G Plus Vol 4 Issue 27 by G Plus

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Himanta and Parimal are the top performing ministersâ&#x20AC;? Ranjit Kumar Das, BJP state president

PG 12

City gold market set to be bullish on Akshay Tritiya

Oh My GOLD!

PG 10

PG 11

Akshaya T ri

Special a tiy

VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 27 APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017 PRICE `10

Bahubali wrestles local film out of theatres Kalyan Deb

(L-R) Kenny Basumatary, Durlov Baruah and Utkal Hazowari addressing the media

he origin of Assamese cinema can be traced back to the dreams and imagination of the revolutionary visionary, Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, who first captured his ideas onto reel over 80 years ago making one of the first ever Indian movie. From those heady days and the dizzying heights of the 1960s through the 1980s, Assamese cinema today wears a garb of apathy. Despite having some talented and significant filmmakers, the Assamese film industry and its productions are not quite known in the rest of India. Forget about the nation, there are a large number of people in the state itself who

have never found a chance to be acquainted with Assamese cinema. There is no second opinion that the Assamese film industry has been on a struggling path to ensure its continued existence and this battle has turned harder over the last 10 years. For the sake of trivia, Rupkonwar had to release his film in Raunaq Cinema in Calcutta because there was no cinema hall in Assam. Having said this, the bigger tragedy is that even after 80 years, filmmakers from the state are still struggling to find adequate facilities to screen their films making it a travesty to call filmmaking in Assam an industry. A similar tragedy Continued on page 2

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Lead Story

Bahubali wrestles local film out of theatres

Continued from page 1

The production team of Local Kung Fu 2 urges government intervention to check domination of local cinema halls by “national distributors”

Posters of Bahubali 2 (L) and Local Kung Fu 2 (R)

has recurred with the sequel of the cult comedy Local Kung Fu.

The kick starter The team of Local Kung Fu 2 (the sequel), while addressing a press conference here, mentioned that the film opened to houseful shows in many theatres. But it is now set to lose revenue and a lot of fans will be deprived from enjoying the comedy as cinema owners aren’t bullish on the film’s prospects. “We faced a lot of difficulties in getting a Wednesday release for Local Kung Fu 2. While some theatres in Assam supported us, most refused to give us more shows despite the limited number of shows doing good business. Is this the way cinema hall owners treat local cinema? I am shocked to say the least,” said director of the movie and actor Kenny Deori Basumatary while addressing media persons on Wednesday. Local Kung Fu 2 which is based on William Shakespeare’s play “Comedy of Errors” opened to a thunderous response across the state on Wednesday, 19th April. It was informed that shows at PVR Guwahati, Inox Jorhat, Anuradha Cineplex Guwahati and various places in Assam were booked to over 80% capacity online and the rest of the seats filled up through counter sales much before the shows actually began. “We got to see the success of Local Kung Fu 2 with our own eyes from the houseful shows at PVR Guwahati on the first few days. The audience really appreciated the film and we got a standing ovation after the show ended. We also came to know that Inox Jorhat

was houseful on the first day itself. That was a really wonderful feeling. Some halls were unable to give us good timings as they are controlled from outside Assam. But looking at the success of the film in its first two days, we eventually got evening shows in a few halls,” Kenny Deori Basumatary said. But the joy was short-lived as, allegedly under the pressure of big Bollywood banners, the local cinema hall owners chose to drop the Assamese movie in favour of a Bollywood release. Kenny Basumatary said, “If no one was watching our film, it’s quite obvious that theatre owners would remove it. But it’s doing really well, getting housefuls and tremendous response. So why should an Assamese film be removed from Assam’s theatres by people sitting in Bangalore and Delhi who are controlling the cinema halls here? Would Telegu/Tamil/Marathi/ Bengali films be removed like this in their states? And if we let outsiders control us like this, well, I might as well stop trying to make Assamese movies and focus on my Mumbai career.” Executive producer Durlov Baruah said, “An Assamese film gets around 40 halls, out of which around 20 are not in good condition. So, we have just 20 halls to break even. Even if all shows are houseful, 20 halls cannot give us profitability in a week because unlike Bollywood films, we do not have thousands of opportunities to screen our movies outside Assam. If the film is not doing well, it is understandable to drop it, but in spite of Local Kung Fu 2 doing so well, we are looking at an uncertain fu-

ture. In one week, we have hardly managed to collect about Rs. 6-6.5 lakhs.” “This is not a case of being emotional for Assamese cinema; rather, the film has proved its calibre. So why not be just and give us a fair chance at earning what we have spent? When a good product is delivered, we have to stand together and protect its rights, be it regional art, regional music or regional cinema. Ironically, they can’t even say that they are not getting business this time,” he added. Basumatary also mentioned that the governments in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kolkata have specified mandated slots for their regional movies. He urged Assam government’s intervention in order to mitigate the domination of national distributers and producers. “In Maharashtra the government has mandated that there has to be one show for a Marathi movie between 6 pm to 9 pm and that is what has helped Marathi movies to survive. Even actors like Ritesh Deshmukh who is active in both Hindi and Marathi movies had welcomed the move because a 2.5 crore rupee Marathi movie cannot compete with a 50 crore rupee Bollywood movie,” Basumatary said.

owners have a different tale to tell which puts a question mark over the people’s interest towards Assamese cinema. Some of the cinema hall owners and distributers have dismissed the stranglehold of national distributors over cinema halls in Assam. Moreover, some practical facts were shared by some of the distributors of As-

that help us run the cinema hall,” said Chinmoy Sharma, owner of Anuradha Cineplex adding that, “We run Assamese cinema and even suffer losses but we still remain quiet because we have our roots attached to the land but what saddens us is that there is no appreciation at all.” Few other cinema hall owners

samese cinema. It was mentioned that the producers of some of the Bolloywood movies plan the release dates several months in advance. “There is no lobby system or dominance of national distributors over Assamese cinema halls. It is just that the release date of some of the big budget movies are announced months ahead and the producers book the cinema halls two to three months prior to the release date. It happens with only a few movies such as those of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and some other exceptional movies. Similar is the situation with Salman Khan’s “Tubelight” which will be released

The executive producer mentioned, “We like to make movies and people like to watch movies but the path that connects us to the audience requires government intervention and only then Assamese cinema can revive.” It was also mentioned that the Assamese filmmakers’ have been creating hue and cry almost every other day but the dominance of the big names has to be amputated which can only be done by the government.

on 25th June. Meanwhile, as far Anuradha Cinema is concerned we had given them additional two days by releasing it on Wednesday which is very difficult for us as we had to remove another movie. It was followed by prime time slots in the day and when we saw that the movie was doing well, we gave them an additional night show from Monday onwards. It will only be justified for a movie to go to the second week if it makes 40 to 50 per cent sales while Local Kung Fu 2 in the past few days did only 10 to 11 per cent sales. Moreover, it is only through these 6 to 7 movies

opined that they are termed as villains when it comes to Assamese cinema but nobody asks for the collection figures of Assamese cinema. It was mentioned that there has not been a major Bollywood release in the past but no Assamese cinema was successful. It was also mentioned that the last five to six Assamese movies have managed to collect just Rs 3,00,000 from 40 cinema halls across the state. “There is no truth in it when people say that the cinema halls are dominated by national distributors. One would not care to look for the collection made by past five to six Assamese movies. Most of the cinema halls only survive on the few big budget movies. The figures of Assamese cinema in some of the places where the movies are most watched are pitiful,” said a cinema hall owner on condition of anonymity. G Plus has reported constantly whenever this sensitive topic has come over the past one and a half years. With the erstwhile Congress government, it was a case of a faulty film policy and filmmakers were up in arms demanding a change in the same. Following the BJP government taking over, a change in the film policy was announced but the clauses remain to be implemented. Whatever be the pitfalls for the Assamese film industry, all stakeholders including the government, need to seriously reprise their roles so as to ensure that Assamese cinema continues to survive and good cinema like Local Kung Fu finds scope to thrive.

The hall owners’ side Meanwhile, the cinema hall

kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Crime

CID, Dispur police register case against controversial cop Rahul Chanda

Suspended on one occasion earlier for allegedly posting a hate speech against Muslims, DSP Anjan Bora this time is booked for posting comments which mentions about sex trade inside the Assam Secretariat

n February 2016, the controversial cop, the then DSP of Karbi Anglong District Anjan Bora was suspended for posting hateful comments against Muslims on Facebook. Bora allegedly posted messages inciting hatred towards Muslims. Bora has a large numbers of friends on the social networking platform and many supported his comment. This time again, the police officer has created another controversy with his post on the social networking site which compelled the BJP and also the police department and an IGP level officer to file a complaint with the CID against Bora. What is the comment and what is the complaint? Will he get arrested? G Plus talks to the complainants.

The comment Bora had allegedly posted a comment which said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚEgoraki BJP Bidhaikai Nijor office room t manuhor logot sticky ghrinonia bhabe nij deha bikri kore. Rate Rs 100000/cash for 3 hrs in office room

DSP Anjan Borah | File photo

situated at secretariat.â&#x20AC;? Loosely translated, this would read as follows: One BJP lady MLA sells her body in her office situated in secretariat. The comment also said that her name is not Chakraborty. The comment went viral and the authorities came to know about the incident. IGP Administration, Pradip Chandra Saloi, filed a complaint against Bora with the CID. Saloi, talking to G Plus, said that the serving officer should not have posted such a comment which puts the government in a bad light as the leaders of the state sit in the

Secretariat and a false comment like this cannot be tolerated. He said that Bora is posted as a DSP in 23rd IRB. Regarding his suspension, Saloi said that it is the state government who can suspend an official, and the government might probably be soon issuing his suspension notice. The BJP also was irked with the comment and registered a complaint with the Dispur police. BJP spokesperson Mehdi Alam Bora, talking to G Plus, said that the party is very upset with such baseless rumours spread by a serving police officer and they have asked the police to take strict legal action against Bora who is trying to defame the government and its leaders. So will Bora be arrested?

Will Bora be arrested? A CID senior official talking to G plus said that as the case is registered under IT Act, firstly the account from which the post was made will be verified. The IP ad-

dress and other technical details will be extracted and matched with the IP address of Bora. The official said that after all the evidence is collected, if required, the accused will be arrested. Similarly, even the Dispur police, talking to G Plus, said that the BJP had registered a case (No. 1023/14) on 27th April, and a thorough investigation will be done after which, if required, Bora will be arrested. Meanwhile, G Plus tried contacting Bora over phone but his number was switched off. Whatever be the case, the police officer seems to be using the social networking site pretty often to create controversies. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

In The News

City jewellers under sleuths’ radar for gold smuggling

Rahul Chanda

Demonetisation had badly affected the gold smuggling nexus but with seizure of smuggled gold worth Rs 6.60 crore in April the smugglers’ operations seem revitalized

Gold bricks recovered during a routine check at Guwahati Railway Station | File Photo

ecently, the Guwahati Railway Police (GRP) arrested one person with 3 kgs of gold from the railway station. Similarly, the city police and the customs department, from time to time, keep seizing smuggled gold from the city’s transit spots like the railway station and the airport. According to media reports in September 2016, a Guwahati-based bullion trader Narendra Kumar Jain was arrested for smuggling 7,000 kgs of gold through the Indo-Myanmar border and taking it to Delhi. A probe from revenue intelligence officials revealed that the trader had made hundreds of smuggling trips and is said to be the mastermind of a Rs 2,000 crore smuggling racket. In the recent Guwahati Railway Station case, the person arrested was handed over to the customs and after investigation the customs officials arrested two more persons who were linked to the nexus - one from Rangia and the other from Lakhtokia in Guwahati. So how big is the gold smuggling racket in Guwahati? Is Guwahati just a transit point or are there some buyers of contraband gold here too? From where does the smuggled gold come and what is the route? G Plus looks into the scenario.

The route Smuggled gold actually comes in to the northeast from countries like Myanmar, Thailand, China and Bangladesh. In most of the recent cases, the customs department and the directorate of revenue intelligence have mostly been involved

in seizing such gold coming in from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The police are in constant touch with the customs, and if there is a seizure, the case gets handed over to the customs. Similarly, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the major intelligence agency which is engaged in

Number of gold bars (2017)

Weight (grams)

Worth (rupees)

4314.26

1,26,83,924

14940.300

4,39,24,482

3042.43

93,09,836

TOTAL: 53

22296.99

6,59,18,242

Number of gold bars

Weight (grams)

Worth (rupees)

(2016) 08

1328.24

38,75,804

331.78

10,35,485

1499.87

48,04,084

1658.88

53,89,701

1439.88

43,45,558

4477.69

1,35,40,535

TOTAL: 47

10736.34

3,29,91,167

eradicating smuggling of drugs, gold, diamonds, electronics, foreign currency, counterfeit Indian currency, etc. also from time to time seizes smuggled gold based on intelligence inputs. According to highly placed sources in the DRI, these days gold is majorly coming from Myanmar. The smuggled gold crosses the border and reaches Moreh. From Moreh, it reaches Imphal, then Dimapur. From Dimapur it comes to Guwahati and then gets smuggled into West Bengal, Delhi or Chennai. Similarly, gold also gets smuggled from Bangladesh through Tripura, Karimganj, Silchar, Guwahati, West Bengal or Delhi or Chennai. Whatever smuggled gold comes in has to cross Guwahati, but sometimes, it crosses Guwahati via airplanes and does not touch the city. In 2016, there were quite a number of gold seizures reported in the city. In 2017, 3 cases of smuggled gold seizures were registered - all in the month of April.

