GPlus Vol 4 Issue 32 by G Plus

City results incite blame game between parents and schools

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Ward No 7 struggling with several civic issues

New Chic on the Block Abhilasha Phukan PG 08

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VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 32 JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017 PRICE `10

‘Actual pass percentage’ of HSLC cuts sorry figure on state’s education scenario Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

he pass percentage of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) has drastically dropped to 47.94% from 62.79% last year. Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that this year the result showed the actual status of the students. The minister said that the result of this year is the actual result as no unfair practices have taken place in the examination centres due to strict vigilance. He had earlier gone on record saying that in the last 14 years the pass percentage of HSLC was high as it was intentionally manipulated on the instructions of highly placed officials and political figures. He said that the board is manipulated every year into increasing the pass percentage to show a better picture of the education scenario. This year, a total of 3,72,640 students had appeared in the examina-

tion out of which 1,78,656 students cleared the same. There were 54,955 first division holders, 80,179 second division holders and 43,522 were place in the third division. The allegation of increasing the pass percentage that has come up against the board over the last fourteen years during the Congress regime has raised questions in the minds of the people that the board is playing with the lives of the students for political benefits. Doubts are also creeping in on whether the step that has been taken by the present education minister will indeed reform the education system for the better for the well being of the students. This year the pass percentage of male students was better at 49.41% while that of female was 46.51%. The education minister has worked on the pass percentage and has moderated the system to pursue a fruitful result. But the education department has to try and improve Continued on page 06

In Conversation with Dr Ghanashyam Nath

“Teachers who were against me succeeded in collapsing GCC”

Alarming depletion of city’s green cover; encroachment of hills major factor Kalyan Deb kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

n 15th November, 2016 Stephen Hawking gave a chilling warning that humans have just about 1,000 years left on Earth. Hawking was giving a speech at Oxford University’s Union where he said, “I don’t think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping be-

yond our fragile planet.” Hawking sent a powerful video message on the need to achieve the Global Goals. “We must also continue to go into space for the future of humanity,” he said. Not the most encouraging words for the future of humankind. The effects of climate change have advanced upon the world: warming climates and ocean temperature, rising sea levels, diminishing soil

quality, shifting rainfall, escalating weather patterns, and much more, all happening faster than previously predicted. Regions already experiencing drought and other effects of climate change will experience even worse conditions, especially when it comes to water and food security. While we celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June, we need to open our minds and accept the fact Continued on page 11

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Lead Story

City results incite blame game between parents and schools

With parents blaming the schools and the schools blaming the parents, the poor HSLC and HS results demand a systematic approach to change the education system for a better outcome some information creates negative impact. One is scared that if one is too strict the children might run away from home. So it is not easy to provide accurate guidance to the children. The businessman also said that the children spend their daily hours at school and so it is mainly the responsibility of the teachers and the school to extract good results from the students. As regards parents, they can only inculcate values in the students. He said that all the students require tuitions. If the teachers are able to guide the students efficiently, the requirement of tuitions and coaching classes will not be there. So the schools need to pull up their socks. While such parents are putting the onus on the schools, G Plus also talked to some teachers to understand their views.

The teachers’ concern Students checking out results at a city school | G Plus photo

Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

ubsequent to the recent declaration of the HSLC and HS results, all eyebrows were raised at the educational institutes in Guwahati and with good reason. In HSLC, not a single school from the city managed to get a position and in HS, it was only KC Das Commerce College that saved the reputation of the city with eight positions; Cotton College secured just two positions and Sai Vikash managed one. But in the HSLC results not a single school managed to secure a rank this year. With overall HSLC pass percentage of the state at an abysmal 14-year low of 47.94%, education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the same portrays the actual academic status of the students. Sarma said enhanced vigilance at the examination centres prevented students from adopting unfair means. Those schools which registered poor results were centres where there were high instances of cheating in the previous years. When the poor performance of government schools was pointed out, the minister said the issue needs to be analysed. Only the government knows what sort of analysis can be done but for Guwahatians it is a depressing sce-

nario. G Plus talks to some Guwahatians to understand what exactly went wrong.

The educational environment An ACS officer, talking to G Plus in anonymity, said that parents these days are over indulging the students. If a child asks for anything, the parents fulfil the demand and so they are getting things without understanding its value. Meanwhile, the exposure to modern technology with smart phones, internet etc. is proving to be a huge distraction for the students. The officer said that he has two children and the elder one passed out from Class 12 this year. He wants to send his child outside because the name of Cotton College seems to be associated with all the wrong things like the Guwahati Town Club smash up or the Uber drivers bash up. So the reputation of a premier college of the region has taken a bad beating. Similarly, the educational institutes of Guwahati are not dispensing quality education as expected by the parents. The officer is also an alumnus of Cotton College but feels that now there is no institute in Guwahati which he can trust for his child. He said that the educational environment of the city is changing drastically and the results

reflect the same. A paan shop owner was expecting good results from his son who appeared in the HSLC examination but he was very disappointed that his son failed. Talking to G Plus he said, “I am usually at the paan shop till 11 pm and when I go home my son is already asleep. But I made sure that he took tuitions for all the required subjects. He used to tell me that many things can be learned from the internet and so I even bought a computer for him. He assured me that he will secure 1st division but he failed in two subjects. Now people are telling me that I should not have bought him the computer. I feel as if he has cheated me as I never said no to any of his demands. But as I am not well educated I was not able to guide him with his studies.” Another city-based businessman whose child secured 3rd division said that these days the children keep insisting on going for group studies to their friends’ places and sometimes they have to allow. It seems the children sound rather over-confident before the exams but the results prove that the parents were wrong in judging their children. The parent said that these days one cannot be as strict with their children as they are exposed to so much information and

A city based teacher, D’Com Bhuyan, said that he is not too much of a marks oriented teacher and discussions regarding the educational environment of the city is endless and also lacks substance. He questioned what if there are no ranks? As there are students from all over the state and there will always be competition but he said that the point which should be mulled over is whether a 360 degree development of the education system is happening or not. He said that in the past when people did not get admission in Cotton College, they used to opt to go out for studies to places like Bangaluru etc. But now people do not even seek admission in Cotton College. They straightaway opt to go out to other cities. He wondered how people score 100% in English these days as earlier it never used to be possible. So he questioned the education system in totality and rubbished the assumption of educational environment degrading in the city. Another city based teacher, Jaya Devi, talking to G Plus said that smart phones and social media is hampering the results as the children are totally distracted with these things and are not concentrating on studies. She said that the city is changing and with it, its lifestyle. So the students are visiting new malls and hang out joints, acquiring new technical equipment

and have failed to inculcate a proper reading habit. She believed that all these things are hampering the results. Another school teacher said that after-school tuitions and too many co-curricular activities are other major reasons. She said that after school the students have to attend two-three tuition classes and to add to that, there would be dance class, or tennis class, or other activity class resulting in lesser study time. She said that parents these days want their children to excel in everything and in the process they put a lot of pressure on the students and the students, in the name of studies, just keep attending tuitions without actually studying. A city-based school principal, talking to G Plus, said that the teachers are not sincere or not dedicated to their profession as they have too many businesses which disallow them from providing quality education to the students. The principal said that the teachers should be trained well so that the students could be taught well.

What is the solution? Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Mridul Hazarika, talking to G Plus said that a solution cannot be provided in one day. There has to be a systematic approach towards the issue. He said that teaching is not so easy. There has to be an attitude to learn. He added that since childhood an attitude for learning has to be created in the children so that they can learn any topic in depth as according to him in-depth learning process is missing. Hazarika also said that even the attitude of the teachers has to change as they should understand how a student can learn something with in-depth knowledge. He said that the teachers have to be trained and the attitude of teaching has to be created were a teacher is dedicated and committed to his/her profession. He said that there has to be a systematic approach towards the change and gradually the results will show. So people have various views on the poor performance of the city in HSLC and HS results but the main onus today is on the teachers and the schools. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Ubers to become Olas in Ghy?

City

72-hour strike called off; hunger strike next on cards

Strike supporters forcefully stopping an on service app based cab | G Plus Photo

G Plus News

or those who are dependent on cabs, the past few days seemed to grind to a halt with the members of the All Guwahati Cab Owners and Drivers Association, who run the Ola and Uber cabs, going on a three-day strike from 29th May to 31st May. Although the drivers and owners registered with app-based taxi service Ola had withdrawn the strike after the aggregator company conceded to

their demands for restoring the incentive system after the very first day, the fate of those registered with Uber continue to dangle in uncertainty as the association is yet to receive a reply from the cab service providers. Those registered with Uber had to lift the 72-hour strike since the livelihood of the cab drivers was at stake. However, it was also mentioned in a statement issued by the association that they would go on a hunger strike if their demands are not met.

The Ola and Uber drivers have asserted that decreased incentive is the reason for the protest. They have complained that their margins are getting affected and their business is suffering as new vehicles and drivers continue to join the platform in a random fashion. Therefore, the association wants the cab aggregators to stop enrolling new drivers. Ismail Ali, President of the Association said, “The Company had assured us an income of around Rs. 75,000 per month, but now we earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 only. The EMI for my vehicle itself is around Rs 13,500 and there are many other overheads and expenses.” The cab drivers also complained about bad cell phone connectivity in the city due to which they are often unable to locate a customer resulting in losses by way extra fuel and time. Ali demanded that a charge of Rs 50 be levied if the customer’s phone is switched off. While the strike was on it also came to light that several cab drivers registered with Uber had put

their vehicles up for sale. Many even opined that a massive number of cab drivers would soon shift to Ola. A customer, travelling by Uber on Thursday last – the day the strike was called off – called G Plus to report his conversation with the driver of his vehicle on that trip. The driver asserted that it had been three days of anguish at not being able to run his vehicle and so not being able to earn money. His torment was also due to the fact that with the lesser income these days, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the EMI commitments and the anguish is further accentuated by the fact that his insurance premium is due shortly for which he has no money to pay. The driver added that while Ola had acceded to their demands on the very first day, Uber is yet to revert even after three days. According to him, his association is seriously contemplating converting all Uber vehicles to Ola. If this comes to pass, there will be a significant rise in the number of Ola cabs at the expense of Uber. Strikes are not an uncommon phenomenon for the beleaguered

companies. In November 2016, 12,000 Ola and Uber cab drivers had gone off the roads in Guwahati having started a 36-hour strike. 2016 and 2017, for the most part, were marked by bans, strikes, driver protests and legal encounters for cab aggregators in places such as Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai among others. In January 2017, the cab drivers once again went on strike in Bengaluru. Later in February 2017, UberPOOL and Ola Share services had been declared illegal by the Government of Karnataka. The Karnataka High Court gave the companies a 15-day extension to comply with the rules regarding the ride-sharing services. In the same month, Ola, Uber drivers had also gone on an indefinite strike in Delhi-NCR, demanding higher incentives and discontinuing shared rides. The strike was called off after 13 days when the government assured both the parties that they would provide a platform between Ola, Uber and the drivers where the drivers could raise their issues. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In The News

Poor show by city colleges; private colleges shine at HS exams

Girls outshone boys in the HS exams with better pass percentage; city colleges fail miserably with no position holders from Arts stream and only 3 from Science; 8 from Commerce within the top 10 is the only consolation Juthika Baruah

and Samudra Jit Boruah (10th), Ramanujan Junior College (Nagaon). No one from the city could secure a position in the Arts stream whereas from the Science stream only two have managed positions.

infrastructure and quality of education of the government colleges, it is now seen that the private institutions have done better. In the Arts stream, the first position holder Alaka Das is from Krishnaguru Mahavidyalaya which has the blessings of Krishnaguru Arun Goswami. Girls have outshone boys in all the streams this year. In Arts stream the pass percentage of female is 80.03% while that of male is 74.82%. In Commerce stream the pass percentage of female is 89.71% while that of male is 83.69% and in Science the pass percentage of female is 91.80% and male pass percentage is 88.81%. The rank holders from Arts stream are Alaka Das (1st), Krishnaguru Mahavidyalaya (Barpeta), Sobina Yashmin (2nd), Brilliant Academy (Mangaldoi), Ankita Mitra (3rd), Genius Academy Junior College (Lakhimpur), Nabanita Bharadwaj (4th), Mangaldoi Govt. HS School, Henasri Medhi (5th), Barpeta Vidyapith HS School (Barpeta), Abhilasha Borbora (5th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Deepika Hazarika (5th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Jyotish Kalita (6th), Ranjit Sarma Academy Junior

The only saving grace for the city was in the Commerce stream with eight students from KC Das Commerce College securing positions while Gauhati Commerce College had the abominable record of none of its students securing a position. Although the state government has tried to improve the

College (Mangaldoi), Aditi Dutta (6th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Amanisha Borah (6th), Renaissance Junior College (Nagaon), Sugandhi Neog (7th), Crescent Academy (Jorhat), Jaba Saikia (7th), Majuli College (Majuli), Namrata Boruah (7th), Ramanujan Junior College (Na-

juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

fter passing the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination, popularly known as the matriculation exams, students from across the state come to Guwahati for pursuing higher and hopefully better education. But do the results of the Higher Secondary (HS) examinations this year prove that the students have got a better deal here? This year the city had just a handful of position holders across all the streams. The best college of the state - the historical Cotton College of the city - where students crave to study has failed to shine in the HS. On top of that, the Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also issued a show cause notice to the Principal of the college for failing to complete the syllabus on time. Expectations from the leading college - Cotton College - are always huge but unlike the previous years, the performance of the college this year can only be termed pathetic. But thankfully two of its students from the Science stream managed to save the dignity of the college by securing 6th and 9th positions. No student from the Arts stream found a place in the first ten positions. The city colleges have failed miserably to make an

(L-R) B. Borooah College, Cotton College and Gauhati Commerce College all fared poorly in the HS examinations

tion holder in Science, Ronak Jain said that the merger cannot be a reason for students not performing well. “The college has not yet become a full-fledged university that studies might have got hampered. The rules and regulations during the examinations were same as before and therefore that cannot be a reason,” said Ronak. The rank holders of Science are Abinash Kalita (2nd),

