Shruti Maheshwari: The Perfect Cake-Smith

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June 20, 2018

Haldwani, Individual efforts of reverse migration to Uttarakhand rarely makes it to the headlines. But there are one youth who have given ‘reverse-migration’ an entirely new tag, as many have gone onto make their janmbhoomi their karmbhumi as well.

In this league, we talk about Shruti Maheshwari a trained baker from abroad who has given the art of baking a whole new meaning in Kathgodam.

27 year old Shruti studied in Nainital and then did her Graduation in Business from Indraprastha College in New Delhi. A lady with a flare to bake, Shruti took off to Le Cordon Bleu College in London to pursue her passion for baking and did a diploma in patisseries. Armed with her diploma degree Shruti returned to India and then worked in Trident, Mumbai for a little over a year, where she had the opportunity to bake cakes for many Bollywood celebs including Sushmita Sen.

With everything going for the young baker, Shruti took a decision which would ,’change her life for the better‘, as she puts it and returned to her home in the hills. Today the young lady runs her own full-fledged bakery from home ‘Cake Smith by Shruti,’ the one-stop-shop/bakery in Kathgodam, Haldwani for all your bakery needs. Talking to Newspost Shruti tells us, “I have my parents and Chef Lalit Manral and Chef Albert Anthony to thank for being my constant guiding angels.” Shruti takes orders for cakes, cupcakes, cake in a jar, muffins, chocolates, cookies, granola bars and many more mouth-watering delicacies on her FB/instagram/whatsapp in advance to avoid any wastage.

Shruti, at present is honing her skills by using dates and honey to bake cakes and pastries for diabetic patients who want to indulge in some goodies to satisfy their sweet-tooth, “I want to bake items for my diabetic customers as well and want my cakes to be readily available not only in Haldwani but nearby hamlets as well.”

Shruti’s handcrafted bakery-delights are putting smile on the face of her customers. Her detail-oriented and artistic baked goods have everyone craving for more as the young lady ‘Rises and Shines,‘ on her own mantel.

CM meets South Superstar Mahesh Babu

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June 18, 2018

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Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat took part in the Muhrat of South Indian Telugu film produced by “S.V.C. Productions 30” at Summer Valley School,” at Dalanwala today.

The film will be shot in Summer Valley School and FRI. Renowned South Indian film actor Mahesh Babu and actress Puja Hegde are in lead roles. Chief Minister said that, “this is the sixth film in the last seven months, which is being shot in Uttarakhand, with support of FTII, Pune, Film Appreciation Course has been started in Uttarakhand.”

Chief Minister said that, “the number of tourists coming to Uttarakhand has witnessed a speedy increase. Religious and adventure tourism has also increased. With the shooting of the films, the prospects of tourism in Uttarakhand will also increase.”

Krishan Kuriyal: Bringing the Past into the Present

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Tania Saili

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June 18, 2018

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Forty-six year old Krishan Chandra Kuriyal and a handful of artisans from the Yamuna and the Tons Valleys have been working to preserve and bring into our times the vanishing art and architecture of Garhwal Region. Student of Doon School, Dehradun and then an IIT Architecture Graduate from Roorkee, Krishan worked in Delhi for three years and then returned home to be in Uttarkashi with his mother back home (having lost his father early) and there has been no looking back.

On his return, Krishna found that the architectural glory of the region were perilously close to oblivion. The wood and stone structures of the Rawain and Jaunsar area were threatened with extinction.

When modern concrete structures replaced traditional homes, these artists and their art were almost forgotten. Krishan set out to revive Uttarakhand architectural heritage. The first step? Look for these masters of their craft.

Speaking to Newspost, Krishan tells us, “When we were studying architecture in IIT, we were taught about the forts of Rajasthan and the temples of South India. There was little or no mention of Uttarakhand architecture in our books. Professor Shankar in IIT inspired me to work on Garhwali Architecture and that is how I ended up doing what I know today.”

