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Brighten up your home with reused Kulhar diyas

By
Tania Saili
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0
From this to that, colourful diyas by Arshleen

Dehradun, A growing rage this festive season, are Kulhar or mud-cup diyas designed by Arshleenz Creation, Dehradun.

The brain-child of multi-talented Arshleen who prides herself of creating beauties out of Trash and which is also Arshleenz Creation USP, is ruling the social media.

Arshleen gives us a background story about her latest creation, “I need to thank my brother for this. He took me to the Chai Sutta Bar at Clock Tower where they serve flavoured tea in mud-cups or kulhars.” When Arshleen saw their dustbin overflowing with used Kulhars, she was struck with the idea of reusing these items.

Kulhars glitter and pompom diyas

In the days to come, Arshleen put up her own dustbin in Chai Sutta Bar and started collecting reusable Kulhars. Seeing her creativity on Instagram and Facebook page, Goli and Food Junction (eateries) got in touch with her willing to contribute their used mud-cups to be recycled into earthen candles for Diwali, by the talented lady.

Using wicks and pouring wax into these hand-painted colourful kulhars, Arshleen then decorates them with either glitter or bright woollen pompoms, that add a special touch for the upcoming festive season.  She is also working on larger chrome and copper coloured Kulhar diyas.

Priced at rupees 199/- for a pair to rupees 300/-, Arshleen has gone a bit further and decided to go-green for packaging these diyas, especially when being delivered within Dehradun. “I came up with banana leaves to pack them in so its environmentally healthier, “Lets pack it with Green” is my motto,” she adds.

Packing it green in banana leaves

The busy girl signs off, “I feel that this idea of creating something useful from what is considered as waste, is taking me in the right direction. I am overwhelmed by the positive response, from not only Dehradun but bulk orders from as far as Bangalore, Haridar and Delhi as well.”

Do visit to order today:

Arshleenz_creation By Arshleen Kaur

Literati in Dehradun’s Valley of Words, 2019

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun: The valley of the Doon is getting set to host the 2019, 3rd Edition of the Valley of Words from the 15th-17th of November, 2019.

This International Literature and Arts Festival turns three this year and has an interesting line up of events and topics to attract an audience that comprises of both the young and the old.

Some of the Authors lined up for VoW 2019

The Valley of Words or VoW as it is popularly known, celebrates our creative expression across all genres. Honorary Curator of the three-day event, Sanjeev Chopra, IAS explains: “The idea behind this is, its not a literary festival confined to one particular city. It is a celebration of life, literature and all forms of art. Its written word, oral, ballads, films, theatre, puppetry, everything that is created by human beings.”

The three-day event will feature interesting topics under various heads: there will be the R.S.Tolia Forum that will deal with issues like Migration, Livelihood, Ecology, Art and Crafts of the Himalaya, then there is Military History And Strategy followed by Hindi, Fiction and Non-Fiction to end with English, Fiction and Non-fiction. Adding another feather to its well plumed cap, the VoW will also showcase translations published in regional languages extending way beyond the normal parameters of just Hindi and English.

The VoW 2019 aims to bring together over a hundred authors, poets, actors, artists, photographers, balladeers,  policy makers,philatelists, academicians, jurists who will all come together to share their stories with students and teachers of the leading schools and colleges from Dehradun.

Curator, Sanjeev Chopra sums it up most aptly when he says: “Dehradun is a city which is culturally very vibrant and some how or the other, this was something that was waiting to happen. Dehradun is actually most suited for an event such as this. It is, after all, an ideal place to play host to a galaxy of people from the creative world.”

Kewal Vihar, Dehradun lives by example.

By
Tania Saili
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0

In the first of its kind, Dehradun Smart City Limited or DSCL  in the process of conducting a competition for selecting and awarding colonies in the city for best waste management practices, handed over the coveted award to Kewal Vihar, Dehradun.

In the first round of selection, Kewal Vihar was shortlisted amongst top eight colonies of Dehradun, scoring over 75% marks. In the second round, an Independent Expert Committee of DSCL visited Kewal Vihar for a surprise inspection. The team carried out a detailed discussion with the residents of Kewal Vihar and physically verified the claims made by the colony for waste management disposal. A detailed documentation substantiating claims and activities was also submitted to the DSCL team.

