the British Government attempted to raise the tax rates again. The 25 year idyll was shattered. A public meeting or raijmel was held at Patharughat on 26th January 1894 with the farmers deciding that they won’t pay taxes until an acceptable solution was offered by the rulers. They decided to wait till 28th January 1894 so that the DC of Darrang, Anderson, was available for a discussion. The authorities somehow learnt about this raijmel and they ensured that Anderson was accompanied by SP Berrington along with a huge armed force. On the 28th January 1894, people began to gather at the field in front of the Dak Bungalow. Thousands of peasants gathered to properly air their grievances hoping for a sympathetic hearing. When by noon Anderson along with the SP and his troops entered the field he could sense the anger and suppressed attitude of revolt among the mass. This however did not deter Anderson who downright refused to listen to the peasants rejecting their plea to reconsider the tax rates.

In the consequent argument the crowd lost their patience. Slogans were raised against the rulers. The crowd began to move towards the Dak Bungalow. The security tried to block them but a physical conflict started. In the meanwhile Berrington ordered the forces to lathi charge. The crowd lost their mental balance and retaliated with whatever they could grab. Berrington was injured and in sheer anger ordered his troops to fire. Guns started roaring loud, bullets flew in the air hitting human bodies hard resulting in a bloody mayhem that was without precedence. People ran for their lives, but they were chased and killed without mercy. Bullets rained for a long time. 140 people were killed, and plenty others were seriously injured leaving them scarred for lives. The ruthless British were not content with that alone. The dead were apparently not allowed their last rites but left to be devoured by scavengers. This was a supreme sacrifice made for the soil of the motherland. Today, we breathe the air of freedom because of these heroes who did not care for their own lives but cared for us. The bullets did not see the religion of the farmers; the farmers did not care about which faith they belonged to. They had one common goal and that was freedom; freedom from the British Raj, freedom for the future generation, freedom of our Aai Axomi. Today we live in an era of technology and fast paced life. We are engaged on social media, involved in politics working for selfish motives. We tend to forget our roots but ensure that we follow the British policy of DIVIDE AND RULE. It is time we woke up from our sleep and opened our minds. We need to pull up our sleeves and march together to build a better nation for our next generation leaving behind our caste, religious and all other existing differences. Patharughat deserves a visit by all of us to pay our homage to the martyrs and thank them for what they had done.

Letter to the Editor r “A Daniel has come to the judgement...” “A Daniel has come to judgement...” was the famous dialogue delivered by Shylock, the main villain in the masterpiece Merchant of Venice authored by Shakespeare. After the honorable Supreme Court verdict against Sashikala on Tuesday, a close associate of Late J Jayalalitha, one can feel that a Daniel has once again come to judgement. This Supreme Court verdict should act as deterrent to those politician and bureaucrats indulging in corruption. A strong message should be send to all corrupt politicians and their company that Damocles sword is hanging over their head, it is just the matter of time. Dr. Ashim Chowdhury Ambari, Guwahati-1

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

special

If Hitler was so bad, why didn’t people around him just kill him? Answered by: Duy Truong, studied at Monash University

Because Hitler wasn’t so bad to them. Put yourself in the shoes of an average German for a moment. Your country lost World War I and was put at the mercy of the victors. No mercy was given. You now had to pay reparations and your military was severely restricted. Worst of all, they pinned it all on you. Germany was forced to accept the sole responsibility of war, without having been given any say in the matter. Your pride in your nation was shattered. You felt humiliated on the international stage. Then came the Great Depression. Your life just got so much more miserable. You couldn’t feed your family. Everyone around you was suffering. The government tried to make things better. They failed each and every time. Life continued to get worse. Then came a guy. He promised to restore the German army back to its former glory. He did just that. He promised to take back the land that was lost in the war. He did just that. He promised to abolish the shameful Treaty of Versailles. He did just that. He promised to create more jobs and help you put food on your table. He did just that. Most important of all, he gave you a sense of national identity. You can be proud of your country again. So it’s only natural that you loved him. Not to mention, you attended one of his massive rallies and was swept by his powerful, emotional speeches. Everyone you know loved him. Your friends, your neighbours, your boss. He made Germany great again. Why do you want to even attempt to assassinate the man?

