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December 2, 2018

Dehradun’s own student activist group, Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD) volunteered to creatively assist Uttarakhand Police at its third edition of the Dehradun Marathon, today morning.

The Dehradun Marathon 2018, drew close to 20,000 participants who took part in the Uttarakhand police awareness run against Drug Abuse. MAD, comprising of educated, conscious youngsters of the city, the police reached out to the team and requested support. In several meetings that were convened by ADG Law and Order Ashok Kumar, MAD members stressed on using steel glasses or eco friendly paper cups against plastic bottles handed out to participants at the marathon.

Leading by example, MAD members showcased their own MADATHON- MAD’s own mini- marathon, which had been running on completely eco-friendly lines for the past seven years. In the 2018 edition, MADATHON became the first mini-marathon of the city to be a complete zero waste event as they used steel glasses procured from various Gurudwaras and Garhwal Sabha at different water filling points for their 8000 runners.

ADG Law and Order, Ashok Kumar was very impressed with the eco-friendly input and substantially implement the same for the Dehradun Marathon as well. MAD assisted the effort with over 35 volunteers at water filling stations in an attempt to minimise use of plastic.

MAD made a fervent pitch that all promotional material should be non-plastic and for this they made a cloth banner of dimensions 20 ft. by 5 ft. themselves.

The police put on record its appreciation for MAD’s creative engagement which was put together by MAD’s President Karan Kapoor, Shreya Singh Rohilla, Archie, Gayatri, Inder, Sanat, Hridayesh, Utkarsh among others.

Dehradun Marathon, The cleanest this city has ever seen!

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December 2, 2018

Dehradun, 2nd December 2018, Uttarakhand Police hosted the 3rd edition of the Dehradun Marathon today morning to spread awareness against the use of drugs. Around 20,000 participants ran for the cause. Waste Warriors Society, a Dehradun-based NGO, along with a team of close to a hundred volunteers, came forward to help people understand the importance of waste segregation and to prevent littering.

The marathon was flagged off from Police Line and covered 11 kms of the town which then culminated back at the Police Line Ground’s. Enroute all water stations were manned by Waste Warriors volunteers who informed and assisted runners to throw their cups and peels into separate labelled waste-bins placed along the route.

Dr. Geetika, a participant said “by far, the cleanest marathon I have ever run. The main event began and ended at the Police Line Ground, where a similar setup had been put in place. Waste bins were properly labelled and volunteers ensured that people used the correct one.

A section within the ground was dedicated for waste segregation and Waste Warriors volunteers segregated waste into recyclables and food waste on the spot. With a gathering running into thousands, and a course of 11 kms, it was great to see how all the waste was managed with such enthusiasm by trained volunteers.

Over 130 waste bins were set up along the route. “Waste Warriors intended to set an example for such events in Dehradun and around country as well as to spread the concept of a waste-free race,‘ said Avinash Singh, the COO of Waste Warriors. Saba and Astha, regular volunteers of Waste Warriors, shared how, “all the waste generated at the event was primarily segregated into eight different categories. Further segregation will then be carried out by trained Green Workers at Waste Warriors’ waste segregation facility.”

So here it to more litter-free runs in the country!

For Osla folks: A case of better late, than never

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December 2, 2018

On 28^th November, at 4:30 pm. Young dynamic Ashish Chauhan, Uttarkashi’s District Magistrate sets out for village Osla.

The DM is accompanied by twenty odd officials from various department who four hours later, after an uphill trek arrive at their destination. The team spends the night with hundred and fifty odd families who call Osla home and were last visited by a senior officer thirteen years back.

Nestled between two hillocks, Osla, in Mori Block of Sankri Tehsil, is one amongst the many remote villages in the District. On asking why the DM chose this village, he informs us, “The area makes it into the headline for all the wrong reasons. A fire incident in February this winter, razed forty houses in Saawni village close to Osla. I saw the condition first hand then and analyse for myself how we could provide for the families here.” Giving a patient hearing to the village elders, a list of priorities was set. Topping the list was to provide basic training for fire fighting and equipping villagers with fire fighting equipment. Followed by, rigorous medical scrutiny of the inhabitants.

Two women from the settlement, one eighteen year old girl with acute protein deficiency and another thirty year old with an eye ailment were referred to the District Hospital on the spot, by immediate orders of the DM.

The trek to Osla was an eye-opener for the district administration as the District Magistrate puts it, “as I have seen the situation up-close and personal, I have a better understanding of the ground reality. Living conditions in these villages is really miserable and they really need special attention from the administration. Now I will be in a better position to divert funds from Disaster Management and MNREGA for the upliftment of the people there.”

This is not all. From the 2^nd to the 6^thof December a team of officers from departments such as Rural Development, Medical Department, Social Welfare Department and others will be stationed at Taluka. The team will ensure that all the requirements of the villagers such as ration cards; aadhar cards and medical needs are addressed with utmost priority.

That done! The District Magistrate of Uttarkashi has already set his goals on another village. His next mission entails a 17 kilometers trek to Jadau, the remotest village of the District in Bhagirathi Valley.

