PUNE, OCTOBER 17, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
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PUNE, OCTOBER 17, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
Art and the ideal environment
Living in the big brother’s shadow
Being the brother of the Vice President of India is a yoke he bears lightly and with the utmost ease VISHAL KALE
Artists and craftsmen are inclined to live in a creative dimension and they do tend to thrive in scenic natural settings See Spotlight, p07 PICS BY ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Haris Ansari, younger brother of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari at his residence
GARGI VERMA @missgverma Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India, was in Pune on October 9. He had been invited to an initiation ceremony at Symbiosis, but that wasn’t all on his agenda in the city. In the gathering darkness of the evening, his convoy turned off the Airport road, veering off to narrow Road of Mohammadwadi, heading to Nyati Enclave to meet none other than his younger brother, Haris Ansari. “It generally is a lot of hassle, him coming to meet us. So whenever he comes to Pune, we meet up at Raj Bhavan, where he stays. But sometimes he wishes to come home. After all, he is my brother,” said Haris Ansari, a tall and lean man in his late 70s. There’s a joyous sparkle in his eyes, when he says, “It helps the nearby society as well, since the Municipality works overtime before his visit. The children in the Society are all excited, and I get to meet my brother, and the inconvenience associated with a dignitary’s visit, is forgotten.” Born in 1939, Haris is younger than the Vice President by three nearly years. He is well-known in his own right, just not in politics. He has been in the insurance industry for nearly four decades and has helped the country to move in a liberalised environment as a member of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority right at its inception.
What’s more, he has trained youngsters in the intricacies of the Insurance field. He continues to teach at the Pune based National Insurance Academy, where he served as a Chair Professor, and at the Jodhpur National Law University’s Centre of Insurance. “I have always liked teaching and I didn’t wish to do something that would take me away from the insurance industry. So, training is my way of sharing what I’ve learnt,” he said. How he got involved with insurance makes for an interesting anecdote. “I hold a Masters in Geology, which my father asked me to take up instead of Geography, a subject I was interested in. But as a youngster, while looking for jobs which have always been scarce, I ended up giving both exams for Life Insurance Corporation and State Bank of India,” he recounts with a hint of a smile. The smile gets more prominent as the story continues. “The results of the LIC came in fi rst and I joined the corporation. I also cleared the SBI exams. My colleagues and even I knew that I’d join the Bank. I was given a hasty but lavish farewell at Trincas, one of the best restaurants in Kolkata. But my eldest brother, who was with the IAS called me up and said, “Clerical efficiency in bank is at low ebb, You continue in LIC,’ and so I did, much to the disgust of my friends who had arranged an amazing farewell.” He bursts into infectious laughter. Contd on p 03
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
Mohandas Pai will lead start-up movement in Bengal: Mitra
“Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi have been killed. Restrictions are being imposed on what to eat. Writers returning the award is first step of protest.” — Mukund Kule, Writer
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Imperfections in Internet.org
Digital India brand ambassador Ankit Fadia points to shades of grey in an imperfect world BY GARGI VERMA @missgverma Ankit Fadia doesn’t believe that Facebook’s Internet.org is a 100 per cent perfect plan. “Had we been living in a perfect world, it would have been 100 per cent wrong. But in our practical and imperfect world, it has shades of grey,” he said. Ankit Fadia is the brand ambassador of the Modi government’s Digital India plan, which is the foremost supporter of Internet.org. However, the plan and its ambassador don’t really seem to be completely in tandem. Ankit was recently named as the Brand Ambassador of Digital India and he was in the city for the launch of his series of three books titled ‘Stretch your Technology’. Categorised into three titles, namely ‘Protect’, ‘Email’ and ‘Productivity’, these books provide an easy-tounderstand outlook and support for using smartphones and web browsers and making them smarter, he said. “I believe almost everyone has a smartphone these days, and not many know the potential of the device. So, I have made it easier for them to pick what they wish to boost. The three books are for different needs. While ‘Protect’ is for people looking to protect their data and their phone against prying eyes and theft along with virus, ‘Productivity’ is for those who want more out of their smartphones. ‘Email’ is the most basic and is for anyone in the corporate world who can use their phones as their work stations,” he said, explaining the need for three books that he accepts could be incorporated in one. “But making them different has made it easier for the readers to refer them,” he said. Even though Fadia believes that smartphones have managed to penetrate our hinterlands, the internet has
not. “Since we can’t provide them cheap internet, we have to rely on a third party. It is not clearly the violation of net neutrality but is in fact a compromise, while the government works in the direction of providing us with the facility,” he said. However, he believes that there are shades of grey involved in internet.org. “Clearly, it is benefiting a completely commercial organisation and it obviously has security limitation. We are forcing a set of people to go through a separate, not very open, line only because we can’t provide for them. On those terms, obviously, it isn’t the best plan,” he said. But, it is the only step worth taking at this juncture. “Obviously everyone should have access to the entire free and wide
internet. But if the choice is between no internet and a free internet, I am sure, the better option is to at least introduce whatever form of internet there is and then build upon it a base for free internet,” he said. A self proclaimed Modi fan, Ankit Fadia has a lot of trust in the government’s plans. “I believe it is a prerogative for the government to provide Internet for its people, something that the previous governments have always ignored. But now, I am sure, Digital India is a step closer to that,” he proclaimed. “Even though as a techie, I don’t personally like the idea of internet.org, I believe it is just a stepping stone,” he said. Clearly, Fadia sees the technical flaws in the big plan, but he urges everyone to see the bigger picture. “True, it has flaws in it, but at least someone is doing something. Haters are going to hate, but we need more people to see the logic and support Digital India. I am not talking about Internet.org because personally as a hacker, I believe it’s unethical and any number of security flaws can come up,” he concluded. Ankit Fadia (30) was the country’s first ethical hacker, that he achieved at the young age of 15. He has since written 16 books on ethical hacking and e-security and has given several seminars and corporate trainings. Even though he has hosted tech shows on MTV and has had credentials, he has also had negative publicity. He was appointed brand ambassador of the Digital India campaign on September 30 amidst heavy controversy. While many of his achievements have been questioned, he has also been accused of plagiarism. However, he is well respected amongst the country’s academicians and corporate sectors. gargi.verma@goldensparrow.com
Sassoon medicos give new lease of life to man with rare heart condition
While examining him for his ear condition, docs found that Deepak Poharkar was suffering from Sick Sinus Syndrome BY DNYANESHWAR BHONDE @TGSWeekly The anaesthetists of Sassoon General Hospital, Pune have added another feather to their cap. They diagnosed the rare ‘Sick Sinus Syndrome’ (SSS) and thereafter performed a ear surgery on a 24-year-old male recently. Coincidentally, the surgery was performed on the eve of October 16, which was World Anaesthesia Day. This also happened to be the first surgery of its kind performed at Sassoon Hospital. Deepak Poharkar, age 24, resident of Sadashiv Peth a security staffer at a housing society, had been suffering from a painful infection in his left ear for five years. There was also a discharge of pus from the infected ear. He was sent to the hospital’s Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department by the Out Patient Department (OPD) on October 5. Diagnosed with Eroding
Deepak Poharkar
Cholesteatoma by the ENT doctors, he was advised urgent surgery. He was given a mandatory health check by the anaesthetists. “Before anaesthesia, a patient’s medical history is scrutinised as well as the functions of vital organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. Deepak had a history of breathlessness which was unusual in a young man. I suspected a heart
Rasagolla has been around for 600 years
ailment and sent him for further diagnosis,” said Dr Vinaya Kulkarni, associate professor of the anaesthetist department. The medical and cardiac department consequently diagnosed Deepak to be afflicted by the rare Sick Sinus Syndrome, owing to which a person’s pulse rate fluctuates randomly. “The administration of anaesthesia and the surgery was highly risky as Deepak’s irregular pulse rate could result in stopping of the heart function. But the need for ear surgery was urgent as he could suffer from brain infections like meningitis, paralysis or even slip into a coma. We discussed the case with anaesthetic department head Dr Kalpana Kelkar and medicine department head Dr Anita Basawraj. We decided to go ahead with the surgery with the co-ordination of all the three departments,” said Dr Sameer Joshi, head of the ENT department. Deepak was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
on October 8. Given his Sick Sinus Syndrome, the doctors placed a temporary pacing wire in Deepak’s heart through a vein near his neck. This enabled control of the pulse rate, and Dr Sushrut Deshmukh and Dr Sanjay Sonavale of the ENT department were able to perform the surgery successfully in four hours. Deepak’s pulse rate was reduced to 40 and had also gone up above 100 but the pacing system controlled the rate. The anaesthesia department played a vital role by referring to Deepak’s medical history, without which the surgery could have been fatal owing to the arrhythmia. The co- ordination of the doctors of the ENT, Medical and Anaesthetic departments was also crucial. Sick Sinus Syndrome is a rare heart disease, which is abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) presumably caused by a malfunction of the sinus. It occurs in just one person in two lakh. dnyaneshwar.bhonde@goldensparrow.com
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FTII students denied bail To meet Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore next week
TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly Two months after the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) students were booked for assaulting and detaining their director, 12 of them are in trouble. On October 12 the Sessions Court in Pune turned down their request to extend their anticipatory bail. The students later managed to get an eight-day stay on the order. On October 15, they finally got a reply from the Ministry, declaring the date of the much-awaited meeting of the students’ panel and the Minister of State, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. The date of the meeting, October 20, is one day before the last day when the students can apply for bail in High Court. The incident dates back to August 17, when students had gheraoed their director. For several hours they did not let him out of office. The next day Prashant Pathrabe approached Deccan police station where a case of assault, obstructing a government servant and detention under Sections 143,147,149,323,341,353 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to the Public Property Act was registered. On the same night, the cops reached FTII and arrested five students, while several others could not be traced. The next morning those arrested were released on bail, while the remaining 12 applied for anticipatory bail. Initially, the Sessions Court granted interim relief from arrest to the ones who had sought anticipatory bail. When the case came up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh Tiwari on October 12, the students’ lawyer argued that they had been framed. “The applicants (students) were peacefully agitating against the management. However, on August 4, the management served notice on the applicants and other students of 2008 batch to vacate the hostel rooms, though
their films were incomplete. Thereafter, the management convened a meeting on August 17 with the students. In presence of police, the agitating students squatted outside the office and insisted on deciding the issues by the management on that very day. In the event of refusal of anticipatory bail, their careers would be ruined, if they are arrested by the police,” their lawyer argued. The public prosecutor, however, argued that students had committed a serious offence and should be granted bail. “The applicants being students of the same institution, not only staged violent agitation, wrongfully confined the informant (Director Pathrabe) and other staff members, assaulted them and damaged the internet and telephone cables, table, computer etc of the office and thereby caused damage to the public property. In the event of confirmation of anticipatory bail, possibility of threat to the informant and other staff members cannot be ruled out,” said Advocate SM Jagtap representing the cops. The court after hearing both sides rejected the students’ anticipatory bail application. “The students of the institution, not only staged violent agitation, confined the informant and other staff members and assaulted them but also damaged the property of their own institution, where they are taking education. This fact itself disentitles them from claiming any leniency. In the event of confirmation of anticipatory bail, not only wrong message would go in the society, but would also be detrimental to the lives of informant and other staff members,” the court observed. “Our bails were ending on October 12 and thus we went to the court under the guidance of our lawyer. We were told that we have been granted bail. However, on October 13, at around 7 pm our lawyer intimated us that our bail pleas have been rejected,” said Shini J K, one of the 12 students. gargi.verma@goldensparrow.com
Easier way to get your Ex-students track down their teacher, rail tickets confirmed unite to help him
Vikalp Scheme announced by the Railway Board BY SUSHANT RANJAN @sushantranjan The Railways Board, in an announcement made on October 14, plans to launch Vikalp, a new scheme which will make it far easier for passengers to get confirmed tickets. To be launched on November 1, the plan will provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation. A six-month pilot project, initially this scheme will be only for those who are booking tickets online. Senior Manager of Pune Rail Division said, “In this scheme, waitlisted passengers of a train can opt for confirmed accommodation in alternate trains. The Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) is presently being implemented only across Mail/Express trains in the same category. Passengers will not be charged extra and refund will be given in cases of differences in fares. The scheme is applicable to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking of quota and concession. In the pilot phase, the
scheme will be available on few predesignated trains in Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Lucknow sectors only,” he said. There is a sizeable number of passengers from Pune to Delhi and Jammu and this scheme is sure to prove a big boon for them in getting confirmed tickets. Under this scheme, waiting list passengers will have the option of the ATAS scheme. ATAS opted passengers who remain fully waitlisted after charting will only be considered for allotment in alternate train. Pune Railway Prawasi Manch president Harsha Shah said, “The new schemes will be very useful for passengers. But some schemes are only for Delhi and Northern Railway. Central Railway should urge the government to start new schemes from this zone. After Mumbai, Pune division is the busiest junction under Central Railway, with huge number of passengers travelling to Delhi and Jammu. sushant.ranjan@goldensparrow.com
Founder of one of the biggest schools, BF Khilnani survives on meagre pension and his love for arts BY SALONEE MISTRY AND ABHA PANDIT @TGSWeekly
Dressed in white Bhagwan Fatehchand Khilnani talks endlessly about his love for music, arts, and literature. The 92-year-old who lives with his nephew and daughter-in law at Pimpri. started Jai Hind School at Pimpri in 1955 in a shed with just a handful of children, and retired in 1980 after 25 years of service. Khilnani’s enthusiasm and zest for life are evident from the fact that he found a tutor to teach him Urdu when he was 70 years old. “I am 92 and alive and have done everything that I wanted to, along with serving society through my school. I am happy,” said Khilnani. One of his inspirations is Mahatma Gandhi, who had said that the poorest man should rule the world. Khilnani roped
in the poorest man he knew, a worker from a nearby crematorium, to lay the foundation of his school. “I would see children roaming around and teach them for free. It was better they spent their time with me learning something than living an unruly life which had higher chances of getting them into trouble. It was only a Sindhi school back then,” Khilnani said. Today, the school has an English medium section, and it is one of the biggest schools in PimpriChinchwad. Khilnani, has led a simple life and has always been selfless, putting the interests of others before his own. When he retired, his pension was a mere Rs 530 and he managed on that. He lived in a rented flat near the railway station for 60 years and only vacated his house due to a redevelopment plan. Two years ago, he shifted to his nephew’s house in Pimpri. His life-long companions have been his sister Shakuntala Khilnani, 90, who used to be a teacher and Gangubai, his 78-year-old maid who has been with them for 40 years. After retirement, Khilnani mastered the Urdu language, and complied a book of Urdu ghazals titled ‘Dabi Chingariyan’,
which was launched by Dilip Kumar. He has also authored 10 other books compilations of short stories, poems, and all the caricatures he has made till date. Khilnani also learnt to play 10 musical instruments, including the harmonium, mouth organ, tabla and guitar. Six months ago, when Ajay Dixit an former student of Khilnani met his batch mates at a reunion, they reminisced about the old times and met one of their favourite professors. “When I went to meet Khilnani sir, he was living with his nephew and I offered him a house to stay in. He politely refused, saying that he didn’t need it. He even refused to accept the money that I offered,” said Dixit a student from the 1982 batch, who is now an advocate.
Khilnani has inspired and helped many to follow and achieve their dreams. On November 3, when he turns 93, his ex-students have planned a get-together. Khilnani is expectedly excited about the celebrations and meeting his former students. He will do a reading of a selection of his poems on the occasion. He has travelled extensively across the country, gaining a wealth of experiences and making friends. Advancing age has brought along physical ailments and Khilnani has suffered a fractured foot, and injury to his spine in the past six months that have left him confined to his house. But that hasn’t dimmed the flame of his vibrant and effervescent character. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
“The local residents have sought 15 days time for implementation of the order, which was granted by the court. If the road is closed, Pimple Saudagar residents will have to travel longer distances to reach offices and schools.” — Shatrughna Kate, local corporator
PUNE
Indian reforms defined as ‘gamechanging’
Green Mission for four states
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P9
Few takers for animal adoption Many donors back out as authorities do not allow them to bond with the beneficiaries BY PRIYANKKA DESHPANDE @journopriyankka The Pune Municipal Corporation’s negative approach is deterring wouldbe animal donors from participating in its ambitious animal adoption scheme. The PMC had launched the plan for adoption of animals at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, in 2010, to promote wildlife conservation. The
dismal response, of a mere 190 donors in the ensuing five years, has generated donations of only Rs 23 lakh, which amounts to less than half the expenses incurred on the animals at the zoo every month. Kothrud resident Madhavi Raje had adopted all the six owls in the zoo for a month, by donating Rs 5,000. “Owls are considered as birds of ill omen. The adoption process went
off smoothly enough but thereafter the zoo authorities never contacted me,” Raje said. They were to arrange a workshop to provide information regarding various animals. “They never did so. They also were to give me a certificate which I have not got till date,” Raje said. She now is disillusioned and does not want tell about the scheme to others. Aundh resident Ketan Patwardhan adopted a tiger for three months, donating Rs 45,000. But he was allowed to visit the park only once. “I adopted a tiger for the benefit of my daughter, to emphasise wildlife conservation. But the lack of interaction with the zoo authorities was completely disappointing,” said IT professional Patwardhan. He had no incentive to participate further in the animal adoption, as he had no opportunity to bond with the animal. “Leave aside daily updates, but they should have at least informed me about the whereabouts of the animal. I
Contd from p 01
Though his profession was decided by the family, he fell in love with it quickly. “Insurance is all about people. You care for the human beings first and the numbers take care of themselves,” he says, staring out of his fifth floor flat balcony. His work has taken him places, an experience he has cherished. “One must move around to gather information. The real India lives in the villages and mostly in the hinterlands. How else is one supposed to meet new people and learn new and better lessons?” he says. His work has taken him to Varanasi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Jodhpur, not to mention Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. “It wasn’t my decision to settle in Pune. I had thought of living with my eldest brother in Hyderabad. But after his and his wife’s untimely demises, I told my wife Sabiha that we would settle down in Lucknow. Where if had taken a plot in the 80’s .But when I went back to Lucknow after my Jodhpur assignment , I saw how the city had changed , fraught with politics, pressure groups thanks to the politicians,” he said. “But our younger son Yusuf cajoled us to settle here in Pune. He said, ‘Baba, it’s a good society and we will all be together.’ All my life I had been around my kids, though my sojourns were short. So the ‘together’ bit appealed to me genuinely. My son lives in the flat above ours, but he is now in Bangalore,” said uncle Ansari, as he is known to the kids of his society. About his elder brother Hamid, he says, “The difference in our ages was insignificant and we spent our childhood and much of our youth at Aligarh together, albeit in two different corners of the same Hostel.” However, no one had foreseen Hamid becoming the number two citizen of the country. “Following our family tradition, he appeared for multiple competitive exams. His brilliance and being well-read, took him across the world, and even to the United Nations. But no one thought he would become the Vice President of India.” With the utmost affection, he said, “Our Late Mother was the happiest. He was her favourite child, a fact I taunted her a lot with.” How has the VVIP status of his Brother affected him? “I can’t call him whenever I wish as he is in some meeting or another, and his arrival at my house is like a state affair. But beyond that there’s no difference. We talk, if not daily, once in twothree days. He adores his niece and nephews. We are brothers after all,” he says with a smile.
