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Nestle India’s Initiative to curb Maggi wrapper menace

By
Tania Saili
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Recently, Nestlé India launched a ‘MAGGI Wrappers Return Scheme’ in an attempt to curb plastic waste. Under the scheme, Maggi consumers can grab their free Maggi packet, for every ten empty MAGGI wrappers they return to Maggi Collection Points.

The pilot project launched in Dehradun and Mussoorie is part of Nestlé India plastic waste management initiative, “by working with around 250 retailers in the region, who shall collect MAGGI Wrappers. Consumers are given a packet of MAGGI Noodles for every 10 MAGGI noodle wrappers they return to Nestlé India,” stated the Spokesperson to FE Online, adding, “Indian Pollution Control Association will collect these wrappers from the retailers and responsibly dispose them.”

An elated Rishabh Shrivastava, Policy Analyst and Digital Editor of Gati Foundation responded, “the global multinational Nestle, the organization behind Maggi, and many other well-known brands; has decided to start its plastic curbing initiative in the country in our twin cities of Dehradun and Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This action has been spurred by the brand audit that was done by our organization, Gati Foundation in Mussoorie in end May along with the Forest Dept of the Govt of Uttarakhand.”

Further adding, Nestlé India Spokesperson stated, “We are hopeful that this will bring about a behaviour change in consumers and help create awareness for responsibly disposing plastic waste and prevent littering.”

This initiative comes post a  cleanup and brand audit conducted by Gati Foundation in Mussoorie this May. Along with that, a three-day field visit was conducted to study the problem of plastic pollution created by Maggi packets. Though small, the movement garnered a lot of attention from residents and tourists alike who were appalled at the statistics that the report revealed.

The response to the growing menace by Nestle India, might seem, too little too late to many, but a few agree to the fact that it is better late, than never.

Uttarakhand honours itself: Dhoom Singh Negi

By
Ashish Dobhal/Tulika Singhroy
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Four Gandhians were recently honoured by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, at the 41st annual award ceremony held in Colaba. These people were recognised for their consistent contribution in the field of humanitarian and social work.  At the event, one of our own, Shri Dhoom Singh Negi from Uttarakhand was felicitated by the Vice President of India, Sri Venkaiah Naidu for his efforts.

Shri Dhoom Singh Negi needs no introductions. Guruji, as he’s fondly referred to, gave up the post of a Headmaster in 1974, and dived head-first into bringing about a change in the living conditions of the hill folks, and has been finally recognised for his efforts on a national platform.

The eighty year old octogenarian dedicated his life for the welfare of the hill-state. The passionate social worker in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is a dye in the wool Gandhian & Social activist who has been associated with every social revolution that the hill state ever witnessed.

A resident from a tiny hamlet called Kathiyan, where he lives with his wife Ranni. Dhoom Singh Negi ji has been the voice behind the Chipko Andolan.  Burning the mid-night out, Negi ji worked together with Sundar Lal Bahuguna against the construction of Asia’s highest dam, in Tehri. Joining hands with Vijay Jardhari, they launched the 1960’s ‘Beej Bachao Movement’ propagating the use of indigenous seeds. Negi ji stood against the mining and liquor mafia in Uttarakhand and has been working relentlessly in bringing about a positive change in the hills of homes.

Senior journalist Shishpal Gosain speaks for everyone when he says, “This is a matter of great pride and honour not only for the people of Heval but the hill state too.  It’s a reward for someone who truly belongs to Uttarakhand and has worked for its betterment.“
Dhoom Singh Negi is the third person to receive this award from Tehri Garhwal.

Uttarakhand’s Avian Delight

By
Tania Saili
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0
Pics Courtesy: Tulika Singhroy

Annually migratory birds from all over Central Asia make their epic journey to the foothills of Chakrata to Aasan barrage, India’s First Wetland Conservation Reserve. This man-made reservoir plays the perfect host to migratory birds who nest here for the long winter months ahead.

Pics Courtesy: Tulika Singhroy

Crossing oceans and landmasses these feathered friends  have for over a decade now, made this pristine lakeside its winter abode from end of October. The chorus of these birds arriving in droves, is a welcome sound and sight for one to behold. . At a closer look, when they glide over the lake,  one will  witness a spectacular riot of colours and buzzing of rarest of rare birds.

Sprawling over one and a half kilometres, Aasan Barrage is a favourite haunt not only for avian lovers but also tired souls looking for a get-away from the hustle-bustle of daily life. Mouli, an Engineer from Bengaluru has been a regular at the lake side, “I live my life in the fast lane. I read about this amazing, serene place and decided to take a break. Its been therapy just sitting here and looking at these beautiful birds.”

