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A Hero return’s home

By
Tania Saili
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Amritsar, Attari-Wagah Border. All eyes from home and abroad were tuned in to their television sets all day today to catch a glimpse of the homecoming of a real hero, 35 year old Wing Commander, Abhinandan Varthaman.

Despite the ceremonial Beating Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah Border being cancelled, people poured in from all over, some with garlands, some with the tri-colour flag, some playing the dhol and damau braving the cold and rain, anxiously awaiting WC Abhi to cross the border all day today.

Abhinadan or ‘Abhi’as he is fondly called by his loved ones, overwhelmed a nation with his courage, fortitude and grace in enemy captivity. On his late night return, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor addressed the media, “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been handed over to us. We will be taking him for a medical check up which is mandatory because the officer ejected from his plane. Indian Airforce is happy to have him back.“

Yesterday at 16:28 IST Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan announced a ‘Peace gesture’ of returning captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Within seconds the announcement was greeted jubilantly across the globe. Politicians, citizens, netizens rejoiced the news of the possible homecoming of their hero.

Taken into custody by Pakistan on Wednesday when his parachute wafted by the wind, landed on the other side of the Line of Control as he ejected from his MiG-21 before successfully targeting the Pakistani F-16.

Soon after being taken into custody, a short video clip of Wing Commander Abhinandan sipping a cup of tea on the other side of the border went viral. His cool demeanor, confidence and chivalry won him instant fame and fan following across all ages.

The pilot’s proud and relieved father S Varthaman stated to the media “just look at the way he talked so bravely. A true soldier. We are so proud of him.”

His parents Dr. Shobha Varthaman and Air Marshal S. Varthaman took a late night flight from Chennai to Delhi. Video and pictures of the parents receiving a standing ovation, with cheers and claps from co-passengers went viral within minutes of being shared on social media.

His returning home safe and sound is seen by many as a positive sign of de-escalation of tension on our borders.

Joint briefing of the Indian Army, Airforce and Navy

By
Tania Saili
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0

New Delhi, A joint Army, Airforce and Navy briefing that was to take place at 5:00 p.m. today was pushed back to 7:00 P.M. post what is being seen as Imran Khan’s ‘peace gesture’ of stating that they would be handing over Wing Commander Abhinandan tomorrow.

Maj Gen Surendar Singh Mahal from the Indian Army, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor of the Indian Air Force and Rear Admiral Dalbir Singh Gujral of the Indian Navy, addressed the media gallery from the Raisaina Hill, in New Delhi.

First to address the media gallery was Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor, who stressed on the timely intervention of the Indian Air Force which had thwarted the plans of the Pakistan Air Force and minimized damage to Indian military installations. Air Vice also stressed on the fact how they had electronic signatures of the Pakistan fighter jets entering Indian airspace, and also that the Pakistan Army had just one indian pilot in custody and not two or three that they had initially stated.

Talking about the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan return tomorrow, the Chief stated that they were happy, “the Wing Commander will be returned to India and we are happy and look forward to his return.” He also added, that the gesture, “was in consonance of the Geneva Convention.”

Maj Gen Surendar Singh Mahal highlighted the fact that there were over thirty five ceasefire violations since the 14th of February carried along the Line Of Control, “the Pakistan Airforce was targeting our military instalments, brigade battalion, headquarters and our logistic installations, but our high level of preparedness and immediate response by our forces foiled their designs.”

Rear Admiral Dalbir Singh Gujral assured the preparedness of the Indian Navy, if need arises, “ I can assure you of a resolute, swift and strong response by the Navy when needed. We stand as one with the Army and Airforce to ensure the safety and security of our nation and its citizens.”

Evidence in the form of shrapnels, shards, and pieces of the shot down F-16 Pakistan Air force were also displayed in front of the media.

India Strikes Back

By
Tania Saili
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0

26th February 2019, 3.30 a.m. in a pre-dawn attack by India which took less than half hour Balakot, Muzafarabad and Chakoti nurseries of terrorism and JeM camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir were decimated by 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets today.

