Vol 5 Issue 34 by G Plus

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018 @guwahatiplus www.guwahatiplus.com

Inside

Volume 05 | Issue 34 Jun 16 - Jun 22, 2018 Price `10

#FakeMat

It’s a Fake News crisis and it’s created by us PG 04

Social media pages under 24/7 police scanner after outcry over Assam lynching Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

ocial media pages in Assam have come under strict 24/7 police scanner after the mob lynching incident in Karbi Anglong created a furore in India with

Justice for Nil-Abhi shrouded in uncertainty sans CID/CBI probe PG 06

Clear and present danger: City under real threat of child-lifters PG 11

even international media reporting the incident. The incident has been perceived as a consequence of fake news circulated through social media. After the incident, the social media was also used for spreading hate messages which could

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Needle of suspicion at VDPs in Karbi Anglong mob lynching case Avishek Sengupta avishek.sengupta@g-plus.in

he Village Defense Organisation – a community policing practice unique to Assam - has come under police radar after the Karbi Anglong mob lynching incident in which two youths from Guwahati were beaten to death, a tragedy that could have been avoided if such defense personnel had intercepted promptly, believe many.

The two youths – Abhijit Nath and Nilutpal Das – who had visited the Kangthilangso Waterfall located at Karbi Anglong were attacked at around 8:30 PM on June 8 by a mob of around 150 people and were lynched to death. According to police, the altercation lasted for more than two hours, time long enough for the personnel from the nearest police station, situated about 40 kms away, to reach the spot. The villagers suspected the slain

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A stone quarry in Assam-Meghalaya border | G Plus Photo

Lead Story

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Needle of suspicion at VDPs... Continued from page » 1 duo to be xopadhora (child-lifters) after fake news of child-lifters making their foray into Guwahati were purportedly being circulated among the people. Director General of Police (DGP), Assam, Kuladhar Saikia, in the sidelines of a press conference held at the state police headquarters on June 13 told G Plus that the role of Village Defence Personnel (VDP) will be assessed as part of the on-going investigation in which, 30 have been arrested so far. “As part of the on-going investigation, we are also looking if any VDP were involved in the lynching act itself. According to reports, the incident was first informed to the police by the VDPs only. But, there could have been an interception by the VDPs if any of them were there,” Saikia said. Assam Police has 19,881 registered and 6,161 unregistered strong VDP force at its disposal to look after as many as 26,247 villages in the state to assist the police in the maintenance of law and order, peace and tranquillity in the state. The force did not get much training or were educated about the laws regarding various crimes on its inception at the initiative of former Teok MLA Harinarayan Baruah about 70

File photo of VDP members taking part during a cleaning drive at a village in Assam years back at Birinasayek, a village along the Assam-Nagaland border in upper Assam’s Jorhat district. The VDP was organised to empower the villagers to check robbery and cattle smuggling — two major problems people were facing. An act was enacted known as the Village Defence

Organisation Act in 1966, followed by the Assam Village Defence Rules in 1986, both of which govern the functioning of the organisation and according to which, the DGP is the head of the organisation and SP of the district is the District Village Defence Officer.

“Had there been enough VDPs in every village and they were well trained, such kind of riots or mob violence could have been thwarted,” Nikhilesh Deka, one of the protestors on June 10 demanding justice for the slain duo, said. Defending the VDP, Saikia

Assam’s lynching trend: From ‘daayan’ to ‘xopadhora’

recent media report revealed that there were at least 134 instances of mob lynching in the last two years. But the trend has been prevalent here in Assam for much longer in the form of witch-hunting. The report that aimed at showing the growing trend of religious persecution by mob or vigilante groups after the BJP had come to power gave a comprehensive scenario of the prevalent superstition in the Indian society. The scenario is much grimmer here, several statistics revealed. According to a report presented in the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2012 by the then parliamentary affairs minister, now MLA, Rockybul Hussain, a total of 80 people have been killed in Assam in the five years from January 2006 to February 2011 due to witch-hunting of which, the majority of instances were at Kokrajhar, Goalpara, Sonitpur and Karbi Anglong districts. Another record available with Mission Birubala – an organisation named after Birubala Rabha who was also once branded as a witch, more than 400 persons have been killed in Assam during the period from 2007 to 2014 in cases of witch-hunting. But the core of the problem is more imbibed in the Assamese society’s superstition of visiting witch doctors known

as Bez or Oja, Dr Nityabir Das, an activist of the Mission Birubala said. “Sometimes more than one unfortunate incident takes place in a single village. People in the grip of superstition tend to believe that such incidents are outcomes of witchcraft by witches and seek help from an oja/bez or witchdoctors, who sometimes identify a person in the village as the witch and culprit behind the incidents,” Das said. “This, however, has File photo of witch-hunting activist Birubala Rabha built an organised mob in the villages, ready to bracket of 30-32 years. stand against any social stigma they believe According to a senior police official, as per their own superstitious beliefs. It the mob taking law in its own hands is a consists of youths of the villages who are prevalent phenomenon in the state. ready to take away the witch or in the case “Whenever locals catch even a petty thief of the recent Karbi Anglong case, xopadhora or a woman accused of prostitution, they first (child lifter) to their own kangaroo court,” beat up the victim. Police, more than often, Das added. have to intervene to save the culprit,” the It may be mentioned that among official said. the arrested 30, all are in the age n

however said, “There are scopes of reforming the force and the police department will look into it. But the VDPs have already been alerted about the fake news that is making rounds and they are working very well in raising awareness in several districts such as Sonitpur.” n

Decoding the xopadhora scare

“T

he message was fake, but not the fear,” Harsing Ronghang, a Karbi King, told G Plus when asked about the fake news of child-lifters making its foray into Assam. Ronghang, who condemned the lynching and sought a speedy justice delivery on the death of the two youths, was of the opinion that even though no child-lifter might have come as circulated in the WhatsApp messages, there was a predominant fear of child trafficking in the district. “Several children and women have been kidnapped or trafficked over the last few decades from these villages in Karbi Anglong,” Ronghang said. The fear of the child-lifter, however, is not completely baseless in Assam. The state has one of the highest numbers of child trafficking cases. According to the data shared by the National Crime Records Bureau for the year 2015, Assam accounted for 22% of the total reported cases of trafficking across India. Assam also has the highest number of child trafficking – 1317 cases, which account for 38% of the national figure. Assam had topped the list among the states in 2015 with as many as 1,494 cases out of a total of 1,539 in the entire country. n

Lead Story

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Social media pages under... Continued from page » 1 have further created a communal law and order situation in the state. Police had to take initiatives to stop such hate messages circulating through social media. A peaceful public protest in the form of a spontaneous procession taken out last Sunday from Commerce Point and weaving through GNB Road to condemn the mob lynching of two youths from Guwahati, Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath in Karbi Anglong, turned violent at some points of Guwahati. The police had to chase away the mob brandishing batons which was again criticised as being police atrocities. The city police later addressed the media declaring that any protest without police permission will not be allowed. Meanwhile, many social media page owners started posting hate messages against a particular community. The police identified the issue which could have led to a communal riot and decided to strictly monitor the social media pages. Even the lynching was perceived to be a consequence of some hoax news circulated through social media about the presence and activities of child lifters in the district of Karbi Anglong. A senior police official said, “We have started a social media centre not only for monitoring hate message circulation but also

SNIPPETS Rongbong Terang not in favour of building Abhi-Nil statues in Karbi Anglong

E ADGP Harmeet Singh (L) & DGP Kuladhar Saikia (R) addressing a press conference regarding the Karbi Anglong mob lynching incident | G Plus Photo for positive results where we can interact with the users.” The police, through the newly started social media centre, have appealed to the public for information about pages that are circulating hate messages. The public has started sending links of various messages to the police. Also, with various other tools, the social media team of

7 arrested in Ghy, 35 across Assam for spreading hate messages

ill 14th June 2018, 35 persons were arrested across Assam and 7 from Guwahati for spreading hate messages. The arrests were made within 72 hours. According to a senior police official of the Guwahati police commissionerate one person was arrested from Fatasil, one from Khetri, two from Noonmati, one from Pragjyotishpur and two persons were arrested from Dispur for spreading hate messages. Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Noonmati, Purabi Majumdar said, “The first arrest was made after people of a particular community filed a complaint with the police and

accordingly the person was identified and arrested.” The next arrest in Noonmati was made by taking suo moto cognisance, the ACP revealed. Similarly, out of the 100 profiles that police took action against, 35 persons were arrested across Assam and the others were provided counselling and minor warnings. The social media centre is simultaneously reporting the cases to Facebook and Twitter apprising the companies of the malice in such posts, identifying the persons and sharing the details of the persons with the local police so that they can be picked up for arrest or counselling depending on the intensity of hate in the posts. n

the Assam police is keeping on monitoring many such pages. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Logistics and Modernization (L&M), Harmeet Singh said, “Tools can never work without human intervention.” The officer did not want to reveal the names of the tools used by the team for security reasons. The police team comprising around 15 technically savvy

personnel identified the profiles and shared the inputs with the local police stations. The police team took action against around 100 profiles that are purportedly spreading hate messages. The Assam police social media centre is a part of the cyber dome. The police team is keeping strict vigil against persons spreading hate messages and the process will continue. n

Assam Police social media team not to investigate cyber crime cases

he social media centre which was created after the Karbi Anglong incident will not investigate cyber crime cases. A source in the police headquarters said, “This team will just monitor the social media pages and if there is any criminal activity suspected, the information will be forwarded to the local police for further investigation and arrests if required.” The source also revealed that the Facebook and Twitter authorities have been informed about such profiles that are spreading hate messages and requested to delete the accounts. But according to local police sources in Guwahati, more often than not, social me-

dia companies like Facebook and Twitter respond very late. The source in the police headquarters said, “Facebook responds to complaints on terror messages very fast.” Other than that, Facebook has its own methods of verifying things and responds after their verification and investigation is complete, the source added. The cyber crime cases in Guwahati, on the other hand, are increasing gradually and according to many complainants, these take time to be solved. Recently, some police officers in Guwahati were also attacked by cyber criminals and there were instances reported where fake profiles of the police officials were created. n

minent author and Padma Shri awardee, Rongbong Terang from Karbi Anglong, has supported the renaming of Kangthilangso waterfalls as Abhi-Nil waterfalls. However, Terang advised not to erect monuments or statues of the two youths, as it would forever remind the people of that cursed day. Terang made these observations in a multi-religious community prayer meeting held yesterday. n

GMC makes effort to make markets of Guwahati plastic-free

aking note of the 45th World Environment Day’s theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ and the burgeoning plastic menace, numerous states have initiated plastic ban. Joining the bandwagon, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to make two of its markets plastic-free zones. GMC Commissioner, Monalisa Goswami said that initially Uzan Bazar and Kachari Ghat markets are being targeted and a few months down the line, the rest of the markets will also be covered. The campaign to make the city’s markets plastic-free zones started on June 1. To give the campaign a fillip, on June 5, which is observed as World Environment Day, GMC distributed cloth bags made by self-help groups to vendors and shopkeepers. While some bags were distributed for free, others were purchased by vendors and citizens. A total of 400-500 bags were distributed. n

In The News

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It’s a Fake News crisis and it’s created by us

Your forward can kill someone, it’s time you double-checked before pushing that forward button Social media giants affected by fake news

Facebook

Instagram

Chetan Bhattarai

WhatsApp, the Nemesis WhatsApp is the main accused in almost all cases of spreading misinformation. Talking about

Some recent instances of fake news 1. Rahul Gandhi to marry Rae Bareily MLA Aditi Singh 2. Arjun Kapoor accused of drinking on sets 3. Fake news on Nipah virus affect fruit sales 4. What is Robert Vadra doing with a Chinese envoy? Victims: RepublicTV and Times Now

YouTube

War against fake news

ake news is here to stay, so be alert as it might cost your life. As of now most of us using WhatsApp or Facebook or any other file sharing app are aware of the spread of fake news. We are summarily inundated with fake stories in our inboxes. Most of them look like innocent forwards but sometimes, due to the sensational angle, we tend to push the forward button. Well, it may be injurious to someone’s health sometimes. It might even take away another innocent life or make him or her a victim of the propaganda. Fake news has been used by people mainly to make fun of beliefs, to make money, to spread ideologies, hatred or jeopardise something good in society. Such news is also spread by people who are bored with regular news and impulsively twist a story to gain popularity. Keeping in view the current spread of fake news, governments from various parts of the world are trying to tighten the noose on such dubious mediums. Fake and viral content has led to a number of deaths in India. There are also reports of loss to a person’s reputation due to such stories. Mostly, the targeted are celebrities or people of importance. The recent killing of Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das in Karbi Anglong, Assam may be from one of your forwards, you can never be sure.

Twitter

There may be a deluge of fake news spreading vague and dangerous false information on the social media and in conventional news mediums but thankfully there are sites like AltNews, Boomlive and SMHoaxslayer which combat these lies regularly. They keep an eye on the social media and raise alarm and report the corrected version in their portals. Though it’s a slow process but it has been helping to debunk some of the fake stories circulating for some time.

a maximum term of up to six years in jail for spreading fake news. Thailand: Has a cyber law and a jail term for seven years. France: Fake news, has been illegal since 1881. Strong action by courts during election time. Media platforms India, there are over 30 crore smartphone users and due to the privacy policy of WhatsApp, it is almost impossible to track who is sending what.