The racket The city police hand over all the cases to the customs department, whereas the DRI investigates the cases themselves. The gold seized by the city police is from different trains at the Guwahati Railway Station, whereas DRI seizes gold from buses and trucks as well. According to the sources in the DRI, the top bosses of the entire gold smuggling racket are big time traders sitting in major cities and it is very tough to reach them. The carriers who actually smuggle the gold are small time unemployed people who get peanuts for their precarious work. But, the carriers are very trustworthy and do not open their mouths in spite of being subjected to various methods of interrogation. The phone numbers which they are usually in touch with do not work when the investigators try to acquire clues of the racket. The gold smuggling majorly happens through Hawala. Hawala is a method of transferring money without any actual movement of cash. One definition from Interpol is that Hawala is “money transfer without money movement.” Transactions be-

tween Hawala brokers are done without promissory notes because the system is heavily based on trust. These days some barter systems have also come to light in smuggling. Gold smuggling bosses in India send red sandalwood, medicine, Phensedyl, clothes, etc. to the gold seller based in Myanmar and Bangladesh in return for the gold received. The DRI source said that after demonetisation the racket was badly affected but the movement has started again and the three seizures in April this year indicate that the smugglers are active now.

Guwahati and gold smuggling racket

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

In The News According to highly placed sources in the DRI, there might be a smuggled gold market in Guwahati too, but it has not been busted yet. Guwahati has many gold traders and people buy a lot of gold ornaments here too. It is

Guwahati Railway Police (GRP) arrested four persons and seized 3 kg of gold besides drugs from their possession during a routine check at Guwahati railway station on Monday

doubted that all traders might not be importing all the gold sold to the customers. No doubt Guwahati is the main transit point for gold smugglers in the northeast, but it might also have a market where smuggled gold is bought and sold. Similarly, sources in the city police informed that there are many hidden entry within the

railway station which are used by the smugglers to avoid checks by the scanners. A source in the customs, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that as Narendra Jain was arrested in Delhi, it was known that the city has a market for smuggled gold. The source said that even the recent gold seizure led to the arrested of a jeweller from Lakhtokia who was linked to the racket as he used to

melt the smuggled gold. The custom source said that at present the city jewellers are under scanner as some are involved in buying and selling smuggled gold. The source said that the jewellers who buy smuggled gold buy half the gold legally and half illegally, later melt and mix both and with fake receipts prove that they sell only the gold bought legally. The source said that the renowned brands do not indulge in such illegal business as they are under some companies and the main makers are sitting outside. But small time jewellers are doubted the most and therefore they are under scanner. People smuggle gold to save huge amounts of tax which is to be paid to the government. The entire process is black and somehow it hampers the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy in a major way. Transactions in crores of rupees take place without the knowledge of the government and various black markets are gradually increasing in the country. Guwahati is also not far from it and the exact solution to this vexed issue is far from sight.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

City

APMU oppose Road Transport and Safety Bill 2016

G Plus news

The road transport workers association has gone on a 24-hour strike opposing the amendment of MV Act, 1988 and demanded implementation of the minimum wages for the workers of commercial vehicles

Public transport vehicles lying idle at ISBT during the strike

ommuters are always harassed by private city buses with their rash driving and violation of traffic rules but

no one seems to take responsibility to rectify the problem. In the meantime, the road transport workers have opposed the deci-

sion of the centre for amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 despite of violation of norms. The four workers’ associations, Asom Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU), All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation (AIRTWF), All Assam Motor Shramik Federation (AAMSF) and All Assam Motor Shramik Jutiya Parishad (AAMSJP) called a strike on 25th April against the Road Transport and Safety Bill 2016 and said that the government wants to deprive the road transport workers off their benefits. Speaking to G Plus, General Secretary of All Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union, Ramen Das said, “The government has increased fees for license registration, insurance, permit etc. by 300%. Earlier the fee for per-

mit was Rs. 6,000 but now it has been increased to Rs. 18,000. We have to renew the permit every 3 months and if we have to renew it with Rs. 18,000 then how will we run our families? Same is the case with registration fees, insurance etc. and if we have to spend such huge money with regard to the permission then we will incur huge losses. The government has also asked to install GPS in three wheelers which will create problem for the drivers and therefore we have asked for the withdrawal of the decision of installing GPS in three wheelers.” Das further informed that they have also demanded the formation of a Construction Workers’ Welfare Board and to provide medical facilities, education to the children of the drivers free

of cost, pension and claim accidental benefits on duty. On being asked about the violation of rules and regulations by the bus drivers, Das said, “There are no proper laws implemented by the transport department and we can ask them to follow the rules but can’t bind them to abide by the rules as they are not provided with any facilities by the government. The government has not yet implemented the minimum wages for the drivers’ and the owners do not take any responsibility.” He said that they don’t have any social security and therefore they have demanded implementation of the minimum wages and that the drivers should be provided with proper training so that they do not violate the traffic rules.

BBCI introduces DM in Medical Course

G Plus news

Central government permits BBCI to start super-specialty in DM in Medical Oncology from the academic session 2017-18.

n a significant development in Oncology education in the north-eastern region, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India has given permission to Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati to start super-specialty DM in Medical Oncology course from the academic session 2017-18. It may also be stated that the Medical Council of India had already given permission to start MD in Radiation Oncology and M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute. With DM in Medical Oncology, BBCI now can boast of conducting post-graduate and super-specialty courses in all disciplines of oncology viz. Radiotherapy, Surgical Oncology & Medical Oncology for the first time in the north-eastern region. At present, DM in Medical Oncology is offered in 19 institutions across the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. DM in Medical Oncology course is currently not available in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute also conducts M.Sc. course in Medical Physics, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and Post-Graduate Fellowship Programme in Head & Neck Oncology, Medical Oncology,

are also conducted by the Institute. MD in Radiotherapy, M.Ch. in Surgical Oncology, M.Sc. in Radiological Physics, Ph.D in Biological Sciences, etc. are conducted under Srimanta Sankardeva University of Health Sciences, Assam and Gauhati University. AIMS, Kochi and BBCI can be mutually supportive for capacity development in various fields of oncology, clinical & academic collaboration and advancement of research projects for the benefit of the people of the country and the north-eastern region in particular. Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute | File Photo

Surgical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology and Onco-Pathology in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Director of BBCI Dr A C Kataki said, “There is acute shortage of oncologists in India and northeast in particular. I hope that over a period of time the manpower shortage in oncology can be overcome as many cancer centres are coming up in the north-eastern region. BBCI will work for capacity development in oncology for which Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has already started construction of ‘Capacity Development Centre in Oncology’ at BBCI with grants-inaid of Rs. 3.98 crores under SCR

scheme.” Dr. Kataki complemented Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam for providing all the support to BBCI to start various academic courses in Oncology. He also acknowledged the support of Dr. KS Sharma, Academic Director of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai for continuous encouragement to start these courses. Hon’ble DoNER Minister of India Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BBCI, laid emphasis on capacity development in Oncology and to develop the institute as Centre of Excellence for can-

cer treatment, education and research. Director, BBCI congratulated all the faculties and the staffs of the Institute for this remarkable achievement. More than 10,000 new cancer patients and approximately 80,000 old cancer patients visit the institute every year. A DBT Centre for Molecular Biology and Cancer Research was started in February 2010. The Institute has Population and Hospital Based Cancer Registry under National Cancer Registry Programme of Indian Council of Medical Research. It is involved in many research projects at present. Post Graduate Programmes in medical & para–medical subjects

yy yy

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Hike in fish prices affecting the market Below is a list showing the price hike in all the various popular fishes sold in Uzan Bazarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wholesale market while comparing them to their earlier prices:

A city fish market | File Photo

he recent rise in prices of fish has resulted in a huge imbalance in the market. The fishermen are being deeply affected as the total buying and selling pattern has received a jerk because of the ongoing fluctuation. The markets as of the past few weeks have looked pretty damp and lacked the regular commotion and activity. Talking to the working President of the Committee of Uzan Bazarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wholesale fish market, Mr. Harit Medhi we got to know that the reason behind such hike in prices is because the fishes are in short supply due to the approaching floods. This also being the breeding season, makes it inadvisable to fish in bulk this time of the year. He further said that the scarcity of fishes is also the result of certain unauthorized fishing activities like the use of minute fishing nets which

spoil the fish eggs and the lack of proper action against such illegal activities. We talked to another senior member of the Committee, Mr. Gautam Das who further told us that the current price hike might last till the end of July, as the low rates of fish production will come to an end by the starting weeks of August approximately. According to government norms the activity of fishing is halted for the months of May, June and July and currently all the stocked fishes are being traded in the market which is resulting in a crisis in the quantity of fishes being sold in the market. He also added that the current fish breeding facilities in the city are not receiving proper help and co-operation from the state government. And that no funding or any other significant help is being provided to the fisheries or the fishermen.

Bharalu police arrests notorious drug peddler

n an eyebrow raising incident, Bharalu Police arrested a drug peddler along with a drug addict. The Bharalu Police, talking to G Plus, said that on 27th April they received some information that a notorious drug peddler will crack a deal under the Aathgaon flyover. The police was immediately alerted and sent some men in civil clothes. At around 2.45 pm Arijit Das (addict) of Rehabari reached the spot and met Mubarak Ali. Police gheraod the duo and arrested them. The police said that Mubarak

Ali is the notorious peddler who sells drugs to youths and even to minors. Ali hails from Dhirenpara but now he lives in the slums located near the railway tracks in Fancy Bazar. Police is investigating the case as, according to them, Ali is a part of a big nexus, and only after his interrogation it will be known who is the leader of the nexus in the city. Last year the police carried out various special drives to eradicate the drug menace in the state, but with incidents like these it appears that the issue is still prevalent in the city.

As a consequence of the rise in prices not only the fishermen but the buyers have also met with difficulties. Talking the fishermen and buyers alike we found out that many frequenters to the market are

Fish

Previous Price (Rs. /kg)

Current Price (Rs. /kg)

Prawn

450

600

Chital

400

600

Khol

350

400-500 (depending on the fish weight)

Boroliya

280

400

Rohu

350

400

City

Ria Mazumder

now visiting less often, which is resulting in huge losses to the wholesale fish business in the area. Many of the buyers who are not economically very sound have lessened buying fishes as the prices are proving to be too expensive for them. In his concluding statement, Mr. Harit Medhi said that the wholesale fish market of Uzan Bazar is one of the oldest markets in the city and a source of employment and livelihood for the ever increasing population in the area. He, very sentimentally expressed that the state government should extend more help towards the local fishermen as it helps eradicate the employment problem to a great extent.

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Snippets

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale meets Purohit

nion Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale called on the Governor of Assam Banwarilal Purohit at Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening and discussed several development issues concerning Assam. Athawale apprised the Governor of the initiatives that the Centre has been taking for the welfare and social development of all sections of the people of the State. He also informed the

Record number of awardees register at 26th GU Convocation

he Gauhati University (GU) has released notification for the 26th Convocation for conferring degrees to successful candidates (of both regular and distance mode) of all degree examinations of the period from 1st January, 2014 up to 31st December, 2016. The convocation is scheduled be held on 28th April in the BKB Auditorium on the university premises where degrees will also be conferred to the candidate(s), who obtained their D.Litt., D.Sc., Ph.D., & M.

Phil degrees from GU during the aforementioned period. The event will be presided over by Assam Governor and Chancellor of GU Banwarilal Purohit. The convocation will also be graced by the presence of Bharat Ratna and renowned scientist Prof. CNR Rao as the chief guest of the program. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will be the guests of honour. Meanwhile, the Registrar, GU, notified that a record number of awardees —more

PM to inaugurate Dhola-Sadiya bridge on 24th May, also to lay AIIMS foundation

Governor that his ministry is on the verge of taking on several programmes to uplift of the economically down trodden section of the society. Governor Purohit while acknowledging several steps of the centre for ensuring social security of the weaker sections of the people requested the Union Minister to take up projects for the all round development of women, children and the differently abled persons in the State.

o complete BJP’s first year in office with a bang in Assam on May 24, according to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Dhola-Sadiya bridge on the Brahmaputra, the country’s longest bridge, making way for Indian troops in the Chinese front in the easternmost corner

of Arunachal Pradesh much easier and quicker. Modi is also expected to lay the foundation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on the same day at Changsari on the outskirts of Guwahati. The 9.15-km-long bridge, construction of which was started in 2010, will connect Dhola on the southern bank of

the Brahmaputra with Sadiya on the other bank, offering easy access to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The location of AIIMS continues to lie in controversy after people in central Assam have been demanding the setting up of the institution at Raha in Nagoan District instead of the present location at Changsari.

