Page 86

Ride a cycle to add life to your days: Adventhrill

0

Dehradun, a city known for green hedges and grey hair, today has become synonymous with dirt, dust and pollution. Though the State Government along with various NGOs are doing their bit, a lot remains to be accomplished.

Stories of individual efforts are becoming success stories overnight, and adding to the long list is Vijay Pratap of Adventhrill. A group of cycling enthusiasts under Vijay Pratap recently completed a 120 km cycling expedition from Dehradun to Etharna village via Thano-Bhogpur. The group consisted of Anil Mohan, Sanjay Parashar, Alok Chettri, Pushpendra Panwar, Apurv Saklani, Himanshu, Vivek, Harish who started from Clock Tower at 5:00 am and reached their destination four hours later.

From young students to retired citizens, full of zeal and excitement rode their cycles. The group hoisted the Indian Flag as a token of thanks to the security forces. After a short snack-break, they made their way back to the capital.

Vijay took up riding a few months ago to spread the message of emission free adventure and has been at it since then. This was his 24th ride and he has successfully completed 900km in just under 3 months.

Vijay tells us, “When I started cycling I witnessed a steady rise in the number of riders and what is heartening to see is students cycling to their respective campuses early morning.” He adds, “when I ask young students about cycling they tell me that instead of our parents are paying a huge sum for our transportation, why not just buy a good cycle and commute to college as well as keep fit.

Inspiring many, if your route to work or college takes you cycling even on ill-maintained roads, with kerbs and potholes alongside fast moving traffic, fret not! There will be moments of simple pleasure, as you too will be doing your bit by being healthy and  keeping the environ pollution free.

Evolve: Planting a Promising Future

0

Dehradun, In today’s day and age, when the old and young alike, are passionate about bringing about a positive change to the environment, we share with you the story of ‘Evolve,’ a young man and his teams dream to do their bit for the future.

Started a few years ago, today ‘Evolve’ has touched the lives of forty-four families residing in Tauli, Bhurd close to Vikasnagar, Dehradun. The womenfolk and abled men here assemble organic seed’s into stationary items such as paper, pencil, greeting cards, visiting cards, diaries, providing employment where its needed the most. When the use-by-date of the product expires, the stationary can be planted in pots and flower beds, which in-turn grow into a plant.

A unique concept rooted in sustainability and focused on re-usage.

Abhinav tells us more, “Plant-able Stationery is a unique idea not only to grow plants from stationery products (Pencil, paper, diaries, greetings, etc.) but also to promote people to plant and nurture. Villagers provide all these products which in-turn provides employment hence leading to a better socio economic standard.”

‘Giving used-products a fresh lease of life’ is the leitmotif of ‘Evolve.’ Watching your stationary turn into a tomato, marigold or even a green-chilli plant is something intriguing for young-minds who will grow to understand the concept of nurturing and re-use.

‘Evolve’ also makes, “customized products for companies; schools or specific event; gifts; souvenir or give-aways which will turn into either a flower, a vegetable or herb along with being creative and stylish, as per your requirement, serves a dual function,” Abhinav reiterates.

Next time you find yourself racking your brain looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, how about picking something from ‘Evolve’ and being part of a revolution that vows to make a better, brighter, greener tomorrow.

Call @ ‎+91 99277 15097 to make your order or email : [email protected]

Fast Track Court to be set up for speedy disposal of cases: CM Rawat

0

Dehradun, Chief Minister  Trivendra Singh Rawat has issued instructions to the Secretary, Home and Secretary Justice for the speedy disposal of the cases related to women and child abuse.

Paper work on setting up a Fast Track Court in the hill-state should begin as soon as possible. Chief Minister stated, “unfortunately, such incidents are occurring in Devbhoomi. Indian Parliament has made a provision for the death penalty for the child rape convicts.”

In the coming new year, a fast track court will be set up to ensure speedy justice in such cases in Uttarakhand so that perpetrators of such crime are punished at the earliest. 

Coming March, Big-B to shoot in Uttarakhand

0

If all goes as planned, then, very soon Uttarakhand will play host to Big-B or aka Amitabh Bachchan who might shoot in the hill-state for his first bilingual movie, coming March.

Renowned Director turned actor, SJ Suryah and Amitabh Bachchan will share the screen for Big-B’s first Tamil-Hindi movie. The unit was in the hill-state for a three-day marathon recee of possible locations in Dehradun, and if finalized, will begin shooting in March 2019.

Produced by Uttarakhand born Om Prakash Bhatt, South superstar SJ Suryah, Director T Tamilvannan, Sujay Shankarwar who along with Dr. Anjali Nauriyal met Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to consider shooting in the State.

Telling us more about his project, an elated Bhatt said, “This is going to be the first time that Bollywood superstar Amitabh ji would act in a South Indian bilingual movie and if all goes well, we will shoot for about 40 days at a stretch in my home state Uttarakhand.”

Satish Sharma, who has been promoting the hill state as a film destination for decades now said, “The State Government has to be more proactive if this film is to be shot here. A crew of 250 members along with Big B and South superstar SJ Suryah for over a month, is sure to bring a lot of good publicity to the hill-state.