#Two cases when widescale curiosity was seen among the masses

After demonetisation, the chip inside the new currency notes followed by videos, memes and images prove that the appetite for non-conventional news is unlimited. Less than 24 hours after the chip inside the currency note rumour started, Zee News, ran a 90-second report about this chip. But finally RBI debunked it. Four states were affected by WhatsApp rumours of a salt shortage. People went into panic mode and started stocking salt. A woman had to lose her life.

Facebook Vs WhatsApp The social media is where fake news and hoaxes thrive. However, Facebook is much more open as compared to WhatsApp. Since it is an open platform, users can always cross-check information by contacting someone. In WhatsApp the information flow is from one to the other. It is too private in and makes a good pipeline to spread information without worrying that everyone is watching, unlike on Facebook.

The Groups

The WhatsApp ‘group’ feature is the most lethal part in the app. WhatsApp is enjoyed by all permissible age groups and Admins of these groups have the responsibility of blocking and deleting the fake news and hoaxes.

Veles: World’s fake news factory In the final weeks of the US presidential election, Veles in Macedonia attained a weird notoreity; stories in The Guardian and on BuzzFeed revealed that the Macedonian town of 55,000 was the registered home of at least 100 pro-Trump websites, many of them filled with sensationalist, utterly fake news. (The imminent criminal indictment of Hillary Clinton was a popular theme; another was the Pope’s approval of Trump) The sites’ ample traffic was rewarded handsomely by automated advertising engines, like Google’s AdSense. An article in The New Yorker described how President Barack Obama himself spent a day in the final week of the campaign talking “almost obsessively” about Veles and its “digital gold rush.” Source wired.com

Popular fake news items 1. AajTak: Fatwa in Saudi Arabia that men can eat their wives if hungry 2. Times Now ran a story of a seven year old photoshopped image of a Rate Card which had the selling price of girls of various different castes in Kerala. 3. The currency with the chip: The message claimed that these notes are embedded with nano-GPS chips which act as a signal reflector, giving precise location coordinates of the currency in order to allow every note to be tracked. 4. News of Baba Ramdev’s death spread to promote a YouTube Channel by posting two different images from different times.

How governments are trying to check the spread of fake news: Under the instructions of PM Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had to abruptly withdraw within 24 hours a press statement that said journalists found guilty of writing or broadcasting “fake news” would lose their government accreditation. Malaysia has passed a new law which sets out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($123,000) and

may be asked to name the financers of the content and especially checks are made so that the messages are not influenced by foreigners. Also may be asked to divulge necessary information about the paymasters. Singapore: Parliamentary Committee is preparing measures to counter “deliberate online falsehoods.” Philippines: A legislation with jail term of up to 20 years to punish offenders of fake news. Europe Union plans to crack down on social media companies accused of spreading fake news.

Steps taken by Facebook, Google to prevent/stop fake news

Facebook has also been singed by false news accounts. Much to his chagrin, Mark Zuckerberg had denied and claimed that 99% of the content in Facebook was authentic and Facebook could not influence the polls. Later Facebook had to admit to U.S. congressional investigators that it sold around $100,000 worth of political ads to a so-called Russian troll farm that was targeting American voters during the 2016 election. At present, Facebook is trying to spot fake news accounts by looking for certain patterns of activity in those accounts. It is trying to create an ecosystem to tackle fake news, including removing false accounts and assets like clusters of fraudulently created Pages, banning ads on malicious pages, and limiting the distribution of false posts. “In the past year, we’ve worked to destroy the business model for false news and reduce its spread, stop bad actors from meddling in elections, and bring a new level of transparency to advertising. Last week, we started prioritizing meaningful posts from friends and family in News Feed to help bring people closer together. We have more work to do and we’re heads down on getting it done.” – Statement by Facebook In India, Facebook had partnered with a Mumbai-based fact checking organization called Boom, to help the social network fight the spread of fake news in the Indian state of Karnataka ahead of the elections being held in May, 2018. Google has started a fight against fake news and has put in place automated system that detects “bad publishers”. The search giant also has a dedicated enforcement team that reviews sites and enforces blocks and bans. n

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an initiative by

Concern

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Justice for Nil-Abhi shrouded in uncertainty sans CID/CBI probe Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

he Assam Police has claimed that they are not leaving any stone unturned in their investigation of the mob lynching case at Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong district where two youths from Guwahati – Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath - were brutally and fatally lynched. The guilty will be punished according to the law, the police have claimed. Assam has a history of mob violence. According to the case scrutiny of an incident that happened in 2013 where a mob lynched one Jhankar Saikia in Diphu town right in front of his father in the presence of police personnel, the Director General of Police (DGP), Kuladhar Saikia said, “The police had filed the charge sheet in 2015 and now the trial is going on.” There have also been incidents of witch hunting reported in Assam in the past and in the maximum number of such cases, the culprits have been acquitted due to lack of evidence. In the latest Dokmoka

lynching incident, the culprits had lynched both the boys from Guwahati to death, recorded the video and circulated it. The video was recorded in such a manner that faces of people in the mob were out of the frame. According to the DGP of Assam, 30 persons have been arrested and the police are investigating the matter minutely. The police did not want to reveal how many more persons will be arrested and how many persons were there in the mob. The police also claimed that the main accused in the incident has been arrested and further investigation will reveal who all were involved; the evidences will be collected accordingly. On enquiring if the case would be taken over by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Saikia said, “At present there is no such plan.” An inspector level officer in Guwahati, talking to G Plus under condition of anonymity said, “This case should be investigated by CID as the local police are very busy with a lot of other things.” He explained that local police not only investigate cases but are also involved with law & order

duty, VIP duty etc and one investigating officer is often burdened with many cases under him. Though the police have claimed that 30 persons have been arrested it remains uncertain as to how many more will be arrested. Also the Asst DGP (Law & Order), Mukesh Agrawala, on being asked if the village defence party (VDP) members were there in the mob which lynched Nilotpal and Abhijeet, said, “It is yet to be investigated.” Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) chief Akhil Gogoi said, “The case should be transferred to the CBI.” He also said that the trial of the case

Police investigating at Dokmoka | G Plus Photo should be done in a fast track court. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leader, Debabrata Saikia said, “The case should be investigated by a special investigating agency like CBI or CID.”

Though the police have arrested 30 accused, the outcry for justice for both the lynched youths has raised the question whether justice will be at all delivered because the specialised investigating agencies are not investigating the case. n

Duo had an altercation with main accused which led to lynching

n a major breakthrough, police nabbed the main culprit four days after he allegedly instigated the lynching of Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath in a remote village in Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Apparently, Nilotpal and Abhijit had an altercation with the main accused Alphajoz Timung alias Alpha near the Kangthilangso

waterfalls in Karbi Anglong which led to the lynching. After a relentless search for the man who sent out the message that the “outsiders” from Guwahati were child-lifters, police nabbed him from his hiding place in a different village late on Tuesday night. The Director General of Police (DGP) Kuladhar Saikia said,

“There was a rumour in the area about xopadhora (child lifters) since a few days.” He revealed that near the waterfalls, Nilotpal and Abhijit had an altercation with Alphajoz Timung. Timung, it seems, was accusing the duo of being childlifters. The duo then left the place and Timung called the villagers and asked them to stop the black

Scorpio car in which the duo was travelling. While returning the duo stopped in Panjuri village around 14 kilometres away from the Dokmoka police station to purchase some chocolates from a shop. It is then that the villagers caught both the youths and started beating them up. The DGP said that all the call

data records (CDR) of Timung’s phone are being analysed and people who were called by Timung are being picked up accordingly. The DGP did not want to reveal how many people were called as the investigation is going on. Timung had earlier served three years in jail for the murder of one Mithu Das. n

Weather report for the week Guwahati

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In The News

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CIA tags VHP & Bajrang Dal as militant outfits Conspiracy against India: Assam RSS Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

ccording to national media reports, affiliates of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have been classified as religious militant outfits in the recently updated World Factbook, published by the United States of America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The two organisations have been categorised under “political pressure groups” in the document, reported media. A top RSS leader of Assam and the northeast, talking to G Plus under condition of anonymity said, “It is a conspiracy against India.” He said that India had trashed a United Nations report on alleged human rights violations in Kashmir as a prejudiced attempt by vested interests to hurt India’s sovereignty and national interest. He revealed that similarly this Factbook classifications are also conspiracies against the country as organisations like VHP and Bajrang Dal are now internationally known and are working for the society in a far better manner than the organisations backed by the United States of America. He said that there are many US backed Christian and Muslim organisations working in India,

but when it came to social work no one can work like the Sangh and its affiliates. He also said that India is economically getting stronger than America and so there are many vested interests working against India. The national Bajrang Dal leadership, talking to national media, had said that they are consulting experts to seek legal advice to counter this classification. Northeast VHP secretary, Sashi Bhushan Deka said, “We are with our central leadership.” The World Factbook is an annual publication of the United States’ intelligence organisation CIA, which provides information on the history, people, government, economy, energy, geography, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues for 267 world entities. It is prepared by the CIA for the use of the US government officials. However, it is frequently also used as a resource for student papers, websites and non-governmental publications. As a work of the US government, it is in the public domain. Apart from VHP and Bajrang Dal, the Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh (RSS) also finds mention as a nationalist organisation. All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir is listed as a separatist group while the Jamiat Ulema e-Hind is listed as a religious organisation. n

Six communities of Assam to be granted with scheduled tribe status

nion Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram today made clear on Twitter that the matter of granting scheduled tribe status to six communities of Assam is being considered actively by the Central Government.

Notably, the State Government has been taking decisive steps for granting scheduled tribe status to six communities of the state and the matter has been pursued with the Central Government on a regular basis. n

File photo of Bajrang Dal activists protesting in the city

Governance

SNIPPETS Guwahati pledges against child labour

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Dist admin launches project to weed out child labour in Ghy Saumya Mishra saumya.mishra@g-plus.in

mass oath-taking programme was held against child labour by the officials of Kamrup (M) DC’s office on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour. On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) has appealed to all sections of society to refrain from employing children at offices, business establishments and for domestic purposes. In a press release, ASCPCR Chairperson, Dr Sunita Changkakati said that despite all efforts, child labour is still prevailing in the state. Dr Changkakati also appealed to the parents of vulnerable sections not to let their children work and stressed that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, ensures free education for children up to the age of 14 years. n

Culprit behind fake Facebook account of Police Commissioner arrested

midst the circulation of fake news over social media platforms which led to the Karbi Anglong lynching case, there was news of Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, Hiren Chandra Nath himself becoming a victim of a fake Facebook profile. Assam Police were able to find the miscreant who is responsible for opening and operating the fake account of Hiren Chandra Nath on 13th June. The miscreant has been identified as one Laksya Jyoti Phukan, a resident of Rajagaon under Raha police station in Nagaon district. Interestingly, Phukan is already in judicial custody for another case registered with Raha Police Station. n

he Kamrup (Metro) district administration in collaboration with UTSAH - a city-based child rights NGO, the National Child Labour Project and UNICEF Assam kicked off a ward-level anti-child labour campaign on the occasion of World Day against Child Labour on June 12. Officials informed that under the project, a crucial aspect will be the certification of apartment blocks in the city, which is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. The most crucial aspect of the project is the certification of the government which will give out the certificate. “In Guwahati, domestic child labour is hidden. In our attempt to reach out to households, to gauge and rescue children and provide people with the adequate awareness against domestic child labour, we are reaching out to apartment blocks which are rife with child labourers in the city,” informed Miguel Das Queah, founder of UTSAH. Under this project, in the next 11 months, 31 apartment enclaves will be covered - one in each ward across Guwahati. Officials also informed that they will conduct child labour workshops and also get apartment blocks to register in a process through which the district administration, after due diligence by the child labour task force Kamrup (M), will give certification of an apartment block being anti-child labour or child labour free. The deputy commissioner will give out the certificates. “Today we have started the process and the first apartment is

Officials also informed that they will conduct child labour workshops and also get apartment blocks to register in a process through which the district administration, after due diligence by the child labour task force Kamrup (M), will give certification of an apartment block being anti-child labour or child labour free. The deputy commissioner will give out the certificates.

