Friday gurgaon 23 29 jan, 2015 by Friday Gurgaon

23-29 January 2015

Vol. 4 No. 23  Pages 16  ` 10

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2014-2017

prakhar PANDEY

A Dream faces Reality

{ Abhishek Behl FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he Kingdom of Dreams (KoD), the premier entertainment destination of Gurgaon (and perhaps even NCR), is unfortunately standing at the crossroads today. Perceived as the Mecca of live entertainment and fantasy dining, the Kingdom of Dreams was built on a grand scale by the promoters, with the hope that it would capture the imagination of the classes - thus ensuring a good return on investment. However, four years down the road, KoD finds itself weighed down by high operation costs and a constant high maintenance bill for its unique, colossal world-class infrastructure. Given its high overheads, KoD needs at least 80 per cent ‘occupancy’ of its food and entertainment ‘shows’, for

sustenance. The management has already approached the Union Tourism Ministry for help, and requested that KoD be treated as a tourism destination, as it has become an important part of the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Jaipur Agra) tourist circuit. No doubt a large number of tourists to Delhi and Jaipur now also halt at Gurgaon and visit the Kingdom of Dreams, but the number is currently not large enough. The locals would also want KoD to keep going, as they are proud that the Kingdom of Dreams offers them and all visitors a world class entertainment experience – something that even Delhi does not quite have. The management clearly needs to find some out of the box solutions. Gagan Sharma, who along with Wizcraft is the Co-promoter of the Great Indian Nautanki Company, which owns the Kingdom of Dreams,

confirms that they have sought support from the Ministry of Tourism as the project has been facing difficulties lately. “Across the world projects like KoD are supported by governments, as they also generate worthwhile employment and revenue for the State. We provide direct em-

ployment to 1500 people, and indirectly to 5000 men and women, which is significant. This project is indeed unique. It is one of the best entertainment destinations across the world,” asserts Sharma. Rather than getting support from the State, KoD in fact has to contend with rental payments

to HUDA, which has leased land to KoD. There are also allegations that the management has mortgaged the HUDA land against a loan - which would be in violation of the agreement. Sharma clarifies that they have mortgaged the rights only, Contd. on p 4

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23-29 January 2015

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319 Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2014-2017 Vol. 4 No. 23  23-29 January 2015

Editor:

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Atul Sobti

Sr. Correspondent: Abhishek Behl Correspondent:

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 SC orders Haryana govt. to complete the pending trials related to female foeticide within 4 months.  An SIT headed by the Lokayukta, Haryana has estimated that there has been an over Rs 10,000 tax (related to property) fraud over the past several years (eg. taxes/levies not paid at all, or amounts collected from customers but not deposited with the govt.). CLUs (Changes of Land Use) will now also require approvals from Forest and PWD departments and NHAI. CM asks for review of all projects sanctioned by the previous govt., especially those where work is yet to start. Haryana Roadways is awarded the (Central) Transport Minister’s 3,000 teachers in the State (90 in Gurgaon), who were appointed in August 2013, may face the axe in March. Trophy for having the lowest accident rate among State transport corporations. HC bans use of kites with Chinese strings, whose sharpness has caused many mishaps. The State govt. sets end June as the fresh deadline for 100% Aadhaar enrolment.

 A 30-year-old man is arrested for molesting a woman in Wazirabad.  An 18-year-old girl is forcibly caught and pushed into a car while she is out walking with her family in Sector 10.  A 13-year-old girl is reported missing from Kasan Village.  2 are held for a kidnap and extortion (Rs 20 lakhs) threat to a software development company director; his driver and an accomplice (a dairy owner) had planned to kidnap the director’s daughter.  An Assistant Sub-Inspector is manhandled and his uniform torn, when he tries to stop a person from taking a wrong U turn.  A Sub-Inspector is robbed of his car