Assam Governor attends a Yagna on the occasion of Damodar dev Tithi

APW slams Congress for NRC updation delay he Assam Public Works (APW), an NGO, has recently blamed the former Congress government for not updating the National Register of Citizenship (NRC) in the state on time. The apex court recently asked the Centre, state government and other organizations to file their written submissions on the matter by May 1 and fixed the hearing on May 8. “The decision by the previous Congress government of accepting ration cards and panchayat documents as valid documents for NRC ver-

than 1,400 —have registered for different degrees at the convocation. According to the notification, all the registered applicants are to report at 10 am for robing and other necessary formalities at the Students’ Day Home located near PGSU office of the varsity. The notification further stated that the registration counter would be closed at 12 noon. After completion of registration and robing, the academic procession will start at 1.15 pm and the convocation will begin at 2 pm.

ification has created hurdles in NRC update. It was part of a conspiracy to accommodate illegal Bangladeshis here for vote-bank politics,” APW president Abhijeet Sarma said recently. He also said that already the Centre has expressed its objection to accepting ration cards as a valid document for NRC update. The ongoing updation process has faced issues following a Gauhati High Court ruling saying that certificates issued by panchayats secretaries cannot be regarded as a public document.

ssam Governor Banwarilal Purohit attended a Vishnu Yagna organised in sync with Damodar Dev tithi by Deva Damodar Sanskritik Gaveshana Kendra at Paltan Bazar on Thursday today to seek blessings for the welfare of the people of the State. Addressing the programme

Purohit said, “Yagna holds an important position in our society since ages. It is performed to nip the negative energies in the bud and purify and sanctify the society with positivities. The philosophies of yagna teach us to promote good human values and live in harmony with all living being.” Governor Purohit also said

that Indian culture is the most ancient at the same time very deep-rooted because of its strong link with the religion. Though several attempts were made to disintegrate this composite culture, all such attempts were thwarted because of its inseparable link with the religion, Purohit added. Lauding the culture and the people of Assam, the Governor said, “The Assamese culture and the faith of the people are shaped by the great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev who has a great influence in promoting and establishing the Assamese culture worldwide. Satradhikar of Patbaushi Satra Shri Guru Krishna Goswami, President of Deva Damodar Sanskritik Gaveshana Kendra Shri Shiba Prasad Sharma Doloi along with a host of other dignitaries were present at the programme.

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

Storm

29°/21° C

30°/22° C

SATURDAY

Storm

29°/21° C

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Feature

A treat from the ‘grandparents’ Kalyan Deb

A retired couple’s small eatery venture is making a name as a joint serving piping hot, freshly cooked healthy meals at the most reasonable prices which is done in the regular eatery, restaurant or food van but a customer can opt for a single chunk of meat for a nominal amount. Pratima, along with her household duties, chose more than to be just a housewife and started the eatery along with another partner. However, due to certain complications the other partner had to part ways and that is when Dino joined the business. During its initial days the eatery only served Puri Sabji during the morning hours but from January 2015 the ‘hotel’ started serving food during the lunch hours and soon managed to gather the office-goers in and around the area. Such is the popularity of the food served in the diner that the limited sitting arrangement does not stand as a hindrance as the customers

Mr. and Mrs. Basumatary serving its loyal clientele at their eatery

irginia Woolf had once said that one cannot think well, love well and sleep well if one has not dined well. Food, along with its other nourishing benefits also helps us in focusing better and a foodie would definitely relate to it. After all, one just cannot think straight on an empty stomach. While eating out was once considered a luxury or an exception rather than the rule, today it has become a necessity and a part of the daily schedule of Guwahatians. With the countless number of eateries covering every nook and corner of Guwahati and the variety of cuisines offered by them, there is a particular section of people which craves for homemade food when it comes to lunch. The working class, to be specific, are the ones for whom eating out at even a comparatively reasonably priced restaurant can burn a hole in their pocket and yet they cannot carry their lunch from home; after all cold food is not something one nor-

mally prefers. This is when a particular type of eatery comes into the picture. Such eateries offer a platter with some rice, dal, a mixture of different vegetables complemented by some chutney to spice up the meal and the meal comes at a very reasonable price. One can also choose an additional non-vegetarian preparation for a few extra bucks. Such eateries, commonly called ‘hotels,’ - some with a name for itself and some without – can be seen in several crannies of the city. Although generally not too expensive, the cost of whetting your appetite might vary in such eateries. While most of them are least bothered about standing out and prefer to stick to the conventional methods of selling their fares there is one eatery that has caught the fancy of its small clientele and not without reason. An eatery with the capacity of serving only eight people at a time, it is one such diner that is in mas-

Platter of rice, dal, mixed veg and sidal (fermented fish) chutney for Rs. 40 Opt for chicken, pork or fish for Rs 20 a plate

You can also go for a single piece of chicken or pork for Rs 5 sive demand among its regulars. Started around five years ago the eatery located at Kachari Basti Road in Ulubari is currently run by a married and rather aged couple. Pratima Basumatary and Dino Basumatary not only just offer food at a substantially reasonable rate but also ensure very frugal use of spices. Moreover, the duo’s eatery is also known for not sticking to the plate system

Lighter and faster

Scan the QR code

Get the G Plus app

choose to wait for their turn. During lunch hours people in tens of numbers wait for an opportunity to grab a seat and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. The duo managed to attain this endearing popularity after a prolonged struggle. Dino is a retired employee of Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). However, it was not to make ends meet that the duo got into the food business but with the idea of doing

Have a story to tell? Be a Citizen Journalist Get in touch with us, Contact/WhatsApp

8486002318/8486002320

something productive rather than idly spending their retirement days. “I took to driving an auto-rickshaw after retirement and that continued for around twelve years but I suffered some severe injuries. Interestingly, the injuries were caused by accidents that took place when I was not driving my auto-rickshaw. That is when my wife asked me to join the business,” Dino mentioned during a conversation with G Plus. Meanwhile, the duo’s move of serving a single piece of non-vegetarian item was not a move that happened consciously but it became a trend when customers asked for some extra pieces while enjoying their meal. “The customers sometime ask for a few extra pieces and instead of offering them to opt for another plate we simply divide the price as per the pieces of meat. It gradually went on to become popular among our customers and those who are not in the mood to gulp down an entire plate can go for one or two pieces along with the curry. Meanwhile, we try to keep the price at a minimum and try to provide quality and healthy food,” Pratima said. The preparation to serve the mad rush at lunch hours starts from as early as 5 am. While Pratima starts preparing the spices and gets involved in other activities, Dino helps in chopping the vegetables. The duo prepares and serves the food all by themselves until 3:30 pm when the vessels get emptied. The shop closes down at 4 pm as the couple head back to their abode and to their families. While we talk about all the fancy restaurants, taking a shot at some freshly cooked food at this unnamed diner would just perhaps be a rewarding experience. The zest for life of these aged Guwahatians deserves salutations. kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Special Feature

City gold market set to be bullish on Akshay Tritiya

Chandrika Das gree work to the temple jewellery, to Kundan and Polki, the company offers a wide range of products to its customers. ‘Forever Mark’, ‘Shell Collection’, and ‘Ever Light Collection’ are some of the most sought after collections of the company at present. Premjit Sengupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Senco Gold, says, “People these days are not interested to buy jewellery for just one particular occasion. The ‘variability’ factor has been playing a big role since demonetization. However, the Guwahati market is responding to the consumption of gold in quite a positive manner. Looking at the interest of people of this region towards gold, we are planning to launch more stores in Silchar, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh.”

Design – An exotic piece of work, which is a combination of meena work, granulation, dice work, filigree work, diamond cutting, and matte finish Price –Rs 3,50,000 Weight – 91.9 gm

Tansukhrai Ratanlal Jewellers The designs of Tansukhrai Ratanlal Jewellers are an inspiration of timeless beauty. The designs, both gold and diamonds are exclusive and exquisite. The designs come in a wide range of price and are an epitome of intricateness, time-honoured craftsmanship, and evergreen aura. On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Tansukhrai is giving away 22K gold coins free for every purchase above Rs 10,000.

Design - Manik Chand Nand Kishore Jewellers

ndians adore gold and their love and bonding with gold dates back to ages. The predominant Hindu population finds mention of gold as a commodity of immense value in their religious books. Precious metals and stones have long been associated with wealth and power in India, where jewellery is regarded as an investment as well as an adornment. On the occasion of Akshay Treetiya, G Plus presents the top gold outlets of Guwahati which have set a benchmark in placing gold as a style statement and personal asset at the same time.

to Rs 9,00,000. Our collections vary from the light weight to the heavy designs, which are meant for students/every day wear to special occasions respectively. People today are proffering to invest in diamonds over gold. After demonetization people are investing in designs, which are light weight, but looks heavy”(owner of the store)

Manik Chand Jewellers and Sons

Manik Chand Nand Kishore Jewellers A company that works with the belief “Beauty with Purity,” Manik Chand Jewellers have been selling traditional and trendy jewellery in the eastern as well as north-eastern regions for the last five decades. The company is a pioneer in 22K Hallmarked gold, and is specialized in converting the customer challenges at international standard. Design – Inspired by the love of Indian women to adorn their hands, on various occasions, these fine bangles vary from elegant to the majestic Blurb : “Diamonds of our collection are very much trending and accepted . Our range of diamond collection goes from Rs 9,000

Design – Inspired by uniqueness and modern touch, this piece of work is a royal add-on. Fine crafted with thousands of diamond pieces, and striking stone work, this design conveys royalty Price – Rs 13,67,000 (approx) Weight – 128 gm

Senco Gold and Diamonds

Design – An antique collection of gold art work that carries the royal Indian touch. The jewellery set is a fine wedding asset, and also an exotic addition to your jewellery list. Price – Rs 8,60,000 (approx) Weight – 257 gm

Senco Gold and Diamonds is a company with a legacy of more than 78 years. The company which was first initiated in Kolkata has expanded its market to Guwahati in October 2016. The major strength of the brand lies in its unique and meticulously hand-crafted designs that are created by the expert Bengali karigars. Right from the famous fili-

Design inspiration - Unlike the common jewellery set, along with danglers, Senco has recently carved unique art works where round shaped earrings adorn the women. Price – Rs 2,45,000 (approx) Weight – 70 gm

Design – Inspired by the grandeur of Indian weddings, this design is specially crafted for brides who want to shine bright on their D-Day with one particular set of jewellery. Heavy, yet elegant, this piece is a must have for every bride. Price – Rs 3,99,000 (approx) Weight – 57 gm Indians are emotionally attached with gold purchasing on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Compared to the rest of the days of the year, the demand for gold surges on Akshaya Tritiya. It is believed that gold bought on that particular day brings everlasting prosperity and stays in the family for generations to come.

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Special Feature

Oh My GOLD!

Sangita Kalita

Popularity of Akshay Tritiya and Dhanteras festivals boosts traditional jewellery market too the Mantasa set is topping the buyers’ list. Then also the single-piece, big-size Doogdugi pendant sets are also in demand. If we talk about “trend” this season, I would say the exclusive stone-studded sets are in great demand too. These sets are becoming very popular in the wedding market this season. The single–piece Junbiri set which is priced at Rs 2,600 is highly adored by customers belonging to all sections of our community. The Mantasa set is priced at around Rs. 6,500, whereas the widely popular Doogdugi set is priced at around Rs. 6, 000. We did have discount offers during the Bihu week, but for now we are not offering any kind of reduction although we do offer interested customers a price on demand and bargain during the wedding season.”

Big-Size Junbiri set

ith Akshay Tritiya (April 28) around the corner, the gold market is flushed with customers as buying gold on this occasion is considered auspicious. Akshay Tritiya is a holy day for Hindus and Jains. The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures. Although this rush was not very common among the traditional Assamese jewellery market and customers belonging to the Assamese community, over the past few years the scenario has changed. G Plus ventured into some of the well-liked traditional jewellery showrooms and had a talk with some of the finest designers of the region who gave an idea of how actually the traditional ornament market is doing this festive season.

Waheeda Jewellery, Ambari The collection of city-based ace designer, Waheeda Rahman, is widely liked by the traditional jewellery buyers. Speaking to G Plus, she said, “Over the past four or five years, the demand for traditional Assamese jewellery has apparently increased. Now, customers don’t invest in authentic ornaments only during the wedding and Bihu season. Assamese jewellery has a demand even in time of the Hindu festivals like, Dhanteras and very recently Akshay Tritiya. I always have customers in my showroom purchasing designer pendants or gold sets and bracelets throughout the week of Dhanteras. Here most

of the customers belong to the age group of 45 plus or so. Although, the popularity of the custom of buying gold in and around Akshay Tritiya hasn’t yet influenced the traditional jewellery market much, but yes there is obvious possibility of getting customers even during this festival in the coming years. Previously, Assamese jewellery was only limited to marriages and Bihu, but now even the Assamese community participates eagerly in gold shopping during Dhanteras and Akshay Tritiya.” She added, “As the wedding season is on, we already have several orders of bridal sets. Hence my designs are specifi- Big-size Doogdugi set cally made in an “Enthno-Fusion” style; the customers mostly come to me in search of that particular style. The bridal sets start from Rs 30,000 onwards. As my designs are exclusive in the market, the clients tomers buy have already booked till the month a lot of jewof January next year.” ellery sets, gamkhaKinkini Assamese rus and Jewellery, Silpukhuri rings.” This house of creative AsShe samese jewellery is one of the added, most popular among the jewellery “This buyers of the city. Speaking to G wedPlus, one of the salesperson said, ding “Well, Akshay Tritiya is still a and new concept among the Assamese jewellery buyers. Although, the occasion of Dhanteras does attract Bihu abundant customers, we have not season

yet witnessed an influence in sales in and around Akshay Tritiya. During the week of Dhanteras, cus-

This year the sales have been quite stagnant. This wedding season the big-sized Dugdoogi starting from 4,000 rupees is in rich demand. We are offering a discount of 15-20 % on selected products this wedding season.” She added, “The fusion style of traditional ornaments were a huge hit for the last three to four years, but there is a sudden change in design demand witnessed this season. The market has now again been taken over by the original styled jewellery.”

