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09 Honoured With D. Litt
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak honoured with D. Litt by Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon
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Sewer History
A brief review of a history of sewers that demystifies it
Secular India
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An offering of communal unity at Altar of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki
The Making Of A Legend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to neighbours Pakistan and Iran POSTAL REGISTRATION NO. DL(W)10/2240/2017-19
RNI No. DELENG/2016/71561
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A Good News Weekly
Vol - 2 | Issue - 50 | Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018 | Price ` 10/-
World Toilet Day
Sulabh’s ‘Hope’ of Hopes For Safe Sewage Cleaning!
No more sewer deaths in India! Now we have 'Hope', an innovative machine introduced on the occasion of World Toilet Day by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation. Hope is to ensure a minimal and safe dive of sewer cleaners into sewer lines
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World Toilet Day
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With Hope here, sewer cleaners stand tall, confident with proper equipments
Quick Glance Sulabh introduced ‘Hope’ machine on World Toilet Day to put an end to sewer deaths Manoj Tiwari inaugurated Hope and said ‘a historic day made possible by Dr Pathak’ The three MCD mayors have given a big thumbs-up to the sewer cleaning machine
Swastika Tripathi
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t was indeed a historic day for India this World Toilet Day when the crusader of sanitation and social reform Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, unveiled ‘Hope’ – a machine that is here to end the menace of sewer cleaners. Hope is such a sewage cleaning machine that will do away with 99 per cent of manual scavenging in
the country. For the remaining one per cent, Sulabh also introduced technologically pro equipments: Sewer Quick View Pipe Inspection Camera which can give an overview of the situation under, and a gas detection machine which will determine the hazardous gases there. Dr Pathak said the new machine is ideal for periodic mechanical desilting of manholes and to flush out sewer lines using the powerful jetting pump capable of producing 150 bar operating pressure and a flow of 150 litres per minute. Putting End to Soul-Chilling Data These days we often hear the tragic news about so many sewer workers losing their lives while working inside the sewer. It is almost as risky for a person to step into a manhole to unclog sewer lines in India as it is for the jawans braving the bullets on the borders of the nation. At least one Indian worker has died while cleaning sewers or septic tanks every five days since the beginning of 2017, according to the first official government statistics on the work, considered one of the country’s deadliest jobs and most insidious form
“All these suggestions have often popped up in discussions, but if anyone has tried to bring them to ground reality then it is Dr Bindeshwar Pathak” – Manoj Tiwari, President, Delhi BJP
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Meet ‘Hope’ A special purpose vehicle mounted, electro-hydraulically operated, Sewer Jetting cum Rodding cum Mechanical manhole desilting machine
H
ope is ideal for carrying out periodic mechanical desilting of manholes and to flush out sewer lines using the powerful jetting pump capable of producing 150 bar operating pressure and a flow of 150 litres per minute. It is also capable of de-choking sewer line using specially designed flexible steel rods. The machine can ensure that no Safai Karamcharis have to ever enter the sewer line risking their life and dignity and violating the Manual Scavengers Act (2013). Sewer Quick View Pipe Inspection Camera is designed to facilitate rapid
of caste discrimination. However this data is considered palpably underestimated. Magsaysay award-winner Bezwada Wilson’s Safai Karmachari Andolan has been collecting data on those who dive into putrid sewer lines only to be tragically fished out as corpses. Since 2010, there have been 356 such deaths, or about 44 every year. This annual average was outstripped in 2017 when India’s sewage system killed at least 90 people by September itself. Given the statistics and the more
inspection of manholes, sewer, tunnels, tanks, mainline and other lateral pipelines facilities. This Sewer Quick View features an outstanding zoom function (Industrial HD Camera), scalable
than often news of sewer deaths, it has been a grave matter of concern for the nation for ages now. And so, Sulabh International decided to organise the World Toilet Day 2018 on the theme of “Safety Measures for Cleaning Sewers to Prevent Deaths of Sewer
Lighting of the lamp by the guests as a mark of bringing light to the lives of the sewer workers
carbon fiber rods and a sunlight presentable controller (8.4” monitor). The detection results, including video, image and autogenerated report, will be sent to the operating panel by wireless
Workers” at Mavalankar Auditorium in New Delhi. No More Sewer Deaths! Making the welcome address on the occasion, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak said, “Today the three mayors of Delhi
communication. Outstanding IP68 protection ability enables it to keep working under 10 meters water. The camera sensor features 36*optical zooming function, capable to capture pipe details from a distance up to 100m. The camera body tilts automatically up 20° and down 90°. Apart from Hope and the inspection camera, there is also a gas detection machine that can determine whether there is possible exposure to hazardous gases in the sewer, at which location and which gases are they so that the adequate measures can be taken.
are present here. I am really happy to have them as what I am discussing is their topic of interest. The World Toilet Day that we are celebrating here has a huge contribution from Anil Khaitan. He had written to me pointing out the sewer death tolls and asking for a solution. Similarly, when I was coming from Patna on October 25, Sharad Yadav (Ex MP) too asked me for a solution for the same. I said ‘yes, there is a solution’. He asked ‘why aren’t you doing anything then? You are a pioneer person in the
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak welcomes Manhar Valjibhai Zala, chairman of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
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World Toilet Day
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Hope Gets A Big Thumbs-Up From MCD Mayors
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n being asked whether Hope will see the light of day on Delhi streets for the safety of sewer cleaners, three thumbs up punched the air immediately. These were the indications of a big Yes to the way ahead for Hope from the three mayors of Municipal Corporation of Delhi. “People earlier made fun of our swachhata abhiyan (cleanliness drive). But we paid no attention to any of it and today more than 90 per cent of cleanliness work has been done. More than 95 per cent household in India today have toilets. Sulabh has had a huge contribution to this great work. We, three mayors, will make use of the Swachh Bharat fund to buy such machines. Dr Pathak has taught us that we shouldn’t live for ourselves but for others,” said Bipin Bihari Singh, Mayor, East Delhi. “In the last four and a half years, the work done by PM Modi (of cleanliness and for toilets) deserves a standing ovation. It has been your support and the support of Sulabh that India’s cleanliness ranking has shown a tremendous jump from 202nd to 32nd this year. The public awareness campaign that Sulabh has initiated, if it becomes a mass movement then there won’t be a single house without toilets and we will achieve total ODF. The kind of instruments and the machine that Sulabh has brought today are the need of the hour and we will definitely procure them,” said Narendra Chawla, Mayor, South Delhi. “Dr Pathak is the crusader of cleanliness transformation in independent India. The toilet in my house is also due to him. After the introduction of Sulabh Shauchalayas has the malpractice of manual scavenging come to an end. We are building 1800 public conveniences, which will have facilities for 5000 men and 5000 women. Dr Pathak has encouraged us to soar this high. The mass awareness about toilets is a result of the movement started by Dr Pathak and spread wide by PM Modi. The chapter that Dr Pathak has introduced today will go down the pages of history. Many talked of sewer deaths but the solution to it has been brought by Dr Pathak. I want to tell that North Delhi Municipal Corporation will ensure the execution and purchase of the machine,” said Adesh Kumar Gupta, Mayor, North Delhi. sanitation field’. So then I said ‘okay, let me do something about it, with your blessings’.” That was October 25 and the came November 19. Within 24 days machines worth Rs one crore were brought from China to India and from Pune to Delhi. The sewer cleaning machine introduced has such technology with which the sewers can be scanned prior hand as to how much water or silt are there.
All can be observed from outside only and nobody will have to step into the manholes. The machine also comes with proper equipments – dress, mask, etc from safety point-of-view – for just in case someone has to enter the sewer line for some reason. “All the corporations, municipalities who deal with this should either buy the machine on their own or else have Sulabh do it so that we can ensure there are no sewer deaths. Now that
“A lot of people have money but the approach to do such things does not come with it. It comes with brilliant minds like Dr Pathak” – Saket Kushwaha, VC, Rajiv Gandhi Central University
Now sewer workers are well equipped to tackle the dirt
this machine is here, no more people will die in sewer lines. There will be no more sewer deaths,” said Dr Pathak. Fair Wage to Labours Pointing out that the amount of money paid to the labour is very minimal because of which the quality of work deteriorates, Dr Pathak said, “When I built the first toilet in Patna in 1974, the carpenter who had come to fix the doors asked for Rs 49 per piece. I told him that I’ll give Rs 55 per piece.
He was surprised and thought I was kidding. I assured I am serious about it. I gave him a piece of paper and asked him to write that if anything needs repair within three years it will be done free of cost. It’s been 44 years since then and the toilets have the same doors till date. So, a fair wage is an important aspect.” Recalling the olden days, Dr Pathak said when he set foot into the field of sanitation in 1968, nobody wanted to utter the word ‘toilet’ or
World Toilet Day
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When nature calls...
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hen nature calls, we need a toilet. But billions of people don’t have one. This means human faeces, on a massive scale, is not being captured or treated – contaminating the water and soil that sustain human life. We are turning our environment into an open sewer. We must build toilets and sanitation systems that work in harmony with ecosystems. World Toilet Day is about nature-based solutions to our sanitation needs. It is an official United Nations international observance day celebrated on 19th November. It is about taking action to ensure that everyone has a safe toilet by 2030. The UN General Assembly declared World Toilet Day an official UN day in 2013. UN-Water is the official convener of World Toilet Day. UN-Water maintains the official World Toilet Day website and chooses a special theme for each year. This year the theme was ‘When Nature Calls’ for nature-based solutions. Themes in previous years included wastewater, “toilets and jobs” and “toilets and nutrition”. World Toilet Day is marked by communications campaigns and other activities. Events are planned by UN entities, international organisations, local civil society organisations and volunteers to raise awareness and inspire action. When nature calls we have to listen and act!
talk about it. Whenever he tried making a conversation about toilets with anyone, they would say ‘let us first have tea because after discussing ‘toilets’, the tea may taste weird’. People used to call him ‘Toilet-man Bindeshwar Pathak’ in a sarcastic manner as though it was a taboo, but now they say the same with a tone of respect and amaze. His efforts also led to the emancipation of manual scavengers. Dr Pathak has made sewer safety a reality: Manoj Tiwari Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Tiwari, Delhi BJP President who presided over the event, said, “It is a very historic day today. You may be already aware that till now the people who worked into sewer lines, to ensure that the sewers are clean and not choked even in an area with a population like that of 2.5 crore in Delhi, died of the poisonous gases in the lines. It is the government’s responsibility that they ensure that the people entering the sewer lines are well-equipped so that the poisonous gas cannot harm them; they should have such machines that can predetect the situation inside. All these suggestions have often popped up in discussions, but if anyone has tried to bring them to ground reality then it is Dr Bindeshwar Pathak. He has brought
such machines to our notice.” He informed that he has already urged the three MCD mayors present on the occasion to order these machines as soon as possible. He said that no matter sewer comes under whose area of concern MCD can
buy the machine and equip whoever enters the sewer line. Urging people to change their mindset around toilets, Tiwari said, “The thinking we are stuck with in our minds regarding toilets should change. All the dirt, the apathy towards safai karamcharis (cleaners), such thinking and mentality should be served with a tight slap of reality from the authorities, the government and the citizens.” Approach comes from brilliant minds like Dr Pathak: Prof Saket Kushwaha Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest of the occasion,
“Through Sulabh programme, the school children (of South Africa) are now able to go and use the bathroom,” – Dr Busiwana Winnie Martins of South Africa
Professor Saket Kushwaha, vicechancellor of Rajiv Gandhi Central University (Arunachal Pradesh), said, “I see Gandhi alive within Dr Pathak. Mahatma Gandhi expressed his visions and thoughts through his books but the spirit to live by those words – be it about eradicating untouchability and casteism, and giving people their right to live the way they want – is in the rarest of the rare people and I see that in Dr Pathak in form of a very simple personality.” “The machine that we all saw today came all the way from China within 25 days. A lot of people have money but the approach to do such things does not come with it. It comes with brilliant minds like Dr Pathak… I met Usha Sharma (at Sulabh Gram). From Usha Chaumar she became Usha Sharma, on first knowing this I immediately knew that such a thing can be done only by Dr Pathak,” he added. Kushwaha told that he has separated a fund, through contribution, to give admissions to the children of the border martyrs and the ‘sewer martyrs’. He has urged to give priority to these children during admissions. He also promised that come November 29 he will introduce the courses of Sanitation Sociology and Gandhian Studies in Rajiv Gandhi Central University (Andhra Pradesh). Skill Development of sewer cleaners be done: Manhar Valjibhai Zala Speaking on the occasion as a guest of honour, Manhar Valjibhai Zala, chairman of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, said, “I feel really happy that a modern machine, brought by Dr Pathak, was inaugurated today. When I tour the nation, I ask the officers to avoid sending people into
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World Toilet Day
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
The honourable guests with Dr Pathak, post unveiling a giant toilet sculpture at the venue
An emancipated manual scavenger welcomes Bipin Bihari Singh, mayor of East Delhi, with a bouquet
Adesh Kumar Gupta, mayor of North Delhi, said North MCD will ensure the execution and purchase of Hope
Narendra Chawla, mayor of South Delhi, addressing the gathering, in which he termed Hope as ‘the need of the hour’
sewer lines for cleanliness. It should be mechanised. If ever they have to be sent, then they should dive with all safety equipments so that their lives can be saved. Today what Dr Pathak said has touched my heart that ‘from now on, there will be no more deaths in sewers’.” Adding on to the recommendation of Dr Pathak around fair wages, Zala urged when the mechanisation happens, the people who used to dive into sewer line to earn a living for their family should be given the job to handle these machines so that their livelihood sustains. For this their skill development be also done.