“Results of the government run schools were affected as students were deprived of education because teachers take to streets in the name of protests” Education Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma impact this year and the first position in the Science stream was secured by Rajababu Saikia from Ramanujan Junior College, Nagaon proving that students from outside the city can also come out with flying colours. On being asked whether it was the impact of the merger of Cotton College with the Cotton College State University that resulted in this poor show, 6th posi-

Krishnakanta Handique Junior College (Pathsala), Kunal Horo (3rd), Anundoram Borooah Academy (Pathsala), Mridupaban Das (3rd), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Ilias Khan Rana (4th), Anundoram Borooah Academy (Pathsala), Suman Chetry (4th), Ramanujan Junior College (Nagaon), Indibar Talukdar (5th), Bajali College (Pathsala), Anshuman Bhargav (5th), Ramanujan Junior

College (Nagaon), Bhaskar Ghosh (6th), Sishupathsala HS School (Dhubri), Kaustobhmoni Hazarika (6th), Salth Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Ronak Jain (6th), Cotton College (Guwahati), Samarjit Kalita (6th), Govt. Gosrdon HS School (Nalbari), Mayank Prasad (7th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Ashim Mazumdar (8th), Krishnakanta Handique Junior College (Pathsala), Shirsa Mazumdar (8th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Darshana Talukdar (9th), Anundoram Borooah Academy (Pathsala), Soumik Dey (9th), Ramanuj Gupta Junior College (Silchar), Nishtha Borgohain (9th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Arnab Kapil (9th), Cotton College (Nalbari), Muzammil Ahmed (9th), Ramanujan Junior College (Nagaon), Kumar Ratnadeep (9th), Nagaon College (Nagaon), Bishwarup Laskar (10th), Ramanuj Gupta Junior College (Silchar), Naina Hatibaruah (10th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Niki Boruah (10th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Dip Nilim Das (10th), Sai Vikash Junior College (Guwahati), Abhinav Chetia (10th), Brahmaputra Valley Academy (Lakhimpur), Basab Ranjan Dahal (10th), Ramanujan Junior College (Nagaon)

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In The News Modi (7th), Pragjyotika Junior College (Titabor), Pratik Bhartia (8th), Bongaigaon College (Bongaigaon), Abhishek Jain (9th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Madhu Jain (9th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Divya Bothra (10th), Dronacharya Acad-

gaon), Rimjim Sarma (8th), Pragjyotika Junior College (Titabor), Meghna Goswami (9th), Krishna Kanta Handique Junior College (Pathsala), Arpita Singha (9th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Banchana Rajkumari (9th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Gayatri Devi (9th), Concept Junior College (Titabor), Himadri Basu (10th), Krishna Kanta Handique Junior College (Pathsala), Papori Borah (10th), DKD College (Golaghat), Ananya Liza Dutta (10th), Crescent Academy (Jorhat). The rank holders in the Com-

merce stream are Prashant Goel (1st), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Sourav Paharia (2nd), Brilliant Academy (Mangaldoi), Pinkey Debnath (3rd), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Gaurav Patowary (4th), National Pioneer Junior College (Tangla), Khusali Agarwal (5th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Pravin Nagori (6th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Nimisha Sharma (6th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Satyam Fogla (7th), Salt Brooke Academy (Dibrugarh), Sneha

Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a show cause notice to the Principal of Cotton College for failing to complete the syllabus on time emy (Barpeta Road), Pankaj Kumar Saha (10th), Vivekananda Junior College (Cachar), Natasha Jain (10th), KC Das Commerce College (Guwahati), Dipankar Saha (10th), National Pioneer Junior College (Tangla). From the above results it is obvious that private colleges have performed better in the ex-

aminations than the government colleges. The question is: why are the government colleges unable to perform well in the examinations? Is it the infrastructure, the chaotic method of education or the indiscipline of the colleges that the students of these colleges have failed to do well? Speaking to G Plus, a Principal of a reputed college in the city said that it is not about the infrastructure or the teaching methods for which the results of government colleges have gone down. “There are many private junior colleges

that have come up in each of the districts and students prefer to go to private colleges rather than the government colleges. Other than a few colleges like Cotton College, Handique Girls’ College, Commerce College etc. students prefer to opt for private colleges thinking that they will get better facilities and therefore the private colleges come up with good results. Earlier, there were fewer options but there are multiple choices now and therefore the results vary from college to college,” the Principal said. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In The News

‘Actual pass percentage’ of HSLC cuts sorry figure on state’s education scenario The government of Assam has instructed SEBA to conduct compartmental examinations from 27th July and the results will be declared within 20th August after which the students will be able to take admissions for Class XI from the current session itself

Continued from page 01 the education system in the government schools as the performance of these schools in the examination has been nothing but depressing. It has always been the case that the government schools do not have good infrastructure and that most of the time the schools in certain areas remain closed due to various reasons.

Holding of compartmental examinations The Govt. of Assam’s Secondary Education Department has decided that SEBA will conduct a compartmental examination in order to facilitate another chance for the failed students. SEBA will conduct the compartmental examination in such a way that the results can be declared within 20th August, 2017 and the students can take admission in Class-XI in the current session itself. The head of institutions will facilitate and motivate the failed students to appear in the compartmental examination. The online submission of forms will start from 5th June, 2017 and continue to 12th June, 2017 and special remedial coaching classes will be arranged for these students. All the concerned teachers have to take coaching classes after the school hours during school days and during summer vacation in the day time. If possible coaching classes can be arranged in batches and in one batch there should not be more than 10 students so that intensive coaching is provided. In case of need, the head of the institution can take the help of teachers of neighbouring schools and coaching may be done by making a cluster of schools. The Inspector of Schools will have to make a detailed plan for daily monitoring of the coaching classes held in each school through the DRISHTI program. A daily report has to be sent to Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan (RMSA), Assam on the coaching classes held in each school. All the heads of the institutions shall be warned that if they fail to hold the coaching classes, stern disciplinary action will be taken against them. The same will also be applicable for the teachers who show apathy in taking the coaching class.

File photo of the office of the Board of Secondary Education of Assam

The Government in Education Department will take a serious view if any negligence is reported against

any stakeholders and will arrange one examination centre in each district HQ and sub-divisional HQs

for holding the compartmental examination. The examination will be held from 27th to 30th July, 2017 pos-

itively. The RMSA will facilitate holding of coaching classes from their Learning Enhancement Program (remedial teaching) and monitoring of the holding of coaching in each school under their DRISHTI program. Additional expenditure required for the same can be made from state plan fund which is available with the departments. One ARP may be asked to monitor maximum 5 schools for proper monitoring of the programme. Meanwhile, in the Assam High Madrassa Examination, 10,116 students had appeared out of which 5,278 or 52.17% cleared the exam. 821 secured first division, 2556 second division and 1901 third division. The pass percentage among male students was 54.15% while that of female was 50.53%. n

List of Rank Holders Positions

Candidate Name

School Name

Place

1st

Partha Pratim Bhuyan Tannayoee Hazarika

Jatiya Vidyalaya, Tihu BVFC Model High School

Tihu, Nalbari Dibrugarh

2nd

Rajanya Kashyap Gogoi

Salt Brook School

Dibrugarh

Nurul Hoque Ali

Raghunath Choudhury HS School

Nalbari

Bhargobpratim Borah Sayan Mazumdar

Pichala National Academy Don Bosco High School

Jarabari, Lakhimpur Tezpur, Sonitpur

Hiyaparasha Bhuyan

Asom Keshori Jatiya Vidyalaya

Barpeta

Writik Sutar

Pole Star Academy

Sonitpur

Jahnaz Tousifa Ahmed

Marian High School

Barpeta

Saptadweep Saha

Mangaldoi Don Bosco High School

Darrang

Niha Priyadarshini Jyotishmita Kalita Nikumani Devi Miraz AL Mamun Chinmoy Jyoti Neog Ayan Deep Saikia Angshuman Dutta Ayan Koushik Mahanta Palak Alampuria Hrishikesh Gogoi Arunabh Saikia Hemanginee Das Bibungsar Basumatary Kaustuv Kishore Kalita Hridi Priyam Sarmah Reeya Hazarika Priyanki Saikia Rupsita Gogoi Ripunjoy Sarma

Little Flower HS School Anundoram Borooah Academy Bapuji High School Little Star English Academy Montfort High School BVFC Model High School Don Bosco High School Gyanjyoti Academy Christ Jyoti School Holy Name School St. Peter’s School St. Teresa English High School Barpeta Road Bodo High School Shankardev Sishu Niketan Kendriya Jatiya Bidyalaya Salt Brook School Don Bosco High School Don Bosco High School Assam Academy

Dibrugarh Barpeta Bongaigaon Dhubri Chabua, Dibrugarh Dibrugarh Baghchung, Jorhat Narayanpur, Lakhimpur Nagaon Sibsagar Nazira, Sibsagar Barpeta Barpeta Burha, Darrang Darrang Dibrugarh Baghchung, Jorhat Baghchung, Jorhat Nalbari

3rd 4th 5th

6th

7th 8th

9th

10th

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Snippets

GMC to remove all GS Road footpath encroachments within 30 days

he Deputy Commissioner Kamrup (M) Dr M Angamuthu has directed GMC

to remove all the encroachments from the footpaths of GS Road within 30 days starting from 1st

June and report compliance to the authority. It has been observed by the district administration that the footpaths all along the GS Road are encroached with vendors, beggars, temples, and temporary structures, which many a time cause inconveniences to the pedestrians. Considering the fact that such encroachments may cause threat to the life and property of the public in general, the DC has ordered immediate need for identification and removal of the encroachments and storage of construction materials on the footpath so as to avoid havoc and loss of life and property.

Cancer units to be built in Assam hospitals

he state health department and the Mumbai based Tata Trusts on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to provide advanced treatment to cancer patients in the region. Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the five medical college hospitals of Assam would each get a 100-bed oncology wing with advanced equipment like linear accelerators, cobalt machines, PET/CT scan machines, and MRI

within 2018. “Through this MoU, we have formed a cancer grid with Tata Trusts at the top, the cancer hospital at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute in the middle and the district hospitals at the bottom. The finest machines will be made available to the district hospitals,” Sarma said. He also added that Tata Trusts had also agreed to help build a separate oncology

wing in upcoming medical colleges in Lakhimpur, Dhubri, and Diphu. The partnership aims to provide quality cancer care in the state, formulate a cancer control programme, facilitate early detection of the disease, and develop and upgrade comprehensive treatment infrastructure. Employees to run the oncology units will be recruited by the state government but trained by Tata Trusts. n

Biometric attendance must in state’s medical colleges

he Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of Assam has directed the Director of Medical Education to advise the principals of all medical colleges of the state to strictly enforce biometric attendance system for recording the

attendance of all faculties, doctors, grade-II and grade-IV staff from July 1st at their respective medical colleges. It may be mentioned that no salary bills will be processed if the incumbents fail to put their attendance in the biometric system. n

City hospital observes ‘No Tobacco Day’

arayana Superspeciality Hospital Guwahati, in association with Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Howrah and Deepsikha Foundation, an organization working exclusively for the care of cancer patients, initiated an anti-tobacco awareness campaign in the city on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, on May 31st. Various street plays depicting the importance of good health and harmful effects of tobacco were performed at different locations across the city such as, Adabari Bus Stand, Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar, Ganeshguri, Six Mile, and Panbazar. The goal was to leave a very strong message in the minds

of the people, which would alert and discourage them to consume tobacco and divert their craving to other positive aspects. “The idea is to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. Lung Cancer, heart strokes/ attacks, asthma, pre-mature or low birth-weight babies, diabetes, blindness, cataract, cancers in mouth, throat, bladder, etc. are chronic diseases that are abetted by tobacco use,” said Dr Apurva Garg, Consultant Head & Neck Onco surgeon, Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, Howrah. He further added, “We are glad to be taking this initiative and hope to stimulate a tobacco-free healthy lifestyle amongst people.” n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Ward Watch

Ward No 7 struggling with several civic issues

Residents hopeful of a positive change following the completion of 6th edition of Ward Talks higher levels about dismissing the ration cards and electricity connections of those residing in the hills; however, the same has not been disclosed to the public as yet. “Being a councillor and residing on a hillock myself, I am opposing the move as it poses a threat to several indigenous residents of the city,” said Bhupen Thakuria, councillor, Ward No. 7. He added that the problem of streetlights will soon be solved as there have been discussions of reviving Project Jyoti. The step will be initiated with a budget of Rs 25 crores. The councillor assured that with the support of the residents several other initiatives of construction of the

Nekibur Rahman (PWD), Bhupen Thakuria (Councillor, Ward No. 7) and Naba Kr. Choudhury (I/C Goshala OP)(L-R)

Kalyan Deb kalyan.deb@g-plus.in

uwahati witnessed the sixth edition of “Ward Talks” on 28th May with the active participation of the residents of Ward No. 7. The event took place at Ambikagiri Girls HS School in the presence of close to 100 locals of areas such as Maligaon, Ambikagiri, Krishna Nagar, Gotanagar, Gorchuk and Boragaon among others. The discussion was chaired by Naba Kumar Choudhury, in-charge of Gaushala Outpost, Bhupen Thakuria, Councillor, Ward No. 21 and Nekibur Rahman, Assistant Engineer, Public Works Department. Representatives of several development committees were also present during the event. During the discussion, residents of the area threw light on the lack of technical planning and demarcation in the construction of the roads due to a major part of the ward having a hilly terrain. The problems of lack of proper roads, drinking water, garbage collection, street lights and several other civic issues also emerged during the discussion. Several concerned residents who had taken part in the discussion opined that Ward No. 7 is the most underdeveloped ward in the city. Jadav Mahanta, one of the participants of the discussion forum, mentioned that roads such as the one

connecting Maligaon to Boragaon is facing the problem of encroachment by a resident and urged the officials to take necessary steps. Residents of the ward also mentioned about the haphazard condition of the electric posts in the ward, especially those in the hilly terrains. It was mentioned that there has been no initiative from Assam State Electricity Board for the maintenance of the electric cables.

