VOLUME 1
whitelineflash@gmail.com
WHITELINE
Flash
ISSUE 31
PAGES 12
March 5-11, 2010
YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WEEKLY Why Government of India put Democracy, Science and Public Interest at stake for vested interests? Dr. Vandana Shiva
www.whitelinegroup.in
5
ity C City elebrated C Celebrated oli H Holi Premlal
9
DANGER
Noxious Pollution Threat Haunts Dombivli Citizens Sasidharan Nair Dombivli has its own reputation and notoriety. Similar to Dombivli's fame of becoming the first fully literate city in Maharashtra and the second in India and being known as the second cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is the second most polluted city in the state and 14th in the country. A nation-wide study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, for the Union ministry of environment and forest about the most polluted industrial clusters and their impact on public health has released the result during December last week has identified Dombivli as the 14th most polluted city in the country and second in the state, which has reached critical levels of pollution and can vitally affect the health of the residents of these areas. The most affected area in Dombivli is MIDC which has two zones namely residential and industrial. Both the zones in the about five Km-long area are boxed together in an uneasy alliance of urban and industrial growth. According to residents, this is a great contributor to the rising levels of pollution in the city of more than 15 lakh people. “The situation is so terrible in the morning that you simply cannot breathe here. 3
Best of Luck
Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Eminent Literateur M. Mukundan A special report on Whitline Vartha Literary Award 2010
Legendary literary persona and eminent Malayalam writer M. Mukundan has been presented W h i t l i n e Va r t h a L i f e t i m e Achievement Award on February 27, 2010 at a colourful function held in Dombivli at the Heritage Hall. Whitline Vartha is a reputed Malayalam news tabloid published from Mumbai by SAR Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., which is the largest publisher of Malayalam and English publications outside Kerala. The award was given away by the octogenarian poet Sahityaratnam and Sreekrishnaratnam Krishnan Parapally. He is one of the preeminent living poets of contemporary India, who authored 20 notable poetic works in Malayalam with mastery of
Wishing best of luck to all SSC students -Whiteline Flash
OUTOFFOCUS
Premlal
No mummy, Computer is less harmful than playing outside - in all that pollution!
A staff reporter
Suresh Varma delivering facilitation speech. From right Bhupesh Babu, Anil Raghavan, M.Mukundan and others
3
V.G.N. Jewellery KALYAN
DOMBIVLI
MULUND
(An Exclusive BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery Showroom) WITH VARIETIES FROM ALL OVER INDIA
BUY GOLD from ANYWHERE IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR GOLD BUYERS! KALYAN SHOWROOM: Kaustubham Complex, Nr. Bank Of India, Pune Link Road, Katemanivili, Kalyan (E) Tel: 0251- 2330020 / 2330105
IF YOU KNOW THE ABOVE FACTS YOU WILL NOT GET CHEATED !
DOMBIVLI SHOWROOM: Gurumilan CHS Ltd.,Dr. R.P. Road, Opp. Tilak Nagar Post Office, Dombivali (E). Tel: 0251- 2437845 / 2433644
MULUND SHOWROOM: Srushti House, Near Arya Samaj, N.S. Road, Mulund (W). Tel: 022- 25909911 / 25909988.
2
March 5-11, 2010
WHITELINE
Flash
NEWS STORY
DANGER Is there any nexus between industrialists, MPCB, ministers and local political leaders? In India Maharashtra and Gujarat is the highest environment polluting states. In Maharashtra Dombivli has the notoriety of being the second most polluted city and 14th most polluted in the country according to a nation-wide study conducted by the National Institute of Technology, Delhi. You can not name a single town in Maharashtra without pollution. The pollution is now spreading from urban and sub-urban areas to rural areas. Why more towns are polluted in Maharashtra? Is there any nexus between industrialists, MPCB, minsters, local bodies and local political leaders? People know the truth. However, they are confident that the government, local body, regulatory a u t h o r i t i e s , M P, M L A a n d Councillors and local leaders will do something immediately to contain the air pollution in Dombivli. "The smog chokes you in the early hours of the day,” says Anupama Kulkarni whose work place is located in MIDC phase two. Bhaskar Potdar, a business person and long-time resident of a bungalow near the MIDC, adds, “You will daily find a fine layer of black dust on the terraces of the houses." He further said, "The air quality during nights also gets very poor.
You can feel gases in the night air in this area. Living here is no longer charming as it used to be.” The town itself suffers from water and air pollution. “You cannot drive your bike these days without your face getting covered with a thin layer of black air pollutants and eyes stinging from the floating fumes from the idling or running vehicles." Dr. Y.G. Swaminathan said, who works in an IT Park at Vashi, "I used to come from office during late hours, say around 12.30 or 1.00 am. When I reach the MIDC area on my way back to my home, particularly from two chemical companies (the names are withheld for further investigations), I can smell thick smoke of Sulphuric Acid and Hydro Chloric Acid. These companies are openly emitting poisonous gases and chemicals throwing out all regulations and heavily polluting the air and environment." Lack of trees in the main town has further complicated this sad picture,” says Swapnil Kulkarni, a college teacher. Despite repeated complaints, the MPCB (Maharashtra Pollution Control board), Kalyan sub-regional office has not started a slew of corrective measures, claim residents. Bharat Nimbarte, regional officer, MPCB-Kalyan, agreed that the problem was grim and needed fast
blueprint for action. “We are aware of the national rankings of our cities, including Dombivli. I plan to dispatch two-three teams that will daily monitor the levels of air, sound and water pollution in Dombivli and report the matter to my office. A full survey of the entire town will be done separately.” Then the surveyors calculated the Comprehensive Environmental Index (CEPI) of each cluster on a scale of 10 to 100. Towns with 80100 pollution indexes were termed alarmingly polluted, those between 70-80 were critically polluted and ones in the 60-70 categories were severely polluted. The report states that industrial sludge and other pollutants have contaminated water in Dombivli at alarming levels. Dombivali municipal area has a typical land use pattern with close proximity of residential and industrial areas. The MIDC industrial area of the Dombivali has been developed in to phases mainly phase- I and phase- II. There are about 330 industries located in Dombivali area, out of which 170 are chemical industries and 160 are other categories like textile processing, dye stuff and chemical industries are predominating industries located in Domivali area. Following observations are made on
the basis of monitoring and analysis results:
·
·
·
·
The approximate of total flow of industrial effluents from this area is 17500 m3/day. The pollution load carried by to important Nalla called Bhopar Nalla and Khambarpara Nalla in terms of BOD, COD, NH3-N and Phenol is 6680 kg/day, 18448 kg/day, 1888 kg/day and 57.6 kg/day respectively, which ultimately meet Ulhas Creak, through open drain. A common effluent treatment plant (CETP) is available in Dombivali industrial area for the further treatment of effluent generated by chemical industries, however, the CETP is not being operated scientifically and its performance is very poor. The concentration of BOD, COD, TDS, NH3-N and Phenol were found to be 450 mg/l, 2104 mg/l, 16378 mg/l, 145 mg/l and 2.99 mg/l respectively at the outlet of CETP. The minimum and maximum reparable particulate matter concentration measured in the ambient air during the study period was 89 ug/m3 and 122 ug/m3 respectively. Fugitive emission and uncontrolled emission from various
industries are resulting unpleasant order problems in some areas of Dombivali.
·
In nutshell, most of the industries in the area do not have adequate pollution control system. The study's findings reveal that water contamination here was 63.50 (critically polluted). In Whilteline Flash next issue an investigative special report on Dombivli's air and water pollution covering:
·
How Dombivli become the most polluted place?
·
The role of KDMC commissioner.
·
Is MPCB sub-regional office effective in handling pollution?
·
Which chemical companies are not operating the effluent plant and causing pollution? Are they greasing the hands of regulatory personnel?
·
Woes of Milap Nagar and Ramachandra Nagar residents
· The medical experts confirm the alarming increase of waterborne diseases and re s p i r a t o r y p ro b l e m s i n younger patients. Details and reports.
Are you fed up of traffic jams in Dombivli, Thakurli and Kalyan? Whilteline flash is studying and investigating various traffic problems faced by citizens in Dombivli, Thakurli and Kalyan. We invite reader suggestions and opinions. Please email your suggestions and opinions to: whitelineflash@gmail.com. Based on the readers' feedback and our research and investigation, a detailed feature will be published soon in Whiteline flash. Editor-in-Charge
NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS
WHITELINE
Flash
March 5-11, 2010
3
Sasidharan Nair proposing vote of thanks. Seated from right are Anil Raghavan, Dr. I.V. Babu, M.M. Somasekharan, M. Mukundan, Krishnan Parapally, Adv. P.R. Krishnan, K.D. Chandran, N.K. Bhupesh Babu and E.I.S. Tilakan Dravidian and Sanskrit metres, with a distinguished personal and literary career spanned over six decades. Mr. Anil Raghavan, the Chairman and Managing Editor of SAR Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., presented the Ponnada and cash prize to M. Mukundan. M. Mukundan generally conjures up the tale of love, frustration, and decay in the tiny French enclave of Mayyazhi (Mahe) on the coast of Kerala. His writings have always been deeply rooted in Mahe and its environs, its churches, seashores, festivals, legends and myths, buildings and architecture, Mayyazhi River, and above all the people. M. Mukundan, a connoisseur in Malayalam and French languages, is considered one of the pioneers of modernity in Malayalam literature. Besides being a celebrity in Malayalam literary world and contemporary of O.V. Vijayan, Kakkanadan, Sethu, Anand and Punathil Kunhabdulla, presently he is the President of Kerala Sahitya Academy. M. Mukundan is one of the rare Malayalam writers who received the maximum number of awards and accolades from India and abroad for his literary works. The French government conferred on him the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Letters in 1998 for his contribution to literature. Many of his literary works have been translated into several Indian languages. The Whiteline Vartha Lifetime Achievement Award for literary activities is the very first such award received by M. Mukundan and therefore he cherishes it very much. Banks of the Mayyazhi. Trans. Gita Krishnankutty. Chennai: Manas (1999), Sur les rives du fleuve Mahé. Trans. Sophie Bastide-Foltz. Actes Sud (2002), God's Mischief. Trans. Prema Jayakumar. Delhi: Penguin (2002), Adityan, Radha, and Others.
