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September 19, 2023

Wanderings in the Land of Mist, A complete story of Mussoorie by Anmol Jain

A galaxy of Mussoorie’s celebrities were present at the book launch of Anmol Jain’s latest book, “Wanderings in the Land of Mist,” The Complete Story of Mussoorie published by Rupa Publications. The 232 pages book has 16 chapters dedicated to the interesting facets of Mussoorie from 1808 to present day.

Padmabhusan Victor Banerjee, Author Stephen Alter; Author Bill Aitken, Historian Ganesh Saili, Author and former DGP Uttarakhand Anil Raturi, Chairman of Mussoorie, Anuj Gupta and the owner of Mussoorie’s iconic Savoy Hotel Kishore Kaya shared the dais for the launch of Anmol’s book.

Dignitaries at the launch of ‘Wanderings in the Land of Mist,’ by Anmol Jain

The author put in extensive research into his work of sweat and blood which took him close to five years to complete. He added footnotes to authenticate facts that he wrote about. What makes the book unique is the fact that it has 47 QR codes that double up as a travel guide and introduces the reader to offbeat trails and treks in and around his hometown. The book has all the ingredients of humour, history, facts and hidden gems between its covers. Illustrated with hand-picked images, postcards and advertisements make it a fascinating read.

Everyone on the dais was of the unanimous view that Anmol’s lucid writing has once again brought to the forefront various facets that make Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills. The author has given a fresh account of Mussoorie’s history with an entire chapter dedicated to the history of the six cinema halls that once dotted the Mall Road; its schools; breweries, churches; Olympic heroes and of course everything else about a town ‘where stories never seem to end.”

The authors took pride in the fact that the baton of writing had been taken forward by the young author.

Anmol dedicated his book to the memory of his father and grandfather and the stories that he heard from them while growing up. These stories find mention in ‘Wanderings in the Land of Mist,’ a work of love and dedication by homegrown Anmol Jain who brings to life Mussoorie’s landmarks in a historical context.

SRHU admission team engages in Social Responsibility

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September 18, 2023

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-18 at 19.30.59 — The admission cell of Swami Rama Himalayan University held an empowering session with youngsters at Government Inter College, (Khadri, Shayampur) Rishikesh

The admission cell of Swami Rama Himalayan University held an empowering session with youngsters at Government Inter College, Khadri, Shayampur, Rishikesh.

The University’s RDI (Rural Development Institute) members too joined forces and the resultant combined efforts sparked discussions on health, hygiene, menstrual care, women empowerment, and importantly the team offered career counseling to 9th to 12th graders.

Need was felt to impart lessons in ‘Good Touch Bad Touch’. The team explained to the students that they must learn to differentiate between the two. This knowledge can serve as a savior for our youngsters. It is common knowledge that our children can experience
various types of touches including traumatic ones.

The session was an effort on the part of SRHU to ensure that a brighter tomorrow awaits the future generations. The University is obligated to continue addressing crucial issues as a matter of social responsibility.

It needs to be mentioned here that RDI had its genesis in the early 90s, with focus on serving the hard to reach mountain areas. Guided by the philosophy of ‘Love, Serve, and Remember’ of the founder, the mission of the initiative is to develop integrated and cost effective approaches to healthcare and development addressing the local population, which can serve as a model for the country as a whole and for the underserved populations.

RDI uses a multi-dimensional approach to address locally defined needs and priorities, in order to serve the people at large. Special attention is given to the needs of women and children; to improve health status; provide opportunities for education and social development of children and adolescents. Quality of life is enhanced through health, water, education and skill development efforts.

World Ozone Day Observed at Himalayan School of Biosciences

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September 17, 2023

Himalayan School of Biosciences marked ‘World Ozone Day’ by raising awareness about ozone depletion and its environmental consequences. The event commenced with a tribute to Swami Rama, following upon the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. C. S. Nautiyal and Professor Sanjay Gupta, alongside the faculty members. Dr. Sanjay Gupta delivered an inspiring speech underscoring the critical significance of preserving the ozone layer on a global scale, urging individuals to take action.

Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Scientific Advisor, provided a comprehensive scientific perspective on ozone depletion.

World Ozone Day established by the United Nations, commemorates the acceptance of the Montreal Protocol 1987, signifying international collaboration in reducing ozone-depleting substances. The theme for 2023 is “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone layer and reducing climate change.”

The event featured engaging student competitions such as poster making, model building, and collage creation, aimed at fostering creativity and ozone protection awareness. Dr. Archna Dhasmana and Dr. Nupur Joshi organized the event, which was conducted by proactive student Ritika Wadhwa and attended by various faculty members, including Dr. Vivek Kumar, Dr. Vikash Jadon, Dr. Geeta Bhandari, and Dr. Vishal Singh Rajput.