The construction of Kanaklata Path was a struggle of 22 years Bhupen Thakuria, councillor, Ward No. 7 “There are several indigenous people in the hills who have been residing there for over five to six decades but in the last twenty to thirty years, other people have also settled there in large numbers. Several localities and villages have been created and one can only imagine how they got all the connections,” Mahanta mentioned. A senior citizen echoed a similar opinion saying, “We have failed to get the attention of the authorities and because of this we have fallen behind. Firstly, ASEB

had provided electricity to those who have illegally settled in the hillocks of the area and secondly, the posts have been installed in an unplanned manner as cables can be seen hanging in an unkempt manner at various spots. Such irregularities pose a threat to the safety of the people. Moreover, there has been no response from the department officials even after repeated requests. Those who work inside the confined boundaries have no idea about the sufferings of the people and the kind of affairs that go on among those working on the streets. Had they been present in the meeting, we could have narrated our hardships to them.” Addressing the discussion, the councillor of the ward mentioned that the ward covers a vast area and consists of 36,620 voters. He also mentioned that the ward has undergone developmental work of Rs 1 crore in the past four years adding that a lot is yet to be done. He also mentioned that there are discussions going at

roads in the near future have been taken but the people have to patient. “The construction of Kanaklata Path was a struggle of 22 years but finally I have been able get the tendering process done. The road is likely to be completed in the next three to four months. Similarly, there are several other roads that will be constructed in the near future. However, fund constraint is a major challenge for us and we have to take our decisions after a lot of analysis as regards prioritising areas,” the councillor added. It also emerged during the discussion that the areas near the Maligaon Railway Station and Maligaon Hospital have become a hub of illegal activities with miscreants consuming drugs and alcohol in the open. Chandra Das, a resident of Krishna Nagar, mentioned that there are several miscreants who openly sell and consume alcohol near the Mali-

gaon Railway Station and urged the intervention of the police. On the same Naba Kumar Choudhury, in-charge of Gaushala Outpost mentioned that the police had chased them away on several occasions but the lack of

We have to hold the garbage for three to four days and even after repeatedly calling them we do not get any response Citizen, Ward No. 7 manpower remains a hurdle. The General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway has been informed about the same but there is no support from Railway Protection Force or any other department. He also added that many among the miscreants are women and urged the Mahila Samittee to lend their support. Garbage collection remains a problem in the area. It was mentioned that the NGO responsible for garbage collection has not been efficient enough in fulfilling its responsibility. “We have to hold the garbage for three to four days and even after repeatedly calling them we do not get any response. However, we have to pay the amount charged for garbage collection on a regular basis,” stated a participant of the discussion forum. It was suggested on several occasions to put a helpline number in place in case of irregularities in garbage collection. Meanwhile, the councillor asked the residents to deduct a sum from the tax in case of irregularities. Locals also mentioned about the ward having the potential to be promoted as a tourist destination. The ward comprises several temples and the green foliage of the ward offers concrete reasons to attract tourists. However, the roads have to be constructed and maintained well for the same to materialise. The discussion concluded with hopes for a much developed Ward No. 7 in the near future. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Health

Tobacco related cancer constitutes 49.1% of all cancers in Kamrup (M) males The northeast region and the state of Assam witnessed the highest number of tobacco-related cancer and the prevalence of tobacco consumption in the state is 39.3%

Street play being conducted by Narayana Hrudayalaya and Deepshikha Foundation to create awareness about the ill-effects of tobacco consumption | G Plus Photo

Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

very year 31st May is celebrated as World No Tobacco Day. The theme for this year is “Tobacco – a threat to development.” The goals of the World No Tobacco Day 2017 campaign was to highlight the links between the use of tobacco products, tobacco control and sustainable development, encourage countries to include tobacco control as sustainable development agendum till 2030, support civil society to combat tobacco industry interference in political process and to demonstrate how individuals can contribute to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world, either by committing to never taking up tobacco products, or by quitting the habit. Tobacco consumption is one of the single most crucial risk factors for non-communicable diseases like heart attack, cancer, stroke and chronic respiratory diseases. It also has adverse impact on pregnancy and on the newborn. Prevalence of tobacco consumption in Assam is 39.3% as against national average of 34%. High prevalence of tobacco consumption in northeastern states is responsible for 66.1% and 55.3% of

tobacco related cancer in the states of Meghalaya and Tripura respectively. At Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, 56% of all cancers in male and 25.5% in female are tobacco related. In Urban Kamrup District, tobacco related cancer constitutes 49.1% of all cancers in males and 25.7% of all cancers in females. Cancer of oesophagus, hypopharynx, lung, stomach and tongue are the commonest cancers in males in Urban Kamrup District. All these are tobacco related cancers. As per PBCR report of NCRP, in urban Kamrup District, the leading sites of cancer in males are oesophagus (14.3%), hypopharynx (8.9%), lung (8.4%), stomach (6.7%) and mouth (5.2%). Every year about 50 lakh people die from tobacco related diseases in the world. In India, 10 lakh people die every year and it is expected that the number will be double by 2020. There are 3095 chemical components in smokeless tobacco products of which 28 are proven carcinogen. In Assam, 85,74,667 people above the age of 15 consume some form of tobacco product as per Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2010). It is estimated that out of these 34,29,867 will die premature-

ly due to tobacco consumption. In Assam, 52.3% of adults at home, 29.9% of adults at work place and 29% of adults at public places are exposed to passive smoking. 3.2 lakh packets of cigarettes and 6.5 lakh sachets of guthkha are sold daily in Assam. As per Public Health Foundation of India, Govt of Assam spent Rs 157.8 crores for treatment

in the state of Assam. The sale of smokeless tobacco products in India has dropped from five hundred thousand tonnes in 2008 to less than one hundred thousand tonnes in 2013. The Govt of Assam should ensure that all the provisions of COTPA and Juvenile Justice Act are properly implemented for control of tobacco for the health of the people and growth of the state. On the other hand, the Kamrup (M) district tobacco control cell has also celebrated World No Tobacco Day and revealed that among the 3.12 crore population in Assam 85 lakh people consume tobacco and 35 lakh people will die due to consumption of tobacco. According to the Director of B. Barooah Cancer Institute, Dr. Amal Ch. Kataky, there are many people who are affected indirectly due to consumption of tobacco. “The state and central government should spend a handsome amount of money for the treatment of cancer caused due to consumption of tobacco. We have to form a tobacco-free Assam in order to reduce the number of patients who suffer from cancer due to consumption of tobacco,” Dr. Kataky said. Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (M), M. Angamuthu said that in order to make a tobacco-free society the educational institutions should be emphasized on and awareness created among the children and they should visit the schools at least once a year to make children aware about the harmful effects of tobacco. The DC also said that in order to stop sale of smokeless tobacco in retail the wholesaler will be taken under observation. Moreover, MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharyya said that the consumption of tobacco was not there in the Indian culture. It was when the Portuguese came to India that the sale and consumption of tobacco surfaced in the country. “Tobacco is a completely foreign thing and it is due to the British that the cultivation of tobacco was done as it is also a huge profit making business. A product that is harmful for health is worthless to consume and it cannot make any good impact other than to harm the body by its consumption,” said Bhattacharyya.

Out of 3.12 crore people in Assam, 85 lakh people consume tobacco out of which, 35 lakh people will die due to consumption of tobacco. Dr. Amal Ch. Kataky of tobacco related diseases in 2011 out of the total health budget of Rs. 541.2 crores. It is reported that 34.3% of children in the Northeast consume tobacco as against 13.4% children (13-15 years of age group) in south India as per Global School Personnel Survey 2006. Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, State & District Tobacco Control Cell Assam, Voice of Tobacco Victims and many other NGOs are working for tobacco control

Moreover, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Guwahati, in association with Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Howrah and Deepsikha Foundation, an organization working exclusively for the care of cancer patients, initiated an anti-tobacco awareness campaign. Under the campaign, a series of street plays had been conducted to educate and caution people on the ill-effects of tobacco consumption that causes cancer and other diseases. The street plays were performed at different locations across the city such as, Adabari Bus Stand, Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar, Ganeshguri, Six Mile, and Panbazar. The play depicted the importance of good health and how consumption of tobacco in any form (chewing or smoking) can have adverse effects on health in the long run. The goal was to leave a very strong message in the minds of the people which would alert and discourage them to consume tobacco and divert their cravings to other positive aspects. Informative pamphlets and flyers on cancer awareness were also distributed to keep the population well-informed. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Governance

Rs 20 lakhs wasted as identified vending zone gets evicted

The Bhangagarh Vending Zone was made at a cost of Rs 20 lakhs but recently its vendors were evicted as the authorities have beautification plans for the area; meanwhile sources said that a street vendors’ survey will be conducted again Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

treet Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was passed by the Parliament in March, 2014. The Act emphasises that there should be a town vending committee for each town or city. The Town Vending Committee (TVC) is the central pivot of this Act and it will adopt the regulatory as well as welfare measures for street vendors within the city. Subsequently, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) had even formed a town vending committee soon after the Act was passed and a survey was conducted as well to identify the number of vendors. The vending zones were also identified. But the recent Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) vending zone eviction at Bhangagarh has again raised questions about the efficiency of the city authorities in dealing with street vending issues. Will there be another survey conducted? Will the authorities again have to identify new vending zones? How will the authorities identify the genuine vendors of the city? G Plus tries to analyse why it is so difficult to resolve the street vendors’ issues and what initiatives the authorities take to solve them.

The initiatives The GMC officials, with the help of an NGO (Scorpions), conducted a survey and the number of vendors who were expected to be registered was identified. After the Street Vendors Act was passed in March 2014, a town vending committee was formed which was headed by the GMC commissioner and the members were from various sectors like NGOs, 40%

Eviction carried out at Bhangagarh Vending Zone by GMC | G Plus photo

members from vendors, banks, police etc. The vending committee identified various zones like south zone, west zone, east zone, Lokhara zone, Dispur zone etc. After March 2014, the survey was officially announced by GMC only in January 2015. But according to highly placed sources in the GMC, the process was started long before that. Whatever be the reason the survey was completed in April 2015 and according to its results there were 7,182 street vendors in the city. There were 497 food vendors, 727 cloth vendors, 661 fruit vendors, 2044 vegetable vendors, 194 fish vendors, 82 meat vendors, 1,163 pan/tamul vendors, 183 chana/puchka/bhel puri vendors and 1,631 others. All these vendors were expected to be accommodated in vending zones and were supposed to have legal papers which would allot them a permanent place to conduct business. Did it happen?

The zones According to a source in the GMC, the zones were identified but because of land issues the zones could not be notified. Also, not all

of the vendors who were identified got their identity cards as the process was halted after a few days. Meanwhile, the source said that the GMC, after identification of the zones, created two vending zones in the city - one at Bhangagarh opposite GMCH and one at Six Mile. The GMC source said that from the findings of the survey some of the identified vendors of these zones were allotted permanent spaces there. The source said that the zones however, were not permanently notified. The GMC source said that approximately Rs 20 lakhs was spent to develop the Bhangagarh vending zone. Meanwhile, talking to street vendors it was known that the vendors keep getting evicted every now and then from various roads without any notification and the recent Bhangagarh eviction has raised many questions regarding the planning efficacy of the authorities.

The Bhangagarh eviction “It was on 4th May that the officials of GMC, along with the Mayor and Circle Officer Lakhinandan Saharia, reached the Bhangagarh

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market and carried out the eviction drive without issuing any prior intimation. It was said earlier that the market which was in existence in front of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) would be shifted to below the Bhangagarh flyover but the GMC officials went ahead and evicted the market without giving any notice. According to The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation Street Vending) Act, 2014, the street vendors should be served a notice of at least 30 days to enable shifting of their market,” said the President of the Street Vendors’ Association, Nayan Rajbongshi. He also said that there are 7,183 vendors and a Town Vending Committee was formed in 2014 which conducted the survey of the vendors in 2015. According to the Street Vending Act, a city should be allotted with 2.5% vendors as per its quantum of population. In the eviction drive that was carried out at Bhangagarh, 80 unauthorised shops, kiosks, restaurants and fruit and vegetable stalls were removed. The official of GMC said that the eviction was carried out so as to free up the traffic movement. The GMC took the action after the stretch from Bhangagarh flyover to the rotary at GMCH emergency entry point was declared “Protected Area” by the district administration. The GMC would also undertake a beautification project along with proper cleanliness around the GMCH area in which a PSU will be approached for assistance. But whatever be the reason public money amounting to Rs 20 lakhs that was used did not serve its purpose. A GMC source said that the money has not gone waste as the area will be used for plantation but it may be mentioned that GMC has failed to permanently identify even a single

vending zone in Guwahati. A GMC source also said that the number of vendors was gradually increasing in the city and the vendors who were allotted with one shop gradually called many other vendors and made them sit there with their vends. The source also said that the zone was expected to be shifted to Rupnagar first which did not happen and later when it was decided to be shifted below the Bhangagarh flyover the traffic department objected. The zone was also evicted because there were complaints from many people that some vendors illegally sold liquor and ganja in front of the hospital. All said and done, are the authorities not violating the Vending Act? And how will they identify the vendors as, since 2014, the number of vendors must have surely increased in the city?

The new thought According to the Act, the vendors are expected to receive a notice 30 days prior to an eviction but according to the vendors this did not happen. Also, after the Act was passed in 2014 it is questionable how the authorities are yet not able to notify the vending zones. A GMC source said that the urban body is planning to re-conduct the survey with the help of experts and also take the biometric information of the vendors which was not done before. The biometric information will help identify the vender easily as there are some vending nexuses which are increasing in the city. After that the zones will be decided and accordingly the vendors will be allotted the zones. But this claim is being made since 2014 and it’s been three years of status quo. The only thing which is surely happening is that public money is getting wasted in surveys and making vending zones which repeatedly get evicted.

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Concern

Alarming depletion of city’s green cover; encroachment of hills major factor Rampant encroachment of the city’s 20 big and small hillocks has resulted in close to 900 hectares of reserve forest land being converted for residential use thereby reducing the city’s green cover and dramatically affecting its ecological balance

Encroachment in the city hillocks resulting in green cover destruction | G Plus Photo

Continued from page 01 that if we do not act now, human race will soon face extinction from self-destruction. On this date we face environmental challenges like climate change, food production, overpopulation the decimation of several species and losing green cover. Guwahati has not been left

The recorded forest area of Assam is 26,832 sq km accounting for 34.21% of its geographical area. out in this race of environmental degradation. Being the prime city in the north-eastern India, the pressure of population growth in the city has only been increasing and due to ever increasing anthropogenic activities over the past few decades, the city now faces several geo-ecological challenges. The changing conditions have cumulative effect on the growth and distribution of population and settlement pattern.