Zangfai, Silpukhuri

Leading designer, Lakhimi Baruah Bhuyan, who owns Zangfai, a house of authentic Assamese jewellery says that there has been a tremendous mix of culture in the recent years witnessed among the buyers. She said, “The mixed culAngana Assamese ture and fusion of different cusTraditional Jewellery, toms in our community has only Silpukhuri given an opportunity to traditional accessory lovers to buy more of Angana, one of the oldest and newly styled ornaments. The celesteemed dealers of traditional ebration of Dhanteras or Akshay Assamese jewellery says that this Tritiya for instance was limited year sale is quite slow as they are to the North and West Indians reselling merely five to six sets per siding in the city. But over the past day this wedding season. Speaking four to five years, there has been to G Plus, a saleswoman shared, an exchange of cultures. Hence, “Last year in the week of Dhanternow customers throng my showas, we witnessed a rush of customroom even during such occasions ers buying traditional pendants in search of traditionally styled and bracelets but Akshay Tritiya jewellery sets, besides Bihu and is not influencing our overall sale wedding seasons.” in any The designer added, “I speway. cially deal with and encourage authentic Assamese ornaments that are 24K gold plated. These days, a cheap market has emerged which is trying to replace the authenticity of our traditional jewellery by introducing electroplated (bronze) ornaments that are cheap in price and of lower quality. Moreover, the old-styled jewellery is back in popularity, dethroning the previously fusion-styled ornaments. The Golpota or chocker styled bridal sets are really getting popular this festive and wedding season. During the occaMaantasa sions of DhanteBridal set ras and Akshay Tritiya, the customers mostly prefer to buy Assamese gold pendants.”

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

In Conversation

“Himanta and Parimal are the top performing ministers” Ranjit Kumar Das, BJP state president

Rahul Chanda

he current state BJP president Ranjit Kumar Das completed his post graduation from Gauhati University in Botany and also pursued journalism in the meantime. He worked as a correspondent with many dailies after completing his studies and also worked as a lecturer in a few colleges. In 1994, he appeared for IIS exams and thereafter, served as an IIS officer in Delhi, Barpeta and Dhubri. After 10 years he resigned and joined politics actively after he met BJP leader Late Pramod Mahajan. Though he was a BJP member in 1992, he actively joined the party in 2002. After serving the party

in various positions, in 2011 he contested the elections getting elected as the MLA from Sorbhog in Barpeta District. From 2011 to 2016, he was the deputy leader of the BJP in the Assam Legislative Assembly. He was elected as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in June 2016. In the 2016 elections he was elected again from the same constituency. In his short tenure as speaker he took some important decisions. He was also lauded for his role in bringing the Brindabani Bastra back to Assam from a museum in London for which the government had also sanctioned Rs 2 crores during the budget session. With the BJP government set to complete one year in power, Das exclusively talks to G Plus mentioning his views on the performance of the government and also discusses the various issues that BJP is dealing with in the state.

There are rumours that BJP is stopping the membership process in Assam. Is this true? How many members do you have in the state now and what is

the process of joining BJP?

before anyone joins the party.

In Assam we have 27 lakh BJP members and there are 16,000 vote committees. We are not stopping the membership process but we had taken a decision that if anybody comes to join the BJP, he/she will first have to apply to the mandal committee and thereafter to the district committee. Then we will decide whether he/ she can join the party or not. A complaint keeps arising that so many members from other parties are coming haphazardly into the mandal and the district committees. So we are trying to stop this kind of draining. We have

BJP led Assam government is almost completing one year. Please tell us without being diplomatic how the performance has been according to you. And please try to mention 10 major decisions which were taken by the government which have no precedents.

issued a notification that without the approval of the state committee no one can join the party. But we appeal to all the 1.98 crore voters of Assam to become supporters of BJP and among them some voters should also join as workers of the party.

BJP keeps talking about Congress-free India, but it is seen in Assam that maximum Congress members have converted to BJP. Don’t you think it is the same wine in a new bottle? The Congress party at present does not have any position or any ambitions. They are a very frustrated lot. But in the Congress there are some good workers; all are not bad. For example Mehdi Alam Bora was today appointed as the spokesperson of the BJP but he was a Congressman earlier. I appointed him because he has some qualities. Earlier he was in Congress because there was no option. But now people think that Modiji is doing well and people want to join our party. So we will take them if they have qualities and proper scrutiny will happen

Our government will complete one year on 24th May. So far as my knowledge goes, the performance during the year has been very good. Firstly, let’s analyze the PWD department. When I was the first-time MLA in the year 2011-12, the department sanctioned only Rs 50 lakhs for a scheme in a year. But this year within eight months, the BJP has sanctioned Rs 9 crores for each and every MLA - Rs 2 crores for one scheme and Rs 7 crores for another scheme. In 2011-12 I was able to make only one road with Rs 50 lakhs. This time, with Rs 9 crores, I have completed 18 roads in my constituency. So the difference is that during Congress rule, one year, one road, but in BJP rule in eight months 18 roads. Secondly, our government announced free admissions to the college-going students, particularly to the poor students. 4.80 lakh students got free admissions. Earlier, no government took this kind of decision. We have also decided free admissions at the university level. Congress was never able to take such decisions. Talking about health sector, in Atal Amrit Abhijan, cancer patients, heart patients, kidney patients, neurological patients, in burnt case, new born baby, in six cases, government will provide Rs 2 lakhs as medical expense if somebody applies to the government for help with prescriptions, bank details and other documents. 3,414 beneficiary patients recently received Rs 2 lakhs each. In fishery sector,

our government decided to open some new fisheries. In spite of so many ponds, rivers and lakes our fish production is low compared to other states. Our government has decided to increase the fish production in Assam. Also there are so many Satras in Assam and recently the state government announced a huge amount of money to develop the infrastructure of the Satras in the state. The achievement is also very good where protection of the rights of the indigenous people of the state is concerned. In comparison to earlier years, the revenue collection growth this year is 21%. Corruption is decreasing, it is difficult to eradicate corruption entirely but it is going down. Similarly, many good decisions have been taken and if we evaluate the performance of the government, it is very good.

spent for the infrastructure development like knowledge club, football field, free tractor, more than 1 lakh youths will be provided Rs 1 lakh each. Out of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 25,000 is subsidised. Our government has also decided to open Rs 1 lakh self help groups and the government will provide Rs 25,000 without any interest or mortgage. For farmers also there are some schemes in the pipeline, for differently-abled persons also there are some schemes to start. So there are some things which are in process which have not been completed in this one year.

So who are the top performing ministers in the present government?

We should protect the ethnic people of Assam but we should also protect the people who migrated from Bangladesh or Pakistan which was earlier known as Akhanda Bharat Barsa. The Central government in 2004 amended the Citizenship Act, 2004. According to that act, migrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan who belonged to Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan before 2004, got the citizenship. At that time Assam was not included due to various objections like IMDT case and the opposition of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. Now the government of India is considering that those settled in Assam before 2014 should get citizenship or some special status. In this connection the government has already issued a notification and the standing committee is collecting opinions. This is not only for the state of Assam,

According to me the top performing ministers are Himanta Biswa Sarma and Parimal Suklabaidya. Himanta, because of his capacity. His system cannot be compared with others. All the ministers have worked satisfactorily but Himanta and Parimal score more than letter marks.

Can you mention some things you feel the present government was not able to do in this year? There was our demand of ST status for some tribes. The process is going on but it has not been done. Another work which is not completed but the process is on is the Mukhya Mantri Sambridha Gram Yojana where 22,000 villages in Assam have been selected and Rs 1.22 crores

The illegal Bangladeshi issue has not been resolved. Moreover, the Citizenship Act amendment idea where Hindu Bangladeshis will be allowed in the state is revolting to many sections. How will you tackle this situation?

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

In Conversation it is for entire India.

But in Assam the cut-off year is already 1971, 20 years more than the other states in the country, and the foreigners who came in these 20 years are anyways getting the citizenship. So why increase it further and allow Hindus to come into the state now? Not now. These are the Hindus who were settled before 2014.

than the northeast?

before 31st December 2014 are already settled. How many people? 1.25 lakhs only.

In northeast there are some Christian people who generally eat beef; if you stop that it is against the constitutional rights.

But people are against this decision?

But your BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy in an interview said that not banning beef in northeast is a temporary decision. So in future will BJP implement that?

If Bangladesh Koch Rajbongshis are there, our Rabhas are there in Bangladesh and if they want to come to Assam or India, what will you do? Some organisations are agitating here but our Koch Rajbonshi people, our

I don’t know about this, but beef will not be banned here.

of Assam are very sentimental and some organisations use these sentiments as a weapon.

See, there are some rumours going on that the people will be allowed in now. Some organisations are spreading the rumour that it will be opened ultimately forever, Bengalis will be allowed to come forever. Such rumours are baseless. The people who settled

Rabha people, one Boro council is also there in Bangladesh. If they want to come to Assam what will be the stand of these organisations? They should clarify this to me. Without clarifying this some people are indulging in rumour-mongering. We the people

Six ethnic communities to get ST status

Talking about BJP ideologies, some of your ideologies are against the cultural beliefs of many people in Assam and the northeast. So how will you persuade them to follow your ideologies like banning beef and stopping cow slaughter which are being implemented in the entire country other

The Congress state president Ripun Bora slammed the BJP for not being able to completely fill up the ministry in one year. Why is it taking so long for the cabinet reshuffle? When will it happen? This is the issue of the chief minister. Today, I declared the BJP executive members list, this is my issue. Cabinet reshuffle is the issue of the chief minister. If Narendra Modi, who is the Prime Minister of India, can run the government with limited ministers, why can’t Sarbananda Sonowal?

Your allies like AGP and BPF keep demanding for more

Fake birth certificates flood NRC work - 273 arrested

ministerial berths. Don’t you think you have sidelined them because you are the majority? No, this is not the intention. In our NDA government, Modiji has all the right to sideline everyone, but what is the ideology? All political allies work together for the benefit of the country. Our Sarbananda Sonowalji also is related with all communities. Sarbananda Sonowal is the symbol of unity. He can sideline everyone with his capacity but this is not our intention.

While taking decisions as BJP president, do you take ideas from the RSS or do they give you instructions for anything? No. RSS is an organisation and we do not have any direct relation with the RSS. As citizens of India we contact them sometimes.

What are your hobbies? Please tell us about your family. I like acting, mythological acting. Every year I act in some dramas in my native place. As for my family I have my mother, wife, two daughters and one son. rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

Elephant eats currency worth Rs. 40,000

hief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday reassured the representatives of six ethnic communities seeking ST status that the Centre and the State Government is committed to fulfilling their demand. The members of the six communities – Moran, Muttock, Tai, Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutiya and the tea tribes, had called on Sarbananda Sonowal at the national capital on Tuesday. The members along with Sonowal held a meeting on Monday, with Union Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju, at New Delhi. Speaking to the representatives, Sonowal assured that the Centre and the State Governments are committed to granting

ST status to them. He also added that the leaders must exercise patience and continue to help at the Centre and the state to take the discussion to its logical conclusion. Rijiju, during the course of the meeting assured that the centre has already set up a committee to examine the proposal. A modality committee headed by Special Secretary in the home ministry, Rina Mitra, is consulting senior officials of State Home Department and all other stakeholders. The committee is in the process of framing a mechanism to ensure fairness in reservation, ensuring interests of existing tribal communities and security related considerations.

fter High Court and Supreme Court rejected Panchayat certificates and ration cards as supplementary proof of citizenship, lakhs of fake birth certificates have been found in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update process. After verification of the birth certificates the health department has declared most of them as fake. Almost 61.74 lakhs of documents such as SEBA and university certificates, PAN card, voter lists, bank insurance and birth certificates were submitted in the update for the NRC. It is to be mentioned that certificates which are issued on Government’s Schedule No. 5 form are granted as valid birth certificates, but it was found

that some of the submitted birth certificates are issued on Schedule No. 4 form. On the other hand, some birth certificates have been issued even after eleven to fourteen years of birth. Also a large number of other fake or forged documents have been detected during the ongoing process of verification. Till February, almost 273 persons were arrested against 5,192 fake documents. Although All Assam Students’ Union and other organisations are demanding fair update process in the NRC as the sole purpose of this exercise is to detect illegal migrants in Assam, some illegal migrants are still trying to enter their names in the NRC.

n a bizarre incident at Rangapara, Sonitpur district, an elephant gulped down currency notes worth Rs. 40,000 and puked back Rs. 14,000. This incident was reported at Rangapara, Sonitpur District where an elephant ran into a small shop inside the Tarajuli Tea Estate and reportedly ‘ate’ currency notes worth Rs 40,000 on Wednesday. However, the elephant later puked out currency worth Rs.14,000. The shop owner of Tarajuli Tea Estate had stored cash of Rs 40,000 inside his shop and found that the notes were missing after the elephant broke into the shop. It has been reported by the locals that herds of elephants are often seen straying into the tea estates and the nearby villages. They come in search of food which has often led to man-animal conflicts and has resulted in fatalities. With wild areas being encroached by humans, food resources are depleting at an alarming rate and animals often come in contact with human settlements. This however is the first instance when a wild tusker has consumed a bundle of currency.

