The Daily Observer Vol 14 Issue 2

The Daily

Observer Volume 14 | Issue 2

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Swamiji swipes at 'Christian' Home Minister as Kiss of Love scrapped

Pramod Mutalik, Sri Ram Sena Adhyaksh President.

Raya Ghosh Pulaha Roy “KJ George, the Home Minister of Karnataka is a Christian which is why he supported the ‘Kiss of Love’ protest,” said Sri Sri Pranavananda Swami, president of Akhila Bharata Hindu Mahasabha.

MN Reddi, the Commissioner of Bangalore Police passed his verdict today on the ‘Kiss of Love’ affair stating that he will not allow the protest to be staged in Bangalore.

According to Mr. Reddi the decision was taken on preventive and legal grounds. “After considering the backgrounds of similar incidents that have taken place we have come to the conclusion that if we permit this particular programme it will lead to public displays of kissing and other obscene acts as defined by section 294 of IPC.” Swamiji believes that the Bangalore Police has taken a very good decision by stalling the protest. The Chief Minister and the Home Minister had supported it but the Congress leaders were dead against it. “I want to thank the Bangalore Police deeply from my heart,” said Swamiji.

The Hindu Mahasabha will host a rally in Bangalore on November 29, 2014 to celebrate this decision.

“Through this rally, we want to retain the ‘Sanskriti’(culture) of the Hindus. This is the synmbol of victory for the Hindus,” he added.

Swamiji categorically stated that the upcoming rally will serve as a warning for those who tried to conduct this protest. "Hindu domination is quite visible from this fact

that there are 18000 saints and 22000 ashrams in Karnataka. Christian missionaries are responsible for organizing this protest. They want India to adopt western culture. There is a constant endeavor on their part to convert our country into a Christian one.”

In his opinion, Kerala earlier had a strong Adivasi population. “Christians of Kerala were responsible for converting the Adivasis into the Christian religion.”

Considering the verdict of the Commissioner, the organizers of the protest say they might take this matter to the court. “In that case, we are

EXCLUSIVE

­If Kiss of Love continues, ‘sleeping day’ will follow” -Pramod Mutalik

Pranavananda Swami, president of Akhila Bharata Hindu Mahasabha. ready to counter file. We have one of Bangalore’s best lawyers with us.”

“Yeh hamara vijay hai (This is our triumph).We managed to protect the dignity of women by going against the protest. Being a woman, Rachita Taneja must understand that it is our duty to protect the modesty of a woman,” said Pramod Mutalik, Rashtriya Sri Ram Sena Adhyaksh President.

“Like the Valentines Day, Kiss of Love is also a celebration. On Valentines day, there is a huge sale of alcohol and condoms. Hotels in Bangalore is fully booked because of the celebration. If Kiss of Love con-

‘No Kiss of Love in Bangalore’ says M.N. Reddi, Commisioner of Police, Bangalore

tinues, ‘sleeping day’ will follow,” said Mutalik.

However Mutalik also stated that the Karnataka Government should not have delayed this decision.” If the government would have rejected the proposal of Rachita Taneja on the first day itself, they would have managed to protect their integrity.

“By dragging this issue, the government has cast aspersions on the morality of our women. In the end, we emerged as the winner,” added Mutalik.

The Bangalore Police claimed that they did not receive any protocols from the political circle. This was quite evident from the fact that they had booked Pramod Mutalik.

“We cannot comment on what the police force of other cities has done. Our decision is based on our judgment and apprehension of the situation. There was absolutely no pressure. That’s why we have also booked cases against people who were objecting to this protest just to show that we are taking decisions purely based on the prevailing laws,” said Mr. Sandeep Patil, DCP Central, Bangalore.

But Pramod Muthalik claimed that he was yet to receive any legal notice.

“Rachita Taneja went against the law by proposing for this protest.

But the authorities did not book her.

Instead they booked me for protesting against this matter. This is not right. I still haven’t received a legal notice but once I do I’ll apply for bail,” said Mutalik.

The organizers of ‘Kiss of Love’ refused to respond on this issue.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

Not special enough for RTE Divya Kishore The schools in Bangalore, both private and government, are not prepared to admit in the special children due to lack of trained teachers.

“My daughter did not get admission in any good school in Bangalore because she is not mentally developed like the children of her age,” said Geeta (name changed), mother of Anjali (name changed), who is not studying at school for special children, NIMHANS campus.

