27th April 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 113

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Kashmir encounter ends, 3 militants killed

‘Development committee’ ushering progress

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reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Buy only the fan? Sorry we don’t intend this to be sold separately.

NSCN (IM) declares moratorium on land-based resources Dimapur, apriL 26 (mExN): The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim has declared moratorium on all kinds of exploitation of lands and mineral resources in all the Naga areas with immediate effect in reference to Memo no. 02.01.2013/YO, dated 10/08/2013. Through a ‘President Order’, the NSCN (IM) has ordered, “pertaining to the prospect of extracting mineral resources, specific cases that merit national importance shall be considered by the government only after taking proper appraisal including; environmental impact assessment, free and informed consent of stakeholders and detailed examination of the company’s credentials.”

The Order informed that “permission for extraction of mineral resources may be granted after taking due concurrences from the concerned authorities as designated by Yaruiwo order.”

Create post of DC Urban and SP Urban before shifting: NCD

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Dimapur, apriL 26 (mExN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has resolved to urge upon the Government of Nagaland for creation of “Urban DC and Urban SP for Dimapur City for the Administration and content of Law & Order.” This was decided after the NCD “thoroughly deliberated” on the issue of shifting of the DC Office from Dimapur to Chumukedima based on a request letter received from Dimapur Bar Association. “The Naga Council feels that in order to ameliorate the inconvenience which will be faced by the urban populace of Dimapur City, resolved to urge the Govt. to create the post of DC Urban and SP Urban before shifting,” stated the NCD in a press release today from its president, T. Bangerloba Ao and general secretary Ntsemo Ngullie. This decision, it was informed, was “consensually passed” by voice vote at the ‘Councillors meeting’ held at the Unity Hall on April 26. The Council has also expressed its support for the “SSATA for early release of their salaries without further delay.” It appealed to the teachers to “attend their duties sincerely for the sake of innocent school going children.”

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The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves

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Sunday, April 27, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Ray Kroc

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Royals thrash RCB by 6 wickets

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South African democracy marks 20th anniversary

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North East has more women than men, yet fewer female candidates There are huge numbers of capable women in the North East who are not getting due importance in politics and governance

agartaLa, apriL 26 (iaNS): There are more women than men in the northeast, but just a handful of them were in the poll fray. In fact, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland had no women candidates.

Women outnumbered men in Manipur (women 902,919, men 871,411), Meghalaya (women 789,189, men 776,633), Mizoram (women 355,960, men 346,229) and Arunachal Pradesh (women 379,474, men 378,019).

Yet, only 9.36 percent of the total of 235 candidates were women contesting the Lok Sabha elections in seven northeastern states - Assam (14 seats), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Manipur (2), Tripura (2), Nagaland (one) and Mizoram (one).

“Women electorates are not only more than 50 percent in the voters’ list of four of the seven northeastern states; they are in the

forefront in both domestic affairs and in the societal sphere. But the women are deprived of sharing governance,” social activist Jahnabi Goswami told IANS. Goswami, the first woman from northeast India to declare herself HIV positive, said that northeast India traditionally is a woman empowered society, though the women are given very less say in politics and governance.

“Northeast women are educated, efficient and conscious of all basic issues...

But men political leaders think that we are not capable,” said Goswami, who a few years back unsuccessfully contested the elections in Assam.

Of the 235 candidates contesting the 24 Lok Sabha seats in seven northeastern states, only 22 women candidates (9.36 percent) fought the parliamentary polls this time.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2009, 18 fe-

An elderly Naga woman smiles as she stands in queue to cast her vote in Dimapur, Nagaland on April 9, 2014. Thousands of people in long-winding lines voted in the insurgencywracked remote northeast of India in the second phase of the country’s national elections. (AP Photo/Sorei Mahong)

male candidates fought the elections with only three (two in Assam and one in Meghalaya) emerging victorious.

This time in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, no women candidates were in the hustings while Meghalaya, where the matrilineal system dominates society, a lone woman is in the poll battle, that too as

an independent aspirant. In Tripura and Manipur, there are three and two candidates respectively in the electoral fight and in Assam, 16 female candidates are in the fray, five more than the 2009 parliamentary elections. Of the 16 women candidates in Assam, two sitting MPs - Bharatiya Janata Party’s Bijoya Chakraborty from Guwahati and Union Trib-

al Affairs Minister Ranee Narah of the Congress from Lakhimpur - were renominated by their parties from the same constituency.

The ruling Congress in Assam has also given nomination to two sitting women legislators - Jonjonali Baruah from Morigaon and Sushmita Dev from Silchar.

Former union minister of state for rural develop-

ment Agatha K. Sangma, 33, the youngest parliamentarian in the 15th Lok Sabha, decided to stay away.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar’s wife and social activist Panchali Bhattacharjee said that without reservation of seats for the women in both parliament and state legislative assemblies, no parties, including the Left parties, would nominate adequate number of women in the elections.

“Traditionally in India, men always intended to enjoy more power than women. If you see the history for several hundred years, you will find this that men always dominate the women, except in exceptional cases,” she told IANS. Bijoya Chakraborty said: “Fielding women candidates is the prerogative of the party. Party leaders are the final authority on this issue.”

Another woman parliamentarian, Jharna Das, CPI-M’s (Communist Party of India-Marxist) Rajya Sabha member from Tripura, also expressed her unhappiness over lesser number of women being fielded by the political parties in northeast in both parliamentary and assem-

bly elections. “...There are huge numbers of capable women in the northeastern region who are not getting due importance in politics and governance,” Das told IANS. She said that to change society and to transform the mindset of the people, the Left parties, specially the CPI-M, are struggling in the country. “To empower the women both politically and economically, reservation of seats in legislature is must,” the Rajya Sabha member added.

The number of women in the legislative assemblies of the seven northeastern states is equally depressing, if not worse. Of the total of 466 seats in the assemblies of seven northeastern states, only 24 (5.15 percent) are women.

Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland have no women in the state assemblies. Of the 60-member assembly in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, there are two and three female legislators respectively. Assam has 14 women MLAs among 126 elected representatives while Tripura has five women lawmakers in the 60-member house.

nfHrcc to evaluate rengmapani Multi-level approach needed Morung Express News Dimapur | April 26

The Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) informed on April 26 that a joint team, comprising engineers from the PWD (Roads & Bridges), Sumi, Rengma representatives and NFRCC members, will visit Rengmapani for route evaluation on April 30. The now-under-construction foothill road will pass through the village, which falls between Niuland and Ralan. The inspection is hoped to pave the way for accelerating work to connect (Niuland) Dimapur with the Wokha sector,

which is pending.

The NFHRCC will further inspect sectors where work is yet to start. In this regard, the NFHRCC will embark on an inspection tour of route alignment in Mon, Longleng and Mokokchung sectors tentatively by the second week of May. After the first phase of earthcutting in the Wokha stretch and a section in the Mokokchung stretch, work was stopped pending sanction of work order in the remaining sectors. Issuing of work orders was delayed to a certain extent by controversy surrounding award of contract and, later, by the Lok Sabha polls and the coming into effect

of Election Code of Conduct.

The NFHRCC further informed that a joint meeting will be held on May 3 wherein progress of work will be reviewed. The two contractors, who were assigned tasks at Wokha and Mokokchung sectors, were asked to furnish progress reports on work either completed or ongoing.

The PWD (R & B) is also requested to attend the meeting, the NFHRCC said. Furthermore, the NFHRCC reiterated that no organisation, range, tribe, village or individual will be allowed to meddle with the existing alignment of the foothill road without the knowledge of the Committee and the Department in concern.

Very ‘sad’ at brother joining BJP: PM PM’s family gets divided between Congress and BJP

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (AP Photo)

NEw DELhi/amritSar/ KoLKata, apriL 26 (iaNS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he felt “very sad” at his stepbrother joining the BJP even as his family literally got divided between the opposition party and the Congress, with another step-brother joining the Congress road show of party candidate Amarinder Singh in Amritsar Saturday.

Manmohan Singh said he felt

“very sad” at his younger step brother Daljit Singh Kohli joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Padma awards function in New Delhi, he said to a query: “I feel very sad. But I have no control over what others do.

They are adults.”

In Amritsar, just a day after the BJP embarrassed the Congress and Manmohan Singh by inducting Daljit, another step-brother, Surjit Singh Kohli, an entrepreneur, joined the Congress road show with Amarinder, who is contesting the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat against senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley. Daljit had joined the BJP and shared the dais with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during an election rally here Friday evening.

“Today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s brother Daljeet Singh has joined the BJP. This will further strengthen us. We are not a membership party. We form blood relations,” Modi said in Amritsar while welcoming Kohli into the BJP fold with a warm hug on the dais.

Daljit’s entry into the BJP fold was played up by the BJP leadership here, especially by Jaitley who is facing a tough fight against Amarinder, a former chief minister Daljit, a textile exporter with no political background earlier, had told media that he joined the BJP

as he was upset about the way that Manmohan Singh was treated by the Congress. The prime minister’s family members had Friday expressed shock at Daljit’s “extremely wrong” and “shameful” decision to join the BJP. His nephew Mandeep Singh told reporters in Amritsar Friday: “The whole family is shocked to learn of Daljitji’s decision. We have been associated with the Congress from the very beginning and will remain faithful to them always. What he has done is extremely wrong. This is shameful and should not have been done.”

Hitting out at the BJP for showcasing its new recruit, Daljit, the Congress said it did not go overboard when former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s niece quit the BJP and joined its fold. “I don’t think this is something you need to hawk politically. But since the BJP is trying to hawk it politically, let me say that we didn’t go to town when Vajpayee’s niece joined us,” Congress national spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters in Kolkata. “...Vajpayee’s niece was much more in active politics, and was a sitting MLA,” Singhvi said about Karuna Shukla.

Shukla ended her 32-year association with the BJP last year and joined the Congress in February slamming Modi and alleging that a “special group” now occupied the BJP with the end of the Vajpayee era.

to change gender mindsets

Participants at the Women Empowerment and Leadership Summit, April 25-26, Kohima.

Women empowerment and leadership summit concludes Morung Express News Kohima| April 26

“Leadership comes with a price tag. How much courage are you willing to execute into action?” asked Ella Mary, representing Youth Action for Rural Development (YARD), on day two of the ‘Women Empowerment and Leadership Summit’ which saw more than 150 delegates from a variety of professions ranging from homemakers to bureaucrats.

The final day of the Summit, which concluded Saturday, April 26, focused on women in leadership in the workplace, civil society, educational society and entrepreneurship.

Robert Lyngdoh, Vice Chancellor Martin Luther Christian University, who spoke on ‘Engage and mentor the next generation of women leaders’, asserted that women need to fully participate in electoral bodies, at district level, take initiative in the administration and increase women’s capacity in decision making and leadership roles where the focus should be on how men and women complement each other and not compete against each other. Speaking on ‘Exhibiting the leadership presence in you,’ Ella Mary affirmed that women need to understand their limitations and strengths and turn their weaknesses into strength.

In the concluding session, the delegates participated in a round table discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB). Rosemary Dzüvichü, who gave the opening remarks on the proposed Bill, stated that the 33 percent reservation for women is not an Indian concept but one which has worked internationally, especially in Scandinavian nations. Dzüvichü also pointed out that reservations are not for eternity, but temporary measures which can be lifted after a cer-

tain period if it proves to be a success. “Nagas are one of the most stylish and westernized communities among the North East yet their mindsets remain rigid,” added Dzüvichü, while reminding the delegates that the final hearing of the case being heard by the Supreme Court on the issue of women’s reservation in municipal and town councils in Nagaland will be on April 29.

The delegates at the Summit were later divided into groups of four in which they discussed strategies to strengthen the Bill. The groups came up with similar strategies where they affirmed that there needs to be a multilevel approach in changing mindsets of both men and women in the Church, family and educational institutions. Laws need to be implemented in the grassroots, economic independence needs to be there, and inclusion of gender studies in the school curriculum is essential. Participants at the round table discussion also pointed out that the WRB is a strategy which will empower women in many ways, and that social media should be used as an agent of change, wherein a forum should be created for further discussion on the WRB. Men also need to engage with this discussion and more youth need to be included. Some delegates suggested that the nomenclature or terminology of “women empowerment” should be changed to “gender empowerment”,and that the consultative meeting on WRB should be inclusive.

Several attendees admitted that the Summit is perhaps a first wherein an open discussion was held on the topic of the WRB. Ricky Ozukum, founder director of Alaphra Group, at the closure of the Summit, informed that as discussed at the round table, a follow-up of the Summit will be conducted in consultation with various organizations to create more awareness and sensitization programs in consultation with various organizations.

“We look forward to an outcome of the event and within a month we will be in touch with all the organizations,” he said.

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‘Development committee’ ushering progress Profile to translate development activities in papers into reality

Morung Express News Lotsu Village | April 26

A unique experiment of profiling development activities of various departments and setting up of ‘development committee’ initiated in 39 Sanis assembly constituency may soon serve as a role model for other assembly seats to translate development activities in papers into reality.

A brainchild of Independent legislator and chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC), Thomas Lotha, who also represents 39 Sanis A/C, the ‘profile’ created would also serve as a road map to speed up development, especially in rural villages. In addition, in a total departure from the usual politician-government officials-VDB/village council nexus, which decides on the fate of development of a village at the cost of the common man, Thomas suggested setting up of a develop-

Chairman, NSMDC, Thomas Lotha, addressing a joint ‘development co-ordination meeting’ of development departments and village councils at Lotsu village, Wokha, on Saturday. (Morung Photo)

ment committee which will also include representatives from all sections of villagers, irrespective of political affiliations, to monitor and implement developmental activities.

“This will ensure transparency and accountability in execution of developmental works unlike the present system where the

‘unholy alliance’ between government officials and VDBs or village councils and even politicians, has deprived villagers of their due share of development.”

Thomas was addressing a joint ‘development co-ordination meeting’ of development departments and village council of ‘Potina-Kup’ area comprising of

NCC commemorates 70th year of battle of Kohima

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kohima, april 26 (mexN): The NCC Group HQ, Kohima celebrated 70th anniversary of Battle of Kohima to remember the brave hearts and to sensitize the cadets about the sacrifice made by their forefathers and other soldiers of that time. This was also an occasion for the cadets to brush up their history and rich cultural heritage.

19 Assam Rifles and their officers and all ranks deserve accolades for organizing the complete event for the NCC. A detailed presentation was conducted by Maj DS Rawat on the Battle of Kohima followed by a visit to the War Cemetery. A detailed briefing was given to the cadets who were quite excited to go around the cemetery.

ten villages at Lotsu village council hall on Saturday.

The Independent legislator further suggested setting up of a “citizens’ court” comprising of all villagers which will look into cases of anomalies or misappropriation of development funds.

On the occasion, Thomas also spelled out his developmental vision

trict on April 25 at CMO’s conference hall.

The primary purpose of the measles workshop is for establishment and maintenance of a surveillance system to ensure timely notification of all measles cases and confirmation of outbreaks serologically through WHO– accredited

kohima, april 26 (mexN): ATMA Chiephobozou block, Kohima conducted farmer to farmer interaction drawing citrus farmers from Tuophema and Botsaat Tuophema village.

Through this programme farmers were benefited by means of interaction among themselves, learning from one another through experience sharing besides creating better bond among farmers and extension workers.

Also a Mandarin farm school was inaugurated

by Rosalane Kithan (Dy PD ATMA Kohima).

Speaking on the occasion, She expressed happiness about the possibility of opening a new Mandarin orange farm school which will go a long way in promoting farmer to farmer technology transfer whereby it will benefit not only one village but also any visitor

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that come to visit the farm from within and outside state, carrying the good legacy from one farm to another.

She stressed on the importance in proper up keeping of the farm school whereby it will grow even better, becoming a real knowledge and inspirational centre for other farmers to emulate.

Lhoutsolie Kaco from Tuophema village was made the farm school teacher where he will share his success stories and long time experiences in citrus farming with any visitor that come to visit his farm.

Earlier, a brief technical remark on citrus farm management was given by Ketho Vimera (AO and BTT Convener ATMA). The programme was chaired by MvudzeviuShuya (BTM, ATMA) while vote of thanks was pronounced by Eyareno (ATM, ATMA).

Officers told to serve public with sincerity

They were awe-inspired by the bravery shown by the soldiers. Cadets greatly appreciated the good work being done by CWGC and the State authorities to maintain the cemetery. All the officers of NCC were present on the occasion.

This was stated in a reOur Correspondent lease issued by Lt.Col. EmKohima | April 26 ron Musavi, Defence PRO, Kohima.

The Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Association (CGOA) today held its 18th general session here at the Zonal Council Hall. laboratory.

Speaking on the occaThe resource persons for the workshop were Dr. sion as the speaker, parM. Kire (SIO), Dr. Avile liamentary secretary for Zao, DPO (UIP-RCH), Dr. higher education & SCET I. Temsu Longchar, DPO Deo Nukhu called upon (UIP-RCH) Tuensang, Dr. the officers to serve the Sheila Longkumer, SMO public with sincerity and (WHO) and Dr. Kevisevolie excellence. “Let the people Sekhose, Epidemiologist get benefit from your service and contribution,” he SSU (IDSP).

Deo Nukhu addresses Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Association 18th general session

Measles Surveillance workshop held

kohima, april 26 (mexN): In continuation of the ongoing Measles Surveillance launch workshop for all the districts of the State, Kohima district under the aegis of the Chief Medical Officer’s Office held Measles Surveillance workshop for all the Medical Officer’s of Kohima dis-

for his constituency including road connectivity, healthcare, water supply, agri and allied sector, education, sports and cultural activities, social welfare programmes, preservation of flora and fauna, policy on mineral resources and power generation.

Terming Sanis A/C as a natural and mineral rich

area and also a major contributor of revenue to the state in the form of Doyang Hydro Project (which falls under 39 Sanis and 37 Tuyi A/Cs), he however lamented that Sanis A/C was neglected by successive governments in the past.

He urged the HoDs and officers of various departments to give their best for the welfare of the rural people. Thomas also called upon the villagers to cooperate with the government officials for speedy all-round development of the constituency.

HoDs and department officers from Power, Education, PHE, PWD, Horticulture, Planning, IPR, Health & Family Welfare and Nagaland State Transport, also shared their views and suggestions on the MLA’s concern and vision. Chairmen and GBs of all ten villages also voiced out their developmental needs and submitted proposals to the MLA and departments.

ATMA Chiephobozou conducts farmer to farmer interaction

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Parliamentary secretary for higher education & SCET Deo Nukhu addressing 18th general conference of CGOA on April 26 in Kohima. (Morung Photo)

said and at the same time called upon the CGOA to guide the youngsters and build their future. Nukhu also urged upon the CGOA to initiate career seminar and workshop for educated youth so that they would get opportunity to know how to go about in the com-

petitive exam and excel in their respective fields.