Mussoorie Skating Rink reduced to Ashes

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September 17, 2023

PHOTO-2023-09-17-09-44-27 — Mussoorie Skating Rink reduced ashes

The Mussoorie Skating Rink, a symbol of the hill-stations rich architectural heritage went up in flames in the wee hours of today morning.

17^th has proven to be the new 13^th for Mussoorie- an unlucky day. 55 years ago, an inferno like this destroyed the Standard Skating Rink (which earlier was Stiffle’s Standard Restaurant) on the night of 17^th April 1968.

Cut to present day, 17^th September, 2023, the historical Mussoorie Skating Rink has been reduced to ashes. Unconfirmed sources say it was a short-circuit. The staff which was staying on the premises made their timely escape, but the building was ravaged and turned to ashes within hours. The Rink, now run as a hotel was under renovation and was set to have a grand opening next month. A few cars parked below the hotel were also engulfed in the fire.

Built in 1890, the Mussoorie Rink was given to a dental surgeon Dr. Miller as payment for dental services to the dentist. Perhaps the patient had no money to pay for a set of artificial dentures.

A company called the Mussoorie skating rink and amusement club ltd was formed. It was the first and largest skating hall in northern India, this company failed and was bought over by Charlie Wilson son of F.E Wilson (Pahadi Wilson) in 1894.

When built it was the first building in town to get acetylene lighting. But made of deodar and pine, it was a disaster waiting to happen. This Rink has seen many national and international skaters learning to take their first gangly steps. It is here where brief ‘summer romances’ bloomed on the wooden floor as skating enthusiasts jumped over the wooden bridge. Figure skating was at its peak and generations have been fortunate to make use of its springing wooden floor roller skating with gay abandon.

Unfortunately, the Mussoorie Fire Station is located at the western end of town. A message on WhatsApp groups appealed to residents in the vicinity to remove their cars that blocked fire engines making their way to the Rink. It took over three hours to douse the inferno. 4500 rental two wheelers and cars parked all over town, choke the vital arteries of the hill station. If perchance, a similar disaster were to happen, fire engines will have to squeak past the choked narrow lanes of Mussoorie.

It is high time we woke up and identified Heritage structures in Mussoorie. We have to revisit our parking rules and fire safety regulations. And the time to act is now.

IMA & HIMS unite to spearhead life saving initiative

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September 12, 2023

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-12 at 15.07.59 — A ground-breaking training on Basic Life Support & First Aid

Dateline Dehradun: Carrying forward, Indian Military Academy’s endeavour to collaborate with renowned institutes of the country to foster partnerships for mutual development and growth, the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), SRHU, Dehradun, was invited to IMA to conduct a ground-breaking training on Basic Life Support & First Aid of Common Emergencies both in Peace and Combat scenario.

Over 400 gentleman cadets, including international cadets, were trained by the team of eight experts, comprising specialists and super-specialists, lead by Surgeon Rear Admiral (Prof) Girish Gupta NM, VSM (Retd.) from the HIMS.

Holistic training was imparted to the gentlemen cadets of IMA, to empower them not only with conventional nuances of life-saving, but also impart them with requisite training on life saving methodologies which is a critical requirement during military operations.

They were imparted training regimen that covered an array of critical topics including Basic CPR, Management of Bleeding, Head and Spine Injuries, Stabilization principles, and handling emergencies arising from snake bites and scorpion stings.

The training program adopted a hands-on approach, along with informative lectures and essential practical training sessions, where the cadets practiced on 26 mannequins concurrently. The participants were also provided with a comprehensive handbook covering
all the topics discussed during the training, including a credit card-sized BLS card, which can serve as a quick reference guide in future.

These collaborations are a conscious attempt by IMA to pioneer an era of shared learning and provide new vistas in the training curriculum. It embodies a significant step towards fostering a culture of preparedness and service, hallmarks of the esteemed institutions like IMA, Dehradun.

A better doctor is one who understands his patient’s pain – Dr. Vijay Dhasmana

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September 11, 2023

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-11 at 17.02.21 — Mr Dhasmana addressing the new MBBS batch

An orientation program was organized for the new MBBS students at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) Jollygrant. During this, the Chancellor Dr. Vijay Dhasmana addressed the students, saying that a better doctor is the one who understands the patient’s pain.

The inauguration of the orientation program organized by Swami Ram Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant was done by lighting the ceremonial lamp in front of the portrait of the founder, Dr. Swami Rama.

While addressing the program, Chancellor Dr. Vijay Dhasmana mentioned that the goal behind the establishment of the institute and the medical college was to serve the people of Uttarakhand and other regions. Doctors are often regarded as incarnations of God in society. It is essential for doctors to serve suffering humanity to uphold this common belief. Chancellor Dr. Dhasmana also urged parents to keep an eye on every activity of their child if they dream of making their child a skilled doctor.