Despite Bangalore being a hi-tech city and providing post-graduate education to a large number of students from different states, it is lacking behind in the care of its special children who are either physically or mentally challenged.

“I have two children. My son is in Vibhyor High School, but I was not able to admit my daughter there because she is not like other children.

She is mentally challenged and cannot think or act the way other children of her age do,” said the mother of a 9-year old who is now studying in a school for special children.

“I visited 3-4 schools but everyone denied the admission of my daughter,” she added.

A teacher of a special children’s school said, “There is a lack of trained teachers and staffs to handle

Lack of trained teachers denies education to children with special needs these physically or mentally challenged children in normal schools.

This is why these schools refuse to admit them.”

“These children need some extra care and attention. But the schools are unable to provide that. They don’t feel need of hiring trained teachers for this cause,” she added.

“We admit students with minor specialty but it’s not possible to admit children with major issues.

Sometimes other parents don’t feel comfortable to send their children

with the special children in school,” said the advisor of St. Josephs Boys High School.

“There are special schools for these children and it is better for the physically and mentally challenged children to get admitted there as it is not possible for us to care for the special students,” he added.

Geeta said, “Where will we send our children? There are hardly any good schools for special children in Bangalore.”

“I am not complaining but yes

sometimes I feel that it is better that my son is in a special school. At least he is away from humiliation and bullying,” said a father of 14-year old special child.

P. Narasimharaju, Program Officer, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan said, “Any chid cannot be denied admission in any school, be it government or private. I think because of the lack of trained teachers, they don’t admit these special children. This issue should be considered seriously.”

Black market’s backyard filled with e-waste Punita Maheshwari Almost 90 percent of city e-waste is processed in the black market, said Nillofer Shroff, in charge of the state's Department of Electronic and Information Technology.

City officials believe that bringing the unorganized sector under government regulation will help better resource allocation, he added.

The e-waste handling guidelines given by the Karnataka Pollution Board only deal with the bulk waste produced by big industries in the city. The small scale industries are more or less dependent on the informal sector or the “kabadi walas” to accumulate the waste.

Shroff said that the unorganized sector not only encourages the black market but created health hazards for the workers. The Electronic and Information Technology Department works to match up the policies framed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

There is a gap between implementation of the policies, to curb it, EParisara has been estblished which happenes to be the first governmental organization to regulate e-waste.

V. Anand, Environment Officer, Karnataka Pollution Board, personally believes that no authority can control the unorganized sector as it is so huge. How can anyone control the small scale industries when they do not even come under the ambit of e-waste management?"

“The concept of e-waste has

“ It is not feasible for E-Parisara to regulate waste from small scale industries” changed as now metals in the apre parts are rarely used. The gold and silver are repleced by plastic as the technology improved,” he added.

Some of the city’s NGOs are in collaboration with E-Parisara for healthy segregation of waste. "We do not get involved in the informal sector management as we know it is not within our capacities. It is government's duty to bring both sectors under one umbrella," said S.R David, President, E-cure, an NGO for ewaste management.

“We work for awareness programs in the schools and targetted localities. The informal sector can only be regulated if awareness reaches them, thus it has to come under government’s vigilence. It is not feasible for E-Parisara to regulate waste from small scale industries,” he added.

News Digest The Commonwealth Science Conference was inaugurated by the PresidentPranab Mukherjee today. The conference organised in Bangalore

by The Royal Society, supported by the Government of India, is the first after 50 years.It comprised of world famous scientists from 32 countries (commonwealth) to speak on topics like Mathematics, Life sciences, physical sciences and engineering.

Chief minister Siddaramiah along with U T Kadir,Minister of healthand Family Welfare inaugurated 198 ambulances at the Vidhan Souda.It adds to the existing fleet of 517 ambulances in the state out of which 70 have been alloted to Bangalore.

MN Reddi, Commissioner of Police, Bangalore announced that the Bangalore Police shall not be allowing the ‘Kiss of Love’ protest to be staged in the city. He pointed out kissing is obscene as per Section 294.

The TV9, major regional news channel in Bangalore was blacked out after energy minister D.K Shivakumar termed the channel as ‘anti-government’.

However the Karnataka State Cable TV Operators’ association claims that they took TV9 off the air on their own. The TV9 management has now decided to ask Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene.

On the day of “International elimination of Violence against women”, there was a protest organised by Vimochana and Breakthrough.The protest “women in Black” was held outside the freedom park and atleast 50 protesters turned up.