He also stressed on the need to appreciate and value one another and at the same time urged upon the officers to give their best service in the interest and benefit of the society.

Stating that Chakhe-

sangs are still lacking in professional job, he called upon the Association to encourage the youth to involve in business management and hotel and hospitality sector.

Expressing happiness over the present strength of 719 gazetted officers un-

der CGOA as on Ist October 2013, the parliamentary secretary called upon the Association to continue to encourage the youngsters in the competitive exam.

Timikha Koza, president Tenyimi People’s Organization shared greetings in the morning session while short speeches delivered by M.K. Mero, commissioner secretary for Information & Public Relations and Zaveyi Nyekha, director school education.

CGOA president Kewetso Mero delivered presidential address. Statistical secretary Nuzotalü Veyie and treasurer Keduhiwe Kepfo read out their respective reports.

Dr. Vesapra Tunyi and Anyile Khamo chaired the morning and afternoon session respectively.

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Nagaland observes World Veterinary Day ZWUD celebrates Tsukhenye Festival C M Y K

Our Correspondent Kohima | April 26

Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed World Veterinary Day here under aegis of Nagaland State Veterinary Council (NSVC) with the theme “Role of veterinarians in animal welfare.”

Dr. M. Timothy Lotha, member NSVC made a paper presentation on “Introspection of veterinary department activity in terms of production and service delivery.”

He described the year 2014 as a very special year for the veterinarians of Nagaland state for veterinary profession complet-

ing 50 years of rendering its service to the people of the state.

“Also this is a year of liberation from a state of frustration and demoralization after a decade long struggle in achieving the cadre review, for which everyone has contributed his or her best,” Dr. Lotha said.

Stating that a strong group of 150 professional members supported by 325 para veterinarians have been mandated to take care of the economic upliftment of the state through livestock and poultry production, he said “Equally important mandate which we are re-

quired to fulfill is the animal health care delivery and promotion of public health.”

He informed that the state government has been kind enough to consent to its desire for a major restructuring of the department in February this year after a period of 50 years on a condition that the functioning of the department be revamped in all aspects.

He also cited major activities of the department during the half century period of time as; creation of countless numbers of infrastructures, opening of several livestock and poultry farmers, service

delivery in terms of animal health care centres and DDL spread over the entire state, initiation of the DIMUL and thereafter KOMUL, formation of Nagaland Livestock Development Board, initiation and launching of farmers’ oriented projects on livestock and poultry production thereby positively impacted productivity level in the state in respect of meat and capacity building in livestock and poultry production and also awareness programmes in control of economically important diseases.

He maintained that looking at the activities of the department during

the past three and half decade “I am confidently to say that there has been a very significant contribution to the state’s economy through the various inputs of the department.”

He also called upon the veterinarians to rededicate themselves with a renewed vigour for the conscientious discharge of its assigned duties with dignity.

Earlier, the technical session was chaired by Dr. K. David Sema, president NSVC. Keynote address was given by Dr. Simon Ao, vice president NSVC while obituary reference was made by Dr. I.P. Khala, Registrar, NSVC.

dimapur, april 26 (mexN): The Zapami Welfare Union Dimapur (ZWUD) organized its annual get together program commemorating Tsukhenye Festival on April 25 at the residence of Nguzonyi Wetsah Director SAMETI & Principal IETC. ZWUD General Secretary Lhikhro Kreo in a press release said that Kedutsolo Wetsah, advisor of the union in his exhortation urged the gathering to uphold the good virtues of honesty and hardworking and protect the rich cultural heritage of the community.

Speaking on the occasion Director Geology

and Mining, Nagaland Senowekha Kenye earmarked that Dimapur is the land of opportunities therefore it is our responsibilities to make the best use of it. “Everyone has been equally given 86400 seconds a day whether rich or poor, the only difference is how you make the use of it. The future tomorrow is built on our present efforts, count every second as there is no shortcut to good life tomorrow,” he said Nguzonyi Wetsah, as the host of the program in his speech stresses on the need of “Being More responsible in the approach towards the com-

munity.” “The basic idea of coming together is to know each other better and to support each other and that is why the welfare union is formed,” he said. “Quick information and immediate response in distress or need should be the responsibilities of each member. Life should be driven by a purpose and should not be swayed away here and there, he challenged the gathering,” the host added.

Kennedy Khutsoh, president ZWUD, chaired the program and Keduzu Kreo, Advisor ZWUD and Head Deacon Bade Baptist Church led invocation prayer.

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ATMA Phek interstate training- Religious Profession of ten Novices conducted cum-field visit concludes

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ATMA-Phek officials with farmers and AAU, Jorhat official.

phek, april 26 (mexN): ATMA-Phek, in collaboration with Directorate of Extension Education, AAU Jorhat organised and sponsored an interstate training-cumfield visit to Jorhat, Assam from April 23 to 25.

The programme was aimed at providing multidisciplinary trainings as well as exposure to the farmers. Theoretical as well as practical sessions were held on cole crops, cereals, pulses, fruits, apiary, sericulture, bio-fertilizers and

fishery. The field visits covered Horticulture orchard and poly-houses, Apiary unit, Hatchery unit and integrated fishery-cumpoultry and piggery unit.

Farmers were given Azolla samples at the end of the three-day programme.

Chumukedima, april 26 (mexN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Nagaland, solemnized the First Religious Profession of ten Novices in the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. The newly professed Sisters were Priscilla Elis, Kaine Theresa, Monica Kerketta, Pavana Cecilia, Rosina Mary, Faustina Toshila, Lisha Euphrasia, Dona Therese, Fatima Leishina and Rita Tigga.

A press note informed that prior to the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, Sr. Sibi CMC, Provincial Superior, Sanjoe Province, Dimapur welcomed, all the invited guests, particularly the parents and relatives of the Novices and thanked them for offering their daughters to the service of the Church, to the mission of Christ.

Bishop James in his homily congratulated the newly professed sisters for their courage to be a counter witness to the world that glorifies and glamorizes unbridled materialism

The newly professed Sisters at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumukedima.

and excessive consumerism through their religious vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. In our world of today where respect for authority, order and discipline seem to be dwindling and personal egos and whims are celebrated,

where everyone wants things in his/her own way, they are witnesses, who are prepared to accept directions and guidance and to be at the service of the community, and thus feel fulfilled as persons. As religious sisters they now

stand for something very special – the sign of the transcendent and spiritual. When people see them in their religious habit, their minds are automatically drawn to the things pertaining to God and a sign of their inner purity, renunci-

ation and dedication. They are preaching even without a word, as St. Francis said; “Preach always, use words when necessary”.

The Bishop also cautioned them by saying that religious profession does not mean the end of the struggle to holiness, but rather it is the beginning of a journey that the patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs undertook. Their “yes” today is not a cry in dark, it is “yes” to Christ who lives and walks with us out of love. They need the community’s support and prayers. The newly professed sisters were given the constitution, the prayer book, a wreath of flowers and lighted candles as outward signs of a life of dedication and prayer.

The newly professed sisters expressed their gratitude to God and to all the present through their songs and words of gratitude. The programme ended with a felicitation to the newly professed sisters and the community meal.

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3 of the Hill’ Meghalaya ILP issue: ‘Nightingale adds another album

REgional

The Morung Express

Northeast Briefs Polling officials arrested over rigging in Assam Guwahati, april 26 (iaNS): Two days after the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls in Assam, police Saturday arrested six people, including the presiding officer, four colleagues and a polling agent of a political party, over allegations of casting of votes under influence, officials said. The incident of rigging took place at polling station No.35 at Bornijora L.P. School in Jalukbari assembly segment of the Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency. Re-polling in the booth will be held Monday, according to the orders of the Election Commission.

According to the allegations, the polling officials had allowed the agent Bimal Boro to press the button of the electronic voting machines (EVM) for other electors.

The controversy came to the fore Saturday after a local TV channel showed visuals that the election agent was pressing the EVM button himself for several voters. The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Saturday lodged formal complaints in this regard with the state chief electoral officer (CEO). "We have received formal complaints in this regard. Already a case has been registered against the five polling officials and the election agent in Bornijora polling station," said Assam CEO Vijayendra. "They have been arrested and interrogation is on," he said. The Election Commission also ordered re-poling in 15 polling stations in Kokrajhar, Gauhati, Mangaldai and Nowgong constituencies, which will be held April 27.

Arunachal Pradesh poll official's family refuses to accept ex-gratia itaNaGar, april 26 (pti): Family of Mathew Dabi, who died while on polling duty during the April 9 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in East Siang district, refused to accept an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh granted by the Election Commission as an immediate relief. Bater Lollen Dabi, wife of the deceased refused to accept the ex-gratia payment yesterday on the ground that there was no conclusion to the case yet, family sources informed in a statement today. The relief money would only be accepted after the final closure of the case and those responsible for Dabi's death were arrested and punished, it said. Dabi's family also condemned the statement made by East Siang SP claiming that there were no major, external or stab-injuries on the body of the deceased. They also questioned the police report which stated that Dabi was under the influence of alcohol when he was discharging poll duty on April 9. Assistant teacher Mathew went missing from Siine village under Pangin Assembly constituency on April 9 last where he was deputed as polling official. Police recovered his body from a deep gorge near Siine village on April 17, eight days after he went missing.

'Singda Dam water will last for 20 days' iMphal, april 26 (NNN): As the panic of the people grows every passing day in the valley districts of Manipur, Manipur Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) minister Ngamthang Haokip said today that the water at Singda Dam will last for the next 20 days.

Ngamthang Haokip said that hopefully rain may come before the water in the dam is over. He appealed the people not to panic as the state government is doing its best to solve the water scarcity problem.

According to the minister, a total volume of 1525 million litres of water is still there in the Singda Dam. The avarage volume of 18.16 million litres of water has been supplied to the people on daily basis. From the total volume of 1525 million litres of water at Singda Dam, 1416 million litres of water can be drawn from the dam with 18.16 million litres of water drawn every day.

Given this rate, the water at the dam will last for 20 days, stated the minister.

The IFCD minister also said that enough water is there at Khuga Dam in Churachandpur district.

Meanwhile, Ngamthang

Regd.No: 1047/14

Haokip said the process has started to contruct 'pucca' fencing around the Singda Dam so that vegetation around the dam can be protected. Loss of greeneries around the dam has also affected the water source of the dam. According to the minister, rampant felling of trees in the vicinity of dam is witnessed and to prevent this concrete fencing will be contructed. Once the fencing is constructed, even animals will not be able to come in the vicinity of the dam, added Ngamthang Haokip.

The minister also said a police outpost will be established at Singda Dam. There will be regular patrolling in around the dam once the police outpost is established, stated Ngamthang Haokip.

LAND FOR SALE (URGENT)

At Kohima Near Don Bosco Higher Secondary school Area measuring 100 x 110 No Broker Genuine buyers may contact: 91+ 9856259927, 91+ 8014960119

AFFIDAVIT

Dated: 23/4/14

I, Shri. Imtitoshi Chang, S/o Sukum Chang, aged about 50 years, permanent resident of Old Yaongyimti Village, District- Mokokchung Nagaland, presently residing at Dilong Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as appearing hereunder: 1. That I am a bonafide law abiding citizen of India belonging to Chang Naga tribe.

2. That I am the father of Miss. Sashienla Chang.

3. That in my daughter official documents it was wrongly entered and recorded as Ao Tribe.

4. That it is to be noted that Miss Sashienla Chang belongs to a Chang Tribe.

5. That in order to avoid confusion it is to be corrected that Miss.Sashienla belongs to Chang Tribe and is referred to one and of same person.

Deponent

Solemnly affirmed and sworn by the deponent on this 23rd day of April, 2014 at Kohima.

Magistrate/Notary Public Koihma: Nagaland

27 April 2014

Dimapur

Agitation likely to resume

UKHRUL | APRIL 26

ShillONG, april 26 (NNN): After the gap of four months, the civil society irganisations in Meghalaya are likely to resume their intense agitations demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.

But it depends on the forth-coming 'crucial' talks of April 29.

Since December 17, the civil society organisations of Meghalaya have been lying low after they had relaxed their agitations in view of Christmas season.

There are altogether 13 organisations speaheading the movement for the implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya. Promiment bodies among them are Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF. The series of agitations began after the break-down of the August 29, 2013 talk between the Mukul Sang-

Tangkhul Classical Singer Theithei Luithui released her second album ‘Sangchang Nganongra’ at a solemn function at her Wino Bazaar residence, Ukhrul, on Friday.

Theithei Luithui, known as ‘Nightingale of the Hill’, is also profoundly called ‘Joan Baez of Ukhrul’ for their similarity in singing style.

Luithui released her debut album ‘Thingna Chiphan’ in 2009 capturing the mind of classical music lover. Apart from her singing career she has starred as lead actress in the Tangkhul film ‘Hunphun’ in 2008, where she plays the role of a Japanese girl.

ma government and the NGOs in Shillong.

The KSU and other 12 organisations are spearheading the demand for immediate implementation of their demand that ought to be incorporated in the existing Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 to tackle and prevent inflow of illegal influx into the state.

It may be mentioned here, series of agitational programmes from bandhs, office picketing and road blockades have been sponsored by the groups for the past three months pressurizing the state government to implement the ILP system which was as per the recommendation of the High Level Committee on Influx headed by the then Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong.

However, the state government had rejected the ILP outright citing that it is not effective enough to address the problem of influx

and had instead proposed to introduce the Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Bill which the public consultations on the draft is still on the process.

The NGOs have also vowed to take the movement for demanding the implementation of the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 which is a strong and effective law that can prevent illegal influx from entering the state to its logical end.

Mentionably, during the agitations last year, two lives were claimed and about 71 pro-ILP activists were arrested in connection with the 86 cases related to arsons and others besides murder. While majority of them were booked under Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act, few were detained under the Meghalaya Prevention of Detention Act (MPDA).

70-year old woman stabbed to death iMphal, april 26 (NNN): A 70-year old woman who ran a rice hotel at Sugnu bazar was found stabbed to death with a dagger yesterday at around 7:30 pm near Sugnu Water Supply Leikai crematorium ground, located under Sugnu police station, Thoubal district.

The deceased has been identified as one Kshetrimayum Ongbi Nilmani, w/o (L) Gopalmacha of Sugnu Thongkhong Leikai Ward no 1. The woman was stabbed behind on her

Mizoram to get its first medical college soon aizawl, april 26 (iaNS): A 100-seat medical college will come up soon in the northeastern state of Mizoram, an official said here Saturday. "Mizoram government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the union health ministry recently to set up the first ever medical college in the state," a Mizoram health department official told reporters. He said the proposed medical college would be on the lines of the 300-bed Mizoram civil hospital here. The civil hospital was set up in 1896 with a bed strength of 12. "A project of Rs.45 crore has been finalised to set up the medical college and upgrade the Mizoram civil hospital," said the official. Efforts are also underway to establish a tertiary cancer care centre in Zemabawk area on the outskirts of Aizawl city, the official added. Currently there are five medical colleges in Assam followed by two each in Tripura and Manipur besides a postgraduate medical institute in Meghalaya in the northeastern region.

Sunday

shoulder with a dagger near the crematorium when she was returning home from her hotel, barely 200 metres away from her house at around 7:30 pm last night.

On being attacked from her behind, Nilmani had made a cry which alerted the people nearby and scared the attacker away.

Regarding the incident, Sugnu police have apprehended one suspect identified as Khaidem Sova (40), s/o Kh. Thambaljao who is a drunkard. Six days

prior to the incident, Sova had come to the deceased Nilmani’s hotel to enquire for alcohol. When Nilmani replied that she only sold rice and had stopped selling liquor, the accused Sova had in rage stolen 2 kgs of rice. 2-3 days after the incident, Sova had visited Nilmani’s hotel again to which she alerted the people around by calling him “rice thief ”. At this, Sova had warned Nilmani to be beware of any consequence, the sources said.

GREENWOOD SCHOOL KUDA VILLAGE: DIMAPUR ADMISSION NOTICE CLASS 11 (Arts/Science) 2014-2015 

 

Collect Entrance Test/Admission Forms for Arts and Science Streams for boys & girls (passed in 2014 only) right after the result declaration by producing the mark sheet from 8:30 am — 1:00 pm.

Direct admission through Oral Interview till 9th May for A1 and A2 in Maths & Science for Science Stream and 60% & above for Arts Stream. (produce Mark sheet).

Written test in science & maths for B1 & B2 in maths & science for science stream and Eng & SS for Arts Stream (50% - 59%) on 9th May at 10 am. Result will be declared on 12th May and thereon Oral interview will be conducted for shortlisted candidates from 9 am — 1.30 pm. Come along with original documents.

Last date of admission — 15 May & Regular class starts — 20 May. Hostel facility available for boys & girls.

Greenwood students shall collect Mark Sheet on 2nd May. School strictly bans all forms of Tobacco products & intoxicants.

For further information contact: 9436261009 / 8974425485 / 9862956932 Director th

th

MODERN COLLEGE KOHIMA

Telephone: 0370 2806214, (M) 9612548297 Website: www.mck.co.in, email: admin@mck.co.in

Sothing Shimray

ADMISION NOTICE CHRISTIAN HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL NYAMO LOTHA ROAD, DIMAPUR

ADMISSION FOR CLASS 11 ARTS & COMMERCE 2014 Admission Forms & Prospectus for Class 11 (ARTS & COMMERCE) 2014 for both boys and girls will be available at the school office from April 28th up to May 7th from 9:00 am 1:00 pm daily on all working days.

KINDLY NOTE:

1. Last date for submission of duly filled Admission Forms 8th May 2014, 12:00 noon 2. Entrance Exam and Personal Interview date: 10th May 2014, 9:00 am onwards.

Office of the Principal:

Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Nagaland

Important Information and Dates for Admission

Class-11 Issue of forms & prospectus

- 01/05/2014 (Thursday)

Last date of submission of application forms - 07/05/2014(Wednesday) Entrance Test i) Date ii) Time

- 09/05/2014 (Friday) - 10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Declaration of result of entrance test

- 10/05/2014(Saturday)

Admission for selected candidates

- 12/05/2014(Monday) [10:00 am to 4:00 pm] & 13/05/2014 (Tuesday) [10:00 am to 12:00 noon]

Admission for candidates in the waiting list

- 13/05/2014 (Tuesday) [1:00 pm sharp]

Orientation

- 24/05/2014 (Saturday) [10:00 am]

Commencement of classes

- 26/05/2014 (Monday) Dr. Vituo Belho Principal Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Nagaland

Admission Forms and Prospectus are available during office hours (9:00- 2: 30 p.m.) for admission to:-

1. Class 11 (Arts, Commerce & Science) 2. B. A. 1st Semester General and honours in English, Education, History, Political Science, Economics and Sociology.