‘life’ indicates something more than mere animal existence. Thus, the sewer workers are entitled to a life of dignity, a life of fulfillment, a life of satisfaction.” “In my view, mechanised cleaning of both septic tanks and sewers with adequate safety measures in place is the ideal solution to the problem at hand,” he added. Khaitan also urged people to ensure small-small efforts from their ends that can together paint a bigger picture.
For the Welfare of Sanitation Workers Anil Khaitan, chairman of SNK CORP and former president of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, graced the ocassion as a
guest of honour. While addressing the gathering, he told that he had written a letter to Dr Bindeshwar Pathak expressing his concerns over the increasing tolls in sewer deaths. Dr Pathak responded to it with his viewpoints. The two sanitation campaigners then merged their viewpoints and a letter was penned to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Expressing his concern for the sewer workers, he said, “The term
On being asked whether Hope will see the light of day on Delhi streets for the safety of sewer cleaners, three thumbs up punched the air immediately as a big Yes from the MCD mayors
Of India, South Africa & USA Also present on the occasion as a guest of honour was Dr Nilangshu Bhusan Basu, Principal Chief Engineer, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, who presented a detailed slide show on ‘A Problem and Success Story of Kolkata’ under the name of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Professor K J Nath and himself. In this, he focused on urbanisation as the major cause of making any problem out of proportion because of a huge conglomeration of people there, and the eventual high generation of waste. He stated that Urbanisation + Increased Rainfall = Crisis! He drew comparisons between major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Kolkata and parts of the state of Tamil Nadu. He then talked of the drainage system of Kolkata, the relevance of sewer workers and
World Toilet Day
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Manoj Tiwari , president of Delhi BJP, urges people to change their mindset around toilets
Dr Nilangshu Bhusan Basu, Principal Chief Engineer, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, gave a detailed presentation on a sewer success story of Kolkata
Pooja Sharma, emancipated manual scavenger, welcomes Professor Johnny Mack of Stanford University, USA
Dikobe Ben Martins, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, South Africa, addressing the gathering
legislation, the current scenario of Kolkata and displayed the realistic tragedies. He went on to give the proposed remedies, and told of the success stories of Kolkata sewers after the immense efforts and work done to make sewers free of silt for easing the water woes, through the trenchless sewer lining projects undertaken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The World Toilet Day event of Sulabh was also graced by some special guests from the foreign who shared their views in the field of sanitation and lauded the contribution of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak and his Sulabh organisation. “We wish to highly commend his excellency Dr Pathak and his esteemed associates in Sulabh International, firstly, for their belief in human rights and dignity which is stronger than steel, secondly, for working steadfastly to realise
Dr Pathak briefing the guests about various Sulabh technologies
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Mahatma Gandhi – the world icon of peaceful non-violence struggle’s vision – to free more than 20 million untouchables from bonded labour and to abolish untouchability of those rejected and discriminated against for handling human excreta. We wish Dr Pathak and Sulabh International perseverance and fortitude in carrying out your noble cause of instituting safety measures for cleaning sewers to prevent the deaths of sewer workers,” said Dikobe Ben Martins, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, South Africa. “I am associated with Sulabh International through Sulabh South Africa. We are very humbled that Dr Pathak, a pioneer of women empowerment and women emancipation, took a decision to extend his sanitation programme to South Africa. The programme started in rural
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World Toilet Day
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
The honourable guests begin the programme with the Sulabh anthem
school in South Africa restoring toilets which were very much in terrible conditions. Children in South Africa who did not have toilets would hold it when their nature calls until they get home. So definitely that disturbed the learning during the day. Through Sulabh programme, the children are now able to go and use the bathroom. For that we are very much thankful,” said Dr Busiwana Winnie Martins, Director, Community Centre for
Justice and Development, South Africa. “Proper sanitation is a human rights issue. When you have it, it also improves health for everyone; it also contributes to poverty alleviation; and it restores human dignity. We are hoping through Sulabh South Africa that we will have the second biggest toilet facilities in South Africa. I think that would be natural, considering that we shared the same world icons Mahatma Gandhi and
School children display their enthusiasm and spread awareness about toilets and Manoj Tiwari part-takes in it
“Mechanised cleaning of both septic tanks and sewers with adequate safety measures in place is the ideal solution to the problem at hand”– ANIL KHAITAN, chairman of SNK CORP Nelson Mandela. So it’s only natural that we shall have the second biggest toilet facilities outside India in South Africa,” she added. “It is an honour and privilege to
be here on this important day of celebrating humanity, of recognising human rights and of dedicating ourselves to those rights. The significance of this day is embodied in the untiring work of Dr Pathak. That work recognises the dignity and the worth of all humanity. The theme ‘Safety Measures for Cleaning Sewers to Prevent Deaths of Sewer Workers’ directly ties this event and this work to the work of the Civil Rights Movement and of the work of Dr Martin Luther King Jr… who lost his life supporting sanitation workers and fighting for their rights. So there is an inextricable connection between this work and the work of civil rights and human rights in the United States,” said Professor Johnny Mack, Stanford University, USA. The guests were welcomed in traditional Sulabh manner with garlands, bouquets, shawls and were presented with Sulabh’s two-pit model’s miniature as a memento. On the occasion, school children performed a street play on the importance of toilets and also put a vivid exhibition on display with innovative ideas around sanitation. The children also enthusiastically participated in various competitions held by Sulabh. Later, the winners of the competitions were given awards by the guests.
Honour
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
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D. Litt
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak Honoured With D. Litt Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon conferred honorary degree ssb bureau
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t was a proud moment for Dr Bindeshwar Pathak as he has been conferred upon with the Honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) degree. The award was presented to Dr Pathak by Governor of Bihar Lalji Tandon at a convocation ceremony held at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University in Darbhanga. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak is a great humanist and social reformer of contemporary India. To the weaker sections of society, especially, he is the compassionate face of a paternal redeemer. He has the vision of a philosopher and the undying zeal of a missionary. He is the icon of sanitation and social reform who has made a difference in the lives of millions of people. Dr Pathak has done his D.Litt on “Eradication of Scavenging and Environmental Sanitation in IndiaSociological Study”, from Patna University, Bihar. Three other eminent Scholars included Dr Muneshwar Jha, Prof KC Dwiwedi and Prof Harihar Jha.
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak being conferred the Honorary D.Litt degree by Lalji Tandon, Governor of Bihar
guest speak
There’s Much More To Sulabh Than Toilets: Anil Kumar Rai
“D
Dr Ashok Jyoti
r Bindeshwar Pathak is doing a great job through Sulabh International. I have been familiar with him and his work for a long time. His work around the world is as unique as him,” said Professor Anil Kumar Rai, newly-appointed vice chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari on November 17, 2018, whilst his address to the gathering on his visit to Sulabh Gram. Professor Rai was welcomed in
traditional manner with shawl and was gifted books as a congratulation and a warm welcome to his new post. The gathering was briefed of his profile and his works and achievements. After the welcome, the professor toured the entire Sulabh Gram to see and know of the various Sulabh activities. He paid visit to the Sulabh Public School, Sulabh vocational training center and Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, where he was amused to see the numerous number of toilet models.
He then went on to observe the Sulabh two-pit pour-flush compost toilet model, Sulabh biogas technique, Sulabh water treatment plant, Sulabh Water ATM. He was also briefed of the Sulabh health initiatives by the on-duty doctor at the Sulabh health center. Having come across the vast Sulabh
World, Professor Rai expressed wonder after seeing all the activities of Sulabh, saying that we usually only know of Sulabh toilets and the social work done by the organisation, but on entering the Sulabh World we realise there is much more to it – all of it useful for the development of the nation.
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Sewer History
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018 Brief review
Historical Development Of Sewers & Techniques For over thousands of years we have coexisted with an unavoidable attribute of our civilization: sewage, human waste that even today continues to be lethal for millions of people. A brief review of a history that demystifies us
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rains in the streets are known since the early Mesopotamian Empire in Iraq (ca. 4000–2500 BC). However, well organised and operated sewerage and drainage systems were practised for the first time in the history of humankind by the Minoan and Harappan civilizations in Crete, and in the greater Indus valley, respectively after ca. 3000 BC. Minoans and Indus valley civilizations, originally, and Hellenes and Romans thereafter, are considered pioneers in developing the basic hydraulics of sewerage and drainage systems technologies, with emphasis on sanitation in the urban environment. Rapid technological progress in the 20th century created a disregard for past water technologies that were considered to be far behind the present ones. Even so, there are still a great number of unresolved problems related to sanitation principles and of course to sewerage and drainage systems. In the developing world, such problems have been intensified to an unprecedented degree. The Early Civilizations Eshnunna/Babylonia and Mesopotamian Empire in Iraq (ca. 4000–2500 BC) The ruins of Mesopotamian cities contain well-constructed storm drainage and sanitary sewer systems. For example, the ancient cities of Ur and Babylon, located in present-day Iraq, had effective drainage systems for stormwater control. The systems contained vaulted sewers and drains for household waste, and gutters and drains specifically for surface runoff. The material of choice was baked brick with an asphalt sealant. Rainwater was also collected for household and irrigation uses. The Babylonians were
Some countries have taken steps to adopt either sustainable methods of sewage disposal or use machinery to treat effluent partially motivated to construct urban drainage systems by their desire to remain clean. The Babylonians, like other ancient civilizations, viewed uncleanness as a taboo, not because of the physical uncleanness but the moral evil it suggested. In retrospect, the Mesopotamians viewed urban runoff as a nuisance flooding concern, waste conveyor, and a vital natural resource. Bronze Ages Minoan Civilization (ca. 3200–1100 BC) From the early Minoan period (ca. 3200–2300 BC) issues related to sanitary techniques were considered of great importance and developed accordingly. Archaeological and other evidence indicates that during the Bronze Age advanced wastewater and stormwater management were practised. Several types of stone and terracotta conduits and pipes were used to transfer water, and drain stormwater and wastewater. These types of conduits are summarized by Angelakis et al. Minoan plumbing and drainage were well developed. In several
Minoan palaces discovered by archaeologists in the 20th century, one of the most important elements was the provision and distribution of water and the removal of waste and stormwater by means of sophisticated hydraulic works. In addition, sewerage and drainage systems were formed of terracotta pipe
and lithic open-topped channelised drains conveyed stormwater primarily, but also human wastes. Some of the sewers were large enough for people to walk through. Many of the drains from ca. 2000 BC are still in beneficial service today on Crete. The first known “flushed” toilet was implemented at the Knossos palace.
Sewer History
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
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The toilet was connected to the central sewerage and drainage system at Knossos palace.
hygiene level was reached in rural areas, where peasants buried their faeces in a hole.
Harappan Civilization (ca. 3200–1900 BC) The Harappan civilization is the most ancient South Asian culture having implemented a complex and centralised wastewater management system. Indeed, one of the major characteristics of this culture is to have developed lavatories, and drainage and sewerage systems. It was during the Mature Harappan period (or Urban Harappan Phase) that centralised sanitation with sewers first appeared. The most representative places of the Harappan culture of that very period are the sites of Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Lothal. Wastewater management of the Harappan sites was of two types: one centralized, with sewage and drainage networks, the other decentralized, with soakpits and/or pierced jars. Drains were covered with stone, wooden boards, or baked-bricks, and in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa sometime assembled in the corbelled vault. The Harappan civilization developed a well-organized sewage network in a few urban agglomerations.