Launching of Ward-Level Anti-Child Labour Campaign on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour | G Plus Photo Krishna Apartments under Ward No 12,” said Queah. The campaign was attended by Palash Pratim Bora, additional deputy commissioner, Kamrup (M), Ajanta Sharma, assistant labour commissioner of Kamrup (M), Naresh Chandra Das, labour officer, Kamrup (M) and Pahari Konwar, ACP(Crime) among others. The project has been funded by UNICEF and is being conducted by UTSAH with support from the district administration. The authorities will also rescue child labourers if found in these apartment blocks. Explaining the process of obtaining certification, officials informed that the apartments will first have to write to the deputy commissioner regarding the same. It will then be followed up with due diligence by the child labour task force (Kamrup-M). The residents will have to give a declaration, and then affidavits will be filed, after which the DC will provide the certification. Speaking during the launch of the project, the assistant labour commissioner and labour officer administered an anti-child labour pledge prepared by the labour department. Further, Pahari Konwar, ACP (Crime) assured police support in cases of child labour especially during rescue missions, lodging of FIRs and timely preparation of charge sheet. The officials will pilot the

Ward-level anti-child labour campaign kicked off on world day against child labour Kamrup (M) district administration, Utsah NGO, the national child labour project and UNICEF Assam have collaborated on the project It is an 11-month programme to be conducted across Guwahati Authorities will conduct child labour workshops The apartment blocks will also be certified child-labour free after due diligence Certification of apartment blocks is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country ASCPCR appealed to all sections of society to refrain from employing children

project in these 11 months in order to make it standardised and it will eventually be implemented across the state. Through this campaign, residents of the apartment block were made aware of child labour law, ways to respond to child labour and the district level child protection system. Bora spoke about the adverse impact of child labour on innocent children and the importance of public response to cases of child labour. This campaign will cover 1,240 households and will conclude on March 31, 2019. Additionally, on the occasion of world day against child labour, the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) appealed to all sections of the society to refrain from employing children at offices, business establishments and for domestic purposes. A mass oath-taking programme was also held against child labour by the officials of Kamrup (Metro) DC’s office. The ASCPCR chairperson, Dr Sunita Changkakati, said that despite all efforts, child labour is still prevailing in the state. She also appealed to the parents of vulnerable sections not to let their children work and stressed that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, ensures free education for children up to the age of 14 years. n

Health

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Smuggled Chinese apples flood Guwahati markets G Plus checks out the spurt in “import” and sale of the Fuji brand of apples from China which were banned in 2017 after being tested and found to contain harmful substances Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

pples smuggled from China are entering Guwahati illegally and the city markets are flooded with such apples. These fruits are harmful as repeated tests had found pests in the incoming shipments in May 2017 after which India had suspended import of apples and pear from China. The import of apples from China was suspended in India from 1st June 2017. The manager of Shankar Fruits Distributors (a fruit distributor in Guwahati) said, “We do not sell Fuji apples (Chinese apple brand) as it is illegal to sell them and they have been banned in India since one year.” He further said that some retailers sell it after procuring the same illegally. Shankar Rai, a fruit retailer who has a shop in Fancy Bazar said, “Fuji apples reach Guwahati markets early in the mornings and the stock is limited.” Rai said that as the demand for Fuji apples is huge, the stock gets cleared out

There are around four to five Manipuri women who are running the entire business in Guwahati. According to the source, the gang collects the orders from the retailers and accordingly the demand is placed with their associates located in Manipur.

Chinese apples at a city market | G Plus Photo very fast within the daytime itself and by evenings it is not available in the market. He explained that in Fancy Bazar no distributor stocks such apples as apples mostly come to Guwahati from Delhi. At present, Indian apples are not available in the market; all the apples are imported from countries like New Zealand, USA and so on. The distributors in Delhi import the apples and these further get shipped to the distributors in Guwahati. He said that Fuji apples are in demand because during the monsoon season the officially imported apples are expensive while comparatively, the Chinese apples

are cheaper. The Chinese apples are smuggled in from China through Myanmar, Manipur, Nagaland and then to Guwahati. A source in the Fancy Bazar wholesale fruit market explained the entire nexus. There are around four to five Manipuri women who are running the entire business in Guwahati. According to the source, the gang collects the orders from the retailers and accordingly the demand is placed with their associates located in Manipur. The consignments are then loaded in the night super buses and sent to Guwahati via Dimapur. The consignments, carried in the night supers, reach Guwahati in

the early mornings (4.30 am to 6 am) at the Guwahati Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT). From ISBT, the apples are delivered to the retailers according to the demands. The retailers are mainly based in Adabari and Fancy Bazar. Chinese apples cost Rs 1,850 to Rs 2,200 per carton whereas apples imported from USA and New Zealand cost Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,500. Cartons are of two sizes: one containing 14-15 kgs of apples and the other containing 18kgs. The retailers save around Rs 500 minimum while selling one carton in Guwahati, whereas with the other apples, they save around Rs 50, the source claimed. n

Authorities to conduct special drives against the business

he authorities are aware of this illegal business and are planning special drives against the same. A senior official in the customs department said, “We are aware of this illegal business and our team had even seized some fruits in Manipur.” He said, even in Guwahati,

some cartons of apples were seized a few weeks back. He said, “We are also planning various drives against the illegal business.” The source said that it becomes difficult to identify the product after it reaches the market as the Chinese apples are mixed with the other apples

and the cartons that they come packed in are also destroyed. The health department officials, along with the recently appointed minister of state for health & family welfare, Pijush Hazarika, were seen visiting fruit shops to check the quality of the fruits a few days ago. Talking to the health department a source

said, “Chinese apples are harmful as it is infected with various pests. We are planning action against such traders selling Chinese apples in Guwahati.” Even food inspectors are planning raids to identify Chinese apples in Guwahati and these will be further sent for tests. n

SNIPPETS T-Shaped flyover at Dispur Super Market

fter reports of soil testing for the criss-cross flyover near Ganeshguri crossing, the initial groundwork has started for the other flyover at Dispur Super Market. A T-shaped flyover will be constructed at the Super Market crossing. This flyover is expected to de-congest the GaneshguriSecretariat traffic during rush hours. Initial survey work has been going on for a few days now near the location. Soil testing is being done near the Secretariat Road. The flyover will be 750 metres in length from the secretariat road to GS road. Starting from gate number 1 of the secretariat it will move towards Super Market and then turn towards Ganeshguri almost reaching the secretariat main entrance. On GS Road, towards Six Mile, the flyover will be constructed up to Down Town hospital. RITES, a Government of India enterprise, is the construction company involved with this flyover. n

Guwahati Central Jail inmates now get music lessons

he Central Jail Guwahati is alive with the sound of music these days. A music school has been set up inside the premises. Inmates Raju Chanda, Sargam Rabha and eight others have started vocals and six others have started taking guitar lessons. The initiative is by artists Anup Sarma and Gita Devi who are responsible for running the music school inside the central jail campus. The school ‘Khuror Pansoi’ was set up and started functioning from 11th May this year. This is a first of its kind in the history of Assam prisons. The curriculum is under the Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyapith. Recently, an exam was also conducted to assess the progress made by the inmates. The objective of the school is to get music within the jail premises and improve the psychological mindset of the inmates. The music school intends to make the prison life better and motivate the inmates to search for meaning in life with enjoyment. n

In The News

SNIPPETS New office bearers elected at GLTA

new body of the Guwahati Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) body was formed at its annual general meeting held in a city hotel on June 9 last. Kalyan Kumar Das was elected unopposed as the president while Nabajyoti Kalita and Dilip Pathak were elected as the general secretary and the treasurer of the association respectively. Pronoy Bordoloi was nominated as the chief advisor while Anirbaan Das, Kishore Jayanta Madhav and Riniki Bhuyan Sarma were nominated as the advisors of the association. The members discussed various matters related to the development of the association and opined that the motto of the association “Tennis for All” may be given maximum importance in the years to come. Other members: Working president – Utpal Choudhury, vice presidents - Hrishikesh Bijoy Das, Madhurjya Hazarika, joint secretaries – Bhaskar Sarma and Samar Deka executive committee – Dr. Vikash Bawri, Dhiraj Dutta, Raja Kakoti, Ajoy Das and Debangshu Bora. n

World Blood Donor Day observed

ssam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) and Assam State Blood Transfusion Council (ASBTC) observed World Blood Donor Day at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra. The theme for the World Blood Donor Day 2018 was “Be there for someone else. Give blood to save lives.” On this occasion, Principal Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Health & FW Department, Samir Sinha termed blood donors the real heroes of society. “The act of blood donation is an act of solidarity, partnership, collective conscience, empathy and respect for mankind,” he said. “There is an urgent need to carry the movement forward by every individual, community and society as a whole,” he added. This day is observed by all the member nations of the World Health Organisation as the World Blood Donor Day. n

Morphine seized at Guwahati Railway Station

overnment Railway Police (GRP) on Wednesday, while conducting a routine check, recovered morphine weighing approximately 900 grams from the possession of one passenger at Guwahati Railway Station from Rajdhani Express. n

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Changes on the cards for higher secondary curriculum Saumya Mishra saumya.mishra@g-plus.in

mphasising on skill development training of students, the state government is set to establish six skill development centres for higher secondary students, informed officials. Speaking during a programme on June 14, chairman of the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC), Dayananda Borgohain, informed that the council has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Art of Living Foundation to initially set up six centres. The authorities will then open a skill development centre in every district. “Now a subject based on handloom will also be made compulsory in all higher secondary schools in rural areas,” added Borgohain. The authorities also informed that setting up of kitchen gardens in all schools will be made mandatory. “These kitchen gardens will use organic manure and compost,” said Borgohain. The government plans to introduce another compulsory subject on agriculture, informed officials. Science teachers will be trained for the same. On the other hand, state education minister, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, stressed on ensuring proper mentorship for students who fail to achieve high marks or the first division in their secondary examinations. He said that if the students who have secured second or third division are not able to receive quality education in the state with colleges setting high cut off marks, it will hamper the overall development of the education scenario in the state.

AHSEC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Art of Living Foundation to initially set up six skill development centres.” Dayananda Borgohain, Chairman AHSEC

File photo of AHSEC office “Such students will not even be able to get access to the application form to get admission in colleges for class 11 and 12. Students who score second or third division, constitute more than 50% of the total, what will be their future?” said Bhattacharya urging the teachers and principals to give this issue a thought. The minister added that the hard work and efforts put in by teachers to prepare students for examinations is not reflected in the results of class 10 and 12. This year, the overall pass percentage in Assam for the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Class 10 examinations remained at 56.04%. Further, 59% boys and 53.2% girls passed the boards this year whereas a total of 67.15% students were successful in Kamrup (Metro) district. “We must also check if your hard work is being received by the students and if there is some noticeable change in the marks. We will have to focus more on bettering the results of class 11 and 12 because only then can the students get admissions in the courses and professions of their

choice based on these marks,” Bhattacharya urged the teachers. At the programme organised at B Borooah College, the education minister inaugurated the free textbooks distribution scheme for class 11 and 12 students. Speaking during the occasion, the minister called for making Guwahati a sought-after destination in the country to pursue higher education. Stressing on providing quality education in schools and colleges in Assam, the minister said that the authorities must strive towards creating an educational environment wherein students from across the country could come to pursue their higher education. “Children from our state shouldn’t have to go to other places like Kota to undertake coaching for various professional courses. Instead we should make Guwahati equipped for people from across the country to pursue their higher education here.” He also thanked the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Limited for delivering free textbooks be-

fore the beginning of the academic year this time. “Last year, we saw that the book distribution was delayed by a few months even as the classes had begun in schools and colleges causing inconvenience to students. But this time we were able to give the books before time,” said Bhattacharya. Further, commenting on this year’s AHSEC results, Borgohain said that he was happy to see that the talent has been distributed across the state and was not only concentrated in Guwahati. “Other districts which did not used to perform well earlier had produced toppers this time, which is a good development,” said the AHSEC chairman. He added that it was the responsibility of the teachers to ensure better results of the students who could not perform well in their class 12 examinations. Earlier, unhappy with the government’s decision to publish and distribute free textbooks, All Assam Publishers and Book Sellers Association (AAPBSA) had called a four-day statewide strike against the state government’s decision. n

City

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Clear and present danger: City under real threat of child-lifters In the aftermath of the Karbi Anglong lynching incident, G Plus explores the threat perceptions that the city and the state carry from the racket of child-lifting Saumya Mishra saumya.mishra@g-plus.in

he recent horrific lynching incident which took place in Karbi Anglong district has once again shifted the state’s focus to the issue of child trafficking and kidnapping in Assam. Last week two youths from Guwahati, Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath, were mistaken to be child lifters (or xopadhora as they are called in Assamese) by locals and were beaten to death by a mob in a village in Karbi Anglong. Experts believe that the innate fear of child kidnapping among locals stems from the real threat of abduction and trafficking of children which has been commonplace in the state. Explaining the history behind the concept of child lifters, Miguel Das Queah, a city-based child rights activist informed that it is a traditional child protection measure used in Assamese society as well as other parts of the country. “Using this technique, children are taught not to talk to strangers. This was a conventional form of child protection adopted by most Assamese families,” said Queah. He, however, added that the

threat is real and not perceived because in Assam several cases have been registered for missing children, many of whom have been trafficked. “However, in this particular incident, the circulation of that message was completely false and done with malicious intent,” he said. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, in 2015, Assam topped the list of states having the highest number of child trafficking cases with a total of 1,317 registered cases. The state’s contribution to this data at 37.7 percent of the all India total was the highest in the country. Further, according to the data of Guwahati Childline - a programme under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) meant for the safeguard of children in need of care and protection - a total of 73 cases were reported under “missing children” in 2017. Another agency for child protection under the state government has been receiving around 15 cases of missing children on an average every month and many of these later turn out to be trafficking cases. Child protection experts believe that this is because of the socio-economic and political

SNIPPETS NF Railway to reduce train stopping time in Guwahati

Representative image of child lifting realities such as conflict and marginalisation of communities in hill areas, agricultural crisis and displacement; there are a lot of children who are deceitfully trafficked or they go out looking for alternative occupations which finally becomes unsafe migration and they get stuck in this vicious cycle of exploitation. Officials say that Guwahati is fast becoming a “source centre”