Monotonous chirping of birds in the sky and a spring tide of birds gliding over the lake, in such proximity adds charm for bird watchers. Ashok Mitra, from West Bengal, a regular visitor with binoculars strapped around his neck pin-points birds and rattles off names, “Most of all, you get to see Red Crested Pochard, then you see Tufted Pochard, Brahminy ducks in thousands, C. Teal here and there, the rare Greylag, Wigeon or the Pintail Shoveller if you are lucky ! You might get a glimpse of Mallard, Gadwall is you get up-close,” he signs off.

As the sun set’s beyond the ranges, the chirping of the birds rises over the lake. As if, in  symphony they celebrate their home-coming to Aasan Barrage, year after year, to their home away from home.

Mussoorie to host Himalayan Environmental Education & Policy Conference

By
newspost
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Block your dates from November 29th – December 2nd 2018 to be at the  Hanifl Centre for Outdoor Education and Environmental Study, Woodstock School, Mussoorie. Along with the Asian Studies Center and University of Pittsburgh, Hanifl will be jointly hosting a five-day academic conference on Himalayan Environmental Education and Policy.

The goal of the conference is to develop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary understanding of environmental problems in the Himalayan region. Also to formulate recommendations on how best to address these issues, and to develop public understanding and awareness of Himalayan environmental challenges, along the mountain range.

A secondary goal would be to develop strategies that will enable students at all levels of education to “learn from the Himalayas” through outdoor, experiential study and engaged participation in environmental programs.

A third, practical goal is to use insights gained from the conference to enhance the curriculum of the three University of Pittsburgh Study Abroad programs presently based at the Hanifl Centre.

A fundamental assumption is that with increased public awareness based on education, an understanding of the nature and extent of environmental problems in the Himalaya, will be put into use for development and implementation of effective policies.

The conference hopes to highlight the insight on experiential educational programs taking advantage of the Himalayan region as a vast, outdoor classroom. It will also attempt to bring to the forefront the challenges of climate change and the importance of conservation and sustainable, environmentally conscientious development.

The panelists come from home and abroad comprising of Joseph Alter, Stephen Alter, Ravina Aggarwal, Kathryn Hardy, Kireet Kumar, Brian G. McAdoo; Dhritiman Mukherjee; Maharaj K. Pandit; Jiban Mani Poudel; Sushil Ramola; Mahesh Rangarajan; Gopal S. Rawat; Alark Saxena; Ghazala Shahabuddin; Pasang Yangjee Sherpa; Sanjay Sondhi; Sejal Worah and Valentine Zuin all masters in their field of work pertaining to the Himalaya.

International Kids Film Festival 2018 comes to Dehradun

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newspost
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Tomorrow, on Children’s Day, Pancham Ved Creations Charitable Trust, Dehra Art Home along with LXL Ideas, is ready to take Doon students on a cultural tour of over a dozen countries, through their films.

Dehradun, for the very first time, will be hosting The International Kid’s Film Festival 2018 aka ‘IKFF’ thanks to the efforts of the above organisations, which kicks off on the 20th-23rd of November. This unique film festival provides an opportunity for school children to not only watch quality International Children Films, but to learn the art of film making as well.

The three day film fest will be held at the IRDD, Survey Chowk, Campus in which close to a hundred schools from the valley have pledged their support.

“Children today are exposed to a lot of content but it is sad that most of the content they watch is not upto the mark. International Kids Film Festival offers a great platform for children to watch the best of world cinema.” 

Through IKFF, schools in the valley will get the opportunity to host a film festival and bring the best of world cinema right to their doorstep. As part of the festival, school children can also learn the art of making films.

An online master class by ‘IKFF‘ applicable for students between 12-21 years of age, assists the young minds to make and submit their entry to the world’s largest student filmmaking competition.

Pancham Ved Creations Charitable Trust and Dehra Art Home believe that close to ten thousand students who participate in the IKFF 2018 have a lot to learn from the film carnival.  It aims to motivate students, teachers and parents to embrace films as an educational medium.

Some of the other highlights of IKFF is that young talents might go on to assist a Bollywood production & meet celebrities, be selected as a jury member at an international kids film festival, along with their films being screened at International Kids Film Festivals and also win a hefty cash prize .

Putting life into a blank canvas: Shiwani Vishwakarma

By
Lucky Singh/Tulika Singhroy
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Pithoragarh, When we set our heart, mind and soul to something,  we leave nothing to chance. Today, we take you on a journey through a painters canvas. An exceptionally talented, young artist from Pithoragarh, Shiwani Vishwakarma.

As a child Shiwani loved to draw and as time passed, the young girl developed an unbreakable-bond with the world of art and colour. Her greatest inspiration, she tells us,  “was my father, a gifted artist himself.  It’s probably why I took up Art as a full-time profession in the first place. Its in my blood.” She adds, “My father has been and will always be my first Guru, trainer and source of inspiration. An Arts Graduate from  SSJ college in Almora, at present Shiwani is pursuing her Masters, from Vanasthali Vidyapeet, Rajasthan, honing her artistic skills.