Trans. C Gopinathan Pillai. Sahitya Academi, New Delhi (2004), The Train that Had Wings: Selected Short Stories of M. Mukundan. trans. Donald R. Davis, Jr. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press (2005), Kesavan's Lamentations. Trans. A.J. Thomas. New Delhi: Rupa (2006), and Nrittam: a Malayalam Novel. Trans. Mary Thundyil Mathew. Lewiston: Edwin Mellen (2007). are some of the translations The cream of writers, scholars, theatre personalities, proficient people from print and visual media and lovers of literature attended the function in large numbers. A full day literary symposium from morning to evening, which was a unique and rare attraction of the function, was well appreciated by the audience. Besides M. Mukundan, renowned scholars and writers Dr. I.V. Babu, Kerala Chief Minster's Press Secretary K. Balakrishnan and M. M. Somasekharan specially came from Kerala to participate in the function. G. Viswanathan and E.I.S. Tilakan were moderators. Advocate P.R. Krishnan, Dinesh Kodekkad, Meghanadan, Devan Tharappil, Dr. Pushpangadan, A.K.V. Namboothiri, Vaikom Unnikrishnan and others participated in the live literary discussions and debate in morning and afternoon sessions. Anil Raghavan who heads the Whiteline group was the catalyst and leader of this wonderful programme organised and executed well by Preman Illath, Premlal, Nanappan Manjapra, Suresh Varma and others for Whiteline Vartha. Preman Illath welcomed the audience and Suresh Varma compeered for the felicitation of distinguished guests on the dais and from the audience. Whiteline Flash editor Sasidharan Nair proposed a vote of thanks.
Now introducing at DOMBIVLI
Calligraphy For
Beautiful Handwriting (Handwriting Improvement Course) No Copywrinting / No Age Bar
RESULTS IN JUST 5 HOURS. 100% GUARANTEE Certified by: C-SiS-Centre for Science in Society, Cochin University of Science and Technology(CUSAT) & Regional Institute of English, Bangalore. USEFUL FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, DOCTORS, LAWYERS, IAS & IPS ASPIRANTS AND FOR ONE AND ALL
JOIN NOW!! ATTRACTIVE OFFERS TILL 31ST MARCH, 2010 SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES & OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Unique Calligraphic System' is a latest technology to improve any illegible/bad handwriting. This system requires JUST 5 HOURS for a normal person to improve any poor handwriting. BEAUTIFUL HANDWRITING brings more marks, pleasure, confidence and above all an attractive personality. After successfully training more than 40,000 students in collaboration with Lions Clubs International 324E2.
Institute of Calligraphy At
Gnet Education Pvt. Ltd. New Arihant CHS.,(Near Vijaya Bank), A-404, 4th Floor, Manpada Road, Dombivli (E), Dist. Thane-421 201. Ph: 9619425554 / 9022640961 / 9004477683
Anil Raghavan Chairman
V. Janardhanan Course Director Mob: 9167065464, 09495641212
“Bad handwriting is the result of an imperfect education” - Mahatma Gandhi
KHARDIKAR CLASSES BEST CLASSES FOR S.S.C. & H.S.C. (V/R)
PASS DIRECTLY X / XII IN ONE YEAR Dombivli: Bhagyoday Bldg, 2nd Floor, Ram Nagar, Near Traffic Police, Dombivli (E). Tel : 2863950. Thane : Instant Plaza, 1st Floor, Office No. 2/A, Behind Nagrik Store, Next to Ashok Cinema, Near Railway Station Thane (W) 400601. Tel.: 25379909.
KULKARNI ELECTRICAL Inverter Dealer Battery Servicing, Inverter Repearing & Electrical Shop No. 1, Kanchan Kitir, Manpada Road, Pandurangwadi, Near Sarvodaya Garden, Dombivli (E) - 421 201.Mob. No.: 9323297437, 9819624762.
4
March 5-11, 2010
WHITELINE
Flash
FEATURE
Should we hate Hijras? We seldom understand Hijras or transgenders as normal human beings. The concluding part of the well-researched article The road for acceptance as a transgender for persons like Rose and Karpaga has been horrendous. In the hustling streets of Chennai and Mumbai they have been always stared at, and sometimes even abused. In the case of Rose, she remains isolated from college friends and neighbours to avoid rejection. Her middle-class parents threw her out from the house when she refused to agree for a suitable bride for her. She started working as an American-accent trainer in a call centre; but her contract was not renewed when she started dressing like a woman. Rose's sheer determination and courage made her to climb the ladders of stardom. Now her show Ippadikku Rose has a viewer ship of over 64 million and it is a super hit programme. In July 2009, she moved to Kalaignar TV, linked to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Rose now hosts, produces, direct and edits Ithu Rose Neram (It's Rose time). After world famous American
across the world who have an Oprah-like status. Rose Venkatesan was the chosen from India. "Oprah may have been world's first Black billionaire, but talk show host Rose is breaking barriers of a different kind in India, as the country's first transgendered host," wrote the website. For the last two years Rose has been taking hormones for the final lap of her sex change. If the rest of the country doesn't know her yet, there is a fair chance they will soon enough. Rose is in talks with National Geographic channel to produce a documentary chronicling her impending sex change operation. Another interesting transgender personality is Laxmi Narayan Tripathi who is popularly known as Laxmi. She is the first transgender to represent Asia Pacific in the UN General Assembly Presidents office as a Civil Society Task Force member. She is a founder member of the APTN - Asia Pacific Transgender Network and also a
Laxmi Narayana Tripathi with Salman Khan talk-show host Oprah Winfrey founder member of the first Hijra / called it a day few months back, Transgenders organisation in India American web magazine The Daily and whole of South East Asia. Beast featured 12 talk-show hosts Laxmi is also instrumental in starting and successfully running a
CBO 'Astitva' - An Organisation for the Support & development of Sexual Minorities which is a community based organization which works with Sexual Minorities including Hijra / Transgender population in India. She also took a troupe of Ten Hijras from India to Amsterdam to perform at the Amsterdam India Festival. Laxmi is a post-graduate and works for social causes in her community. She is one of the 11 people and the first transgender person to be selected to represent the community at the UN to work for human rights. She is the founder and CEO of 12 Noon Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi along with VCare, a diversified business conglomerate planned to conduct a reality show titled "India Super Queen" for transgenders in India. This would be the first ever beauty pageant for the transgender community in India. In June 2008 Laxmi participated in Salman Khan's Dus Ka Dum episode in Sony Entertainment Television and a documentary on her life was screened at the Mumbai Film Festival. Two contests on January 18, 2010 at Bangalore for transgenders literally upset activists who work for their rights. Paradoxically in a strange incident while filmmaker Ganesh Kharwar's Nazakat Queen 2010, has attracted 1,200 participants, Laxmi Narayan Tripathy's contest called India Super Queen could showcase only 18 contestants. The finals of N Khazakat Queen-2010 were held in Goa on February 10, 2010. The winner was selected to feature in Ganesh Kharwar's film on India's Kinnar (transgender) community. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi's India Super Queen pageant had no defined rules and the contestants could speak in the language they were comfortable in. Contestants were judged on their confidence and speaking ability. At the start of the event, the judges explicitly stated that the contest was not a beauty pageant, but a platform for the transgender community to come out and be themselves. From Bangalore leg the winners were Natasha, Tanushree, Monisha and Zara, who e Mumbai in Febuary 21, 2010. and The winners of 'Indian Super Queen' contest were received cash prizes of Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 8 lakhs and Rs. 5 lakhs for the first, second and third place respectively. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Zeenat Aman, Celina Jaitely and Seema Biswas were the judges. Certainly India Super Queen pageant was a good platform to transgenders. I discussed earlier that most of transgender people are born as male and see themselves as women. Those detected very early are discarded by the family and are picked up by the hijras who raise them as their own. It is because of the social stigma attached to them which prohibits transgenders to get any conventional jobs. Now look at their social life. In
India same sex marriage is prohibited and illegal. A transgender will not get a girl or a boy to marry. If a transgender marries a transgender, it is a disgrace in the eyes of the society and law considers it as illegal. Transgender has sexual urges and desires and to meet them effectively what would they do? In Indian Penal Code section 377, same gender sexual relations and those who indulge in carnal intercourse are measured taboo and 'against the order of nature'. For this 'crime' the minimum punishment is imprisonment of 10 years which could be extended to even life term. Why our government forbidding the humanly natural sex feelings of transgender people? They are human beings and the law of the land should be modified, amended or rewritten immediately, especially section 377 of IPC, to give justice and equality to transgenders. The legal battle for deletion of Section 377 of IPC is on in the Delhi High Court. Human Rights Activists, terms this section as discriminatory. Recently in Delhi and other cities across India saw the massive rally conducted by gay activists and human rights NGOs demanding deletion of this section and modifying the laws to give justice and equality to transgender people. On July 2, 2009 Delhi High Court under Justice S. Muralidhar made the historic judgement repealing Section 377, decriminalising consensual sex between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults.
