Thal Ki Bazaara: Your latest work-out pahadi song

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July 20, 2019

Garhwali song number, ‘Thal Ki Bazaara’ by singer BK Samant just got peppier. Tuds – The Unknown Designers is circulating the song as a possible Pahadi beat-number for Zumba and Gym goers to get them into the rhythm.

The lively song number seems to be getting popular by those who have heard it and the beautiful choreography by Ridhima Rawat and her team of talented dancers adds icing to the cake.

Young dancers, all college-going students in their early twenties enjoyed swaying to the beats of the songs. They effortlessly made it look like a good four-minute rigorous work out to a Pahadi number. Laxmi Kala, Sunita Singh, Himani Negi, Anjali Rawat, Babbie, Sanjul, Apeksha, Kriti Naithani, and Kritika Bahuguna were all of the views that “it was an upbeat song which had the right beats to work out in,” and with just half dozen classes behind them the troupe came out with the perfect choreographed dance sequence.

BK Samant the voice behind the foot-tapping Thal Ki Bazaara was pleasantly surprised to see the song when he witnessed the shoot for the dance sequence in a studio and said, “I am amazed how beautifully this has been thought after. I am sure this will make waves with the gym-going crowd, I couldn’t help singing along and swaying to the beats myself.”

Raman Shelly of Tuds- The Unknown Designers tells us the reason why he chose Thal Ki Bazaara over all the other mash-up of Pahadi songs, “The beats of this original song by lyricist, singer, and composer is BK Samant has it all that makes a peppy Gym number and is a multi-purpose song which is being played in weddings and now hopefully in Gyms too. This could well be termed as 2019’s Garhwali anthem.”

For those who haven’t yet seen or heard the song, here is the link:

Thal ki Bazara

Mitalee Dabral: Making time for poetry

By

Tania Saili

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July 19, 2019

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MOUNTAINS

Coming back to them
Is like coming back home;
Peaceful warmth
Enveloped in a cool, wafting mist.
And whenever a familiar wind
Caresses us by
The Pines, Oaks and Deodars,
Nod in agreement.

Mountains move,

They move us!

Tiny Musings is Mitalee Dabral debut collection of poems. A befitting water colour cover brings to life the 160 short poems which flow onto 318 pages spanning topics from love, life, relationships to nature and travel, giving voice and words to moments one seldom acknowledges.

With close to two decade of working in the corporate world, Mitalee Dabral is not wasteful with her words, whether spoken or written. That is probably why her debut Tiny Musings are crisp, succinct and strike a chord with the readers, especially women.

Each piece captures poetry in motion — be it the beautiful memories of togetherness in “Cloth Pegs” or the intimacy of a conversation “Over a Cup of Coffee”. Some are thought-provoking and questions as well as redefines the conventional premise of beauty such as “Let’s break the rules of beauty”, while others such as “Girlfriends” tug at the heartstrings and captures the unspoken camaraderie and sisterhood girlfriends share.

Mitalee considers poetry, to be a “felt thought” and adds, “I was always that silent, observant child who preferred to get lost in a world of thoughts surrounded by books and nature.” She sums up, by stating, “Over the years, thoughts befriended the right words and appeared as Tiny Musings. While I began writing in school, there was a hiatus of a few decades before I started again and I think the pause enriched the experience pool I draw from.”

The bouquet of poems makes for a perfect gift for the people in your life, or to yourself. They leave you with a smile, a chuckle or sometimes, sheer nostalgia for that which was good in the past. You have a collection that makes for a great read at any given time. Go get your copy!

About the author:
An alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and Wynberg Allen School, Mussoorie. Mitalee is a mountain soul, as her initial years were spent in Uttarakhand in the lap of the Himalaya. She later moved to the northern plains and acquired a degree in English Literature and completed her post-graduation in Human Resource Management. Somewhere amidst unraveling the corporate conundrum Mitalee found her poetic musings inspired by love, life and relationships longing to come to life. Mitalee lives in Bangalore with her husband, son and a handsome beagle, Caesar.

