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February 1, 2019

Mussoorie’s Mythistory Hugh and Colleen Gantzer

Niyogi Books Pages:118

Rs. 295 ISBN: 978-93-86906-70-0

Well known travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer’s latest book ‘Mussoorie’s Mythistory’ is a collection of twelve carefully handpicked and strung together tales. What do they have in common? Well they are set in and around Mussoorie. In this mosaic of stories, history is interlaced with myths along a 19-mile ridge, tied together with two hundred year history.

Mussoorie’s mist parts in ‘Mussoorie’s Mythistory’ to reveal alternative endings to some of the tales the town tells. Oftener than not, the Yeti comes visiting minus the misses or the Lidini. The Abominable Snowman hangs around the outskirts of the hill-station in the heart of winter, looking for company and finds one. The snow beast has struck!

Elsewhere you find the hooded Italian Capuchin Brothers of St. George’s College in Barlowgunj having their doors rattled—opened and slammed shut. All the while petrified students look on. Later we are on ‘Burnt Hill’ or Pari Tibba, or the Hill-0f-Fairies but only during the days of the Raj. ‘They are inside the Tara Bhoots. Lakhs of them. They look like little bits of glass.’ Don’t ask the reviewer, the end of this tale. It is a well-guarded secret covered by the Defence of India Act. But writers can always dip into personal diary, can’t they?

‘Fowl Play’ is set in the deep of winter. But starved chickens come out winners, with their ‘special chickenfeed.’ And how could you have a book on Mussoorie without the usual Maharaja or two thrown in for good measure. And that is when you meet the Raja of Shershahir who at 72 enjoys nothing more than the company of young people, especially if they are the kind that stay young – forever.

The author’s love for the hill station gives us delicate images of the saanp ka bhutta in the monsoon. All those who have been to school here are familiar with this Pitcher Plant. ‘The snake bhuttas appear when the mushrooms do. They send out a long spike ending in a sinister, cobra-like hood. Inside the hood is a seedpod like a small corn cog. Then, as August progresses, the kernels on the pod start to blush till they turn a brilliant scarlet, warning people to stay away.’

Later, a cabaret show upsets the moral police of the town with interesting results. In ‘Afghan Seed’ Hugh and Colleen take the reader to the unexplored word of the Afghan labourers who built retaining walls. They used no mortar. They used no cement. Yet you will find them intact, having withstood the onslaught of Time. Any visitor to St. George’s College or the Railway School in Jharipani can see for himself these mute tributes to the sheer strength, sweat and tears of these men who shaped these hills into what they are today.

In ‘Flights of Fancy’ the line between dream and reality; myth and legend; fact and fiction blurs to bring the reader into a wonderland of Mussoorie as she could have been. Often you may feel like Harry Potter has just fallen through the rabbit hole and walked into the Mad Hatter.

Voter list information to be available on Voter Helpline 1950

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January 31, 2019

Dehradun, Chief Electoral Officer Smt. Saujanya has said that the name and description in the voter list can be verified on Voter Helpline 1950. This is a toll free number, which will be formally launched on February 1. Contact can be established on this toll free number for getting Voter I-Card made and getting information related to the BLO and polling booth. In a press conference held at the Media Centre, Secretariat, information regarding the figures of voters as per the January 31, 2019 final publication of the special brief revision of the Photo Electoral Rolls, on the basis of the qualification date of 01 January 2019, was given.

Chief Electoral Officer informed that final publication of the special brief revision has been done. But still application for enrolment in the voter list can be submitted. This is not the final voter list as elections are not announced yet. The electoral rolls will be finalized till the last date of nomination during elections. However, for the enrolment in the voter list or any amendment, the concerned person has to apply about 10 days before the last date of nomination. Instructions have been given to lay special focus on female voters and voters in the age group of 18-19 years.

Chief Electoral Officer informed that only VVPAT machines will be used. In order to give information about the EVM and VVPAT to the voters, mock poll and display programmes are being organized in the entire state.

District Election Officers have been given instructions to organise voter awareness programmes through SWEEP. Directions have been issued for transfers of officials related to the elections on the basis of the standards set by the Election Commission of India. On this occasion, EVM and VVPAT were also displayed.

Giving information regarding the figures of voters as per the January 31, 2019 final publication of the special brief revision of the Photo Electoral Rolls on the basis of the qualification date of 01 January 2019, Smt. Saujanya said that after the revision, the total number of voters in the state are 76,28,526.

The male voter are 39,84,327, female voters are 36,43,969 and transgender voters are 230. The number of voters in comparison to draft publication has increase of 65,696. The E-P ratio was 64.40 per cent in the draft, while in the final publication it is 68.30 per cent.

The sex ratio was 912 in draft, while the final publication it is 915. Total polling stations are 11235, out of which 2548 are in urban areas and 8687 are in rural areas. Similarly, the total polling station location are 8367. These include 1107 in urban areas and 7260 in rural areas It was informed that the most remote polling station is in Tharali assembly constituency 40-Primary School, Kanol and in Badrinath assembly constituency 43- Primary School Dumak.

