G Plus Vol 5 Issue 5 by G Plus

@guwahatiplus www.guwahatiplus.com

Inside

Volume 05 | Issue 05 Nov 25 - Dec 01, 2017 Price `10

Heavy social media trolls on Health Minister’s karmicdeficiency remark

PG 02

Biju Phukan The man, the star

Filmography, milestones, odes PG 16

For the connoisseur Here is a lovely anecdote that can ever be an endearing trivia for the fans of Asomiya cinema. Biju Phukan’s enaction of a drunken rendition of a song “Andhar Rati...” in the movie Ajoli Nobou directed by the very prolific Nip Barua, released in 1980 was so convincing that the playback singer, the ever popular Dwipen Baruah, in a later live stage performance, was hauled up for “imitating” Biju Phukan and was derided for singing in an intoxicated state. Dwipen Baruah shared this lovely anecdote in a performance at India Club, Guwahati.

Ex ABOCWWB chairman evading arrest since 2 weeks

PG 05

Prastuti to file Rs 1 Cr defamation against Trishna Sharma

PG 11

2 Lead Story

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Heavy social media trolls on Health Minister’s karmic-deficiency remark Avishek Sengupta avishek.sengupta@g-plus.in

ssam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has landed in a controversy for saying life threatening diseases such as cancer was “divine justice” for past sins. His comment had stirred political slugfest and trolling in the social media which compelled him to come up with a statement stating he was quoted “out of context.” “God makes us suffer when we sin. Sometimes we come across young men getting inflicted with cancer or young men meeting with accidents. If you observe the background you will come to know that it’s divine justice and nothing else. We have to suffer that divine justice. In this lifetime or in our previous life or perhaps that young man could be suffering as a result of actions by his father or mother,” Sarma said at a function organised at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati for distribution of appointment letters to teachers. Assam ranks third among all states in the country in the number of cases of oesophagal cancer in women. According to the most recent reports of Indian Medical Council released last year, Kamrup (Metro) district has the fourth highest cancer incidence rate among men in the country with 206 found affected in a sample

File photo of State Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the media

of 1,00,000. The rate is the same among women in the district and was found to be third highest in the country. The district has also recorded the highest cases of gall bladder cancer in both men and women in the country. Former finance minister P Chidambaram took a dig at Sarma on Twitter saying, “Cancer is divine justice for sins, says Assam Minister Sharma. That is what switching parties does to a person.” Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, addressing Sarma said, “Sir, with due respect, laws of

karma surely should not be used to explain cancer in today’s day and age. This is not about Gita but about being more sensitive to the suffering.” Several other eminent journalists and other political opponents of the BJP especially those who had lost relatives to cancer too made scathing attacks on Sarma for his remark. Among many people whose sensibilities were hurt with the remark, a cancer survivor, Roopa Sarma, expressed her angst on Facebook thus: My friends, please hear me out.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. My heart should be full of gratitude. It will be...after I take this load off my chest. Assam’s Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that - ‘Cancer Strikes Those Who Sin’. What kind of rubbish he is talking about! I have heard that he has a Law degree and a PhD. And that he is a very corrupt man. Sarma may have some so called education but he’s absolutely ignorant and extremely insensitive. He has insulted all the cancer victims who have fought bravely and lost their battles, who are cancer sur-

vivors, who are still fighting this disease, and their caregivers and families. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor myself and I refuse to take this kind of insult. On behalf of all my fellow ‘Pink Sisters’ and to honor all the cancer patients, I say, “Shame on him”! (Oh yeah, I know some pretty bad words that I have never used publicly. I could use a few right now. But I won’t be me then, isn’t it?) Are you with me? Sarma has reacted by replying to each of the tweets. A tweet posted on Thursday said, “I am pained at the unpleasant controversy created by people wanting to derive political mileage out of it. I tender my apology to all cancer patients and their families who may have been hurt by this. I am also issuing this statement to clear & reiterate my stand.” The statement that he issued detailed the efforts made by the government to ramp up the health infrastructure in the state. “I lost my father, best friends and relatives to cancer. And everyone in Assam and outside know my passion to work on containing cancer through best possible cancer treatment facilities including free chemotherapy, financial scheme to help up to 2 Rs lakhs to cancer patients, one state-of-art cancer hospital in Guwahati with PET CT, banning chewing tobacco and now starting a grid of hospitals in across Assam are some of my humble contribution as health minister of Assam,” it said. n

Irked ACS officer slams media over speculations of his resignation Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

s soon as some electronic media units started airing speculative news that ACS officer Ramanuj Hazarika might have resigned to evade probe in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) scam, irked Hazarika uploaded a video threatening to take legal action against media for defaming him. Hazarika in the video said, “Resigning is my personal deci-

sion and some media units are saying that I am evading arrest.” He added that he left the job so that he could prepare for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. He dared the media to prove if he got the APSC job by paying bribe, saying, “I am ready for whatever punishment you (media) decide if the allegation is proven right.” He slammed the media saying he has no more respect for ‘media in Assam.’ Earlier after resigning he had said that it was a wrong decision on his part to join APSC. Reacting to his resignation,

Director General of Police, Assam, Mukesh Sahay said, “People who have not done any wrong should not worry, and people who are guilty will worry.” Sahay added that anyone can resign and the reason of resignation should not be speculated. After the APSC scam expose the APS/ACS officers fraternity is upset over the way the society is viewing them as there are many honest officers who are efficient and joined the services because of their capabilities, opined many officers. n

City 3

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

KFC customer cheated while placing order over phone Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

n an alarming incident, a customer was cheated when she placed her order at the KFC outlet of Lachit Nagar by a fraud claiming to be from KFC. A city-based foodie working in the corporate sector, Parlee Gogoi said, “I searched for the KFC Lachit Nagar contact number online and placed an order worth Rs 235.” She said that the person who received

the call provided her the option of making the payment through PayTM. She immediately transferred the amount on to the number and after a few seconds she received a message that the order had been

placed, payment was received and the order would be home-delivered after 30 minutes. With the elapse of the given time and in fact, when after two hours the order was not delivered, Gogoi called the

After 8 days police still clueless about the fraudster

t’s been eight days that the first complaint was lodged with Dispur police but the police are still clueless about the fraudster. The investigation officer of the case said, “We are still waiting for the call detail record (CDR) after which the location of the number can be tracked.” On enquiring how long it takes for the CDR to come, the officer said, “It takes some time.”

A source in the crime branch said that some investigating officers do not make the necessary follow-up as the telecom companies take around two days to provide the CDR. The CDR request is sent to the crime branch first which is forwarded to the concerned mobile company, which sends the CDR within 2 days. Many such cases were reported in the city earlier and in

most of the cases the police are not able to track the culprits. G Plus had earlier reported about a city-based resident who had called a Samsung customer care number availed from the net consequent to which a fake mechanic arrived at her house. The fake mechanic was arrested and let off on bail, but the gang operating the fake call centre based in Rajasthan is yet to be nabbed. n

number again and found that her number had been blocked by the fraudster. When contacted from a different number the person received the call but hung up immediately. Some time later, the other number was also blocked. Gogoi immediately rushed to the KFC Lachit Nagar outlet where she was informed that this fraudulent practice had

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been going on since the last 8 days and she was the eighth victim. She was informed that KFC had already registered a complaint with Dipsur police and investigation is on. KFC Area Manager, Saurav Das said, “We have received such complaints even from the Zoo Road outlet and the police have assured us that the culprit will be nabbed soon.” n

4 In The News

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Protesting RMS casual labourers disrupt city’s postal system Avishek Sengupta avishek.sengupta@g-plus.in

reight services in the city have come to a standstill after casual labourers of the Railway Mail Service (RMS) began a five-day strike from November 20. The Railway Mail Service Casual Labourers’ Union decided to launch the agitation following non-acceptance of their

demand for implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). It has threatened a series of protests across the state if the government turned a deaf ear to their demands. (see pointers) RMS is a division of the India Post responsible for carrying couriers through the Indian railway network. Parcels worth crores have piled up outside the Guwahati Railway Station at Paltan Bazar.

These include defence supplies to Indian Army and Indian Air Force, PAN cards and government documents, books of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and other open schools and colleges, bank notices and parcels of online-shopping platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart etc. “There are at least 50,000 bags lying around. Initially these were stocked in the RMS warehouse inside the station premises, but soon the parcels

Delivery of parcels delayed by two weeks

had to be moved outside the premises due to lack of space,” Sanjiv Kalita, secretary of the RMS Casual Labourers’ Union told G Plus. Paresh Kalita, Senior Station Manager of Guwahati railway station said the parcels were moved outside the railway premises as it constricted the commuters’ movement on the platforms. “Since, it is an internal matter of India Post, we (Indian

Railway) cannot interfere in the matter. We have however asked the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway protection Force (RPF) to deploy at least six personnel round the clock throughout the protest period to watch over the goods left outside,” Kalita added. There are about 170 casual labourers in Guwahati RMS who are hired by India Post with a permanent status and they comprise 80% of the total workforce. n

“Red Tapism” in Meghdoot Bhawan

yy Parcels dumped outside the RMS Office at Guwahati Railway Station | G Plus Photo

he five-day strike has delayed the delivery of parcels and documents to the entire northeast by at least two weeks, an official of India Post said. “Even though the strike is for five days, it will take at least two weeks to catalogue the parcels and then deliver them to the respective cargo trains. Also, since the trains on which these parcels were supposed to be loaded have already left, we will have to wait for trains to that location again,” the official said under conditions of anonymity. Parcels registered under Speed Post, the fastest delivery network of India Post, dating back to November 12 have been left undelivered. “Parcels despatched from here mostly consist of government documents and notices to the concerned departments’ headquarters at Del-

hi. But this is a small percentage of the dumped freight which consist mostly of parcels to the northeast from other destinations,” the official said. Each cargo bogey can carry 280-300 parcels out of which only 45 were uploaded due to the strike, Raizul Hussain, president of the Casual Labourer Union said. As long as the strikes are going on, the freights were uploaded by the Grade-I labourers of India Post. Prabhakar Guha, an official of Amazon, said that the delay in the delivery of the parcels would impact their service. He explained that Amazon has its own delivery network through private courier service agencies, but are dependent on India Post in areas where the courier agency does not have an outlet. “We give the customers an estimated time for the delivery although our efforts are always to

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accomplish the task ahead of the deadline. But with the strike going on, we think there will be change of the dates. Even though our products are insured and we are not much concerned about monetary losses, a delayed delivery will badly impact our credibility,” Guha said. n

File photo of Meghdoot Bhawan

he protesting union has alleged “red tapism” in Meghdoot Bhawan – the headquarters of the Assam circle of Indian Post – for the delay in implementing the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). “We had submitted the recommendations of the CPC on 1st July, but it had been bouncing from table to table. We submitted to the circle officer of the RMS, who then asked us to submit to the superintendent of India Post who later asked us to take the approval of the General Manager of Assam Circle. We have submitted our demands to him as well and are waiting for his approval,” Bhupen Barman, general secretary of the RMS Casual Labourer’s Union said. The 7th Central Pay Commission was passed by the Union Cabinet on June 1 and it recommended that the rate of remuneration payable to full-time casual labourers should not be less than

Rs 18,000 per month. “After cutting other benefits, we are entitled to Rs 401.48 per day. But, under the present pay structure, we get only Rs 241.50 per day. Also, our October salary has not been paid yet. On top of that, the higher officials of RMS employ other contractors for our jobs which are accomplished at lower rates. We want such unscrupulous techniques to stop,” Barman said. The union said the strike was conducted after taking due permission from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Guwahati railway authorities. “We have also asked the RPF to provide security to the goods which are piled up as we understand that these include important documents and we are against harassment to the public. But Meghdoot Bhawan needs to be taught a lesson as lives are getting affected due to their red tapism,” Raizul Hussain, general secretary of the union said. n

In The News

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Ex ABOCWWB chairman evading arrest since 2 weeks Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

autam Baruwa, the former chairman of Assam Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (ABOCWWB), is evading arrest by the Special Vigilance Cell (SVC) of the Chief Minister of Assam. He is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Rs 121 crore ABOCWWB scam. A source in the SVC expressed the hope that Baruwa would be in the net within a week. Sources close to him claimed that he has been admitted in a hospital in New Delhi. Baruwa was serving as the chairman of the board from 11th March 2011 to 22nd May 2017

The people so far arrested in connection with the Rs 121 ABOCWWB scam are IAS officer Chohan Doley , the then Labour Commissioner, Administrative Officer of the Board, NN Choudhury, and proprietor of Purbashree Printing House, Priyanshu Bairagi. The crackdown was initiated by the Special Vigilance Cell of the Chief Minister. The former Chairman, Gautam Baruwa is expected to fall into the net soon.