The Arab refinement In this dark time in Europe, only the Arab cities in the Iberian Peninsula established sanitation rules with the objective of separating three types of water: rainwater, which was essential for life; grey water, which originated from domestic activities, and wastewater. The Arab culture, born in a difficult climate, valued rainwater as if it was a divine endowment and it was carefully conducted to the cisterns for its conservation and subsequent use. Domestic grey water was removed from the patios of the houses through underground drains or pipes on the surface, while wastewater had to have an independent pipe towards the cesspits where it merged with the grey water.
The age of filth The Roman advances in sanitation were forgotten during the Middle Ages. Only a few cities, like Paris, preserved some structures of the Roman sewage system which were soon absorbed by the urban sprawl. Walled cities installed cesspits as their only sanitation structure and they were soon saturated. The population started throwing the excreta onto the streets or outside the city walls. Rats thrived among excreta and epidemics of cholera and plague broke out, killing 25 per cent of the European medieval population. But no advances were made in sanitation. Cities were putrid and the maximum
The paradox of the Renaissance The revolution of arts and science during the Renaissance period did not go hand in hand with the advances in sanitation, which came to a halt while cities kept growing. The filth and odour in nearly all European cities during the seventeenth century was unbearable. Open air defecation was common in many neighbourhoods and cesspits were saturated; meanwhile, citizens continued throwing their excreta onto the streets where sewers, which were open ditches, partially discharged them into the rivers. The progress made in hydraulics at that time was applied to the collection and distribution of water, but it did not reach sanitation. Paris was the great paradox of that time: while the city reached the highest levels of filth in its history in the mid-seventeenth century. The situation in London was very similar to the one in Paris. Although the English capital had started the Renaissance period with severe hygienic rules on the cleaning
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The Western Approach
ome countries have taken steps to adopt either sustainable methods of sewage disposal or use machinery to treat effluent. Mexico adopted the ecological sanitation model, which closes the loop on sewage treatment. Ecological sanitation is a waste management model that treats human excreta, wash water and urine as agricultural resources that can be safely collected, stored and treated. In America, on the other hand, they use machinery but there are proper tunnels and equipment in place. In Malaysia, sewerage management has evolved in a phased manner from primitive systems to more mechanical and automated systems since the country’s independence in 1957. This was mainly due to the development of technologies in the sewerage industry. The evolution has also involved the movement from non-mechanical systems to more mechanical and automated systems. New and improved equipment has also been continuously introduced due to technological advancements. It was not an overnight decision. Malaysia started to make this shift to mechanisation not because there was activism in place to eradicate manual scavenging like in India, but because they wanted to promote the country as a tourist destination. There was a big push from the government for this. They also carried out surveys and outreach programmes to educate citizens about how often they should get their septic tanks cleaned. Now, the workers who clean septic tanks will not even go inside. of drains implemented by Henry VIII, the city stank and many cesspits oozed in different neighbourhoods. The precursor to modern toilets appeared in the well-off homes of the capital: an invention by John Harrington that used water from a tank to wash down the latrine and take the waste to the cesspit. But its objective was to eliminate the unpleasant odour of urinals in rooms; the close relationship between filth and diseases was not clear until the mid-nineteenth century. From cholera to modern sanitation The situation in London became unbearable by 1830. The tremendous stench that emanated from the city (the famous Great Stink) was joined by various cholera epidemics with a very high death toll. During one of them, in 1847, an English doctor, John Snow, who had devoted his life to the study of epidemics, reached the conclusion that cholera was caused by drinking water that had been contaminated with waste water. He proved his theory when the epidemics ceased in those areas where pumps had been closed. A few years later, the research carried out by Louis Pasteur provided the scientific confirmation to Snow´s intuition. As a result of this knowledge, legislation was changed. From the nineteenth century onwards,
the laws in different countries put a limit to the construction of cesspits, which were restricted to areas with no sewers and transformed into septic tanks, which were much safer. Another crisis changed the situation of sanitation radically: the great fire in Hamburg, which destroyed one-quarter of the city in 1842. The reconstruction was made with a new sewage system that, with a single drainage circuit of wastewater, used sea water for its weekly cleaning and was aired out through the drains of each of the connected buildings. The system was financed by local businessmen and soon inspired all other major European and U.S. cities. The advances in microbiology started to be used to treat wastewater at the end of the nineteenth century and in 1914 the engineers Edward Ardenand William T. Lockett, discovered the active sludge, one of the biological wastewater treatment systems we still use in the existing treatment plants. A great international response against the pollution of water, both industrial and faecal, started in the developed world in the 70s. However, nowadays 90 per cent of the discharged wastewater in developing countries has not been treated. We still have not won a battle that started more than 10,000 years ago.
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International Personality
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Karl Marx
A Visionary Of Justice And Critic Of Capitalism His stern face, framed by a mass of gray hair, symbolises for many Americans the costly battles of the 20th century: battles against communism, socialism, and authoritarianism fought in defense of democracy and free-market capitalism n Urooj Fatima
Marx’s thought and work consist of a milestone in the history of philosophy, political economy and social sciences. As Lenin wrote, the Marxist theory “is the legitimate successor to the best that man produced in the nineteenth century, as represented by German philosophy, English political economy and French socialism.”
“P
hilosophers have only interpreted the world in different ways. The point is, however, to
change it.” Two hundred years ago on 5 May, 1818, in the German city of Trier, one of the greatest figures in human history was born. Two centuries later, despite all the furious attacks, malicious distortions and spiteful attempts to undermine his image as a man and a thinker, Karl Marx has maintained his place in history as a towering genius in the realm of theory. Karl Marx was one of the few, perhaps the first since Martin Luther, whose life and work constituted a crucial turning-point in human thought and endeavour. He was a humanist who was deeply concerned about the plight of mankind, and thought he had the answer in the classless society he envisaged emerging in the future. He initiated the historical dimension to an understanding of society, culture and economics. He created the concept of ideology in the sense of beliefs that shape and control social actions, analyzed the fundamental nature of class as a mechanism of governance and social interaction. His thought and action, during the span of four decades, changed the course of history in Europe. He played several rules together like sociologist, economist and even journalist. He was a writer as well. He is often criticized for his theories and even welcomed in some cases as well. Known as the founder of revolutionary communism, Marx is credited as one of the most influential thinkers for his theoretical framework, widely known as Marxism. “The genius of Marx”, Lenin wrote, “lies in his having been the first to deduce from the lesson world history teaches and to apply that lesson consistently. The deduction he made is the doctrine of the class struggle.”
Born in a Jew ancestry Though this great man of the history came to light for many reasons, he was born in a Jews ancestry and later his family turned into Christianity. He was baptized a Lutheran, rather than a Catholic, which was the predominant faith in Trier, because he “equated Protestantism with intellectual freedom.” When he was 6, Karl was baptized along with the other children, but his mother waited until 1825, after her father died. Besides, it was a middle-class family where Karl Heinrich Marx was born in Prussia. His father was a lawyer while his mother was a Dutch Jew and dedicated her life as a homemaker. His close friend Friedrich Engels was Marx’s close friend and long-time collaborator; theirs was a remarkable friendship, leading one historian to describe them as “arguably history’s most famous couple”. It was Engels who helped to co-author the Manifesto, but he always recognised Marx as his intellectual superior. He wrote: “Marx was a genius; we others were at best talented ... Marx stood higher, saw further, and took a wider and quicker view than the rest of us.”
“Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workingmen of all countries, unite!”
Marx and Communism In February 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published the Manifesto of the Communist Party. Their theories aimed to achieve a classless and domination-free society. For many, this is still an important ideal of justice today – and for many others a source for new, communist oppression.
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
International Personality
13 07
Have a Shufti...
Communist Manifesto can be summed up in one sentence: Abolish all private property. In a sense, Marx was attacking the very ideals of capitalism. In the end, Marx envisions a society where the proletariat (workers) will eventually rise and take over the means of production (owners). For a period, he says, we get a new “class society” in which the proletariat suppress the bourgeoisie by force. He called this the dictatorship of the proletariat. Yet after a transition period, the dictatorship is replaced by a “classless society” in which the means of production are owned “by all.” Moreover, labour belongs to the workers themselves and capitalism’s alienation ceases. Marx and Capitalism The first volume of Marx’s Das Kapital was published in 1867; volumes two and three were not published until after his death. Because of its analytical depth, this “fundamental critique of capitalism” as a system “characterised by exploitation, impoverishment and long-term collapse” (to quote economist Rudolf Hickel) has longsince become a classic. Historical Materialism Karl Marx was a historical materialist. Marx believed that the fundamental truth about a particular society or
period in history is how that society is organised to satisfy material needs. He saw history as a succession of economic systems or modes of production, each one organised to satisfy human material needs but giving rise to hostility between different classes of people, leading to the creation of new societies in an evolving pattern. In a sense, history repeats itself. He called these material, economic, and social relations the basis of society. The way a society thinks, what kind of political institutions there are, which laws it has, and what there is of religion. He emphasised that it is mainly society’s ruling class that sets the norms for society. In other words, history is a matter of who is to own the means of production. Alienation Marx valued work as a positive thing, viewing it as closely connected with the essence of mankind. Perhaps, mankind is fulfilled in their own labour. He argues that work is central to a human being’s self-conception and a sense of well-being. They value their work. It is a means of personal creation, a projection of one’s identity, and a means of survival. In his early works, he demonstrates that under the capitalist system, the worker labours for someone else. It is an owner-worker relationship. His labour is something
• His best known titles are the 1848 pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto, and the three volume Das Kapital. • Marx’s political and philosophical thought had enormous influence on subsequent intellectual, economic and political history and his name has been used as an adjective, a noun and a school of social theory. • Marx is typically cited as one of the principal architects of modern social science. • Like the other youths of his age, he was supposed to join the military of the county. However, he was both reluctant and physically unfit to join. • While living in London, Marx served as a European correspondent for the working class American newspaper the New York Daily Tribune. Marx wrote newspaper pieces on a number of significant historical events, including the British rule in India. • Marx, who died in 1883 at the age of 74, was buried in London’s Highgate Cemetery, in a modest plot in a section reserved for atheists and other secularists. • His grave was moved to a tomb on a new site in 1954 and a portrait bust commissioned by the British Community Party was erected. • Marx’s grave currently sees about 200 visitors per day and the graveyard recently instituted a $6 entry fee, which some critics claim would have Marx spinning in his grave. • Marx’s political and economic writing is brimming with evocative Gothic metaphors involving monsters, werewolves and vampires. • He was very fond of the vampire metaphor, which he variously used to describe the central process of profit taking within capitalism as capital, “constantly sucking in living labor as its soul, vampire-like.” • He was voted the Greatest Thinker of the Millennium in a 1999 BBC poll, beating out several intellectual titans in the form of Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton. • He lived much of his adult life in a state of abject poverty and was frequently being chased down by lenders and landlords to whom he owed money • Four of Marx’s seven children died at a young age as a result of the family’s deep poverty and it’s reported that occasionally Marx was unable to leave the house as his wife Jenny had to go pawn his trousers in order to put food on the table. • In his university days, Marx dedicated his time to writing fiction, plays and poetry. • Marx published two poems during his lifetime, and over half of the poems he composed were adoring love poems dedicated to his wife Jenny. • Friends of Marx would sometimes playfully refer to him as “the Moor” because of his dark beard and swarthy complexion. Marx would sometimes sign letters to friends as “Old Nick,” which was a term often used for the devil. • Due to his political publications, Marx became stateless and lived in exile in London, where he continued to develop his thought in collaboration with German thinker Friedrich Engels. • Young Hegelian was a group with whom Karl Marx got involved after he shifted in Berlin. The group was formed with the participation of German intellectuals. They used to write about a specific legacy.
external to him. It does not belong to him. In a sense, the worker becomes alienated from his work and to himself. He loses touch of reality. The best-seller Karl Marx’s publications sold extremely well. The Manifesto of the Communist Party, with around 500 million copies sold, is one of the four best-selling books of all time. Both the Manifesto and Das Kapital are UNESCO World
Heritage documents. The much-quoted author Whether it’s his description of religion as the “opium of the people” or his call “proletarians of all countries, unite!” – Karl Marx’s phrases echo down through time right up to the present day. “Being determines consciousness,” somewhat freely formulated after the book The German Ideology, was a sentence for eternity.