Concluding part
Karpaga Supreme Court for last five years. I request the Chief Justice of India, K.G. Balakrishnan, to ratify his legal opinion and to pass the landmark verdict in the annals of history by declaring justice, equality and full fundamental rights to transgenders. Though the transgender is not fully accepted by the social and political circles, there are some rays of hope. The scenario is now changing and eunuchs get more social and political acceptance. The living example is Kamala Jaan. Kamala Jaan has become the first eunuch to be elected mayor of Katni in Madhya Pradesh in January, 2000. A month later another
Even after the Delhi High Court verdict to delete section 377 of IPC, there are still many hurdles to pass for the legal rights and freedom to transgender. The amendments to the Constitution of India and the personal laws require moving appropriate bills in Parliament. The laws relating to marriage, inheritance and succession would also entail appropriate changes to give transgenders their rights. The response of Indian judiciary towards the rights of transgender is not welcoming. We can say it is a mixed one—with some positive and more negative reactions. On the positive side, the Delhi High Court has repealed Section 377 on the request of Supreme Court of India to adjudicate the legality of Section 377. What was Section 377? The statute, officially Indian Penal Code Chapter XVI, Section 377, punished "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal." Violations are punishable by a prison term up to 10 years and possible fines. The law, enacted by the British in 1860, continued to exist in the law books of independent India long after it was removed from those of England. At last Delhi High Court has repealed it. Voices Against 377 and Naz Foundation (India) Trust were instrumental for withdrawing Section 377. Nevertheless, the big question—whether a transgender or hijra can contest from a seat reserved for woman—is still pending for decision before the
Rose transgender, Shabnam Mausi, created history by getting elected to the Madhya Pradesh assembly from Sohagpur constituency. However, in February 2003, the MP High Court struck down Kamala Jaan's election upholding the trial court's verdict that eunuchs were male and, therefore, could not seek election to offices reserved for women. Kamala's appeal, though admitted in the apex court, is still pending. If Kamala's petition gets accepted by the Supreme Court, whenever it decides to hear the petition, certainly it would attribute advancement in the legal thinking for transgenders. The Supreme Court of India and the Chief Justice of India must take the bold decision without any further delay to grant full fundamental rights, justice and equality to transgender. Let us make the beginning of a great and right thing of mankind from our country and show the whole world that how we Indians value human rights.
SPECIAL STORY
WHITELINE
Flash
March 5-11, 2010
5
Why Government of India put Democracy, Science and Public Interest at stake for vested interests? Reflections on the Proposed National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority (NBRA) and National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill, 2008 Genetically Engineered Organisms (GMOs) are transgenic organisms made by introducing genes across species boundaries. Thus Bt. Cotton, or Bt. Rice or Bt. Brinjal has genes for a toxin taken from soil bacteria and put into the food crop. In addition, GMO's use anti-biotic resistance markets, viral promoters and cancer genes as vectors. These new genes can have risks for public health and the environment. Ensuring safety in the context
long before the commercialization of genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and crops and long before the International Bio safety Protocol of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity came into force. The genetic engineering industry, in particular Monsanto, which controls 95% of all GM seeds sold worldwide, first tried to by pass India's Bio safety Law when it started field trials without approval of the Genetic Engineering
The sequence of events, which took place in implementing the illegal trials in India, can be briefly outlined as: 24th April 1998 Mahyco files to Department of Biotechnology for field trials May 1998 Joint venture between Mahyco and Monsanto formed 13th July 1998 Letter of Intent issued by DBT without involving Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). 15th July 1998 Mahyco agrees to conditions in letter of intent. 27th July 1998 Impugned permission by DBT for trials at 25 locations granted. 5th August 1998 Permission for second set of trials at 15 locations granted 6th January 1999 PIL filed by Research Foundation for Science Technology and Ecology in the Supreme Court of India 8th February 1999 RCGM expresses satisfaction over the trial results at 40 locations. 12th April 1999 RCGM directs Mahyco to submit application for trials at 10 locations before Monitoring and Evaluation Committee 25th May 1999 Revised proposal to RCGM submitted by Mahyco. June–Nov 1999 Permission granted for different trial fields Oct–Nov 1999 Field visits May 2000 Mahyco’s letter to GEAC seeking approval for “release for large scale commercial field trials and hybrid seed production of indigenously developed Bt cotton hybrids”.’ July 2000 GEAC clears for large-scale field trials on 85 hectares and seed production on 150 hectares and notifies through press release. October 2000 RFSTE filed an application for amendment in the petition challenging the fresh GEAC clearance. 04.03.2005 GEAC orders uprooting of “Navbharat-15”, which was found to contain transgenic Bt. 26.03.2002 32nd Meeting of the GEAC was held to examine the issue of commercial release of Bt Cotton. Members of GEAC from ICHR, Health Ministry, Commerce Ministry, CSIR, and ICAR did not attend the meeting. In spite of the absence of important members of the GEAC, approval was granted to three out of four of Monsanto Mahyco’s transgenic hybrids. 05.04.2002 Formal approval granted to mach-12, Mach – 162 and Mach 184 by A.M. Gokhale, Chair of GEAC. Order of 05.04.2002 is a conditional clearance valid for three years. The stipulated conditions/restrictions are a clear implied admission on the part of the government that the tests are far from complete. In effect, the commercialisation was an experiment. Monsanto-Mahyco had been asked to gather further data and submit annual reports on the resistance that the insects develop over a period of time to GM seeds and to conduct studies on resistance to bollworm, susceptibility tests, and tests for cross pollination. 02.03.2005 In March, RFSTE releases results of continued failure of Bt Cotton, especially in Andhra Pradesh. 04.03.2005 GEAC rejects renewal of the 3 Bt Cotton varieties planted in the Southern States. However, other Bt varieties are cleared in Northern States.
of genetically engineered organisms is referred to as Bio safety. India has one of the most sophisticated Laws of Bio safeties in the world. The “Rules for the Manufacture, Use / Import / Export and storage of Hazardous microorganisms / genetically engineered organisms or cells”, 1989, notified under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 is science based public interest oriented legislation created
Approval Committee, the statutory body for Bio safety regulation. The rules clearly state – 9(i) Deliberate or unintentional release of genetically engineered organisms / hazardous microorganisms or including, deliberate release for the purpose of experiment shall not be allowed. Note: Deliberate release shall mean any intentional transfer of genetically engineered organisms /
hazardous micro-organisms or cells to the environment or nature, irrespective of the way in which it is done. Field trials of GMO's are clearly a deliberate release. That is why when Monsanto – Mahyco started field trials of Bt. Cotton in 1997-98, without approval of the GEAC we initiated a case in the Supreme Court of India to challenge the illegal trials. As a result commercialization of Bt. Cotton was delayed up to 2002. In any case the Review Committee of Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) does not have the authority to approve field trials. According to the “Rules”. The RCGM “shall function in the Department of Biotechnology to monitor the safety related aspects in respect of ongoing research projects and activities involving genetically engineered organisms/ hazardous microorganisms”. Clearly RCGM is not an approving authority. The industry has repeatedly used the RCGM and the Biotechnology Department to subvert India's Bio safety Laws. Now that citizens have used this law effectively, industry is trying to have it dismantled. The latest attempt at Bio safety Deregulation by the Biotechnology Department is to float the proposal for a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority and a National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill, 2008. As the proposal states “DBT is considering to promulgate new legislation National Biotechnology Regulatory Act (NBR Act). The false argument being used is that biotechnology regulation is currently spread over multiple acts. This is not true. There is only one Act, the Rules for GMO's under the EPA, regulating GMO's in all fields. It is also being argued that the NBRA will promote public confidence. The public will not and cannot have confidence in an industry driven, centralized, undemocratic, unaccountable law and institution floated by the agency which is a biotechnology promoting agency, and has done everything in the last decade to undermine citizens' rights and the public interest. This is a direct attempt to replace India's excellent Bio safety Law with industry friendly legislation, and to replace the GEAC as a Bio safety Regulation Authority with the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority to promote biotechnology, not bio safety. The National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill refers to “consolidation of regulatory policies, rules and services under a single biotechnology authority”. There is already a
single bio safety authority for all biotechnology approvals – the GEAC. It needs strengthening, not substitution and dismantling. Further, the proposal authority, like the GEAC is restricted to modern biotechnology or genetic engineering, defined as “the application of in vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant direct injection of nucleic acid (DNA) and direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles, or fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family, that overcome natural physiological reproductive or recombination barriers and that are not techniques used in traditional breeding and selection. The proposed authority undermines the regulatory role of diverse ministries and the rights of states and districts. The GEAC consists of members from different ministries, agencies and departments, as well as expert members who are heads of Agricultural Research, Medical Research, Scientific and Industrial Research, D.G Health Services, Directorate of Plant Protection, Chairman Pollution Control Board. The existing law allows creates State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC), District Level Committee (DLC). In the proposed authority, the statutory bodies' role of diverse ministries has been replaced by an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Board, with no authority, but only to promote Central Government Cooperation. The checks and balances, and the decentralized institutions reflecting our federal, democratic structure that are part of the existing law are being destroyed to make it easy for industry to get approvals. As the proposed law states 6(3). “The Interministerial Advisory Board and the National Biotechnology Advisory Council will have no authority to intervene on product specific decisions made by the NBRA.” Both the different Ministries, diverse agencies and the States have thus been robbed of decision making powers which are vital to the functioning of democratic structures in the public interest. The functions of the proposed Authority totally overlap with the functions of CEAC. Thus this is a proposal to displace GEAC. The Authority also proposes to displace the Ministry of Environment as the nodal agency for international negotiations for regulating the risks of genetic engineering. Instead of a multi-ministerial committee, all powers for decision making are proposed to be concentrated in one individual, the chairperson, who will be a biotechnologist, with skills in genetic engineering but no skills or expertise in Bio safety. The proposed authority is thus centralized, individualistic biased in favour of genetic engineering and hence will lend itself to easy influence of the genetic engineering industry. The Bill clearly states that the following laws will stand repealed when the Bill becomes an Act.