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

City

The rise in spa culture and its efficacy in the city

Ria Mazumder

G Plus takes a holistic look at the mushrooming business of spas in the city given that some of these have been under scanner for some shady activities attracting police raids to the prevalence of such an air of mystery and the misconception created due to a few such illegal businesses, the spas have to operate under a lot of social pressure and stigma. Speaking on the issue Holika Chophy of Sylvio Salon and Spa said, “Compared to other cities like Delhi and Pune, Guwahati does not have as many spas. However, people are fast catching up to the trend. But when it comes to the controversies surrounding the spas it surely affects the customer base.” She further added, “There have been many incidents where customers seek inappropriate services and for the said reason we have to come up with stern responses and actions towards such people. We ask such customers to leave the premises immediately

favors and refused to remove their helmets to escape being recognized. Some customers especially request for Thai women as a result of which some spas and salons employ Nepali and Manipuri women with Thai facial features to cater to such a customer base. He further added, “The entire concept of spa and wellness is pretty messed up in Guwahati. Massages are something that helps you heal and relax but out here a lot of people misunderstand this and come looking for the wrong kind of services. The problem has turned out to be so unpleasant that these days people have to provide proper identification to acquire spa services.” There might be numerous controversies surrounding spas in the city but one can never deny

and have also issued a notice warning potential customers against any such activities.” Talking to Basant Sharma, a seasoned beauty professional in the city, it was further learnt that there have been incidents where men have come into the salons wearing helmets asking for sexual

the fact that the need for proper day spas and wellness centres will keep on increasing as it is also an indicator of better living standards in the city. Also shedding a little more light on the good spas and in the city and their functioning might help clear the air of indignity surrounding them.

A well-appointed spa of Guwahati awaits customers | File Photo

he concept of spa is no longer an alien understudy when it comes to beauty standards for any individual these days. Almost every person of an appropriate age nowadays wants to be presentable enough outside while being healthy and fit on the inside. Spas prove to be the perfect concoction for relaxation and wellness also providing a much needed break from tight schedules. Hence, spas have, in the course of time, become a preferred destination for health, beauty, fitness and indulgence alike. In fact, there are so many varieties of spas available these days that one is spoilt for choice and make an entire day out of it. According to the trivia provided by the Wikipedia page on spas, there are ample varieties of spas these days catering to specific requirements like the Day spas, Ayurvedic spas, Medical spas, Hotels and Resort spas, etc. The treatments offered in such spas range from aromatherapy, hot springs, hot tubs, mud baths, saunas, steam baths, body wraps, various kinds of massages to pedicures, manicures, etc. When it comes to the business

of spas, Guwahati is in no way lagging behind the rest of the premier cities which provide such services with a number of such spas and wellness centers providing such luxurious massage services and other beauty treatments. The city these days is also taking to these new standards of beauty rituals and the various tempting packages offered by the vast array of spas that have spread their wings across the city. Guwahati boasts of a large number of spas and wellness centers and according to a list compiled through popular choices collected from online and offline sources, we made a list of some of the best ones available in the city which is as follows: Iosis, 41M. Tayebulla Road, Tayebulla Campus, Dighalipukhuri East Aura Thai Spa, 1st Floor, Anil Plaza-2, SB Thai Spa, 3rd Floor, Silver Square, Christian Basti, GS Road The Thai spa, 2nd floor, Sikaria Compound, Christian Basti, GS Road, Sylvio Salon and Spa, 1st Floor, Jayanta Commercial Centre, GNB Road

The city also has plenty of resort spas and destination spas like the JIVA Spa at Vivanta by Taj. However, when it comes to customer footfall the day spas receive the majority. Talking to various beauty professionals in the city G Plus learnt the following: The customer base of such spas in Guwahati ranges mainly from 30 to 45 year olds and the inflow of a younger customer base is scarce. The ratio of male customers surpasses that of female in these places. The customers are mostly economically well off and belong to the rich strata. The number of new customers is more than the ones who pay repeated visits, as the customers are mostly inclined to try new places rather than stick to a single one. The customer base during festivals is more than that of regular working days. The spas, along with being a retreat for rejuvenation and relaxation, can also be a storehouse of controversies. In the recent past, many illegal establishments, in the guise of spas and wellness centers, have run shady sex rackets. Due

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Mandating Assamese in schools generating divisive opinions

Buzz

Juthika baruah

The state government has made it mandatory to make Assamese subject compulsory up to Class X in all schools including CBSE affiliated ones and Kendriya Vidyalayas; CBSE schools not happy with the move

Education Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma | File Photo

he state government’s decision of making Assamese a compulsory subject up to Class X is putting a fair section of people in a quandary given the cosmopolitan characteristics of the state and the large amount of non-Assamese student population that join schools in the higher classes with their parents being on transferable jobs. Assamese language will be made a mandatory subject in all schools in Assam up to Class X according to a statement announced by the state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He, however, added that students in tribal areas and Barak Valley, who do not want to study Assamese, will be given a choice to opt for Bodo or Bengali. “Those who do not want to have these subjects will have a choice between Bodo or Bengali languages. Bodo will be for tribal areas and Bengali for Barak Valley,” he said. Legislation will be passed in this regard in the assembly in August. “Students in Barak Valley can opt for Bengali instead of Assamese. The rest of the students must choose Assamese or Bodo as a mandatory subject,” said the minister. He said the legislation will make the subject mandatory in all schools including those under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). The minister said similar legislation is already in force in Kerala and Karnataka. Speaking to G Plus, a principal of a private English medium school said that earlier Assamese was given as a choice. “There are many non-Assamese students in a school and therefore they are given the op-

tion of the subjects from Class VIII but till class VI or VII the subject was mandatory earlier also. Now that the government has taken the decision we will have to follow the rules and it is a good initiative as the regional language should be known by all,” the principal said. The youths who live in Assam do not know the regional language and even the children from Assamese community do not know their own mother tongue which is shameful. Keeping this in mind, state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma decided to make Assamese compulsory till Class X so that they can at least learn the basic Assamese which will be helpful for them in the future. In most of the private schools, especially the CBSE affiliated schools, learning Assamese is not compulsory in higher classes but now that the state government has made it mandatory, the schools are bound to follow the norms and are ready to implement the subject up to Class X. The Minister also said that the Kendriya Vidyalayas should also follow the decision and said that the move is being done on the lines of stipulations set by Kerala and Karnataka governments. If other states can implement their regional languages as a subject within their curriculum, why not Assam? Another principal of a reputed CBSE school said that in some schools affiliated to CBSE Assamese is compulsory only up to Class VIII and in higher classes most of the students opt for Hindi or other subjects. “Students from diverse backgrounds across India study in such schools and making Assamese compulsory for all the students cannot be acceptable to some extent as those who come

from outside might find it difficult to learn the subject which will lead to a problem during the board exams. It might also hamper the board results because the results might not be good as expected due to a single subject in which the students are not good as starting to learn the language in the higher classes will be difficult. “I do not understand the rationale behind the Assam government’s move to make Assamese compulsory up to Class X even in CBSE and KVS affiliated schools because of the fact that students from diverse backgrounds across India study in such schools. Stu-

dents of these schools learn enough of Assamese language from Class I to VIII. Let these students learn either Assamese or Hindi or Sanskrit along with English in higher classes so that they appear for the board’s final exams with their chosen subjects. Such situations will allow them to do well in the board’s exams,” the Principal said. The principal said the central government is now contemplating making Hindi compulsory up to Class X. “If the central and Assam governments go ahead with their moves, students will be burdened to learn three languages (English, Assamese and Hindi) up to Class

X,” he said. Students of CBSE-affiliated schools in Assam currently learn Assamese and Hindi from Classes I to VIII. Sources said it would be extremely difficult for the Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state to abide by the Assam government’s decision, as learning Assamese is not at all a priority in such schools considering the fact that a large number of students from other states study in these schools. English and Hindi are compulsory subjects in Kendriya Vidyalayas from Class I to X. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

A Family Restaurant

1st Floor, Kanchan Complex, Beltola Road Wirless, Dispur, Guwahati-6 : mughals.guwahati@gmail.com : mughals.guwahati : www.mughalsguwahati.com

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Fun Horoscope of the week

You could have the chance to explore a golden opportunity that’s too good to pass up. While this could mean moving out of your comfort zone, it would be worth doing so for the rewards you could enjoy. The coming weeks sizzle with promise, especially if you’re willing to think outside the box and explore new terrain. Meanwhile, the move of Venus back into a more sensitive sector of your chart could spark passionate feelings in a current partnership or new romance.

It may seem that a situation is repeating itself in a relationship that may have taken a backward step. However, if you feel deep down that this is worth pursuing, then persevere. In coming weeks you may find you begin to understand each other better and eventually enjoy each other’s company very much. A New Moon in your sector of shared resources can be an opportunity to invest wisely in a business, antique, or artwork that can bring a great return.

You may wonder if an idea you’ve invested in is such a good one after all. Although things may seem to be a little slow at the moment, rest assured that they will pick up. In the meantime, the cosmos encourages you to work on a budget that can sustain you while also allowing you to enjoy some good times. A New Moon in your sector of relating may encourage you to take a new or long-term relationship to a new level.

It’s time to get serious about your health and wellness routine. This week’s New Moon in this sector could coincide with a strong desire to meet your diet and exercise goals. This is a good time, too, as you may be more likely to stick with them. The move of Venus back into your romance sector could see you getting along with someone much better than you have been. Your relationship could blossom in coming weeks, which could prove very satisfying.

You may feel an urge to explore your family tree and find out more about your ancestors. Doing so could provide you with information that is surprisingly relevant to you today. It could also solve a family mystery. Meanwhile, a New Moon in your sector of leisure and romance could see you committing to a new relationship and feeling very happy about doing so. Later in the week, information could surface that gives you a new perspective on a family project.

If a group project seems to have stalled, this is the time to find out why. It might be easy to spot what went wrong, and before you know it your enthusiasm will return. The New Moon in your home and family sector can be one of the better times to change the family dynamic, perhaps by taking in a new pet or older relative. If you’ve been thinking about starting a home-based business, it could be an excellent time to start that, too.

Someone may offer you a deal that seems perfect, and it may well be. But with Mercury retrograde, it would be wise to check the terms and conditions before signing. Even so, changes could occur in the coming weeks that force you to renegotiate certain aspects, so it helps to be aware of this. The move of Venus into your personal financial zone could see you eager to splurge on some luxuries. Go easy in case you receive unexpected bills.

The name of which fibre ultimately derives from the Sanskrit word describing the matted hair sported by Lord Shiva, as shown in the picture?

2A popular joke in Cold War-era Soviet

Russia went: There is no News in the Truth, and no Truth in the News. This was a bit of wordplay on the names of which two news agencies?

3What was normally used is a red flag without any markings. What does popular belief believe this flag looked like?

4This part of the human body is believed by some to have started out as an

eye and is often called the ‘Third Eye,’ as it receives signals from light and our retinas. Which part?

5Which fictional character’s Government position is never quite specified,

though his brother offers a helpful tidbit at one point, “Occasionally he is the British government ... the most indispensable man in the country?” Anustup Datta, Bengaluru This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Dilbert by Scott Adams

Jute, from jata, meaning matted hair

7 2 15 6 87 4 7 6

2 2 8 8 9 6 4 4 8 7 6 6 5 6 2 5 5 1 3 4 6 71 5 2 9 1 4 9 3 7

6 9 Thu320-Apr-2017 Daily Sudoku: 7

Daily Sudoku: Thu 27-Apr-2017

4 6 3 5 5 77 19 98 61 42

1 9 2 8 4 4 3 83 72 67 55

8 5 7 7 1 6 6 24 45 39 91

6 7 4 1 8 9 1 9 3 5 1 2 58 4 23 6 72 5 36 8

2 3 5 3 7 28 96 81 49 74

9 8 6 4 2 85 67 73 54 21

3 2 4 9 6 39 71 65 18 87

5 7 1 2 8 1 4 35 94 23 69

6 9 2 1 8 3 Daily Sudoku: Thu 20-Apr-2017 hard 5 2 6 8 9 1 3 4 7 4 8 9 3 7 5 1 http://www.dailysudoku.com Word of the week2 6 7 3 1 2 4 6 9 5 8

Perfidious

Daily Sudoku: Thu 27-Apr-2017

hard

adjective [per-fid-ee-uh s]

deliberately faithless; treacherous; deceitful http://www.dailysudoku.c

Picture Perfect

On March 30, 1867 an agreement for the procurement of this entity was negotiated and signed by William Seward and Edouard de Stoeckl. It came in for a lot of criticism initially, and was called Seward’s Folly. Opinions changed some 30 years later. What was procured, and what happened to change opinions?

curio-city

Picture Perfect

1. Alaska Purchase. The Klondike Gold Rush radically changed opinions. 2. Pravda (meaning Truth) and Izvestia (meaning News), both controlled by the government 3. The Pirate Skull-and-Crossbones flag, also called the Jolly Roger 4. Pineal Gland 5. Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes’ older brother

curio-city

2 9

The focus on your mission continues with a New Moon signaling that you can now start on a key goal. You may have the option to grow into an opportunity that seems made just for you. Meanwhile, the move of Venus back into your travel sector could see you picking up the thread of a travel plan and reworking it so that it fits your new schedule. A tempting offer out of the blue could see you jetting off sooner than expected.

If certain situations have weighed you down recently, the coming weeks could encourage you to talk to those concerned and find closure. You may also feel an urge to move in new circles by joining groups of like-minded people. In fact, one new friendship could become very supportive over the months ahead. When it comes to career matters, this is the time to lay on the charm and reach out to those who can offer work or further opportunities.

Sudoku

You could find your curiosity piqued now. So many things seem to fascinate you that you can’t help but get involved. Too many options can be just as bad as not having any, so it might be useful to limit yourself to a few meaningful projects. Some of your energy may also be spent on deeper, more soulful issues as the Sun in your spiritual zone helps you to process and release difficult emotions. Friends will encourage you out and about, though!