The topography of the city includes plains and 20 numbers of small and big hillocks that were once covered with forests and had great impact on giving the city its pollution-free environment with healthy ecological balance. With the fast growing population of the city, it has also led to encroachment of the forest reserves and cutting down of trees thereby reducing its green cover. The city’s transition from a verdant town to a concrete jungle has been 40 years in the making. The call to rescue the gateway to the northeast from descending into further chaos has fallen on deaf ears. No candidate seems to have an answer to the crisis that looms large on Guwahati. Four constituencies make up Guwahati that is spread across 216 sq km with twenty green hillocks, two wildlife sanctuaries, seven reserve forests, five wetlands and one Ramsar site within its fold and yet, Guwahati is now a haphazard spread of concrete with a bloating population and rampant encroachment on its hills. Approximately 800-900 hectares of 20,505.62 hectares forest reserves have been encroached till date due to pressure on land

for residential purposes and without a proper system in place the pressure will only increase and in the process further deplete the green cover of the city. The state’s previous and the current governments have taken

ment plans to plant 2 crore saplings through this year. This was declared while laying the foundation stone of Chief Minister’s Seuj Uddyan Achoni at Mikirpara area under Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of the city by chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday last. Sonowal called for joint action by the state forest department and public to increase the green cover of Assam and to make pollution-free Assam a reality. Reserve forests at Jalukbari, Gotanagar, Garbhanga, Kalapahar, Fatasil, Sarania and Hengrabari, are reeling from heavy encroachment. Eviction as an option has not been able to provide the expected fruitful results till date due to objections from various social organisations and resistance from the encroachers themselves. Moreover, the forest reserves are re-encroached only a few days after the eviction process is carried out. However, it has been suggested by officials of the forest department to provide a reimbursement for resettlement in areas where no norms are violated. Awareness drive plays a major role in increasing the green cover of the city. “We have proposed the same

List of Forest reserves in Guwahati Name of the Forest Reserve

Area in Hectares

Jalukbari

97.70

Sarania

7.99

Hengrabari

628

Garbhanga (part of it is in Kamrup Rural)

18860.58

South Kalapahar

Gotanagar

171

Fatashil

670.44

several initiatives. However, such steps run out of puff even as the files keep getting transferred from one desk to another. A mere initiative in the initial stages makes it to the headlines but continuity of the process fails to be sustained. In a similar step, the state govern-

to the government and the paper work is still in progress where it has been mentioned that the encroachers who are also citizens of the state will be provided a sum of money for resettlement. The amount will vary from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 20 lakhs as per the merit

of the respective cases and the step will be taken along with the consent of the local authorities and other social organisations. Meanwhile, rather than carrying out campaigns there should be a proper system in place through which awareness programs can be done on a regular basis. School students are the ones who can provide a better future. The schools should make it mandatory for each student to plant a sapling and take care of it till the time he or she passes out from school. The students can be awarded with extra marks for the same. Such kinds of initiatives are very necessary at the grassroots level,” mentioned an official of the forest department. It was also mentioned that similar initiatives can be promoted among the tourists who visit the different the wildlife sanctuaries. It is upon us to protect the existing trees and increase the green cover of not just the city but at any place where such an initiative can be taken. The environmental threats that hang upon us are reminders that we are at the most dangerous moment in the evolvement of humanity. Although human race might have the ability to settle on a different planet in the days to come, as of now we only have one planet and we need to work together to protect it. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In Conversation

“Teachers who were against me succeeded in collapsing GCC” - Dr Ghanashyam Nath Following a controversial exit with Himanta Biswa Sarma transferring former Principal of Gauhati Commerce College (GCC), Dr Ghanashyam Nath to KC Das Commerce College in 2014, Dr Nath, with his determination, has proved that the value of teaching depends totally on sincerity. KC Das College secured 8 positions and GCC failed to secure even one. Dr Nath, talking exclusively to G Plus, explains why GCC is collapsing and why the government is not being able to develop the quality of public sector institutions

Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

Please tell us about your education and the profiles you have had before becoming the Principal of KC Das College. I passed my master degree in 1982. At that time I was employed with RBI. After I passed B Com in 1978, I started studying M Com from Gauhati University. My classes were in the evening time and I used to work in Khubchand Wine Shop as a salesman during the day. After a few months I realized I couldn’t study and work at the same time. So I left my job and started living in the university hostel. I gave tuitions to earn my livelihood. On the evening of 30th September, there was some news that students opposing the Assam movement might be killed and I happened to be part of that opposition. Fearing for my life I left that very night and took shelter in a Nepali household half a kilometre away from the university. The next morning I left the university as the day before I had got my appointment letter with LIC. I joined the post in Mangaldoi. After 1st October 1979, there was a hue and cry over the Assam movement. I heard that some students were tortured in the university and belongings were destroyed. I lost all my mark

sheets which I had left behind in the process. In 1981, I appeared for an exam in RBI which I passed and joined the bank. I managed to continue my masters and passed M Com in 1982. I put in lot of effort and secured a job as a teacher in BH College, Howli. I got married in 1985 and pursued my Ph D completing it in 1987. I lost my first son during delivery as caesarean delivery facility was not available in Barpeta. So I decided to come to Guwahati. In 1988, I joined Gauhati Commerce College. I teach accountancy. In 2003 I charge as the Principal of the college.

There are many controversial stories about how you were asked to leave Gauhati Commerce College. What exactly transpired? In 2003, there were some confrontations with the teachers’ association as I had raised some questions against the Assam College Teachers’ Association. I was member of the association. Under deficit system the teachers are not to be transferred, but the pension is also not given by the government. The government then said that if we wanted pension we would have to go for provincialisation. I opposed it because if we were provincialised it would make us servants of the government

which I did not want. I had written an article in the media slamming the government and I raised questions against the move of provincialisation. I used some undesirable words in the article. The association issued a show cause notice to me and I was expelled from the association. I just used to take classes and leave the college. I didn’t care about anything. I didn’t have any friend in the teachers’ common room. But many people felt that if I became the principal it would be good for the students. So there was an interview for the principal’s post and I applied for the vacancy. The governing body said that they would select the principal

teachers had already resigned on failing to carry out the job of the principal. So it was an interview process. I applied and I was selected. I became the principal incharge. After six months there was another advertisement and after that interview I was selected. I was so sincere that the government issued a circular in 2012 stating that every teacher should give 40 hours a week and 5 hours a day to the college. I had insisted on this. At that time government had insisted on installation of punching machines. I asked the teachers why they were not using the punching machines. Some teachers said that they were not factory employees and they

“Upon the request of the minister and the director, I allowed some admissions because the governing body allowed the same through a resolution. Teachers threatened that I would be thrown out of college. The argument was being recorded on a TV news channel camera of which I had no idea. All this was telecast and Himanta Biswa Sarma was angry” in-charge through interview, but the association said the selection will happen on seniority basis. The governing body opposed as two

refused to punch in. I asked them to oppose on the government platform, not in my chamber. They tried to demoralise me but I did

not succumb. The director backed me fully. Eventually what they did was circulate some brochures alleging that I had given admissions against requests of ministers. I had good relations with the ministers. I had imposed fines on those who did not attend classes. I imposed heavy penalties on the students. My contention was that without attending a single class how would the students appear for the examinations? So I blocked them. The guardians used to come I asked them to pay heavy fines amounting to Rs 20,000, Rs 30,000 etc at the cash counter. I insisted that those who had less than 75% attendance wouldn’t be allowed. At times, we had some old furniture lying unused. Some employee would come requesting to buy the old furniture at a concessional rate. I asked for an application which was endorsed by the vice-principal who then fixed the price. The teachers termed this as corruption and wanted the furniture auctioned. There was a teachers’ lobby against me in the college. We were not using the furniture and if an employee of the College was benefitting from it where was the harm? On 2nd June 2014, they came into my chamber with a reporter who asked me why I had admitted students on ministers’ recommendations. The minister and the director had requested

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In Conversation me and I had allowed some admissions because the governing body allowed the same through a resolution. The teachers started accusing me of many things and threatened that I would be thrown out of the college. The huge argument was being recorded on a TV news channel camera of which I had no idea. And so I kept my argument up. All this was telecast and the minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was angry with me. He issued a declaration that all the teachers should be suspended and the principal should be transferred. According to a provision I cannot be transferred. I was not provincialised, though in 2005, government had provincialised colleges and almost all the teachers had been provincialised. But there was a provision where the government had provided an option that if somebody wants he could opt not to go for provincialisation and can continue with the old provision. I was in the old provision and the provision of transfer was not applicable in my case according to law. But Himanta Biswa is so intelligent that he took a comment from the additional advocate general that I could be transferred with additional benefits and without hampering the benefits of the old system. So the transfer order was issued. I was frustrated not understanding how this was possible and before the notice was issued, I had filed a case in the court. On the first day of the hearing, I was given an interim order saying that I could not be transferred till further orders. So the day the order was issued I showed them the stay order that they could not transfer me. With all this going on, I was there physically and I was feeling huge mental pressure as to why the minister did this. Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned from the post and one fine day the director called me to his office and asked me to go to KC Das Commerce College saying that they would call me back after two-three months. Ultimately I thought that if I did not go they might take things otherwise. Also, I did not have any political influence. Meanwhile Sarat Barkatoky was the governing member of the governing body and he asked me why I had filed a case against the government. He also assured to bring me back sooner than later. On that assurance I withdrew the case and I came here. On 9th October 2015 the government issued an order that I should be transferred to Gauhati Commerce College. Releasing myself from this college and taking the release order I tried to join there but the governing body asked me to join after 10 days. But within the 10day period Homeshwar Kalita (current GCC principal who was the principal of KC Das College

before Ghanashyam Nath) filed a case against the government in the High Court challenging why he should be transferred even before completion of the one-year tenure. He could be transferred because he is provincialised but I couldn’t be as I am not provincialised. Ultimately, after three cases the government was defeated as the minister did not have the power to transfer but the director had. So finally, the verdict was that I had to come to KC Das College. My salary for six months was held up in the process because I was in status quo. I came back to KC Das College on 21st March 2016. I reckoned that if I remained mentally depressed I would become physically unwell. So I decided to adjust accordingly and serve the college.

There is a turnaround in KC Das College results this year and people are full of praise for you. How did this happen? I came here in 2014. In 2015, 7 students figured in the position list. I left this college in October 2015; the 2016 results had only two positions. Now again when I came here 8 positions have been secured by the college. People might think I have some extraordinary power but that isn’t the case. It’s just that I have persistently insisted that classes should be held and teachers and students should cooperate well for the better results. When the results were declared I told the news channels that unless students attend classes, results cannot be good. In the private sector not all students are good. Good teachers are also not there, because brilliant people are appointed in government institutes. In Cotton College all the teachers are good, all the students are good. They had good results and therefore they were appointed in Cotton College. But in Krishnaguru College they do not have teaching staff like Cotton College and yet its student has secured

Do you think there is a huge interference of politics in higher educational institutes? Government policy is not fine. Government issues circulars but it is not bothered whether the circulars are followed by the schools and colleges. When the director of higher education issues an order of 40 hours in a week and 5 hours in a day, every teacher should adhere to it. But subsequently, they do not collect the information on whether the circular was implemented or not. Punching machines are installed but whether the machine is used or not is not monitored. Students are supposed to have 75% attendance, teachers are expected to spend 40 hours in school per week but no one follows it. When the government does not take their circulars or orders seriously how will the public sector survive? It will collapse automatically.

People are opining that till you were in Gauhati Commerce College, its results were good but now the same is not true. Can you tell us why? I have done nothing but there was a group and actually the teachers who were against me have succeeded in collapsing GCC. They tried to collapse the college even during my tenure fighting with me so that the college collapses and my good name is tarnished. They used to think I was weak but I had good relations with ministers, directors and by bringing good results the ministers and directors used to call me. They were jealous of this. They wanted to destroy the image of the college. I never tolerated this and strongly faced the situation. I am thankful to the governing body because they backed me in the process. Dr Homeshwar Kalita, who went there from KC Das College, is not going against the teachers fearing he might be

“Our vice principal is a Hindi teacher, has a sweet shop in Fancy Bazar, has a brass metal factory and is also a pujari. Everybody is interested in other businesses. For me teaching is the prime business, others are secondary.” the first position. Why? Because they have taken things sincerely and have taught sincerely. My principle applies to this particular situation. When students attend classes and teachers teach in the classroom the results are bound to be good.

thrown out. He is not bothered about the results. A class there should be of at least 45 minutes duration. After I came to KC Das College, the teachers group there decided that the class duration should be of one hour.

The time table was revised accordingly, but they enter the class 15 minutes late and leave for the common room 15 minutes early. So ultimately the classes are of half an hour duration. This type of

“Unless students attend classes, results cannot be good” cheating is going on and the principal is not interfering. One day I raised this question through the media. Kalita countered that since Ghanashyam Nath is not the director of Gauhati Commerce College, why is he airing his opinions. But that is a public institution. I was a student of Gauhati Commerce College, I was also a teacher there. So why should I not say? They are saying that their result is not bad because 99% of their students have passed. Yes, that is true but what type of students have you admitted? You have admitted the students who had secured 90% but they are now getting 70%. Passing is not important but what percentage they secure is important. In public sector, 1st division students are getting 2nd, 2nd are getting 3rd and 3rd divisions are failing. But in the private sector 3rd division students are getting 2nd division. So a converse result is there.

In this year’s HSLC results Guwahati had no rank holders. According to you, how is the educational environment of Guwahati? In Guwahati teachers have so many businesses. In rural areas, they have no other business than teaching. Our vice principal, who is a Hindi teacher, has a sweet shop in Fancy Bazar. He is busy there. He also has a brass metal factory and goes there. He is also a pujari. But in villages, teachers do not have all these scopes. Some of the teachers are giving tuitions, some are share brokers. All this can be done here. Everybody is interested in other businesses because

their job is guaranteed. Because the service is guaranteed other income sources are becoming prime money for them. For me teaching is the prime business, others are secondary. If you give tuitions, do it in the evening after five. This is the reason why Guwahati’s results are worst this year.

