Made in Roorkee: Screening-Booth for COVID-19 sample collection

By

-

April 22, 2020

Roorkee: A team of researchers led by Prof. Soumitra Satapathi has developed a portable COVID-19 screening booth in collaboration with the Roorkee Nagar Nigam for sample collection of the suspects.

Prof. Manish Shrikhande, Dean Research, IIT Roorkee, in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Mrs. Nupur Verma, has handed-over this screening booth to Roorkee Civil hospital for installation and use by healthcare workers. Prof. K.L. Yadav, Head, Department of Physics and Dr. Alok Anand, Medical Officer, IIT Roorkee were also present on the occasion.

“IIT Roorkee’s telephone booth style screening platform will eliminate the need for costly PPE kit currently used for medical staff for screening COVID-19 patients,” said lead researcher Prof. Satapathi.

The booth can house medical personnel and is completely vacuum-sealed. It enables healthcare personnel collect the swab samples of the patient through long gloves and therefore eliminates the chances of any potential human contact. The whole sample collection procedure can be completed in five minutes. The booth will be sanitized after each sample collection.

The project has been financed by the Roorkee Municipal Corporation. The team of IIT Roorkee behind this innovation comprises research scholars Mr. Prathul Nath, Mr. Naveen Kumar Tailor, Ms. Tejasvini Sharma and Mr. Anshu Kumar from Laboratory for Integrated Nanophotonics and Biomaterials (LINB) in the Physics Department.

Fighting COVID 19 the MCF way

By

Tania Saili

-

April 21, 2020

0

Dateline Dehradun: Dealing with something as pervasive and fast spreading as a pandemic is particularly challenging in a mountainous state like Uttarakhand. Dispensing critical information and too at the soonest, is an uphill task, but this is where eighteen year old Mountain Children’s Foundation steps in.

Mountain Children’s Foundation/MCF is a local organization deeply rooted in the communities all across the hill-state. Its unique strengths: “we know our people, we know the region and we know how to communicate in relevant ways,” Aditi Kaur, MCF President, assures us. And for this they have a team of young ambassadors between the age group of 11-17 year olds, leading from the front.

Early March, when the news of the COVID 19 was gathering steam, these young warriors were out in the community sharing information about the virus and why hygiene was necessary. Children were reminded of what they had learnt about hygiene under different WASH programs, in turn taught their parents and grandparents. Again, children were the most informed agents of change and improvement for their families during the pandemic.

MCF teams were out in the field reaching out to one and all. Comprehensive lists of families most in need were handed over dry rations and been put in direct contact with the village Pradhan (Headman) for future needs.

MCF CHILDLINE program has been able to facilitate support for over 45 families. “In fact the Pradhan of Prithvipur was so impressed with Arti, our facilitator, that she wrote a letter to the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Block officer and Head of the Police Station in Vikasnagar, praising her and the MCF for the work she had done for the community,” adds a proud Aditi Kaur.

With an outreach to over hundred families and counting,Mountain Children’s Foundation is multi-tasking by providing information, reassurance and resources to children. Once motivated to keep going, and empowered with the knowledge they need to be protected and secure,Mountain Children’s Foundation is constantly striving to reach every child and in turn help every community.

CloudxLab.com to up-skill youth during COVID-19 lockdown

By

newspost

-

April 20, 2020

0

Roorkee, 20th April 2020: In an endeavour to upskill the youth and promote e-learning during the COVID-19 lockdown, IIT Roorkee has launched an Advanced Certification Course on Deep Learning at Cloudxlab.com.

The launch comes in the wake of the current economic crisis which underscores the significance of technical skills to tackle the global slowdown. It follows the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIT Roorkee and Cloudxlab.com, a US-based ed-tech company, for offering a series of instructor-led as well as self-paced executive online courses.

“COVID-19 has triggered a nationwide lockdown. This is the best time for the youth as well as others to up-skill themselves. This initiative will be attractive for users who aim to excel in the technical field. The partnership with CloudxLab.com will amplify our reach to offer the latest knowledge in tune with the needs of the industry,” said Prof. Ajit K. Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee.

The course is a new addition to a host of pre-existing courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and many more. It will be delivered by the faculty of IIT Roorkee and other experts from the industry. The classes will be streamed online through a live video. Upon completion of the course, users will receive a certification from IIT Roorkee.

“Technology continues to advance rapidly even today, and this is perhaps the best time for professionals to expand their horizons and learn new technologies,” said Manish Shrikande, Dean, Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy, IIT Roorkee.