Courtesy- E-cure

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

Ten liters of water for one rupee in the state

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Schoolboy's sexual assault caught on CCTV

Apoorva Choubey Water will be supplied at ten paisa per liter across villages in Karnataka in line with the latest government scheme.

According to the state government, the scheme will enable rural people to fetch up to ten liters of water on inserting one rupee coin into automatic vending machines.

The scheme is set to cost state government Rs1400 crores.

The installation of 1000 water treatment plants and approximately 3000 water filters in the state was announced in the budget speech for the year 2013-2014.

H.K Patil, Rural development and Panchayat Raj minister, Karnataka, sad: “The government is focused on improving the condition of the rural people. This water scheme is a part of that agenda through which health issues can be drastically curbed. Also, employment can be provided to people in the water treatment plants.”

Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, said, “We are not doing this for the opposition, we are doing it for the people. In order to increase development such schemes need to be modified and the money should be spent judiciously.”

According to the government, 5875 villages do not get good water.

In Gadak district, a water treatment plant has already been installed.

Latif, Personal Assistant to H.K Patil, said: “Around 3000 water filters will b installed within one year. The government plans to improve the situation in the villages by May 2015.”

The contaminated water will undergo six stages of treatment including reverse osmosis and ultraviolet treatment before it reaches the rural people.

The tariff of ten paisa per liter will be reviewed in the second and fourth year after implementation, according to the government.

Surya P, an official of Karnataka Rural Department, said, “The scheme has been sponsored so that the villages get good water and the numbers of diseases get reduced. It will bring modernity and stability.”

The school in Kengeri where the assault took place

Sharangee Dutta

The automatic vending machine Picture Courtesy: Karnataka Government booklet

CM Siddharamaiah with Roshan Baig, Minister of Infrastructure Picture Cedit: Sooraj Rajmohan

A seven-year old boy of Holy Child English School was expelled after being accused of putting his hand inside a girl’s underwear while in class.

The English medium school, situated in Kengeri, Upanagar is affiliated to Karnataka State Education Board. In line with new government rules, it has recently installed CCTV cameras in every classroom.

On Monday, November 3, the boy, a first standard student, who was sitting beside the girl, also seven, was caught on camera putting his hand inside her underwear. He was expelled. A meeting was called to address the parents of all the 38 students of first standard.

Sandhya, 25, whose son studies in the school and was a classmate of the accused boy said: “I don’t understand how a boy who is so small can do this. My son would never do this.

I haven’t taught him anything of that sort.”

She added that the principal advised the parents’ of the accused boy how they should raise him and cited some elder’s influence as the cause of such behavior.

However, the principal denied the incident. She said, “We have installed CCTV cameras in the classrooms but nothing of that kind has ever happened in our school nor I’ll let it happen.”

Several parents who were called

to the meeting at the school have confirmed the incident to the Daily Observer.

Rukhsana (name changed), whose daughter is also a first standard student studying in a different section said: “It’s very sad and unfortunate that such a thing happened.

It’s shocking more so because the accused was just a seven-year old boy.

Now I’m scared for my daughter as well.”

Geeta (name changed), whose daughter is a classmate of Rukhsana’s daughter said: “The principal denied because she doesn’t want this to become public. They fear their reputation might get ruined but this is a very unfortunate thing to have happened.”

Sandhya, whose son was the classmate of the accused boy

ATM guard attacked and injured by two men Elizabeth Mani and Tushar Kaushik A 52-year-old security guard was attacked at KG Halli circle by two men last night, who then tried to steal cash from an ATM. Guard Ayyanna was attacked by the men at midnight yesterday inside the HDFC ATM kiosk where he works as a security guard. He suffered injuries to his head and thigh.

Kondayya, the security guard of Muthoot FinCorp, said, “Ayyanna was attacked by two strangers. I don't know why they did this. Our job is dangerous.”

Mastanamma, Ayyanna’s wife, said: “He called us at 12.15. We took him to KC General Hospital where he got six stitches on his head. I am scared to send my husband back to his work. I hope the police take strict action against the attackers.” The police took the family’s statements in the afternoon.

She also described the two attackers, as told to her by her husband. She said they were fat, muscular and were about 30 years old.

Ayyanna’s son, Srinivasalu, said that his father was taking rest and wasn’t well enough to talk yet.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

‘Women in black’ me ‘Indian judiciary is blind and deceptive’ says activist Sreemoyee Chatterjee Women's rights activist Geeta Menon believes the Indian justice system truly is blind - to women.