A man of modest upbringing, he can live in luxury but chooses not to. He drives a 21-yearold Fiat that he has christened ‘Dhanno’, and lives with his wife and daughter in a quaint and simple but elegantly decorated house. The fourth of six siblings, he says that his family genes have endowed them with good minds and fortitude. “We grew up in a culturally diverse Kolkata. Some of my upbringing happened in Simla as our father was posted there. I have seen bloodshed there and again in the riots of Varanasi. I used to tell my wife that I might not survive a third Riot. But it has not diminished my faith in the country. After touring every continent except the Americas and Antarctica, I say that my country is the best,” he says with pride in his voice. Haris and Sabiha Ansari have two sons and the youngest, Mariam, stays with them. His younger daughter-in-law was brought up in Bengal and is the apple of his wife’s eye. “Though I lived in Kolkata, I never learnt the language. But my wife did. So, my wife and my daughter-in-law do talk some time in Bengali,” he says. Mariam said, “My sister-inlaw is pretty excited about the ongoing Durga Puja. She keeps telling my mother about the importance of various days. My mother loves hearing those.” “We are so diverse and yet so related, so concerned about others. The greatest strength is our culture is our unity in diversity,” Haris said. However, he doesn’t think very highly of politicians. “These days politicians only care about extorting votes. There’s no feeling of working for the upliftment of the society. They do not care a bit for communal harmony or peace. This is not limited to just one party. All parties are guilty of this. I have lived through many riots. But the communal tensions and the aggression today leave me nauseous,” he says. He also thinks that our values have changed. “The youth today have become less tolerant. We never talked back to elders, but they politely deny discussions. It is not bad, but it is a change affecting the way things work,” he says. Sipping tea, he says, “Tea soothes the nerves, madam.” Underlining his modesty, he says, “I still don’t understand why you want to talk to me when there are better people to talk to,” He believes that he has done the best he could. “That’s one thing I am proud of. I have tried to make the best of the circumstances that I have faced,” he concludes. gargi.verma@goldensparrow.com
OFFICIAL SPEAK Zoo director Dr
Rajkumar
The ambitious animal adoption plan launched by PMC at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, in 2010 to promote wildlife conservation fails to get adequate donors
Jadhav has denied the donors’ allegations and instead blamed an apathy toward animal adoption. “Private firms should use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to adopt animals. But there are few takers,” he said. About the zoo administration efforts to promote the scheme, Jadhav said that he had sent letters to cooperative banks and multinationals asking them to donate to the scheme. No awareness camps are being held as people already know about the scheme, he said.
MYSORE ZOO Mysore zoo launched animal adoption scheme in 2001. From seven donors, they have now over 300 donors per year. Since 2011, 998 donors have adopted animals of Mysore zoo. Donors get privileges like one-year free complimentary pass for five members, official certificates of adoption, publication of information about the adoption in local press, and names of donors put up at animal enclosures. There is transparency over the numbers of donors and donation amounts on the zoo website. priyankka.deshpande@goldensparrow.com
Census work suffers as teachers boycott Teachers-state government tug of war leaves census work plan in disarray VISHAL KALE
Living in the big brother’s shadow
had no attachment to the tiger and have no interest in any further participation in the animal adoption scheme,” Patwardhan said. The National Service Scheme (NSS) students group did not even get to see the two white tigers they had adopted for a day. “We raised the money through NSS volunteers, as part of our social activity. But the zoo authorities did not even let us see the tigers we had adopted,” said Apurva Thakare, a NSS volunteer. “We expected them to hold a lecture about the food habits and characteristics of the tigers we adopted. But they just took donation amount and gave us a certificate,” Thakare said. Kolhapur resident Sanjay Patil adopted snakes and paid Rs 15,000 for three months. “I cannot be in Pune all the time but they could have sent me pictures of the snakes,” Patil said. Now he has second thoughts about doing it again.
TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly The National Population Register (NPR) programme in Pune district has suffered a setback owing to the friction between the teachers and the state government. While on one hand, the state government wants to rope in teachers for NPR work, teachers organisations on the other hand are not only boycotting the NPR training sessions organised by district administration, but have also filed a petition in the High Court opposing the state government decision to engage teachers in election and census duties. Against the backdrop of this chaos, the last date for completion of NPR work is fast approaching, and there are just 23 days left to cover a population of 94.29 lakh (according to census of 2011) in the district. Apart from Haveli and Daund tehsils, teachers from all the 12 tehsils have boycotted the oneday NPR training sessions held between October 7 and 9. Out of 3,449 teachers in these tehsils, only 129 turned up for the training. The state government has issued notices to the teachers in the district refusing the census duty, warning them that criminal cases would be filed against them. In other parts of the state, FIRs were lodged against teachers refusing NPR duty. Teachers in Pune district have decided not to do NPR work before the HC gives its decision on November 21 and 24. The scenario in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad is also far from satisfactory, and
Teachers submitted a plea to tehsildar Prashant Dhage that they were not joining the election duty
apart from the schoolteachers of the Ghole Road ward, none of the others have reported to the district administration. “The state government instructed teachers to do census and election work. Are we not working in the interests of the country by teaching the students of Zilla Parishad schools?” said Shahaji Marne, who is a teacher at the Bhugaon ZP school. He said that there was a shortage of teaching staff in Mulshi taluka. Marne said that teachers in Mulshi boycotted the training programme for them on October 9, and submitted a plea to tehsildar Prashant Dhage that they were not joining the duty. General Secretary of Maharashtra Primary State Association (Ambegaon branch), Madhukar Bharmal said that the teachers in Ambegaon have to complete the syllabus as the semester exam is around the corner. “The teachers have already taken up the responsibility for the SARAL scheme, where teachers have to fill up the entire database
of the students. Therefore, NPR work should be assigned to the state government’s employees,” Bharmal said. Bhor tehsil teacher Pandit Gole said that they were always willing to do election duty, census duty (that comes every ten years) and natural calamity management. “However we are not entitled to do work other than that assigned to us. We are not holding any meetings with the district administration and are firm on the decision that teachers will not work on the NPR programme till the court decision comes,” Gole said. SPECIAL OFFICER APPOINTED The district administration has appointed an officer on special duty. Rajendra Tapare who is a central government employee is presently managing the entire show. “Around 18,000 booklets to be filled by the citizens have been printed but teachers are not ready to do the work. NPR programme is national work,” said Tapare. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
Teachers get respite from census, poll duty Teachers across the state heaved a sigh of relief as the Bombay High Court has granted interim relief from them being forced into census or election duties. Hearing two separate petitions filed by teachers’ unions, the division bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice VL Achaliya ruled that the government cannot force teachers to work on election or census duties. On October 8, the division bench of HC ruled, “By way of adinterim relief, we direct that the Respondents (state and election commission) shall not compel the teachers to do the election related work of Special Summary Revision against his or her wishes... By way of further ad-interim relief, we direct that no disciplinary action including the action of suspension shall be taken by the respondents against the teachers on account of their failure to perform election related work. This ad interim relief will continue to operate till 21st November 2015.” HC ordered, “Prima facie, it appears to us that the teachers cannot be deployed for the work of updating of the National Population Register in view of Section 27 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. By way of ad-interim relief, we direct that no teacher who is a member of the Petitioner (Teachers’ Union) shall be forced to do the work of updating of the National Population Register... However, it will be open for the teachers to voluntarily participate for the programme.”
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
“Initially, the varsity will offer programmes like automation, retails, construction, banking which are as per the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These sectors have high growth and are relevant for development. — Swati Mujumdar, Director, Symbiosis Open Education Society
Pune feels like home P 13
Man who beheaded his wife was simmering for over a month Ramchandra Chavan would bow down to everyone and greet them ‘Ram-Ram’ BY YOGESH SADHWANI AND YOGESH KOLEKAR @TGSWeekly Two days after 63-year-old Ramchandra Chavan hacked his wife to death and then walked a km with her severed head, residents of Katraj, Pune, are yet to get over the horror. Everybody passing by the vacant plot that Chavan used to guard and live on with his family, stops for a minute to discuss the sequence of events on Friday morning. Although many had seen Chavan parading with Sonabai’s severed head, they can’t comprehend why an extremely calm and polite man would do something so gruesome. Addressed as ‘Anna’, Chavan was known to be an extremely polite, soft spoken man who would go out of his way to help others. RAM-RAM Locals describe Chavan as someone who was nice to everyone. “Anna would greet everyone ‘Ram-Ram’. He would bow down to even a three-year-old and greet him. He never ever raised his voice,” said Ranjit Babar, a local dairy owner. Others around Babar added that Anna was popular in the area for his ‘Ram-Ram’ greeting. Chavan was employed by a local developer Kirti Oswal to protect a huge land parcel in Katraj. Around three decades ago, when Chavan came to live there, the plot used to have 12 bungalows and a vacant land parcel, which he was meant to protect. Hailing from Gulbarga, Karnataka, Chavan settled down on the plot with his family. The plot owner had built a small house for the family back in those days. Locals remember how over the years, Chavan fenced the entire plot with shrubs and wood. “When we were small, we would see him work relentlessly. Armed with an axe, he would chop wood and make a fence around the massive plot. He then planted saplings so that the fence would look nice. He would spend hours trimming the wild grass on the plot so that the area looked neat,” said Sachin Kadam, who lives across the plot Chavan used to guard. Kadam added that axe was Chavan’s favourite tool and he would be seen with it at all times.
Chavan hacked his wife outside their house, chopping off her legs, hands and severing her head
He then left the house and went straight to the main road outside Rajas Society
“He would keep chopping firewood through the day so that his wife could cook for the family,” added Kadam. Other locals say Chavan was extremely helpful. He was the locality’s handy man. “If somebody approached with him for help to trim trees, or clear shrubs, or anything at all, he would gladly oblige. He never charged anybody a penny for his services,” said another resident of the area. Neighbours said that by evening Chavan would finish his chores on the plot and then step out for a cup of tea. He would mingle with everybody. “He didn’t speak much but smiled at everyone and greeted them. His patent ‘Ram-Ram’ had caught on in the area all thanks to him,” said Babar. The dairy owner added that Chavan was an upright and honest man, who never cheated the plot owner. “He could have easily made some money giving out the bungalows on rent to couples. But he never did that. If anything he collected all the scrap from the plot and told the plot owner to sell it. In fact I was so impressed with his honesty and loyalty that I offered him a job at higher salary, which he turned down. He said that his plot owner needed him more than me,” said Babar. TROUBLES AT HOME For the last few weeks, Chavan had been a little off, locals said. “About a month and a half ago he came to my house and talked about how he and his wife weren’t getting along. My mother
He kept walking till he was intercepted by traffic cops a km away from his house
(Kusum Kadam) and Sonabai (Chavan’s wife) were friends. It was natural for my mother to go their house and try to sort out the dispute. To her dismay, Anna had beaten Sonabai black and blue. Sonabai had injuries all over her body because of the ruthless beating,” said Sachin Kadam. He added that his mother tried reasoning with Chavan to not get violent with his wife, and left the two to sort things out. Kadam added that Chavan’s relationship with his wife had been strained for a while. “I was told that he wouldn’t allow her to wear sindoor or bindi. He had also taken away her
Nilesh Shelke (left) showing the video clip to residents
Sacked employee ransacks Starbucks, stabs team leader Suspect and accomplice get bail from Juvenile Justice Court
mangalsutra and kept it in his pocket at all times. When I got to know about this, I was aghast. I simply couldn’t comprehend why a man who was so nice to others, would ill treat his wife,” said Kadam. Babar claimed that Chavan had spoken to him couple of weeks ago about troubles at home. “I saw him eating at a local restaurant. Since he wasn’t the type to eat outside, I asked him what was wrong. He narrated how his sons and wife were ill-treating him. His sons had sided up with their mother. They had beaten him over a petty quarrel. Ever since he had stopped eating meals at home,” said Babar, adding that Chavan was a teetotaller and had no vices. Other than his wife, Chavan used to live with his sons Umesh and Ramesh, daughter-in-law and a grandson. “Anna had toiled hard all his life and never taken a penny from anyone. But he had to take a loan for his elder son’s business. The son had suffered losses and couldn’t repay the loan. Anna ended up repaying it. He didn’t like it one bit that he had to borrow money for his sons. In all this, his wife had apparently ganged up with the sons,” added Babar. FRIDAY MORNING INCIDENT None of the neighbours are clear about what transpired on Friday between the couple, for Chavan to ruthlessly murder his wife. “I spoke to their daughter-inlaw who said that Chavan was inside the house, while his wife was washing
DEMON OR VICTIM Now that cops have started asking questions and seeking help to depose against Chavan, locals are split. While likes of Sachin Kadam say they will help the cops, those like Babar say he needs help. “He was a very nice man to the outside world, but at home he was a monster. What he has done is not
NO REMORSE FOR WHAT HE DID Cops at of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station, where a case of murder has been registered, said that Chavan did not show signs of remorse for his actions. Senior Police Inspector Machindra Chavan of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station said that Chavan had been remanded to police custody till October 16 and did not regret killing his wife. FAMILY ASKED TO VACATE THE HOUSE The owner of plot Kirti Oswal, for whom Ramchandra Chavan worked for over three decades, has asked the family to vacate the house. Sources revealed that after the murder, Oswal asked the family to leave. On Saturday, after performing Sonabai’s last rites, the family left for their home town in Gulbarga. MAN MENTALLY ILL Psychiatrists believe that Chavan is not a demon. “He is a severely mentally ill person. He broke down. He was showing signs of the illness for over a month which should have been picked up. I am certain that he either is suffering from paranoid schizophrenia or has severe psychotic illness. There is no other explanation for his actions. The fact that he was smiling with his wife’s head in his hand is a sign that he had lost touch with reality. He must be taken to a mental hospital. As for the crime, law can take its own course,” said renowned psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
Husband booked for murder owing to ambiguity, contradictions in Tejas More’s statement BY GITESH SHELKE @gitesh_shelke
Patrons sitting inside Starbucks Coffee on FC Road, Pune, were in for a rude shock on Tuesday when two men walked in and ransacked the place. Before leaving one of the men stabbed the team leader of the ground staff. The incident occurred around 8.20 pm. According to eyewitnesses, Atish Khandare arrived on a bike with another person. He called Vijay Saindore (23), who leads the ground staff at the coffee shop, out for a chat. “Next thing we saw Atish stabbing Vijay,” said a staffer. Meanwhile, Atish’s accomplice walked into the store and started ransacking the place. He lifted a table with iron legs and smashed it against a window pane. Before anyone could react, the duo fled from the spot. There were around 15 patrons inside the coffee shop when the incident occurred. None of them was injured. According to the staff at Starbucks Coffee, Atish was part of the housekeeping staff and had been appointed through an external agency. Three days ago, he was sacked. “From what we have gathered so far, Atish was disturbed after being sacked. He thought that one of the staffers had complained against him, after which
After further investigation in the alleged murder-suicide case, the Sinhgad Road police on late Sunday night booked the deceased techie’s husband for his alleged involvement in the murder of his child. The Sinhgad Road police booked Tejas Ankush More along with his deceased wife Dipti (35), both residents of Nikhil Apartments, Manikbaug, on Sinhgad Road. Police suspect that the duo allegedly killed their fiveyear-old son Arnav over trivial issues. After killing Arnav, Dipti committed suicide. Speaking to The Golden Sparrow, Senior Police Inspector Shreenivas Munde of Sinhgad Road police station said that there were many ambiguities and contradictions, which surfaced after police recorded Tejas More’s statement. On Sunday around 7 am Dipti allegedly jumped off the fourth-floor rooftop of the Nikhil Apartments building after slitting her son’s wrist. Before the act, she allegedly locked Tejas in another bedroom. And before going to the terrace, she also bolted the main door from outside. It was Dipti More’s birthday on Sunday and police believed that she and
he was asked to leave,” said Ramesh More, Assistant Police Inspector attached to Deccan Gymkhana Police station. Vijay was rushed to a private hospital on Karve Road. The crime branch officials nabbed the two suspects, aged 17 and 16, from their residences in Vadarwadi slum pocket. Vijay was rushed to a private hospital on Karve Road from where he was given discharge on Thursday. Meanwhile, the suspects were produced before the Juvenile Justice Court that released them on bail on Thursday. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
CAUGHT RED HANDED Chavan was spotted by Nilesh Shelke, a judo instructor, who stays on the seventh floor of neighbouring building. “I heard screams and went to the window to see Chavan hacking someone into pieces. I immediately ran down only to find him walking out with his wife’s head. I tried asking him what he had done and he replied – ‘mera kaam ho gaya sahab, main ja raha hoon chowky (I am done with my job, I am going to the cops)’. Kusum Kadam too spotted Chavan walking out with the blood soaked head. She initially thought he had killed an animal for his meal. “He was a meat lover and would often slaughter animals. I thought he had killed a goat or something. I asked him jokingly about what he had killed for his next meal, to which he replied ‘ baiko la todla (I have hacked my wife)’. It’s only then that I realised what he had in his hand and collapsed there,” said Kusum, who knew the Chavans for almost three decades.
pardonable. Cops have approached me and I am helping them in every possible way to ensure that Chavan gets harshest punishment,” said Kadam. Babar on the other hand believes that Chavan is a victim of circumstances. “His family pushed him to the brim. For a brief moment he lost his sanity and ended up killing his wife. He deserves sympathy,” said Babar.