What started off as a passion 17 years ago, has today become a model for others to follow. In the beginning Krishan and his team of dedicated workers revived the Naagdwaar and the Mahasu temples of Jaunsar. This was followed by restoration of some 30 or 40 temples. Tinged with nostalgia, Krishan sighs: “These restorers have no time for anything else. They are working on the Uttarkashi Museum, Government Buildings, Resorts and are also part of the Kedarnath rehabilitation project along with the Garhwal Regimental Center in Landsdowne. They have their hands full and are doing a great job.”

Glumly he adds: “Uttarakhand has no architectural identity unlike other Himalayan States like say Kashmir, Himanchal, Nepal, Sikkim or Bhutan. Even today, important State Institutional buildings like the Gairsain Vidhan Sabha and Uttarakhand Bhawan in Delhi, do not reflect our traditional architectural heritage,which is heartbreaking.”

But Krishan Kuriyal’s hard work, dedication and vision has paid off. Today, Krishan Kuriyal has become synonymous with revival and restoration of Uttarakhandi Architecture. He and his skilled craftsmen have not only given employment to many but their undying patronage to this unique art, has given it a fresh lease of life.

Mera-Gaon, Swachh-Gaon Campaign arrives in Mana village

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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June 17, 2018

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Mana/Chamoli, ‘Mera-Gaon,Swachh-Gaon‘ a cleanliness campaign which started in Kandara Village in Chamoli, has today traveled far and wide. Making its way slowly from village to village in Chamoli, spearheaded by Engineer Bhuwan Singh Rawat, it has now found place in the hearts of the hill-folks of Mana village.

The Campaign came to town, when there were locals and tourists celebrating the annual Jaith Puja Fair. Speaking to those gathered, Bhuwan Rawat reiterated, “We should not be dependent on the State Government for all our needs, we should rise above this mentality. Without spending a penny we too can be part of the cleanliness drive and serve our country well.”

Women and children of the village turned out in in large numbers wearing their traditional attire to pledge their support to the campaign. The cleanliness campaign laid stress on how one could recycle and reuse oil canisters as dustbins to collect garbage in public spaces. The reuse of plastic cold-drink bottles for making bird-baths was taught to the eager audience who found it a doable alternate.

For his contribution to making our hills clean and green, Engineer Bhuwan Singh Rawat was felicitated by the village elders and an oath was taken by those present to ensure that they too would do their bit in cleaning not only to their homes but also their surroundings.

Travelling to Heaven amongst National Geographic finalist

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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June 16, 2018

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Rishikesh. National Geographic Magazine yet again threw a challenge, like in the past, to photographers across the globe. The ‘Travel Photographer of the Year 2018’ Contest set no limits as to age, gender or number of pictures a contestant deemed fit to submit.

It took more than just sheer luck for one of the ten pictures selected for the final round that has come from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This spiritual town, has made it onto the International map for more reasons than one. A place that has come to be associated with spirituality, yoga and now for this one stunning picture which has brought new found fame not only to its 19 year old photographer Trikansh Sharma who is pursuing his Graduation in Computer Application but also his passion of being an ace photographer from his home-town Rishikesh.

The photograph has been chosen as the final 10 as part of the ‘Travel Photographer of the Year 2018‘ contest held by the National Geographic Magazine. Speaking about his picture a happy Trikansh tells us, “I braved Rishikesh’s wintery mornings for days on end, armed with my Canon-1300D Camera and a 8-55mm lens, setting up base on the banks of the Ganges, to capture this picture.”

Aptly captioned “Travelling to Heaven, the picture chosen is that of a lone cyclist, who, as luck who have it, happened to ride across the town’s trademark Ram Jhulla on a wintery morning while making his way to the other end of town. Wrapped in mist, the bridge seems to have no end.

This image, chosen by the magazine for Travel Photographer of the Year is one amongst ten. Others range from wild-horses in Iceland to futuristic cities across the planet. Soon the winner will win a hefty cash-prize as well as the coveted title of ‘2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year.‘

Increase in the amount of compensation on damage to humans by wild animals

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June 15, 2018

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Dehradun, the compensation amount pertaining to damage caused by wild animals to the humans has been increased in the State. This decision was taken in the meeting of Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister. Compensation amount has been increased from Rs. 3 lakh to 5 lakh if killed by wild animals, whereas for seriously injured, the compensation amount has been increased from 50 thousand to Rs. 2 lakh. In principle agreement was expressed on the people displaced from the parks and settled at other places be given land rights, the proposal for this will be brought in the cabinet.