Rest assured, this is just the beginning of a promising future for the hill-folks of Jadau.

Waste Warriors to ensure Dehradun Marathon 2018 is waste free

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December 1, 2018

Dehradun, Uttarakhand Police has joined hands with Waste Warriors to keep Dehradun Marathon 2018 waste free. The 3rd edition of Dehradun Marathon will be held tomorrow morning i.e. 2nd Dec .

This year’s theme of “Say no to drugs” will ring loud and clear. Uttarakhand police is organising this marathon where close to 20,000+ runners from all over the State and the country are expected to participate in.

Waste Warriors, a Dehradun based NGO, who has been working in the field of waste management to close to a decade now, along with the help of an army of volunteers are all set to educate people about how one can adapt a waste-free sustainable running style.

Through their campaign “Bring Your Own Bottle” hash tagged as #BYOB , they are appealing runners to carry water bottles so that waste generated by plastic bottles and paper cups can be minimised.

Over the year, Waste Warriors have made their presence felt at various events held in the valley and its vicinity like Mussoorie, Rajpur and have been actively participating in furthering their cause of waste management. Recently at the three day Rajpur Nature Fest organised by Rajpur Community, Waste Warriors with the help of volunteers ensured that people coming at the fest use the correct dustbin distributed around the food stalls.

The Uttarakhand Police Department has partnered with Waste Warriors to manage the waste of Dehradun Marathon. In accordance with the Swacch Bharat Mission, this will be a wonderful opportunity and a welcome step to educate people about importance of waste reduction and segregation at its very source.

Sit down, relax and let the Magic begin: Mussoorie’s Winterline

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December 1, 2018

Mussoorie's winter line — Pic Courtesy: Angad Bakshi

Come winter. Mussoorie’s famous winterline is out in all its glory. At this time of the year – a song rings clear in my ears as my father hums the tune of a song his alma-mater schoolgirls belted out around a crackling bonfire:

Ev’ry night when the winter line is forming

I can hear lonely Allen boys a-calling

Down the pine trees I wanna go exploring

When we sing that Wynberg Allen lullaby.

(1930)

Rewind. Present day, as another wintry evening descends upon the town, no matter where I am or whichever way I turn, someone is facing the setting sun, braving the cold, with a smart phone in hand ready to entrap the winterline forever. Better still would be a selfie with the famed winterline as it is sure to get you instant ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ on your social media platform!

‘Why do Mussoorie residents go on endlessly about the Winterline?’ Often we are asked, explains renowned author-photographer Ganesh Saili, “All over the world, at the end of the day, the sun ends its journey behind a fixed geographical feature, such as a mound, a hillock, or even the sea but in Mussoorie, it’s completely different. It sets behind this aerial line.”

So, what all goes into making that perfect winterline? The hill-station’s sudden rise from the plains to six thousand feet – over Doon valley. Plus temperature inversion creates inverse air-currents from which nothing escapes. Trapping smog, smoke, dust, moisture and anything in between, into a single straight-line in the sky. As the sun begins to end it journey, it sets behind an aerial line, forming the perfect winter-line.

Folklore has it that Venus, the Roman Goddess wore a magical embroidered belt called the Girdle of Venus. Made of gold filigree crafted by her husband, the not-so-handsome Smith-God Vulcan, who in awe of his wife’s beauty, hand-carved her this befitting gift. Today the girdle or belt or as some would call it the kamaar-bandh is called the winter-line.

The only other place on earth where this phenomenon takes place happens to be in the Southern Hemisphere in Cape Town.

Hotels in the town encash the phenomena. They have that ‘perfect spot’ in their hotel from where the guest can get an uninterrupted view of this breath-taking marvel. Hues of pink, yellow, orange, blue and mauve light up the horizon, with the silhouette of the hills, trees, buildings highlighting the winter line even further.

If you wish to witness the horizon step across the sky, come to Mussoorie. Be sure you get here before dusk and better still if you can make it around the Winter Solstice, the 22^nd of December – the shortest day in the calendar. Head in any direction once you arrive in town. You will surely see the winter-line, as it rises and illuminates the winter sky. No two evenings are alike in winter, here.

If you miss it, by any chance, despair not. It shall be back again, next winter, to spin a magic and have us hooked for life.

Honorary degree to Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and Mr. Narendra Singh Negi

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November 30, 2018

Dehradun, Governor Mrs. Baby Rani Maurya awarded the degrees and medals at the first convocation of Doon University. She also honoured MP and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and the famous folk singer Mr. Narendra Singh Negi with the honorary degree of Doctor of Science and Doctor of Literature respectively.

During the first convocation of the Doon University, degrees were awarded to students who passed out from year 2011 to 2016. These include 617 Post Graduates, 380 Graduates and 5 Ph.D Degrees. Governor conferred gold medals to 44 students, who received the highest marks in the first attempt.

In her convocation address, Governor said, “universities have great responsibility to promote research work as per the needs of the society and to assist in the formulation of policy for overall development. The university is not a mere degree giving institution. Universities have a vital role in the overall development of the society and the nation. In particular, for high-skilled but a young state like Uttarakhand, higher educational institutions have to do many important tasks. Uttarakhand has its own distinct geographical, social and cultural environment. By identifying this uniqueness, policies for overall development of women, youth and farmers here should be made.”