Admission starts w.e.f. 1st May 2014 Sd/Principal

Office of the Principal:

Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Nagaland

Important Information and Dates for Admission

B.Sc.1 Issue of forms & prospectus

- 01/05/2014 (Thursday)

Last date of submission of application forms - 07/05/2014(Wednesday) Entrance Test i) Date ii) Time

- 19/05/2014 (Monday) - 10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Declaration of result of entrance test

- 20/05/2014(Tuesday)

Admission for selected candidates

- 21/05/2014(Wednesday) [10:00 am to 4:00 pm]

Admission for candidates in the waiting list

- 22/05/2014 (Thursday) [10:00 am sharp]

Orientation

- 01/07/2014 (Tuesday) [10:00 am]

Commencement of classes

- 02/07/2014 (Wednesday) Dr. Vituo Belho Principal Kohima Science College Jotsoma, Nagaland

C M Y K

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Sunday 27 April 2014

The Morung Express

Balance Leadership Is Not Gender Specific

H

Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Rtd)

aving attended the "Women Empowerment and Leadership Summit" on the 25th April, 2014, at the Bamboo Hall, Kisema, where, along with two other distinguished lady panellist speakers, we were allowed 15 minutes each to address our allotted subject. Mine was the above header. It was like asking me to finish before I begin and that was exactly what happened even after grossly violating their timeline.

Therefore I now am making this effort to complete what I could not...due to paucity of time.

One often wonders whether transformation of gender equality can abruptly be brought about through a pressure from one momentarily resurgent sector or the other without a corollary balanced grassroots upsurge in the mental and social perception, to meet those required changes. Customs and Traditions did not get formulated in a day. It gradually evolved through centuries of complex human experiences, filtered through the extremities of natural environmental circumstances withstanding the test of time. Therefore this is an area where extreme caution and sensitivity must be exercised to its optimum to first absorb the essence of our customs and traditions while attempting to rationally eliminate the redundancy of the past practices that has gone out of tune with our present realities.

What needs to clearly be registered is that our forefathers too were a victim of their prevalent environmental circumstances just as much as we are of our own, today. They had no choice but to adapt their behavioural attitudes as dictated by nature and conform or be damned. Those practiced norms evolved into what we now accept as customs and traditions. Value systems change over time and will keep changing. Any civilised society is expected to reform and transform in tune with the changing times. That Constitutional Amendments that take place from time to time is a clear indicator of this fact. It must therefore follow that those customs and traditions that have outlived their relevance must now be selectively and gracefully set aside. The time has come for the Nagas to pragmatically evaluate our present circumstances and adopt adaptive measures according to the changing values, even as we try and retain the essence of those customs and traditions which answers to sensiblility.

The Constitution of India grants equality to women as enshrined in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles to ensure gender equality.

It has further empowered the States to adopt positive measures to eliminate discrimination against women.

Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, Plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. However the problem seems to lies in its application for various factors.

Therefore, confining the views and observations to the North East in general and Nagaland in particular, our problem seem to stem from the subconscious belief and acceptance that customs and traditions of our ancestors are sacrosanct and cannot be subjected to change or alteration... and yet, when examined dispassionately, changes have taken place in some critical sectors of our customs and traditions already. Take the stark example of our 'Traditional Tribal Festivals': In the days of our ancestors these 'festivals' as we call it now, were a very serious form of worship to the Gods that they had no real comprehension about. Every inexplicable natural disasters and calamities were attributed to the wrath of that unknown God against which they had no defence. That unknown entity was called 'nature' and in the absence of knowledge, it was profoundly feared.

It was also a time when spirits roamed among man freely and had to be appeased from time to time. All these natural/unnatural circumstances spawned taboos, customs and traditions that we acknowledge today.

With the advent of Christianity, many of these practices of worship and taboos have seen their way out over the years even as we perfunctorily observe these 'festivals' to draw the intrinsic traditional values of 'giving' and 'forgiving' that accompany these festivals without really believing in the religious sanctity of the rituals itself. Take the case of 'bride price' that prevailed amongst some of the tribes for instance...such a custom had led many a poor suitor to a state of landlessness when landholding of the prospective groom was insisted upon as a bride price. This stringent custom has since filtered into marriage 'feasting cost' rather than a sharp focus on the customary fixation on the bride price itself. While this may not necessarily be a change for the better, the fact remains that the traditional norm has undergone a definitive change. Take another case of 'Aqa axe' (bonded labourer/slavery) custom that was practiced amongst the Sumi Tribe...it was a common customary practice where assistance given to a desperately helpless soul in the aftermath of natural or manmade disasters, customarily altering the status of such an individual becoming an 'Aqa axe' to the help giver. This stringent uncharitable customary practice has since waned into extinction through Christian beliefs as much as aided by Government notification, making bonded labourer-ship illegal.

_

LEISURE

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 2859

W

O

R

Apple Varieties.

ARKANSAS BLACK BLUSHING GOLDEN CHEDDAR CROSS ELLISONS ORANGE ENGLISH BEAUTY GRANNY SMITH GREENSLEEVES HONEYGOLD IMPERIAL GALA INGRID MARIE KLEINHEART KNOBBED RUSSET LADY IN THE SNOW MAIDENS BLUSH MOLLIES DELICIOUS NECTARAPPLE ORANGE SWEET OZARK GOLD POLKA RUSTY COAT VICTORY VISTA BELLA WALTZ XAVIER DE BAVAY YELLOW BELLFLOWER YORK

D T E S S U R D E B B O N K R E A O T P

A K M U V I S T A B E L L A Y O I L O

acknowledge it.

This brings us to the gender inequality and discrimination issues.

While we loudly croak within the environmental confines of our small pond, steadfastly clinging on to the traditional past and taboos, good or bad, rational or irrational, the rest of the forward looking world has moved fast and far ahead. In the corporate world elsewhere for instance, gender consciousness is no longer a stringent qualifying yardstick. It has been replaced by the capability factor of an individual, male or female ....the ability to deliver. As a result we have significant number of ladies as Chief Executive Officers in the mega global corporate infrastructure. Beyond the corporate world, we have and have had several renowned female personalities heading their respective countries as Heads of State.

The common exceptional characteristics lies in the fact that these ladies believe/believed in themselves as equals. This is where the all mighty differences begin. Closer to home, it would perhaps not be too wrong to conclude generally that the ladies of Nagaland and the North East lack the essence of this self-belief that nurtures confidence. They still have a far distance to cover before crossing this mental mind block bridge. The patriarchal society with its customary right to inheritance has been attributed as the greatest negative influence, discriminating and destabilising the socalled weaker gender. While the truth in this analysis cannot fully be ignored, take a rain check in a reverse order: the matriarchal society has shown no glaring differences in the social structure either. Percentage-wise for instance, how many women folks are there in Meghalaya State Assembly in spite of being a matriarchal society with all the trappings of inheritance rights? Having a Lady Minister is still the exception not the rule. Would a few seats reservation in the State Assembly significantly alter the status and destiny of women? Personally, I would perceive it only as a partial progression in the right direction no doubt but certainly not a full proof solution to the subject. Therefore, I am more inclined to believe that the severity of self inflicted inferiority complex is still the outstanding obstacle that stands in the way of the majority of women folks of the North East. It is palpably apparent. Asserting their rights is still not their cup of tea even where the Laws protect their interest. The perception that the battle line has shifted from 'protest procession' to a legal battle in the Supreme Court for equal representation in the municipality or other forums is fine. You still need to make it happen. Let me cite an incident to elucidate this contention.

Way back in the early 1980s I was conducting a Village Development Board(VDB) awareness campaign in a

village called Asukhomi. A lady was very busy serving refreshment during this meeting. After finishing her chore she stood leaning on the door frame and in due course timidly raised her hand and said, "Sir, may I ask you a question please"? "Yes, go ahead", I encouraged her. " I am a woman member of the VDB. Have I been made a member just so that I make tea for the men folks during the meetings?... because that's what I have only been doing so far". A simple question that said it all...but at least in this case, she had the guts to express herself in an overwhelmingly male dominated gathering. "Do you know that the rule provides that 25% of the VDB village grant-in-aid belongs to the women"? I asked. "Yes. I am told, but even if we ask for it the men folks never give" she replied. She was mentally unprepared for any assertive response to counter the prevalent discrimination against her kind. I asked her to sit down with the rest of the male VDB members and explained in their presence, her pivotal role as the sole representative for all the women folks in her village...that the 25% woman's share was a legally protected right by rule, which cannot be denied. She would be within her rights to stir up a women's uprising in the village to ensure that their right is not usurped by the men folks. I also recommended that henceforth she refuse to making tea for the men folks during the meetings. In yet another mega conference of All Nagaland VDB Secretaries, VDB members and Village Council members at Kohima local ground, I made an emphatic nonvegetarian statement directed at all the women VDB members present.

This was what I said: "No matter whatever else the men folks may want to touch, do not let them touch the 25% women's share of the grant-in-aid".

Other than a roaring laughter all around the conference arena, nothing tangible happened in the aftermath.

Women still have not been able to enjoy their legitimately protected rights.

The lack of assertion or the will to stand up for what is legally their right is dictated by ignorance, superimposed by the subconscious belief that customs and traditions are sacrosanct.

The majority has still not found it in them to cross the assertive boundary.

Forgive my candid observation, but I fail to see lasting solution emerging from the Women NGOs spearheading women empowerment movement and women reservation issue by taking out protest procession and conducting seminars once in a while in the urban centres. Lessons learned from these seminars must peter down to the grassroots level... be it urban or rural, where it matters the most for adoption and application. I still subscribe to a thought that the rural masses is where the real strength lie. Unlike women folks in the other tribal belts of

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2866

H N L E M A I D E N S B L U S H E E K

E T S L Q L H B T E E W S E G N A R O A

O U I F O L L A D Y I N T H E S N O W

L I E Y O R K A D K L E I N H E A R T

A G N S B B L U S H I N G G O L D E N B

R G D Y E L L O W B E L L F L O W E R

E R E A N A R K A N S A S B L A C K U

R E I L I M P E R I A L G A L A D M E Y

N D I T N M O I N R U S T Y C O A T W

S M C T X A V I E R D E B A V A Y O A

C L A I I G R A N N Y S M I T H I N W L

E R O C E G N A R O S N O S I L L E T

H E I U O N Y S S O R C R A D D E H C Z

V E S E O Z A R K G O L D J D E L N C

E V I C T O R Y N E C T A R A P P L E

S T E E N G L I S H B E A U T Y O E O

ACROSS 1. Donkeys 6. Raindrop sound 10. Stinging insect 14. Midday meal 15. Former Italian currency 16. Ancient Peruvian 17. A kind of macaw 18. Ends a prayer 19. Teller of untruths 20. Ordinance 22. Accomplished 23. Blockhead 24. Happenings 26. Lantern 30. Consumed food 31. Apply gently 32. Dwarf buffalo 33. Boorish 35. Chairs 39. Joined in matrimony 41. Sidelong 43. Tired to the point of exhaustion 44. Biblical garden 46. Storage cylinder 47. “___ the season to be jolly” 49. Night before 50. Diplomacy 51. Reluctant

54. South African money 56. Carpenter’s groove 57. Nattering 63. Margarine 64. Hindu princess 65. Leg bone 66. Cavort 67. Therefore 68. Kick out 69. Historical periods 70. Adolescent 71. Adjust again

DOWN 1. Winglike 2. Certain 3. Catch 4. Beige 5. Second person singular of shall 6. A trite or obvious remark 7. Not excessive 8. Chocolate cookie 9. Disparaged 10. African antelope 11. Negatively charged particle 12. Barely enough 13. Peels 21. Cognizant 25. Widespread 26. Young sheep

27. A Freudian stage 28. Not less 29. A type of infantry 34. Altitude 36. Diva’s solo 37. After-bath powder 38. Notch 40. Colored part of an eye 42. Concerning (archaic) 45. Perturb 48. Hush-hush 51. Love intensely 52. Heroism 53. Swelling under the skin 55. Discourage 58. Rabbit 59. Rend 60. Nile bird 61. Agreeable 62. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Ans to CrossWord 2865

the mainland, educational percentage among women in the North East, more so in Nagaland, has seen a tremendous upsurge in the past decade.

This must count for something, provided a focused awareness is generated. Today, Nagaland has the distinction of a Lady Chief Secretary with a hoard of responsible senior Lady Officers in Civil Administration and in various fields of bureaucracy. However, I have yet to hear of a coordinated effort of all the ladies in harness spending quality time together to forge a lasting course concerning equal destiny for women in the State.

Each one is focused on individual priorities without an overall common gender motivation. The more visible Naga Mother's Association and other women based NGOs have laudably been involved in a diverse social issues in general but in their fundamental subject of women empowerment, lacks clear vision in problem identification in a balanced manner. Creating mass awareness campaign amongst women both in the urban and rural sector is an indispensible exercise that needs to be carried out with a motivated commitment. However, their 'arch rivals' are men folks in the Village Councils and the Tribal Hohos as the standard bearers of customs and Traditions...with whom they should primarily be sitting across the table and debating the essence of custom and tradition vis-a vis women etc. They should perhaps begin to think out of the box and harness the dormant force into action and have a long term strategy worked out to create a real time change. Women folks have more or less an equal percentage of voting right as that of men...all they lack is a knowledgeable direction and motivation. The overshadowing influence of customary and traditional practices can only be overcome through persistent awareness campaign and reasoning... the toughest assignment which the women folks need to address...and address they must now or later. While Legislation for women reservation is a fractional remedy, the lasting impact beyond the scale of reservation can well be achieved through thorough understanding and awareness that women have an equal stake and an equal responsibility in today's world, which perceptively outweigh the traditional and customary constrictions.

Expelling an out of tune notion and conclusion borne out of tradition and custom is a gigantic job which cannot be achieved through a sporadic loud protest procession in the urban centres. It just is not good enough to impact a change...creating a grassroots movement into a momentum could.

At the end of the day, I am therefore inclined to conclude that balanced leadership is no longer gender specific...but you still have to learn to work for it and earn it.

Sunday Morning Electric Blues!

Jonah Achumi

W

Answer Number # 2858

S C J O H O N E Y G O L D F P O T T A L

Times change and we are expected to change with it in order to survive sensibly and with dignity. It would not be rationally inappropriate to conclude therefore that customary laws and practices are not sacrosanct and can, should and must be subjected to reasonable amendment, modification and augmentation along the way in tune with our present value systems.

Our ancestral generation had strictly lived under the dictum of 'might is right'. The unsavoury headhunting practices was in fact the root foundry of a great many mandatory traditional and customary practices that had necessarily marginalised the woman folks by force of the existing circumstances of their times and not necessarily by choice. It would have been a serious physical defiance against nature to imagine women folks going out on a headhunting expedition....a time where physical prowess was the need of the hour. Necessarily, women folks were excluded from this equation for obvious reason of being the weaker sex.

Well, I do know of a real time incident in Mokokchung town where a wife thrashed her husband in a public place (don't ask me which Tribe she belonged) but such a case was the exception and not the standard rule of engagement. There was no 'women only' club in this deadly game of headhunting. Resultantly, women were out place and time in the violent world of man. Women folks therefore had no direct role to play in a 'war council' of elders understandably... here again a dictate of natural circumstance that groomed customs/ traditions. This 'war council of elders' has evolved into what we now know as the Village Council in the present context. The fundamental change of perspective lies in the fact that our ancestral councils dealt with the subject of headhunting, war, village security and the ultimate preparedness for survival in a turbulent world. Today, this Council deals with a different issue of village administration that has almost everything to do with a developmental focus where women folks are an equal stakeholder. It is therefore an entirely different ball game where inputs of women becomes indispensable for a balanced community growth. The comical irony in the definition of customs and traditions can well be seen in disallowing women representatives in the Municipal Councils but accept a woman as Chairperson...as in the case of Kohima Municipality. That the Government imposed it, is an argument that holds no water if customs and traditions are sacrosanct....obviously it is not. It is a clear sign that we have since crossed the timeline threshold to that of 'right is might' where physical prowess is no longer the determining factor. Yet we refuse to recognise it or

ith the onset of the summer season the power supply is now getting worse with each passing day. Since the beginning of the heat, most parts of the Dimapur town is having continuous disruption of power-supply every now and then. I wonder what is the exact problem behind our ever erratic power supply. Phone calls to the Metha sub-station where power supply for western Dimapur side is done by this center, the only answer one gets is due to load shedding from the Nagarjan main station and calling up the main power transmission center at Nagarjan the answer always is either no supply from Shillong or the higher-ups ordered to cut supply since it was having a load problem. What happened to the transformer which was said to be installed shortly and solve our power woes? Is it really going to be installed or would that be a tale that wasn't true? Infact, it is almost more than a year now.

Of all the days in a week, Sunday is the day when most of the business establishments, schools & colleges, banks, offices, industrial units are closed. So load demand and supply should not be the problem. Yet Sunday seems to be the worst of all the days of power-cuts than any other days. Thoughts of attending a church service are dashed as there is no

current to iron the clothes, pump the water for cooking, take bath or to wash the car etc. at the right time. After the service, taking a rest by watching a movie or some nice documentaries seems like an illusion with the absence of the electric current.

Even the inverter batteries cannot seem to hold much with these long power cuts.

So what does a regular average citizen like me who pays the electric bill regularly and sincerely got to deserve all these? I cannot afford those giant-size generator set which our politicians and bureaucrats uses that they don't bother about the common man's plight.

A minister's name and one top businessman's name came out in the newspapers during the routine checking about a month back by the Electrical Dept. who were caught hooking and tampering the meters.

Fine examples are they setting indeed. And were they just left off as usual by paying some measly amount by their chamchas or greasing the palms of some people?

I really wonder when so much money can be spent on festivals, foreign tours, imported luxurious cars, etc. a basic necessity of this age like a sufficient electric supply cannot even be provided to its citizens. Shame on the government and shame on us too........when election comes we forget all these sufferings!

Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Sunday 27 April 2014

Dimapur

5

Public SPace

elecTiON MalPRacTiceS iN NaGalaND WHAT IS THE STAND OF THE CHURCH AND NAGA NATIONALISTS?