Expertise fighter pilots equipped with rapid seek and destroy mission, aided with laser guided bombs and heron drone took off from Ambala airbase and destroyed the Jaish Camps. The air-strike comes twelve days after the Pulwama attack in which we lost 40 bravehearts of the Central Reserve Police Force to a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed.

In an early morning tweet Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote, “ I salute the pilots of the IAF.”

tweeted by pakistan airforce

Sources tell us that the aircraft dropped 1,000 kg laser guided bombs, completely destroying the terror camps.

Speaking to Newspost Retd Wing Commander Praful Bakshi said, “Its high time, the whole nation was waiting for this action. Let me make this clear that this was an attack on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir which is our land, and NOT Pakistan and its time we claim what is ours.”

Former PCC Chief of Uttarakhand Kishore Upadhyay stated, “it is our prime duty to stand in solidarity with the defence forces of the nation.“

 

Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale stated, “There was credible intelligence report that there was possibility of JeM attack in various parts of country and the Fihadeen Jehadis were being trained for this, so in the face of imminent danger a pre-emptive strike was necessary . India struck JeM largest camp in Balakot, in this operation large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, group of Jehadis were eliminated, the facility was headed by Ustad Ghori, the brother in law of Masoor Ahmed. The target was conditioned to avoid civilian casualties.  As the strike was a short while ago we are awaiting further details.” 

Father of martyred Major Chitresh Bisht of Dehradun lauded the air-strike saying, “I wish this would have been done earlier. Yet the precision with which the Airforce undertook the strike is worth praising. I hope that in the future such action is taken against terrorists and those who give them safe haven.”

Mussoorie Road Musing

By
Tania Saili
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0

Mussoorie, Home to work, work to home, for many years now I have been travelling the 33-kilometer stretch between Mussoorie and Dehradun. All these years one tends to take for granted the ease with which this road snakes up the mountain.

We do it almost by rote without a thought for those early pioneers. It is men like John MacKinnon, our Scotsman who started work on this road to bring up bullock-carts to his brewery at the western end of town in what is now Baasi Estate.

Inch by inch the road gained a grip, the foothills were subdued to make this the gentlest approach to any hill station in India. Reports of landslides made the road open to public only in 1929-30, who took full advantage of motor travel both ways. Numerous viaducts or an overpass bridge, have stood the onslaught of time and have borne with pride the increase in traffic, while our recent bridges elsewhere collapse like a house of cards.

From the collection of Ganesh Saili

In 1926, a loan was obtained from the United Provinces Government to get the road to village Bhatta. In the year 1930, the terminus crept up to Sunny View or Douglas Dale Spring. It was six years later in 1936, Barrister Darshan Lal, the then-Chairman of the Municipal Board helped bring the road to Kingcraig.

‘The road will bring us more trade,’ explained MacKinnon. And was he right!

The first buses to ply between Mussoorie and Dehradun were owned by the Gwalior and Northern India Transport Company. In the third week of June 1920, a model-T Ford negotiated the Cart Road up to the Library for the first time, driven by Col. E.W. Bell who said, ‘all gradients met with were negotiated with ease, safety and without the least difficulty.’

John MacKinnon needs no statue’s or memorials or round-about named after him, his viaducts and the Mussoorie Cart Road stand as an ultimate remembrance of men who were bigger than these mountains.

Ruling the Tons Rapids: National Kayaking Competition

By
Tania Saili
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0

Uttarakashi, The sleepy towns of Naitwar and Mori in Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand will slowly be making their way onto the international map for offering adventure sports by  hosting  ‘National Kayaking Competition’ from the 2nd – 3rd of March, 2019.

From mild to wild and everything in between, the four plus rapids on the Tons, a perennial river made from the confluence of Rupin Supin river in Uttarakashi has a picture postcard setting. The scenic Jaunsar Valley makes the perfect playground for amateur as well as experienced kayakers and rafters, looking for some adventure here.