and during his tenure as the chairman he had allegedly siphoned off a large amount of public money with the help of private contractors. He is a prominent architect of Guwahati and with his high profile connections he managed to get government work like designing the Bodoland Secretariat Complex and Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra, sources said. A source claimed that the Association of Architects, Assam had offered to design the Samadhi Kshetra free of cost and yet it was given to a private party because of Baruwa’s high level contacts in the government. Baruwa was chairman of ABOCWWB and remains a member of India Club. He was also a former president of Gauhati Club. n

File photo of Ex ABOCWWB chairman Arch. Gautam Baruwa

Various means used to siphon off huge public money in the ABOCWWB scam

ome officials of the Assam Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (ABOCWWB) and one private contractor looted crores of government money through devious schemes. According to an enquiry report of the Special Vigilance Cell (SVC) of the Chief Minister, an allegation was received from the present Labour Commissioner, Tapan Chandra Sharma, that between 2013 to 2016 huge anomalies of funds were suspected in ABOCWWB. The SVC then conducted an enquiry and the report of the enquiry revealed that then Labour Commissioner, Chohan Doley, the then Chairman, Gautam Baruwa, a staff of the board, NN Choudhury and a private contractor Priyanshu Bairagi (owner of Purbashree Printing House) had formed a nexus to loot crores of public money using various methods. The enquiry revealed that the state government is empowered to levy 1% cess on the cost of construction of buildings which is meant to be spent on the welfare of the construction workers. A source in the labour department said that there are 16 welfare schemes for the labourers but most of the labourers are unaware of their rights. “There was nothing

in the name of development for the workers. Their ignorance was taken advantage of and the fund was diverted and misutilized,” he said. Priyanshu Bairagi of Purbashree Printing House was allocated three work orders without fulfilment of any criterion of a work tender. Two work orders were for printing and supply of leaflets, booklets and folders; one work order was for printing and supply of various forms and register at exorbitant rates without following the

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rules and procedures causing huge wrongful loss to the government of Assam and corresponding illegal gains for themselves. Funds were also siphoned off in the name of publicity in various newspapers, forging of Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) receipts because government advertisements can only be routed through DIPR. Vehicles purchased for personal use were passed off as official in some cases. The entire scam, according to the audit, values at approxi-

mately Rs 121 crores and SVC sources said further investiga-

tion will reveal if there are any more irregularities. n

6 Education

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

SEBA plans to go digital with evaluation

Saumya Mishra

he Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) has plans to evaluate answer scripts of all subjects digitally in the future, officials said. Currently SEBA has been conducting digital evaluation for only the mathematics paper of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination. The board is planning to completely digitise the answer sheet evaluation process in order to prevent any tampering or damage to the records. More than four lakh students in total will appear from across the state in 2018 for the Class 10 board examination which will be held around the second week of February. “If we receive a positive response from all stakeholders regarding digital evaluation this year, we will then further extend the process to other subjects and will eventually completely digitise the marking procedure,” said con-

troller of examinations at SEBA, Nayan Jyoti Sarmah. He added that digitisation will make the entire marking process less time consuming and error-free. In this regard, district-wise training will be provided to examiners by technical personnel one week before the beginning of evaluation, to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. Digital checking would also help in faster declaration of results, said officials. Another official of SEBA said that they have an existing set up of computer labs where digital evaluation of Mathematics paper is conducted currently. “There are 11 specialised evaluation zones for Mathematics all over Assam. Out of this, two evaluation centres have been set up in Guwahati,” he said. In total, SEBA has set up 852 evaluation centres for checking of all papers of 2018 HSLC exams. Further, the size of the monitor screens for evaluators will also be larger this time “to eliminate any scope for errors.” In 2016, around 600 matriculation examination answer scripts

In a first, admit cards to bear safety measures

Jiadhal High School examination rom this year onwards, the centre in Dhemaji, examination ofauthorities have also introficials caught 14 proxy cases with duced additional security fraud admit cards. Following this, measures in admit cards to the results of all eliminate the ramthe candidates pant proxy cases Some of the new found cheating during examinawas cancelled. tions which have features include high In another been discovered resolution border, micro instance in 2016, over the years. a candidate tried “Some of the lining, watermark and to generate a new features in- copy and check which fraud registration clude high resolution border, micro cannot be replicated in card in Kamrup lining, watermark counterfeit admit cards. (Metro) District. “Since all the and copy and database is maincheck which cantained online, he requested me to not be replicated in counterfeit admanually enter his details in the mit cards,” said an official from the system. I then conducted a thorexamination department of SEBA ough check of his credentials and adding, “For the first time, we have found that it was a fraud case,” said also laid special emphasis to ensure Sarmah adding that he immediately fool-proof security of admit cards informed the police and registered this year.” a case. Officials said that last year in n

File photo of SEBA office at Bamunimaidam

got destroyed in a fire at a school in Jorhat. Widespread protests by student organisations and parents of candidates across the state followed the incident. The government had also ordered a CID

probe into the matter. Officials said that the digital database will ensure that the answer booklets are secure and not prone to any physical damage. This time onwards, SEBA will

conduct the practical examinations for 12 of its vocational subjects before the theory papers, in the third week of January. Earlier the practical exams were conducted after the theory exams. n

Dandy watermarks on answer scripts

ith a view to keep a check on fraudulent yy practices by candidates during the examination, SEBA has yy introduced a first-of-itskind watermark feature in the answer booklets from this year onwards yy called dandy watermarks. Officials say that Assam is possibly the first state in the northeast to introduce dandy wayy termarks. Calling it as “One of the highest forms of yy security features,” the authorities said that it is not possible to generate it easily or duplicate, as yy these watermarks are produced as a result of a highly technical process. Also, the dandy watermarks cannot be replicated when the answer sheet is photocopied or scanned, adding

an additional layer of safety. It takes more than 10 days to

generate these watermarks on the answer paper rolls, said officials. Apart from these watermarks, the answer scripts for the 2018 board examinations will also have other distinct safety measures like ruling of the papers, SEBA logo on each sheet and page numbers mentioned on the booklets. Further, two graph papers will be pre-attached to the Mathematics answer booklet. The SEBA first introduced certain basic security features in 2015 including the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) and changing the size and quality of answer scripts to high grade material, so that they would not be easily available in the market. Since then, the examination department has continued to upgrade these measures to make the exam process hassle-free. n

Ward Watch

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Nauseating Bharalu stench making life miserable for Zoo Road residents In Ward Watch this week, G Plus checks out the foul stench that emanates from the Bharalu River at Zoo Road because of accumulation of sewage Avishek Sengupta avishek.sengupta@g-plus.in

he stretch of RG Baruah Road from Ambikagiri Nagar to Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden that battles with water logging every monsoon is not spared in the winters as well. Only this time, it is the stinking Bharalu River that carves its way through the city before meeting the Brahmaputra and the stench that emanates from it is what is creating a problem. This locality in Ward No 20 of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) lies within a kilometre of Jonali area where the Bahini River, a natural drainage to the city’s waste and storm water, meets another major water channel and becomes the Bharalu River. The water channel flows from the Zoo Tiniali along the RG Baruah Road, popularly known as Zoo Road, to meet at Bharalu inlet and is cumulatively called Bharalu River. “The foul stench is part and parcel of our lives as we live at the inlet of the Bharalu River. During winters, due to lack of water flow,

the wastes and sewages do not get flushed out and remain stuck around here emitting the stench,” Armaan Changkakati, a resident of Rodali Path said. Bahini River originates in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills, enters Guwahati on its south-eastern flank and flowing through densely populated areas like Basistha, Rukminigaon, Mathura Nagar, Dispur, Ganeshguri it carries a large chunk of sewage to Jonali before it forms the Bharalu River. A cluster of by-lanes such as Ambikagirinagar Path, Akashi Path, Rodali Path, Zonali Path, Bishnu Path, Juroni Path and Namghar Path, which abut one of the oldest residential areas of the city, is located on Zoo Road. “The river runs parallel in our side and one has to go over bridges to cross the river and reach our houses. The stagnant garbage attracts lots of scavengers this side,” Bhaswati Medhi, a housewife, at Jonali path complained. It is not just the residents, but the visitors to the Zoo, one of the main tourist attractions of the city, too complain of the foul odour that spoils the charm of the place. n

A clogged Bharalu river at Jonali | G Plus Photo

Demand for dredging

A Google map of Ambikagiri Nagar

esidents have made a case for dredging the Bharalu River as a solution to the perennial problem of water logging, flood and the stink. “Both the water logging and the foul stench is caused due to

siltation at this region. If these silts were cleared in small quantities regularly, the stench will go away and with a deeper river bed, it will take more time to over flow and thus, avoid the water logging to a great extent. For that, we will need a dredger

stationed here,” Pranjal Kotoki, a resident of Ambikagirinagar Path said. RG Baruah Road, along with Anil Nagar and Nabin Nagar are the most sensitive areas for flash floods in the city. “Being an inlet to Bharalu, it has become an epicentre for the garbage that is brought in through Bahini River. Now, at Bharalumukh, the Bharalu meets the Brahmaputra, which is a much bigger stream and thus, most of it gets flushed out naturally. But here, due to the smaller size of the rivers, siltation occurs heavily and needs to be cleared manually,” Bhupen Sarma, a city based engineer said. The government had started dredging the Bharalu River since 2013 to tackle the flash flood menace of the city, but the residents complained that they haven’t seen much dredging activities over the last four years. “Initially there used to be a dredger stationed here. It, how-

ever, used to remain unmanned most of the time. In 2014 and 2015, right before monsoon, they dredged out the silt. But last year and this year, we did not see the dredger and there was no dredging activity,” Kotoki said. This year in June last, two persons, including a Class VII student, died due to electrocution in flooded Zoo Road while another was electrocuted to death while he was walking through a deluged city lane in the same area a few days later.

When contacted, the ward councillor Anima Deka said that she had been trying to get the dredger for the residents, but her requests were paid no heed as she is a member of the opposition in the council. “Right after the BJP came to power, the dredger was removed. I had raised the issue several times at the council meetings but every time, I was told that there were other water logging prone areas where its requirement was greater,” Deka said. n

Concentrated Area: Jonali Area (20B) Ward No: 20 Population of the Ward: 18,000 Voter Population: 9,300 Population of Jonali Area: 5,700 Ward Councillor: Anima Deka

8 Concern

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

75% primary schools score low under Gunotsav Saumya Mishra

round 75% schools in the Kamrup (Metro) district have scored low grades in the first phase of Gunotsav—an initiative of the state government which aims at improving the overall quality of education in primary schools. According to data provided by the Assam Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mission (ASSAM), a total of 708 elementary schools in the district were evaluated under the scheme, out of which 534 schools scored C and D grades. Students between classes 2 to 8 of all primary schools of the district were assessed under the initiative. In Kamrup (Metro), only 18 schools were graded as A+,

while 14 scored the A grade and 142 schools were given B grade. As many as 54,837 students were evaluated in the district on their academic as well as extra-curricular performance. District Elementary Education Officer of Kamrup (Metro), Buli Gogoi Bhuyan, said that the initiative is a step in the right direction and is proving helpful in improving the level of learning in city schools. She said, “This form of evaluation of students is extremely crucial in order to improve the quality of education in schools. The exercise has highlighted the areas which need attention and improvement in different schools.” In the first phase, Gunotsav was implemented as a pilot project in eight districts namely Kamrup

East Gauhati MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharyya in a city school at a Gunotsav program | G Plus Photo

(Metro), Barpeta, Chirang, Dhibrugarh, Hailakandi, Lakhimpur,

Experts identify gaps in learning in Guwahati schools

ccording to officials, the evaluators found several students struggling with the “performance skills” such as reading, writing and numeracy as per their class level. Further, an expert in the elementary education sector said that many schools lacked adequate extra-curricular activities and infrastructural facilities in Guwahati. “It was noticed that the posts of sports teacher were lying vacant in some schools and they did not have co-curricular activities for the students.” Poor quality of education in government schools has been a major cause of concern for officials in Guwahati. Increasing number of students is now found enrolling in private schools. But the government’s role has been amplified after the Right to Education Act 2009 which provided education as a fundamental right for every child aged between 6 and 14 years. Officials feel that if implemented effectively, Gunotsav can be instrumental in decreasing the dropout rate, increasing the accountability of the school authorities and bringing about holistic development in students of Guwahati as well as of the state. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently remarked, “Gunotsav has rekindled a ray of hope and has introduced a window of innovative and creative thinking in the system of education.” n

Morigaon and Karbi Anglong (West). The second phase, con-

ducted last month, covered 12 districts while a total of 13 districts were covered in the third phase in November. Under the scheme, external evaluators consisting of the chief minister, other state ministers and officials visited and marked the schools. The overall assessment was based on academic achievements of students and co-curricular activities comprising the morning assembly, formation of student parliaments, use of library books by students, conduct of physical education classes, availability and utilisation of school infrastructure and other facilities, and participation of school management committees in school activities were a few criteria taken into consideration for the evaluation. n

