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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.

‘ONGC the untold Story’ celebrated in Dehradun

By
Tania Saili
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0

At an event organized by the Doon library and Research Center in Dehradun, Author Raj Kanwar’s latest book ‘ONGC the untold Story’ was celebrated.

Chief Guest was Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, IAS, Director, LBSNAA, Mussoorie, DG Law and Order Ashok Kumar, Professor Ganesh Saili, Pradeep Singh and Dr.  B.K. Joshi Director of the Doon Library who presided over the function.

The one-hour programme was complete with speeches and a slide-show that retraced the history of the book which chronicles the journey of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation from its nascent days to it being set up in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The forward of the book is by former Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul and retells the history of ONGC: its first employees; its first woman employee; why Dehradun was chosen to be the Oil Capital of India and a home to the pride of India interlaced with many other interesting facets.

The 183-page book is a pictorial delight with text that covers the forty odd disciplines of the ONGC, highlighting the challenges and the lessons learnt from them.

Speaking about the book, DG Ashok Kumar stated, “the sketch of those days at its best. ONGC the untold Story is a must read for the next generation growing up in the city.”

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra added that Raj Kanwar was an historian: “One who had not only witnessed but recorded history in this book.”

Luminaries from the written world gave rare gravitas to the function. Among them were Author-Journalist Jaskiran Chopra, Author Ashok Lal, Author Mona Verma, Nadir Billy Maurya, Mona Marwah, Manav Kanwar and many other luminaries.

The octogenarian Author Raj Kanwar spoke with gratitude and reassured the audience that he had already started work on his next book entitled, “Dateline Dehradun’ which will chronicle the landmarks that have been crossed in making Dehradun, the city it is today.

Arushi Nishank hosts India Chapter of IWES- 2019

By
newspost
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0
New Delhi: Arushi Nishank, Chairperson, International Women Empowerment Summit & Awards hosted India Chapter of IWES- 2019 in New Delhi. The Programme was organized in collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development,  Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, United Nations (UNICEF)   and “ Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign” a flagship programme of Prime Minister Modi.
The Chief Guests for the event were Shri. Dhamendra Pradhan, Ms. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi. The programme was attended by leading women in the field of cinema, literature, health, entrepreneur, philanthropist and house makers–Kirron Kher, Raveena Tandon, Deana Uppal, P.T Usha, Deepa Malik, Mata Shri Mangla Ji, Bachendri Pal, Sushma Seth, Ira Singhal, Laxmi Aggarwal to name a few.
The prime objective of the event was to bring women on a platform to discuss the issues that are becoming an obstacle for her to realise her full potential. Women’s issues were the limelight of India Chapter of International Women Empowerment Summit & Awards.
Arushi Nishank, Chairperson, International Women Empowerment Summit & Awards, spoke about, “Women empowerment is very close to my heart not only because I am a woman but being a woman I carry responsibility for others and society. Women are such strong pillar in a family, business and in any organisation, she needs a wake up call to know all her capabilities, being from Saraswati(goddess of wisdom ) to Kali(GODDESS OF DESTRUCTION). at present where girl child ratio is increasing and women participation is more in different sectors but women safely and economic independence is yet to improve, education in society not only for woman but for men also required.“
IWES, 1st chapter was successfully done in UAE, Dubai last year. There were more than 9 countries influential ladies participated for formulating policy for women which later handed over to both UAE and Indian government for any reference for making women policies.

Aparna Kumar: Getting to the end of the world

By
Tania Saili
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0

On January 14, 2019 @ 9:30 a.m. IG Headquarter, Mr. Daljeet Singh Chaudhary got a call from South Pole Station.  One of their own, 44 year old, Indian Police Services Aparna Kumar currently attached as DIG Training, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Seemadwar, Dehradun had hoisted the Tricolour on the South Pole. Aparna had trudged hauling a 40 kilo sledge skiing nine to ten hours a day on the illustrious footsteps of ‘Scotts of the Antartica.’

Annually, many trekkers take up the challenge to reach the place. It is the coldest and driest place on earth, and no small wonder why the place remains the least visited continent on the earth. But braving minus 37 celsius, is not for everyone and only a few succeed.