For once, the onus lies squarely on the State Government to provide the requisite support system so that the big banner film can consider Uttarakhand as their ultimate shooting destination and the State too can benefit from an initiative of this mega scale.

With the likes of Marathi blockbuster ‘Ye Re Ye Re Paisa‘ and ‘Crime Patrol‘ on Sony to his credit. OP Bhatt upcoming film ‘Milan Talkies‘ Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia is slated for a February 2019 release, post which he will begin work on this untitled project.

Ballads of Garhwal penned down for posterity

0

Dehradun, Well known journalist-author, Dr. Anjali Nauriyal presented a copy of her book ‘Retelling of the Traditional Ballads of Garhwal’ to Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

The book published by the Uttarakhand Culture Department,  is an effort by the author to pen down the art of story-telling and legendary ballads of Garhwal. Over a hundred pages in English are the result of Anjali’s relentless hard-work to save for posterity local oral narratives,  a vanishing art form in the hill-state.  “These narratives have been passed down through oral tradition. The traditional ballad singers have passed away and with them, a very valuable part of our tradition,” states Dr Nauriyal.

The unique anthology presents handpicked popular ballads against a huge corpus, as it close to impossible to document all of them. Anjali’s intention in compiling this book has been,  “to enlighten the youth of today by giving them a glimpse of our rich literature, historical and legendary chronicles.

Baadis or the traditional singers and dancers, once a common sight and sound in Garhwal, especially during festivals, have been an integral part of every ritual, ceremony and festivity in the hills. They are now on the brink of extinction. Baadis were the ones who praised and glorified the legends in their folk songs, and their art needs to be archived and propagated.

Madho Singh Bhandari, Lodi Rikhola;Jeetu Bagdwal; Surju Kaunl; Gadhu Sumriyal; Malu Sahi and Rajula to name a few legends of the Garhwal Himalaya, find mention in Anjali’s book. 

As Anjali reiterates, “The younger generations do not seem interested in the learning and the propagation of folk tradition, while the older one find neither status nor money in this vocation.” She adds,”these tales though remote in time and spirit have an abiding relevance even today.

Those who want to get their hands on ‘Retelling of the Traditional Ballads of Garhwal’ can find it easily at bookshops or can directly touch base with the author: [email protected]. 

’72 hours’ a befitting tribute to an unsung hero

0

Dehradun, In January this year JSR film unit worked on war footing in Uttarakhand, shooting for a movie based on the life of Dehradun born war-hero Jaswant Singh Rawat.

Today Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat with a galaxy of eminent people launched ‘72 hours,’ A Martyr who never died film poster and trailer.

Talking about the movie Chief Minister said, “The trailer shows how well the movie is made. I have had the good fortune of meeting Jaswant Singh’s late mother on a few occasions and I am sure the movie will do well.”

The trailer showcases how precisely historic war scenes were recreated in the hills of Jaunsar, shot in the most scenic and untouched region of Bairat-khaee, Tapovan and Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

Made under the JSR banner, written and directed by Avinash Dhyani who also plays the lead role in the movie said, “being from an army background, I grew up listening to tales of this great man. When I joined the film industry I was inspired to do my bit and put Uttarakhand and its heroes on the silver screen. 72 hours,’ A Martyr who never died is the result of that dream.

Produced by JS Rawat, Tarun Rawat and Prashil Rawat, the team has been successful in recreating the forgotten legend of Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4 Garhwal Rifles who singlehandedly took on the Chinese in the 1962 Indo-China war.

Talking about Avinash’s role, Prashil informs us , “after putting in four years of research into the character of Jaswant Singh Rawat, when we met Avinash who had just returned from Arunanchal retracing the legend’s footsteps. He got so engrossed in the character, that we as a team could think of no one but Avinash to play the lead role.

Singers Shaan, Mohit Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh have leant their soulful voice to the movie, while a motley of local artists have made their debut in the upcoming movie.

72 hours,’ A Martyr who never died will be released on 18th January 2019, a must-watch for all movie-goers!

President, Vice Presidents of corporations, commissions, committees & councils appointed

0

State government has appointed Presidents and Vice Presidents of various corporations, commissions, committees and councils etc. in the state. The appointments made are as follows: Mohan Prasad Thapaliyal as President Sri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, Kedar Joshi as President Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Naresh Bansal as Vice President State Level 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee, Gajraj Bisht as Vice President Uttarakhand Agricultural Production Marketing Board, Gyan Singh Negi as Vice President State Rural Health Advisory Council, Shamsher Singh Satyal as President Labour Contract Advisory Board, Dr. Vinod Arya as Vice President, Animal Welfare Board, Vijay Barthwal as President Uttarakhand State Women Commission, Mahavir Singh Rangan as President Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, Dr. RK Jain as President Minority Commission, Shamim Alam as President Uttarakhand State Haj Committee, Deepti Rawat as Vice President Higher Education Upliftment Committee, Ghananand alias Ghanna Bhai as Vice President Uttarakhand Culture Literature and Arts Council and Rajesh Kumar as President Social Welfare Monitoring Committee.

