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Coming live from Mussoorie: ‘Afternoons with an Author’

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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Dateline Mussoorie: A weekly event will now be broadcast as part of a series called ‘Afternoons with an Author’ from the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie. A weekend outreach programme of the Valley of Words International Literature and Arts Festival, will air prominent authors and their recent works taken up in conversation with practitioners /colleagues who engage in a candid conversation on the key themes of the publication.

The idea behind ‘Afternoons with an Author’, as Sanjeev Chopra, the curator of VoW elaborates is, “The concept is platform the latest books in Indian policy, governance, and nation-building frequently through the year,’ further adding,” The afternoon conversations with an author series also enable the audience to send in their own questions and have an interactive experience when they tune in to the live broadcasts.

Amod K Kanth Afternoons with an Author

This Sunday i.e. 14th of March at 3:00 p.m. the series will feature Amod K. Kanth’s Khaki in Dust Storm, a social activist and and Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights in discussion with Alankrita Singh and Nitesh Jha.

Published in December 2020, the book is a gripping story of investigations led by Amod K. Kanth during the 1980s and early 1900s. An era that witnessed the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 and riots thereafter; the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi; the murder of Lalit Maken and General Vaidya; public attacks by terrorists and the peak of the Khalistani militancy and so on and so forth including growing influence of drug abuse and financial frauds. Khaki in Dust Storm also unravels the cathartic evolution of a police officer who, after landing in the coveted Indian Police Service, finds his dreams challenged and confined to the restricted role in the face of India’s myopic conventional policing.

Normally held on the second/third Sunday of each month from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, ‘Afternoons with an Author‘ will be aired on VoW social media handles including YouTube and Facebook.

Trivendra Singh Rawat resigns, Uttarakhand to have its ninth Chief Minister

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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Dateline Dehradun: Ironically ever since its inception, Uttarakhand has been a playground when it comes to the seat of the Chief Minister. Eight Chief Minister’s have changed over the past two decades and counting.

Falling in line with the tradition of incomplete tenure except for Congress’s Narayan Dutt Tiwari, in a major change of leadership in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat too fell by the wayside, falling short of nine days to celebrate his fourth year as Chief Minister on the 18th of March 2021.

For the past four days the hill state’s political stir has been making headlines as soon as Trivendra Singh Rawat left for Delhi to attend a marathon of meetings with the central leadership amid speculations of a change in leadership.

On arrival in Dehradun today morning, Trivendra Singh Rawat sought an appointment with Governor Baby Rani and submitted his resignation to the Governor at 3:30 pm today afternoon, much to the disappointment of his supporters.

Addressing the media after tendering  his resignation, Trivendra Singh Rawat said, “I have been working in politics for while now and my party gave me an opportunity to work as the state Chief Minister for four years- the golden years of my life. Despite coming from a rural background, I was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the state – only possible in a party like BJP.” He further added, “Now that party has taken a collective decision to entrust the responsibility of state Chief Ministership to some other leader, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor. I am thankful to my party for giving me this responsibility to serve the people.”

State BJP observers, Raman Singh and state in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam came in tow and are likely to take part in the BJP Legislative Party scheduled for tomorrow. Sources confirm that the name of the state’s ninth chief minister will be agreed and stamped upon tomorrow itself.

The name of many prospective future chief ministerial candidates have already started doing the rounds. From the likes of Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Minister of State for Higher Education (Independent Charge) Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and BJP’s national media head Anil Baluni along with Nainital MP Ajay Bhatt are those leading from the forefront.

With State elections just a year apart why this sudden need for change-of-guard and what magic potion the new candidate will bring with him closer to the forthcoming assembly election, is for us to wait, watch and decide.

Rise above all: Uttarakhand Diabetes Awareness Initiative

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Dehradun: In July 2018 when Rekha Negi set up Uttarakhand Diabetes Awareness Initiative (UDAI), a community support for those living with type-1 diabetes in Uttarakhand, little did she know that it would impact those they connect with.

A certified diabetes educator from NDEP, Rekha lives by example. A person with Type-1 diabetes herself, for three years the young lady struggled with health issues, wrong diagnosis and fluctuating sugar level. It took months for a doctor to pin it on a chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin making the body incapable of managing blood glucose levels i.e. Type-1 diabetes.