“The marginal and toiling class women have been falling prey to the unjust and callous law system of our country," said Geeta as she opened up about her work and experience on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The rape of a 15-year old Adivasi girl, Mathura, in police custody in Maharashtra in 1980 and her failure to secure justice from the court stirred her to join in the struggle of these poor women and be a part of it.

“The Supreme Court defended the police and stated that the girl seduced the police to have sex with her. You see, this is the condition of our country. The judiciary is blind and deceptive,” she said.

Bombay, an organization for oppressed women, was founded by Geeta in Maharashtra to enable the victims to fight for their legal rights.

“You have to change your perspective once you decide to deal with these women who are subjected to extreme torture. You have to understand who is responsible and how the state, the country and the judiciary contribute towards it,” Geeta said In the late 80s, Geeta built up Stree Jagriti Samiti in Bangalore that has been working for the empowerment of abused women for over 30 years.

She said, “These women have to battle through a number of social and economic hardships. Women in slums are worried about the houses being there or not. The constant threat of slum eviction worries them. But there are no laws to protect them from the insecurity of basic amenities of life.

“They have no toilets, no water and they are worried about whether their daughters would return safe at night from the toilets that are placed somewhere outside their shacks,” she added.

In 2009, the Domestic Workers’ Rights Union was formed to deal with the issues of migrant workers who are often made victims of forced labor and sex. She said, “We make the victims aware of their legal rights and make sure that they fight for themselves in court and get the guilty punished. The court, however, rarely co-operates.

In June, 2014, Mitra Sanketa, a rescue shelter for minor victims of rape and molestation has been set up on Banerghatta Road to ensure the security of victims of abuse. “We try our best to give legal protection to these children”, she said.

In 2012, Riya (name changed), a victim of domestic violence, left her alcoholic husband when he threw their 10-month-old daughter on the floor from a height as he wanted a male child. The child fractured her leg and is now unable to walk. Despite Riya’s repeated complaint to the police, her F.I.R was not lodged in the station and she failed to receive justice.

In 2012, Archana (name changed), 16, was raped by her own uncle and was found to be pregnant. She ruptured her fallopian tube due to her uncle’s forceful attempt to abort the child. On her recovery she was forced to marry her uncle, who already had a wife.

Archana served as a slave to her uncle’s first wife and was regularly raped by her uncle till she got pregnant again and was thrown out of the house.

Police refused to let her file the F.I.R. On Geeta Menon’s attempt, a kidnapping case was filed. The rapist, however, was not arrested.

Archana was refused the victim’s compensation as per law as the court later claimed that she was a minor when she was raped at the age of 16.

“I will fight the case till the end and will make sure Archana secures her justice”, said Geeta who has been fighting the case for the last two years.

Activist Geeta Menon (left) with a victim of domnestic violence

Natasha Singh Police arrived at Freedom Park today to break up a silent protest by women campaigning against sexual harassment.

Two NGOs, Vimochana and Breakthrough, based in Bangalore, had assembled to mark International Elimination of Violence against Women Day, a United Nations initiative.

At least 50 women had gathered to participate in the silent protest when police arrived to disperse them, claiming they had not sought permission.

But after a heated discussion where organizers told police they were simply engaging in a silent protest, the cops backed down.

Jyothi, the head of Breakthrough said, "We have been having protests at Freedom Park and never have we taken permission before. It is a silent protest, so why take permission?"

Prakash Reddy, the officer in-charge at Upparpet Police Station under which Freedom Park comes, said, “If a protest happens without the police permission, then we can register a case against them. Today’s protest was short and happened outside the Freedom Park, so we let it go.”

November 25 marks International Elimination of Violence against Women Day and the women all wore black to protest against sexual harass-

ment in India.

Celine, the in-charge of Vimocha started in Israel to create a free Pale started in Tel Aviv. It came to India in down."

She added, “In Karnataka, the war of women but against dowry, rape, do more."

Breakthrough is helping Vimochan parts of the city. The participants in Central Institute of Home Science, B Komala, a first-year MA student in to speak against the issue of sexual h the need of the hour."

The protest is going to take place fo cember 10, which is Human Rights D take part in the protest.

Jyothi said that the NGO, Breakthr - Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana

Domestic violence cases increase by 11.58 per ce Raya Ghosh Domestic violence cases in Bangalore have increased over the last year, according to a women's helpline.

Marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a United Nations initiative, Rani Shetty, Coordinator of a women’s helpline in Bangalore, spoke to The Daily Observer about the spike in calls.

“Domestic violence cases have increased extensively since the past few years,” said Shetty. From April 2013 to March 2014, the helpline received 1010 cases of domestic violence from Bangalore. The previous year, they received just 981 calls.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 89546 cases of domestic violence were registered in 2009 compared to 106527 and 118866 cases in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

“The trend pertaining to these cases differs from the lower middle class to the higher middle class,” added Shetty. She explained that ego

clashes were quite common in higher middle class couples.

"At times the wife earns more than the husband which adds to the latter’s insecurities. Extramarital relationships lead to extreme conflicts. Husbands suspect that their wives are having an affair. Without further discussion, they tend to physically abuse the latter.

“The lower middle class families are mostly characterized by alcoholic husbands as a result of which the wives naturally become victims of physical abuse. Often due to financial issues, parents engage themselves in extramarital relationships. Children suffer as a result of this.”

She explained a recent case where Umesh (name changed) suspected his wife Seema (name changed) of having an affair and beat her up. Ultimately he asked her to leave the house.

Umesh also kept their five-year-old child and did not allow her to meet her mother.

Shanta (name changed), a government employee was married to Man-

Rani Shetty, coordinator junath(name changed), a failed businessman, he lost a lot of money through shares. Also he was a chronic alcoholic. He suspected her of having an extramarital affair due to the visible marks on her body which he had caused while drunk and had no recollection of.

Domestic violence is not only common in young couples. “We also deal with couples who visit us 20 years after their marriage. Extramarital issues tend to develop even after such a

The Daily Observer

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

eet the men in khakhi

ana, spoke of the movement which stine. She said, "The movement was 1993 after the Babri Masjid was taken

r is not just against sexual harassment omestic violence, injustices and much

na's movement to spread to the other n the protest were students of VHD Bangalore University.

Sociology, said: "We are standing here harassment. Awareness regarding it is

or 16 days, from November 25 to DeDay. Every day, a different college will

rough, runs across four states of India and Jharkhand.

ent since 2012 long span of time,� said Shetty.

To celebrate the significance of this international day, Shetty added: “This day is quite essential because at times the situation becomes unbearable. We have women coming here who are beaten black and blue by their husbands and in laws.

"Not only do we counsel them but also their husbands, so that the latter thinks twice before raising their hand at their wife. At times men complain that they cannot control their temper or they lose their senses after they drink. In such cases, if counseling doesn't help, we refer them to the psychiatrists.

"We believe that we are doing our bit by helping these women. My team comprising six counselors has been working towards mending relationships for the past 20 years.

We feel really happy when such cases are solved and the victims tell us that everything is fine at home once again- especially stressing on the fact that their husbands do not beat them anymore.�

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

Govt initiates scheme to help disabled taken for a ride Kimaya Varude Ninety percent of people with disabilities (PWD) did not repay their loans under a government self employment scheme last year.

“Many people take government schemes for granted. financial background is the major reason why they do not repay loans,” said Amarnath, co-ordinator for the information and counselling center at the Department for the Welfare of Disabled People and Senior Citizens.

Karnataka government provides two self employment schemes for PWDs, namely Adhara and a scheme regulated by the National Handicap Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC).

The Adhara scheme provides an interest free loan of Rs 20,000 and a fee kiosk to set up small businesses, whereas the scheme by NHFDC provides loans ranging between 2-5 lakhs at an interest of 5% for men

and 4% for women.

Amarnath also said that the number of people opting for these schemes has reduced. “We have to urge them to think about self employment.”

According to the state office for PWDs, the budget allocated ranges between 5-10 lakhs. For the year 2011-12 it was 8 lakhs.

“This year, the state government was very skeptical about releasing the budget as the amount of loans recovered was minimal in comparison to the number of loans given,” said Subramanian Rajauri, Welfare Officer for Disabled at the state rural department.

Overall recovery of loans under self employment schemes in the state of Karnataka in 2014 has been very poor, according to the authorities in the Department for Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens.

Renuka Bhati, manager at the Association of People with Disability, said:"Eight lakh disabled people in the state are employed. Many don't

Saheli Sen Gupta Samreen Tungekar A social activist who filed an F.I.R. against Bangalore's Police Commissioner has been told his complaint is not valid.