Remedial classes being provided to students in Guwahati

fter the result of the first phase of Gunotsav, the state government has chalked out a plan to bridge the gap in the learning and teaching process by introducing remedial classes for students whose performances were not found up to the mark. Bhuyan said that these remedial classes have been started in all the 708 elementary schools in Kamrup (Metro) district. “These classes are being offered since August as per the individual need of every child. After Gunotsav’s results, the teachers have identified each student’s weak areas and the subjects in which he or she would require additional support,” she said. District education officials claim that remedial classes have been helpful for Guwahati students as they have shown signs of improvement. These remedial classes are conducted by the government teachers after school when regular classes for the day are finished. For this purpose, teachers of primary schools were provided with special training from the ASSAM. Mission Director of ASSAM, Aruna Rajoria, said, “Till now we only looked at the overall statistics of dropout rates and number of children who are out of school. Now with this programme, we are

able to focus at the micro-level and we have been able to address the problem at its roots.” Officials informed that the initiative would be continued in elementary schools in the following years too. n

Snippets 9

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Don Bosco annual day celebrated

The chief guest on he Annual Day the first day was Assam – 2017 of Don Additional Advocate Bosco School, General Sanjay Medhi. Panbazar, GuCGM of BSNL, MK wahati was celebrated Seth, DCP Central Ranwith a two-day cultural jan Bhuyan, Principal of evening on November 23 Don Bosco, Fr. Sebastian and 24 respectively at the Mathew and State NRC school auditorium. Coordinator Prateek HaThis year, the central jela were the other dignitheme of the celebrations taries. was ‘Humanity,’ with the Dr Amarjyoti Choudplay Manuhe Manohor hury was the chief guest Babe, being the main on the second day and attraction. The concept, Deputy Commissioner, dramatization and comFather S. Matthew felicitating Amarjyoti Choudhury | G Plus Photo Kamrup (Metro), Dr pilation of the play were M Angamuthu was the Guest of Hazarika with a recitation of Dr done by renowned academician Honour. Choudhury’s Eta Gaan Xekh Hol, and former Gauhati University Principal Mathew said that an episode from Mother Teresa’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Amarjyoti this year more than 1,000 students life as well as the Gohpur PoChoudhury. performed mainly showcasing the lice Station incident of martyr, The staging of the play also values and culture of Assam. n Kanaklata. included a tribute to Dr Bhupen

Zerifa Wahid talks about ‘The Evolution of Theatre’, visits AIMT for campus talks

MY-18 FatBoy launched by Brahmaputra Harley-Davidson in Guwahati

here’s a reason people have been chasing the horizon in the saddle of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 115 years. Deep inside every human being is the need to be free. Harley-Davidson motorcycles have always been much more than just ‘transportation.’ They have been considered as vehicles for self-expression. Harley Davidson motorcycles have made their way to the streets of Guwahati and MY-18 Fatboy is the latest addition to Brahmaputra Harley-Davidson’s arsenal.

Harley Davidson motorcycles is in its 115th year and has launched a series of new products; everything from top-ofthe-line touring motorcycles built to cross continents to stripped-down, raw machines built to carve up urban canyons which include eight all-new Softail® models that revolutionise the look and the ride of custom motorcycles. Harley Davidson Brahmaputra is inviting riders to take some test rides and to feel the experience of riding a Harley. n

ADVERTISEMENT Online applications are invited for the following post as shown below under’ the establishment of different health institutions of the Joint Director of ‘health Services of the districts and Medical College & Hospitals of theState. and which will be available at the official website of Directorate of Health Services. Assam (www.dhs.assam. gov.in) from 25-11-2017 to 10-12-2017 till midnight. SI.No.

Name of the posts

Stuff Nurse

Total no. of posts

Minimum Educational Qualification

Scale of Pay

Category Reservation

500

Must have passed GNM/B Sc. Nursing Course from a Gov recognized institute, and have registered with the Assam Nurses, Midwives' and Health Visitors council

14,00049,000+GP 6800

As Per Govt. Rule

NB:- 1) Due weigthage will be given for experience for serving in the Government sector including Mission (NHM) etc. 2) The number of post to be filled-up may undergo change depending upon vacancies.

National Health

Reservation: Reservation of posts for SC/ ST/ OBC (MOBC) / women candidates and physically handicapped candidates will be as per prevailing Govt_ rules. Aqe: Candidate should not be less than 18 years and not above 43 years as on 01.01.2017. The upper age limit in relaxable by 5 years for SC, STP, STH Candidates only.

Sunit Jain felicitating Zerifa Wahid at AIMT | G Plus Photo

ampus Talks an initiative by G-Plus in association with Airtel organised an interactive session with actress Zerifa Wahid for the students of Asian Institute of Management Technology, Guwahati. Jayanta Goswami, HOD, Department of Mass Communication felicitated Zerifa Wahid and welcomed her to the institute. The actress visited the AIMT campus and spoke about how theatre as an art form has evolved and has started catering to the various classes of people. Speaking on the topic, Zerifa informed the youth about the various forms of theatre, its history and evolution. Particularly mentioning about the survival of theatres, she says, “Anything would be dying art, if people are not interested in it. It is very important for schools and colleges to have sessions on theatre for students to cultivate

the art form and develop an interest towards it.” Campus Talks is an altogether a very new phenomenon for the city, which was started by G plus six months back. It primarily aims at creating an open platform for students to discuss various social issues. An open debate forum is also provided for the students where they can put forward their views. Eminent persons from different walks of life are invited to various colleges every week. They enlighten the youth on topics of national importance and interest. Through Campus Talks, they aim to get the youngsters’ opinion about the current government, its policies on various political, social and current issues, since it is important to know the changes that the younger generation seeks or wants for the betterment of the society. n

Fees: The application fee of Rs.250/- (Rupees Two hundred fifty) only General Category Candidates and Rs.150/(Rupees One hundred fifty) only for OBC/MOBC, SC, ST(P) & ST(H) category candidates will have to be paid through Treasury,. Challan to the head Account “0210-M&PH-01-Urban Health Services-800-Other Receipts” and scanned copy of the challan to be uploaded while submitting the online application form. No fee is required for BPL candidate and they are required to upload their BPL certificate from the authority for such exemption of fee along with the application. Terms & Conditions: 1. Interested candidates shall have to fill up the online Application Forms available at official website of Directorate of Health Services. Assam (www.dhs.assam.gov.in) 2. The following documents in original will have to be produced at the verification and photocopies of all certificates etc are to be submitted: (a). 2 (two) Copies of recent passport size colour photograph duly (b) HLSC” Admit card or birth certificate for age proof. (c) All marks sheets and pass certificate (d) Caste certificate (where applicable) (e) Permanent resident ship certificate (f)Employment Exchange Registration Certificate. Certificate of training experience / Extra curricular etc. (g) Nursing Registration Certificate authenticated by Registrar, Assam Nursing Council. Detailed list of eligible candidates for each post along with the details of selection test shall be notified in due course of time and shall be displayed www dhs.assam.gov.in Sd/ Director of Health Services. Assam Hengrabari, Guwahati-781036 Janasanyog 2097/17

10 City

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Allegations surface about agencies overcharging on LPG cylinders Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

iquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are being sold by some agencies in the city at a price which is more than the prescribed rate, some customers have alleged. A resident of Lal Ganesh,

Manoj Dey said, “I was asked to pay Rs 820 for a cylinder refill. Later, I received a digital cash memo which said the price of the refilled LPG was Rs 779.50.” He had booked the cylinder through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number and a booking number was provided and later he exchanged the empty cylinder from the cylinder carrying

truck which visits the area twice a week. Dey had purchased the cylinder from Mahalaxmi Indane Gas Agency located in Rupnagar. Another customer of Cycle Factory area was faced with a similar problem after purchasing from Bharat Gas Agency located in Dhirenpara. Many customers in the city have alleged that the truck drivers

Marketing companies examining consumer complaints

bringing the cylinders to their areas charge more than the prescribed price of a new cylinder. An employee of Mahalaxmi Indane Gas Agency said that customers pay more for delivery of the cylinders to their houses which are located in hilly areas and remote lanes. According to a 2013 order issued by the Kamrup Metro

Deputy Commissioner, it is mandatory for the agencies to deliver cylinders at the residence of the consumers unless the house is located on a hilly terrain or in a lane beyond the reach of vehicles. But consumers were of the view that the agencies often flout the order and cylinders have to be regularly purchased from the outlets. n

Govt quietly reducing cooking gas subsidy

source in the gas and petroleum product industry revealed that the central government has embarked upon a policy of reducing the subsidy in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) since the last few months. The source said, “The government is reducing the LPG subsidy by Rs 2 every month since last one year and customers are unaware about it.” The source explained that according to Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL), the LPG cylinders are sold to consumers at market determined prices excluding subsidy and the subsidy is later transferred to the bank account. The customers are usually not aware about what the quantum of the subsidy should be because

the rate of the LPG changes every month depending on the market and so does the subsidy. When the price of LPG is less the subsidy given to the customers is also less and vice versa. Whatever subsidy the customers are receiving, there is a difference of Rs 2 but the consumers cannot understand it with the complex subsidy calculation set up by the government. The source added that in November the subsidy for a domestic cylinder in Guwahati is Rs 292.50 and the non-subsidised rate is Rs 779.50. If the rate remains the same till the next month, the subsidy will be Rs 290.50. “The customers, in all probability, will not remember the current subsidy till the next month and the government will reduce the subsidy,” he claimed. n

People holding a queue for LPG cylinders in the city | G Plus Photo

arketing companies are alert over the complaints by consumers against the agencies that over-charge LPG cylinders. A source in Indian Oil Corporation limited (IOCL) state office located at Noonmati said, “In 2017 till mid-November we had received around 100 complaints of overcharging from Guwahati and all the complaints were resolved immediately.” The official informed that

customers could register a complaint either on a toll free number (18002333555), or on an IOCL online portal. The source said that the Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, personally looks into the complaints which are posted on his Twitter account. The source explained in most of the cases it is the driver/conductor who overcharges and not the agencies.

The Mahalaxmi Gas Agency clarified that prompt action is initiated after receiving complaints. “On several occasions, the extra amount charged by the driver from the consumers had been refunded. But there are not very many complaints from consumers.” The price of the LPG cylinder keeps changing every month depending on the market scenario. So the customers should know the price and pay accordingly, said the agency official. n

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Weather report for the week Guwahati

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

Sunny

Mostly Sunny

Sunny

27°/17° C

26°/17° C

26°/16° C

25°/15° C

26°/14° C

26°/13° C

SATURDAY Sunny

27°/17° C

In The News 11

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Prastuti to file Rs 1 Cr defamation against Trishna Sharma G Plus attempts to provide all the angles of the sensational Prastuti Parashar adultery charges brought in by the wife of Parashar’s associate Manjit Sharma Rahul Chanda rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

ubbishing the allegations made by Trishna Sharma of adultery and of wrecking her home and marriage, actress Prasturi Parashar has threatened to file a defamation suit of Rs 1 Crore against Trishna. Trishna is the wife of actor/director Manjit Sharma. Talking to G Plus, Parashar said, “I am mentally harassed by the allegations made by her (Tr-

ishna Sharma) and I have already approached the court.” Parashar dared Trishna to prove the allegations saying, “I have never messaged or called Manjit for any personal reasons.” Parashar said that she knew Manjit Sharma only professionally and had maintained only a professional relation, but his wife Trishna was suspicious by nature and doubted her husband’s interaction with the women he worked with. Parashar revealed that Manjit had been working under her

since the last four years. Recently, she had offered a job to someone else in place of Manjit which might have triggered the agitation in Trishna and she resorted to defaming Prastuti. Earlier, Trishna had filed a complaint with Chandmari Police alleging that her husband had attempted to kill her after being incited by Prastuti and he was in an extra-marital affair with Prastuti Parashar since three years now. Manjit has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. n

Maximum evidence has been destroyed, claims Trishna

File photo of Trishna Sharma and Manjit Sharma | G Plus Photo

rishna Sharma has alleged that most of the evidences regarding the extra-marital affair between her husband Manjit Sharma and actress Prastuti Parashar have been destroyed by the duo. Trishna said, “Very cunningly, both of them (Manjit and Prastuti) destroyed all the evidences which I had collected about their affair since the last two years.” Trishna said that her husband was having an affair with Pras-

tuti since the last three years and he had broken Trishna’s phone, which had many recorded evidences, many a time. Trishna said that she has provided the phone numbers which were used by both of them for their communications to the police and if the cyber department extracts all the details the allegations will be proven true. Trishna further said that if the allegations are proven, she will file a defamation suit of Rs 10 crores against Prastuti. n

Prastuti can’t be arrested now: Police

ccording to the complaint received by Chandmari Police and the sections under which the case has been registered, local police revealed that Prastuti Parashar cannot be arrested now. A senior official at the Chandmari Police Station said, “The case is registered against Manjit Sharma under three sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and not against Prastuti Parashar. So she cannot be arrested now.” Police further explained that the sections are of physical and mental harassment, attempt to murder, and adultery with a woman outside marriage. Among the three sections mentioned, adultery is not a cognisable offence. If an offence is not cognisable, the court decides after the trial whether the accused needs to be arrested or not and in this case Manjit Sharma is the accused. Manjit was immediately arrested for the other cognisable registered sections. Police also informed that they

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have called Prastuti to take her statement and it will be investigated

whether Manjit and Prastuti were in an extra-marital affair or not. n

12 Centre Spread

The New

G PLUS | NOV 25

Assam Legislative Assembly G Plus checks out the new Legislative Assembly building which is under construction at Dispur

Dulal Mukherjee, Architect Almost 85% of the exterior works have been completed. Only some finishing works such as plastering and aluminium louver installation is left. However, of the interior works, only 25% has been completed.