Chief Minister said that participation of locals should be ensured in the management of forests. The support of villagers is essential for conservation of forests. Work on concept of green tourism should be done, so that forests are conserved and local villagers also gets livelihood. Permission has been granted to Elephant Safari in the buffer zone of the Corbett and Ramnagar forest division. It was also decided that 100 percent revenue from the tourism in Rajaji Tiger Reserve will be deposited in the fund of Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation. Some part of this will be used for community activities.

Chief Minister said that the meeting of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board held once a year will be held every six months. Detailed reports should also be attached with the points presented in the meeting. If any case is concerned with the public, before presenting it in the board meeting, it should be studied that what are the possible benefits and disadvantages of it.

No permit for angling in the buffer zone in reserve forest and tiger reserve would be given. Chief Minister instructed that information about the mountain climbing teams, which are given permission by the forest department, should also be given to the police as well. So that in case of any exigency, the trapped climbers can be rescued.

Forest Minister Dr. Harak Singh Rawat stressed the need for early completion of necessary formalities on the Kandi road. He said that this is a very important route for connectivity of Garhwal with Kumaon. With its construction, the direct connection route from Garhwal to Kumaon would be there, which will reduce the travel time by approximately 3 hours. On his directions in the meeting, Wildlife Institute of India presented the feasibility survey done on the proposed Kandi road. On his suggestion, it was decided to constitute an executive committee in connection with the Kandi route.

Arvind Nigam: Farming with a difference

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Tania Saili

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June 15, 2018

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25 year old Arvind Nigam, a colleague and a former student in a 11-month course conducted at People’s Science Institute has changed the way hill-folks in the remote Revati Valley of Bageshwar District, farm today.

When many talk about migration from the hills to the plains, here is a endearing story of Arvind Nigam, a young post-graduate from Sidhi District in Madhya Pradesh who left his roots to set up home in the mountains of Uttarakhand. He has done wonders when it comes to traditional farming.

Over the phone, Arvind tells us, “I choose the hills as I love being amongst the hills and its folks. Farming here is an uphill task and I was inspired to use my BSc. education as well as PSI training in bringing about a positive change in the lives of the hill-folks.”

For the two years now, the young boy has worked hard to convince the folks here to adapt his idea of alternate farming i.e. sowing wheat, vegetables, corn, paddy saplings in a straight line, at regular intervals to increase production. An idea, that two monsoons later has begun to bear fruit. Today, this model has been replicated in the eight villages of Badeth, Shama, Shelisama, Seeri, Ulanidhar, Kaflani, Leeti and Badi Paniyal hamlets, which are home to some six hundred families.

Initially, 28-year-old Bimla Devi of Burmola in Badeth was apprehensive about Arvind’s techniques. She says: “We weren’t really convinced about his new techniques of farming. Arvind bhaiya tried hard to convince us to try planting saplings in a row, on a small patch of land. Result? We have increased our produce by 5-7 kg without recourse to urea.”

Today, Arvind thanks Khashti Koranga of the Women Help Group and Bhagwat Singh Koranga, President of Revati Valley Mahasangh who welcomed him and his unique idea with open-arms which has led to a revolution in farming in the area.

“Not only do they produce enough to eat well, 90% of the extra produce is sent to the main market in Bageshwar where this organic food is mopped up in a few hours. This makes women financially independent,” Arvind adds.

Talking about his prodigy, Ravi Chopra of People’s Science Institute speaks with pride, “Arvind’s work on mobilizing local villages for Gram Swaraj and promoting low external input, is truly inspiring.”

It is hoped that many more ‘Arvinds’ will find their true calling in the hills of Uttarakhand to bring their skill and expertise. This is, at present, the only way forward in striking a body blow to the ugly monster of migration.