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Ganga
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
IIT-KGP report
Tracing The Ancient Route Of The Ganga In Varanasi Architects and scientists from IIT, Kharagpur, have been scouting the lanes and bylanes of this famous religious city in Uttar Pradesh for more than a year, trying to trace an answer to this hidden treasure Prasanta Paul
D
oes Varanasi have an ancient, well-networked water flow system underneath dating as far back as 11th or 12th century BC? Architects and scientists from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, have been scouting the lanes and bylanes of this famous religious city in Uttar Pradesh for more than a year, trying to trace an answer to this hidden treasure. And their untiring efforts have paid dividends which have obviously excited the IIT-KGP explorers. They have discovered the Ganga as it had flowed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself the town thousands of years ago. The has expressed his keen interest in the discovery has turned out to be crucial; project. Periodic reports of the find are once the secret is properly unravelled being sent to the PMO for his perusal. with archaeological evidence and The IIT team has already come across research, Varanasi could transform itself very old channels that were believed to into a world famous tourist destination have fed the city once and there are still on a different scale. Because, Varanasi layers of them underneath the present has been labelled as one of the oldest city. The explorers are of the opinion continuously inhabited cities in the that these channels can be restored in world. some portions in order to partially solve IIT-KGP, which has been partnering the existing water and sewage troubles with University of Columbia, IIT- that continue to dog the congested city. Benaras Hindu University and Varanasi Mention of Varanasi can be traced Municipal Corporation, has already tied to the Rig Veda; in ancient India, it was it with the smart city project. According called Kashi which has been derived to the IIT-KGP researchers, the aim is to from the word ‘Kasha’, which means explore and re-track the old route of the brightness. It also had several other Ganga and ascertain whether a portion of names such as Sudarshana, Surandhana, this can be retrieved to restore a riverine Avimuktaka, Anandakanana and Ramya eco-system around which the among others. Even famous ancient city of Varanasi had novelist Mark Twain had once flourished. once remarked about A special report Varanasi: “Benaras prepared by the is older than “Benaras is older than IIT-KGP on the history, older than history, older than find and measures tradition, older required to even than legend tradition, older even be taken for and looks twice as than legend and looks unearthing some old as all of them twice as old as all of of the portions of put together.” them put together” the old city, has “In fact, the already been sent to history of this city the Prime Minister’s has found elaborate Office(PMO) and discussion and reference
since the Vedic age; it was one of the 16 Mahajanapads; Jain Tirthankaras had spoken about it and thereafter, during the time of Buddha who referred it as one of the bustling metropolis,” explained Joy Sen, Head of IIT-KGP architecture department. As for the known archaeological evidence to provide it a solid background, it has been authentically proved that settlement around Varanasi in the Ganga valley began as early as in either 11th or 12th century BC. “For quite a long period, Varanasi has been viewed as a water-fed economy and all entrance and exit points, be it for business or travel, depended on the Ganga. That served as the main reference point for us since the beginning.” What is equally interesting is the fact that the IIT team, while scouring the depths of the city, has stumbled upon water sprouts that are still alive for centuries. What has come as a real surprise for the researchers is that sprouts are located in the central part of the city and far removed from the river bank. Popularly known as Kunds, these are found to have gone as deep as the bed of the river and naturally connected with it, Sen pointed out. “The find is so interesting that we studied how the river has changed its course several times owing to natural factors and moved far away from where
it is flowing now, leaving its wonderful footprints behind,” Sen said. The team meticulously mapped this change of the course of the river throughout the city by joining the points of the river in these kunds. And after due mapping and joining the points, the members were surprised to discover that notwithstanding the change of the course of the river, the river is active underneath in the form of an unused water cable that can be activated to solve many a water-related problem currently plaguing the city. For instance, the handloomhandicraft industry which is the mainstay of the city’s economy and requires huge water for sustenance can be benefited from this proposed realignment. The team being led by Sen, has concluded that Varanasi has actually been sitting on a well-networked water flow system underneath that has remained unused for centuries. Now, the challenge before the team is to reactive it without disturbing the overground structure as far as possible. “We’ve devised a plan in consultation with our partner institutions to work it out,” Sen added. The project is a part of “Sandhi”, a science-culture initiative in the country’s IITs being promoted by the HRD and culture ministries. At the moment, it is being anchored by IITKGP and includes a wide spectrum of departments. As for the Varanasi Water urbanism project, the IIT’s architecture and civil engineering departments have teamed up. There is another side of the project which is not being talked about for some other reasons; the members are also engaged in drawing another map to trace the mythological rishi (sage) Rishyashringa’s Anandavan (as mentioned in the Ramayana) and find out if there is a connection between this stretch and Buddha’s Sarnath which historians often claim.
Secular India
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
15 07
Phool Waalon Ki Sair
An Offering Of Communal Unity At Altar Of Secular India Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki in Meharauli stepped out after offering a floral “chhatra” at the ancient Yogmaya temple located at a stone’s throw from the dargah Siddhi Jain
W
hen Syed Fariddudin Qutbi, the “khadim” (attendant) of the shrine of 13th century sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki in Meharauli, stepped out after offering a floral “chhatra” (a flower-embellished umberella) at the ancient Yogmaya temple located at a stone’s throw from the dargah, all he had to say was that in the small temple sanctum sanctorum suffused with a strong incense and jasmine fragrance, he felt the same tranquility and a “magnificent, invisible power” he feels at the dargah. Part of the annual cultural festival “Phool Walon Ki Sair” (Festival of Flower Sellers), an initiative that promotes communal harmony and positive cultural exchanges since early 1800s, many like Qutbi go beyond the bounds of religious identity, and encourage members of other communities to offer flowers and “pankhas” (fans) at places of worship that are considered not “their own”. The roots of the festival go back to the reign of one of the last Mughal emperors and Bahadur Shah Zafar’s father, Akbar Shah II, who was buried next to the dargah. Legend has it that when his son Mirza Jahangir was imprisoned on the orders of the British, Akbar Shah’s wife vowed that she would offer a blanket at the Sufi saint’s dargah upon his release. As fate had it, Shah’s son was released and the blanket was offered. Upon imperial orders, floral offerings were also made at goddess Yogmaya’s temple, which sparked public enthusiasm, causing it to become an annual tradition. The festival was stopped in the 1940s when the British started their polarising efforts in line with their “divide-and-rule policy” that led to deep rifts between India’s two major religious communities, Mirza Mohtaram Bakht, secretary of the Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, the organisers of the fair, told.
The roots of the festival go back to the reign of one of the last Mughal emperors Akbar Shah II, who was buried next to the dargah
He said the festival was revived in 1961-62 by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It has, since then, been a regular occurrence and brings together hundreds of Delhi residents each year, Bakht said. In today’s deeply polarised milieu where hate crimes against specific
communities are just as rampant as the venom spewed against them on social media, the assimilating significance of the week-long festival takes a new turn. “When our Hindu brothers offer a blanket of flowers at the dargah, members of the Muslim community take a step back and let them take the lead. Similarly, Muslim people are encouraged to offer a floral ‘chhatra’ to Devi Yogmaya. It’s a communion of hearts, and that can only happen if there’s ‘pakeezgi’ in people’s souls,” Qutbi told, adding that he recommends extremists of all religions to at least experience other cultures once.
Rajnish Jindal, another resident of Mehrauli, who has been visiting the festival for 15 years, said that it was a matter of developing comfort with all religions and people from all walks of life. “You go into a gurdwara, you find peace and comfort, that’s your ‘mahzab’ (faith); same is with a mosque or a temple or a church. It should be a matter of personal belief,” he said. Not surprisingly, the path of “Phool Walon Ki Sair”, is often laden with thorns and threats. “People say ‘tum karke toh dikhao, hum dekhte hai tum kaise karte ho’ (We’ll see how you do it); not everyone wants a secular nation that celebrates all its religions. It often happens covertly; 11th-hour permissions, indifference and excuses create hurdles for us, even if there is no direct visible opposition. “We, however, give it back with our enthusiasm. Truth is always victorious. They can’t stop our caravan,” Bakht, a former geologist and a “proud Delhiwallah”, said. Kite flying competitions, processions, wrestling bouts, kabbadi and shehnai recitals mark the first four days of the seven-day festival, with offerings in the dargah and the temple earmarked for the fifth and sixth days. This year, Delhi’s LieutenantGovernor Anil Baijal offered the floral blanket at the dargah on November 15, and Delhi government’s transport minister Kailash Gahlot offered a floral “chhatra” on November 16, along with members of both communities. “Phool Walon Ki Sair” closed on November 17, with tableaus from over 11 states and a night-long qawwali singing programme.
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Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Talking isn’t doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds William Shakespeare
Dr BINDESHWAR PATHAK
VIEWPOINT
Founder, Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement
End The Shame Of Scavengers
Safety measures for cleaning sewers to prevent deaths of sewer workers
Be free, Be responsible The more responsible you become, the freer you become
F
riedrich Nietzsche declared, a century ago, ‘God is dead, and man is free.’ The next sentence he wrote was, ‘Now you can do whatsoever you want to do, there is no responsibility. God is dead, man is free, and there is no responsibility.’ There, he was absolutely wrong. When there is no God, there is tremendous responsibility on your shoulders; if there is God, he can share your responsibility, you can throw your responsibility on Him. You can say: it is you who have made the world, it is you who have made me in this way. It is you who is finally responsible, not me. How can I be ultimately responsible? I am just a creature and you are the Creator. Why have you put seeds of corruption and sin in me? You are responsible. I am free. If there is no God, then man is responsible for his acts, because there is no way he can shift responsibility to anybody else. When I say you are free, I mean that you are responsible. You cannot transfer responsibility to anybody else. You are alone; whatsoever you do, it is your doing. You cannot say that somebody else forced you to do it because you are free, nobody can force you. Because you are free, it is your decision to do something or not to do something. People go on talking about freedom but what they really want is not exactly freedom; they want irresponsibility. They ask for freedom but deep down, unconsciously, they ask for irresponsibility and license. The world is not free because people are not mature. So, when I say freedom, I mean, be responsible. The more responsible you become, the freer you become.
Editor-in-Chief
Kumar Dilip Edited, Printed and Published by: Monika Jain on behalf of Sulabh Sanitation Mission Foundation, owned by Sulabh Sanitation Mission Foundation Printed at: The Indian Express Limited A - 8, Sector -7, NOIDA (UP) Published at: RZ - 83, Mahavir Enclave, Palam - Dabri Road, New Delhi - 110045 (India) Corporate Office: 819, Wave Silver Tower, Sector - 18, NOIDA (UP) Phone: +91-120-2970819 Email: editor@sulabhswachhbharat.com, ssbweekly@gmail.com
A
s some of you may be aware, I have been deeply engaged with the cause of sanitation, especially toilets, for the last 50 years, and my impassioned engagement with sanitation and toilets still continues and this function is a living illustration of that. The world is changing faster than we are able to cope with, but the consequence of my longstanding work in this field has brought sanitation to the centre stage of national priorities that finds vivid manifestation in the ongoing Swachh Bharat Mission. On this day now, we have come up with the idea to start nothing less than a sanitation revolution in this country. Whereas one revolution led by Mahatma Gandhi brought independence to India, this ongoing sanitation revolution under the banner of Swachh Bharat
Mission, led by our beloved Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will bring freedom from dirt and filth. However, it is extremely sad that we often hear these days the news about so many sewer workers losing their lives while working inside the sewer. This is a matter of grave concern for all perceptive and conscientious Indians, particularly the political and business leadership. To rally round support for this cause and do something tangible to stop the loss of precious lives, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, which has been in the forefront of leading a nationwide social and sanitation movement for the past 50 years, has decided this year to organise the World Toilet Day on the theme of “Safety Measures for Cleaning Sewers to Prevent Deaths of Sewer Workers”.
