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Monday 12 December 2011

National Dance & Singing Competition “JHANKAR BEATS”

We take immense pleasure to inform you that KSR Integrated Solutions is organizing National DANCE & SINGING Competition held in many cities of India.
KSR Integrated Solutions invites aspiring young artist to participate in its 2011-2012 Singing & Dancing Competition- “JHANKAR BEATS”. KSR’s purpose in mounting competitions is to assist young people with career potential in the arts. Contestants must first compete on the State level rounds. The first three winners (singer and Dancer) of every State competition will automatically compete for final will take place in New Delhi, India on 17th & 18th February, 2012.
THERE ARE 2 COMPETITIONS
HAPPENING SIDE BY SIDE & 2 SETS OF WINNERS
Our competition will select the competitors (Age between 10 to 30 max.) from (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Himanchal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh) where they will be judged by prominent & professional judges (kindly go through JURY PROFILE on our website www.ksrentertainment.com) and they all will be suitably awarded by cash prizes, Trophies, certificates, Sponsor’s Awards and a chance to work for a movie and a new step in stardom. In addition to this, The singer will be awarded with a solo album of his/ her own and The dancer will be awarded with a video album.
Further, KSR is an event management, wedding planner, Exhibition/ Party organizer and an Entertainment company, formed by Mona P Vashistha in 2009. We offer solutions for entertainment, Sounds & Lights, Stage set-ups, Backdrop, Advertising, Printing, Audio-Visuals and Travel arrangements for all corporate events, exhibitions, wedding and private parties.
KSR is progressive & prominent destination platform and talent hunt organization. Our organization is also famous for its training in singing & dancing, continuing with the acclaimed legacy and tradition. KSR have already twice organized city level dance and singing competition in New Delhi in 2010. Our endeavor is that such events offer dancers & singers an opportunity to benchmark themselves against their peers and allow them to show off their talents to the luminaries of the profession - hoping that they might gain contracts in the future. Now our team are organizing a Grand competition that will exhibit diversified of talent hunt, promotion & various competitions.
Competition would be celebrated under the banner “JHANKAR BEATS”.
Our events aspire to satisfy the above mentioned aims within the best possible circumstances.
Kindly note that we will not accept any influence during the entire event. If you find anyone
who claim you to win the competition, kindly inform us otherwise KSR will not be responsible for any losses. If we find that you are trying to be influenced, we may be disqualified you from the competition.
We are looking for kind support from your organization.

For further assistance & information, kindly go through our websites:
www.ksrworld.com, www.ksrentertainment.com OR can contact us at below mention address.

Ex-Olympian Aslam Sher writes to Sonia on Dow Chemical sponsorship of London Olympics


Ex-Olympian Aslam Sher writes to Sonia on Dow Chemical sponsorship of London Olympics
To Take Up Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors issue with IOA

Bhopal, December 05 (Pervez Bari): Former hockey Olympian turned politician Aslam Sher Khan, an ex-Lok Sabha Congress member, has written a letter to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, president of All India Congress Committee and chairman of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, (UPA), Government at the Centre, appealing her not to overlook the issue of Dow Chemical, the parent company of Union Carbide which was responsible for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, world’s worst industrial catastrophe, in December 1984, which is amongst the sponsors of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and give it due consideration.
Addressing a Press conference here on Monday Aslam Sher said that Dow Chemical by offering £7 million sponsorship to London Olympics organisers
wants to wash away the killer tag through the medium of sports and Olympics appears to be the best venture for it to do so.
Aslam Sher in his letter dated November 24, 2011 to Mrs. Gandhi, the copy of which has also been send to all the members of the Congress Working Committee, said: “We are the ruling party in this country having 207 MPs in the Lok Sabha and thus the least we can do is to put pressure on the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) to lodge an official protest with the LOCOG (London Organising Committee of Olympic Games), over Dow’s sponsorship link with the London 2012 Olympics. It would be highly insensitive of the government to remain a mute spectator when MPs from foreign country are showing greater concern regarding justice for the people of Bhopal”.
The former Olympian revealed that a cross-party group of 24 MPs of UK Parliament have taken up the initiative and voiced a strong protest against the unethical deal between Dow Chemical and LOCOG. They have taken the initiative in the form of campaign which seeks the cancellation of the sponsorship deal.
Aslam Sher said: “I have written to some of these MPs which include Mr. Barry Gardiner, Mr. Keith Vaz and Ms. Tessa Jowell offering my support to their campaign. It is commendable that these MPs are showing great concern for the sentiments of the people of Bhopal and millions of Indians settled in UK. I have received a reply from Mr. Vaz who is keen to know whether I have received any response to my efforts”.
He wondered if UK MPs can take up the issue of Dow Chemical’s sponsorship of London Olympics then why can’t the Members of Parliament in India do the same. “Kya In LogoN Ne ChudiyaN Pahan Rakhi HaiN?” (Are these Indian MPs wearing bangles?)”, he remarked. It is the moral duty of these Indian MPs to mitigate the sufferings of the Bhopal gas disaster victims and survivors and support them in their fight of adequate compensation from Dow Chemical than that of their counterparts thousands of miles away, he opined. “Has India become a banana Republic?”, he asked.
Replying to a question Aslam Sher said if need arises he would not hesitate to don the role of Anna Hazare (known for Fight Against Corruption) in getting proper justice to the victims and survivors to their satisfaction which is a long drawn battle and has to be taken to its logical end. The battle has to be above party line and not Congress alone wherein all the political parties should chip in their efforts for the welfare of the victims and survivors, he added.
When asked what would be the line of action to realize his goal he said that small public meetings would be organized all over Bhopal where tragedy struck to make people realise their rightful claims and build pressure on the governments to take up their cases on priority basis as they have been languishing for the last 27 years.
“When the country is coming under pressure to take corrective course in the face of Anna’s movement then pressure will have also to be built for the Bhopal’s case. Why not the whole issue of the victims of Bhopal Gas Tragedy was reviewed and a clause added in the Nuclear deal with the US in the backdrop of the Bhopal disaster”, he asked.
If the Indian government takes up the issue in right earnest and decides to boycott the London Olympics in face of the Dow Chemical refusing to compensate adequately then the company will have to come to the negotiation table and pay through its nose to the victims and survivors, he maintained.
Aslam Sher said that if all this cannot force the London Olympics organising body to remove Dow from sponsoring the Olympics, the five and a half million gas victims and survivors will come out on roads to protest. “If needed, we will sit on indefinite fast donning the role of Anna Hazare to press the Indian government to register a protest”, he added.
He informed that he would take up the Bhopal victims issue in a big way at the former Olympians meeting to be held at New Delhi under the aegis of IOA on December 15.
Replying to a questioner he condemned the incidents of December 3 this year on the 27th anniversary without mincing any words against police atrocities on Bhopal gas victims. “Bhopal Ki Janata Ne Saabit Kardiya Hai Ke Gas Tragedy issue Abhi Bhi Zinda Hai”.
It may be pointed here that Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors have been fighting for adequate compensation and proper rehabilitation for the last more than two-and-a-half decades. The victims and survivors resorted to “Rail Roko” (Train Blockade) on December 3 last on the occasion of 27th anniversary of the disaster to draw world’s attention, especially the Union and Madhya Pradesh state governments, towards their plight of misery and pain over the years with none to come to their rescue except lip service.
The peaceful “Rail Roko” protest by tens of thousands erupted into violence after police brutally resorted to cane-charge, tear-gassing and air-fire to clear the rail tracks to resume traffic on New Delhi-Chennai and New Delhi-Mumbai route. Infuriated gas victims, especially the youth, to vent ire indulged in stone-pelting and arson wherein several people including police and district officials were injured. About a dozen vehicles were torched.
Meanwhile, Aslam Sher on August 15, 2011 had a written a letter on the Bhopal issue to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh bringing his concerns to his (PM’s) notice and appealed to him that this matter was of national interest for India and, therefore, the Government of India through the IOA must raise its objections with the LOCOG. And, if the LOCOG refuses to cooperate then India should not hesitate from boycotting the London 2012 Olympic Games. The copy of the letter was also send to Union Sports Minister and the president of IOA.
It may be recalled here that 40 tones of methyl isocyanate, (MIC – a highly volatile toxic chemical), gas spewed from the pesticide plant – owned by Union Carbide India Limited, (UCIL), a subsidiary of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), USA – in the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. The gas leak killed 3,000 people instantly and more than 25,000 over the years and inflicting grievous injuries on countless others. Many were deformed for life and many children born with the toxic effect are sick and with congenital malformations. It also affected 100,000 people that night and estimates are that more than 500,000 continue to suffer till date.
Meanwhile, it may be mentioned here that Aslam Sher Khan, who was born on July 15, 1953, helped the Indian Hockey team to win the Gold Medal in the 1975 World Cup held at Kuala Lumpur by scoring the winning goal. He as a member of the Indian team also participated in Munich Olympics held in 1972. He played hockey as a full back. He authored an autobiography titled "To Hell with Hockey". (pervezbari@eth.net)

Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors charge police of triggering violence on 27th anniversary, parade injure


Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors charge police of triggering violence on 27th anniversary, parade injured elderly women
Bhopal, December 07 (Pervez Bari): The observance of the 27th anniversary of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the world’s worst industrial catastrophe, which was marred by violence for the first time in more than last two-and-a-half decades has left the victims and survivors of the disaster bitter. Thereafter, the blame game has started as to who triggered violence leading to injuries to several people including elderly women gas victims and police and district personnel along with a dozen vehicles being torched.
The survivors have blamed the police of unleashing brutality on them in the shape of cane-charging, lobbing of teargas shells and firing in the air to disperse them who were staging a peaceful “Rail Roko” (Train Blockade) on December 3 last. The “Rail Roko” was organized as scheduled last under the banner of five NGOs working for their welfare at six spots in the city from Nishatpura to Berkhedi in deference to their long pending demands of adequate compensation, rehabilitation and proper medical facilities to all the victims’ kin and survivors of the tragedy. In this respect they have been pestering the Madhya Pradesh State Government and the Union Government to submit the correct figures of the dead and the injured in the curative petition pending in the Supreme Court of India. The government snubbed even the findings of the Indian Council of Medical Research, (ICMR), and followed the guidelines of the Union Carbide, the killer pesticide plant from where poisonous gas spewed out, in calculating the death and injuries figures.
The survivors are aghast at the government stance. According to NGOs working for the cause of gas victims, 22,917 people had died till the year 2009; 5,08,437 people became permanently disabled and 33,781 others sustained severe injuries. However, Government records show only 5,295 deaths, 4,902 with permanent disability, 35,455 with temporary disability and 527,894 with minor injuries.
Condemning the violence, the group of five NGOs said that it was precipitated by police action on “peaceful” protestors, announced at a joint Press conference that they will organise a detailed enquiry presided over by a retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court. The enquiry is expected to help survivors in their attempts to gather evidence and initiate formal proceedings against those responsible for the violence, including the police.
However, the survivors’ groups were on the back-foot as they apologised to the media persons who were hurt, and said they will work towards ensuring that those responsible for the violence against media persons are identified and punished.
At the Press conference the media persons, especially those belonging to electronic media and photojournalists who became victims of mob violence, were up in arms of being put on the mat when they were targeted while covering the “Rail Roko” stir. They complained that their vehicles were burnt down, cameras & OB van damaged apart from being inflicted bodily harms on them when hell broke down after police started dragging elderly women and resorted to cane-charge, tear-gassing and air-firing to clear the rail tracks to resume train traffic on the New Delhi-Chennai and New Delhi-Mumbai route. This infuriated peaceful protesting tens of thousands of gas victims, especially the youth, who vent their ire by indulging in heavy stone-pelting and arson. The police apart from baton charge also retaliated with pelting of stones on the crowd in tit-for-tat fashion which is authenticated by photographs taken during the violence. In the melee that ensued several people including police and district officials were injured. About a dozen vehicles were torched.