E

candidate. Village en-block votes were traded for development promises that mostly went unfulfilled. It was said that Nagas had the purest form of democracy. But the village councils have turn it into mobocracy in Nagaland’s elections. It is also said that in democracy, real power rests in the hands of the common people. But the village councils have seized the common man’s right by imposing village resolutions. CBCC in its clean election campaign guidelines said it opposed such village council resolution. My village had adopted such a resolution in favor of NPF candidate in the last two State general elections. In February 2013 election, the CBCC organized a dedicatory prayer function for all the candidates at Pfutsero where it read out its guidelines. As a candidate, I had asked CBCC to make its stand clear on my village’s resolution but my question was ignored for reasons best known Briefly, election malpractices include: to them. Village resolution on en-block 1. Erroneous electoral roll enumeration: voting for one candidate was the main There are double/multiple enumeracause of booth capture in many villages. tions of the same person in different This is called muscle power. polling stations. Almost all the villagers permanently settled in towns have their 4. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) hand-over voter slips in bulk to unauthorized peonames in their respective villages. That ple or village councils that had resolved includes the government employees, to vote for one candidate. They are lebusiness people, daily wage earners and gally and constitutionally obligated to even the church leaders. Many national handover voter slips to the electorates workers have their names enumerated personally. With EPIC in force, voter in India’s electoral roll. Dead people are identification is no longer a problem. also enumerated. Underage enumeraBut many BLOs just didn’t bother. This tion will account for not less that 25% is another cause for proxy voting/voter of the total electorates. The sum total of impersonation. these fictitious enumeration accounts for about one third of the total elector- 5. Family head or village head voting has become the common practice in Nagaates. This is the chunk of electorates that land’s elections. It was not unusual to constitute the proxy votes on polling find your vote being cast by someone if day. Proxy voting is the most important you fail to reach the polling booth early. factor in high percentage voter turnout Multiple voting by one electorate was in Nagaland. While the national averallowed by POs as long as the polling age turnout percentage is anywhere beagents did not object to it. Multiple vottween 55 – 65 %; in Nagaland, 90 – 95% ing did not spare even prominent pubhas been the normal average. Who are lic leaders and church leaders. In 19th the enumerators? Largely, our most rePhek A/C, one elderly deacon could spected government teachers of course. cast ten proxy votes while one mission2. Money power: The right to vote has beary board member could cast nine proxy come a purchasable commodity. The votes. In another constituency, one forcommon man falls victim to his own mer President of a public organization ‘wants’ and sell out his right and power was seeing casting five times. In many to vote in elections. The following incicases, polling agents of minority were dent proved that votes are purchasable intimidated by the majority. So, the commodity. After the declaration of Febprocess went on and on. In other casruary 2013 State general election result, es, Presiding Officers (PO) were either the winner candidate (NPF) of 19th Phek intimidated for fair play or yield under A/C in his thanksgiving ceremony in the pressure. So, they prefer compromised heart of Phek town declared, in presence practice to application of election law. of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council It was also not uncommon to find par(CBCC) President and Executive Secretisan POs for reasons not far to seek. At tary, that he would not accept any memthe end of the day, it was normal pracbers from other political parties for the tice to allow proxy votes. It was the most next four years but purchase them in the acceptable compromise for incidentfifth (election) year if deemed needed. free election. No PO wants trouble in Thanks to today’s hi-tech world, live vidhis booth. For this reason, many POs eo recording stands as the living proof. prefer family head voting or village 3. Village councils took undemocratic, anhead voting so as to finish the voting ti-election law decisions to support one lection has become the most important event in Naga life because election gives the best opportunity way to make easy money. There are no social issues during elections. Development issues are only promises. After the election, everybody is for himself and herself in seeking benefit.

Money becomes the language and religion during election. Money becomes the rule of law for the next five years. Money decides everything; power, leaders and what not?

What are the election evils in Nagaland?

All the social problems today are linked to election evils in one way or other. Election malpractice has become the root cause of all evils in our society. It has affected us politically, socially, economically and spiritually.

Election malpractices have led the Nagas to live with the maxims; “You get the leaders you deserve”; and “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

process as early as possible. His objective was to complete the voting process incident-free no matter in what manner voting took place; wind-up and take to his heels the moment the clock strike four o’clock. The end-result was that, it was reported that in 48 polling booths, more than 100% cast took place in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election.

It happened in Manipur State too. The only difference was that, while Manipur Govt. promptly suspended the PO and called for re-poll; in Nagaland no action has been initiated so far either by the State Govt. or Election Commission of India. This is called Nagaland; the holy land of the east.

6. Liquor and money flowed freely during elections. Our youths’ morality hits the bottom under the influence of money and liquor.

7. On top of all these, EVM tampering has become a great suspect.

All these malpractices amounted to cheating and fraud. It is against the principle of the Christian faith and practice.

What is the stand of the Church on election malpractices in over 90% Christian State of Nagaland? The church must make its stand clear on election evils. A few years back when one Hon’ble High Court had legalized gay sex, the NBCC, instead of giving a one line stand, gave a lengthy sermon explaining its stand on gay sex. This is not the kind of answer the people want. It was expected to be a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to unnatural sex. The right thinking Nagas want a straight answer as to whether election evils and crimes should be treated a sin as does with adultery, rape, killing, robbery, etc. Or, does the church treat cheating and fraud in election no sin or lesser sin? Till date, other than what it called clear election campaign through public education, the church has not taken any serious step to check these election evils. Is it not a sin to double enumerate your name? Is impersonation, proxy voting not a sin? They are crimes in the eyes of election law. Is breaking the law not a sin?

If gay sex and election malpractices are permissible on earth; will they be permitted in Heaven? While in other parts of the country, Christians had the courage to make their stand clear on communal politics; Naga Christians chose to either remain silent or imbibed communal politics for fear of being denied the State’s support to the church.

There was a time in seventies when the church’s writ was more powerful than the State’s laws. But today, it is just the reverse and all for money.

Some preachers make no secret of their activities during election. But after the election these very people take the stage and give bombastic sermons. It is because of these indiscrete church leaders that today, the church in Nagaland faces the danger of division on political lines. The church is no longer a place to receive comfort for the

troubled souls. It has become a den for anger and hatred for the unchristian actions of some church leaders during elections. Has the church conducted its soul searching, if not investigation, on its own leaders involved in election malpractices? Unless the church disciplines its own field workers first, how can it discipline its other members?

Living true to its theme; “Nagaland for Christ”, there’s nothing in Nagaland that is not flavored with Christian rituals. Needless to say election in Nagaland is also deeply associated with prayer, fasting and prophesying. Election prophets galore, predicting either glory or doom for the candidates. The fates of the candidates were pre-decided by those pollsters. Prayer groups fast and pray for one candidate. Some church leaders were biased even in their prayers for the candidates. As a candidate, I have faced the hurt if not the humiliation. The church leaders have failed to speak the truth. Going by the number of Theological Colleges in Nagaland and even more theological students studying outside the state, there is no denying the fact that we have no dearth of professional theologians. But do we have spiritually inspiring life-changing theologians?

The result is that, our present Naga society has become strongly theocratic in outlook but demonic in act.

Election related evil is the main cause of all social problems in Nagaland. Therefore, change in Nagaland has to start with electoral reforms. Almost everything that the Nagas had practiced in the elections were unchristian. This shows that the church has a major role to play in electoral reforms in Nagaland.

It has to start right from erroneous enumeration of electoral roll. Will the church have the patience to look through the electoral rolls of Nagaland? What will the church say to those electorates having names in double or multiple places? Will it just dismiss as an administrative error? What is the message of the church to the enumerators who are mostly our respectable teachers? Is the church ready to make single enumeration as the baptismal pledge?

We all know that the polling officials are always the government employees. Proxy voting could never take place without the active participation of the presiding officers; whether voluntarily or under duress.

How many government employees had the church leaders counseled in its clean election campaign? Tragedy is that, many church leaders have the authority to accept new members or remove its baptized members for wrong doing. But almost equal number of them are not even worthy to give counseling to the members. My due apology to all committed church leaders who are desperate minorities.

Has the Church the courage to admonish the political leaders for election malpractices? Has the church the sight to see wrong from right? Should the church be mere educator and not active participator in the exercise to correct election malprac-

Dr. K. Hoshi

tices? The church cannot simply look away from those problems because, if something is wrong in the society, more things must be wrong in the church. The church has a moral and spiritual responsibility to correct the wrong when it knows or is made known of what the problem is. After all, Christianity was the foundation of change in Naga life. It transformed the Nagas from savage head-hunting to civilization and respect for humanity. Christianity gave a new social order to the Nagas. The church should make efforts that it may also give new political order. There can be no meaningful and significant change in Nagaland without electoral reforms. Unless the Nagas can do away with election related evils, no exercise for change will be sustainable.

What is the stand of the Naga nationalists (on election malpractices) who claim to be fighting for Naga sovereignty? In May 1951, 99.9% of the Nagas opted for sovereignty in the plebiscite exercise. In 1952, the Nagas of Naga Hills district of Assam had totally boycotted India’s first parliamentary election. Today, Nagaland State recorded over 90% turnout in almost all the elections held in recent years. Is this not an indication that over 90% are against independence? Which of the Naga political groups could claim that they had not involved themselves in Indian sponsored elections? With or without sanction of the national governments, all groups had involved in State sponsored elections directly or indirectly. Just because you didn’t cast your vote, you are not absolved from national guilt. What are you going to tell to the world and India? The Govt. of India has every right to claim that those fighting for sovereignty constitute barely 10% of the population. Will the national governments please check the electoral roll of the State and see how many of their cadres and officers have their names enrolled? You may be able to fool the gullible Nagas but you can’t fool India. After the biometric citizenship exercise, the Nagas will lose all legal rights to claim as a separate people. We will become complete Indians. No nation will listen to us again.

What is your message to the Naga public on election malpractices?

Change is the ‘catch word’ and ‘slogan’ everywhere in the world today. People the world over wants change. People are demanding change of government, change in political leadership, change in economic policies, change in bureaucratic set up and change even in social and religious establishments.

The yearning for change is an indication that something is wrong in the order; be it political, social, economic or religion. It is from these disorders that people want transformation.

People want new world order. Will the Nagas be an exception in this? Change is not a onetime instant solution. It is a process of becoming different in a span of time. As a Christian State, the church should take the first step for electoral reformation. The national workers should either refrain from arm-twisting the elections or join the mainstream.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

MMA presents “The Rising Stars”

Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): Mountain Music Academy (MMA) today presented a mini concert at Town Hall, Dimapur, with vocal students performing songs from leading modern artists.

The vocal concert is part of a ‘performance lab’ which MMA will conduct, as part of the curriculum, for different areas of music like piano, guitar, violin etc. MMA hopes that the ‘performance lab’ titled “The Rising Stars” will help them monitor and assess the progress of students, while the students would gain exposure by performing onstage.

What was impressive was that the show was managed by the students

Lirojung and Imsubenla performing “Somewhere over the rainbow” during the concert at Town Hall, Dimapur.

only. The compères were students, the artists were students. The neatly done stage décor was done by the students. The only faculty of MMA involved in the evening’s show were Alobo Naga, who is also

the vocal head at MMA, accompanying the students on the guitar and keyboard, and Jaremdi Wati Longchar, also on the keyboard. For their effort, the students pocketed 50% of the proceeds from tick-

ets which were priced at a modest Rs. 100.

Alobo Naga speaking during the occasion called the concert “part of the learning process.” He called for encouragement from the gathering for the students saying that most of the students were performing onstage for the first time.

Zuring Madeliang, EAC, Nuiland, who was present on the occasion as guest of honour, gave a short speech. “We as Nagas are fortunate to be talented in music,” she stated and encouraged the students to get better. Madeliang was also appreciative of parents for sending their children to music schools adding, “It is a good investment.”

Ao Students' Union Dimapur supports NSSATA Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): The Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) has extended its support and cooperation to the ongoing agitation of the Nagaland SSA Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) owing to non-payment of salaries.

DRFCB alleges substandard work at Dhansiri River Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): The Dhansiri River Flood Control Board (DRFCB) has stated in a press release that the board examined “an area operation at Dhansiri River tributaries” on April 14 and found the ongoing embankment

Mothers' Association Unity village condemns rape attempt

Sound Check organized Eastern Wham! in collaboration with Lemon Life Cafe and MoshFall Headbangers United. Joker's Whoop from Guwahati, We The Giants from Dimapur, War Machine from Imphal, and Temjen Jamir from Kohima Institute of Music performed. The gig was held at Lemon Life Cafe, Mohonkhola, Kohima.

Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): The Mothers' Association of Unity village, 5th Mile Dimapur has in its strongest term condemned the rape attempt on its general secretary at about 1:30 am, April 25 by one Nazmul Haque, a mason, who had been residing in the village with his brother for the last two months.

In a statement, the association president Hekatoli A. Zhimomi and vice president Atila Phom described the incident as most inhuman and savage act which should be rooted out from the Naga society and the perpetrators should be awarded most

The ASUD assistant general secretary Takowapang Lemtur in a press release stated that the Union is perplexed by the lacklastical attitude of the state government towards the teachers, who are the torchbearers for the future generations. “Pending sal-

severe and exemplary punishment.

According to the association, the accused, who confessed to the crime attempted to rape the mother of an infant when she was sleeping in her house while her husband was out of station for official work.

Mothers of the village have appealed to all right thinking individuals and organizations to condemn such crime against women.

The association handed over the accused to the police at Diphupar PS on Friday. It has urged the authority not to grant bail to the accused on any ground.

development works unsatisfactory. It alleged that either the department concerned is not giving proper direction or the contractors are not taking up the works properly. Therefore, the board urged the authorities concerned to inspect the work and reconstruct the embankment wherever it is required. The board also expressed, “If the work is not satisfactory, government should not pass the bill.”

Meanwhile, the DRFCB requested the government “to release the running bill to the contractors immediately for the completion of ongoing works as early as possible before the monsoon season hampers the works.”

The board also observed that the embankment work is more productive under the leadership of Vekheho Swu, Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control. The release was issued

by DRFCB Secretary Mukibur Rahiman, Vice-Chairman P. Hekuto Wotsa, and Chairman Hokheto Kiba.

aries threaten their very survival and also hampers them in discharging their duties, which in turn reflects upon the student community.” Therefore, the ASUD has urged the department concerned as well as the state government to look into the mat-

ter with utmost priority and see that the future of the student community is being secured.

The ASUD further appealed to all the NGOs, student bodies, tribal organizations to come forward and support the cause of the NSSATA.

MEx FILE

SKK calls meeting

Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): The All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) has convened its executive and platinum jubilee planning board consultative meeting on April 29, 4:00 PM in Dimapur. Therefore, SKK general secretary Kakuto Awomi has informed all the members concerned to attend the meeting positively.

NSTSA mourns Kohima, april 26 (mExN): The Nagaland Sericulture Technical Staff Association (NSTSA) has mourned the sudden demise of Keviraho Neikha, seri operator Kohima district on April 19 last. A press release received here stated that late Keviraho was an active member of the Association. “His death is not only a loss to the Association, but to the department as well as the public in general,” the release added, while sharing grief and sorrow with the bereaved family.

NSCN (IM) condemns grenade attack Dimapur, april 26 (mExN): Office of the Union Territory, NSCN (IM) in a press statement has called the recent grenade attack at GS Road, Dimapur as one of the most “unwanted” incidents. The statement appended by secretary, UT NSCN (IM), Khekuto Jakhalu asserted, “The perpetrator mercilessly attacking businessman in the heart of the city for non-compliance of his demand should be condemned by each and every peace loving citizens. The statement alleged that Captain Vikaho Sumi, a former NSCN (K) Army Treasury Officer in the guise of Vicky Sumi had served a demand note to the owner of Maruti trading company before the incident happened.

In this regard, the note stated, CAO UT, M Daniel Lotha has vehemently condemned the “satanic act” committed towards the innocent businessmen and creating fear psychosis among the peace loving citizens of the city.

Sunday 27 april 2014

6

www.morungexpress.com

EXPRESS

Review

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

THINKING BUSINESS

Source: BBC News

How a new bike messenger firm got its wheels turning in India Sameer Hashmi india Business report reporter, BBC Mumbai

T

he idea struck Rajiv Singh during a business trip to Germany, when a man arrived with a document from an office on the other side of town.

At first Mr Singh, who is based in Bangalore in India, presumed that the delivery came from a postman - but he soon discovered that it was a bike messenger. Also known as cycle couriers - this is a service wellestablished in many countries. But as Mr Singh came across more and more of them during his stay in Germany, they became the inspiration for his business idea.

"I loved cycling and wondered why we couldn't have the same concept in India," he says. And so he quit his job at a retail brokerage firm to start the operation. When a friend got interested in the idea and agreed

to invest in the start-up things really got moving. And in December last year Banglalore-based Cyclercity became India's first bike messenger company. Fortunately for Mr Singh, orders started coming in thick and fast from the day he opened the business. With his cyclists now delivering up to 60 items a day, he expects to break even before the end of the company's first six months.

Funding barrier But Mr Singh's venture is a rare story of a start-up taking off so quickly, smoothly and successfully in India. Unlike most new entrepreneurs, he did not have to chase would-be backers and convince them to invest. And with modest capital required, the funds from his friend and his own savings were enough. "I just needed a small office space, a few bikes and some cyclists, so funding was never going to be a challenge," says Mr Singh.

But it is exactly that issue - money - which is a barrier to new businesses across the world - and India is no exception. Despite being a big community of real potential, Indian start-ups find it difficult to raise initial funds. For technology firms, the struggle is less pronounced. But for firms in most other sectors it can be hard.

"There is less risk appetite in this country. No-one is ready to make the first move," says Anshula Dubey, co-founder of Indian crowdfunding business Wishberry. She argues that if an idea is too glamorous for conventional investors, backers in India typically wait for someone else to make the first investment before they take the plunge. Others feel that because a new business can take months or years to really establish itself, that is also a deterrent.

"There is no paucity of funds in India, but very few start-ups are able come out with an IPO (Initial Public

Offering) which would offer an exit route to early stage investors," says Mahesh Murthy, managing partner of Seedfund, a business that offers seed capital to start-ups in India.

This is exacerbated he argues, by India's lack of a junior stock market like London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM), which allows smaller companies to sell shares within a more flexible regulatory system - and offers investors more hope of selling their stake and getting a return.

Regulations nightmare But is is not just about money.

Bureaucracy and poor infrastructure are other major hurdles that first time entrepreneurs face in India. Getting regulatory permissions is a major nightmare that many start-ups have to go through. It's an environment that means the World Bank last year ranked India as the 179th country (out of 189 econo-

mies) for ease of starting a business.

But there are signs things are improving.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some investors are still willing to put cash into unproven concepts - helped by the launch of business incubation centres designed to support start-ups, and investment funds aimed specifically at backing new entrepreneurs. And also helping produce more start-ups are market forces. The number of university and college graduates being offered large salaries has fallen sharply in the past five years. That has meant more young people are willing to work for start-ups now than ever before, substantially improving the quality of people at these firms.