The New Assam Legislative Assembly building complex at Janata Bhawan, which had hit several road blocks since the laying of its foundation stone in 2008, is likely to be completed before the winter Assembly session next year. The works of the Rs 234.84 crore complex over a sprawling 10 acre plot (45,534.96 square metres) was stalled citing fund crunch. The work was resumed after an order was passed by the incumbent Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami in May this year. The total floor area is 3,61,000 square metres. The exterior works were tendered to a construction company named Simplex Structure, while the interior is being designed by JD Creations. The architect is Kolkata-based Dullal Mukherjee. Public Works department – Building is supervising the entire project.

MK Deka, Principal Secretary of Assam Legislative Assembly The current Assembly was actually made on a temporary basis when the Assam capital was shifted from Shillong to Guwahati temporarily in September 1972. The current structure used to be a warehouse before that. The state made a few interior changes and made it usable. In 1997, Dispur became the capital permanently, and since then the need to have a separate and proper Assembly building was felt.

Aminul Islam, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) legislator The state government should come clean on how much extra costs were incurred for the delay in the construction. It no doubt will be a magnificent structure, but the amount of money pumped in does not justify.

Debabrata Saikia, leader of oppositions in the Legislative Assembly Another ploy of the incumbent government to steal credit for something the Congress had started. More than half of the work was completed during our tenure.

According to the detailed project report, the complex will comprise four buildings – a two-storey Assembly building, a 15-storey Annexe I building, a three-storey Annexe II building and a one-storey sub-station building for transformers, generator, AC plant, etc. The complex can be approached through the Janata Bhawan main gate at Dispur and through the Last Gate.

Annexe-I building ÌÌ Area: 8,056 square metres ÌÌ Structure: Rectangular multi-storeyed structure. Tallest building in the state. ÌÌ Number of storeys: 16-storeys (78 metres tall) ÌÌ Relevance of the structure: The building will have chambers for different committees of the Assam Legislative Assembly. Besides, it will also have a cafeteria, chambers of ministers, press lounge, etc ÌÌ Facilities: The building will be covered with aluminium louvres - a set of angled slats fixed or hung at regular intervals between the floors to allow air and light to pass through. High-speed lifts will be fitted. State-of-the-art fire-proofing and fire rescue arrangements are being installed

Annexe-II building ÌÌ Area: 9,991 square metres ÌÌ Structure: Rectangular block with Auditorium ÌÌ Facilities: 600 capacity auditorium, banquets, a 250 capacity seminar hall, conference halls for both Lower House and Upper House ÌÌ Relevance of the structure: Secretariat Block comprising office establishments of Speaker, Principal Secretary, Joint and Additional Secretaries, PWD offices

Centre Spread 13

5 - dec 01, 2017

The Main Assembly Hall ÌÌ Area of the Building: 18,459 square metres ÌÌ Structure: Pitched roof with Glass topping for lighting ÌÌ Number of Storeys: 2 ÌÌ Basic structure: The first floor will have a seating capacity of 172 members of the Legislative Assembly, a 44 member seating capacity for the Upper House and a seating capacity of 44 members on the ground floor ÌÌ Facilities: Centrally air-conditioned with 7 lifts including one glass lift and an escalator ÌÌ Speciality: Dry cladding with natural stone. Natural stones such as granite, marble and limestone are being installed in the interior through mechanical installation method using embedded metal anchors and ties for the connection purpose. This will be first structure in northeast to implement this technology

ÌÌ Building will be surrounded by a water body and have state-ofthe-art lighting facility

Other features ÌÌ The one storey substation over 2,000 square metres will include transformers, generator, AC plant, etc for the other three buildings. The AC system will be stateof-the-art heating, ventilating air-conditioning (HVAC) System ÌÌ A multilevel car parking block ÌÌ The campus is deemed to be a Green project; the illumination system attached will include automatic energy saving devices, drainage system for external water, sewerage and storm water, sewage treatment plant and bio-toilets ÌÌ

Advanced audio visual system will be fitted in the assembly hall, auditorium, committee rooms, seminar halls and banquets along with acoustic screening, ICT/ telecommunications

ÌÌ Dual plumbing features for both cold and hot water in all the water points will be fitted ÌÌ Integrated Building Management with CCTV and advanced security systems. ÌÌ The complex will also have a ceremonial ground, service blocks, security offices, main entry gate from the GS Road, VVIP entry, service roads, driveway and pavement

14 G Talk ED

Corruption no more fashionable

here is an old Assamese saying: Kothate kota jaai, kothate bota pai (loosely translated, your words either make or break you). What was basically a motivational speech to teachers took a turn for the worst with an utterance that came across as a very insensitive and hurtful statement when Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chose to say that cancer is caused by one’s past sins! The outrage was nation-wide and instantly gripped the dismay of friends, political foes and most importantly, cancer-stricken patients. The anger against the health minister was massive and was mainly dissipated through social media. Cancer survivors especially felt that their health was mocked at and they responded by saying that they refuse to take such an abominable insult. “Shame on him!” was the war cry. What made HBS bring in such a bizarre analogy beats any intelligent mind by a long margin. Apparently, he was speaking about karma having its own consequences – good or bad. But then, to decipher the analogy better let’s take those drawing room discussions in Assamese households where sad situations of other

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

families who have been stricken by some disease or the other, are often raked up and attributed to sins committed by them or their forbears. Paapor phawl paise (consequences of sins) is a common refrain and almost gossipy for the Assamese society. HBS was clearly motivating his audience to work with dedication and telling them that their good actions will always bring in good consequences. And yes, he was also trying to warn that deliberate sins would augur no well-being for the sinner. Things were all fine until that drawing room statement came flowing out of his mouth in full public view and on cameras. Politicians are seasoned speakers. In many cases, that is all they are good at doing. But HBS has been a worker and there is no denying that. The minister’s initial refusal to accept the error in front of the hounding national media added to the outrage. However, he has issued a lengthy clarification, is remorseful about the utterance and the whole issue has perhaps been a great lesson for him. And just for that, the issue may be buried and not raked up again. Swapnil Bharali Editor

“Jaisi Karni waisi bharni”

his single statement is something that I think talks about the two most trending topics in India. One is the State Minister’s poor choice of words and the pickle he’s put himself in, and the second is the Karni Sena’s attempt to ban the release of the movie Padmavati, globally. The protests being held across the country against the release of Padmavati allege that it misappropriates historical facts. While protests are a sign of a healthy democracy, it is very evident that artists and art has no space in a country like India. There is always a self righteous organization out to make this world a better place and clearly, they start this by not minding their own business. Padmavati was already given a 12A rating by The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which means the film can be viewed by children above the age of 12. The Shree Rajput Karni Sena said its members would visit the UK to contest the film’s release. Now that is some mighty cry for attention. This comes even after the makers of Padmavati said that they would wait for certification by the Indian Central Board of Film Certification before screening the film, in any part of the world. The demonstrations and violent threats by the Rajput Karni Sena and other fringe groups has taken a more aggressive turn when a dead body was found hanging at the Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur on Friday with the message, “we don’t just hang effigies” and “Padmavati ka Virodh”. It is tragic that there is no space for artistic expression in a country that boasts such a vast history, heritage and culture. Artists are now being conditioned to be politically correct and commercially viable while being creatively neutered. Why try anything when there’s someone always after your jugular? No divine intervention necessary, thanks. SIDHARTH BEDI VARMA

Evaluating Arshad Madani’s Comments

he uproar in Assam over Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Maulana Syed Arshad Madani’s provocative statements at a seminar in the capital on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is understandable. According to media reports, he said that Assam would burn, and there will be a situation of “marenge, marenge, aag lagegi” like Myanmar if the names of Muslims did not find place in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The sharp reaction from civil society organisations and individuals to his statement was probably because they find it extremely difficult to accept the ground reality - that illegal Bangaldeshi migrants have overwhelmed Assam. The ‘khilonjia’ in Brahmaputra valley consisting of both the tribal and non-tribal communities never realised that detection and stringent preventive measures against the alien nationals ought to have been initiated four decades ago. Update of the NRC does not mean preventive measures. The exhaustive report submitted by former Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) SK Sinha in 1998 had been put on the backburner years ago.

r Turncoat

Madani’s statement that Assam would burn if the names of Muslims were deleted from the list of citizens cannot be dismissed. If he is wrong, then the intelligence reports forecasting some trouble in Assam after the NRC update are also erroneous. This issue had also cropped up some weeks ago in the capital in a meeting between chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and home minister Rajnath Singh. Additional director

Why cannot we admit that we have failed ourselves? Why was Madani able to pass such provocative statements? Barring a few officials and politicians, there was no concern at all about the danger that had been looming in the horizon for the past so many decades. general of police in charge of Special Branch, Pallab Bhattacharyya, had told this correspondent that a close tab was being kept on some Muslim organisations from south India and Noida whose activities have increased in the state and who might be trying to take advantage of the situation in Assam. There are also reports that migrants who know that their names would be deleted have begun to hold meetings to chalk out a strategy to avoid getting deported. But why cannot we accept the reality? Why cannot we admit that we have failed our-

O pinion

Rajeev Bhattacharyya selves? Why was Madani able to pass such provocative statements? Barring a few officials and politicians, there was no concern at all about the danger that had been looming in the horizon for the past so many decades. The best example comes from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and it even shook hands with the migrants to win the assembly polls in 1996. It did not require an Albert Einstein to realise that their numbers would only grow more in the future given that Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world. Neither is there a plan to tackle the post-NRC scenario in Assam. Where will the migrants be deported? Quite naturally, Bangladesh has been reiterating that its citizens never migrated to Assam which means that these migrants can never be sent back to the neighbouring country. The governments, both at the Centre and state, are blissfully unconcerned thinking that the despatch of a few companies of the paramilitary would resolve the issue. But this could be a much larger problem at hand and unprecedented in the country. But a Myanmar type of situation where the military launched a brutal and planned crackdown in phases to decrease the Muslim presence in Rakhine state cannot be expected to happen in Assam or anywhere in India. And this is where Madani is absolutely wrong. This is something that he should not have uttered since it also amounts to provoking and sowing the seeds of strife between different communities. What was his motive?

Letter to the Editor

he term ‘turncoat’ means a deserter who leaves the original group/party/team and switches over to another for self benefit. Usually deserters are found maximum in political fields where one can witness some so-called opportunistic leaders switch sides to derive one’s own political mileage. Once a staunch supporter of regional politics and a founder leader of AGP, Joynath Sarma, like a self seeking leader, switched to Congress on the eve of last assembly polls. The former Assam Agitation leader, in a recent talk show, was seen questioning the Sarbananda Sonowal led government over the anti-corruption drive that is presently underway. The veteran leader, in his own style, argued and criticised the state government in handling the cash-for-job APSC scam. Such behaviour was unexpected from a person like Joynath Sarma who rose to heights riding on people’s sentiments. His outburst against anti-corruption drive and the government proves that Joynath Sarma is a turncoat of highest order.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury, Ambari, Guwahati

In Focus 15

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Alok Tripathi

Tennis player & sports organizer

orn and brought up in Guwahati, Alok Tripathi did his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Pan Bazar and went on to Kendriya Vidyalaya Khanapara for Higher Secondary. He then went to Hansraj College in Delhi University to pursue BA in English Honours and finally did MA in English from Cotton University, Guwahati. After completing his BA, he also went to Punjab University for a Diploma course. He then prepared for the Indian Army and appeared thrice for the Services Selection Board (SSB). Belonging to a family where everyone’s inclined towards sports, Alok got into sports at a very tender age. At the age of 4, he started to learn swimming and used to play cricket. He also participated in the Yonex Open when he was merely 6 years old. But, in 1998, when he was merely 7 years old, Alok got introduced to tennis. Tripathi started his Tennis career from the Nehru Stadium in 1998, but shifted to Sports Authority of India in 2002, right after the demolition of Nehru Stadium Tennis Court. He played there till 2010. “2002-10 was a very vital and pivotal journey in my tennis career,” he exclaimed. During his time in the Sports

Authority of India, he won many championships. He won his first national title in 2006, the singles as well as doubles in the All India Championship series 2009, represented Junior India in Asian Junior Tennis Event held in Delhi in 2010, and participated in the Championship Series in 2014. In 2010, he represented Delhi University as the captain of the team in the Inter-University Tournament where he won the gold. In 2014, he represented Punjab University (where he was pursuing a di-

ploma) as the captain in the Inter-University Tournament. Talking about representing his nation, Alok said, “Ever since I en-

gaged in sports, my aim had been to represent my country. I wanted to wear the Indian jersey and do my nation proud. Although I didn’t win the Asian Junior Tennis Title, it was a proud moment for me to make it to the main round and participate alongside players from so many other countries.” He further added, “I believe, when the strings of your heart are attached to your nation, you will always rise high.” He has also clinched the title for three consecutive years at the 23rd, 24th and 25th Inter-District Tournament. He also clinched the men’s champion title in the last North East Tennis Event held at Golaghat, Assam. Alok worked as an Assistant Manager at the Goodricke Tea Estate, Udalguri for 8 months. “It was a wonderful experience working in the tea garden – getting to know about the lifestyle, habits and feelings of the Adivasi people. The workers and we, administrative staff, shared a very special bond but I had to resign due to personal and unavoidable reasons.” Recently, Alok Tripathi, as the Organising Secretary of Racquets and Balls Tennis Association, organised the North East India Open Tennis Championship in memory of Late Ranjit Dutta, one of Assam’s finest tennis exponents ever.

