GPlus Vol 4 Issue 23 by G Plus

2-wheeler theft win-win situation for all PG 02

Will the river festival really help Assam in any way? RAHUL CHANDA

Pranab Mukherjee lighting the ceremonial lamp at Namami Brahmaputra | G Plus Photo

PG 08

Celebrating

Brahmaputra PG 12-13

ecial A sp pread er S Cent tor y S

VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 23 APR 01 - APR 07, 2017 PRICE `10

he much awaited state government’s dream river festival “Namami Brahmaputra” was inaugurated with high promises and expectations by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, and was attended by the Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Governor of Assam

MLA Bhattacharya miffed with water supply project delays

Banwarilal Purohit along with Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal, other state cabinet ministers and a plethora of guests. The festival, as reported by G Plus last week, will be thronged by around 3 lakh people but given the milieu that gathered near the venue before the inauguration, it sends Continued on page 6

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Crime

2-wheeler theft win-win situation for all

RAHUL CHANDA

According to analysis of the available data, around 3 two-wheelers get stolen from Guwahati everyday spawning an illegal business of Rs 3.24 crores per year; the criminals are mostly found to be previous offenders who were sent to jail earlier raising the question: are they not reformed in jail?

ecently, one Richard Arafat of Ambikagiri Nagar, talking to G Plus, said that his new 350 CC Royal Enfield was stolen from near his house where he had parked the bike the way he usually does. The two-wheeler was stolen at around 8 pm and he immediately reported the incident at Geetanagar Police Station. Around 12 pm that night he received a call from the police informing that the bike was in Dispur Police station. He immediately rushed to the police station and was informed that his bike was found parked near the Dispur Police Station with no claimant and so no one was arrest-

Two wheelers insecurely parked on Guwahati streets | G Plus Photo

PS-WISE 2-WHEELER THEFT & RECOVERY FROM 2014 TO FEB 2017 (UP TO FEB) IN GUWAHATI

Police Station

Theft 2014

Recover 2014

Theft 2015

Recover 2015

Theft 2016

Recover 2016

Theft 2017 (upto Feb)

Chandmari

Recover 2017 (upto Feb) 0

Noonmati

Geetanagar

Pragjyotishpur

Satgaon

Panbazar

105

Paltanbazar

All Women

Latasil

Bharalumukh

Jalukbari

128

101

Gorchuk

Fatasil Ambari

Azara

North Ghy

Dispur

184

164

167

Hatigaon

Basistha

104

Bhangagarh

Khetri

Sonapur

TOTAL

1061

957

912

157

ed. Richard was lucky enough to get the bike back but what is the status of two-wheeler thefts in Guwahati? Is it increasing or decreasing? Who all gain from the two-wheeler lifting business? Once the lifters are caught and sent to jail do they get reformed? G Plus looks into the scenario to understand how the issue can be resolved.

to get the criminal bailed out and the criminal gets his money from the sale of the stolen two-wheeler. If the police-in-charge is corrupt

THE STATUS According to the statistics availed from the police in 2014, 1,061 two-wheelers were stolen out of which 44 were recovered. In 2015, 957 two-wheelers were lifted out of which 94 were recovered. In 2016, 912 two-wheelers were stolen out of which 63 were recovered and in 2017 up to February 157 two-wheelers have already been lifted out of which only 6 have been recovered. Considering the data of 2017, if in two months, 157 two-wheelers are stolen, then approximately 3 bikes are stolen every day. If one bike is sold for say Rs 30,000 in the stolen two-wheeler market then this points to a business of Rs 27 lakhs per month and consequentially, a business of Rs 3.24 crores per year. That being the case, it is a wonder that there is no hue and cry about the issue even though in Guwahati and Assam protests are known to submerge the state on trivialities. Why is an issue like this not raised and addressed? Statistics show massive stealing activity every year with almost negligible recovery and the police claim that they keep arresting the lifters from time to time. So how come the numbers of two-wheeler theft remain almost unchanged year after year?

WHO EARNS? Whenever any crime occurs in any city or state people come under the notion that it is the criminal and the police who earn. Is this true? If we talk about two-wheeler theft there are many angles to it. A senior police officer, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that when a two-wheeler lifter gets arrested by police, he/she is forwarded to the court. The court sends him/ her to jail but within a few days the criminal gets bail and comes out of the jail. In the meanwhile, the owner of the two-wheeler claims his insurance money, goes to a two-wheeler dealership and buys a new bike applying for a new insurance plan for the new vehicle. The lawyer gets an opportunity

even he/she makes money for not levelling serious charges against the criminal. So, the criminal, the lawyer who bails him/her out, the insurance company, the dealership that sells a new bike all make money; the owner is not much affected because he/she gets the money back from the insurance company while the insurance company gets a new sale by way of the new premium. So it is a win-win situation for all. According to sources in the city police, many a time, the two-wheeler lifters are the same lot who were sent to jail earlier for the same crime. The source said that a two-wheeler lifter gets caught, is sent to jail and after he is out starts his operations again with little chances of being caught immediately because he is a smarter thief now. So are the criminals not

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Crime reformed in the jail?

THE JAIL On enquiring why the two-wheeler lifters are not reformed in jail, ADGP Prosecution Jyotirmay Chakravarty, who was ADGP (Jails) for a long stint, talking to G Plus, said that in a jail there are convicted inmates who stay for a long time. There are also non-convicts who are under trials besides the accused sent to judicial custody who stay for very short period of time. He said that the two-wheeler lifters are mostly related to organised crime and because they have money, they hire lawyers and easily get bail. He said that criminals are of two types – one are the one-time offenders and the other are the criminals related to organised gangs who are professionals. So according to him, the two-wheeler lifters are members of organised gangs and when arrested and sent to jail, they easily obtain bail, get out and go back to their normal stealing duties. He said that one-time offenders can be easily reformed but it is difficult to reform professional criminals who do not stay in the jail for a long period. He said that there is

also the issue where many cases are charge-sheeted by police after which the trial is expected to start in the jail. But when a case is charge-sheeted, the trial never starts immediately and in the meanwhile, the criminal gets bail and commits another crime. By the time the trial starts the criminal is absconding and meanwhile is wanted in another case. So likewise, any theft is a theft and theft is not considered to be a major crime according to law; the punishment is not rigorous. Also, the criminals of theft cases easily get bail, the story of two-wheelers lifters being no different. In the process reformation in the jail is a far cry. Thus, easily available bail and delay in trials seems to benefit the criminal. But don’t the lifters want to change as even they are human beings?

THE LIFTERS G Plus talked to a former two-wheeler lifter who has changed professions and is currently into some illegal sand transportation business. He said, “Once you are tagged as a thief or a criminal, you can never do anything good in the society even if you want to.” He

narrated that he was not able to study after the 8th standard because of poverty and started working in a garage where he learnt everything about two-wheelers. He said that he met some people who lured him into the business of two-wheeler theft as according to him two-wheelers can be stolen within a fraction of a second after breaking the lock of the bike by pushing the steering handle hard enough. He said that he started earning good money but got arrested and was sent to jail. He was bailed out by his friends and he resolved never to steal bikes again but the same garage where he learnt everything denied him a job. Similarly, other garages also did not give him jobs and he was pulled again into the business of stealing. He earned quite a lot but got arrested again as the police, after arresting him once, kept picking him up every time a two-wheeler was stolen even when he was not involved – the usual story of a history-sheeter. Fed up of the harassment he changed his activities. Now he helps people transport sand from Meghalaya to Assam with the belief that once labelled a criminal he can

never get a decent job.

THE POLICE DCP (Crime), Louis Aind talking to G Plus said, “Policing is primarily a temporary solution to a permanent problem.” He said that because thieving will be always there, the job of the police is to arrest the criminal and send him to court. He said, “Theft like any other conflict is a part of human development.” He questioned that while the job of the police is to prevent and detect crime, will it be able to totally prevent crime? He said that people should park their bikes only at parking lots and should make sure that they get a parking slip from the lessees. He said that the bikers should have extra locks (disc lock) on their bikes so that it does not become easy for the thieves. He asked the two-wheeler companies to come up with technology so that the locks cannot be broken easily and there is a tracking system in place. According to the police, the two-wheelers from Guwahati are mostly sold in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, BTAD and in char areas from where it is smuggled to Bangladesh.

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Concern

City govt school violates corporal punishment guidelines; girls brutally beaten

JUTHIKA BARUAH

Two girl students from the lower rung of society were brutally beaten in a city government school despite the central government’s directive on explicit ban of corporal punishment

The two victims sending a message out through social media | Photo (UTSAH)

orporal punishment in educational institutions has been banned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in 2010 but the practice still abounds in most of the schools in the city. In a recent incident in Bamunimaidam Sarkari Nimna Buniyadi Vidyalaya, teachers brutally beat up two girl children following which the students refused to attend school any further. The Right to Education Act guarantees the right of children to free and compulsory education and provides for development of curriculum in accordance with the values enshrined in the Constitution and which would ensure the all-round development of the child, building on the child’s knowledge, potential and talent and making the child free of fear, trauma and anxiety through a system of child-friendly and child-centred learning. “Two girls from Bamunimaidam Sarkari Nimna Buniyadi Vidyalaya came to me and said that they do not want to go to school any more as their teachers had brutally beaten them up which is intolerable. The RTE Act itself says that the schools should provide the child an environment free of fear and trauma but these teachers beat the chil-

dren in such a way that they are now scared to go to school,” said Miguel Das Queah, Child Activist and Founder of UTSAH NGO, while speaking to G Plus.

Queah said that there are many schools in the city where the teachers harass the students physically and mentally despite the central government’s explicit ban on corporal punishment in educational institutions since long back. It was clearly mentioned that the first violation of the ban will attract up to one year in jail or a fine of Rs. 50,000 or both. For subsequent violations, imprisonment could be extended

to 3 years with an additional fine of Rs. 25,000. Heads of schools will be responsible in preventing corporal punishment. Teachers found guilty could be denied

promotion and increments. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also said that child rights cells should be set up in all schools where children can lodge their complaints but in the schools of the state of Assam and also in those of Guwahati city no such facilities are available for the students. “After the girls came to me, I put in a complaint to the Assam State Protection for Child Rights

(ASPCR) Commission and they immediately visited the school for inspection and warned the teachers not to adopt such brutal stances against the children any further. I have also written to the education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma but have not received any response from him so far. A social media campaign was also undertaken with actress Zerifa Wahid in the lead to highlight the issue and bring a stop to such cruel behaviour with the children in schools,” said Queah. He further informed that the Corporal Punishment in Educational Institutions Prohibition Act Bill should be passed in the Assembly in order to stop such incidences in the schools. “There are many factors for which such incidents repeatedly occur in the schools. Firstly, the students are from the backward sections of the society; most of them are from the slums and therefore they are more vulnerable. They cannot raise their voice against such violence and they are unaware of their rights. Secondly, a counsellor is very important in a school but the concept of a counsellor or counselling cell is not there in Assam. The children who are sexually abused and child labourers who are harassed by their owners remain mentally disturbed for long periods. In such situations a counsellor becomes very important to help such children ease themselves out of such severe mental trauma,” said Miguel. Although the principal of the school was not available to talk to this journalist of G Plus, most of the students of the school alleged that the teachers beat them over trivial matters and therefore most of the children, out of sheer fear of their teachers, have become totally apprehensive about attending the school any further. Corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment on children take place in many settings, including within the home and family, in all forms of alternative care, schools and other educational institutions and justice systems – both as a sentence of the courts and as a punishment within penal and other institutions – in

situations of child labour, and in the community. Certain behavioural patterns of children are perceived by schools and teachers as problematic and the prevalent practice is to respond to them with punishment of varying degrees. Some such situations arising in schools that invite punishment include not adhering to time and cleanliness regulations. Some examples are late arrival at school, not coming in uniform, academic related issues like incomplete home assignments, below par academic performance, not bringing a particular book to school, not meeting classroom expectations of school authorities like being inattentive, talking in class and making noises in class, troublesome behaviour like disturbing other children in class, lying and stealing, offensive behaviour and causing hurt or injury to others by bullying, aggression towards peers, stealing (violating rights of others), vandalising, etc.

juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

In The News

Guardians’ association demand regulation of private school fees

JUTHIKA BARUAH

The Director or Commissioner of Education should fix the fees charged by private schools against the current practice of whimsical charging in the absence of a fees regulatory board in the state