Let us pledge to dedicate ourselves to the cause of safety, health and protection of our sewer workers, who render such an invaluable service to society
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018 The preventable tragedy of Sewer Cleaners In India, we have thousands of sewer cleaners (manual scavengers called safai karamcharis), who are engaged in handling the human waste manually, clearing chocked drains with minimum equipment and gathering human waste from railway platforms. Even today, generation after generation is compelled to do this work of manual scavenging. Nearly a century after Mahatma Gandhi called for the abolition of manual scavenging, the degrading practice continues. According to various sources, during the last three years, there have been over 1300 deaths of Safai Karamcharis while entering sewer lines. It is high time this tragedy is averted. This problem can be fixed by: Overcoming the expected and predictable hazards; Using the knowledge and specialization we have acquired over the years; Using the current techniques prescribed in the Manual Scavenging Act 2013, to overcome the risks, and getting trained on how to use current equipment, and; Transforming the perception of the occupation and bringing about pride and dignity in the job. It is notable that the Chapter 2 of Manual Scavenging Act 2013 clearly specifies obligation of employer towards employees engaged in the cleaning of sewer or septic tank. It mentions that no person shall be allowed to clean a sewer manually, but person(s) can be employed for this task with the protective gear and safety devices in exceptional cases such as: a) For the removal of concrete or Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) or damaged manhole door where mechanical equipment cannot be put in to operation. b) For interlinking the newly laid sewer main with the existing sewer main, in case of sewer of size of more than 300 mm diameter. c) For removal of submersible pump sets fixed at the bottom of the suction walls. d) For the reconstruction of the manhole or the rectification of the sewer main. e) Any circumstance when it is absolutely necessary to have manual sewage cleaning, after the CEO of the local authority has permitted to do so after recording in writing the specific valid reasons for allowing such cleaning. For the purpose of clauses (c) and (d) of the above mentioned sub-rule, before allowing entry of a person in the sewer, sewage shall be totally emptied. It has been stipulated in the Act that any person engaged to clean sewer or septic tanks shall be provided protective gear and safety devices by his employer, but not limited to the following safety
OpEd
17
In India, we have thousands of sewer cleaners, who are engaged in handling the human waste manually, clearing chocked drains with minimum equipment and gathering human waste devices. Following are the prescribed safety devices for entering into the manhole and avoid the hazards of gases: Air Compressor Blower; Airline Breathing Apparatus; Airline Respiration with Manually Operated Air Blower; Air Purifier Gas Mask; Breathing Apparatus; Breathing Mask; Emergency Medical Oxygen Resuscitator Kit; Gas Monitor; Chlorine Mask Similarly, there are prescribed safety devices for protection from skin diseases, cuts and wounds: Barrier Cream; Face Mask Hand Gloves; Safety Goggles; Safety Helmet; Head Lamp; Normal Face Mask; Safety Body Clothing; Rain Coat; Fishing Wader Suit with Boots For Safety from Slips, Trips, Road Accidents and Accidents inside drainage: Nylon Rope Ladder; Reflecting Jackets; Nylon Safety Belt; Safety Harness; Caution Tape; Caution Cone; Caution Board; Lead Acetate test paper; Safety Tripod set; Searchlight; Safety torch Other Safety Devices include First Aid Box, Portable Oxygen and Notebook. It is stipulated that the local authority shall ensure that the following cleaning devices are used by persons engaged in cleaning sewer or septic tank including but not limited to the following: Jetting machine; Suction machine; Combine machine Jetting cum suction; Manual Hand operated grab bucket; Hydraulic operated trolley mounted grab bucket; Truck Mounted Motor and Winch operated Grab Bucket Machine Following are the General Points mentioned in the Act regarding the safety and health of sewer workers involved in drain cleaning: • All protective gears and safety devices under the rules (of the Manual Scavenging Act) shall be checked every six months and necessary repair or replacements shall be made by the employer who engages a person for cleaning a sewer or septic tank. • The employer shall also ensure the following safety precautions before a person is engaged in the cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank:
a) There shall be a minimum of three employees present all the time, one of whom shall be supervisor. b) The atmosphere within the confined space shall be tested for oxygen deficiency and toxic combustible gases including, but not to be limited to, poisonous gases like Hydrogen Sulphide, Carbon Monoxide, Methane and Gasoline vapours through detection test including the following: I. Lowering a detector lamp in to the manhole. II. Inserting wet lead acetate paper which changes colour in the presence of hazardous gases. III. Detection of gases through gas detector masks. c) Traffic and pedestrian barricades are provided all the times. d) Regular annual medical checkup sewage workers which include the examination of respiratory organs, skin injuries, and other occupational diseases and injuries for their treatment to ensure that sewage workers afflicted with such diseases or injuries do not enter sewers for cleaning. • Regular vaccination against respiratory and skin diseases and other occupational diseases to which these workers are prone due to exposure to harmful substances and gases in sewers. • All employees who are present on the site during cleaning work are given training and adequately familiarized with the knowledge to operate all equipments involved in cleaning work, to avoid injuries, diseases associated with such work and to take necessary steps in case of emergency arising at the place of work and the training shall be conducted every two years and the employees shall be familiarized with every such method and technique to the above. • The supervisor should keep the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the nearest hospitals or clinics. •Cleaning of a sewer or septic tank will be done (i) only in day light (ii) for a duration not exceeding 90 minutes at a stretch. There shall be a mandatory interval of 30 minutes between two streches. • Smoking, open flames are prohibited inside the manhole as well as in the immediate vicinity of open manholes. • Ensure that written operating and rescue procedures are displayed at the entry side.
• The opened manhole shall be properly fenced or barricaded to prevent any person, especially children, from accidently falling into the sewer. Dummy cover with welded fabric or wire net may be used. In the Act, there is mandatory Safety Checklist for entering manhole, individual and team, as mentioned above. The Chapter 2 of the Manual Scavenging Act 2013 also mentions the following measures for personal hygiene: • Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose or open sores while handling human waste or sewage. • After handling human waste or sewage, wash your hand with soap and water before eating or drinking. • Before eating remove soiled work clothes and eat in designated areas away from human waste and sewage handling activity. • Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage. • Keep open cuts, sores and wounds covered while handling human waste or sewage. It is apparent thus that there are enough and adequate measures, both technical and practical, prescribed in the Manual Scavenging Act 2013 that can put an end to the tragedy of deaths of sewer workers, if those measures are effectively put into practice. Apparently, there is a huge gap between the desired things and measures mentioned in the Act and their application on the ground. There is need to bridge this gap as far as possible on an urgent basis. And along with this, we have to transform the perception of Manual Scavenging and Sewage Working and bring about pride and dignity by using mechanisation, as mentioned in the Chapter 2 of the Manual Scavenging Act 2013. Let us pledge to dedicate ourselves to the cause of safety, health and protection of our sewer workers, who render such an invaluable service to society. Let us endeavour to do all the doable things that can save the precious lives of our sewer workers. If we are serious about this, we can ensure the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases associated with sewage work as well as protection of environment in the best interest of our family, community and the nation.
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Photo Feature
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Blend of Hindu, Islamic, Chinese & Western Motifs
Indonesia’s multi-cultural traditions co-exist harmoniously and thrive in the present-day Muslim-majority south-east Asian country Photo: SIPRA DAS
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Photo Feature
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Sanitation
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
belgium
Implementation Of Right To Water & Sanitation in Law Belgium can be considered as fully implementing the right to water. Access to drinking water and sanitation form constitutive elements of the right to water
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There are 350 kilometers of sewers in the city of Brussels that are accessible to humans. Most are ovoid shapes (a design pioneered in London), about 90 centimeters high
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elgium recognises water and sanitation as a public good fundamental for life and health with a strong social and environmental dimension. The value for improved sanitation facilities (% of population with access) in Belgium was 99.50 as of 2015. Over the past 25 years, this indicator reached a maximum value of 99.50 in 2015 and a minimum value of 99.50 in 1990. Water supply and sanitation in Belgium is provided by a large variety of organisations: Most of the 589 municipalities of Belgium have delegated the responsibility for water supply and sanitation to regional or inter-municipal utilities. There are more than 62 water supply utilities, including 2 regional,
30 inter-municipal and 30 municipal utilities. Another 100 mostly small municipalities provide services directly without having a legally of financially separate entity for water supply. Water is not scarce in Belgium and water supply is generally continuous and of good quality. However, wastewater treatment has long lagged behind and Brussels only achieved full treatment of its wastewater in 2007. In 2004 the European Court of Justice ruled condemning Belgium’s failure to comply with the EU wastewater directive, and the ruling has not been fully complied with so far. Wallonia satisfies 55 per cent of the national needs in drinking water while it counts only 37 per cent of the population. Flanders and Brussels are dependent on drinking water from Wallonia, at a level of 40 per
cent and 98 per cent respectively. An interesting aspect of the Belgian water and sanitation sector is the recognition of a basic right to water. The Wallonia and Brussels Regions have set up Social Funds for Water, which provide financial support to people having difficulties to pay their water bill, while in Flanders everyone has the right to a minimal supply of 15 mÂł (41 litre/ capita/day) of free water per person per year. Belgium can be considered as fully implementing the right to water. Access to drinking water and sanitation form constitutive elements of the right to water. When mentioning the right to water, it implicitly includes the right to sanitation. The right to water is not yet explicitly recognised in contemporary human rights law, but can be deduced
Sanitation
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
through a progressive interpretation of various international norms. Sanitary Sewers The first sewers in the Brussels area were made in 1660 — very primitive tubular or square tunnels, connecting houses to small rivers like the Maalbeek and Woluwé. Residents encountered a lot of problems with these early sewers, which were frequently blocked with sand and dirt. In 1830, the Belgian revolution took place in Brussels, and on July 21, 1831, Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians, ascended the throne, undertaking the destruction of the city walls and the construction of many buildings in Brussels. Under Leopold II, the city underwent many more changes including an improved sewer system. The Senne River, the catchment for wastewater in the Brussels area for centuries, was essentially an open sewer and the source of epidemics in the area since the 16th century. In the 19th century, it remained a visual and medical blight on the Brussels city centre, a source of flooding, and an embarrassment to the new government. From 1867 to 1871, a section of the Senne River was covered in a project designed by the architect Leon Suys and constructed under the direction of the mayor of Brussels, Jules Anspach, by a private English company. The river then disappeared under Lemonnier and Anspach boulevards (the latter the biggest avenue in Brussels and named after the mayor). In 1877, the river was covered further from the Brussels Zuid station to the Brussels North station (the 19th-century locations — both have since moved). At that point, a large section of the river in the city centre was
completely covered, essentially making it into a permanent sewer. The Senne River was diverted to a new location between 1930 and 1950 and completely covered from the rue des Vétérinaires to Quai des Usines. The old Senne tunnels were then used for the “pre-metro,” an underground tramway. The Metro began using these tunnels only in 1960. Some parts of the old Senne tunnels are now completely unused, except as basins for stormwater. Today, few people even know there is a river in Brussels, which is why Brussels is sometimes called a city which hides its river. After the original covering of the Senne, Anspach and other mayors in the Brussels area built a real sewer network. (Brussels is made of 19 cities under different administrations.) These sewers are largely made with ovoid shapes and are connected to rivers for sewage disposal — as in other large European cities of the time. The sewer system is similar in many ways to the Paris and London sewers (raised walkways for sewer workers, ovalshaped brick tunnels, use of sluice-gate cars for cleaning), and is part of the European revolution in sewer design of the last half of the 1800s. The period from 1935 to 1955 saw intensive changes. Two big collectors were constructed, skirting the old Senne tunnels to the west and east and collecting the city’s stormwater and sewage. The west collector is two kilometres long and the east one is nine kilometres long; the west collector connects to the east one in a city called Schaerbeek. In this very large combined collector, the gutter is two meters deep and three meters wide — an impressive
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entered the modern age, the ageing tunnel system is in critical need of repair. Brussels has approximately 1,500 kilometres of sewers that currently need serious attention. An estimated 500 kilometres of sewers need to be completely replaced. 50 people work each day in Brussels to clean sewers and storm basins — very difficult work because the sewer slopes are generally too low, causing settling of solids and blockages. To compound the problem, Brussels is built on sand — you can easily guess the problems encountered when sand enters the minimally sloped sewers. The Brussels sewermen clean sewers with pressurized water and using sluice-gate cars, which essentially block the sewer channel, building up water pressure behind the cars and pushing settled solids to a collection point using only water power. Similar cars were used in the Paris sewers as well. There are 350 kilometres of sewers in the city of Brussels (the metropolitan centre only) that are accessible to humans. Most are ovoid shapes (a design pioneered in London), about 90 centimetres high. Sewers in Brussels are very different from sewers in other large cities, like London or Paris, because traditional methods are still used to work them, and there are very few machines, so the sewermen have direct contact with the sewers. They don’t generally work with computers, but in real tunnels.