Techie woman slits son’s wrist and jumps off terrace
TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly
Police taking statements at Starbucks Coffee on FC Road
utensils outside. He said something nasty to his wife, to which Sonabai also responded. Chavan got up with his axe to attack his wife. The daughter-in-law claims that she intervened and stopped him the first time. Minutes later, he locked daughter-in-law and grandson inside the house. He went out and attacked Sonabai. This time he killed her and then chopped her body into six pieces with his axe,” said Kadam. He left the plot with Sonabai’s severed head in one hand and blood soaked axe in another. A km ahead he was intercepted by traffic cops.
Tejas Ankush More, wife Dipti (35) and their son Arnav
her husband had a heated argument over the issue of how to celebrate it. Upset with the arguments, Dipti killed her son and ended her life as well. She wrote a suicide note before ending her life, stating that she was disappointed with her unfulfilled life. She claimed that she was solely responsible for her act and that she killed her son to spare him future suffering. Munde, however, said that the child was killed much earlier. “How come Tejas did not heard his screams, as she slit his wrists or smothered him? What he was doing when she was killing the child? Why did he scream only when she jumped off the terrace? And was
it not known why she left her job?” he questioned. “These contradictions remained unanswered in his statement, thus we booked Tejas too,” Munde said. “Tejas was awake and brushing his teeth when his wife (Dipti) told him that she had killed their son. He claimed to have gone into shock after seeing the body of his son on the bed. He raised an alarm when Dipti ran out of the house, but it was too late,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Sudhakar Pathare. The police have sent the suicide note to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for handwriting analysis. “We want to verify who has written the note,” Munde said, adding that if needed, police will arrest Tejas. Tejas and Dipti got married in 2007. It was a love marriage as they has known each other since 2000. Both had engineering degrees and worked with different software companies in the city. Dipti More quit her job four months ago. “The couple became friends when they used to attend private coaching classes, located in the old parts of the city, as HSC students. They waited for Tejas to get financially independent before tying the knot. Before marrying in 2007, they bought the house,” Pathare said. gitesh.shelke@goldensparrow.com
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
“Cost of real estate and flats are rising due to delays in sanctions, before the project starts and during the course of the construction as well as at the time of occupancy certificate.” — Shantilal Kataria, President, Credai Pune Metro
SC seeks details of cases lodged in trafficking of girls P10
Industries caught using remote controls to steal power MAHADISCOM launches massive crackdown against power thefts, recovers Rs 38.80 lakh in a fortnight BY PRIYANKKA DESHPANDE @journopriyankka
Bringing power thieves to book is easier said than done. Patterns of power use by HT customers have to be analysed before the culprits can be apprehended. “Industries and hotels are the majority of HT customers. We analyse their patterns of power usage for a few months and variations in meter readings clue us in on the possibility of power theft, culminating in a raid,” Munde said. The culprits are booked under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MAHADISCOM) officials are perplexed to the point of speechlessness by the growing incidence of electricity thefts. The culprits who are High Tension (HT) customers, are resorting to never before used techniques for power thefts in Pune. But MAHADISCOM officials are determined to curb these thefts and have kept tabs on power usage by HT customers. They have launched a massive crackdown on power thefts at six prominent companies in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the last fortnight. “The new techniques used for tampering with power meters are no less than shocking. We raided ice-making
firm Akshay Industries in Nanded village on October 13, and found them using a novel method, wherein a remote control was used to stop the running of the power meter,” said Ramrao Munde, MAHADISCOM chief engineer. A criminal case has been registered against Akshay Industries over the theft of 83,000 power units worth Rs 11.92 lakh. “We are making sure that our vigilance team will be able to detect
whatever new techniques are used for power thefts. We have set up fivemember teams of technical experts who will detect and expose all the methods used for power thefts,” said Munde. This is the first time that MAHADISCOM has generate revenue of Rs 38.80 lakh in a fortnight. Munde, who took charge of Pune division last month, has an illustrious record of bringing to light HT power thefts at Navi Mumbai, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
Is RTE having the desired effect? After four months of running around, 122 students granted admissions by schools
Court proceeding against 14 schools soon
Parents of 122 students have now procured admissions for their wards under RTE Act. Schools that denied admissions will be served contempt of HC notices
BY GARGI VERMA @missgverma After running from pillar to post for nearly four months, the parents of 122 students have now procured admissions for their wards under the Right To Education (RTE) Act. These 122 students were denied admissions by schools in the first round of allotment. The 14 schools that have denied admissions are to be served with contempt of High Court notices. Kalpana Waghole used to work as a junior accountant in a private firm, a job she had to leave three months ago as her employer couldn’t give her any more leave. She had used up all her leave for the sake of her six-year-old son’s school admission. “In the application, we were allotted The Orchid School at Baner. However, they denied us admission after stalling us for two weeks,” she said. She is not the only parent who has had to take a drastic step such as quitting a job. Housewife Mangal Nalawade recounts how her brother, an electrician, nearly quit his job. “If he had quit, we would have had no money for food. So I took matters in my own hands,” she said. There were a dozen parents like her assembled at the Rajeev Gandhi e-Learning academy premises where the PMC education department has set up an office. “We spoke to few schools where there are enough seats and opened their quotas to more students. Nearly 50 schools were told to accommodate more students,” said Dhananjay Pardeshi,
Assistant Education Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation. “We then set up a two-day camp where parents were told to come with their original documents and the letters issued by the schools denying them admission. These parents were given optional schools that were willing to admit their wards. If they approved of the schools, we gave them letters facilitating the admission procedure.” Of the 127 students’ parents, 122 accepted the options the education department provided them. Pardeshi feels the issues have mostly been resolved. “Of the 380 students in question, only 127 parents turned up. So the other 250 students have been admitted to better schools or are not interested. Of these 127, 122 have had their issues resolved,” he said. The camp was also to address other issues faced by parents, including the schools’ and sometimes the municipal corporation’s system failure. Sachin Jadhav, whose son is admitted to the DPS school at Katraj was being questioned every day about his son’s admission as his name was not on the official list and application status. “It was a small discrepancy on the department’s part but it got stretched unnecessarily to a month, because I was sent from one office to another, one desk to another. If I was told the correct procedure, it would have not taken so long,” he said. “I am glad now teachers will not tell my son to bring along parents every other day,” he said. gargi.verma@goldensparrow.com
The PMC Education Department had stated that when the stay on admissions was abolished in July that schools denying admissions would be dealt with strictly. “We now have a list of 14 defaulter schools. We have sent a letter to our Director, Dahiphale sir, to initiate court proceedings. They will start soon,” said Pardeshi. These schools, including Orchid International and Vikhe Patil Memorial schools, have cited several reasons for not granting admissions to students, ranging from non-payment by the government and the inability of the students to cope with the school’s atmosphere. However, they will soon be dragged to court as per the education department’s decision.
All is not well Though parents are relieved that their wards have been granted admissions to good schools, the scene is far from rosy. Many schools have been demanding money from parents and some students are subjected to entrance tests and harassment. Prerna Gayakwad’s seven-year-old daughter Pranali has been admitted to Huzurpaga Public school at Katraj. “On her first day at school, the teacher asked me to give in writing that I’d pay Rs 9,000 in two installments for extra expenditure,” Prerna said. When she said that was not able to, she was told to go home with Pranali. Huzurpaga school forces parents to buy books and uniforms from a specific dealer. At NCL School, students are forced to appear for interviews. Mahavir Sane said, “My son was forced to write the English alphabets. He couldn’t. The principal asked us to get admission to a Marathi medium school. Who are they to decide? Isn’t it the school’s responsibility to teach him?” At Lokseva School, students are asked to pay Rs 15,000 to participate in external activities. The RTE doesn’t really seem to be working.
TECH SAVV Y POWER THIEVES Apart from Akshay Industries, MAHADISCOM has booked TK Industries in Bhosari (MIDC), Harshal Pressing and CP Polyuretins in Chakan (MIDC), and Hotel Silver Spoon at Wakad for power theft in the last fortnight. MAHADISCOM Public relation Officer Nishikant Raut told TGS that TK Industries had tampered with their power meter by opening screws on Y factors. “The power meter was slowed down by 66 per cent. Meanwhile Harshal Pressing injected the machinery that was installed along with power meter, and thus the power meter showed zero reading,” Raut said. Hotel Silver Spoon and CP Polyuretins had tampered with their power meters. The MAHADISCOM is to continue its raids to curb power thefts. priyankka.deshpande@goldensparrow.com
PUNE
‘Global framework needed for total elimination of n-weapons’ P13
Budhwar Peth no longer flesh trade hub Crackdown on red light area results in prostitution spreading to suburban areas BY GITESH SHELKE @gitesh_shelke The continuing crackdown by the city police to reduce the number of commercial sex workers (CSW) in the city’s red light area of Budhwar Peth, has resulted in flesh trade rackets springing up in city’s suburban parts. The city Crime Branch officials have registered only eight cases under Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), while 26 cases have been registered in other parts of the city. Police Inspector Rajkumar Wakchoure of the social security cell of the Crime Branch affirmed that the flesh trade rackets have emerged in suburban areas. “In the 26 cases since January this year, we have rescued 46 women and girls. In the eight cases registered in the Budhwar Peth red light area, we have rescued 15 women and girls,” he said. About ten years ago, the number of CSWs in the red light area was 3,400, and now it has came down to 1,300. The Faraskhana police station, under whose jurisdiction the red light area falls, keeps tabs on CSWs. There are 34 buildings, including wadas, in which 194 brothels are located. In last five years, the city police social security cell and Faraskhana police station, have sealed 21 brothels, after finding that the brothel keepers were forcing minors into the flesh trade. Senior Police Inspector Rekha Salunke of Faraskhana police station
said that the police station has earmarked another nine brothels for closure. “The orders will be issued soon as minor girls are being forced into the flesh trade at these nine brothels, from which the police have rescued girls,” she said. Cases under PITA have been registered in Suburban areas like Hinjewadi, Wakad, Katraj, Dhankawadi, Vishrantwadi, Yerawada and Sangvi. Wakchoure said that big housing complexes are coming up in the suburban areas where there is big population of bachelors. “Brothels are no longer necessary as agents manage everything on websites, cell phones and other mediums to run the business,” he said. It is suspected that young girls from the red light area are being taken shipped to the suburban areas. “These girls are dressed well and are fashionably made up to attract the customers,” he said. gitesh.shelke@goldensparrow.com
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
“It was alleged that the minority communities in the country are feeling unsafe. None of the attacks in and around Delhi could be attributed to religion or politics.” — Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister
“It was expected that the state government will extend minority status to Sikhs in tune with the recommendations of National Commission for Minority Act.” — Jagmohan Singh Raina, Chairman, APSCC
Bringing quake-torn Nepal back to life Two Puneites have been staying in Himalayan kingdom for over a month chronicling lives of those affected by disaster as part of ‘Aftershock Nepal’ initiative BY SALONEE MISTRY @SaloneeMistry Even as the world is helping Nepal recover from the devastating earthquake in April 25 that killed over 8,700 people, destroyed 500,000 homes and rendered tens of thousands homeless, media is playing its part of connecting the dots for speedy rehabi l itat ion. City’s Ritu Panchal, 22, and Namita Rao, 21, have joined author and Chindu Sreedharan journalist Chindu S r e e d h a r a n’s mission ‘Aftershock Nepal — Life After the Quake’ to document the lives of Nepalese as they bravely reconstruct
the ravaged Himalayan kingdom postearthquake. Living in Nepal for the past one month along with students from the UK, the graduates from Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Viman Nagar, did their research on crisis journalism in Pune for a while before shifting base to Nepal.