Denying that the “Rail Roko” agitation was a “seditious activity” the organizations asked the government what administration was doing when they had informed it about blocking of train traffic more than a month ago. Secondly, they also said: “ Had we been violent we would have created the same scene at all the six places where we blocked the train traffic”.
Replying to a volley of questions Satinath Sarangi of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, (BGIA), said: “We conducted the training so that the agitation remains peaceful and even administration knew about it”.
Calling the Madhya Pradesh Government''''''''s actions vindictive, the organisations laid the blame squarely on the police for the violence that ensued on December 3. "The first act of the police was to snatch away our PA system through which we could have stopped protestors from responding to police brutalities through violence," said Ms Rasheeda Bee, President, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh. Ms Rasheeda Bee said that she is an eye witness to the police instigating violence and creating a situation for criminal elements to join in.
Ms Rasheeda Bee introduced several women among the over 50 gas victims who were beaten with sticks and left bleeding while protesting peacefully. Even after peace was restored and the agitation called off, a large gang of policemen entered individual homes and shops in Umrao Dulha Bagh area and beat up people, damaged furniture, doors, windows and vehicles.
The representatives of five organizations viz. Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pension Bhogi Sangharsh Morcha, Bhopal Group for Information & Action and Children Against Dow Carbide, who gave the call for “Rail Roko” agitation, jointly addressed the Press conference.
Police attack sparks angry response
Meanwhile, a 15-year old boy Daoud has been seriously injured in hospital and may lose his hand after it was badly mangled by a rubber bullet fired by police. It happened at Berkhedi, one of six places where the survivors lay down on the tracks to stop trains. The attack on the women drove the younger boys and men to a fury and they began throwing stones at the police, who responded by throwing stones back at them. The police then fired rubber bullets directly into the mass of survivors on the tracks. This is when Daoud’s hand was injured.
Police attack and beat elderly women and men
Among the survivors in this place were several older women, among the Goldman Prize co-winner and co-founder of the Chingari Trust, Ms Rasheeda Bee (55). Police attacked her with cudgels and fists. Her brother in law, coming to her aid, had his leg broken in three places.
Among the other older ladies attacked by police with cudgels were Ms Hazra Bee, a grandmother whose grandchildren suffer serious birth defects, Meena Khatoon with bandages on forehead and nose and swollen face, and Bano Bee (60), whose hand is badly bruised and swollen. In 2006 in Delhi, Ms Bano Bee was knocked unconscious by a police kick to her ribs. In hospital she was threatened being cut open. The 18-year-old Ms Rafat was dragged along the stony ground till her skin was scraped off. Ms Nafisa was also beaten. Like Ms Rasheeda Bee and Ms Bano Bee, Ms Nafisa has twice walked the 500 miles to Delhi to register protest with the Central Government.
Until the police attacked the women the action had been peaceful. Pictures and footage from Berkhedi clearly show the police attacking with cudgels first, after which the situation grew increasingly violent. The protests passed off peacefully at the other five locations.
The organisations appealed to all citizens who had recorded the violence on December 3rd on their cameras and mobiles to send them the evidence for successful prosecution of police officials.
The Chief Minister has gone back on his assurance to initiate an independent and impartial investigation in to the incident of violence. Survivors and their children, including those who were not even present at the scene, are being charged with trumped up offences. Balkrishna Namdeo, President of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogi Sangharsh Morcha, has been charged with murderous assault and other serious offences without any evidence.
“If the police can present one single photograph, video or any other evidence to substantiate their charges against Namdeo, we will ourselves walk him to the jail,” said Satinath Sarangi of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, (BGIA). The organizations called for immediate withdrawal of false charges on innocent gas victims and their children.
They said that the 14 men who are currently in police custody include those who were arrested while returning home from their workplace and were not present when violence broke out. "The men were stripped to their underpants, and beaten inside the police station where they were detained for well over 40 hours. These young men were not allowed to speak to their parents or lawyer and every right of an accused was violated,” said Ms Rachna Dhingra also from BGIA.
Meanwhile, the organizations opposed the Chief Minister’s recent demand for inclusion of 20 wards of New Bhopal in the gas-affected area. They said the demand did not have any scientific basis and would weaken the gas victim’s case for compensation fr0om Dow Chemical.
It may be recalled here that 40 tones of methyl isocyanate, (MIC – a highly volatile toxic chemical), gas spewed from the pesticide plant – owned by Union Carbide India Limited, (UCIL), a subsidiary of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), USA – in the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. The gas leak killed 3,000 people instantly and more than 25,000 over the years and inflicting grievous injuries on countless others. Many were deformed for life and many children born with the toxic effect are sick and with congenital malformations. It also affected 100,000 people that night and estimates are that more than 500,000 continue to suffer till date. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Censured MP CM instructs officials to prevent illegal mining firmly


Censured MP CM instructs officials to prevent illegal mining firmly
Bhopal, December 09 (Pervez Bari): After having been castigated by the main Opposition Congress party in the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha during the no-confidence motion and then bluntly snubbed by its own, the NDA convener Sharad Yadav a few days back over the large scale illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh the Bharatiya Janata Party, (BJP), ruled state Government seems to have woken up from deep slumber and has decided to stem the rot that has set in on this aspect. As such Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed that illegal mining should be prevented firmly. Intensive campaign should be launched to detect and curb such activities. He said that he will also review the actions taken during the campaign after January 15. The Chief Minister issued these instructions to officers during a videoconferencing at Mantralaya, the state secretariat, here on Thursday. This campaign will be conducted between December 15 and January 15 as per Mr. Chouhan''s instructions, an official spokesman said.
Mr. Chouhan said that officers of administration, police, forest and mining departments should coordinate to take major action. Collectors should hold Task Force''s meeting twice a month. Maximum fine should be imposed in cases of illegal mining. Collectors should review cases of illegal mining pending in courts and subordinate courts with a view to ensure their early disposal.
He said in strong words that action should be taken against illegal miners under Section 21 of MMDR Act 1957 for illegal mining and transportation and under Section 379 of Indian Penal Code in cases of raw minerals. FIRs should be lodged against them like cases of theft of government property. Besides, strict action should also be taken against vehicles and drivers engaged in illegal transportation of minerals under Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and MP Vehicle Rules 1994. All the entries in the software developed for Mining Department should be made within time-limit.
It may be mentioned here that a prominent daily had carried reports of illegal mining in Satna district of the state exposed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Jagdish Prasad Sharma in his report.
Chief Minister Mr. Chouhan said that no black-marketeer of fertilisers be spared. Action will be taken against the concerning officers if such a complaint is received. He asked the collectors to keep a constant watch over supply and distribution of fertilisers. Strict Action should be taken under Fertilisers Control Order, Seed Control Order and Essential Commodities Act if information about irregularities is received. He said that stern legal action should be taken against those supply fake fertilisers and seeds to farmers.
He said that the State Government is committed to providing a good, clean and responsive administration. Corruption will not be tolerated in any form. He said that collectors are vigilance officers of districts and should use intelligence for collecting information related to corrupt practices. He said that boxes will be installed at district offices, Vallabh Bhavan and Chief Minister House for giving corruption-related information. Complaints will be looked into and strict action will be taken against the guilty. Mr. Chouhan said that Antyodaya Melas should be held before February 11, 2012. He said he will make surprise visits to Melas with a view to reviewing arrangements for the fairs. He said that process is underway for giving pattas to Schedule Tribes beneficiaries who are residing on the land under their possession since long, the official stated. (pervezbari@eth.net)
Date: 09-12-2011

Spirituality pervades Bhopal as stage set for ‘Aalami Tableeghi Ijtima’


Spirituality pervades Bhopal as stage set for ‘Aalami Tableeghi Ijtima’