Aparna is a mother of two. She is from the 2002 batch of IPS and is in the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She is the first IPS and ITBP officer to successfully scale the southern most tip of the earth. Karnataka-born and brought up, Aparna set out on the 30th of December, 2018 from Dehradun and completed this arduous 111 mile trek within 8 days of being dropped off at 89 degree south latitude on the 13th of January, 2019, making history.

For the last six years, Aparna Kumar trained with all her might in advance mountaineering and has successfully scaled prominent peaks in six continents. In May 2016, Aparna summited Mount Everest from the north face. Post this feat, she trained for a little over six months during which she learnt to ski. What almost upset the applecart was that just a month before the expedition, she was diagnosed with right lung pneumonia and advised complete bed rest for almost three weeks. But not the one to give up and with her never-say-die spirit Aparna became part of a seven member expedition team along with two guides to South Pole. Of course being the only woman member in the expedition had its own set of challenges.

Talking to Newspost, retracing her footsteps, Aparna gets nostalgic, “The most challenging part of the journey was the extreme cold conditions and low visibility and high speed chilly winds.” Almost a month post the mountaineering journey, Aparna Kumar has a message for the women of the world know: ‘One should keep trying and never quit. It is very important to pursue one’s passion with a single minded focus and devotion.“

When asked what was next on her bucket list? She is quick to reply, “I am scheduled to ski to North Pole in April this year and will then scale Mount Denali in Alaska in June.  A peak which remains un-scaled on my two previous accounts in 2017 and 2018.”

Completing the seven summits and winning the coveted explorer’s Grand Slam, is what we wish for Aparna Kumar in the months ahead.

Basant Panchami with a twist: Planting orchards

By
Tania Saili
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1

Satyu, Tehri Garhwal: Earth Day Network along with Sustainable Green Initiative, a six year old social enterprise which has been planting fruit trees to fight hunger, poverty, and climate change will now help plant 15,000 fruit trees in the villages on the periphery of the Saklana Village, Tehri in Uttarakhand today.

Sapling of fruit trees such as apricot, walnut, plum, pear and lemon will be distributed among hill-folks from over a dozen villages on the occasion of Basant Panchami, the day that marks the beginning of spring.

The distribution centre has been set up at the Shahid Nagendra Dutt Saklani Govt Inter College, Satyu from where villagers will go on to plant these in their farmland and homesteads. “We are fortunate to be a part of the tree story in the very area that gave the world Vriksha Manav, Vishweshwar Dutt Saklani,” stated Mrs. Karuna Singh, Country Director, Earth Day Network.

 

Saklana has a special reverence when it comes to tree plantation as this was home to Vishweshwar Dutt Saklani or Tree Man who breathed his last on the 28th of January this year. The veteran regenerated over hundred hectares of barren forest area with Oak trees, with a rough estimate putting the number at fifty lakhs. Mr. Raj Mohan, Director, Sustainable Green Initiative (SGI) added, “This day has become doubly important and auspicious since we are where the Vriksha Manav worked his magic. We dedicate our efforts to him.”

Sustainable Green Initiative will not only aid and assist villagers to plant but also nurture these fruit trees. It is an attempt to not only increase out depleting green cover but also provide nutrition and secondary income to those who plant these trees by reaping fruits from these trees.

This unique initiative is a befitting tribute to the memory of Vriksha Manav on the on set off Spring!

Leading from the front: Chamoli Pecan Nuts farming

By
Tania Saili
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0

The border district of Chamoli might well become the first district in Uttarakhand  to market home-grown Pecan Nuts. Under the Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan State Project, the Horticulture Department here is working on a one hectare maiden nursery in village Kothiyalsain where they will grow and nurture Pecan Nut saplings.

A rare dry fruit, Pecan nut is used liberally in the chocolate business and other culinary delights such as cakes and pies and have a lot of health benefits too. At present, the selling rate of Pecan Nuts from California in America is close to three thousand per kilogram.

A close to 15 lakhs has already been spent in the Kothiyalsain nursery where Pecan Nut saplings will be reared along side Seedless Guava and Srinagar Mandarin saplings too.