WORKING ON FIELD The brief given to Namita and Ritu was to keep Nepal and its people alive in the minds of people by sharing emphathetic human stories of the locals and report about the aftermath for the Aftershock Nepal website as well. The duo interviewed the quakeaffected victims, NGOs, INGOs and communities to write informative articles about the disaster and relief work. “Researching on Nepal and keeping up with the ongoing events by following online newspapers and social media accounts was a good way to be updated about the situation. Relying solely on secondary sources, however was also a little frustrating as we often did not get the context and gravity of the situation,” said Namita. Ritu also found the geographical disconnect the biggest challenge she had to overcome when in Pune. Every new interaction that Ritu has had with the Nepalese has
Namita Rao listening to the experience of a vegetable vendor in Nepal
been a learning lesson. “Right from boarding overcrowded buses, attending emotionally-charged protests, visiting remote villages and driving in areas affected by landslides, has been an extra-ordinary experience,” she said. The team puts out stories, voices and pictures of the ravaged land, from places mainstream media failed to cover. Namita believes that if the system works in sync with the many bodies that are already helping out with relief work, the situation would improve tremendously. The biggest challenge working from Nepal right now is commuting. There has been a fuel crisis in Nepal for over two weeks now. There’s a dire scarcity of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. Because
of that, the Nepalese government has mandated certain rules to conserve whatever fuel is left in the country. Only half the number of buses are allowed to travel on the roads every day, private vehicles aren’t being given fuel at all now and the taxis have increased their fare by three to four times. WHAT KEEPS THEM GOING For Ritu, getting selected for the Nepal post-earthquake project was a dream assignment. “I was always interested in learning about other cultures, interacting with the locals and understanding their milieu. The people of Nepal are extremely compassionate and warm and it is an honour to be able to write about them. Their resilience
and positivity are two things I admire deeply about them.,” she said. Talking about the helping nature of the Nepalese localities, Namita said, “The locals have been very hospitable, genuine and helpful. The fuel crisis has disrupted their life and although this has caused immense anger towards the Indian government, the people have been good to us. Faith in humanity was restored just yesterday as we were offered a lift by a kind man despite the fact that he had very little petrol in his bike.” SPEARHEADING INITIATIVE Aftershock Nepal, a initiative by Global BU a part of Bournemouth University, England, is a collaborative project between five universities — Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (Pune); School of Arts, Kathmandu University ( K at h m a ndu); Amity School of Communication, Amity University ( N o i d a ) and Central Ritu Panchal Department of Journalism and Communication, Tribhuvan University, (Kathmandu). Chindu Sreedharan, the head of this project and teh dean of the
Techie dons barrister Mission is to make city spit free gown for a cause
Faculty of Media and Communication at Bournemouth, is glad about the kind of response that the initiative has garnered. While the project is meant for three months, the team at Global BU is hopeful of getting enough funding to make it last for at least 12 months, increasing the impact of the initiative. “Projects like this are meant to provide the opportunity of an on-field experience for students to understand crisis journalism and grow as researchers. It is also a space for people from different backgrounds to work together. A global exposure is necessary,” Chindu said. Reporting of this kind also helps get rid of what mainstream media lacks. It can in a way be termed as human-rights journalism. The disaster in Nepal had a huge impact and it being so close to home, it was most definitely something that needed attention, the UK-based Malayali scholar said, adding that the project’s mission is to identify the need-gaps and provide suggestions. “Our motive is to use the media facility to let the world know how Nepal is rebuilding itself,” Dr Sreedharan said. Prior to ‘Aftershock Nepal’, Chindu has worked on an initiative called ‘Project India’ where he was documenting the Indian parliamentary elections. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
Youngsters from different walks of life have joined hands to tackle one of country’s common and oldest problems
Men’s Right Movement founder advocates defendants to use interrogatories to fight domestic violence cases BY EKTA KATTI @TGSWeekly For Chandrakant Deode, 34, interrogatories is the most powerful weapon that a party could use in court but the procedure is rarely used in legal corridors. In judicial terms, interrogatories means requests for further information through a list of questions one party sends to another as part of discovery process to shed more light in the case. Fighting his own court cases as party in person (PIP) since 2012, techie Deode is the founder of Men’s Right Movement, Pune and believes that truth always triumphs. “Many aggrieved parties in domestic violence (DV) cases could use interrogatories to nail the lie,” the resident of Chinchwad said. FOR THE PEOPLE Formed in 2012 in Pune, Men’s Right Movement was a loosely formed group of four-five members whose sole motive was to fight for the rights of men. The movement now has 500 members. “The aim of this group is to share knowledge and help reduce the distress of defendants who are falsely accused,” Deode said. The association holds regular workshops on family court matter such as DV, Hindu Marriage Act, 498A, child custody and other cases. “Our workshops are for free. We understand the pain of a party and exorbitant fees that advocates charge. These informative sessions help them fight the cases better,” he said. Deode and his team faced many RAHUL RAUT
litigations from advocates during the initial days of the movement. “They opposed the movement but we stood our ground,” he said. DEFENDING CAUSE Deode advocates people to fight the case in person. “Only you know the case better and can rightly present it in the court. I was in shock when DV and other cases were fi led against me. In 2011, I met lawyers and they were asking for hefty amount even for minor suggestion. That’s when I decided to study law and fight the case myself,” he said, adding that visits to Pimpri and Shivajinagar courts became his daily routine. His suggestion for people who opt for PIP is to study law thoroughly and be confident while fighting the case. “Never fear anyone if you are right and haven’t committed the crime. Truth will always triumph,” he said. YOGA MANTRA Sanity eludes the person who is falsely accused and fighting court cases. Not only defendants, but even their family is under pressure and trauma. “One needs to understand how to handle such situations in life. Losing temper will take you nowhere. The support of defendant family is a must. They should stop pitying themselves and understand that they are not the only one who are fighting the injustice system. There are thousands like them,” said Deode, adding that practicing yoga and meditation helps in overcoming the trauma of trials and court proceedings. ektaakatti@gmail.com
TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly The most common Indian trait is spitting on walls and corners of public buildings. It is the most nauseating habit and exposes our not-soetiquette-sensitive nature. People spit the tobacco leaf-based mixture ‘paan’ and stain walls and pavements. When it dries, the mixture leaves a dark red, blood-like stain which is difficult and costly to remove. It is a misconception that only people from lower stratas of society indulge in spitting, but they are everywhere, even hailing from well-todo families. The red/maroon splatter on walls across the city is one the biggest pet peeves and many remain mute bystanders. A group of 11 youngsters from the city have taken up the mission to make India spit free under the guidance of Raja Narasimhan (50) and Priti Raja (47), directors of the NGO Saare Jahan Se Acha. CLEAN WALLS AND STREETS Coming from all walks of life, these 11 members and NGO directors form the core team of ‘Spit Free India Campaign’. The team consists of chartered accountants Pooja Soochik and Rishabh Jain; mechanical engineers Vineeta Bage, Sameer Tickoo, Bhakti Salunke, Pranali Godbole and Shakil Ahmed; interior designer Udrula Jagtap; freelance photographer Bhushan Deshmukh, business woman Divya Sarkar and media professional Inderdeep Kaur. The youngsters are presently promoting the campaign before they hit the streets. “Spitting for many is a tradition dating back hundreds of years and considered by some to be a palate
The core members of ‘Spit Free India Campaign’ carried out their publicity in Pune Station as the place sees huge crowd of people from all walks of life
cleanser as well as a breath freshener. It has become a habit that is difficult to get rid of. We will run an education campaign on the problems of spitting for younger generations to prevent them from falling into this bad habit,” said campaign’s all-India head Pooja Soochik. The campaign will be popularised through flash mobs and volunteering at big events before the core team walks on streets and talks to people who they see spitting. However, hitting ground zero will come at a later stage as stopping someone from doing something that they have been so used to and in front of strangers on the streets might get insulting for the other person, the team believes. The team held a flash mob at Pune Railway Station on October 2 and another one on the same evening at Seasons Mall. The thought behind the event at railway station was to target a public place that sees a large audience comprising people from all strata of
society. “The only way to overcome this behaviour is through indirect ways. It is only when you make the people realise on their own that they are doing something wrong will they attempt at beating the habit. People may take it in the wrong sense if you tell them directly,” Pooja said. The team also volunteered at the Pune Running Marathon to make more people aware of their campaign. As core team members have a varied range of expertise, they take care of different aspects of the campaign and manage the project’s finance. BIGGER VISION Saare Jahan Se Acha founder Raja and his wife Priti shared a larger picture of the campaign. “We are in talks with Pune railways to implement a spit-free zone at least on platform number one and the outside area of the station. Starting with one spot like this, we want to cover the entire city and spread
BEGINNING Started in October 2013, Saare Jahan Se Acha was the brainchild of Raja, who took an early retirement from his corporate life after working with giants like Infosys and American Express along with his wife Priti who is an entrepreneur and owns a bakery and confectionary store in Pune, Kremes n Krusts. Tired of the unending bad and negative news spread across the media, the couple started the NGO with an intention of spreading good and happy news. They launched a website where people contributed with inspiring and happy stories about Puneites. With their campaign getting noticed and citizens showing support, the core team is ready to hit streets and promote awareness and provide innovative and feasible solutions for people’s spitting habits. “Our drive received an overwhelming response. The suggestive solutions are at different stages on their way to action. The team will inform the ill-effects of spitting and try to help people overcome the habit. It is a long journey but we are taking one firm step at a time,” Raja said. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
Running for fitness and healthy lifestyle BY JAMES MATHEW @mathewthejames
Chandrakant Deode has been fighting court cases in person since 2012
to other cities,” Raja said, adding that the campaign in many ways is similar to Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. Raja, who is an independent consultant and entrepreneur in the confectionery industry, believes that even though it might take 10 years to see any positive result, it has to start somewhere. Keeping a check on spitting will also help in reducing the number of people suffering from tuberculosis.
Famous supermodel-actor-fitness freak Milind Soman is running for a cause. The 50-year-old has maintained a solid presence as a celebrity for quite a while. From appearing in films such as ‘Bheja Fry’ to completing the Ironman Challenge recently, Milind will appear in the upcoming ‘Bajirao Mastaan’. A permanent feature at marathons, he is the founder of India’s biggest women’s run Pinkathon that will have its third Pune edition on November 15 at IISER Pashan. A staunch supporter of movements on social issues, Milind announced the event at a hotel in
Milind Soman announced Pune’s third edition of SBI Pinkathon on Thursday
Koregaon on Thursday. Using social media to inspire others, his tweets is filled with regular updates about his training and other health-related activities including cycling, running
and swimming. “People fail to the changes that them. I took up observed women
notice and act upon are needed around Pinkathon when I working hard at
homes but their exercise quotient was limited. I thought that women always influence the family in a big way. If they understand first the value of regular exercise, they will spread that message by example. When I started, people said that women don’t want to do all this. But it is us who discourage women. So I want to spread as much awareness about fitness as I can. My mother, Usha Soman, emphasised the importance of various activities to strengthen different parts of the body,” he said. Milind’s passion for fitness is motivational and awe-inspiring. He will hold a tribal festival on barefoot running in Coorg in November. james.mathew@goldensparrow.com
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
Art and the ideal environment Artists and craftsmen are inclined to live in a creative dimension and they do tend to thrive in scenic natural settings
PICS BY ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
BY ZAINAB KANTAWALA @kantawala.zainab Indian traditional, tribal and rustic art and craft is enjoying a remarkable resurgence today thanks to the internet and social media and other platforms. Not only are individual artists and craftsmen finding patrons and a market for their creations, but the revival of and demand for all things artistic are catalysing artists and craftsmen to pool together their resources and talents and work together under one collective roof to promote their creations on bigger, better and more focused platforms and stages. Pune has quite a sprinkling of galleries, studios and venues showcasing paintings, sculptures as well as handicrafts. And not too far from the city are artists’ settlements that probably not too many people are aware of.
Devrai Art Village
Devrai Art Village is a non-profit initiative that is a home away from home to Adivasi artists and craftsmen who have fled the Naxalite-infested regions of Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh
Raskar Park
D
evrai Art Village is a non-profit initiative that is a home away from home to Adivasi artists and craftsmen who have fled the Naxalite-infested regions of Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh, even as it provides them a means to earn a livelihood by marketing their creations without any middlemen. Nestled in the scenic splendours of Panchgani, this picture postcard setting is a tailor-made setting for an art village. The tents of the settlement are sheltered under a canopy of umbar trees and the 15 skilled artists who live there form the core team. Devrai Art Village was set up in September 2008, when its founder Mandakini Mathur happened to meet Adivasi artist Suresh Pungati of the Madhia tribe. Pungati who is a recipient of the ‘Adivasi Sevak Puraskar’ for his efforts for the welfare of the tribals, was brought up at Baba Amte’s ashram in Anandvan. “Suresh told me about the immense hardships that artists in Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh were going through. Along with not having the raw materials, they also had no avenues to market their art, and therefore, they did not have enough money to provide for their families. Moreover, there was the ever-present threat of Naxalites. I owned this plot of land that I thought would be perfect to set up an art village where these tribals could live and produce their art,” said Mathur. As her art village concept took concrete shape, there was a steady influx of artists and craftsmen from the villages, and the community
blossomed as the older ones imparted their skills to the younger generation. “We began marketing our wares on our Facebook page. Besides, Panchgani has tourists coming in the year round, so we have no shortage of visitors who are interested in the wide range of art and crafts we produce,” she said. The Devrai artists are engaged in a wide spectrum of activity, including wood sculpting, carving, pottery and rock carving, as they revive Jharkhand’s ancient ‘Dhokra’ art form that dates back to 2600 BC, which has been given a new fi llip, by using a fusion of metal and stone. The artist also put to use natural ingredients such as rocks, tree branches and bamboo along with brass and terracotta. Vinay Vachami, 25, of Gadchiroli used to make beedis until he was offered a new and more artistic means of earning a livelihood. “The craftsmen from Jharkhand use resin, wax, clay and firewood, for the oven over which the metal is heated and given its shape,” he said. Vachami works with bronze and stone and his creations combine both traditional and modern methods. Varlu Madavi, 37, of Gadchiroli, is an expert wood sculptor. “It is a joy to revive this ancient art form. We are passing on the skills to a younger generation and they in turn can pass it on to another generation,” he said. It is an arduous procedure, and it demands precision regarding the heating, moulding and glazing processes. “A mould is first prepared with wet mud, wax and resin. Then we carve the design by hand on the mould with wax, and cover it with wet mud. It is then tied with iron wire and one more layer of wet mud is applied. A hole is made in the mould
and it is then heated. Th is melts the wax and the liquid brass is then fi lled in the hole, and left to cool,” Madavi said. The artwork is then obtained by breaking the mud mould, and it is finally cleaned and buffed. Besides images of animals like turtles and elephants , the artisans also depict deities. Amit Madavi, 15, of Chhattisgarh has appeared for his SSC examination this year. He came to Devrai when he was in the fi fth standard, owing to the need to earn some money. “I had to leave home as my family was in dire financial conditions. Coming here was the right decision as I have been able to take up my studies besides learning the ancient Dhokra art,” he said. The Devrai gallery showcases an impressive range of art, including sculpture, installations, jewellery, statues and paintings. “The government wants us to start a training centre at Gadchiroli and we are working on that project now,” said Mathur.
The two-phase Raskar Park housing society at Gujarwadi, in the Katraj area, is a residential colony inhabited by 25 artists. Though it falls within city limits, the housing complex is in a very secluded, non-urban, rustic setting with narrow dirt roads and the absence of the concrete jungle hustle and bustle. And it is not by accident, but the environment has been decided on, as with its serenity, it is conducive to creativity. Prabhakar Singh, 38, is a sculptor whose imagination seems to have no limits. He uses bits and pieces of scrap metal that he welds to create some striking figures of animals and such. “The silence and natural beauty here is truly inspiring and keeps me in the right and artistic frame of mind. Far from the crowds and noise, we live in a cocoon of peace. It is also a blessing to be living among a fraternity of artists, as we inspire and help each other find new avenues of creation. And the camaraderie is splendid as we exchange ideas and relax when we are not working. I cannot think of living anywhere else,” he says. Singh also has a studio at Avanti Kalagram. Anil Sharma lives in Bhugaon but has had a studio at Raskar Park for two years. He works with ceramics and makes vases, lamps and lots of other articles. “The mould is prepared on a potter’s wheel, using oxide colours, baked in a furnace, and shaped, glazed and given a finishing touch. It takes me a week to make a basin,” he says. He also redesigns tiles. “The tranquility at Raskar Park is amazing and it makes working here always so rewarding,” he said. Ashwini and Nandkishore Kumavat moved to Raskar Park as they know most of the residents here. Ashwini is a painter, while Nandkishore is a singer, pianist and graphic artist. “Moving her from Balajinagar five years ago was the perfect choice. Now we have left the bustle of city life behind, and being close to nature here is really wonderful. I paint landscape mostly, and living here gives me lots of scope for my imagination to run free,” says Ashwini. Nandkishore recently quit his job to pursue his art and music. “The natural light in our apartment is a wonderful gift for an artist, and we are living in the company of like-minded friends. What more could an artist want,” he says. zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com
Devrai artists are engaged in a wide spectrum of activity, including wood sculpting, carving, pottery and rock carving, as they revive Jharkhand’s ancient ‘Dhokra’ art form that dates back to 2600 BC
Avanti Kalagram
Avanti Kalagram Art & Craft village at Katarkhadak in Mulshi valley is an idyllic getaway that offers visitors an array of leisure pleasures such as sport and recreation. Overlooking the Khamboli dam, this ecoresort also provides art and craft workshops and demonstrations for the creatively inclined tourist. Developed by the Nalanda Pratishthan Trust, Avanti Kalagram was founded by the husbandwife team of Deepak and Gauri Bachal. “Our aim is to promote art also to provide a platform and outlet for artists and craftsmen to showcase and market their creations, and thereby earn a livelihood. We are trying to preserve and revive traditional and ancient art forms even as we encourage and provide visitors the opportunity to learn some art or craft that they are drawn to. Our free residential and studio facility for budding artists is also an enterprise that is part of our art promotion,” Deepak said. Gauri Bachal is an interior designer, but now she teaches jewellery making to the local women. “Women from the nearby villages are not really interested in art as such. But they find making jewellery very interesting and I teach them how to make crystal and bead jewellery. This kind of jewellery is quite popular and now these village women have a regular source of income,” she says. Mukta Bharat Malpote, 30, of Bhairwadi, was at a loss about how she was going to survive after her husband’s death last year. Avanti Kalagram came as a blessing to Mukta, as it offered her the opportunity to acquire a skill that would also give her s source of income. “I learnt pottery and thanks to this I am now able to provide for my children and myself. Now that I have experience, I even teach pottery to the visitors who want to learn it,” she says. Ashish Ghagh, 23, from Chiplun came to Kalagram four months ago in search of work. “I make lamps, show pieces and other bamboo articles. I am grateful to the people here at Kalagram for giving me the training and the opportunity to earn a living through art. I have learnt enough and now have the ability to teach
others how to make bamboo articles. Kalagram is thronged with visitors on weekends and they are the ones who buy the articles that we make over the weekdays,” he said. The Avanti Kalagram sculpture park and art gallery showcase works by its members. The Kalagram staff is made up of the residents of nearby villagers, who are employed in the kitchen and studios, besides the artistically inclined villagers who are involved with more creative activities. Surrounded by natural splendours, Avanti Kalagram is also a place that displays an eco-friendly approach, from the furniture, kitchenware, to the artifacts. The range of Kalagram products ranges from batik painting, sculptures, murals, furniture and a variety of other articles made from steel, wood, bronze, glass, terracotta and stone, as well as greeting cards and terracotta lamps made by students of Zilla Parishad schools.
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
TECH/START-UP
Two hundred and twenty million tons of old computers and other technology devices are trashed in the United States each year. http://www.websitemagazine.com
Mohandas Pai will lead start-up movement in Bengal: Mitra Quoting statistics of Central Statistical Organisation, West Bengal Finance Minister said India is growing in terms of its per capita income at 6.1 per cent, West Bengal is growing at 12.12 per cent West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra said former Infosys Director TV Mohandas Pai will lead the startup movement in his state. “Mohandas Pai will lead the startup movement in West Bengal,” Mitra told TV Mohandas Pai reporters at the investment roadshow, organised jointly by the West Bengal government and FICCI here. Mitra said Pai has agreed to send a draft of a startup policy, which would be refined and taken forward to make Kolkata and West Bengal the startup capital of the country. “Pai has agreed to send us a draft startup policy. We already have
startups. We will refine and will move forward, and make West Bengal and Kolkata startup capital of India,” he said. The Minister also said that in the endeavour to give a boost to the startup business in West Bengal, it would take Sourabh Srivastava, founder of Indian Angel Network, on board. Moreover, in the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit a special space will be given to start-ups, he said. Talking about investments in West Bengal, Mitra claimed the state has attracted Rs 87,000 crore investment, including from leading corporates, during the last three years. Tata group company TCS is building 40-acre campus to house 20,000 IT professionals. “They will be done by this year and will be inaugurated next year,” he added. Among other mega investment
Universal wireless charger in the offing Researchers have developed a prototype ‘universal wireless charger’ that could be used to simultaneously power multiple devices such as smartphones and laptops. The dual frequency wireless charging platform could be used to charge multiple devices at the same time regardless of which wireless standard, or frequency, each device supports. “To our knowledge, this is the only multi-standard wireless power transmitter that’s been shown to operate simultaneously at two different frequencies with high efficiency,” said Patrick Mercier, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, who led the study. The study not only presents a “universal wireless charger” that can deliver power to multiple devices concurrently, it addresses an issue that afflicts existing wireless technology: incompatibility between the three competing wireless standards in today’s market. Each wireless charger so far supports either the Qi, Powermat, or Rezence standard and will only work with devices that support the same standard. “We developed a wireless technology that is universal and supports all of these standards so it won’t matter which standard your device supports,” said Mercier. PTI
projects, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group is investing Rs 600 crore for its proposed cement plant on 100 acres of land, Mitra said. Reacting to West Bengal government suffering from a perception problem, Mitra said the reality is distinct from the perception because of the 34 years rule of the Communists in the state. “Nobody writes about the reality, but highlights the perception of the state. The reality has to reach to the people of the country, and media can do it for us,” he said. Quoting statistics of Central Statistical Organisation, he said India is growing in terms of its per capita income at 6.1 per cent, West Bengal is growing at 12.12 per cent. West Bengal as per the Centre’s statistics is growing at 10.48 per cent, he added. PTI
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This undated image provided by Abbott shows their experimental heart stent ‘Absorb’. Doctors say the new type of heart stent that works like dissolving stitches, slowly going away after it has done its job, passed its first major test in a large study.