The newly nominated team met the Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat at CM residence and expressed their gratitude.  Extending his best wishes to everyone, Chief Minister said that, “all the Dayitvadhari’s will be able to accelerate the pace of development of the state by discharging their duties with their experience and efficiency.” Chief Minister said that, “with the appointment of Presidents and Vice Presidents of various corporations, “commissions, committees and councils, the efficiency of these institutions will increase and better work will be done in the interest of the general public.”

Trailer of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat to release on 24th

0

Dehradun, Earlier this year, in the month of January, a film unit worked on war footing in the interiors of Uttarakhand, shooting for a movie about an unsung war-hero from the hill-state, Jaswant Singh Rawat.

Fast forward to 24th of December. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, will launch the one minute long trailer of the movie entitled ‘72 hours,’ A Martyr who never died, in Dehradun.

The trailer shows glimpses of the war scenes recreated in the hills of Jaunsar region. Shot on location in one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic  and untouched region of Bairat-khaee, the unit then moved closer to Dehradun and shot in Tapovan, Rishikesh and Forest Research Institute as well.

Made under the JSR banner, written and directed by Avinash Dhyani, Produced by JS Rawat, Tarun Rawat and Prashil Rawat, the team has been success in recreating the forgotten legend of Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4 Garhwal Rifles who singlehandedly took on the Chinese in the 1962 Indo-China war.

Actor Virendra Saxena, Mukesh Tiwari, Alka Ameen, Girish Sehdev, Shishir Sharma, Ishtaq Khan play lead role in 72 Hours. An entourage of local artists was handpicked for smaller roles.

Dehradun’s Satish Sharma who plays the role of an Army Officer in the movie says, “though I play a small role, I feel privileged to be part of this historic movie.  I must add that I admire the fact that Avinash Dhyani put in ten years of research into this topic and has done full justice to it. The movie is well made, and I am sure the youth of India will be inspired by a legend whose untold story is being brought alive on the silver screen thanks to the efforts of Avinash Dhyani.”

With the likes of Pan Singh Tomar and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to his credit, Avinash Dhyani hopes to recreate the same magic with his latest endeavour, set to hit the silver screen on 18th January 2019.

Beautifying the Mussoorie Mall road

0

Mussoorie, If you happen to be in Mussoorie any time soon, then a pleasant surprise awaits those who come visiting.

With the Mussoorie Winterline carnival around the corner, the young and able of the hill station are coming together to do their bit for their hometown. One amongst many, is young and dynamic Sudhanshu Rawat, who is trying to get volunteers to put together, not one, but four graffiti walls situated on the Mall road.

Mussoorie born Sudhanshu Rawat and his enthusiastic motley of friends from DIT and UPES Universities in Dehradun are happy to do their bit and add colour to the otherwise dirty, mundane walls lining the heart of the town, giving them a vibrant vibe.

Vijay Rawat and Naina along with other like-minded, talented friends are helping co-ordinate to beautify the town, in time for the winter carnival.

With major monetary constraints, Sudhanshu doesn’t want his project to be a one-off stance, he plans to make this big and states, “future plans are to undertake more projects like this, but without a deadline as artists cant be rushed. Though the theme this time around has been mythical and whimsical, our future projects would be more informative with certain social messages.”

Not to let his friends down, Viplove Goel, Sudhanshu’s acquaintance and a local resident willingly contributed approximately 20 litres of paint of all hues and shades along with accessories like brushes, sandpaper, wire brushes, all free of charge. “They came to me hoping i would help, and I dint want to let them down. Its for our hometown, so why would I not say Yes!’ quips Viplove.

The coming of young energy and minds for such selfless acts of generosity and creativity is a rarity in our day and age. But if this trend were to continue, then the future of good old Mussoorie is definitely in safer hands, what say you?

CS reviews Kedarnath re-construction works

0

Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary Tourism Dilip Jawalkar and District Magistrate reviewed the ongoing reconstruction works at Kedarnath. On this occasion, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh instructed the DDMA to construct adequate number of toilets between Gaurikund and Kedarnath temple. He also found the number of labourers inadequate for the safety works at Saraswati river given to Jindal group and found the work slow. He showed his dissatisfaction at the slow pace of work and inadequate labour force and instructed that till next inspection, the work should progress fast maintaining quality.

The Chief Secretary also instructed to construct a shed on the path connecting the replica of the temple built near the western gate of the temple, close to the Mandakini river (Astha Path) to save pilgrims from rain, snow and hail. He further instructed the building of a 60 meter bridge over river Mandakini river to connect Garudchatti, widening of a raised platform (Chabutra).

He insisted on hastening the pace of work of Shankaracharya Samadhi so that it was ready before the end of the Yatra, next year.  He reviewed the progress of houses to be built for ‘Purohits’ and repair of safety works on the river Mandakini by DDMA.

The Chief Secretary also instructed the DDMA to repair five government buildings and handing over of nine houses so  that ‘Teerath Purohits’ could be rehabilitated.