Alok has also been associated with Kreeda Bharati, the sports wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, since 2011. Being a swayamsevak, he informed, “Attending the daily morning saakha gives me a boost and makes me more disciplined and sincere in life.” He also truly believes in helping the poor and giving back to the society. “Helping others gives me inner satisfaction and makes me really happy,” Alok says. Talking about the importance of sports in an individual’s life, Alok pointed out, “Sports are important in our lives as it imbibes certain qualities which are essential to lead a good life. It makes you mentally strong and physically fit.” Taking to G Plus about his take on the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, he said, “I feel that the Lodha Committee’s recommendations should be implemented, not only in cricket, but in all sports. Politics and sports should function separately and mutually exclusive of each other. No players’ dreams should be shattered due to the influence of politicians and internal politics.” Alok’s message to the young talents of Assam who want to do big in the field of sports is, “If you want to grow and become a national champion, you have to work really hard. Coaching/practice sessions are not enough; you must indulge in individual practice to get an edge over the other players. Remem-

ber, becoming the number 1 is a big task and maintaining that position is a much bigger task than that.”

The Railway Mail Service labourers’ strike resulted in consignments worth Crores being dumped outside the Guwahati Railway Station. Guwahatians react...

Binoy Saikia My IGNOU study materials are still lying there and I got the docket number from Delhi study centre two months ago and am yet to receive it. I just hope to get it soon otherwise I’ll have to complain against India Post.

Dipak Bhattacharjee Postal department takes the advantage of a rule that says that they will not be held responsible for any loss of parcel. Even no compensation would be paid by the department. This is against the interest of public services. The department is dependent fully on public but not liable to public loss. One of my parcels was lost due to negligence on their part. The matter was brought to the notice of Union Minister/ Chief Post Master General and the concerned postmaster. They did not take any action. They only made official correspondences from one office to another office. So I complained to the Consumer Forum. But they also could not settle due to delaying tactics by all concerned. There is a particular rule about the loss of parcel. They are not liable for loss so no question of paying any compensation. Only postal charges will be paid. On the matter I posted my views on Facebook with a request to review the rule. But all went in vain. I had to suffer and nothing happened. This is where our country is heading to I guess.

Aruna Krishna Deka Once, I posted a mobile phone and the sealed pack was found open on receipt with no phone inside. Only the charger was delivered. And when I complained, they said they were not responsible. I mean seriously? This was not the first time. I have gone through such nonsense a lot but at the end of the day never found any solution to this. My request to everyone: Never ever post anything through India Post.

Dipankar Das Free Ka “Mall”. Jokes apart, seriously the station has turned into a dumping zone but again this is the first time I have seen anything like this. Maybe something went wrong. We demand an answer and a written letter of apology to everyone. The sealed boxes looked like something very important - maybe blood or drug samples and most probably everything got spoilt. So who is going to be liable for that? Will any action be taken against this? These are not just parcels but future of many people and hopes which all got destroyed.

Himakshi Baishya Indian post never delivers parcel. Due to their negligence important documents are always missed and also due to their laziness, lots of aspiring candidates miss their admit cards for various competitive exams. They are getting their pockets full with salaries on time but they don’t give damn to those unemployed candidates who are still eagerly waiting for their valuable admit cards. This is something which is not at all acceptable. Why don’t people take some action against this? They are playing with people’s future. This isn’t a joke.

16 Cover Story

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Biju Phukan: The man, the star Continued from Cover

Kopil Bora Our generation grew up watching Biju Phukan, Nipon Goswami, Mridula Baruah and many such actors. He is the biggest superstar that we have seen. Biju Da’s acting skill has been lessons to generations of actors in Assam. He was effortlessly natural in front of the camera. He had a very amiable personality, warm at heart, which is why entire Assam came together at his last rituals. I have acted under his direction, in his own in-house productions, from delivering voice over to acting in his video films. He was a very fine director who did not get enough scope much to project his talents. He had a very graceful sense of humour. On sets, he was great fun to be with. Today, as I reminisce over the moments I have shared with him, I recall the days when we used to party together; he belonged to the elder team, we were the young ones. But it was always so easy to mix with him; age never mattered. His contributions and acting skills will forever be remembered.

Munin Baruah I worked in 7 films with Biju, out of which 4 were his own films. One of the films where we worked together is ‘Bhai Bhai’ for which I wrote the screenplay and dialogues. He was the only actor in the industry who had mastered the art of spontaneous and natural acting. He was someone who got along with people easily, irrespective of age and background. I still remember an incident during the shoot of the ‘Bowari’ film. We had spent a night sitting on the floor, at a village of Karbi Anglong. We started shooting next day early morning. His acting on the song ‘Dehe Joubon Moti’ won hearts of every Assamese. As time passes, his absence will be felt; an irreparable loss. I feel the state government should take initiatives to preserve his films in the archives. All the production houses should give a copy of his films to the government so these can be preserved forever. His absence cannot be explained in words. I only pray he is in a better place.

Mridula Barua I started my career with Biju Da, with the film ‘Upapath.’ Prior to this we only knew of him as a hero. But working with him was never tough; he was that friendly with all. He was a close friend of my husband and we shared personal relationships too. I had worked with him for films like ‘Bowari,’ ‘Bhai-Bhai’, ‘Meghmukti’. With his death, I’ve lost a part of my Assamese film journey.

Pranjal Saikia I first met Biju Da at Joyshree Sangha of Dibrugarh. In 1969, there was drama competition called “Sadou Axom Ekanka Naat” where I remember Biju Da coming along with his team. We have always seen him as the ‘good looking’ and ‘tall and handsome’ person of the Assamese film industry. He was a very well dressed and disciplined person; a view of him could be a memory by itself. He had a very unique walk; his walk resembled his personality. I first worked with him for the film ‘Upapath’ which was shot at Biswanath Chariali. I had worked with him in ‘Ajoli Nabou’ which was the first colour film of Assamese language. During those 10-15 days of shooting, Biju Da’s son Angshu was born at the Chandmari Red Cross Hospital. We all had shut down our shoot to see Biju Da’s son. In 1978 we did ‘Bhai-Bhai’ where he played the role of my elder brother. In 1986, he played the role of my father for the movie ‘Pita-Putra’. With these father-brother roles, he eventually became a significant part of my life. People might not realize, but we people build real life relations with each other while acting. I always regretted the fact that Biju Da was into certain habits which harmed his health. I was younger to him, but always told him not to smoke. He was good looking person, but he hardly cared to maintain his health. I once shouted at BijuDa on the sets for a mistake he made. I raised my voice at him for the first time. But the calm person that he always was, he just smiled and my anger vanished. I feel bad about my behaviour even today.

Milestones

1. Born: 18th February, 1947 2. First movie: Dr. Bezbarua (1970) 3. First release as a hero: Samarendra Narayan Dev’s ‘Aranya’ in 1971, which was adjudged the Best Regional Film at the National Film Awards 4. Big hits: Include ‘Bowari’, ‘Aparoopa’, ‘Ajoli Nabou’, ‘Agnisnan’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Barood’ 5. He spoke fluent Bengali and acted in Bengali films too. The hits are ‘Hotel Showfox’, ‘Aparajita’, ‘Doishyu Ratnakar’ and ‘Gajamukta’. 6. He felt making a living with the profession of actor was much easier during his time. Today’s generation cannot be assured a decent life with acting in Assamese films (as shared by Pranjal Saikia) 7. He was a former jury member of Indian Panorama. 8. Died: 22nd November 2017

Filmography

Biju Phukan was a Congo player before he moved to acting. He was the part of band called ‘Quivers’. Biju Phukan was a fine music artist too.

1970 Dr. Bezbaruah 1970 Baruar Songshar 1971 Aranya 1972 Opaja Xonar Mati 1972 Lalita 1973 Bonoriya Phool 1973 Anutap 1973 Rashmirekha 1973 Momota 1973 Ganesh 1974 Brishti 1977 Dharmakai 1977 Natun Asha 1979 Bisesh Eraati 1979 Meghmukti 1980 Ajoli Nabou

1980 Upapath 1980 Itihaas 1981 Rajani Gandha 1982 Bowari 1982 Raja 1982 Aparoopa 1983 Ghar Sangsar 1984 Devi 1985 Agnisnaan 1985 Bohagor Duporiya 1985 Mon Mandir 1986 Anthony Mur Naam 1986 Maa 1986 Papori 1988 Pita-Putra 1990 Abhiman

1990 Pahari Kanya 1994 Ashanto Prohor 1995 I Killed Him 2001 Ei Morom Tumar Babe 2000 Aasene Konoba Hiyaat 2003 Agnisakshi 2003 Priya Milon 2003 Hepaah 2004 Barood 2004 Rong 2006 Deuta Diya Bidaay 2010 Ochin Chinaki 2012 Rowd 2015 Khandob Daah 2016 Dur

“Mon hira doi, cycle nohoi tilinga...” is an Assamese song that our generation has grown up with, and the generation before us has romanticised to. As the evergreen actor moves to a better world leaving behind a void that can never be filled, his contribution to Assamese film fraternity will certainly remain the roots that the upcoming generations will hold on to as ‘Axomiya’ identity. The man who epitomised the expression of on-screen romance with his smile, left for his heavenly abode on 22nd November 2017.

Trotter 17

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Expect e-challan, tweets Mumbai police to Varun Dhawan for his selfie

“We expected better from a responsible Mumbaikar and youth icon like you,” wrote Mumbai Police, also adding that the actor should expect an ‘e-challan’ or a fine soon. Their tweet has already been retweeted over 2,000 times. Varun Dhawan also responded to the tweet with an apology. In turn, Mumbai Police replied saying that they’re glad Varun Dhawan took their message in the right spirit. (Source: ndtv)

umbai Police called out actor Varun Dhawan on Twitter for flouting traffic rules by taking a selfie with a fan. Mumbai Police shared a picture on Twitter which shows Varun Dhawan leaning out of his car to click a selfie with a fan sitting in the auto-rickshaw next to him. He does not appear to be wearing a seat belt in the photo. Accompanying the picture was a sternly-worded warning for the Judwaa 2 star.

Internet raises over Rs 25 lakhs in a day to help cancer patient in Mumbai

he Humans of Bombay Facebook page profiled a cancer patient from Gujarat who had moved to Mumbai to attend college. Soon, Rushi discovered he had an incredibly rare form of cancer and would require a bone marrow transplant and multiple rounds of costly chemotherapy. Stunned to learn that his treatment had been stopped due to lack of funds, netizens banded together and raised over 25 lakh rupees in just 15 hours. In the viral Facebook post, Rushi described poignantly how his father, with a salary of just Rs.15,000, managed to save almost Rs. 13 lakhs for his college fees. Rushi wrote he always dreamed of earning his MBA and his parents never once let the worry of finances prevent him from pursuing his dreams. But a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) briefly

derailed Rushi’s plans. After eight cycles of chemotherapy - each costing Rs. 2.5 lakhs - Rushi’s treatment was stopped due to lack of funds.