The initiative will equip students as well as professionals who wish to utilize this lockdown period in up-skilling themselves.

We’ll get by with a little help from our friends!

By

Tania Saili

-

April 18, 2020

0

Dateline Mussoorie: Who could have, in their wildest dreams, ever dreamt that there would be a connection between Uttarakhand and the Beatles song We’ll get by with a little help from our friends?

Recently, The Beatles Story, Liverpool, created a three and a half minute feel-good medley video featuring fans of the Fab Four from all across the globe, singing ‘We’ll get by with a little help from our friends’! Fans of all ages, gender, backgrounds and nationalities came together and shared their version of the song with the message of solidarity and support amid these extraordinary times.

Diane Glover, Marketing Manager said: “We’re hoping the video will bring a smile, not just to the faces of Beatles fans, but to everyone who can appreciate the sense of togetherness a simple video message can create.”

Famous Folk artist Ramcharan Juyal, the only artist from the continent plays the traditional Morchang in the medley. Speaking to Newspost, the artist said, “Raju Gusain shared the video with me and I heard the song for the very first time. Within minutes, I got the feel of the song and composed the beat on the spot.”

Senior Journalist and an encyclopaedia on The Beatles visit to India, Raju Gusain tells us, “It is a great feeling that one of our folk artists has featured in a music video from Liverpool. Juyal ji is playing the elusive Morchang. Being featured in the famous Fab Four song will generate curiosity about the folk musical instrument used in the video.”

Did someone say: We’ll get by with a little help from our friends?

The Liverpool video comes in the year that the popular attraction will be celebrating its 30^th anniversary after first opening their doors to the public on 1^st May 1990.

With A Little Help From Our Friends! The Beatles Story and The Beatles Fans

The Beatles Story has created a feel-good video featuring fans of The Beatles from all around the world, who have ‘come together’ to share a message of solidarity and support amid these uncertain times. 🎵🌈🌎A massive thank you to everyone who shared and sent their videos, we hope you enjoy it! 🤗Tag a friend who is helping you get by in the comments !

The Beatles Story यांनी वर पोस्ट केले गुरुवार, १६ एप्रिल, २०२०

Happiness is an inside job

By

Tania Saili

-

April 17, 2020

0

WhatsApp Image 2020-04-17 at 10.20.53 — Trepan Singh Negi with his gift

Dateline Uttarkashi: Sakshi Negi, resident of Gangori, Uttarkashi is an Ayurvedic Doctor who works in Bangalore. Like many others, she was unable to return home after the pan–India lockdown on account of Covid19. What made staying away from home more heart wrenching this time round was the fact that it was her father’s 55^th birthday on the 16^th of April.

Unable to be there in person Sakshi did the second best thing. “After exhausting all my resources in Dehradun hunting for the N95 mask and my hometown Uttarkashi. I got in touch with District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan via Instagram.” She put in a request to the DM requesting him to gift her father Mr. Trepan Singh Negi with a N95 facemask as he worked as Chief Pharmacist in the District Hospital.

The District magistrate did not think twice. He arranged for an N95 mask and without much ado, had it delivered to the gentleman’s home in Gangori. Much surprised and delighted the birthday boy was touched by the gesture of both his daughter and the bureaucrat who took out time to do the needful despite the given circumstances. Trepan Singh spoke to Newspost saying, “I was very touched and surprised by the kind gesture.”

In the meantime, being evaluated by the government on dealing with Covid19 pandemic, the performance of Uttarkashi has been outstanding. District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan says: “Special precautions have been taken regarding Corona virus infection. More than 5600 people have been screened in the district. There are 4452 persons who have been in home quarantine for 14 days. Samples of 117 suspects have been collected so far in Uttarkashi district. 104 reports have arrived. They are all negative.” With the inter-districts boundaries of the district sealed. Only vehicles carrying essential materials are exempt from the ban on vehicles entering the city, those too after being sanitized.

Archana Painuly: Taking Hindi to Denmark

By

newspost

-

April 16, 2020

0

Dateline Mussoorie: Uttarakhand’s daughter, Archana Painuly, M.Sc. B.Ed. has been blazing a trail in the world of Hindi literature since 1988. While doing so, she has just won the coveted Padmabhushan Dr. Moturi Satyanarayana Award by Kendriya Hindi Santhan, Agra.

Moving to Denmark to be with her husband, Dr. Jyoti Prasad Painuly a researcher by profession, in September 1997, she began work as a substitute teacher before getting a full-time Science teacher’s at NGG International School, where she teaches secondary students. She joined the illustrious list of the select few Asian teachers, who work in an international school. Throughout her teaching career, spanning over three decades, her love for writing remained a constant companion.