Photo of a private school campus | File Photo

igh fees charged by the city’s private schools have always been a cause of concern for the guardians. The schools do not follow any norms and the government does not have any regulatory board to fix the fees although the Director or Commissioner of Education should be responsible for regulation of fees, according to the Guardian Association of Private/ Public Undertakings School Students (GAPUSS). The GAPUSS said that the ultimate fee fixing authority is either the Director of Education or the Commissioner of Education but they have not taken the responsibility yet and therefore the private schools charge fees as per their whims. “In order to hike school fees there should be a representative of the school, a guardian and a nearby social worker along with the representative of the government to regulate the fees and a fee regulatory board should be constituted which is not there in the city,” said General Secretary of the GAPUSS, Nayandhiju Sharma, while speaking to G Plus. Sharma said that the school authority should follow certain guidelines in order to hike fees and the association has also asked the authorities to lessen the burden of school bags by asking students not to carry unnecessary books. They should follow the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines and asked the District Commissioner to monitor the schools. They also filed a PIL to understand the monitoring process of the government. Sharma added that the schools charge

fees for digital classrooms while the reality is that there are not even adequate computers in the schools whereby some of the students don’t even get to touch a computer. The GAPUSS has demanded formation of a fees regulatory board to monitor the fee structures of the private sector English medium schools. They said that such boards have been formed in Delhi, Tamil Nadu and other states and in these states, fees of the private schools are determined as per the recommendations of these boards. In Assam, there are around 1,100 private sector English medium schools and it is assumed that around 5.5 lakh students are studying in these schools - at the rate of 500 students per school - on an average. It was argued that the city bus fares and power tariff in the state are determined through public hearings and hence there should not be any reason as to why the fees of the private sector English medium schools cannot be determined through a similar process. Therefore, it demanded that a fees regulatory board should be constituted without any delay. The association has alleged that it has become a regular practice of the private sector English medium schools of the state to effect hikes in their fees every year on every fee component like the new admission fees, renewal admission fees, monthly fees etc. But the association alleged that its pleas before the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Director of the State’s Elementary Education to rein in these schools have fallen on deaf ears. It also alleged that education minister Himanta

Biswa Sarma has so far not given the association an appointment to submit a memorandum on the issue. It had applied for an appointment with him on 22nd June, 2016. Sharma said that the association has observed that fees in certain schools have been hiked by an astounding 140% cent in three years which is an abnormal hike. “Most of the schools have also not taken NOC from the concerned authority and yet they got their affiliation from the boards – be it SEBA or CBSE. In Guwahati there are around 56 CBSE-affiliated schools but only 14 schools have taken NOC from district administration. The rest of the schools have also got affiliation from the board without having taken the NOC from the administration which clearly indicates that they manage the board authority as per the reply of the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (M). There are norms for every school regarding its building, area, etc. and it clearly mentioned that the school should have students as per its area but in some schools there are much more students than the space that they have,” said Sharma. In 2016, the government decided to implement the Assam Non-Government Educational Institutional (Regulation & Management) Act,

2006 but the Kamrup (M) Private English Medium School Association has filed a case in Gauhati High Court (GHC) against the government’s decision of implementing the Act which clearly indicates that they don’t want to follow the government implemented guidelines. The private schools charge fees

sioner who was accompanied by officials of the education department, police and transport department. The schools are charging exorbitant fees for which the government has decided to make the school fees rigid for every school so that they can’t charge high fees from the students. But as the private schools’

according to their wish while failing to provide the facilities to the students. The schools do not follow any guidelines nor do they provide any facilities to the students which they assure at the time of admission. There are many schools that do not follow the norms and action will be taken against them after the court’s order. Earlier, the district administration, while inspecting the schools, had found many discrepancies. The operation was started by a team led by the Additional Deputy Commis-

association has filed the case no further action could be taken and according to the ADC, the case will be in favour of the government as it wants to revise the norms and regulations of the schools. The administration has also instructed the schools to appoint quality teachers as they found that a number of teachers are untrained. The administration will verify the eligibility of the teachers. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Lead Story

Will the river festival really help Assam in any way?

Continued from page 1

With the President of India declaring Namami Brahmaputra open, people are expecting a lot from the festival but will the same help the state in any manner more so for the fact that even the Assam Tourism brand ambassador has chosen not to attend the festival

Priests performing rituals before the celebration of Namami Brahmaputra | G Plus Photo

ample hints that these numbers will only soar further. But are the people happy with the festival? What did the VVIPs say during the inaugural function? Why was the festival organised by the transport department and not by tourism department? Who are the members of the team which organised the festival? Who will gain from the festival? G Plus explores.

PEOPLE’S VIEW People gave mixed responses to the festival with some backing the government on the move and some questioning the motive. It is proven that given the crowd that gathered near the venue on the first day, people have high expectations and enthusiasm for the festival. However, it was seen that some people outside the venue were irritated at not being allowed to enter the venue for the inaugural function. A resident of Nalbari, talking to G Plus, said that he had come all the way from Nalbari with his family to be witness to the inaugural function but he was not allowed to enter the venue because he did not have any VIP pass. Similarly, many people without the requisite passes were allowed to enter the venue only after the inaugural function and there was a huge rush near the venue with the police facing a tough time managing the crowd. Hence, people were irked

with the authorities questioning why the public was invited for the inaugural function through advertisements and hoardings when the inaugural function was meant for just VIPs. But there were also people who understood the situation and were sympathetic to the fact that the inaugural function will obviously be attended by a number of VVIPs and so would have to wait till the function got over where after they would be able to enter the venue. An annoyed visitor from Jyotikuchi, talking to G Plus, said that it’s been almost a year that the new government has been in power and while the Jyotikuchi Dhupolia road condition remains in shambles, the government is busy organising festival after festival wasting public money. He said that firstly the government should improve the infrastructure of the state and then organise festivals to invite tourists because if the tourists come and see the pathetic road conditions they will never want to visit the state again. He questioned how the festival will be at all helpful for the people of the state.

HOW WILL THE FESTIVAL HELP THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE? Transport minister, Chandra Mohan Patowari, recently said that the Namami Brahmaputra festival has been planned in such a way

that people across the world would know that Assam has such a powerful river which can be used for many purposes. He said that the state government has talked to the central government to dredge the river from Sadiya to Dhubri and further it will be connected to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh after which the waterway will be cleared for water transportation thereby contributing to a lot of savings on the trade and commerce front. He said after this happens Assam will become one of the trade hubs of Asia and people will be “compelled” to come to Assam to pursue business interests. The nodal officer for the entire festival across the state, IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri, said that on 2nd April, during the festival, a MOU will be signed between the state government and Inland Water Ways Authority of India for the dredging of the Brahmaputra River. So basically the purpose of the festival is to promote Brahmaputra and Assam across the world so that new opportunities are opened up for the development of Brahmaputra River and for trade and commerce in the state. Agnihotri, talking to G Plus, said that from one tourist coming to the state, three people get employment. So the festival is aimed and planned in such a way that the tourists do not come here just for a day, visit Kamakhya Tem-

ple and return. Rather, the tourists will be lured into staying here for a few days and spend time and money within the region. But will this really happen? A city youth, talking to G Plus, in anonymity after the inaugural function, said that he is confused about what type of international tourists the government is targeting as the content of the festival is not impressive enough. He said that the government should learn from festivals like Weekender which is held in Shillong where people from across the world throng the venue and happily soak in the festive atmosphere. He raised questions on what can be the main attraction in the festival which can pull international tourists. He said that he understands it is a spiritual and cultural festival but if it is to attract the international crowd, more people like the Dalai Lama should be invited and there should be artists who could hook the international crowd. The government can defend itself by saying that the whole exercise is to promote the river and the state but interestingly, even the brand ambassador of Assam Tourism - international film star Priyanka Chopra - will not be visiting the festival. So it is worth brainstorming over how the state government will utilise the festival for attracting international tourists. But for now at least the people of the state are very enthusiastic about the festival.

THE TEAM Whatever be the result or consequences of Namami Brahmaputra, talking to the nodal officer of the festival, Ashutosh Agnihotri, it was known that the idea of the festival was originally conceived by the chief minister of the state and it was discussed with him in the month of November, 2016. He said that in January they started working on the project and they got only two months to organise the event. Talking about the team, the IAS officer said that the team is headed by the chief minister followed in hierarchy by the transport minister, the chief secretary of Assam, Agnihotri himself who is the nodal of-

ficer under whom is IPS officer AP Tiwari who is supported by a team comprising many ACS officers and a huge team of agencies who handled the events and the publicity. The district administration is also involved in the team along with all other government departments. So basically, it is the government which is the team and it is supported by the event and the publicity agencies which were hired to carry out the nitty-gritty details. Talking about challenges, Agnihotri said that the scale of the festival was the first challenge and the short period of preparation time of two months presented the second challenge. Enquiring why the festival was organised by the transport department and not the tourism department, the organisers said that as the main aim of the festival is to create and develop a parallel waterways transportation system in the state, the festival was organised by the transport department. Well, even if there is some other angle to the story, we will have to believe what the government says as of now.

WHAT DID THE VIPS SAY? During his inaugural speech chief minister Sabranada Sonowal said, “Today is a historic day for the people of Assam. Brahmaputra has given special status to Assam on the world map and it’s our duty to glorify the beauty of this river.” Sonowal thanked President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi for their enormous support. Sonowal thanked the prime minister of Bhutan and said that Bhutan has always been a special friend of Assam. Sonowal mentioned that people on the long stretch of 840 kilometers from Sadiya to Dhubri have supported the festival in a tremendous manner. The CM also praised Papon for composing the theme song and thanked Amitabh Bachchan and all other celebrities who lent their voice to the composition. Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, in his speech said that he was wearing a special fabric made of silk produced in Assam. He said every household

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

City in Bhutan weave silk fabrics and the silk is taken from Assam. The prime minister mentioned that Bhutan and Assam share a border of 266 kilometres and all the Bhutanese rivers are connected to Brahmaputra. ‘Chumu Duti’ is the Bhutanese name for Brahmaputra which means mighty river. Speaking about Sonowal, the Bhu-

tanese Prime Minister said, “We are spiritual brothers and we have met earlier in Bodh Gaya.” He mentioned that neighbours like Bhutan and Bangladesh will gain a lot from the development of Assam. He also added that the development of the entire northeast depends on the development of Assam. He requested that a consulate be set up in Guwa-

hati and opined that there can be a lot of trade between Assam and Bhutan. The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, while addressing the crowed said that it is a privilege for him to be present on the occasion. He congratulated Sonowal for conceptualising the festival. The President said that the all the civ-

ilisations of the past developed and thrived on the banks of rivers and the development in northeast happened on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. President Mukherjee asked CM Sonowal to make this a regular program where people can be taught about the history of the river. He added that this kind of festival will boost tourism. He also

said Assam can become the trade hub in Asia. So, the VIPs backed the festival and found it grand. Here’s hoping that even the general public find it grand after the end of the fifth day on 4th April. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

Vested interests suspected in Metropolis fiasco

RAHUL CHANDA

With the GMDA registering a case, it is a vexed situation making it difficult to understand whether the department is seriously concerned about the purported losses that it has incurred or there is some lobby which has some vested interest in the matter

File Photo of the Metropolis Asia event at Nehru Park

he Metropolis event controversy might be no more in the news these days but the recent GMDA action of registering a case with the police for some loss of revenue because of according permission to the event has again drawn people’s attention to the incident. The chief engineer of GMDA has recently lodged an FIR with Bhangagarh police to take action against people who were involved in fraudulent activities while according permission to Metropolis because of which the government has incurred losses. What is the complaint all about? Against who is the case registered? What losses did the department incur? Will there be some arrests of government officers? G Plus looks into the scenario.

THE CASE According to Bhangagarh po-

lice station’s officer-in-charge, on 25th March, the chief engineer of GMDA had registered an FIR with the police (case number – 59/17 under section 120B/427 of IPC) stating that some kind of criminal or financial conspiracy was hatched while granting permission to the Metropolis festival because of which the government has incurred losses. The police said that they have asked for all the documents and are thoroughly investigating the case after which decisions will be taken on whether some people will be arrested or not. Enquiring against whom the case was registered, the police said that the FIR does not have any names but a letter from the Commissioner and Secretary, GDD, states that two ACS officers, Chinmoy Phukan and Sazzad Alam might have been responsible. The police said that for now all

the names cannot be ascertained but the investigation will reveal who was responsible and accordingly the arrests will be made, if required. On enquiring if there is any chance of the organisers also getting arrested, the police said if required even the organisers will be arrested. So the investigation will prove who the culprits are and who will get arrested. But did GMDA seriously incur losses? G Plus talked to the person who filed the case and also to some sources.