Speaking for the first time about the F.I.R. filed against him at a new police kiosk inside a busy shopping mall, commissioner M.N. Reddi, Bangalore's most senior police officer, dismissed Jagan Kumar's complaint as “just a grievance”.

On October 6, a block of BMTC buses on the service road of Hebbal causing nuisance to traffic urged Mr. Jagan Kumar, a social activist, to file a complaint at Hebbal police station about the congestion.

He said, “Surprisingly, at 10am, the official was

Tweets of the day @navinrajaram: Its nice to see Lalettan throw up Bangalore as a beacon of liberal thought but enough culture defending idiots out here as well.

Amarnath feels that the disabled must use government schemes responsibly even know about self employment schemes. The scheme was also not publicised enough."

As the 2011 census data suggests, 2.1% of the total population fall under PWDs.

Police Commissioner says activist’s F.I.R. against him is only a ‘grievance’

Mr.Jagan Kumar outside the F.I.R kiosk, at the Mantri mall

6

Jagan Kumar filing a F.I.R at the kiosk

not available. On receiving no response, I contacted the Traffic Control Room who said that they will take necessary action and inform the inspector.”

He added: “Their answer did not satisfy me, that's why I took to the DCP of Traffic Control.

I then wrote a complaint to the commissioner, but no action was taken. That is why I am filing this complaint against Commissioner of Police M.N. Reddi.”

Jagan had faxed his complaint and tweeted to M.N. Reddi regarding the same, but got no response. “He responds to every tweet, why didn't he respond to mine? Why not address these real problems than things like 'kiss of love' campaign?”

He chose to file the complaint through the

F.I.R kiosk which was proposed in September but was set up on November 15 at Mantri Mall in Malleshwaram.

The kiosk had registered 19 complaints as of November 20.

He also said that filing the complaint would be better without the presence of any inspector who might refuse to register a complaint against the commissioner.

When contacted, M.N.Reddi said: “I will not comment on this matter, but I must say that Jagan Kumar's complaint is not an F.I.R but it is just a grievance.”

He added that the complaint has been forwarded to local offices, namely the DCP and Inspector of Hebbal.

@ ti m e s n o w : "Individuals have confessed & will be produced before court," says Bangalore Police Comm MN Reddi # S ta l ke d I n B e n galuru

@nkaggere: #Kerala's #BirdFlu outbreak triggers emergency in #Karnataka #High alert in #Kodagu, # M y s o r e @ShyamSPrasad @epigiri

@J_NehaR: Coal Scam: Was Not Permitted to Examine #ManmohanSingh, CBI Tells Special Court

@ d i g i ti n d i a : Selfie Stick, Mangalyaan feature in Time's top inventions of 2014

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

7

Children in local schools denied essential supplements Shruti Suresh Schemes to help reduce anemia in schoolchildren are not reaching all pupils in Bangalore.

The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) scheme of the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) ensures the supply of iron and folic acid tablets to fight against anemiaand malnutrition in children going to government, local body and government aided schools.

This scheme was brought in to tackle health issues like malnutrition and anemia prevalent in the children in the nation.

According to NHRM guidelines, the WIFS programme should be implemented in urban and rural areas for adolescent boys and girls in school (10–19 years) through the platform of government, government aided and municipal schools.

In primary and upper primary classes, the Iron and Folic Acid supplements are prescribed under the scheme for grades 1st to 10th while the Vitamin A tablets for grades 1st to 7th.

The NHRM guidelines state that schools have to be provided with supplements for students in assistance with the state Education Department.

But in many schools in the city, students and teachers haven’t heard about the supply of vitamin supplements which are supposed to be consumed after the Mid Day Meal.

BBMP School, Tasker Town in Shivaji Nagar has about 120 students studying in the classes 1st to 7th.

Students said they were not given vitamin and folic acid supplement tablets along with their Mid Day Meal lunch.

Vinothini, 10, said: “The food is good. We

Children at the BBMP Primary School, Tasker Town eating their Mid Day Meal

The V K Obaidullah School in Shivaji Nagar is one of the schools in the city where the vitamin and folic acid supplement scheme does not reach all the students.

don’t get tablets to eat after lunch.”

When the Headmistress, Mrs. Chamundeswari was contacted, she said: “We get lunch from ISCKON. Rice, sambar, tomato bhat are some of the meals we receive.”

“No medicines for vitamin supplementation are received here,” she added.