Russian model’s deathdefying photoshoot Victoria Odintsova, 23, was once dubbed by a magazine the best thing out of Russian since vodka

gorgeous glamour model has been criticised after posing for a death-defying photoshoot on a narrow ledge near the top of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Victoria Odintsova, 23, leaned out into thin air - held only by the hand of a male assistant - from the 306-metre (1,004-foot) tall Cayan Tower in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Rus-

sian first lent backwards over the huge drop and then climbed slowly down on to the ledge before dangling free in the air from the arm of her helper. Ms Odintsova - who has more than three million followers on social media and was branded the best thing to come out of Russia since vodka by Maxim magazine - admitted that she was a bit nerv-

Trotter

Indian shot dead by American spewing racial slurs in Kansas

n Indian engineer was killed and two others injured when an American man opened fire on them after allegedly yelling “get out of my country,” with the local police calling it as a “possible hate crime.” Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting on Wednesday night, while another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured. According to latest reports, Madasani has been discharged. One other identified as Ian Grillot was also injured in the shooting. The accused, Adam Purinton, 51, was arrested on Thursday morning, five hours after the incident. “It was a tragic and senseless act of violence,” Olathe Police Chief Steven Menke told reporters. According to local media reports, he yelled “get out of my country” at the Indians. Purinton, a navy veteran,

later reportedly told a bartender in Clinton, Missouri, where he was hiding that he killed two Middle Eastern persons, the Kansas City Star said. The Indian Embassy has swung into action and two senior officials of the Indian Consulate in Houston have been sent to Kansas to assist the victims’ families. The accused has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder and his bond has been set at USD 2 million. According to Garmin, Kuchibhotla and Madasani worked in the company’s aviation systems. The alleged hate crime has sent shocked waves among Indian-Americans and the Indian community across the United States. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Srinivas Kuchibhotla,” said Jay Kansara, director of Government Relations at Hindu American Foundation. “We are also praying for a speedy recov-

ery for the injured. We call upon the US Department of Justice and local law enforcement to investigate this murder as what it is, a hate crime. “Anything less will be an injustice to the victims and their families,” he said. Kansara said that the HAF thanks those who put themselves at risk to stop this attack or to bring the perpetrator to justice. “It is these acts of heroism in our communities that make America great,” he said. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help raise funds for sending Kuchibhotla’s remains to India. The shooting incident comes at a time when hate crimes and acts of bigotry have risen notably during the recent months in America. A man was removed from a Chicago-Houston flight after levelling racist taunts at Pakistani and Indian passengers. Source: TOI

Semi-naked couple caught on camera ‘having SEX while riding motorbike’

affled motorists couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched the couple getting down and dirty on the moving motorcycle - and they weren’t even wearing helmets This is the bizarre moment a young, semi-naked couple were caught on camera having sex on a moving motorcycle. Police have launched an investigation after the footage, filmed in the city of Encarnacion in south-eastern Paraguay, went viral online. It was shot by another motorist with a smartphone who could not believe his eyes when he saw the semi-naked couple. The woman was lying back on the petrol tank with her short skirt hitched up and her legs wrapped around the shirtless male rider. The video has provoked a lively debate on internet forums across

South America and beyond. Many users pointed out that in addition to their incredibly dangerous sex-

ous. “I still cannot believe that I did it. Every time I watch this video, my palms get sweaty,” said the St Petersburg-based beauty. She posted the video on her social media page where it quickly went viral, prompting many of her fans to criticise her for performing the stunt without any safety equipment. They pointed out that she would not have had a chance of surviving if anything had gone

wrong. One anonymous netizen commented: “How can you disregard your life like that? If I was your parent I would smack both you and the guy with the beard!” while another added: “Retarded people! Ready for whatever for ‘likes’!” Other users accused her of copying another beautiful young Russian, Angelina Nikolau, 23, who has made headlines around the

ual antics, neither of the young couple were wearing helmets. Police are believed to be investigating the incident which happened in the Santa Maria neighbourhood of Encarnacion. A police spokesman said that they would face a fine of around three million Paraguayan Guarani (£430) if they were tracked down and convicted. However, if there was evidence that the biker had been drinking - as seemed likely from the video - he would face a hefty fine and possibly even prison. Encarnacion is the capital of the department of Itapua and the third-largest city in Paraguay. In recent years, it has also become the tourism capital of the country, with its wide beaches and newly completed waterfront boardwalk. Source: The Mirror world with her dangerous selfies taken on top of skyscrapers and other high structures. The Cayan Tower was the world’s tallest highrise building with a 90-degree twist when it opened in 2013, although this record has since been beaten by the Shanghai Tower. The video of the shoot was produced by Mavrin Studios. Source: The Mirror