Meeting in progress

Resident Ashish Garg, informs us, “Kewal Vihar homes 200 families spread over 21 acres, with a 1.5 km road connectivity,” adding, “the colony has been carrying out its waste management entirely on its own. A monthly contribution of ₹ 50 per month per family sees this to its proper end. There is no financial support from Government, Corporates or Real Estate Agencies.”

The mammoth task of changing the mindset of residents from old unsustainable practices of disposing mixed waste to convincing them to segregate dry and wet waste at its very source was achieved by one to one interaction with the families. Ashish Garg and his team of six members worked with patience and perseverance over the past one year to make 70% of the residents aware about waste segregation, recycle and compost.

Kewal Vihar and its residents made it to the top as they all were of the unanimous view that their relentless pursuit to achieve zero waste needs recognition on a larger level so that similar Resident Welfare Societies can emulate their example and help in making their hometown a clean and green city, in every sense of the word.

Aastha: Being the Change

By
Tania Saili
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0
Aastha and her grandfather with the newspaper bags

Dehradun, 14 year old Aastha, President of Children’s Group in Badhkote, in Vikas Nagar Dehradun is leading by example. The young, dynamic girl has brought about a positive change in her environ by curtailing the use of plastic.

In June this year, the young girl along with 24 other friends from various Bal Sangathan’s attended a training session put together by Mountain Children’s Foundation (MCF). The session taught the children the art of making hand-made paper bags from old newspapers. One were simple bags used at grocery shops and the other more decorative bags for wrapping gifts.

Aastha teaching her grandfather the art of making newspaper bags

Returning home, Aastha put her new taught art into practice. She taught members of her own Bal Sanghatan to make these useful paper bags, and use them instead of plastic.

Starting from home, Aastha convinced her grandfather who owns a provision store in the village, to use handmade paper bags instead of plastic bags. On weekends, she even taught her doting grandfather how to make paper bags, which he now happily puts to use in his shop.

Following July, when her school held a craft session asking students to make something useful out of newspapers, Aastha presented her paper bags. Her teacher and Principal were impressed with her presentation and asked her to teach the entire class. Together they made more than 500 handmade paper bags that were donated to shop keepers, big and small in Badhkote, requesting them to reduce the use of plastic by switching to bio-degradable alternatives like newspaper bags, which they warmly accepted.

Aastha is one amongst millions who have taken upon themselves to reuse and recycle what we would consider trash. Her positive outlook and determination to be the change, ensures us that our future is in safe, young hands who put Nature before themselves.

Legal Awareness Campaign enlightens school students

By
newspost
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0

Dehradun, Under the direction of the Chief Justice of Uttarakhand, Patron-In-Chief, State Legal Services Authority, Nainital, the Secretary District Legal Services Authority, Dehradun, Neha Kushwaha started a legal awareness campaign regarding Sankalp Nasha Mukti Devbhoomi Scheme in the schools and colleges of Dehradun.

As females are easy targets for drug peddlers and addicts and sadly prone to sexual exploitation due to drug menace, the Secretary, DLSA enlightened the students and teachers of GGIC, Kargi School regarding the Sankalp Nasha Mukti Devbhoomi Scheme.

The students promised to support DLSA in eradication of drug menace and came out in support of the campaign. Neha Kushwaha also held a meeting with the Principal and teachers of the school and encouraged them to establish an anti-drug clinic.

The Secretary DLSA further directed all Para Legal Volunteers of Dehradun to spread legal awareness regarding Sankalp Nasha Mukti Devbhoomi Scheme through campaigns, in  various schools  that dot the valley, on a daily basis.

The students were enlightened regarding POCSO ACT, child marriage laws, early pregnancy issues, domestic violence act, maintenance laws and other important laws as well.

Padhyatra to garner support for the great Global cleanup.

By
Tania Saili
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0

On October 2, 2019, Earth Day Network, along with Lok Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan is hosting a Foot March (Padhyatra) to garner support for the Great Global Cleanup.

Over 300 marchers will march out from Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh at 11.30 a.m. as part of “Plastic hatao, Ganga bachao” rally-cum-awareness campaign. The two-day march will conclude in Kankhal, Haridwar on October 4.