After KC Das College did well this year many students want to take admission here. What will be the criteria and what will be the cut-off marks? This year it will be more but what will be the percentage is very difficult to predict now. This year in HSLC the pass percentage has come down to 46%. What percentage they have secured is very difficult to predict. But pressure will be there. In 2014-15, I had given extra admission to 100 students by taking higher fees - like Rs 65,000 per student which is called self-financing quota. It is not given in any other college though the government had approved this during the Congress regime. Sarat Barkataky had given this permission. But if I continue this the present government might question me saying it is illegal. So I have stopped this also. But the admission process will be tough.

How will the total education system improve? If the government does not improve it will never happen. The minister recently said that the students who topped will receive Rs 2 lakhs each. But they are not giving this to teachers in the schools. Teachers will teach the students. So you should provide good teachers. In KC Das Commerce College there are only 20 teachers, and in GCC there are 46. So automatically GCC is more powerful. But why are they not giving 20 more teachers here? Government is not bothered about it. They will give Rs 2 lakhs to the toppers for publicity. They just want publicity. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Snippets

City to be divided into zones for Ambubachi

ith less than a month for the Ambubachi Mela to start, the various departments of the city are all set to formulate their own standard operating procedures for the smooth conduct of the event. According to the senior officials, the city would be divided into zones and sectors during the event days. “All departments concerned will formulate their own SOPs for smooth conduct and functioning of the mela from 22nd to 26th June. Proper action plan and coordination among departments are being emphasised and all the departments have been assigned duties and responsibilities,” said an official of the Kamrup Metro district administration. Around 7-10 camps will be set up for the pilgrims and the PWD (Building) has been tasked to develop the facilities. “Provision for more than 500 toilets and around 150 bio-toilets will be made for the public. That will be the responsibility of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department. The department has also been given the responsibility to ensure adequate supply of drinking water. Cleaning and maintenance of toilets, general maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene of pilgrims’ camps will be taken care of by the Guwahati

Zerifa Wahid (C) addresses the media flanked by director Abinash Sarma (L) and actor Kopil Bora (R)

Municipal Corporation (GMC),” he said. The tourism department and the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) will be responsible for all hoardings and brandings as well as for arranging the PA system. “No person will be allowed night stay within the premises of the Kamakhya Temple. The temple committee shall look after and restrict the stay of people inside the temple and on the premises of the temple,” sources said. “APDCL has been asked to ensure commissioning of the new substation at Kamakhya by May 31. AMTRON will make necessary arrangements for registration of

pilgrims at all the venues,” he said. As per sources, the city police will look into installation of CCTV cameras, preparation of traffic plan, security arrangements for the camps, route lining, placement of sufficient lady security personnel, proper entry and exit plan for the public, and will also take responsibility for deployment of around 1,000 volunteers from Civil Defence, NCC and Scouts and Guides during the mela. The district administration and PWD will inspect all roads and carry out necessary repairs for the Ambubachi Mela. GMC will undertake illumination of streetlights and buildings for the mela. n

Tanisha Kashyap clinches double crown in U-16 Tennis nationals

anisha Kashyap of Assam clinched Girls under-16 tennis Nationals Singles Title on 27th May in the finals held in Pune, Maharashtra under the aegis of All India Tennis Association. In the finals, Tanisha won over top seed Sal-

Zerifa Wahid Production announces new play

sa Aher of Maharashtra by 6-4, 7-5 score. In the entire tournament, Tanisha has dominated all her opponents registering victories by scores like 6-0, 6-0; 6-1,6-0; 6-0, 6-0, 6-2, 6-0. Tanisha also clinched Nationals Doubles Title in the same tournament by pairing with Prerana Vichare of Maharashtra. It is worth mentioning that Tanisha was U14 Tennis Singles National Champion in 2015. It shows that Tanisha is consistently working very hard and her dedication, commitment and discipline is

paying off. Tanisha has been training with coach Vishal Uppal in Delhi who is a former Davis cup player. Tanisha’s current world junior ITF ranking is 386. Tanisha is daughter of Suresh Kalita and Ruby Talukdar Kalita. Both parents have conveyed gratefulness to the people of Assam, its media and Government of Assam for good wishes and blessings. Tanisha continues to bring laurels and pride to the state of Assam by her remarkable achievements in junior tennis. n

ricchaktikam – a play under Zerifa Wahid Production is scheduled to be staged 16th (at 7 pm), 17th (two shows at 4 pm and 7 pm) and 18th (4 pm and 7 pm) of June at Rabindra Bhawan. The play was written by Sahitya Akademi winner, Late Arun Sarma. The cast of the play includes more than 50 renowned artists of Assamese film industry including top flight actors like Kopil Bora, Zerifa Wahid, Asha Bordoloi, Jolly Laskar, Ratul Das, Dr. Jayanta Das, Munmi Chakraborty and Anupam Laskar. The director of the play is Abinash Sharma. Zerifa Wahid Production was started in the year 2007. The pro-

duction house has delivered many successful plays and dramas since its inception including “Agnibrishti” which was an Assamese adaptation of noted playwright Girish Karnad’s famous play “The Fire and the Rain, “Pancharatna,” an Assamese adaptation of Peter Shafter’s “Five Finger Exercise,” “Nagamandala” and “Wedding Album” both being Girish Karnad plays, “Napoleon” and “Purush” both being plays by Arun Sarma and “Moromor Bondhu,” an Assamese adaptation of AR Gurney’s famous play “Love Letters.” It is to be noted that the play is a tribute to the veteran artist of Assam Arun Sharma, who breathed his last recently. n

Free workshop on IAS / ACS today

hanakya IAS Academy is organising a free worshop on ‘How to crack IAS/ACS Examination at its Guwahati centre on 3rd June 2017 from 2 pm to 5 pm. With a goal to spread clear understanding and knowledge about Civil Services Examination to the students who aspire to be a part of civil services, the participants will be addressed by Rakesh Minhas, IAS, AIR 91. The aim of this workshop is to help students aspiring to join the IAS/ACS to better understand the preparation strategy, the dos and don’ts and also busting various myths regarding Civil Service Exam

preparations. The Art of Success Seminar will be open to all and free of cost, where all the civil service aspirants are invited by the academy to share their doubts and inbuilt myths regarding civil services and can directly interact with the IAS officer, Rakesh Minhas. Rakesh Minhas, under the guidance of Success Guru AK Mishra will also provide a deep insight on the structure and nature of the examination and will take up the queries of the students to provide them a clear picture and to motivate them towards successfully clearing the civil service examination. n

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

AM T-Storms

T-Storms

AM T-Storms

Scattered T-Storms

T-Storms

32°/25° C

33°/25° C

34°/26° C

33°/25° C

31°/25° C

SATURDAY

T-Storms

31°/24° C

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Snippets

Maruti Suzuki launches the All-New Dzire

he New Dzire sedan, launched nationally by Maruti Suzuki on 16th May, looks set to shake up the Indian passenger vehicle market. Its smooth sedan styling, more plush and roomy interiors, superior overall comfort and advanced safety features make this vehicle stand out from its predecessors and competitors. The hugely popular Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology is now available on many more variants of the Dzire which makes this another preferred choice for the cramped city roads. The car addresses the need for fuel efficient vehicles in the city and offers a mileage of 28.4 kmpl (diesel variant). The petrol variant has a fuel efficiency of 22.0 kmpl.

inayak Furnishings, one of the premier furnishing houses in the city, completed 11 years of existence and

The all new desire All-New Dzire Ex Showroom prices (Rs): Petrol Variants

Diesel Variants

Lxi

5.7laks

Ldi

7.1laks

Vxi

6.6Laks

Vdi

7.5laks

Zxi

7.3laks

Zdi

8.3laks

Zxi+

8.2laks

Zdi+

9.2laks

Vxi AGS

7.1laks

Vdi AGS

8.0Laks

Zxi AGS

7.8laks

Zdi AGS

8.8laks

Zxi+ AGS

8.7laks

Zdi+ AGS

9.7laks

“The all-New Dzire has the looks and design of an authentic sedan. It is more premium and spacious in the inside, complies with future safety norms and has the convenience of Auto Gear Shift to make the all-New Dzire an irresistible package,” said Mr Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki.

The idea to launch the all-new Dzire was for Maruti Suzuki to cater to the audience looking for compact sedans. With the launch of the all-new Dzire, Maruti Suzuki aims to capture the attention of people living in congested cities such as Guwahati who aspire to own a car in the sedan segment but without the price tag of one. n

‘Run of Northeast’ held in Gangtok

ver 180 aspiring athletes from Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and other parts of India participated in “Run of North East” in Gangtok on 28th May. Organized by Real Sports India, Kolkata, in collaboration with Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association, Baghajatin Athletic Club, Siliguri and North East India Tourism Confederation, the run was held in four categories viz. 15 km, which was open to all, 15 km Senior, 5 Km Run for Cause and 1 Km fun run for children. Ramesh Tamang (boys) and Preeti Rai (girls) won the 15 km open to all category. The top three runners of this category were awarded Rs. 7000, Rs. 5000 and

City furnishing house celebrates 11 years of existence

Rs. 3000 along with trophies. The fourth and fifth position holders were awarded by Rs. 1000 each. The chief guest, Gangtok MLA Pintso Chopel Lepcha, congratulated all the participants who took part in the run and welcomed those who had come all the way from different states to take part in the run. He said holding such events and having participants from north-eastern states will improve bonding and relations with each other. He suggested that the event should be held annually in an organized manner. The Guest of Honour, Tourism Special Secretary CP Dhakal and NYK State director NK Nayak were also present. n

as a part of their celebration, the team has announced a coupon scheme “Buy & Fly,” where the winner will be given a free trip to Singapore. A draw was conducted on Sunday, 21st May 2017 at a mentally disabled child shelter centre. The team donated pillows and bed sheets for the children. The draw was picked by one of the children at the shelter home and the lucky winner was Ms. Arshima Begum of Guwahati. Team Vinayak has spent the time with the children to spread the message of love and happiness. The flexibility and personalized of service of Vinayak Furnishings is unparalleled in the industry of furnishings. n

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Fun Horoscope of the week

A deal struck on the spur of the moment may seem like a great idea, but is it really? If you’re to get the best out of it, then it could pay to do more homework. Be prepared to analyze the details and seek out hidden agendas. Only when you’re completely happy will you feel comfortable about going ahead. However, a lovely aspect could boost your confidence, giving you the inner assurance that you can handle whatever happens.

This week it could pay to balance an impulsive mood with some dedicated fact finding. Just because an idea seems great at the time, it could have a disruptive influence on your life unless you consider the consequences. Even so, the same may not be true of an unexpected encounter that could add a special note of excitement to the days ahead. Don’t take everyone at their word over the weekend, though, as someone may be telling a small white lie.

The Sun in a sensitive sector of your chart could be a call to examine your deeper thoughts and feelings. This is also an opportunity to let go of those patterns of belief that may be limiting your ability to be as successful as you’d like. However, any changes you wish to make won’t happen overnight. It may require a period of self-analysis to truly understand what the inner obstacles are. But even one insight could prove very liberating.

Fun plans may clash with your job or work commitments. But if you can find a way to delegate some tasks, it might be possible to get away. The cosmos urges you to be creative about finding ways to enjoy yourself without it costing a lot. You may find that with some lateral thinking you can enjoy an experience for free or very little. All it takes is the ability to adopt a different perspective that spotlights fresh possibilities.

Leisure options can offer some exciting encounters and new experiences that could make the days ahead very upbeat. However, you might also feel a need for some quiet time in order to make a key decision. This can allow you to appreciate the pros and cons and work out what is best for you and your family. Your instincts can be a helpful guide here, too. Meanwhile, a very interesting conversation could be the start of a new and supportive friendship.

Be on guard against misunderstandings with family members or anyone who shares your home. A lack of communication could put a little bit of a distance between you and the other person. If you keep the conversation going, any such issues will likely be ironed out quickly. If you need some nurturing after a busy week, opt for a massage, spa day, or pampering session that will help you relax. You know you deserve it!

This world famous figure shared a picture of himself in Mecca on Sunday, captioning it the “most beautiful thing I’ve seen in my life”. He also sent a tweet wishing everyone a “happy Ramadan”. Identify him?

Soccer star Paul Pogba

curio-city

Picture Perfect

1. It has been used as a part of campaign for forthcoming GST bill effective from 1st July 2017, One country one Tax. 2. Cyclone Mora. 3. Maxim Gorky, well known Russian author. 4. Kohima War Cemetery

A new gadget could be a time-saver and provide great value for the money. When it comes to family relationships, you might need to put your feelings to one side and take a firmer approach to a certain matter. If you’re too sentimental, someone in the family may not have the chance to tap in to their own strength, preferring you fight their battles for them. Although you may feel guilty about adopting this approach, it could be the best way ahead.

Picture Perfect

curio-city

Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja was the regimental quick march of the Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. Written by Pt. Vanshidhar Shukla. Composed by Ram Singh Thakuri.This 1942 song has recently caught the attention of millions. Why or how? (Hint: 1st July 2017)

What is the Thai word for ‘star of the sea’?

The pseudonym of which well known figure reflected his simmering anger about life in Russia and a determination to speak the bitter truth?

In which part of North East, would you expect to see these lines: ‘When you go home, tell them of us, and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today, we gave our today’? Abhra Das; Ace Quizmaster of Assam This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Dilbert by Scott Adams

5 4

2 6

7 6 3

3 5 6

4 9 2 9 6 7

8 1 6

2 9 8 8 7 2 1 5 5

4 8

82 3

3 1

1 8

4 6

4 5 7

9 8

Daily Sudoku: Thu 25-May-2017

While you might relish the chance to go on a spontaneous trip, certain issues may need to be dealt with first. You can enjoy yourself, but a key aspect between Mercury and Pluto suggests it might not be wise to neglect one task if it means that you fall out of favor with a boss or other key figure. On the other hand, if you do well, you may be rewarded. Go easy over the weekend, though, as someone may not be as they seem.