Cupcake pioneer But for the likes of Shitija Nahata, it is still a struggle. Her business concept - to open a shop selling cupcakes - would not be called ad-

Entrepreneurs reveal their failures en route to success

M

Tony Bonsignore

illions of people dream of starting their own company, but only some are brave enough to take the leap. Fewer still go on to great success. Talking to BBC Radio 5 live's On the Money, some of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs share their tips for business success - as well as revealing some of their biggest mistakes, and the lessons they learned.

Sir Richard Branson, founder, Virgin Group “I suppose our most famous failure - if you can call it that - was trying to take on Coca-Cola for a year. We were doing fantastically well in the shops that we were in. Coke literally sent a 747 full of squat teams and money over, and our stocks started disappearing off the shelves. They managed to squash us, and the lesson was that you need to be better than the people you are competing with. "My advice is five words: screw it; just do it."

Jo Malone, founder, Jo Malone and Jo Loves "I've made hundreds of mistakes.

When we launched our brand Jo Loves, we hadn't checked Google properly despite spending a lot of money on the IP [intellectual property]. We then found out there was someone else top of the Google list with a similar name as ours, selling

B

rothers Adam and Shaun Lee are hoping that a new way of raising money will help their guitar-making business perform on the global stage. The Atlanta-based entrepreneurs create guitars from empty oil cans. They got inspiration from their early childhood in South Africa, where street musicians make and play such homemade instruments. Adam, 28, and Shaun, 25, launched their company - Bohemian Guitars - in 2012, and have big expansion plans. "The long-term vision for the business is that we see ourselves growing into the lifestyle brand of the musical instrument space," says Adam.

Yet like most start-up firms, securing financial backing initially proved difficult.

Banks told the brothers they needed to see $1m (£600,000) in annual revenues before the business would get any loans. The company, of course, was only seeking the loans to enable them to reach such revenues. Venture capitalists and angel investors also declined to take a risk on them.

"Bank loans are not easy to get," says Adam. "[And] we don't really fit the investment criteria for the majority of these [investment] firms."

Instead the brothers - like a growing number of small companies in the US turned to crowdfunding. So far so normal, but as Bohemian Guitars is based in Georgia, they were able to use a form of crowdfunding which, until later this year, is, in effect, banned in all but four US states.

Removing barriers Crowdfunding enables companies to secure funds from a large number or "crowd" of individuals, typically via a dedicated crowdfunding website, such as two of the largest - Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

By far the most common form of crowdfunding is called "reward crowdfunding".

Under this model people give a company money in exchange for a reward or perk, such as being among the first to secure delivery of a new product.

The main alternative is called "equity crowdfunding", by which individuals buy a stake in the company in question. At present in the US, equity crowdfunding is only open to wealthy, accredited investors, people who have proved that they are worth at least $1m. The US financial watchdog - the Securities and Exchange

Doug Richard, former Dragon and founder, School for Start-ups "I accept the fact I'm engaged in a high-risk activity. If there's no risk there's no reward. I sold my second business, a software company, to a large public corporation. I took shares instead of cash and Gerald Ratner, founder of geraldonline.com, 89 days later those shares dropped by 99% and former chief executive, Ratner Group and I was wiped out. The advice I'd give is "Asking me about my worst mistake is to take cash." a bit like asking the captain of the Titanic. I was asked to do a speech in 1991 for Richard Reed, founder, Innocent the Institute of Directors. I put a couple Drinks and Jam Jar Investments of jokes in, and one was about a 99p pair "When we started out we had one of earrings we sold - the same price as a company which made our plastic botMarks & Spencer sandwich - and I joked tles, and one company which bottled that the sandwich would last longer. And the crushed fruit into those bottles. They then I compounded that by talking about were totally unconnected businessa £4.99 sherry decanter we sold, and I said es, but at separate stages both rang us the reason it was so cheap was because it and said they would no longer be able was crap. The aftermath of that was that to manufacture our bottles or pack our people boycotted my shops; the tabloid smoothies. They only gave us 24 hours' press in particular painted this as me mak- notice. Overnight we would cease to ing fun of my customers, which is some- have a business. We manoeuvred our thing I would never do. They treated me as way through it but it definitely taught a tabloid punchbag, and it was enough to us: focus on your Plan A, but know what make me resign after 18 months of hang- to do if there's an emergency. If you sit ing on. It was a terrible experience to go around waiting until you are 100% certhrough. It was a very sad end after 20 tain or 100% confident, I don't think it's years of building my business, and it took ever going to happen." seven years to get back on my feet.”

"My advice is: don't give up. You will be Peter Stringfellow, founder, rejected, but being rejected is actually the Stringfellows nightclub route to success. Celebrate that, because "I'm 73 years old. I've been in busiyou have to go through that a few times ness nearly 50 years. I've made so many before you achieve your goal." mistakes. The thing about mistakes is that

vibrators. I hadn't checked. That was my biggest mistake and I had to really dust myself off and pick myself up. Sometimes the business you failed at takes you on a journey to something far greater down the road."

The guitar firm playing a new fundraising tune Jill Martin

The brothers were inspired by street musicians in South Africa

Commission (SEC) - currently bans the rest of the population from taking part in equity crowdfunding. This longstanding rule was put in place to prevent people who can't afford to lose money from falling victim to investment fraud.

Yet with crowdfunding having grown so much in popularity in recent years, at the same time as people's general investment knowledge has increased, regulatory opposition to equity crowdfunding in the US is being removed. Later this year the SEC is due to open up equity crowdfunding to all investors. Before then, four states have in recent years used exemption laws to allow such equity crowdfunding. The states in question are Georgia,

Kansas, North Carolina and Washington.

Headaches for firms Georgia passed its exemption in 2011, allowing any resident to invest up to $10,000 in an equity crowdfunding scheme issued by a company based in the state. As a result, Bohemian Guitars raised $126,000 last October through a crowdfunding campaign from both accredited and non accredited investors. The company is now raising additional capital via crowdfunding website Fundable. Adam and Shaun Lee are using the money to boost production of their guitars, which start from $299, and reach profitability. For entrepreneurs without access to

you have to learn from them. Make a lot of mistakes, as long as you make a few successes. And don't be frightened of failure.

If you really are entrepreneurial and have the passion to go forward, a few failures don't count."

Liz Earle, founder of Liz Earle Skincare "The biggest mistake I think we made was not taking on more help in the early days. My partners and I were young mums at the time, and we were working 20-hour days. I think with hindsight we should have been kinder on ourselves, and brought in a team of specialists and experts earlier than we did. My one piece of advice would be not to rush things. It's incredibly tempting to accept every opportunity, even if you're not ready. We have an expression: if it has to be 'now', it has to be 'no'. It's really important to not get pushed into making quick decisions. I take the view that it is better to crawl, and then walk, and then run."

Dale Murray, angel investor "I have taken some people too much at face value. I'm quite straightforward, and I thought other people would be the same.

Most of them are but some people aren't.

When you get those guys who aren't trustworthy and have different motivations from you, it can be quite hurtful. The entrepreneurs we look for dust themselves down and get back on the horse again." wealthy networks or connections to traditional funding sources, equity crowdfunding - which is already allowed in the UK - can be an appealing option.

"The plus side is pretty compelling," says Ross Baird, executive director of Atlanta-based Village Capital, which invests in early-stage companies, and helps to train entrepreneurs. But he adds that equity crowdfunding can also carry big risks. "I do wonder how having lots of small investors, who now own a stake in the company, is going to potentially influence the way that the entrepreneurs interact with their customers," Mr Baird says. Rather than focusing on finding and pleasing customers, an entrepreneur needs to worry about serving a slew of investors. That can create headaches for fledgling businesses.

No shotguns To avoid such headaches, New Yorkbased entrepreneur and chocolatier Peter Moustakerski says he is very careful about what investors he accepts. The boss of Voila Chocolat, which enables people to make their own chocolate, has used equity crowdfunding to sell shares in his company. As equity crowdfunding in New York is currently open to wealthy, accredited investors, those are the ones he has deliberately targeted. Investors in his firm have put forward a minimum of $25,000 (£15,000). "My approach has been more selective," says Mr Moustakerski. "Not just a shotgun approach."

Experts say it's too early to say how equity crowdfunding will work in the long term. Ethan Mollick, assistant professor of management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that entrepreneurs use caution. "I think equity crowdfunding could be viable, but I think you need to wait to see how it all works out," he says. He adds that while reward-based crowdfunding can plug entrepreneurs into a business-savvy community, which can offer feedback on new products, without strings attached, that dynamic can change when campaign contributors become shareholders.

Back at Bohemian Guitars, Adam and Shaun Lee plan to outsource production of their guitars to China, so they can keep up with rising demand. "I'm confident 2014 is going to be a record year," says Adam.

venturous in the US, the UK, Australia or Dubai. But in India it was still a new idea. And so when she went to various banks that advertised special loan facilities for women entrepreneurs, she was turned down each time.

"I had seven years of work experience in reputed companies, I had all the documents in place but despite that they didn't give me a loan," says Ms Nahata. Eventually she and her husband pooled savings and went it alone to open their first store, under the name The Cupcake Company.

And it would seem investors who did not want to take a gamble may have missed out. She now owns five stores across Bangalore and Chennai, and thinks others who want to start a business should give it a go.

Indeed the most common opinion across India's start-up community is that despite potential funding woes, there has never been a better time in the country to start a business.

Bosses striving to make work more than just a job

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Katie Hope

t the age of just 36, and just days after graduating from MIT with an MBA, Joe Baolin Zhou was in intensive care fighting for his life. He had initially damaged his spine playing sport, which later contributed to problems with his nerve system. He vowed that if he were to survive he would live his life with a sense of purpose, as up until then he felt he had been "going step after step without knowing what my ultimate goal was".

Zhou did survive, though he was paralysed from the chest down and left in a wheelchair, and made it his mission to ensure that others would not face the same lack of direction.

More than two decades on, he is chief executive of Bond Education Group, the largest private education service company in southern China. As well as tutoring, the group offers personal development courses to help children work out what they want to do in the future, and improve their personal qualities.

For Zhou this is not just child's play. He believes the lack of focus on what are often perceived as softer characteristics contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. "A lot of Wall Street graduated from top business schools. But what makes them so greedy? I began to realise they probably did not have the right values for themselves and the work."

Bringing the past to life For chief executives this is a perennial problem. While most companies will have defined a list of values that they believe in and expect staff to adhere to, ensuring they are more than just words on a bit of paper is difficult. Global drinks giant Diageo's values include being "passionate" about customers, giving fellow employees the "freedom to succeed" and being "proud of what we do". To make these more than just rhetoric, former chief executive Paul Walsh says the company emphasised the heritage of its brands to staff, telling them they were "standing on the shoulders of giants".

With Johnnie Walker whisky, for example, it told them the history of its founder and namesake, who first started to sell the spirit in his grocer's shop in Scotland. His 14-year-old son Alexander took on the business after he died, driving its expansion and cleverly designing the now famous square bottles to ensure they could be stacked more easily on ships for export, with fewer breakages. "We have these brands in our hands for a relatively short period of time in the context of their overall life.

We've got to make sure that we hand them over in better shape. That creates a sense of purpose," says Walsh.

He says the company also aims to promote only those who demonstrate the company's values. "It's through not just the chief executive but everyone living those values, and as a consequence - when they are breached, making sure you have some kind of public recognition of that."

Satisfaction drives success Chen Feng, chairman of Chinese conglomerate HNA, whose empire spreads from aviation to real estate and financial services, tries to ensure staff are happy outside as well as inside work.

Right from when he founded the company, he said its key value was not just to make money but to "benefit human beings' progress and happiness", believing that satisfied staff would ultimately drive higher profits. While this sounds rather vague, the company has done some concrete things to meet these values, including building and then selling houses cheaply to staff.

The programme means its employees can afford a home for themselves and their families despite rocketing property values.

Cheng says that by sticking to its original values, the company has managed to create a socially responsible yet still profitable company.

"We combined a virtual economy together with the real economy. That's why we can develop so quickly and healthily," he says.

This feature is based on interviews by leadership expert Steve Tappin for the BBC's CEO Guru series, produced by Neil Koenig and Evy Barry.

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS 27 April 2014

www.morungexpress.com

Trusting God for Provision

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old winter was becoming fresh warn spring. But still a cold night, it was. Neither the tongue nor the stomach whined at the dinner. After the drooling dinner; my brothers in their adolescent turbulence and ignorance were fighting over the remote for the best channel, apparently they had their own best channel; my mom after doing the dishes came and sat near my turbulent brothers; warned them to keep their calm or the worst will happen, what else will that be?Shut down the TV and go for a grumbling but nothing happening on TV night. The lucky brother grinned at the other brothers because it was his channel and nobody could dare touch the remote again.

My other brothers frowned in grouse but were wise enough to know the cliché, something is better than nothing.

The hard earned calm came in the room. My Mom gave me the look, that look where I could read clear as crystal on her wrinkles, “tell me something, Son.” She deserved some update in real because Mark Zukercberg was in high school then.

I was away from home in school for my exams for a few months. I came home that night. Rumor had it that, she wanted to know about my exams and about my future medical studies. I’d always wanted to be a medical surgeon, so did my parents.

My Dad even promised he will sell our plot, coveted by every sensible human being and greedy human beasts. With the royalties of the plot, he will send me for medical studies. That promised was humble and a sheer motivation.

My Mom kept the look and had no plans to squint until her son spoke. I, her son, was brainstormed with anxiety and curiosity. In her twinkling eyes I saw my thoughts, “What will she say? May be it will be too hard for her to handle?

Can I tell her some other day, but there is no time...” I loved her and to keep her worried is not even the last thing on my mind, that’s why the galaxies of queries before I spoke. I had the breaking news that can break the heart of my Dad and rocked the universe of my Mom. Come hell or high waters, I felt she should know the truth. But I didn’t think

this truth will set her free. As one and two more wrinkles visited her forehead, I knew it was time for the revelation. I directly looked at her eyes and said, “I am going to study theology in Bangalore.”

There I went; it was a blunt blow on the face. Not the best mode to tell an anxious Mom. “God is going to provide my needs,” I added. Her first reaction was intriguing; she lean forward, open her mouth as though to speak but no words came out of her mouth. I can read on her face, her thoughts went deep. I can bet with my life that her first thought was how she will handle her husband, my Dad when he hears the news. Predictably, he will beas mad as a wet hen and as furious as a hungry angry lion. My Dad only and only wants me to be a medical doctor and moreover he deems theological students are losers.

Tears swelled in her eyes and flooded her cheeks. Her heart skipped many beats, her lungs forgot to inhale, and the lump in her throat didn’t allow her to utter a word. My guilt took me for a ride as I realized I was blunt and adamant when I told her the news that changed my life. *Sorry Mom.*She didn’t say a word but kept what she heard in her heart. We called it a night. As we went to our rooms, we both knew prayer and provision from God is the only solution. There was noth-

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Why Does God Keep Us Here?

hy doesn’t God take us to heaven the moment we commit our lives to Christ? After all, since heaven is our ultimate destination, wouldn’t it be better if God took us there immediately and spared us all the problems and heartaches of this life? Then we’d never again have to experience worry or sorrow or suffering, and all the burdens and temptations that trouble us now would vanish.

The reason is simple: God still has work for us to do right here. Heaven is our goal, but until that final moment when He takes us home to Himself, God has a purpose in keeping us here.

Earth isn’t just heaven’s waiting room, where we sit around doing nothing until it’s finally time for us to depart. Earth is the stage on which the drama of the ages is being played out – the drama of Christ’s victory over sin and death and

Mezhiisevi Mark Ziitso

My nous on Nagas and the Bible

The writer is currently doing his Master of Theology (Th.m) majoring in Biblical Theology in Asian Christian Academy and also works with Christ in Youth Team, Kohima.

ing to talk about. She didn’t inform me but I knew from that night on heaven was filled with her plea for my provision. A prayerful mom, she was, is and will be.

God made it clear in my heart and through my mentors that I was to study in Bangalore. The financial expenses were far away beyond my ability. My not so proud Dad washesitant to support. God was my only option. I prayed to God day in and day out. I started living praying without ceasing. At breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, supper when I said grace I implored heaven to provide my needs.

Every time I got on my knees I pleaded for provision.

“If it is your true will for me to study your word, provide my need,” was my challenge.

“You are the One True Living God and all things are possible with you, provide my need,” was my never ceasing plea. I went for a 7 days fast for my studies and especially for my provision. I prayed all prayers those 7 days. I cried, I laughed, I doubted, I believed, I panicked, I hoped during the fast. Amid the sea of emotions deep deep down in my heart of hearts there was a still small voice, “He will provide.”

On the morning of the 7th day of fast, my phone buzzed as I was praying. I saw the caller was one of my prayer partners, a lady. She inquired about the fast. I told her the little this and the little that. In the

Billy Graham hell and Satan. And no matter who we are, we have a God-given role to play in that divine drama.

What is this role God has for us? Why does He keep us here?

The Bible gives us the answer: As long as we are on this earth, God’s purpose is for us to bring honor and glory to Him by the way we live. The Bible says God “chose us in him [Christ] before the creation of the world … in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:4, 12). Jesus told His disciples, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be

my disciples” (John 15:8). Is your goal to bring glory to God in everything you do?

But this doesn’t fully answer our original question: What is God’s reason for keeping us here?

To answer this, imagine what our world would be like if God did take us to heaven when we first believed. Without anyone left to demonstrate Christ’s compassion and righteousness, what kind of world would it be? Without anyone left to tell others about God’s love, how would anyone ever hear about Christ or put their trust in Him? The answer is obvious: Our world would be condemned to live in perpetual spiritu-

converse, she said she saw a dream. She saw two of her friends discussing to support me. I didn’t see that coming. I didn’t expect it to be that way. I was envisioning in my eye of faith that God will speak to an acclaimed contractor or businessman about my need. She told to pray about it. I thought to myself that it was just a dream.

To my amazement the next day, my prayer partner confirmed that the two ladiesshe saw in her dream were ready to support me. I went head over heels praising the Lord. I was rendered speechless when my partner told me the story. After her dream, she went and approached the two ladies. To her astonishment, both of them told her similar stories. They both felt that God was speaking to them about supporting a theological student. They were silently looking for a candidate to support. They decided to support me together and they did for my undergraduate studies. Praise the Lord.

During my whole time of prayer for provision, God zoomed this passage to my eyes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phi 4:19). The Philippian church sent gifts to Paul, which was where Paul prayed this prayer for them. Many Christians misuse this passage while praying for provision. One must take note that this was in the context of giving. The Philippian church gave to Paul and Paul prayed for them. It was give and receive, many wants to receive but forgets giving.

I gave my life and my career to God and God provided my need. Someone rightly said, “Where God leads, God provides.” I gave my life and I followed my call and God was faithful to keep His part of the deal. Today when I have to live in scrimp and scratch, my hope never dies.