Intrigued by portraits and human faces Shiwani finds herself drawn towards Uttarakhand’s landscapes, art and culture. A glimpse of Devbhoomi is what you will find in all her work.  “As an artist I try to portray all the different aspects of Devbhoomi. It is my constant source of inspiration and tomorrow,  no matter where I go, I will carry Uttarakhand within me.”

Interestingly the young artist also experiments with shades of coffee and ink. “Even though my father isn’t with us anymore, there is a glimpse of his style of painting in all my works.  In the future, I would definitely like to learn more about painting techniques and make a mark for myself in this field. “

When we sign off, Shiwani is all set to put fresh paint to her white canvas mounted on an easel. Lost to the world of colours set in front of her on a palette, armed with a paint brush, she looks out of the window, as if,  seeking inspiration, from the hills, she calls home.

Mussoorie: Upcoming polls prolong festivities in the hill-station

By
Tania Saili
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0

Mussoorie, Though the Festival of Lights is behind us, yet more fireworks are in store for our otherwise sleepy hill-town. Its residents are gearing up celebrate Democracy bringing out the interesting quotient between the candidate and his/her voter.

With less than two weeks for the hill-state to go to polls, fifty seven ward members excluding three mayor candidates are fighting it out in Mussoorie in what can be termed as the Battle of the Ballot.

Over twenty thousand voters of the municipal limitations of Queen of Hills will decide the fate of candidates who vouch to do some good to the hill-station which has surpassed its carrying capacity.

Out of the total voting population, nine thousand, seven hundred and forty nine women voters will play a major role in making or breaking a candidate with any political aspiration along with twelve thousand two hundred and seventy four men who vote this season.

While talking about women empowerment is the trend, unfortunately none of the women candidates felt empowered enough to contest for the coveted ‘Mayor of Mussoorie’ seat. But on the other hand, out  of the thirteen wards there are only four wards where women candidates aren’t giving their male counter-parts a fight. Out of the thirteen wards,  three seats are reserved for Women under General Category, two seats for Women under the Schedule Caste category and one for OBC Women candidates.

Out of fifty seven candidates,  a total of twenty three women candidates, some first-timers and some experienced ward members are putting up a good fight, to settle for second best, ‘ward-member’ tag in the town’s hierarchy.

With polling on the 18th of November, candidates men, women and their droves of supporters are braving the cold from break of dawn to burning the mid-night oil, making their way, door to door to ensure that not one home and its inhabitants are overlooked to lure that ‘one’ precious vote.

Exclusive: Uttarakhand Anthem a gift on Statehood Day

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, On the occasion of Statehood Day as Uttarakhand turns eighteen, Kavindra Singh popularly known as RJ Kaavya, the baritone voice behind Superhits 93.5 Red Fm Bajaate Raho has come out with his latest stint, a two-minute anthem entitled ‘Uttarakhand Anthem,’ a befitting ode to his home state.

Released today on YouTube, Singer Akanksha has lent her soulful voice to the hindi anthem along with lyrics written by ulti-talented Kaavya and Anand Kanu. Shot on location by Rishabh Gupta & Gang Of Ghumakkad the dedicated team came together and within a short span of time came out with this audio-visual delight, ‘Uttarakhand Anthem.’

The video gently takes the viewer to one of the remotest and most beautiful landscapes of the hill-state starting from Kedarnath to Auli to parts of Nainital and Bageshwar and everything in between. Speaking about Migration and Ghost Villages, the two pertinent issues that still haunt the eighteen year old State, Kaavya makes an appeal to the youth to return to their home in the hills, even if it were for a few days, to revive and renew their connection with their roots.

Kaavya makes no qualms about his deep rooted passion for the State and is a leading example of reverse migration as he chose to return to his home-state when 93.5 Red FM came calling, and makes it a point to visit his home in the hills of Bageshwar whenever work permits.

Kaavya adds, “the basic thought behind the anthem was to take a resolution to give something back to our home-state and address issues such as employment, migration and rehabilitation of ghost villages so that the idea behind the creation of a separate hill-state is met to some extent and we dont just celebrate Statehood Day for the sake of it.“

Click the link to enjoy the anthem here:

Dehradun air quality worse on Diwali night

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, Late last night when most of us had wrapped up Diwali celebrations, Gati team was out on the roads of Dehradun measuring the air quality of the city, under the what they called “Diwali Air Pollution Mapping Exercise,” which was carried out three days in a row.

The entire exercise threw up horrifying results such as the pollution levels were fifteen to twenty times the national standards for PM 2.5 and PM 10. The pollution levels on Diwali i.e 7th November were almost upto ten times higher than what was measured on the 5th and 6th of November.