Leprosy awareness camp organized by Himalayan Hospital

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January 30, 2019

Doiwala, Dr Y S Bisht, Medical Superintendent in Himalayan Hospital organized a camp at 10:30 am near Sapera Basti in PEN India School. 30th January is observed as World Leprosy Day across the globe. Specialists from Himalayan Hospital Skin Department and second yearMBBS students spread awareness about the symptoms and treatment of leprosy. Dr Y S Bisht said, “people who came to the camp will be provided free registration for treatment in Himalayan Hospital.

Himalayan Hospital skin specialist Dr Rashmi Jindal and Dr Payal Chauhan said, “leprosy is a contagious disease that is caused by the infection of Mycobacterium leprae which is a slow dividing bacterium. Two common types are tuberculoid and lepromatous, the latter being more harmful. Lepromatous leprosy causes large lumps and bumps, commonly referred to as nodules in medical terms.”

Dr Nancy Bhardwaj and Dr Robin Chugh added, “Pain in the eyes and legs, Skin lesions, numbness in hands, feet, arms and legs, muscle weakness, severe disfigurement and disabilities are some of the basic symptoms of leprosy.”

Dr Prakash Keshaviah, the Patron of PEN India Foundation said, “India has the highest number of leprosy patients globally and such awareness camps will prove beneficial in achieving the aim of WHO in eradicating leprosy.” Mr Anoop Rawat, the chairperson of the Foundation and Mr Santosh Budakoti, the Director of the Foundation, welcomed the SRHU medical superintendent Dr YS Bisht and his team and thanked them for their their initiative of providing free treatment to those who came to the camp.

Love in the time of snowflakes

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January 30, 2019

Rudraprayag, Stories of valor and bravery of men in uniform fill up the hills and vales of Uttarakhand but here’s an endearing tale.

25^th January 2019 was set as a wedding date months in advance. Rajnish Kurmachali, an army jawan from Trijuginarayan was to marry Shikha of Makku Math.

It was all going as planned. Or at least that is what everybody thought up until the time, the heavens opened up with the season’s heaviest snowfall. But not one for disappointments, the young man wasn’t going to let the weather god’s stand in his way.

The baraat – the groom and his entourage – set out on a walk of six kilometers near Makku Math where the wedding was to take place. Dressed in their besties, the groom and his close relatives took things in their stride and walked all the way.

Wearing an off-white sherwani with a maroon stole thrown his shoulders, the groom with his uncles, aunts, sisters and their children in tow, defied the weather gods with just shawls, jackets and the odd umbrella. They punctuated this procession with many a selfie along the snow-quilted path. Of course the wedding formalities and rituals were observed before the young couple trudged back to where their cars were stranded. What more than, a touch of snow in your face could be a perfect beginning of a lasting relationship.

Talking to us over the phone from Punjab, a coy Shikha told team Newspost: “So much preparation went to waste, but that was God’s will! ” Rajnish feels it was worth the effort: ‘And my bride is so sweet!’ he adds.

At the day’s end, those who can walk between waltzing snowflakes are singularly blessed by the Gods of Devbhoomi. Here we have Shikha and Rajnish Kurmachali who make that saying come alive in hills of Uttarakhand.

Our 70th Republic Day with a twist

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January 26, 2019

Dehradun: In the once-upon-a-time days, Dehradun was a town for retired people – a place for grey heads and green hedges. The only crowd one saw was during the Jhanda ka mela, Dushera Mela or when the Gemini or Apollo Circus put up their tents in Parade Ground. Fast Forward to today to find the new resurgent India on the march in one of the many malls, that dot the valley of the Doon.

National holidays help. One needs to see it to believe it. People across all ages flock to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day at the ‘Mall’ to end up with a lighter wallet. Families arrive in droves to shop, some to window-shop, few to watch a movie or just to grab a quick bite before heading home or elsewhere.

The ITBP band rocks to the beat of patriotic songs, against the backdrop of those who come visiting. Beyond the tokenism of the tri-colour painted on cheeks; tri-colour badges sitting pretty on winter wear and tri-colour balloons floating around, is all that sets Republic Day celebrations at the Mall apart from the weekend footfall.

If you are looking for a fly in the ointment then it is that everybody is lost in the world of their mobile devices. My honest advice, do not bother to dress-up or dress-down, everyone is so glued to their mobile screen that they don’t even look where they are walking, let alone admire or berate your look.

Today, as India celebrates its 70th Republic Day, our Malls are witness to a proud nation as it marches into a brighter tomorrow.

Most Men Come Home Strangers

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January 25, 2019

Dehradun, Returning to Aasan was like a second homecoming. Here in 2005 for an assignment and a decade and half later I was back again, to relive the magic of the serene wetlands teeming with migratory birds.