If certain issues seem to be holding you back and keeping you from making progress, the present blend of influences could encourage you to separate the various strands. It might be time to release the deep-seated emotions that consume a lot of your energy, especially if you’re trying to keep them from surfacing. Discussing such matters with a trusted friend can reassure you and give you the confidence to let go. Regarding work, a new contact could be very helpful.

Sudoku

Daily Sudoku: Thu 1-Jun-2017

2 6 7 3 5 88 61 29 94 53

8 9 3 2 7 9 4 21 64 58 17

1 4 5 9 6 6 3 93 75 24 88

7 9 5 2 1 6 7 3 1 5 6 7 82 4 29 8 96 3 41 5

3 8 4 8 9 12 45 71 36 27

5 1 2 1 4 49 87 63 78 96

4 3 9 6 8 21 96 85 57 32

6 7 8 5 2 3 5 37 41 12 94

4 7 5 3 1 6 Daily Sudoku: Thu 25-May-2017 medium 2 7 3 1 8 9 5 4 6 8 1 6 2 4 5 3 http://www.dailysudoku.com Word of the week7 9 9 4 5 7 3 6 2 1 8

Centenarian

Daily Sudoku: Thu 1-Jun-2017

You may be very happy to share your ideas and personal opinions with others. Indeed, a flash of inspiration or a conversation with a friend could help you share your insights on social media and attract those who may be on the same wavelength. If you’re planning a social event or get-together, a more practical approach may be needed. Don’t rely on everything being all right on the big night, as there’s a chance it might not be.

hard

noun [sen-tn-air-ee-uh n]

A person who has reached the age of 100 http://www.dailysudoku.c

Crossword Across

Down

1 Competent (4) 3 Absurdity (8) 9 Renovation (7) 10 Subsequently (5) 11 Raw, inexperienced (5) 12 Serviette (6) 14 US coin (6) 16 Leeway (6) 19 Handsome Greek god (6) 21 Sedate, solemn (5) 24 Simple song (5) 25 Cloth made of jute (7) 26 Put up with (8) 27 Border (4)

1 High-handed (8) 2 Jousting weapon (5) 4 Rectangular but not square (6) 5 Skin of the head (5) 6 Nil (7) 7 Republic of Ireland (4) 8 Momentary pain (6) 13 Way in (8) 15 Excellent (7) 17 Help (6) 18 Formal headgear (3,3) 20 Stratum (5) 22 Sightless (5) 23 Prepare for publication (4)

A bright idea could net you a bargain or entice you to do something for a good friend without asking anything in return. But you might want to research your options when it comes to taking risks, especially if you’re about to move into new territory. You may feel better if you know what’s coming rather than going with the flow and hoping for the best. One encounter could confirm something you’ve wondered about but perhaps not dared mention.

last week solution

A spontaneous decision may require you to follow up with a more in-depth assessment of what you’ve gotten yourself into. Spontaneously volunteering your time to a project may feel good, but you might need to be more businesslike if you’re to gain some advantage from your efforts. A delightful event or meeting could also brighten the days ahead. But the weekend could bring mixed messages or misunderstandings, so take everything with a grain of salt.

Last week’s solution

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Trotter

Superfit Gran shows off her incredible bikini body

A 16 year old girl allegedly hacks an Uber driver to death

A STUNNING 70-year-old gran has a bikini body many women half her age would kill for – and she puts it down to giving up sugar three decades ago.

A 16-year-old girl in suburban Chicago shoplifted a knife and machete, hailed an Uber, and then began hacking the driver from behind, prosecutors said.

arolyn Hartz, from Perth, Australia, stopped eating the sweet stuff after a pre-diabetes diagnosis when she was 40. The gran-of-four and founder of SweetLife jacked in her daily cheesecake for breakfast, afternoon packet of biscuits and sweets for a year to get in control of her blood sugar. Now, 28 years later, she hasn’t looked back. As well as ditching sugar, Carolyn credits managing portion sizes and getting enough sleep – eight hours a night – as crucial elements to staying fit and well. She also wears sun cream every day under her make-up and never sunbathes. Carolyn explained: “I am very aware of the damaging effects of the sun and I had this reminder when I had a cancer removed from my nose when I was only 30.” Previously a self-confessed “sugar addict”, now Carolyn makes sure she eats protein with every meal, especially breakfast, as it helps to curb her cravings. She believes it is crucial not to deprive yourself of the food and drink you love, but to watch how much of it you scoff. “I believe it is very important to be aware of the type of

food you eat and the quantity of food you eat. Being mindful while you are eating is a huge factor.” Caroline is urging others to ‘take control’ of their lives. “Mindless eating can lead to unnecessary weight gain. I say to my customers, ‘Taste and enjoy every mouthful, it will help you slow down and you

will be less likely to overeat’.” When it comes to exercise, Carolyn does yoga three times a week and enjoys a spot of tennis – ironically she’s just hired the same coach who told her at the age of 30 that she was too old to play tennis. She also meditates every day and goes for walks in the park with her dog and her husband of 40 years. Carolyn admitted that she has had some cosmetic work done – but argues that’s not the secret to her looking so amazing. She explained: “Yes I do get some maintenance done, but surgery is not the answer to a healthy well-being.” The inspirational gran also puts her fab physique down to having a “glass half full attitude”. “I’ve always told my three children that life is not perfect,” she told News.com.au. Carolyn’s search for guilt-free indulging eventually led her to becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 55 when she opened SweetLife. The company distributes a sugar alternative called Xylitol, which can be found in berries and some vegetables. (Source: The Sun)

Parents arrested after ‘Wrestling Moves’ results in their toddler’s death

fond memory of being a small child is play-wrestling with parents. Parents are always super careful not to hurt their children. It was all innocent fun. Unfortunately for one two-year-old in Missouri, her parents were not careful and in fact went so extreme with their “wrestling moves” that the toddler wound up dead. Her death revealed a long history of abuse that’s horrifying and it’s leaving even the professionals speechless. This precious girl was rushed to the hospital when she be-

gan having seizures, but doctors quickly realized that something more serious was wrong. She exhibited signs of trauma and officials discovered that her mother’s boyfriend, Richard Gamache Jr., practiced “wrestling moves” on

her, including the “Batista Bomb.” He wasn’t playing or being careful. It resulted in her death. The girl’s mother, Cheyenne Cook, did not seek medical attention for her child. Horrifyingly, her text messages to Gameche Jr. revealed that they both conspired to cover up the abuse. “This child was essentially tortured,” said Sheriff Marshak in a statement. “Our prayers are with [the girl] and the investigators that were intimately involved with this investigation.” (Source: Viral Nova)

he girl was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing and hacking an Uber driver to death in suburban Chicago over Memorial Day weekend. Prosecutors told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday that the teenage girl hailed an Uber from a Walmart in Lincolnwood, Illinois, in the early hours of Tuesday. When she got in the car, she began stabbing the driver with a shoplifted machete and knife, prosecutors said. The driver was identified as Grant Nelson, a 34-year-old resident of Wilmette, Illinois. He had been working for Uber since February 2016, and was well-regarded by his riders, according to a company spokesperson. He died of his wounds hours later, but was first able to give police a description of his attacker. The teen girl, identified as Eliza Wasni, has been charged as an adult. Wasni was seen walking “nonchalantly” through Walmart around 3 a.m. Tuesday holding the machete in one hand and a knife in other before walking outside without paying for either, Cook County State’s Attorney Michelle Cunningham said at the press conference. She was not stopped by any Walmart employees. Wasni, who was

wearing a long-sleeved gray Cubs T-shirt, ordered an Uber a few blocks away from the Walmart at 3:18 a.m. Only two minutes after Nelson picked her up in his Uber,

she began to “hack and stab at him from the back of the seat,” Cunningham said. According to police, Wasni did not make a statement after she was taken into custody. Authorities have not provided any potential motives for the attack, although Nelson’s relatives have told local media that they believe the killing was random. Wasni’s lawyer, a public defender, said that she was a high school student who lived with a single mother and had no previous criminal record, the Associated Press reported. The ride from Nelson was the third time Wasni used the Uber app Monday night, according to police. (Source: BuzzFeed)

Students Celebrate Last Day of School With Epic Paper Toss

inal year students at Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona are currently the object of the Internet’s envy. Why? Because on the last day of school each year, they gather all the paper they possibly can and toss it down a school stairwell. And the fun doesn’t just end there. The students also get to ride down the enormous paper slide. Even better? There are no scoldings to be had from teachers. As long as the students clean up after themselves. One student, Jordan White, managed to film the fun tradition and

posted a video of it on Twitter. Unsurprisingly, it went viral. The video makes for an exhilarating watch. It begins with a loud countdown. And then, a deluge of paper that seems never-ending. For nearly two minutes straight, the avalanche of paper continues to fall. You can hear students squeal with excitement in the background. Since being tweeted on May 27, the video has been ‘liked’ over 70,000 times and has been retweeted over 31,000 times. (Source: NDTV)

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

G Talk E

City sans ranks

ow, have the latest exam results left our dear Guwahati red-faced? That there is not a single rank holder from the city’s numerous schools is embarrassing, nay galling! To add the sacrilege are just two ranks from Cotton College in the Science stream; nothing in Arts. Just what might be the reason for this resounding failure is something worth pondering over. Where schools are concerned, one factor that surfaces is that the supposedly best schools in town are not affiliated to the state’s secondary education board; rather, all the Royal Globals, DPSs and Don Boscos are affiliated to CBSE. That being the case, I certainly don’t recall these CBSE-affiliated schools ever managing to make any impact on the CBSE rank holders’ list although most of their students score impressive percentages in the high 90s. This year it is a similar tale. The residues, most of these being government-run schools that continue to be at the mercy of SEBA, have indeed come a cropper this time. Given all the facilities that the city provides in terms of facilitating its student community to study diligently, the poor show is worrisome. The city, more often than not these days, hardly has any electrical disruptions. Mushrooming tuition centres ensure that school and college students can iron out all the creases while preparing for the big ones. Then, there all those teachers and pro-

fessors who have upset the teacher-student ratio in schools and colleges elsewhere simply because of their penchant for holding a job in Guwahati. And yet, the matriculation results have put Kamrup (M) nowhere close to Nalbari or Darrang – the top two districts by way of the pass percentage. The city is not only bereft of rank-holders, its pass percentage is nothing to rejoice over. The turmoil in the general education scenario is rather evident. All those “hidden grace marks” over the years that had, according to the current education minister, inflated the pass percentage now stand exposed. The minister has gone on to state that the results show the actual status of education. Well, if this is the true scenario where more than half the students fail to clear the basic Class 10, Assam’s intellectual future seems rather dark. And within that scenario, if this is the state of Guwahati’s schools and colleges I have serious doubts about the kind of cohorts the city is raising. But an additional factor to this cause for concern is the sneaking suspicions left behind by the minister’s allegations of marks manipulation and moderation. It is that feeling that emanates from the word “fixing” and leaves us all wondering if the ranks are also fixed and not just the pass percentage. Eminently possible because the highly improbable Guwahati-sans-a-rank-holder situation is a reality today! Swapnil Bharali Editor

Cotton ‘Chaos-age’

ow far will stories of old glory days take you? How long will you ride in the name and fame of the past? One of the oldest institutions in the state and the entire country, Cotton College is now infamous. Cotton College, now Cotton University is once again making the headlines because the government has chosen to upgrade the institution and give it a university status, with no apparent reason apart from the fact that it has stood for over 100 years. This step has incited several reactions from students and teachers including black masked protests condemning the move. Then again, Cottonians have also become infamous and made headlines for being involved in clashes with Uber, police and their recent Guwahati Town Club vandalism. Added to this, the results have also taken a dip which is not what you expect from a premier institute like Cotton College. Upon this step, there are a few questions that arise. The first is, will renaming Cotton College to Cotton University change anything in terms of infrastructure? What exactly is the Government trying to prove? Will renaming it help restore the glory days or will it further degrade the performance because giving emphasis to a university is more difficult than a college? It is evident that in recent times, Cotton has lost its prestige as a premier educational institute in the northeast. That is something the government should be concerned about and not what it is named. SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

Translation as discovery, translation as enterprise

mong the many books that I count as being close to my heart are almost all the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Baudelaire’s poetry, the works of Khalil Gibran, those of Camus, Kafka, Borges, Ibsen, Simone de Beauvoir to name only a few. Then there is, of course, the inimitable Don Quixote and the great Russian short story writers and novelists like Dostoevsky, Anton Chekov and others, who have been such an integral part of our growing up years. Now the commonality between all these works is the fact that they have all been made available to us in English translation, translation so perfect that we forget that we are not reading in the language originally written in. Indeed, what a treasure trove would have gone unexplored and un-experienced had these translations not happened. This realization also brings to mind the unsung heroes of these books - the translators - whose names, more often than not, feature somewhere in the inside cover of the book or if in the front cover at all, in a much smaller font to go almost unnoticed. The fact remains that it is because of the selfless labour of these translators that people all over the world gain access to these works and can read and enjoy them. Not every translator can be a Gayatri Chakravarty Spivak and attain a stature almost equal to that of the translated author. So most translators, despite their hard work and dedication, remain sidelined and deprived of their

r Fitting Tribute

Opinion

Dr Mitali Goswami

two very interesting papers - one due accolades. In most cases the translators do their work out of on European literature in translasheer passion without any for- tion and the other on translation mal training or economic benefit. studies itself. Both the papers highlight the relevance of the But the significance of the act of translation in taking a writer and art and craft of translation, the a text to the world stage cannot outreach and scope of this very interesting and challenging field. be denied. Enough about world class lit- In Assam itself, besides the translation of literary texts there is also erature. Let us narrow our gaze down to our own literature, ei- the need to translate knowledge texts, now that NCERT text books, ther in the Assamese language translated into the vernacular or in the other languages of the by teachers who surely do their northeast. Though there is no dearth of good writers in the re- best but are not trained for such gion, there is definitely a dearth an activity, are being used in the state school curriculum. Both in worthwhile translations as well as locally accessible publi- kinds of translations - literary text cation houses. There seems to and knowledge text - need speexist some kind of a lacuna in the cific levels of aptitude, skill and transference of our own litera- training, areas that remain to be ture into the world stage. Though addressed in a bigger platform. It is here that the academia and the there are sporadic translations and half-hearted attempts at government can join hands to do publication and marketing, most the needful and make translation of these attempts are plagued by a profitable enterprise, by organising proper skill-based training a lack of professionalism on both counts. One cannot also deny the and development projects. While translation studies is a force of the market that dictates the choice of the publishers but part of the post graduate studies programme in the department when one takes into account the productivity, range and variety of of Assamese there is no practical vernacular literature, particularly use being made of the knowledge of Assam and the northeast, one and expertise of these students at cannot but be sad at how this lit- a professional level. While instierature has remained confined tutions like the Sahitya Akademi, to the region alone and demar- the National Translation Mission cated from the “main-stream” are doing some commendable work, yet their visibility in this literature. Similarly, translations into the vernacular succeed in region is not adequate. Much bringing the world to one’s very more needs to be done. People doorstep. Yet, Like Umberto Eco and organisations must come forward with genuine interest has said, “Translation is the art of failure.” Indeed, it is in the face of and passion. Lately though, it is heartening to see corporate the apathy all around. houses like Oil India Ltd contribCan something not be done ute towards the setting up of an to remedy the situation? To make Institute of Translation by Assam more and more books from the Sahitya Sabha. There is also the region available to the outside fear as to when such an institute, world and vice versa, so that a healthy and much needed boost full-fledged and flourishing, will can be given to our literature. Can see the light of day in this land of something be done in a more or- ‘lahe lahe hobo diya.’ ganized and institutionalized Dr Mitali Goswami is a transmanner? These are the thoughts that often arise in my mind when lator and critic. She teaches at the I take Post Graduate classes in Dept of English, Handique Girls’ the Dept of Assamese, to teach College, Guwahati n