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Lifestyle

Qualities of a Blossomed Consciousness

would like you to take these two words away from your dictionary - surrender and devotion. Both these words are very confusing. They have lost their essence and meaning in some way. And what is, is. Why do you have to label devotion? You have love, now you don’t need to give the love in your heart a name or a relation because then there is an effort, “Oh I want to be devoted, I want to be surrendered”. The more you try to be de-

voted the more you will feel you are going farther away from it. Everyone has commitment. When you have love, there is commitment. And love with commitment is what you call devotion. You have commitment, and you have love, and they go together. Now, let us see what is surrender? What do you need to surrender? Do you need to surrender all your good qualities? Your compassion, love, joy and peace? Or do you need to sur-

render stress? I wouldn’t like to use the word surrender. I would say -- let go of stress, let go of the negativity, let go of the small-mindedness, pettiness, this is all that you need to give up. But when you give a name to it, such as surrender, it appears to be very confusing or scary. These words -- devotion and surrender are used so much by communities of faith, that Kasturi BorKotoKi it has become big artist mess Kasturi a is avery palette knife and paintsEither impressionist floral designs in the mind. we feel we in oils. She hails from Guwahati. Blog: kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com have surrendered or we are so devoted, and this, in a very KasHmiri natH subtle way, creates Foodie, owner atself XOXO doubt. cupcakes, blogger, developer and Even thosefood who arerecipe very devotexpert on Assamese cuisine. ed will ask, “Am I devoted?” Why bother about all this? raHman Your heartKuLKuL is pure and clean, Entrepreneur, mother and a your mindpassionate is clear, your heart cook. is pure and you are sincere in your commitment, and if othKumar sarmaH up ers say youHemanta are devoted, Engineer, Businessman, it’s Advanced Jok Acupresto them to Pranic say Healer you and areSudevoted! sure specialist. Do you see what I am saying? sHri sHri ravi sHanKar Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

VAASTU SHASTRA The Demonetization Vaastu Special

ith the decision of demonetization, your possessions (cash, jewellery and gold) have lately become dear to you. You must be wondering what the best way for keeping your money and jewellery safe and intact is. Here is what you can do: 1) The cash almirah should not be kept in any corner. The money is spent unnecessarily if the cash almirah is kept in the northeast. It may seem to last in the southwest corner but in the long run, it is spent on illegal activities. The money just drains out in heavy expenses if the almirah is in North West Corner. It is best to have the almirah face north but a little gap should be left between the wall and the almirah. The cash Almirah should not be kept under a beam, loft or staircase. 2) It is advisable not to keep heavy items or clothes with cash inside the almirah. But it is not possible to do so in the modern houses. So a separate cash cabinet or locker should be made inside the almirah. It is suggested to keep the cash cabinet in the lowermost por-

tion. But as cash or jewelry is regarded as Lakshmi or the Goddess of Wealth, heavy and unwanted items should not be stored over the cabinet. 3) The ruling planet of money is Mercury. So the cash cabinet should be worshipped every Wednesday to appease Lord Kubera. A Kuber Yantra is very auspicious in the area where cash is kept, especially at north. The cash area can also be worshipped on Thursdays and Fridays. A Sriyantra here augments wealth. 4) Some people keep costly perfumes or cosmetics in the cash box.Kasturi This should BorKotoKibe avoidKasturi is aperfumes palette knife artist and ed because interpaintsthe impressionist floral designs oils. She hails from Guwahati. fere withinpositive energies. kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com 5) If Blog: a new almirah purchased for keeping cash, then it KasHmiri natH should beFoodie, installed in the owner at early XOXO cupcakes, recipe developer and morning food onblogger, Monday, Wednesexpert on Assamese cuisine. day, Thursday or Friday. 6) The almirah should be kept overKuLKuL a flat surface. raHman It should Entrepreneur, and wooda not be rested over mother Bricks, passionate cook. en planks etc. Hemanta Kumar sarmaH Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist. sHri sHri ravi sHanKar Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

Life’s Canvas

When Art

meets Commerce I

f you are one of those people who paint or draw regularly, very soon you will come to a point where you consider selling. You may have painted so many pieces that you consider exhibiting your art or someone may want to buy your pieces. That is when Art meets Commerce. For most people who love painting, it is a tough job. How do you price your artwork? How do you value it? What should be the mark up? Should you allow negotiation?