THE GMDA AUTHORITIES GMDA chief engineer Debojit Das, talking to G Plus, said that the case has been registered according to the directive of the government of Assam on approval of the chief minister. He said that after the Metropolis event was stopped for flouting norms, an enquiry was ordered and the enquiry report suggested that the park was given for nine days on rent, at the rate of Rs 16,000 per day. But according to the enquiry, only Rs 10,000 was deposited. So there might have been some anomalies that occurred. The chief engineer said that Chinmoy Phukan and Sazzad Alam had given the permission and hence their names appear but the rest depends on the police investigation. He asked the G Plus team to talk to GMDA project engineer Mantu Borah who had conducted the enquiry and

who be able to throw more light on the allegations. G Plus tried talking to Mantu Bora but he declined from commenting anything on the issue. Meanwhile, it was known that Chinmoy Phukan was transferred to district administration and presently he is busy as a part of the organising team for the river festival Namami Brahmaputra. Sazzad Alam though, was rather tense about the situation and according to sources, he suffered a heart attack recently after the case was registered and was even admitted to hospital.

by Sazzad Alam and Chinmoy Phukan and therefore the case has been registered against them. But as the Metropolis event was spread over only three days, the rent of the park must have been Rs 48,000 and if only Rs 10,000 was paid, GMDA lost Rs 38,000. So is GMDA so concerned about losing Rs 38,000? Well, if it is a true concern then things can be understood, but if it has been done because of vested interests and lobby politics then things need to be questioned.

THE LOBBY According to highly placed sources in GMDA, there are many lobbies in the department. A particular lobby, if unhappy with another, indulge in politics with some lobbies being well connected to the politicos while some are not. A source close to transferred ACS officer Chinmoy Phukan said that when he was in GMDA he had found that the department has a monthly expense of Rs 19 lakhs that was spent on consumption of petrol for official purposes. The source said that Phukan acted strictly and the bill was reduced to Rs 2 lakhs. So incidents like this might have peeved many to act against him. Meanwhile, according to sources, the permission accorded to Metropolis was signed

After SC order almost 100% BS III stock cleared in Ghy

G PLUS NEWS

n a bumper sale offer which has no precedents for two wheeler lovers, all stocks of Bharat Stage-III compliant two-wheelers have been almost sold out a mere 36 hours after the Supreme Court ruled that the auto makers cannot sell such vehicles after 1st April. India’s two-wheeler makers offered steep discounts to offload their stock of

BS-III vehicles, a day after the Supreme Court banned the sale and registration of such vehicles from 1st April. Initially, Guwahatians were apprehensive on whether they will be able to register the vehicles if bought on 31st March, but G Plus on 31st morning reported that the Kamrup Metro DTO, PK Ghosh, while talking to G Plus said that if the sale of BS

III model vehicles is executed on or before 31st March, there will be no problem registering the vehicle with the DTO. Only BS III models sold after 31st April will not be registered. G Plus then visited many two-wheeler showrooms in the city and found that people were thronging the outlets and queuing up to buy the two-wheelers

at a discounted price. By 2 pm almost 75% BS III models were sold out and at night, talking to many dealers, it was found that almost 100% BS III stocks were cleared. Raju Burman, an owner of Honda two-wheeler showroom, talking to G Plus, said that by 2 pm all his BS III stock was cleared. So it seems that the SC order has helped the two-wheeler companies gain a lot.

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Ward Talks

MLA Bhattacharya miffed with water supply project delays

KALYAN DEB

The 5th edition of Ward Talks held by G Plus took place in Ward No 21 with various issues of the ward discussed threadbare in the presence of MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya, GMC, PWD officials and the local councillor is a major issue where the ward requires an additional amount of Rs 7 crores apart from the fund provided by GMC. However, it was assured by the MLA that by next year the scenario will be better. Meanwhile, it was informed that the estimates of several roads within the ward such as Lakkhi Mandir Path, Nilakantha Path, Jyoti Path, and several others have been submitted to PWD and it is likely that the tendering process would begin before the end of the financial year.

Akbar Ali (GMC), Kartik Biswas (PWD), Sashanka Jyoti Deka, (Councillor), Siddhartha Bhattacharya, MLA, Hiranya Kumar Barman, ADCP (Traffic). (L-R)

uwahati witnessed the 5th edition of “Ward Talks” recently with active participation of residents of Ward No 21. The event took place at Geetanagar High School playground in the presence of close to 200 locals of areas such as Ambikagiri Nagar, Geeta Nagar, Arunachal Path, Narikalbari among other areas that fall within the ward. The discussion was chaired by Siddhartha Bhattacharya, MLA, Gauhati East constituency and the other panellists were Hiranya Kumar Barman, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Sashanka Jyoti Deka, Councillor, Ward No 21, Akbar Ali, Superintendent Engineer, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Kartik Biswas, SDO, Public Works Department (PWD). Swapnil Bharali, Editor, G Plus moderated the discussion. Representatives of several development committees were also present during the event. During the discussion, residents of the area threw light on incidents where several areas of the ward were ploughed through for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded water supply project and remain to be restored. The project, in areas such as Narikalbari, was initiated over a year ago and till this date the affected roads have not been restored. Addressing the locals, the councillor of the ward said that the people had to sit in protest in order to get the road constructed. “A meeting was held in Circuit House in presence of several officials where the problem was

forced upon the people present in the meeting. There are several points where the completion of the project is still pending and the problem needs the intervention of the government. There are several roads that have been dismantled during the project,” the councillor said. Lashing out IVRCL Ltd., the agency responsible for carrying out the water supply project which is funded by JICA, the MLA said that Guwahati is being destroyed under the tag of development. “There are several roads in the city that have been ploughed through after just a few days of their reconstruction. IVRCL has been repeatedly urged to co-ordinate with the other departments before carrying out their work. It has happened on several occasions when the agency has demolished one side of a newly constructed road and I had to rush to the spot. Moreover, the roads should be restored to its previous condition but it is evidently not being done,” Bhattacharya said. He further added that the contracts of restoring the road have been given to some of our local contractors but rather than delivering good quality work they are only scavenging on the funds and somehow washing their hands off. The MLA also said that the condition has put the people in a state of

dilemma as the scarcity of water in the city is another problem; the completion of the project is also a priority and the project, at the moment, can only be duly monitored. The problem of fund constraints for construction of roads also surfaced during the discussion. In this budget the government has only Rs. 10 crores for the four constituencies of Guwahati and there are some roads that have an estimated budget of Rs. 1 to 2 crores. There are several areas in the city that require immediate attention. The councillor said that there are several roads that have been given facelifts but many remain. However, fund constraint

Garbage collection issues also surfaced as a problem in the area where the lack of man power in GMC came to light. However, it was urged that the residents of the ward coordinate with the municipal body in the door-todoor garbage collection process. The Superintendent Engineer of GMC said that people can always complain if the NGOs fail to collect garbage and the municipal corporation is bound to take action. He added that people should only hand over their garbage to the workers rather than dump it anywhere else. Locals also mentioned about youths engaging in drinking in public places as also their rash driving that puts the safety of pedestrians and other motorists at risk. Even the MLA pointed out several spots and said that the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) have been approached in order to mitigate such problems.

The MLA also mentioned that the problem of rash driving has been massively brought down in the past few months and appreciated the police’s efforts. In its continued initiative to provide a platform for the citizens of Guwahati to express their problems and a medium to connect them with the administration, G Plus has been featuring a column called “Ward Watch” since its inception. To further supplement the purpose of the column - which is to initiate some tangible improvements in the city starting with the micro-level of the ward - the media house has been regularly providing a platform called “Ward Talks” whereby the people of a particular ward and the representatives of the Ward Unnayan Samitee come together onto a common platform along with the authorities from various government departments like GMC, GMDA, Police, etc. for interaction and exchange of ideas. The 5th phase of the initiative was carried out on 25th March. The discussion concluded with solutions to several problems that earned applause for the MLA and the councillor and hopes of a better city in the near future could be seen among the people of the area.

GMC helpline number 8811007000 kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

City

Noonmati, Fatasil Ambari to get new parks JUTHIKA BARUAH

GMDA has started renovation works in Tarun Ram Phookan Park at Bharalumukh which will be completed within six months making it a complete park for children

Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan park at Bharalumukh | G Plus Photo

s Guwahati does not have much open space for its people, the parks are the only places to spend some idle time for relaxation and for children to play games. But the number of parks is far less given the population of the city. Speaking to G Plus, Chair-

man of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) Dhiren Baruah said, “The parks are the only places where people can spend their leisure time with their children. As the people do not have much space in their homes, they come out to spend time in the parks where they can

walk, exercise, play and chat with one another. Therefore, GMDA is trying to develop the parks and will bring up some new parks for the people.” Two new parks have been constructed at Noonmati and Fatasil Ambari by the public where GMDA will assist with outdoor

playground equipments. The Chairman of GMDA said that the Tarun Ram Phookan Park in Bharalumukh is also being renovated and will be completed within six months. “Rs. 1 crore has been sanctioned for renovation of the park and the pond will be converted to a swimming pool where children will get a chance to learn swimming. The boundary walls will be reconstructed and the entire park will be illuminated with lights. The garden will have different types of flowers and there will be various playing equipment for the children so that they can spend some quality time there,” said Baruah. Baruah added, “The government should also adopt a policy for the development of the parks for the people. There are 18 parks in the city under GMDA but we need more parks. One park is necessary against 30,000 people but there are only 18 parks and people are not aware about all of them. We are providing funds for maintenance but we should give an annual grant to the parks for mass participation as the grants collected by the parks are not sufficient for their maintenance.” People here in the city do not

get adequate space for walking, jogging and exercise for which these parks are necessary but it seems that the parks are not in a condition to provide such facilities to the public for which GMDA has taken this initiative. There are more than 30 parks but only 18-19 parks are actually running. There are some small parks which are run by the civic societies but they take help from GMDA for proper upkeep. Baruah also informed that a new park called Church Abdullah Park at Kharghuli, which has a budget of Rs. 5 lakhs, will be started soon. The Shraddhanjali Kanan Park and Nehru Park are maintained by GMDA itself and some of the parks are also run by civic societies comprising senior citizens. The parks are meant for children who can spend time playing as they don’t get adequate space at home. But sometimes events held in the parks become impediments for the public and the children; as such events should not be allowed to be held in the parks. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Health

City NGO takes initiative in inculcating hygiene practices among poor

KALYAN DEB

A city-based NGO comprising doctors and medical practitioners has taken upon itself the task of inculcating clean and hygienic habits among children and the poorer section in a novel bid to tackle health care issues through preventive measures Being a dentist myself, I get patients who are 50 to 60 years old and who suffer from dental problems just because of wrong brushing technique,” said Dr. Rathangapani Chattopadhyay, dental surgeon and founding member of UFODI.