flow. In the (very near) past, all flow was delivered into the Senne River in a city called Neder-Over-Hembeek. From there, it went to Antwerpen and on to the sea. The sewers in Brussels are all “combined sewers” (“unique tunnels” in the author’s words), which combine sewage and stormwater, unlike most modern cities using separate tunnels for each source. In surrounding cities, sewers are extremely recent (from the 1980s). Administration of the outer cities is not the same as the city centre and is always changing, creating problems with the regional administration of the sewer system. In the last few years, some changes made include a new grid inside the network, and even lasers and alarms (not commonly found in sewer systems). The Brussels area remained without any wastewater treatment throughout the 20th century, though a wastewater management plan was developed in the 1980s. The Brussels-South plant went online in 2000, treating wastewater for about one-third of the Brussels area. The Brussels-North plant, called Aquiris, went online in 2007 and efforts finally began to restore sections of the Senne River. While the treatment system has
High water quality Wallonia, a region of Belgium, supplies 55 per cent of the national need for water while it only contains 37 per cent of the country’s population. This fact becomes an issue due to the fact that Flanders and Brussels both rely on water from Wallonia. Flanders and Brussels rely on receiving clean water from Wallonia, 40 per cent, and 98 per cent, respectively. Although there are present issues with wastewater sanitation in the country, the Belgian government has made strides in the past decade in improving its water supply after the court ruling in 2004. The high water quality in Belgium is one reason why living in the nation is so desirable. One other reason is that the Belgian sanitation departments in the Belgian government recognise the importance of the fundamental right to water. The high water quality in Belgium is something the international community should applaud. Every citizen has a right to access clean water, and both the private and public sectors strive to make sure this can happen. (Source: Sewer history, Wikipedia, borgenproject.org, ohchr.org, Lonely planet, Belgium data, rightowater.info)
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Environment
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
measuring exposure
Research Project On Air Pollution's Impact On Health For the study, titled “DAPHNE” (Delhi Air Pollution Health And Effects), AIIMS researchers have developed an air pollution sensor technology Somrita Ghosh
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s the National Capital Region (NCR) battles poor air quality during winter, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has started a research project to study the effects of air pollution on public health. “Delhi’s air quality deteriorates every year during Diwali owing to multiple reasons like stubble burning and bursting of crackers. However, last year, when the air pollution level escalated, we noticed a surge in patients visiting AIIMS,” Dr Karan Madan, Associate Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, AIIMS, who is part of this research programme, told. So the country’s premier medical research and referral hospital decided to conduct empirical research on the impact of air pollution on health. For the study, titled “DAPHNE” (Delhi Air Pollution Health And Effects), AIIMS researchers have developed an air pollution sensor technology. “This sort of study has not been earlier conducted in India. The device has been developed in a belt format which is very light and it gives clear continuous pollution data. The belt can be wrapped around the waist or on the arms,” Madan said.
He explained that the device is wireless and directly sends data to a monitoring system through a Global Positioning System (GPS). AIIMS is primarily focusing on children suffering from pulmonary diseases like asthma, bronchitis and other breathing troubles -- as well as pregnant women. The device, which is to be worn by children suffering from asthma or bronchitis, will give an idea of the
This sort of study has not been earlier conducted in India. The device has been developed in a belt format which is very light and it gives clear continuous pollution data
Save Heritage
Cleanliness Drive For Agra’s Heritage Volunteers of India Rising cleaned the area and painted the boundary wall of Etmauddaula viewpoint
exposure level of air pollution when one is travelling in the school bus, at home, when in school, or outdoors while playing. “On pregnant women, we are trying to see how pollution might affect the unborn child. We are also trying to figure out the birth rate issue from this study owing to poor air quality,” Madan noted. Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science
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undreds of river activists and volunteers of NGOs joined a massive cleanliness drive opposite the Etmauddaula tomb to lift garbage and idols immersed in the Yamuna. River Connect Campaign member Devashish Bhattacharya told that regular cleaning of Yamuna was necessary to save heritage monuments along the river banks from Babar’s Ram Bagh, Etmauddaula, Agra Fort and the Taj
Mahal. The garbage that has accumulated on the river bed has become a breeding ground for all kinds of mosquitoes and insects which damage the surface of the monuments. Volunteers of India
and Technology, and Medical Research Council, Britain, the project is a collaborative effort of the two nations. In India, apart from AIIMS, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, IIT Delhi and GTB Hospital are also associated with the research. “While the data on asthma in children will be compiled at AIIMS, GTB Hospital will be following the cases of pregnant women,” Madan said. The research process, initiated last year, began on a pilot basis two months ago. Dr Madan stated that around 10 children have been given this belt across Delhi NCR. “So far, the project is going good and the readings have come accurate. The study will conclude next year and the report will be released,” he added. Talking about the rise in health hazards among residents in the National Capital Region and its surrounding areas, Madan said that AIIMS has witnessed an increase of 15-20 per cent in the number of patients with cases of respiratory problems like coughing, heavy breathing, asthma symptoms, and burning sensation in throat and nose. “People with respiratory problems are increasing. Apart from asthma patients, there were fresh cases who visited AIIMS owing to pollution,” he stated.
Rising cleaned the area and painted the boundary wall of Etmauddaula viewpoint from where foreign tourists shoot pictures of the river and the Taj. Local corporator Anurag Chaturvedi told: “We are daily cleaning up the area but the problem of garbage cleaning is so huge that we need more men and machinery on a regular basis. However, there has been a marked difference as night cleaning has helped a lot.” The Yamuna flows through Agra, one of India’s most popular tourist destination.
Good News
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018 make in odisha
Odisha Launches Biotech Policy 2018 Development of the biotechnology in Odisha will be based on three key pillars
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disha launched a Biotechnology Policy 2018 with the aim of providing attractive incentives to stakeholders to invest in the state. “We assure investors full support of the state government for the whole life cycle of the project. By collaborative efforts, between the state government and private stakeholders, we aim to make
odf
Jharkhand Has Declared ODF
Odisha a top biotech investment destination in the country,” said Science and Technology Minister Badri Narayan Patra at Make in Odisha Conclave. He said the development of the biotechnology sector in Odisha will be based on three key pillars innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. As per the policy, all biotechnology units shall be allotted land at a concessional rate as per the Industrial Policy Resolution of the state government. Besides, an additional subsidy of 25 per cent shall be available to reputed anchor tenants. “Biotechnology is one of the emerging technologies that has excellent potential to grow in Odisha. We have seen how IT has transformed the country and the world, biotech is another such emerging technology and we in Odisha should take full advantage of this sector,” said Chief Secretary AP Padhi.
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harkhand was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) on its Statehood Day and seven districts were announced to be fully electrified.
NGO
Draft River Basin Bill Should Focus On Downstream Impact According to the draft, the Chief Ministers of all the states under the particular basin will be members of the Executive Council agency head of the tabling of the Inter-State River Basin Management Bill 2018 in the forthcoming winter session of parliament, environmentalists here have said that special focus should be accorded to the issue of the downstream impact of rivers, particularly in case of the rivers in northeast India. The Union Ministry of Water Resources recently released the draft of the bill for public comments. The Centre is likely to table the Bill in Parliament
According to the draft, the Chief Ministers of all the states under the particular basin will be members of the Executive Council. The NGOs that took part in a multi-stakeholder consultation in Guwahati recently organised by Oxfam India include Aaranyak, North East Research and Social Work Networking (NERSWN), Peoples’ Action for Development (PAD) and Trust for Change and Development. The demand of the NGOs for focus on the downstream impact
during the winter session slated for December. “It is necessary to ensure that the downstream states do not suffer from the unwanted adverse impact of river dams and other similar structures located in upstream states. In cases where such an impact cannot be avoided, efforts should be made to minimise the effect, which is agreeable to stakeholders,” said a group of NGOs, which have moved the Union Water Resources Ministry recently. The proposed River Basin Management Bill, 2018 seeks to set up 13 River Basin Authorities having a two-tier system consisting of a Governing Council and an Executive Board.
of the rivers assumes importance, particularly for Assam and other northeastern states. At least 10 persons died in flash floods in Lakhimpur district of Assam last year due to the sudden release of water from a dam of Ranganadi hydro-electric project in the upper reaches of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. “My suggestion is the river dam projects seeking clearance should be halted till the RBAs are set up and there should be a fresh process of seeking clearance of dam building as otherwise dam building process and river basin master plan will be conflicting to each other,” said Partho Jyoti Das, an expert on water at Aaranyak.
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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das
It has achieved the ODF mission one year ahead of the national target IANS
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The main function of the 18th foundation day was organised at the Morabadi ground. On the occasion, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das handed over appointment letters to 2,318 candidates. The appointments included 1,385 teachers for plus two schools and 713 Revenue Department employees. He said: “Jharkhand has achieved the ODF mission one year ahead of the national target. Seven districts have been fully electrified. Now, one can boast proudly of being a Jharkhandi. Jharkhand is ranked fourth in Ease of Doing Business.”
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excerpts from the book: “NARENDRA DAMODARdas MODI: the making of a legend”
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Pakistan The India-Pakistan story has many difficult issues lingering for decades. It is not an easy path ahead. But the two leaders are trying to establish a personal equation that can add momentum to the structured process of official talks in the future. Nalin Kohli BJP spokesperson
It’s an extremely welcome move and it shows that the baby steps promised at the Paris summit between the two Prime Ministers have transformed into a much bigger step, which
holds big promise for both countries.
Imtiaz Gul head of the Islamabad-based Centre for Research and Security Studies
PM Modi visits the home of PM Sharif in Raiwind, Lahore, Pakistan on December 25, 2015.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received by Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, Pakistan, on December 25, 2015.
PM Modi in conversation with PM Sharif in Lahore, Pakistan, on December 25, 2015.
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rime Minister Narendra left everyone surprised by his impromptu short visit to Lahore to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his birthday on December 25, 2015. It was the first visit undertaken by an Indian Prime Minister in 12 years and was quite high on optics. Both Prime Ministers warmly hugged each other and held hands at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport before proceeding to Sharif ’s Raiwind estate on the outskirts of the city to attend his granddaughter’s wedding and for talks. Modi dropped in on Lahore after visits to Russia and Afghanistan. He had earlier met Sharif on the sidelines of climate change talks in Paris in November. It was described as a goodwill visit and both leaders decided to understand each other’s reservations and restart dialogue in a positive manner.
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
excerpts from the book: “NARENDRA DAMODARdas MODI: the making of a legend”
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Iran The speed and confidence with which Prime Minister Modi moved to engage Iran once economic sanctions imposed on the country were lifted speaks volumes about the dynamism in India’s foreign policy under the NDA government.
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rime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a twoday state visit to Iran from May 22 to May 23, 2016. The most significant take away from the visit was inking of a tripartite agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan to turn the Iranian port of Chabahar into a transit hub. Six other agreements for cooperation in various other fields
India and Iran are not new friends. Our ‘dosti’ (friendship) is as old as history. As friends and neighbours, we
India’s relationship with Iran starts with Chabahar today, but its end will be an all-out comprehensive
have shared interest in each other’s growth and prosperity, and joys and sorrows.
development, and economic, cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran
have also been signed with Iran. The MOUs inked covered the areas of culture and art, radio, television, mass media and cinema. The two countries also agreed to create a Joint Secretary/Director Generallevel policy dialogue as well as encouraging new institutional mechanisms between think tanks on both sides. There was also agreement to create institutional
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of Iran, Mr. Hassan Rouhani and the President of Afghanistan, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, witnessing signing of Trilateral Agreement between India, Afghanistan and Iran, in Tehran on May 23, 2016.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani witnessing the signing of agreements between India and Iran, in Tehran on May 23, 2016.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of Iran, Mr. Hassan Rouhani and the President of Afghanistan, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, during the trilateral meeting, in Tehran on May 23, 2016.
mechanisms for cooperation between the ICCR and the ICRO; finalise the specific terms for the Chabahar Port project; establish a framework of cooperation between ECGC and EGFI in supporting and encouraging foreign trade and foreign investment between India and Iran; explore the possibility of manufacturing aluminium metal by setting up of a joint venture smelter; provide requisite services for the construction of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line and cooperation between the National Archives of India and the National Library and Archives Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Prime Minister Modi also had bilateral discussions with Iranian President Rouhani and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a conference on ‘’India and Iran, Two Great Civilizations: Retrospect and Prospects’’ and released a rare Persian manuscript during his visit.