Recent studies reveal a constant rise in type-1 diabetes that appears in early childhood and young adults too. Rekha Negi tells me, “Diabetes management takes a great amount of learning and effort at the time of diagnosis when the parents along with the child have to accept and take on the challenge of this lifelong condition.” She further adds, “The stigma around the disorder makes it difficult for the person as well as their near and dear ones to cope up with a  condition which if not controlled can lead to other health complications.”

As a community UDAI emphasizes on making people aware about the type-1d condition, motivate others and help them master their diabetes management. Rekha says, “we educate our fighters and their families about diabetes management to make them stronger and more positive. We counsel them on physical, mental, and emotional health too. We as a community, support each type-1 warrior so that they can thrive and overcome hurdles.”

Over the years, Uttarakhand Diabetes Awareness Initiative (UDAI) despite fighting it own challenges due to geographical and economic conditions of the hill-state are putting their best foot forward to reach every individual with T1d and provide him or her with psycho-social and financial support as well.

This close-knit team of T1d members, parents of children with type-1 diabetes, diabetes educators, dietician, counselors and endocrinologist are living up to their motto “Rise above all.”

Urvashi Rautela recreates Madhubala’s magic in “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si”

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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Dateline Dehradun: Uttarakhand talent and Bollywood superstar Urvashi Rautela adds yet another feather to her cap and that to around her birthday.

Featuring in a famous song of the 50s, “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si” by legendary singer Kishore Kumar, Urvashi brings alive the magic of yesteryear actress Madhubala. In a latest promo posted by Urvashi one can see the actress diving into water in a white outfit. Captioning the post, Urvashi writes, “Madhubala Ji is a timeless icon and to have the opportunity to be her in the recreation of Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si is surreal. The release of this song has been timed just a day after my birthday and it feels like the best gift I could’ve asked for. A big thanks to the makers and the entire team. This song is our tribute to Kishore Da and Madhubala ji. I am very excited for the release of this song.”

With little time to spare, the actress has been busy with back-to-back projects from web-series to music videos to movies.

Currently Urvashi Rautela is shooting for an upcoming web series “Inspector Avinash” along side Randeep Hooda, directed by Neerraj Pathak,  under the banner of Jio Studios. The actress has also signed three more projects under the same banner.

Along with this Urvashi has a music video lined up with Guru Randhawa, while juggling time between a bilingual thriller “Black Rose” and Hindi remake of a Telugu film “Thirutu Payale 2,” something that her umpteen fans will definitely look forward to.

Once again, making her international presence felt Urvashi has already begun work with Egyptian superstar Mohamed Ramadan in an international song entitled “Versace.”

But for now, her fans can tune into Saregama’s YouTube channel on the 2nd of March i.e.  tomorrow to catch a glimpse of Urvashi  recreate the 50s magic in “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si.”

Hampton Court, Mussoorie a hundred years old and counting

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Mussoorie: 2021, Convent of Jesus and Mary Hampton Court, Mussoorie celebrates it centenary year.

Founded in 1922 as Hampton Court Preparatory Boys’ School for boys from Class 1- IV, in the years to follow the school turned co-ed on popular demands of local parents who wanted siblings attending the same school. In 1998 the school shut down its boarding. From 1999 onwards, the school started adding one class per year finally getting affiliated to the ICSE Board.

Today, from amongst its contemporaries, Hampton Court alone can boast of being the only school in the hill-station that has a royal monicker, as it takes it name from Hampton Court Palace, located in East Molesey, near London.

Sister Anita Mathew, Principal of the CJM Hampton Court says: “A Holy Mass will be marking the opening of the year long celebrations along with traditional dance, ITBP Band in attendance and Choir singing. A number of events have been ear-marked through the year, ending on 1st March 2022.”

 

Tinged with nostalgia, Parmod Kapoor who worked as an Office Assistant in 1963 to retire in 2007 as Administrator Officer recalls: “Hampton Court was the finest boarding schools for younger children. The commitment and dedication of the staff and sisters was unparalleled. It had an aura and a positive atmosphere.”

Mrs Anna Dilawar who has been teaching the students Hindi for the past forty four years and counting tells me, “What kept me going was a positive and powerful relationship with everything in Hampton Court the sisters, the teachers and my students. The glow in their eyes and the proud feeling of seeing your students progress.”