You may feel a lot more at ease as the week progresses, especially if you had a minor falling out with a friend. By the weekend, it seems you’ll have forgotten the issue and be ready to move on. Wednesday’s New Moon in Taurus can be the best of the year for you. Use this opportunity to start on some of your most exciting plans. Make a list of what you hope to accomplish. You might want to keep a romance secret for now.

last week solution

Something that you’ve spent a long time building may need to be partly dismantled if things aren’t proceeding as they should. Doing it now may be better than leaving it too long. The midweek New Moon can be an opportunity to get moving on a plan to earn extra cash. Start now and you may soon have a veritable money machine on your hands. Later in the week, new information could give you an advantage. And socializing could also boost progress.

Crossword Across

Down

1 Musical state (8) 6 Snake grasped in the middle (3) 9 More or less in the vicinity (5) 10 Warm fowl for a pagan (7) 11 Enjoy Kelly being compared (7) 13 Astray on the ocean (2,3) 14 US raid ordered by Persian leader (6) 15 Sea-food rascal found on island (6) 19 Doctor joining American Medical Association in theatre work (5) 21 Space - it could be germ-free (7) 22 Girl getting a game before the end of August (7) 23 Elegant but impudent (5) 24 Regret having cruel heart (3) 25 Musical roundabout (8)

2 One who disparages a door attachment (7) 3 A National Trust insect (3) 4 Skin found in compound outside Holland’s capital (6) 5 A fall of snow or lava he can fix (9) 6 One of the musketeers muffed a shot (5) 7 Animal seen in police car (5) 8 Everything’s immoral about song (6) 12 Ale curing outbreak of nervous pain (9) 16 Gas - the name is peculiar (7) 17 Provoke fashionable quote (6) 18 Assault a baseball player (6) 19 Refuse to admit beard is unkempt (5) 20 Incidental remark made by a team (5) 23 In this way university gets a bit of money from France (3)

Last week’s solution

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Trotter

Jesus-shaped cloud suddenly appears in sky comforting residents of city ravaged by killer landslide

The Colombian city of Manizales had been left devastated by the natural disaster, which killed at least 17 people and destroyed dozens of homes

Jesus-shaped cloud that appeared in the sky comforted residents after their city was ravaged by a killer landslide. Residents of Manizales had been left devastated by the natural disaster last Wednesday, which killed at least 17 people. But many took comfort in the sight of the holy figure seen in the sunlight slanting through clouds above the Colombian city in Caldas. The rare cloud phenomenon was recorded on a mountain called

Sancancio. It appeared days after heavy rains caused earth to surge down the mountain, destroying several homes. Several people are still feared to be missing, authorities said. Marya de Iesus shared a video of the cloud on social media, where many people commented that it was a sign of Jesus of Nazareth. She wrote: “Jesus Christ was visiting our Colombian town, he calmed down the sky and was listened to. God blesses us and glory

to Lord and Universe King.” The video went viral on social networks and was shared more than 28,000 times. Sandra Mejia said: “In this moment of pain, people want to believe it is a divine item that gives them hope and strength to keep on living and fighting.” Angel Sanchez was among a group of people who linked the phenomenon to a conspiracy theory that NASA is trying to bring about a new world order by using mind control. They said: “What fools people, have you not heard of the secret project called Blue Beam?” However, others said that this was a simple shaft of sunlight breaking through clouds. Noe Bazan wrote: “This is a natural phenomenon with the light of the sun through different types of clouds. It happens in all parts of the world.”Climate change has put nearly 12 million Colombians at risk from natural disasters like flooding and landslides, which could kill hundreds and cause serious infrastructure damage, the environment minister said on Wednesday. (Source: Mirror)

Aspiring rapper jumps into the ocean to get out of paying restaurant bill

iving or working on Australia’s famous Gold Coast holds some great advantages, one of which surely has to be the abundance of fantastic seafood that can be sampled at their restaurants. This is what aspiring rapper Terry Peck, 33, who performs under the name 2pec, decided to do, but unlike, most law abiding citizens, he thought it would be a great idea to feast on two whole lobsters, half a dozen oysters and a baby octopus. Not entirely satisfied with

that, he indulged further with 21 oyster shooters, which are similar to a Bloody Mary, as well as four Corona beers. Now as you might expect the bill was no “small beer” either. It came to a handsome A$621, which converts to around £375 or US$465. Faced with a bill like that, which would be unlikely unless it was a family occasion, most would have resorted to giving the credit card a bashing! However, if you happen to be a “would be rapper” you just jump into the Pacific Ocean and swim for it,

but what our friend 2pec had not taken account of, was the Aussie police on jet skis! When Peck did a runner, or swimmer should that be, life guards took two police officers out on jet skis to pursue Peck and, when he refused to return to land, they arrested him in the water. He duly appeared in court and as expected out came the tirade of excuses amongst which included: “There was an oyster shell in the oyster and he (a staff member) said he was going to take care of the bill.” “They should be apologising to me for the shell in the overpriced food.” “He said he was going to get the bill… I told them to tell the chef it was overcooked.” “My friend was over the beach and she was having a baby on the beach.” (That’s a good one!) “I couldn’t find her and I was going to pay the bill if I found my wallet but I lost everything.” “Eventually police came and I went for a swim.” Well even the presiding judge was taken aback and heard to comment: “My God! By himself ?” He adjourned the hearing and the seafood loving defendant is to appear again on 4th May. (Source: Shocking Times)

Woman’s bungee jump goes horrifically wrong

bungee jumper crashed into a shallow river as the daredevil stunt went horrifically wrong. The woman jumped from a bridge, but instead of bouncing back away from the ground, she slammed into it. Remarkably she survived without any broken bones. It is believed that the rope she used for the jump was too long. Distressing footage of the jump that emerged captured the sound of a crash as the woman smacked into the bed of the shallow river below the bridge. She was left unable to move and could only open her eyes after the accident as witnesses called for help and two went into the water to help her. The woman had posed for photographs standing on the bridge. The terrifying moment was recorded on the La Negra 2 bridge on the road between Santa

Cruz and Cocabamba, in central Bolivia. Shyrleny Ribera, was in the area with her family and witnessed what happened and heard the woman loudly thud onto the shallow river bed. She said, “We were in the area and approached there to look at it, as it is not very common to see this kind of sport in the area. “We saw the lady jumping and for unknown reasons she ended up crashing against the river ground, as it was not deep enough.” Andean Trek, the company that organised this bungee jumping experience, transferred the young woman to a private clinic and said she was discharged a few days later. Oscar Sandoval, the director of the company, said: “The lady jumped from a 15-metre (50foot) bridge. The company is paying the medical bills.” (Source: Mirror)

Scientists Find Surprising Effect Red Wine Has On Your Brain

ccording to Gordon Shepherd, a neurologist working at the Yale School of Medicine, red wine might be a better brain exerciser than Sudoku or other typical brain teasers. Research has shown that the brain works much harder when enjoying a glass of wine than it does during just about any other activity. That includes complex tasks like listening to music, solving equations, or writing. Shepherd has recently released a new book entitled “Neuroenology: How The Brain Creates The Taste of Wine”, and in the book Shepherd details how drinking and smelling wine forces the entire brain to work together. According to him, it requires complete control over one of the biggest tools humans have. Our brains don’t actually perceive the world as it is. Instead, they take the information and process it into a spectrum of variables that all come together

to form awareness. In the same way that colors don’t really exist, but instead are only different wavelengths of light perceived differently by the human brain, wine doesn’t actually have any flavor. The brain must create the experience of tasting wine, and it does so by transferring sensory information into the final experience. Wine is one of the most stimulating consumables in society for many reasons. It activates thousands of taste and smell receptors in the body, and those activations translate to enhanced taste and smell. With such a vast explosion of sensory input, the brain has no choice but to respond with its full force. This is why every wine tastes slightly different to every person. The physical structure of the wine molecules might be the same, but the individual human response to them is highly varied. (Source: Your Nation News)

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

G Talk E

Accord discord

hen Prafulla Mahanta and Bhrigu Phukan set out to sign that all-important treaty, flagging down the six-year Assam Agitation seeking protection of Assamese identity against the marauding Bangladeshi migrants, we were just impressionable youngsters. If I jog my memory right, it felt like Utopia was being delivered to us – finally and deservedly. What was eventually delivered was the Assam Accord; a document full of lofty promises with no legal sanctity. It was never placed in Parliament to be made into a law subsequently. As a result, 31 one years later, while a fair number of those promises have been realised, the most vital clause pertaining to detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants is yet to be implemented. For the people of Assam, this is a strange reality to be faced with. Plenty of water has flown down the Brahmaputra in all these years. Some signatories of the Accord are no more - one of them went on to become the chief minister of the state - twice. The Accord has shaped political careers, given birth to multiple political parties, created political ideologies of regionalism, brought prosperity and created jobs for quite a few people. I only hope the latest heart-warming development - the recent tripartite meeting between CM Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the AASU, where all earlier promises have been renewed, is not another exercise in hypocrisy. Simply put, the lack of legal

sanctity makes the Accord a basically irrelevant document. So far, this has been the favourite electoral pitch for every party in every election – conveniently forgotten once they come to power. And while the Accord held relevance with the myriad of divisive politics that the ruling Congress played, the 360 degree change in the political scenario today makes the Accord a stumbling block in the illegal migrants’ influx game of the BJP. G Plus has, over the past few issues, predicted the possibility of the Accord being totally scrapped in May 2017. With the unfolding of events in the country’s Judiciary over the last few days, this feeling is only more strongly reiterated. The Supreme Court can surely pass such a verdict in the greater interest of the country which would warrant no questions. Cut-off year parity has to be maintained; 1971 for Assam and 1951 elsewhere will have to go. The consequences of such a verdict in the political scenario of Assam remain to be seen, albeit with a sense of trepidation. What impact it would have on the locus standi of the AASU will also be worth watching. And what extra muscle it would give the state government in pushing its Hindu migrant agendum are all matters of immense speculation right now. But all said and done, the Assam Accord in its current form, with its lofty promises would be a tough task for the AASU to get implemented in toto, and the big drag will only continue.

Saving Grace

Swapnil Bharali Editor

ithout trying to sound politically correct, I for one do not agree to the reasoning that Baahubali 2 should be boycotted by the Assamese crowd just because Local Kung Fu 2 (LKF 2) had to be taken down to accommodate this Bollywood blockbuster. I can well relate to the sentiment with which people want LKF 2 to continue being screened – it is a good Assamese movie being made by modern Assamese filmmakers. Part of it was crowd funded making it dear to the audience as well as highlighting the financial pressure under which it was made. This should not make us stray from the fact that both Baahubali 2 and LKF 2 are commercial feature films and demand equal importance. The public however, temporarily did give Local Kung Fu 2 more importance (because it met the crowdfunding demand). But it is not as easy as saying ‘tathaastu’. It needs to be mentioned that the onus is on the Government to hear the public demand and mandate the same. There are states that mandate the screening of local movies and maybe we can start with the same. It is just a coincidence that LKF 2 is clashing with an Elephant Killer of a movie. Expectations from LKF 2 were high because of the first movie did well. Assamese movies have been a tremendous let down in recent times and maybe it is counterproductive that their screening is mandated. Maybe once we consistently start seeing good Assamese movies being made, neither the audience nor the theatre owners will make a hue and cry about SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA screening it.

Praiseworthy initiative

n one frame of reference, language can indeed play a crucial rule in holding the rich culture or tradition of a community. It can simply work wonders to elevate a community’s elite identity to the pinnacle. Hence, every community’s native language or mother tongue must be given due respect and importance. In the same way, a person born and brought up in Assam, irrespective of caste, creed, religion must at least take an interest to embrace the Assamese language (which happens to be the state language). The contention is that if a state is providing any community’s or individual’s livelihood it is the moral responsibility of the community or individual to show reverence towards the state’s native elements including its language. And this must not appear as an outlandish task for other communities. We have already seen that our government mandates every high official (like the DC for example) to learn and converse in the language of a state in which he is posted. The above excerpt was intentionally put in to show why the decision taken by the Assam Government to make Assamese language mandatory in every government and private school is decisive and praiseworthy in order to keep the flow of the language intact in the state. A few days ago in a press conference, the honorable education minister of the state, while addressing media houses, said, “Assamese will be made a compulsory subject in all schools in Assam till Class 10. A legislation shall be passed in this regard in August. However, only for the students of Barak Valley and BTAD, Bengali and Bodo language can be used as an alternative respectively.” And this step is of course a remarkable one, but staying in Assam, one needs to ponder, as to why the need for such a bold step came into existence. Stepping into the 21st century, the painful fact was that the use of Assamese language in most

Opinion

Bishaldeep Kakati

schools, especially the private ones was very less or negligible and that was an alarming fact as the state’s native language was on the verge of destruction or getting diminished due to the continuous flow of western languages. Even it was also found that in some of the private schools of the state, using Assamese language was such a vicious act, that students were punished if they conversed with their friends in the same language, a matter which raised a great deal of hue and cry among the citizens. Moreover, under the

government has definitely come at the right time, as now it will enable each and every student to learn and speak in Assamese, may be willingly or unwillingly, making us once again recall the quote, “Better late than never.” Moreover, now as the Assamese language is on the verge of becoming a mandatory subject in all schools, it will also enrich the bevy of students with more of Assamese literature, culture and thus it will slowly reinstitute the flow of the language in the state once again.