To be continued in the next issue
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Northeast
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Apatani Youth Association
Citizens Join Hands To Clean Kley River Mission Clean Kley River is an initiative of Apatani Youth Association (AYA) that had begun three years ago Raj Kashyap
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itizens of Ziro valley at Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh have once again joined hands to remove the muck from the Kley River. On 13 November, people from all age groups including students, village chiefs and elders, NGO activists and officials participated in the third edition of Mission Clean Kley River which has now become an annual event in the district. Kley River is the lifeline of Ziro valley considered one of the most picturesque spots in the hills. The entire 21km stretch of the river and its tributaries were cleaned during the day in an operation that continued almost the whole day. Mission Clean Kley River is an initiative of Apatani Youth Association (AYA) that had begun three years ago following a series of meetings among the village chiefs and civil society groups on the need to maintain the health of the river. Huge heaps of garbage, mostly plastic bottles, were seen on the bank of the river after the operation came to an end in the evening. Apatani Youth Association (AYA)
president told the media that the garbage collected from the river would fill up as many as 12 mini trucks. He appealed to the public to keep the river clean and focused on the need to change the mindset and inculcate social responsibilities. AYA has expressed gratitude to the district administration for its unconditional support for cleaning the river. It may be mentioned that Ziro valley has been placed in the tentative list of World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 2014. Concerns were raised earlier by different groups of people that the pollution in the river could be a stumbling block for achieving the prestigious tag. So far from the Northeast, only two sites have found a place in the category – Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Thembang Dzong, a fortified village near Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, maidams (burial grounds) of Ahom dynasty and the “silk village” Sualkuchi in Assam are the other three sites from the Northeast which were forwarded last year for nomination for
the World Heritage Site tag. There are about 50,000 Apatani people living in the cultural landscape area in seven villages, situated about 120km east of Itanagar. The Apatanis follow a unique
agricultural technique which involves the optimum land use and watershed management by the community. The farmers not only rear fish in paddy fields but also grow millet on bunds (partitions) between the rice plots. There is efficient conservation of crucial watersheds, ensuring the flow of the streams into the Kley to meet the needs of the people. The tribe also has an effective traditional village council called bulyan to prevent illegal activities. The Kley River is the source of irrigation for paddy and millet cultivation. But haphazard dumping of wastes in the Kley has not only fuelled pollution but also has posed a threat to the continuation of these agricultural practices. During the operation to clean the river, locals also made a case to stop the use of polythene and support the district administration to enforce its ban. In fact, Lower Subansiri district had earlier banned the use of polythene. The state government has also decided to work out an action plan for sewerage treatment and rejuvenation of the Kley.
Mineral Reserve
Welcome To The Resource-rich Region Of India Northeastern states have mineral reserves of Rs 10 lakh crore, says GSI Agency
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ndia’s northeastern states have mineral reserves worth more than Rs 10 lakh crore which are yet to be exploited, a Geological Survey of India (GSI) official said. The GSI is engaged in generating baseline data and mineral exploration besides research and development projects in the field of geosciences, mining and exploration. Noting that if these mineral reserves are exploited, the region will flourish, GSI official said the mineral sector drives the growth of the country and not only does it contribute to the GDP,
it also acts as a catalyst for the growth of other core industries such as power, steel, cement, which in turn are crucial for economy.
“A total resource of 1642.64 million tonnes of coal has been estimated from the three states of Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh,” said Mulkh Raj Jarngal, the Additional Director General (ADG) and Head of Department of GSI, North Eastern Region. He said the region has a limestone reserve of 10108.6 million tonnes, estimated from Meghalaya to the southern part of Assam.
“Dolomite low-grade deposit is found in Arunachal Pradesh with a 58 million tonnes estimated reserve in Dedza and 185 million tonnes probable reserve in Rupa area,” Jarngal said. He said graphite with an estimated reserve of 703.015 million tonnes is found in Arunachal Pradesh. Clay with a probable resource of one million to three million tonnes has been discovered in Mizoram and Tripura. Iron ore is found in Assam with an estimated reserve of 14.84 million tonnes. Meghalaya has a total resource of 5.88 million tonne of bauxite.
Accolades
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
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AWARDS
Jamnalal Bajaj Awards To Four Prominent Gandhians The annual awards, presented by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (JBF), commemorate the birth anniversary of the late industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj SSB BUREAU
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ice President M Venkaiah Naidu gave away the 41st Jamnalal Bajaj Awards to four prominent Gandhians in the field of humanitarian and social work. The winners for 2018 are Dhoom Singh Negi of Uttarakhand, Rupal Desai and Rajendra Desai of Gujarat, Prasanna Bhandari of Rajasthan and Clayborne Carson, Founding Director of The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute in the US. The annual awards, presented by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation ( JBF), commemorate the birth anniversary of the late industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj and recognize achievers in the fields of Gandhian and humanitarian programmes with a citation, trophy and a prize amount of Rs 10 lakh in each category. Present on the occasion were Maharashtra Governor CV Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Chairman Rahul Bajaj, JBF Council of Advisors Chairman Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari (retired) and other dignitaries. A former teacher, Negi -- also revered as ‘guruji’ in Uttarakhand -- has led many constructive agitations for environment protection including the Chipko Movement and taken part in the Gram Swaraj of Gandhiji-Vinoba Bhave. He also participated in Gandhiji’s Sarvodaya Movement, opposed illegal systems, unfair practices and injustice, and conducted massive afforestation drives to conserve the sensitive Himalayan regions. Former US corporate executives -- Rupal Desai, an architect, and her husband Rajendra Desai, an engineer -returned to India in 1984 and plunged into social service, utilising their
Word of the year
‘Toxic’ is Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year Toxic best captures ‘the ethos, mood and preoccupations’ of the year, according to the dictionary
technical knowledge for the betterment of the rural communities. Following Gandhian philosophy of self-sustenance, they deployed modern technology for rural housing and spent six years in Latur in Maharashtra after the 1993 earthquake to focus on building local capacity and ensuring future earthquake risk reductions. They trained over 1,500 artisans and others, saved more than 750 traditional masonry buildings during the earthquake by retrofitting. The Convenor of Shri Karni Nagar Vikas Samiti (Kota), Bhandari worked for the cause of abandoned infants, destitute, distressed women and girls and helpless
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aged citizens. Shishugriha, an infant-care nursery founded by her in 1977, has helped legal adoption of 900 discarded children. Balgriha and Balikagriha for older children have benefited around 3,000 boys and 200 girls who have been married and integrated into the social mainstream. Inspired by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Carson launched a movement to teach Gandhian and King Philosophies in 2008, participated in student movements and joined Martin Luther King during his historic 1963 march to Washington DC. In 1985, Martin Luther King Jr’s widow Coretta Scott King invited Carson to direct a project to edit and publish a comprehensive edition of her husband’s speeches, correspondence, publications and unpublished works. The JBF also announced the opening of nominations for the 2019 awards.
xford Dictionaries announced that it has chosen “toxic” as its annual “Word of the Year”, arguing that it was “the sheer scope of its application that has made it the standout choice”. Strictly defined as “poisonous”, Oxford Dictionaries said on its website that its research showed that “this year more than ever, people have been using ‘toxic’ to describe a vast array of things, situations, concerns and events.” “In its original, literal use, to refer to poisonous substances, ‘toxic’ has been ever-present in discussions of the health of our communities, and our environment,” it said, pointing, among other examples, to the recent increase in the discussion surrounding the “toxicity of plastics”. But it adds that “toxic” has “truly taken off into the realm of metaphor, as people have reached for the word to describe workplaces, schools, cultures, relationships and stress”. Oxford Dictionaries said that the “Me Too” movement has “put the spotlight on toxic masculinity” whereas in politics
more broadly “the word has been applied to the rhetoric, policies, agendas and legacies of leaders and governments around the globe”. Part of Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, the dictionary has, in the past, turned to neologisms to describe the zeitgeist. In 2017, its Word of the Year was “youthquake”, defined as “a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people”. Previous years have also been influenced by the political landscape, with 2016 taking its cue from the Brexit referendum and US presidential election to choose “post-truth” as its word. The year before, however, it broke with tradition to choose the “tears of joy” emoji. The Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year is chosen from a shortlist “drawn from evidence gathered by (its) extensive language research programmer, including the Oxford Corpus, which gathers around 150 million words of current English from web-based publications each month”.
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Sports
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Fazel Atrachali
Tough To Become A Standout Kabaddi Player Fazel, who has led his Mumbai-based team to become one of the strongest contenders of this year’s title, shared his experiences
Fazel Atrachali is an Iranian professional Kabaddi player, born on 29 March 1992 in Gorgan, Iran. He plays as a defender for Mumbai based team U Mumba in the Pro Kabaddi League. Fazel preferably plays in the left corner position. He is rock-hard when it comes to defending and is known to take down most skillful of raiders. He is experienced enough to know when to react quickly but is patient enough to hold back as well. Background In his early days, Fazel started as a wrestler at a very young age of 11. He played the sport in his hometown Gorgan, but due to a shift in his place his wrestling got restricted. In high school, Fazel developed an interest in football but instinctively he got swayed towards Kabaddi later on. Debut Fazel represented Iran in the 2010 Asian Games. He made his debut in the season 2 of Pro Kabaddi League for U Mumbai. Rise to Glory Fazel represented Iran in the 2010 Asian Games, after which he participated in the 2013 Asian Indoor Games. The Iranian defender also captained his country during the 2014 Asian Games.
Kaushik Kumar
Iranian believes his game is more n no time he has become one of the important than latest poster boys in India’s cash- money. rich Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) but “I don’t think U Mumba skipper Fazel Atrachali, the about money at all. Iranian defender, feels it is a tough task It is for just three to become a standout player in a country months. I want to like India, the powerhouse of this game play like this for the for several years. next five-six years Fazel, who has led his Mumbai-based more so I focus on team to become one of the strongest future and try to get contenders of this year’s title, shared his better every day,” experiences. Fazel explained. “It is always difficult to become a star The Iranian may in a country like India as it produces a be leading a completely new team in number of great and skillful players. the ongoing season but feels it is the Here, one must perform very well to challenge that he enjoys the most. make your team believe in you,” opined “I like to play with a new team, the Iranian. with young players,” he said besides “India has a bunch of talented players explaining the reason behind it. and so, it is always a challenge “They (young players) never to perform here,” added play for themselves, these Fazel, whose side is players play for the team currently leading the which I like the most and Fazel has become charts in zone A of I like such a challenge the costliest the league. to lead them.” Fazel had Sharing his PKL purchase in this become the experience so far, year’s PKL auction as costliest purchase Fazal expressed: U Mumba pocketed in this year’s “What I have learnt him for a whopping PKL auction as U is that one must play Rs 1 crore Mumba pocketed with both his mind and him for a whopping body. Both must work Rs 1 crore but the together for you.”
Have a look…
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“Also, if I think just about myself that I am a great player, it will not work at all. All players should come as a unit and stick to the team’s strategy and plan. Only then your team could win,” he pointed out. Fazel, however, does not subscribe to the general view that being a defender and skipper together is an added advantage in kabaddi, since a defender is on the mat till the last moment. “No, it is not like that. Kabaddi is all about both your raiders and defenders,” the 26-year-old said. “It is not just your raiders are performing or just your defenders, both have to work together only then it is an advantage. It is never about the one side, the whole team needs to click together on every occasion,” Fazel concluded.
Pro Kabaddi Career In 2014, Fazel played for U Mumba in the Pro Kabaddi League. After a couple of seasons with his first team, he was then bought by Patna Pirates in the year 2016. Fazel returned to U Mumba in 2018, after a spell with Gujarat Fortune giants in the 2017-18 seasons. He was bought by the franchise for Rs. 1 crore, making him the costliest foreign player in the history of Pro Kabaddi. The Iranian national has been an important player for all the teams he has played with. The defender has been coached by multiple yet talented coaches namely E Bhaskaran and Manpreet Singh. He has played a total of 56 matches in the PKL and has a positive successful tackle percentage of 60.86. He is the only foreign defender to cross the century mark on the number of tackles, 152 points in 230 tackles made by him.