When I started painting seriously, I always visualised myself as growing famous and exhibiting in galleries. However, when friends started wanting to buy my work, I was completely unprepared! I had not voluntarily ventured into the domain of selling. I had no clue what to quote! Initially I started giving them away at a pittance, feeling embarrassed at having to quote a price instead of just gifting it away! I read up on this and also

spoke to a few international artists. I realised that an artist must have his own method of pricing artwork. The best way is to have a standard basic rate as per size and keep adding a cut depending on the creativity and originality of the idea. Thus two paintings may be of the same size but can have different prices if one has more complicated work. The artist must have a cost breakup ready to quote. If you exhibit through a gallery, you must cov-

er the percentage to be given or the pre cost of exhibiting. Some experiences to watch out for in this regard: 1) People say they desperately want a piece and then after you have gone ahead and framed it, they do not get back. 2) People comment on public threads that they want a particular artwork, but when you quote them the price, they disappear. 3) I once carried a painting with me when travelling to my home town as someone desper-

ately wanted my artwork on his wall. Anyway, after I reached my destination the person never responded, even after my messaging him repeatedly. I had to leave the painting back at my Mom’s place. I think all artists would agree with me that art is sacred to them. ‘Negotiating’ is not negotiable! Kasturi Borkotoki Kasturi is a palette knife artist and paints impressionist floral designs in oils. She hails from Guwahati. Blog: kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Review Cast: Dave Attell, Sandra Bernhard, Frankie Boyle, Neal Brennan, Jo Brand Director: Lloyd Stanton and Paul Toogood

t the film’s weakest, the echo effect of overlapping sound bites is merely repetition, not helped by the score’s intrusive jabs. But obvious psychologizing about the need for approval gives way to a nuanced look at a singular form of entertainment. With no music, choreography or scripted role to hide behind, standups can’t help but take it personally when a crowd doesn’t like their routine. The lack of a protective shield can extend from the emotional to the physical: Steve Coogan recalls dodging thrown chairs in his early days; Billy Connelly was once punched in the midst of his set. The conversations about hecklers touch on fascinating philosophical questions in the form of vivid anecdotes. Ranging from the harrowing to the hilarious, the incidents are clearly indelible moments in the comics’ experience, whether it’s the brutal editorializing of an audience-supplied sound effect that Sarah Silverman reenacts or the N-word-spouting haters who taunted Cedric the Entertainer on more than one occasion.

vie Mo view Re

The directors punctuate the B&W talking-head sections with color footage of the monotonous cross-country highways, dispiriting motel rooms and crappy food of the showbiz life, standup style. As Garry Shandling, to whom the film is dedicated, puts it, the job is “too painful and difficult if it isn’t a calling.” Amy Schumer seconds that emotion, noting that “it’s definitely not a great way to invest in your romantic life.” But nobody’s kvetching. There’s a strong sense of professional pride running through the soul searching, beginning with a comment by Jerry Seinfeld, whose 2002 Comedian remains an exceptionally insightful documentary about standup as a calling. It’s not audience approval that he seeks, Seinfeld says decisively in Dying Laughing, but audience sublimation. By film’s end, Toogood and Stanton have presented a strong case for why the non-hecklers among us are eager to sublimate ourselves to a comedian at a mic.

Cast: Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, Scott Cohen, John Scurti Director: Miles Joris-Peyrafitte

s You Are Summons the Confused Intensity of Teen Friendships on the Verge of Becoming More Director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte wanders through Gus Van Sant territory until he finds his own path in As You Are, which captures the dreamy intimacy of those teenage relationships where boundaries between friendship and love prove porous. Joris-Peyrafitte’s feature debut won a special jury prize at Sundance last year, and he and co-screenwriter Madison Harrison incorporate some familiar indie tropes into the tender drama: a stifling, suburbanized America devoid of promise; alienated teens seeking violent release. The isolation Jack (Owen Campbell) feels isn’t simply because he lives on the outskirts of a small town. There’s an emotional barrier between Jack and other people, and he’s astounded when Mark (Charlie Heaton) walks right through it. The volatile Mark is also a so-

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cial misfit, but he wears it with pride, adopting the off-kilter swagger of smart, angry musicians they admire. (It’s 1994, so that includes Kurt Cobain, whose suicide devastates Jack.) With the irrepressible Sarah (Amandla Stenberg), they form an outsider clique that becomes more important than high school obligations or parental demands. In thoughtful, fully inhabited performances, Campbell, Heaton, and Stenberg explore their characters’ loneliness in relation to each other, their unspoken needs and deflected desires determining their actions. Joris-Peyrafitte uses interspersed police station interviews to portend a tragic outcome, a gimmick that mostly serves to teach an introverted Jack the nuance of evasion. Constructed as a mystery, As You Are offers glimpses into intense adolescent bonds, just enough to remind baffled onlookers that they don’t have a clue.

