Vol 4 Issue 37 by G Plus

Electrocution deaths serve as eye-opener for APDCL PG 03

Kachari street doctors’ alternative treatment ‘curing’ patients of their ailments PG 09

New Chic on the Block Kiran Laishram PG 23

VOLUME 04 | ISSUE 37 JUL 08 - JUL 14, 2017 PRICE `10

Is Guwahati under flood threat? City to host 9 Fifa matches; 4 countries to visit With the Brahmaputra River flowing above danger

ndia is set to host one of its biggest sporting extravaganzas – the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Football Tournament – and Guwahati has enough reasons to rejoice as the host of as many as 9 matches. These include one Round-of-16 match, a quarter-final and a semi-final. All the matches in Guwahati will be played at the stateof-the-art Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at Sarusajai and the matches will be played between 6th and 28th October this year. The 9 matches include all the league stage matches for Group E comprising France, Honduras, Japan and New Caledonia. The people of the region are a soccer-crazy lot and this comes as big news to them - something

to look forward to. Director of Sports and Youth Welfare, Pabitra Khaund, talking to G Plus confirmed the news and said, “I have just received the news that four countries will travel to Guwahati for the international sporting event.” He talked to G Plus on the night of 7th July at around 11 pm just after reaching his Guwahati residence from New Delhi. Sources in the sports department said that the FIFA officials for the U-17 World Cup – Tournament Director Xavier Xeppi and Venue Director Romma Khanna - recently expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made for holding the matches at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at Sarusajai. The source added that the steering

committee meeting of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 took stock of the preparations for the nine matches that would be held at the said venue and deliberated on the role and responsibilities of the line departments in holding the mega event. The matches will be played in Guwahati on the following dates of October: 8th (2 matches), 11th (2 matches), 14th (2 matches), 17th, 21st and 25th. Meanwhile, the Indian team has been drawn into Group A along with USA, Ghana and Colombia in the recently concluded teams draw event in Mumbai on 7th July, last. All the Group A matches will be played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. India and USA will kick start the tournament on 6th October 2017. n

level all activities on the river have been stopped and the sluice gate on Bharalu river has been closed to prevent backflow of Brahmaputra waters into the city; with heavy rains however, pumping out city water will be a concern Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

n view of the rising water level and consequent flooding of 15 districts of the state, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the district administration to reach out to the affected people and step up re-

lief and rescue operations across the state. As for Guwahati, the Brahmaputra River is flowing above the danger level leading to apprehensions among Guwahatians about the consequences of the river overflowing its banks or back-flowing into the Bharalu. A source in the water commission, talking to G Plus, said that the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati Continued on page 2

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Lead Story

Is Guwahati under flood threat? meeting where certain things were made very clear. He said that APDCL has been asked to protect all their transformers and to fence them properly. All the loose wires in the city have to be repaired; replacement and restoration of all the required electrical equipments have to be done. The trees have to be trimmed wherever necessary. He said that all these are continuous processes and APDCL is working on it. He also said that APDCL has been asked not cut electricity randomly whenever it rains as people face problems without electricity. He said that the APDCL will cut power only in areas where it is required depending on the situation when it rains. Meanwhile, the illegal establishments on the hillocks in the

the next of the family members of those killed in the current spate of floods within 48 hours. Sonowal also asked Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department along with SDRF to undertake operations to rescue the marooned animals and provide fodder to cattle. Further, Sonowal asked the MPs and MLAs to remain in their constituencies and supervise rescue and relief operations and directed the Agriculture Department to ensure supply of superior quality seeds to the farmers whose crops have been devastated in the floods. He also asked APDCL to see that no casualties take place due to electrocution. It may be noted that the current spate of floods, besides affecting 47 revenue circles and 857 revenue

An Employee of Central Water Commission measuring the water level of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The river was recorded flowing 9 cm above the danger level mark of 49.680 | G Plus Photo

Continued from page 1 is flowing 9 centimetres above its danger level mark which is 49.68 metres. Is Guwahati under flood threat? Can there be a backflow of Brahmaputra waters into the Bharalu River? What steps have the administration and other authorities taken to be flood prepared? Which are the vulnerable areas in the city that will be affected if there are floods due to Brahmaputra water? How is the flood scenario in the state? G Plus checks whether the city is indeed under flood threat as also the overall flood scenario in the state.

Guwahati scenario The situation in Assam remains grim as the Brahmaputra has crossed the danger level in Guwahati and many other districts. The Central Water Commission on Thursday said that the water level was 9 cms above the danger level. A source in the disaster management department said that further rainfall may inundate low lying areas of Guwahati such as Chandrapur, Sonapur and Azara. A resident of Bharalumukh area, talking to G Plus, said that even the level of the Bharalu River is very high. The resident said that recently he saw a TATA Magic taxi floating in the Bharalu River. A driver had parked the vehicle on the riverside at night but something had happened and the taxi was seen floating in the river. As the sluice gate is closed the vehicle did not flow out into the Brahmaputra and could be salvaged the next day with a crane and other equipments. The resident said that the sluice gate is closed

for the moment and the Bharalu water level is lower than the Brahmaputra’s. But what if the level of Bharalu rises and overflows the sluice gate? There can be a possibility of backflow of the Brahmaputra waters into the city which can wreak havoc. A resident of Barsapara, who stays near the Bashishtha River, said that even the locals of the area are apprehensive as whenever it rains the water level of the river increases. It being the rainy season now, the water from Meghalaya also flows through the Basishtha which keeps raising the water level. On the other hand, artificial floods and consequently perpetrated situations have claimed lives of people due to negligence of a certain department. Five people had to lose their lives in the floods of 13th June while another life was claimed on 22nd June by electrocution at Zoo Road Tiniali. It is due to the negligence of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) that Dulal Malakar died due to electrocution. Malakar was an employee of KFC, Zoo Road Tiniali. At that time the Brahmaputra was not flowing above danger level. So how prepared is the administration now?

The authorities Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner, M Angamuthu, talking to G Plus said that he is aware that the Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger level and there are reports of even erosion in some places. He said, “All the ferry services in the river have been stopped and even the private boats and ferry services are not allowed to sail.” He further

said that all the activities on the river like fishing, etc have been stopped and there is no threat to Guwahati from the Brahmaputra waters as the sluice gate is closed. He also said that the only worry is from rain water in the city; if it rains heavily in Guwahati, pumping out water using pumps will be difficult as the sluice gate is closed. He said that there are some vulnerable areas in the city like Zoo Raod, Mother Teresa Road etc which get submerged when there is rain in the city and the water gets pumped out and finally guided into the Brahmaputra River. But now as the sluice gate is closed, that is the only concern. But he assured that there will not be any backflow from the Brahmaputra and the water from the Brahmaputra will not create any problem in the city.

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DC asks APDCL not cut electricity randomly Talking about electrocution he said that recently there was a district electricity committee

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All the ferry services in the river have been stopped and even the private boats and ferry services are not allowed to sail.” - Kamrup (M) DC, M Angamuthu

city have been served notice by respective circle officers to vacate the areas as there are possibilities of landslides.

The state In an emergency review meeting in the conference room of his office in Janata Bhawan today, chief minister Sonowal took stock of the prevailing flood situation in the state and directed district administrations - both civil and police - to provide relief materials including pure drinking water, medical facilities and security to the camp inmates. He also asked Revenue and Disaster Management Department to disburse an ex-gratia relief to

villages, took a toll on more than 3,94,000 people necessitating the government to open 128 relief camps for 41,487 camp inmates. The floods have already damaged more than 16,000 hectares of crop area in the state. Moreover, 19 people have lost their lives in the floods caused by rising water levels of the rivers like the Brahmaputra, Dikhow Dhansiri, Jia Bharali, Beki, Kushiyara. So, at present we can just pray that the Brahmaputra waters do not backflow into Guwahati and as far as the state is concerned, the authorities have to be serious as the opposition has claimed that the ruling government is not serious about the issue. n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

In The News

Electrocution deaths serve as eye-opener for APDCL

It has taken three deaths by electrocution in the recent city flash floods for the APDCL to wake up from sluggishness and apathy and take firm steps towards prevention of such tragedies in the future stern action against officials responsible for the tragedies.

(East) divisional forest officer to prune all precariously located trees within seven days. The cost for the work will be borne by APAction Plan Rattled by the three elec- DCL. “It has been observed that trocution deaths within a week during flash floods in the city, many trees are standing near the high tension electrical wires the state power department and in many places of the city. These Kamrup Metropolitan district administration drew up action come into contact with electriplans on war footing to pre- cal wires during heavy thundervent such tragedies in future. A storms and sometimes disconhigh-level meeting chaired by nect the wires from the electric poles. It is also observed that the state power minister Pallab these live electrical wires, after Lochan Das within a few hours after the electrocution of Dulal getting detached from the electric poles, have caused a number Malakar decided to conduct a of accidents like electrocution massive exercise to assess the Overhead electricity cables in contact with trees at Zoo road area | G Plus Photo leading to loss of life and propercondition of power lines and ty,” M Angamuthu, Deputy Comother electricity arrangements Kalyan Deb The father of Pushan Kali- in flood-prone areas in the city. missioner, Kamrup (M) said. Besides, as per the chief minEngineers and other technical ta was handed over the cheque kalyan.deb@g-plus.in ister’s directions, a joint control by the district administration. experts will plug leakages in power lines, electricity poles and room has been set up in the alSimilarly, Priti Rajkhowa, wife of lash floods have been a Anowar Hussain of Gandhibasti, other possible faults that might ready existing District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) be causes of electrocution. long standing problem in and the wife of Deven Chandra situated in the DC’s office. The The meeting also decided Nath, who lost his life after fallGuwahati but this year the to constitute a Response Team control room has representaing into the Silsako Bill, were hazardous situation escalated to tives from police, Gua different level altogether that also provided with wahati Municipal Cornot only posed a grievous threat cheques. District adWe are also identifying poration (GMC), APDCL, ministration had also to life but also claimed three PWD, water resource lives in the city. A major part of ordered an enquiry certain areas where the department and state into the tragic incithe city came under the threat conductor needs to be replaced disaster management of flood and along with that an- dents and entrusted or fencing of the transformers, authority, among others. other hazard in the form of elec- officials to look into However, the eye opener trocution surfaced from the wa- the facts and circumwhich are hundreds in number, came at the cost of three terlogged streets turning the city stances leading to it are required and get to the lives which raise a quesand also ensure safety into a death-trap. tion on the proceedings in future with prevenactual cause of wire snapping. and adequate steps taktive measures by the The background We even have a detailed plan en by APDCL in order to departOn 23rd June the death toll concerned on what can be done to mitigate prevent such hazards. due to electrocution triggered by ments. The tragedies incessant rains in Guwahati city such problems.” threw up allegations rose to three. Dulal Malakar, an Modus operandi from many that the employee of a KFC outlet in Zoo - Puru Gupta, Managing Director, APDCL Following the order Road area, was walking to his deaths were not beto trim down trees and residence at Sugam Lane on Zoo cause of the flash branches near high-tencomprising officials and experts Road on Thursday morning after floods but rather because of the sion wires the electricity departcompleting his night shift when negligent attitude of Assam Pow- of APDCL to take immediate ment is carrying out a massive he stumbled upon a snapped er Distribution Company Limit- action to prevent any further drive across the city. Workmen high voltage electric wire lying ed whose staff did not properly disasters from power lines dur- with vehicles of the electricity repair a snapped high voltage ing floods in the city. The Griev- department could be seen chopconcealed in the waterlogged overhead electric wire in the ances Cells of APDCL will now lane. The tragic demise of the ping down branches of trees youth came following a few oth- area and the wire got snapped engage engineers to listen to since 2nd July and the process er horrific accidents that took once again on Thursday morn- grievances of citizens and take keeps on continuing. Meaning after the heavy downpour. actions or advise people on steps place near the Assam State Zoo while, the process has also led where a 13 year old Pushan Kali- The All Guwahati Students’ Un- needed to be taken to prevent in- to prolonged power cuts in most ion (AGSU) and the Congress cidents like electrocution during areas of Guwahati. ta, an 8th grader of Maria Public “It is not that such accidents School, was suddenly electrocut- Party staged separate demon- floods. The 24X7 Grievance Cells strations demanding solutions will be manned by engineers in have been happening on a roued as he was wading through the three shifts. tine basis but this time due to inrainwater. Anowar Hussain, who and measures to ensure public safety. Seven persons have died An SDO of Zoo Road divi- crease in water level such issues rushed to the spot to save the surfaced which was dangerous teenager, also became an un- in flash floods, three from elec- sion of APDCL has been placed under suspension for alleged to the public. We have intensifortunate victim. Several agitat- trocution. The Guwahati City District negligence of duty that caused fied our effort and are working ed locals protested demanding Congress Committee staged a the electrocution incident. An on how better we can provide immediate relief to the families demonstration in front of the As- inquiry has also been ordered to service to the public at the miof the deceased. Following the incident the district administra- sam Power Distribution Compa- hold responsible the top officials cro-level because every life is tion declared compensation of ny Limited (APDCL) while AGSU of APDCL for their lapses. Mean- important. We do not want any staged another demonstration while, the district administra- kind of accidents to happen and Rs 4 lakhs each to the families of at Dighalipukhuri demanding tion had directed the Kamrup several steps are being taken to the deceased.