Bhopal, December 09 (Pervez Bari): An aura of spirituality is pervading through the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, the city of lakes, hills, Masjids and now Mandirs too, wherein the stage is all set for the 64th edition of “Aalami Tableeghi Ijtima” (World Preachers’ Congregation) which begins on Saturday soon after the Fajir Namaz (pre-dawn prayers).
Muslims from all over the globe from India and abroad in Jamaats (Groups of devotees) have descended here. Soon after the Friday prayers they have started converging from the walled city to the tent city at the Ijtima site which is about 15 kms on the northern outskirts of the town at Ghasipura in Eintkhedi village. The three-day Ijtima will be held here from December 10 and shall conclude on December 12 with mass “Dua” (prayer).
Over 300 Jamaatis from Russia, Kazakhstan, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia, Turkey, Thailand and Sri Lanka have already arrived in the city and from many more other countries are expected to reach the Ijtima venue soon.
The huge main “pandal” has come up on about 20 acres of land to accommodate the Jamaats from all over India. In the main “pandal” tens of thousands of people will camp for three days listening to the holy sermons of Islamic scholars as how to inculcate the good values in life following the Islamic tenets in order to lead an upright life in this world and thereby be rewarded with Jannat-ul-Firdaus Hereafter.
According to Ateeq-ul-Islam, the spokesman of the Ijtima Organising Committee, the Ijtima is being organised on more than 170 acres of land. Out of this 70 acres are reserved for parking while 25 acre is covered by tents. Small shopping plots meant for eateries spread around the venue cover 35 acres of land. About 5,000 ablutions points for Wuzu, have been made. Venue is spotted with 170 water tanks of 5000 litre capacity. In all 21 tube-wells have been connected to ensure proper water supply. More than 600 makeshift urinals and 900 toilets have been put with a temporary sewage system. A separate closed tent is built for foreign Jamaats wherein separate toilets and washroom facilities have been provided for them.
The organising committee has also announced the Namaz timings at the Ijtima venue. As per the schedule announced the Fajr Namaz would be held at 6.30 am, Zohar Namaz at 2 pm, Asr Namaz at 4.30 pm, Maghrib Namaz at 5.39 pm while the Isha Namaz would held after the sermons are over.
On the second day separate special religious discourses will be held during the conclave for intellectuals, traders, farmers, students etc. and the participants would be asked to follow the Islamic religious tenets in their spirit apart from the message for universal brotherhood. Prominent “Akabreens” (Tableeghi elders) who will address the gatherings include: Maulana Zubair, Maulana Sa’ad, Maulana Yunus, Maulana Ahmed Laat, Maulana Yousuf, Prof. Nadir Ali etc.
Meanwhile, a special feature of the Ijtima is special arrangements for deaf and dumb people who come in Jamaats from all over the country and are housed separately. The sermons from the main “pandal” are translated to them in sign language. Their disability does not come in their way to leave their home and hearth to learn and inculcate the basic teachings of Islam to become righteous Muslims.
Over 400 Nikaahs is expected to performed in a simple manner in the spirit of Islam by the elders of the Tableeghi Jamaat on the first two days of the Ijtima after Asr Namaz. The formalities for the mass Nikaahs have been completed.
Extra security measures are being taken with nothing being left to chance. While within the Ijtima campus Tableeghi Jamaat volunteers will keep a tight vigil on security while outside and around the Ijtima venue the cadres of Madhya Pradesh Police will do their job of maintaining law and order. In a bid to boost security in and around the venue CCTVs are being installed at strategic points. Police have set up watchtowers and hundreds of policemen will be present on the spot. Apart from police, the personnel of Rapid Action Force, (RAF), the Traffic police will be in attendance along with hundreds of volunteers of Tableeghi Jamaat to streamline the vehicular traffic. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Indian Muslim Observer Story on Female Genital Mutilation among Bohra Muslims triggers healthy discussion


Indian Muslim Observer Story on Female Genital Mutilation among Bohra Muslims triggers healthy discussion
Bhopal, December 08 (Pervez Bari): The www.IndianMuslimObserver.com on Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM), among the Bohra community of India and Pakistan by Danish Ahmad Khan, the Founder-Editor of IndianMuslimObserver.com, New Delhi, on November 15, 2001 has been picked up and prominently highlighted by a number of other publications. The publications which have lifted the story highlighting FGM are: The Yin, Wounded in OUTLOOK magazine, December 5, 2011; International NGO – No Peace Without Congress; FGC in India and Pakistan in Orchid Project; Female Genital Mutilation among Bohra Muslims - A report in US-based World Muslim Congress and in The Ghouse Diary.The impact of the IMO story on FGM has been such that it has triggered a healthy discussion on Online forums across the globe on this unhealthy practice mostly prevalent in the Bohra community. Appalled at this horrendous practice many have called out for a ban overriding the head of the Bohra community Syedna Burhanuddin Sahib’s dictate, others have said to educate the people from the community among whom it has been handed down by tradition, while some say persuasion and not protest to overcome this primitive rite for Bohra women.Mike Ghouse, a US-based speaker, thinker, writer, optimist, educator and an activist of Pluralism, Justice, Islam, Peace and Civil Societies, has applauded the courage of Danish Ahmed Khan for writing on the FMG issue.In his November 27, 2011 blog “The Ghouse Dairy” Mr. Ghouse wrote:“I applaud the courage of Mr. Danish Ahmed for reporting this issue head on in his magazine Indian Muslim Observer. There is a lot that goes on in our societies, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Sikh or otherwise, in this instance a large number of Bohra Muslim Women are being genitally mutilated in secrecy, as it is an illegal practice within several cultures.“Even if one woman, Muslim or otherwise, is deprived of her God given pleasures of life, it must be stopped. Standing up against oppression is one big aspect of being a Muslim. Injustice to anyone and particularly women will eat away the morality of the society from within. Oppression cannot go on for long. Every religion has been a medium to restore righteousness in the society, the guidance is universal including Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) who said, the least thing you can do against injustice is to speak up. Speaking up is the right thing to do.” Continuing further, he wrote: “Tasleem (the Bohra Muslim sect lady who has started campaign against FGM on Face-book) deserves the applauding, even though she has endured pain and suffering, she has decided to put an end to this. We need to join her efforts in putting an end to this misery. Certainly, a few men will ridicule it, but she will have her rewards from Allah and the Prophet for the doing the right thing, bringing justice to generations of women. May God bless her. This is a horrendous practice that all of us must stop. I can hear a few Muslims, just a handful of Muslims in each Muslim gathering asking this to the Danish Ahmed. 1. Why did he not talk with the community first? 2. Why did he have to feed the right wingers with more to belittle Muslims? 3. Is there an empirical data to claim 90% of Bohra community practices this? “It is quite possible that His Highness Syedna Burhanuddin, the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslims may not be aware of this practice happening right under his nose, just as CIA did not see Mubarak''s exit or the seedlings for the protests in the Middle East, ISI and Pakistani Military did not know Osama Bin Laden was hiding right in their own backyard and Mossad has been wrong about Iran and other pronouncements.Obviously the issue is simmering for a long time, but no one may have dared the establishment, and even possible that the protests were put down. As Muslims we need to give full support to this movement that is what makes us Muslims; to speak up and do everything possible to bring justice to every human in the society.If we don’t fulfill our responsibility, the suffering will go on further, but it will affect us all of us. This is not a Bohra issue, nor the Muslim issue; it is the human rights issue. It’s not them, it is us, we are all in this together to create a better society for each one of us and it reflects and affects us all”.“I do hope the Syedna will make a quick call to end this practice, if he has not already done,” he concluded. Some of the other views and opinions shared in the discussions which are as follows:- Dr. Zaheer Ahmed Sayeed wrote: “If the Bhora women come out in protest they would be rendered apostate by the concerned Bohra authorities, despite the mutilation does not carry validity and sanction in the Quran and to my knowledge in the Hadees. I suspect a single individual’s plight should be picked up, highlighted with the Human Rights and Women''s Commission requested to echo the barbarism and support the cause against this barbaric act”.Ghiasuddin Akbar''s opinion: “Well, the system of FMG (female genital mutilation ) among the Syedana Bohra community as existed for decades . This is an open secret, the head of the community enforces this practice vigorously .The community holds the Syedana as god incarnate , will man made rules override the Syedana dictate ? The members believe they should practice it, so who will enact a law against willful compliance?”Bangalore-based well known senior journalist Maqbool Ahmed Siraj thinks that social practices cannot be abolished. He wrote: “We must educate the people from the community among whom it has been handed down by tradition. However, since Bohra community has a central leadership of Syedna Burhanuddin sahib, they should move the proposal and get a ruling from him. Islam does not sanction female circumcision. Even the male circumcision has come from Abrahamic traditions. Prophet Abraham underwent circumcision at the age of 87, it is reported”.Delhi-based Sanjjeev Nehraa, a Professional Manager with Quest Development, is of the view that banning is No answer-- it works as a patch work. Bans are an extreme measure. He says: “These times people are conscious and a little persuasion works if they are made to understand it’s for their own good.. It is not ''Protest'' that can help- Its ONLY ''persuasion'' that can work. Protest is a negative way...while Persuasion is an organic method”.“Bohras are educated but they are lacking in wisdom..! Best is to educate the women/men about the hazards of FGM. We must provide the reason to the community leader/women/men to change their views. The only way is education and awareness and community based teaching and spread awareness through women. Educating through the help of community women/men will also add to the magic change backed by presentation/s on the perils of FGM”, Nehraa said. He said: “We must support them for protection of them/their rights by helping the community to understand the demerits. Women/men of community can better tackle the issue instead of hard talks! A tradition followed for times need time to be shunned or improved”.Mr. Imran says that nothing will change unless women from inside the Bohra community protest female circumcision. Currently there are few voices. If they persist the voices will grow and lead to change. The desire for change has to come from inside the community.Ghulam Mohiyuddin’s, who is based in Qatar, stand on FGM issue is that it should not be a question of either/or. It has to be both; a legal ban AND raising community awareness. A law banning FGM should be passed. Such laws already exist in many countries. Even after the passage of the law, it takes many years for the practice to eventually abate. He says that female genital mutation is a terrible procedure, has no religious basis, and must be made illegal. Male circumcision, or excision of the foreskin, is a minor procedure and has some possible health benefits. Contrary to what most Muslims believe however, circumcision is not mentioned in the Quran. It is in the Hadiths and is carried over from the Talmud, the Jewish Bible. Instead of making it a religious rite, it should be a matter of choice based on medical knowledge at a given time.Clitoridectomy, or female circumcision, on the other hand, is a more risky procedure, and can have long term sequel, including impairment of sexual functioning. It must be banned. Legal banning and the work of social reformers together were effective in abolishing Sati. FGM''s comparison to Sati may appear to be overreaching, but both entail expendability of women through taking life or a bodily organ necessary for full sexual fulfillment. Abolishing such practices takes a long time, but imprisoning some doctors who perform these procedures may hasten the process, Mohiyuddin opines.The stand of Er. A. Faizur Rahman, who is an engineer by profession, a social activist and Moderator of the-moderates@googlegroups.com Forum based at Chennai, on FGM issue is that female circumcision has no place in Islam. It must be banned. The first step would be to encourage the women to come out in protest and call for a ban from the self-appointed religious authorities. “I know that this may amount to recognising these authorities, but for the moment this is the only way out”, he says.Ms Subhashini Ali, an Indian politician and a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who is the President of the All India Democratic Women''s Association, says Bohra is the most highly educated community. However, she is perplexed over as how can the ban on FGM be ensured? She acknowledges that some very brave Bohra women who are speaking out but the control over birth, marriage, death by the religious head in the community is absolute. Basically it is a community governed by non-constitutional methods...“As far as FGM is concerned, I''m very sorry to say that it is hugely increasing in South India – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala”, she reveals.Ms Rohini Hensman, an independent scholar, writer and activist based in Mumbai, says FGM certainly should be banned - and anyone can call for such a ban, not just Muslim women.Meanwhile, seeing the resentment against the practice of FGM and the anger brewing against it following the publication of Mr. Danish Ahmad Khan’s report it is earnestly hoped that the Bohra community leadership will rise to the occasion and take note of it and act accordingly before it is too late. The inner circle of the advisers and aides of the HH Syedana Burhanuddin Sahab who advice him in crucial matters and on whom the Bohra Head has full faith and relies on them should prevail over him to issue an edict against the age-old practice of FGM so that womenfolk of the community could live in peace with their dignity and honour remaining intact. HH Syedana Burhanuddin Sahab should not make it a prestige issue with halo of egoism preventing him from taking the right step. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Date: 08-12-2011 Time: 14:03:23