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Album Freedom Highway By Rhiannon Giddens

lways ambitious, Americana/traditional folk artist Rhiannon Giddens uses Freedom Highway, her second solo album, for a contemporary end: tracing the roots of the #BlackLivesMatter movement from plantation property to today. Joined by two protest songs (Richard Farina’s “Birmingham Sunday” and Pops Staples’ title track) and one old blues cut (Mississippi John Hurt’s 1928 murder ballad “The Angels Laid Him Away”), the Carolina Chocolate Drop weaves a song cycle from slavery’s pain and abuse, the jolt and reality that drove the Civil Rights movement and our current epidemic of young black men

Game Slayaway Camp Platform iOS

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shot by police. That lack of sovereignty echoes throughout Freedom. Invoking the African folk narrative of slipping one’s physical constraints in the gently strummed “We Could Fly,” the resistance and refusal of human bondage ripples as a refuge for African Americans throughout history. Indeed the slave in the urgent acoustic reel “Julia” hears her mistress’ distress as the union soldiers close in, knowing the woman has sold her children for profit. That tension permeates the low-slung shuffle “Better Get It Right The First Time.” With horn punctuations,

t its heart, Slayaway Camp is a sliding puzzle game, just with a macabre twist. You control the killer in a horror movie, trying to both take out all the victims in the level, and then make it to the portal back to hell that opens up once all victims are dead. In your way are your typical sliding puzzle hazards, such as spots that can only be reached in particular moments, like when you kill a victim, which stops you in place. Cops and SWAT units will take you out if you get in range, unless you take them out in a particular way. Water, holes,

08:00 PM

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and fire will kill you, but they’ll also kill your victims.Slayaway Camp does an exemplary job at combining all these elements over time into the puzzles. The puzzles don’t necessarily have rewards for optimal move counts, which can be a bit disappointing for replayability, but it at least means that success is accomplished without any kind of reservation. There are levels that require you to complete them in a certain number of moves, and thankfully these appear just often enough to provide a good spice of variety, and not enough to be annoying.

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G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Entertainment

First look of Assamese film ‘Aei Maatite’ launched KALYAN KUMAR KALITA

ngeekar Films recently launched the First Look of its upcoming Assamese feature film ‘Aei Maatite’. Renowned lyricist-poet, former Pro-VC of Tezpur University and ‘Aei Maatite’s’ actor Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury released the First Look of the movie. For the first look, the posters were designed by Sourav Paban Dutta, whereas the title has been designed by renowned painter Kiron Sankar. Dr Choudhury has acted in the film and has portrayed a very important character. The film, directed by independent filmmaker and eminent theatre personality Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, is an adaptation of his famous stage play ‘Tamasaa’ on the burning problem of witch hunting. The story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics have been penned by Dr. Lahkar, retired Principal of Cotton College. ‘Angeekar Films’ recently received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) for ‘Aei Maatite’ without any cut or modification. The ‘action-drama’ film has

The story of the ‘Calendar’

some very critical scenes. Such type of rustic action scenes are hardly seen in Assamese films. The film cinematically showcases some of the inhumane killings in the name of witch hunting. The lead male character is portrayed by Rupam Chetia. The lead female role in the film is played by newcomer Monisha Goswami,

while John Narzary acted in the lead negative role in his first Assamese film. Other senior actors and actresses in the film are Anil Das, Chetana Das, Bimal Jyoti Choudhury, Dr Rajeev Doley and Lalit Sarma. Also Rajib Kro, Meena Ingti among others acted in some important roles. In total, the film has over 100 characters and most of them are played by newcomers. The shooting of the film was done around beautiful locations of Jaipur village in Rani, Guwahati, Dimoria, Tezpur and Panikhaiti. ‘Aei Maatite’ is a full length Assamese feature film on the burning issue of witch hunting. It has a very strong message against witchcraft, upholding the value of scientific temperament and human life. The film mainly talks about the witch hunting problem in Assam and how a section of people are using witchcraft for their own interest. Witchcraft has no reason at all and is shrouded with darkness of superstition, which is to be overcome by the society.

