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Rekha Kothari : True flavour of Pisyu Pahadi Laun

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When I walked into Rekha Kothari, she was talking in spurts. She had just packed off her three little children to school and was busy with her sandstone mortar and pestle. As an upcoming entrepreneur, no doubt, in her own right, Rekha is making ‘pisyun laun’ or the famed ‘flavoured salt’ indigenous to these hills.

Born and brought up in Chamba, after her marriage, she settled in Dehradun. Soon after she yearned for the flavours of home. ‘Pisyun Laun’ is a gift she inherited from her mother. Rekha’s flavoured salt gained a measure of fame amongst her immediate circle of family, relatives and friends. Seeing its popularity, she decided to introduce it in the market – a venture that found support from family and children.

When I met her today, Rekha had sold several kilograms of ‘pisyun laun’ by going online. Eight to ten ingredients go into making this special salt. Rekha spends over an hour a day to prepare this product. From traditional spices and herbs to rock-salt, clove, pepper, salt, ginger, onion, garlic, cumin seeds and green chillies all go into making this delicious ingredient which adds flavor to all kind of Salads, Raitas and fruits salads. It is also custom-made for those who avoid Onion or Garlic. Packets of 50gms, 100 gms, 250 gm and 500 gms are made as per orders which she receives online.

Rekha’s products have been sent to Delhi, Gurgaon and as far as Bombay via courier. Rekha tells us: “My mother used to make this when we were small and she taught me the craft before I got married. This is a flavor of my childhood which was stayed with me and I am passing this onto my daughters as well.”

Her older daughter Deepanjali Kothari a Class XIIth student, tells us, “I enjoy learning from my mother about our hills and history.  A lot of us are forgetting our culture and moving away from our villages. It is nice to see our mother promote our unique flavours.”

As we take leave, Rekha sprinkles the freshly ground salt on a piece of cucumber for us to taste. Who can resist? We end up picking up more than we bargained for to carry with us  this ‘flavour from the hills.’

To order, drop a message.

From instagram account of @namakwali or @insta_pahadi

WhatsApp takes action to curtail fake news

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WhatsApp Messenger, a freeware and cross-platform messaging and Voice-over IP service owned by Facebook has informed the Election Commission in India that it will take necessary action to curtail the misuse of its platform, before the next elections. Further adding, it will bring in a ‘fake news verification model‘ which is has already been put to use in other countries as well.  Global Executives of WhatsApp are already in India discussing various issues with policy makers.

Responding to questions from the agency, the Spokesperson of the Company stated,  ”Keeping in mind the upcoming elections in the country, WhatsApp is trying to enhance certain features and do away with some. Rounds of discussions are being held with the  Election Commission along with Political parties,” adding, “WhatsApp was always meant for  personal or a close-circuit use. In the past, we have blocked accounts of those who have tried to hurt the sentiments of people using WhatsApp as a platform.

Sources tell us that WhatsApp has ensured Election Commission that it will be vigilant and watch out for false, spam messages being circulated specially around elections in States. The Company has also stated that it will bring in ‘Verificado,’ a technique to verify news being circulated via the App. Verificado was first brought into use during the Mexican Elections, and has been used in Brazil in the past.

Whataspp also announced that it will make sure that not more than five messages are forwarded per-person, and will remove the ‘Quick Forward Button’ in an attempt to stop fake news from becoming viral.

Young boxer from Uttarakhand commits suicide

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Thal, Pithoragarh. She flew like a butterfly and stung like a bee. All of 18 and now, dead. National level boxer from Uttarakhand, Gitika Rathore lost her long battle to depression as the promising young boxer committed suicide.

Sources close to the departed tell us that Gitika had injured her knee in a boxing competition held in Dehradun some time back.  An injury which curtailed her movement and shattered the dreams of the budding star as she was unable to dedicate time to practise a sport she loved, and hence went on to become a victim of depression.

A native of Mangroli Village in Gauchar,  Gitika consumed poison last evening. Apparently only when she threw up, did her mother Rekha Devi get suspicious and rushed her to Gauchar in 108 ambulance. After primary health care Gitika was further referred to Pithoragarh for medical intervention. Enroute, this young star lost her life.

A Gold Medalist, this young pugilist went on to represent her State twice on the National Level i.e. in January and April 2016. Young Gitika was an icon amongst her peer group and young girls who looked up to her for encouragement.

Her death has been a final blow, not only to her family, her village or people close to her, but to the entire Boxing Federation along with her coach and buddies who lost their ‘favourite’ to the bout of life and death.

WIC: Photo Exhibition showcasing the beauty of Jerusalem

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Featuring the pulsating beauty of Jerusalem, its people, ancient architecture, and religion, “Transcending Jerusalem, The City through Indian Lenses”, a three day Photography Exhibition was staged by Embassy of Israel in India at WIC India, Dehradun.