After a gap of nine years, Tons is all set to thrill participants, with sprinter and slalom kayaks in this free of cost competition. The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam ltd will fund the 4-5 kms between Naitwar and Mori for the kayaking competition. The organizers hope that the competition will see close to forty kayakers, both men and women, from India, Nepal and other neighbouring countries who will participate in this two day kayaking event.

Praveen Rangar the man behind the upcoming event is busy tying up loose ends, “This is an attempt to promote adventure tourism and give employment to the youth of the region. Tons is very technical, very cold and a low volume river compared to Ganga in Rishikesh, which makes it a challenge for all enjoy kayaking and rafting.”

Feeling optimistic about the event, District Magistrate, Dr. Ashish Chauhan states, “we want tourists to explore the district and diversify footfall in Uttarakashi. The district and specially the Tons Valley has much more to offer than places such as Har-ki-dun and Hursil.”

If all goes well, then very soon a Rafting Training Camp will be set up base here and from April onwards colourful rafts will be seen snaking down the river through the region.

District Education Officer addressed students of PEN-India Foundation

By
newspost
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0

Doiwala, District Education Officer (Basic), Mr Rajendra Singh Rawat visited PEN-India School currently being run in Bhaniawala. He gave tips to the students on staying healthy and appreciated the efforts of PEN-India School for providing free and quality education to underprivileged children.

District Education Officer (Basic), Mr Rajendra Singh Rawat inspected PEN-India School and gave tips to the students to remain healthy. He said, “students are the future of the Nation and the development of the nation depends on the children.” He also distributed half yearly examination report cards and was highly impressed when students of nursery introduced themselves in English.

Mr. Rajendra Singh Rawat appreciated the fact the though the school was being run from  a rented shop, PEN-India Foundation was determined for provide free and quality education to the underprivileged students.

As per the tradition of the school, the students welcomed Mr Rajendra Singh Rawat with our National Flag as memento. Mr Anoop Rawat, the Chairperson of the Foundation gifted him the annual calendar of the PEN-India Foundation and said that the students appeared enthusiastic with the visit of the education officer.

Mr Santosh Budakoti, the Director of the Foundation said, “the guidance from the education officer will prove to be helpful in operating the school.” During the event journalist Mr Sanjay Sharma along with volunteer teachers, Mrs Ritu Sharma and Mrs Deepalika Negi were also present.

Building a lasting bond: Factoria Agro & Canny Overseas

By
newspost
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1

New Delhi, Since 1993, FACTORIA-AGRO, a Ukraine based company has been engaged in oilseed and grain processing, specializing in the production of mustard and linseed oil. From 1997 when the company made its first export, to today where it supplies products to close to two dozen countries worldwide. Factoria- Agro has been constantly on the look out for opportunities to expand horizons.

Recently, Factoria-Agro ventured into Indian soil with Canny Overseas as their marketing partner to exploring the Indian market. Utilizing Canny Overseas long expertise in the the country, Factoria-agro will explore business prospects in the Indian Sub-continent through Canny Overseas.

Canny Overseas, a Private company was incorporated on 29 April 1994. The company brings with them years of experience in marketing Agri commodities in India. The company has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of marketing and sales.

With their formidable experience and expertise, Canny Overseas and Factoria-Agro look forward to growing from strength to strength. From being pioneers in mustard cultivation in Ukraine to being leading masters in the field of Edible Oil, Factoria – Agro has an impeccable reputation and is synonymous reliability and qualities that make it stand out in the competitive world, just like their partner, Canny Overseas in India.

Tauli Bhud – Kahaani on the wall

By
Tania Saili
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1

Dehradun, Village Tauli Bhud some 40 odd kilometers from the State capital of Dehradun will be home to a galaxy of 15-20 professional artists from all over India and the globe from the 20th to the 26th of February this year.