550 firms from 35 nations for ‘Broadcast India Show’ Over 550 companies from 35 nations would participate in a three-day global exhibition in the city from October 15 to showcase the latest film equipment and television technology ranging from high resolution cameras to lenses, lights and octocopters. The exhibition, titled ‘Broadcast India Show 2015’, is being organised by Siacom Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Ltd since last 25 years. It is the biggest such show in India in which well known foreign brands from all over the world exhibit their state-of-the-art film equipment, its Managing Director Ramesh Meer said in a release here. A new paradigm of technological know-how that forms the very core of the new-age infotainment industry -- from its content creation to its management and delivery -- would be focused at the event commencing October 15 at Bombay Exhibition Centre in suburban Goregaon, he said. This year, companies from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Africa, UAE and many parts of Europe have confirmed their participation. The maximum participation would be from the UK and
‘Indo-US economic ties mutually compatible’
Germany, Meer said. Among them would be companies offering software, he said adding that many Canadian and American companies distribute software programmes to film units in India. Octocopters used in aerial shoots shall be on display in the exhibition. Besides, high resolution cameras ranging from 2K to 8K would be put up in the exhibition. 8K cameras would be launched at the show this year. Participant companies include Sony India and Panasonic India, the release said. Many Indian companies manufacture jib rods (that hold cameras), cranes, camera dolly and tripods and hence these equipment shall also be exhibited at the show, Meer said. The organisers have also come out with an online magazine on film technology called ‘Broadcast and Film’. A two-day conference would be part of the exhibition where well known speakers from the film world would deliver lectures on wide range of topics about film making. Meer said he would deliver a talk on ‘how to make film with a zero budget’. PTI
Kerala IT firms to take part in Dubai show At least 10 IT companies from Kozhikode Cyber Park and Calicut Forum for IT, apart from 23 from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram will showcase their products and services at ‘GITEX Technology Week-2015’ in Dubai between October 18 and 22. They will be accompanying an IT delegation from Kerala led by State Principal Secretary (Industries and IT) P H Kurian. Cyberpark CEO R Ajith Kumar and Technopark CEO K G Gireesh Babu will also be part of the delegation, Cyber Park said. Launched in 1981, GITEX is a leading Information and Communications Technology business gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Region. It is an annual international trading hub for the global technology sector, the release said. Cybrosis Technologies, Ipix Solutions, Codelattice, BlueWhyte Software Solutions, Explore IT Solutions, Aufait Technologies and Infinite Open Source Solutions are some of the companies from Malabar region participating in the event. Over the years, Kerala IT has benefited by participation in the event with lot of companies investing in the state and also SMEs from Kerala getting opportunities to showcase their products in the Middle East and European markets, it said. This year, the state plans to showcase SME companies that are developing state-of-the-art innovative products and services in various verticals like banking, insurance, travel and healthcare sector, apart from the IT sector. “Gitex has been one of the most beneficial events for our home grown small companies to flourish. These companies have been able to enter into the Middle East market through GITEX. Kerala IT will showcase various investment opportunities in the IT sector in Kerala,” Cyberpark CEO Ajith Kumar said. PTI
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ENVIRONMENT
H EALTH
Psoriasis linked to cardiovascular risk
Govt acknowledges the influence forests have on environmental amelioration through climate change mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest-dependent communities
India’s environment minister Prakash Javadekar said initiatives like Green India Mission (GIM) aims to further increase the forest/tree cover
livelihood security of forest-dependent communities. NEC approved the PP of all four states with a total financial outlay of Rs 90,202.68 lakh for a plan period of five to ten years years along with APOs of Rs 11,195.32 lakh for this financial year.
The total forest and non-forest area taken up in the four states under GIM during the total plan period will be 1, 08,335 hectares, out of which 81,939 ha will be improving the density of existing forests and 16, 396 ha will be new areas, the statement said.
Judges worry about environmental pollution RANCHI: Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Virendra Singh has said environment plays an important role in the life of human beings “from cradle to the grave”. Speaking at a seminar on ‘Sustainable Development of State of Jharkhand’, Justice Singh said protection of forestland and wild animals in Jharkhand should be a matter for concern, an release said. The Chairperson of the National
Green Tribunal, Swatanter Kumar, said three S’s — social awareness, sincerity in implementation and security to environment — were essential for environmental protection. The release quoted Supreme Court Justice Shiva Kriti Singh as saying that such seminars empowered participants with knowledge. He said there was a need for assembling all stakeholders for
setting goals, developmental strategy and a need for compilation of the deliberations at the seminar and their distribution among all relevant government departments. “Our efforts towards environmental protection should proliferate vegetable cover on the earth,” the release said quoting Justice Sikri, adding human beings should learn respecting life of other species as well.
increase the headcount of Tigers from 1,900 to 3,000. Popularly, known as the “Lepord lady of India”, Vidya Athreya an ecologist who has been working on the human leopard conflict issue since 2003 has also been honoured for her efforts. The awards were handed over by the country head of RBD group Brijesh Mehra in presence of Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to the winners. Prakriti Srivastava and Ramesh Pratap Singh, additional principal chief conservator of forest (APCCF) Madhya Pradesh were conferred with the ‘Green Warrior’ award. Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC IT), an NGO which received Earth Guardian Award, Vidya Athreya and R Sreenivasa Murthy received the ‘Save The Species ‘Award, R Sreenivasa Murthy and Ananda Banerjee received ‘Inspire’ Award for his writings and documentary on environment and conservation. PTI
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Dr Vijaypat Singhania’s grandchildren from his estranged son Madhupati have moved Bombay High Court seeking their share in ancestral property. They have filed a suit against their grandfather, father, mother and Raymond Limited. Detailed story on p7 TGS LIFE
When hunger strikes past midnight
DITCH THE
While Gautam Singhania ‘in a span of 14 years as CMD of Raymond Limited has built a personal net worth of `1.4 billion, Madhupati belonging to the same family was struggling to settle down in a new country, educate his children and make a new life.’ Gautam and his family led a luxurious life ‘with fancy cars, private jets, yachts and expensive holidays.’
NATION
CITY
Bakery worker’s daughter gets her wings P 12
Why are traffic cops taking selfies these days? P3
AUTO,
HAIL A
CAB
GAUTAM SINGHANIA
or long distances (depending on their mood), overcharge or ask for obnoxious fares, often refuse to ply by meter – the list is endless. TGS Team members decided to give the ‘victimised’ autorickshaw drivers a chance. Five members of the team tried hiring rickshaws for distances
Intentions of Dr Singhania were ‘malafide and illegal’ with a motive to grab the share of Madhupati and Anuradha as well as grandchildren and to achieve the same he directed that his son and daughter-inlaw move to another country ‘instead of Pune Municipal Collectively the family. continuing to stay in India with
DEHU
6
Corporation, PimpriChinchwad Municipal Corporation and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited have spent `1,816 crores on constructing dedicated corridors and flyovers along major routes, erecting bus shelters, and buying buses. Despite this not a single route is operational or has succeeded in years. Citizens residing in twin cities continue to cry foul over pathetic public transport system. And from the looks of it nothing is going to change in near future. See Spotlight on p8&9
Precious man hours are lost every day at Hinjewadi just because planners forgot to make more entry and exit points. Over a decade after Hinjewadi was planned to house country’s best IT firms and saying is true. But what they are not telling us or willing to talent, planners have finally woken up to the plight of citizens. concede is that their enemy lies within. Their enemy number one They have now planned five alternative roads. But the authorities is not private cabs but members of their own ilk – many of whom are in no hurry to complete them. See spotlight on p8 & 9 are rude, refuse to ply short
CHIKHALI
ALANDI
KIWALENIGDI
~ Suit filed by the siblings
What a mess!
Teacher booked for sexually abusing 22 students acquitted
Parents teach them more than exams do P 10
1,816 crores spent on BRTS, `1,816
~ Suit filed by the siblings
And yet no respite for commuters
DR VIJAYPAT SINGHANIA
Madhupati Singhania (57) and his wife Anuradha (54) with their children Ananya (29), Rasaalika (26), Tarini (20) and Raivathari (18)
Rickshaw unions across the city want us to believe that private cab service providers or radio cab operators, as they are popularly known as, are villains. Around 12,000 radio cabs have made their lives miserable for 50,000-odd autorickshaw drivers in twin cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The auto drivers want us to believe that corporate houses with deep pockets behind the cab services are eating into their share. Essentially poor rickshaw drivers are getting poorer because of stiff competition from private cab operators.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
CITY
Truly, a tree lady P4
PICS ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Prakriti Srivastava is no stranger to poaching of sandalwood from the forests near Kerala. The IFS officer’s raids sometimes in the middle of the night helped save sandalwood trees in the Munnar reserve forest area. The officer belonging to the Kerala cadre, who helped in converting the Shola grassland forests in Munnar, as a “Reserved Forest”, also has worked to counter the rapid deforestation and encroachments taking place in Mathikettan in Idukki district of Kerala and played an active role in the protection of Olive Ridley Turtle nesting sites through people’s participation in the Kozhikode forest division. As part of the guideline making process of the declaration of Ecologically Sensitive Zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries, she has been successful in relocation of two hamlets of around 150 families in the Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary. Recognising such pioneers in the field of conservation, the fifth edition of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) Earth Heroes awards for environment and wildlife conservation 2015 was conferred to seven such individuals serving earth. “The work showcased by the nominees this year reflects the dedication of various factions of our society who help in making a positive change to the environment,” Pankaj Phatarphod, Country Head of Services, RBS India and Chairperson, RBS Foundation India said. The Award recognises achievements of an individual who has worked a life time in conservation of wildlife, natural resource management, and environment and has influenced policy. HS Panwar was conferred with the award for his efforts in environment conservation. Panwar, a civil servant who helped in establishing the Wildlife Institute of India was named the head of Project Tiger. His efforts have helped
NATION
CITY
No damaged goods please P3
CHINCHWAD
AKURDI
RAVET
BHOSARI
4 THERGAON HINJEWADI VILLAGE
DIGHI
NASHIK PHATA
KALEWADI FATA
5
WAKAD
LOHEGAON
DAPODI 50
PIMPLE GURAV
WAGHOLI
3 4 BANER
VISHRANT VIMAN WADI NAGAR YERWADA
AUNDH
2
SANGAMWADI PASHAN
AH47
WADGAON SHERI
MUNDHWA
SHIVAJI NAGAR
GHORPADI
9
BAVDHAN
CAMP
HADAPSAR
KOTHRUD
SWARGATE PARVATI
WANOWRIE
1
NANDED AMBEGAON BUDRUK
KONDHWA
UNDRI
KATRAJ
4
Sab golmal hai...
Had it not been for a Pune-based activist everybody had forgotten about a film on Lokmanya Tilak commissioned in 2001 by Central Government at the cost of 2.5 crores. Three years after Vishnu Kamalapurkar raised questions about the film,
The creative writing teacher from a reputed school in Baner was booked and arrested in February 2013. A special court acquitted him on the grounds that police bungled up in collecting evidence
RAHUL RAUT
BY DEBOLINA CHAKRABORTY
TGS LIFE
Run for... yourself
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
IFS officer Prakriti helped convert Shola grassland forests in Munnar as a ‘Reserved Forest’
PAGES: 16+16 (TGS LIFE) | PRICE: `5
PUNE, MARCH 28, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
advance, and second instalment was to be released after completion of certain formalities. The very next year second instalment was also disbursed. Cut to October 2012 – Kamalapurkar fi led an RTI with chief public information officer (CPIO) of Ministry of Culture seeking information about the fi lm on Tilak. The CPIO was clueless about the project and sought information from
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Pioneers in ecological conservation honoured
This may be the first study to link psoriasis and blood vessels
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
alcohol clearance) did not benefit from the ethanol’s glucose control effect. Approximately one in five participants was found to be a fast alcoholmetaboliser, identified through ADH enzyme genetic variants tests. W i n e (red or white) did not affect blood pressure, liver function tests, adiposity or adverse symptoms. The twoyear CArdiovaSCulAr Diabetes and Ethanol (CASCADE) randomised controlled intervention trial was performed on 224 controlled diabetes patients (aged 45-75), who generally abstained from alcohol. PTI
and increased blood vessel inflammation did not change much after accounting for other heart disease risk factors. “The most important observation we made was that the more psoriasis was on the skin, the more inflammation there was in the blood vessels,” said senior study author Nehal N Mehta, clinical investigator in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. The findings support the idea that the skin disease and cardiovascular disease may share an immune-related underlying mechanism, but does not prove one causes the other, researchers said. “People who have psoriasis should also maintain an active lifestyle, avoid smoking and follow a balanced diet,” Mehta said. The co-authors of the study included Haley B Naik, Balaji Natarajan, Aditya A Joshi, and Parasuram Krishnamoorthy. The research was published in the American Heart Association journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. PTI
THANK GOD IT’S S AT U R D AY
Red, white wine can improve sugar control, as per alcohol metabolism genetic profiling profile, by increasing good (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 (one of the major constituents of HDL cholesterol), while decreasing the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol,” the researchers said. The researchers concluded that initiating moderate wine intake, especially red wine, among wellcontrolled diabetics, as part of a healthy diet, is apparently safe, and modestly decreases cardio-metabolic risk. The researchers also found that only the slow alcohol-metabolisers who drank wine achieved an improvement in blood sugar control, while fast a lcohol-metabol isers (with much faster blood
People with severe psoriasis may also have more inflammation in their blood vessels which can contribute to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, scientists, including those of Indian-origin, have warned. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which occurs when skin cells grow too quickly, resulting in thick white or red patches of skin. Previous research suggests psoriasis may be linked with a higher risk of cardiac events and cardiovascular-related death. This may be the first study to examine whether psoriasis severity impacts inflammation in the blood vessels, researchers said. In the study, researchers analysed 60 adults (average age 47) with psoriasis and 20 (average age 41) without psoriasis. All study participants were at low risk for cardiovascular disease based on a traditional risk assessment. They underwent a nuclear scan that measured blood vessel inflammation, and a dermatologist assessed the amount of psoriasis. Researchers found that patients had psoriasis ranging from mild (only a few patches, less than 3 per cent of the skin surface affected) to severe (when patches cover more than 10 per cent of the skin surface). The most extensive forms of psoriasis were associated with a 51 per cent increase in blood vessel inflammation. The relationship between psoriasis
“For the current financial year, it will be 28,250 ha and 7,827 ha respectively. Approval has been granted for alternative energy devices such as biogas, solar devices, LPG, biomassbased systems and improved stoves for 27, 032 households for the current financial year... “...and 81, 233 households for the total plan period. This will help in reducing pressure on forests, gaining carbon benefits along with health and other associated benefits,” the statement said. The GIM hinges on decentralized participatory approach involving grass root level organizations and community in planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring. It lays emphasis on landscape approach and convergence with complementary schemes and programmes for better coordination in developing forests and their fringe areas in a holistic and sustainable manner. NEC met on October 9 and the meeting was attended by its members, inter-ministerial experts, mission director, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCFs) and state nodal officers from the four states. Union Environment Secretary Ashok Lavasa, who chaired the meeting, also appreciated the efforts being taken up by the states in working upon convergence opportunities with complementary schemes to ensure requisite investment and saturation of the landscapes. PTI
Red wine good for heart? A glass of red wine every night may help people with type 2 diabetes manage their cholesterol and cardiac health, scientists say. The new findings from a two-year randomised controlled trial led by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) found that both red and white wine can improve sugar control, depending on alcohol metabolism genetic profiling. Researchers aimed to assess the effects and safety of initiating moderate alcohol consumption in diabetics. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing cardiovascular diseases than the general population and have lower levels of “good” cholesterol. “Red wine was found to be superior in improving overall metabolic profiles, mainly by modestly improving the lipid
PUNE
“Scientists have recently found tiny pieces of plastic trapped in sea ice. These contaminated particles eventually become a source of chemicals in our food.” — Achim Steiner, UN Environment Programme
Green Mission for four states National Mission for a Green India (GIM) falling under the Environment Ministry has approved annual plans for Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur and Jhakhand. The National Executive Council (NEC), which met recently, approved the Perspective Plans (PP) and Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) of Mizoram, Manipur, Jharkhand and Kerala. “NEC of the GIM held here recently approved the PP and APOs submitted by four states - Mizoram, Manipur, Jharkhand and Kerala,” an official statement said. GIM, which is one of the eight Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), acknowledges the influence forests have on environmental amelioration through climate change mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and
OCTOBER 17, 2015
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
“One more initiative we are going to take is to plant trees along rail tracks. All over the country, we would like to plant such trees which will actually help the environment.” — Suresh Prabhu, Railway Minister
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY
RITU GOYAL HARISH The case created ripples across the city. A teacher was accused of sexually abusing 22 students all from fi fth standard of a reputed school in Baner. In February 2013, Chaturshrungi police registered a case of sexual abuse against the creative writing teacher and arrested him immediately. Two years after the cops went all out to claim that they had a watertight case, the teacher has been acquitted by a Special Court. The court ruled that the prosecution made out a weak case. The management of the school and parents of students are not only disappointed but also irked with the outcome. “We are feeling let down by the prosecution and the system. It is upsetting because we do not how to face the parents and students who came forward to give their statements. We believe we were on the right,”
said director of the school, who
the FIR and kept in touch with “We are feeling fitheled investigating officer and public The director is prosecutor let down by the | www.thegoldensparrow.com 14, 2015throughout. PUNE, MARCH
prosecution and the system. It is upsetting because we do not how to face the parents and students who came forward to give their statements.”
DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL
yet to get a copy of the order. The case dates back to February 2013 when some of the students studying in class five walked up to their class teacher and alleged that their creative writing sir had touched them inappropriately. The class teacher in turn informed the principal and authorities School management. spoke to several other students and found that 22 girls in all had levelled similar allegations. Director of the school approached Chaturshrungi police station and lodged an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSOA). The investigation was carried out by Supriya Bhoite from Chaturshrungi police station. Contd on p4
PUNE, MARCH 21, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
PUNE, MARCH 28, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
Hum
Fourteen years later, there is no sign of the fi lm. Vishnu Kamalapurkar, Pune-based activist, sought details of the project in 2012 from the Central Government only to be told that they had no records left, the concerned ministry had been wound up, and that fi lm-maker could not be traced. Essentially, the government acceded that it had been duped of `2.5 crores, the sum that was transferred to the fi lm-maker. It has taken Kamalapurkar three years since he sought details about the fi lm under Right to Information Act to get the government to launch a fullfledged investigation. Dhumale has
receiving his RTI finally been traced by the government with the help of police and claims that the fi lm will be released in “next two to four months”. He still hasn’t answered several questions raised by the government about the script and the star cast. It all started in December 2001, when Commemoration Bureau under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture commissioned a fi lm on Lokmanya Tilak. A sum of Rs 1.25 crores was paid to Dhumale immediately as an
Saath Saath
When
HUNGER STRIKES past midnight
A family that prays together stays together. Pune’s joint families on why they agree to disagree
TGS takes a night trail around the city to look for places that will silence a grumbling tummy in the dark of night
The Kamdars
Run for…
yourself
Puneites are running to fight depression, lethargy, even physical disadvantage. Marathoners are taking over the street and making the city fitter than it has ever been
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THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
“Nitish Kumar has been asking...who will be NDA’s CM in Bihar? I don’t want to go into any specifics but (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi at all his rallies - be it in Gaya, Sasaram or Jehanabad, has made a clear ishara (indication).” — Jitan Ram Manjhi, Former Bihar Chief Minister
No happiness in Anandnagar P 13
SC seeks details of trafficking cases in last two years
‘Failed live-in relationships leading to rape cases’
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has asked all states and Union Territories (UTs) to furnish details to the Centre of cases registered by them for the offence of trafficking of girls for sexual exploitation during 2014 to September 30, 2015. Expressing concern over trafficking of girls, a three-judge bench headed by Justice A R Dave asked the Union Cabinet Secretary to set up a highpowered inter-ministerial committee to deal with the issue. The bench, also comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph, sought a report by November 15 on the progress made in setting up of the Organised Crimes Investigating Agency (OCIA) for investigating the cases of human trafficking as such offences involve many states. It asked all states and UTs to provide the data of FIRs, registered between 2014 to September 30, 2015 with regard to girl child trafficking under certain provisions of the IPC and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention)
NEW DELHI: Failed relationships leading to separation of live-in partners and non-fulfillment of promise of marriage despite having physical relation, are major reasons behind rape cases registered by Delhi Police. At least 25 per cent of the total 1,656 rape cases registered so far by Delhi Police have been because of terminated live-in partnerships or refusal to marry, said B S Bassi, Commissioner of Police. A total of 1,656 rape cases have been registered by the police up to September 30 this year. These included 25.31 per cent (419) cases in which the accused were in livein relationship or refused to marry, reveals Delhi Police data. With growing population, the number of rape cases and its nature have also changed. As per Delhi Police data, number of rape cases per 1 lakh
Union Cabinet Secretary asked to set up a high-powered inter-ministerial committee to deal with the issue
Rasagolla has been around for 600 years BHUBANESWAR: Rejecting neighbouring West Bengal’s claim over the Rasagolla, the Odisha government said the sweet dish was available in state’s mutts and temples for centuries. Science and Technology minister Pradip Kumar Panigrahi said, based on the interim report of the three panels set up by the state government, to prepare evidence to the state’s claim over the Rasagolla. “The committees, in their report, have stated that there is conclusive evidence on the use of Rasagolla in Odisha for a long time. This sweet dish was prepared by several mutts and temples in the state about 600 years ago,” he said. Panigrahi said there were evidences supporting Odisha’s claim over Rasagolla in epics like Mahabharata, the one written by Sarala Das, ‘Dandi Ramayan’ and also in Madala Panji,
the ancient text used by the 12th century Sri Jagannath Temple. “Even we have evidence regarding availability of Rasagolla in Odisha when Adi Shankaracharya visited Sri Jagannth Temple,” Panigrahi said. Both Odisha and West Bengal have been claiming that Rasagolla originated from their states. Both have been trying to get Geographical Indication (GI) tag over Rasagolla. The state government had set up three panels to prepare documents on the origin of Rasagolla. PTI
The MHA will collate the data and will file an affidavit before November
FIR against mom for locking up child at home BHUBANESWAR: After rescuing a 4-year-old girl from a locked house here, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has lodged an FIR against her mother. The girl’s mother used to leave her in a locked room before going to work in a private hospital and the child spent about 10 hours there alone for about six months. The CWC rescued the girl last night from the locked house in Mancheswar area here and refused to hand her over to her parents, CWC member Benudhar Senapati said. Terming the confinement of the child as an “inhuman act”, he said the parents have to ensure the girl’s safety and security before taking her back. PTI
Friends or family friends figure in the highest number of rape cases
Hold puja festivals as per Constitution LUCKNOW: Allahabad High Court has directed authorities to ensure that Durga Puja celebrations are held in line with Constitutional provisions which protect people’s right to observe their faith without encroaching on individual rights and the need to maintain order in public life. The court disposed of 11 writ petitions, filed by different Durga Puja Committees from various districts of Uttar Pradesh. A division bench of Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi and Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi gave the directions. “The administration
therefore has to blend its decision and not be indifferent to the concern of the public at large. The religious faiths which are preserved and secured as guaranteed under the Constitution have to be continued and preserved so long as the Constitution exists, the bench said. “The administration therefore can not absolve itself of any such responsibility but at the same time, it is equally the duty of the petitioners as well as other citizens to remind themselves of their own fundamental duties as enshrined under chapter lV-A of the Constitution,” it further ruled. PTI
Govt has no info on definition of ‘Hindu’ INDORE: Union Home Ministry does not know the definition of the word ‘Hindu’. In reply to an RTI query by Neemuch resident Chandrashekhar Gaur, the ministry said it does not know the definition of the word Hindu. “To my RTI query about the meaning and definition of the word Hindu in the light of the Indian Constitution and the law, the Home Ministry in its July 31 reply said the Central Public Information Officer doesn’t have information regarding it,” said Gaur, a resident of Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh. The government’s reply was baffling, he said. PTI
VINTAGE CAR RALLY PTI
Act, to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) within a fortnight.
18, the next date of hearing, the court said. During the hearing, the court hailed the steps taken by the Centre and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on issues like prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of the victims of trafficking for commercial and sexual exploitation. The counsel for the Centre today referred to the recent Central Advisory Committee meeting in which states and UTs were invited and they discussed the report of NALSA. NALSA had suggested roles of various stakeholders in the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking for commercial and sexual exploitation and had sought a direction to the Centre that the OCIA be set up to investigate the cases of human trafficking and organised crime. Earlier, the court had asked the Centre to come out with an action plan to prevent trafficking of girls for sexual exploitation, their rescue and rehabilitation after holding discussions with all states. PTI
people in the national capital averaged 3.09 in 2010, while till September 2015 this average increased to 12.21 cases. As far as victim-accused relationship is concerned, friends or family’s friends figure in the highest number of rape cases registered in the city. A total of 644 rape cases (38.89 per cent) involved accused as victim’s friends or friends of her family, registered by police till September 30 this year. Neighbours and relatives were accused in 281 and 233 cases respectively. “We focus on professional investigation of such cases. Of the total of 1,656 rape cases registered till September 30, we worked out 1,260 cases. The number of cases which were worked out within a week of FIR were 781 while 186 cases were worked out in a couple of weeks,” he said. PTI
Social media addict commits suicide COIMBATORE: Upset at being ticked off by her husband for constantly being on WhatsApp and Facebook, a newly married woman allegedly committed suicide by hanging at her home at Kaundampalayam area here. Twenty-year-old Aparna from Kerala was always on these forms of social media as her husband Kumar, a lorry driver, was constantly away at work, police said. He reportedly abused her over
spending too much time on WhatsApp and Facebook and took away her mobile phone. She used another cellphone to ring up her elder brother and tell him what had happened. She then locked herself inside her room and did not heed appeals from the family members to open it. Kumar then broke open the door to find his wife hanging dead on her dupatta from the ceiling. PTI
Owners and their friends take part in a vintage car rally as people watch in Bengaluru
Kolkata trams get a new lease of life Vol-II* lssue No.: 18 Editor: Yogesh Sadhwani (Responsible for the selection of news under the PRB Act, 1867) Printed and Published by: Shrikant Honnavarkar on behalf of Golden Sparrow Publishing Pvt. Ltd. CIN:U22200PN2014PTC151382 and printed at PRI – Media Services Private Limited CIN: U22222MH2012PTC232006 at Plot No. EL-201, TTC Industrial Area, MIDC, Mahape, Navi Mumbai. Golden Sparrow Publishing Pvt. Ltd. 1641, Madhav Heritage, Tilak Road, Pune-411 030, Tel: 020-2432 4332/33.
KOLKATA: Colonial-era charm of trams is being revisited in the city with air-conditioned tram cars being lined up and closed routes being restored. “We are getting a good response for our recent initiatives. During peak season we are getting full bookings for our AC tram car. Seeing the demand we have decided to add an AC vehicle to the fleet every year beginning from this year,” Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) managing director Nilanjan Sandilya said. The first AC tram was launched in 2013 and since then the authorities have
not only started heritage tours but also allowed tour operators and even partygoers to book the single-bogie car. “The second AC vehicle, built at the
Nonapukur tram depot at a cost of about Rs 20 lakh, will feature better interiors and new technology,” the official said. Trams are popular for birthday parties, school and NGO events and in a rare case a marriage was also solemnised in the street car. A quintessential part of colonial-era Kolkata, the only place in India which still manages to accommodate the slowmoving vehicle in fast-moving cities, trams have also been a part of thriller films like ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!’ and Vidya Balan’s ‘Kahaani’. The footfall in the cafe-museum at
the Esplanade depot is also encouraging and officials are thinking of have more such stationery cafe-museums at other places in the city. Reopening of closed tram routes is also on top of the mind of the authorities. They have recently restored two routes which were cut off since the last few years due to civic work. Tourists booking AC trams often complain that due to the closed doors they miss the morning sounds of the city. “Therefore, we have kept two nonAC heritage trams available for block booking,” Sandilya said. PTI
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
FC Pune City to face champions P 14
PUNE
“The contest for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination is starting to look like a two-man race between me and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and that I might have to start going after Mr Carson even though the doctor has been nice to me.” —Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Front-runner
‘Indo-US economic ties mutually compatible’ US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said it is pertinent that the recent strategic dialogue between the world’s largest and oldest democracies covered a wide range of important issues on framework on which India and the US continue to build bilateral relations. He said that this does not have to be a zero-sum game...a winner here and a loser here
The Indo-US bilateral trade that stood at USD 19 billion in 2000 reached over USD 100 billion in 2015. Both President Obama and Prime Minister Modi have targetted to raise it to USD 500 billion
“And, we have made great progress in a relatively short period of time in the two-way trade...While our bilateral trade in 2000 stood at USD 19 billion, in 2015 it has reached over USD 100 billion and both President Obama and Prime Minister Modi have targetted to raise it to USD 500 billion,” Verma said. On a question as to whether ‘SelectUSA’ would affect the ‘Make in India’ vision of the government, he said, “We are growing together in
bilateral trade as natural partners... But, this does not have to be a zero-sum game...a winner here and a loser here. We seek to push economic ties in both destinations, and data and the economics has proven it be true.” “Also, the number of Indian companies in the US have risen from less than 50 in 2000 to over 200 in 2015. And, while 4,000 people visited in 2010, 1.2 million people visited this year across categories,” Verma said. Also, a vast majority of Indians
‘Global framework needed for total elimination of N-weapons’
constitute for both H1B and L1 visas...and, need for the reform of the immigration system...and encourage strong positioning of India, he said. Verma also said during the roadshow, “Various government and economic development orgnisations will contact potential investors and participants and sharing the best practice to help tide over issues that may arise in trying to enter the US market.” Indian-American Vinai
Thummalapally, Executive Director, SelectUSA, said the forum also seeks to remove several, both “perceived and real hurdles” seen by firms in entering the US market, and play a substantive role in clarifying and giving the right information at the federal level. According to an official release by the US Embassy here, India is now the fourth fastest growing source of investment in the US, with USD 11 billion of historical investment and counting. “India also had one of the largest delegations at the March 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit, held in Washington. And, please mark your calendars for next Summit in June 2016,” Thummalapally told the participants earlier. “Besides, there will be National Aerospace Foreign Direct Investment Exposition from Oct 26-28 this year...And, in February 2016 Commerce Department Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews will be leading a key mission to India with companies that can contribute and share with India,” he added. On ‘Totalisation Agreement’, Ambassador Verma said, “second round of talks have been held between the two governemnts...And, gaps are now narrowing and we look forward to continue in this direction.” On Pakistan Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif ’s upcoming visit to US, Verma said, “There will be a range of issues that would have to be discussed, from security, to economy and trade...I do not want to pre-judge the subject or the outcome. But, we will remain focussed on our relationship here and we will see what comes out of the meeting.” On the ‘Smart City’ initiative, the US Ambassador said, progress has been made on that front too. US has decided to partner with India in developing three cities as smart cities — Ajmer, Vizag and Allahabad. “We have made smart infrastructure collaboration platforms, where US companies have come together on virtual platforms to specifically identify the services that they will offer, linking up those cities. Also, they will make some financing available... and some of the sectors identified are traffic management, law enforcement, green building, transport electric generation,” he said. Finding its origin as ‘Invest in US’ programme in George W Bush’s administration in 2007, ‘SelectUSA’ was launched in 2011 by President Barack Obama in 2011, who “raised the profile and rebranded it”, Thummalapally said. PTI
India had one of the largest delegations at the March 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit
ISLAMIC NEW YEAR AP/PTI
NEW DELHI: Asserting that IndoUS economic ties are “not a zerosum game”, a top American diplomat has said that ‘Make in India’ and ‘SelectUSA’ initiative to attract investment in the United States are “mutually compatible” as evidenced by the increase in bilateral trade. “We are strongly supportive of the ‘Make in India’ as we are of other drives like ‘Digital India’, ‘Clean India’, financial inclusion...and in ‘Make in India’ we see several sectors like in advance nuclear energy, among other areas ...and we will continue to support the drive. “But, it (‘Make in India’) in no way subtracts or minimises our efforts to attract Indian investment in the US. In fact they are actually very mutually compatible and reinforcing... That is why you see the two-way trade figure going up,” US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said. He was addressing a press conference on the ‘SelectUSA’ holding its first-ever road show in India, that kicked off from New Delhi on Tuesday. The roadshow from October 1316 will after Delhi travel to Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. ‘SelectUSA’ a programme under the US Department of Commerce seeks to promote, attract, retain and expand business investments to and within the US. “It is pertinent that the recent Indo-US Strategic Dialogue that covered a wide range of important issues on framework on which India and the US continue to build bilateral relations.
India has vital developmental and security interests in space BY YOSHITA SINGH UNITED NATIONS: Voicing its commitment to unilateral moratorium on nuclear explosive testing, India has said the goal of complete elimination of nuclear weapons can be achieved by a “global and non-discriminatory” multilateral framework. India’s Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament Venkatesh Varma also told a First Committee meeting in the UN General Assembly that India has vital developmental and security interests in space as a major space-faring nation and backs strengthening the international legal regime to protect and preserve access to space. Varma said all states possessing nuclear weapons can make a
contribution by engaging in a meaningful dialogue to build trust and confidence by reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in international affairs and security doctrines. “The goal of the complete elimination of nuclear weapons can be achieved by a step by step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory,” he said at a First Committee meeting in the UN General Assembly here yesterday. He said India believes that increasing the restraints on the use of nuclear weapons is not only an essential first step but it is also necessary in the current complex international environment in enhancing strategic trust globally.