God provides and He will provide.

All to say, whatever your need, be it financial, spiritual, emotional or anything. I believe and I’m persuaded beyond a shadow of doubt, God can and will surely provide your need and needs. All you need to do is to give what God wants from you, may be it is your heart. Give to God and follow His leading. Dare to trust Him and He won’t dare to let you down. God will surely provide your needs. Trust God for provision. al darkness, forever bound by fear and hopelessness and evil.

Why does God keep us here? For one reason: to tell the world the Good News of Christ. The Bible says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Jesus’ command to His disciples has never been revoked: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Does this mean we are all supposed to be preachers or evangelists or missionaries? No – although some are. But it does mean we are all called to be witnesses for Christ, bringing His love and transforming power to a broken and confused world.

Excerpt from The Journey by Billy Graham, 2006.

Gospel song saves Why Platt, Piper or Chan Might boy from kidnapper NOT Be Enough for Your Church Source: The Christian Post popular Gospel song titled "Every Praise" written by Hezekiah Walker recently became a weapon for a kidnapped 10-year-old boy who refused to stop singing it until his kidnapper was forced to let him go unharmed.

Police told 11 Alive that earlier this month young Willie Myrick, who was 9-years-old at the time, was kidnapped from his driveway in southwest Atlanta, Ga. He then reportedly dropped little Willie off unharmed in East Point after driving him around for three hours. "He opened the door and threw me out," said Willie of his ordeal. "He told me not to tell anyone."

Willie, however, did not listen to his kidnapper's orders and his story is moving people of faith throughout the United States. He explained that after the man, who is still on the loose, grabbed him Willie Myrick and threw him in the back of his car he just kept "praising God" with Walker's "Every Praise," a song he learned in Sunday school.

While he was singing, Willie said his kidnapper yelled expletives at him. "He told me, shut up f*** boy," said Willie. He, however, kept singing until his kidnapper got tired and threw him out ordering him not to reveal what happened.

Willie's mother said she realized what had happened to her son after he called her from a local woman's phone and she broke down. "I cried," she told 11 Alive. "I broke down and cried."

Last Thursday evening, community leaders held a meeting in young Willie's honor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and the "Every Praise" songwriter, Hezekiah Walker, heard about it and showed up to support Willie.

"It's just emotional to me because you never know who you're going to touch," said Walker about the story. "I just wanted to hug him and tell him I love him," Walker added.

Walker received a standing ovation Thursday when he gave a hug to Willie as the boy cried as he met his favorite singer. "I really believe that God spoke through me to save that young man's life," said Walker.

Police have released a sketch of Willie's abductor and are asking anyone with any information to call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-TIPS.

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Andy Schmitz pastor a fantastic church. My congregants are passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ, robust biblical preaching and family-inclusive discipleship. But there’s also something a bit unique about my church. Before I became their lead pastor in August of 2013, their previous preacher was Dr. David Platt! But my church is not in Birmingham, Ala.; it’s in Kankakee, Ill. It all began five years ago.

Five years ago, some Christians began meeting in a living room to watch sermons by Dr. John Piper. Their Sunday preaching was primarily supplied by streamed sermons from wellknown preachers. By God’s grace, they grew. They grew to a point where they could afford to call a pastor to shepherd and preach for them. But why would they? Why not simply continue to video stream an extraordinarily gifted preacher instead? It would certainly save a lot of money. And let’s be honest, the homiletical prowess of a 24-yearold fresh-faced seminary graduate would never come close to the likes of a Piper or Platt. So why hire me?

A pastor, in the flesh.

These days, Christians can slip into treating preaching like a consumer commodity and preachers like buffet selections. With the Internet, a believer can choose a different style and a different preacher for every mood and preference. However, my church realized they needed a pastor. A fleshand-blood pastor is crucial for the local church because preaching is an act of spiritual warfare. A pastor is a shepherd who fights in the trenches next to his sheep, defending them from the wolves. You can’t simply phone that in! Only an in-person preacher can bear the burdens of the congregation, weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice.

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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

Incarnational preaching.

A true preacher’s heart is to know and to be with his listeners. The Apostle John expressed this desire in 2 John 12: “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink.

Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face-to-face, so that our joy may be complete.” Distance communication (letters, videos) are communications of grace and truth, to be sure. But they should function as less-than-ideal temporary measures. A church’s ultimate goal should be to connect the author and the recipients “face-to-face.” The normative medium of preaching in a local church ought to come from a pastor in the flesh.

Shouldn’t that be enough?

But God didn’t stop there. In His wisdom, he sent His Son in the likeness of men so that we could behold His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Jesus came in our frame, was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. He walked in our shoes; lived our lives. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus incarnated Himself, bringing the Word near to us.

The Word was pressed into our hearts by the Incarnate Word! Churches should seek out pastors who imitate the True Shepherd: bringing the word personally in the flesh.

In this way, the church not only hears the word, but they also behold the word as they watch their pastor live in obedience to the word. The writer of Hebrews encourages, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Since the Word came in the flesh, our preaching ought to be in the flesh.

Your pastor knows you better.

Are Piper, Chan and Platt better preachers than me? Yes! By far! Can they preach the gospel better than me? Probably. However, those faithful men know and care for their own flocks, but they don’t know mine. I love my flock; I care for my flock. Therefore, I endeavor to preach the written Word to my flock such that they behold the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ! Christians and churches need pastors in the flesh who faithfully minister the Word to them both in word and in deed—in the pulpit and outside it!

Consider the Gospel.

God had already made His Word known to His people by the giving of the Old Testament. He had already communicated Himself through His written Word. The Law of the Lord was perfect (Ps 19:7)!

Andy is a redeemed image bearer, finding and fighting for joy in God in every station of life, pastoring at Redeeming Grace Chapel in Kankakee, IL. He is also a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves and is pursuing a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He cherishes his wife, Jenna, and enjoys continuing to pursue and date her, striving to love her like Christ loves the Church. Andy and Jenna are both alumni of Olivet Nazarene University.

That’s what we see clearly in Scripture. Preaching and teaching are normative functions of the shepherding pastor (1 Tim 3:2b, 5:17, 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 2:1).

That is to say, pastors care for the flock by preaching and teaching, rebuking those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). Can a preacher disconnected from a local church—in fact, completely oblivious of its existence— defend that flock from false teaching?

Can he fend off the wolves?

Can he shepherd the flock, exercise oversight or rule well?

A church ought to receive preaching from a man who knows the church’s struggles, their strengths, their needs, their victories—in short, knows them. True biblical preaching not only rightly interprets the Word, but it also lands and applies uniquely and specifically in the people who are sitting under that Word.

Bring It! Exclusive: Lifetime Star Talks God Delivering Her From Porn to Mentor Girls Through Dance

Dianna Williams and the dancing dolls

D

Christine Thomasos

ianna Williams will be the first to tell you about her less than innocent past, but with her passion for dance, story of redemption and faith in God she is dedicating her life to giving young girls tools for a bright future.

Williams, the 35-year-old Jackson, Miss. native, is Lifetime network's newest reality television star of the unique series "Bring It!" An accomplished dancer in multiple styles of dancing, the choreographer decided to open up her own studio called the Dollhouse Dance Factory in 2010 that houses the award-winning Dancing Dolls dance team.

The Dancing Dolls have won over 15 Grand Champion titles and more than 100 trophies. After discovering the Dancing Dolls on YouTube, Lifetime network will broadcast some of the ups and downs that come along with Williams' dancers' lives as they take part in hip-hop majorette competitions against worthy opposition.

Still, the Dancing Dolls' founder and director insists that the series will offer so much more to the world than jaw dropping dance moves.

"Our show teaches life lessons. It is an in depth look into these kids lives and you see the struggle, the heartache," Williams told The Christian Post. "There is some comic relief in there and a little bit of drama all mixed together. On the show we talk about so much from the relationships with the parents, to the relationships with me and how important it is to go to school and have faith in God." The Dancing Dolls consist of girls age 7 to 17-yearsold, who Williams does not hesitate to give tough love.

She explained the importance of giving girls at that age an outlet that will keep them out of trouble.

"With teen pregnancy on the rise our girls need something that they can do, something that's positive.

Community dance teams such as myself, which there are a lot here in Jackson, is keeping kids off of the streets," Williams told CP. "It gives them a sense of pride and determination. These kids know that they have to be academically successful plus they know they have those extra mentors and counselors to push them to be great."

Although Williams has been dancing since she was 3-years-old, she admits that the sport did not always keep her out of trouble when she was growing up. At 19-years-old, Williams became involved in participating in adult films.

While she attributes that "dark place" in her life to feeling like she had a lack of options or close family to hold her accountable, the Baptist Christian said her faith and passion for dancing eventually brought her through that chapter in her life. In fact, it gave her a greater purpose.

"Starting the Dancing Dolls was not only a way for me to redeem myself and a way to do something good, but to help somebody else as well. These kids..They're like me," Williams told CP. "I tell them..utilize me as a walking, talking example of what not to do as a kid. But at the same time I want them to understand that people make mistakes and there is a God out there that does forgive and allows you to redeem yourself and move on."

Williams, or "Miss D," keeps her team as busy as possible and advises her Dancing Dolls to try to stay away from social media where things can not be taken back once they are posted online. Although she can recall being filled with pride after watching girls graduate from her organization to receive college scholarships and make it to medical school while continuing to dance, she admits that her job is far from easy.

"There's been so many days that I wanted to just quit and walk away. I felt unappreciated and unloved by some of the kids and their parents," Williams admitted to CP. "Sometimes if you're a coach or a teacher, sometimes parents can give you a hard time. But I have to remind myself that this is not about me, this is about these kids."

Still, she acknowledges that parents have also embraced her after she admitted some of her past that she is not proud of. Since God did not give up on her after she struggled with previous decisions, Williams said it is important for her not to give up on the girls that look up to her.

She lives by the words, "It takes a village to raise a child," and frequently speaks with God about having faith the size of a mustard seed. It is that faith that has kept the wife and mother to a 4-year-old son going.

"I can only say that faith in God is an understatement. God does so many things that we could not possibly even imagine," Williams told CP while fighting back tears. "Sometimes when a person feels unworthy God shows up and he lets us know that it's ok to fall, He's going to be right there to pick you up. He will let you know that it's ok and He loves you regardless."

While Williams makes sure to instill values like education, persistence, determination, self-esteem, a sense of community and respectable manners in her girls, she never lets them forget to give God the glory.

"We give God the glory for everything we do. On the show you'll hear me talk about how important it is to be humble and to always give God praise for the talent we receive," Williams told CP. "I really believe that on the show people will see and they will hear us showcase that God gives us those talents and God gives us gifts.

Not everybody is born with the gifts that these kids have and that's the gift of dance."

Williams' show "Bring It!" Comes on Lifetime networks on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. For more information about the championship winning Dancing Dolls and other programs in Williams' Dollhouse Dance Factory, visit the Dollhouse Dance Factory website.

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Sunday 27 April 2014

The Morung Express

Gandhi family fights for survival after striking a deal!

Saeed Naqvi IANS

The Gandhi family is in this battle with its back to the wall. A burst of energy at this late stage shows a sense of purpose, and deep anxiety. They are fighting for their sheer survival.

There is a tragedy in the making - both personal as well as national, on an epic scale.

The great party has been declining in every recent election, but this time the First Family runs the risk of crashing. Some day, when the family takes stock, it will discover it has been ill served by the small circle it surrounded itself with. The clique played both sides of the street.

It was always too clever by half because people knew what was going on.

Only, they were afraid to talk. And now that power is slipping out of the family’s hands, tongues are wagging. A cover up is on.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra turns up in Rae Bareli and makes a tear jerking speech about the family being “humiliated” by the opposition. They were targeting her husband’s land deals

she says. Like her grandmother Indira Gandhi, she would fight back. She then unleashes her finest invective on Narendra Modi’s “snoopgate”, how the Gujarat strongman had allegedly organized surveillance of a woman architect across three states.

Surely Vadra knows that barely three days ago there was a front page cabinet announcement that matters of such sensitivity will now be handled by the next cabinet.

The deal has already been struck, Vadra. Now you can scream “snoopgate”, “Jashodaben”, “Ishrat Jehan” for as many times as you like, but your party has already waved a white flag at Modi for a price you ought to know. When the dust settles, the party may blame it all on the family this time. Finally, the worm appears to be turning.

Is the Congress in a worse shape today than it has been in the recent past? It is putting up a fight in, say, Punjab where even mention of the Congress first family is a handicap.

There are other places where a fight is on but the family is not required.

India’s ruling Congress party President Sonia Gandhi, right, speaks with her son and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi after the latter filed his nomination for the ongoing general elections in Amethi, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on April 12. Gandhi, heir to the country's Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, is leading the struggling party's campaign in the general election. The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament announced May 16. (AP Photo)

This, then, is the emerging reality. The Gandhi family is increasingly at a discount.

The charisma of the Gandhis was always exaggerated by insecure party leaders. Rajiv Gandhi had nearly three fourth majority in Parliament in 1984, after his mother’s death. In 1989 he was sitting in the

opposition.

The party plummeted to 140 seats after the Babri Masjid fiasco and never recovered on Sonia Gandhi’s watch. True, there was no active hostility to the Gandhis as is on show now.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has in recent years looked increasingly like an inanimate object.

The Sonia-Manmohan combination began to look dull, bereft of ideas, uninspiring.

The PM thinks his high point was the civilian nuclear deal. The prime minister’s men ran around those days asking: “Why are the Muslims opposed to the deal.” Of course they were not. They were unhap-

py with the image of Manmohan Singh in George W. Bush’s tight embrace at a time when the global war on terror was being seen increasingly as a crusade against the umma.

A deft leadership would have kept people in the loop, explained the deal to them and then signed it. It should also have had

CAT scraps SSC CGL 2013 exam, orders fresh test India to play key role in Asian growth: US New Delhi, April 26 (iANS): The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has scrapped the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level Examination for 2013 and ordered re-examination on the ground that the question papers were leaked.

Taking into note the status report Delhi Police filed in the case, that said the SSC CGLE 2013 Tier-I and II exams were leaked from various centres, a bench of CAT members Raj Vir Sharma and Shekhar Agarwal scrapped the examination.

The examination was conducted for recruitment of income tax inspectors, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sub inspectors and excise department inspectors, among others.

The question papers were leaked in 2013 and

police arrested 14 people, including a policeman, for their alleged involvement in the case.

In its order, the CAT said that as per the report submitted by police, electronic gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones, data cards and pen drives were extensively used in the examination.

“Answer keys were transmitted via SMSes and emails well before the start of the examination and a large number of people, including those running coaching institutes and candidates participating in the examination, were involved.

“Investigations conducted by Delhi Police revealed involvement of some centres and transmission of answer keys to candidates located at the stations,” the order said.

It said the “possibility

wAShiNgtoN, April 26 (iANS): Declaring that shewas“bullish”onIndia-US ties, a senior US official says the two countries will play a key role in advancing prosperity and stability in Asia.

Asia, “a region with tremendous promise and potential” faces many challenges ranging from economic development to defeating terrorism and counter violent extremism, Nisha Desai Biswal, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, said Friday.

“Despite these challenges, we’ve never been more optimistic about the future of Asia - and the role the United States and India will play in advancing prosperity and stability in the region,” she said at 2014 FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum in Tampa, Florida.

The business forum was a joint event of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) ahead of the first Tendulkar is not the ever IIFA Awards event beonly celebrity to find him- ing held in the US Saturday.

“One reason is India’s self listed as a beneficiary.

Other cricket icons like former India captains Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid keep him company in the list of casu- New Delhi/luckNow, April 26 al workers.

Former Australia cap- (iANS): A day after his tain Ricky Ponting too ekes comment on Rahul Ganout a living by registering dhi visiting Dalit homes for himself with the MGNERGS, his “honeymoon” sparked a flagship programme of the outrage, Baba Ramdev Satcentral government aimed urday apologised and said at providing guaranteed he was misinterpreted, employment for at least 100 even as a police complaint was filed against the yoga days a year.

Film stars Amitabh guru in Lucknow.

“I did not mean to insult Bachchan and Paresh Rawal are also beneficiaries of Rahul Gandhi or Dalits. Rathe MGNREGS, according hul Gandhi indulges in publicity with photos of to the beneficiaries list.

of further investigation revealing involvement of other candidates at other stations cannot be ruled out as this list given by police is by no means exhaustive.

The CAT order said investigations were also being carried out by the CBI and police at other stations which may reveal involvement of many other centres.

The order came on a plea filed by Nitant Trivedi, Maninder Singh Attri and Vivek Kumar Mishra, seeking fresh examination in light of question papers being leaked from various centres, including Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Allahabad, Jaipur, Dehradun and Shimla.

The SSC had earlier said it will re-conduct the examination only in seven cities.

But after the CAT’s April 23 order, it has to re-conduct the test all over India.

Sachin ‘casual labourer’, MGNREGS beneficiary

pANAji, April 26 (iANS) : Sachin Tendulkar may have won the Bharat Ratna, but according to the Goa government’s records, he is a “casual labourer” and a beneficiary of the MGNREGS. And so are his wife and two children, says an NGO. Non-governmental organisation Goa Parivartan Manch Saturday claimed to have exposed a scam in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment GuaranteeS, where officials and politicians have been listing fictitious workers and pinching their remuneration.

“We demand a probe into the MGNREGs works

in the Chimbel slum. It needs to be found out how these obviously fake names were registered as beneficiaries and who is making money on their behalf,” NGO spokesperson Yathish Naik told a press conference in Panaji.

Chimbel is a slum on the outskirts of Panaji and Tendulkar finds himself an applicant against serial No. 374 of Tiswadi sub-district block.

The master cricketer’s registration number is GO01-001-028-001/10063-C. Tendulkar’s wife Anjali, daughter Sara and son Arjun are also listed in the documents unearthed by the NGO.

growing economic connectivity - eastward with Bangladesh, Burma, and Southeast Asia,” Biswal said speaking on the “US and India: Global Partners in the Global Economy.

“And we see promise in links westward with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia,” she added. Describing these linkages as vital to the prosperity and stability of Asia, she said the US was “committed to supporting economic linkages that will cultivate new markets and knit these countries even closer together - and make them more integrated with the global economy.”

Since “prosperity in South Asia hinges on dynamic growth of its economic powerhouse,” India, Biswal said the US “is committed to working with India to fully unlock the true potential of our economic ties.”

“India needs a transparent, straightforward way of attracting foreign investment, offering private capital a way to share in India’s opportunity,” she said.

“There must be a welcoming business environ-

ment that allows every dollar of investment to work efficiently.” m“India’s future prosperity will also depend on one of our shared strengths - innovation,” Biswal said. “That’s why we are so excited about the USIndia Technology Summit and Expo in November of this year in Delhi”.