Most child protection agencies under-resourced

any of the child protection agencies in the state are under-resourced, say authorities. They feel that the shortage of manpower and resources prevent them from fully utilising their potential. “Anti-human trafficking units do not have adequate manpower and resources. On the other hand, the police have a long way to go to become child-friendly since people are scared to respond in police cases and children are scared to approach the police. So, this is a combination of factors which leads to the breakdown of child protection system of the state, which is why children are very vulnerable,” said an official. Further, authorities say that the number of cases registered in the city against trafficking of children reflects only a small percentage of the total cases. “It is difficult to get a fair idea about the nature and extent of trafficking by looking at the number of registered cases since it is carried out mostly in a concealed manner, especially in the remote areas and

villages,” said secretary of the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR), Anuja Bhuyan. According to child protection experts, children who are trafficked or kidnapped, already suffer a vulnerability which might be economic as well as social. Further, children living in tea garden areas, hill areas, conflict areas and places which are prone to floods are more vulnerable to get trafficked since the continued deprivation in these zones makes them hot spots for trafficking. The state government on its part has established anti-human trafficking units (AHTU) in all districts of Assam in order to combat human trafficking, especially of women and children. For this, the district superintendents of police (SP) have been assigned the task to monitor these units. Officials informed that the SPs work in collaboration with the civil society, NGOs working in the field, panchayat members and government agencies to identify vulnerable areas for human trafficking. n

for trafficking children to other states of the northeast as well as places like Haryana, Delhi, Punjab and Kolkata. Abani Haloi, coordinator of the Guwahati unit of Railway Childline, which works to provide emergency rescue and protection services to children at railway stations, said that areas with railway connectivity are highly prone to trafficking. n

Recent prominent child abduction cases

n an effort to streamline the train operations for better punctuality, the Northeast Frontier Railway has decided to reduce the stoppage time of as many as 33 mail express and passenger trains at the Guwahati station. The reduction of the stoppage time varies from 5 minutes to as much as 25 minutes with effective June 18. The stoppage of 15967 RangiyaDibrugarh Express, 15927 RangiyaDibrugarh Express, 13281 New Tinsukia-Rajendranagar Express, 15659 Kanchanjunga Express, 25657 Kanchanjunga Express and 15929 Chennai Egmore Dibrugarh Express has been reduced by 25 minutes. In the case of 22502, New Tinsukia – Bengaluru Express, 15942 Dibrugarh – Jhajha Express, 15660 Kanchanjunga Express and 25658 Kanchanjunga Express the reduction time is 20 minutes. n

72 hours prewarning of flood now possible

he state, as well as the city, has seen a number of cases of child kidnapping and abduction in the past few years. In a case of trafficking, a 13-year-old girl from the city went missing from Katabari in April last year. The girl was lured by a suspected agent who abducted her on the pretext of taking her on a road trip. She was later rescued after a few months in October from Haryana and was brought back to Guwahati. The police later revealed that she was sold off for Rs 30,000 and was being forced into marriage in a village in Haryana.

B In a more recent incident which took place in February this year, a five-year-old girl was kidnapped from a school in Guwahati. She was, however, rescued after 11 hours by the city police and three persons were also arrested in connection with the case on charges of kidnapping. The five-year-old was kidnapped from outside her private school. n

rahmaputra Board Chairman, Sanjay Kundu, in a review meeting today, reviewed the works undertaken by the Board in the previous year and also the budgets allocated. Speaking to media persons on the question of flood prevention in the state in the coming days, Kundu said, “Major initiatives are being taken up by the Ministry of the Water Resources and Central Water Commission in the form of flood forecasting. The flood forecasting mechanisms are very robust. Now, they are able to give 72 hours pre-warning and there is a huge network of flood forecasting sites in the northeast, he added. n

Ward Survey

G PLUS | JUN

Six Mile, Joyanagar in Ward 28 report flouting in 9 of 14 living parameters In Ward Watch this week, the G Plus survey finds that one of the city’s premier and busiest localities is rather ill-maintained and the residents have a number of complaints Avishek Sengupta avishek.sengupta@g-plus.in

he living standards in Six Mile and Joyanagar of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Ward No 28 are in deplorable condition, the residents complained. In a survey conducted by G Plus, 50 families of the ward were asked questions on 14 parameters of living standards such as water supply, streetlights, garbage collection etc., of which, a majority of the respondents gave negative responses against nine parameters. More importantly, the most basic and crucial services such as drinking water, garbage collection, streetlights and drainage – services that are directly the onus of GMC – are also marred by incompetency, expressed the residents. Regarding availability of potable water, 44 respondents (88 per cent) said that they don’t receive water at all while 3 others (6 per cent) said that they get water at irregular intervals. The same goes for garbage collection as 19 respondents (38 per

cent) said that garbage is collected irregularly. 47 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the streetlights of which, one person (2 per cent) said the roads are vaguely lit, 21 (42 per cent) said there is insufficient light and 25 persons said that there are no streetlights. About drainage too, 38 persons (76 per cent) said that it needs maintenance, while four persons (8 per cent) said that the drainage network is in a pathetic condition. “This ward does not get much support from the GMC. We are pretty much on our own. We have our own deep tube-wells for water, but the lack of other facilities is making living difficult here; more so due to the lack of streetlights and drainage maintenance,” Romen Paul, a resident here said. Six Mile and Joyanagar, which have recently developed into happening localities of the city with new hospitals being built, streetlights remain confined to the main roads only while the lanes continue to remain dark. Another resident, Manika Das said, “It is very scary at night for women. Even though there are not many cases of eve teasing and drinking openly here, lack of lights

Garbage at Jayanagar | G Plus Photo in the lanes might encourage antisocial elements to take advantage.” Dheeman Bhuyan, another resident complained, “This area did not have much water logging issues. But recently, there were instances when we’ve had flash flood like situations. I think it is due to the overburdened drains.”

Bhuyan was not the only one as 35 persons (70 per cent) complained of water logging of which, 17 persons (54 per cent) are of the opinion that the problem is confined within some lanes only. “But if the government does not take prompt action, it will aggravate to the other lanes too

because, until a few years back, the problem was not there in those lanes either,” Krishno Deka, a resident said. This apart, the residents also complained of lack of pest control measures, public toilets, adequate parking space and of traffic congestion. (See Chart)

0% Yes 60% No 40% Sometimes Pest Control Measures

36% Yes 30% No 34% In some lanes Water Logging issues

14% Smooth 40% Occassionally crowded 46% Pathetic

12% Yes 88% No 0% Sometimes Water Supply

8% Yes 76% No 16% Could be better Drainage system

6% 2% 42% 50% Street Lights

0% Yes 100% No Parking Spaces

0% Yes 100% No Public Toilets

26% Everyday 18% Twice a week 18% Once a week 0% Fortnightly 38% Irregular 0% Never Garbage Collection

Councillor Report

Negative Response

Concentrated

Populatio Ward C

20% Always 36% Sometimes 44% Never

Councillor in Co

10% Yes 24% No 26% Sometimes 28% Only during elec

Councillor Inter

Ward Survey

16 - JUN 22, 2018

Good roads a saving grace

Road works consumed all the funds: Councillor

T Good road condition at Jayanagar | G Plus Photo So, the roads need to be well maintained,” Rupam Lahkar, a resident said. Another resident, Krishno Deka said, “Last year, the road conditions were bad as there were some optical fibre laying works going on. But after that, they were repaired and now they are much better than the roads in several other parts of the city.” Roads however, are not the only high points in Ward No 28 as the residents are also inclined towards ranking it as a more secure place than the most other areas of the city. While more than half the respondents - 26 persons (52 per cent) – termed the ward as secure, 23 others, (46 per cent) are of the opinion that it needs more securi-

ction

raction

he councillor of Ward No 17 said that he had to spend all the money on road works due to which he could not take up other developmental issues. “The funds are limited and I have to be judicious about spending it. I have laid more importance on the roads. There are several hospitals here. Moreover, it is a very important road for vehicles travelling from Basistha and Khanapara into the city. Good roads are a necessity here. I cannot compromise even a little bit here,” said Councillor Bhagyaram Terong. Giving an example of other wards, he said, “There is no ward in the city where throughout its extent, the roads are good. We all (councillors) try to do the works such as road, drainage, streetlights etc. by balancing our funds on a priority basis. In my ward, roads are obviously the highest priority.” In a bid at defending himself, Terong however, said, “It is not that other works have not been done. There are streetlight posts in all the lanes and sub lanes. There are drains to the farthest part of the ward. It is just that the streetlights have not been repaired yet. We did not have the funds to buy the bulbs and have the drains cleaned more frequently.” Terong also admitted that the garbage collection is not being done regularly and blames the NGOs for that. “It is very difficult to control the errant NGOs. I was apprised by the residents about the NGOs’

irregularity. But, they don’t listen to anyone. They are always late for work and will always come up with excuses. I am trying to streamline that part of the service by engaging other NGOs.” He promised of solving the garbage issue by the end of this month. The election this year, is going to be a litmus test for Terong, as he is one among the dissidents who had left congress and joined BJP to form new council after the later had a landslide victory in the Assam legislative Assembly Election 2016. As he won from the same ward in 2013 from Congress, this is the first election he will be representing the BJP, if he gets the ticket. Seemingly apprehensive, Terong said, “Let’s see if I get the ticket from the BJP. I’ve been honest and did everything that is possible in my hand. There are bills supporting every expense that were made from the councillor’s fund. The residents of my ward will understand my limitations.” Chances, however, does not look very bright for Terong as according to the G Plus survey, majority of the respondents – 29 (58 per cent) – had ranked him as an underperformer while 11 other (22 per cent) termed his performance as poor. The residents are also not very satisfied by his interaction with the ward residents as a good number of the respondents – 14 persons (28 per cent) -- believe that he only interacts only during elections. n Survey conducted by Shreya Chakraborty

Area: Six Mile and Jayanagar (28A) Ward No: 28 opulation of the Ward: 27,000 Voter Population: 18,000 on of Six Mile and Jayanagar : 11,000 Councillor: Bhagyaram Terong

ommunity Works

ty. Only one person said that there is lack of security in the ward. “There is lack of streetlights, but this area is more or less secure. This is probably because while most of the city roads get deserted after 9 pm, heavy vehicles and other commutation remains very vibrant here till late in the night,” Lahkar said. Regarding the availability of medical facilities, all the residents have unanimously said that it is a major advantage. Within the radius of one kilometre in the area, there are at least four private hospitals and several pharmacies. The residents also gave good remarks about lack of load shedding and good transport connectivity. n

62% Yes 38% No Do you know Councillor?

0% Excellent 20% Satisfactory 58% Under performing 22% Poor Councillor Performance

Positive Response

or a ward marred with problems, the roads in Six Mile and Joyanagar area are in a good condition, residents expressed. Off the 50 respondents in the G Plus Survey, 16 (32 per cent) ranked the roads to be of good quality, and 31 (62 per cent) said the road conditions are of average quality. Only 2 people (4 per cent) said the roads are of bad quality while 1 (2 per cent) said it to be in pathetic condition. “The roads here are comparatively better than other parts of the city. Most of the roads here are newly constructed. Moreover, it acts as an important detour for trucks and other heavy vehicles.