The lack of supplements was also confirmed by the Physical Education teacher, Mr. Vinay Kumar.

Another school, V K Obaidullah School in Shivaji Nagar has provision of supplements for the primary classes but the upper primary classes are not supplied the tablets, which are supposed to reach the classes up to 10th.

Headmistress Nazhath Unnisa, 55, and a teacher, Kousar Jahan, 55, said that all students in the school are provided with the vitamin and folic acid supplements, but students of the 10th grade said they are not given the essential tablets.

At BBMP High School Byrasandra too, the scene was the same. There were students

studying from grades 8th to 10th.

Although the Mid Day meals were being supplied and regular health checkups under the School Health Programme were being implemented in the school, the students were not supplied with supplement tablets.

Ms. Graisy Joseph, a leading nutritionist in the city said: “It is a good scheme that the government came up with as many children in poor families are not able to get such essential nutrients.”

She continued: “If the meals supplied to children are not able to provide them with the supplements, they should get it through other means.”

She added that the absence of supplements like Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin A can lead to malnutrition in children.

“With the current economic provision, it is difficult for poor families to afford good food. The government scheme is not reaching those who need it is beyond my understanding,” she continued.

‘Bowled over’ by the Aussies Ridhi Agrawal Ryan Ninan, a former Indian Premier League (IPL) player said that he likes Austrailian Cricket due to the way everyone approaches the game.

He had been contracted in four seasons of the IPL and is now pursuing a Masters in sports management at Deakin University, Australia.

In an exclusive interview with him, he said: “I was fortunate to be a part of the IPL with Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Being amid the international players, a part of the dressing rooms and the training sessions has added a lot of experience.”

He continued, “The greatest learning point was the way they handle playing their game without removing the enjoyment factor from it.”

Adding, he said: “This is different as compared to our Indian set up which functions very differently.

Even watching them go about things adds to your experience bag.”

In his opinion, athletes some-

times need people to manage them not just as a brand but also personally. In his 14-year cricket career so far, he has mentored a lot of young cricketers both on and off the field.

This is what has inspired him to study to become a Player Development Manager.

The ‘Premier Cricket’ season in Australia, which commenced in October and is likely to go on until March of next year has thrown open opportunities.

Since sports clubs in Australia respect talent and provide opportunity, it wasn’t difficult for Ryan to get into the Cricket circuit. He gave an insight to what cricket is all about in the country.

He said that unlike India, where cricket is given the most importance, the Australian sports are all given equal importance and have a season.

He added, “Because of the many communities actively involved with different sports here, the top performers, irrespective of their race, color or language get an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

He also mentioned that his expe-

rience of having played with the top cricketers in India has helped him make the transition easy. The Australian type of game ‘suits’ his personality.

According to Ryan culturewise, Indian and Australian cricket are not much different. But the Australian culture makes him feel more at home.

“I love Indian cricket too,” he adds.

“Living in Australia is an amazing feeling. There is an opportunity for everyone to follow their passion and make something of it. It also has a culture that respects people and promotes personal growth .It should be a must visit destination on every traveller’s list,” he added.

He continued, “I got the opportunity to play just two games in my four seasons and got three wickets from them.

Ryan concluded by saying: “I would have loved to play more but I am aware of what the next level requires and I look forward to making it back soon into the IPL.”

Ryan Ninan is seen all geared up to practise cricket

8

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Daily Observer

UNESCO site to be rescued Punita Maheshwari A UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been ignored for years could be set for a makeover.

Tourism bosses in Badami, site of some of the earliest examples of Hindu architecture, blames the lack

of a social platform for the lack of tourism in Badami and have decided to establish the Chalukyan Development Authority.

The concept is a replica of the Hampi Development Authority, according to Assistant Tourism Officer, Manjunath. "It is a disgrace that

Agasthya lake and cave templkes, Badami

a place bearing a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site accreditation is not a preferred tourist spot," he said.

The Karnataka Tourism Department received a proposal in October 2014 about District Tourism Development plan in Badami along with a sanction request of Rs. 77 Crore.

A better marketing strategy about the area was one of the priorities with the focus on properly trained and regulated guides.

"Not many people are employed in Badami, even after being a government servant, the guide profession is not respected," said Chanderashekhar Rao, a senior guide from Badami.

The Chalukyan Development Authority has proposed measures to resolve the issue. "We have decided to open information centers which will absorb all the guides. In this way, they will be regulated under a single office and will be recognized in a better way," said Mr. Manjunath.