The ideal height which the Pecan Nut trees need to flourish is at 1200-2000 meters above sea level. These large, deciduous trees are being readied from two hundred mother plants of the ‘mahan’ and ‘nelis’ variety that will be grafted over the next two months and then shifted to poly-houses with controlled climate management.

If these trees take root, then within five years, Pecan Nuts will be commercially cultivated in Chamoli villages. It assures to bring in good revenue for its farmers, giving the Horticulture Department something to celebrate about.

According to Narendra Yadav, Chief Horticulture Officer, stationed in Chamoli enlightens us, “there is always a great demand for Pecan Nut. The altitude of Chamoli makes it ideal for growing this tree, for which this nursery is being put together on war-footing. A cluster of farmers have been already brought together who will plant these trees and in the coming five years, and reap the benefits of Pecan Nuts home-grown in Chamoli.” 

Making of the Uttarakhand Cap

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun, Half a dozen students with their faculty mentors of the Graphic Era Hill University, Department of Fashion Design burnt the midnight oil for six long months to give us the ‘Uttarakhand Cap’.

This isn’t your regular topi/cap but one that brings with it the rich tradition and culture of the hill-state of Uttarakhand.

The Uttarakhand Cap designed under the student brand ‘SWAYAM,’ inculcates an embroidered band with the State’s Aipan Art, the vibrant colour of the State Bird Monal, the red of the State Tree Rhododendron and the colourful bands of the Kumaon Regiment and Garhwal Rifles. The richness of this tradition in further signified by the use of indigenous handloom silk fabric.

Telling us more about the cap, Dr. Jyoti Chhabra Professor and Head, School of Design, Graphic Era Hill University tells us, “The University students felt that the people of Uttarakhand wear a variety of caps but unlike other states; Uttarakhand does not have its own authentic cap. This “Uttarakhand Cap” is an innovative initiative by the students to represent the honour and traditional values of the residents of the State.”

The Cap was officially launched on the 1st of February 2019, when it was worn by the Chief Minister along with Cabinet Ministers Prakash Pant, Yashpal Arya, Harak Singh Rawat, Dhan Singh Rawat, Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh among others. Praising the Uttarakhand Cap the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat admired the research and approach of the entire faculty in designing the cap.

Signing off Dr. Jyoti Chabbra adds, “It has been the result of the exploratory research done by students of the Department of Fashion Design. The department has the philosophy of promoting the culture and traditions of our home state through our fashion exploration. It’s both our vision and mission to put Uttarakhand on the Indian fashion map through the hill-state’s first generation of designers.”

To order your free size Uttarakhand Cap place an order with the Department of Fashion Design GEHU on their FaceBook Page fdgehu.

‘Masked’ anti-begging outreach campaign in Dehradun

By
Tania Saili
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0

Dehradun,  For the past eight years, Mountain Children Foundation has partnered with CHILDLINE, a project of the Government of India to provide an emergency helpline for children in distress in the city.

The 1098 toll free helpline number is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by 9 members of the Mountain Children Foundation CHILDLINE team who go out at any time of day or night to help children who are either lost, in need of medical care or in danger of harm or exploitation. This unique initiative has helped over 2900 children who were in need of care and protection.

Recently, as a part of their outreach program the team conducted a masked outreach at all the major traffic intersections in the city.  Wearing brightly coloured masks, holding anti-begging placards, the MCF CHILDLINE team  enacted skits to send the message of how child beggary is a curse.

While cars waited at traffic signals, team members approached motorists for alms and, when given, returned the alms pointing at their placards with slogans  “Give education not alms – giving alms is ensuring child trafficking,” highlighted.

Since, child beggars have very little to look forward to in life and end up victims of drug or sexual abuse. The aim of MCF CHILDLINE is to ensure that these children have a promising future and do not end up becoming criminals.

Aditi Kaur, of Mountain Children Foundation tells us, “the number of Child beggars has increased tremendously in Uttarakhand and the only way to stop it is to stop giving alms.  Government and non government – Aasraa and NGO has special educations centers for these children, but every time we give alms we ensure they remain on the streets.”

Next time you reach into your pocket or purse to give alms collected in a steel bowl or into an out-stretched malnourished palm, just remember, we are turning these children into ‘chronic beggars,’ something we should detest for their own well-being.

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