A look back at Assamese Classics- A series of old movies for the readers with a story, its origin, its cast and its relevance to contemwporaries.

fter the success of critically acclaimed Assamese movie ‘Marksheet’, director Himjyoti Talukdar is ready with his new venture ‘Calendar’. The film is written and directed by Himjyoti Talukdar and produced by Himjyoti Talukdar and Dikhit Das under the banner of ‘Enajori Talkies’ with Co-Producers Subhas Bora, Arunav Gogoi, Jyotirmoyee Shree, Dambarudhar Das and Trinayan Bora. The film’s script has been penned by Himjyoti Talukdar, Santanu Rowmuria and Jhulan Krishna Mahanta. The film’s story revolves around Hitesh Kakati, a retired teacher who leads a happy life with his wife Manorama in a town. Their newly married son, Arunav, stays in Delhi with his non-Assamese wife. Both the son and daughter-in-law are very dear to Hitesh and Manorama, and they too share a strong bonding with their parents. But, the situation gradually changes when Arunav comes home during Magh Bihu and tells his mother that is professional life has a crisis that is getting hard to handle. Manorama, as a mother is

KALYAN KUMAR KALITA

tensed after knowing Arunav’s crisis and plans to help him in her own way. On the other hand, Manorama has a quirky habit of noting down her monthly activities in a yearly calendar gifted by Kakati on New Year. She marks every event in that particular calendar with a circle mentioning the event name. But she marks a few dates with circles without mentioning anything, which then leads to the revelation of a different tale, and affects her married life. The key roles in the film have been essayed by noted actor Arun Nath, Malaya Goswami, Gunjan Bhardwaj, Rimjhim Deka among others. The film’s cinematography has been done by Dikhit Das

Meanwhile, Saraju stitches together the story of Savitri, Sita and Kandarpa, from Siraj. However, Kandarpa brings Saraju, Sita, Anil, Phukan and Siraj under one roof for clarification. Phukan brands Sita as an illegitimate Synopsis child, too born and raised in a Muslim Rai Bahadur Kumdeshwar Barua, household and cancels the wedding. a tea garden owner lived with his Sita then moves back with Siraj to wife in a bungalow. Their only son their old home. Kandarpa was in Calcutta pursuing Inspired by the his education. Savitri’s father thought of worked as a clerk in Rai BaFilm: Siraj (1948) Black and White Siraj’s world hadur’s office. As the story Screenplay, Dialogues and Direction: Phani Sarma and Bishnu Rabha without disproceeds, Savitri’s father Music: Bishnu Rabha crimination, passes away and she was Asstt Music: Bhupen Hazarika and Shiva Bhattacharya Anil leaves left with her mother in this Cinematography: Sudhish Ghatak Cast: Phani Sarma (Siraj); Bhava Hazarika (Kandarpa); Bhupen Hazarika his home harsh world. Rai Bahadur’s (Anil); Bishnu Rabha and so on. and takes wife showed a human a bold step to touch and gave shelter to the marry Sita anyway. mother-daughter duo at their bunga- down to Siraj and Fatima. On the other hand Kandarpa is com- The last scene of the film is the wedlow. Time flies and Kandarpa returns pelled to get married. His wedding is ding scene which shows Hindus and home. He falls in love with Savitri. Rai fixed to Saraju, a girl from a wealthy Muslims sitting and eating together. Bahadur, an experienced man notic- family. Siraj does meet Kandarpa in Released in the year 1948, the film es the relation blooming between the days that follow and accuses him was an awakening for the mass to Kandarpa and Savitri and is against of being a bad father. Kandarpa, un- end all discrimination based on reliit. Kandarpa is forced to go back to derstanding the entire story admits gious grounds which still persists toCalcutta and after his departure; Rai that he was at fault and takes respon- day. The film was based on the story sibility of Sita as her father. Sita has written by Lakhidar Sarma. Bahadur fixes Savitri’s wedding. On the wedding day, Savitri manag- now grown up, and her wedding is Mirza Arif Hazarika es to flee. Destiny takes Savitri to the fixed with Anil, Phukan’s nephew. doorstep of a noble man, Sirajuddin Ahmed. Savitri feels safe with the family. However, Fatima (Siraj’s sister) realizes that Savitri is pregnant and shares the news with her brother. Savitri then narrates the entire story and is welcomed with open arms. Savitri, who dies in childbirth names her daughter Sita and the responsibility of the child gets then handed

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Fun Horoscope of the week

Lust versus romance could be a choice this week and the reason you feel confused when it comes to a budding relationship. On the one hand, a powerful physical attraction could be encouraging you to get up close and personal right away. On the other, a desire to get to know this person better over time as the romance builds also seems desirable. Only you can decide what’s best for you. If you don’t, your conscience will certainly let you know.