"हेमा नहीं गौर के गालों जैसी है सडकें" : भूरिया


"हेमा नहीं गौर के गालों जैसी है सडकें" : भूरिया
भोपाल 13 दिसंबर 2011। विवादित बयानों के कारण सुर्खियों में रहने वाले मध्य प्रदेश कांग्रेस के अध्यक्ष कांतिलाल भूरिया ने एक बार फिर विवाद खडा कर दिया है। भूरिया के ताजा बयान ने एक बार फिर राज्य की राजनीति को गरमा दिया है। पहले उन्होंने राज्य की महिला मंत्रियों को नचनिया कहा था और अब उन्होंने यह कहकर एक नए विवाद को जन्म दे दिया है कि राज्य की सडकें हेमा मालिनी के गालों जैसी न होकर राज्य के बुजुर्ग मंत्री बाबू लाल गौर के गालों जैसी हैं।
भाजपा की महिला मोर्चा की प्रदेश इकाई की अध्यक्ष नीता पटैरिया ने भूरिया के बयान पर सख्त आपत्ति जताई है। उनका कहना है कि भूरिया कितने संस्कारी और शिक्षित हैं, इस बात का खुलासा उनके बयानों से होता है। जरूरत है कि भूरिया को प्राथमिक पाठशाला की शिक्षा दिलाई जाए। महिला मोर्चा को उनके रवैए के खिलाफ क्या करना है इसकी रणनीति जल्दी ही बनाई जाएगी। कांग्रेस मीडिया विभाग के अध्यक्ष मानक अग्रवाल का कहना है कि भूरिया ने जो बात कही है वह मजाकिया अंदाज में है, लेकिन केंद्र की राशि का दुरूपयोग हो रहा है यह तो सच्चाई। भूरिया द्वारा पूर्व में राज्य की महिला मंत्रियों को नचनिया बताए जाने को भी अग्रवाल ने सही ठहराया।
उन्होंने कहा कि भूरिया ने जो कहा था उसका जवाब भाजपा आज तक नहीं दे पाई है। कांग्रेस द्वारा मंदसौर में आयोजित जनसभा में भूरिया ने कहा था कि बीते आठ वर्षो में केंद्र सरकार से राज्य को सडकों के लिए 11500 करोड रूपए भेजे गए, मगर सडकों की हालत नहीं सुधरी। केंद्र सरकार द्वारा दी गई राशि का ईमानदारी से उपयोग होता तो राज्य की सडकें हेमा मालिनी के गालों जैसी होती मगर ऎसा हो नहीं सका है। उन्होंने कहा कि प्रदेश की सडकों का खस्ता हाल है, वास्तव में इन सडकों का हाल मंत्री बाबूलाल गौर के गालों जैसा है। इतना ही नहीं राज्य सरकार केंद्र से आने वाली विभिन्न योजनाओं की राशि का भी सही तरह से उपयोग नहीं कर रही है।

Date: 13-12-2011

Monday 24 October 2011

कीर आदिवासी समाज द्वारा दीपावली पर्व पर पितरों को तर्पण किया जाता है।

कीर आदिवासी समाज द्वारा दीपावली पर्व पर पितरों को तर्पण किया जाता है।

(राजेंद्र कश्यप,दीपक शर्मा द्वारा)


दीपावली पर्व सारे देश में विभिन्न मान्यताओं के साथ मनाया जाता है। कीर आदिवासी राजस्थान, गुजरात ,उत्तरप्रदेश और मध्यप्रदेश में बहुलता से निवासी करते हैं। कार्तिक अमावस्या के दिन प्रात:काल से समाज के स्त्री ,पुरूष और बच्चे निवास के पास के नदी या तालाब के पास पहुंच कर स्नान कर नए रंगबिरंगे वस्त्र पहनते हैं,और उपवास रख़ते हुए नदी के किनारे ही शु़द्धतापूर्वक भोजन बनाकर सूर्य अस्त होने के पूर्व ही अपने पितरों को जल धूप नारियल प्रसाद अग्नि में अर्पित करते हैं। कीर आदिवासियों की मान्यता है कि केवल इस दिन ही हमारे पूर्वजों की आत्माएं पृथ्वी पर आकर होम ग्रहण करती है। शाम होने पर नदी किनारे और अपने घरों पर श्रद्धापूर्वक दिए जलाते है। जिसकी रोशनी देख पितरों की पवित्र आत्माएं पृथ्वी पर आकर उस होम को ग्रहण कर लें। पितरों के होम के पूर्व गोरा और महादेव की पूजा अर्चना कर गीत गाए जाते हैं।

कीर समाज की मुख्य भूमि राजस्थान है वहीं से मुगलों कर लड़ते -लड़ते उत्तर प्रदेश,राजस्थान गुजरात और मध्यप्रदेश की नदियों और तालाब के किनारे बसते गए। मध्य प्रदेश में भूपाल राज्य में मुख्यत: निवास करते रहे हैं। पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डा0 शंकर दयाल शर्मा ने भोजपुर मिंदर के पास कीर समाज के निवासियों के टीले के बीच एक स्तंभ का शिलान्यास वषाzें पूर्व किया था। कीर समाज के बुजुर्गों की मान्यता है कि शिवशक्ति का केंद्र भोजपुर मंदिर की रक्षा करने के लिए हजारों वषोzं से हम इसके पास के गांवों में रहते रहे हैं। हमेशा भोजपुूर की रक्षा करते रहेंगे।

कीर समाज के लोग किसी भी प्रदेश में रहे उनकी भाषा में आज भी राजस्थानी पुट रहता है। स्त्रियों की वेशभूषा राजस्थानी रहती है। कार्तिक अमावस्या को पितरों को होम देकर संकल्प करते हैं कि प्रत्येक परिस्थितियों में अपना गांव नदी तालाब के किनारे की जलीय खेती, तरबूज,खरबूज,सिंघाड़ा आदि सब्जियों का उत्पादन बढ़ाकर अपने व्यवस्था की रक्षा और समृद्धि करते हुए शिव मंदिरों की रक्षा करते रहेंगे।

इस अवसर पर कुल देवताओं और पितरों की मनौती पूरी करना और घर परिवार के साथ गांव क्षेत्र की खुशहाली तथा समृद्धि की तमन्ना के साथ ही अपने पशुओं की रक्षा की प्राथना होती है। अपनी अनूठी परंपरानुसार दीपावली पर्व पितरों के होम तर्पण के रूप में पूर्ण श्रद्धा के साथ मनाया जाता है। इस दिन सांडनी की पूजा विशेष रूप से की जाती है, जिस पर बैठकर ही कीर समाज का दूल्हा बारात लेकर जाता है। कई वषोzं पूर्व भोजपुर के पास कीर नगर नामक गांव इसी आदिवासी समाज द्वारा बसाया गया है।
www.eklavyashakti@gmail.com

कीर आदिवासी समाज द्वारा दीपावली पर्व पर पितरों को तर्पण किया जाता है।

कीर आदिवासी समाज द्वारा दीपावली पर्व पर पितरों को तर्पण किया जाता है।

(राजेंद्र कश्यप,दीपक शर्मा द्वारा)


दीपावली पर्व सारे देश में विभिन्न मान्यताओं के साथ मनाया जाता है। कीर आदिवासी राजस्थान, गुजरात ,उत्तरप्रदेश और मध्यप्रदेश में बहुलता से निवासी करते हैं। कार्तिक अमावस्या के दिन प्रात:काल से समाज के स्त्री ,पुरूष और बच्चे निवास के पास के नदी या तालाब के पास पहुंच कर स्नान कर नए रंगबिरंगे वस्त्र पहनते हैं,और उपवास रख़ते हुए नदी के किनारे ही शु़द्धतापूर्वक भोजन बनाकर सूर्य अस्त होने के पूर्व ही अपने पितरों को जल धूप नारियल प्रसाद अग्नि में अर्पित करते हैं। कीर आदिवासियों की मान्यता है कि केवल इस दिन ही हमारे पूर्वजों की आत्माएं पृथ्वी पर आकर होम ग्रहण करती है। शाम होने पर नदी किनारे और अपने घरों पर श्रद्धापूर्वक दिए जलाते है। जिसकी रोशनी देख पितरों की पवित्र आत्माएं पृथ्वी पर आकर उस होम को ग्रहण कर लें। पितरों के होम के पूर्व गोरा और महादेव की पूजा अर्चना कर गीत गाए जाते हैं।

कीर समाज की मुख्य भूमि राजस्थान है वहीं से मुगलों कर लड़ते -लड़ते उत्तर प्रदेश,राजस्थान गुजरात और मध्यप्रदेश की नदियों और तालाब के किनारे बसते गए। मध्य प्रदेश में भूपाल राज्य में मुख्यत: निवास करते रहे हैं। पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डा0 शंकर दयाल शर्मा ने भोजपुर मिंदर के पास कीर समाज के निवासियों के टीले के बीच एक स्तंभ का शिलान्यास वषाzें पूर्व किया था। कीर समाज के बुजुर्गों की मान्यता है कि शिवशक्ति का केंद्र भोजपुर मंदिर की रक्षा करने के लिए हजारों वषोzं से हम इसके पास के गांवों में रहते रहे हैं। हमेशा भोजपुूर की रक्षा करते रहेंगे।

कीर समाज के लोग किसी भी प्रदेश में रहे उनकी भाषा में आज भी राजस्थानी पुट रहता है। स्त्रियों की वेशभूषा राजस्थानी रहती है। कार्तिक अमावस्या को पितरों को होम देकर संकल्प करते हैं कि प्रत्येक परिस्थितियों में अपना गांव नदी तालाब के किनारे की जलीय खेती, तरबूज,खरबूज,सिंघाड़ा आदि सब्जियों का उत्पादन बढ़ाकर अपने व्यवस्था की रक्षा और समृद्धि करते हुए शिव मंदिरों की रक्षा करते रहेंगे।