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mitigate the problem,” said Puru Gupta, Managing Director, APDCL. The MD also added that the department is working on identifying such accident prone areas - especially those that are more vulnerable to floods. “We are also identifying certain areas where the conductor needs to be replaced or fencing of the transformers, which are hundreds in number, are required and get to the actual cause of wire snapping. We even have a detailed plan on what can be done to mitigate such problems. We are also trying to educate the public regarding the steps that should be taken during floods,” Gupta mentioned adding that officials will look for any unattended, uncovered live wire, loose connections, uncovered or blocked drains and fix the loopholes. The APDCL has also opened a helpline number for Greater Guwahati area for any kind of emergency. Anyone can inform the APDCL at 8876100100 about anything related to the power department during emergency situation to seek help. Electrical equipment coming into to contact with flood water may cause serious danger of electrocution. After the event, during the clean-up process when the flood waters have dispersed, there are yet further risks, as there are serious possibilities of electrocution from water damaged appliances. Possibilities of electrical accident are often overlooked during or after flood. However, adequate safety measures have to be taken by the public as well. n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

In The News

Meira Kumar might NOT be the 2nd female President With maximum votes from the NE region set to go towards the NDA presidential candidate and with most of the states being ruled by the saffron party, Ram Nath Kovind is almost sure to be the next President of India Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

he presidential election on 17th July has put the two presidential candidates on their toes with Meira Kumar and Ram Nath Kovind visiting the northeast to seek the support of the MLAs and the MPs of the region. UPA presidential candidate, Miera Kumar, visited Guwahati on 5th July while the NDA presidential candidate, Ram Nath Kovind met the MLAs and MPs of the BJP and its allies on 6th July. Meira Kumar, a former Lok Sabha Speaker, also addressed the MLAs and MPs in Shillong on 5th July as part of her campaign for the presidential election. Kovind visited Arunachal on 6th morning, and in the evening addressed the MLAs and MPs of all the ruling parties in Assam. But who will become the next president of India? Who will be allowed to vote during the presidential elections and what is the calculation? What is the background of both the candidates and are they qualified enough to become the President? G Plus does an analysis.

Who can vote? India achieved independence from the British on 15th August 1947 initially as a Dominion within the Commonwealth of Nations, with George VI as king represented in the country by a governor-general. Following this, the Constituent Assembly of India, under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, undertook the process of drafting a com-

pletely new constitution for the country. The Constitution of India was eventually enacted on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950, making India a republic. The offices of the monarch and governor-general were replaced by the new office of President of India, with Dr Rajendra Prasad as the first incumbent. Since then, after every five years, the President of India has been elected. The President is indirectly elected by the people of the country through their elected representatives in both the houses of the Parliament of India (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), the Legislative Assemblies of all the states of India and the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories. As there are some nominated MPs in the Rajya Sabha and nominated MLAs in some states, such nominated MPs and MLAs do not have voting rights as they are not elected representatives. During Kovind’s visit, the BJP leaders asked their respective MLAs and MPs to reach the voting venue on 16th July as voting is on 17th July. The BJP leader, Ram Madhav, said that NDA is in power in 17 states in India and vote value for this presidential election is around 10,95,000 out of which, for Kovind at present, there are already around 6,60,000 available votes with the BJP and other party supporters. He said that the election is just a formality as Ram Nath Kovind is set to be the President. However, he nevertheless told the MLAs and MPs of As-

NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind and UPA presidential candidate Meira Kumar were both in Guwahati to address the media | G Plus Photo

sam that every vote is important and all should vote to secure a victory with majority.

Which party is backing whom? During her visit G Plus asked the UPA candidate Miera Kumar which political parties are supporting her from Assam. She said that she has written letters to all the political parties across the country. She added that AIUDF is supporting her and Congress being the opposition as also the party that is fielding her for the post, will anyway support her. So, from Assam, two political parties will support her. So far as Ram Nath Kovind is concerned, AGP and BPF have openly announced their support to him, and BJP being the party that has

Meira Kumar Born 31 March 1945 (age 72) Patna, Bihar, British India Political party INC Spouse Manjul Kumar Children 1 son, 2 daughters

selected him as the presidential candidate, will anyway back him. So, three political parties are backing Kovind from the state. As for the northeast, Ram Madhav said that in Mizoram and Tripura NDA does not have even a single MLA. Nevertheless, they are requesting the political parties there to back Kovind. He announced that 6 TMC MLAs from Tripura are backing the NDA presidential candidate. The 6 TMC MLAs of Tripura openly supported the NDA presidential candidate at a meeting held in Hotel Vivanta by Taj. The MLAs, while talking to G Plus, said that they have already resigned from TMC and very soon will make a declaration about whether they would join BJP or not. Meira Kumar said that 17 political par-

Ram Nath Kovind Born 1 October 1945 (age 71)

S V

Political party Bharatiya Janata Party Spouse Savita Kovind

Children - 2 Son - Prashant Kumar, Daughter – Swati

Parents Jagjivan Ram (father) Indrani Devi (mother)

Parents Maiku Lal (Father) Kalawati (Mother)

Alma mater University of Delhi

Alma mater Kanpur University

Occupation Lawyer, Politician, Diplomat

Occupation Advocate, Politician

ties are backing her for the post, while BJP is ruling in 17 states. Also the poaching of politicians is a known history to all and experts feel that the strategy might be used during the presidential election too. BJP sources said that the party does not require any poaching strategy as they are already in majority.

The upcoming elections strategy Recently, North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) chairman, Himanta Biswa Sarma had told a daily that the BJP will try to form a rainbow alliance to consolidate anti-left front votes to oust the ruling coalition in Tripura in the assembly polls in February next year. He had said that the BJP is yet to decide on its electoral alliances. The BJP is now working to consolidate anti-left votes and to strengthen the party’s organisational base. He had said that those Trinamool Congress and Congress MLAs keen to join the BJP should first cast votes in favour of the NDA

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

In The News Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind on 17th July. Except for the CPI-M, the BJP urged legislators of all other parties to vote for Kovind. So, the 6 MLAs backing Kovind make their entry into BJP final. Sarma had addressed several public and organisational meetings during his recent visit to Tripura. In the sidelines of the presidential election the BJP is gradually making its entry into the poll-bound states where the party does not have any solid base. Nagaland’s ruling party is already in an alliance with the BJP. So the majority votes from there will go to the NDA candidate. Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are being ruled by BJP. The chief minister of Sikkim has announced his support to Kovind. All the NPP politicians in Meghalaya are backing Kovind. So it seems likely that the maximum votes from the northeast are going to Kovind. But who is better for the post? Meiṛa Kumar is a five-time

Member of Parliament. She was elected unopposed as the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha and served from 2009 to 2014. She is a lawyer and a former diplomat. She served as a cabinet minister in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of Manmohan Singh’s Congress-led government (2004–2009). She has been nominated as a joint presidential candidate by the leading opposition parties for 2017 presidential election. In 1975, she joined the Indian Foreign Service and spent her life in many countries. Meira Kumar entered electoral politics in 1985 and was elected on INC ticket from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, defeating political heavyweights like Ram Vilas Paswan and Mayawati - two powerful Dalit leaders of Indian politics. She was a member of the 6th, 11th and 12th Lok Sabhas from Karol Bagh in Delhi. She lost her seat in the BJP wave of 1996, but was able to get re-elected with a significant majority from her father’s

former constituency of Sasaram in Bihar in 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 general election, Kumar contested and lost to Chhedi Paswan from Sasaram by a margin of 327 votes. Ram Nath Kovind is a Dalit leader and member of the BJP. He was Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017. After graduating in law from a college in Kanpur, Kovind went to Delhi to prepare for the civil services examination. He passed this exam in his third attempt but did not join as he was selected for an allied service instead of IAS and thus started practicing law. He was a central government advocate in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979 and served as a central Government standing counsel in the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1993. In 1978, he became an advocate-on-record of the Supreme Court of India. He practiced in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for about 16 years until 1993. He was also enrolled

as an advocate in 1971 with the bar council of Delhi. As an advocate he provided free legal aid to weaker sections of society, women and the poor under the Free Legal Aid Society in New Delhi. He also served as the personal assistant of Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1977-1978. He joined the BJP in 1991. He was President of the BJP Dalit Morcha between 1998 and 2002 and President of the All-India Koli Samaj. He also served as national spokesperson of the party. He donated his ancestral home in Derapur to the RSS. He contested from Ghatampur and Bhognipur (both in Uttar Pradesh) assembly constituencies on BJP ticket but lost both elections. He was elected and became a Rajya Sabha MP from the Uttar Pradesh in April 1994. He served a total of twelve years, two consecutive terms, until March 2006. As a member of parliament he served on the Parliamentary Committee for Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Home Affairs,

Petroleum and Natural Gas, Social Justice and Empowerment, Law and Justice. He also served as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee. It appears that both candidates are strong contenders by way of qualifications but who will become the president? A BJP leader talking to G Plus said that in the next 10 days the 61% vote share that the NDA candidate already has will increase as many other political parties from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu will support. A Congress insider said that the fight will be very tough for the UPA candidate but she is trying her best. A political observer said that the election is just a formality as Kovind is set to win. Meira Kumar, during her visit, said that it is a tough battle and she will fight till the end. Kovind said that every citizen of India will get justice if he becomes the President. It seems that the UPA candidate has already lost the fight by considering it is a tough fight. n

A method to the madness: The story behind Ghy’s PIN codes

File photo of Meghdoot Bhawan at Kachari

Pulakesh Das

he introduction of Postal Index Number or PIN code system in 1972 eased the communication process like never before in our country. This six-digit code helped to eliminate the confusion of delivery caused by incorrect address, similar place names and different languages used by the public. Further, to make it more comprehensible, it was divided into nine PIN zones including eight regional zones that covered all the states of the country and one functional zone for the Indian army.

Though we very often use the PIN code to deliver anything by post, we hardly bother to think about what these six digits are. These six digits in fact represent a system which allows anyone to decode which area the code exactly belongs to. According to this system, each region of the country is represented by an assigned number. The first digit of the PIN code represents that region, whereas the second and third digit represents the state sub-region and the district. The concluding three numbers of the PIN code are used to represent the post office number. Guwahati being the largest

city of the state and also the gateway to the northeast, the post offices play an important role in the distance communication process. Meghdoot Bhawan, the head office of the postal service of Assam circle located in the city, witnesses a large number of deliveries on a daily basis. The PIN code of the city starts with 781 followed by the three post office numbers. What exactly does 781 stand for? As per the PIN code system, the digit 7 stands for the region which is Northeast in the case of Guwahati. The second digit (i.e. 8) of the city’s PIN code indicates the sub-region or the state that is Assam and the next

digit ‘1’ represents the district which is Kamrup. Eventually, the last three numbers of the PIN code refer to the delivering post office. The PIN code series of the city ranges from 781001 to 781171. It can be mentioned that under Guwahati General Post Office (GPO) there are, in total 68, post offices in the city. However, there are 40 delivery sub-offices (DSOs) where deliveries are carried out in Guwahati city. Besides, there is one Head Office, one Madhya Daak Ghar (MDG) and 25 EDBOs under Guwahati GPO. The Postal Index Number or PIN code system in the city has been in operation since the central government introduced it in 1972. On being asked about the allotment of numbers to the post offices of the city, Pankaj Kumar Das, the Postal Assistant of Meghdoot Bhawan said, “There is no specific rule in the allotment of numbers. The PIN codes were allotted as per the establishment of the post offices.” However, it is interesting that some of the PIN codes of various post offices of the city are identical. For example, the PIN code 781003 belongs to both Silpukhuri and Chenikuthi. But the difference is that the Silpukhuri post office is a DSO (delivery sub-office) whereas the Chenikuthi post office is an NDSO (non delivery sub-office). Interestingly, it may be noted that the 002 series has not been allotted to any of the post offices of the city so far. On being asked the reason for this, no one in the

postal department could come up with a reasonable explanation for the same and all they could offer was that the 002 series was somehow never allotted since the PIN codes were commissioned. Further, this factor is often a point of discussion and questions have also been popped on local quiz shows. Many Guwahatians have often mistaken the 002 series to be the PIN code of Umananda Temple island which is not true. With the advancement of technology, the postal service of Guwahati is also changing in an unprecedented manner. The digitalization process of the postal system now enables the customers to track their posts online, gives access to 24x7 ATM facilities in under-banked areas and also allows access to insurance services besides many other facilities. Though it is often said that with the coming of private courier services, the Indian postal service is losing its ground, in reality it is growing larger day by day and covering more areas of the country. Besides, in terms of reliability also people still prefer post offices to courier services. Rinkumani Pathak, a frequent user of postal service said, “If I have to send an important document, I never rely on private courier services as it might turn out to be risky. I always prefer to send my documents through the Indian postal service only.” Thus, the six-digit PIN code is the key to connecting the nooks and corners of the country. n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Governance