Letter to the Editor

6th May 2017, is a historic day for Assam in particular and for India in general. The country’s longest bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project was approved by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the construction work started under the guidance of the UPA government in 2007. The bridge was supposed to be completed by 2011 but got delayed due to the callous attitude of the previous government. The construction cost of the bridge escalated manifold. Thanks to the NDA government’s initiative the construction work gathered momentum and finally it has seen the light of the day. The NDA government did the right thing by naming the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge after the legendary Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It is fitting tribute to the Bard of Brahmaputra. One can hope that the present government would expedite the work on the Bogibeel Bridge and make it ready for use by the end of this year. Gaurrav Chowdhury GNB road, Guwahati.

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

In Focus

Suhan Mallick Environmental Activist

ne of the most talked about topics of the town is the child who stood on the same stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to voice his concern regarding the environment and wildlife of his state. An 8-year-old presented the Prime Minister with a painting that shows Narendra Modi with the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in the backdrop. Suhan Mallick is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to providing a safer home to the pride of the state, the one-horned rhino. With his message to save the glorious wildlife of Assam the young environmentalist says, “If tomorrow my mother leaves for her heavenly adobe, I will still have my father, my grandparents and my relatives to take care of me. But if a baby rhino loses its mother there will be no one to take care of it or feed it.” Through his campaign ‘Save Our Rhino’ the 3rd grader is knocking every possible door to spread awareness among the people and reach a concrete solution to bring a positive change. However, the journey so far has not been a cakewalk and has been rather full of hardships that would be insufferable for any 8-yearold. There were several instances when the youngster was denied ac-

knowledgement because of his age. However, with sheer determination and perseverance, Suhan has only been moving ahead. A student of Little Flower School, Suhan’s journey began in November 2015 when the 3rd grader won a competition conducted by a reputed national news channel where the youngster claimed the title of the Best Anchor. During the venture the youngster travelled to several places of the nation. Thus, Suhan found his calling in being a presenter and it occurred to his parents that the talent should be harnessed into something that can bring a positive change to the society. The 3rd grader shifted his focus to the protection of the onehorned rhino and after thoroughly studying the demography of the pride of Assam he conducted a study that went on for 5 to 6 months. The youngster created a model to protect and create a safer environment for the pride of Assam. The model mentioned ways to mitigate man-animal conflict in surrounding areas of the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary. The model was presented to Pramila Rani Brahma, Minister of Forest and Environment. Meanwhile, the youngster accompanied by his father Mafijul Mallick, mother Sajida Mall-

ick and two-year-old brother Ayan Mallick organised several awareness campaigns at the grassroots level in and around the wildlife sanctuaries and several other parts of the nation. The youngster opined that if the animals of the sanctuaries that wander into human habitats are bestowed as a responsibility of the villagers for their safety and wellbeing it will help in preventing the unfortunate death of the animals during such conflicts. As part of his research, Suhan collects newspaper cuttings, surfs through different websites, maintains records of any kind of announcements made by leaders of the state and even keeps track of any kind of activities related to the wildlife and environment of the state. During his venture, Suhan has visited the Governor of the state, the Chief Ministers of Assam, Delhi and Bengal, Forest Minister and Education Minister of the state, politicians Atul Bora, Brindaban Goswami, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Badaruddin Ajmal and several others to spread his message of awareness. Suhan also approached the Doul of Kamakhya Temple, Janab of Rajdhani Masjid and the priest of Christian Basti Church so as to spread the message of preserving wildlife. However, on several occasions, the youngster

had to face disappointment when he was denied any kind of acknowledgement. It was during the festival of Bihu when several Bihutolis refused to provide him a slot of a few minutes so that he could share his message and had to go back home being disappointed but Suhan has only been determined to achieve his goal. “I don’t feel any kind of hardship but I want to invite all the big names so that they would visit Kaziranga which would boost tourism in Assam and help in further development of our state. My message is to save our rhinos because killing them will drive our motherland to destruction and through the campaigns I want to involve people residing near the wildlife sanctuaries as their

support would help in stopping

Opinion Guwahati’s citizens were hit after Uber and Ola drivers went on a strike. Although Ola cab drivers withdrew their strike, Uber drivers put their cars on sale and made a protest demonstration after the aggregator company failed to fulfil their demands

City Results

Father Sebastian Mathews Principal, Don Bosco Panbazar

Khakholia Rs Excess numbers of Uber in Guwahati is the main problem. Many people have two or more vehicles inducted into Uber. Initially, everything was ok but later on more and more cars started the problem. Maximum vehicles do not get customers. The ratio of supply and demand is very bad. Neal Das Ola is costlier than Uber. Assam is always and will continue to be infamous for its uncalled for protests and Assam Bandhs. These things will lead to the autowallas putting pressure on the commuters. Anupam Aich Sir, just believe it or not. Uber had a bigger plan. After successful launch of incentives to car owners they got the required number of cars. But they are not even able to tap 20% of the commuters in the city. So to attract more customers they introduced incentives to customers. After that they would make a balance. Most importantly, the overall volume would have increased.

the killing of our one-horned rhinos,” mentioned the young environmental activist. The talented 8-year-old who speaks five languages viz. Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English and Urdu wants to be a creative environmental journalist when he grows up. The 3rd grader enjoys painting during his spare time and is also a fan of Spanish captain and central defender Sergio Ramos García. While the government has been focusing on tourism campaigns where a mammoth sum of money is involved, young Suhan Mallick has chosen the road less travelled and singlehandedly, with only the support of his family members, has been working at the grassroots level to save the pride of Assam.

xamination and periodic assessment are important and necessary which majority prefer to go through life without it. Though the system may not be fully perfect to determine the ability and quality of a person, still examination, both in theory and practice, is considered the

best choice in quantifying and qualifying a person. There is a tendency among the city youth to explore and to decide their course of life on their likings. This is seen in the results that were published by the various boards this year. The poor performance of students in the city is partially due to the lack of serious and disciplined self study and putting more trust in tuition classes. The students in the city are most confused and less focused as they are flooded with too many options, information and possibilities. The pressure of the parents to excel in something which is not the preference of the student is another reason for poor performance. He/she does things under pressure and obedience and lack interest. The students have become too dependent on IT tools rather than sharpening their mental power. The semi urban and rural students seem to perform better as they have become more conscious and have greater eagerness to excel.

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Reviews Cast: Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Gal Gadot, Lucy Davis, Robin Wright Director: Patty Jenkins

ot only Wonder Woman winning World War I, but director Patty Jenkins righting a DC Universe burdened by Batfleck and other less-than-super men. Jenkins crafts a superhero flick defying the dark DC template, not only with gender but by rousing core comic book values that have nothing to do with gloom. Truth, justice and the American way (a century ago) defended by a pure-of-heart champion isn’t hokey; it’s about time. That’s where she goes, Gadot selling each deflection of CGI “bullets” off her bracelets as men scramble to keep up, stay safe. A woman persisting, conquering territory men can’t. It’s a stirring sequence, a feminist statement in motion. Let the memes begin. Diana longs to become a warrior like her aunt Antiope (Robin Wright, no buttercup here) against the wishes of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen). Diana’s lessons are tested after U.S. spy pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash lands

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near the island with German war boats close behind. The ensuing battle between broadswords and bullets is tinged with sadness, an idyllic place smeared by outsiders. According to Amazon lore, such bloodshed can only be the work of Ares, the god of war. Diana pledges to find and kill him. She joins Steve on a trip to London delivering evidence to an Allied agent (David Thewlis) of a German plot to extend the war with chemical weapons. Then it’s off to the front where German Gen. Ludendorff (Danny Huston) and disfigured scientist Dr. Poison (Elena Anaya) bring Ares closer. While the villains are standard issue evil, Wonder Woman is remarkable in the genre for its early 20th century setting and Gadot’s galvanizing performance. Rather than steampunk cliches, Jenkins grounds her fantasy in conventional designs. She finds amusement in Diana’s immersion into then-modern living, turning the Pretty Woman makeover montage on its ear.

Cast: Sachin Tendulkar, Anjali Tendulkar, Mayuresh Pem Director: James Erskine

hen the protagonist has been the collective voice and conscience of India’s cricketing history, then he’s a tough subject to make a film on. Naturally, James Erskine puts Sachin on a pedestal and tells the story with an unnatural amount of reverence. It’s a treat to get a peek into Sachin’s childhood. And it’s also a fan-shriek moment to see footage of him in his personal space, looped to Dire Straits and Bappi Lahiri with his wife Anjali, his children— Arjun and Sara, his family and friends. The fact that Sachin is the sutradhar(narrator)who walks the viewer through his victories and injuries is an additional bonus. Tendulkar fanatics can also feel the adrenaline rush because the film revisits his introduction to the world—yes, the time when he hit Pakistan’s Abdul Qadir for four sixes in one over at the 1989 Exhibition Match. And yet another indelible memory revisited here, is the one in which he reduced Australia’s Shane Warne into a punching bag in the

Album Black Origami By Jlin

he second full-length release for the electronic producer features contributions from William Basinski, Dope Saint Jude, Fawkes, and Holly Herndon. Black Origami is an album that, like its predecessors, will be savored and analyzed for the rest of the year. It’s a lock for best albums of 2017. To say Black Origami is an album that grows on you with each listen is correct, but undermines the energy you feel upon the album’s first listen. It’s earthy and futuristic, complex and linear, dance-y and amazing. Black Origami is a monumental achievement, yet it still seems like Jlin is just getting started. It’s dark and brooding, fiercely sparse at times and blin-

1998 Chennai test against the Aussies. His achievements are far too many to be accommodated in one film! Cynics may argue that YouTube has it all, but for those whom Sachin is an emotion, watching this footage on the big screen and without constantly having to hit the search button, the experience is priceless. But, wait there’s a flip side too. Most controversies around the cricketing God are glossed over. Many of us (me included) die-hard Sachin fans are ready to face the fact that our icon may have displayed feet of clay on occasion. However, the film doesn’t take chances. Sachin’s poor performances in some key matches and his reluctance to comment on some of his boorish seniors are just touched on fleetingly. Academically though this film is important one because for a nation that revers cricket, it serves as a reminder that prodigies may be born, but they become Sachin Tendulkar only through perseverance, patience and preparation. Go India go.

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dingly dense at others. Footwork is no longer an appropriate descriptor for this music. With Black Origami, Jlin has transcended her roots to build a language all of her own. And simply put, it’s brilliant. The album is a gorgeous and overwhelming piece of musical architecture, an epic treatise on where rhythm comes from and where it can go. Black Origami can be intimidating: it’s dark, relentless, and makes substantial demands on the listener. But it’s also powerful and distinctive. In the world of rhythmic electronic music, nobody else is doing it quite like this. Black Origami is an album that, like its predecessors, will be savored and analyzed for the rest of the year.

Game Friday The 13th: The Game Platform PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Anuradha Cineplex Noonmati 03612656968 Baywatch 10:00 AM 02:45 PM 10.00 AM

Wonder Woman 12:15 PM 08:15 PM

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 05:15 PM 08:30 PM Gold Mine (7D) 11:00 AM haunted house 7d 12:00 PM 05:00 PM Forest Adventure & Aero Bike 7D 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

PVR Cinemas Dona Planet 08800900009

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Wonder Woman 03:10 PM 09:00 PM

Baywatch 03:20 PM 09:10 PM Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 05:50 PM Sachin: A Billion Dreams 06:10 PM

Galleria Cinemas HUB 097069 89143 Sachin: A Billion Dreams 03:00 PM 09:00 PM

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge 05:45 PM

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Grande Cines Paltan Bazar 09854017771 Baywatch 05:45 PM Hindi Medium 06:15 PM Sachin: A Billion Dreams

verall the game is beyond simplistic, but perhaps that’s for the best. Overcomplicating things might have made it less fun in the grand scheme of things, and while I can’t say for certain if I’ll be playing this game a year from now, I do know I can affectionately call it my frightening summer fling for multiplayer. Illfonics has set the stage, it’s time for them to keep improving upon this great idea, and for other companies to take the hint and follow in their footsteps. This is asymmetric multiplayer at its most addicting, and horror in one of its purest forms. In spite of the occasional glitch or physics hiccup, nothing in Friday the 13th: The

Game is enough of a knock against the package to keep me from preventing it. This is some of the most fun multiplayer I’ve touched in quite a while, and definitely the most fun I’ve ever had with an asymmetric multiplayer title. A truly unique experience, unlike any other multiplayer game you’ve played (certainly a cut above other asymmetrical titles), where cooperation, wits and sometimes ruthless murder are what it takes to survive. Be wary of this game if only for its propensity to hook you. Jason has sunk his pickaxe into me, and he’s not letting go, ensuring I will be playing Friday the 13th: The Game extensively for the considerable future.