इस अवसर पर कुल देवताओं और पितरों की मनौती पूरी करना और घर परिवार के साथ गांव क्षेत्र की खुशहाली तथा समृद्धि की तमन्ना के साथ ही अपने पशुओं की रक्षा की प्राथना होती है। अपनी अनूठी परंपरानुसार दीपावली पर्व पितरों के होम तर्पण के रूप में पूर्ण श्रद्धा के साथ मनाया जाता है। इस दिन सांडनी की पूजा विशेष रूप से की जाती है, जिस पर बैठकर ही कीर समाज का दूल्हा बारात लेकर जाता है। कई वषोzं पूर्व भोजपुर के पास कीर नगर नामक गांव इसी आदिवासी समाज द्वारा बसाया गया है।

Tuesday 24 May 2011

क्या राम सीता ने की थी आत्महत्या

क्या राम सीता ने की थी आत्महत्या
लेखकः-राजेन्द्र कश्यप
(देश की प्रतिष्ठित वेब साइट ‘‘प्रतिवाद डाट काम’’ पर राम सीता ने की थी आत्महत्या नाम वीडियो पूरे देश व विदेश में देखा जा रहा है, जिसमें मुख्य वक्ता रमेश शर्मा जो राष्ट्रीय एकता परिषद मध्यप्रदेश के उपाध्यक्ष भी हैं।)
भोपाल। ‘‘जीवन का यथार्थ और भविष्यवाणियों का औचित्य’’ विषय पर आयोजित जनसंवेदना संस्था द्वारा संगोष्ठी मे रमेश शर्मा मुख्य वक्ता ने अपने वक्तव्य में हिन्दुओं के धार्मिक ग्रन्थ रामायण के मुख्य चरित्र भगवान श्री रामचन्द्र जी, उनकी धर्मपत्नी सीताजी एवं आयोध्या के राजा दशरथ की नयी व्याख्या में आत्महत्या करने वाला निरूपित किया है।
अपने पूर्व उद्बोधन में रामचरित्र मानस का शहरों में रामभक्तों द्वारा कराये जाने 24 घन्टे का अखण्ड पाठ की कड़ी आलोचना करते हुए कहते हैं कि यह उचित नहीं है इससे पड़ोसियों को कष्ट पहुंचता है और वह रामायण का पाठ करने वालों को गालियां देते हैं। यह उचित नहीं है। भारत में ग्रामीण जन आपस में मिलने पर ‘जय राम जी ’ करते हैं। अपरिचित व्यक्ति से भी बात करते समय जय रामजी करने में संकोच नहीं करते बल्कि मृत्योपरान्त भी राम नाम का उच्चारण करते हैं।
राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी ने भी अपने प्राण त्यागते समय राम नाम का उच्चारण किया था। हिन्दू धर्म के मार्गदर्शक जगत गुरू शंकराचार्य साधु संतजन भी रामन नाम का जोर से उच्चारण को जोर देते हैं। अशिक्षित ग्रामीण जन स्वयं रामचरित्र का पाठ नहीं कर पाते हैं, इसलिये गावों में लाउड स्पीकर की आवाज दूर खेत, खलिहान तक पहुंच जाती है।
‘‘राम नाम की महिमा अपरंपार है’’। राम नाम पर देश में एक बार सत्ता परिवर्तन हो चूका है। ऐसे में मध्यप्रदेश में भाजपा पार्टी की सरकार है जिस पार्टी ने रामजन्म भूमि में राम मन्दिर निर्माण हेतु कृत संकल्पित है, उसी पार्टी के शासन काल में एक राज्य मंत्री का दर्जा प्राप्त श्री रमेश शर्मा अपने वक्तव्य में कहते हैं कि महाराजा दशरथ असंतुलित होकर एकस्ट्रीम में जाकर चलते फिरते दो वचन दे डालेओर अपने दो पुत्रों को वन में भटकना पड़ा। सीता को भी वनवास भुगतना पड़ा। वक्तव्य में कहा कि राम ने भी सरयू नदी में प्राण त्याग दिये यह भी आत्महत्या है।
एक धोबी के कहने पर एकस्ट्रीम में आकर राम ने अपनी पत्नी को वनवास दे दिया और उनके दो पुत्र (लव,कुश) को जीवन यापन के लिये शहरों में गाना गाकर रहना पड़ा। कुशल वक्ता शब्दजाल के प्रवीण रचयिता है। परन्तु स्पष्टतः अयोध्या राजा दशरथ एवं उनके पुत्र भगवान राम ने अत्महत्या की थी यह व्याख्या धर्म प्रेमी स्वीकार नहीं कर पायेंगे। रमेश शर्मा ने स्पष्ट कहा कि ये आत्महत्या हैं। हिन्दू धर्मानुसार आत्महत्या पाप होती है। राजा दशरथ ने पुत्र वियोग में प्राण त्याग दिये थे। सीता धरती पुत्री थीं और वह स्वयं धरती में समा गई थीं। इसी तरह राम ने आत्महत्या नहीं की थी बल्कि प्राणों को ब्रह्माण्ड में चढ़ाकर प्राण त्याग दिये थे। रामचंद्र जी का जीवन संतुलित था। मर्यादा पुरूषोत्तम राम थे। उन्होंने पूरा जीवन मर्यादा में रहकर लोकतांत्रिक जनहितकारी क्रिया कलाप से युक्त जीवन व्यतीत किया।
चिन्तक विचारक रमेश शर्मा ने रामायण ओर भगवान राम की नई व्याख्या की है जो भारत के चिन्तकों की व्याख्या के बीच विरोधाभास लेकर एक आस्थाहीन संदर्भ लेकर आई है, जो भगवानराम को एक मानव रूप में कायर व्यक्तिकी भांति प्रस्तुत करने की कोशिश की है।
क्या अयोध्या के राजा दशरथ, उनके पुत्र भगवान रामचन्द्र जी ने आत्महत्या की थी और सीता जी भी ने भी आत्महत्या करके प्राण त्याग दिये थे। यह प्रश्न हिन्दुओं आस्थओं को चोट पहुंचाता है। क्या ऐसी सरकार को मध्यप्रदेश में शासन करने की अधिकारी है जिनका एक सहयोगी रामचन्द्र जी को आत्महत्या करने वाला मानता है। और क्या मध्यप्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री श्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान एवं शिक्षा एवं संस्कृति मंत्री श्री लक्ष्मी कांत शर्मा जी रामायण की इसी व्याख्या से सहमत हैं।
प्रदेश ही नहीं देश भर के रामभक्तों की आस्थ को ठेस पहुंचाने के प्रयास आगे भी राजी रहेंगे। क्या मध्य प्रदेश सरकार श्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान का समर्थन ऐसी संस्थाओं और व्यक्तियों को मिलता रहेगा।eklavyashakti.com Mob-no=9753041701

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Soil is the most valuable natural resource

Bhopal, 10th April 2011/ Soil is the most valuable natural resource and is
considered as the soul of infinite life, but it is finite and non-renewable. The
scientific management of soil resources, on which depends the agricultural
production, is of critical importance in agricultural development process and
contributes to the wealth and well being of agrarian society. Soil research has
been at the fore-front in pursuits on maximization of crop productivity and
production by developing and employing techniques and practices like efficient
soil tillage and water application methods, management of soil physical
conditions, chemical properties and fertility status. About one half gains in
productivity in the presence of irrigation and high yielding varieties have been
attributable to a right mix of soil management technologies and efficient use of
fertilizers and manures.
However, with the passage of time the very productivity growth rates have shown
signs of decline and Green Revolution a fatigue. Typical stress points of
non-sustainable agricultural growth are: irrigation mediated waterlogging and
salinization, over-exploitation of underground water (extraction exceeding
replenishment) leading to intrusion of saline waters and drying of wells;
imbalanced use of fertilizers, abandoning organic manures in favour of chemical
fertilizers leading to multiple nutrient deficiencies; soil fragility and
excessive tillage accelerating organic matter loss and global warming. In all,
absence of holistic soil management practices, which harmonize economic benefits
and curative measures to preserve quality of soil, water and biodiversity, is at
the root of falling/stagnating growth of agriculture productivity.
In the wake of emerging issues relating to productivity and sustainability,
environmental quality, global competitiveness, rapid advances in information and
communication technologies and consumers’ quality consciousness, the soil
science research is faced with challenges. Indian Institute of Soil Science
since its foundation on 1988 has been in the reckoning and constant pursuit in
finding answers to the following questions:
• How to improve nutrient use efficiency?
• How to sustain better soil health?
• How to improve/enhance soil carbon stocks (facilitate more carbon
sequestration) under changing climate?
• How to rectify/correct nutrient imbalances in soil under intensive production
systems?
• How to supply nutrients through low cost sources/environment friendly nutrient
sources to improve nutrient stocks in nutrient impoverished soils?
• How to restore the productivity of degraded acid soils?

Two decades of untiring works, concerted efforts and constant pursuit at the
Institute produced excellence in soil researches and developed following
technologies to feed the teeming millions:
• Integrated and balanced nutrient management technologies for soybean-wheat
system, cotton, pulses, oil-seed crops and soybean/maize-wheat intercropping
systems.
• Technology for production of nutrient enriched phospho-sulpho-nitro compost.
• Technology for production of nutrient enriched vermi-compost.
• Technology for production of microbial enriched compost from municipal solid
waste.
• Developed and popularized on-line fertilizer recommendation for different
crops based on soil test crop response (STCR) approach.

IPNS for Soybean-Wheat system on Vertisols
• The IISS developed an Integrate Plant Nutrient Supply Technology for enhancing
and sustaining productivity and soil health under soybean-wheat system in Malwa
region. The technology has got the flexibility of using different proportions of
fertilizer and FYM depending on the farmyard manure (FYM) availability with the
farmer.

Low-cost Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Technology for Soybean-Wheat
System
• The INM module comprising “50% NPK + 5 t FYM /ha + Rhizobium to soybean and
75%NPK+PSB to wheat” produced 11% higher soybean yield and 25% higher wheat
yield as compared to Farmers’ practice.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for Pulses
• On-farm trails on INM for pulses (chickpea and lentil) conducted at 60
farmers’ fields in Raisen, Bhopal, Rewa and Satna districts of Madhya Pradesh
not only resulted in higher yields but also saved fertilizer cost.

• Application of 75% NPK + 2.5t FYM + seed inoculation through Rhizobium + soil
application of 3 kg PSB ha-1 to the soybean during kharif and 50-75% NPK to rabi
crop (chickpea/lentil) (based on residual moisture availability) produced 12-25%
more chickpea and 15-28% more lentil yields as compared to traditional practice.