Is someone trying to drag you out of your cozy rut? It could certainly seem like it in the days ahead. With a powerful influence showing up, you could resent the presence of someone who seems to stir up feelings in you that you’d rather avoid. But the more you resist their efforts, the harder they may try to capture your attention. If you do go for the ride, you could find that new doors open and you feel new emotions.

What you want to do and what you should do may be two different things this week. In fact, you might be willing to do anything to break out of a schedule that has become boring and staid. The thing is that you can’t completely get away from your responsibilities, which you may discover in the coming days. No matter how frustrated you feel, it’s better to get them out of the way so you can focus on the things you really enjoy.

Try to go easy with your finances over the days ahead, as there could be a tendency to splurge on the spur of the moment, which could undo all the hard work you’ve put in recently to get your finances back into shape. If you need to let off steam, plan for something enjoyable that won’t cost a fortune. Or opt for a break that’s filled with adventure but that leaves you with cash to spare.

You’re likely to say exactly what you think this week, which could be liberating, especially if you’ve held your tongue for some time. And with Mars making some key aspects, it might be impossible to keep quiet. Be careful how you express yourself, though, especially of you want to stay on good terms with certain people. You could go too far without meaning to, and this could be upsetting. This weekend’s Solar Eclipse in Pisces could make you sensitive to others’ feelings.

As the Sun continues to power through your sign, you may be ready to get moving on a plan that has deep personal meaning for you. And while money could be a factor, it might be more important to you to bring this dream to life rather than worry about your financial status. You might need to strike a balance, however, so you don’t jeopardize your security. This weekend’s Solar Eclipse in your sign could boost your efforts in this regard.

A desire for change at home could encourage some radical decisions. With Mars powering through your domestic sector, it might be a good chance to clear away clutter or make more extensive changes to your place. In the coming days, an even bigger opportunity could arise that involves a move or perhaps extending or remodeling your property in some way, all good. Also, a Solar Eclipse in your communication sector could bring interesting news your way.

Picture Perfect

are some works by a famous scientist Q These who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in

1 2 3 4

“ARAB HA TRUMP” - Rearrange the letters. (Clue: Shatrughan Sinha’s recent Assam visit)

The Bordeuri Samaj, had been running this since time immemorial until 1998 — when the Debuttar Board was formed. However, in July 2015, the Supreme Court of India transferred the administration charges from the Debutter Board to the Bordewri Samaj. Of what am I talking about?

“A woman is like a ..... ....... - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Fill in the blanks, to get a famous quote by Nancy Reagan. (Think! Its workable)

Maharnav Gogoi (Quizmaster) This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Garfield by Jim Davis

Picture Perfect

9 2

5 6 1 2 4 35 7 48

3 69

75 3 6

7 1 8 4 6 5 Daily Sudoku: Thu 16-Feb-2017 5 1 9 8

Daily Sudoku: Thu 23-Feb-2017

8 2 6 2 9 74 97 45 61 33

7 4 5 5 3 6 8 18 62 21 97

3 9 1 9 6 2 5 27 41 74 88

6 1 7 8 9 4 1 2 5 5 1 6 44 3 83 7 32 9 56 2

5 3 2 8 8 37 69 91 76 54

9 1 8 7 7 92 25 53 84 46

2 6 7 6 4 83 18 79 35 21

4 5 3 3 1 4 9 65 26 89 71

4 1 3 8 5 9 Daily Sudoku: Thu 16-Feb-2017 medium 2 5 4 6 7 1 3 9 8 7 1 9 3 8 4 6 http://www.dailysudoku.com Word of the week5 2 6 8 3 5 9 2 1 4 7

Fress

verb [fres]

medium

Slang. to eat or snack, especially often or in large quantities. http://www.dailysudoku.c

Crossword

One common netiquette (Internet-etiquette) is not to ‘shout’. So, how does one ‘shout’ in the world of internet? Name the English writer who used the swastika as his emblem in some of his books, prior to the symbol being associated with the Nazis.

7 6 12 5 4 8 3 9 24 8 27 4 1 69 5 7

Daily Sudoku: Thu 23-Feb-2017

Richard Feynman.

curio-city

1. BY USING CAPITAL LETTERS. (Specially in chats etc.) 2. Rudyard Kipling 3. Brahmaputra. (Sinha visited Guwahati in the recently concluded Brahmaputra Literary Festival) 4. Administration of the Kamakhya Temple. 5. Tea bag

the 60s. Who?