“Seeing my father worried is more difficult than braving these chemotherapy cycles,” he wrote adding, “It’s even worse that I can’t

do my MBA and give my parents the life they deserve. I’m trying to show him the brighter side. I tell him that it’s good that I’ve received another year to prepare for the entrance exam so I’ll try to get into the IIMs, but it’s tough.” The post touched the hearts of many on the internet, who donated generously towards Rushi’s treatment. “Did my bit. I do hope one day we’ll get to read your story on the same page about how things eventually happened as you’ve planned in your mind about taking care of your parents and everything,” commented one person on the post. The next day, Humans of Bombay shared that netizens had managed to raise more than the required 25 lakh rupees in less than 15 hours: “THANK YOU, beautiful humans for relentlessly reinforcing our faith in all the good in the world!” (Source: firenewsfeed)

Odisha man stuffs 459 straws in his mouth, sets world record.

disha’s Manoj Kumar Maharana is making headlines after setting a rather strange Guinness World Record. Maharana crammed an astounding 459 drinking straws into his mouth at once to break the record for the most straws stuffed

in the mouth (hands off). The record had remained unbeaten for the past eight years. According to the Guinness World Records, the 23-year-old had wanted to win the title “ever since he was a child,” and was inspired to attempt the record after hearing about the previous record holder, Simon Elmore. In order to break the record, Maharana had to make sure all of the plastic straws were in his mouth for a minimum of at least 10 seconds without falling out. As per the rules, the challenger cannot use their hands to support

the straws during the 10-second period. They are, however, allowed to put rubber bands around the plastic straws to hold them together. Each straw must have a minimum diameter of 0.64 centimetres. The bizarre record has left some netizens a little underwhelmed. “This is the weirdest Guinness World Record ever...” commented one person on YouTube. “Imagine sitting at home and thinking: I’m gonna break the world record for most straws in a mouth,” wrote another. (Source: Indiatimes)

Man served apple and pear after asking for in-flight veg meal

nyone who travels frequently knows in-flight meals aren’t always the most filling or appetizing. But the “meal” a passenger was recently served while flying Colombia’s Avianca Airlines is more than just a little ridiculous. Disappointed, Steve Hogarty tweeted a picture of the food he was served after asking for the

vegetarian option for his in-flight meal and immediately earned much sympathy from the internet. Instead of a delicious vegetarian hot meal or even a veggie sandwich or salad, Hogarty was offered two pieces of fruit - an apple and a pear. Even stranger, the fruit was served whole in plastic wrap along with a knife and fork. (Source: worldvibe)

American pilot draws male genitalia in sky, navy not amused

he US Navy was left redfaced after a pilot painted an enormous outline of a penis in the sky using the condensation trails from his multi-million-dollar warplane. Residents of the town of Okanogan, in the western state of Washington, were stunned to see the EA18G Growler jet - a variant of the workhorse F/A18 warplane - scrawling the phallic symbol, and several photos quickly circulated online. Navy officials acknowledged one of their crews was behind the stunt, saying the aircraft “left a condensed air trail resembling an obscene image to observers on the ground.” “The actions of this aircrew were wholly unacceptable and antithetical to Navy core values,” Lieutenant Commander Leslie Hubbell, a spokeswoman for the

Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, said in a statement. “We have grounded the aircrew and are conducting a thorough investigation and we will hold those responsible accountable for their actions. “The Navy apologizes for this irresponsible and immature act,” she added. Many onlookers on the ground posted images of the drawing on social media and appeared amused by the stunt. Ramon Duran told The Spokesman-Review that he was running errands when he noticed the jet drawing the male genitalia. “After it made the circles at the bottom, I knew what it was and started laughing,” Duran said. “It was pretty funny to see that. You don’t expect to see something like that.” (Source: timesofindia)

18 Reviews

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Cast: Raai Laxmi, Pankaj Tripathi, Ravi Kishan Director: Deepak S Shivdasani

vie Mo view Re

Julie 2

ulie 2 is an erotic thriller, sequel to 2004 release Julie, starring Neha Dhupia. The film is about the dark side of the world of glitz and glamour - an erotic thriller, complete with a murder attempt which, despite willing suspension of disbelief, is completely implausible. Raai Laxmi (Julie), who has been an actress for more than a decade in the southern film industry, makes her Bollywood debut with this film. While she has an arresting screen presence and has the qualities of the quintessential Indian film heroine, the script lets her down.

Even though the story is set in current times, the narrative plays out like a 90s masala flick. The dialogues must have been written to induce wolf-whistles but are cringe-worthy to say the least. The dance numbers are also reminiscent of the by-gone era. Meanwhile, the camera constantly lingers on the leading lady’s bosom only to titillate the audience. Ravi Kishan in the role of a Telugu superstar is unintentionally funny and one wonders, why a gifted actor like Pankaj Tripathi who has delivered stirring performances this year even agreed to be a part of this film. Give Julie 2 a miss, you won’t be missing much. n

Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, etc Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina

ixar is back - the bold, creative Coco washes away the bland taste of The Good Dinosaur and

Cars 3. ‘Coco’ is an original tale, and a highly imaginative one at that, by writer/ co-director Adrian Molina. Based in Mexico, it introduces us to the Rivera family who makes shoes for a living and everyone absolutely despises anything related to music. Except for little Miguel Rivera, who shines shoes but aspires to be a musician. Through the course of the film, Miguel enters the Land of the Dead and learns the truth about who his family really is.

‘Coco’ is colorful and vibrant, blending a number of unique personalities and vivid landscapes. Director Lee Unkrich keeps the narrative taut; throwing in a couple of twists along with some truly powerful moments that will invariably pull at your heartstrings. Going beyond the usual ‘follow your dreams’ mantra, ‘Coco’ has multiple messages to take home. It’s also a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of being a celebrity, and more importantly an ode to family, especially the ones who aren’t with us anymore. Take your kids along to watch this film, and if you don’t have any, don’t hesitate to go alone! n

Gadget Review

Xiaomi Redmi Y1

hinese handset maker Xiaomi has climbed to second spot in the Indian smartphone market after coming here nearly four years ago. The company has now expanded its budget line-up with the selfie-centric “Redmi Y” series. The new Redmi Y1 device comes in two variants - 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage at Rs 8,999 and 4GB RAM and 64GB internal memory variant at Rs 10,999.

Design One look and it’s instantly recognizable as a Redmi phone: elegant lines, two available colours (gray with black front and gold with white front) and a curved back that fits nicely in the hand.

The front panel of the smartphone is dominated by the 5.5inch HD (720x1280 pixels) display. The smartphone’s fingerprint sensor lies at the back panel with Xiaomi branding at the bottom. The build quality of the smartphone aided by its ease of use and premium looks is overall very impressive.

Specifications Redmi Y1 runs MIUI based on Android 7.1 Nougat and is powered by the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor. The MIUI skin brings a different look to the phone’s software. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 435 is good enough for all daily tasks and even the odd game or two. However, it’s

vie Mo view Re

Cinepolis Christian Basti 09435025808 Tumhari Sulu 03:05 PM 08:35 PM Coco 03:10 PM 05:45 PM Julie 2 03:10 PM 06:00 PM 08:50 PM Justice League 03:35 PM 06:15 PM 09:00 PM Murder on the Orient Express 06:05 PM Priyaar Priyo 08:25 PM

Anuradha Cineplex Noonmati 0361 2656968 Julie 2 10:00 AM Coco 12:45 PM Justice League 03:15 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 05:45 PM Sonar Baran Pakhi 08:15 PM

PVR Cinemas Dona Planet 08800900009

Murder on the Orient Express 10:30 AM 08:10 PM Julie 2 11:00 AM Tumhari Sulu 01:00 PM Coco 01:50 PM 07:05 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 03:55 PM Justice League 04:30 PM 09:45 PM Sonar Baran Pakhi 06:10 PM

Galleria Cinemas HUB 09706989143 Coco

Julie 2 11:00 AM 08:45 PM Justice League 01:40 PM

Coco 04:00 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 06:30 PM

Grande Cines Paltan Bazar 09854017771 Justice League 10:30 AM 03:30 PM 06:00 PM Julie 2 10:45 AM 08:50 PM Murder on the Orient Express 01:00 PM 08:30 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 01:30 PM Coco 03:45 PM Tumhari Sulu 06:15 PM

Gold Cinema Paltan Bazaar 09854066166 Julie 2 11:30 AM 02:30 PM 08:30 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 02:00 PM Sonar Baran Pakhi 05:00 PM Tumhari Sulu 05:30 PM 08:00 PM

Gold Cinema Lakhtokia 0361 2735367 Julie 2 11:30 AM 02:30 PM 08:30 PM Tumhari Sulu 02:00 PM 05:30 PM 08:00 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 05:00 PM

Apsara Cinema Paltan Bazaar 0361 2541335 Julie 2 11:00 AM 02:00 PM 08:00 PM Rum Vodka Whisky 05:00 PM

still a couple of notches below something like the Snapdragon 625. The smartphone has a 3080mAh battery and the fingerprint sensor of the smartphone is a plus and is extremely responsive.

Camera Redmi Y1 features a 16MP front camera with selfie light that captured detailed selfies and had accurate colour reproduction. Additionally, there are “smart” and “pro” modes that help in further smoothening the portrait shots. The rear camera on the device is a 13MP sensor with phase detection auto focus (PDAF) and single-tone LED flash. Similar to that of other Xiaomi devices, the camera app of Redmi Y1 houses modes such as “Panorama”, “Beautify” and “Manual”.

Verdict Redmi Y1 is a good attempt by the Chinese handset maker in manufacturing a budget

phone which is not just about selfies. A light-form factor, decent specs -- apart from a

good selfie camera -- make it a strong contender against other Android budget phones. n

Entertainment 19

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

In conversation with Diptanil Barua own YouTuber, Diptanil Barua, recently released his latest song “Dooriyaan” on YouTube. The song received over 1k views within a day and has now crossed 4.3k Guwahati’s views. Diptanil, a Class 12 student of Sanskriti the Gurukul, is the grandson of Luit Konwar Rudra Barua. Belonging to a culturally and musically inclined family, Diptanil started

learning music at a very young age. Starting with learning to play tabla, he went on to Rock School of Music, London to learn drumming for 4 years and then to Royal School of Music, London for a couple of years to get certified in Piano. Dooriyaan is Diptanil’s first original composition. He used to previously work on cover videos and has won many awards for the same. He’s been awarded the Best Singer in School Award four times, Best Drummer in School twice, Best Performer by Noonmati Bihu (2014) and he’s been the Winner of Inter School Singing Music Fest ‘Folk-Funk’ in 2016. G Plus got in touch with the young YouTuber to talk about his latest release and much more.

When did you start your journey as a YouTuber? How has the journey been so far?

was mixed and mastered by Rajdeep Das who has been a guide throughout. Dooriyaan has surely showed me a way ahead in life and out of all my compositions, I will probably treasure Dooriyaan the most.

I started posting clips from my band’s live shows many years ago. But it was only last year, around November, that I decided to start my journey as a YouTuber all over again. I made a channel of my own and posted a cover of the biggest hit of last year, ‘Closer.’ In spite of being my first ever YouTube cover video, it crossed 1000 views in less than a day. However, when my second cover video ‘The Chainsmokers Mashup’ flopped, I stopped making cover videos for about 4 months. During that period, I wrote quite a few originals, which are ready to be recorded and released. So my latest YouTube release, ‘Dooriyaan’, should change the structure of my channel and it’ll no longer remain a cover video channel only.

I feel that covers can never be big as they’re just your take on someone else’s composition. But yes I am planning to release an entire album by the end of 2018. I am planning to release three songs from it as singles to give the audience a feel about how the album is going to be. I am also collaborating with other young artists like DJ Triv and Reemon Bhuyan who are exceptionally talented in their fields. And I’m planning to release the next original in April called Brahmaputra - a blues Assamese song.

Tell us about your latest song, Dooriyaan.

Tell us about your association with the band, Vibrant Beats.

Well, Dooriyaan is a one-sided conversation between a long distance couple. The basic theme of the song is the rising and setting of the Sun. Just like the Sun rises everyday and sets in the evening but promises to rise again the next day, in the song, the boy promises the girl to come back in a short while. A friend of mine, Ramanuj Deka, shot the video and has done a great job. The song

Vibrant Beats is the main chapter in my journey as a musician. We started as a band in 2013 when I joined them as a drummer. It was after a year that the position of the vocalist got vacant that I stepped in to lead the vocals and I’ve been the front man of this band ever since. Although we haven’t been very active recently, we still do a lot of shows and whenever we perform together, we have a blast.

Is there a next big cover or original track you’re working on that people can look forward to?

We, as a band, feel very fortunate to have done probably everything that a young rock band dreams of. We have toured together to various events, we’ve done a lot of local TV shows and a few national TV appearances too. We were also named the youngest band in the north-eastern part of India.

Do you have a wish list of singers/musicians you’d like to work with? Definitely! As an Indian musician you always want to work with AR Rahman and so do I. Since I follow the independent music scene in India, I wish to work with the likes of Nucleya, Divine, Papon and Raghu Dixit to name a few. Among international artists, I wish to work with Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.