THE APPROACH Incepted on 3rd August, 2016, UFODI aims towards educating the lesser fortunate people who do not have easy access to health care and at the same time reach out to children and make them the avenue that will help in building a flourishing nation. The NGO focuses on bridging the gap of health and hygiene education through interactive sessions and health orientation programs at schools and communities that are devoid of proper health care. “We are targeting people who do not have easy access to health care measures. The government is currently working on a massive sanitation project but the target levels of hygiene cannot be achieved only by building sanitation. What the people are not aware of is that going to the bathroom without your slippers on can result in several health hazards not for the person but also the entire family; such practices are never mentioned in our books. That is where we come into the scene and try to bring a positive change,” Chattopadhyay said. UFODI has set a target tenure of ten years in which they look forward to the younger generation to be more acquainted with civic etiquette and thereafter, pass on the knowledge to the fellow civilians and the elderly as well. The modus operandi involves holding health orientation programs at schools and other communities where there are around fifty participants

A UFODI interaction with students | File Photo

mid a growing and changing demography, large gaps remain in India’s capacity to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare and to improve health outcomes. The public health system in India is unable to significantly alter the face of healthcare delivery as it stands. Thus there is a need for a consensus to emerge on the need to prioritize primary healthcare as the foundation for health reforms that will act as a hub for hospital and specialist care, to improve access and equity through risk pooling and to improve system oversight and governance. It is no surprise that the standard of primary care, as defined by the World Health Organization, is not being met in India. As per 2013 statistics of World Health Organisation, 68% Indians were devoid of primary health care which was either because of the financial instability or the lack of health care centres within the vicinity. However, there is more on us than just relying on the government to come up with measures to mitigate the reasons that can prevent several

health hazards. Thus, keeping the same under concern, a few youths from Guwahati have come up with an initiative that educate people from the grass-root level for a healthier nation in the near future. United Federation of Doctors for Early Diagnosis and Prevention of Diseases in India (abbreviated to UFODI by the NGO itself) is such a body that has taken the responsibility of educating people about preventive measures that can safeguard one from any kind of illness. Primary care broadly encompasses preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care for both acute and chronic illnesses. “While the government is doing its own bit we on our behalf are trying to re-cultivate what we had once learnt from books about things like waking up early, brushing twice a day, wiping our body with a clean towel etc. But there are also many things which we are never taught and thus never bring them to practice. Hence, we started with the preventive ideas so that we can make people aware about how to resist from contracting diseases.

and re-visit the place once a year for the next ten years. Throwing light on the concept, the dental surgeon said that if we begin with a 1st grader and discuss the health measures once every year for the next ten years, the exercise will make him aware about the dos and don’ts of health hazards. “By the time the student grows up he or she will be able to pass on the knowledge to others and even prevent others from indulging in uncivil activities like spitting and urinating in public places. And we are talking about just one kid here. We have already engaged many children and I am optimistic about seeing a picture where we will be able achieve 80 to 90% of our target,” the dental surgeon added. Throwing light on several malpractices, the dental surgeon also said that there are instances when people die of diarrheal diseases as they are not aware about the proper hand washing techniques. It was also mentioned that there are oral bacteria that can cause cardiac diseases. One of them is Streptococcus pneumoniae which may lead to cardiac diseases and not be identified by a cardiologist in several cases. Thus the NGO focuses in reaching out to people in the remote areas where it is not possible to commute with vehicles. The NGO started functioning in February last and has already held camps in several schools within and outside the vicinity of the city. They interact with the students through discussions, power point presentations and animated videos that teach them the basics of primary health care.

THE FOCUS With a team of ten doctors in place from cities like Chennai, Gujarat and other parts of the nation,

the mechanism of the NGO is guided by Kapil Das, chief co-ordinator, Raj Bhattacharya, chief advisor and founder Rathangapani Chattopadhyay along with the helping hands of a few others. However, the approach has not been easy as the team of doctors could only be formed after pursuing a list of many more for two years before the NGO came into existence. Moreover, the NGO is dependent on funds and resources provided by the members. However, the members look forward to organise fundraiser events that will help in generating money that can be used in going to the next step by organising health camps for the less fortunate and provide them the required treatment. “There are several events that we intend to hold for funds rather than ask the government. We are a public charitable trust and hope to collect funds through sponsorship for cultural events, by organising inter-school activities and other fundraiser events and utilising the same for the development of the 68% population that cannot afford their own health care. Meanwhile, if each and every doctor can devote one day of their precious week to the less fortunate, it will do real good to humanity,” Chattopadhyay said. Along with the significant lessons that UFODI tends to share about primary health care the NGO is also trying to mitigate civic issues that can help in saving lives of many. Participating in health initiatives with the most relevant solutions to improve the ailing system is the need of the hour and those among the poorest communities should certainly not suffer due to their unstable economy. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

Storm

24° / 20° C

23° / 20° C

24° / 20° C

27° / 21° C

28° / 21° C

29° / 21° C

SATURDAY

Storm

29° / 21° C

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Trotter

Surgeon plans to perform first human head transplant

G PLUS NEWS

f approved, the world’s first human head transplant will be performed, by Italian neuroscientist Dr. Sergio Canavero in collaboration with Chinese surgeon Dr. Xiaoping Ren by December 2017. Valery Spiridonov — a 30-year-old Russian man who suffers from spinal atrophy and motor neuron degeneration due to Werdnig-Hoffman disease — has volunteered himself for the pro-

cedure. Canavero has published a detailed surgical plan for the head transplant in the medical journal Surgical Neurology International. This plan, nicknamed “head anastomosis venture” (HEAVEN), includes a blueprint for what would be a 36-hour operation involving at least $10 million and 80 other surgeons. The transplant begins with anesthetizing Spiridonov and cooling his body to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, delaying tissue death in the brain. Then, the surgeon would decapitate both a donor body and Spiridonov’s body and simultaneously sever both of their spinal cords. Surgeons would then attach Spiridonov’s head to the donor’s neck, binding the two ends of the spinal cord using polyethylene glycol. Thereafter, muscles and blood supply from the donor body would be connected to Spiridonov’s head while Spiridonov is placed in an induced coma for about a month. Electrodes would also be implanted to promote new nerve networks and growth.

Despite being a calculated procedure, Canavero’s plan is not immune to risks, including those inherent to all transplant procedures. “For any transplant to be successful ... You need to prevent the immune system from rejecting the organ because the recipient’s body will always realize that the new organ doesn’t belong in his or her person,” said Dr. Jose Oberholzer, director of the Charles O. Stricker Transplant Center at the University Health System. Beyond the anatomical and physiological analysis of the procedure, ethical issues also arise from the prospect of a head transplant. Specific to a head transplant, however, is the question of identity. In considering moral and ethical problems, Oberholzer relates the head transplant to “The Modern Prometheus” — Mary Shelley’s novel that is commonly known as “Frankenstein.” “The line between Frankenstein and science becomes very blurry,” Oberholzer said. “It’s a nightmare scenario if you think about it.” (The Cavalier Daily)

United Airlines bars girls with leggings, ignites Twitter storm G PLUS NEWS

nited Airlines has run into a social media storm after it barred two teenage girls from boarding a flight in Denver because they were wearing leggings. Another girl who was also wearing leggings was allowed to board the flight from Denver International Airport to Minneapolis after she changed, a witness said. A United spokesman Jonathan Guerin told the New York Times that the two girls barred

from flying “made an adjustment” to their clothing and were waiting for the next flight to Minneapolis. He did not know whether they made it aboard. The incident was reported on Twitter by Shannon Watts - founder of gun reform group Moms Demand Action - who was a passenger at the airport waiting to board another flight to Mexico. “She’s forcing them to change or put dresses on over leggings or they can’t board,” she said.

Since when does @united police women’s clothing? Read the tweet. With that, the charges began to fly across the Twittersphere, with outraged travellers and celebrities weighing in with accusations of sexism and corporate ham-handedness. “I have flown united before with literally no pants on. Just a top as a dress,” declared model Chrissy Teigen in one tweet. “Next time I will wear only jeans and a scarf.” United Airlines defended the gate agent’s decision in a series of tweets. It insisted the girls were flying on passes that require them to keep to a dress code in return for free or discounted travel. “When taking advantage of this benefit, all employees and pass riders are considered representatives of United,” it said. “And like most companies, we have a dress code that we ask employees and pass riders to follow. The passengers this morning were United pass riders and not in compliance with our dress code for company benefit travel. To our regular customers, your leggings are welcome,” it said. (Source: Daily Mail)

Missing man found inside Snake’s Stomach G PLUS NEWS

hile searching for a missing farmer in Indonesia, authorities found a suspiciously fat python. The snake was deep in a food coma, so full that it was unable to move. You can imagine where this article is headed. Pythons are ambush predators, meaning that they strike suddenly from a camouflaged position. After grasping prey with their sharp teeth, they squeeze their victim to death before swallowing it whole. It’s pretty obvious when they’ve had a particularly large meal. While they’ve been known to take down deer, antelope, and other large prey, they rarely attack humans. So 25-year-old Akbar Salubiro

probably never even saw the python that killed him before it struck. Friends and family reported him missing when he failed to return from harvesting palm oil. While looking for clues, a search party came across a 23-foot-long python. Next to the snake was Salubrio’s harvesting tool and one of his boots. The group decided to cut the snake open, revealing the young man’s body. He was laying on his side, arms clenched to his chest. Sadly, he’d been squeezed to death and swallowed whole. The video of the snake being cut open and Salubiro’s body being recovered is available online. (Source: Buzzfeed)

Manatees are no longer endangered G PLUS NEWS

ome news happened on Thursday. Manatees, also known as the cutest of sea cows were downgraded from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened’. The things is that, the West Indian manatee used to be endangered, with just a few hundred left in the wild in the 1970s. But on Thursday — one day after Manatee Appreciation Day — the US Fish and Wildlife Service

downgraded the sea cows from “endangered” to “threatened” status, citing a population rebound to more than 6,000. US officials said the rebound comes after a range of conservation efforts in places like Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, which led to better protections and habitat improvements for manatees. For years, orphaned and injured manatees have also been reintroduced into the wild, bolstering the species’ chances of survival. “While there is still more work to be done to fully recover manatee populations, particularly in the Caribbean, manatee numbers are increasing and we are actively working with partners to address threats,” Jim Kurth, acting director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a statement. While the outlook for other manatee species is less certain, the agency called Thursday’s news “significant progress.” (Source: Buzzfeed)

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Centre Spread

Celebrating the

Brahmaputra! As Assam celebrates Namami Brahmaputra, a festival to honour the mighty river, it is crucial to know why and how this river holds special significance for the state of Assam. Known by various names across the region, the Brahmaputra strikes a chord in the hearts of the people as it evokes in them ‘waves’ of emotions and memories of their homes and is considered to be the ‘Lifeline of Assam’. It is an old town on the bank of the Brahmaputra and Gadadhar rivers, with historical significances. In 1883, the town was first constituted as a Municipal Board under British regime. Dhubri is called the “Land of Rivers” as it is covered three sides by rivers. The Brahmaputra enters the plains of Bangladesh after turning south around the Garo Hills below Dhubri.

The various names of Brahmaputra Tsangpo (Tibet) Jamuna (Bangladesh) Yarlung Zangbo Jiang (China) Dihang (or Siang) (Arunachal Pradesh) The name Tezpur is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘teza’ (meaning blood) and ‘pura’ (meaning town or city). Tezpur is considered to be the cultural capital of Assamese culture. About 35 km away from Tezpur is the Nameri National Park in the Sonitpur District of Assam. The Jia Bharali River gained prominence since the time of the British for golden mahseer angling.

One of the very few Male Rivers According to legends, Brahmaputra is the son of Lord Brahma and it is part of mythology that seeds of Lord Brahma fell in place where the river flows in its current path.

Guwahati is the largest city of Assam and Northeastern India, a major riverine port city and one of the fastest growing cities in India, situated on the South Bank of the Brahmaputra River. The river is at its thinnest at 1 km (1,100 yard) here. Since the Brahmaputra is the thinnest at this spot, the Battle of Saraighat took place in this area. The oldest rail-cum-road bridge over the Brahmaputra was inaugurated for passage at Saraighat in April 1962. In Pandu, at Guwahati, the river is 1.2 km wide. CNN International in 2013 recognised Brahmaputra cruises as one of the top 10 most adventurous cruises.

End Point Bay of Bengal

What happens to Brahmaputra after Dhubri? The Brahmaputra River fuses with the Ganges in Bangladesh and bifurcates into two: the Meghna and Padma River, that flows into the Bay of Bengal

th longest river in the world

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Centre Spread Entering Assam from Sadiya (Upper Assam), between Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Districts, the river Brahmaputra divides into two channels. In Upper Assam near Dibrugarh the river is 16 km wide. The Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh aids cultivation of tea garden, cattle wading, dredging, sand recovery, ferry ghat, fishing, transport and forestry. The water body however receives effluents and surface run offs from the Namrup Industrial township. The Dibru Saikhowa Bird Sanctuary is a major tourism hotspot.

Streams that join Brahmaputra in Assam Subansiri Kameng Bharali Dhansiri Manas Champabati Saralbhanga Sankosh

Point of Origin Chemayungdung Glacier, northern side of the Himalayas in Burang County of Tibet Between Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Districts, the river Brahmaputra divides into two channels—the northern Kherkutia channel and the southern Brahmaputra channel. The two channels join again about 100 km (62 mi) downstream, forming the Majuli Island, which is the largest river island in the world. Majuli Island is accessible by ferries from the city of Jorhat. Majuli is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture. The festival of Ali aye ligang is celebrated during mid-February with great pomp and show. It is celebrated for five days starting from second Wednesday of February till the next week. Local dishes like Purang Apin (rice wrapped in special leaves), Apong (rice beer) and dishes made of pork, fish and chicken is served.