Registration of e-rickshaws remain under cloud of uncertainty

The convenient and pollution-free vehicles that could be a decent ‘last-mile’ public transport solution for the city continues to languish as “unauthorized” because their registration as public transport vehicles has not been firmed up by the government that the time had been extendcourse of actions. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) ed to 30th May, where after the refused to enroll the e-rickshaws e-rickshaws that were not reginto its fold while the transport istered would not be permitted department too appeared clue- to operate. Also, along with that, less about the unmonitored and the Kamrup (Metro) district adunauthorized plying. This is ministration had decided that when the DC decided to inter- e-rickshaws would be allowed to vene and took matters into his ply for a maximum distance of 1 hands. As of January 2017, there mile in the city. were 2000 e-rickshaws on the In an account provided to roads of Guwahati and 15 deal- the media, the ‘All Assam E-Rickers of such vehicles. The dealers shaw Chalak Santha’ had urged were asked not to sell any new the state government not to ban vehicles until and unless the reg- ‘non-ICAT’ rated e-rickshaws istration of the existing vehicles from the city and to allow a grace was completed. Additionally, the period of three years to those e-rickshaws were only allowed in who had already purchased such areas where there were no other vehicles. In a memorandum modes of transport for the com- to the state transport minister, muters. The traffic and transport the Santha had said that there department was also asked to had been an apprehension that demarcate the areas where these e-rickshaws which do not have vehicles could be allowed. Such rating of the International Cenmeasures had to be taken in or- tre for Automotive Technology der to control their mushroom (ICAT) may be banned. It said growth. that many dealers had already In the present scenario, only sold a number of such e-rickthe vehicles that are registered shaws to unemployed youths E Rickshaws parked on the roadside at Patharquarry | G Plus Photo may be prevalent on the roads and added that the government of places where other means of was mum when such vehicles Sukannya Kar transportation are not available. were being sold. It also explained city without a proper license and The terror caused on the roads by the existing unruly the vehicles had to be registered A bulk of them have been oper- that many unemployed youths under the District Transport Of- ating in the Bonda area, followed purchased such vehicles to beublic transport in Guwaha- modes of public transport like by Satgaon, Rajgarh, Panjabari come self-employed and said fice (DTO). trekkers and city buses have ti has been quite seamless Apparently, the e rickshaws and dozens at Hatigaon, Behar- that a grace period of three years for some time now. It is not made the e-rickshaws simply bari, Pandu and other localities. should be provided for those who had become very difficult to problematic to find rickshaws, another threat dimension to the A Guwahati-based had already bought such e-rickbuses or autos on the roads, not commuters. traffic police official shaws. The Santha had also derapto mention the rising number The near Bhangagarh manded a probe into how nonid growth of of cab services, whenever one informed G Plus, ICAT rated e-rickshaws were e-rickshaws in goes out. Adding to these are “The electronic rick- allowed to be sold in the city for parts the modern e-rickshaws that several shaws had been dif- so long. It then called upon the have been more popular as an of the city has ficult to regulate be- government to reduce the regisalternative to auto-rickshaws added another fore. However, now tration fee for e-rickshaws. and cycle-rickshaws because of element of jeopthe number of vehiThe e-rickshaws matter has their low fuel cost and compar- ardy to the trafcles has become less taken a very controversial turn atively lesser human effort. Bat- fic and life. The due to the registra- in the existing circumstances. huge matter of tery-run rickshaws could also tion norm set by the The news of their registration be a low-emitter complementary concern is that government.” has been going about but the transport for people with low in- the increasing - On duty Traffic official at Bhangagarh Although the of process has not yet been fully imcome. The five-seater rickshaw, numbers measures that were plemented. Though the informavalued between Rs 1.3 lakhs e-rickshaws are plying on various busy roads and control as they did not fall under taken have been adequate, when tion has led to a fewer number of and Rs 1.7 lakhs, has become a by-lanes without any registra- any decree and could not even asked by the team of G Plus, cer- these vehicles than before, they favorite among the unemployed tain e-rickshaws were unable to are still common on the roads of tion or approval of the govern- be fined by the law enforcing youths as no permit or license agencies. It was a serious situa- show their license and passed Guwahati. “Despite the fact that is required for either buying or ment authority. A major change tion as the state government did on providing excuses. This again these means of transportation has been brought about in the driving it. The pollution-free raises a concern as to wheth- are in fact easy and pollution free, e-rickshaw can travel at a max- regulation system of vehicles. not have any single policy on imum speed of 20 kms per hour According to the Deputy Com- the e-rickshaws. They did not er the registration has actually the government should not take have any safety norms or pas- been done and carried out in the missioner of the district, from its presence so lightly and only and after travelling for about 70 manner that had been informed allow them to operate after the the very beginning of the year senger-carrying guidelines and kms to 80 kms, its battery needs were raising suspicions on how and circulated in the media. In the registration of e-rickshaws full registration has been comto be recharged through a cable the last report on the registration they were allowed to roll on the pleted”, said Amalendu Bhowwhich can be attached to any had to begin. The drivers were update of the vehicle, it was said mik, a resident of the city. city roads without appropriate not allowed to move around the electricity point. n

“

The electronic rickshaws had been difficult to regulate before. However, now the number of vehicles has become less due to the registration norm set by the government.”

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Concern

Cow vigilantism threatens to tear apart state’s social fabric With people slamming the Sonapur incident where gau rakshaks assaulted cattle transporters, HYCP says they stopped the vehicles as huge numbers of cows get smuggled to Bangladesh in cruel conditions and the police are involved in this smuggling nexus Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

n Sunday evening last, some cow vigilantes allegedly stopped a few vehicles near Guwahati that were transporting cattle and assaulted the drivers. At Sonapur, about 30 kms east of Guwahati, reports suggested that members of a local unit of the Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad (HYCP) stopped a truck and two three-wheelers carrying cattle. Local TV channels showed the vigilantes thrashing the cattle transporters but the police did not confirm the assault at that time as no one had filed any complaint then. Sonapur police later arrested five persons who were allegedly involved in the bash up of the drivers and helpers of the three vehicles carrying the cattle from Tinsukia to the 9 Mile Gorubazar near Jorabat, following a search operation carried out in and around Sonapur. The suspected cow vigilantes are Biju Kathar (35 years), Nipen Boro (19), Suraj Barua (25), Lohit Das (34) and Pradip Singh (25). So is it that the cow vigilantes will not allow any cow transportation in the state? Are the HYCP members related to RSS? Is the BJP backing HYCP to lynch in the name of cow vigilance? Are the authorities ready to tackle such incidents? G Plus talks to all stake holders to understand the scenario.

The RSS Enquiring whether RSS is related to the incident which occurred at Sonapur and if the organisation was related to HYCP, Guwahati Mahanagar Samparka Pramukh, Ranjib Kumar Sharma, talking to G Plus said, “Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad has no link with RSS and most of their present members have Congress backgrounds.” He said that RSS is not dictating anyone’s menu and the Sonapur incident is a law and order situation which the police and the authorities should handle. Sharma said that so far as the cow was concerned, the animal is a very important part of the Indian economy as without the cow there can be no rural economy. He said that one can earn Rs 7,000 per month by selling the dung and urine of just one cow. He said that the RSS is totally against lynching and in the name of cow vigilance RSS can never lynch anyone. He said that the body is against beef-eating because even until about 300 years back no one in the northeast used to eat beef. It is only after their conversion

to Christianity that people started eating beef. He said that there are many indigenous people in the region who, till date, do not eat beef. Sharma said that it is just a common perception that people of the northeast eat beef. But he said that the RSS does not decide anyone’s menu and lynching in the name of cow vigilance will never be perpetrated or supported by the RSS. So according to RSS, HYCP is not related to it and the Sonapur incident is basically a law and order situation.

The authorities

or rather stop cattle from entering northeast?

The critics

The truck driver who beaten by the members of Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad for carry-

City commissioner of police, ing cattle, at Sonapur | G Plus Photo Hiren Nath, talking to G Plus said June last, 142 cows were caught being smuggled to Bangladesh and the that 2 out of the 5 arrested persons are members of HYCP and the other police was informed but they did not take action. He said that there 3 persons are the local residents of the village where the incident took is a nexus between these smugglers, place. When informed that the or- police and other authorities. He said that even this time the police was ganisations are denying having a informed but they did not come hand in the incident, Nath said that even the police are trying to contact on time and so, the local public started assaulting the driver and the state members of HYCP, but no the helpers. On enquiring if it was one is receiving calls. According to media reports, Assam Police DGP, just to check smuggling or whether they sought to ban beef in the state Mukesh Sahay, said that a probe was being conducted into the inci- and the northeast, Baishya said that they are against cow slaughter dent and the perpetrators will not be spared. The DGP also admitted that but they alone cannot ban beef in it is not possible for the police to pro- Assam and the northeast. He said that the authorities do not listen to vide adequate security to all cattle them and they will protest further traders across the state and issues will be dealt case by case. G Plus as cow smuggling is a major issue then tried to contact the members and the manner in which cows are transported is very cruel. He said, of HYCP and was eventually able to talk to Balen Baishya, President, “In one vehicle they pack 40-50 cows where there is space for only 10.” He HYCP central committee. said 9 Mile is just an excuse and the cows are smuggled to Bangladesh Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad through Meghalaya and in the proBaishya, talking to G Plus, said that the trucks were stopped by cess everyone makes money. the HYCP members but the people who assaulted the driver and the The BJP helpers were the local public and Whenever there are incidents of not HYCP members. On being in- cow vigilance, people have a mindformed that police had said that two set that it is only happening because of the arrested persons were HYCP BJP is ruling the state and the counmembers, Baishya said that he is try. The prime minister recently out of station and will take stock of said that killing people in the name the situation when he returns. En- of cow protection is not acceptable. quiring why such a step was taken Similarly, BJP national general secby the body and why did they stop retary, Ram Madhav recently in the vehicles as they are not the au- Guwahati, spoke out against the thorities, Baishya said that cows get lynching by cow vigilantes, saying, transported and smuggled to Bang- “There’s nothing sacred about lynchladesh and therefore they checked ing in the name of cow protection.” if the cows were being ferried to His comments came on the day Bangladesh. He said that cow smug- Guwahati police arrested the five gling is a big nexus in the northeast persons involved in the Sonapur and a huge amount of money goes incident. He said that for the party, into the pockets of everyone in- the cow is sacred. Cow protection volved. He said that the cows that is also sacred, but for them, life itself are marked on the tail are meant to is sacred. There is nothing sacred be smuggled to Bangladesh and the about lynching or taking life in the cows that are marked on the shoul- name of cow protection. Certain der are sold in Meghalaya. He said in values that are important have to be

protected. But again, the Supreme Court recently issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging the notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. The Centre has been asked to file its response within two weeks. The matter will be heard next on 11th July. The BJP might say that they do not support lynching in the name of cow vigilance but their decision of banning cow sale for slaughter has been criticised by many sections. Politically, it is very well known that BJP has the backing of RSS and bodies like HYCP. So will they act against such incidents

State Congress president, Ripun Bora, talking to G Plus said that the Sonapur incident is very unfortunate and this is happening because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s politics of division. “We condemn it,” said Bora. One city-based resident, Zafiur Rahman said, “These people should be beaten up to death. They are the unnecessary elements disturbing the peaceful brotherhood of our beautiful state. How can someone control others’ food habits? Be it beef or pork, one should have the freedom to choose what they like to eat. It’s not about being a Muslim or a Hindu. I have many Hindu friends who eat beef and many Muslim friends who consume pork. So does that make any difference?” Meanwhile, G Plus talked to some cow dealers at 9 Mile and most of them have become apprehensive after the incident. They want protection from the government. Many people have criticised the incident and cow vigilantes have been slammed by the city folks. Is this the beginning of another saffron motive in the state? n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Concern

Seven children rescued through Muskan III campaign till July 5 Muskan III was launched on 1st July to rescue missing children and reunite them with their families ior officials from social welfare, health, education, labour and welfare departments. All deputy commissioners have been directed to make all-out efforts for successful implementation of the campaign in their respective jurisdiction. They have also been directed to activate and sensitise the district level child welfare committees (CWCs) and take personal interest in ensuring the campaign’s success.

Case statistics of missing children of Childline (April 2016-March 2017) yy April- 12 yy May- 08 yy June- 04 yy July- 01 107 children were rescued in Rajasthan under ‘Operation Muskan’| File Photo

Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

rom 1st July the Assam Government launched Muskan III campaign in order to rescue missing children. This is a month-long programme and till Wednesday seven children have been rescued in the operation. The Additional Chief Secretary of Assam has called for a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all the districts of the state to create awareness. “A task force has to be formed in all the districts and every police station has to be sensitized. The associated departments like social welfare, labour department, NGOs, education and health are to be

involved in the campaign. The Human Rights Commission has also given the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on how to carry out matters in respect of missing children. We are also collecting and preparing data of missing children so that we can work on the mission accordingly,” said Commissioner and Secretary, Home, Government of Assam, LS Changson, while speaking to G Plus. Changson also informed that the children will be screened and trained and if there is any registration of missing children in the orphanages and children homes they will be reunited with their families after they are rescued. “Many children are being trafficked or engaged in child labour and to rescue them and reunite them with their respective families

yy August- 02 is one of the core objectives of Operation Muskan. This is a continuous process to make people aware. The people of lower class families, especially in tea garden areas or char areas, will be trained and educated so that they do not send their children with any unknown persons who give them hope that they will be provided with education and jobs in other states across the country,” said Changson. Muskan III operation was launched throughout the country in 2017 and for its successful implementation in the state a meeting was held under the chairmanship of TY Das, Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Political Department, Government of Assam. The meeting was attended by senior police officials, sen-

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yy September- 07 yy October- 03 yy November- 02 yy December- 01 yy January- 06 yy February- 03

in strict compliance of the existing legal provisions. The campaign is to chalk out the programme, which was a follow-up of earlier campaigns like Operation SmileII and Operation Muskaan-II, which were successful in the recovery of 40,000 children. Human trafficking has been identified as one of the most brutal crimes committed against marginalized women and children and it is most vulnerable in the tea belts and char areas as people are illiterate. Sex trafficking has emerged as a clandestine business involving a huge financial turnover. The brutishness of the traffickers with their nefarious designs has become a potential threat to the people of the northeast. As the region has a lot of insurgency problem and is fringed by long international borders it has become a breeding ground of human traffickers. Girls are being trafficked to other parts of the country and engaged in illegal works. Poverty is also one of the prime reasons that children are being trafficked and go missing. n

yy March-05 yy It may be noted that the central government has advised all states and union territories to extend all possible cooperation during inter-state rescue operation, to ensure proper provision and availability of food, clothes, medical aid, professional translators, psychiatrists and shelter homes for rehabilitation/reintegration well before the rescue operation and to ensure that such operations are conducted

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Kachari street doctors’ alternative treatment ‘curing’ patients of their ailments