Dr. Vandana Shiva Among the Acts mentioned are – 1. Rules for the manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous micro-organisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989 issued under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. To be amended to exclude genetically engineered organisms or cells from the mandate / scope of the Rules. 2. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 a. Section 13(3)(c) : The Scientific Panel may be established for genetically modified foods. Genetically modified organisms to be taken out of the mandate of FSSA. b. Section 22(2) : The definition of genetically engineered or modified food to be amended to exclude foods and food ingredients composed of or containing genetically modified or genetically engineered organisms. 3. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 8th Amendment : a. The definition of recombinant drug to include all therapeutic proteins derived from recombinant organisms, but exclude recombinant biologics (eg. DNA vaccines, gene therapy products etc) 4. The Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2007 a. To exclude clinical trials, pre commercial safety assessment, product approval and post release monitoring of recombinant biologics. 5. The Seed Bill, 2004 : a. Section 15 on Special provision for registration of transgenic varieties: In clause 1 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to be replaced with National Biotechnology Regulatory Act. 6. Proposed Plant Quarantine Bill a. Section 6(2)(o): Regulating the import of transgenic materials, to be modified as “regulating the import of transgenic material subject to the approval of the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority”. In other words, all safety regulation for health and environment will be demolished in one fell swoop if the National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill is passed and the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority is established. The existing Bio safety Law needs to be upheld. It is an excellent Law. Weakness in implementation needs strengthening of institutions and processes. Not the dismantling of a good Law and its replacement by a centralized, biased Law which is good for industry but a disaster for citizens' right to health and environmental safety. For your views, comments and opinion please write to: whitelineflash@gmail.com
6 VOLUME 1
March 5-11, 2010 ISSUE 31
PAGES 12
March 5-11, 2010
WHITELINE
Flash
www.whitelinegroup.in
EDITORIAL Clean air is a right and not a mercy Oxygen is more important for human beings than water and food. We cannot survive without breathing even for a few minutes. Any civilised country and society in the world will not deliberately encourage their citizens to breathe air with less oxygen or unclean air. India is world's largest democracy. Our government is committed to the well being of its citizens. We have laws and all set ups to envisage the well beings of citizens. Like any developing or developed countries we want economic growth and industries. At the same time we have to ensure our people get clean air and pure water abundantly. India is the fourth largest environmental polluting country in the world after China, America and Russia. In India Maharashtra and Gujarat are the highest environment polluting states. In Maharashtra Dombivli has the notoriety of being the second most polluted city and 14th most polluted in the country according to a nation-wide study conducted by the National Institute of Technology, Delhi. Why and how Dombivli got this infamy? We have Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and its Regional Office at Kalyan and Dombivli MIDC falls under its jurisdiction. We have a strong state administration, powerful civic body called Kalyan Dombivli Muncipal Corporation, a local MP, MLA and scores of Councillors and numerous leaders of numerous parties who always want to serve the citizens. We have political parties like Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena who claim they are the champions for the cause of Marathi people. We have several NGOs and self-less leaders like Narmada Anodlan Leader Medha Patkar. The pollution score in Dombivli according to the recent survey is 78.41. Here the air is most polluted and water is contaminated. There are about 330 industries located in Dombivali area, out of which 170 are chemical industries and 160 are other categories like textile processing, dye stuff and chemical industries. The highest pollution threat is from some 12 chemical industries. The situation is dangerous and people's health is seriously affected. The administration, ministers, political parties, beaureaucrats and others would have their justifications and answers. But, the fact is that the air and water is most polluted in Dombivli. So, dear citizens please wake up and act now. Please don't waste time. It is your responsibility. Please don't wait for a saviour to come and lead you. You are the leader. Sasidharan Nair Editor-in-Charge
FORM IV (See Rule 8) Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper Whiteline Flash to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February. 1. Place of Publication : Mumbai 2. Periodicity of publication : English, Weekly 3. Printer's Name : C. Vimal Kumar 4. Publisher's Name : C. Vimal Kumar Nationality : Indian Address 7, Prem Bhavan, 2nd floor,234/236 Narshi Natha Street, Masjid Bunder, Mumbai-400009. 5. Editor's Name : C. Vimal Kumar Nationality : Indian Address : 7, Prem Bhavan, 2nd floor,234/236 Narshi Natha Street,Masjid Bunder, Mumbai-400009. 6. Name and address/s of Individual/s who owns the Newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of the total paid-up capital as on 28-02-2010 : C.Vimal Kumar – Owner I C. Vimal Kumar, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to best of of my knowledge and belief. Dated: 28-2-2010
Sd/C. Vimal Kumar Publisher
WHITELINE
Flash
EDITORIAL
Down Memory Lane: Thakurli – Dombivli For one who has spent the better part of his life in Thakurli, writing about this tiny suburb is a nostalgic experience. I came here to live in the early sixties. It was then a railway township. Railway officers lived in the twelve bungalows which were on either side of the main road that led to the railway station. The buildings were spacious and had outhouses and lawns. The compounds were full of trees. This
was a mini Malabar Hill from where one could enjoy the view of the surrounding places down below. At night when thousands of electric bulbs glowed from afar, the view was wonderful. The bungalows as well as the building of the Mahila Samit School were of pre independence vintage. In the early sixties the Mahila Samiti School had only a primary section. It is interesting to note that the principal at that time was a Malayali lady named Miss George and the present principal of the High School is also a Malayali lady. On the northern side of the station road, lay the Chole village where Agris lived in their own dwellings. On the opposite side, there were a few residential buildings, mostly chawls . Venkatesh Niwas, Khattrick building, Irani chawl, Abbagani chawl and a few others completed the list. The owners of the chawls lived in Bombay and their agents came once in a while to collect the rent which was at best rupees twenty per month. Amongst the residents there were Malayalis some of whom had settled down even before 1947. There was sense of togetherness among them and they founded along with a few like-minded persons from Dombivli, the ThakurliDombivli Keraleeya Samajam in 1949. The annual functions of the samajam were held in the canteen hall which doubled as a badminton court. Today the Dombivli (Thakurli was omitted later on) Keraleeya Samajam has grown into a large organization running schools, libraries and a full fledged college. The Thunchan memorial Hall meant for meetings and wedding receptions is the latest addition to the samajam's achievements. The Power House produced thermal power for the railways for many years. The workers had their quarters spread over a vast area (Bhawan Chawl). The Power House closed down a few years ago and the tenements lie in a state of disrepair. Most of them are vacant as the workers have left. Water supply to Thakurli was
from Badlapur. In case of disruption of supply, people could draw well water, potable and plentiful in all seasons. Every home had buckets and rope and Prabhat stoves. Cooking gas was unknown. It was prohibition time in Maharashtra and policemen in civil dress roamed about even in Thakurli smelling the mouths of people. However, local brew was available plenty in Chole Village. Gopi, the only panwalla, perhaps the only Malayali vendor in Thakurli in those days, told me that the stuff was pure. To prove his point, he drank his quota from a soda bottle and when finished, dropped a lighted match into it. "See how it burns", he exclaimed. It indeed burned bright with a hiss and that was proof enough. There were no motor cars and no auto rickshaws. There were horse carts in Dombivli, near the railway station. Tr a i n t r a v e l w a s comfortable. Except during the peak hours the trains were never full. During late hours, first class passengers going to Kalyan got
down at Thane and changed over to second class. Old timers would recall the tragic death of a Dombivli girl in a first class compartment at Mumbra. On that fateful day, she boarded the train from Dombivli to go the university where she was a post graduate student. It was her birthday and she could not make it in the morning. It was afternoon and the train had reached Mumbra. Three youths entered her compartment, stabbed her to death and got off at Kalwa. The gruesome murder was witnessed by some people in the adjoining first class general compartment. The culprits were later arrested from their hide out atop Mumbra hills. A Parsee gentleman who had witnessed the crime came forward to give testimony. The assailants were sentenced to prison terms. Another murder on the rails that I remember was that of a Malayali gentleman who lived in Kalyan. He had retired from service and was to settle down in his native place. On the eve of his departure to Kerala, he visited a relative in Dombivli. After dinner, about 9 o'clock in the night he boarded a Kalyan local. Before the train reached Thakurli, he was murdered by an assassin who had been stalking him all the while. A dispute with the landlord over his
N.Rajasekharan Nair
Kalyan flat was rumoured to be the cause. The police did not arrest anybody, nor was any concerted effort made by the Malayalis to purse the matter. In those days the Malayalis went to Dr. Navre or Dr. (Miss) Pradhan for ordinary ailments. Both had a high reputation and kept personal relationship with the patients. On the first visit you were given mixture and tablets for two days and if the problem persisted, one more day's dose. For serious problems it was Dr. U. Prabhakar Rao. He had started the Sreenivas Maternity Hospital and Nursing Home which later became Sreenivas Hospital. The Dombivli-Kalyan Plus, a
supplement of the Times of India, dated February 2, 2003 described him as the Michelangelo of the surgical world. The article further stated, "All roads lead to this most senior surgeon of Dombivli, when others fail. His love, compassion, philanthropy and greatness have generated huge ground swell for him." During the Bhiwandi riots, Thakurli too had its share of problems. A rampaging mob set fire to the Khattick building. The families had to flee. I was away in Kerala, but the keys to my flat had been given to my friend Mr. P.P. Nair, who stayed in the Khattick building. It proved to be the most sensible thing to do. The Malayali families, four of them, took shelter in my house. The owner Khattick was Muslim, but the tenants were Hindus and Christians. Once reputed to be the most literate town in India, Dombivli can no longer boast of this distinction. It is now an overcrowded town with erratic water and power supply. The roads are congested with teeming people, rickety autos and ubiquitous vehicles of all sorts. However, the most disturbing fact is that Dombivli has the dubious distinction of being the second most polluted town in the state.