Kaziranga is a vast stretch of tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests crisscrossed by four main rivers — Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri and has numerous small water bodies. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, documentaries and songs. The park celebrated its centenary in 2005 since its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest. Inundations are a regular feature of this river during the monsoon months (June-October). Cutting down of trees in the Brahmaputra catchment basin has led to higher degree of deposit, flash floods, and land corrosion in vital downstream locales like the Kaziranga National Park in central Assam.

over2,900 km the all length of the Brahmaputra (approx.)

380 ft. the utmost depth

124 ft.

the avg. depth of Brahmaputra

river in the 10th largest world by discharge

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Snippets

City to get 50 water taxis

G PLUS NEWS

Representative image of a modern water taxi

ssam State Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday, said that the government will soon start the facility of water taxis

between Guwahati city and Guwahati airport. The minister announced that the government will start the service of 50 water taxis to reduce travel time between Guwahati

city and the airport to a mere 18 minutes. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, “A jetty will be developed near the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI). The water taxis will take the visitors from the jetty in the city to the proposed jetty near the airport. From there, air conditioned buses of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) will take the visitors to the airport in absolute comfort.” He further said that the government has taken steps to develop the water transport facilities across Assam, and that the central government has also notified nine national waterways in Assam, apart from the Brahmaputra and Barak national waterways.

New Royal Enfield showroom opened in city G PLUS NEWS 3rd Royal Enfield dealership in Guwahati. It will offer full service facilities with a crew of fully trained service personnel, increasing customer convenience and further expanding Royal Enfield’s presence in the region. Mr Shaji Koshy, Actress Nishita Goswami inaugurating the dealership Senior Vice President Sales & Marketoyal Enfield has announced ing, Royal Enfield said, “With the the opening of its new show- opening of this new showroom in room – Saraighat Riders in Guwahati, Royal Enfield continues Guwahati. The showroom is the to strengthen its retail offering for

its valued customers in Assam. We now have 3 dealerships in Guwahati and we are looking for more opportunities to reach out and serve our customers better in this region.” Mr. Kaushik Oja, Partner of Saraighat Riders said, “We are fortunate to get associated with Royal Enfield. Our showroom Saraighat Riders, Guwahati has modern facilities that will set new standards of customer satisfaction in the region. Together with Royal Enfield our endeavor will be to provide our customers with unmatched services and brand experience in this region.”

Assam DGP represents India at the London Book Fair

G PLUS NEWS

n a remarkable achievement and adding a feather to his cap, Special DGP (Law and Or-

der) Kuladhar Saikia was invited one as one of the five members to represent the country at the

prestigious London Book Fair. In a delegation of writers who were all Sahitya Akademi Award winners and were nominated by Govt. of India, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the writers are part of the London Book Fair’s Spotlight on India series of events this year. The fair attracts a large number of writers and publishers from across the globe. Kuladhar Saikia is an IPS officer of the 1985 batch and the other writers included Arundhati Subramaniam, Yeshe Dorji Thongchi, S L Bhyrappa and B Jayamohan. Kuladhar Saikia has now written 20 books in Assamese and was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 for his book, ‘Akashar Chhabi Aru Anyanya Galpa’.

4-day workshop on Robotic Surgery held at B Borooah Cancer Institute G PLUS NEWS

r. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati in collaboration with Bengaluru based Vattikuti Technologies organized a 4-day hands-on-experience on the Vinci Surgical Robotic System from 21st to 24th March, 2017 at BBCI. More than a hundred enthusiastic doctors from different parts of Assam and neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya participated to receive an experience of working with the surgical robot. Robotic Surgery is a rapidly evolving new surgical technology with several advantages over conventional open and laparoscopic surgery. Operations in difficult-to-access areas of the body like pelvic operations, thoracic and abdominal operations, and some operations in the deep recesses of the mouth are done by robotic sur-

gery in a better way. It also causes fewer traumas to the patient, minimizes blood loss, reduces complications and has a shorter hospital stay for the patient. It is more ergonomic and comfortable to the surgeon since he controls the robot from a console and gets a highly magnified 3D view. The robot carries out all manoeuvres as controlled by the surgeon, through a wider range and much higher precision than can be achieved by human hand, and also eliminates jerks and tremors. Da Vinci is currently the only surgical robotic system in the world for clinical use. It is available in many advanced hospitals in developed countries and also in a few centres in India. The workshop was organized with installation of the fully functional robotic system with console, simulator and operating instruments, to sensitize doctors from this region. It was also witnessed by several groups of nurses and paramedical staff from different hospitals of Guwahati. The workshop aimed to generate interest amongst doctors from this region to undertake training to qualify for robotic surgery. The initiative paved the way for introducing robotic surgery for the first time in the north-eastern region.

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Sports

City to host first ever Futsal festival of the region KALYAN DEB

WHAT IS FUTSAL? y

Representative photo of Futsal players

t was not too long ago that futsal was introduced to the nation but it is certain that enthusiasts of the sport are getting the right platform to showcase their skills. In a thriving move three football enthusiasts of the city have come up with a platform where the futsal players of the north-eastern region can demonstrate their skills and also grab an opportunity to be trained by some of the leading lights of the sporting discipline. The trio of Kaustove Moni Kakoti, Kaustab Chakraborty and Lio Sengrang are introducing the first ever futsal tournament under the banner of Guwahati Futsal Festival. To be held on 10th and 11th April at Bhogeshwari Phukanani Indoor Stadium in Dispur under the aegis of Premier Futsal, the event is expecting over 60 teams from all over northeast with registrations already flowing in. The tournament will be played 5 v 5 a-sides as per the rules of Futsal Association of India and carries a total prize money of Rs. 50,000. “There is a huge shortage of grounds in Assam, let alone Guwahati city. This clouds the talents of the much deserving players.

Meanwhile, the festival also eyes towards promoting football and outdoor sports among the youth who these days seem to be glued to their mobile phones rather than being out there in the field experiencing the true fun. The Association of Youth Futsal, Assam has provided immense support for the event to materialise,” said Lio Sengrang, one of the organisers. He also added that the tournament will help in preparing a base of this game in Assam. “We also have a tie-up with Premiere Futsal League and players can register for the Premiere Futsal Launchpad through their website using “GFF” code. This will provide a window to the players to be a part of city trials of the Premier Futsal League and get an opportunity to train with idols such as Ronaldinho, Ryan Giggs, Hernan Crespo and several big names,” Sengrang added. Apart from the futsal extravaganza the event will also hold several skill-based competitions and one-on-one battles. Meanwhile, the theme song of the festival sung by Babanita Das, along with the theme video, has already hit several social media platforms.

The event will be inaugurated by Lakhya Konwar, Member Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare in the presence of Kamala Kanta Singh and Durga Boro.

ORIGIN OF FUTSAL AND ITS BASE IN INDIA Originating in Uruguay, futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game that is widely played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA. The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure, and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game. Many of the top world class footballers played futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their development as footballers; players of the calibre of Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Lionel Messi, to name a few of the South American legends, all played futsal. The sporting discipline made its way to India in 2007 when Namdev Shirgaonkar, founder President of FAI (Futsal Association of India), introduced this game to the

Golap Rabha lifts Mr. India 2017 title

hen it comes to bringing fame and glory to Assam Golap Rabha has brought laurels to the state by clinching the title of Mr India 2017. The event was held at Ludhiana, Punjab on 25th and 26th March 2017 where participants from all over the country took part. Rabha, a bodybuilder from Boko, with

nation. Since then, this game has emerged as a new and fast form of football in India. It was in 2016

that the Premier Futsal League came into being giving the sport the much needed boost. Organized By:

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G PLUS NEWS

his skills and years of hard-work earned himself the foremost rank in the 80 kg category. However, this is not the first time that Rabha has earned recognition. In September, 2016 the Assam boy had earned an invitation to fly to Italy to represent India in the Mr Universe 2016 competition held at Toronto, Italy.

Bhogeshwari Phukanani Indoor Stadium, Dispur 10th and 11th April

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Fun Horoscope of the week

Today’s New Moon could bring an opportunity to explore a business idea or financial plan, especially if it encourages a fresh start. This could be very welcome to you, as the idea of turning over a new leaf may seem particularly appealing now. Just take the first steps over the next day or so and get the ball rolling. Later in the week, an idea that is deeply meaningful to you could move to the top of your priority list in a big way.

A fresh start may be possible in a key relationship, especially with today’s New Moon encouraging you or another to make the first move. Whether this is a budding romance or long-term partnership, the current blend of energies offers a gear change, which might involve committing further or taking on a challenge that both of you relish. On another note, you might need to compromise regarding a family issue, but this may mean that you end up making the bigger sacrifice.

A New Moon in your lifestyle sector could encourage you to take a look at the way your daily life is panning out. Is it time for a change? The current blend of energies suggests it may be. Perhaps starting with health and wellness issues can put you on a more positive track. In addition, a plan that is very dear to you on a personal level may need a few adjustments before you make a start.

The week ahead can provide an chance to take up a hobby or pastime that you enjoy very much. Small beginnings could lead to a profitable business and future if you play your cards right. The urge to be more creative and explore your potential in this area could lead to big things if this is something you’re passionate about. The move of Venus into your home and family sector hints at plenty of chances to entertain at home.

Opportunities abound in the coming days, but one in particular could be great news for you, especially if it encourages a new beginning. It might be a good idea to bide your time regarding this, as with Venus retrograde there could be a few changes in the weeks ahead. Make inquiries and take some tentative steps, but be prepared to adapt should the need arise. Mercury’s move into your home and family sector can be a chance for some key conversations to take place.

The week ahead may be a call to take a closer look at your budget and perhaps create a new one that is more balanced and appropriate to your current needs. With Mars, your financial planet, now moving through Taurus, it can be worthwhile to network with people who can help you make the most of your present income. This can be a time to gather knowledge and understand how you can enhance your financial security while still enjoying life.

2 6 8 6 1 3 6 8

1 3

9 Daily Sudoku: Thu 23-Mar-2017 6 5 8 2 9

LAST WEEK SOLUTION

Daily Sudoku: Thu 30-Mar-2017

6 5 2 1 9 64 83 98 51 47

3 7 9 5 8 9 1 27 48 53 62

8 4 1 3 7 5 6 51 94 38 26

2 1 9 8 6 7 7 5 3 2 8 2 14 4 31 5 79 6 45 9

5 3 4 6 6 87 99 22 78 31

7 2 8 8 4 73 66 51 29 15

4 6 5 9 1 39 28 77 42 83

9 1 3 4 2 1 5 75 63 46 89

2 4 3 6 1 7 Daily Sudoku: Thu 23-Mar-2017 hard 5 3 1 7 8 4 9 6 2 9 7 4 2 6 5 3 http://www.dailysudoku.com Word of the week1 8 8 2 6 9 3 1 4 5 7

Nescience

Daily Sudoku: Thu 30-Mar-2017

medium

noun [nesh-uh ns, nesh-ee-uh ns, nes-ee-]

Lack of knowledge; ignorance. http://www.dailysudoku.c

curio-city

Connect these famous tennis players...

Illie Nastase and Billie Jean King respectively were the first men and female to be the No.1 in the ATP rankings in Tennis in 1973.

Picture Perfect

1. Harry Potter 2. The Holy Bible. 3. Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai. 4. Lajong. 5. Steven o’Keefe.

A new beginning may be likely on the home front this week and something you’ve been considering for some time. Conditions could come together now to make this possible, particularly if other family members are ready for a discussion. Regarding a key plan, you might need to let go of some preconceived ideas before it can flourish. A chance to reconnect with someone may be very welcome and something at the top of your priority list this week.

9 4

This week’s New Moon can be a great opportunity to upgrade your skill set or consider a course of study that paves the way for a better job or improved business prospects. Anything that can expand your horizons can be really good for you now. And with Mars in the topmost sector of your chart encouraging you to take your place in the spotlight, anything that can help you to do so is very welcome at this time.

2 6 4 9 8 5 2 4 87 7 8 6 1 2 8 9 7 9 35 5 3 6 8 1 7 1

An opportunity associated with your career or ambition of yours may be in the cards this week. With the New Moon prompting you, you might want to go for it. This is a sterling time to do so, provided that you aren’t in too much of a hurry. With Venus in this same sector and currently retrograde, things could change over the weeks ahead. If you adopt a step-by-step approach, you’ll be able to navigate these with skill and confidence.