Health

Three roadside “medical practitioners” are apparently providing yeoman service to patients who cannot afford expensive medical treatments for common ailments that include dental and vision problems huge amounts for treatment of their teeth. But after a certain period of time the coating of the teeth comes out and some people cannot afford to go to the doctors several times as the costs are high. So they come to me to get their teeth fixed again. I do not do any kind of treatment and people only come for getting the teeth fixed,” Azad said. On the other hand, Gopal Das, who is a land broker, has been running his business as an “eye-speA vendor selling ayurvedic medicines, near DC office at Panbazar | G Plus Photo

Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

n Kachari by the side of the footpath, curiosity about a “dentist”, an “ophthalmologist”, and a well-known Kabiraj, is growing; these self-styled doctors are often seen with people surrounding them, asking for help in treating their various ailments. G Plus attempts to unfold the reality behind these practices and discovers that this group with their long term experiences are attempting to provide relief to the masses in need. The ailments which seemingly cannot be cured by doctors can apparently be cured by Dharmeshwar Nath Kabiraj through Ayurvedic treatment; Kabiraj is known to have been practising his craft for 26 years at Kachari. Dharmeshwar Nath Kabiraj, after his matriculation, was trained in Karbi Anglong by a Karbi gentleman. “After my matric examinations, I took admission to complete my higher secondary. However, I did not pass. Hence, I thought of learning about Ayurvedic treatment and went to Karbi Anglong to pursue the training. For 26 years now I have been doing this business here itself,” said Nath, while speaking to G Plus. People who are not satisfied with the medication given by the doctors are welcome to seek advice from Kabiraj Nath to get rid of common ailments that are not cured with allopathic medicines. “There are many treatments available nowadays but still people come to me to seek advice and take medicines for different types of diseases, especially piles, jaundice, malaria, blood pressure,

white patch (Vitiligo), menstrual problems, etc. There are even patients who come with fractured joints and they get completely cured with my medicines,” Nath said. The medicines are prepared from different types of herbs and trees, such as, the Arjun tree, Blackberry tree, Terminalia Chebula (Silikha), Bohera, Topsini, Ashoka and various other trees. “I get more than a thousand customers on daily basis who come with different types of diseases and once they get cured they send hundreds of others to me. People come with complaints that they go to the best of the best doctors but their diseases are not completely cured. It is only with my medicines that they get completely cured,” said Kabiraj Nath. Rheumatism is the common disorder nowadays, and scientific treatments like physiotherapy, surgery, allopathic treatment etc. fail to cure the disease. But Kabiraj Nath has a cure for rheumatism with his herbal medicines. Other diseases like gastric, constipation, reduction in sperm count can also be cured with the treatment that Kabiraj has to offer. It is not only the Kabiraj who spent 26 years at Kachari providing his services; a dentist and an ophthalmologist, with no formal medical degrees to their credit, have also spent half of their lives providing treatment to the people. Azad, who works as a dentist, has been serving people for 25 years. He does not do any kind of treatment related to teeth as a professional dentist does. Instead he is known for joining the teeth which are out of order or shape. “People go to doctors and spend

cialist” for the past 30 years. He is a hit amongst customers with people crowding around him to buy spectacles even as he diagnosis their power only by asking them the purpose for their need - whether it is for reading, watching TV, etc. “People nowadays use spectacles from a very young age and therefore the demand is very high. But people of lower income categories cannot afford glasses that are highly priced. With my small business I am serving

those people by providing spectacles at a lower price but with the same quality as they get in the shops. People bring the power of their eyes and accordingly I provide them the spectacles at a low price,” said Das. Be that as it may, it is a wonder that these unqualified medical practitioners are carrying out their activities with aplomb and that there have been no casualties so far. Or have such casualties gone unreported? n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

City

36 bigha RBI Colony at Hatigarh Chariali turns into no man’s land

The RBI colony at Hatigarh Chariali has been lying vacant since many years and the bank authority is yet to come up with a suitable scheme to restart the residential complex

The abandoned RBI colony at Ambikagiri Nagar | G Plus Photo

Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

henever it comes to allotting land for different projects under state government schemes, there is always a dearth of government land resulting in projects not taking off, getting delayed or simply remaining incomplete. Yet there are some pieces of real estate which

have been fully built-up and are lying unoccupied even as the land belongs to the government. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) colony at Hatigarh Chariali is one such case. Once full to its brim with residences of officers of the Reserve Bank of India, the colony has been lying vacant since more than three years with the government not taking any steps to resurrect the same or come up with a new project on the plot that could be

beneficial for citizens. This is a classic example of a huge campus belonging to the government lying waste without any occupants. The point of concern is that there might be many such pieces of real estate which have not come to light. The government remains silent and inert on such issues and simply cough up the clichéd response that there is no land to start a project when it comes to allotting land or housing

to the poor. “There are 174 flats colony is lying vacant due to some administrative problems and now in the RBI colony and the huge it seems that the place has turned campus comprises 36 bighas of into a frightening area surrounded land. The colony is lying vacant as it is by wild growth all over with as the flats got damaged and the only a security guard and three RBI is planning to reconstruct the stray dogs guarding the complex. residential colony. A case has also been lodged by some construction “The pharmacy within the complex companies in Bombay High Court always remains open from 8 am and therefore the project has not and the doctors are also available. been started yet,” said an official The RBI employees residing in and source of RBI while speaking to G around the area come to buy medicines from this pharmacy itself,” Plus. The source informed that at the official informed. Now the question that arises is: present RBI has five underground will the complex be reconstructed vaults and now one vault will be for RBI colony or will it be transtransferred to Hatigarh Chariali formed into a shopping complex and placed within this residential colony. Earlier, there were around and handed over to private company for commercial use? Such 400 families but since three years this figure got reduced to only 30 a huge property of built-up area families. 26 of these families be- sitting on such a large plot of land in the heart of a city - government longed to Class IV workers and four families were of Class III but land at that – is a simple pointer now the colony is completely va- to the fact that the government is least bothered about such uncallcant. “There was also water crisis ed for wastage or is totally unain the area and the residents of the colony had to buy water every day. ware of the facts. Whatever be the Water is an essential part of daily case, in these times where the govlife and one cannot buy water dai- ernment is envisioning housing for ly and therefore the people started all within the next few years, the 36 bigha RBI colony lying vacant in shifting to other places or moved into in their own apartments,” a our soon-to-be smart city makes a rather sorry and contradictory source informed. statement from all fronts. According to an official, the n

SLAC to start IAS coaching in 50 colleges across the state An orientation programme will be started in schools from Class VII to XII to guide students in choosing the best career Juthika Baruah juthika.baruah@g-plus.in

he State Level Advisory Committee for Students’ and Youth Welfare, Assam (SLAC) will start free coaching for all the competitive examinations in 50 colleges of the state and will also start a counselling programme for the students to guide them in choosing the right career after higher secondary. Member Secretary of SLAC, Lakhya Konwar, said that most of the students move to the wrong track after completion of higher secondary as they are unable to choose the right career for themselves and this happens due to lack of awareness. “We are starting an orientation programme from the next month for Class VII to Class XII in high schools and

ing colleges higher secondary schools through the second across the which students will be guided in slot will be state,” said choosing their career. We will fo- started from Konwar. September. cus mainly in the rural areas as SLAC will such students are not aware of the “The coaching also start educational programmes,” said will be startself defence ed in 50 colKonwar. training in 10 Konwar has laid out the ten- leges and 70% camps across tative plan of location for the year of students the state for ap2017-18 which includes youth con- who girls of Class clave, youth exposure programme, plied for the VII to Class state bravery award, financial competitive X as crime assistance to prepare sportsmen exams will Students at a coaching class | File Photo be able to apply for the coaching against girls is increasing in the pursuing diploma courses in whereas 30% of the students pur- state and every other day girls fall sports and sports associations for grooming youths in the field suing degree will be eligible to ap- victim to heinous crimes. To save of sports, skill development etc. ply for the coaching. A flood of re- themselves from such incidences they will be trained to protect “The Chief Minister has said that sponses from students have come themselves. for this programme as more than Guwahati will be made the hub of Even as 13 candidates from sports and keeping that in mind 10,000 students applied for APSC various schemes have been imple- and nearly 3,500 students ap- the state cleared the UPSC civil services examination this year, plied for engineering and medical mented,” Konwar informed. Konwar said the state government Moreover, the SLAC has also coaching. 66 students, who have attended the classes, have been will show the way to the civil serstarted free coaching for all the selected for government engineer- vice aspirants who can’t board a competitive examinations and

train to Delhi and spend lakhs on IAS coaching institutes. “It’s not easy for many civil service aspirants to go to Delhi to pursue their dreams at expensive coaching institutes. So we have planned this mega project to help all those aspirants who have the quality to shine at the national level competitive exams but don’t have access to the resources. In a state like Assam it’s not a big thing that 13 students have cracked the UPSC but there are many talents who have not got the proper platform and to train them to achieve their goal this program has been started as most of the candidates do not get the opportunity to take private coaching due to its high costs. This makes it difficult for lower class people to afford coaching for which they fail to crack the APSC or UPSC despite having talent and intelligence,” said Konwar.

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Centre Spread

Sai Vikash 600 Faculty Strength - 40 Number of Selections - 326 Years of Operation - 6 Branches in Guwahati - 6 Number of Students -

Crac t Ex

“We, the Saivikash team strived for excellence and succeeded. We’re proud to declare that our students have performed extremely well in all streams, and we wish them more success for the future.”

– Director, Sai Vikash

CPMB 325 Faculty Strength - 12 Number of Selections - 88 Years of Operation - 4 Branches in Guwahati - 1 Number of Students -

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.

450 Faculty Strength - 13 Number of Selections - 327 Years of Operation - 4 Branches in Guwahati - 1 In the end, it is you who is going to shape your dreams and future. So move fast and work very hard for converting it into reality. Make a plan, know your strengths and weaknesses, plan your exam strategy and practice hard – Lalan Kumar, Founder and MD *(All the data is for the 2016-17 session) (Data Source: Institutions)

In Guwahati, more than aspiring to crack the exam rather than

So, here’s a list of the top coachi gotten the city abuz

- MD, CPMB

Lalan’s Coaching Classes Number of Students -

Coaching classes have now b competitive examinations. What students are out to opt for the best. While the debates about t continue, we cannot deny the aspirants. With the declaration o there is a cutthroat race for se

Potential Coaching Institute

Num

Facu

Num

Year

Bran

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Centre Spread

Career Point 408 Faculty Strength - 13 Number of Selections - 225 Years of Operation - 4 Branches in Guwahati - 1 Number of Students -

cking the xam

You have dreams, we’ll convert them into reality. Students who are going to be future engineers and doctors must learn to do smart hardwork, as competitive exams are relative exams.

become integral to cracking t with the increased competition, best, with the best – to be the the importance of these classes e advantages they have for the of the JEE Mains and NEET 2017 eats and the numbers are out!

n 50% of the students minations opt for coaching, n self study.

ing institutes in the city that have zz with their results:

1200 ulty Strength - 82 mber of Selections - 293 rs of Operation - 6 nches in Guwahati - 5

mber of Students -

– Director, Career Point

Spectrum Eduventures

100 Faculty Strength - 4 Number of Selections - 62 Years of Operation - 2 Branches in Guwahati - 1

Number of Students -

“There is a common misconception that board exams and entrances are not related, but the fact is that it is. From Guwahati, very few students qualify in the competitive exams because they give more time to school education and these schools don’t prepare them for entrances at all. To achieve best results for coaching institutes, the student to teacher ratio should be very strong.”

- Avishek Barooah, Founder

Concept Educations 2500 Faculty Strength - 50 Number of Selections - 560 Years of Operation - 11 Branches in Guwahati - 5

Number of Students We are very happy about the performance of our students this year. It is the hardwork of the students that brings laurels to the state and the institution. We are glad that we have played a crucial role in grooming the students and we hope this inspires other aspirants to follow. – CEO, Vikash Sisodia

“Every year the number of students appearing for competitive exams is increasing. Results from the region are also getting better year after year. Students from all across our centres have performed exceptionally well in all the national and state level exams this year which shows that we do not compromise with the quality of teaching. We have always set the target of our students at the right place from the beginning of their classes with us, and that is to prepare for National level entrance exams. Our results speak of our achievements.”