WHITELINE
Flash
OP-EDITORIAL
March 5-11, 2010
A BLANK MIND
7
Sushant Sudhakaran
Across the world 18 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease. An informative article which sheds light to the Alzheimer's disease
A
ccording to World Health Organisation (WHO), it has been estimated that there are currently about 18 million people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease. This figure is projected to nearly double by 2025 to 34 million. Much of this increase will be in the developing countries, and will be due to the ageing population. Currently, more than 50% of people with Alzheimer's disease live in developing countries and by 2025, this will be over 70%. What is Alzheimer's disease? It is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, eminent Neurologist and Psychiatrist, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease. Every year September 21 is observed as World Alzheimer's Day. Great strides have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of this mind crippling illness. In a totally bleak scenario, where nothing could have been done, four drugs are available now to manage some of the distressing symptoms and help the affected person lead a better life. It is estimated that there are nearly 18 million people suffering from this dreadful condition out which, around 3 million are estimated to be in India. By 2030 this number is expected to double. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. They may be a sign that brain cells are failing. The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell communicates with many others to form networks. Nerve cell networks have special jobs. Some are involved in thinking, learning and remembering. Others help us see, hear and smell. Still others tell our muscles when to move. In Alzheimer's disease, as in other types of dementia, increasing numbers of brain cells deteriorate and die. Some of the important reasons of Alzheimer disease can be judged as under: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty in completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. C h a n g e s i n m o o d a n d personality Alzheimer's disease can occur at any age, even as young as 40 years,
Recent research in India and Africa suggests that the risk of Alzheimer's disease was possibly higher for urban as compared to rural areas. This has raised several important issues for research: What is the deciding factor? Is it increased life expectancy? Is it lifestyle? Is it diet? Gender differences It is generally believed that men and women are equally at risk of
Alzheimer's disease. However, in developed countries, it is commonly observed that more women than men patients are to be found in old age homes and special care facilities. This is a reflection of the higher longevity of women as compared to men, and since this is a disease which strikes older people, there are more women patients than men. There is no evidence that women are at an increased risk of the disease
Indian medicinal plants, apple juice and cell phones give hope to treat Alzheimer's disease
but its occurrence is much more common as the years go by. In fact, the rate of occurrence of the disease increases exponentially with age,
census revealed that 70 million people were over 60 years. This number increased in 2001 to about 77 million, or 7.6% of the popula-
Dr. Alois Alzheimer and his patient Auguste D
Dr. Alois Alzheimer
Auguste D.
In November 1906, at a scientific meeting German physician Alois Alzheimer presented the case of “Frau Auguste D.,� a 51-year-old woman brought to see him in 1901 by her family. Auguste had developed problems with memory, unfounded suspicions that her husband was unfaithful, and difficulty speaking and understanding what was said to her. Her symptoms rapidly grew worse, and within a few years she was bedridden. She died in Spring which means that it occurs very rarely among those 40-50 years old, increases between 60 and 65 years, and is very common over 80 years. In November 2000, the National Institute on Aging (USA) estimated that up to 50% of Americans aged 85 years or more may have Alzheimer's disease. Combining the results of several studies, the following rates of occurrence of Alzheimer's disease are estimated in the general population in the West: Since the risk of getting the disease increases with age, the number of patients with the illness to be found in any community will depend on the proportion of older people in the group. Traditionally, the developed countries had large proportions of elderly people, and so they had very many cases of Alzheimer's disease in the community at one time. However, the developing countries are now undergoing a demographic transition so that more and more persons are surviving to an old age. For example in India, the 1991
1906. Dr. Alzheimer had never before seen anyone like Auguste D., and he gained the family's permission to perform an autopsy. In Auguste's brain, he saw dramatic shrinkage, especially of the cortex, the outer layer involved in memory, thinking, judgment and speech. Under the microscope, he also saw widespread fatty deposits in small blood vessels, dead and dying brain cells, and abnormal deposits in and around cells. The condition entered the medical literature in 1907, when Alzheimer published his observations about Auguste D. In 1910, Emil Kraepelin, a psychiatrist noted for his work in naming and classifying brain disorders, proposed that the disease be named after Alzheimer.
tion. Similar demographic changes are occurring in other Member Countries of the SEA Region. In Sri Lanka, the life expectancy is 74.1 (with 9.6% of the population being over 60 years), which is the highest in the Region, followed by Thailand (life expectancy 70, with 8.7% of the population over 60 years). With this increased number of elderly people, there will be many cases of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the time has come to discuss issues related to Alzheimer's disease in the Member Countries of the Region. Urban/rural differences
The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not yet fully understood. However, it has been scientifically proved that Indian medicinal plants, apple juice and cell phones can give hope to treat Alzheimer's disease. Indian medicinal plants The BBC has been reported in September 5, 2006 that the scientists in the UK and India are examining the ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine for possible use in drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease. Researchers from King's College, London and Jadavpur University in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta, studied five plants commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine They found that the plants used in Ayurveda acted to improve memory and concentration in Alzheimer's sufferers. The plants acted to prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, improving memory and concentration in people with Alzheimer's disease the most common form of dementia. The scientists are now trying to identify the chemical compounds responsible so they can be used to develop more effective drugs. Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs and spices like basil, turmeric, garlic, ginger and aloe vera, as well as yoga exercises, to treat physical and psychological problems. Apple Juice A new study has revealed that drinking two glasses of apple juice daily could help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study, which has been published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, demonstrates a growing body of evidence that people can take steps to delay age-related cognitive decline, including in some cases that which accompanies Alzheimer's disease. Thomas B Shea, PhD, of the Centre for Cellular Neurobiology; Neurodegeneration Research University of Massachusetts, Lowell and his research team carried out a number of laboratory studies demonstrating that drinking apple juice helped mice perform better than normal in maze trials, and prevented the decline in performance that was otherwise observed as these mice aged. In the most recent study Shea and his team demonstrated that mice receiving the human
equivalent of 2 glasses of apple juice per day for 1 month produced less of a small protein fragment, called "beta-amyloid" that is responsible for forming the "senile plaques" that are commonly found in brains of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Cell Phones An effective, non-invasive and drug-free way to treat Alzheimer's disease has finally been discovered. According to a new study reported by ANI on January 11 2010, the radiation from the cell phone could actually help treat Alzheimer's Disease. Researchers at the University of Florida conducted a study involving 96 mice and proved that radiation from cell phones protected the mice from the disease. According to the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, 'Most of the mice were genetically altered to develop betaamyloid plaques and memory problems mimicking Alzheimer's disease as they aged. Some mice were non-demented, without any genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's, so researchers could test the effects of electromagnetic waves on normal memory as well.’ Some of the mice were old enough to exhibit the dementia associated with Alzheimer's. Others had a genetic mutation that caused them to develop the amyloid plaques that are present in the brains of those suffering from the disease. During the research healthy mice as well as those suffering from Alzheimer's were placed in cages in a circle. A central antenna was placed around them that emitted waves comparable to the electromagnetic field generated by a standard cell phone. The mice were exposed for two 1-hour periods each day. The researchers found out that the cognitive ability of the young adult mice was protected when they were exposed to the electromagnetic waves. The older mice, which originally suffered from memory issues upon exposure to the EM waves recovered completely - their memory was restored. Moreover, the months of exposure to the EM waves boosted the memory of the mice to above normal levels. Since it took months to restore the memory in mice, it would take years for a human being to regain his/her lost memory upon exposure to cell phone-level EM waves. 10
WHITELINE
FLASH STORIES Flash Sachin's 200-run world record in ODI
8
March 5-11, 2010
A tribute to Sachin Tendulkar on his marvellous and unique record-breaking achievement