SUDOKU

If you’ve recently joined a group or have been thinking about it, today’s New Moon can be confirmation that you’re on the right track. You may feel that you’ve come to the right place as the people you connect with instantly seem like friends, which can be very reassuring. As Mercury, your personal planet, eases into a secluded sector of your chart at the end of the week, periods of reflection could be very good for you.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a spiritual practice, such as meditation, journaling, or yoga, this is the week to make a start. The New Moon in a secluded sector of your chart could encourage you to go within and explore those hidden depths. There is more, though, as you may feel moved to take up a project that has fallen by the wayside. After close analysis you may find that it has a lot more potential than you realized.

The New Moon in Aries on Monday is the best of the year for you. It’s the time to make a fresh start in any areas you see fit. This is a great opportunity to write down your plans for the coming year in as much detail as possible, visualize them, and refer to them often. At the same time, the coming week could see you pushing ahead with an idea that you are quite passionate about. If other people are involved, careful negotiation may be in order.

Picture Perfect

Crossword

curio-city 1

Who once slept in the Cupboard Under the Stairs at 4, Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey?

Donald Trump’s second favourite book is his own ghost written work ”The Art of the Deal.” Which one is his most favourite?

Which film won the National award for best film in India in 1988?

What is the Khasi word for “our own”

Which Malayasian born sportsperson’s nickname is Sock? Dr. Soubhadra Chakraborty (Quizmaster from Kolkata) This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Luann by Greg Evans

Across

Down

1 Easily excused or pardoned (10) 7 Absurdity (8) 8 Arrange in order (4) 9 Main tower of castle (4) 10 Low stuffed seat (7) 12 Not to be endured (11) 14 Frivolous, scatterbrained (7) 16 Movie (4) 19 Merely (4) 20 Praiseworthy (8) 21 High-ranking diplomat (10)

1 Dress (5) 2 Esteem (7) 3 Taverns (4) 4 Opening (8) 5 Lariat (5) 6 Covered walk with shops (6) 11 Fleet of small ships (8) 12 Area surrounded by water (6) 13 Bandit (7) 15 Jewish term for non-Jews (5) 17 Middle-distance runner (5) 18 Ado, bother (4)

Last week’s solution

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Entertainment

‘Official Teaser’ Of Aei Maatite launched G PLUS NEWS

ngeekar Films on Thursday launched the official teaser of the first fulllength Assamese feature film titled Aei Maatite on the problem of witch hunting. At a sober function held at Guwahati Press Club, the film’s Director Dr. Sitanath Lahkar, Editor Dr. A. Nagraj and Sound Designer-cum-Mixer Devabrot Chaliha were present. The teaser has been edited by Hiranya Kalita, who is a faculty of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute. The length of the video clip, which gives the first motion

view of the film, is one minute and three seconds. This video is available online. The ‘action-drama’ film has some very critical scenes, shooting of which were done with utmost care and precision. Such rustic action scenes are hardly seen in Assamese films. The film cinematically showcases some of the inhumane killings in the name of witch hunting. Aei Maatite is directed by independent filmmaker and eminent theatre personality Dr. Sitanath Lahkar and it is an adaptation of his famous stage play TAMASAA on the burning problem of

witch hunting. The story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics have also been penned by Dr Lahkar, who is a retired Principal of Cotton College. Dr. Lahkar said, “It is indeed a matter of immense joy to launch the official teaser for the movie lovers. Through this video clip, the public will get the first glimpse of the film. I sincerely hope that movie enthusiasts will appreciate this promotional clip, which will increase their inquisitiveness about AEI MAATITE manifold.” Angeekar Films received the clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) for Aei Maatite with a U/A certificate without any cut or modification. Aei Maatite 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.

Nilotpal Bora’s tribute to Majuli blazes YouTube

he glory of Assam has been portrayed in words and music since time immemorial. From Bhupen Hazarika’s ‘Burhaluitor Bixaal Baahu’ to this date, artists of Assam have produced music that has portrayed the beauty and vibrancy of Assam in a colourful manner. Nilotpal Bora is one such artist who shot to fame recently for his musical album ‘Pancham.’ The very popular song of the album ‘Majuli’ penned down by Santanu Rowmuria and produced by Nilotpal Bora, which wonderfully portrays the culture of the river island of Assam, Majuli, has taken the YouTube channel by storm and won the hearts of all Assamese people. Nilotpal’s idea behind Pancham was to create good and soul-

ful music, which at the same time would capture the emotion of Assamese people. It was his dream project which took him three years to accomplish. “Majuli as a song, as well as the place, is very close to my heart. The word itself stirs the emotional vibe of the people and the culture of the state. When Santanu produced me with the lyrics, it emotionally revived the bond and attachment I have for the place,” said Nilotpal. All the songs of the album, viz; Gharmua Pokhi, Atiyar Xomoi, Majuli, Lahi Lahi Pahi, O Akash has exclusively made use of traditional musical instruments which are

absolutely classic. In a time frame when every artist is creating music using the modern orchestra, Nilotpal believes the magic and aura of folk instruments to be intensely connecting and soothing. With its true Assamese lyrics, beautiful cinematography, and melodious tune, the song ‘Majuli’ talks about the regional culture and the historical roots of the place. The lyricists of the album ‘Pancham’ are – Zubeen Garg, Santanu Rowmuria, Rahul Gautam Sharma, Sasanka Samir and Nilotpal Bora. The music has been jointly produced by Nilotpal Bora and Ishan Das. The music videos have been directed by Aniruddha Barua and edited by Vikash Rai. Speaking to G Plus about his work in this industry, Nilotpal said, “I have always aimed for producing music for Assam. Although the entire team stays in Mumbai, we all are deeply attached to our homeland and have primarily worked for Assamese music before anything else. Staying in Mumbai, I have learnt a different dimension of music that has always inspired me to

Imaan Imaan Paani to be staged at 6th Colombo International Theatre Festival G PLUS NEWS

‘I

maan Imaan Paani (We are Drowning) ’ directed by Mrinal Jyoti Goswami, Assistant Professor, KK Handique State Open University has been selected to be screened at 6th Colombo International Theatre Festival which will be held from April 3 to 9, 2017 in British School Colombo, Sri Lanka. The play is multilingual, and it will have portions in Assamese, Rabha, Bodo and gibberish. The play is based on Salvador Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’

and Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’. The play showcases temporary affairs and situations on the basis of what we have lost in the form of childhood games which were played with innocence and purity. The play is about the silver linings of old memories, teasing everyone from behind. It finds nostalgia of childhood memories. The title of the play reminds us about the leisure games like, Ganga Rani, Khusti.etc. The video is available on YouTube.

add innovations and create a better level of music than before. I love to produce music in Mumbai because in-things are updated in that city

every day. I get to implement new touches to my music every day. I feel Assam lacks that sense of professionalism.”

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

G Talk E

BHRITTO BRAHMAPUTRA

ur ei xoktik karhi karhi aani, tukei ami bhritto korim/Heer heer xobole kaal roop dhori loi kaak nu barey barey khediso? Jayanta Hazarika sang these immortal closing verses of the iconic “Luitor Boliya Baan” in the late 1970s; the song brings on the goose bumps even today. Why? Is it because the need to subjugate the Brahmaputra and its devastating floods has become a desire in futility which will never see fruition? Or is it just the respectful irreverence of the lyrics shown to the mighty river that affects us? The best part about verse of this kind is that its interpretation is left to the reader. Anyhow, the fact remains that Brahmaputra today is no different than what that mellifluous voice sought to convey all those years ago. The Brahmaputra’s utter disregard for human boundaries (indeed, that is true for all rivers but few with the same impunity) has changed the history, geography and demography of Assam. This mighty He-Man demands our respect, our pranams and the state is on the threshold of completing an extended exercise of the same with the Namami Brahmaputra festival. Yes, festive times are in offing during which the rampaging destruction which it causes will not be forgotten. The festival incorporates the formal signing of two elaborate MoUs which intend, for the first time, to conscientiously work towards controlling the floods and thereafter, using the river as

an international waterway gaining access to the sea – something that is vital for trade. CM Sonowal has been advised by experts that dredging the Brahmaputra will lower its ever-rising bed of sediment deposits thereby increasing its water-carrying capacity. At the moment, this looks like the only plausible solution although the very thought of the exercise being carried out from Sadiya to Dhubri makes the head reel. The other MoU is designed to make the river navigable through the international border to reach the historic Chittagong Port and thereby gain access to the sea. Wars have been fought for such access; Saddam Hussein had known better. The stroke of a pen that is going to give Assam this same access would go a long way towards fostering greater trade for the region. I had personally never imagined that Bangladesh would ever be of any use to Assam but that is besides the point here. The implementation of the both the MoUs is what will be the onerous task of the government. After all the brouhaha of the festival, the song and dance, the controversies over the theme song, the removal of beggars from the vicinity of the venue et al, it would certainly be a darned pity if Assam continues to reel under its annual floods while we, the people continue to pay obeisance to our greatest tormentor. The river has to be controlled – as a bhritto is. SWAPNIL BHARALI EDITOR

Attention to Details!

ell, it’s a great idea for the state to be celebrating and highlighting what is considered to be the ‘lifeline of Assam.’ Whether it is the beauty, tourism, culture, wildlife or economy, a lot of it revolves around the Brahmaputra and it is high time that the government took the river as an asset, not just for the billboards or discourse but by letting people ‘experience the river,’ or more like live it! However, it was not just spending crores of rupees on ads or social media promotions but it required a lot of attention to details. Things like time management, precision of communication or gauging the magnitude of the festival altogether needed to be precise. Please understand that this is not a complaint or a rant, but just an observation. A lot of the communication that was made had grammatical and spelling errors which are not blatant - rather careless and ignorant. If our objective is to make Brahmaputra ‘global’ this is something which would be best avoided. This is not about being a grammar Nazi but just paying attention to details. There were errors that people were uploading screenshots of with red circles as you would with any common criminal on television. When you see ‘snacks’ spelt as ‘snakes,’ it just hurts because you can’t defend this ignorance of the government in any way possible. Everything is everywhere on the internet and critical comments shower the posts. So here’s an appeal to the government that they be a little more careful when they plan to invite the entire world to the state to ensure that everything is error free because first impressions last forever. SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

Arun Sarma & World Theatre Day

“I

t is the nature of the theatre to breed this paradox: that history, which as time goes on, becomes deformed, and mythology, which, as time goes on, becomes established, have their only true moment of reality upon the stage. … … the Theatre is dead, Long Live the Theatre”. These are the first and last lines of the first World Theatre Day message delivered by Jean Cocteau in 1962, on March 27. The International Theatre Institute initiated this celebration of what is probably the oldest means of human communication in 1961; for the international theatre community it has since become an important marker in the annual theatre calendar around the world. We remind ourselves of the fact that in a world that is currently witnessing an upsurge of right wing forces that would thrive on divisiveness and ‘othering’, on elitism and exclusivist tendencies, and on similar principals of ‘my way or the highway’, it is the creative arts alone that can build bridges and touch the lives of communities across the world. And it is in the theatre that we understand this completely; the theatre, more than any other art form, is a communal and polyphonic space that celebrates the multiplicity of voices. It is in the theatre that we can take for granted that the artist is concerned only about the show – the rest is inconsequential. When my son would act in the annual Ram Lila at school that would be directed every year by Anwar sir, it never crossed our minds that it was at all unusual. When Arun Sarma’s Napoleon was staged at Rabindra Bhawan in full French regalia, but in the Assamese language, the play still worked beautifully. When I witnessed a French Pygmalion at

R TRIAL SOLICITED

Stockholm, I understood it perfectly without knowing French. When I heard Namit Das sing a piece in English set to classical Indian music for the upcoming Broadway production of Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding, I wasn’t ready to believe that it would work – but it did. When Shukracharya Rabha did a Rabha Macbeth under the Sal Trees at Badungduppa, the rural folk of Agia rubbed shoulders with the ultra-sophisticated theatre aficionados, and both were charmed equally. It is in these sometimes inexplicable spaces that connections happen, and the artist and the audience is bound together in an enchanting epiphany. Such is the magic of theatre. And so, for people who have spent their lives immersed in this magic of the theatre, it came as a rude shock to wake up to the news of the death of Assam’s greatest living playwright on March 27. And as the news sank in, one had to acknowledge the sense of tragic irony that Arun Sarma had managed to weave into his exeunt – leaving us on World Theatre Day. And coming so quick on the heels of the demise of Heisnam Kanhailal – another theatrical giant from our part of the world – the vacuum will be hard to fill. A self-professed ‘modern’ and unconventional playwright, Arun Sarma’s plays are a powerful exploration of mental and physical states of being that belied his soft-spoken, hospitable and mild mannered personality. Sri Nibaran Bhattacharyya, Purush!, Kukurnechia Manuh and Ahar are considered benchmark plays; the deft and resonant dialogue and a dramatic sense born out a lifelong association with hands-on theatrical production ensure their space in posterity, both on the page and on the stage; for students and for