The artists, armed with their paints, pallets and brushes will be here to bring alive the listless walls of the village with murals of ten Jaunsari folktales, kept alive orally by village elders.

All this is being done as part of Kahaani.world, a mammoth attempt by Evolve Foundation of Dehradun to restore, preserve and showcase art, culture and history of the Jaunsar belt.

The scenic Anirudh Ashram will host the artists while volunteers from various institutes in and around the city can commute to and fro on buses organized for the upcoming event.

Former Head of the Tauli Bhud village Prem Singh helped by enthusiastic village folks Yashpal Singh and Dinesh Chauhan worked relentlessly for three months to collect long-forgotten folktales which could then be brought alive on the village walls.

Today, looking back with nostalgia, octogenarian Prem Singh adds, “I am very happy that something from my area will be inscripted for the future generations to share and be proud of. This was a void now being filled, which is very satisfying to see.”

Nupur Agarwal of Evolve Foundation shares their concept with us, “the aim behind the Kahaani project lies in the very soul of the cause that I support. Tauli Bhud nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city is home to one of the most unique Jaunsari cultures that faces risk of extinction, we are trying to do our bit to preserve it.”

This event attempts to showcase the sheer potential of art and creativity which in turn can be carried forward by future generation of the region.

Doon’s Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhaundiyal martyred in J&K

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, Another brave heart of Dehradun, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhaundiyal of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life along with three of his men Sheo Ram of Jhunjhunu, Ajay Kumar of Meerut and Hari Singh from Rewari in an over-night encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Pinglana, Pulwama some 10 kilometers from the site where over forty CRPF soldiers were killed on February 14th.

33 year old Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhaundiyal was an alumnus of St. Joseph Academy, Dehradun and a school senior of Army Major Chitresh Singh Bisht who was also martyred  in an IED blast on the 16th of this month.

Vibhuti Shankar’s was a love marriage with Nikita, who is currently working in Delhi, they had tied the knot some eighteen months ago. A resident of Dangwal, Neshvilla road, the Major leaves behind his three older married sisters, an ailing grandmother, his mother who suffers from a heart ailment and his wife, Nikita. Major Vibhuti’s father Late Om Prakash Dhaundiyal passed away in the year 2012.

According to reports two terrorists were also killed in the over night encounter, one of whom is being alleged to be the master-mind behind the Pulwama Attack.

Before the beginning the Budget Session in Vidhan Sabha today, a two minute silence was observed in memory of Major Chitresh Bisht and Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhaundiyal by those present. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also paid his heartfelt tribute to the brave souls of Devbhoomi.

Neighbours and well-wishers flocked to the Major’s home to pay their respects and salute the brave son of the soil who had kept alive the glorious tradition of valour and bravery of the Indian Army in serving his motherland.

Dehradun’s Army Major Chitresh Bist dies in Kashmir

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, Just when people who had poured out onto the roads of Uttarakhand to bid farewell to the four CRPF jawans who lost their life in the Pulwama Blast yesterday were returning home, news of another martyr, Major Chitresh Bist who died while defusing an improvised explosive earlier today reached home.

A pall of gloom hung heavy. Born and brought up in Dehradun Chitresh was the son of Retired Inspector SS Bist, a resident of Dharampur, Nehru Colony. A pass out of the 2010 batch of the Indian Military Academy, Chitresh was an officer with the 55 Engineers Corps.

The incident took place today afternoon, during sanitisation of track in Naushera Sector. Leading the Bomb Disposal Team Chitresh successfully defused one of the mines but while neutralizing another, the device got activated and the officer attained martyrdom, while a soldier suffered injuries.

According to sources, Major Chitresh was supposed to leave for his hometown today to get married on March 7th 2019, but destiny had other plans.

Condolence messages poured in from all quarters with Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat taking to twitter to pay tribute to Army Major Chitresh.  Governor Baby Rani Maurya stated that Major Chitresh Singh Bist had given the ultimate sacrifice and the nation would always remain indebted for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty.

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