A dedicated writer, Archana has written short stories, articles, and novels in her mother tongue Hindi including a few in English that reflect on the current ethnic and migratory issues with special reference to the Indian community in Scandinavian countries. Archana has also translated works of Danish writers into Hindi, which have been well received by her readers.

With three published novels, one of which she translated and published in English also, two short stories collections, and over fifty stories and articles behind her, Archana feels how, “Her readers get a different insight into the daily life of a migrant in Denmark. From discussions on the far-right political parties to the differing social norms across countries to the confusing concept of ‘home’.”

Archana’s first novel ‘Parivartan‘ was published in the year 2003, and it is about changing status of women over three generations in Uttarakhand. Her second novel, ‘Where Do I Belong’ Published in 2009 by Bharitya Gyanpith chronicles the life of Indians living in Denmark. It’s the first piece of literature written in Hindi on Danish society and was published in English in 2014 by Rupa Publication. Her third novel, ‘Paul ki Tirthyatra published by Rajpal, was amongst ‘top-ten novels 2016’ by Femina.

But Archana is no stranger to awards. Her work has found recognition every step of the way. It began in July 2004 when she was awarded the Dhad Sahityik and Sanskretik Sanstha, Dehradun for her novel ‘Parivartan’. After this came the Premchandra Award given by the Indian Cultural Association, Denmark in August 2006. In August 2011, came the ‘Pride of India’ by Indian Cultural Society, Denmark.

The latest feather in her cap is the news that the President of India will confer on her the Padmabhushan Dr. Moturi Satyanarayana Award given by Kendriya Hindi Santhan, “I feel very honoured and humbled to get this prestigious award. It was motivating to get rewarded for my hard work over the years.”

Meantime, Archana Painuly is working on her forthcoming novel Kairali Massage Parlour that due to hit the stands in 2020.

Tata Motors’ resolve to combat COVID-19 impacts 6750 lives in 10 days

By

newspost

-

April 14, 2020

0

Pantnagar, Staying true to the testament of improving the quality of life of its community members, Tata Motors one of country’s leading automobile manufacturer has taken up various measures to ensure the well-being of the community amidst the lockdown.

In line with the company strategy to combat the crisis, the employees at the Pantnagar plant have devoted themselves to initiatives that serve the greater good of the community. The plant has adopted measures under the below mentioned E3 directive laid down by the company –

Essential Supplies provision:

Tata Motors has organized for food supplies to migrants and stranded communities, urban slums, transit camps and villagers, drivers, co-drivers, mechanics, contractual and temporary workers, security personnel, in villages of the region. So far, over 550 cooked meals and 1488 ration kits were distributed to community kitchen in transit camp and in regions of Nagla, Haldwani, Kichha, Dineshpur, Rudrapur and Bhaidaipura by the company.

Equipping heroes on Ground-Zero:

Tata Motors’ is supporting and assisting Self-Help Groups to manufacture home-made certified masks and to be distributed to hospitals, vendors, health-workers, army personnel, police stations, forest department officials, in communities around the Pantnagar plant. So far, the company has distributed 5430 masks and 450 sanitizer bottles. The plant has also provided 100 bed sets with IV stands and lockers to the District Hospital.

Educating masses for containment and prevention:

Tata Motors is emphasizing on good health practices by putting up banners and other related information material to spread awareness in slums and amongst contract workers, suppliers and low-income group communities. At Pantnagar, Tata Motors doctors and paramedical staff ran briefed over 500 people in the vendors’ park about safety and precautionary measures against the COVID 19.

The company in collaboration with Institute of Social Development (ISD), its partner organization is running awareness campaigns in the rural and slum areas of the district. The company is also leveraging its social media platforms to spread awareness about simple and easy precautionary measures one can adopt to stay unaffected and healthy.

Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, Head – CSR, Tata Motors Ltd says, “We at Tata Motors, along with the entire Tata Group, have a deeply rooted philosophy of community wellbeing at the core of our corporate agenda. The world is going through an unprecedented crisis and the company is committed to assist those in need. The company will continue to support the government’s efforts and provide services to the heroes that are battling this pandemic at the front-lines. We firmly believe that the collective efforts will help us come out through this crisis stronger.”

Nandprayag: Leading by example

By

Tania Saili

-

April 14, 2020

0

Dateline Nandprayag: As relaxation hours come into affect, just one utility van makes it way from Nagar Panchayat Nandprayag to adjoining villages. It picks up fresh, chemical free, organic vegetables and diary products that are sold in Nandprayag market, a few hours later.