Opinion

ASHA KUTHARI CHAUDHURI

spectators. Thanks to the efforts of Avinash Sarma, Zerifa Wahid and Kopil Bora who have brought us excellent theatre over the last few years, I was able to see three stage productions of Arun da’s plays – Aditir Atma Katha, Purush! and Napoleon Aru Desiree – and recall reviewing the last two. And how, after each review, Arun da would call up and we would talk theatre. Unfailingly present at the theatre every time someone made an effort to stage something; encouraging the organizers and the artists. When his plays came out in a new translation, he came up to my place personally to give me a copy – I was left speechless by the completely unassuming, unpretentious and genuine humility of the man – make no mistake, this is the true mark of greatness. That he was a well awarded and decorated person (the Padmashri, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Assam Valley Literary Award, the Axom Sahitya Sabha’s Best Playwright Award for two consecutive years… the list seems interminable) is a fact. But that is not who he was. He was a true man of the theatre – and theatre teaches us, as Antonin Artaud reminded us, “We are not free, and the sky can still fall on our heads; and the theatre exists to remind us of this fact”. To come full circle to the fact that the theatre is and will continue to be, as Cocteau put it, the place where histories and mythologies will be interpreted and reinterpreted, where people will connect; and playwrights like Arun Sarma will never die, and will forever be rendered anew in the voices and the bodies of the theatre. Dr. Asha Kuthari Chaudhuri is a professor in English at Gauhati University. She can be reached at ashaakc@gmail.com

Letter to the Editor

fter going through the article published in your weekly about the trauma faced by a few gentlemen who went to the remote hamlet named Bhalukpung for a holiday, I chanced upon a war of words on social media over the issue. The ATDC tourist lodge in Bhalukpung has apparently been given to a famed hospitality management company on lease and which appears to be totally callous towards the concerns shown by the guests when they were robbed of their valuable items during their stay in the resort. It appears to be an inside story but the company has tried to cover up the whole issue as if nothing has happened and they are not responsible by any means. When our state government is seriously striving to promote the tourism industry such incidents play spoilsport. Satisfaction of the guests should be the ultimate mantra of the tourism sector but the attitude (as recalled by the five unfortunate gentlemen on social media) shown by the management of the resort is utterly condemnable. Instead of helping the guests and expressing solidarity with them, the management of the resort has behaved highhandedly and has failed to tackle the situation in a professional manner. That particular incident with the five gentlemen from Guwahati in that resort cannot be categorized as a one-off incident. In fact the whole incident should be investigated by an independent committee. Had that incident involved domestic or foreign tourists it would have bought disgrace to the state and its people. A proper trial in this matter is highly solicited and the management of such resorts should be given a basic training in the tourism hospitality matters; else it will invite doomsday for the tourism sector. Umesh Sarma, Noonmati, Guwahati.

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

In Focus

UTSAH celebrates 6 years of child rights activism

Abhishruti Bezbaruah Singer

n alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, Miguel Das Queah is undoubtedly one of the strongest voices representing the development of children in the region. A crusader of children’s rights, he is the youngest child rights activist of Assam. He founded the Universal Team for Social Help and Action (UTSAH), a prominent child rights agency in 2011. He is also a member of the Child Labour Task Force and Child Protection Committee, Kamrup (M) of the Government of Assam. He is an Acumen India Fellow 2017. UTSAH has completed 6 glorious years of existence. G Plus spoke to the founder of UTSAH and shared his experiences of working in a field that requires the heart of a lion and the patience of a snail. Miguel studied in Don Bosco School, Assam Valley School and then graduated in History from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. Miguel’s father, Milton Queah (originally of Goan descent) is a civil servant from Guwahati and his mother Manashi Das Queah is a retired lecturer of fine arts (Girls’ Polytechnic) from Tezpur. He has two elder brothers Charles (who is into business) and Joshua (who is a singer). Miguel attributes his present work with children to his learning in college. The late night conversations on the middle eastern conflict, unending arguments over north India’s step brotherly treatment towards the northeast, plight of children in the impoverished African continent, listening to the intriguing stories of the Tibetan freedom movement and understanding the cultural significance of Onam were some of the valuable moments that helped him make sense of his own self in relation to this big world. In the midst of sleeplessness, Miguel had learnt the meanings of inclusivity, freedom, justice and cultural expression. Late APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India and author Late Mamoni Raisom Goswami gave Miguel some profound advice that helped him mould himself as a social worker and gave him the emotional strength to start UTSAH that today engages itself in improving the conditions of children in three major slums of Guwahati. Major highlights of UTSAH: UTSAH has a “community based child protection programme” in the Hafiznagar

No 2, Fancy Bazar Gate 3 and Fancy Bazar Gate 4 slum areas of Guwahati, which directly works with 500 children addressing their various protection and development related issues. UTSAH has an anti-child sexual abuse centre named the “POCSO Center” where it provides legal support to excluded children who have been survivors of child sexual abuse in Assam. UTSAH provides training to law enforcement officers, schools and counselors on child rights. This usually covers training on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1956, Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act 2012, The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 amongst others. UTSAH runs a model Child Welfare Committee Programme in collaboration with Aangan Trust, Bombay. This programme involves working to activate protection mechanisms and engaging with key authorities in homes like care-givers and child welfare committee (CWC) members to ensure that they are accountable and active. UTSAH has an active Internship Programme. This Programme has mobilized more than 800 volunteers since 2011 to work for child protection in Assam. Miguel believes that children’s rights are non-negotiable and would like UTSAH to be known as an organization that is always ready to help children who are in need of care and protection as also put up a strong fight in cases where the rights of a child have been violated. A landmark case where UTSAH played a crucial role was the “State vs Mahendra Hazarika 2014” where it able to secure a conviction of 2 years for the perpetrator. This was a case of child sexual assault by a 40 year old man, on a 6 year old girl child. UTSAH provided assistance in the entire case, from registering of the FIR, assisting the police during the process of investigation and giving effective feedback to the judiciary. This was one of the 5 cases of the district where a speedy conviction was achieved.

ames Gates Percival once said - The world is full of poetry. The air is living with its spirit; and the waves dance to the music of its melodies, and sparkle in its brightness. The extraordinary gift that music is, its therapeutic properties can never be undermined. Neither can its entertainment value. And when it comes to traditional music - especially Bihu – our bodily gyrations come automatically because it is all about rhythmic Assamese melody. A classical vocalist collected the same melody and, given her total comprehension and mastery over music, breathed life (read lyrics) into several songs that has touched our hearts and left us grooving at the same time. Apart from the ancestry of Rasaraj Lakshminath Bezbaruah this singer comes from a musically oriented family. Abhishruti Bezbaruah had arrived with a bang with her second single ‘Roi Roi Roti’ which is a folk fusion Bihu track. And that was just the beginning of the story. A classical vocalist, Abhishruti has been trained by maestros Padma Bhushan Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra of the Banaras Gharana and Damodar Bora. Born in Guwahati, Abhishruti spent part of her childhood here before leaving for a boarding school in Rajasthan. She later graduated in Sociology from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and followed it up by studying sound production in Whistling Woods International Institute, Mumbai. Besides being a musician, she is also a sound designer and a sync sound recordist having gathered experience in both Bollywood and Hollywood. However, it was not easy for the talented singer to take interest in classical music during her initial years. A major transition took place when Abhishruti was in 12th grade prior to which she aspired to be a radiologist. “I completed my Visharad when I was in 7th grade. Before that I used to wonder why I was being forced to learn classical music because it is so rigid and requires so much patience and dedication. My Adi Guru Damodar Bora would not let me go without a proper riyaz session. But by the time I was in 12th grade I chose music as my career with no expectations that it would take off the way it did,” Abhishruti said. The singer believes in contributing to music using the soulful natural sounds that the environment around us has to offer and create

something different out of it. Abhishruti’s music stands out as the tracks of the singles that she has released so far were conceptualized using typical local live ambient sounds and ethnic instruments which are heard and associated with the spring season. This track captures the essence of the welcoming spirit of the Rongali Bihu festival in the most Assamese manner possible. “Over the years, while working with the film industry, we had to record a lot of live sounds and I realised that every season has a character of its own. While designing sound we try to add textures to a song. So I tried to encapsulate the spirit of Bihu in one track using a fusion of live sounds and that is how Roi Roi Roti happened,” the singer said. The singer had used various sources of sound such as the cackle of the loom, the call of the cuckoo bird, the dull thuds of traditional rice grinding, the gurgle of the river and numerous others that added ethnicity to the song. The singer recently released another single Tok Dekhi Mor Gaa which is earning her huge applauds on social media platforms. Abhisruti confirmed that it is more or less a sequel to Roi Roi Roti. “This time I concentrated more on the lyrics. I used a lot of rhyming words so that it is more fun to hear and wanted the song to be a little more personal. The song has a romantic angle and teasing and since the essence of Bihu is romance and teasing, I wanted to portray that even girls can tease and it is not always a male domain,” the singer said. The singer with a support team in place comprising people like Diganta Bharati, Ibson Lal Baruah, Samujjal Kashyap and Poran Borkotoky (whom the singer considers her back bone) which is prompt with its work has complemented Abhishruti’s creative genius. She is currently working on her album. The album will have the class of Jazz, the energy of Rock and smoothness of Pop and is likely to hit the charts in July this year. Abhishruti attributes her success to her mother along with her Gurujis besides Kishori Amonkar and Asha Bhosle. Abhisruti was conferred the Young Talent Award for Hindustani Classical Music by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and became the first Assamese to have been adjudged first in the All India Radio Competition held in 2006.

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Review Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds Director: Daniel Espinosa

laustrophobia, paranoia, loneliness, fear of a hostile takeover by anyone or anything. Whatever your anxiety, Daniel Espinosa’s polished space thriller Life is designed to tease it out. Jake Gyllenhaal’s space doctor David is part of a six-person crew parked at a research station somewhere between Earth and Mars. He and his fellow space travelers--among them Rebecca Ferguson’s cucumber-cool CDC rep Miranda and Ryan Reynolds’ wisecracking fix-it guy Rory--have collected some nice red-soil samples from our neighboring planet. Now Hugh (Ariyon Bakare), the crew’s botanist-geneticist, is dropping bits of liquid on them to see if he can summon any signs of life. As if that’s ever been a good idea. There probably isn’t a single element of Life that you haven’t seen before. And like so many movie creatures these days, our little protozoan turned predator owes a debt to Swiss artist--and Alien critter creator--H.R. Giger. What matters more is how Espinosa (Safe House, Child 44) shuf-

VIE MO VIEW RE

fles and recombines familiar elements, more often stoking slow-burning terror than goosing us with jump scares. Part of what makes Life so unsettling is how eerily calming much of it is. The station is a nest of corridors rendered in soothing pearl-gray tones. When the crew members slip into their little space pods for a night of shut-eye, the unknowability of the galaxy becomes a cozy whisper. But when Life jolts awake, the tension is almost unbearable, right up to the brooding, cautionary ending. This is an effective and unsettling piece of filmmaking, partly because Gyllenhaal has one of the most sympathetic faces in movies today--it’s haunted and haunting. His David is the super-principled guy who’ll do anything to save everyone. But he also tells Miranda that he prefers floating in the sky to living on Earth: “I can’t stand what we do to each other down there.” For him, space is the place. But it’s still no respite from a troubled world.