Sprawled over 1 & a half km at the foothills of Chakrata range this is India’s first Wetland Conservation Reserve. There is this constant buzzing of birds and on close inspection one finds the rarest of birds at the Aasan barrage.

Over the years, the lake has become the winter stopover for about 150 species of migratory birds which start arriving here from October every year.

For serious birders, an experience with one particular species may become forever memorable. And for me a pair of the endangered Pallas Fish Eagle or the Pallas sea eagle or band-tailed fish eagle has been a personal favourite.

When I first came here, I remember the magnificent pair nesting on top of a palash or flame-in-the-forest tree. The pair waltzed in perfect harmony against the blue winter sky weaving a magic spell, and I was hooked for life!

Eagerly I enquire about them. They point out to the solitary male on a patchy bush thrush wetland, soaking in the sun. On asking about his partner, the locals fill me in, “Two years ago, the female passed away and since then the male has left his nest and made one of these patchy wetlands his home.”

At 2 feet tall he is as handsome as before but now a lonely sight. He hasn’t left the Aasan since his mate passed away. In spring when it warms up, he goes off to the nearby mountains, but with no other Pallas Eagle in the area his search for company looks grim.

As I leave, the lines of the poet Thomas Gray ring in my ears:

‘For many a flower is born to blush unseen,

And waste its sweetness in the desert air.’

CM Trivendra honour families of freedom fighters

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January 24, 2019

Dehradun, Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Premchand Aggarwal honoured the families of the freedom fighters at Thano on Thursday.

On this occasion, families of 12 freedom fighters who were part of the freedom movement, were honoured. Among those honoured include dependents of Hari Singh Solanki, Kishan Singh, Bhuria Singh, Buddhi Prakash, Pancham Singh Krishali, Dev Narayan, Sainpal Singh Bhidola, Padam Singh Solanki, Surat Singh Chauhan, Gaurish Verma, Bankelal Garg and Madan Singh Rawat.

Chief Minister said, “ Thano is an area associated with the memories of our freedom fighters, who contributed significantly to the country’s independence. The freedom fighters are source of our inspiration. Their sacrifice and contribution to the nation’s freedom will inspire our new generation and we will go ahead with the inspiration from the courage of these freedom fighters, whenever the need to protect the country arises.”

To cherish the memories of the freedom fighters, Chief Minister asked to send a proposal for the renovation of the water tank and school in the Thano. He said that the Thano and Raipur hospitals have been given to AIIMS. In these hospitals, health facilities will be provided by AIIMS Rishikesh. Proposals have been sent to AIIMS Rishikesh to start services in these hospitals. Two assistants are being soon recruited in AIIMS, who will give information about health related facilities to patients.

Chief Minister added that for development in the area like electricity, water, roads etc, proposals should be sent through the area’s public representatives which would be resolved soon. Chief Minister said that a 300-bed maternity hospital will be opened in Harrawala and its foundation stone will be laid soon.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Premchand Aggarwal spoke on the occasion saying, “ freedom fighters have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country and it is our responsibility to solve the problems of their families. It is also our duty to respect these brave fighters and the principles and devotion of these brave soldiers will always remain inspirational.”

Tourists choke Mussoorie

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January 23, 2019

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Dehradun: Hardly had the snow settled in Mussoorie and its adjoining areas when in a few hours, thousands of tourists in cars and bikes have managed to clog the 33 km road to the hill-station.

It began yesterday early morning even as the first flake danced to the ground and over thousand vehicles snaked their way to this colonial-era hill station. Folks carrying babies as little as one year olds to people in their late seventies – came in droves, all charged up to get a feel of the ‘Real Thing!’

Tipping point or carrying capacity arrived around four p.m. when the local administration had to step in for the safety of visitors by curtailing entry at Kothal Gate. Elsewhere too, on numerous occasions, this strategy of limiting entry has worked very well.

SHO Mussoorie Bhavna Kainthola has had a busy day on her hands. She and her team worked late into the morning, unclogging roads and by-lanes through the length and breadth of the town. Talking to Newspost she said: “Thus far there have been no untoward incident. We pray that all visitors go return home safely. Perhaps we might need to arm the force with spades someday to clear roads,” she added on a lighter note.

As for local residents, the enthusiasm of tourists to ensure their vehicle goes where angels will fear to tread is fraught with danger. Nikhil Agarwal tells us: “There are cars stranded all over town. It’s pure mayhem. Tourists refuse to walk and enjoy themselves. They insist on driving and have no clue how dangerous it is for all concerned.

It’s vehicles, inching bumper to bumper late into the night from and to Mussoorie which are modern day curse. The waltz of the snowflakes is once in a lifetime experience but it comes with its own peril and dangers for those who refuse to dance in harmony with the forces of nature.

Roorkee gets a thumbs-up in Gati’s Swachh Survekshan 2019 Report

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January 22, 2019