Chief Minister Rawat announced a grant of Rs. 5 crore for various development works of the University. Referring to the important role of teachers, he said, “if there are good teachers in any university or educational institution, then even the lack of resources do not matter much. The honour of the University has increased by conferring the honorary doctorate degree to Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and Mr. Narendra Singh Negi.”

Chief Minister added, “the government is committed to promote regional languages and the protection of Himalayas.”

Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that, “the convocation ceremony will be organized regularly. The State Government has strictly implemented the education calendar. In the last academic session, against the schedule of 180 days, studies continued for 212 days in Doon University. He said that every year five eminent persons will be conferred honorary degree by state universities.”

MP and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi while receiving the honorary degree said that, “Doon University should contribute to the creation of eco-friendly policy that promotes environmental protection. Explaining the importance of the Himalayas, he laid emphasis on need for a thorough research on Himalaya’s economy and ecology, conservation of the Himalayas and its water resources is our priority, Dr. Joshi stressed on the study of Sanskrit and research on Sanskrit Granths.”

Folk singer Shri Narendra Singh Negi, receiving the honorary degree, said that through him, “the folk languages of Uttarakhand have been honoured.” He called for protection of Sanskrit and all regional languages including Garhwali and Kumaoni.

Nikita Rana: A Journey from Chamba to China

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November 30, 2018

Tehri, This is the story of a journey taken by a young, pretty, petite Nikita Rana, from Chamba in Uttarakhand to Shanghai in China. All of nineteen, this young sensation from the hill-state has made her mark, at an early age, in the world of beauty. Nikita Rana made it into the ‘Top Ten Contestants‘ of Miss Asia Awards 2018, held on 23rd November in Shanghai, China.

Born and brought up in Chamba, Tehri, Nikita holds a diploma in Information Technology and worked for a year in Dehradun. A chance audition, and she was selected by Big Break Entertainment Agency from Chandigarh, who launched Nikita into the world of beauty.

A rigorous three week grooming session focussed on Nikita’s walk and communication skills that polished the young girl’s skills even further. Within weeks, a confident Nikita was set to make her debut in her first ever International Beauty Contest.

With twenty five contestants from foreign countries, Nikita managed to make it amongst the final ten. Talking about her interesting journey she tells us,” My parents have been my pillar of strength. They had faith in me and my dreams took wings. My journey has been an interesting one, from a small place like Chamba to China. I hope my story will aspire other young girls from the region who want to reach the top.”

The oldest child of retired SSB officer Dhoomsingh Rana and Sumitra Rana, Nikita dreamt of becoming a beauty queen even as a child. “For me being a beauty pageant queen is all I ever wished for. I wanted to represent my country on an international platform. This achievement is a feather in my cap, but I still have miles to go,” adds an excited Nikita, back home for a short break.

So what next, I ask? Well, Nikita has already lined up interviews, shoots and modelling assignments, while juggling her grooming sessions. With eyes firmly set on the goal, Nikita is ensuring that she leaves no stones unturned as she cat walks down the beauty ramp towards her promising future.

Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya Teachers’ Capacity Building Training

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November 28, 2018

Dehradun, USAID, Coca Cola and Plan India supported Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya is being implemented in twenty government schools and one Bodyguard Slum in Dehradun by Shri Bhuvneshwari Mahila Ashram.

In a series of Capacity Building Training component, a one-day Capacity Building Training of the WASH Champion Teachers of twenty urban government schools was organized today. The WASH Champion teachers were from schools who have been supporting the SBSV Dehradun team in implementing their activities.

The training began with introducing the SBSV Guidelines by the Government of India and also the SBSV- Dehradun Programmes’ thus far. In one of the group exercises participating teachers pointed out how the project had beautifully altered the face of sanitation. The teachers also mentioned that children had become sensitized towards WASH, with improved attendance and the Bal Swachhta Samiti (BSS) gaining more confidence over two and half years in monitoring and implementing the mandates of WASH.

Teachers also raised issues such as lack of dedicated funds for purchase of cleaning material, employing sweepers and repair work of WASH Facilities. The teachers also highlighted the need of proactive role of concerned departments like Education, Urban Development and Nagar Nigam. The teachers also welcomed the idea of introducing the WASH Truck in Dehradun.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Anand Upadhyaya, Dy. Director, Elementary Education, Directorate of Education appreciated the efforts of the SBMA’s SBSV programme and assured that the Directorate is always eager to help SBMA. Certificates were also distributed to WASH Champion teachers. Mr. Suresh Balodi, State Manager, Plan India spoke about scaling up SBSV initiative and MHM in other urban government schools and the efforts to include existing SBSV Schools in Smart Cities as well.

The participants at the workshop included Swagata Kainthola, Project Coordinator, SBSV- Dehradun, Prakash Negi,Pushpa Badoni, Shraddha Bijalwan, Sushil Kumar, Rampal Singh.

Elena Wadehra: A Palette of Dreams

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November 27, 2018