- Mr. Gautam Saha, Director, Concept Educations

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

G Talk E

Vigilantism = Anarchism

arendra Modi’s stature as a world leader deserves salute. The latest Israeli embrace only corroborates this. His capabilities as our prime minister also are praise-worthy. All his initiatives towards developing the country are unprecedented and weren’t quite within the conceptualization capacities of any former prime minister. The problem however lies in his own backyard which is called the BJP and the rank and file contained within it as also the associated Sanghs, Bhakts and Parishads that are pursuing a Hindutva enforcement agenda that is simply unnerving – to say the least. This conversion of India into a slaughterhouse of men in the name of protecting the cow is quickly beginning to spawn a nightmare of intolerance. And Modi seems oblivious to it. Effectively, die-hard BJP voters are beginning to wonder whether they had gone wrong somewhere at the ballot booth the last time. Take the case of Assam – a state where intolerance, when it came to the choice of food, was unheard of. And yet, we now have elements that are so self-righteous that they are considering it their birthright to desecrate the law. Legal transportation of cows transiting through Assam to other beef-eating states has been vandalized. The duty-bound personal legally empowered to carry out their delivery were mercilessly beaten up. All by people who, with their narrowest of minds and utter lack of respect for human life, think that they are right

because their party is in power. Such vigilantes are breaking the law with impunity. But that itself is not the worrying part. The thought to sweat over is the suspicion of whether these vigilantes have lost their faith in the law of the land and in the prime minister who, so far, is doing a great job. What exactly makes them carry out these acts of barbarism? Is anyone paying them for it? How can man, with no great motive of gains, carry out murders of innocents who are basically engaged in work that earns them their bread and butter? And do they actually consider human life to be less precious than a cow’s life? For all the huge reputation India is gaining internationally, the prime minister would do well to put his own house in order first. Making a law banning cow slaughter is one thing. Proper implementation by the administrative system of the country is another. Implementation of the same by vigilantes is unacceptable. Should such vigilantism trickle down to those victims of murder, rape and other such heinous personal crimes, the country would sink into an abyss of anarchy that could simply toss away the international respect that is currently being accorded from the Trumps and Netanyahus. They say a stitch in time saves nine. The slit in the social fabric is just beginning to show. Repair it before it rips apart! n Swapnil Bharali Editor

Aaj LYNCH mein kya hai? “I am a Hindu and I eat beef! Of course saying this will only send me to narak according to my mother, but I think beef tastes like heaven (I know, pun intended). But I think I partially know why my forefathers considered it holy. I think they wanted to ‘save’ it for themselves, or more like ‘savour’ it. That is why they turned into ‘saviours.’ Wow, so intelligent! Now all I need is to join the RSS and lead some cows. Wow again! Eating beef helps. Kindly propagate. Okay thank you.” I’ve been inspired by this one piece on social media from a page titled ‘Humans of Hindutva’ who frankly outdid themselves on their last piece. Read the one with the very obvious reference from the Bangalore incident where an interfaith couple was denied entry for well, being in an interfaith marriage. I know! Shocking! How could they? Don’t they know that interfaith marriage is not a real thing? Here’s the truth. Everyone is actually secretly Jewish. Religion was created because we wanted to save our a** from Hitler. And because we believe in rebirth and punarjanam so much, 72 years later, we appointed a Hitler at the centre, dressed as Santa Claus who is now making peace with Israel. Please don’t tell anyone. They will lynch me. Okay here’s a joke. What did one gau rakshak ask the other? No? No?? “Aaj lynch me kya hai”. Okay maybe you didn’t understand. Eat beef, it’ll help. SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

ASEB’s new shut down mantra

Opinion Subhasish Das

dwellers only compounding with each passing day. This is the beginning of rainy season in Assam and unlike the rest of the country, the north-eastern region receives much more rainfall. Also, the humidity quotient is extremely high in these parts where spending night after night without electricity is next to impossible. Streets, lanes and by-lanes become unsafe to tread in total darkness - especially for women. As responsible citizens, we do his is about the deterioratunderstand that shutting down ing power scenario in Asof power supply in waterlogged sam’s capital city, Guwahaareas is the only way to save huti. In the interior parts of the state, man lives. But on the flip side, the the situation could be even worse problems faced by citizens and but having spent my entire life in highlighted above also cannot this city, I’ll only write about it for be overlooked. If water-logging is now. The functioning and lack the primary factor attributed to of accountability of APDCL, the extensive power cuts during company responsible for disthis time of the year, some tribution of power in the state, hese incidents concrete and immediate steps has raised many eyebrows in have now led to a new are needed to be taken to imthe recent times. The slipshod prove the overall drainage of attitude of the APDCL officials headache that we had not the low-lying areas. Cutting has irked the people of the city faced in the last many off power supply every time in general and those living in years. As soon as it starts it rains in the city is not the our locality in particular as solution to the problem, which we have been singled out for to rain, power supply is APDCL at the moment is repunishment more often than disrupted in many areas sorting to. the rest. of the city on the pretext The people of Assam have As many as three people of averting loss of human pinned a lot of hope on the have lost their lives in the last BJP governments both at the month due to electrocution lives. Surprisingly, this centre and the state. This is in the Zoo Road area. The applies not only to a heavy an appeal from a resident of snapped power lines, which if downpour but even brief Guwahati to the PMO/Central had been replaced by APDCL Power Ministry to liaise with on time, could’ve prevented showers. the Government of Assam and this irreparable loss. do what can be done best to These incidents have now improve the overall power sceled to a new headache that we had have been much better than what nario in the city. not faced in the last many years. it is at present. As soon as it starts to rain, powWhen it comes to electricity “Subhasish Das is a resident er supply is disrupted in many consumption, the end users, i.e. areas of the city on the pretext of the consumers are always tak- of Guwahati and works in an IT averting loss of human lives. Sur- en for granted. Power tariffs are company. He has been writing prisingly, this applies not only to hiked almost every six months. intermittently for years now and a heavy downpour but even brief Consumers are expected to toe loves to write on social & political showers. the line without any restraint, issues, sports etc. The purpose of In our locality, we experienced which they are doing. The least this write-up is to highlight the sufovernight power cuts thrice in the consumers would expect in re- ferings of the city populace reeling last 20 days - on 13th June, 23rd turn is uninterrupted power sup- under extensive power-cuts due to ply and plugging of loopholes sheer apathy of the city adminisJune and 1st July, each downtime that act as a hindrance towards it. tration.” ubhasish Das is a resident lasting more than 12 hours. On 13th June, the city experienced un- But we see nothing in that aspect of Srikanta Dutta Path, Lalganesh, precedented heavy rains and al- happening with sufferings of city Odalbakra, Guwahati n

most the entire city reeled under total power shutdown. However, on 23rd June and 1st July, it wasn’t more than just a brief shower but the punishment meted out to the residents was similar. APDCL has a helpline number - 1912 - that is manned by robot-like officials who are as much detached from ground reality as we are from regular power supply. These people have been stationed there so that calls never go unanswered and always give stereotypical replies like, “Linemen are checking the faults, power will be restored if everything is found okay.” This is the reply I got at 9 pm, 11 pm, 1 am and the last call I made at 3:45 am on 2nd July. If APDCL officials had been that efficient, who worked round the clock, the state of affairs would

r remove the liabilities

Letter to the Editor

n the gloomy sports sky of India, badminton is the silver lining. Starting from 2012 London Olympics where Saina Nehwal clinched the bronze medal there has been no looking back. PV Sindhu followed up with two back to back bronze medals in the world championships. The man behind the success of these two stalwarts is none other than P Gopichand, who himself is a former All England champion. Gopichand’s untiring and dedicated efforts have made Indian badminton a force to reckon with. The recent victory of Kidambi Srikanth in the Indonesia Open Super Series is another pointer to the rising standards of Indian badminton. Candidly speaking P GOPICHAND has always been an unsung hero in the Indian sporting circle. One can wish P Gopichand many more successes in future. He is the true the gem of Indian badminton. Dr. Ashim Chowdhury, Ambari Guwahati.

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

In Focus

Young Guwahatian

ith extraordinary success at very a young age, Angaraj Duara is a prodigy from Assam who has made his name not only in the country but also in foreign lands as an astrophysicist. Always fascinated by space, Angaraj had been interested in the field of astronomy from his childhood. He completed his schooling from Maharishi Vidya Mandir Public School, Guwahati and had already decided by then that he wanted to pursue a career in science and research. At the age of 18, he enrolled himself in the University of Leicester in England after he learnt that the institution had made really astounding contribution to the field of Astrophysics. Angaraj shares how his parents had always been supportive of his choice and had never pressurized him to live life on their terms. Srutimala Duara, the famous bilingual writer from Assam, is Angaraj’s mother and she has always encouraged him to focus on his work, and in no way did she ever

Angaraj Duara

As a hassle him researchdo things er, one that he mainly works on was not comfortafinding solutions ble with. While in a in areas that have conversation with never been exG Plus, the young plored. Failures astrophysicist exon a daily basis plained the differpose the greatest ence in the field of challenge in the science in both the field. According countries that he to Angaraj, these has lived in. The small disappointmost striking attribments had not ute in England reonly compelled garding academics him to make a is that the profesfirm effort but sors of the various also helped in the institutions are very Angaraaj (R) with his flying instructor next to a Slingsby Firefly aircraft process of buildwarm and welcoming. There are no such set criteria raj recalls the time when he was a ing his character. The study of the that one needs to follow in order fresher in the Leicester University universe has made him realize that to approach the professors, who and a lecturer, while giving an in- facts and evidence are the true do not only teach but are also, sci- troductory lesson, said, “We care basis of knowledge. Being realistic entists with their own particular less about your marks. What we and accurate is the paramount way field of research. Also, the educa- want is to find if you can think like of achieving the right explanation. tion system is not marks-oriented; a scientist.” These lines had really Talking about some of the signifscores and grades do not decide motivated him to push himself to icant accomplishments in his life till date, Angaraj expressed that the future of the students. Anga- think in the right direction.

Elvis Ali Hazarika Swimmer

n 1991, he was the youngest swimmer to represent India in the Asia Pacific Swimming Championships. With 68 national and 6 international gold medals in his kitty, he represented Assam in the All India Police National Aquatic Games, Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Aquatic National Championships and National Games and India in South Asian Federation Games in 1995 and 1999, and the World Po-

lice Games in 2009. This ace swimmer, who is already an inspiration for the younger generation, now at 34, is as enthusiastic and determined an athlete and is eyeing to swim across the English Channel on 3rd June, 2018. The English Channel is the water passage that separates southern England from northern France and joins the southern part of the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Elvis will attempt to start swimming from England to France through the Channel – a distance of approximately 68 kms. Born in Guwahati, Elvis took to swimming at the tender of two and a half. His enthusiasm whenever he came across a stream of water caught the attention of his mother. Soon after, he started training in Dighalipukhuri with noted swimming coach Late Anwar Rasool, popularly known as Rana, who suggested that young Elvis should continue swimming. On the coach’s advice he went on to earn laurels for the state. Young Elvis crossed the 800-metre length of Dighalipukhuri when he was just four and at five, he swam the length of Joysagar Lake in Sivasagar which is considered

Astrophysicist

to be the largest man-made lake in India. His first breakthrough came in 1989 when the then 4-year-old went to Bangaluru to participate in the sub-junior nationals. He never looked back. He went on adding feathers to his cap when again in 1990 he claimed several medals in the nationals. At the age of 9 Elvis became the youngest swimmer to represent India in the Asia Pacific Swimming Championships, 1991 at Singapore and secured the 6th position. The young athlete claimed the first gold medal for the nation in the very next year in the Asia Pacific Swimming Championships at Beijing along with a bronze and silver. In 1995, Elvis went to Delhi to continue his training due to lack of infrastructure in the state and brought laurels to the state. He holds the record of being the national champion for ten consecutive years from 1991 to 2000. The Bosconian is now looking to battle the odds to chase his childhood dream with sheer self-motivation despite the hurdles. “It has been a childhood dream and I always wanted to end my career by crossing the English Channel. But those who swim across channels are often long distance swimmers whereas most of my events were of shorter distance, say 50 metres freestyle or 100 metres freestyle. So

crossing the Channel is a whole new challenge for me. The dream has been there since my childhood and after continuous efforts I am now prepared to cross the Channel but I still lack a sound financial backing,” the ace swimmer mention to G Plus. Although the dream has been there since a very young age, the financial requirement has taken a toll

Medal Tally STATE 88 Gold 12 Silver NATIONAL 114 Gold 51 Silver 22 Bronze INTERNATIONAL 6 Gold 5 Silver 7 Bronze 22 National Records in Career on Elvis over the past 18 months. There was also a point in time when the swimmer had lost all hopes due to fund constrains. “I was initially slated to cross the Channel on 31st July, 2017 but fell short of funds and ran the risk of losing the 5 lakh rupees that I had already invested since the amount is non-refundable. So there was a

he was selected in a mission under NASA, called SuperBit in Durham University. Ever since he was a kid, he wanted to be a part of a space mission and to be one under NASA was like a dream come true. Also, he was selected in an internship where a camera was being built to detect thyroid cancer. He considers the event very rewarding as finding a cure for saving human life was very gratifying. Angaraj has also been a trainee pilot and aspires to pursue flying as a hobby in the near future. He has an experience of flying the Slingsby Aircraft and exclaims how enthralled he was by the event. He also informed us that he has been offered a Doctoral position in South America, where he will be working for the next few years. He will be functioning in the field of Observational Astronomy, a division of astronomical science and mainly on Exoplanets, which basically is the study of planets that orbit a star outside the solar system. Sukannya Kar

time when I had lost all hope. Elvis is currently undergoing rigorous training under Julie Bradshaw and his schedule also includes sea-swimming and swimming in the coldest water possible. However, despite all odds the ace swimmer is now working towards taking the challenge head on. Should he accomplish the task, Elvis will be the first from the northeast to cross the English Channel. • Won 68 national and 6 international gold medals • At the age of 9, Elvis represented the nation in the Asia Pacific Swimming Championship in 1991 • Represented India in South Asian Federation Games in 1995 and 1999 and the World Police Games in 2009 • In the 8th SAF Games, 1999 at Kathmandu Elvis secured 2 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes • Represented the state of Assam in the All-India-Pacific National Aquatic Games, Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Aquatic National Championship and National Games • Represented Indian Police in the World Police Games, 2009 held at Vancouver, Canada and secured one silver and one bronze • Also completed a 26-hour marathon in the same pool on 27th August, 2008

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Snippets

New train between Guwahati and Indore

ulfilling another demand for better connectivity of NE region with rest of the country, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, on Friday, flagged off a new weekly express train between Guwahati and Indore. The 19305 Indore–Guwahati Weekly Express will leave from Indore every Thursday at 1400 hrs and arrive at Guwahati at 1425

hrs on Saturday. During return journey train number 19306 Guwahati–Indore Express will leave Guwahati every Sunday at 0515 hrs to arrive at Indore at 0710 hrs on Tuesday. The train will cover the distance of 2280 kms between Indore and Guwahati in less than 50 hours. During return journey the train bearing number 09308 will

leave Guwahati at 2325 hrs on 9th July (Sunday). Regular service of the train will start from Indore w.e.f. 13.07.2017 (Thursday) and from Guwahati w.e.f. 16.07.2017 (Sunday). The newly introduced train will run via Goalpara Town, Salmari and will have commercial stoppages at Kamakhya Jn., New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Alipurduar Jn. Hasimara, Binnaguri, New Jalpaiguri, Kishanganj, Katihar, Naugachia, Mansi, Khagaria, Begu Sarai, Barauni, Hajipur, Sonpur, Chhapra, Ballia, Ghazipur City, Aunrihar, Varanasi, Jaunpur City, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Kanpur Central, Jhansi, Orai, Lalitpur, bina, Vidisha, Bairagarh, Shujalpur, Ujjain and Dewas before arriving at Indore. The train will have 10 sleeper classes, 2 AC three-tier coaches, 1 AC two-tier coach, 3 general class compartments apart from two generators cum luggage van. All coaches will be of German model LHB type. n