If I Could Tell You

If I could tell you
How tenderness coils inside me
When I see a smile dangling on your lips
Anytime you’re engrossed
Watching a romantic movie.

Each of us
Revelling in our own
Silent moment
Of falling in love
With love.

Tiny Musings is listed online on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press. Paperback will hit the stands by mid-August.

Rishikesh: Old age catches up with Laxman Jhula

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newspost

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July 18, 2019

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Lakshman Jhulla in all its glory: Ashish Dobhal

Rishikesh, Earlier this winter, I remember walking down the length and breadth of Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh with my in-laws and daughter. Three generations: the older ones relived memories of its past glory whilst my daughter made new memories with her grandfather and father. Carefully I wove her through a maze of cows and bulls walking, some squatting in the middle of the bridge, and soaking in the balmy winter sun, but undisturbed by the people crowding the narrow bridge that shuddered with two-wheelers zipping by.

Recently this iconic landmark was closed to pedestrians and two wheelers as the Public Work Department deemed it unfit. There were signs of wear and tear on the 450 feet long suspension bridge. Laxman Jhula had always been the lifeline to villages falling within the Tapovan area of Tehri on the west and joined Jonk in Pauri District on the east bank.

Constructed in 1923, the bridge has traditionally been a crowd-puller for pilgrims visiting Rishikesh. Hindu mythology has it that Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram, crossed the Ganga here making a suspension bridge from jute where the bridge stands.

Shopkeepers who have, over the years aligned themselves enroute to the aging bridge voiced their concern stating, sealing the bridge would cut off our livelihood, local administration was concerned, how lakhs of Kanwars making their way to Neelkant Temple this season would have to make a longer detour. But the State Government stood firm, knowing well, the suspension bridge had served its purpose and now safety, was priority.

Additional Chief Secretary Om Prakash stated, “It is unable to sustain the load of even pedestrians after some of its components were found in poor and “failing” condition. Closing it to traffic with immediate effect has been recommended failing which an accident is waiting to happen any time. “

Laxman Jhula has served generations living as well as visiting the yoga and spiritual capital of the World, but Time has caught up with it and has steadily eroded the bridge and as the Chief Minister of the State put it, “Laxman Jhula is the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand, all possible efforts will be made to preserve it.”

USAID & Plan India celebrate improvement in sanitation in Municipal Schools

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newspost

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July 16, 2019

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Dehradun, The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Plan India, Coca Cola India and Shri Bhuvneshwari Mahila Ashram (SBMA) hosted a half-day-long event to celebrate their three-year partnership under the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya (SBSV).

Honourable Governor Madam, Baby Rani Maurya, Sunil Uniyal Gama – Mayor Dehradun, MLA Khajan Das, Anand Rudra Senior Advisor WASH (USAID), Dr. Nabaneeta Rudra, Senior Technical Advisor – WASH (Plan India) and Gyan Singh Rawat, Secretary (SBMA), were key participants at the event.

The ‘Urban WASH – Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya’ aimed at promoting sanitation, effective use and ownership of school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene infrastructure in 60 schools spread across three cities i.e. Vishakhapatnam, Pune and Dehradun. SBSV engages school children and contributes to the Swachh Bharat Mission, a Government of India initiative.

In the SBSV Dehradun project, around 7000 girls and boys have gained access to potable water, safe sanitation, capacities of 20 teachers, 328 School Management Committees (SMCs) members, 320 BSS members and four communities have been enhanced for sustainable WASH.

Honorable Governor Madam laid emphasis on the importance of the WASH in School in making the environment conducive for children to become sensible citizens of the country. Mayor, Sunil Uniyal Gama applauded the WASH in Schools initiative in the SBSV schools and assured his support for scaling up in other schools.

The project is moving towards complete self-reliance with support of the City Corporation, Education Department and the Private Sector in the months to come.

Uttarakhand Forest Rights Movement gains momentum

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newspost

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July 14, 2019

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Dehradun, A fifteen-member delegation of Vanadhikar Movement (Forest Rights Campaign) met Amit Negi, Secretary, Uttarakhand Government a co-convenor at the ‘Himalayan Conclave,’ which is expected to see many Chief Ministers from the Himalayan states in attendance along with Chairman Niti Ayog and Chairman 15th Finance Commission.