Watch and listen to

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and cash at gunpoint in Udyog Vihar; a civilian is also robbed of his car and cash near Sector 10A. A gang selling stolen goods online is caught. 4 hoodlums in an Alto snatch a Swift at gunpoint in Sector 9; they later abandon the Alto. After an altercation between 2 drivers, 4 people in one of the cars ‘takes over’ the other car, near Sector 12A. 5 are arrested for road rage/assault on 2 persons.  A bike borne criminal snatches the bag of a 50-year-old lady in Sushant Lok; there was jewellery worth Rs 4 lakhs in the bag.  Robbers break the shutters of a shop in Basai and steal jewellery worth lakhs. A Dy. Dir. of the Labour dept. is arrested for taking a Rs 50,000 bribe. An absconding company director is tracked and jailed in a cheque bounce case. An NRI husband who has abandoned his wife and child is asked to pay Rs 3.25 lakhs per month to them by a family court. Gurgaon Police sets up a ‘Strangers Gallery’ (on WhatsApp), to keep track of suspicious and suspected people; they already have a ‘Rogues Gallery’ for known criminals.

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MLA Umesh Aggarwal has confirmed that a sum of Rs 10 crores has been sanctioned for the development of facilities in the 3 local govt. colleges. The sum is proposed to be broadly spent as follows:  Girls College, Sector 14 – Rs 4 crores, for a new Science Block and toilet infrastructure  Dronacharya College – Rs 3 crores, for 16 new classrooms;  Govt. College Sector 9 – Rs 3 crores, for 3 Science Labs.

1800 180 4334 is the new centralised complaint number for DHBVN (power) complaints, from January 1. Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) twitter account: @Commissioner MCG For grievances in HUDA sectors (and even private builder areas), email admggnhuda@gmail.com Any citizen who comes across any information on suspected crime or criminals should call the following numbers of Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HLSA): 1800 180 2057 (toll free) or 0124 2221501 – the same numbers that HLSA has set up for offering legal advice to citizens.

 Over 1 lakh Dera Sach Sauda followers hold up traffic in the City, after the movie of their ‘Messenger of God’ is not allowed to be screened, in Sector 29.  There are 3 Swine Flu deaths reported from the City.  Transport Minister Ram Bilas Sharma is the Chief Guest at a Road Safety event in the City.  NH8 (Delhi-Gurgaon) would be covered by 23 CCTV cameras by end-February.  50 policemen would be deployed at Sirhaul toll plaza to ensure that there is no violence; many villagers have threatened to not pay toll.  21 Pink Autos are flagged off by the Police Commissioner.  PG houses in the City are served notices – cumulating Rs 50 lakhs – for theft of power.  MCG takes over maintenance of Saraswati Vihar from Housing Board – the first such ‘transfer’ to MCG in Gurgaon.  Street vendors protest inordinate delay in the allotment of ‘authorised spots’ in the City for them.  Students of Govt. Girls College Sector 14 demand the setting up of a University in Gurgaon.  Hero Honda flyover is finally set to start, with a deadline of may 2017.  Gurgaonites ask for direct Delhi-Rewari and Gurgaon-Chandigarh rail services, in the run-up to the Rail Budget. FG’s recent story on the issues at the Public Library seems to have helped in getting some quick redressal. MLA Umesh Aggarwal has confirmed a renovation approval worth over Rs 1 crores (including premises and books). High Court restrains Haryana from changing any land use in its NCR areas until formal approval of Master Plan 2021 is given by the NCR Planning Board. Town & Country Planning department of the State asks 352 builders to register all the pending conveyance deeds in their favour and transfer the titles to residents…or, if not possible or valid, return the monies (with interest) to customers. Town & Country Planning department asks all licencee builders to submit the status of the internal development work in their projects/colonies within the next 20 days. Registrar of Transport Authority (RTA) proposes to make high security number plates and tariff meters mandatory for all autos in the City; fitness certificates would not be issued unless the above are in place.

C oming U p

23-29 January 2015

Ride 6 Throttle Shrottle Date: January 25 Time: 05:30 am Venue: Throttle Shrottle, GurgaonFaridabad Road, Gwal Pahari signal

Lords Motorcycle Ride to Chiang Mai Date: January 26 Time: 11:00 am Venue: Viktorianz, Lower Ground Floor, Plot No 252, Sector 28, Golf Course Road Contact details manoj@viktorianz.com +91- 9971 119 102 +91 - 124 - 2386 252 Run to Give Back - Republic Day in Gurgaon Date: January 26 Time: 07:30 am Venue: Leisure Valley, Sector-29 Sector 28, Golf Course Road It's cold, and there are many homeless people. Time to sort clothes and bring them along to our Run on 26th. January, at Leisure Valley