52% Very secured 46% Secured 2% Needs more security 0% No security Law and Order

32% Good 62% Average 4% Bad 2% Pathetic Road Condition

100% Yes 0% No 0% Needs improvement Ambulance, Health Services

94% Yes 2% No 4% Needs improvement Transport Connectivity

72% Sometimes 0% Half an hour daily 10% An hour daily 10% More than an hour 8% No load shedding Load shedding

14 E

G Talk D

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

System update required

ob mentality: something that is difficult to comprehend in that a large number of individuals come together to think alike and be destructive to the point of being murderous. Yes, the Karbi Anglong lynching is the talking point, of course. Two lethal lynching incidents just 5 years apart in this district has painted a roguish picture of the tribe that dominates it and one wonders what makes them so belligerent towards innocent “outsiders.” The wider perspective, in understanding such belligerence and the backlashes thereof, would be to question the system of governance currently in prevalence. There seems to be distinct lack of faith in the system that triggers a sense of insecurity coupled with intolerance in India today. Hark back to the days of the Award Wapsis; the whole exercise was a clear manifestation of intolerance and lack of faith in the current system. Add to that were the beef bans and lynching incidents on just the suspicion of eating beef prompting actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to speak out their minds only to be trolled heavily. And beyond all this is the sudden surge of fake news that seem so real. Yes, the

rising intolerance stems somewhere from a system that seems to have gone wrong so much that people no longer have faith in it. Or in the current and modern context, the system might just not be correct and could well be obsolete. Take the case of the protests against the Karbi Anglong lynching and the shrill cries for justice as well. Isn’t that also a clear manifestation of us just not believing any more that delivery of justice is a natural process but something that we have to continually demand for? The parochial perspective would be a tale of putting the cart before the horse. An economically unsound district with educationally challenged villagers suddenly exposed to the fancies of the latest technology in their palms naturally makes it the perfect recipe for disaster. The outsider who comes from that fancy world as seen on their phones is an object of jealousy while his curiosity of say their waterfalls an object of familiarity from their backyard – is incomprehensible. And so, perhaps their only source of excitement is mayhem and murder. Isn’t a system update required? Swapnil Bharali Editor

Fekna bandh karo! Fake mat!

omeone in 2018 said that the words to live by are: ‘If it’s not on social media, did it even happen?’ But did someone ever wait to think, ‘What if it’s on social media, and it never actually happened?’ Being only four years young in the media space, I have come to realize that everything posted on social media is taken on face value by our. People have moved from questions to accusations and despite having so much space on the internet for expression, seldom does fake news find its victim and hear their justification. Yes, fake news has victims. Most recently, Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das and no, they are not the only ones. We have all become victims of fake news at some point on the internet. Some of us laughed it off, some forwarded it on WhatsApp and some believed it, with conviction. But your fate was not as terrible as Abhijit and Nilotpal. Between you and I, there are thousands of Abhi-Nil waiting to happen; waiting for a trigger, waiting for a frenzied mob. And we are all guilty; guilty of not being better informed, guilty of not taking out 30 seconds to rectify someone’s incorrect information, despite knowing better. At any point, did you look back on that one UNESCO post you shared that made Jana Gana Mana the Best National Anthem of the world or the one that made Modi the Best Prime Minster in the world? No. So you, I and everyone else who has been a part of spreading misinformation ‘just because someone said so’ are guilty of taking Abhi and Nil’s lives. And if there is a takeaway from what happened at Karbi Anglong, it’s not that we need to rename a waterfall or erect a statue – it is to stop, look and verify every share, forward or comment that we make because that is where the crime begins. Issued in public interest

Rahul Chanda

O pi n io n Karbi Anglong lynching and its modern bases Abhinav Pankaj Borbora

considerable amount of things have been already said and done regarding the unfortunate incident of mob violence in Karbi Anglong district. But such exercises remain superfluous unless a sustained attempt is made to determine the objective character of the instance of violence in question. Consequently, the afore-stated responses remain restricted within their narrow petty bourgeois confines and fail to appreciate the objective bases that produce such fratricidal antagonisms. Popular narratives regarding the fatalistic act of violence has tended to read the incident through pre-modern political categories. Such a reading moves the issue over to a civilizational binary where ‘violence’ is consigned to the ‘uncivilised’ that practice modes of behaviour that could be called ‘barbaric.’ It is precisely at this preliminary juncture that the afore-stated exercises make an analytical error. It is instead necessary to acknowledge the modern bases that undergird lynching and other relatable forms of violence. With regard to the mob lynching in Karbi Anglong and in other areas as well, the natural reflex is to attribute a sense of primordially to such behaviour. Instead, the conflict in Karbi Anglong between the ‘locals’ and the ‘outsider’ should be situated within the larger political discourse that has been simmering in Assam since the 1960s and attained premium potency during the better half of the decade of 1980. Such a discourse is underpinned on the logic of ‘exclusivity’ that involves demarcating ‘purity’ by excluding the ‘dissimilar.’ And the logic of ‘exclusivity’ reproduces itself and its opposition at every level thereby exhibiting both cosmopolitan and local manifestations. The mob lynching in Karbi Anglong district as well as other relatable incidents in the region could be thus interpreted as the perverted outcome of a form of politics that is designed to produce the ‘other’ by conflating ‘difference’ with ‘suspect.’ What catalyses such mobcentric forms of violence can be understood in the context

rMisbehaviour by Uber

of a profound disenchantment with the modern state. Under democracy, the citizenry voluntarily obliges to the authority of the state because the latter undertakes to secure the life, liberty and estate of the former. This is a very Lockean understanding of the state. At this point, it is worth recalling that rumours about child-lifters were in wide circulation in the days immediately preceding the incident. Despite this, the district administration did very little to address the anxieties of the rural folk. The immediate apathy of the administration coupled with pre-existing perceptions of discredibility associated with these agencies laid the ground for the further accentuation of these apprehensions. The mob in Karbi Anglong was but the empirical manifestation of tendencies of

The author tries to rationalize the irrationality of the Karbi Anglong mob violence that killed two innocent tourists from Guwahati and the contribution of technology that precipitated the tragedy vigilantism stirred by a failing criminal justice system that is becoming increasingly incapable of inspiring confidence amongst the citizenry. It would however be inadequate to understand the failings of the state in itself. Rather, the indifference of the state could be seen in light of the emergence of a modern economic restructuring that has altered the priorities of the administration away from the multitude. Grasping the interrelation between an apathetic state that has undergone a change of priorities under a neo liberal economic arrangement and the consequent rise in instances of vigilantism is integral to understanding not only the Karbi Anglong incident but any relatable case as well. Two dimensions have been

examined till now. The tragic incident in Karbi Anglong needs to be understood on the basis on another dimension. The apprehension with regard to functioning of a group of child abductees in the Karbi Anglong region was disseminating through a medium that has attributes of advanced technology. The possession of such technology in turn presupposes a roughly middleincome financial threshold which itself is the outcome of modern economic relations. At this point it is important to properly situate Karbi Anglong and other similarly positioned regions in terms of their appropriate historical stage. A society that is passing through backward capitalism materially experiences incipient levels of financial mobility while structures of consciousness continue to remain feudal for a prolonged duration of time. This corresponds to a society that experiences a disjuncture between the level of expansion of purchasing power and the corresponding patterns of behaviour. Individuals in societies undergoing such a historical stage experience the afore-stated peculiarity even in terms of handling advanced technology. Such people, captivated as they are by the charms of science, generally fail to approximate the strength commanded by such mediums and their ability to ‘take a life of their own.’ This assertion is applicable not only with regard to people in the remote outback but also in relation to the regional metropolises. The death of the two individuals was thus partly brought about by the uncritical and irresponsible use of a modern technological medium. The lynching at Panjuri Village under Dokmoka police station as well as other similar incidents should be thus situated in the malaise of bourgeois modernity that is received uncritically. Pseudo political commentary and demonstrations that have surfaced in the aftermath of the incident fail to grasp such subtleties and hence remain hollow. (The author is a political commentator and runs the NGO “College Students’ Welfare Committee”)

Letter to the Editor

n 9th June I booked an Uber cab from Ambari, Guwahati to Fancy Bazaar at 18:36 hours. Then I got call from the Uber cab driver (mobile number 910171042) where he expressed his inability to attend the booking. The driver was of the opinion that there is heavy traffic in Fancy Bazaar area and so he was not willing to go. Then I asked him to cancel the booking as cancelling a booking from the customer’s side is chargeable. I was firm that since the driver was refusing to attend the booking he should cancel it. The very next minute I got another call (3371170963) from Uber. The person on the line, without any rhyme or reason, started abusing me for cancelling the booking. While I repeatedly told him that it was the cab driver who had refused to go by the booking, the person on the line just refused to listen to me. He was threatening me for cancelling the booking. I hereby strongly object to such unruly behaviour. I, through your esteemed tabloid, want to lodge a complaint to the higher authorities of Uber. The cab drivers as well as the call centre people should be taught basic manners. Aparna Chowdhury, Guwahati

In Focus

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Vaastu expert, entrepreneur, civil engineer

n engineer by qualification and an entrepreneur by profession, Hemanta Kumar Sarmah is a Guwahati based Vaastu expert. Born in Digboi town of Assam, Hemanta did his early schooling from Bhaskar Vidyapith School, Guwahati before pursuing higher education from Mahadev Agarwala Higher Secondary School in Mariani. He went on to study pre-university in science stream from Cotton College (Now Cotton University) prior to doing graduation in civil engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. Right after graduating in 1983, Hemanta landed a job at the Assam Pollution Control Board which he quit in 2 years to start his own business. Collaborating with three of his friends from college, he started off as an industrialist manufacturing ‘Cleen-X’ cleaning powder. The product did pretty well and was marketed for around 10 years. Alongside, they ventured into the fabrication industry by opening up a medium scale power

loom unit that manufactured grey fabrics. Later, the group of engineers shifted lines and moved from industry business to trades and services business. Initially, they started a tyre business but went on to undertake dealerships of companies like Ford and Renault. Besides having four units in Guwahati itself, they currently have multiple branches across the state in places like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Bongaigaon, etc. Like most other Vaastu practitioners, Hemanta too learned Vaastu out of curiosity after visiting a fellow expert. Recalling his introduction to Vaastu Shastra back in 1995, Hemanta told G Plus, “When we were industrialists, our business wasn’t doing very well and we consulted a Vaastu expert who apprised us of the fact that there were defects in our Vaastu which was causing problems. We took his suggestions only to realise that Vaastu did play a role. It was then that I decided to study Vaastu Shastra in depth.”

Hemanta has been studying, practicing and experimenting with Vaastu Shastra – the science of architecture – for over 2 decades now. Among the hundreds of companies and individuals that have consulted him, around 85% are now satisfied with the results. In the urban spaces, hardly 5-10% people know about Vaastu while merely 1% actually implement it, he informed. A lot of people believe that Vaastu is different for different people but Hemanta clarifies, “Vaastu is same for all – no matter what your name or date of birth is. However, there can be some differences based on a person’s own energy level. Some people are strong enough to withstand Vaastu defects, while others are affected by even the smallest Vaastu defect.” Hemanta informed G Plus that among the most common and prominent Vaastu items are yantras, pyramids and Feng Shui items. He further added that although some Feng Shui items like mirrors, crystals and

laughing Buddhas are used by Vaastu experts as well, Vaastu and Feng Shui are indeed very different. Vaastu is a traditional Hindu system of architecture that revolves around the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and sky; Feng Shui is a pseudoscience originating from China that revolves around wood, fire, earth, metal and water. “Honestly, I don’t know how Feng Shui works, but practical experiences have shown that it works. No science can explain it,” Hemanta adds. Apart from practicing Vaastu, Hemanta is also among the very few practitioners of alternate medicine ‘pranic healing’ in Guwahati. A passionate musician, he is the founding member of Spreading Roots – a blues and rock music band – formed in 2011. Hemanta, who is a guitarist as well as a pianist, has been

participating in various shows and competitions ever since he was a student of Grade 6. The winner of All India Cultural Festival at BITS Pilani in 1980, Hemanta informed G Plus, “Had I not done engineering, I believe I’d have been a musician.” Hemanta is also a sports enthusiast and a member of the prestigious India Club, Guwahati where he plays tennis regularly. Earlier, he used to play cricket and has also represented his school and college at various tournaments. Further, he has also led the Assam Bridge Team (Contract Bridge, or simply Bridge, is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck) for 3 years and represented Assam 4 times at the national level.

In the aftermath of the Karbi Anglong lynching incident, literary stalwart Rongbong Terang’s views of not favouring erection of Abhi-Nil statues evoked sharp reactions both in support and against him. Here are some of them: Nayanmani Deka Well the central idea of constructing the statue is to keep the memories of the cursed day alive for generations to come. But statues in Assam are prone to negligence in maintenance and that would disrespect the deceased and their families. I am not a scholar but I want to say: name the waterfall to Abhijeet-Nilotpal Waterfall and the road of the village to Abhijeet-Nilotpal Road. These would bound them to remember them throughout their life. Every villager will have their name on their upcoming Aadhaar Cards as their address.Please don’t use abbreviated names like Abhi-Neel etc. It’s not a username or a social media page name. Diganta Barman Monument should be made. Apart from being a genuine tribute to the two innocent souls, it will also be the source of prolonged guilt for the common people which will trigger positive introspection leading to future tolerance for non-tribal people and harmless visitors in the minds of those villagers. Looking at the monuments every day, if some villagers also develop a little love and goodwill for those two departed souls, it will be a win for humanity. But the main culprits should get capital punishment at the earliest. Justice is what we want, these things can happen later. Let’s first punish the culprits. Chinmoy Prabar Talukdar Renaming the waterfalls as Abhi-Neel waterfalls would forever make the names of Abhijit and Nilutpal immortal. The statue would anyway wear and tear someday from natural elements. We would be long gone, but people would still remember their names even after hundreds of years. An inscription also needs to be erected near the waterfalls mentioning their lifespan and the circumstances that led to the renaming of the falls. I strongly disagree with what Rongbong Terang has said. This statue will make them realise what wrong they have done.

Nazoo Glan This culture of erection of statute and naming the falls and road after the duo is unwanted and unnecessary. It’s the product of bankruptcy mind-set. One and all should avoid the politics of statue, and engage ourselves with the idea of scholarship in the name of duo in the field of entrepreneurship and music so that we can bring back the qualities of both in our future generation. In this direction both the government and the families including all can participate for a good cause and it will bring impact in the society in days to come. On this point Rongbong Terang is right and I support the idea. Ronsai Khwrwmg I too agree with Rongbong Terang! No statues should be made and none of the waterfalls should be renamed. So many Indians have lost their lives in foreign countries (Australia, US, etc.) due to some unfortunate incidents. Do we people have the guts to go there and build statues and renamed areas? There are a lot of things that can be done rather than building a statue in their names. First and foremost, the culprits should be punished. That’s what we want as citizens of Assam. Building statues or renaming any waterfall would not bring justice in any way. The government should take action and strict laws should be imposed on such crimes.