Vanadhikar Movement (Forest Rights Campaign), is an amalgam of people from different walks of life advocating for the restoration of Customary and Traditional Rights of the community over a natural resource, especially forest.

The demand of the campaign is, “not only to honour or respect the Traditional and Customary Rights but involve the Community in the management of natural resources. Handout a green bonus of Rs. 10,000 crore for development of infrastructure in hills and other challenging terrain, as well as a direct incentive to the community in the form of LPG cylinder, electricity, water, construction material, etc.”

The delegation gave a memorandum in support of its demands and requested Mr. Negi to include these points in the agenda. Mr. Amit Negi assured that he would submit the demand letter at the appropriate level and make efforts to include these points in the discussion.

The delegation was jointly led by Shri Kishor Upadhyay (former minister of Uttarakhand), and Prof S.N.Sachan. Other members of the delegation were Prem Bahukhandi, Sanjay Bhatt, Amarjit Singh, Abhinav Thapar, Pranita Badoni, Renu Negi, Namchand, Ravindra Negi, Vishal Maurya, Suleiman Ali, Yakub Siddiqui, Sushil Saini, Udaybir Panwar, and Mukesh Lakhera.

Ten – Point Charter of Demands by Vanadhikar Andolan, Uttarakhand
1. Status of Forest Dwellers/ Vanvasi / Girwasi
 Uttarakhand should be declared as forest territory and its resident should be given the status of Forest Dwellers/Vanvasi/ Scheduled Tribe.
2. Forest Rights Act:
 Forest Rights Act 2006 should be implemented in letter and spirit.
3. Customary and Traditional Rights
 The government should recognize and respect our customary and traditional rights over natural resources. The government should also provide direct incentive bonus to the Forest Dwellers (citizens of the state) in lieu of conserving and protecting the flora and fauna, clean water and other natural resources;
 A direct incentive bonus should be given to the community in the form of free water (as per standard international norms), electricity (100 Unit per family per month) and construction material (one time to one family).
4. Reservation in Central Government Jobs
In view of their status as Forest Dwellers/Vanvasi/ Scheduled Tribe, residents of the hill-state should be given reservation benefits in Central Government jobs.
5. Rights Over Minor Forest Produce and Mineral
 The community at the block level should be given the rights for collecting and mining the natural resources such as clay, stone, sand, gravel and other minerals for their personal use;
 After that, allotment should be done at the district and state level. Local small business enterprises requiring raw material should be given rights to use natural resources in a sustainable and regulated manner;
 In the case of non-availability of local business entities, those enterprises from other states should be given the work which are partly owned by people of Uttarakhand origin or have some joint venture with them.
6. Planting of Nurseries
 The task of development of plant nurseries should be given to local self-help groups at panchayat /forest range level. This work should be distributed among self-help groups in order to spread benefits to all;
 No plants should be purchased from outside District or Divisional Forest Officer territory;
 Traditional knowledge of the local community should be respected in the selection of plants/ tree/ herbs in the forest.
7. Green Bonus
 In lieu of providing freshwater and clean air to the country, a green bonus of Rs 10,000 crores should be given to the state, which should be spent on priority basis for the development of health, education, roads, etc., especially in the hills and challenging terrain.
8. Developing Green Cover:
 Tree Farming (Vrish Kheti) by the community should be encouraged providing adequate incentives;
 Farmers from the hill region should be given an incentive of Rs. 5000 per beegha (Rs.1250 per Nali / 225sq.yard) for providing an ecological social service to the country;
 Farmer should be given an incentive for planting trees (as per their choice) in their personal land; they must be allowed to take benefits of all the produces from these trees;
 Farmer should be allowed to cut/use the trees (of any nature) grown in their agriculture farm or horticulture farm. However, a clause of compensatory forestation can be associated with this provision.
9. Sustainable Development of Himalayan states
 The central government should initiate the formation of distinct and suitable policies and programs for the sustainable development across the Himalayan states. The first step in this direction can be initiated towards constitution of a separate ministry for Himalayan states for comprehensive and sustainable development of the region which can have global implications in terms of addressing the critical issues of global warming and climate change.
10. Man-Animal Conflicts
 Forest Depart should be held responsible for the man-animal conflicts. Each of the victims of man-animal conflicts should be given fair compensation. We demand rupees 25lakhs for a family of deceased and permanent government Job, 10 Lakh for serious injury plus full treatment and so on.