Inaugurated by Honourable Daniel Carmon, Ambassador of Israel in India and Curated by Dr. Alka Pande, the exhibition showcased the photographic works of Indian artists & photographers, Mr. Aditya Arya, Mr. Parthiv Shah and Mr. Prabir Purkayastha.

Excerpts from an Interview with Ambassador Daniel Carmon:

Sir, you have travelled all the way from New Delhi to inaugurate the photography exhibition, we know how significant it is for you. Talking about creativity, how would you define it in your own words?

I would define creativity in the will of people to think and to do something new that comes out of their own thinking, not something that is a reaction to something but something that is pro-active. To think about something, to invent something, to innovate something and this is the essence of what we are talking about. And we feel, we have put it by the way in our logo, Israel the land of creativity but it’s not only Israel, its India also.

The exhibition ‘‘Transcending Jerusalem – The City through India Lenses”, what does it portray?

It is a mix of everything. Indian Photographers were asked to scout around the city of Jerusalem, take pictures with their own lens and their own perspective.  These photographs are the view of each photographer for what is my hometown. I live in Jerusalam, this is where I grew up, this is where I work and this is where the government of Israel is. Many religions, cultures have amalgamated in a city which is old yet new, antique, historic and yet  modern and innovative.

How would you describe the long drawn relationship between India and Israel, both in the past and in the present scenario?

It’s a strategic partnership. Looking at the history of the relations between India and Israel, and where we stand today, one can only be proud and I am proud of our joint achievements. Today I look back with a lot of admiration and satisfaction towards what we have done so far and looking towards the future of our growing partnership.

What do you think, in what way can Israel contribute to the betterment of the State of Uttarakhand?

There are 27 fully operational Centres of Excellence across India, where we bring the Israeli experience, the knowledge and know-how in the field of irrigation, agriculture, fertilization, management and there is no reason why not to have such a centre in Uttarakhand.  We could work in the area of skill-development,  academics or choose areas that could be interesting for the people of Uttarakhand or for the Government of Uttarakhand. I brought the Chief Minister some ideas about courses that take place in Israel, am hoping we can work on something together.

It is the first time that I am visiting WIC India, Dehradun. The entire event, seeing so many people joining and enjoying the exhibition, is heartening. I have heard a lot about WIC and want to thank WIC India Dehradun for coming up with this unique initiative and for their extended cooperation.

Heavy to very Heavy rainfall to pound Uttarakhand

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Just when hill-folks had started enjoying basking in the sun under the clear blue skies surrounded by emerald greenery, the coming week promises rain, heavy rainfall across the hill-state of Uttarakhand over the next few days.

Talking to team Newspost, Director Met Department Bikram Singh had this to say, “there is alert in place as we have predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall from the 21st of July to the 23rd of July, in all thirteen districts. There is possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places which might cross 100 mm in certain places. A red alert has been put in place for the 22nd of July when we expect maximum rain.

If the Met department is to be believed, the trend of heavy to very heavy rainfall will lash the State for close to a week, with yellow, orange and red alerts highlighting the latest weather chart.

Heavy downpour will mean more landslips, mudslides, road blocks and landslides many of which have already riddled the entire hill-state. Sub-montane rivers and major rivers flowing through Uttarakhand will be in spate, following which locals and people living in low-lying areas have been asked to move to higher grounds and be cautious while crossing them.

Secretary, Disaster Management, Amit Negi informed us, “Alls systems are in place. Things have been in control with state machinery working on war-footing to ensure there is no eventuality due to rains. District administration including, SDRF, NDRF, Police have been activated 24×7, heavy machinery has been deployed and kept on standby close to heavy landslide zones, people have been given ample warning to move to higher grounds. So all in all, we are well-prepared and monitoring everything closely.

CM Rawat will hoist national flag at Parade Ground on Aug 15

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat will unfurl the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day @ Parade Ground, Dehradun at 10 am. Chief Secretary Utpal kumar Singh will hoist the national flag at the Secretariat at 9 am.  Except Dehradun, the District Magistrates of their respective districts will hoist the flag at District Collectorate Offices at 9.30 am.  The flag hoisting ceremony will be conducted at all government, non-government buildings by Departmental Heads/ Office Heads at 9 am in Dehradun.

Chief Secretary Utpal kumar Singh held a meeting regarding the preparations for Independence Day celebrations at the Secretariat. He instructed that a special cleanliness drive should be carried out in all the towns and cities of the State from August 1 to 15.  He also instructed all the officers stationed at Dehradun that after conducting the flag hoisting ceremony at their respective offices they should reach Parade ground at 10 am to participate in the main function.

Secretary Information Pankaj Kumar Pandey informed that Chief Minister after flag hoisting ceremony at 10 am will take salute of the parade at the state level function.  Later, the Chief Minister will have courtesy meeting with freedom fighters and family members of those who sacrificed their lives in the statehood agitation. At the main road crossings of state headquarter/ district headquarters, patriotic songs will be played from 6 pm to 9 pm on August 14 and from 6 am to 11 am on August 15, 2018. A poetry recitation session /Mushiara will be organised at state headquarter on August 14, 2018. The government and historic buildings will be illuminated with low voltage LED bulbs.