Group of Bhoothnath temples in Badami.

Rock climbing is also one of the major attractions among young people in the area. "We aim to develop an infrastructure for students with subsidized hotels," Manjunath added.

"The place is beautiful but there are no good hotels to stay and I was conned by a person pretending to be guide," said, Stan, a Russian tourist.

Dr. Sheelakant Pattar, who has published papers on the monuments of Badami, believes that in time the tourism department should use social media and other awareness strategies to bring justice to the place.

“There are many monumentswhich even the locals are unaware of ”he added.

Snake Shyam and his hiss of love Tushar Kaushik An auto driver from Mysore doubles up as a wildlife conservationist and a snake rescuer in his spare time.

M.S.Balasubramanium, better known as Snake Shyam, began rescuing snakes in Mysore in 1980. He rescues snakes from homes, institutions and any other settlements on a daily basis. Currently, he rescues about twenty snakes per day and releases them into the wild.

Talking about the increased number of calls he has been getting, Shyam said, “It is us humans who are encroaching on the snakes’ areas.

Snakes have been on this planet for millions of years before humans.”

He said the main reason that snakes enter our homes is to seek either warm or cool places, depending on the weather.

On Nov 24, 2014, two software professionals in Bangalore were caught keeping snakes as pets at their homes. Responding to this, Shyam said that snakes were the government’s property, not any individual’s.

He said, “Even a snake rescuer like myself needs permission from Forest Department officials to keep snakes at my residence until I let them loose in the wild.”

Many people from various parts of India approach him to learn about rescuing snakes. He turns away those who want to “catch snakes”, as he says his mission is to rescue snakes, and not catch them.

His purpose of doing this is his "love and affection" for snakes, and his philosophy while working is, "Don't expect, accept."

Shyam is actively involved in social work and is always on the look-

Snake Shyam is a flamboyant dresser, and is usually seen wearing a hat, rings and chains. out for opportunities where he can contribute. He said, "I divide my earnings into three parts - one for myself, one for those who believe in me and the third for social works."

There are numerous instances wherein Shyam has made a difference to someone by his sheer kindness.

Once, when he went to rescue a snake in a hostel for visually impaired children, he noticed that the underwear of a girl was torn.

He then offered to buy all the children good quality underwear, and asked a shopkeeper he knew to get them.

The hostel warden was extremely happy with this offer, and she said, "Sir, you have thought of something that even women wouldn't have thought of." The shopkeeper also gave Shyam a heavy discount.

An example of Shyam's influence over people was evident from another anecdote he recounted. A man once called him and said he was

about to commit suicide because he couldn't get a job, and had called him because of the respect he had for him. Shyam implored him to not end his life, and said, "If you really have any respect for me, then don't do this."Shyam finally managed to convince the man. A few years later, the same person called Shyam and informed him that he was now working as a policeman in Karwar, Karnataka. He said, "Sir, if it wasn't for you, I would have ended my life."

In spite of all the limelight, Shyam has managed to stay firmly grounded, which is evident from his beliefs. He considers five things to be most important in everyone’s lives - nature, parents, farmers, teachers and soldiers.

He admitted it is difficult to change the mindset of people when it comes to snakes. He said the only change was that people now called him instead of killing the snakes.

According to him, people simply want to get rid of the snakes in their homes, and don't really care about them, apart from a few exceptions like himself.

However, irrespective of people's attitudes, Shyam carries on his good work and puts a lot of effort into creating awareness, especially among children.

He released a DVD called "Haavugalu", meaning snakes in Kannada and wants it to be distributed among children of all government schools.

His auto rickshaw, in which he drops children to and from school, has a statement written on it, which sums up his philosophy 'Snakes are not as poisonous as humans'.

There is no antivenom available for King Cobra in India

OBSERVER Team : Editor - C.L. Ramakrishnan, Chief Sub Editor - Sreemoyee Chatterjee, News Editor - Tushar Kaushik, News Desk - Vignesh S.G., Samreen Tungekar, Sub Editors - Sharangee Dutta, Shruti Suresh, Ridhi Agarwal, Design Head - Saheli Sengupta, Design Desk - Soumya Chatterjee, Subash Aravindh, Picture Editor - Suharika Rachavelpula, Proofreader - Raya Ghosh, Shalini Raja, Emergency Caller - Sameer Deshpande.