Quick Response Team a.k.a. Snake Squad to the rescue

By

Tania Saili

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July 13, 2019

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snake, rescue — Quick Response Team a.k.a. Snake Squad rescued a king cobra

Dehradun: Snakes and monsoon seem to be synonyms. Sighting these reptiles in residential areas of Dehradun is a common occurrence nowadays. It is in times like this that a Quick Response Team a.k.a. Snake-Catching Squad of the Uttarakhand Forest Department swings into action.

cow, rescue — Cow stuck in a pit in Balawala, Dehradun

Two years ago, the Forest Department set up two Quick Response Teams, consisting of four people each, who were passionate about animal rescue. And they came together to rescue and relocate animals in distress. Since then, this efficient team answers half a dozen calls a day. They work on war-footing, rescuing and relocating countless wild creatures and brings within the ambit domesticated animals like cows, bulls, dogs, pigs and the more so ever, snakes.

Every morning, the team equipped with tongs, sticks, gloves, pipes and a bag including a First-Kit-Aid, get into their Bolero and head out to answer calls from scared residents. Out to rescue a cow fallen into a pit in Balawala, Dehradun, Team Leader Ravi Joshi, tells us more, “We get maximum calls for snake rescue throughout the year, but June to September is peak season when we get close to 5-6 calls a day to catch snakes ranging from King Cobras to Russell Vipers which we then release into the core area of Reserve Forests.”

With the longest fourteen feet King Cobra rescued from Clément Town to a thirteen feet long Rat Snake from Vasant Vihar, the team has seen them all. Ravi further tells us: “Spectacled cobras are found in ample in Balawala; Russell Vipers in Sahastradhara and Garhi Cantonment; Rat Snakes and Water Snakes infest Vasant Vihar and Patel Nagar area, but don’t fear these reptiles, as long as you leave them alone, they will stay out of your way.”

Senior Journalist, Raju Gusain who recently availed the services of the Quick Response Team when he sighted a snake in Deep Nagar, is full of praise, thanking the team Raju says: “They are quick to respond, professional and effective in their action.”

With the monsoon recently making its presence felt in the Valley, the work of the Quick Response Team has only just begun. Perhaps the Forest Department should think on lines of increasing man power in the squad too.

Should you need to avail their service:

Call: 108/0135-2741630 (Forest Department Headquarter)

Mussoorie: Message on the wall from Goa

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Tania Saili

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July 10, 2019

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Draw, Paint — Images of Waste Professionals bring alive the walls of Mussoorie

Mussoorie, A world-renowned Goan artist is in town sketching larger than life portraits of faceless, nameless heroes, on drab walls across the hill station. Under the Hilldaari movement banner this artist has embarked on a first of its kind effort to celebrate the contribution of Waste Professionals to the town.

A white background, some as large as 25 feet, come alive with human portraits made with charcoal. Aptly titled ‘Deewaron Par Dastak,’ the project is an attempt to generate awareness and empathy towards the contribution and rights of different kinds of Waste handlers, including household waste collectors, sweepers, rag- pickers and sanitation workers.

Images, Beauty, Paint — Images that bring alive the walls of Mussoorie

Over a month now and fifty three year old Harshada Kerkar from the Museum of Goa Foundation armed with white paint and charcoal has been learning about Waste Professionals in town. Clicking photographs of these handful men and women, she then brings them alive on walls. ‘These Waste professionals have been tirelessly working for our community for years, but they seldom get the respect they deserve. There are Waste collectors who have been in the profession for twenty years, and who now suffer acute pain in the knees because of traversing on steep slopes. Some families have been in the profession for multiple generations. My art is but an appeal to be empathetic to their needs and rights of the community,’ Harshada adds.