continuous effects of globalization, the discernible fact was that the ‘link language’ of the country i.e. English, took an upper hand, slowly destroying the use of the Assamese language in the state. Not only this, but also an issue of concern of even greater magnitude was looming as a threat towards the widespread use of the language. The issue that many of the knowledgeable citizens of the state acknowledged English as top priority rather than Assamese was further pathetically worsening the scenario. Even many of the educated parents were found saying, “My child is more intelligent as he has more command over English language than the Assamese language,” discounting the fact that knowing a language cannot be a criteria of judging the intelligence of an individual. Even the all time greats of English literature were always found focusing, emphasizing, adoring and popularizing their own mother tongue. Hence to safeguard the Assamese language, which was at risk of getting buried in its own yard, the step undertaken by the

Nevertheless, we have all read the story, “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet, where we clearly saw how people realized the importance of native language and culture on the penultimate day, before their language and culture were about to be completely prohibited by invaders. And that is something, the Assamese burgess doesn’t want to descry in case of the Assamese language, which is under constant pressure of getting eliminated by the force of other languages. In this scenario, the state of Assam must draw inspiring examples from western countries like France, Italy etc., where they give more priority to their native language than other migratory languages. So, in this regard, the government’s step is really an appreciable one to an extent and hence the bill to make the Assamese language compulsory in all schools should be quickly passed for the betterment of the state and its people. However, it can only be told with the course of time, whether or not the government will be successful in safeguarding the language with this initiative.

r Load-shedding menace

Letter to the Editor

Sir,

just want to raise an issue that in spite of the central government claiming to provide 24/7 uncut electricity to the entire country within 2019, and even the present state government claiming to electrify all the rural areas of the state, we face a tough time during summers and the load shedding menace has already started in the city since last month. I get shocked as I live in Kekoranagar near Ganeshguri which falls under Dispur constituency. But in spite of being the capital of the state, the area suffers from severe load shedding problem every summer. Sir, I through your tabloid, would like to ask the authorities that when technology is reaching Mars and Moon, how come during a small thunder storm or downpour, the electricity gets cut pretty often? Every night there is load shedding and people face a tough time sleeping. I would request you to please raise the issue. Sandip Singh, Ganeshguri

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

In Focus

Riddhinil Roy Entrepreneur

Are the methods of celebrating Bihu acquiring too much ambiguity? Bihu Committees were recently under fire for being self proclaimed protectors of ‘Assamese Tradition.’ However, several videos surfaced where organizers were seen showering money on the singers – seemingly a borrowed tradition. Here’s what the public makes of this

Videos of Manash Robin and Vreegu Kashyap were widely circulated on Social Media where they were ‘showered’ with money

Parashmani Deka

If the committee members can shower money over the singers on the stage, wonder why they go door to door asking for donations (chanda) to host the function.

Bhudev Dutta

I salute Manas Robin for the strong message conveyed to those who are trying to destroy Assamese culture. I hereby raise the following questions to all those friends who have an adverse opinion on songs of other languages. 1) Do you wish to watch the Assamese Rongali Bihu in this manner? 2) Just because the Bihu committees take hefty donations from non-Assamese communities should we allow Bihu to become a Mujhra show? 3) Is this how you want globalisation? 4) Is this why we should open our minds?

Ratan Kumar Chakraborty

Manas Rabin handled the situation in a dignified manner. We should emulate Assamese ideals during Bihu not national ideals. Thank you Manas, you are a class apart.

Ganesh Khatiwara

Shame on these folks .... And intros them as a culture protectors. We, the public must take some strong steps to prohibit these stunts.

Pranjeet Hazarika

This is very unfortunate. These Bihu committees claim themselves to be the saviour of Assamese culture by organising Bihu and on the other hand they do such weird things which are not at all acceptable. They have hurt the dignity of an artist. It is an insult to the singer. But good that Manas Rabin made them realise their mistake.

Manas Hazarika

These Bihu committees claim themselves to be the saviour of our culture. They have to respect our artists. Most of the committee members always remain drunk during functions as I have witnessed over the years. Because of them many cultured people nowadays do not go to these functions at night.

he world is always inspired by young achievers. As we share their stories, it motivates us to pursue something great. A similar story is of Riddhinil Roy who, at the age of 23, is already a CEO and is a living example that the city is not devoid of creativity and entrepreneurial abilities. Riddhinil is the founder of Connec8ive+, an integrated campus dashboard that brought in feeds across campus-life by the time he had completed BE second year (Biotech) from Dayanada Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru. Guwahati born Riddhinil, after completing his schooling from Central School in Khanapara, was opting to pursue either medical or engineering but destiny had different plans for him. He was juggling with several other options but his knack towards biology paved the way towards Biotechnology. However, his life took a leap when he chose to be an entrepreneur rather than continuing to tread his path of education. Speaking to G Plus Riddhinil said, “It is said that engineers are the best jugarus and entrepreneurs have this jugaru trait somewhere in their DNA. So I think engineers are the best entrepreneurs possible. Moreover, biotechnology is mostly based on researches and I wanted to do something out of the box. So I, along with some of my friends, started one of my startups called Bio Cognizance when I was in the first semester in college. Here we stimulate a biotech laboratory in a software format.” Bio Cognizance later went on to be acquired by a German company. During his college days itself he went on to break several more innovative grounds. Throughout his college days he was working closely with various clubs in college tech club and e-cell. He soon initiated DSI Connective PLUS which later went on to become the reason for the birth of Connec8ive+. His start-up went on to be recognized by Hay Group as the next big 100 startups from India last year. He had to frequently travel back and forth between Guwahati and Bengaluru but what happened during one such trip home became a turning point. He was invited to judge 2016 Hackathon at the Jawaharlal National College of Engineering, Shivamogga.

However, the entrepreneur missed it due to certain glitches. “I was in Guwahati but little did I know that this trip was going to be the turning point in my life. My parents prevented me from going there because my exams were supposed to be my priority. While hanging out with some of my friends it struck me that my friends or relatives were not in a position to understand what a hackathon is. I threw around 15 terms and found out that they were only aware of around two terms. That was when I realized that startups back home only meant conventional businesses. So I decided to make a startup platform exclusively for Northeast India but obviously there were several hiccups,” Riddhinil said. However, this setback led Riddhinil to create a platform to foster the basic elements of a startup ecosystem, especially in the Northeast India. With the contacts and base that Connec8ive+ had given him, Riddhinil along with Aman Bajaj and Swapnanil Talukdar, who had previous and ongoing experience in the startup domain, decided to assist startups from the northeast that wither away due to lack of patronage. NE8 has incubation centre, acceleration centre and foundation that would help young entrepreneurs in carrying forward their ideas. The startup has also been holding seminars in various places like Guwahati, Mumbai, and Delhi etc. for better implementation of the project and has joined hands with young entrepreneurs from almost all parts of the country. The NE8 startup is a platform for young entrepreneurs, mentors and aspirants in the startup domain and the great initiative taken by the youth of the northeast region is growing at a positive scale as entrepreneurs from different parts of India are joining hands. The entrepreneur believes Northeast India is the next potential startup hub of the country and in the past three to four years has witnessed phenomenal change in the scenario. The Team at NE8 has received tremendous response from the Northeast Indian community in the region, as well as in the metro cities. On the line of work, NE8x has been awarded ‘The Best Startup Accelerator of 2016’ by All Assam Entrepreneurs’ Association.

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Review Cast: Alex Hyner and Brandon Johnson Director: J.D. Dillard A young street magician (Jacob Latimore) is left to care for his little sister after their parents’ passing and turns to illegal activities to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets in too deep, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to use his magic and brilliant mind to save her. The movie opens with touches of light and darkness — the unfortunate circumstances of the film’s protagonist slowly come into focus while the audience, both watching and participating in the movie, become fascinated by his prestidigitation talents. Perhaps more high-concept genre calling card than the greatest story ever told, “Sleight” still manages to dazzle in the crucial key moments when Bo’s super-charged revenge borders on superhero vigilantism. One could see the film as akin to “Chronicle” or the year-one origin-story of a stripped down Miles Morales “Spider-Man” movie, before he actually transforms into a hero. In fact, in its closing moments, “Sleight” almost pulls a Marvel, teasing even more

vie Mo view Re

luminous powers that have yet to be fully explored. There are even some notes that feel similar to “Attack The Block,” another picture that mixed coming of age beats with science fiction rhythms. But sequels likely won’t come — it’s not that kind of movie — nor will it likely have the crossover appeal of the aforementioned Josh Trank film. But it’s arguably as creative and resourceful with its limited budget and at the very least; even if “Sleight” doesn’t buzz your tower as much as it could, it’s still compelling and worthwhile. Dillard may not yet be the new Nolan, but he is one to watch, and we’re likely just seeing the nascent beginnings of a promising genre-bending career. “Sleight” manages to engage despite a fairly simple narrative. It never collapses under the weight of its many genre appendages, assisted by crisp, nightlight-streaked cinematography from Edward Wu and a pulsing and propulsive electro guitar score by Charles Scott IV that wouldn’t sound of out place on an early M83 album.

Album DAMN. By by Kendrick Lamar

endrick Lamar’s ability to manipulate his style of music with the times has reinstated his immaculate, critically acclaimed status in the rapping community. Arguably the only way he could attempt to surpass the sheer brilliance shown in ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’, was to experiment with his approach, and that was done to perfection in ‘DAMN.’. From the first song in ‘BLOOD.’ to the last in ‘DUCKWORTH.’, K Dot shows off his extraordinary talent for storytelling. He explores a range of tones from the energetic ‘DNA.’ to the almost hypnotizing tempo of ‘YAH.’ in the next track. With only a few features, this LP seemed more personal than its predecessors,

Born in China is neatly organized around not only the changing of the seasons, but a Disney-branded “circle of life” ethos, threaded by imagery of cranes; in Chinese mythology, the birds are said to carry a soul from its death to its reincarnation. The majority of the film splits its time evenly between different families of snow leopards, golden monkeys, and giant pandas, and in each explores the dynamic between alternately curious, mischievous, and helpless young and the parents that strive for their best interests. The narrative, read by John Krasinski, is kid-friendly in a cloying sort of way, and unpleasant realities like China’s pollution are not mentioned. So as an introduction for children to exotic creatures in picturesque landscapes, the movie is harmless enough.

u Yo LD OUAY H S PL

which only further demonstrates his incredible individual talent. This being said, Rihanna’s contribution to ‘LOYALTY.’ was carefully integrated, into what is likely to be one of the more commercial songs on the ‘DAMN.’. Meanwhile Zacari’s vocals on ‘LOVE.’ provided Kendrick with the ideal substrate to lay his lyrics upon. Kung Fu Kenny is unwilling to sacrifice the legacy he’s creating to necessarily ‘top the charts’ and this only adds fuel to the fire of music critics and his widespread fan base. This is an artist brimming with confidence and excitement to continue to impress the world, ‘DAMN.’ is simply another example of what he’s in many ways already proven.

Game What Remains Of Edith Finch Platform Playstation 4

PVR Cinemas Dona Planet 08800900009

Galleria Cinemas HUB 097069 89143 Noor , 06:10 PM Maatr, 09:00 PM

Grande Cines Paltan Bazar 09854017771 Smurfs: The Lost Village, 06:00 PM Noor , 06:15 PM Fast And Furious 8, 08:00 PM Begum Jaan, 08:30 PM

Apsara Cinema vie Mo view Paltan Bazar 0361 2541335 Re

u Yo LD OU SH Play

Local Kung Fu 2 11:00 AM Noor, 02:00 PM Fast And Furious 8, 05:00 PM 08:00 PM

Pragjyoti Cinema Maligaon 0361 2570777 Noor, 11:00 AM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM Local Kung Fu 2, 02:00 PM

he game is short, but this 2 and half hours of brilliance. You play as Edith Finch revisiting her old home where she lived with her brothers, mother, and grandmother. There’s a supposed family curse and a secret here, so you return to learn the truth, learn all that the home is hiding and relive the life and death of every family member that lived in this home. The game is constantly changing, you’ll be a cat one moment, and then you’re an owl, a shark, a kid trying to swing around a branch. There are so many surprises twist and turns that I hardly want to talk about this game. The only problem you might face is you might run into with this game was

Noor Hindi, 10:15 AM 05:15 PM Smurfs: The Lost Village, 12:45 PM Local Kung Fu 2, 02:45 PM Fast And Furious 8, 08:15 PM gold mine 7d 10.00 AM haunted house 7d 01.00 PM 04.00 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike 7D 03.00 PM 07.00 PM

Smurfs: The Lost Village, 06:40 PM Begum Jaan , 08:35 PM Fast And Furious 8, 09:30 PM

Cast: John Krasinski and Xun Zhou Director: Chuan Lu “Born in China,” another animalsare-just-like-people film from the Disneynature brand, has two of the natural world’s more adorable creatures in it, pandas and kitties. The movie takes us all over China to see four species in their natural habitats, some of which are exceedingly remote. The Pandas and even the elusive snow leopard have become overexposed with the abundance of nature documentaries these days; this film looks pretty much like any of the best material to be found on the National Geographic Channel, PBS’s “Nature” and elsewhere. pandas and even the elusive snow leopard have become overexposed with the abundance of nature documentaries these days; this film looks pretty much like any of the best material to be found on the National Geographic Channel, PBS’s “Nature” and elsewhere.

Anuradha Cineplex Noonmati 03612656968

GOLD Cinema Lakhtokia 0361 273 5367 Noor, 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM Local Kung Fu 2, 11:15 AM 05:15 PM Railroad Tigers, 02:15 PM Maatr, 08:15 PM a bug where the owl wouldn’t catch the 2nd rabbit you needed. You might be trying to catch one for 20 minutes thinking what you were doing something wrong. But it was the game. So if you run into the same problem just quit the game and the game hops back.