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, popularly known as Sachin Tendulkar, on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 surpassed the world's highest One Day International (ODI) score at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior and become the first batsman in the world to score 200-run in an ODI. He achieved this milestone in emphatic style just with 147 balls and set the record straight. The landmark 200 came in the final over of the innings, though Sachin crossed the previous record of 194 in the 46th over. Sachin is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He is the leading runscorer and century maker in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. The capacity crowd at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior witnessed history on Wednesday as Sachin, statistically the greatest batsman the game has ever seen, pushed a Charl Langeveldt delivery through the off-side and ran a single to achieve a feat which no other cricketer has achieved. The One Day International cricket game started in the year 1971. The ODI game had to wait nearly four decades since its inception to see a batsman score 200. The earlier best
score was shared by Zimbabwean Charles Coventry (194 not out against Bangladesh in 2009) and Pakistan's Saeed Anwar (194 against India in 1997). The crowd gave Sachin a standing ovation as the entire stadium erupted in euphoria while his teammates were simply ecstatic as they clapped and hugged each other, basking in the glory of their senior teammates. The cricket crazy Indians across the world celebrated the outstanding feat by Sachin Tendulkar. In 2002, Wisden ranked him the second greatest Test batsman of all time, next to Donald Bradman, and the second greatest one day international (ODI) batsman of all time, next to Viv Richards. In September 2007, the Australian leg spinner Shane Warne rated Tendulkar as the greatest player he has played with or against. Others, including Nasser Hussain and Sunil Gavaskar, have described him as the greatest batsman ever. Tendulkar was the only player of the current generation to be included in Bradman's Eleven. At times he was described as Little Master and more frequently as Master Blaster. Tendulkar is the first player to score fifty centuries in all international cricket combined, he now has
93 international centuries. On 17 October 2008, when he surpassed Brian Lara's record for the most runs scored in Test Cricket, he also became the first batsman to score 12,000 runs in that form of the game, having also been the third batsman and first Indian to pass 11,000 runs in Test cricket. He was also the first player to score 10,000 runs in oneday internationals, and also the first player to cross every subsequent 1000-run mark that has been crossed in ODI cricket history. In the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Tendulkar surpassed Australia's Allan Border to become the player to cross the 50run mark the most number of times in Test cricket history, and also the second ever player to score 10 Test centuries against Australia, after only Sir Jack Hobbs of England more than 70 years previously. Tendulkar passed 30,000 runs in international cricket on 20 November 2009, and has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second highest civilian award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour. Tendulkar was born in Bombay (now Mumbai). His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi novelist, named Tendulkar after his favourite music director, the legendary Sachin Dev Burman of Bengal. Tendulkar's elder brother Ajit encouraged him to play cricket. Tendulkar has two other siblings: a brother Nitin, and sister Savitai. Tendulkar attended Sharadashram Vidyamandir High School, where he began his cricketing career under the guidance of his coach and mentor, Ramakant Achrekar. During his school days he attended the MRF Pace Foundation to train as a fast bowler, but Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who took a world record of 355 Test wickets, was unimpressed,
SOME MILESTONES * Highest run-getter in ODIs, with 17,598 runs from 442 matches. Jayasuriya (13,428) and Ponting (12,731) follow * Most centuries in ODIs (46), followed by Ricky Ponting (29) and Sanath Jayasuriya (28) * Since Feb 24, 2009 has scored 1,158 runs in 20 ODIs, with 4 tons, averaging 72.37. In the preceding 12 months, had scored 352 runs from 9 ODIs at an average of 44 * His double century is the first in 39 years of ODIs, including 60overs-a-side matches * Highest scorer in Tests, with 13,447 runs from 166 matches. Next best Lara (retired with 11,953) and Ponting (playing with 11,859) * Most Test centuries (47), well ahead of Ponting (39) and Kallis (34) among active players, and retired Lara and Gavaskar (34 each) * In 2010, has already scored 477 runs averaging 95.40. Only Hashim Amla (674) has scored more Test runs this year In his last 10 Tests, has scored 1,018 runs at an average of 78.3 and is the only one with 6 tons in the last 12 months. In the previous 10 Tests, he had 647 runs and averaged just 38.08 suggesting that Tendulkar focus on his batting instead.[ When he was young, Tendulkar would practice for hours on end in the nets. If he became exhausted, Achrekar would put a one-Rupeecoin on the top of the stumps, and the bowler who dismissed Tendulkar would get the coin. If Tendulkar passed the whole session without getting dismissed, the coach would give him the coin. Tendulkar now considers the 13 coins he won then as some of his most prized possessions. While at school, he developed a reputation as a child prodigy. He had become a common conversation point in Mumbai circles, where there were suggestions already that he would become one of the greats. His season in 1988 was extraordinary, with Tendulkar scoring a century in every innings he played. He was involved in an unbroken 664run partnership in a Lord Harris Shield inter-school game in 1988 with friend and team mate Vinod Kambli, who would also go on to represent India. The destructive pair
Sex and sex with sex
Do you think sex is sin? Do you want to know the beauty of sex? Boys and girls and men and women should love and learn more about sex. What is sex? Ab initio, sex is appreciable, beautiful, charming, divine, elegant, festal, grand, happy, ideal, jocund, knowable, lusty, magnificent, natural, opulent, pious, quenching, revering, stupendous, taming, uplifting, virtual, whopping, xilling, yeoman and zealous. Sex is the heavenly synartesis of male and female bodies. Therefore sex is blissful and not a sin. According to great western writer Richard F. Ames, “sex pervades our modern culture. Some consider it a 'forbidden fruit,' while others seek to experience it in all its forms.� I love sex, the fair sex, sex kitten, setulae and the sex fruits. Nevertheless, majority of people are hypocrites in sex. While openly go up against sex, at the same moment they secretly carry out adoring ludicrous illicit sex. Instead of direct, open and natural sex, they prefer covert grungy sex. I ask people please do not skimp sex. Our conventional wisdom and family set
up generally consider discussing about sex openly at home with children is indecent and taboo and many a parents discourage and strictly prohibit such talks. According to Hindu philosophy, sex is a Godly act. Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha are equally important and absence of any of these principle pursuits of life will make human life incomplete. It may note that Valsyayanan, a Hindu sage, wrote
Kamasastram, the science of sex, for the whole people of the world. Sex is an urge of human body and inexorable for the existence of humankind. If we ignore sex, human society will disappear. We should not keep a grubby, hypocrite, erroneous and immature attitude towards sex. In sex, lack of knowledge and improper knowledge is equally harmful and shall endanger the society. Our children must get proper orientation on sex, healthy sex and sex hygiene at younger age. In olden days, joint-family system imparted sex education. Parents and guardians, especially mothers, grandmothers and grand grandmothers, effectively educated sex to their children through religion, customs, traditions and rituals. However, nowadays the scenario has been changed to nuclear family set up which resulted children are not properly guided and adequately educated in sex. Working couples and working parents have become the trend and persist since last two decades. In urban, sub-urban and even in rural India parents have no quality time left out to spend with their children and adequately attend their teen-age
Anil Raghavan
sons and daughters. The children in their adolescence are thrilled and thrived to learn secretly and curious to know more about sex. Unless they are rightly guided and taught from home and schools, they are tempted to go to any extent and might land into big dangers. The computer, internet, digital camera, mobile phone, television and the so-called 'modern life-style' seen around coerce them to experience the feel not experienced. Many state governments were dubious not to start sex education in schools fearing the wrath of fundamental religious elements. However, it is heartening some states with less literacy rate already introduced sex education in their school curriculum. Being a researcher on sex, I would like to articulate my studies and acquired knowledge in a better aesthetic and moral manner for sex education. Derived from my learning and research I am planning to write a new free translation, commentary and interpretation about Va l s y a y a n a n ' s K a m a s a s t r a m incorporating my case studies. Obviously, it will be a totally
reduced one bowler to tears and made the rest of the opposition unwilling to continue the game. Tendulkar scored 326* in this innings and scored over a thousand runs in the tournament. This was a record partnership in any form of cricket until 2006, when it was broken by two under-13 batsmen in a match held at Hyderabad in India. When he was 14, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar gave him a pair of his own ultra light pads. "It was the greatest source of encouragement for me," he said nearly 20 years later after surpassing Gavaskar's top world record of 34 Test centuries. In 1995, Sachin Tendulkar married Anjali (born 10 November 1967), a paediatrician and daughter of Gujarati industrialist Anand Mehta. They have two children, Sara (born on 12 October 1997), and Arjun (born on 24 September 1999).[ Tendulkar sponsors 200 underprivileged children every year through Apnalaya, a Mumbai-based NGO associated with his mother-inlaw, Annaben Mehta
Dr. Aryaputhran different and new book written with the analysis of modern sex life in India. Do you agree sex education is necessary in India? For sharing your views or opinion write to: whiltelineflash@gmail.com
Hotshot condoms for 12-yr-old boys This news is not meant for 12year old boys or girls or their parents in India who do not like sex education in school. In fact, Maharashtra has not introduced sex education in school curriculum. Swiss developed extra small condoms named Hotshot for the first time in the world for boys as young as 12. A recent research revealed that 12 to 14-year olds did not use sufficient protection when having sex as the standard condoms are too large to use. The Hotshot costs approximately Rs. 210.