Great Global Cleanup is an Earth Day Network campaign that collects millions of trash each year, reducing plastic pollution, improving habitat and creating a healthier world.

Devprayag to Sunderban

“This Padhyatra is being seen as an entry point and a springboard for the young and old, from all walks of life to become environmentally engaged,” adds Shyamlal ji, “we will be collecting plastic along the route, and handing it over to the Rishikesh and Haridwar municipalities for proper disposal.”

Ms. Anita Mamgain, Mayor of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, has come out in support of this rally-cum awareness campaign, and agreed to put up barriers along the road, to make it a smooth affair. Many eminent residents, saints, ashrams, volunteers and academic institutions have pledged their support to this unique foot march.

October 2 coincides with the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the start of India’s countrywide single-use plastic ban and doing their bit to support the cause, Mr. Anil Arora, Director-Partnerships, Earth Day Network, sums it up, “We chose the river Ganga, the place from where it debauches onto the plains of India, as the starting point of our campaign. We have been working along the banks of the holy river since April this year when we took out a similar rally from Devprayag to Sundarban. We have been carrying out plastic collection drives, tree plantations and other activities along the river, and growing in strength with each passing campaign.”

Curbing Mussoorie’s Monkey Menace

By
Tania Saili
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0
Monkeys in a cage

Mussoorie, Majid Ali, a trained monkey catcher, and his expert young men win hearts in Mussoorie as they grapple with the unchecked monkey menace. ‘Our tender was approved by the Mussoorie Municipality earlier this year!’ says Majid Ali, as he sets out to control the simian menace.

Sagar and Ravinder, employees of the Mussoorie Municipality accompany Majid’s team through town trapping rhesus monkeys. ‘We do our very best in trying not to hurt or injure them,’ says Ravinder.

Out on a rampage

Majid tells me: “The people of Mussoorie had had enough of monkey menace and complained to the city Chairman, who approached us. The monkeys have become aggressive, as there is not enough to eat. Space too is an issue and they have begun to attack people, block roads and raid crops and houses.”

The team takes turn to visit one of the thirteen wards spread across the town in their van. Their simple weapons are peanuts, bananas and channa, armed with sticks that they use just to scare off the monkeys geared up to attack their trappers. Once the cages are in place, like trained marksmen, the members divide and lure as many rhesus monkeys the 6 feet x 4 feet cage can hold. The work lasts over 2-3 hours a day.

Over the past couple of months, Majid has trapped close to 500 rhesus monkeys from the hill station. Accompanied by Mussoorie Forest Officials, the monkeys are taken to Chidiyapur, near the Mohand Forest where a group of veterinary doctors have set up camps to sterilize these monkeys.

Majid with his team member

As local resident Sateshwari puts it, “ This is a blessing! These monkeys had become dangerous as they were attacking women and children. Tearing clothes, destroying flower beds and roof tops.”

With another three months to go before the year ends, the number of rhesus monkeys trapped and sterilized from the hill-station will definitely go up, giving momentary relief to its residents.

Uttarakashi leads by example: Recycling waste

By
Tania Saili
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0

Uttarkashi, Taking forward the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of banning single use plastic, a thought he recently reiterated during his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ Uttarkashi District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan has put on ground an innovative idea of using plastic waste in construction.

The young, dynamic DM has sanctioned the construction of flowerbeds and benches in and around his office, using plastic bottles in sync with the hills in the background. The idea is simple. To understand the concept of plastic waste disposal management in a creative manner and the importance of creating a plastic waste free environment.

Thus far, close to 3500 bottles have been used in making a 2.5 feet by 12 feet flowerbed outside the Disaster Management Office Complex and with another 2600 quintal of plastic bottles, glass, and wrappers waiting to be reused, one can imagine the transformation from waste to beauty.

 

“This is recycling or upcycling at the very source of where these bottles were found littered. We are trying to reduce carbon footprint by responsible handling of waste and also give people an idea of alternate construction methods using plastic,” adds DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan.

Along with this, the District Magistrate has also restarted the concept of 2016 Swedish ‘Plogging,’ which means jogging and collecting litter together. A simple exercise has turned into a community treasure hunt with officers and residents of Uttarkashi collecting plastic waste while out on a stroll or jog.