Work commitments and responsibilities could seem to weigh heavily on you at this time, which might be the reason why getting away from it all seems so appealing. But a decision you make on impulse, such as telling off your boss or goofing off instead of getting back to work, could be something you come to regret later. You might need to be honest about what you want at this time. The Solar Eclipse on Sunday can help you with this.

The focus is on forging ahead with a plan that could put your career on a new track. However, someone might object to what you’re doing because they feel left out. This could be a turning point for this relationship, and a decision may be pending as to whether to go ahead with it or bail out. Also, with a Solar Eclipse in your sector of adventure on Sunday, new horizons may beckon and encourage you to leave the past behind.

Sudoku

You could find conventional ways and means rather stuffy and too boring to conform to this week. But if you decide to renege on any commitments or promises, especially concerning finances, it might not help you. Though duties can be tiresome, doing what’s expected of you can help you maintain your reputation and security. If you crave adventure, plan to do something that gives you a real adrenaline rush. An exciting opportunity could open up for you this weekend.

While you may seem calm on the surface, this might not be the reality if emotions are boiling over. If you’ve had enough of someone’s behavior, the coming days could see you venting your anger. But is this wise? It might not be, if you want to keep this person as lover or friend. Opting for a heart-to-heart talk first might be the better way to go. The weekend’s Solar Eclipse could ring in the changes regarding your social scene.

last week solution

Changes could happen quickly, and they could be triggered by Sunday’s Solar Eclipse. You might feel a strong urge to act independently. While this can be exhilarating, it could also cause trouble further down the line. You may be tempted to forget about your responsibilities, but others will be sure to remind you. It might be better to stay on their good side and toe the line. With the Eclipse taking place in Pisces, a spiritual realization could prove empowering.

Across

Down

1 Farm livestock (6) 4 Excellent (6) 8 Workers’ organisation (5) 9 Sailor (7) 10 Young hare (7) 11 Move effortlessly (5) 12 Soaked (9) 17 Consumed (5) 19 Russian tea-urn (7) 21 Snubs (7) 22 Roman meeting-place (5) 23 Annually (6) 24 Soundless (6)

1 Pair (6) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Passenger ship (5) 5 Perpendicular (7) 6 Tedium (5) 7 Gents’ hairdresser (6) 9 Car drivers (9) 13 Melodious (7) 14 Varied (7) 15 Almost (6) 16 Punctual (6) 18 Shin bone (5) 20 Civilian dress (5)

Last week’s solution

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Events

Glimpses from Guwahati Medical College and Hospital’s ‘Freschic’ - a part of their annual festival Synchisis 2K17. Enthusiastic models walked the ramp to grab the award for the “Best Personality.”

Guthrie Govan - Live in Guwahati RockaRolla gave Guwahati what could possibly be a once in a lifetime experience. The amazing Guthrie Govan set the stage on fire with his Guitar and played what could only be described as New Age instrumental music along with Gino Banks on Drums and Mohini Dey on the Bass Guitar. Photos: Dimpee M. Bhuyan

Captain Morgan Original Rum launches in Assam! Captain Morgan brings a special blend of the original dark rum with unique rich taste from the Caribbean Islands. The launch saw the global icon Captain Morgan himself in the city of Guwahati where he showed that Rum has a new Captain. “Henry Morgan is historically recognized as one of the most successful buccaneers of the 17th Century who embraced new opportunities and unchartered waters. He was an epitome of adventure and fun and symbolizes the true spirit of Caribbean,” said Nitesh Chhapru, VP - Marketing, Premium and Luxury brands for United Spirits.

G PLUS FEB 25 - MAR 03, 2017

Catching Up

Jebi Nadia

PIC OF THE

About Me Hello to all the readers of GPlus. I am Jebi Nadia from Guwahati. I am 23 years old, and a student of LLB. I am passionate about modelling and fitness. I believe staying fit boosts up the self confidence of an individual and helps in building a better personality. I am proud of North East and wish to bring good name to my region through my endeavors. I am thankful to my family and friends for being the constant support and help me become who I am today.

New

Chick on the block

WEEK

Mojo I believe that with a positive attitude and outlook, we can overcome every hurdle in life gracefully. I believe in hard work and let my self confidence guide me in my way of life. Route in the Woods I want to become a succesful individual in the future, and take firm stands to contribute my best for the welfare of the society. Photography - Hrishikesh Pathak. MUA - Rinku Das Wardrobe designer - WR Studios.

The religious â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; | Photo: Surajit Sharma