India-US relationship is also flourishing at the state andcitylevel,Biswalsaidnoting “our cities and states are partnering more extensively than ever before, helping plant even deeper and stronger roots for our partnership.”

“A growing number of states and cities are tailoring their international outreach efforts for India, with delegations from Arizona, Iowa, Indianapolis and San Francisco visiting the subcontinent over the last year,” she said.

Declaring that she was “bullish on this relationship because I believe in the strength and vibrancy of our two countries,” Biswal said: “I know there is no challenge that we can’t address, no problem that we can’t solve when we bring our two societies together.”

IANS

Even as doubts remain as to whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be able to reach the coveted half-way mark in the Lok Sabha, the party’s opponents are totting up the scores of the various regional parties to find out how close they can get to the benchmark of 272 seats with the Congress’ help.

As of now, these estimates are an exercise in a political vacuum, for the regional parties haven’t yet coalesced into a Third Front as the proposed scenario demands. Although the Congress has hinted that it is in favour of an understanding with the front as and when it is formed, both the offer and the guesswork on the number of seats are in the nature of wishful thinking.

In 2009, the non-Congress, non-BJP parties out-

side the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) won about 150 seats. If, to this figure is added the 20-odd seats won by the non-Congress parties in the UPA, then the total comes to 170. In case the Congress wins 100 seats this time, then the aggregate comes to 270 on the non-saffron side of the political divide.

If the number of seats won by the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and the YSR Congress (which weren’t there in 2009) is added to the total of the Third Front-UPA parties, then the coveted target of 272 in a House of 543 elected MPs can be easily crossed.

However, there is many a slip between the cup and the lip. Among the imponderables is whether the front can at all be formed.

At present, it does not exist. Bringing the concept to life will require considerable political skill by leaders whose careers so far have

does not pause to explain why Gopinath Munde, Rajnath Singh, Murli Manohar Joshi and Arun Jaitley are not being able to leave their constituencies even for a breather.

In the Congress ranks, there is disarray. Tarun Gogoi and Janardhan Dwivedi scream “bring in Priyanka”.

Rahul loyalists, Shashi Tharoor and Jairam Ramesh shout back “There is no vacancy at the top for Priyanka”. On Thursday Priyanka was supposed to campaign in Amethi but she did not.

She flew back in her private plane even as party workers speculated if the siblings were, well, okay with each other.

Sharad Pawar, Prithviraj Chavan and a host of Congressmen are keeping a steady gaze on the regional parties.

UP is not yielding its mysteries. Which way are its 18 percent Muslims dividing or combining? The Brahmin, whose influence is greater than his numbers, has not indicated whether he will vote for Rajnath Singh in Lucknow. In UP, Brahmins and Thakurs, have historically not combined well.

Kashmir encounter ends, 3 militants killed

SriNAgAr, April 26 (pti): All three militants holed up in a house in Shopian were believed to be killed after an overnight encounter with security forces, in which a major and an Army jawan lost their lives. m“The gunfire stopped at 0915 hours this morning. We believe all the militants have been killed,” a senior police official said.

He said at least two militants were believed to have been killed on Friday itself but the exact situation will be revealed once they retrieve the bodies. He said a militant opened fire on the security forces in the early hours of Saturday and they retaliated. The exchange of fire lasted nearly three hours.

Security forces launched a search operation in Karewa Malino in Shopian, 55km from here on friday evening following information about the presence of three militants — two locals and a foreigner. The militants were asked

to surrender but they resorted to firing, triggering the gunfight.

An Army major and a soldier were killed in the operation against the militants on Friday, while another soldier was injured.

He also said that security forces will first remove the body of the slain Army soldier, which was lying close to the house.

“Search of the debris will be conducted afterwards and the total number of militants killed can be confirmed only after the sifting operation is complete,” he added.

Shopian is part of the Anantnag parliamentary constituency and the encounter took place a day after militants carried out an attack on a polling party escorted by police and CRPF in the district at the end of the voting on Thursday.

One polling officer was killed while five others including three security personnel were injured in the incident.

Ramdev says ‘honeymoon’ remark misinterpreted him sitting in homes of Dalits. If my statement hurt the Dalits, I regret it,” Ramdev said Saturday.

Ramdev had Friday said in Lucknow: “He (Rahul Gandhi) goes to Dalits’ houses for honeymoon and picnic. Had he married a Dalit girl, his luck could have clicked and he would have become prime minister.” A first information report has been registered in Lucknow against the yoga guru.

The Congress Saturday

reacted strongly to the comment, accusing Ramdev of insulting Dalits and women.

“Yoga has a physical and spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension is more important. How can someone call himself a yoga guru with this kind of mentality?” said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Three women leaders of the Congress accused Ramdev of being “anti-women”.

“These are extremely objectionable comments

Can a Third Front form a viable government?

Amulya Ganguli

the courage to explain why the deal turned out to be a damp squib. This kind of communication is not affected by two and a half journalists. This is a task for an effective political party to undertake which, in this instance, was absent.

The Indian ruling class has two political parties which have the endorsement of big capital - the Congress and the BJP. During UPA-II, the Indian establishment gradually defected to the BJP. Retired members of the armed forces, the civil service made a beeline for that party. When they were still in harness, they created conditions helpful to the BJP. Home Secretary R.K. Singh hanged Afzal Guru without keeping the home minister in the loop. He then proceeded to join the BJP. Is it not too late for Sonia’s advisers to beat their breasts on that score? Why did they not tweak Sushil Kumar Shinde’s ears then and there?

Even though the Congress is packing up its bags, the BJP is not yet moving into the premises of power.

There is a Modi tsunami declares Amit Shah, but

not always been marked by idealism and selfless labour.

In 2009, a front did come into existence, but it proved to be a chimera.

The person who played a major role behind its formation - Prakash Karat of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) - is today a spent force. Of the others who have spoken of a federal front this time, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a poor tactician as the fiasco of her attempt to team up with Anna Hazare showed.

One difficulty with some of the others is that they are all prime ministerial aspirants, too focussed on their own ambitions to see the broader picture. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha is one of the PM hopefuls. Her party, the AIADMK, is the only one (outside the BJP) which has formally advanced her claim.

It is noteworthy that ever since the AIADMK

did so, Jayalalitha has distanced herself from the BJP although, at one time, she was seen as the saffron outfit’s natural ally if only because the DMK, her arch-enemy, was with the Congress. It is not impossible that she has sensed in recent weeks that she has a reasonable chance of success in a bid for the top job if the AIADMK can emerge as largest party after the Congress in the Lok Sabha by winning a majority of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu.

In that case, she may play a catalytic role in the Third Front’s formation. The DMK will be mortified, of course, by the possibility of its bete noire becoming the PM, but it will be politically suicidal for it to prevent a Tamil from reaching the position. Similarly, the minor Tamil outfits, which are currently the BJP’s allies, will have no option but to support the AIADMK czarina.

So far, only Mamata Ba-

nerjee, among the major leaders, has supported Jayalalithaa. But once it becomes clear that a Third Front-UPA tie-up is the only way to keep out Modi, others like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Naveen Patnaik are likely to fall in line.

The set-up will be not unlike what happened when the Congress propped up Chandra Shekhar in 1990, and H.D Deve Gowda and I.K. Gujral between 1996 and 1998.

It is, however, obvious that the arrangement is not a recipe for stability. For a start, there will be no unanimity on economic policy between the socialists Mamata Banerjee, Mulayam Singh and Nitish Kumar - and those in favour of an open economy like Naveen Patnaik and Sharad Pawar with Jayalalitha somewhere in between.

On foreign policy, the latter will undoubtedly pursue an aggressive line

against Sri Lanka while the Left will try to scupper the nuclear deal. In all probability, therefore, the country will see another election by 2016. But, such a possibility is there even if Modi forms a government because his majority in the Lok Sabha cannot but be a thin one, making it vulnerable to the large group of regional parties acting along with the Congress.

The nation’s predicament is evidently due to the personality and policy flaws among the top leaders of the two major parties. While Modi is undermined by the presence of anti-Muslim elements in his ranks, one of whom has asked Modi’s critics to go to Pakistan, the Congress is hamstrung by its familiar malady of being prone to corruption and dependence on a feudal-minded family out of sync with the ideas of a globalized and competitive economy.

and we strongly condemn them. These remarks about Dalits and women show his mentality. He claims to be a Yoga guru. Does our culture teach him to talk this way about Dalits? Are Dalit women commodities to be used?” said Kumari Selja, former social justice and empowerment minister.

She was accompanied by Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath and Congress’s women’s wing head Shob-

ha Ozha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, meanwhile, defended Ramdev, who has extended support to Narendra Modi. “Ramdev’s comment was twisted. He was referring to the ‘honeymoon period’ that is used in common figure of speech... What he meant was that Rahul Gandhi casually goes to Dalit homes, and does nothing for them,” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

President presents Padma awards

New Delhi, April 26 (iANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday presented the Padma awards to eminent personalities like author Ruskin Bond and actor Paresh Rawal at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. The president presented one Padma Vibhushan, 11 Padma Bhushans and 44 Padma Shri awards at a civil investiture ceremony, an official statement said. Yoga exponent Bellur Krishnamachar Sundaraja Iyenger was conferred the Padma Vibhushan - the highest among the Padma awards, but the second highest civilian award.

The Padma Bhushan was conferred among others on tennis player Leander Paes, Indian Institute of Science director P.Balram, Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Bond. Agriculture scientist Madappa Mahadevappa, Space Commission chairman Koppillil Radhakrishnan, founder director of National Institute of Malaria Research Vinod Prakash Sharma and artist, writer and educationist Gulammohammed Sheikh were also conferred the Padma Bhushan.

Eminent oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee, best known for winning the Pulitzer prize for his book on cancer, received the Padma Shri. mAmong those from the medical profession who received the Padma Shri was N.K. Pandey, chairman and managing director of Asian Institute of Medical Sciences. “I’m deeply humbled by the honor conferred on me, but I also recognize the responsibility of living up to this honor by redoubling my efforts to further improve the healthcare sector in our country,” he said.

Sunday

InternatIonal

the Morung express

27 April 2014

Dimapur

9

South African democracy G7 leaders agree to swift new sanctions on Russia marks 20th anniversary JOHANNESBURG, ApRil 26 (Ap): “How can you describe falling in love?” That is how retired archbishop Desmond Tutu this week recalled voting in South Africa’s first allrace elections on April 27, 1994, an exultant moment when the nation’s majority blacks and other oppressed groups broke the shackles of white rule.

But as South Africa marks the 20th anniversary of multiracial democracy on Sunday, the achievements and soaring expectations of what was dubbed a “rainbow nation” have been tempered by a different inequality — the yawning gulf between rich and poor.

This uneven narrative will shape elections on May 7 likely to see the ruling African National Congress — which led the fight against apartheid and has dominated politics since its demise — return to power with a smaller majority, reflecting a growing discontent with the party.

One election candidate is Julius Malema, the expelled head of the ANC’s youth league and now leader of an upstart party that wants to redistribute wealth. Malema, who wears a red beret on the campaign trail, has criticized the government as elitist, saying real freedom will only come when the poor own a fair share of the land.

Despite notable gaps in service, South Africa has delivered housing, water and electricity to millions since 1994 and boasts a widely admired constitution and an active civil society, but struggles with high unemployment, one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime and is still working through issues of race and identity.

“It’s nice to celebrate that we are here,” said Gundo Mmbi, a student at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

But she said the 20th an-

Diane Keaton opens up about why she never married

D

iane Keaton has said that her not getting married is not like the worst tragedy for her. The Academy Award winner told People Magazine that she really wished she had bought herself a good man who would be a great father and she really thinks that it was a better way to go.

The 68-year-old American actress asserted that she was not practical and she had some insane idea that she had to be in love, adding that she wanted to marry boyfriend of five years, Al Pacino, but he was even less inclined to be realistic than her. She said that she was on the cusp of being very old, and didn’t think that Pacino was really that interested. Keaton added that in her opinion a longterm happy marriage wouldn’t be easy for him.

niversary of democracy is also a time to reflect on the need for change in South Africa, citing “really crazy” corruption and a lack of opportunity for the poor. “It’s not just about your color anymore,” she said “Discrimination has gone beyond.”

South African officials will highlight gains of the last 20 years on Sunday at the Union Buildings, a government complex in Pretoria that was once the seat of white power. The government is launching a slick television ad that depicts neatly stacked shipping containers on a pier to symbolize South Africa’s international trade, housing developments, gleaming infrastructure such as the high-speed Gautrain transit system, and SKA, an international project to build a radio telescope, based in South Africa and Australia, that will observe the sky.

It all falls under the official slogan: “South Africa — A Better Place to live in.” But it is not better for many South Africans who remain jobless and without even basic services like running water, sewage and electricity. In an echo of the apartheid era, many cities feature crowded clusters of shacks, and lush suburbs with homes behind high walls topped by electric fencing.

The income gap can be stark. In Johannesburg, beggars stand at many intersections in affluent areas. This week, one black man stood before a passing stream of Mercedes, BMWs and other luxury cars, holding a sign that read: “Help me please. I’m starving.

Anything I can accept. God bless you.”

On Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma spoke to members of the Afrikaner community, which dominated South Africa during apartheid, about the need “to heal the divisions of the past” but also referred to white domination of the economy, a result of efforts

tions to implement and while the measures would be coordinated they would not necessarily be identical.

Rhodes said sanctions are possible on individuals or companies with influence in specific sectors of the Russian economy such as energy and banking. He

“We believe that these sanctions will have a significant impact”

In this photo taken on April 24, commuters hang on to a moving passenger train in Soweto, south of Johannesburg, South Africa. As South Africa marks the 20th anniversary of multiracial democracy on April 27, the achievements and soaring expectations of what was dubbed a “rainbow nation” have been tempered by a different inequality - the yawning gulf between rich and poor. (AP Photo)

to ensure a smooth power transition 20 years ago.

“Although progress has been made to de-racialize the ownership, management and control of the economy, we are far from closing the gap,” Zuma said, adding that the income of the average of white household is six times that of the average “African” household.

Amid the persistent economic disparities, Zuma has been criticized for having more than $20 million in state funds spent on upgrading his private rural home. The state watchdog agency concluded that he inappropriately benefited and should pay back some of the money.

Still, many black families have moved into the formerly all-white suburbs.

And where just a few years ago trendy restaurants were notable for having an all-white clientele and all-black service staff, they are today much more integrated.

A Goldman Sachs report said that since 1994, GDP has increased nearly threefold to $400 billion, noted a “dramatic” rise in the middle class and an increase in the number of needy people receiving monthly cash grants from

Woman offers Richard Gere food bag thinking him to be homeless

R

SEOUl, ApRil 26 (REUtERS): The leaders of the Group of Seven major economies agreed on Saturday to swiftly impose further sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, and the United States could unveil its new punitive measures as early as Monday, officials said.

“We believe that these sanctions will have a significant impact,” U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes said on Saturday. President Barack Obama spoke to four European leaders on Friday night about new sanctions against Russia, stressing the need to move quickly, Rhodes told reporters aboard Air Force One, as Obama flew from South Korea to Malaysia on an Asian trip.

“There was quick agreement about the need to move forward with a sequences of steps,” said Rhodes. “The sequence that was agreed to in the leaders’ call last night was that the G7 would express its support for targeted sanctions against Russia.

The U.S. and EU would move out on their own.”

A senior U.S. official said each G7 country would decide which targeted sanc-

ichard Gere was offered a bag of food by a woman recently, who took him to be some homeless man roaming on the streets. According to New York Post, 64-year-old Golden Globe-winning star, who was playing the role of a homeless man for his upcoming film ‘Time Out of Mind’, was so convincing that women failed to recognize him.

But the ‘Pretty Woman’ star continued to play the part without disclosing his identity and happily took the bag thanking the woman for her kindness.

The actor, who sported a ski cap and scruffy facial hair, was dressed in tattered clothes while he munched on a burger from a trash can near Grand Central Station and not a single New Yorker recognized the handsome star. A newspaper vendor said that he saw the star but he looked like a natural homeless chap and didn’t seem like he was acting at all.

2.4 million to 16.1 million.

But it also cited threats to growth including a lack of skilled workers, persistent labor unrest and a decline of productivity in mining, a pillar of the economy.

The government says 86 percent of South African households now have access to electricity, compared to just over half in 1994, and that more than 95 percent of households have access to a basic supply of clean water, compared to about 50 percent 20 years ago. Sanitation has also improved, though officials acknowledge that the “bucket” toilet system and reliance on fetching water from streams is still prevalent in some areas.

The accomplishments started with the eradication of a system that denied basic rights to most of the population, with a suffocating combination of violence and racist laws that made South Africa an international pariah. Images of long, curling lines of South Africans waiting peacefully to vote in 1994 inspired the world.

The fact that South Africa can even celebrate 20 years of democracy is “a heck of an achievement,” said Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for

his opposition to apartheid.

“We’ve notched up a very significant milestone,” he told reporters in Cape Town, contrasting South Africa’s stability with places like Syria and Ukraine.

Tutu said, however, that he would not vote for the ANC, believing it had failed to help many struggling South Africans who were embraced by the inclusive vision of Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon who became president in 1994 and died in December at the age of 95.

“This is a country where we shouldn’t read stories of a 6-year-old falling into a latrine hole,” Tutu said in a reference to a boy who drowned earlier this year after falling into an open pit latrine in a school in Limpopo province.

“There’s enough happening in our country for us to feel grave unsettlement and worry about where we are going,” said Edwin Cameron, a Constitutional Court justice. “But there’s also the necessity of knowing what we have,” including a constitution with strong protections for human rights and a population that is skeptical toward power. “That,” Cameron said, “is what makes our country so hopeful.”

said such sanctions have consequences “when you start to get at the cronies, the individuals who control a large part of the Russian economy, you are imposing a larger economic impact than sanctioning an individual.”

The new sanctions are intended to punish Russia for failing to comply with an international agreement to help defuse the Ukraine crisis, according to a statement from G7 leaders released by the White House. “Given the urgency of securing the opportunity for a successful and peaceful democratic vote next month in Ukraine’s presidential elections, we have committed to act urgently to intensify targeted

sanctions and measures to increase the costs of Russia’s actions,” the statement said.

Washington will announce its list as early as Monday, senior U.S. officials said. Sources familiar with the matter said the U.S. list of individuals expected to include “cronies” of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The G7 leaders told Russia that “the door remains open to a diplomatic resolution of this crisis” on the basis of the Geneva accord and urged Moscow to take that path.

But they also warned that “we continue to prepare to move to broader, coordinated sanctions, including sectoral measures, should circumstances warrant.”