The idea has caught the fancy of the young and old, men and women, who can be seen strolling along with bag in hand, collecting plastic litter along the mountain and riverside, encouraging locals and tourists towards better practice of ‘No littering.’

The garbage collected will then be used for similar projects adding value and beauty to the hill district of Uttarakashi, and inspiring like-minded people.

Aman Vohra qualifies for World Strongman Games, 2019

By
Tania Saili
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0
Sweating it out for the coveted title of World Strongman

34-year-old Aman Vohra is over the moon. His dreams of qualifying for the World Strongman Games 2019, has come true after years of hard work. Sounding ecstatic, he tells us, “For me personally, qualifying is a great achievement. I know how hard I have worked all these years just to get into this championship.”

Born and educated in Dehradun’s Scholars Home and a graduate from DAV PG College, Dehradun Aman entered the world of body building in 2000, moving up the ladder.

Finally Uttarakhand’s ace strongman has become the first and only Indian to be selected amongst 230 athletes from 21 countries for the World Strongman Games, 2019. Telling us more about the upcoming event from 1st to 3rd of November in Florida, United States of America, Aman fills us “the strength game involves a lot of hard work and dedication, which though, a rave in Europe and USA, is still fighting to get its due in India.”

Since the year 2013, Aman has been pursuing his passion with a single-minded pursuit of making it into the World Strongman Games, 2019. In a run up to the event, Aman went to Finland in the year 2015 for the Strongman Games, and won the bronze in 2016 at the  Arnold Classic Amateur Strongman Asia in Hong Kong, Strongman Championship.

Putting in over two hours daily, Aman splits his training into endurance, cardio and strength training, keeping in mind his strict diet that requires him to stay under 90 kilograms. “I fall in the under 90 kgs category, so I have to pay special attention to my diet and limit my carbs, proteins and limit calories.”

A junior and close associate of Aman had this to say about him, “he is hard working, determined and been a mentor and guide to me as well. I wish him all the best for the upcoming championship.”

And so do we.

Gun Hill: Marking hundred years of silence

By
Tania Saili
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0
Courtesy Maureen Young

Mussoorie, One of Mussoorie’s many famous tourist spots is Gun Hill. Atop the hill-station’s dominant peak at 7,029 feet, Gun Hill is connected by cable cars’ that ferry tourists from Jhullaghar on the Mall Road. Taking you 1,310 feet in just ten minutes, hundreds and thousands during peak season make this trip a day. For the more determined, a steep walk up to the summit is also worth it.

Very few people visiting the place know that it was named after the Cossipore cannon mounted atop the hill. The gun came to the Mussoorie Municipality shortly after 1857, from the Cossipore Arsenal, Kolkatta which opened in 1801 and is today known as the Gun and Shell Factory.

In times when wristwatches were expensive and clock towers had yet to come, high noon was marked by a blast from this very cannon. In the year 1919, the gun was dismantled and the barrel melted down to replenish depleted armories on the ending of the First World War.

Courtesy Maureen Young

2019 marks a century of this iconic cannon going silent, a fact that even the towns’ residents have conveniently forgotten.  Young chairman Anuj Gupta has plans of getting Gun Hill a gun in the near future, but for now, those nostalgic about Mussoorie share images, clippings and news of yesteryears from home and abroad.

 

Historian Ganesh Saili tells us, “We were told the boom came by ramming a mixture of moist grass and waste cotton down the barrel.”

The Miscellany (1936) adds. Pointed East, Miss Brian and Miss Hamilton – running the Grey castle Nursing Home complained that ‘when the gun fired, it loosened plaster from the ceiling of the wards, which fell on patient’s beds, unnerving them.’ Towards the North it could not be faced because it meant blasting away Mr. Yerborough’s house, Dilkusha. Faced northeast, and came a complaint from Crystal Bank. Swivelled south, the cannon sent the ramrod clean through the roof of Stella Cottage. As a last resort, the cannon faced the Mall.

A hundred years is more than half of the hill stations’ existence and it is milestones like these that shouldn’t pass unnoticed, unspoken or unheard off as it is these precious gems that add luster to the Queen’s crown.

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