Perhaps these lines by the poet S.J. Darcy ring true for the school:

“When Memory, midst scenes of strife or care, Will fondly turn to years and comrades here,

It well may be, Young Student, you will say,

God Bless the School! Our happiest days were there.”

Uttarakhand to have its first all-women commando unit

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Narendranagar: Creating history will be the first batch of all-women commando unit that will become an invincible part of  Uttarakhand’s Anti Terrorist Squad very soon.

For the past two months and counting, these women between the age group of 18-25 have been sweating it out to be ‘numero uno’ in keeping our hill-state away from harms way.

Starting 2021 on a fresh note, these twenty-two trainee commandos were selected from thirty-eight police personnel and are now leaving no stone unturned to strengthen their physical and mental core. Following a grueling routine in Narendranagar’s Police Training Center, these women in uniform give women empowerment a whole new meaning.

2006 batch, IPS officer and Director of Police Training Center, Rajeev Swaroop tells us, “At the Police Training Centre there is no gender per se. We train professionals. We in Uttarakhand police believe that if a personnel is given proper training there is a lot that can be achieved.” Further adding, “The women combat force will go a long way in instilling a sense of pride, self-confidence, self-worth amongst our womenfolk.”

Under the watchful eye of their mentors, the elite-22 are being trained in military operations, Krav Maga, war skills, trained on sophisticated weapons, a combat mentor in combat operation trains the women. The unit successfully completed a twelve-day module of Mitti system developed by Shifu Shaurya Bharadwaj as well. Yoga, meditation and motivational speeches try to keep a healthy balance in their otherwise hectic schedule.

Coming April, the month long Mahakumbh in Haridwar from 1st of April-30th April, 2021 will be the litmus test for these women in camouflage who will be deployed to ensure that all goes well.

Electric buses to now ply in Dehradun

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Dehradun: Taking a step in the right direction, under the smart city mission, Dehradun will now have a fleet of five electric buses hit the road running, tomorrow morning.

Made for the convenience for those commuting from ISBT, the bus will cover the entire length and breadth of the city with thirty-two bus-stops, culminating at Rajpur. These white and green buses will ply from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m at night making it convenient for people to move around.

Surya Kotnala, Nodal Officer, Electric Bus Project, Dehradun Smart City Limited updates us, “the tendering for these buses happened in 2019 and after three rounds when paper work and everything else was finalized, Covid played spoil-sport and delayed things further, but now we are all set to see these buses ply in Dehradun.”

Olectra manufactured ‘Doon Connect’ electric buses make this state-of-the-art vehicle a twenty-five-seater. The bus takes anywhere between four to five hours for full charge. The electric buses comes with the dual aim of being energy efficient as well as making the city clean and green. Nine meters in length with a width of 2.5 meters, this air-conditioned bus works on a GPS system in sync with an announcement port which announces in Hindi, English and Garhwali, automatic display board. The bus is mounted with three CCTV cameras, an automatic announcement  port which announces  and a USB port in every seat to charge mobiles and laptops when on the move. Complete with panic buttons, fire extinguisher, emergency hammers, it comes equipped with space for wheelchairs with a hydraulic ramp to make it convenient for differently-abled people to board the bus.

Accelerating its electric vehicle project with the aim of making Dehradun greener and cleaner, the ticket is priced at a nominal ten rupees for 0-4 kilometers and then will increase in multiples of five as it rolls along. If all goes as planned, the Dehradun smart city limited will soon add another six electric buses to their fleet in the month of March.

Jubin Nautiyal’s concert in aid of Chamoli victims

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Mussoorie: Inspired by the clarion call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stand united following the Chamoli disaster on the 7th of February 2021, singer Jubin Nautiyal is organizing a rooftop fund-raiser musical digital concert to aid and assist families of those affected by the floods.

This Rooftop concert will be held on the 14th of February in Mussoorie as it will also mark a week since tragedy struck the singer’s home state of Uttarakhand.

Entitled ‘Fundraiser for Chamoli Floods’ ‘Love and Peace Concert’ goes on to remind us of the singer’s unconditional love for his home in the hills. The event will be live-streamed on his social media handles including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook from 5 p.m. onwards on the 14th February.

Talking about the recent tragedy Jubin Nautiyal stated, “I belong to Jaunsar – Bawar. I can understand what people must be going through. When a calamity or natural disaster occurs in a city, there is medical and other facilities easily available. But, in a mountain area like Joshimath, Chamoli and Jaunsar-Bawar, it’s a difficult story altogether.”