Varma pointed out that India continues to keep under review the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) from the perspective of its defence, security and foreign policy interests. “We would be watching how the treaty is implemented especially in view of some of the gaps in the Treaty that India had pointed out during its negotiation and which have become only more pronounced since then,” he said. As a major space faring nation, India has vital developmental and security interests in space, Varma told the UN body. “India supports strengthening the international legal regime to protect and preserve access to space for all and to prevent without exceptions, the weaponisation of Outer Space,” he said. PTI
Indonesian Muslims hold torches during a parade marking the eve of the Islamic New Year in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Islamic 12-month calendar is based on the lunar year of about 354 days
India dismayed at lack of transparency in UN peace operations Human costs are evident in rising number of casualties among UN peacekeepers BY YOSHITA SINGH UNITED NATIONS: India has expressed its strong dismay at the lack of accountability and transparency in the framing of peacekeeping mandates by the UN Security Council, saying this “failing” by the world body is resulting in rising casualties among peacekeepers and civilians. “We are dismayed at the opaque manner in which the Security Council continues mandate peace operations, without any accountability or transparency,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukerji said at a debate in the UN General Assembly here on peacekeeping operations. Mukerji said the human costs of “this failing” are evident in both the rising number of casualties among UN peacekeepers, as well as an alarming
growth in the number of civilians, now reaching 60 million, whose lives are being disrupted by the conflicts that an “ineffective Security Council is powerless” to resolve. Mukerji called for prioritising an early reform of the Security Council during the current 70th session of the Assembly “in order to bring hope to these millions of ordinary men, women and children.” In the report titled ‘The report of the United Nations Peace Operations: Implementation of the recommendations of the High Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations’, the Secretary General has recommended that sustained dialogue between the Council, the Secretariat and contributors is essential for shared understanding of appropriate responses and their implications for the mandate and conduct of a peace operation. Mukerji said India strongly supports the Secretary General’s statement that this dialogue should begin before the establishment of the mission. He added that the report also
India’s Permanent Representative to UN Asoke Mukerji said the international community should not abandon the cardinal principles of UN peacekeeping of consent of the parties
rightly recognise that “a United Nations peace operation is not designed or equipped to impose political solutions through sustained use of force” and that UN peace operations are not the appropriate tool for military counterterrorism operations. “We endorse this recommendation, as UN peacekeepers are not deployable for targeted offensive action against
armed militias, non-state actors and terrorists,” Mukerji said. He stressed that the international community should not abandon the cardinal principles of UN peacekeeping of consent of the parties, impartiality and the non-use of force except in selfdefence and defence of the mandate. He also urged a review of the current allocation of resources within
UN peace operations to ensure that the growing resource constraint faced by UN peace operations is considerably mitigated. Mukerji said UN peacekeepers are not only the UN’s boots on the ground, but also the organisation’s eyes and ears, adding that the Security Council can only benefit from the ground level assessments which troop contributing countries can provide in direct interaction between member states. India is the largest cumulative troop contributor to UN peace operations, with over 185,000 troops having served in 48 of the 69 missions mandated so far. The country has repeatedly called for the Security Council to consult troop contributing countries before drawing up peacekeeping mandates given that troops now have to function is increasingly difficult and hostile conflict situations across the world’s hot-spots. On allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse faced by a “small minority of UN personnel”, Mukerji said allegations shame the organisation
and there must be “zero tolerance” of sexual abuse by peacekeepers. “Such abuse scars the lives of men, women and children. We take such cases with utmost seriousness. The United Nations must apply one standard, that of zero tolerance, while dealing with all cases of sexual exploitation and abuse in all its field operations, whether these be peacekeeping, peacebuilding or others,” he said. Mukerji noted that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has proposed three pillars for conducting UN peace operations with a renewed focus on prevention and mediation; stronger regional-global partnerships; and new ways of planning and conducting peace operations to make them faster, more responsive and accountable to the needs of countries and people in conflict. He said of these, primacy must be given to the pacific settlement of disputes as the core objective of UN peace operations that will enable every peace operation to have a clear implementation timeframe. PTI
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
MONEY MATT ER S
“We recognise that unless we build India’s productive capacity it will not be possible for us to sustain 8-10 per cent growth over the long term unless we have really addressed India’s productive capacity.” — Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance
Signposts
“We have chosen Bidadi for the plant as it’s strategically located to reach markets in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Pune, besides Sri Lanka for exports.” — Jeremy Hocking, VP, Herman Miller
Indian reforms defined as ‘game-changing’ BY YOSHITA SINGH
BoB fraud guilty will pay the price: Rajan Expressing concern over illegal Rs 6,000 crore transfer of funds through a Bank of Baroda branch, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan on Thursday said it will be pursued both by the central bank and investigative agencies to the “ultimate conclusion” to ensure that the guilty are made to “pay the price” for it. He also said that if not pursued quickly, such frauds create an atmosphere of impurity which then breeds more such practices. “We have created a whole new system for fraud alerts, fraud awareness amongst the banks. My hope is, going forward, we will pursue these frauds to the ultimate conclusion so that those who commit frauds do in fact pay the price for committing them,” Rajan said.
Allaying concerns of investors over pace of reforms in India, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said the government has implemented “gamechanging” measures to transform India’s economic fortunes and improve the business environment in the country. Addressing students and faculty at an India Conference organised by Cornell University in New York, Sinha listed initiatives such as universal social security, ‘Make in India’ and agriculture credit taken by the Narendra Modi government to boost productivity and economic growth in the country. Sinha outlined that to ensure “These measures are gameuniversal social security, the changing and are really going government has initiated the ‘Jan to transform India’s economic Dhan Yojna’ which over a period fortunes,” he said in his address of time will include other benefits via video link. like health insurance. Sinha said there In agriculture, was expectation that initiatives like the “big-bang” reforms irrigation soil health would be put in place card, agricultural credit to fundamentally and crop insurance are transform the economic being put in place to landscape and there is make India’s agriculture disappointment in some more productive. quarters over the speed He also listed of such reforms. the Make in India, “I reassure business Jayant Sinha Skills India and people, investors Mudra schemes to and Indians that we highlight efforts by have probably done more and the government to improve more quickly than any other manufacturing and give a boost government, including the to small entrepreneurs across the government that brought in the country. 1991 liberalisation,” he said. When asked about India’s
IIP, CPI data reflect resilience of economy: Analysts
The latest IIP and retail inflation data have shown the resilience of the economy despite below normal monsoon and a weak external sector, say analysts. Industrial production (IIP) grew to a three-year high of 6.4 per cent in August, up from 4.1 per cent in July. The rise was mainly on account of a double digit growth in consumer durables and capital goods ahead of the festival season. However, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) based inflation accelerated to 4.4 per cent in September as against 3.7 per cent in the previous month due to reversal in the base effect. “Industrial growth and inflation data underscore the resilience of the economy despite headwinds such as sub-par monsoons and a weak external sector,” Citi said in a report. Japanese brokerage Nomura said the data suggest that even as headwinds from slowing external demand have risen, a domestic demand recovery is well underway. “We expect this to continue, led by higher discretionary demand (low inflation), improving corporate profit margins (low commodity prices),
accommodative monetary policy and front-loaded capex by the government,” Nomura said. Based on the stable core CPI readings, Nomura does not expect further sustained disinflation, with headline inflation likely to stabilise at around 5 per cent over the next 6-12 months. According to Crisil, average inflation will fall to 5.4 per cent in the ongoing fiscal as against 6 per cent in the previous financial year. It said CPI inflation is likely to continue to see uptrend as the base effect continues to wear out for another month or so, adding, “however, demand pressures from global prices and slower recovery in domestic demand will cap the upside”. Citi further said it maintains its view of CPI inflation tracking an average 4.8-5 per cent in FY16/FY17, which could open the space for further 25-50 basis points easing in 2016. Another rating agency Icra said it continues to expect CPI inflation to undershoot the Reserve Bank’s projection of 5.8 per cent for next January. PTI
low ranking in the ease of doing business index, Sinha said Prime Minister Modi is targeting that India should be in the top 50 and the government is “putting a lot of time and effort” and is “absolutely determined” to improve its ranking among nations in ease of doing business. “These things take time to address and solve the problems associated with ease of doing business in India,” he said, adding that the government is well on track to achieve the target set by Modi to see India among the top 50 destinations on ease of doing business. He added that the overriding objective of the Modi government is to build India’s productive capacity to ensure the country sustains an 8-10 per cent economic growth over the long term and lift
ThyssenKrupp sets up elevator factory in Pune Bullish about growth in the real estate sector in the coming years, German elevator maker ThyssenKrupp has set up a manufacturing facility in Maharashtra and is eyeing up to 13 per cent market share by financial year 2019-20. ThyssenKrupp India has invested Rs 300 crore to set up the elevator manufacturing facility in Pune. “Though the overall sentiment in the real estate sector has slowed down, we are seeing activities in tier-II and tierIII markets. “These are the potential markets we are tapping where there is significant demand for our products,” ThyssenKrupp Elevator India Managing Director Bharat Vishnani told reporters. PTI
millions out of poverty. “Our overriding objective is to build India’s productive capacity both as far as the hard assets and the soft assets are concerned. “We recognise that unless we build India’s productive capacity it will not be possible for us to sustain 8-10 per cent growth over the long term unless we have really addressed India’s supply side and productive capacity,” he said. On the hard assets, he said the government has lined up huge infrastructure investments to develop the country’s roads, factories, highways and bridges. He added that the Modi government is also paying great attention to soft assets including improving employability and skills of the workforce, educational institutions and building an innovation eco-system that will propel entrepreneurship and start-ups. “We need both the hard assets and soft assets to be very very robust so we can have the 8-10 per cent sustainable and steady growth for the next couple of decades which we need to lift all of India out of poverty,” Sinha said. On measures being taken to transform the fiscal architecture in the country, he said the Goods and Services Tax has tremendous industry support and it will get passed “sooner or later”. “No body can deny an idea whose time has come. It is bound to happen and is just a matter of time,” he said. PTI
Complexity of I-T Act needs to be changed The Country’s Income Tax Act has become “unwitty and complex” after going through numerous “aberrations” over the period of time and the Centre will soon come up with a roadmap to execute important changes and remove such complexities, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said recently. According to him, the Centre will soon disclose the changes in the IT Act as well as its execution. “The government is of the fi rm belief that Income Tax law needs some very important changes and we are seized of the matter. We will soon disclose what changes are required and how will it be done (in the IT act),” he said. “Unfortunately the Income Tax Act which was written many years ago has undergone so many aberrations, so many changes, that it has become unwitty and complex, we need to undertake the wholesale job of removing such things and this is the right time to do it,” Adhia said. The Revenue secretary was speaking at the conference, ‘Round table on Tax Reforms’ organised by Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants in presence of Central Board of Direct Taxes chairperson Anita Kapur and CBDT Member Legislation and Computerisation Rani Singh Nair. “The country has many expectation from the upcoming budget, the growth rate of the country also needs to be taken forward. When we have to give a fresh budget which can push the growth we require lot of new ideas. That is why we are going to different parts of the country,” Adhia said. “When the whole country wants growth, when the Prime Minister has set the ambition of a double digit growth, we need real innovative ideas, we really need out of the box thinking, beyond the incrementalism,” Adhia said on tax reforms. “But so far probably we have not achieved a major shift in our approach, some kind of breakthrough initiative has not come... we want some big bang ideas,” Adhia told business heads and top tax consultants of Gujarat. After the discussions which continued for over two hours, Adhia highlighted the steps that his department is considering to tackle what is being described as ‘tax terrorism’. PTI
New rules give babus time till April to file property returns The Centre has extended by six months, till April 15 next year, the deadline for central government employees to fi le the details of their assets and liabilities, along with that of their spouses and dependent children, as mandated under the Lokpal Act. The Personnel Ministry has notified new rules — Public Servants (Furnishing of Information and Annual Return of Assets and Liabilities and the Limits for Exemption of Assets in Filing Returns) Third Amendment Rules, 2015 — to say that the date to file the details has been extended from October 15 to April 15, 2016. This is the fourth extension in the
time limit for filing the details. The declarations under the Lokpal Act are in addition to similar ones filed by the employees under various services rules. All Group A, B and C category employees are supposed to file the declaration. As per rules, notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, every public servant shall file declaration, information and annual returns pertaining to his assets and liabilities as on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year. With yesterday’s notification, the employees will have to file details about their assets for two years — 2014 and
2015 — by April 15. For 2014, the last date for filing returns was September 15 of last year, which has been extended thrice. It was first extended till December last year, then till April 30, this year and third extension was up to October 15. The employees will have to file revised returns twice -- one for 2014 (giving details of the assets as on August 1, 2014) and another for 2015 (mentioning information of the assets as on March 31, 2015). Employees need to give details like cash in hand, bank deposits, investment in bonds, debentures, shares and units in companies or mutual funds, insurance policies, provident fund etc. PTI
Govt to unveil new software tool to check PAN transactions history The government is set to unveil an ambitious PAN activity monitoring and analysis software tool that will enable Income Tax department to check transactions history of a person country-wide and help sleuths in effective tracking of black money trail. The digital and smart platform is called the Income Tax Business Application-Permanent Account Number (ITBA-PAN) and is currently being put to final tests by a special team of tax sleuths and business software analysts at a facility in the national capital. The new software tool will enable the taxman to view, in a chronological order, the entire “PAN life cycle summary” or to simply say transactions history of an individual or entity where a PAN number has been quoted, in any part of the country. The project is expected to be activated by the end of this month by the Finance Ministry and will also enable the tax department and its two intermediary organisations — NSDL
The new software tool will enable taxman to view, in a chronological order, the entire ‘PAN life cycle summary’ or transactions history of an individual or entity
and UTIITSL — to allocate a fresh PAN number and subsequently issue a new card in 48 hours flat as compared to the about 15 days time taken currently. The operationalisation of the project assumes significance as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had recently said
that the government is at an “advanced stage in considering the requirement of furnishing PAN card details if cash transactions beyond a certain limit are undertaken.” The department, in order to enhance its capabilities to better track
large value transactions in the country, has brought the ITBA-PAN portal and has for the same has also closed down its “legacy” and the existing Assessee Information System (AIS) early this month which till now used to hold the PAN database. The new platform, according to an official proposal accessed by PTI, will also allow the taxman to view and capture various events of an assessee like “death, liquidation, dissolution, de-merger, merger, acquisition, fake PAN or amalgamation of PAN” in a specific or general case in an event of any investigation to be carried out in a case of black money or tax evasion. “The ambitious project will be rolled out soon and the I-T department has already migrated all the PAN data last week from the old system to the new one. With this project going operational, PAN will become a unique identifying database in the real sense all across the country,” a senior official said. PTI
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
“Building more roads and flyovers cannot solve traffic problems. Focus should be on heavy and other inter-city traffic bypassing city roads, creating multi-modal bus terminals to take parking off these roads.” — Qaneez Sukhrani, Nagrik Chetana Manch
PUNE
“The work on removing the existing barricades along the bus shelters has begun. We will increase the BRTS lane width and re-erect the barricades.” — Vijay Bhojane, Spokesperson, BRTS Cell
No happiness in Anandnagar Pune feels like home RAHUL RAUT
The Anandnagar area on Sinhgad Road is in utter chaos. Aside from the ever crowded roads, the pavements are being encroached on by vendors selling all kinds of wares, from fruits and vegetables, to trinkets and snacks. The pedestrians have no room to move and they are forced to walk through traffic at the risk of being run over. The shopkeepers are also to blame as they keep their wares on the footpaths as well. The vendors have been evicted a number of times by the anti-encroachment department staff, but they always return without fail and the same situation occurs all over again. Either the anti-encroachment
staff is hand-in-glove with the vendors or there is really no law to prohibit the vendors from occupying the pavements. Actually the anti-encroachment drives are a big farce, that are done just to hoodwink the common man. The hawkers and vendors know well beforehand when the antiencroachment van is on its way and they clear off their kiosks and stalls long before the municipal staff arrive. Of course, there are a token few to prove that the civic
staff is doing its duty. It is fooling no one though. The roads are a maze of confusion and congestion, with cars and bikes parked haphazardly, reducing the space even more. Crossing the road is a major ordeal for the old or disabled, and even children are at risk. Vaibhav Joshi The civic authorities or the police are conspicuous by their absence and the lack of any effort to remedy the situation, which keeps getting worse by the day. The pedestrians are completely ignored and there is no concern for how people are to go about. The politicians are nowhere in sight except during elections and the citizens are left to fend for themselves. The Pune Municipal Corporation is not known for its efficiency or conscientiousness when it comes to serving the public. Probably it is one of the worst corporations in the world. Look at the state of the roads, the flyovers that are under construction years after their deadline, the garbage, the lawlessness among the road-users, the poor street lighting, the pollution and the scores of other issues that the citizens of Pune are struggling with. But we are to blame for electing such worthless civic leaders, who do not care a whit for the citizens’ welfare, but are only in their positions to make as much money as they can in their elected terms. Why blame the hawkers and vendors, as the people who really benefit from this chaos are the civic fathers.