Feature

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Standing Tall among the Sal Trees: Sukracharjya Rabha Asha Kuthari Chaudhuri

n the middle of December, for the last few years, it was a good idea to visit the forests of Agia, near Rampur, Goalpara, if you happened to be a theatre-lover. In this unlikely place, you would attend a unique theatre festival – Under the Sal Tree. And it was under the sal trees that the stage and the spectators (some 2000 of them) were set up; it was here that artistes from the world over came to perform. And Sukracharjya Rabha, the life breath of this theatre commune, has suddenly breathed his last – leaving us all in shock. Badungduppa Kalakendra was conceptualized as a ‘performing laboratory’ where different cultures of the region and the world would interact, blend and assimilate in search of a new performative language. “We made the stage under the sal trees… we want to make people renew our relationship with nature through theatre,” Sukracharjya Rabha had said at the festival. In a time when technology and complex paraphernalia have overpoweringly proliferated into the theatre, how could theatrical intervention change the human perspective? Theatre learners from the villages

would go to towns and cities – to modern stage and sound systems; learning stagecraft in urban auditoriums. Returning to their own villages, they were unable to transpose their creativity without the aid of these urban, technological accoutrements; most did not have the wherewithal to ‘do’ theatre. But it is possible to understand theatre organically. So once Sukracharjya’s theatre group was formed, it made sense to start at the local level and in the Rabha language. It was Sukracharjya’s encounter with Heisnam Kanhailal in 2002 that led him to imbibe the nuances of a ‘different’ kind of theatre that would connect with the

audience through a collaborative project titled ‘Nature-Lore’ of Kalakshetra Manipur. Badungduppa Kalakendra was born in 1998, exploring new possibilities of survival and sustenance of theatre in a pristine rural ambience, and by taking performance into nature itself. The connect with the forest and nature led Sukracharjya to adopt a very simple form of storytelling, using no props or artificial lighting and all the music that was used would be played in front of the audience. “I have always believed that theatre is not for a particular group of people, and it should not be kept confined to an auditorium. I simply want to take theatre to the masses, to make them feel that they are part of it. While writing or directing a drama, I try to get into the skin of both the enlightened as well as the common audience. I always encourage my co-artists not to act, but to express their feeling and experiences of life while they perform,” (Rabha, In Conversation). At Badungduppa (named after a local musical instrument, traditionally used to drive out evil), the local

actors – his troupe consists of about 18 actors, all from nearby villages – trained under the NSD-trained Rabha who was familiar with all the trappings of the western/modern/realistic/ proscenium stage. He crafted his new stage out of mud in the shape of a semicircle (similar to the proscenium) and started the “Under the Sal Tree” Theatre Festival in 2009.

The author pays tribute to a theatre visionary who had imagination beyond the ordinary and the drive to bring such imagination to life; his untimely death is a profound loss to Assam True to its name, the festival is performed in the forest using only natural light and a makeshift stage. The stage backdrop is made of thatch; the gallery for the audience is constructed using locally available bamboo and betel-nut trees and not a single tree is felled. The show is mounted under the soothing silence of the Sal trees. No artificial material is used

anywhere; there are no loudspeakers/amplifiers and after the festival concludes, the actors ensure that the forests return to their natural serenity. “The culture of theatre cannot exist without maintaining a close relationship with nature; and if theatre is my life, then the forest

is the most important part of that life,” he said. With remarkable perseverance, he was able to take drama back from the sophisticated ambience of the urban proscenium to the serenity of nature; the performances were enacted in broad daylight under the sunshine that passes through the sieve and the moist odour of the greenish-yellow tender leaves of the Sal tree. In this tranquil cocoon, performances are free from noise and extraneous sounds. “Theatre is my entire life. I insist that we must take theatre out of the sophisticated auditorium or stage, and take it to our own people. Forests are an integral part of the life of the tribes in Assam, and the idea of celebrating drama in the midst of a forest environment took roots in my mind, and I tried to conceive of my drama in a way where it can be performed both on stage as well as off it, to reach wider audiences” (Rabha, in conversation). Badungduppa had begun to develop into a place for generating and exchanging ideas, for feedback and dialogue. Each evening during the festival, there were circular discussions among the participants and audience on issues thrown up by the performances, around a campfire, and theatre workshops for local children during the daytime. The celebration of theatre includes food and accommodation for groups and for the audience as well, if they ask for it. Rabha’s theatre travelled and performed too, but it is its site specificity that lends it that almost indefinably quality: deep in the Sal forests of Agia, the magic of his theatre came alive. Sukracharjya Rabha was a man with a vision, and the drive. Badungduppa Kalakendra is a living example of what is possible: we theorize about the possibility of a theatre of roots, the experiments of a Jerzy Grotowski, a Eugenio Barba or a Badal Sircar; he actualized it at Agia. His trajectory was clearly going to place him with the greats like Thiyam and Kanhailal, his master, but tragically, the journey was cut short much too early. n

Trotter

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Chef Vikas Khanna finds Muslim family that saved him during Mumbai riots

very year since 1992, Chef Vikas Khanna has fasted for a day during the holy month of Ramadan to honour a Muslim family he credits with saving his life during the 1992 riots in Mumbai. Now, 26 years later, the New Yorkbased celebrity chef says he's happy to have finally found the family he lost touch with. On 11th June, he tweeted he was happy to have tracked down the family and would break his Ramadan fast with them. Later, presumably after meeting and sharing an Iftar meal with the Mumbai family, Chef Khanna tweeted: "Heart-warming evening. All Heart. Tears. Pain. Pride. Courage. Humanity. Gratitude." Chef Khanna described what unfolded nearly three decades ago in a Facebook post in 2015: "I was training in the kitchen of Sea Rock Sheraton, Mumbai in 1992 December when riots broke and whole city was under fire. We were stuck in the hotel for days." Elaborating in an interview

to a TV channel last year, a clip of which went viral, Chef Khanna said because of curfews in place during the riots, no staff was able to leave or enter the hotel. One day, he heard a rumour that the situation in Mumbai's Ghatkopar was getting out of hand with many hurt as a result of the riots. Worried about the safety of his brother who lived there, the chef said he immediately rushed to Ghatkopar - despite not knowing his way around the city. On the way, a Muslim family warned him against rioters and took him in, he said in the interview. Soon, a mob descended upon their home and demanded to know who he was. "He's our son,"

the family told the mob, the chef recounted, and the group eventually left. For nearly two days, Chef Khanna said he slept on their floor. "I don't know who they were or where I was during that time," Chef Khanna recalled. The family sent a relative to find out about Chef Khanna's brother - who, fortunately, was found to be safe. "Since that year, I fast for one day during the Holy Month to thank them and keep them in my prayers," Chef Khanna wrote on Facebook. On June 11, the chef tweeted that he had managed to track down the Good Samaritans. A couple of days ago, he tweeted: "Heart-warming evening... Thank you everyone to connect me with my souls.” The incredible reunion has struck a chord with many on social media. "Your life story is absolutely amazing... You are truly destiny's child," wrote one person. "This is real India," wrote another. (Source: cnbc)

Artwork by peon selected as cover of rail ministry’s booklet of achievements

n artwork by a peon has been selected as the cover of the railway ministry’s booklet of achievements. Shyam Sundar (35), working as a peon with the East Coast Railway headquarters in Bhubaneswar, was first spotted by a Delhi-based ministry official when he won top honours at an inter-railway painting competition recently. The cover, which was the centre of attention at railway minister Piyush Goyal’s press conference yesterday, shows Mahatma Gandhi disembarking a train with people greeting him at the gate. The booklet highlights the government’s latest project - commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary. “I

have been working as a peon for the past 10 years and this is my moment,” said Sundar, who was felicitated by the minister in the national capital yesterday.The artist said the final painting that made it to the 10 inch x 10 inch cover was his third entry, as the two

sample sketches drawn by him were rejected. “In the first one I sent, Gandhiji and the crowd were looking at the camera, so it was not selected. In the second one, Gandhiji’s face was not clear, but I got it right in the third attempt. It was all done and approved in one night because we were working on a tight deadline,” Sundar, a graduate in art and craft from Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, said. The booklet highlights the achievement of railways in the last four years and is sent to all public representatives. An excited Sundar added, “The railway minister shook my hand and said that the painting was beautiful. It was a moment of pride for me”. (Source: timesofindia)

Man arrested for ‘Punish a Muslim’ day letters

35-year-old man from Lincoln was arrested on suspicion of soliciting to murder, sending a hoax noxious substance and threatening letters. He’s being held in custody at a police station in West Yorkshire. The letters boast of horrific ‘rewards’ if people carry out attacks on Muslims, including torture, burning down mosques and throwing acid on peoples’ faces. They were posted through letterboxes across England, including West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire,

Leicestershire and London. Many women were warned to hide their hijabs and not walk alone in response to the threats, while families were urged to lock their doors and be careful when out and about. In a statement, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said they raided a home in Lincoln and an office in the city centre. In the face of potential violence, many people showed their solidarity with Muslims, fighting against racism and Islamophobia. Close to a hundred people

formed a human chain outside Newcastle Central Mosque in a show of strength. The members of Tyne and Wear Citizens, a local branch of Citizens UK, said they were ‘spreading love, not hate’ on ‘Punish a Muslim’ day. (Source: metro.co)

Woman calls police to restaurant to complain over unprepared pizza

ave you ever been so hungry, and consequently so angry, that you wanted to call the police on the restaurant for delaying your food order? A woman in Canada actually did. According to local media, a 32-year-old woman in Ontario, dining with her 10-year-old son, called the police to the restaurant over a pizza that wasn’t prepared on time. The incident took place on Monday night and led to the police warning citizens not to use police help lines for trivial matters. According to the Toronto Star, police say they were called to a restaurant in Elgin, only to find a “hangry” customer complaining about her delayed dinner. Ontario Police constable Sandra Barr said the 32-year-old unnamed woman and her son called the police because their pizza order had not been prepared on time.

Barr said that police educated the woman on the appropriate use of emergency helplines something that authorities in UK had to do last year when a woman called them about a cracked egg. “The 911 system is for those that are in imminent danger,” she said. “It’s for emergency situations in need of police, fire or ambulance. It’s not for pizza calls.” The police also took to Twitter to remind citizens that 911 is for emergencies only. (Source: ndtv)

Car hangs from 4th floor parking; driver hit accelerator by mistake

car dangling from the fourth storey of a multilevel parking was hoisted back up and the woman inside miraculously rescued without any injuries in California. The incident took place in Santa Monica. A photograph shared by the Santa Monica fire department shows the sedan dangling precariously off the edge of the parking. According to ABC News, the elderly woman who was driving the car said that she accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, leading to her car to crash through the barriers of the

parking garage and dangle over the edge. "Everyone was sitting in suspense thinking any minute it's going to drop," witness Reign Bryant told. Fortunately, the woman was pulled to safety from the dangling car by a passer-by, a tourist from France vacationing in California. Firefighters then secured the vehicle with cables to keep it from falling over, and a tow truck arrived at the scene to hoist the car back to the parking. Santa Monica fire department confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. (Source: ndtv)

Review

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, etc Director: Remo D’Souza

R e w Movi vie Re

Race 3

ace 3 is everything film students are taught not to do, but then what do they know? From the first scene in which Anil Kapoor blows up a gang member with the help of a pen bomb to Salman coming to the rescue of his family in a base-jump suit, Race 3 unabashedly targets the fans. There isn’t any pretension of logical filmmaking or sound screenplay. It seems Race 3 categorically wants the nonSalman fans to mind their own business. The story revolves around the Singh family that comprises of Shamsher (Anil Kapoor) his step-son Sikandar (Salman Khan), twins Suraj (Saqib Saleem) and Sanjana (Daisy Shah). They run a

business of illegal arms and trade with the help of their friend Yash (Bobby Deol). TThere is an intrafamily rivalry going on among all of them for the control of business and assets but things get dramatic when Jessica (Jacqueline Fernandez) meets Sikandar and the family ties are strained under each characters ulterior motives. Not that Race and Race 2 were classics, but Race 3 has taken things too far. Remo D’Souza’s idea of a dysfunctional family is far more juvenile than Abbas-Mustan’s. Dialogues in the film also play on a different level altogether. Just when you thought nothing could surpass ‘My business is my business, none of your business,’ Daisy Shah comes up with another gem: ‘Isko dil nahi Dell khol ke dikhao (Don’t open your heart, switch on your Dell laptop)’. n

Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, Gabriel Byrne, etc Director: Ari Aster

ereditary, the debut feature from writer-director Ari Aster, is probably the scariest film of the year. Hereditary plays masterfully with your head, starting with its stunning opening shot, which introduces us to the mountainside home of the ill-fated Graham family. That shot also introduces us to the portent-laden art of Annie Graham (Toni Collette), a painstaking creator of tiny dioramas. The camera pans slowly from a window to one of her miniature rooms — which, as we pull in, seamlessly becomes the actual room in which her teenage son, Peter (Alex Wolff), is sleeping. Hereditary throws us for several loops, playing with and on our expectations. While genre-savvy viewers will guess where the sto-

Gadget Review

Father’s Day 2018: Best tech gifts for your dad under Rs 10,000

he world will be celebrating Father’s Day 2018 on June 17 and just like always, this is that time of the year when you can surprise your dad with a gift that he will actually cherish and end up using for a long time. We've handpicked some tech products you could buy for your father this year - while some of these products will be highly useful, others will make his life a lot easier!