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, the Vice-Chancellor, said that every moment of life is priceless. Students who understand the value of time reach the pinnacle of success. The value of time is understood through discipline. To achieve success, students should always maintain hope, dedication to duty, and self-confidence.

Dr. Ashok Deorari, Principal of HIMS, welcomed the new students along with their parents. . Dr. Taruna Sharma provided information about medical courses and exam patterns, while Dr. Vineet Mahrotra explained the anti-ragging policy and rules. All students also introduced themselves personally during the event.

Dr. Juhi Kalra presented the vote of thanks. The event, organized under the leadership of Dr. Kiran Bhatt, was attended by Secretary Dr. Sushila Sharma and Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, along with all the faculty members of HIMS.

Selku, biding monsoon goodbye

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September 11, 2023

PHOTO-2023-09-10-18-26-41 — Selku being celebrated in Uttarkashi

Dateline Uttarkashi: High up in the inner Himalayas, a long-forgotten tradition is being kept alive by a handful of villages. After a long monsoon, a fleeting autumn makes it presence felt in Uttarakhand and in the higher alpine meadows of the hill-state, winter shall march within a few weeks. But before that happens, village folks of Uttarakashi celebrate Selku or bid the monsoon goodbye.

In summer, when the snow starts melting in the upper reaches, a variety of wild flowers turn the alpine meadows into a carpet of flowers. Winter’s seeds spring forth into Brahmakamal, Masi, Rhododendron, Wild ginger, Lilies and many others. With the onset of monsoon, there are splashes of colour on the jade green hill-side, that take your breath away. Then autumn, comes to be followed by winter when the hill-side are bereft of any flowers. But just before that brief change in season, a unique tradition is kept alive in Taknaur and Nald Kathud villages of Uttarkashi district.

Celebrating Selku, hill-folks from these particular villages hand-pick these flowers as offerings to the local deity of their village. Temples are decorated with a carpet of flowers that are an offering to the deity. It is a welcome to autumn and heralds the long dry spell of winter that stretches ahead.

Today, Taknaur and Nald Kathud along with other villages in the vicinity, considered amongst the oldest settlements in the area follow this century old tradition. Selku is celebrated in the second week of September where along with menfolk, married daughters from other villages return to their parental home to dance the night away under the stars to evoke the blessings of their deity.

This night-long celebration called Selku (which translates into ‘who will sleep?’) bids goodbye to greenery as well as it evokes the blessings of the local deity. Through the night, men and women gather around the temple, dressed in their traditional attire and dance away the night to the rhythm of the dhool and damaun on a veritable carpet of wildflowers seeking blessings.

Gold, 5 silver & a bronze for Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences

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September 10, 2023

‘School of Yogic Science & Naturopathy’, ‘Shri Guru Ram Rai University’ and ‘Yoga Sports Foundation’ organized a two-day ‘National Yogasna Championship’ jointly on 3rd and 4th September.

HSYS students stole the thunder by clinching 1 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze medal at this prestigious event.

Divya Solanki, Srishti Rawat, Sumit Dhyani, and Aditi Sharma each secured third place in their respective age groups and earned four bronze medals. Meanwhile, Manvi Nautiyal,
Pranjul Rana, Anmol Vinjola, Sahil Chauhan, and Shubham Dhodiyaal achieved second place with five silver medals. Former gold medalist Sakshi Nautiyal once again clinched the first place and obtained the gold medal, a matter of pride to the entire university.

In this event, Yoga students, Yoga trainers and Yoga exponents from 18 states of India participated.

Besides this, Yoga exponents from U.S.A., Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Egypt and Czech Republic also participated in this championship.

Chancellor, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Mahant Devendra Dassji showered his divine blessings on the participating Yoga Exponents, Yoga Trainers and Yoga Students.

The Championship was started jointly by Chief Guest, Shri Guru Ram Rai University’s Registrar Dr. Ajay Kumar Khanduri, Coordinator, Dr. R.P. Singh, Chief Proctor Cum Spokesperson, Manoj Tiwari, Guest of Honour, President, Maharastra Sports Foundation, Prof Balwant Singh with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. 180 participants, 40 referees, 10 members of judges committee from 18 states of India participated in the Championship.

The attractive Yogasnas by the students, trainers and exponents of Yoga enlightened and impressed the audiences. The main attraction of the Championship was the fusion of artistic Yoga with music. Participants from Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, New Delhi, Gujarat, Assam, Bihar, Maharastra, Madhaya Pradesh, etc. participated in the prestigious event.

Ghosts of Landour by Ritika Kochhar

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September 8, 2023