Living Walls The Boost Training Run: Gurgaon Date: January 25 Time: 07:00 am Venue: Sector 29 Market Royal Mavericks - Nation Salute Ride Date: January 26 Time: 10:00 am Venue: Ambience Mall

Art Alive presents Living Walls, an art project where a group of artists will engage in painting the walls of the gallery itself. Art Alive Gallery 120, Institutional Area, Sector 44

Epicentre Stand Up Comedy Date: January 23 Time: 7:30pm Forced To Be Single (Hinglish/75mins) Comedian: Zakir Khan Tickets at Rs. 350 available at the Venue. Suitable for 18 years & above. Music Date: January 26 Time: 6:30pm A Musical Evening in Honour of India - Come India Sing Jana Gana Mana Presented by Lorraine Music Academy, in aid of LAMP Trust & the National Patriotic Project /Come India Sing…’

from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums in Kolkata looking for the real cause behind people’s happiness. Collaborator: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama Dance Date: January 28 Time: 7:30pm Life, an evening of Fusion of Western, Bollywood & Contemporary Dance by Bilal Khan and his group. Tickets at Rs. 200 available at the Venue.

Music Date: January 29 Time: 7:30pm Zindagi Zindagi Hai Miyan, an evening of Documentary Film soulful Classical Ghazals Date: January 27 by melodious Sudeep, Time: 7:30pm Happy (2011/Eng./73mins) disciple of Smt. Shanti Hiranand. Director & Writer Roko Collaborator: Impresario Belic Asia The filmmaker travels

NAYI SUBAH Empower Your Domestic Workers! Help them get their Voter IDs in Gurgaon

Nayi Subah team works along with home owners to empower domestic workers If you need help, please contact us. Email: nayi.subah.ggn@gmail.com Phone: +91 9650959335 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nayi.subah.gurgaon

A Dream faces Reality

the Appu Ghar management has already leased out a major part of the land and is using that money to build a recreation park. “If they can be touted as a tourism project, surely we deserve better. We bring in top class entertainers and artists from across India and the world. We have built a theatre that is at par with the best in the West. We have taken such a colossal project to a great level virtually on our own. KoD now needs encouragement form the State,” he asserts. The Great Indian Nautanki Company, which is joint venture between Apra Group and Mumbai-based Wizcraft has also asked the Tourism Ministry to make KoD a part of the Incredible India Campaign, and also include it in the itinerary of The Luxury Trains (like Palace on Wheels). A local resident and a regular KoD visitor, Manika Walia, opines that while it is a most worthy concept and facility, there is need for it to become more egalitarian, and offer more variety in terms of art, culture and food - like Delhi Haat. The need for more variety has been well understood by the management as well, and they are planning to add more drama and features to this entertainment hotspot. Ayesha Dahra, a senior executive at KoD, tells Friday Gurgaon that they will soon add six live kitchens to the Culture Gully, as people are very fond of coming to this place to eat different cuisines. “We have a large number of repeat visitors from different parts of the country, and the expatriates living in Gurgaon and Delhi are also regular visitors. They all bring their visiting friends and family here. The new live food stations will offer authentic cuisines from different parts of the world,” she says. She adds that the beautiful sky, the grand artwork and the great food,

attract people from far and wide. On the broad offerings of KoD, a number of people also say that the Kingdom of Dreams should have been a dynamic organism, which should have changed and evolved with time and experience…much like our like our own dreams. It has remained a little too static. Zangoora, the live entertainment show, has run unchanged for a long time - with almost everyone (who can afford it) in Gurgaon having seen it twice. Now even Jhumroo seems as old. The food, art and culture have also not changed much, thus robbing the (repeat) visitors of any novelty. Alka Gurha, a long time Gurgaon resident and a blogger, opines that while she has been to KoD a few times, it is now becoming difficult to convince herself to pay such a high price for another visit to ‘the same place’. “We need more live shows, more entertainment and more diversity, for us to want to repeatedly visit KoD,” she says. An inescapable fact is that Zangoora has been a most successful presentation – it recently celebrated its 1500th. run. Shena Gamath, the Director of the show, agrees that the biggest challenge for the actors and directors is to ensure ‘freshness’, despite the show being repeated day after day. “We do have different performers, who bring their own flavour - the actors change, the characters change. It is a unique, magical show, with top quality production values,” asserts Gamath. Ayehsa Dahra says that corporates are an important clientele of KoD. “We have the facilities to host meetings and conferences. We are very popular with the MNC crowd,” she says. Real Estate consultant Sanjay Sharma is of the opinion that KoD occupies an important space in the cultural and entertainment mindset of Gurgaon. “It has