Lastly, since you have Class 12 boards ahead of you, how do you balance academics along with your passion for music? Honestly, it has been really difficult. I am not being to balance it very well bemy passion for music over-

Assamese beauty bags ‘Mrs India Earth - Face of Northeast’ title

ssam’s Pranami Priya Hazarika successfully grabbed her position among the top 48 finalists from different parts of the country at the Mrs India Earth 2017 contest and later went on to win the title of ‘Mrs India Earth - Face of Northeast.’ “It was a matter of great pride and honour to represent my state and the entire northeast on national platform as the Face of Northeast,” Priya Hazarika said on winning the title. She further added, “I think the Northeast is full of talents and I feel delighted that our talents are getting recognition, not just nationally, but globally.” Born and raised in Guwahati, Priya did her schooling from Arunodaya English Medium High School and went on to pursue higher secondary and graduation from Shrimanta Shankar Academy and Handique Girls’ College respectively. She

further did a course in Fashion Designing from North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT), Guwahati. A survivor of violence and physical abuse, she desires to raise her voice on violence against women and wants to make the best out of the platform which says, ‘Beauty with a cause’. She credits her past for her determination in life saying, “I think my hard past gives my beauty an edge over others because you cannot harm a woman who wears pain like diamond around her neck.” Recently, she started a campaign called ‘Who feeds a hungry animal, feeds his own soul’ to feed the hungry stray dogs. Being an animal lover herself, Priya Hazarika believes that God has made humans capable enough to do good for the society and not just for themselves. She also wishes to build a shelter home for stray dogs in the near future. n

all else. I sometimes get so engrossed in my work that I miss a lot of school and do not concentrate on studies. But, I have been fortunate enough to have such a supportive family. Even my teachers are very generous and supportive towards what I want to do in life and that gives me all the encouragement I need to succeed.

able cause powers

By Nehal Jain

Chandropal Deka releases new single ‘Aabotoria Boroxhun’ Kalyan Kumar Kalita

handropal Deka, a promising singer, has recently released his first single ‘Aabotoria Boroxhun’. Chandropal, though not a professional singer, dabbles in music to fulfill his dream of becoming a popular singer of the Assamese music industry. The lyrics of the romantic song, ‘Aabotoria Boroxhun’ which showcases a lover yearning for his beloved, have been penned by Raj Ballav Nath. The song is beautifully composed and rendered by Chandropal Deka, music arrangement, production song, mixing and mastering is by Debo Nath. The song’s video has been conceptualized by Anutpal Deka and has been directed and edited by Khalid Nazim. Cinematography has been done by Hirak Jyoti (HIK); aerial cinematography is by Kushal and Hirak Jyo-

ti, color grading is by Tiraap Simanta Medhi, production manager is Manash Kumar Das, location manager is Hiren Boro. The key roles in the video have been essayed by Chandropal and Priyanka Barman. The singer shared his feelings about the song saying, “I am filled with immense gratitude just because of all the wonderful and talented people who got together to make this dream turn into a reality. We worked as a team and the reason we could do this is because all of us respected each other’s opinions and believed in it with our heart and soul. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of artists to work with.” At present the song is being telecast on all private entertainment channels and music lovers are viewing the song on social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube also. Due to its soulfulness and melody the song has been able to gain popularity among the music lovers. n

20 Fun

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Horoscope of the week As the sun eases into your sector of relating, it can encourage you to take stock of your relationships and how you might improve them. It’s also an opportunity to discuss issues that have been pushed to one side because you’ve been too busy. But those in-depth conversations might need to wait until after Thanksgiving, as you could be having too much fun. A positive aspect between interactive Mercury and innovative Uranus on Saturday suggests that one get-together could be particularly lively and memorable.

Your lifestyle sector is in focus, particularly as the cheery sun enters Sagittarius on Tuesday. Bearing this in mind, you might want to finalize any preparations for Thanksgiving and get organized in general. Overall, the coming four weeks can be a chance to design an eating and fitness program that can see you through the holiday season. If you don’t want to put on too many pounds, give this some thought. It can help you stay on track. On a social note, romance could sizzle.

You could be hosting the Thanksgiving event this week, and if so, the planetary picture suggests it should be a positive, upbeat experience. However, with the illuminating sun entering your leisure sector, don’t forget to spend time doing things you enjoy. The coming weeks look quite dynamic, encouraging you to showcase your skills in a variety of ways. Putting items in a crafts market or making gifts for friends can let others see how talented you are. It will certainly get you noticed!

Home and family events are very much in focus this week as the glowing sun enters your domestic sector for a four-week stay. You may be welcoming people from far and wide, or you might decide to travel and enjoy homey comforts somewhere else on the globe. With adventurous Jupiter in your sector of everyday travel, you might feel the world is at your feet and it’s an easy hop from one destination to the next. Expect the unexpected over the weekend, however.

As feisty Mars continues to power through your sign, you may feel a lot more courageous about sharing your feelings. And this could be a good thing if it seems like others are being too persuasive or even a bit controlling. If you’re strong, they’ll soon back off. A tie between luscious Venus and potent Pluto on Tuesday could see feelings intensifying. This aspect brings the potential to transform a situation with a heart-to-heart talk. You’ll relish one encounter over the weekend.

As the cheery sun enters your financial zone, it encourages you to shine a spotlight on your affairs and perhaps create a budget for the coming weeks. Another, deeper transit between convivial Venus and fervent Pluto hints that an encounter with someone who shares your values and ideas could seem almost fated. Watch this space, as a potential romance may be about to blossom. Money could come in and go out quickly this week, and this might be something to keep an eye on.

Tuesday brings a new dawn as the illuminating sun glides into your sign for a four-week stay. You may find that your vitality begins to perk up and you now can enjoy being completely yourself. The coming weeks can be an opportunity to kick-start projects that you’ve been dreaming up recently. It’s also a very life affirming time during which expressing yourself can feel really good. The weekend could bring a surprise visit or an invite that’s too good to miss.

From Tuesday, you’ll be entering a yearly phase in which the cosmos encourages you to relax and unwind. You will likely be busy, too, so it is prudent to take time out so you can reflect on your priorities and release unwanted emotional baggage. There’s also a sizzle in the air, as an intense link between Venus and Pluto brings the potential for romance or perhaps an intimate friendship. Your social life continues buoyant, so there’s certainly plenty of fun to be had.

Your social life will be enhanced by the presence of the sun in this sector on Tuesday, increasing your options for fun and getting into the holiday spirit. There is also a more focused aspect encouraging you to listen to your intuitive nudges and pay attention to signs and coincidences that could help you with your career and ambitions. Following such guidance could help you take advantage of an opportunity that you might otherwise have missed. Over the weekend, a friend may surprise you.

You could find yourself in the spotlight as of Tuesday, when the sun moves into your sector of goals and ambitions. The coming four weeks could see you aiming high and eager to make progress with your plans. As this is also Thanksgiving week, you might choose to travel this year and enjoy this time with friends and family who are some distance away. This should be something you’ll relish. As ethereal Neptune turns direct midweek, one situation could gain in clarity.

Which capital city’s literal meaning is ‘they never sleep’?

Approaching Menace by The Neil Richardson Orchestra was the theme music of which popular quiz programme?

4 Which famous Australian cricketer was nicknamed Hollywood because of his flamboyant style? 5

Which common Indian sweet literally means ‘crushed pearls’?

Identify this famous actress of yesteryears?

Dr. Soubhadra Chakrabarty This quiz has been brought to you by Brain Jam, a property of Priya Communications

Luann by Greg Evans

7 4 8 9

9 6

Daily Sudoku: Wed 15-Nov-2017

last week solution 1 9 4 3 8 9 1 24 56 38 1 6 9 2 1 5 6 6 8 7 4 4 2 35 27 93 7 5 8 7 82 41 15 6 2 6 9 4 1 3 5 7 6 4 9 6 5 73 38 57 2 1 7 4 2 3 9 4 1 8 9 7 7 4 98 63 26 8 3 Daily 1 Sudoku: 5 Thu 9 23-Nov-2017 2 8

2 37 79 81

7 54 82 18

5 29 41 66

6 78 33 94

93 49 37 28 73 52 4 26 98 16 65 83

65 81 19 52

5 91 14 27 6 3 7 4hard

Daily Sudoku: Wed 15-Nov-2017

hard

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

Word of the week

curio-city

http://www.dailysudoku.com/

1. Amitabh Bachchan 2. Harare 3. Mastermind U.K. 4. Shane Warne 5. Motichoor Laddoo 6. Jamuna Barua, wife of Pramathesh Chandra Barua

Which famous actor’s original surname is Shrivastava?

2 5 9 6 54 41 6 71 5 6 7 7 93 2 66 5 1 2 4 7 7 6 7 4 4 3 7 8 9 3 5 4 6 19 3 4 8 9 6 8 7 6

Daily Sudoku: Thu 23-Nov-2017

curio-city 1

Sudoku

There’s an intense focus on your sector of change and transformation, especially once the sun moves in on Tuesday. This emphasis could see you exploring issues that may have been holding you back for some time. It’s an opportunity to dig deep and release negative feelings from the past that are getting in the way of progress. Expect a surprise toward the end of the week, when an unexpected guest could show up or a lovely invite come your way.

New adventures beckon as the cheery sun enters the sign of the Archer, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new terrain. This week is more mellow than last, although there could be some intense moments and opportunities for passion, especially early in the week. Nebulous Neptune turns direct midweek, and this can help clarify issues that have been mired in confusion. The weekend could see you pursuing fresh opportunities that are very enjoyable.

Claque noun [klak] A group of persons hired to applaud an act or performer

Crossword Across

Down

1 Gallows (6) 4 Managed (5) 7 Bring about (6) 8 Church song book (6) 9 Attempt (4) 10 Seductive (8) 12 Garden building (7,4) 17 Surviving fragments (8) 19 Yob (4) 20 Fast ride (6) 21 Sarah Palin’s state (6) 22 Painter of industrial Lancashire (5) 23 Magician in Camelot (6)

1 Heavily armed helicopter (7) 2 Small garden bird (4,3) 3 Height above sea level (9) 4 Rodent bred for its fur (5) 5 Brooding (7) 6 Flood (6) 11 Make laws (9) 13 I = V/R (electrically speaking) (4,3) 14 Large strong bag with handles or shoulder strap (7) 15 Given to excessive consumption of alcohol (7) 16 Avoiding waste (6) 18 Intense pain (5)

Last week’s solution

Lifestyle 21

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Everything is Nothing

ou need to wake up and realize that everything is going to end one day. Everything that has ever happened till this day, till this very moment, does not exist anymore. Whether pleasant or unpleasant, good or bad; no matter what happened till now, it no longer exists. It is all finished. As we go ahead in life, we will realize that everything is going to end. Nothing will remain. And yet, we still sit and go on thinking over it, worrying about this and that. Shake everything off yourself, just wake up and see – there is nothing. Everything is nothing, that’s it. This very realization is enough for wisdom to dawn within you. The nothing that remains is what everything truly is. You need to remind yourself of this again and again, so that it gets instilled in your memory. Just see how you have surpassed all in the past and moved ahead. “Everything is Nothing”- this is called the Hridaya Sutra (aphorism of heart) as was

told by Lord Buddha. This is also what AdiShankaracharya called as the philosophy of Advaita. All the five elements are nothing. The five senses are nothing. I am nothing. You are nothing. Devotees say the same thing in a different way. They say, ‘I am akinchan’ (I am nothing). If you just understand this, great awareness dawns within you. So whenever something worries you, awaken yourself. Remind yourself that one day we all have to die. No matter how much you decorate and adorn this body, one day it will burn on the funeral pyre. See every problem as a challenge. Take it as a challenge and see. Then there is no power in this world that can wipe the smile off your face. To know this, how many books will you have to read? What all will you do, where will you go? You don’t have to do anything. People have gotten so tired asking again and again, ‘What do I do?’ And the gurus who keep saying, ‘Do this, do that, do this’, have grown tired of saying it. So you have to do nothing. Just know that all this is nothing.

shri shri ravi shankar

Founder- Art of Living Foundation.

Stress Management Tips for a calmer life

tress is one of the most common conditions these days and affects people across all age groups for various reasons. All of us have different ways of handling stress and the way we deal with stress depends on the level and also the cause of it. Learning how to manage your stress takes practice, but you can -- and need to -- do it. Here are some ways to make it easier. 1. The best remedy to cope with stress is to talk it out. Stress is normally caused by problems related to work, career, finance, peer pressure, relationships, etc. And we all know what they say about a problem shared, don’t we? You can confide in anyone who you think would understand and not make fun of your problem instead – it could be your mom, dad, a close family member or a friend. 2. The best way to tackle stressful problems is to face them head on, and to talking it through with the person who’s causing them is a good start to tackling stress. This will help you vent out your feelings & emotions and get everything out in the open rather than

bottling it up inside of you. This only will help clear out a lot of issues. 3. If it’s a situation that’s causing you stress, then, try to find a solution. Think about the ways you currently manage and cope with stress in your life. If your methods of coping with stress aren’t contributing to your greater emotional and physical health, it’s time to find healthier ones. No single method works for everyone or in every situation, so experiment with different techniques and strategies. Focus on what makes you feel calm and in control. 4. Devise an affirmation—a short, clear, positive statement that focuses on your coping abilities. Affirmations are a good way to silence the self-critical voice we all carry with us that only adds to our stress. For starters, the next time you feel as if your life is one disaster after another, repeat 10 times, “I feel calm. I can handle this.” 5. Trying to do everything is a one-way ticket to serious stress. Be clear about your limits, and stop trying to please everyone all the time. But how to stop doing everything at once? Manage your time well and learn to say no.