Sonowal requests for consulate office and direct flights between Guwahati and Singapore

hief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr. Maliki Osman and Singapore’s High Commissioner to India Lim Thuan Kuan on the sidelines of Delhi Dialogue 9 at Delhi on Wednesday. Sonowal urged the Singapore Senior Minister for exploring opportunities of business and economic activities between Assam and Singapore. Dr. Osman also responded by saying that he would visit the state between 18th and 21st July next for identifying potential areas of cooperation. Dr. Osman said the purpose of his visit is aimed at setting up of a Skill Development Centre in Guwahati for imparting skilled training to the youth to equip them for different avocations. “The youth

constitutes rich human resources and their energies must be channelized to usher in economic prosperity,” said Dr. Osman. Sonowal urged the Singapore Senior Minister to provide technical knowhow and expertise to develop Guwahati as an IT hub. The CM also pleaded for opening a Singapore Consulate in the city which would be immensely beneficial for the people of the region seeking

opportunities in Singapore. Sonowal also urged the Senior Minister for starting direct flights between Guwahati and Singapore that would serve the population in northeast region wanting to travel to Singapore. Dr. Osman assured that ground assessment would be conducted for starting flights on this route by roping in private players and, if found economically viable, flights would operate accordingly. Stating that the state government has been giving importance to bamboo-based and food processing industries with a Mega Food Park also coming up in the state in which Assam and Singapore can mutually benefit, Sonowal stated that the dredging of the Brahmaputra river would open newer vistas of water navigation in the state thus opening up new trade and business opportunities.

Rotary Club of Gauhati West celebrated their 39th installation ceremony at IIE

otary Club of Gauhati West celebrated their 39th installation ceremony at IIE, Panbazar on Sunday. Every year during the installation, new office bearers take charge for the rotary year starting 1st July. Accordingly, new members took charge for the year 2017-18. Sanjib Kalita took charge as the new President and Pawan

Kumar Goel took charge as the new Secretary of the club. Veteran journalist Ajit Bhuyan chaired the occasion as chief guest while past district Governor of Rotary International district 3240, Prabhat Kedia, was the guest of honour. The club started the new year by organizing a blood donation camp in the city where 25 donors donated blood. n

Excise official arrested

he Assam CID on Thursday arrested Excise Department Deputy Commissioner Pranjal Borah for his alleged role in the multi-crore-rupee excise scam. An official source said that Borah was arrested in connection with a CID case registered under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using a forged document as genuine) and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC. If convicted, the accused may face punishment ranging from seven years to life imprisonment. The case was registered on 20th November, 2015 based on a complaint lodged by then Excise Commissioner Shamsher Singh about

alleged evasion of excise duty and VAT to the tune of around Rs 40 crores by BG Bonded Warehouse at Lokhra in Guwahati. The source said Borah had allegedly tried to cover up the scam and misled the investigators in a bid to shield the perpetrators. He said Borah, who was in charge of the excise department’s intelligence cell, failed to gather any information about the large scale irregularities in the department, which continued from 2012 till 2015. “It is suspected that he was hand in glove with the perpetrators and therefore turned a blind eye to such a big scam,” the source said. n

Two drug peddlers arrested in Guwahati

he Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested two drug peddlers from ISBT area of Guwahati on Wednesday and seized heroin worth Rs 20 lakhs from their possession. Acting on a tip-off, the duo was nabbed from ISBT area and 200 grams of heroin, with market

value of Rs 20 lakhs, was seized, NCB Superintendent Dilip Robi Das said. The peddlers were here to deliver the consignment to some person, Das said. The duo is likely to be produced at court today. “Efforts are on to nab the other culprits,” the officer said.

Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

T-Storms

Rain/Thunder

Scattered T-Storms

T-Storms

T-Storm

28°/25° C

27°/25° C

27°/24° C

29°/24° C

30°/24° C

30°/25° C

SATURDAY

T-Storms

30°/26° C

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Campus

Chanakya IAS Academy’s students shine in APSC 2015 Results

tudents of Chanakya IAS Academy have once again flourished in Assam Public Service Commission 2015. APSC is conducted for the recruitment of the aspirants into the various posts of the civil services. Among the top 20, 5 students are from Chanakya IAS Academy thereby making the whole institution proud. The tally of the students of Chanakya IAS

Saivikash Achiever Awards

Academy who have cracked this “These results reveal the potential year’s Assam Public Service Com- Assam has. I congratulate all the mission 2015 includes the toppers: successful candidates and hope [ACS Rank 16] Snigdha Mither- that they would be able to do their pangsa, [ARS Rank 15] Kamaljeet best as administrative officers in the interest of Assam. The success Sarma, [ARS Rank 15] Nanadan Nilotpal Bhagawati, Inspector of of these candidates would encourTaxes [Rank 4] Ruchika Singhania age other students from the state and [Rank 18] Suju Kumar Baglari. to appear in the civil services exAK Mishra, Founder & Direc- aminations in the days to come.”n tor, Chanakya IAS Academy said,

IIT-Guwahati to organize ‘Desh ka Sandesh’

eing one of the largest cultural festivals of the nation that draws massive footfall every year, Alcheringa, the annual extravaganza of IIT Guwahati, is all set for its next edition. Inspired by the zeal to give back to the society in the form of social initiatives under the bigger um-

Soldiers spend most of their time away from their families serving the nation. Hand-made greetings from the children could give them a lasting smile amidst all the security concerns that the soldiers face every second. In the month of July, students from IIT-G will visit underprivileged children from different cities, interact with them and collect their messages for the soldiers. Udaan has also tied-up with CRY (Child Rights and You), a non-profit organisation, to reach as many children as possible. “Under this campaign, Alcheringa and children from CRY project areas, will have an interaction with soldiers in the month of brella of “UDAAN,” the student August, where they will tie rakhi community of IIT Guwahati has on their wrists and wish them strength and courage for ensurlaunched its campaign called ing peace. A wall shall be made, “Desh ka Sandesh,” which aims to reach out to the children from where the children together with the soldiers, will paint messagseveral backgrounds, organising inspirational programs and con- es of peace,” said Ayush Pallav, veying their messages to the sol- Campaigns Coordinator at Alcheringa’18. diers ensuring peace. n

Imam A Siddique of Big Boss-6 fame inaugurates D’Royal Studio

mam A Siddique of Big Boss-6 fame, the noted Indian fashion stylist and TV personality inaugurated the D’Royal Studio of Royal School of Fashion & Technology at Royal Global University on 7th July 2017. Mehzabin Ershad, Medha Saikia, Meghali Das and Dilip Barooah joined him in a conversation on “Exploring North East in pursuit of making it the fashion capital of the nation” that was also organized in D’Royal Vogue Studio, RGU on 7th July 2017. Imam A Siddique, well-versed and articulate when asked about ‘Jainsem’, the traditional dress for Khasi women, immediately sprung up to the occasion and promised to remove the negative publicity due to the recent incident in Delhi Golf Club by promoting it all across the nation and letting people know the aesthetics of the garment in the fashion

world. Siddique expressed his awe and appreciation at the beauty and splendor of the northeast, especially its different dress forms, material and unique styling. His achievements and accolades will soon come to light in his upcoming book named ‘I, Me, Myself’ which will be launched in March 2018. At 52, he is going back to school to complete what he could not finish, his higher degrees which he advocates is a must for

every child. Meghali Das talked about the pioneers of fashion in Assam back in the 70s and suggested to collaborate with various designers of northeast along with VOGUE which will in turn help in the better functioning of the RSFDT. Medha Saikia deliberated about the etymological meaning and significance of fashion and styling from her published paper on the same. She further talked about the pan-India presence of NE in the fashion world. Dilip Barooah shared his experience in the field of textile industry. Mehzabin Ershad started off her deliberation with a congratulatory note for the efforts made by Royal Global University to come with RSFDT. She spoke about the scope of fashion courses to be pursued in the region with the advent of many fashion institutes and schools in the state. n

aivikash Educational Institutions felicitated and presented scholarships worth Rs 14 lakhs to achievers in AIIMS, JEE, CEE, NEET and AHSEC. A grand function was held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra recently. Rinku Sarma, who secured All India 8 th rank in AIIMS [First time from North East] was felicitated and presented with a cheque of Rs 5,00,000. Dinku Sarmah, who secured 1st rank in CEE-2016 was also awarded Rs 5,00,000. Dip Nilim Das, who secured 6th rank in CEE and 10 th rank in AHSEC was presented with Rs. 2 lakhs. Himsikhar Khataniar, who secured 9 th rank in CEE-2016 was presented with Rs. 1 lakh and Ripunjoy Kalita was presented

with Rs 1 lakh. Dr. Dharanidhar Goswami, Deputy Secretary AHSEC, motivated the students with his speech on important values that students needed to inculcate. Dr Guruprasad Khataniar, Academic Registrar of Gauhati University spoke to the students and gave them some success mantras. Saivikash chairman Dr. Pankaj Lochan Sarma, Director PS Reddy and AHSEC state officer Prafulla Talukdar felicitated the parents of the achievers. Parents of Rinku Sarma, Dinku Sarma and Dip Nilim Das thanked Saivikash teachers and administrators for their children’s success. Cultural programs by students added colour to the wonderful evening. n

Assam Baseball player selected for national baseball trial camp BFA Asian Cup Baseball Championship which is going to be held at Hong Kong from 2nd to 7th September, 2017. ABFI Secretary General, Dr SK Mohendro had visited Guwahati for 2 days as an observer for the upcoming “Presidential cup” – an international Baseball Championship which will be held in Guwahati among 10 competing nations – (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Japan, Korea, Iran, Pakistan and Iraq). He visited all the the venues and accommodations in Guwahati and met officials from the sports SK Mohendro (L) and Ashma Begum (3rd department of Assam. With his from L) visit being satisfactory, he said, uise Masid from Assam was “Before an international baseball selected for the National championship, we should go for Baseball Camp, which was an international baseball coachheld at Punjab University, Chan- ing camp where all the coaches digarh from 2nd July to 9th July. In will be sent by ABFI along with the the first phase of the national World Baseball Softball Confedercamp, India is preparing for 1st ation (WBSC). n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Fun Horoscope of the week

Cat-and-mouse games may be going on between you and a good friend. If so, the days ahead encourage you to get any issues out into the open. If you’re reluctant to do so, the Full Moon on July 8 could force the issue. You might find yourself sharing things that you wouldn’t have divulged a few days ago. But this could also endear you to this person or group because it reveals your vulnerable side, something others can relate to.

There’s no need to pressure yourself this week, yet you may feel a need to push yourself. It might seem like the more you accomplish, the easier it will be to impress the right people. But deeper feelings could intrude, and you might begin to resent this approach. Instead of giving yourself more, try cutting back and delegating some work. With lovely Venus in your travel sector, a short but pleasant trip could revive you and perhaps your love life, too.

Your mind could be on far horizons and on enjoying the chance to explore new vistas. This could be quite a strong desire over coming days. However, you may feel moved to act impulsively and perhaps assert your independence rather than complete key responsibilities. The Full Moon on July 8 could enhance this urge. You may book a break or perhaps a longer vacation on the spur of the moment. Nevertheless, this chance to unwind could do you so much good.

Money matters might need attention this week. You could benefit by tactfully handling those who hold authority over financial affairs, even if you feel like being brutally honest. With Venus moving into your sector of relating, you’re likely to be naturally diplomatic, and this can be a great help in any negotiations. Go easy around the time of the July 8 Full Moon. Even if you have been careful with your spending, you might suddenly decide to splurge.

Adopting an easygoing approach when dealing with others can help this week proceed more smoothly. There could be a tendency to want to be in control of proceedings, and some people might find this hard to handle, preferring to make up their own minds. If you can give others the leeway to come to their own conclusions, you may find their input very helpful. You’re likelier to attract their support, too. Great tact may be needed at the Full Moon on July 8.

It wouldn’t be surprising if you were more emotional than usual this week. If so, it might help to lighten your schedule and perhaps delegate some of your work. The reason may be due to an awkward aspect that could bring up feelings from the past. If you let these color your experience, then doing so could affect your work and any key decisions. Talking things through with a trusted friend or confidant can help you feel more settled.

Someone in your social circle could be jealous of you and show it over coming days. Try not to take this personally, as a lack of confidence may be causing the person to act that way. If you can talk it out, you may discover the deeper reason and help resolve the matter. Meanwhile, a lovely aspect could encourage you to do more entertaining and enjoy having guests over. A party on July 8 could be pretty boisterous.

curio-city

The origin of this phrase has a criminal background. In crime ridden London in the olden days, back-alley thieves worked in pairs. One would use a cane, rope, or piece of wire to trip a pedestrian, knocking them to the ground. While the victim was down, the second thief would rob them. From this, arose a phrase which today refers to tripping someone figuratively. Which Phrase?