WHITELINE
Flash
EVENTS
March 5-11, 2010
City celebrated Holi Different scenes of Holi revelries in vibrant colours with packed enthusiasms and fun
Holi, the festival of colours, celebrated in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation area with great pomp and show. This year the Spring Festival of India, Holi, was celebrated on 1st March. According to traditional beliefs, it was meant to welcome the spring and win the blessings of God for good harvests and fertility of the
land. There are many interesting legends attached to Holi. The most popular legend is being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishu. Holi
is considered the second most important festival of India after Deepavali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable. The celebration of Holi has
different aspects. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, a carnival of colours, a community festival, and a tradition of ancient spring rites.
Though the grand finale takes place on the full moon day of Phalguna, the play stretches for about a week or so, especially in North of India. However, in the rest of India, the main functions start in the afternoon before the final day. The day before the full moon day of the Holi is called as the Small Holi. Children lit up bonfires and
sing and dance around it. The evil spirit, symbolized by all those dead leaves, twigs, dirt and filth that collect during the winter months, is thrown up in the fire. Quite a spring
cleaning indeed! Holi bears close similarities with the important ancient festival called Vasantotsavam, an age-old tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring.
9
Premlal Photos by Dani K. Davis
something weird, having a community feast, and so on. The citizens of Dombivli and Kalyan caught the full spirit of Holi and celebrated the festival in vibrant
This festival was celebrated as a day when people forgot caste and gender differences and were allowed many liberties, otherwise forbidden. Like any spring festival celebrated by ancient peoples all over the world, Vasantotsavam also had certain rites. These include lighting up of fires, driving off demons, setting the normal orders in reverse, sporting
colours. The festivity amongst the cosmopolitan people from different regions was exemplary for its disciplined, peaceful, friendly and vivacious nature. Each year, young and old, men and women, all indulge themselves in the spirit of colours and forget the social taboos for a while.
10
March 5-11, 2010
WHITELINE
Flash
NEWS BRIEFS & REVIEW
A BLANK MIND than men, when the age factor is correlated in existing data. Also, women are better able to care for male patients than men are able to care for female patients. Thus, a woman with Alzheimer's disease has a higher chance of being put into an institution because of her husband's inability to take care of her. However, a man with Alzheimer's disease has a higher chance of his wife taking care of him at home. Thus, a greater number of women patients are found in institutions. Education Some research studies have suggested that those with higher education are at a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease than those with less education. Although this has been repeatedly demonstrated in several projects, the reason for this association is unknown. East-West differences Studies done in South India, Mumbai and the northern state of Haryana in India have reported very low rates of occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in those at 65 years of age or older, ranging from about 1% in rural north-India (the lowest reported from anywhere in the world where Alzheimer's disease has been studied systematically) to 2.7 in urban Chennai. Studies from China and Taiwan have also shown a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease as compared to western countries. The low rates of occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in the eastern countries are in striking contrast to data from the western countries. Community-based studies are of particular interest when they look at populations similar in origin but
subject to relocation. Some Japanese reports are important in this respect. Two recent investigations in the rural areas of Japan revealed that Alzheimer's disease occurred in about 3.5% of individuals aged 65 or more. Reported research in 1996 among older Japanese Americans living in Washington and in Hawaii revealed that the number of Alzheimer's disease cases was much higher than that estimated in Japan and closely resembled the findings for North America and Europe. Thoughts‌ Endless, limitless, vast, colourful, unrestrained, unchained... The list of adjectives to define our thinking is countless. Biologically, brain has the liberty to direct our thinking process and philosophically it's our heart (or more scientifically our conscience) that lights up the pathway of our thoughts. It has the basic human nature that it is excessively hard to concentrate or focus on any particular subject for a long duration. Thoughts take an unbounded flight to any theme or subject whenever it likes. You can peep up into an unprecedented future or the eventful past. Now imagine a brain that's deprived of its thoughts. Think about a brain without expectations of a bright future or remembrance of the beautiful past. You can compare such a mind to a forest without greenery, or a caged bird, or to a flower that has lost colours. But the truth is that no comparison could ever get anywhere close to such a brain. Alzheimer's disease is one such ailment that deprives the human brain of its thoughts and erases
memories. Usually this disease surfaces with the old-age and is incurable. In this disease, the brain gradually becomes numb, loosing all the memories it had been preserving inside from the time of its inception. A person suffering from this disease neither remembers who he was nor he knows what he wanted to be. He stands in this world like a blank piece of paper. No past, no future just an empty eternal present. Alzheimer's disease is a theme that has also been brought up to the silver screen with care and compassion by film-makers around the world. Some well known examples of movies based on this dreadful disease include Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bollywood film 'Black' with the legend Amitabh Bachchan portraying the patient suffering from Alzheimer's disease; English movie 'The Notebook' by Nick Cassavatas that was based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks; and Malayalam film 'Thanmatra' directed by Blessey. All the above mentioned films try to peek into the uneasiness in the lives of people who live around patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. However, none of these tried to get a view of what the patient himself would be feeling. This is a dark theme to ponder about and the conclusions derived could only be fictional because obviously none of the patients are left with the ability to answer this question. A mind without any thoughts or memories is a frightful theme to imagine. But in spite of all the darkness surrounding the ailment, a ray of positivism could also be imagined. It could be possible that
RESPONSES New Flash is wonderful I read the new Whitleline Flash issue and happy to inform you that it was wonderful and really interesting. Apart from looking more attractive, the latest issue was more attractive and impressive. It covered a good lot of topics of local importance. Keep it up! Gradually, a thought can also be given on increasing the number of pages to 10 or 12. Congratulations and best wishes. T.M. Sankaranarayanan C-201, Ashapura Park, Gandhi Nagar, Dombivli East 421204. Phone: 2801216 (Thanks for your valuable suggestion. Whiteline Flash increased pages from this issue from 8 to 12. – Editor-in-Charge)
The change is welcoming The new look Whiteline Flash packed with lots of local news; variety of articles is quite interesting. The two reviews on Harishchandrachi Factory in two different perspectives by a Maharashtrian and a nonMaharashtrian was notable. Similarly the editorial on Marathi cinema was good. Being a Maharashtrian I am ashamed to say that these socalled custodians of Marathi are real enemies of Maharashtrians and Marathi! The pocket cartoon is humours. Bhalchandra Phadke Dombivli (East) the blankness of mind is actually a peaceful phenomenon. No thoughts, no fear of lurking danger, no restlessness to attain anything, no anger arousing out of injustice, no resentment for enemies, no guilt regarding the past, no questions about life and no knowledge of death. It could be said that maybe when a person passes through this blank stage of life, his mind, heart and soul remains at peace. No matter how unhappy or depressing his life had been, he would no longer feel the sadness. In such a situation, it is possible that our entire mind would
get concentrated on the infinity. Even if the body remains useless, the soul might get into a spiritual world, in contact of the almighty. And nothing more peaceful could be imagined than being in the presence of the eternal power –God. This phenomenon is nothing more than an imagination. No scientific research has proved it. No patient has been brought back from the ailment to throw light on this. But if this thinking is true, then this would be mankind's victory over this dreadful sickness called Alzheimer's disease. sushantpsycho@gmail.com
Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho: A Mock on the Educational System Cast: Bharat Jadhav, Saksham Kulkarni, Gauri Vaidya, Kranti Redker and Siddharth Jadhav Director: Mahesh Manjerekar Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho is an excellent film that deals with the spurting growth of suicides among the Indian students. After seeing this film, I feel that this film is to mock at the whole educational system which gives importance to degree and diplomas more than the individual talent. Madhukar Rane (Bharat Jadhav), the typical middle class father who dreams highly about his son Shrinivas Rane (Saksham Kulkarni) and daughter Durga Rane (Gauri Vaidya). Being a single parent, he is very much concerned about his child's future. Shrinivas or Shri is like any other school student who is not only burdened with studies but is also burdened with his parent's expectations. Shri is much interested in cricket and is a diehard fan of Sachin Tendulkar. He has a passion for cricket and is talented in the same. His knowledge about cricket is so vast that anyone can barely challenge him. In fact, he is much weak in studies and has an inclination towards sports. Shri hates his father because he insists him to study well and also stops his cricket classes for his scholarship exams. Durga (Gauri Vaidya) is no doubtful a wonderful
daughter but being the youngest in the family, her own childhood is lost in caring for an ambitiously driven father and a rebellious brother who cannot concentrate on studies. It is evident from the character of Nalini (Kranti Redkar) that, now a days, the idea of happiness relates to money and wealth. She secretly recognizes that she has lost her self-respect and values, while she was busily involved in search of happiness for her family. She thinks that money always brings happiness till she meets a caring father like Madhukar Rane. Also, is remarkable the character of Ibrahim Sheikh (Siddharth Jadhav) who adds a little dose of laughter to film in spite of being one among the antisocial elements. The whole team has done an excellent job and the lyrics are notable. There should also be a special mention to the locations used in the film most familiar to people who live in and around Mumbai which are pleasant and add more attraction. The first part of the movie shows Madhukar's efforts for giving his son a better future which goes futile when Shri fails in the school examination. This leads to an unfortunate incident and comes as a
shock to the whole family. It makes you curious to find out 'What's next?'This is because the audience could relate to the scenes depicted in the first half of the movie. The second part of the story moves on smoothly, enriching the family ties. Eventually, after the incident the father rebels against the whole educational system. He decides to meet the minister to request him to change educational system completely and to save students from the tension of grading and ranks saying that these competitive tendencies are the major reasons for the suicides. It is also shown that, the school merely craves for their own reputation ignoring the well- being of students. In the end, the son is cured and starts playing cricket all over again. The notable aspect about the film Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho is that, it portrays either sides of the coin. On one side, it shows the father's fragility and vulnerability and on the other side it portrays the son's talent in sports. The sad part about the whole idea behind the movie is that even the middle class parents, teachers, peers and siblings become party to condemn the student for his average intelligence and overlooks his actual talent.