Cast: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehrene Kaur Pirzada Director: Anshai Lal

othing is scarier than falling in love and having the ghosts of your memories together haunt you. But Kanan (Suraj Sharma) is experiencing a haunting of a more specific kind. He isn’t bothered by memories of a former lover, but by an actual ghost-in-love from another era. Kanan marries a tree to ward off back luck before his wedding, and the tree turns out to be the resting place of Shashi (Anushka Sharma), who lived and loved there almost a hundred years ago. As a result of this marriage, Shashi is bound to Kanan, who must figure out a way to take care of the unfinished business that’s causing her to linger around. Conceptually, Phillauri is a winner and that much was evident from the trailer. The idea is superbly original, culturally on point and has great potential. The problem is, you only get what you see in the trailer. Nothing more (and thankfully nothing less). The hilarious, exciting one-line plot develops

Album Triplicate By Bob Dylan

ough and worn in, scratchy and diffident, Triplicate continues Bob Dylan’s extended love song to the great crooners of the last century. Stretched out comfortably over the course of three CDs, the songs on Triplicate reflect the same era of American music with Dylan putting his unique spin on “Stardust,” “You Go To My Head” and “These Foolish Things” and other film and Tin Pan Alley classics. It’s safe to say that none of these songs have ever been arranged or sung before in anything like the way Dylan has envisioned them. No one else would dream of singing these songs like he has. Because Bob Dylan is one of a very few songwriters who has

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into a two-and-a-half hour film that is full of romantic-movie tropes. The invisibility of the ghost can only get so many laughs; the narrative shifts between Shashi’s past and Kanan’s present seem abrupt; the soulful songs are easy on the ears but strain your eyes by adding to the runtime, and most importantly, Shashi’s story (the emotional core of the film) is largely formulaic. The actors sweep in and carry the film, though. With his body language and voice modulation, Suraj Sharma nails the confused-aimless millennial and lightens the mood. Mehreen Pirzada’s helpless and hopelessly-in-love Anu is endearing. Diljit Dosanjh brings his trademark goodness to a rather bland role. And as the translucent ghost (kudos to the VFX team), Anushka delivers a solid performance with a weird mix of sadness and humour. It seems as though Phillauri could have gone in a lot of directions, but it took the road usually travelled.

created original works equal to the standards he is interpreting, he is able to sing with an intimacy and spaciousness that only comes with having nothing to prove. The songs on Triplicate are ones that he had the chance to consider over his long and varied lifetime. It’s fortunate, then, that he’s chosen to share them, when he just as easily could have sung these songs at home in his living room. It would be understandable had he kept his relationship with this music private. Instead, Triplicate allows us to experience the rare and intimate pleasure of listening to an artist connect with, and express the subtle and infinite joys suggested by a great song.

eing a Viking, according to Wolves of Midgard, involves battering oversized wolves for their pelts, performing blood sacrifices to get stronger and kicking the brown stuff out of your closest neighbours for no other reason than just because you can. A gleefully Norse take on the murder and loot formula that Diablo so excellently pioneered all those years ago, Vikings: Wolves of Midgard might not do a whole heap of anything new in regards to pushing the genre forward, but it duly enraptures attention with a solid enough rendition of the fundamentals that it infuses with a charm all its own. Thrusting players axe-first

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Galleria Cinemas HUB 097069 89143 NAAM SHABANA 09:30 AM 12:15 PM 03:00 PM 05:50 PM 09:00 PM

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Game Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard Platform PS 4, PC, Xbox One

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into the depths of Norse mythology, Wolves of Midgard wastes no time in taking advantage of its evocative setting, as would be Vikings find themselves taking on all sorts of enemies ranging from slavering dire wolves to insidious swamp witches and colossal, towering frost giants. Make no mistake, this is essentially Diablo with Viking folk in it and if that appeals then, well, you’re in for somewhat of a treat with Wolves of Midgard. Where things change up a little though, is in how Wolves of Midgard goes about quantifying the precious experience points that it hands over to the player for each successful kill.

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G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Lifestyle

VAASTU SHASTRA

VAASTU RULES DURING NAVRATRI

avratra or Navaratri refers to the nine nights which are observed by the Hindus during the onset of spring and autumn. During autumn, it ends with Durga puja and the Chaitra Navratri ends with Ram Navami which is seen as Lord Ram worshipping Goddess Durga to overpower Ravana. This year, the Chaitra Navratri started on the 28th March and will continue till 5th of April. Navratris mark a change of season i.e. from winter to spring and from autumn to winter. This change of season has a direct effect on our body and the mind. Vaastu, being of vedic origin, is very closely associated with Indian rituals. It has suggested fasting for a period of nine days to cleanse the body and acclimatise ourselves with the changing seasons. Meditation is most authentic way to get involve with God and to improve our karmic deeds. By following proper Vaastu, this can be achieved. The Ghatasthapana is one of the noteworthy ceremonies during Navratri. It denotes the beginning of a nine-day long festivity. The new moon night or Amavasya and night time after sunset, are considered highly inauspicious for Ghatasthapana. A coconut is wrapped in a red cloth on top of a brass ‘Kalash’ and placed on the mount prepared using 7 seeds of 7 different grains. Goddess Durga is then requested to accept your offerings and prayers and to reside at your home for nine days. This must be done in the northeast, north or east part

of the house. The oil lamp or diya must be placed at the southeast. The idols or the pictures of Goddess should be placed on a four legged platform and ideally be placed at least 1 inch away from the wall. The colour of the place of worship should either be white, light blue or lemony green. For puja, only silver and copper utensils are to be used. Use of iron made or stainless steel utensils are strictly prohibited. The goddess should be offered red clothes, red flower, and red lotus. Before the commencement of any puja, vaastu has suggested that the swastika must be made with vermillon (Sindoor) or turmeric powder (Haldi).Swastikas are usually drawn on both sides of the main door. Bells and the conch shell must be sounded to purify the environment. KASTURI BORKOTOKI isifa palette artist and It is believed Kasturi that five knife young girls paints impressionist floral designs in oils. She hails from Guwahati. (Kumaris) are worshipped and offered food Blog: kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com during navaratri, the vaastu defects of a house can be nullified. Generally, the KuKASHMIRI NATH mari puja is doneFoodie, on the or ninth ownereighth at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and day of this auspicious period. expert on Assamese cuisine. Many people also display religious flags at their homes. This flag should be KULKUL changed for a new one RAHMAN during Navratri. Entrepreneur, mother and a The same should passionate be displayed at Northcook. west.

The only way to beat loneliness

How to be happy when you are lonely? ou should feel the freedom! (Laughter from the audience) Look at the birds, how they fly. What is lonely? When there is nobody to bug you, nobody to ask you where did you go? What did you do? Whom did you look at? No control, no obligation, nothing! It is like being a free bird, just jump KASTURI BORKOTOKI around like a bird. You want to put some music on Kasturi is a palette knife artist and paints impressionist floral designs and dance, do it! in oils. She hails from Guwahati. What Blog: do you mean by lonely? Just having a kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com partner does not take away your loneliness, KASHMIRI NATH mind you! There are millions of people who have Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and fallen in love and partners, soul mates, who have expert on Assamese cuisine. married the same person, and yet they feel lonely! Many may not come out and tell you honestly, but RAHMANcouples, “Tell me one secret, if you askKULKUL the ideal Entrepreneur, mother and a passionate do you ever feelcook. lonely or anything like that?” They will say, “Yes!” The only people who don’t feel lonely are the ones who are connected with HEMANTA KUMAR SARMAH Advanced the being,Engineer, withBusinessman, the self. One who is established Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupresspecialist. in the selfsurefeels no loneliness. Only spiritual elevation can take away the loneSHRI SHRI RAVI SHANKAR liness, not soul Founder- Art of Living Foundation. mates.

HEMANTA KUMAR SARMAH Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

Back in business! – Samsung launches Galaxy S8

amsung finally launched its flagship device, the Galaxy S8 putting an end to all the previous ‘explosive’ rumours and now comes with a voice assistant. Galaxy S8 comes in two variants with different screen sizes of 5.8-inch for Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch for Galaxy S8 Plus. The devices will be available from April 21 while registrations will begin from March 30. The tech giant has put in the best combination of hardware and features available to date in the device. In India, the device might be priced starting from Rs 47,000 (approx.). The device also houses Bixby, the new smart voice assistant to rival Google’s Assistant and Apple’s Siri. Bixby can search for restaurants; take screenshots and even book a cab for you all while transitioning between voice and touch seamlessly. The Samsung Galaxy S8 has a bezel-less curved edge called ‘infinity display’ covered with glass and a 12MP rear camera with multi-frame processing and optical image stabilisation.

The device has an 8MP auto-focus front shooter. The Galaxy S8 is water and dust resistant. With iris scanner, face recognition and fingerprint scanner the device has an amazingly tight security. More than just unlocking your phone, Samsung Pass can allow you register your IDs and passwords for websites and later verify your identity securely via your biometric data when you access them. By the way, the phone has no physical home button and has been shifted beneath the ‘infinity display’. The company also launched the Samsung Connect app which will allow its users to control several internet-connected home devices such as refrigerators and TVs. The Samsung DeX was also announced which can transform S8 into a desktop PC. The DeX standalone dock can display your phone apps and media on a monitor. The S8 looks pretty impressive but Samsung must now deliver to move on from the difficulties of 2017 and ensure better and safer batteries. Photo: Techradar

SHRI SHRI RAVI SHANKAR Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

Life’s Painting the Sights and smells of a cityCanvas

Plein Air Series

t was a lovely Sunday when we set out to explore Dadar Parsi colony, in Mumbai, which housed beautiful Parsi houses. Once I reached there I was mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the place, which is also famous for “Five Gardens”. These gardens are actually five beautiful gardens placed in the Parsi colony, between King’s Circle and Dadar in Mumbai, inhabited by the Parsi community. The houses were beautiful and colonial, with characteristic, spacious balconies lined with pretty flowers and greens. Each balcony had beautiful wooden carved railings. The whole place is lined with green trees and one could walk from one garden to the other, enjoying the serene and calm atmosphere. People moved about at their own pace and the gardens were full of children playing and aged

couples walking. On one side, leading towards Dadar lay the beautiful Agiary (place of worship). As I drank in the sights, I had forgotten that I had come to paint! I got confused about what I should paint. Each scene was more beautiful than the other! Should I paint the lush gardens? Or should I paint one of the beautiful facades? The balconies particularly held my attention. I made some quick sketches and took some photos and eventually painted a Parsi balcony at home from the reference photo clicked by a friend. This particular balcony looked inviting

~ Dadar Parsi Colony

and I wondered who the people were living inside. The greens burst out from bamboo ‘pots’ strung from the upper part of the balcony and there were red flowers blooming brightly, threatening to spill out! It was a pleasure capturing this back on the canvas and freezing it forever! I knew then that I would be making more art trip to this place and I did actually go back for more. Indeed, sketching or painting a live scene gives a totally different experience and delight as opposed to simple sight-seeing. There are more interesting scenes that I shall write about, as I continue this series. We have several iconic places in Guwahati as well. Hope some are inspired to set out and sketch some city scenes, after reading this! Watch this space for more interesting stories about painting a city! 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 APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Photo Feature

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest River Festival gets underway! Being celebrated across 21 districts of the State, the Government of Assam brings to the country Namami Brahmaputra which has been dubbed as the largest river festival and aims to highlight Brahmaputra on the global stage.

The ceremonial lamp lighting at the venue by the dignitaries

The Satradhikars of Majuli at the inaugural function of Namami Brahmaputra who were personally welcomed by CM Sarbananda Sonowal

President Pranab Mukherjee delivering the inaugural speech where he declared the festival OPEN FOR ALL!

Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay delivering a speech where he highlighted the importance of the friendship between India and Bhutan

The welcoming march!

Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivering a speech

Pragya Parmita (L) and Kopil Bora (R) host the inaugural function for the programme

A sea of people throng to the banks of the Brahmaputra to attend the inaugural fuction.

A glimpse of the massive crowd for the cultural evening

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Events

City Special

The Roodraksh Mall at Bhangagarh was declared open on Wednesday and has given Guwahatians a new destination for shopping for fashion and lifestyle, eating (food court) along with a rooftop restaurant. It is spread over 2 lac sq. ft, and boasts of 4 floors of shopping!

EVOLUTiON 3.0 ft. TRiSTAN (UK) & Starling Venue: Greenwood Resort Khanapara, 26th March (Sunday) Hundreds of Guwahatians turned up for a night of Psy-trance music and slayed the audience with his music! TRISTAN has played at all Psytrance festivals across the globe.

Ladies and Acoustic Nights Venue: NYX, Hotel Palacio

Nibir Bhuyan with his wife Manoja Das

A glimpse of Ladies Night (22nd March) and Acoustic Nights with Drift (24th March) at Hotel Palacio.

Stuti Choudhury of Drift poses with a friend

The NorthEast Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forum, an initiative to support Home Bakers of the region, conducted their first workshop in association with Vivanta by Taj. An enriching experience altogether, the entire team was given the opportunity of learning the nuances of fine cooking and dining. Venue: Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati

Varun Vohra rocking the sets at NYX

G PLUS APR 01 - APR 07, 2017

Catching Up

New

Chick