GOLD Cinema Narengi 8811001898 Local Kung Fu 2, 11:00 AM 05:00 PM Noor, 02:00 PM 08:00 PM AM 05:00 PM 08:00 PM

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Eating out at Bhoot Jolokia C limbing up a flight of stairs may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I urge you take these steps that lead you to flavours which feel like manna from heaven. Bhoot Jolokia, serving authentic Axomiya food, is not all high on decor but it is a place that is high on good taste. Located on Zoo Road, Bhoot Jolokia has been making its presence felt and I have been hearing only good things. Returning to my city after two weeks of travelling, my palate craved for familiar tastes. So, Sunday afternoon found us in the cool and simple interiors of Bhoot Jolokia. Without much

ado, I ordered an Assamese Thali. What better way than to taste all the dishes in one? The menu had an extensive choice but I prefer to stick to Thali as that allows me to taste variety - a bit of everything. A Vegetable thali for a princely sum of Rs. 100/-, I could not believe my eyes and a Pork Thali for a handsome price of Rs. 260. While waiting for the food, I soaked in the ambience; the place was packed with guests, service seemed prompt and best of all, it was spic and span, spotlessly clean. Owner, Anjali Borah, sat at the counter and kept a strict vigil; no wonder everything was clock work and smooth. Our food arrived on bell metal plates with six happy bowls filled with Dal, Mati Dal Khar, Meeholi Bhaji, Aloo Pitika , Saax Bhaji and Boror Tenga. The Pork Thali had the same items and a big bowl of pork curry came along. We also had some Maas Pura. We

got down to serious business of tasting the food; our palates were truly enticed by the flavours. Simple and balanced flavours, a meal that will win all points because of its simplicity. The ingredients were fresh and Anjali also informed that no packaged spices were used. Every ingredient was chosen with care, as one would do for one’s home. It was clearly evident for the meal felt as if it was home cooked. That is not an easy task in a commercial establishment, where the flavours are authentic and traditional, yet maintaining the simplicity. Take a bow because the flavours are so authentic, while it is light on both the pocket and stomach. For Rs. 100/they offer second helpings of rice and other items. The Boror Tenga was light and tangy, like a light soup - perfect on a hot summer day. The Pork Curry was very home style and generous in quantity, the Maas Pura was heavenly, smoky with the distinct taste of mustard oil. The meal ended with Paiyox, which was not the best - the only little flaw in a great meal and which can be forgiven! Kashmiri Nath Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and expert on Assamese cuisine.

Lifestyle

VAASTU SHASTRA

REMEDIES FOR VAASTU DEFECTS USING BARRIERS

staircase or lift in front of the main entrance is a vedh or block. In such a case, the Pa Kua mirror should be used to reflect it. A curtain in between the two is also very useful. Many people make the mistake of keeping the area of worship inside the kitchen due to lack of space. This angers the gods because of the smell of cooked food. Some kind of a barrier should be created in between. The kitchen should not be directly in front of the main door. Even there should not be a toilet in front of the kitchen. The toilet, puja room and the kitchen should not be next to one another. The placement of the water and the fire elements must be in their respective directions i.e. Northeast and the Southeast. Whenever the kitchen is not as

it manifests as procreation or creation – meaning in the form of any creative activity or as sex drive. When you are obsessed with sex, then you do not do anything creative. You forget about creativity entirely. When you are engaged in any creative activity, then lust does not trouble you. People who are obsessed with sex are not very creative. When the same energy manifests itself as creativity, then sex moves to the background. So here the energy could manifest as a creative or procreative tendency. You need not label the energy as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. That is just how it is. Manipur Chakra: The same energy moves upwards to the navel region and manifests in four forms or feelings. What are they? They are jealousy, generosity, joy, and greed. When people feel jealous they feel some sensation in the stomach region. Isn’t it so? You must have seen Santa Claus, the Laughing Buddha, or a Seth Ji (a wealthy businessman) – they all have a big stomach. So - jeal-

per vaastu, a red bulb should be kept lit in the southeast corner. If the main door, some other door, the rear door or any window falls in one line, it creates a vaastu defect. The energy is not circulated inside the house. Hang a crystal ball in between any two of them. A kind of barrier in between them should be Kasturi BorKotoKi Kasturi iscreated. a palette knife artist and paints impressionist floralor designs toilet in oils. SheAhailsdoor from Guwahati. Blog: kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com should not be placed in such a way so that they are directly in KasHmiri frontowner ofnatH the bed i.e. the Foodie, at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipethem developerwhile and feet should not face expert on Assamese cuisine. sleeping. Whenever this becomes inevitable, pyra strips should be KuLKuL fixed on the bedraHman facing the door or Entrepreneur, mother and a the toilet.passionate cook. Hemanta Kumar sarmaH Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist. sHri sHri ravi sHanKar Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

What are Chakras?

hakras are the nerve centres seen in our body. There are 1,72,000 Nadis (channels of metaphysical energy or life-force) in our body, and there are various nerve centres for these 1,72,000 Nadis. The human body actually has 109 nerve centres, but among those, nine centres are important, and even in those nine, seven centres (Chakras) are of primary importance. And when energy (kundalini) or consciousness flows through these nerve centres, there are different emotions, feelings or sensations that one experiences. Muladhara Chakra: The base of spine or the sacrum is the location of the first centre called the Muladhara Chakra. When the Muladhara Chakra is activated, what happen? One experiences enthusiasm in life. When it is dormant, then one experiences dullness and inertia. One does not feel interested in anything. This is the first Chakra. Swadishthana Chakra: The same energy moves upwards to the second Chakra which is located behind the genitals and

ousy, generosity, joy, and greed are the four flavours of consciousness that manifest in the third Chakra. Anahata Chakra: From the navel region, the energy moves

upwards to the heart region. Here, from a four-petal flower, the energy is represented by a three-petal flower. What do the three petals signify? They represent fear, love and hatred. When people feel hatred or fear or love, the sensation is felt in

the heart region. When someone’s heart is broken, it means that the love has become sour and turned into hatred. Love, fear and hatred are all the same. When there is love, there is no fear. When there is fear, there is no love. At any point of time, only one of the three emotions takes the front position while the other two go in the background. It is not that they disappear entirely. People who feel fear also have love. When love is predominant, then there is no fear or hatred. When hatred takes the front seat, then love and fear are gone to the back. This is what happens to people. When they are so full of hatred, they have no fear at all and they have no love at all. Vishuddhi Chakra: When the same energy moves to the throat Chakra, what is the sensation you experience? You feel gratefulness, and you have a sensation in the throat region when you experience grief. When you

are grieving, your throat chokes. And when you feel very grateful, then also your throat chokes. Ajna Chakra: When the consciousness moves to the centre of the forehead, it manifests as anger, awareness or alertness. Knowledge and awareness are depicted by the sixth Chakra. The same point is also the seat of anger, and is also said to be the region of the mystical Third Eye. You must have read or heard the story of how Lord Shiva opened His ‘Third Eye’ and burnt Lord Kasturi BorKotoKi Kamadeva into Kasturiashes. is a palette knife artist and paints impressionist floral designs Sahasrara Chakra: When in oils. She hails from Guwahati. Blog: kasturiscanvas.blogspot.com the Consciousness moves to the top of the head, then one experiKasHmiri natH ences only bliss. There is nothing Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, blogger, recipe developer and else. You nofood longer feel any expert on Assamese cuisine.duality, any sense of conflict or separation. You feel totally connected KuLKuL raHman and one with everything. You Entrepreneur, mother and a feel so blissful. passionate cook. (This is a part of Sri Sri Ravi sarmaH are Shankar’s Hemanta article Kumar - “What Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Chakras and how weJokcleanse Pranic Healerdo and Su Acupressure specialist. them?”) sHri sHri ravi sHanKar Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Entertainment

New single KUHIPAATH released KALYAN KUMAR KALITA

romising singer, Bhaiti Ashim, recently released his new audio-video song titled ‘Kuhipaath’. The song was formally released by Prag Channel’s owner and Assamese film producer Sanjive Narain, where Assamese film director Munna Ahmed, Assamese film actress Nishita Goswami and young storyteller-cum-journalist-cum-lyricist Rajdweep were present as chief guests. Bhaiti Ashim was showered with praises for his new venture. The song has been penned by Sasanka Samir and composed by Diganta Banikya and Bhaiti Ashim. The music of the song has been scored by Diganta Banikya. The song has been beautifully rendered by Bhaiti Ashim. It was recorded at Red AV Studio by Pinku Das. The key roles in the song’s video have been essayed by Aswini Bhuyan, Pratibha Choudhury, Ratul Sharma, Madhusmita Dihingia, Ritwik Saikia, Aziz Haque and Jitu Baruah. The choreography of the video has been done by Mansum Pathak and its cinematography is by Pradip Dai-

mary with Upen Boro as assistant. The VFX and editing has been done by Shyamal Das, art direction is by Manjit Gogoi and Manoj Bekash and the sets have been designed by Jyoti Bhattacharyya. The song’s video was directed by Nanan Pachani, assistant director is Kalpo Jyoti Das and chief assistant director is Syed Alforid Haq. The production designer is Anima Pachani, production managers are Kamal Paran and Chang, costume has been designed by Ananya Pachani; make-up is by Anup. Bhaiti Ashim was deeply attracted to music from his childhood and holds a Bisharad degree in Tabla since Class 9. He has already performed at various functions organized by Northeast Frontier Railway, performed in Silpagram, Shraddhanjali Kanan and has entertained audiences with his soulful voice. Besides these, he has also performed at various cultural shows as well as on Bihu stages. The singer hopes that the Assamese music lovers will accept his new song and his work will be appreciated.

Scan the QR Code and get the GPlus app  facebook.com/guwahatiplus  twitter.com/guwahatiplus  www.g-plus.in

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

Jivan was quite tensed up about the her father and both of them took Gobin rphan brothers, Jivan and Gobin proved to be a burden for their poor whole situation of mismatched wealth but away to their house in the city to get him and distant cousin and were asked the wedding went well. Meanwhile, Gobin treated. Jivan was heartbroken coming to to go their uncle’s place in the city. Their became a magistrate. But things had to know about this. Gobin recovered but could uncle was a motor mechanic and had a change; Rupa’s mind always had a superi- not come back to his brother because of family of three. But he loved his nephews a ority complex stemming from her wealth. his stubborn wife, Rupa. His mind in turlot. They were sent to school and their un- Jivan’s circle included drivers from the poor- moil, Gobin’s started missing his old home. cle tried to give them everything within his er class while Gobin’s circle of people was all Meanwhile, Bapkon contracted typhoid and capacity. Jivan realised how difficult it had the known and so-called upper class in sta- wanted to meet his uncle Gobin. This was become for his uncle to manage his house- tus. Rupa did not like Jivan’s friends coming not possible anymore and the poor child hold. Thus he decided to give up studies to their house. Even Mr. Barua kept on telling could not understand this. One day Jivan’s and help his uncle thereby earning on his Gobin that he should maintain the dignity of friend Rafikul met Gobin in the city and told him about Bapkon’s indisposition. Rafikul own. Jivan learnt the mechanic’s work also accused Gobin of being an unworunder his uncle’s supervision and took Saknoia (1959; B/W) thy brother. Gobin recalled how much complete responsibility of his brother Banner: Deba Films Jivan had toiled and sacrificed for him. Gobin’s studies. Jivan took up taxi drivProducer: Atul Barua; Deven Medhi These thoughts shattered Gobin and ing as a profession and Gobin studied Director: Saila Barua finally he told Rupa either to remain hard. Days went by and after a lot of Story/Screenplay/Dialogues: Durgeswar Borthakur his wife and come back to his brother’s hard work Jivan bought his own taxi, Music: Mukul Barua got married and brought Lakhimi into Cast: Jnadha Kakoty, Bina Barua, Tulsi Das, Sarbeswar place or leave him and enjoy the riches and status of her father. his life. God blessed them with an angel, Chakravarty, Durgeswar Borthakur, Saila Barua, Bina Rupa had no option but to go Bapkon. On the other hand, Gobin comDas and so on back. She realised that riches, status pleted his graduation and LL.B. as well. and so on are all superficial things which It was a decent life with Jivan driving the taxi, Gobin going to the court, Bapkon going his stature, leave his present house and start might be there one day and could be lost to school and Lakhimi taking care of home. living at Barua’s place; after all who was go- the next day. But family is something that should remain as one under any circumIn due course, Lakhimi suggested that Gobin ing to look after his business empire? Gobin once fell seriously ill and Jivan stances. Finally the family reunited. get married. Gobin revealed about Rupa, his love from college. Rupa was the only daugh- went frantically looking for doctors and ter of Mr. Barua, one the richest men in town. treatment. In Jivan’s absence Rupa called Mirza Arif Hazarika

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Events

Venue: NYX, Palacio Glimpses of NYX Palacio’s power packed Ladies night and Acoustic Nights with Swadhyay.

Raghu Ram of Indian Ocean

Kryptos

ADUJ, NLUJAA 2017 | Date: 21st - 23rd April 2017

Organized at the Amingaon, Hajo road campus – this was the first national cultural and literary fest organized by the university under UNICEF Along with the presence of various dignitaries, Indian Ocean, Dualist inquiry and Kryptos rocked the event with their marvellous performances!

G PLUS APR 29 - MAY 05, 2017

Catching Up New