08:15 PM

Wonder Woman 08:45 PM

GOLD Cinema Lakhtokia 0361 273 5367 Hanuman Da Damdaar 11:00 AM

Flat 211 11:15 AM Sachin: A Billion Dreams 02:00 PM 08:15 PM

Hindi Medium 02:15 PM Sweetiee Weds NRI 05:00 PM Half Girlfriend 05:15 PM Dear Maya 08:00 PM

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Lifestyle

VAASTU SHASTRA

ARE YOU SHORT TEMPERED?

person can become short tempered when the moon sign is aspected (looked at) by strong planets like Sun, Mars, Rahu and Ketu. The following Vaastu remedies combined with astrology can help in controlling short temper and make the person cooler. 1. The short tempered person should sit mostly in a northwest direction of a living room as the Moon is the ruler of northwest direction and it helps in keeping the mind calm. 2. Keep a Moon or Chandra yantra on the east wall of living room. 3. The short tempered person should avoid sitting in southeast corner of a living room. 4. Sleep with the head in the south or east direction 5. Keep a picture of a flying white dove without water at southeast. 6. Place a bunch of peacock feathers in the northwest corner of bedroom. (The blue colour is soothing) 7. Place green agate crystals in the southwest corner of living room. 8. Use soft shades of pink, blue, green, peach and white for furnishings. Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Use a Engineer, Businessman, Advanced9. Pranic Healer and Su Jok green or white Acupressure specialist. night lamp in

bedroom. 10. Do meditation, and chant “OM HRIM NAMAHAA.”

ENERGY HARNESSING BY PYRAMIDS

A typical pyramid has a base and four triangular sides. The height to base ratio is 3.5:4. Due to its shape and angle the structure gets aligned perfectly to the Earth’s magnetic field thereby making it the greatest receiver and transmitter of cosmic energy. ‘Pyro’ means ‘fire’ or energy and ‘amid’ means ‘centre’ or within; hence, Pyramid is a device with energy at its centre. This is the reason for these being the storehouses of energy drawn from the universe. Ancient Egyptians utilized the concept when they built pyramids more than 10,000 years ago. The amazing property of the pyramid to generate positive energy has encouraged Vaastu experts to use them wherever there is negative energy or lack of positive energy. Using pyramids in Vaastu helps to create positive cosmic energy. They also facilitate the flow of energy. The pyramids are highly recommended to increase the flow of positive energy in places where the aura is too low or houses which are too dull. The benefits of pyramids are endless and they can be used for almost all kinds of Vaastu defects. Since they generate only positive energy, there is no known negative effect of pyramids.

Question: I feel very lonely as I am feeling completely disconnected from everybody. What should I do to feel connected again? I try my best to feel the connection but it does not work.

.S.R.S.: When you have the feeling of being completely disconnected then don’t struggle to get connected. Rest. It is like when you are sleeping, you are totally disconnected from the closest person also. When you sleep, you cannot take anybody else into the sleep state of consciousness. Sleep state of consciousness you go there alone. At that moment, see that with a smile, see the whole creation as a dream. It’s all like a dream. It’s all like bubbles of water. It’s all like the soap bubbles. They are there for a moment, and they are not there the next moment. Just turn back and see all those people whom you met and the events which were there ten years ago, they are not there now. They are all gone. And all this will go away also. So why do you want to get connected to what? Everything is temporary and only you are permanent. And so you

will feel the disconnection. When you feel that don’t feel sad. Accept this with a smile. Meditate. You will be so centered, and strength from deep within will arise in you.

shri shri ravi shankar Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

Is Systematic Investment Planning enough?

ystematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a great investment tool! The one thing that the market has taught you is that it can catch you by surprise at any given point in time – either on its way up or down! Hence, Systematic Investment Planning has known to be the most ideal way of investing. What it really does is takes away the anxiety of investing and the volatility in the market. By investing periodically, you not only inculcate an investment discipline in your life as you commit to invest a certain amount from your earnings every month, you also benefit from rupee cost averaging. It saves you from timing the market i.e. when to invest and when not to in-

vest. The fact that you automatically end up investing your money on a specific date irrespective of market direction, you will either end up buying more units when markets are low or less units when markets are high. This averages your cost of purchase. Voila! Magical, isn’t it? But SIP isn’t enough! Despite the advantages SIPs bring, you must remember that it is only a method of investing; the primary objective of any SIP is to achieve an end goal. Goal Based Financial Planning is a must! The first and foremost rule of investing is to ask yourself what you are investing for.

Are you investing for your child’s education, your child’s marriage, your vacation home in Goa or your retirement? By listing down all your goals, you are now clear about how much you need to devote towards each goal, by when you would need the money and finally where you should invest in order to fulfil these requirements. Let us take retirement, for instance. The best part about planning for your retirement is that you have time and math on hand -- the longer you have until retirement, the more you can save. If you start investing an amount of Rs. 10,000

every month at the age of 25, for instance, your corpus will grow to Rs 2.27 Crore (@ 10% CAGR). Shocked? Don’t be. This is the power of compounding. Further, an early start also gives you the freedom to adopt a high risk investment like equities, which require money to remain invested for a longer tenure. Now if you were saving for a short term goal like building a contingency fund, for instance, a low risk, low return fund would be ideal. Whilst a medium term goal like building a fund for your child’s education would allow you to adopt a moderate risk strategy, like a combination of debt and equity. Ideally distinguish between your short term goals (less than 5

world of excesses. This place has a sense of intimacy and charm that will tug at your heart strings. Pictures from he Zouq” calls itself a Res- the owner’s travel dairies are put up on to-Cafe; I call it the place the walls; brilliant idea! Books line the to be. Located on Beltola wall and cane morhas strewn casually Road, perched on the first floor of beckon one to sink in and relax. There Royal Orchard House, this quaint little is semi private seating to make one place with fairy lights and Origami um- feel cosy and intimate. The entire cafe has a happy, relaxed brellas hanging from feel. the window will soothe Meal for two Ah! The food! It is you as soon as you step will set you fresh and the coffee is in. Welcome to the The Zouq - a little oasis in back by Rs 500. good. There is a choice of teas if you are a tea the sweltering heat and chaos of the city. The decor is sim- aficionado like me. I tried the Kulhar ple but what grabs the eyeball is that Chai. The food is an eclectic mix of Ineverything is there for a purpose; the dian and European dishes. The owner, purpose is to make one feel happy and Intibah Murtafi is hands on, spending take one down the road of simplicity her entire day in the cafe, greeting peowhich is the ultimate luxury in today’s ple and striking up easy conversations.

Her passion is evident everywhere. Everyday specials are announced on a board, the menu keeps changing, keeping the season and festivals in mind. She informed me that they do not pre cook any dish; everything is prepared fresh and that takes a wee bit long but then she wants guests to relax and browse through

books and strike conversations while waiting for the food. The extensive menu offers great meal options both in the Indian and European cuisine. If you crave for Biryani and Kababs there is a good choice to pick from. On the other hand, get your fill of Pastas and Sizzlers. We ordered some Tandoori Aloo and Paneer Tikka Kababs. The Tandooi Aloo was stuffed with nuts and done well, crisp outside with a good balance of spices and soft inside. The Paneer Tikka was average but that fiery red chutney with tomato; Bhoot Jolokia is what makes it extra special! It was done perfectly with the right texture and consistency and was not runny - not too thick but just right. I wished I could get a jar to eat with all my meals!

The Zouq

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years), medium term goals (5 years to 10 years) and long term goals (more than 10 years) so as to arrive at an optimum asset allocation strategy, i.e. the proportion of your investment that must go into each asset class. Do remember, goal based planning will constantly evolve considering your needs are forever changing! But what will help you throughout is the perfect tool called SIP, which at any stage allows you to invest across assets of your choice, i.e. equity, debt or gold, with aplomb! Pallav Bagaria CEO, Brand New Day – one of Northeast’s leading Mutual Funds Investment Consultancy and Portfolio Management Services

We tasted Pasta and Caesars Salad, which could have been better although I can’t fault the pasta. Creamy, cheesy and delicious, it was a great dish. At The Zouq you can grab a coffee or tea over sandwiches or with Fish and Chips. The menu is pocket-friendly. The city needs spaces like these which offer good food and good vibes, letting one reconnect with oneself. The Zouq offers food for the soul. Address: 1st Floor, Royal Orchard, House No 1, Basisthpur By Lane -2, Near Arohan and Passport Office, Guwahati Kashmiri Nath Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and expert on Assamese cuisine.

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Entertainment 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.

he film revolves around a small girl who lived in a remote village with her aunt and uncle. Her name Pokhi (2000; Color) was Pokhi. Pokhi was an orphan and once it so happened that Banner: Dolphin Communications her aunt and uncle decided to leave the village and settle Producer: Sailadhar Barua in the city for a better life. The poor child was left behind Cinematography: P. Rajan under the guardianship of an elderly couple. The couple Editor: Heu-En Baruah had no children of their own. The old lady was a loving Screenplay, Dialogues and Direction: Jahnu Barua soul and was very kind and caring towards Pokhi. Both Music: Y.S. Moolki of them got quite attached to each other. On the other Cast: Bishnu Khargharia, Gargi, Bina Patangia, Rajiv Kro, Gopal hand the old man, Dayananda, the shopkeeper and Khargharia, Haramohan Das, Sanjoy Kharghoria, Reeta Das Baruah also a moneylender in the village, was quite annoyed and many more. by this new member at home. He was also not liked by the villagers because of his greedy nature. When the old lady died in an accident, Dayananda started cursing Pokhi, stating that she was a bad omen and ever since she had entered the house something or

the other had started going wrong. As the story proceeded, Dayananda’s nature and attitude towards Pokhi started changing. It was all because of her innocence, care and protectiveness for him that made him a changed man. Pokhi’s behavior and words triggered a transformation in Dayananda. His selfrealization and introspection totally changed and Pokhi, in return, won his acceptance and felt a sense of belonging. Pokhi was released on 7th April 2000, and it showcased the innocence of a child. How simple thinking and the innocent outlook of a child can simplify our lives; that’s what was depicted in the film. The film won the Rajat Kamal Award and was also featured in the Indian Panorama. This was the second installment of Jahnu Barua’s ‘Grandpa Triology’; the first and the third being, Xagoroloi Bohu Door and Konikar Ramdhenu respectively.

Mirza Arif Hazarika

‘Kaziranga’ – a tribute to Jadav Payeng releases on YouTube G Plus News

‘K

aziranga’ is a folk-fusion track conceived, composed and produced by Dibyajyoti Nath. The music is Afrojazz-funk, fused with Mising folk of Assam. It is a sensibility that Dibyajyoti had tried to portray through his music being a native of Assam and with his desire to cross boundaries carrying the message of “Save Environment Save trees.” Assam is a land of pervasive greenery where nature is at its exuberance. So inspiration from Mother Nature is quite obvious in every sphere of life. As music is one of the most powerful media to propagate a cause and a sentiment, Dibya being a musician chose that. The video features Padmashri Jadav Payeng who is an epitome of

relentless and untiring service to Mother Earth – the man who had created an entire forest all by himself over the last 38 years. This track salutes the spirit of such a magnificent personality and wishes that through this music and video mankind seeks inspiration to save Nature for posterity. The video is now available on YouTube and can be viewed here: https://goo.gl/fXxhRq.

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Events

ANKYTRIXX at NYX Date: 27th May

Abhishek Upmanyu, Manik Mahna and Sonali Thakker with members of Guwahati Round Table 235 during Funny Rascals Season - 2 at ITA, Machkhowa on Sunday

Guwahati laughs their heart out at “The Funny Rascals”Season 2

Audience had an evening full of laughter as the comedians – Abhishek Upmanyu, Manik Mahna and Sonali Thakker took center stage at Fund Raising Event by Round Table India

If we had to take a view of what kind of music the crowd that night had to engage in, there would have probably been a mixed response. But what he did was magical. It is very rare to have musicians and DJ’s to make the crowd so malleable within a couple of hours into their sets, and that’s exactly what Ankit Kochar did!

Ankit Kochar a.k.a ‘Ankytrixx’ has been a name that has probably lasted longer than we could have imagined and is one of the country’s most recognized DJs. Ankytrixx brought the North East crowd together in utter musical harmony at Nyx Lounge and Deck at Hotel Palacio.

The guests posing for a photo with the hosts

Taranjit Panesar’s Birthday bash at Vivanta by Taj

Designer Nandini Baruva (L) with Radha Panesar (R) Payal Chaddha, Medha Saikia and Mrinmoyee Goswami (L-R)

Payal Chaddha (L) and Sanjive Narine (R)

Mr. and Mrs. Anupam Bordoloi A private party hosted by Radha Barooah Panesar (R) and Taranjit Panesar (L), one of Guwahati’s most prominent businessmen was buzzing with the who’s who of Guwahati over good food and great company.

G PLUS JUN 03 - JUN 09, 2017

Catching Up Most shared story of the week

Abhilasha Phukan

ith the month of Ramzaan upon us, a glimpse of the first day of Iftaar preparations at Ambari Burha Masjid was the talk of the town, as hundreds of people were served food to break their daylong fast.

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Abhilasha is a resident of Guwahati and is currently pursuing her graduation in English from Cotton College. She is the Music Secretary of the college and takes active participation in various cultural programmes. She is passionate about singing and is interested in exploring new scope in the world fashion and modelling. Mojo She considers her mother to be her inspiration and role model. She swears by the mantra, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work, not to be just successful, but rather to be of value.â&#x20AC;? Route in the woods She aspires to be an administrative officer and serve the society in the future. She also dreams of being a fashion blogger.

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The joy of success | Photo: Surajit Sharma Printed & Published by Sunit Jain on behalf of Insight Brandcom Pvt. Ltd. and Printed at Arkashish Publications (P) Ltd., Katahbari, Garchuk, Guwahati and Published at H/No. 34, K. C. Choudhury Road, Chatribari, Guwahati - 781008, Editor: Swapnil Bharali. Phone: 0361 2737737, Email: info@g-plus.in, RNI No: ASSENG/2013/52641