Shivangi Bangera
WHITELINE
Flash
DOMBIVLI’S PRIDE
March 5-11, 2010
11
Sakharam Vaman Joshi School
The first and oldest school in Dombivli has several records in its credit. Sasidharan Nair writes about this famous school years ago, which is considered the Gram-Daivat of Dombivali. The school was led by late Sakharam Vaman Joshi, after whom the school named. The school provides education from Jr. Kg. to SSC. Previously it was imparting education only in Marathi Medium, but in recent past the school has started providing education in semi-English medium. Few years ago school has started Junior College also. S.V. Joshi School has three big grounds and enough playable area for students. Notably the school is
having two cricket practise pitches under nets which are sponsored by Mumbai Cricket Association for the Kalyan-Dombivali region players. This school has produced great players like Nilesh Kulkarni, Ajinkya Rahne. (See box to know more about Nilesh Kulkarni and Ajinkya Rahne). S.V. Joshi School has made the history by winning the Famous Cricket Tournament in Kalyan-Dombivali Region Interschool Championship Amar Paladhe M e m o r i a l Tr o p h y i n t h r e e consecutive years. In third year they beat Tilak Nagar Vidyamandir who started this Trophy.
Nilesh Kulkarni
Sakharam Vaman Joshi School or in short S.V. Joshi School is a name tantamount to education not only in the minds of people who live in
Dombivli, but also across Maharashtra and even across India and abroad. The formation of the school was with a humble
beginning. The very first classes of the school started under the banyan tree in famous Ganapati Temple, the first temple in Dombivli built 85
Nilesh Moreshwar Kulkarni is born on April 3, 1973 in Dombivli and he is a former Indian cricketer. He is a slow leftarm bowler and left-handed lower order batsman. Nilesh Kulkarni wrote himself into cricketing history by taking a wicket with the very first ball that he bowled in Test cricket, becoming the only Indian bowler, and the twelfth bowler in the history of the game, to do so. S.V. Joshi School can be really proud of producing such a unique and great record holder. In future somebody will become a second record holder from India. However, no Indian can break his number one position. It is immortal and written in the golden annals of cricket history. This was in the Test at Colombo against Srilanka in 1997-98. Kulkarni bowled 70 overs in the match without taking another wicket. Kulkarni's next Test was against Australia four years later where he took one wicket for 137 runs. His second wicket came 588 balls after the first in his second and final Test. Kulkarni has spent his entire first-class career with Mumbai (although under the name of Bombay until 1996) taking over 300 wickets with best figures of 7/60 against Andhra in 2004. Kulkarni played for Old Hamptonians CC in the Surrey Championship in the UK during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Ajinkya Rahane Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane is born on January 5, 1988 in AshwiKD, Maharashtra and he is an Indian first class cricketer. He is right-handed batsman. He is one of the only 11 players to have scored more than 1,000 runs in a single Raji Trophy season. He was a crucial factor in Mumbai's 38th title win. He has been a part of the India U-19 team, and currently plays for India Blue, Mumbai and Mumbai Indians. As of 28 December 2009, he averages 69.89 in first-class cricket, which is next only to Donald Bradman and Vijay Merchant. An aggressive and consistent batsman, in the mould of Ricky Ponting, he is being considered as one of the candidates likely to replace Rahul Dravid for the Indian test team number 3 spot, once the 'Wall' Rahul Dravid retires from international cricket.
Gnet Education Pvt Ltd CAREER THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION Post Graduate Diploma Courses (1 Year) P.G.D.C.C.
PG Diploma in Career Counseling
P.G.D.P.C.
PG Diploma in Industrial Counseling PG Diploma in Psychological Counseling
P.G.D.S.C.
PG Diploma in Stress Control
P.G.D.I.C.
Post Graduate Courses (2 Years) M.Sc. (Counseling & Psychotherapy) M.Sc. (Mental Science) M.A. (Psychology) M.A. (Applied Psychology)
E L I G I B I L I T Y : G R A D UAT I O N ( I n a n y S t r e a m ) For Prospectus and application form Send Rs 50/- by DD/ MO in favor of IPMS payable at Mumbai. Institute For Psychotherapy And Management Science Mumbai Gr ant Rd: Jagannath Shankarsheth Mu ncipal School Bldg., 1st Floor, Room No.116/118, Naka Chowk, Gr ant Road (west), M u m b a i - 0 7 . Te l : 0 2 2 - 6 4 5 3 0 3 7 7 , 6 4 5 3 0 1 5 5 . Go regaon: 15/126, Unnat Nagar- Iv, B/h, Jain Temp le, M. g Road, G o r e g a o n ( w ) , M u m b a i - 6 2 . Te l N o : 0 2 2 - 2 8 7 9 0 8 9 0
Gnet Education Pvt Ltd 404, New Arihant Chs Ltd. Near Anand Nagar, Manpada Road, Dombivili (e). Dist Thane- 421 201.Ph: 0251-2423720, 2423470 Mobil: 9930866990,9820035927. Email- gnet.ipms@gmail.com
WHITELINE
Flash
Reg. No. MAHENG12032/13/1/2009-TC
March 5-11, 2010
Do you visit a dentist for heart pain ? Or Call a plumber for electrification job ?
Rs. 2/-
Fast
Friendly Reliable Affordable
Then why a Desktop engineer for your Laptop ? YOUR LAPTOP NEEDS A SPECIALIST HANDS Your Laptop needs the hands of a specialist. Someone you can trust and fall back upon during times of crisis. And that too, whenever you need special care every time, right at your doorstep. The wait is over. Introducing Club Laptop, the Laptop specialist, a pair of safe hands your Laptop can hold on to for any problem. Club Laptop is an initiative from India’s Leading printer cartridge recharging chain, “Refeel Cartridge Store”, which has a presence at out 100 locations across 70 cities. The experience and knowledge of working in the IT industry for over a decade acted as a catalyst in the formation of a Club dedicated solely to laptop users and prospective laptop buyers. Hence the inception of Club Laptop which serves as a one-stop solution for all your queries regarding laptop repair & care and laptop accessories. Club Laptop has its presence over 16 locations across 10 cities and looking forward to 300 locations covering entire India by 2011.
CLUBLAPTOP REPAIR ADVANTAGE
FAST TURN AROUND TIME
WORLD CLASS SERVICE
AFFORDABLE PRICING
PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED
Fast, Friendly, Reliable and Affordable. That is what we swear by at Club Laptop. Let us show you how easy and hassle free we can make your laptop repair experienced. A dim LCD screen or a broken pwer jack doesn’t have to be the end of your laptop. Repair your Laptop from Club Laptop, the laptop service specialist and save upto 60% on repair charges & components. Our team of highly trained laptop specialists, backed by well equipped service centres will offer repairing and replacement facilities to you. To serve you better, our front executive are just a call or mail away. At Club Laptop we ensure that the spare parts of your laptops like batteries, chips and accessories are recycled so that they can be re-used. This is done in order to ensure that the e-waste does not post health hazards and damage the environment further.
WE ARE SPECIALIST IN
Laptop Repairing
Laptop Servicing
Club
Laptop Sales & Purchase
aptop
Laptop Batteries
Laptop Accessories
TM
.com The Laptop Service Specialist
89,Hasti Industrial Premises Co. Soc. Ltd., Plot No. R 798, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400710. Sunil : 08080455355. Helpline : 3131923131 Email : sarintech@gmail.com
Edited and published by C. Vimal Kumar on behalf of Sar Multimedia Private Limited, printed by him at Meenakshi Printers and Designers, 5 Sarvodaya Garden, Off Manpada Road Near, Gaondevi Temple, Dombivli East and published at Sar Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., 7 Prem Bhavan 2nd Floor, 234/236 Narshi Natha Street, Masjid Bunder, Mumbai - 400009. Managing Editor : Anil Raghavan. Editor-in-charge : Sasidharan Nair * Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act.