About the concert and its noble cause the singer adds, “Music is all that I have to offer to the world. When this tragedy happened I couldn’t imagine myself not using this opportunity to help people. We plan to raise funds, awareness, and reach out to more people.”

On the morning of 7th of February, glacial debris led to the Dhauliganga river in spate in Chamoli district which swept away everything in its path including two hydro-project plants. This led to many people losing their life, many still feared to be trapped or missing and over a dozen villages stranded.

‘Fundraiser for Chamoli Floods’ ‘Love and Peace Concert’ aims to bring love and peace to heal, and help those who need it the most, in such trying times. Do tune in!

Raini Village: Where rivers run deep!

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0
Aerial view of Raini Village By: Kalam Singh

Dateline Chamoli: Perched 500 metres above ground zero, Raini village near Tapovan in Chamoli district stood witness to the 7th February Rishi-ganga disaster in Uttarakhand in which thirty two people lost their life and many are still feared missing.

Home to Uttarakhand’s icon Gaura Devi, the face of Chipko Movement, Raini village is today home to fifty-five households. The village too lost five of its own in the disaster that struck that fateful morning of 7th February. One young man working at the hydro-power project, some out grazing their herd and others working in their farms close to the river head, were swept away in the raging water.

By: Vinod Singh

“We heard the sound before we saw the dust rising through the hills,” recalls Kalam Singh who lives in the village with his family of five. “Within minutes the flood wiped out everything in its wake. After two to three hours when the dust settled, we saw how close we were to being swept away in the raging Rishiganga.”

“There is fear amongst the villagers now . The foundation of the hill has been scrapped and god forbid, but in the future if another disaster strikes, the entire village will be swept away as well.” Kalam Singh adds, “Some villagers who had other alternates have already left Raini. The elderly are reluctant to leave home but the youth have already left.”

Gaura Devi’s son, 77-year-old Chandra Singh recalls, “When disaster struck, we were all shaken up. I dint think we would survive the deluge. We wanted to up and leave. But now when I see things around me settling. Getting back to normal. I cannot find myself leaving. This is home. My home. My roots. Our souls reside here.” And I leave him with his thoughts as his family of eight snuggle upto him in the winter sun.

Eleven dead and many feared missing in Uttarakhand deluge

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Chamoli: Once again, images of the June 2013 Kedarnath deluge came alive. Today morning, visuals of the Dhauliganga river in spate went viral. An avalanche near Tapovan, close to Raini village in Joshimath led to the river, a sub-tributary of the Alaknanda into spate wiping everything in its path. Eleven people lost their life, 153 are reported missing (32 from Raini and 121 from Tapovan), six injured and twenty seven labourers have been rescued from two hydro projects in the area.

“There were two hydro projects on the Dhauliganga one, NTPC and the other Rishiganga Project at Tapovan where we are told that 150 labourers are reported missing. We hope for their safety,” SSP Ridhim Agarwal, STF Uttarakhand told Newspost.

Working on war footing, 70 SDRF personnel, two teams of NDRF, 425 ITBP personnel, 124 army personnel and four medical teams have been set up base at the site along with  officers and employees of Chamoli District Administration and Indo-Tibetan Border Police rushed to the area as the news reached the capital.

An appeal was made by the administration asking people to evacuate low-lying areas along the river. The Chief Minister on site tweeted asking people not to believe in rumours and  that the administration was taking all necessary steps. Talking to the media, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said, “As work on Rishi Ganga power project, Railway line project was going on in full steam, safety of life is of paramount importance. We have alerted people downstream and moved them to safer ground. We are monitoring the water levels and speed which has now slowed down. The flow of the river Bhagirathi has been stopped at the GVK Dam in Srinagar and Veerbhadra Dam in Rishikesh has been drained to accommodate the rising water levels of the Alaknanda.”

In a press conference late evening, the Chief Minister reiterated that prominence was being given to saving lives. He also announced an ex-gratia of rupees four lakh compensation for those who lost their life in the deluge.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi tweeted: Am constantly monitoring the unfortunate station in Uttarakhand. India stands with Uttarakhand and the nation prays for everyone’s safety there. Have been continuously speaking to senior authorities and getting updates on NDRF deployment, rescue work and relief operations.

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