Mechanical Harvest-Borne Wheat Residue Management under Soybean-Wheat System
• Wheat residue incorporation or retention coupled with application of 28 kg N
ha-1 through fertilizer or organic manures is more beneficial than burning in
terms of enhanced crop productivity and soil fertility.
• Wheat residue incorporation resulted in 20–22% higher yields in soybean and
15-25% in wheat as compared to residue burning.
Balanced Fertilization Technology for Cotton
• A balanced fertilization technology (BFT) for cotton (80-40-20 kg N-P2O5-K2O
ha-1 + Zn @ 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + B @ 1 kg ha-1 as 0.1% B foliar spray twice) was
developed.
• With balanced fertilization the yield gains in cotton ranged from 13 to 41%,
with the mean yield increase across all farms being 28%.

Nutrient Enrichment in Composts
• Technologies for production of nutrient phospho-sulpho-nitro-compost and
vermi-composts from farm wastes, cattle dung, minerals such as rock phosphate,
pyrites, etc have been developed.
Microbial Enriched Compost Production from Municipal Solid Waste
• A technique for preparing microbial enriched municipal solid waste compost has
been developed.
• A quality MSW compost can be prepared within 75 days by this technique.
• The microbial enriched MSW compost contains higher N (0.73%) and narrow C:N
(15:1).
Developed Standards for MSW Composts
• Municipal solid waste (MSW) composts from 29 cities have been characterized
for their manurial value and heavy metal pollution potential.
• A new scheme of grading of MSW compost quality on the basis of manurial value
and heavy metal pollution potential have been developed for maximization of
solid waste recycling.
• Maximum safe concentration limits of heavy metals in soil have been determined
which can protect soil microbial activity, plant, animal and human being from
their toxicity.
Balanced Fertilization with Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) in Soybean on Waterlogged
Fields

• On waterlogged fields, planting soybean with balanced fertilization on Broad
Bed Furrows (BBF) produced 50% higher yield than Balanced fertilization with
Farmers’ Practice (FP).

Soil Health Card
• An ideal soil health card has been designed.
• About 200 soil health cards have been prepared from the soil testing results
of ten villages of Rajgarh, Vidisha and Raisen districts. These cards were
distributed to the respective farmers on IISS Foundation Day (16/4/2011).
Tillage and Carbon Sequestration
• A long-term tillage experiment indicated potential for C sequestration under
conservation tillage systems.

• The conservation tillage registered maximum SOC at 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil layers
while conventional tillage treatment (MB plough) had greater SOC in the 15-30 cm
soil layer.
Apart from these technologies, the institute has the distinction of developing
management prescriptions for decontamination or amelioration of heavy metal
polluted sites, use of distillery effluents in agriculture, use of floriculture
plants for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated sites, database on
nitrate pollution of

groundwater, database on soil and water contamination with heavy metals, etc.
The institute has also produced nano- rockphosphate from low-grade indigenous
rockphosphate by top-down approach which can be directly taken by plants and can
be a potential P fertilizer in near future.

For further queries please contact:
Simran: 9810591323, simran@newscommunications.net
Ramya: 9650901186, ramya@newscommunications.net

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Like farmers, fishermen also being provided loans at 3 per cent interest rate: Fisheries Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi

Like farmers, fishermen also being provided loans at 3 per cent interest rate: Fisheries Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi

14th annual general meeting of Fisheries Federation held
Bhopal: Wednesday, March 9, 2011:

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Fisheries Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi has said that like farmers, fishermen are also being provided loans at three per cent interest rate. The assistance given to fishermen will now be deposited in their bank accounts so that they can purchase fishing nets and boats of their own choice. Fisheries Minister Shri Vishnoi was addressing the 14th annual general meeting of Fisheries Federation at Bhopal on Tuesday. At the AGM, the federation’s action plan for the year 2011-12 was endorsed.

Loans to fishermen at 3 per cent interest rate

Average income of fishermen increased to Rs 191 per day from Rs 137.

Fish production in the state is 20 kilogramme per hectare against national productivity of 12.5 kg per hectare

Fisheries Minister Shri Vishnoi said that from next year, fishermen will be provided 80 per cent subsidy instead of 50 per cent for purchasing material. He instructed the officials to ensure that Fishermen’s Credit Cards must be issued to all the fishermen associated with the federation within three months. Credit cards are to be prepared for about 5 thousand fishermen associated with the cooperative societies active in 12 water reservoirs of the state. Through these cards, fishermen will also be able to get loans for fishing like farmers.

Fisheries Minister Shri Vishnoi said that wages of fishermen have been increased to Rs 19 per kilogramme which were earlier between Rs 8 and Rs 17. This year, about Rs 8 crore will be distributed among the fishermen as wages. Shri Vishnoi said that now fishermen associated with the federation are earning over Rs 191 per day each, which used to be Rs 131 earlier. The Fisheries Minister said that per hectare productivity of the federation’s water reservoirs is 20 kilogramme on an average while the national productivity is only 12.5 kilogramme per hectare.

Federation’s MD Smt. Veena Ghanekar said that the Federation has given Rs two crore as royalty to the state government this year, which is highest so far. She said that fisheries activities are being undertaken in 91 thousand hectare area of Indira Sagar, which is the second large water reservoir of Asia. As many as 14 thousand 350 fishermen, who are associated with 40 cooperatives, are working in the reservoir. The AGM was told that apart from fishermen, their family members are also being covered under insurance. Under Jaldeep Yojana, health and education facilities, food material etc are being provided to the family members of five thousand fishermen, who live in inaccessible islands of these reservoirs.

The meeting was told that the federation has achieved all its targets. This year, the total production of Federation’s 12 reservoirs is expected to be more than 3600 tonnes. The scheme for providing dwellings to fishermen at reduced rates has also been put in place.

New Generation Should Become Upholder of Democracy: Shri Ishwardas Rohani

New Generation Should Become Upholder of Democracy: Shri Ishwardas Rohani

Inquisitiveness Of Vidhan Sabha Speaker: Why Is Shri Gopal Bhargava Being Elected Continuously?, Students Reply: He Is Emotionally Attached With Each And Every Family In His Area
Bhopal: Wednesday, March 9, 2011:

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Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Ishwardas Rohani has called upon the youths of new generation to study deeply the Indian parliamentary system and become protectors of democracy. Shri Rohani was addressing the students of Rehli Vidhan Sabha constituency during their parliamentary study tour on behalf of Government College here today. On this occasion, Panchayat and Rural Development, Social Justice Minister and MLA of the segment Shri Gopal Bhargava was also present. When Vidhan Sabha speaker asked the students as to why Shri Gopal Bhargava is being elected for 25 years from his area, the students in one tune replied that Shri Gopal Bhargava is emotionally attached with each and every family members in the area. He is always ready when it comes to the crunch. He doesn't behave as minister. He is simply a representative of people, the students replied.

Replying to the inquisitive questions of the students, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Rohani said that it is very challenge indeed to maintain democracy in better manner. The youths will have to play an important role in this regard. He called upon the students to preserve and maintain Indian parliamentary system by studying it deeply.

The students told the Speaker that the people of the area call Bhaiyaji (local MLA Shri Gopal Bhargava) whenever they are in trouble. They prayed to the god that MLA like Shri Gopal Bhargava should remain always in their Vidhan Sabha constituency. The students said that Shri Gopal Bhargava has been serving as minister for seven years but he is simply a public representative amongst us. His dedication and commitment inspire us. It may be mentioned here that Shri Gopal Bhargava is public representative from Rehli Vidhan Sabha constituency since 1985.

C.M. Shri Chouhan For Economic Emancipation of Women

C.M. Shri Chouhan For Economic Emancipation of Women

International Women's Day Celebration
Bhopal: Tuesday, March 8, 2011:

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The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the society makes progress when women live with honour and dignity. He said that economic emancipation of women is the precondition of development. He was addressing a function organized here today at Samanvay Bhavan to celebrate the International Women's Day.

The Chief Minister expressed commitment to welfare of women, sisters and daughters. He said that mothers and daughters are no longer burden in the state. It is mission of the government to ensure their economic emancipation, saying that the state government stays with them with fullest support at every stage. Shri Chouhan said that positive change in respect of women's empowerment is reflective owing to state government's well-thought initiatives. Number of girl child is increasing. Maternal and infant mortality rates have come down. Percentage of institutional delivery has increased from 24 to 81 percent. Women representatives today occupy 56 percent positions in Panchayats and Urban bodies, he added.

Shri Chouhan said that he had taken initiatives for empowerment of women as member of Parliament by offering financial help to poor parents for marriages of their daughters. He said that the Ladli Laxmi Yojana which was opposed initially is now an ideal scheme. Today 6.56 lakh beneficiaries have been covered.

Shri Chouhan felicitated winners of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia honour for social service and Rani Avani Bai Gallantry Award. He also presented national savings certificates for 14 girl children.

MLAs Smt. Uma Devi, Smt. Lalita Yadav, Smt. Neena Vikram Verma, Smt. Nandi Maravi, Smt. Pratibha Singh, Smt. Gita Uike, Smt. Malini Laxman Singh Gaud, Smt. Kalabai Prajapati were felicitated on the occasion. Smt. Santosh Soni winner of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Award for Social Service and Smt. Neetu Agrawal winner of Rani Avanti Bai Gallantry Award were presented mementos and cash award of Rs. One lakh. National Savings Certificates were presented to Ladli Laxmi beneficiaries.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Ranjana Baghel said that Madhya Pradesh carries a distinct identity by implementing novel schemes for empowerment of women. She said that the budget of the department has been increased by 45 percent. About 430 crore has been spent on implementation of Ladli Laxmi Yojana.

Those present included Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Shri B. R. Naidu, Director Shri Anupam Rajan and women in a large number.