1. Pulling your leg 2. Nepal 3. As a tribute to Lord Hanuman whose favourite colour is red. 4. Spiderman 5. Minion

Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyashi’: roughly translates to ‘Mother and motherland are superior to heaven’. These words were spoken by Lord Rama to Lakshmana when he suggested that Lord Rama take over the Kingdom of Lanka. It is the national motto of a country and is also to be found in its National Emblem. Name the country. Indian wrestlers are famous throughout the globe. If you notice, you can see that Indian wrestlers wear red small pieces of cloth. Why red color of cloth ?

Native to Kenya, the lizard rock agama (Agama mwanzae) can change colour quickly. The brightly coloured males will change brown at night or if frightened. They can also run on their hind legs and scale vertical walls. What popular nickname has been given to these?

They ____ are small, yellow, cylindrical, creatures who have one or two eyes and are one of the most notable characters in the films. They are impulsive creatures with little self-control, but with a wide-eyed wonder and odd innocence that endears them to viewers and makes them relatable. They can be pesky when they are doing weird interactions with other people, animals, or objects. Name it. Abhra Das; Ace Quizmaster of Assam This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Garfield by Jim Davis

curio-city

6 2 1

2 9 5 7 9 3 6 4 5 3 82 3 4 8 2 44 91 3 3 6 4 39 7 7 3 8 9 5 8 6 7 5 4 5 4

8 7 1 96 77 44 73 9 2 5 6 4 6

4 8 3 9

Daily Sudoku: Thu 29-Jun-2017

Situations that seem out of your control could show up this week, and it might even seem as though fate is playing a hand in them. What should you do about it? The stellar backdrop suggests this is a time to reflect on your motives and feelings concerning key areas of your life, as they could play an unconscious role in events. It might also be helpful to lighten your schedule and spend more time in good company with good friends.

It’s possible that you and another may not see eye to eye. If so, the coming week encourages you to take gentle steps to resolve the situation. Tension could continue in the background over the coming days, so find a way to handle it positively. It will give you the confidence to finally resolve the situation. The Full Moon on July 8 could bring feelings to the surface, even those you’d hoped to keep secret. This can be both a relief and a release.

Sudoku

Daily Sudoku: Thu 6-Jul-2017

4 2 9 6 6 53 95 71 27 18

6 1 8 2 7 8 2 97 53 45 34

3 5 7 8 4 7 1 84 69 26 92

1 8 9 7 4 5 3 8 3 6 6 9 72 2 21 4 37 1 55 6

2 3 6 1 1 95 54 89 48 37

9 8 3 5 5 14 81 47 96 62

5 6 1 9 2 47 63 28 39 74

7 4 2 7 9 2 8 63 35 51 18

4 3 1 6 8 9 Daily Sudoku: Thu 29-Jun-2017 easy 2 3 9 1 8 6 7 5 4 5 8 6 3 4 7 2 http://www.dailysudoku.com Word of the week1 9 7 4 1 5 9 2 3 8 6

Instantiate

Daily Sudoku: Thu 6-Jul-2017

Money matters could be uppermost in your mind, with perhaps one financial situation coming to a head. Keep your cool and do your best to sort things out in a way that works for everyone. This focus on your income brings an opportunity to get your finances on a more even keel. Venus moves into your sign on July 4, and this can enable you to negotiate and close deals with consummate skill. Avoid overspending around the Full Moon on July 8.

hard

verb [in-stan-shee-eyt]

To provide an instance of or concrete evidence in support of (a theory, http://www.dailysudoku.c concept, claim, or the like).

Crossword Across

Down

1 Bushes (6) 4 Finished (6) 8 Broadcasting medium (5) 9 Leaf vegetable (7) 10 Liberty (7) 11 Drive back (5) 12 Penitential attire (9) 17 Fire-raising (5) 19 Hug (7) 21 Pouch worn with kilt (7) 22 German fairy-tale brothers (5) 23 Resides (6) 24 Chess piece (6)

1 Conflict (6) 2 Compensation (7) 3 Offspring (5) 5 Trading ban (7) 6 Rascal (5) 7 Profoundly (6) 9 Confess all (4,5) 13 In the middle (7) 14 Title at top of page (7) 15 Stopped briefly (6) 16 Muppet frog (6) 18 Range (5) 20 Commence (5)

While it’s good to be open with others, the early part of this week might need delicate handling, especially if other people’s views are very different from yours. Intense opinions may be exchanged over the days ahead, but if taken in the right spirit, this can endear you to a person or group rather than lead to rejection. With the Sun making some potent ties, you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, which could put you under unnecessary pressure.

last week solution

There’s a homey vibe in the air, but you might feel moved to discuss an issue that has been bubbling beneath the surface. However, other lighter and brighter influences can help you do this in a way that encourages cooperation and understanding. The Full Moon on July 8 could be when you finally share what you really feel. This level of honesty might take others by surprise, but it can help clear the air. Finally, friends can be an uplifting influence now.

Last week’s solution

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Trotter

Mexican mayor ‘marries’ crocodile in traditional ceremony

he mayor of a Mexican town married a crocodile as part of a centuries-old tradition to bring abundant harvest to the fishing town. Mayor Victor Aguilar of San Pedro Huamelula

wed his reptilian bride on Friday in a ceremony symbolizing the union of two indigenous groups, the Chontales and the Huaves. The

mayor in the wedding ceremony represents the Chontales prince, while the crocodile represents the Huale princess. The ceremony, which the town holds as part of festivities honouring St. Peter, the town’s patron saint, is said to bring good luck for the town’s fishing harvest. According to custom, the crocodile is regarded as a princess, and it’s believed that she will bring peace and prosperity to their community. (Source: Mirror)

Serbia appoints first gay Prime Minister

erbia was once dominated by the likes of Slobodan Milosevic, the hard man who helped tear the old Yugoslavia

apart. Now, it has Ms Brnabic as not only its first female prime minister but also its first gay prime minister.

The promotion of the 41-yearold businesswoman to the post last week has been seen as evidence of a remarkable transformation taking place in a conservative country where homosexuality only became legal in 1994, and where just a few years ago participants in gay pride marches faced violence and abuse from far-right nationalists. Ms Brnabic, who has an MBA degree from Hull University, has sought to play down her sexual orientation saying she is “not the spokeswoman for the LGBT community” and nor does she want to be “branded” as a gay politician. (Source: The Telegraph)

Elite private school in London where boys can wear skirts

t was meant to be a progressive move, designed to create a comfortable environment for students questioning their gender identity. But Highgate School’s proposed “gender neutral” uniform - under which boys would be permitted to wear skirts - has provoked a furious backlash among alumni. The £20,000-a-year north London school currently has an option for girls to wear a grey pleated skirt. Earlier this year the school drew up plans for a mix-andmatch uniform policy which will not specify a different requirement for boys and girls. Email has been circulated among members of the Old Cholmeleian (OC) Society - which boasts a membership of 6,000 former students and teachers - warning that any uniform change that would allow boys to wear skirts is “seriously misguided.” The email, which is addressed to “all known

members of the OC Society,” says that its aim is to “mobilise as much opposition to this as possible.” OC Society members are invited to sign a petition stating whether they are for or against the policy so that a majority view can be submitted to the board of governors. After learning about the petition this week, Adam Pettitt, Highgate School’s headmaster, wrote to alumni to explain about the proposed uniform changes, and assure them that boys will “not be required to wear skirts.” Girls at Highgate School can currently wear grey trousers or skirts as well as the dark blue jackets and ties which make up the rest of the uniform. Boys may not wear a skirt and also have to wait until they are 16 to wear earrings. Mr Pettitt defended the school’s consultation on uniform change saying that it will make a “huge difference” to transitioning children. (Source: The Telegraph)

Twitter records over 1 mil conversations on GST between June 30 and July 2

witter is the best place to know what’s happening around in India and to

talk about it. Over the weekend, Twitter saw over one million GST-related Tweets (be-

tween 30 Jun - 2 Jul 2017) as the whole country flocked to the platform for live breaking news and updates on the launch of GST in India. Twitter recorded over one million conversations on the goods and services tax between June 30 and July 2 — reflecting the sentiment of the nation on what is being billed as the largest tax reform since Independence. From #GSTIndia to #GSTForCommonMan, people took to Twitter to express their opinions about the GST. India ushered in the GST regime on the intervening night of June 30 and July 1. A four-

tier tax slab — 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent — has been decided. People have also been posting pictures on various social media platforms of receipts issued in grocery stores or eateries showing tax deductions as GST, instead of VAT/service tax earlier. “Conversations around the launch of the GST exemplify Twitter as the best place for people to connect with what’s happening in India and around the world and express their opinions,” Twitter India Head of Public Policy and Government, Mahima Kaul said. She added that the platform witnessed a myriad of perspec-

tives from Indian audience, in support as well as raising their concerns about GST. “With more than a million tweets on GST, we hope the public feedback will help to facilitate greater citizen engagement on the topic,” Kaul said. Conversations on the platform peaked at 12:30 AM on July 1 with 1,100 tweets per minute. The top hashtags around the conversation included #GSTCouncil, #GSTIndia, #GST@ GoI, #GSTRate, #GST, #GST, #GSTsimplified, #IndiaforGST, #AskGST, #GSTForCommonMan, #HalfCookedGST and #HalfBakedGST. (Source: Economic Times)

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Reviews Cast: Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Akshaye Khanna, Sajal Ali, Adnan Siddiqui, Abhimanyu Singh Director: Ravi Udyawar

ebutant Ravi Udyawar’s emotional thriller, Mom, reminds you for the umpteenth time that we’re in Nirbhaya country. Like other films on the same subject, Mom tells you that India, or should that be New Delhi specifically, isn’t safe enough for women, especially young girls. And its relevance makes it an important watch. Set in the 90s, the film dwells on the dynamics of a teenager’s standoffish relationship with her stepmom. This entire plot is beautifully handled, although it is only post the teenager’s abduction and assault that the film reveals its true facet. To say anything more on the actual plot is to risk spoiling its surprises. In her 300 th landmark movie, Sridevi tries too hard to carry the film, but it’s the supporting cast that turns out to be a greater asset for the film, which brings out the mental trauma experienced by the rape victim just as much as it celebrates Sridevi’s valour.

vie Mo view Re

Movie: Mom

Dayashankar Kapoor aka DK (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is the real charmer in Mom. He knows exactly when to switch gears and how to look timid despite being in the spotlight. And, of course, there are his one-liners. When told that a certain piece of modern art costs Rs 50 lakh, he murmurs: “Isse toh achcha main paan thuk ke bana deta (I could have made a better painting by spitting betel juice on canvas).” Akshaye Kumar’s ‘cool pop’ avatar is a real screen stealer. Although, he remains underutilised, probably to give Sridevi more screen time. While the characters are very strong, the plot is unable to enter the minds of the criminals. The good thing is, Mom does what it intends to do: Become a film that can hold the audience’s attention for 148 minutes. It wields a heavy mallet, but it does so with purpose, precision and panache.

a superhero epic. He gives it a quirky campus-caper twist, which evokes mixed views initially. His Peter is solely focussed on being an A list (Avengers like) superhero. There are no sob stories of Uncle Ben or Aunt May either. What Homecoming does show us is a Peter Parker who’s just an underappreciated high school sophomore with a superhero secret identity, and who’s itching to get back into action after taking on Captain America and the rest of the Avengers in last year’s Captain America: Civil War but can’t tell a soul about it. This movie marks a big a moment for Holland, who, for the first time in his career, has to carry a gigantic blockbuster and does so handily. As Peter, he will remind you of your childhood best friend and, as the movie unfurls, become a hero to look up to. Quite simply, Homecoming proves that Holland is a star and the best Spider-Man we’ve seen onscreen.

Noonmati 03612656968 Spider-Man: Homecoming 09:30 AM 05:30 PM

Spider-Man: Homecoming 12:00 PM

Gold Mine 10:30 AM Haunted House 01:00 PM 05:00 PM

Forest Adventure & Aero

Cast: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, etc. Director: Jon Watts

t’s been a while since Captain America: Civil War, where an ecstatic and starstruck teen Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland) rubbed shoulders with the mighty Avengers. Months later, Peter yearns for the heroic experience once again. But mentor Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) advises him to go back to school and patiently wait for his moment of glory, when he can assist the Avengers. However, patience is certainly not the boy’s virtue. Desperate to earn a sensational ‘job offer’ from Stark, the trainee masked crusader curbs petty robberies and scouts for a crime worthy enough to fight. He soon runs into ‘Vulture’ (Michael Keaton), a man who poses real threat to lives. Can Spider-boy take him down? Jon Watts’ Spiderman Homecoming delves into new territory with the character. Unlike the previous outings, his Spider-Man reboot doesn’t necessarily have the aura of

Anuradha Cineplex

Bike 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

vie Mo view Re

Mom 02:45 PM Dooronir Nirola Poja 08:30 PM

PVR Cinemas Dona Planet 08800900009 Mom 03:10 PM 09:00 PM Spider-Man: Homecoming 03:25 PM 06:15 PM 09:05 PM

Guest iin London

Movie: Spider Man: Homecoming

06:10 PM

Anuradha’s Box Office Feast

f you are a foodie and a cinema and choices. There is something for everyone and what is absolutebuff, you cannot help but be a fan of Anuradha’s Box Office Feast. ly impressive is the pricing, which Located inside the Anuradha Cine- does not exceed beyond Rs. 350/- . ma Complex, this place is resplend- There are platters from the South Indian section, North Indian Thalis ent with movie posters and pictures of actors and actresses from both and from the Oriental section too. Hollywood and Bollywood. The Young Meghna restaurant is split into three levels. The ground Address: Anuradha Cinema floor is for Complex, Bamunimaidan a quick bite before or after a movie, the second level is a more relaxed area with Marilyn Monroe’s portrait keeping you good company, while you savour a great meal. The third level is a gaming zone with a snooker table. Service is fairly efficient, the menu is exhaustive and elaborate offering a great variety of dishes

eals for 2: Rs 500

Sharma is an enthusiastic hands-on owner, who informed me that a new menu is to be soon launched, which will have a wide choice of European dishes. We ordered a Special Thali, the most popular item on the menu.