“Everybody understood that if Russian troops on the border invade Ukraine then sector sanctions will be a response. We need to have a spectrum of sanctions we can impose,” said Rhodes. “We understand that there is unease about the economic consequences of increased sanctions on a large economy like Russia. Our response is that the long-term consequences of allowing Russia to engage in this type of destabilising activity is going to carry its own type of economic costs.”

Nagaland Board of School Education Kohima

NOTIFICATION

Dated Kohima, the 25th April 2014.

NO.NBE-8/EX-Results/2014-15 :: The provisional results of the HSSLC and HSLC Examinations 2014 conducted by the NBSE which is to be declared in the afternoon of 30th April 2014 shall be available through the following mode: A. INTERNET: 1. www. nbsenagaland.com 4. www. exametc.com 2. www. indiaresults.com 5. www. schools9.com 3. www. examresults.net B. SMS: The results can be accessed by sending SMS to the numbers mentioned with the following key words: 1. HSLC (Class 10) Examination 2014 SMS – NB10<space>ROLL NUMBER to 54242 HSSLC (Class 12) Examination 2014 SMS – NB12<space>ROLL NUMBER to 54242 2. HSLC (Class 10) Examination 2014 SMS – RESULT<space>NBSE10<space> ROLL NUMBER to 56263 HSSLC (Class 12) Examination 2014 SMS – RESULT<space>NBSE12<space> ROLL NUMBER to 56263 C. PRINTED FORM: The provisional Result Gazettes will be issued to all the registered institutions of the Board. The results will also be available on the notice board of the Office.

D. PHONE: The results can be inquired from the following phone numbers during office working hours: 0370-2260947 and 2260500.

The heads of registered institutions are informed to collect the marksheets and other documents from 1st to 8th May 2014. If the head of institution cannot come, duly authorised persons should be deputed to collect the same.

Sd/- Asano Sekhose Chairman

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Sunday 27 April 2014

The Morung Express

Rockets overcome Trail Blazers in OT

Bulls fight back against Wizards

Washington Wizards forward Nene (42), from Brazil, looks to pass as Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) defends in the second half of Game 3 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series, Friday, April 25, 2014, in Washington. The Bulls won 100-97. (AP Photo)

Houston Rockets guard James Harden, middle, puts up a three point shot over Portland Trail Blazers guard Mo Williams, left, as Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts watches at right during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Portland, Ore., Friday, April 25. Harden scored 37 points as the Rockets won in overtime 121-116. (AP Photo)

PORTLAND, APRiL 26 (AP): Troy Daniels hit a three-pointer with 11.9 seconds left and the Houston Rockets narrowed their first-round playoff deficit to 2-1 with a 121-116 overtime victory Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

James Harden broke out of a slump with a career playoff-best 37 points and Dwight Howard added 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Rockets. LaMarcus Aldridge had more than 40 points in each of Portland's victories in the first two games in Houston. But Omer Asik did a good job of shutting him down in Game 3, holding the All-Star forward to 23 points. The Blazers were led by Damian Lillard with 30 points.

Portland trailed by as

many as 11 points in the final quarter but Nicolas Batum hit a three-pointer with 41 seconds left to tie the game at 110. Harden missed a half-court shot at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. Lillard's layup gave Portland a 116112 lead with 3:08 left in the extra period. Jeremy Lin hit a jumper from the top of the key before Harden's fadeaway tie it with 1:51 to go.

Aldridge missed a jumper over Howard but Lin missed a three-pointer on the other end before Daniels nailed his three-pointer. Batum missed a three with 4.9 seconds left and Harden made free throws for the final margin. Only three teams have come back to win after losing the first two games of a seven-

game series at home: The last was the 2004-05 Mavericks, who came back against the Rockets. Houston is 0-7 overall when falling behind 0-2 in the first round since the 1983-84 expansion.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at the Moda Center.

The Blazers hadn't opened a playoff series 2-0 since 1977, when they got the early jump on the Lakers en route to the Western Conference title. Portland went on to beat Philadelphia for its lone NBA championship.

Houston coach Kevin McHale, who acknowledged before the game that his team was frustrated, tinkered with the lineup and started Asik in place of Terrence Jones. Asik did a good job in keeping Aldridge out of the paint and

the Rockets responded by coming out with intensity.

Patrick Beverley's threepointer gave the Rockets and early 19-13 lead before Harden finished off the first quarter with a three-pointer to put Houston up 35-24.

Harden and Beverley each finished the first quarter with 11 points. Harden was the league's top shooting guard in the regular season, but he was 14 of 47 from the field in his opening two playoff games for his worst twogame stretch of the season.

Lillard's three-pointer tied it at 38, but Mo Williams and Robin Lopez each hit baskets to put Portland in front and cap a 16-point run. Lillard led all scorers with 16 points at the half and the Blazers had a 55-54 edge. Harden and

Chandler Parsons made consecutive three-pointers to give the Rockets a 71-65 lead midway through the third period. But Portland — bolstered by a raucous hometown crowd — kept Houston's lead in single digits until Harden's threepointer made it 90-80 with 10:18 to go in the game.

Harden's jumper gave the Rockets a 100-91 lead with 6:21 left, but Lilliard made free throws that closed Portland to within 103-98 before a fallingdown jumper and a foul shot to make it 103-101 with 4:05 left. Lillard scored on a layup to put Portland in front 107-106 with 1:59 left. After Harden made four straight free throws, Batum made the threepointer to tie it.

WASHiNGTON, APRiL 26 (AP): Mike Dunleavy was making so many 3-pointers the Washington Wizards overguarded him at the arc and let him drive for a three-point play instead.

The points were coming so easily Bradley Beal guaranteed at halftime Dunleavy wouldn't score again - and then clobbered the Chicago Bulls veteran during a 3-point attempt during the third quarter.

The ball went in anyway, and Dunleavy completed a four-point play. ''He was in the zone, man,'' Beal said. ''I guess the hoop looked like an ocean to him.''

The Bulls needed a goto guy after their offensive struggles put them in a 2-0 hole in their Eastern Conference first round series. For one night, at least, they found him. Dunleavy scored 35 points, one short of his career-high, and Jimmy Butler hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining Friday for a 10097 Game 3 win. ''Coach mentioned some stuff about getting me some more catch-and-shoot situations, and we did that tonight,'' Dunleavy said. ''A couple of easy layups early on got me going, and I just had one of those nights.''

Dunleavy went 12 for 19

from the field, including a career-high eight 3-pointers on 10 attempts. Not bad for a 33-year-old who was playing in only his 12th playoff game. His teams' records in those games before Friday: 1-10. He had almost become a forgotten man in this series, scoring 20 points combined in the first two games. ''These chances have been few and far between for me,'' he said. ''But like I told somebody this morning, especially on the road in the playoffs, it's where you can thrive. It's a hostile environment, and I like that.''

Derrick Rose has been injured for so long that the Bulls are accustomed to patching together a plan that somehow creates enough points to win.

They'll have to keep it up: Game 4 is Sunday in Washington as Chicago attempts to become only the fourth NBA team to win a seven-game series after losing the first two at home. ''We've got to get Sunday, for sure,'' Dunleavy said. ''No question. It's a quick turnaround, one o'clock start. We put ourselves in a hole, we're starting to dig ourselves out, but we're not near there yet.''

Beal scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, but he'll be more remem-

Phelps meets the new Sindhu and Jwala-Ashwini lose, settle for bronze generation he inspired GimcHEON, APRiL 26 (iANS): The Indian challenge came to an end on the penultimate day of the $200,000 Badminton Asia Championships as P.V. Sindhu and women's doubles pair Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa all settled for bronze medals as they lost their semi-finals to Chinese players here Saturday. After securing the women's singles bronze by qualifying for the last four Friday, the 18-yearold Sindhu went down to World No.2 arch rival Shixian Wang in a marathon match which lasted an hour and 18 minutes.

The World No.10 started the encounter on a positive note by clinching the first game 21-15. The second game went right till the end and Sindhu

Michael Phelps warms up prior to a 50-meter freestyle preliminary heat at the Arena Grand Prix swim event, Friday, April 25 in Mesa, Ariz. It is Phelps' second competitive event after a nearly two-year retirement. (AP Photo)

PHOENiX, APRiL 26 (REuTERS): On the first day of his comeback to competitive swimming, Michael Phelps got a firsthand look at the new wave of super competitors he helped inspire. Standing on the pool deck preparing to warm up for his plunge back into the water, Phelps was approached by Michael Andrew, the teenager who has been dubbed the next big thing in American swimming.

Phelps had already heard all about Andrew because he has been demolishing American national age-group (NAG) records at an alarming rate, but he was taken aback by his first meeting with him. Just two weeks after he turned 15, Andrew is already 6ft 5in tall (1.96 meter), an inch taller than Phelps, and still growing. With hands the size of saucers and feet that look flippers, he has all the physical attributes of an elite swimmer and Phelps was naturally intrigued.

"I’d like to try and watch

him race a little but more. I didn’t get the chance to do that this weekend," he said.

"But the kid’s massive, he’s huge. He’s like the same size as I am but bigger and I guess that having height is a very good thing for a swimmer."

Phelps, wary of putting too much pressure on the teenager, said Andrew needed time and space to develop and he was looking forward to watching how he progresses when he switched from short-course (25-yard pools) to longcourse (50-metre pools).

"Obviously, the kid’s a talented swimmer, he’s broken countless NAG records so I’m excited to see how he can transition into long course," Phelps said.

AMAZING SEASON While the inevitable comparisons with Phelps are largely a futile exercise because no one in any Olympic sport has come close to matching his record of 18 gold medals, Andrew is already turning

heads in the United States.

He turned pro when he was 14 - a year younger than Phelps was - and has already lost count of the number of national age group records he has broken under the guidance of his father and coach Peter.

On Friday, he spoke with reporters during the USA Swimming Grand Prix in suburban Phoenix on Friday. Towering over the gathered media, he said: "Coming into this season, we kind of made some predictions that it’d be cool to break 40 national records, But we ended up going 44 or something like that. "It’s been a blessing, an amazing season, really."

Like a lot of swimmers his age, Andrew was inspired by Phelps.

He watched in awe as he racked up his Olympic gold medals and once had his photograph taken with him. Andrew said he was giddy at the thought of meeting Phelps then flattered to be mentioned alongside him.

had victory in her sights but Shixian wasn't going to give it away easily and went on to level the match by winning the game 22-20. Once the Indian lost the second game, the third one was completely dominated by the 2010 Asian Games gold medallist. Shixian raced away to take a big lead and then finished the game 21-12. With this victory, reigning All-England champion Shixian bettered her career record to 2-3 against the Hyderabadi. Later in the day, Jwala and Ashwini, who also secured the bronze Friday, went down tamely to Luo Ying and Luo Yu, who dominated in every aspect of the game and clinched the match 21-12, 21-7 in 33 minutes. This is the World No.10 Chinese combine's third win in as many matches over the Indian duo.

bered for a walkoff interview with CSN at halftime, when he guaranteed Dunleavy wouldn't score in the second half. Wall added 23 points and seven assists for the Wizards, who will have to wonder whether they'll have Nene for Game 4.

The Brazilian forward was ejected in the fourth quarter after a forehead-to-forehead confrontation with Butler. Nene grabbed Butler by the back of the neck and the side of the head before they were separated.

Nene is almost certain to get fined, and a suspension is possible. ''I have nothing to regret,'' he said. ''I'm a warrior right there.

What I did, I'm supposed to do.'' Nene has been called the ''X-factor'' by Wall. It sure didn't help that he wasn't available for the final 8:28 of a close game. ''It looked like an MMA move to me,'' Dunleavy said. ''It was one of those headlocks.

It was great that Jimmy kept his cool. I think a lot of people put in that situation would've started throwing blows.'' After avoiding the ejection, Butler made two 3-pointers down the stretch and finished with 15 points.

He had struggled with his shot in the first two games, shooting 8 for 21 from the field. ''Short-term memory loss,'' he said.

CHALLENGER CUP 2014 10TH MEN & 6TH WOMEN OPEN BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP DAY 6 RESULTS *Cretans Bull defeated Air Hogs 36-27 * Taurus defeated Drifters 49-30 * Untroddens defeated Lightning Bolts 13-12 * Pelicans defeated Kohima Chief 37-33 * Venture Wings Society defeated Josephites Girls 17- 10 * Taurus defeated Air Hogs 39-35 DAY 7 FIXTURE (April 18) 12:00 Noon: Untrodden Vs Josephites 1:00 PM: Venture Wings Society vs Lightning Bolts 2:00 PM : Ist semi final men Amplified vs Pelicans

Own goals derail Everton's Euro bid

LONDON, APRiL 26 (AFP): Everton suffered a huge blow in their quest for Champions League football after a pair of owngoals saw them lose 2-0 to Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.

The loss meant Everton remained a point behind Arsenal, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot on offer to Premier League clubs, ahead of the Gunners' match at home to Newcastle on Monday.

But Everton manager Roberto Martinez insisted the Merseysiders, whose final two league games of the season are against title contenders Manchester City and FA Cup finalists Hull, had not given up on a Champions League place.

"Not at all, from our point of view it doesn't change at all," Martinez told BT Sport. "We have had eight wins in 10 games, that's a phenomenal return and allows us to go into the

Southampton's Adam Lallana, left, and Everton's Ross Barkley try to control the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at St Mary's ground in Southampton on April 26. (AP Photo)

next two games trying to get maximum points.

"Today was a real setback...but we'll be ready for next Saturday," the Spaniard added. Everton, whose

2-0 victory over Manchester United last week led to their former manager David Moyes's sacking by the English champions, were behind as early as the first

minute courtesy of a bizarre own-goal. Antolin Alacaraz got in front of the player he was marking to somehow head a cross from Southampton's Rickie Lambert

past Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard. And the visitors fell further behind on the south coast shortly after the half-hour mark when Seamus Coleman diverted Nathaniel Clyne's cross beyond Howard.

Victory saw the Saints remain eighth in the table.

Saturday's other English top-flight fixtures will see Ryan Giggs oversee his first match as interim playermanager of Manchester United when the seventhplaced side face Norwich, just above the relegation zone, at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, second-bottom Fulham are at home to Hull, Stoke play Tottenham, Swansea face Aston Villa and West Brom, still not certain of top-flight survival, welcome West Ham to The Hawthorns. The race for the Premier League title will intensify on Sunday when leaders Liverpool face second-placed Chelsea, currently five points off top spot, at Anfield.

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Tetseo Sisters

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NTF champions at Asian Taekwon-Do Championship

From (L to R) Obed Khiamniungan, Chief Coach N. S. Rawat, and Menuodilhou Maurice Usou.

DIMAPUR, APRIL 26 (MExN): The 7th Asian Taekwon-Do Championship held from April 18 to 23 in Kathmandu, Nepal,

saw two Naga boys bringing accolades to the Indian Taekwon-Do Federation.

Menuodilhou Maurice Usou and Obed Khiam-

niungan who had represented India during the championship won gold and silver medals in the individual sparring category of 65-72 kg and 50-57 kg respectively.

A press release from NTF Spokesperson, Amit Das, stated that the duo got their medals after tough performances. This is the second successful participation from Nagaland after G. Obed Zhimomi, who has earlier won Bronze Medal in the 3rd South Asain Taekwon-Do Championship held in Delhi in the year 2006, Das stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Instructor & Technical Director, Nagaland Taekwon-Do Federation, Israel G. Xuivi has congratulated the duo for bringing laurels to the state and country. It may also be mentioned that, both Menuodilhou and Obed have attended the special coaching camp earlier at Delhi under the chief coach N. S. Rawat, 6th Dan Black Belt. Rawat was also the personal trainer for Xuivi who has represented India in World TaekwonDo Championship in various countries.

27-April 27-April

4 PM 8 PM

16th IPL 17th IPL

Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings

Sharjah Sharjah

Royals thrash RCB by 6 wickets

NEw DELhI, APR 26 (AgENcIEs): Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets in match 14 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 after Pravin Tambe and Kane Richardson cleaned up the formidable Bangalore batting for the lowest total of the IPL 7 so far. Bangalore were always had their tails between their legs after losing four wickets in the first four overs and despite still resistance from Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc, Rajasthan folded cheaply.

Chasing a meager target of 71, Ajankya Rahane took Rajasthan off to a flying start with his flashy cut shots in full-display against with Karnataka youngster Karun Nair giving him good support at the crease.

Ravi Rampaul bowled a tidy over which almost got

him Karun’s wicket. Rahane though was in fantastic form, playing a gorgeous cover drive and pulling starc for a boundary.

With Rahane going strong at one end, Karun Nair soon got on the act and grew in confidence at the crease. Despite Rampaul knowing that his team are slumping to a defeat was trying bouncers which troubled the batsmen. Starc then produced a gem of a delivery and cramped Rahane at the crease to get an inside edge of his bat and it was in the keeper’s hands.

With youngsters Karun and Sanju Samson getting the perfect opportunity to be there till the end but they spurned the chance when they decided to go for a couple when there it wasn’t on offer and Samson was caught short of the crease.

Karun departed soon

after, trying a wild slash of Starc and was caught behind and there were encouraging signs for Bangalore. Shane Watson came to the crease and played a couple of lovely straight drives before Yuzven-

dra Chahal, yet again tied down batsmen before Watson let loose and smashed a straight six over Chahal’s head. There was a run out scare later in the innings when Nayar and Watson decide to go for a final

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flourish to finish things off and it resulted in a huge six of Chahal and then holding out to Ab de villiers of a top edge. Nayar finished proceedings with a nudge third man, where the batsmen ran three runs.

Kohima Komets lifts Chizami Cup 2014 Our Correspondent Kohima | April 26

Kohima Komets today downed Wings FC Chizami Town to lift the champion title of the 5th Swagath Chizami Cup 2014 held here at Chizami Local Ground under Phek district. The winning goal for Kohima Komets came through Senenlo Kath.

With the win, Kohima Komets walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 1,50,000 along with trophy and citation. The runner up, Wings FC Chizami Town, was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 80,000. Halcyon United Pfutsero came third and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 25,000.

Earlier, Kiusumong Tikhir, SDO (C) Chizami graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honour. Life Sports Nagaland director Colo Mero gave the closing re-

marks while the function was chaired by Mhetshelo Kapfo, co-chairman organizing committee.

Organized by Life Sports Nagaland, Chizami Cup is a registered tournament of Nagaland Football Association. Chizami Cup seeks to transform the youth and community through developing football in Nagaland with special focus on rural areas since 2010.

Individual Prizes

Golden Glove: Vekuto Puro (Wings FC) Golden Boot: Meyosing (Wings FC) Golden Ball: Sanyem Salym (Kohima Komets) Most promising playerMeweteThopi (Chizami Boys)

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