ry is ultimately going, the genius of Aster's film is how skillfully it forces us to care about the people trapped in this sadist's dollhouse. Much of the credit for that emotional punch goes to the actors. Shapiro is peerlessly creepy, Wolff sells some incredibly difficult character turns, and if horror performances got the big awards, Collette would be a shoe-in. Brittle, neurotic and volcanically angry, her Annie comes this close to the line between classic and camp. Sometimes we feel tempted to laugh at her, but we can never ignore her. As a horror film, Hereditary delivers the goods, with crack pacing and a third act of sheer gothic madness. Come for the spookiness, stay for the drama (and trauma) — and revel in the power of cinema to make us tremble for the poor souls stuck in the dollhouse. n There are a ton of things that you could get for your tech-savvy dad, but here are our top 5 picks:

Cinepolis

Gold Cinema

Christian Basti

Paltan Bazaar

09435025808

09854066166

Race 3, 3D 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM,

Race 3, 2D 10:30 AM, 10:45 AM,

12:30 PM, 01:30 PM, 04:00 PM,

01:45 PM, 02:00 PM, 05:00 PM,

05:00 PM, 07:30 PM, 08:30 PM

05:15 PM, 08:15 PM, 08:30 PM

Race 3, 2D 08:30 AM, 03:10 PM, 08:50 PM

PVR Cinemas

Jurassic World:

Dona Planet

Fallen Kingdom 09:40

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AM, 06:05 PM, 09:20 PM

Jurassic World: Fallen

Veere Di Wedding

Kingdom 09:00 AM

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Hereditary

2. Kindle E-reader

3. Rollr Mini

4. Google Home

If your dad is an avid reader, the Kindle E-reader with 6" GlareFree Touchscreen Display and Wifi can be the best tech gift this father's day. E-readers offer a number of advantages over reading e-books on a tablet or phone. First, they have screens designed for extended reading that resist the glare of sunlight and therefore cause less eyestrain. Secondly, they are typically much lighter, cheaper and have a much longer battery life. Price: Rs. 5,999

If your dad drives his own car he would appreciate a device like the Rollr Mini this Father’s Day. While we all love to drive around, the most irritating thing is when the car breaks down and you have no idea why. Even more annoying is to park a car somewhere and then have trouble remembering where you parked it in the first place. All these little problems can be solved with something like the Rollr Mini - it offers a number of features like tracking a car's location, diagnostics, fuel level, battery health, and more. Price: Rs. 6,012

If you, and your family, are already invested in the Google ecosystem, the Google Home can be a great addition. It is a great futuristic alternative to a vanilla Bluetooth speaker that could make your life a little more convenient. It's loaded with cool features that allow it to make calls, control your smart home and more. It even sounds pretty good when playing music and can control your TV. Price: Rs 8,999

1. Smartron t.band

The Smartron t.band is the perfect health indicator for all fitness conscious dads. It enables users to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, daily activities, sleep and much more. It is perfect to monitor your fitness regimen and apart from monitoring physical activities, this band also sends calls, and in-app notifications, texts, has sedentary reminders, silent alarms, and much more. Price: Rs. 4,999

Entertainment

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Auditions for Mega Miss and Mister Northeast held in Guwahati

Anirbaan Das’ sham-e-ghazal enthralls Assamese in Australia Nehal Jain

he Guwahati auditions for 16th Mega Miss Northeast and 9th Mega Mister Northeast was held at Pragjyotish ITA Machkhowa on June 10. Mega Entertainment, the pageant organiser, previously conducted auditions at Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Agartala and Itanagar. The two beauty pageants, brainchild of fashion entrepreneur Abhijit Singha, will feature some of the most beautiful women and the most desirable men from across the eight north-eastern states. The grand finale will be hosted at Pragjyotish ITA Machkhowa, Guwahati on June 29 and 30. This year, Mega Miss Entertain-

ment has joined hands with the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB) to raise social awareness regarding the significance of biodiversity with the theme - Biodiversity for Posterity and Prosperity. As part of the initiative, awareness campaigns will be organised at various biodiversity-rich places and the general public will be educated on the importance of preserving the biodiversity. The winners of the pageants will get prize package worth approximately Rs 5 lakh, along with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The prize package also includes a round trip to Dubai for photo shoots and fitness counselling.

Vedavyas to be staged in memory of Lakhi Borthakur

ity-based theatre group, Kristipathar, will stage the play “Vedavyas” at Sri Sri Madhavdeb Auditorium of the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari on June 18 and 19. The play will be staged at 6.30 pm on both the days, stated a press release. To be staged in

association with Faculty Higher Secondary School, Vedavyas will be in memory of noted artiste, Lakhi Borthakur, who had adapted the play from a famous Bengali novel by Shahzad Firdau. The play will be directed by theatre and film director Kripal Kalita. The cast includes many established actors of the state. While light and sound will be directed by Tapan Barua, set and design will be by Nuruddin Ahmed, costume design by Rani Dutta Barua and make-up by Tibrajyoti Bairagi.

he Assamese community in Australia were witness to two absorbing performances by the ‘Ghazal King of Assam’ Anirbaan Das in May 2018. On his second visit to Australia (first was in 2008) for ghazal performance, Anirbaan performed at two different cities – Melbourne and Sydney. Anirbaan’s first performance in Australia was ‘An evening with Anirbaan’ held on 19th May at Mahon Theatre, Melbourne. Later, on 27th May, he performed ‘Sham-e-ghazal’ at Beatrice Taylor Hall, Sydney. Anirbaan kept his audience spellbound with his melodious ghazals for more than two hours in both the concerts. He performed for close to two and a half hours at both venues, where he not only sang Hindi ghazals, but Assamese as well. Attended by Assamese NRIs residing in Australia, the events saw full houses with close to 350400 people in the audience. Apart from singing his own compositions, Anirbaan also sang compositions written by his mother and other maestros like Jayanta Hazarika and Jagjit Singh. “On this tour, I was overwhelmed with the response of the audience. People from various walks of life and from across all age groups had come to witness the ghazal nights. It was surprising to hear them sing along with me and receiving the Assamese ghazals – a language most weren’t familiar with - so well,” Anirbaan recalls.

Anirbaan, one of the biggest names in ghazal in India, kept the audience engaged throughout the performances. Though Anirbaan is known for his ghazals, he entertained the crowd with Assamese folk songs, Bihu songs, as well as popular Hindi songs and ghazals. The ace ghazal singer also paid tribute to music maestro Sudhakanta Bhupen Hazarika. His performance of ‘Dil Hum Hum Kare’ received tremendous response from the audience who sang along with him. Born in a family associated with music, Anirbaan is the son of Dr Lakshahira Das, a renowned singer with a dulcet voice who has given many hits to Assamese music. This talented artist started learning and exploring the hidden joys of music from the tender age of six under the able guidance of his mother and later from Ustad Iqbal Khan of the Gwalior Gharana. An engineer by profession, Anirbaan is a graduate in vocal music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, an institution for classical music in Allahabad. With a musical career spanning over three decades, this gifted musician from Assam has developed a style which

is reflected in his highly imaginative and well structured presentation. “Ever since I was very young, singing has been my ultimate passion. While my mother was always an inspiration, I have always looked up to Jagjit Singh, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle as well. I believe that there’s no end to learning and I’m still just a student of music,” he said. The first Assamese to perform in the House of Lords, British Parliament in 2002, Anirbaan has to his credit 4 albums – Shabaab, Shabnam, The Best of Anirbaan and Geetimalika – and some enormously popular ghazals like ‘Jhoom rahi hai kaali ghataye’, ‘Tinke chunta hu mai’ and ‘Mai nazar se pee raha hoon’. Some of his other memorable and noteworthy performances are the Sham-e-Ghazi at the India International Centre, New Delhi; Mehfil-e-Ghazi in Mumbai; his performance in the House Of Lords in the British Parliament, London; Musical Night at Amsterdam, Holland on an invitation from the Department of Tourism, Government of India; the cultural programme organised by the Asian community in Brussels and various others. Rightly titled the ‘Ghazal king of Assam’, Anirbaan has been playing a huge role in taking the Assamese culture across the globe. For his contribution to the field of music and its promotion, he was also felicitated by the chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, on the occasion of ‘Son of the Soil Award Ceremony 2018.’

Momor Ghar: The Wax House applauded

omor Ghar - The Wax House was staged at the Madhabdeb Auditorium of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra last weekend. Momor Ghar was written by noted playwright Himandra Kumar Barthakur way back in the late 1960s. A venture of Zerifa Wahid Production, the play mirrors the flux in modern society and its narrative has remained relevant to the modern technology driven society. Directed by Avinash Sharma, the play featured noted actors of the Assamese theatre industry like

Zerifa Wahid, Kopil Bora, Mintu Baruah, Ranjan Sarma, Partha Hazarika, Debashree Das, Bijit Das, Debojit Deka, Khalin Bora

and child artistes Kristi and Arunabh. The play received critical acclamation from all present. Brilliant performances by Zerifa Wahid and the rest of the cast held the audience captive for the entire duration of the play. The play basically held the premise that the society is permanent while the individuals in the society are perishable and temporary and so, it would be worthwhile for humanity to work for the betterment of society over individual pursuits.

Fun

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Horoscope of the week Chatty Mercury glides into Cancer and your sector of communication on Tuesday, so the coming weeks can be helpful for learning, teaching, and putting down your thoughts. This can also be an excellent time for networking and making valuable connections.

Lively Mercury, your ruler, moves into Cancer and your money zone on Tuesday, which could inspire you to get your finances in order. A little planning and organization might go a long way toward helping you feel more in control. This week’s new moon in your sign on Wednesday is the best of the year for you. It can be the perfect chance to make a fresh start.

Chatty Mercury moves into your sign on Tuesday, and its presence here can encourage you to speak out, particularly concerning any important issues. Lively Mercury in Cancer can provide an excellent opportunity to discuss matters that need to be bought out into the open. Doing so could prove to be something of a relief.

You may find yourself more connected to your feelings from Tuesday on, when the planet of talk and thought moves into your spiritual sector. Expressive Mercury’s presence here can encourage you to explore emotions that may have been bubbling away for some time. By working through them, you could feel so much better in yourself.

With feisty Mars presently moving through your lifestyle sector, you might be motivated to implement a few healthier habits. It might be in your best interests to start gradually, though. With upbeat Mars in the sign of Aquarius, your efforts could be erratic at times. If you can pace yourself and stay positive, you should reach your desired outcome.

This week, you could be either giving or asking for advice regarding a career goal or personal ambition. Expressive Mercury moves into a more prominent sector of your chart on Tuesday, so it could be helpful to network with the right people. If you’re generous enough to share your own experiences, this would make a good impression.

With restless Mercury moving into your sector of travel and far horizons on Tuesday, you may have the travel bug and be ready to take off at a moment’s notice. Nevertheless, with a shift in focus to your sector of goals and career, you will also have opportunities to showcase your skills and to make some promising connections.

You could experience a change of pace this week when thoughtful Mercury moves out of your sector of relating and into a more emotional zone in your chart on Tuesday. You could be more deeply connected to your instincts, which might provide some valuable guidance.

As of Tuesday, you may find it easier to discuss important issues with your partner or other key people. Chatty Mercury’s move into your relationships zone on that day can help you connect with your feelings and express them more easily. Holding important conversations could lead to the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for.

Inquisitive Mercury glides into your lifestyle sector on Tuesday, so you could be eager to get organized, particularly if you’re running behind on plans or projects. While approaching your routines with a logical mind can be helpful, paying attention to your intuition could also save you time.

An upbeat focus on your family zone could see you busy with domestic affairs and perhaps enjoying the chance to spend time with your nearest and dearest. And the new moon in this same sector midweek can be a positive starting point for any new projects or ideas you have planned.

Which machine of daily use, invented by a Shillong born Scotsman, was first used by a local celebrity called Reg Varney in Enfield, UK in July 1967?

India’s smallest state in terms of area also has the highest GDP and is the best placed state in terms of infrastructure and quality of life. Identify the state?

Which Seminal Rock Band debuted with the single ‘Arnold Layne’ in 1967?

Why are the English sausages used in the dish, Bangers and Mash, called Bangers?

Who, in July 1971, became the first FIDE rated number one player in the history of Chess?

curio-city

Identify this football crazy wolf? Dr. Soubhadra Chakrabarty This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Doonesbury By Garry Trudeau

8 6 2 5 9 5 4 8 5 2 7 4 6 33 7 48 4 2 7 7 3 1 8 9 5 9 9 21 7 6 8 3 2 9 5 1 7 4 9 5 4 6 1 7 1 Sudoku: 7 Fri 15-Jun-2018 6 8 Daily very hard 2 4 9 1 2 11

Daily Sudoku: Thu 7-Jun-2018

easy

5 last 9 8week 2 3 solution 7 1 4 6 7 4 3 8 1 6 2 5 9 9 5 23 11 64 5 9 24 67 88 73 4 1 97 86 78 4 6 33 95 52 21 9 5 2 8 6 4 3 5 1 2 79 16 37 48 5 3 62 24 17 7 5 18 89 93 64 5 9 1 7 8 3 5 9 6 4 62 48 21 37 2 9 16 78 43 9 8 45 53 76 12 1 7 84 63 29 3 7 51 24 69 85 1 Sudoku: 7 Fri515-Jun-2018 6 2 8 3 4 very9hard Daily 8 2 6 3 4 9 7 1 5 Daily Sudoku: Thu 7-Jun-2018

easy

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

1. The world’s first ATM machine 2. Goa 3. Pink Floyd 4. These sausages have high water content and hence when heated the release a loud sound or they ‘bang’ 5. Bobby Fischer 6. Zabivaka, the mascot of the forthcoming FIFA 2018 Soccer World Cup at Russia

curio-city

Sudoku

On Tuesday, restless Mercury moves into Cancer and your family and domestic sector, which can be excellent for getting organized, especially if you’re planning any DIY projects or other household jobs. Wednesday’s new moon in your communication zone can be a great opportunity to start a project or make key changes.