CITIZEN JOURNALIST
City is still stuck in bourgeois attitude I belong to Kolhapur and have lived in Pune for six years. I have also lived in Mumbai owing to my education and I quite appreciate Pune as it does not make a person as faceless and inconsequential as does a mega city like Mumbai. But there are lots of aspects of living Sayali Ghorpade in Pune which are a downright no-no. It is a rather staid and conservative city for all its development, and there is really no room here for people who think out of the box. And it’s the same when it comes to lifestyles. Anything out of the ordinary and the bourgeois, stuck-up Puneites are bound to ostracise you and label you a misfit or worse. It is also very limited in affording any great
global platform or scope. For such a large and growing city with such emphasis on art and culture, it has really nothing to show in terms of creativity or accomplishment. In fact, the moment any one achieves a certain level of proficiency and skill, the person is likely to move to Mumbai or abroad to find a more appreciative audience for themselves. And when it comes to quality of life, there is none. The city is absolutely a non-no when it comes to gong any place during the day and till 10 pm. And after 10 pm there is nowhere to go as the whole city shuts down, except for the horridly expensive five-stars. It is completely frustrating, and whenever I have ventured out top some event or another, I am always cursing the chaos and confusion on the roads, made worse by the uncouth and lawless Puneites who care little for their own safety, let along that of others. It is so uncivilised that I wonder how such a hub of education and commerce, and a city that
NON-NATIVE
PAROLE
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
It is really telling about the heartless age we live in that we show no care or concern for artistes and performers of yesteryears, who have now fallen on hard times owing to old age and penury. It is hard to imagine that a person who has worked with the likes of fi lm doyen V Shantaram and the iconic Kishore Kumar does not even have a roof over his head. Shehnai supremo Ustad Bismillah Khan had to undergo unforetold hardships and humiliation and he wasn’t the only one. For all the brouhaha of India being the land of saints and sages, mahatmas and such, the stark reality if that today Indians are the greediest and most callous people on earth, and that the truth is that it is one of the worst places in the world to die. There is no such thing as palliative care and
has derived its name from the word ‘punya’ or goodness is such a hellhole. The police force is so inefficient and useless to be completely inconsequential as is the corporation that cannot even provide a semblance of public transport. And there’s little to be said about the autorickshaw drivers, a majority of whom seem to be have criminal records, and their rude behaviour is just what one would expect. Once the weather must have been fine but today this is a city where air-conditioning is a must and the lack of hygiene and pollution are making this a sick city, where swine flu and dengue are prevalent throughout the year, and the doctors and hospitals are making hay. The good aspects about Pune are its wide array of eateries and restaurants and I know my way around some that do make my day. There are some parts of town like Koregaon Park which are civilised and clean and where the people seem to have good manners and attitudes. I can’t say the same about the rest of Pune though, which is truly crass and boorish and loutish.
I have lived in Pune for over three years now, and the experience has been great. Most of the people I have met are welcoming and extremely friendly. Thanks to the pace of life and the general way of life, I have had the luxury of spending lots of quality time with my husband and three children. It is quite in contrast to our life in Indiana, Columbus, where as a working mother I never had enough time for my children. Pune is a city that offers an almost unending variety of things to do and I am always trying to make time to go out and do something interesting with my husband and children. Of course the most time we have is on the weekends and we have gone about exploring all that Pune offers, I can call it one of my favourite cities now. My children have also come to like living here a lot and they are fascinated with the different things that they have experienced here. It is of course a great benefit that Pune is such a hub of education and culture as these are what give this place its rich tapestry of events and happenings that we as outsiders are completely enthralled by. Of course there are aspects about the city like the unruly road-users, congestion, dirt and pollution that are quite alien to us. Our home is much quieter and immaculately
clean. I guess the population in India is so huge that things are bound to get out of hand, but I am sure that a more efficient mu n ic ip a l corporation, Niki Ganley police force etc Vreeland would go a long way in making Pune more orderly and citizenfriendly. As it is, it is becoming more difficult by the minute to commute in the city and the lack of public transport and public amenities is quite baffl ing. Indians seem to be an intelligent race but how essential and basics such as toilets are ignored is quite frankly astonishing. Going to Mars is alright but kids defecating in the open on Pune streets makes me wonder what the Indian government and the Pune municipal corporation are doing for the citizens. On one hand there are people who drive Ferraris and then there are pavement dwellers who cannot even have a bath or own a single pair of clean clothes. However, we have had the most pleasant time here in Pune and we have also made use of the opportunity to travel around to the holiday spots around the city. India is blessed with infinite natural splendours and it is the duty of its citizens and authorities to preserve the environment and beauty. I am making the most of every day I spend here and I just hope that in the rush for progress and development, Pune does not forfeit all its charms.
FROM FOREIGN
SHORES
RAHUL RAUT
The anti-encroachment farce is a regular feature on Sinhgad Road, where pedestrians have no safe zones
This has become a home away from home and the thought of leaving the city is a difficult one
Indians do not care about old & ailing
the old and the ailing are literally left to die in the streets. For all the ambitious projects of reaching Mars and beyond, Modi and his band of elitist politicians should come down to earth and open their eye and see the gruesome reality. Intolerance, communal hatreds and chaos rules the country, while the prime minister roams abroad and ignores the turmoil in the country. If we keep on this way, and keep ignoring and mistreating the legendary musicians, our downfall as a society is certain and imminent. —Suhas Mahal
Who cares about water scarcity? Water scarcity is a fact of life today and we are now stuck with it until the next
monsoon or if it arrives at all. We are paying for trifl ing and tampering with nature and the average city dweller knows and cares nothing for where water comes from. We are so lost in our own concerns and making money that we have forgotten how crucial water is. That is why we waste water thoughtlessly and have never thought of conserving it. The civic authorities do no more than implement water cuts and such measures after a bad monsoon, but where is the foresight or planning, to urge citizens to take up rainwater harvesting etc? In a city like Pune with all its monstrous malls, five stars etc, precious gallons of water are wasted every moment and this profl igacy has no end in sight. When we have no water to drink is the time when we will all wake up, but then it will be too late to change our evil ways. We deserve what we are getting as we reap just what we sow. —Radha Valanker
effort to maintain a level of fitness that allows one to live in a manner which is independent and fulfi lling, instead of giving up hope and succumbing to the travails of old age and becoming a burden on others as well. Our urban lifestyles are taking us in the wrong direction and we expect all good things to come to us while we lounge in our comfortable sofas and grow obese and unfit. It’s time to realize that we are flesh and bone and if we do not stay active, we will have a heavy price to pay. —Rucha Paul
Reaping the benefits of technology
Sensationalism sells
Give up the couch potato attitude The people who defy their age and keep fit just shows that the human mind and will if used rightly can enable us to overcome physical weaknesses and handicaps. Advancing age does bring along a whole load of adversities and physical frailty is the most common. The lesson to be learnt is that one is still capable of making an
connect with citizens is all well and good. There is no doubt that modern technology and devices are an easy and accessible way to do things quicker and more efficiently too. If the technology exists, it is only sensible to be able to make use of it. The government organizations however, would do well to give their staffers adequate and correct training in such methods to enable them to make use of the apps and such to the maximum potential. Modern technology can be a big boon to organisations like the RTO and PMC, and the citizens will greatly benefit in terms of time and effort if the members of such units gain expertise in these modern devices.
Government organisations becoming tech-savvy and using the internet, apps and social networking to
The axe murderer who hacked his wife to pieces is the kind of incident that is a sign of the gruesome and dreadful times we live in. Rapes of infants, lynching of human beings over matters of meat-eating, and the unending cycles of violence and crime in India today point to a great and grievous malaise. We have no values, no conscience, no direction in life except to get more money and bigger cars and larger houses and we do not give a damn how we get these things. We have no heart or feelings or concern for the poor and needy and things have gone from bad to worse and we still do not care. Mothers/fathers killing their children,
jumping to their deaths are everyday news that does not even register in our minds. A senior citizen who beheads his wife of 30/40 years with an axe belongs in an insane asylum, and the incident could have been prevented if his family had noticed his madness. A woman in her twilight age is not normally suspected of infidelity. Probably it was all in the murderer’s mind but the awful fact is that he did it, and then walked along on a public road for a long while, and the media goes crazy over it sensationalising the tragedy even more. Don’t the media have anything better to do than make fodder out of such human tragedy? The axe murderer needs to be pitied not splashed across the front page as a modern Frankenstein. Truly we live in Kaliyug and all the newspapers and TV channels think of is selling more copies and viewership stats, not caring not a bit about what such gory images could be doing to children and impressionable minds. God help us all. —Ravi Shankar
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SPORTS
THE GOLDEN SPARROW ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015
PUNE
“In the first half, we played it too long and straight. We didn’t build or create enough. We had more chances in the second half but were frightened to pull the trigger.” — David Platt, FC Pune City Manager
“Cricket has made me the individual I am, giving me everything in life and much more. I walk away with fantastic memories, life defining experiences and great friendships.” — Zaheer Khan, Indian bowler
Mengal, Patil win PRBM marathon Dashrath Mengal and Supriya Patil won men’s and women’s race in the Pune Running Beyond Myself (PRBM) half marathon event held in city recently. Mengal clocked 1.19.18s while Supriya finished the race in 1 hour 27.08s. Palash Kalanki and Shweta Gawde won 10k event. The event saw over 7000 participants participating in four categories.
GM Dhopade bags All-India chess title Newly crowned Grandmaster Swapnil Dhopade continued with a dream week lifting the title at the 13th edition of Shri Maheshwaranand Saraswati Memorial All India Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament which was organised by Buddhibal Krida Trust (BKT). The 25-year-old Amravati-based player Dhopade garnered 7.5 points.
Baker’s Basket tennis from Nov 8 The 14th Baker’s Basket Junior Open Tennis Tournament will be held at the Ladies Club, Camp from November 8. This non-ranking tournament is conducted by Sunny Jacob’s Tennis Academy. The events are for boys and girls under 10, 12 and 14 years. The last date of entry is November 1.
FC Pune City to face champions The host team take on last year’s winner Athletico De Kolkata today TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly Hosts FC Pune City will face a herculean task on Saturday, when they take on giant Atletico De Kolkata in their fourth match at Shiv Chhatrapati sports complex in Balewadi. It will be the fourth consecutive home match for Pune and the team under English coach David Platt, who has used his experience to good effect in the fi rst two matches, will hope to re-group after their loss and sneak out a win against a strong Atletico side. FC Pune City started the season on a promising note by beating Mumbai FC 3-1, followed by a lucky 1-0 win over North East United. The back-to-back wins had put Pune in a leading position at the end of the second round. But Platt’s boys failed to deliver against Roberto Carlos’s men and suffered a 1-2 defeat at home. With this win, Delhi Dynamos pushed Pune to third spot. The coach is satisfied with his team’s performance though. “Strangely enough, I am more pleased with our performance against Delhi Dynamos than with our previous two games. When you go a goal behind, you quickly run out of time to get back into the game, since teams defend deep and they limit the options to score,” said Platt. Expecting a tough match against Kolkata, coach Platt kept their marquee players Adrian Mutu and captain Didier Zokora in reserve, while introducing
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Signposts
Possible lineup FC Pune City (4-3-3): Arindam Bhattacharya, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Diego Colotto, Roger Johnson, Gurjinder, Didier Zokora, Lenny Rodrigues, James Bailey, Israil Gurung, Kalu Uche, Tuncay Sanli Atletico de Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Subhashish Roy Chowdhary, Kingshuk Debnath, Arnab Mondal, Josemi, Lester, Oftense Nato, Borja, Luis Garcia, Pody, Jofre, Mohammad Rafi HEAD TO HEAD FC Pune City has remained unbeaten against Kolkata in the last season. In the home match, Pune held for a 1-1 draw, while in away match, they thrashed the giants with a 3-1 score. Former Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli last in the second half. But he didn’t shy from putting Jackichand Singh and
Eugeneson Lyngdoh who arrived from national duty. On their participation, Platt said,
“We had two games in the gap of 72 hours, and it’s not easy for players to put their best in this heat and humid climate. Therefore, we are trying to rotate the squad the best way we can.” The side will be boosted by the arrival of young Indian players Eugenesin Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh who missed the fi rst three games due to their national commitments. Sanli, who starred for Pune in the fi rst match netting a brace, will hold the key upfront along with Israil Gurung who has provided important assists that led to Pune’s goals. On the other hand, Kolkata will aim to keep their momentum going
The former city paddler wins national ranking title after a long hiatus TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly
Former Pune paddler Divya Deshpande annexed the w o m e n ’ s singles crown, defeating Pooja Sahastrabudhe of PSPB 4-2 in the JMC Divya Deshpande National Ranking (Central Zone) Table Tennis Championship, which concluded at the JMC Indoor Stadium, Indore last week. The title was a huge relief for Divya, as it came after a long wait of six years. The India number 12, had won her last national title in the women’s category in 2009, when she was still in the youth category. So technically, this is a maiden title for Divya after graduating to the seniors. “I am really happy with this title
and with my performance too. I stunned some top ranked players and it gives one a real boost when you prevail after facing adverse situations,” said Divya, who faced a battle of nerves in the quarterfinal against India number 4 Madhurika Patkar. Divya was two games down with her back against the wall, as she took the match to the decider, and eventually claimed a well-deserved victory. Divya even stunned India number 2 Manika Batra 4-1. “It was a surprise indeed. Manika plays at the international level regularly and is also in good form. I was prepared for a tough battle. Though the scores show an easy victory, I had to put in my best efforts,” Divya said. In the final, Divya prevailed over her friend and state-mate Pooja Sahastrabuddhe (India number 5). Divya was down 0-2, and had to fight hard to win the title. Divya who was among the top 5 in India for a long time, has slipped to 12 in recent years. Asked whether other players consider her a threat now, she said, “I don’t pay much attention to what they feel about me. I just focus on my game and try to avoid any unforced errors. Th is helps when you face strong opponents,” she said. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
India international weightlifter Mohini Chavan’s dream of the 2020 Olympics is overshadowed by money matters
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Divya is back Reeling under financial burden amongst champions BY ASHISH PHADNIS @phadnis_ashish Mohini Chavan, 16, is a weightlifter who hails from a drought-hit village in Sangli district. Her family has no sports background, and the residents of her village know very little about sports. She lost her father a year ago and her mother works as a nurse to run the household. Mohini though is among the medal prospects for India, and her gold medal at the Doha Asian Games, and the recent gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship, are testimony to her calibre. Mohini has been fi ghting an uphill battle to keep going with her weightlifting form and training. The situation on the fi nancial front is so desperate for Mohini that it has cast a big shadow on her dream of participating in the 2020 Olympics. She will have no option but to quit the sport if fi nancial support is not forthcoming soon. “I have been a regular in the Indian squad and have participated in a number of tournaments, including the world championship and Asian games. However, it’s hard to focus on training when you are struggling to meet the expenses,” said Mohini. FINANCIAL WOES Diet is an essential part of the training, including supplements for a weightlifter. Players representing India are given a proper diet at the camps, but supplements are crucial to boost their p e r fo r m a n c e , and they do not come cheap. “I have managed so far without supplements. But in the
DREAMS IN HER EYES: Mohini Chavan poses in Balewadi
extremely competitive Asian games and world championship, the margins between winning a medal and losing it are extremely small. Supplements help in our recovery and building and increasing muscle strength, and when you are competing against the best in the world, it matters a lot,” Mohini said. Though they are provided a proper diet at the camps, they have to manage their own diet during the offseason training. Mohini says that the training, diet and supplements cost around Rs 10-15,000 a month. “I am a studying at in MV High School and Junior College, while my elder brother is studying science. The fees etc are a big burden on my mother and I don’t think she can continue paying for my training and education much longer. I have to either fi nd a sponsor or I just give up on my Olympics dream,” said the Standard XI student. TR AINING HASSLES Mohini started lifting weights four years ago and
her coach Sanjay Nandinikar was the fi rst to notice her talent. He groomed her thoroughly and provided her all the support. “My village Umoga is a remote place in Jat taluka. Hardly anyone had heard about weightlifting when Sanjay sir started training us kids. In the wake of my success, other girls in the area also started training, but they couldn’t sustain it very long. Sanjay sir stopped training me two years ago after he suffered a paralytic attack. So when I am out for a camp or tournament, our training centre remains closed,” Mohini said. WHAT NEXT? Mohini recently changed her weight category from 44 kg to 48 kg and this move paid off as she clinched a gold medal, in what was her best performance to date. “In the last World Championship held in Lima, Peru. I was placed sixth and faced fierce competition. But now I am confident that I can win a medal. My ultimate aim is to participate in the 2020 Olympics. I am just a little behind the senior players and with proper training I could do well,” she said. Maharashtra Weightlifting Association secretary Santosh Sinhasane assured that the association will do all it can to help Mohini in the pursuit of her dream. ashish.phadnis@goldensparrow.com
after their wins against Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC and draw against FC Goa. Defending champions Atletico are currently placed at the top of the points table with seven points. However, they will still be missing marquee player Helder Postiga, who is returning to Portugal for treatment for a hamstring strain he suffered during the fi rst match. But the side will be boosted by Indian forward Baljit Sahni and several youngsters wanting to make a name for themselves. However, Iain Hume and Javi Lara need to rise to the occasion and deliver if Atletico are to win against Pune. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
Indian lifters sweep stakes TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly Indian weightlifters swept stakes and emerged a supreme force in the Pune Mayor’s Cup Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships. On the concluding day at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, India topped in all but the youth boys section. As a result, India topped in five sections in both boys and girls sections in the youth, junior and senior sections. The only nation to run India close was Sri Lanka who topped the youth boys section. On a day when nine weight sections lined up, India for once dipped in performance winning just one gold medal in the junior women’s section through Kanchan PM (+75kg). Kanchan lifted 89kg in snatch, 113kg in clean and jerk segment, making a total of 202kg, she was followed by Haputhanana of Sri Lanka, who made a total lift of 154kg. In the senior men (105kg) category, Praful Kumar Dubey settled for a bronze medal making a total lift of 324kg, including 141kg in snatch and 183kg in clean and jerk. The high-point of last day was that the best lifters in all sections were Indians. S Satish Kumar (77kg) and S Mirabai Chanu (48kg) were adjudged best in the senior section. BEST LIFTERS: Youth, Boys: Lalu Taku (69kg; India); Girls: Mohini Chavan (48kg; India) Junior, Men: R V Rahul (85kg India); Women: Pramila Krisani (53kg; India) Senior; Men: S Sathish Kumar (77kg; India); Women: S Mirabai Chanu (48kg, India). tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
Indian women lifters with the trophy