been built on a world class scale, and given an opportunity it can surely bounce back. I think the management needs to reinvent this place. They need to make the operations more efficient and productive, but clearly not at the cost of creativity,” states Sharma. He adds that if the promoters want government support and help, then KoD needs to be more transparent in its operations and management. “KoD needs to be more responsive to the community, and should offer subsidised tickets to at least HUDA residents (as the land has been given by this agency). “Even people who can’t afford to buy the tickets should be given a sneak peek (maybe by designating one such day in a week), to discover what live entertainment is all about. KoD needs to build a positive universal vibe around itself, as currently it is seen as a destination of the elite, for the elite and by the elite,” he concludes. Critics like RTI activist Harinder Dhingra see these activities as wastage of resources, and assert that unless the management of KoD and the newly established Appu Ghar are ready to become more transparent and accountable, the government should not help these organisations with public money and resources. Dhingra adds that KoD should be asked to give 25 per cent discount to all the residents who live in HUDA sectors,

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C over S tory as it was part of the original agreement. The auditorium also should be made available once a week to HUDA, for its own functions and meetings. “The promoters must deliver on their promises before they seek public money and support,” he says. He is also skeptical about the investments and losses that have been declared. (On Appu Ghar, Dhingra alleges that the Haryana government has leased 42 acres of prime commercial land for about Rs. 95 crores, while the circle rate of that land is Rs. 826 crores). “I want these organisations to be brought under RTI,” he asserts. Dhingra clarifies that he is not in favour of closing down projects like KoD, but if public money and resources are to be involved, then the management will have to be more transparent and accountable, and be willing to share the facility with the common man. Gagan Sharma, who dreamt the Kingdom of Dreams, says that they have no problem with transparency, and they run the place in a professional manner. “We have, with our blood, sweat and tears, built the KoD brand and also shown the world that we can create and run such a complex and colossal ‘art cum entertainment - showshaa’ facility. We just need some positive support from the government for a project that has surely made India and Indians proud,” he says. The management is very hopeful that the Modi government, which has identified Tourism as a national priority, will take effective steps to ensure that the required support is extended to KoD. After all, why cannot there be, should not there be, Kingdoms of Dreams in a few other cities/regions of India, with their own local cum global flavours? In fact, why not Global KoDs, to start with in the US and UK? Gurgaonites too want the pride of their City to not only survive but thrive. But they also want it to give back to the City and the community as a responsible institution…one which is not only entertaining, but also caring. Let the Dream live on!u

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and they have taken due permission from the Haryana government to do so. The Company claims to have already invested more than Rs. 400 crores, and states that an additional Rs. 250 to 300 crores is needed (to add more shows and variety), to make the project commercially viable. While shows like Zangoora and Jhumroo have attracted (and continue to attract) a large number of visitors, and Culture Gully is quite a hit, the management has realised that these are not enough to take care of its high-class production and maintenance costs. The high prices for the shows have also failed to attract many middle class families. Many Gurgaon residents who have been to KoD, and truly appreciate this unique project, suggest that there is need to reinvent the place. Bhawani Shankar Tripathy, a civil society activist who has been to KoD a couple of times, opines, “KoD is not only an entertainment destination, but also a unique ‘art & culture’ facility – in design and performance. It should be helped by the government, but should definitely not be run by it. It must adopt a more sustainable model of operation. The best solution would be to adopt a PPP (Public Private Partnership) model, including revenue sharing. Given the reported large operational gaps, things won’t improve without a significant overhaul and new investment.” Some entertainment industry professional say that if the government steps in, the problem can be resolved. KoD management believes that if the Haryana government takes a supportive stand and treats KoD as a tourism project under the 2008 Haryana Tourism policy, a number of problems could be solved. Gagan Sharma says that the State should extend the lease period from the current 15 years to at least 33 years, as it is difficult to get long-term loans and to attract investors at this stage of the project. “We also would like the lease rental (to HUDA) to be renegotiated, and some additional land provided for some new shows/facilities,” says Sharma. The Haryana government has indeed provided better terms to other projects, even within the City. The adjacent Appu Ghar, which is coming up on 42 acres of government land, has been given on a longer lease and on very nominal terms. Sharma adds that while KoD is being held guilty of mortgaging its (land) lease rights for a loan,