DGP Anil Raturi, Principal Secretary Home Anand Vardhan, ADG Ram Singh Meena, Secretary Meenakshi Sundram, Vinod Prasad Raturi, Additional Secretary R.Rajesh Kumar, Jyoti Neeraj Khairwal and other officers were present in the meeting.

Mission Rispana to Rishiparna to be launched on Sunday

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Coming Sunday, 2.5 lakh saplings will be planted during the launch of Rispana to Rishiparna Mission. Chief Minister will start the Rispana revival mission from village Kervan.

The plantation programme will be held between 9 am to 11 am. About the preparations for the mission, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh held a meeting with the concerned departments. He took detailed information about the preparations. Instructions were issued to ensure maximum public participation in the programme. It was informed in the meeting that apart from Kervan village, the main event will be held in Mothrowala.

Here, a Sadbhavana park has to be built. After planting saplings, children will take selfie and will register on the given card, They will deposit the selfie and card will in their school. From where it will be deposited with the district administration. After verification by putting a stamp, the card will be given back to the student by the district administration.

E-certificates will also be given to the students. Chief Secretary Irrigation Anand Bardhan, Secretary Peyjal Arvind Singh Hayanki, DM Dehradun S.A.Murugesan and officers of Eco Task Force, Forest Department and other departments were present in the meeting.

‘Tilay Dharu Bola’ the new Music sensation

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After the phenomenal success of Shiv Jagar, Amit Sagar has joined hands with Music Composer Ishaan Dobhal of the Pandavaas fame and has come out with their latest sensation entitled, “tilay dharu bola,” a much used cliche in the Garhwali language which  has become an overnight hit.

The lyrics of the 4:00 minute song, have been composed by the Singer Amit Sagar himself. Telling us more about his new composition Amit Sagar tells Newspost, “I had decided a long time ago to lend my voice to songs I composed personally. This song is an amalgamation of Kumaoni and Garhwali tradition where if I talk about baal meethai( traditional sweet) of Kumaon, we also have the Tehri nath (nose ring) along with the topi (cap) of the Jaunsar region. I have tried to highlight the uniqueness of all regions which make Uttarakhand complete.”

Within days of the song being launched on Youtube, it has gone on to make new records. Speaking about the music composition, Ishaan Dobhal tells us, “Though Pandavaas are known for pelting out soft, slow, romantic numbers, working with Amit Sagarji  after a long association was wonderful. Within minutes we came to a consensus about what we wanted from the song and within three to four days we had the song completed.”

The foot-tapping song ‘Tilay Dharu Bola‘ has crossed 45K hits within days of its launch, which was preponed by the singer who was elated by the end result. Today, less than a week since the launch,  it seems like the fans of both these music sensations cant seem to get enough of their favourite stars, as they anxiously await their next jugalbandi.

YouTube launch of the “Shri Ram Bhajan” composed by Secretariat employee

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“Shri Ram Bhajan”, composed by an employee of the Secretariat Bhupendra Singh Baseda was launched on YouTube by Finance Minister Prakash Pant.

On this occasion, Mr. Pant said, “common man will get the benefit of getting information about the greatness of Maryada Purshotam Lord Shri Ram.” He added that composer Baseda has penned down and sung the Bhajan himself. He termed it as a beautiful and meaningful endeavour.

Through this Bhajan, the poet Baseda has given his talent a platform which needs to be applauded.  He said that Baseda has proved that if anyone gets an opportunity to show talent, then he can be successful. 

Secretary, Secretariat Harbans Singh Chugh congratulated the lyricist and singer Baseda for the beautiful work. President of the Secretariat Association Deepak Joshi appreciated the efforts of Bhupendra Baseda and hoped that in the future he would continue to benefit the masses through his songs. 

Lyricist and singer Shri Baseda thanked all those gathered and said that, “Shri Ram Bhajan,” the greatness of Lord Shri Ram has been described and common man will get its benefit.”

CBSE training centre to open at Dehradun

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A CBSE training centre will be opened in Dehradun. The central government has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 20 crore for the training centre. Ranveer Singh, Regional Director, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat at Chief Minister’s residence on Tuesday.  The Chief Minister giving his consent for land allotment for the training centre instructed the District magistrate to prepare a proposal in this regard.

Ranveer Singh thanked the Chief Minister for his consent on land allotment for training centre and the CBSE regional office. It is to be mentioned that the regional wing of the CBSE looks after the work of 700 schools in Uttarakhand and 1100 schools in western Uttar Pradesh. Ranveer Singh, Regional Director said that after the opening of the regional office in Dehradun, it will benefit affiliated school, students and general public. On the instructions of Chief Minister, land for regional office of CBSE has already been allotted.