Curious locals and tourists have also chipped in at various spots assisting Harshada in completing some of these artworks, which can take upto 2 to 3 days depending on their size. ‘Initially people thought that I was sketching the portrait of a Godman, a politician or a film star. Many people expressed their disbelief on learning that these are portraits of Waste professionals. I believe that this experience was a knock on the gates (or rather walls) of their imagination, opening newer avenues to ideas of heroism,’ she believes.

Krishna Devi, an aging household Waste collector, and one of the subjects of the portraits on the Kulri wall, gleamingly shares, “my portrait on the busy Mall road has made me proud, and has instilled in me a hope for a more dignified and respectful life.”

Charcoal, Draw — A waste professional painting on the wall yet to be completed

Arvind Shukla, Project Lead, Hilldaari also remarked how the contribution of Waste professionals, over the past six months, has been phenomenal in their aim of making Mussoorie clutter-free. ‘It is because of the efforts of Waste professionals and volunteers, and the partnership with KEEN and Municipal Co-operation, Mussoorie that the project has been able to achieve and maintain 80% source segregation in 8 wards across town. Deewaron Par Dastak was a kick- start to our next phase, to improve the economic and social life chances of the Waste worker community,’ he signs off.

Suraj Tratak rapping to social issues

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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July 9, 2019

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Rap, Rapper, Musician — Performing on the Stage

Dehradun, When artists from various spheres join hands to highlight a social issue, everyone tunes in! And adding to that the long list of artists is Uttarakhand’s young, dynamic rapper Suraj Tratak rapping to social issues who recently launched his rap song entitled, ‘Pani.‘ A song that highlights what has now been recognised as a universal crisis and has adversely affected the hill-state with 60% of its natural water sources drying up and which according to the CAG report, “Less than 50% of the population has access to adequate quantities of safe drinking water in the Uttarakhand.“

Rap, Song, Rapper — A singer who supports social causes

Born on 21st August, 1995 to jot Singh Rawat and Parvati Devi in Mumbai, Suraj Tratak has two siblings, Arjun his older brother and Uday Singh his younger brother who introduced him to the world of music. Not a new entrant to the world of rapping, Suraj’s song ‘Pani‘ released on YouTube deals with water crisis and incorporates lyrics which give useful tips for water conservation. The song has been well received by his growing number of fans not only in his home state but the country and abroad as well.

Talking to Newspost, Suraj tells us, “Being an artist, I have highlighted issues in most of my songs, and now with water crisis becoming a reality not only in Uttarakhand but all over the world, I wanted to compose a song on water conservation to spread awareness. The lyrics to the song were composed in 15 minutes flat!” He adds with much aplomb.

An artist who wears many hats, Suraj is a singer, actor, songwriter as well as a director, who has his roots in Sondhar village, Khaspatti Tehri Garhwal, but has made Dehradun his home, for the past fifteen years. A graduate from Petroleum University, Dehradun, Suraj went on to do his PG MBA, from Graphic Era Hill university, but his true calling was music. Since 2013, Suraj has composed songs both in Hindi and Garhwali on prevalent social and spiritual themes, both close to his heart such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to Pani Bachao. His forte has been the fact that he has highlighted pertinent issues through his songs and given them a suitable platform.

The young talent has composed a song for world spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and has been deeply moved by the teachings of Rajnish Osho, Gautam Buddha, Kabir and Vivekananda whose teachings have been the inspiration for his first music album launched in 2020, ‘Supreme Consciousness.’ Following year i.e. 2021, he went on to launch his second album ‘Painey Pahadi,’ dedicated to his Garhwali roots. Suraj has also represented Uttarakhand in international platform such as TedX along with Ankit Chamoli a Beatboxer.

His song, ‘Pani’ put forth water conservation awareness in a foot-tapping rap beat to Suraj’s voice and lyrics making it an interesting audio clip for everyone to hear.