Why is mutual fund + term insurance better than ULIP? plan, and an advisor needs to asses the investor profile Investor needs to pay premium for a minimum tenor of five years. If the investor wishes to exit before the minimum tenure they must face the financial implications.

LIP vs Mutual fund + term insurance, is a raging debate that still bemuse investors and financial advisors alike. But like the sensible man once said in quote, its better not to have all your options in one bag, similarly its better to keep your insurance needs and investment needs in two different baskets. Unit Linked Plan or ULIP, is nothing but a life insurance product which not only provides risk cover for the policy holder but also an investment option to invest in various other investment options such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds. In this, a part of premium you pay is used to provide for insurance cover and other for investment needs. Mutual Funds are schemes which pool investors’ money and invest across various asset classes in the market. These schemes offer the benefit of professional fund management, liquidity and low cost.

MF vs ULIP Mutual fund(MF) and ULIP both carry an element of market risk that arise from investing in the markets across different asset classes. Like mutual funds, ULIP also allots units to investors and net asset value (NAV) is declared on regular basis. However, ULIP is a hybrid that combines investment and insurance under one roof, whereas, mutual fund just focuses on investment. But that’s not all that sets them apart: With systematic investment plan (SIP), an investor can start investing in a mutual fund for as small an amount as Rs.500 and for a small duration (12 months). The investor can stop investing midway, without incurring any financial implication. While ULIP is a more structured

Mutual funds are easily convertible into cash on short notice, barring ELSS, a tax-saving MF, which have a threeyear lock-in period. All ULIPs have a minimum lock-in period of five years. Usually there are three types of charges involved in mutual funds namely: i) transaction charges, if your bank or advisor charges; ii) fund management charges; iii) exit load, applicable only if investment is withdrawn before a specific period which is usually one year. These charges have been capped by the regulatory SEBI at 2.5% per year for initial Rs. 100cr of the fund and further falls down to 1.7% as the fund size grows larger than Rs. 300cr. As for ULIP has various charges such as: 1. Fund management charges: This is charged as a percentage

of the fund’s value and is deducted before arriving at the net asset value of the fund. 2. Switch charges: In a policy year, a fixed number of such switches are available free of cost. After this, each switch would attract a certain charge. 3. Surrender charges: They are charged as a percentage of the fund value and depend on the policy year in which the policy has been surrendered. 4. Mortality charges: Depending upon the age, and the amount of cover, these charges are levied towards providing a death cover to the insured, are few of the deductions levied on ULIP amongst others. We illustrate an example, where a 30-year old individual has Rs. 1 lakh each year for the next 25 years, in both ULIP and mutual. Let us also assume, that both folio give identical returns of 12% per annum and no mortality charges are levied. At end of 5 years, the fund value of the mutual fund investment will be higher than the ULIP fund by Rs. 16000. This difference will continue to compound over the investment term. Assuming 12% returns on investment, the Rs. 16,000 difference will grow to a difference of Rs. 28,000 by the end of the tenth year. Now coming to term insurance, a simple plan that covers your family or nominee’s need after your death. This coverage is available till the end of the

policy term that you choose: 20 years, 30 years, 45 years, etc. So, a term life insurance is a pure death benefit plan. It is a pure insurance plan with no investment component. All the amount that you pay as premium every year will go in covering one risk, i.e. death. Term Insurance plans are considered risk free and provide fixed returns in case of death. The premium component in a term insurance is quite low as compared to a ULIP or any other traditional life insurance plans. The sum assured, or coverage offered by term insurance plan is comparatively higher than a ULIP or traditional life insurance plan Several add-ons cover, such as critical illness rider, accidental death benefit rider, waiver of premium riders, etc. are available. They can enhance your basic term insurance cover No additional charges are levied on term insurance plans. Investors should be wary of being missold products which may not benefit in the long term. We urge them to know what they are investing in. In the long-run, a combination of MFs and term-insurance would be a suitable investment to ensure wealth creation and sufficient life cover. Pallav Bagaria CEO, Brand New Day – one of Northeast’s leading Mutual Funds Investment Consultancy and Portfolio Management Services pallav@salasarcapital.com

22 Buzz

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

13th Nritya Parva observed in city

programme on Sattriya dance was held at the Madhavdev International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati from November 15-18. The dance programme was part of the Nritya Parva Festival 2017 organised by the Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, at the Kalakshetra. Nritya Parva has been providing Sattriya dancers a platform and helping the art form grow for over a decade. The 13th edition of the Nritya Parva — a festival of Sattriya dance — was no different as artists from across the state converged to showcase the classical dance. It was on November 15, 2006, that Sattriya was recog-

nised as a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Hence, the day is celebrated as

Sattriya Divas. During the programme, a few non-Assamese dancers from Pune, Maharashtra, under the leadership of Dr Devika Saikia Borthakur, a Sattriya dance exponent from Assam, enthralled the audience. The dancers who performed with Dr Borthakur were Payal Jadhav, Mrunmayi Barahate, Mansi Jagtap and Nayanmoni Bhagawati. Renowned Sattriya artist, Mallika Kandali presented a lecture-demonstration on ‘Sattriya Dance: Inter Activeness of the Sashtra and Folk in its hand gestures and foot-works’. Besides a strong audience, several Sattriya dance gurus, artistes and scholars also witnessed the 4-day long programme. n

National Seminar on Srimanta Sankardev at Kolkata Kalyan Kumar Kalita

t is a matter of great pride for the people of Assam as Srimanta Sankardev has been highly admired and accepted as one of the greatest saints of the country by the people of West Bengal at its first national seminar on the great saint, architect of modern Assamese society, organized by Guwahati-based Srimanta Sankardev Consciousness Society of India. The society, associating its members from both the states - Assam as well as West Bengal - came into existence a couple of months back with the sole intention to reintroduce Srimanta Sankardev worldwide and spread his messages of humanity along with his ideology. The programme was held at

Aurovinda Bhaban in Kolkata on 10th November, Friday. At the seminar, renowned writers’ duo Gautam Prasad Barua and Guru Biswas from Kolkata were present where Riju Pathak, the President

of Sankardev Yuva Manch based in Guwahati delivered a speech covering many aspects of life and doings of Mahapurush Sankardev. Famous director cum film-maker from Kolkata, Sujit Chakraborty termed Sankardev as the sun, cov-

ered by cloud. The people who attended the seminar were highly impressed with the facts that proved Sankardev as the most talented personality in the world so far who is known for his contribution in the fields of literacy, socio-economic reformation, culture, religion, art and craft etc. The seminar successfully took place under the direction of President of Srimanta Sankardev Consciousness Society of India, Rajib Dutt and Pravir Das with the Assistant General Secretary, the Assam-born actor Himangshu Sharma. On the same occasion, a book on Srimanta Sankardev named ‘Oxom Boishnav Andoloner Rupkar Sri Sri Sankardev’ written by renowned litterateur of Kolkata; Bijan Kumar Sengupta in Bengali language was also inaugurated. n

Assamese version of ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ released

hief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal released the Assamese translated version of the widely acclaimed book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ at a function held at Vivekananda Kendra in Uzan Bazar on Sunday. Originally written by Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, the translated version titled Jogi Kathamrita aims at introducing the readers to the methods of attaining God-realization and to the spiritual thought of the east. Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Sonowal lauded the efforts of the translation team in making available this spiritual manuscript to the greater Assamese society and said, “Spiritualism is the edifice through which our entire civilisation revolves. Spiritualism is the way to get perfection in life. Though we live in the age of science and

technology, spiritualism lends value to our life. It gives us essence of humanity.” He also said that the translated version of the ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ would help in enrich-

ing Assamese literature. Through this book many readers will get to know the life of Paramahansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures of both the east and west. Swami Suddhananda Giri, who presided over the event, explained the ideals of the society and gave a meaningful lecture on the manner in which the practice of Kriya Yoga helps in the spiritual development of humanity. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented the first copy of the translated version of the book to the former president of Axom Sahitya Sabha, Lakshmi Nandan Bora, as a mark of respect to the litterateur. Many distinguished dignitaries of the city were present on the occasion. n

President Kovind visits Gauhati University

resident Ram Nath Kovind, during his maiden visit to the northeast, took part in a civic reception at Gauhati University on Monday, November 20. During the event, he emphasized on the importance of the tourism sector in the socio-economic development of the state. Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said that Assam has great scope to develop its tourism sector. “The region has to take advantage of its geographical location. There is tremendous potential for growth of business and trade links between south-east Asia and the north-east region of India. With the development of infrastructure by the Union and state governments, this region will become a driver of interna-

tional trade and commerce,” he said. He further said that Assam’s tourism industry had immense scope for bringing about economic development. “This state is already an important part of the tourist map due to Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. I am confident that by facilitating the right ecosystem for tourism, the government of Assam will be able to multiply the economic and social benefits of the tourism industry,” he said. Pointing out the geographical advantage of the state, Kovind said that the state can make a big name globally if the resources are utilized well. The Global Investors Summit to be held in February will further promote investment opportunities across the state. n

Chennaiyin FC drunk fan eve teases NorthEast United FC supporter

hennaiyin FC defeated North East United on Thursday night by a margin of 3-0 in their second home game in this season of ISL. There was, however, a rather unsavoury incident that took place in the gallery as a Chennaiyin supporter allegedly eve-teased and racially abused a North East fan. A video went viral, showing a boy dancing in a vulgar manner in front of a female North East fan. Sources confirmed that the boy who was drunk was eve teasing the North East fe-

male fan. North East United owner John Abraham has already issued an official statement on Twitter, mentioning that he highly condemns the matter. Indian football fans are fuming about this incident and want quick action against the perpetrator. The unfortunate incident shadowed the result of the match, something that mars the beautiful game. Abraham also said that neither he nor Abhishek Bachchan, who is the co-owner of Chennaiyin FC, supports such incidents. He even went on to call those fans “fake.” n

Events 23

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017

Event – Shirley Setia LIVE Date – November 18, Saturday Venue – Underdoggs Sports Bar YouTube sensation Shirley Setia, an Indo-Kiwi singer from New Zealand, performed in Guwahati for the first time. The singer sang covers of some of the most iconic Hindi songs of all time including ‘Soch Na Sake’, ‘Teri Deewani’ and ‘Bol Do Na Zara’ and wooed the Guwahati audience with her performance.

Event Strictly Hip-Hop v1.0 Date November 18, Saturday Venue Terra Mayaa

NOTICE INVITING TENDER Sealed tenders affixing court tee stamp of Rs. 8 25 (Rupees Eight and Paisa Twenty Five) only proposals from reputed Companies /Principals/ Manufacturers/ Distributors dealing with Items for Dept. of Radiology is invited for purchase of the same on annual rate contract basis for the year by the Member secretary. -HMS cum Superintendent Gauhati Medical College Hospital Guwahati-32, Assam, along with 3 copies of price list and product, name of the manufacturer authorization certificate of the manufacturer. Their credential, manufacturing capabilities, control system, financial background etc and other documents required as per Govt. norms along with the tender. The authority of GMCH expects good amount of discount on the products as our institute is an educational and Public Service Institute. The last date of Tender Submission is or 12/12/2017 at 1 P.M. The Opening of the Tender is on 12/12/2017 a: 3.00 pm. The tenderer are requested to attend the tender committee meeting on allotted date and time in the office of the undersigned with their sample products. Detailed tender with terms and conditions, list of the items required and other relevant documents may be obtained from the office of the Superintendent cum Member Secretary, HMS, GMCH against payment of Rs. 500/-(Non Refundable) for each bid by means of Demand Draft in favor of the Member Secretary. HMS. GMCH” Name of the website: www.gmchassam.gov.in The tenderer may attend toe Radiology Deptt for information of necessary items required competable to the machines under prior permission from Superintendent/Head of the Department. The firm who have already deposited bid security of an amount of Rs.500/and EMD amount or Rs.20,000/- in response to earlier tender notice no. MCH/HMS/ ARC/2016-17/170/112 Dtd.20.10.2016 are not required to deposit the same again but fresh Technical & Financial bids required to be submitted. Sd/- Superintendent Gauhati Medical College Hospital -cum Member Secretary ,HMS GMCH Guwahati-32 Janasanyog 730/17

24 Catching Up

G PLUS | NOV 25 - dec 01, 2017