Word of the week bacciferous adjective [bak-sif-er-uh s] bearing or producing berries.

Crossword Across

Down

1 Completely dark (5-5) 7 Coarse jute fabric (7) 8 Lacking originality (5) 10 Irish county (4) 11 Charon’s occupation on the River Styx (8) 13 Of limited size (6) 15 Edible shellfish (6) 17 Lawbreaker (8) 18 Middle Eastern country (4) 21 Imbibe (5) 22 1960s’ Liverpool rock group (7) 23 Sin (10)

1 Self-assertive (5) 2 Work hard — hard work (4) 3 One chasing — type of watch (6) 4 Poisonous flowering shrub — run album (anag) (8) 5 Where films are shown (7) 6 Hangdog (10) 9 Desolation (10) 12 Laid low (8) 14 Louder (7) 16 Compulsive talker (6) 19 Turns over — luxury car (abbr) (5) 20 Manufacture — brand (4)

Last week’s solution

Lifestyle

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

A few easy Vaastu tips E veryone wishes to have peace and happiness at home. Sometimes, despite having all the requirements, residents do not get the desired mental peace and happiness. There is tension among family members and discontent. Vaastu defects may be responsible in such situations and one must get it checked. According to Vaastu Shastra, the universe is made of five basic elements - earth, fire, air, water and space (ether). In order to have harmony with nature, these elements must be balanced and in their right places. Some tips to increase positive energy in the house are hereby mentioned. 1. A money plant at northeast is very auspicious and it brings wealth as well as positive energy. 2. A family photograph in a golden frame at southwest improves the relationships among family members. 3. A picture of the rising sun at east brings fame and improves social connections. 4. A statue of Lord Ganesha at the entrance brings positive energy. 5. For improvement in studies of children, keep their study table at east. 6. Keep the numbers of doors and windows in the house even i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.

7. It is a habit of lot of people to keep stuff like paper or packets under the mattress. Avoid this habit because they create blocks. 8. Do not use deep colours in the bedroom. They should be well lit. 9. Keep coloured candles in the bathroom. You can also keep green plants. 10. The wife should sleep on the left hand side of the husband.

Wind chimes for good luck

It has been observed that certain soothing sounds have a healing effect on our bodies, calm our minds and awaken our spirits. The resonance and vibration of sound releases stress and emotional blockages in the body and calms the mind. The sound of temple or church bells, wind chimes or soothing

music are some of these. Wind chimes activate Chi energy with the help of its windpipes hitting each other from breeze. This sound can even dispel misgivings among family members. Metallic wind chimes are best because metal makes deeper sounds which activate the energy. Wooden, bamboo and earthen wind chimes are also available. Earthen ones are risky because if they fall down due to stiff winds and break, negative energy may be generated. According to Feng Shui, wooden wind chimes are better at east and southeast as these directions belong to the wood element. Metallic wind chimes are forbidden at east and southeast because metal destroys wood. Metallic wind chimes are best at northwest and west. It is good to have wind chimes with 6 rods at northwest. Wind chimes having 7, 8 or 9 rods can also be kept at northwest, west or north. If wind chimes are kept only for decorative purposes, doors and windows are best places to hang them. Since the breeze enters the house through doors and windows, wind chimes make a nice sound in these areas.

In Need To be in need of comfort Is not that good of a feeling Existence of a lamb absconded With no warm place for dreaming, And as the sun sets It seems it’s all in the head. Breaking a feverish slumber There never seems to be any rest. To be in need of empathy Feels worse than to not feel at all Black sheep of the crowd Yet no one glances when you fall And as the sun sets The world is in the head Sleep is an unknown action Picking yourself up is the only end.

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

Sanjali Dixit

Regular Investing is the Yoga to your Financial Health

t’s a common saying, “Health is wealth.” This comes out of the fact that all the desires and luxuries which money can fulfill are worthless unless you can are fit and healthy to enjoy the pleasures of life. Yoga has been a great healer for your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Off late, it is becoming more of a lifestyle choice than just a habit. People are opting for Yoga to stay mentally and physically fit. Similarly, just like physical health is important to enjoy your wealth, staying financially fit is equally important to keep the mental stress away. If you can’t have the sight of your financial goals, your brain will continue to be constantly worried about the same. As such, it is important to plan your short-term and long-term financial goals well and then consistently follow that plan to stay on course. It will not be wrong to say that regular investing

is the Yoga to your financial health. Yoga offers a wide variety of asanas to be practiced and we often start with the ones which are easier to be performed. As we develop more expertise into these, we try our hands on the diverse

asanas. This also reminds me of one of the most important investing rules propagated by the legendary investor, Warren Buffett – never ever try investing in a product or business you cannot understand. Invest in such a product wherein

even if the trading market closes for the next 10 years, you are comfortable holding the investment. Our investing journey also follows a similar path – we make use of the traditional investment products earlier and as we become familiar with the better financial products in the market, we try to inculcate those into our financial lives. Yoga adds a sense of discipline into your life as you learn different postures and practice them consistently to achieve the ultimate goal – mental and spiritual wellness. Similarly, regular investing through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) helps you add financial discipline to your life and take you closer to your financial goals may be slowly but steadily. When it comes to investing, ‘time in the markets’ is the key. The more time you grant to your investments in the markets, the bigger fruits you can expect

your money plant to bear. If you have ever tried to imbibe the principles of yogic science into your life, you would have already learned the art of staying patient. Patience is the key to achieving harmony in your life, be it your financial wealth or physical health. Just like Yoga comes with an option to perform various asanas suiting your body requirements, mutual funds offers you an investing experience through a wide range of schemes suiting your requirements and risk appetite. It gets important to strike the right balance so that you can achieve your financial goals. Yoga is not just a science; it is synonymous with a way of life. Practice Yoga for a better health, be it physical, mental and financial. Happy International Yoga Day! Pallav Bagaria CEO, Brand New Day – one of Northeast’s leading Mutual Funds Investment Consultancy and Portfolio Management Services pallav@salasarcapital.com

Buzz

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

US Professor delivers talk on Marxist Humanism at GU

he Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies, Gauhati University, organised a special talk-cum-lecture entitled ‘Marxist Humanism with Special Reference to Frantz Fanon’ delivered by Professor Peter Hudis on 9 June 2018 in the Seminar Hall, Dept of MIL & Literary Studies, Gauhati University. In the present-day capitalist society that reduces every aspect of human existence to commodified entities, the humanistic dimension of Marxism attempts to reassess certain

traditional arguments of the school in the light of more specific concerns of the Third World like anti-black racism, xenophobia, economic inequalities and social discriminations. This observation was made by Professor Peter Hudis during the talk. Peter Hudis is professor of philosophy and humanities at the Oakton Community College in Illinois. His areas of study and specialization include Social and Political Philosophy, Ethics, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Latin American Philosophy and Culture, Race, Gender and Social Theory, Critical

Global Studies, Education and Society/Critical Pedagogy. In the course of his lecture, Professor Hudis talked at length on various aspects of Marxist Humanism in the 21st century. He focused on the writings of Frantz Fanon and attempted to trace the development of the psyche that generated antiblack racism across history from the sixteenth century onwards through the transatlantic slave trade in Europe. He further talked about the revolutionary nature of the writings of Frantz Fanon that not only discussed issues of colonialism and racism, but also attempted to delve into the psychological interiors of the nonwhite world. Attended by a number of faculty members and research scholars from various departments of GU as well as other universities and institutions from across the city as well as by activists from various Marxist organisations and political parties, the talk was followed by an intense interactive session between Professor Hudis and the members of the audience covering a range of issues. n

35th Foundation Day of city school

odern English School celebrated its 35th foundation day on June 12, Tuesday. The occasion was dedicated in the name of singing maestro Khagen Mahanta, the Bihu Samrat. Dr Rahul Mahanta, head of the history department, Arya Vidyapeeth College graced the occasion as the chief guest. The celebrations began with the release of the school magazine Modernizer and two handwritten magazines - Phehujali and Antaranga - by Dr Mahanta. A wall magazine of the four houses of the

school was also inaugurated. The chief guest and the principal of the school delivered speeches on the occasion. After the speeches, students from Class 1 to 12 took part in a singing competition on the evergreen songs of Khagen Mahanta. The competition was judged by popular singer Antarupa Talukdar. Other competitions organised to mark the occasion included face painting and fabric painting competition, art and craft exhibition “Saneki: The Stroke” and photography exhibition “Drisyaman - The Vision in the Frame.” n

Anthologies of Oblivion - a drawings and paintings exhibition Workshop on digital

citizenship and cyber wellness held in city

uwahati’s young artist, Mrinmoy Das, organised his 3rd solo exhibition ‘Anthologies of Oblivion - a solo drawings and paintings exhibition’ at the Gauhati Artist Guild, Chandmari from June 9-15. In the artworks displayed at the exhibition, Mrinmoy has used his self-developed technique of coiling, using ink-based pen to fill spaces, thus forming his own language of symbolic representation of a varied range of works. The exhibition reflects maturity of thought and expression of the artist. Close observation of the same speaks many languages since most of

City school marks Eidul-Fitr

tudents of Sanskriti the Gurukul marked the end of Ramzan by organising a special assembly in the premises.

his work deals with multiple facets of human emotion, reason, intelligence, weaved imaginaries and social realities of both traditional and modern society. Born in Guwahati, Mrinmoy is a graduate in economics and

post graduate in museum studies from New Delhi. His subject of art focuses on the sensual nature, aiming to depict the complications of life, world scenario, through a combination of colour, ink and symbolism. n

bout 900 students of class 6 to 12 took part in a two-day workshop on 'Digital Citizenship' and 'Cyber Wellness' organized at South Point School, Guwahati recently. The 6-hour long interactive workshop had four sessions of one and a half hours each organised by D Unbound Digital Institute for Digital Marketing, Delhi. Salik Khan, chief communications officer at D Unbound Digital Institute,

discussed issues related to cyber wellness and responsible digital citizenship. Addressing one and all present at the workshop, Khan explained how easy access to internet is impacting the youth as well as senior people all over the world. Powered by Google, the workshop aimed to make students ‘Digitally Awesome.’ All the students, parents and teachers who took part in the workshop got an opportunity to learn about the topic in detail. n

Events

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

Rising YouTube sensation and singing star from Pehchaan Music, Rahul Jain performed in Guwahati this weekend. The singer, with more than 200M views on his YouTube channel, rose to fame with the cover of ‘Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai’.

June 16, Saturday Ankytrix Beatronix

Guwahati crowd danced to the beats of the singer’s electrifying performance as he sang evergreen Bollywood numbers like ‘Yaara Teri Yaari Ko’ and ‘Be Intehaan’.

Terra Mayaa 8PM onwards June 16, Saturday

June 9, Saturday Event: Rahul Jain Live Venue: Underdoggs Sports Bar Date:

GenNext Club Nights NYX, Hotel Palacio 7PM onwards June 16, Saturday Djane Djoly Live Underdoggs Sports Bar 8PM onwards June 16, Saturday Celestial Way Hotel Palacio, Guwahati is back with another season of Bengali Food Festival - a treat for the food enthusiasts of the city. Designed to bring in a feeling of celebrations during the monsoon season, the lavish spread of delicacies include Sorshe Pabda, Kosha Mangsho, Macherpaturi, Dab Chingri and Kolkata style Biryani. Executive Chef Atanu Ghosh and Executive Sous Chef Ranbir Dey have crafted a menu with a good mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes for one to explore the authentic culinary delights of Bengal.

Dine Way Platz 7PM onwards June 16, Saturday EDM Night The Socialite 8PM onwards

Date: 15 June onwards Event: Bengali Food Festival Venue: Legacy Restaurant, Hotel

Palacio

June 16, Saturday Big Bollywood Night ft. Venus Club Madiza 6PM onwards June 16, Saturday Ladies Night ft. DJ James Retro Town 6PM onwards June 17, Sunday Sunday Jam Session NYX, Hotel Palacio 7PM onwards

June 8, Friday Event: Unplugged Friday ft. David Goldsmith Venue: Retro Town Date:

June 10, Sunday Event: Sunday Club Night Venue: Dunkin Oza Date:

June 22, Friday Unplugged Night ft. Suraj Verma The Socialite 7:30PM onwards

Catching Up

G PLUS | JUN 16 - JUN 22, 2018

PIC OF THE