All you need is an idea. This time it came to a young, energetic woman, Dr. Himani Vaishnava, the Chairperson of the Nandprayag Nagar Panchayat. This win-win model has left both producers and consumers a happy lot.

Before the lockdown, the same produce from villages in the interiors would be sold in the abutting plains of Uttarakhand. Trouble came knocking when a lot of this produce could not be moved during the lockdown. It began to rot and was used as cattle feed. That is when this unique concept was born.

Dr. Himani Vaishnava tells Newspost: “Remember that in this season, when all our crops are ready for marketing, there was no way we could send them for sale. Why not pick up the crops ourselves to make them available to the thirty five thousand odd population of Nandprayag itself? And it’s worked!”

These organically grown vegetables sell the instant the van gets to the market. Take your pick: beans, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, Raee (indigenous leafy vegetable), suchiana (pahadi beans), cabbage, as also fresh diary products such as curd, butter, milk, and cottage cheese. All are available at competitive prices.

Here is a micro-model: the consumer gets whatever he requires straight from the farmer. And the farmer can collect his payment the next day. Himani adds: “It is our moral duty to look after people. The overwhelming response that we have got from our people, we plan to continue this even when the lock down is lifted. Soon we will be adding indigenous spices and pulses to the list.”

With us staring into another three-week lockdown perhaps this success story could be implemented in other areas in the hill-state as well.

Teaching beyond boundaries

By

Tania Saili

-

April 11, 2020

0

Dateline Dehradun: At end of January 2020, Rakesh Gusain returned to Dehradun from Shanghai, China. A month long winter break from work where Rakesh Gusain has been working as a Mathematic teacher for A-level at a Centre run by Cambridge Assessment International Education, UK, Programme.

On the 24^th of February, Rakesh Gusain was all set return to work in Shanghai, which has been his home away from home for the past six years. But then all hell broke loose. The Covid-19 pandemic jumped international boundaries. The Chinese government, understandably suspended visas, international flights came to a shuddering halt. Henceforth lockdown was to become the new way of life across the globe.

For the last few weeks, making most of what time and technology has to offer, Rakesh has been conducting online classes for his students between fourteen to eighteen years of age. Given the two and half hour time lag, Rakesh conducts classes for two batches of over twenty students each, in two shifts. “One class begins at 7:30 IST and the other at 12:30 IST.” Adding, “but I do miss our regular classes the most, though some of them are brilliant and proactive in class, they miss that spark in them while interacting online. Also language is a barrier which when we have classes one-on-one is not much of an issue.”

Adding, “The CAIE has cancelled May/June 2020 series exams across the globe due to the outbreak of the epidemic and now they are working on how to provide grades to registered students based on the predicted grade and necessary evidences that the Centers will provide.”

Like everyone, everywhere, Rakesh too is hanging on to the fond hope that life will return to normal. That this air of doom will lift. And he will be able to take his flight back to Shanghai to be with his students.

I am afraid, until then, like all other teachers across the world, technology will have to suffice.

Technology to the rescue of schools

By

Tania Saili

-

April 9, 2020

0

Dateline Mussoorie: The present lockdown came into force just as schools in the hill-station were on the verge of finishing or getting ready for a fresh academic session at the end of their long-winter vacation.

This is where technology stepped in whereby private schools turned to online platforms while others like the Mahatma Yogeshwar Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Mussoorie have turned to WhatsApp.

This is no small task when you consider that there are over seven hundred students in Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Mussoorie. But successfully, for days on end now, timetables to chapters; lesson plans to worksheet and YouTube links and activities are being exchanged between the teacher and the taught. You will find that the children here are not from the privileged strata. They come from humbler social backgrounds – most from the villages abutting the hill station.

From activities such as Yoga, creative handicraft, being helping hands to their parents, composing poems, essays are some of the suggestions that teachers are listing for their students.

“As teachers, we send two subjects plus a task for students from class 9-12. One subject and an extra activity for those from class 5-8 via WhatsApp, with promising feedback from our students,” adds Principal Manoj Payal. “Though these interactive sessions are a boost to the students and the teachers, yet this is no substitute for regular classes,’ he tells us, “the only satisfaction is the fact that in extraordinary times like these, we are being able to do something for our wards, even if its limited to an hour or so.”

For teachers from both government and private schools, the common challenge has been to ensure that somehow their wards are not left gaping at a lost academic year and have been looking for innovative ways via technology to engage their students. A first for all.

Editor's Choice

Popular Posts