of fresh juices and mocktails. DimAs soon as the Thali arrived I knew why. It had mixed vegetable fritter/ sums seem to be a hot favourite as I saw many orders rolling out while I cutlet as a starter, a Dal, a mixed vegetable, Paneer Makhani, Chick- was sitting. Anuradha’s Box Office Feast en Curry, Tandoori Roti, Veg Pulao, literally rolls out a feast for all those Dahi, Salad and Papad and Moong who walk in for a meal or a Dal Halwa for a princely bite. I did not taste the dessum of Rs 210/-. You can eat sert but from what I learnt and then eat some more! It from Meghna, I don’t think is a humongous plate. Rich, I missed much. The new laden with ghee, this North menu is on the way and Indian Thali is certainly hopefully the choices will not for someone who’s on a diet. However, the menu has sal- be more. Also on the cards are plans to launch indigenous dishes of the ads and healthy dishes too. Young Meghna has many plans up her northeast. Catch a movie, grab a bite sleeve to make this place a hangout – the world of cinema beckons from zone for youngsters with many of- the decor on the walls to the place mats, table and the menu cards. fers and loyalty points etc. Anuradha’s Box Office Feast is a deWe also ordered Fish and Chips light in every sense. but I was a little disappointed; the n coating was limp and soggy. A Kashmiri Nath wedge of lime would have been Foodie, owner at XOXO cupcakes, food blogger, recipe developer and welcome but again the portions expert on Assamese cuisine. are generous. They have a variety

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Lifestyle

Keep Misery at bay with Yoga

VAASTU SHASTRA Vaastu And Children

t is a desire of most parents that their children should do well in life and shine more than they themselves ever did. Whenever this is not achieved, there is stress in the family. Parents as well as their wards are under tremendous pressure to perform well - be it in academics, sports or music. Many children and even their parents try very hard to succeed but sometimes some forces beyond our means become invisible obstacles in this pursuit. Vaastu plays a very important factor in this and one should make a Vaastu assessment in such cases. The east and the northeast are the most important directions for all round progress of children. These directions must be lower than the other directions. They should also be free from any kind of blockage. So it is very good to have the water run off naturally towards east and northeast. In case it is not possible, arrangements should be done to have the same. A lower south and west means the same negative effect and it must be rectified. It is seen that if the staircase of the house is anticlockwise while going up, it may affect the children and business. If the staircase is already built that way,

then the help of pyramids and windchimes may be taken.

Effect Of Crystals

According to Feng Shui, the crystal consists of the earth element. The directions of the earth element in Feng Shui are southwest and northeast. Vaastu also says that the southwest is the direction of the earth element. By keeping crystals, these directions can be activated and energised. Southwest is responsible for relationships and elders. The northeast is responsible for education, progress and luck. So keeping it in the northeast of the study table will enhance the education luck. It is also very auspicious to hang crystals near the eastern window so that the morning sunlight may fall on it and then get reflected into the room. Crystals can absorb negative energy and so it must be cleansed with salt and water regularly. Pranic healers use quartz crystals to dispel negative energy and project fresh energy. Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

atanjali, the propounder of yoga, enunciates the purpose of yoga, “the purpose of yoga is to stop misery before it comes.” Whether it is greed, anger, jealousy, hatred, or frustration, all these negative emotions can be healed or re-oriented through yoga. When you are happy, have you noticed a sense of expansion within you? When we face failure or someone insults us, we find that there is something in us that shrinks. Yoga is putting our attention on this something in us that seems to be expanding when we are happy and crushing or contracting when we feel unhappy. Often, we feel helpless about our negative emotions. Neither in school, nor at home does anyone teach us about how to handle our negative emotions. If you are upset, you remain upset or wait for time to heal it. Yoga has a secret to turn around this state of mind. It makes you independent. It empowers you to feel the way you want to feel at any time, instead of being a victim of your own feelings. Yoga also helps someone to be more responsible in life. This is called Karma Yoga. We all play many roles in our life. We have an option to play the role either as a yogi or as a non-yogi; one who is responsible or one who is not. You can be a responsible teacher, a doctor with responsibility, a businessman who cares. Caring, sharing, and responsibility are the characteristics that yoga nurtures in us. All of us, the entire population has this within, but it needs some nurturing. Yoga can definitely make you more responsible, because it creates more energy and enthusiasm in you. When do you not like to take responsibility? When you are tired and stressed. If you have taken care of these two issues and you have enough enthusiasm and

energy, you will definitely take more responsibility, and with a sense of lightness. When you go to the root cause of conflicts, you will find that it is stress, mistrust, and fear of the other. Yoga helps you get over all the three. Fear of the other vanishes, because you have broadened awareness, broadened consciousness. You feel everyone is part of you and you are part of them. Fear of losing one’s identity or fear of losing existence, being extinct, is something that is very deep-rooted. Yoga is the best thing to remove these fears from the minds of people. Yoga has eight limbs and one among them is physical postures. But, the central teaching is maintaining an equanimous state of mind. When you can do any action with mindfulness, you are aware of what you are saying or doing, this makes you a yogi. Science is a systematic, logical understanding of what is. In the sense yoga is a science, that it is a systematic understanding of the subject. Knowing ‘What this is’ is science. Knowing ‘Who am I’ is spirituality. But, both are science. All the science of yoga is already there in a baby and we have all been yogis. Babies make the Chin Mudra while sleeping. In any part of the world, when babies are lying down they lift their legs first, and then they go on their belly and try to lift their shoulders (cobra-pose). To some extent every child has done asanas on this planet. The way we breathe is very different from the way a baby breathes. A baby has a stress-free and a happy mind. So yoga is shri shri ravi shankar just going Founder- Art of Living Foundation. back to our roots.

Dressing right for office this monsoon Nehal Jain

t’s raining cats and dogs and travelling to work in the rain can be quite troublesome. It is irritating to reach office all drenched and sit in those wet clothes for most of the day. The rainwater can spoil your nicely washed and ironed outfit. Despite the rain, a professional has to ensure the right office look. So, dress smartly for office this monsoon to feel comfortable and professional. Here are a few monsoon 2017 office wear tips. 1. The right footwear - Avoid wearing leather shoes or sandals when it rains as water can spoil the shoes and sandals. Choose footwear that are water resistant, yet goes well with the clothes you are wearing. While floaters are ideal, avoid wearing ill-fitted or

loose sandals. They can squirt dirt up your clothes. Canvas should obviously be avoided in spite of them being fashionable and trendy. 2. Avoid jeans - It is a very bad idea to wear denims during monsoon. If your jeans get wet, you will have to spend the entire day in that. Jeans and other thick fabrics soak up water and take longer to dry, and for those who have sensitive skin it leaves them with butt rashes. However, if you have to wear jeans in the rain why not go for something a little more comfortable like stretch denim? 3. Shirts and t-shirts - Instead of cotton shirts, you can wear wrinkle-free shirts with short sleeves. Wear trench coat or jackets to stay dry during the rains. Choose lighter fabric clothes as they can dry easily when wet. Avoid dull grey and

browns. Make the best of the weather with bright colours. Go for bold prints. Clothes with bright and bold prints may not be advisable to wear when the day is bright, but they are ideal for wet and gloomy weather.

4. Bags to carry - Avoid leather bags and big bags, they look ugly when wet. Carry smaller and simple handbags that are resistant to water. Waterproof bags come in a number of vibrant colours, pretty

prints and trendy designs. Splurge on them. They look smart, stylish and fashionable. 5. Avoid long pants if possible – While men cannot avoid wearing full length pants, women can. You shouldn’t wear long skirts or trousers as they might get dirty on your way to the office. Instead go for knee-length formal skirts or if your office allows, wear Capri pants. Instead of patialas and salwars, stick to churidars and cotton pants; they spoil less in the rain. After the hot summer, monsoon is a welcome change. Most of us love the pitter-patter of rain, the smell of the earth, the clean air and the greenery. However, it could be a challenge to commute during monsoon. So choose fabrics and dresses that are perfect for monsoon!

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Entertainment

Assamese song to feature in Bollywood movie

or the first time a full-length Assamese song will be a part of a Bollywood movie. The song ‘Jiri Jiri Noi’, written by youth storyteller-cum-journalist-cum-lyricist Rajdweep and composed by Sagar Desai, is a part of the movie ‘A Death in The Gunj’ written and directed by Konkona ‘Local Kungfu-2’, Sen Shar‘Sinyor’ etc and has ma. Konalso written plays kona Sen like ‘Boliya KrSharma ishna’, ‘Bonoriya’, makes her ‘Bekar Bahuboli’, directorial ‘Breaking News’, debut with the film which already opened ‘Bindass’, ‘Best of Luck’, ‘Boliya Draupodi’ for mobile theatres to positive response at various in Assam. Though the language film festivals. The film is set in the town of McCluskieganj, Bihar was alien to music director Sagar Desai and others, they seemed to (now in Jharkhand), India, during have enjoyed the process of rethe winter of 1979. What starts as an uneventful family holiday cording of the song. The length takes a twist when the guests of the song is about four minutes start playing with the spirits. It is and this is the only song in the film. nothing tangible but insinuates The film stars Vikrant Masits way into the group until the holiday ends in an implosion, re- sey, Ranvir Shorey, Kalki Koechlin, Tillotama Shome, Gulshan sulting in an unavoidable event. Rajdweep has already penned Devaiah, Tanuja, Om Puri and lyrics for Assamese movies Jim Sarbh among others. Ralike ‘Rowd’, ‘Raag’, ‘Bahniman’, jdweep said that the song depicts ‘Dooronir Nirola Poja’, ‘Ahetuk’, the hopes, aspiration and dreams

Kalyan Kumar Kalita of the protagonist. The song was sung by Pramila Pradhan, a wellknown folk singer. Rajdweep said, “This song was written last year after I wrote another song of MTV which was sung by Papon.” The film’s world premiere took place at the 21st annual 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. Its Asian premiere was held at the 21st Busan International Film Festival. It was chosen as the opening film of the 18th Mumbai Film Festival where it was screened and where director Konkona Sen Sharma received the ‘Master Card Best Indian Female Filmmaker 2016 Award’. ‘A Death in The Gunj’ also had its US premiere as the opening film of its 13th South Asian International Film Festival. n

Nahid Afrin to sing for Kohinoor Theatre

will defiahid nitely create Afan impact rin on the auof Indian dience’s Idol fame, mind. Some born and new and brought innovative up in Asideas and sam, has techniques already lent will also be her voice in used in this the Sonakplay which shi Sinha the people starrer Hinof Assam di movie have never ‘Akira’ and KhanKalyan Kumar Kalita seen before. jan Kishore Nath’s The Kohinoor Assamese feature film ‘Chor: The Bicycle’. Afrin team is hoping that this play was the first runner-up in the will definitely give a new kind 2015 edition of Indian Idol Junior. of taste to the audience. This This versatile singer is now ready season, Kohinoor Theatre has to sing for the first time in mobile signed two popular television theatre. She will lend her voice to actresses; one is Tehsin Akhtar, the title track of youth story-tell- who is popularly known for her er-lyricist-journalist Rajdweep’s character ‘Juri’ in ‘Bharaghar’ play ‘Best of Luck’ which will be and the other is Pallabi Phukan, staged by ‘Kohinoor Theatre’. who is popularly known for the Before Nahid, popular Assamese character ‘Premolota’ in ‘Borola singers like Zubeen Garg, Zublee, Kaai’. The other artists include Priyanka Bharali, Papon, Dikshu, Simi Goswami, Arup Bora, KaNirmali and Barnali have already mal Rewati, Krishnamoni Nath, lent their voices in various plays Sankar Chakraborty, Mahesh of mobile theatre. This time, to Bora, Arun Bora, Bhaskar Barupresent a new kind of taste, Kohi- ah, Pallab Plaban, Amrit Raj etc. noor Theatre has brought Nahid The other two plays which will into this category. According to be staged by Kohinoor Theatre Rajdweep, the play ‘Best of Luck’ this year are Abhijit Bhattacharnarrates a tragic love story con- ya’s ‘Railpothot Ejoni Suwali’ and taining a lot of emotions which Hemanta Dutta’s ‘Sinyor’. n

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

Events An evening with crooner Sayuj Jain Date – July 2, Sunday Venue – Terra Mayaa Guwahati’s young singing sensation, Sayuj Jain, performed at Terra Mayaa on Sunday. With his terrific voice and performance, he wooed the audience and they were seen grooving to his bollywood beats. Sayuj Jain during his performance

Sayuj’s family members strike a pose

Drama set up at the Maati centre

D’rama of Life Date – July 5, Wednesday Venue –The Maati Centre, Ambari Sattyakee D’Com Bhuyan has embarked on a distinctive mission, to familiarize the youth of the North-east to the world of Western theatre. A workshop was held at Royal Global University where students from different institutions had come together to learn the various aspects of drama, like voice modulation, body language, etc. The students performed various soliloquies and sonnets by William Shakespeare. The performances were well appreciated by the audience as well as the guest stars, Zerifa Wahid and Kopil Bora.

Sattyakee posing with the students after the workshop

Ladies night Date – July 5, Wednesday Venue – NYX, Hotel Palacio NYX is largely getting popular for its Ladies’ Nights with regular patrons.

Photography Exhibition Date – July 6, Thursday Venue – State Art Gallery Visitors admiring photographs at an exhibition organized by Framed Souvenirs. The exhibition was set up at the State Art Gallery, Guwahati on Thursday.

G PLUS | JUL 08- JUL 14, 2017

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