Arjun Singh was Symbol of Secularism: SDPI


Arjun Singh was Symbol of Secularism: SDPI

Bhopal, March 06 (Pervez Bari): The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), has termed the passing away of veteran Congress leader Arjun Singh, who was a former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Governor and Union Minister, as a great loss for the Muslim community .
The SDPI national general secretary A. Sayeed while condoling the death of Mr. Arjun Singh in a statement said that he was a symbol of Indian secularism. It was he who purged the hatred and intolerance from the textbooks of India after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s fall from power, ensuring a secular future of freedom for people of all faiths in India, he pointed out.
Mr. Sayeed said Mr. Arjun Singh proved his mettle and his secular credentials when he was at the helm of affairs at India’s second biggest state, Madhya Pradesh, where Muslims formed a good portion of the electorate. He championed the empowerment of the poor and bravely fought against the communal forces. He firmly stood by the Muslim community during the last two decades of the Hindutva onslaught, he added. Arjun Singh helped Muslim educational institutions like Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia out of the way and played a crucial role in the promotion of Urdu, modernization of Madarsas and helped minorities to open and run their institutions of learning.
The statement said that both Arjun Singh and VP Singh died unwept and in total isolation despite their immense contribution to India's pluralism and secular ethos. They paid for their audacity to speak out for the oppressed and Muslims. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Bhopal gas tragedy survivors protest force Dow Chemical to withdraw from Aquatech trade fair

Bhopal gas tragedy survivors protest force Dow Chemical to withdraw from Aquatech trade fair

Bhopal, March 02 (Pervez Bari): The survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, the world's worst industrial disaster, scored a victory when they forced Dow Chemical, the owner of the Union Carbide, to withdraw from the Aquatech 2011 water technologies trade fair being held in Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai from March 2 to 4. The Union Carbide pesticide factory had spewed deadly poisonous gas in December 1984 killing thousands of people.
According to reports reaching here the Dow Chemical name was struck off the list of partners to the Aquatech 2011 water technologies trade fair after Bhopal survivors held a press conference yesterday and staged a protest today at the venue. Nearly 70 survivors staged a die-in outside the Exhibition Hall inside the Bombay Exhibition Centre, where Dow was listed to have an exhibition stall.
Speaking for the organizers, Commander Dalal of Inter Ads-Brooks Exhibitions reportedly said: "We had a discussion with Dow on this, and Dow is no longer part of this trade fair. They are not here today, and they will not be here tomorrow or the day after." Mr. Dalal also expressed his solidarity with the Bhopal survivors.
Separately, Mr. Kishor Shetty, the manager of Sales and Marketing, at Inter Ads also confirmed over phone that: "The moment we came to know, we dissociated ourselves. Dow Chemical voluntarily withdrew". The event managed by Inter-ads is sponsored by the Union Ministry of Urban Development in collaboration with a number of partners, including Dow Chemical.
Now, Ms. Marta Lopez Garcia of Dow Chemical, Spain, who was listed as a speaker at the Conference tomorrow will not be allowed to speak.
Meanwhile, Bhopal survivors have welcomed the move by the organizers, but have said that they intend to take up the matter with the Union Government.
"We will get to the bottom of the matter about how the Union Ministry of Urban Development has partnered with Dow Chemical to promote the company's water solutions even while Dow is wanted in Bhopal to clean up the soil and groundwater," said Rashida Bi of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmachari Sangh, a NGO working for the welfare of the survivors.
No arrests were made as the police too expressed solidarity with the Bhopal survivors.
It may be mentioned here that the survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy while addressing a Press conference on Tuesday had lashed out at the Federal Government and Maharashtra Government for collaborating with Dow Chemical terming it to be "shameful" that the US multinational has been invited for a business conference in India.
"How can Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan invite Dow Chemical despite knowing the damage it has done to the people of Bhopal who are still facing health crisis due to contaminated water?" Rashida Bi had asked.
The survivors pointed out that even today hundreds of babies are born with deformities, while their parents suffer from damage to liver, kidney and lungs.
It may be recalled here that 40 tones of poisonous methyl isocyanate gas spewed from the pesticide plant of the Union Carbide pesticide factory in the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. The gas leak killed 3,000 people instantly and more that 25,000 over the years. It also affected 100,000 people that night and estimates are that more than 500,000 continue to suffer till date.
Meanwhile, after making a highly successful debut in New Delhi in 2010, Aquatech India 2011 has made a significant move from its home base in New Delhi to Mumbai, India's financial capital. Aquatech India incorporates all sectors of process, drinking and wastewater industries under one roof, making it the only complete platform for the exciting Indian water sector.
Aquatech India 2011 will be the confluence of decision makers, professionals, advisors, technical experts, engineering organizations, consultants and users from the water industry. Huge investments in every water related industry will be required to tackle the unprecedented growth in the demand of water in Asia and especially in India.
Aquatech India 2011 is a joint venture between Amsterdam RAI and Inter Ads Exhibitions (India) Pvt. Ltd., a leading name in exhibitions in India. Indian Desalination Association, (InDA); International Water Association, (IWA); Indian Water Works Association, (IWWA); Indian Plumbing Association, (IPA); US Commercial Service, Water Quality Association, (WQA), that supports Aquatech India and strongly focuses on drinking water, process water and waste water management. Aquatech India has become a part of largest international series of water events in the world. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Bhopal's Mohammad Ali humbles famed motorcycle riders in 'Clash of Titans' in Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing


Bhopal, March 02 (Pervez Bari): The 21-year-old young novice Bhopal lad Mohammad Ali Khan was the cynosure of all eyes as he humbled famed motorcycle riders in the Clash of Titans in the Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in the Novice class for motorbikes up to 165cc 2-stroke to emerge with flying colours.
Dashing and adventurous Mohammad Ali, who is a trainee pilot, riding on his Yamaha ? 135 gave the home fans lots to cheer as he beat back a stiff challenge from Santosh Kumar of Coimbatore to win the seven laps race and make his parents proud.
Santosh Kumar stood second while Suhail Ahmed of Bangalore was placed third in the race. Mohammad Ali was presented a glittering trophy and certificate along with a cheque of Rs. 22,500/- as first prize. Santosh and Suhail received trophies, certificates and cheques of Rs. 15000/- and Rs. 12000/- as second and third prize respectively.
It may be mentioned here that a day earlier Mohammad Ali Khan had finished second behind Muzaffar Ali in the Local Class Group C ? Motorcycles up to 165cc ? 2 stroke in the third leg of the Gulf Dirt Track Racing. He had received Rs. 2300/- cheque for his efforts.
Talking to this Correspondent after the race elated Mohammad Ali said that this is the second year when he participated for the second time in the race. ?This is my biggest achievement?, he exclaimed. When asked about his ideal he revealed that it is none other but Syed Asif Ali, also of Bhopal, who dominated on the scenes of motorsports winning the title of India's most skillful rider in 2007.
A beaming Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Khan, father of Mohammad Ali, while distributing sweets following the spectacular success of his progeny informed that his son has completed 152 of his 200 hours Commercial Pilot training course schedule. He is undergoing pilot training in the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club at Bhopal, he added.
Meanwhile, India?s leading riders gave Bhopal?s motorsport fans something to shout about as they went through the motions in the third leg of the Gulf Dirt Track Racing and Clash of Titans at the BHEL Dussehra Ground over the weekend. If they got a glimpse of what dirt track racing was all about when the third leg of the event, organized by Sportscraft, was run on Saturday, the Clash of the Titans, which pitted only the best riders of the previously held legs in Hyderabad, Nasik and Bhopal, that followed on Sunday was a virtual feast of top class riding.
Bangalore?s Naresh VS of TVS Racing Team was the toast of the crowd which had gathered in large numbers, with teenagers dominating the scene, to cheer the riders performing dare devil feats to their heart content. Naresh scored a rare double when he stood first in both races of Motorcycles up to 130cc and 165cc 4 strokes categories in which he participated. He garnered total prize money of Rs. 45,000/- from the two races along with trophies and certificates.
While in motorcycles up to 130cc race Santosh Kumar of Coimbatore and Sarath KP of Calicut were placed second and third to earn Rs. 15,000/- and Rs. 12000/- respectively as prize money. In the race up to 165cc Yasir Ishaq a local lad, and 17-year-old Siddanth Nayak of Bangalore, the youngest competitor in the race, finished second and third respectively to pocket Rs. 15000/- and Rs. 12000/- cheques accordingly as prize money.
Arvind K. P. and H. K. Pradeep of TVS Racing Team came up with brilliant displays in the Clash of the Titans to emerge the undisputed kings of dirt track motorcycle racing in India. The Bangalore riders Arvind and Pradeep showed the class champions are made of to upset the applecart of their TVS Racing teammate C. S. Santosh, who was favourite going into the Clash of Titans after the brilliant display on Saturday, and take the honours, as the trio proved a distinct class above the field.
Arvind and Pradeep won one race each of the two races in the Indian Expert Class Group A Foreign Motorcycles up to 250cc & Group B up to 260cc respectively and remained second accordingly in the other. They relegated CS Santosh to third place in one race and Vishal Barguje, another Bangalore rider, in the other race. Like in the previous rounds, Arvind and Pradeep, astride TVS bikes, were clear winners in the Indian Expert class Group A for foreign motorcycle despite being challenged all the way by CS Santosh and Barguje.
Arvind and Pradeep laid hands over cheques of Rs. 45,000/- (Rs. 27,000/- + Rs. 18000/-) each as both of them won first and second places in the two races. While CS Santosh and Barguje who each finished third in the two races received Rs. 13,500/- cheques each as prize money.
Much was anticipated from this Clash of the Titans, and none disappointed as they went through the motions on a specially-laid out course at high speeds, their superbly prepared bike raising a dust storm all over. The course laid out by organizers Sportscraft was really tough. In addition to the sharp bends there was also loose gravel and slushy areas to negotiate, which made riding a dicey proposition, but all riders displayed excellent skills to come through this test of man and machine in flying colours.
If the above-named champions dazzled, Coimbatore?s R. Prakash was not far behind in his riding skills as he grabbed top notch in the Private Expert Class for foreign motorcycles up to 250cc - 2 & 4 stroke. Prakash was challenged all the way by Nasik?s Shamim Khan and Vineet Kurup but clever maneuvering around the sharp bends won him the day. Khan and Kurup could only be placed second and third in one of the two races.
Prakash after trailing to Jatin Jain of Nagpur in the first lap turned up the accelerator of his bike full throttle to overtake him and maintained his lead through out to finish first. Jatin probably due to cramps could not maintain his lead and continued to slide down to end up last among the five competitors. Khan and Kurup moving neck and neck continued to push up leaving behind veteran Badal Doshi of Mumbai to fourth place and finished second and third in the race.
While Prakash finished second behind Girish KC of Kerala and Firoz Khan of Aurangabad came third in the Group B ? Motorcycles up to 260cc ? 2 & 4 stroke.
Prakash pocketed Rs. 48,000/- (Rs. 28,000/- + Rs. 20,000/-) cheques, apart from trophies and certificates, in the two races in which he took part. While Khan and Kurup received Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 15,000/- cheques respectively. Girish gained Rs. 28,000/- cheque plus trophy for his top finish in the Group B ? Motorcycles up to 260cc ? 2 & 4 stroke and Firoz got Rs. 15000/- cheque for his third spot in the race.
For riders and public which came in large numbers, this Gulf Oil event was certainly one to remember. They had two days of two-class action from the best riders and their bikes. The manner in which it was conducted left no room for complain from any quarter. After all, Sportscraft?s usual competence in running events with clock-like precision made it possible.
Mr. Shrikant Karani, the enterprising Chairman Organising Committee and founder member of Sportscraft which organized the event, appeared pleased as punch at the successful completion of the event. It may be mentioned here that Sportscraft, which was started by Mr. Shrikant Karani, was named in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 for achieving the landmark of organising 250 motorsport events from 1984 to 2006. Up till now the Sportscraft has organized over 300 events.
It may be pointed out here that the event was sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Limited, (GOCL). The GOCL or simply Gulf Oil, which is a Hinduja Group Company and is more than 100 years old with its famous Orange Disc Logo, is present in more than 90 countries globally. Gulf Oil is renowned for its association with motor sports internationally with the famous Lemans 24hrs endurance race and Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in India. (pervezbari@eth.net)