Entertainment
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
W aheeda
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R ehman
She has to her credit some of the most remarkable films of the golden era, evergreen classic songs, hugely appreciated dance sequences and a slew of awards n SSB bureau
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aheeda Rehman is the embodiment of classic beauty with a truly transcendental appeal and also one of the greatest actresses that Indian cinema has ever seen. She is till date considered the most graceful dancer and actor in Bollywood. Her long romance with films and the film industry started in 1956. She debuted in the movie called CID that changed her life and established her in the glamour world. And since then she has worked with all the big names of the industry be it Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, Satyajit Ray etc. Her last appearance was in a movie in Kamal Hassan’s big project Vishwaroopam 2. Waheeda Rehman is an actor extraordinaire and one can go on and on about her varied performances and achievements over the last five decades. However, her personal life has always had an aura of mystery as she is fiercely protective of her privacy. Not many know that she is a devoted family person. She would go to any length to help a family member in need. What is admirable is that she would do so in a manner that is not overwhelming. When one of her sisters was involved in a road accident, she dropped everything and rushed to comfort her and to take charge of her mundane domestic chores. Born in Chengalpattu near Chennai in 1936, when Waheeda Rehman lost her father in 1951, she was barely in her teens. Her mother was finding it difficult to make ends meet. It was as this crucial juncture in life that producer CV Ramakrishna Prasad offered her a dancing role in the Telugu film Rojulu Marayi, a bilingual which was also made in Tamil as Kaalam Maari Pochu In 1955. Guru Dutt happened to see the Telugu version of this film and offered her a role in C.I.D. The song and dance she performed for Rojulu Marayi, “Eruvaka sagaro ranno chinnannaa”, composed by Master Venu, became a rage. Shocking as it might
sound to her ardent fans, Rehman never wanted to become an actress. She aspired to be a doctor, but due to poor financial conditions in her family, she had to take up this career. Though she started her career with acting in Telugu and Tamil films as she was brought up in Tamil Nadu, success touch her feet in Bollywood and especially those movies co-starring Guru Dutt like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam and Chaudhvin Ka Chand and Dev Anand like Guide and Kala Bazar. Rehman is one of those esteemed actresses who have been awarded Padma Shri (1972) and Padma Bhushan (2011). She is also the first person to be honoured with the Centenary Award for the Indian Film
Tose Naina lage re etc. With Guide (1965), Waheeda reached the peak of her career. Though the novelist RK Narayan on whose book it was based, disowned the film, he had absolutely no complaints with Waheeda’s strong performance as Rosie. After Guide, Waheeda’s career graph was strange, to say the least. Her commercial successes, Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Patthar ke Sanam (1967), hardly challenged her histrionic ability and the films that did so – Teesri Kasam (1966), Khamoshi (1969), Reshma aur Shera (1971) and Zindagi Zindagi (1972) – where she too responded with splendid performances bombed at the box-office. She even won the National Award for Best Actress for Reshma Aur Shera, a fine Romeo and Juliet drama set amidst warring Thakur families in Rajasthan. As an actress, Rehman has done numerous movies and won many awards. But her most applauded performance that won her recognition and best actor female award is Guide at the Filmfare Awards. She also did a movie opposite Sunil Dutt, Reshma Aur Shera in 1971 for which she won a National Award. Waheeda Rehman married Shashi Rekhi in 1974 and lived in Bangalore with him but after his death in 2000, she moved back to her Mumbai residence. With Shashi Rekhi, Waheeda Rehman has two children - Sohail and Personality of the Kashvi. Year in 2013. This It is her belief annual honour was Rehman is one of that to be happy introduced in those esteemed and content; one the same year to actresses who must take life as commemorate it comes. Enjoy 100 years of have been every moment Indian cinema. awarded Padma to the hilt. She Rehman is Shri (1972) and loves to read, travel firstly famous for Padma Bhushan and meet people. her dancing skills In every activity she and then for her (2011) undertakes, she seeks acting. She is trained knowledge, hence continues in Bharatnatyam which to have an active body and an she learnt in her childhood. alert mind. It is remarkable that in the Her dance was well-received by our midst of new actors and amongst many Indian audience and she went on to stars of her era, this lady continues to perform on beautiful song like Kahin enjoy recognition and popularity. pe nigaahein Kahin pe nishana, Piya
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Sulabh Parivar
It was a pleasant day for the Sulabh volunteers as they had the opportunity to welcome Dikobe Ben Martins, MP, African National Congress, Parliment of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Busiwana Winnie Martins, Director, Community Centre for Justice and Development, South Africa, Manohar Krishna, MD, Smita Singh, General Manager, HR, Anupam Sukhija, Regional Sales Manager-North and Satyajeet Vaishnav, Service Engineer from Kam-Avida Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Arunachal Pradesh, and some other visitors visited Sulabh Campus. The visitors came to see the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets and were explained about the history of toilets.
POEM
Reasons Not To Cry Recited by Shakshi Trade: Beauty Care Reasons not to cry Pleasure, sincerity, emotions overflooded On the contrary red-blooded So much treasure to cherish We with money stuffed in our pockets They with only a penny as their belonging And I cry, cry for reasons so many Never looking at those ones without a penny Filled with hundreds of unfulfilled desires And I have a stupid gadget to acquire There are people dying around Their world crashing upside down We lie on our cosy beds and sleep Watching everyone sob and weep Thinking we are the biggest help Deep within we know that we neglect And I cry I cry for reasons so many Never looking at those ones without a penny Filled with hundreds of Unfulfilled Desires And I have a stupid gadget to acquire.
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018 Among the general visitors Anupam Sukhija, Regional Sales Manager, KAM-AVIDA, visited Sulabh Campus and was surprised to see the different artefacts displayed at Sulabh International Museum of Toilets from 2500 B.C. to date.
A group of 50 GNM students from St. Stephens Hospital, College of Nursing, Delhi, and Prof. Anil Kumar Rai (Vice - Chancellor), Mahatma Gandhi Central University Bihar, Motihari, visited Sulabh Campus.
Events
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
events & more...
Across 3. There is only one continent on the earth that doesn’t have any deserts. Which is that continent? 4. Name the Mughal emperor who was an excellent
events
19-B, Shivji Marg, Westend Green Farms, NH 8, Rangpuri, New Delhi 1 Dec 11:00 AM - 5 Dec 7:00 PM
connoisseur of painting: 9. What is the color of an emerald?
SSB crossword no. 50
India Crafts Week 2018 Venue : Craft Village MAHIPALPUR
10. What Indian tribe did the chiefs Cochise and Geronimo lead? 12. In which city can you find the river Thames? 14. The name of the largest daily newspaper published from Moscow means ‘truth’. What is its name? 15. What substance is processed in a “ginnery”? 16. Who was the most celebrated and longest lived poet of the Sangam Age? 17. What is the name of the common fireproof material used for thatching house roofs? 19. Which state of India is called the botanists paradise? 20. What is the name common to three Scottish kings, eight Popes and three Tsars of Russia?
SOLUTION of crossword no.49
Delhi Comic Con, 2018 Venue : NSIC Ground Okhla, Delhi
NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla Industrial Estate, Near Govindpuri Metro Station, New Delhi December 7 - 9 | 11AM
4th Times Litfest Delhi At India Habitat Center Venue : India Habitat Centre LODHI ROAD Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 1 Dec 10:00 AM - 2 Dec 9:00 PM
1. India
11. Google
2. Durban
12. Gujarat
3. Asean
13. Paris
4. Infosys
14. Iran
5. Morocco
15. Ralph
6. Isro
16. Goa
7. Singapore
17. Varanasi
8. CCEA
18. Nepal
9. Iran
19. China
10. DRS
20. Patna
solution of sudoku-49
Our Favourite Winter Fundraiser Is Back Venue : PSOI Club CHANAKYAPURI
Nehru Park, Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 2 Dec 2018 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM
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Down 1. What sign of the Zodiac is represented by a goat? 2. The first Navigator to go around the earth was a Spanish named Magellan. What was the name of his ship? 5. What is the set of 26 letters whose name is derived from the names of two Greek letters? 6. At which place Buddha passed away? 7. Akbar is reputed to have been a good player of: 8. What is the Japanese word for “Goodbye”? 11. Name the traditional garment of the Japanese: 13. Which country shares its name with its currency? 18. What is made Using the “Bessemer Process”?
sudoku-50
Dance Music Lovers, Get Ready To Party With Martin Garrix Venue : Unitech Golf & Country Club
Noida - Greater Noida Expressway, Sector 96, Noida, 2 Dec 2018 , 1:30 PM - 10:00 PM
on the lighter side by DHIR
Please mail your solution to - ssbweekly@gmail.com or Whatsapp at 9868807712, One Lucky Winner will win Cash Prize of Rs 500/-. Look for the Solution in the Next Issue of SSB
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Newsmakers
Nov 26 - Dec 02, 2018
Ramnarain Ruia College
No More ‘Paan’ Stains For inventing solution to remove ‘Paan’ stains, eight Indian students win US award
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team of eight girl students of Matunga’s Ramnarain Ruia College won a gold medal at an international competition held in Boston for inventing an ecofriendly and cost-effective method of removing beetle leaf (paan) stains in public places and on structures. As paan stains defame public spaces, it also becomes an easy breeding ground for H1N1 virus and hosts other harmful contagions. Competing with around 300 other contestants, the team also won the best integrated human practices special award at the Genetically Engineered Machines 2018 at Boston. What earlier required gallons of water and huge sums of money has now been reduced to a solution containing enzymes and microbes that convert the ugly red paan stains into “a harmless colourless product”. According to one of the students, Sanika Ambre, the team has planned to use these enzymes in the form of a gel to get rid of
the stains. The product created by the students will receive much less water. The department of biotechnology provided the students with a grant of Rs 10 lakh for participation in the event. To spread awareness, a social media drive was started by the students with the hashtag #PaanSePareshan, and they plan on continuing with it.
She Takes Over As IIM-C Director
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Traffic Cop On A Mission To Educated Socially-Deprived The Puncha Nabadisha Model School is situated in a remote part of Purulia district which aims at providing free education to the children of Sabar tribe
Anuj Sethi
Anuj was the unanimous choice of the search-cum-selection committee
espite being the oldest B-school in the country, in its five decades of existence, the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta (IIM-C) has never had a woman at the helm of its academic affairs. Now, after five decades IIM-Calcutta has welcomed its first ever woman director, with Professor Anju Seth taking over from Saibal Chattopadhyay. Screened by a search panel that was appointed by the board of governors of the institution, Seth was a frontrunner
Arup Mukherjee
amongst the shortlisted academicians, before she was finally confirmed. “We are indeed delighted that Anju will be the first woman director of the IIM-C. She was the unanimous choice of the searchcum-selection committee and the Board of G o v e r n o r s ,” said Shrikrishna Kulkarni, an IIM-C board chairperson. Interestingly, Seth is an alumna of the same institute and had pursued her MBA from 1978-79.
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ow wonderful it would be if we all realise the real worth of education? Arup Mukherjee, a traffic constable in the South Traffic Guard of the Kolkata Police, is one of those angles about whom people talk to others with magic in their eyes. The constable went on to use up all his savings to setup a new school for the children from poor economic backgrounds in Purulia district. A police constable by profession, he had a vision of uplifting the condition of children belonging to a marginalised tribe which has often been linked with criminal offences. Surely, he has been successful in building a haven for these ostracized kids who are getting an education and a home to nurture their dreams. As a child, Mukherjee was acquainted with the pitiful condition of Sabar tribe from his grandfather. He was inquisitive to learn more so as to what led them to commit criminal activities. The Sabar people have been classified as one of the ‘criminal tribes’ under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871 during the British period. The Sabars are an extremely backward tribe and most of them have had little to no education. They often end up
in without real jobs which may at times, drive them to crimes. Arup wanted to address that issue at the root by giving these children a proper education and a proper life. Arup joined the police force in 1999 and has since then been saving up for his dream. On November 13 of the year 2011, the school finally opened and had 20 students as attendees. Right now the school houses students till STD 4 and provides them with a necessary environment for growth and development. Every month, Arup donates his entire salary for the school so that the children can have their space. For these poor children with no future otherwise, this place has been no less than home to them. Since the last two years, the school has been receiving a helping hand from a group of alumni of the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Purulia. According to Arup, a group of 45 members have been helping them keep the school running and functional. Apart from them, the school has also been getting help from various other individuals and organizations. Hopefully, the school keeps on growing with time and helps the students grow as people as well.
RNI No. DELENG/2016/71561, Joint Commissioner of Police (Licensing) Delhi No. F. 2 (S-45) Press/ 2016 Volume - 2, Issue - 50 Printed by Monika Jain, Published by Monika Jain on behalf of SULABH SANITATION MISSION FOUNDATION and Printed at The Indian Express Ltd., A-8, Sector-7, NOIDA (U.P.) and Published from RZ 83, Mahavir Enclave, Palam-Dabri Road, New Delhi – 110 045. Editor Monika Jain