Ministers to participate in Walk for Yoga on June 16

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June 14, 2018

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Dehradun, In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister for public awareness about International Yoga Day on Wednesday, it was decided that members of cabinet will be included in the Walk for Yoga. On June 16, 2018, all the ministers will gather at the Secretariat in the evening at 4 pm. At 4.30 pm, they will participate in the Run for Yoga from Gandhi Park to Deendayal Upadhyaya Park.

Under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, it was decided in a meeting held in the secretariat on Thursday that at 7 am on June 17, all police officers led by DGP Anil Raturi, will participate in the Walk for Yoga from Police Headquarters to Kanak Chowk to Clock Tower.

In the sequence, at 7 am on June 18, all the officers and staff of the secretariat, under the leadership of Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, will participate in the Walk For Yoga from secretariat to Clock Tower to Parade Ground. On this day, the team of women officers and employees from Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi will join the Walk for Yoga from secretariat to GMVN office at 7 am.

Almora: Organisation Green Hills to the Rescue

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Tania Saili

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June 14, 2018

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Green Hills, a four year old, Almora-based organisation has been working relentlessly in the field of environment conservation and sustainable development while focusing on waste management in the hill-town, with reject, reduce, reuse and recycle being their motto.

With a core group of three members and over 50 unofficial team-mates, Green Hills believes that, “until a solution isn’t found to dispose off garbage there is no use taking it from one place to other and dumping it at a new place.”

Working under their motto, the organisation involved students and upraised them about the sad state of affairs. With young, passionate blood coming on-board, rallies and door to door campaigns were held to create awareness.

“With financial support from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation we started a pilot project on plastic waste and its use in road construction this May. We all know that Plastic waste is a real challenge in present times. Its a threat to soil, marine creatures, human health, and natural drainage in mountains,” Vasudha Pant, Secretary, Green Hills tells us.

Since September last year, plastic waste is being religiously collected from all 11 wards of Almora and its adjoining villages of Sikuda, Golnakaradiya and Dugalkhola. “A team of 6 waste collectors and one team supervisor has managed to collect over 7 tonnes of waste plastic that is primarily packaging material.” On a pre-decided day, once a week, waste collectors reach out to people for plastic waste collection which is stored in a room allotted by the Almora Municipality.

With support from the Public Works Department in Almora, who agreed to take on the pilot project despite limitations, under the guidance of Engineer Manoj Kumar Pande, waste plastic is today being used post-shredding on re-doing a short stretch on the Pilkha-Patiya Road, with 700 m stretch already been re-done. Plans are afoot to make the total length of the road i.e. 2 km with plastic shredded waste which is spread over preheated gravel and then bitumen is added to this mixture.

Inspired, Engineers of the Pradha Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna in Almora have also taken fancy to the idea of carrying plastic-shredded waste from the hills and using it for road construction on a trial basis. If this is a success story, then not only will it help in reducing, recycling and reusing plastic waste but in turn make our hills green and clean.

Director Shri Narayan Singh expresses gratitude for support for his movie

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June 13, 2018

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Film Director Shri Narayan Singh met the Chief Minister at his residence on Wednesday. Narayan Singh expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the support of the state government for the shooting of the movie “Batti Gul Meter Chalu”. Movie “Batti Gul Meter Chalu” is scheduled to be released on August 31, 2018. He said that, “there is lot of talent in Uttarakhand and the need is to provide them opportunities.”

Chief Minister said, “Uttarakhand’s environment and scenic beauty are favourable for film shooting. After the completion of All Weather Road, with the good connectivity in the state, opportunities for film shooting in the state will increase” further adding, “Uttarakhand government is making efforts for the promotion of the films in the state. All the people from the film industry will be extended full support by the state government for shooting films in the state.”

Chief Minister said that in order to promote films, the state government has tax-exempted film shoots in the Uttarakhand. In order to promote tourism, state government has envisaged “13 Districts 13 New Destinations”. In every district, one destination would be selected and developed. On this occasion Producer Nitin Chandrachur, Rati Shankar Tripathi, Sumit Adlakha and Parmod Rana were present.

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