32 feet High Huge Raja Bhoj statue Unveiled in Bhopal; Enthronement Millennium Year Celebrations Begin


Opposition parties critical of Madhya Pradesh Govt. for wasting crores of rupees

Bhopal, March 01 (Pervez Bari): Associated with much hype and hoopla the completion of 1000 years of coronation of Raja Bhoj, a king of the Parmar dynasty, was marked by the unveiling of 32 feet high gigantic statue of the ruler along the embankment of the Upper Lake, the lifeline of Bhopal, in the morning here. Later, a high voltage cultural programme was held at the Lal Parade police ground in the evening on Monday to mark the occasion.
Former Union Minister and Member of Rajya Sabha Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, who is a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party, (BJP), leader and being past president of the party, was the chief guest at the unveiling function. The BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan presided over the function. While in the evening BJP national president Mr. Nitin Gadkari was the chief guest and Mr. Chouhan presided over the cultural function.
Mr. Naidu pressed the button to unveil the statue of Raja Bhoj. After unveiling the statue, Jawans of the Madhya Pradesh Police accorded 21-gun royal salute to Raja Bhoj. Colorful balloons were set off with the tune of police band to mark the occasion. On this occasion, 21 Pandits recited 'Swasti-Vachan' with Madhya Pradesh song. Thus, Raja Bhoj Enthronement Millennium Year celebrations got underway here with a bang with whole of Bhopal dressed like a bride. The illumination of rotaries and some government buildings gave a festive look to the city. There was half day holiday announced in the government offices for the employees to join the celebrations in the evening. The Madhya Pradesh Government had got printed two lakh invitation cards and distributed to every Tom, Dick and Harry for the cultural evening to be a grand success with overflowing spectators.
Meanwhile, a few words about the statue. The sculptor of the statue is Mr. Prabhat Rai of Gwalior. The 32-feet high statue which weighs seven tonnes is made up of gunmetal and bell metal and has incurred a cost of Rs. 27 lakhs. It took two months time to manufacture the statue. Its base is 12 feet and was installed on 10 feet high “Burj” (bastion) in the Upper Lake. While it was officially stated that the expenditure on the celebrations was Rs. four crore whereas sources claim that it is much more running into several crores. The Opposition parties on the other hand were critical of the Madhya Pradesh Government for spending crores of rupees at a time when farmers were committing suicide over damage to crops due to frost. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chouhan speaking at the unveiling ceremony described the unveiling of statue of Raja Bhoj as fulfillment of a resolution. He said that Raja Bhoj is an ideal and inspiring figure for him.
Mr. Chouhan said that Raja Bhoj was an intellectual, believer of justice, art lover, musician and good administrator. He said that Raja Bhoj was not only a good administrator but also an upholder of communal and religious harmony. He said that Raja Bhoj was the first who initiated for water conservation and urban development in India and perhaps in the world. Raja Bhoj had developed the nation as a country of culture. The Chief Minister announced to rename the V.I.P. Road as Raja Bhoj Road.
He said he was pained to see Vagdevi idol in British museum. Efforts will be made to bring back the statue of 'Vagdevi'--a goddess of Raja Bhoj--from London, he asserted.
Similarly, he said:”When I see Kohinoor diamond in London museum I want to bring it back to India like Hanumanji. But in a democracy this cannot be done. Hence, it would be considered as how to get back the diamond”.
The Chief Minister said that action plan for the development and conservation of Raja Bhoj lake would be given final touch in this week. The Upper Lake will be developed into an attractive destination not only for the people of country but also abroad. Galleries will be developed along the embankment of Upper Lake depicting history and culture.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is celebrating Raja Bhoj Enthronement Millennium year to recollect the history of Raja Bhoj. He hoped that Madhya Pradesh would become a developed state, drawing inspirations from the ideals of Raja Bhoj.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said that no country could develop by overlooking its history. He underlined the need for mandatory inclusion of history in syllabi of academic institutions. He said that Raja Bhoj is an asset of not only state but also of entire nation.
Describing Raja Bhoj as synonym of good governance, Mr. Naidu said that it should be an agenda of democratic states and the nation as well. To ensure a good governance and education to each and every person will be a befitting tribute to Raja Bhoj, he said. He concurred with the Chief Minister to bring back the Vagdevi idol from Britain. If Madhya Pradesh Government forwarded any proposal he would try to get it ratified by the Parliament. He appreciated the State Government for installing statue of Raja Bhoj and observing Enthronement Millennium Year.
Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Harvansh Singh said that Raja Bhoj was an upholder of culture, arts, science and religion. Installation of statue will be an inspiring figure for the people, he said. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, (MPTDC), chairman Dhruvnarayan Singh, who is also MLA from Bhopal Central, said that the installation of statue would uphold the traditional values and promote knowledge. He wished Madhya Pradesh for a developed state and prosperity among its citizens. He also demanded rechristening of Bhopal as Bhojpal.
Chief Minister Chouhan felicitated statue carving artist Prabhat Rai with shawl and coconut. A folder of Tourism Development Corporation 'Bhojdharshan-Janiye Raja Bhoj Ko' on the life of Raja Bhoj was released on the occasion.
At the outset, MPTDC chairman Dhruvnarayan Singh and Managing Director Hariranjan Rao welcomed the guests and sport them traditional colourful headgears. On the eve of the statue unveiling ceremony Madhya Pradesh Urban development Minister Mr. Babula Gaur expressed his views while releasing a souvenir “Swabhiman” published by Raja Bhoj Panwar-Parmar Samaj at his residence on Sunday. The minister said that as per evidences, Raja Bhoj had constructed a Shiv temple on the bank of old pond at Bhojpur one thousand years ago. He had taken a cue from Somnath temple to build it at Bhojpur. The pond was known as Bhojpal pond in the history. It was also Raja Bhoj who founded Bhopal. Later, it was called Bhu-Pal and lastly it is known as Bhopal.
Gaur said that after Raja Bhoj, Bhopal was developed by Gond king Nizam Shah, Rani Kamalapati, Sardar Dost Mohemmad Khan and Begums and Nawabs of Khan's generation.
It may be mentioned here that the Madhya Pradesh State Government has dedicated 2011 to Raja Bhoj millennium year. The State Government calendar this year is also dedicated to Raja Bhoj which contains photographs of inscriptions and temples erected by Raja Bhoj in various parts of the State. The victories of Raja Bhoj in wars and his cultural activities have been illustrated through photographs. The photographs of rising sun at the Upper Lake in Bhopal, 'Shivlinga' of Bhojpur, Bhojshala at Dhar, Vagdevi statue (presently in British museum of London), Saraswati temple at Dhar (Bhojshala), Nadi Devi and Shivgan carved in Shiva temple at Bhojpur, dam at the Betwa river near Bhojpur, Shiva temple at Bhojpur, Raja Bhoj coiled snake symbols, 'Jain Tirthkar' statue at Bhojpur, iron-pillar at Dhar and Tamra-patra photographs from Betma are other attractions of the calendar. (pervezbari@eth.net)

Survivors of Bhopal Gas Tragedy welcome admission of curative petition by SC

Bhopal, February 28 (Pervez Bari): Representatives of five organizations of the survivors of the December 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the world?s worst industrial catastrophe, on Monday welcomed the admission of the curative petition for enhancement of compensation by the Supreme Court of India.
Holding the Government of India primarily responsible for the collusive settlement of 1989, they stated that the government?s curative petition does not contain correct figures of death and extent of injuries caused by the disaster. They expressed hope that the Court will take necessary steps to arrive at a compensation sum based on correct figures of the impact of the disaster.
Ms Rashida Bi, a survivor and leader of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, said that the figure of deaths presented by the Indian government is far lower than that reported by government research agencies. She said that statistical projections based on the mortality rates reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies show that the figures of exposure related death were five times more than that mentioned in the curative petition filed in the Supreme Court. She pointed out that registration of exposure related deaths was arbitrarily stopped in 1997 while the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies reported 436 deaths attributable to toxic exposure in 2000.
Another leader Balkrishna Namdeo, of Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pension Bhogi Sangharsh Morcha, pointed out that essential tests such as Pulmonary function test, exercise tolerance test and urinary thiocyanate tests were carried out on less than 10 per cent of the claimants as a result of which several hundred thousand victims were wrongly adjudged as having suffered only temporary injury. He said that while ICMR?s study reported 30 per cent of the victims to be suffering from mental illnesses, no claimant was assessed for mental injuries.
Ms Safreen Khan, of Children against Dow Carbide said that in the curative petition, the government had failed to mention that children born after the disaster were also entitled to compensation. She pointed out that according to studies published in international peer reviewed journals such as the Journal of American Medical Association and American Journal of Industrial Medicine, children born to gas exposed parents have suffered growth and development disorders.
According to Ms Rachna Dhingra, of Bhopal Group for Information and Action, the Indian government had wrongly claimed compensation for contamination of soil and ground water in the curative petition that was focused on the December 1984 gas disaster. She pointed out that the toxic contamination was unrelated to the gas disaster and was a result of routine and reckless dumping of hazardous waste by the Union Carbide. She said that if the Indian government is sincere about making the company pay for the environmental and health damage caused by toxic contamination, it should join the ongoing litigation in the US federal court.
It may be mentioned here that 40 tonnes of poisonous methyl isocyanate gas spewed from the pesticide plant of the Union Carbide factory in the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984. The gas leak killed 3,000 people instantly and more that 25,000 over the years. It also affected 100,000 people that night and estimates are that more than 500,000 continue to suffer till date. (pervezbari@eth.net)