For those who haven’t yet tuned in, here is the link to the song:

To know more about this young talent, tune in:

https://www.youtube.com/c/SurajTratak

https://www.facebook.com/surajsinghrawatrapper

https://www.instagram.com/suraj.tratak/

Some wishes do come true: Asmita Mamgain

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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July 8, 2019

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Dehradun, The much awaited 2016 Provincial Civil Services (PCS) results finally brought in its sweep relief, smiles and tears not only for the candidates but their families as well.

Dehradun born and brought up Asmita Mamgain, is one such success story, who got the good news while training as a Forest Range Officer. Very soon this young, dynamic young girl will be posted as a Deputy SP in Uttarakhand Police, a dream come true for the young lady as she managed to fulfil her mother’s dying wish.

Telling us more about her accomplishment, a relieved, happy Asmita says, “I am so fortunate that I was able to fulfil my mother’s last wish. She always wanted to see me in a Police Officer’s uniform, complete with the boot, belt and beret. It was because of her that I started preparing for PCS and now when the results have been declared, I know she is happy, content and smiling down at us today.”

Not the one to burn the midnight-oil, Asmita believes that its quality and not quantity of time that one gives for studies, that saw her through. While her coaching at Abhishekh IAS Academy did her good, she revised and polished her skills through self-study and Online Lecture Courses.

Giving credit to her consistency and determination, Asmita add’s, “My mother always encouraged me to sit for PCS. My father and younger sister have been my constant pillar of support in this journey.” She also has a piece of advice for those who plan to sit for competitive exams, “I only wish to tell them to never call it quits! Patience, hard work and sacrifice are the key to a successful career. “

Having got thus far, very soon Asmita will be moving upward, onward up the ladder of success while giving her best to the Uttarakhand Police Force as well.

We, at Newspost, wish this shining star the very best in her future endeavours.

The Gift of Food : Community Fridge, Premnagar

By

Tania Saili

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July 5, 2019

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Dehradun, For the past 44 Sundays a group of dedicated 25 year old from the valley under the banner ‘Building Dreams Foundation‘ are doing one of the most noblest of jobs, feeding the hungry. Homeless, beggars, differently abled, children, old people and whom many of us wouldn’t even give a passing look, are being fed thanks to Dehradun’s first Community Fridge, located in a busy intersection in Premnagar which flung open its door for those who wish to have a satisfying meal, anytime of the day.

Operational 17 hours

This Community fridge is operational from morning 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at night, during which anyone who is hungry can help themselves to the edibles stocked inside the fridge, left behind by those who either had leftovers fit for consumption or by others who cook a bit more to feed the hungry.

Those who cannot come personally to deliver food, can have it collected

For those who are unable to make it to the Community Fridge to stock food, yet wish to contribute can call on any of the phone numbers given below. A representative from Building Dreams Foundation will personally come to check the quality of the food (whether it is fit for consumption) and then place it in the Community Fridge.

A list of do’s and dont’s for those who wish to stock the fridge with food:

– Ensure the food cooked is healthy to consume.

– Make sure the fridge door is shut properly so that the food doesn’t spoil.

– Always cover the utensil in which the food is kept.

– Those who have leftover food from parties can call ‘Building Dreams‘ to collect and distribute food they deem fit for consumption.

Who are their customers

For weeks now Building Dreams has been working relentlessly in ensuring that there is food for everyone. From homeless people, rag pickers, beggars even daily labourers to young children whose parents are away making ends meet, are regular visitors to the Community Fridge to grab a bite.

Future plans

Surbhi Jaiswal, Chief Executive of Building Dreams Foundation shares with us, “The idea of Community fridge came into existence two and a half years back when we started to work on zero food wastage. Due to lack of fund and initial support from people, the project had a delayed start. Today the idea has finally become a reality.”

Slowly but surely, Building Dreams Foundation motto, “No one deserves to go hungry,” has caught the fancy of those who want to feed the needy but dint know how. The team is now working on installing similar Community Fridges at other prominent landmarks in the valley, covering the entire city.

Contact Numbers:

8384897524 (m)

7078386765 (m)

9720592667 (m)

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