prakhar PANDEY

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23-29 January 2015

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23-29 January 2015

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The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launching the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ logo and program at Panipat, Haryana on January 22, 2015. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Smriti Irani, the Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, and the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi were also present on the occasion.

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Pressed by the legislators of Mewat area, the Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal, has approved a proposal for the acquisition of 108 acres of land in Akera village for developing a reservoir at the Kotla Lake in Mewat district. This has been a two-decades-old demand of the water-starved farmers here. The CM has ordered a special allocation of funds for the immediate acquisition of land and the construction of the project, costing about Rs 64 crores. The farmers have been offered an attractive price for their land. When completed, the Project would provide irrigation facility to 5,630 acres of land - 1,620 acres during the kharif and 4,010 acres during the rabi season. The Kotla reservoir, covering 108 acres of land, including that of the feeder channel, will hold 1186-17 acre-feet volume of fresh water. Four inlets would also be provided, for water of the adjoining areas to flow into the water body during the rainyseason; six outlets would be provided for releasing water for irrigation purposes.

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onsequent to the tragic rape of a young lady by an Uber cab driver on December 5, the police and transport authorities in Delhi and Gurgaon have once more embarked on a series of corrective steps - ranging from the urgent to the random. The Delhi government and also a few other States have imposed a ban on the operation of Uber services on their roads. For a brief period even other web-based taxi services were suspended; most had failed to check the antecedents of the drivers that they had hired. After the rape accused was nabbed, based on the details and description provided by the victim, it emerged that he had been earlier charged on at least two similar counts. This habitual sex offender had shut off the GPS tracker on his phone, driven the woman to a secluded place near Inderlok and raped her. He was also carrying a forged character certificate from his local police station. Radio cabs are now back on the roads. In Gurgaon, the Police have stepped up the checking of drivers across the city painstakingly scanning driving licences and vehicle documents. But is this an effective way to stop crimes against women? Police Commissioner, Navdeep Singh Virk, says, “It’s difficult, but we use various means to try and prevent crime. In this case, apart from licence checking, if we discover that an individual has any crime record, then we add this data in our ‘Rogues Gallery’ - to help us keep a proper track of him.” But what next? How can the Police better ensure women’s security? Vinod Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), adds, “It is the duty of the vehicle owners to

Taxi Drivers queue up

can only be stopped with strict inspections and stiff penalties. For example, many migrants are driving heavy commercial vehicles without the requisite licence,” says Manoj, from the RTA (transport authority). The spurt in spot-checking has upset most of the drivers. Bikas, a driver from West Bengal, laments, “I went back to my hometown to get proper documentation. I thought I had got everything. When I returned, every day I would go and stand in a long queue, for verification; but when my turn came, they asked me to go back and get some more documents. There are a few who have left

NCR and will only come back after this verification process ends. Some others have started driving autos. We all came here to earn money and we understand the need for rules and regulations, but sometimes the experience is unnerving." Of course, all this shows that the verification drive has been fairly robust. After the Uber rape case many valid questions have been raised on the safety of ‘appbased taxis’. It is evident that the security provided by technology is limited. For one, services like Uber don't own the cabs in their fleet, and even don’t ensure that the vehicles are GPS-fitted. Even with a GPS installed, all that a rogue driver needs to do is to switch off the phone. Clearly, nothing has been able to replace good old-fashioned policing of the roads. In recent years many women working in NCR (and women are joining the workforce with a vengeance) have been sexually assaulted. The young are also frequenting pubs and nightspots after office hours, often without a male ‘escort’. When returning home late, the safety of a taxi service has probably been the last thing on their minds. So, is ‘pink taxis’ the answer now? In fact providers like Ola have already launched pink cabs. On this, Vinod Kaushik, DCP Traffic, observes, “Hopefully this idea will catch on in the coming years.” It seems that the NCR should get ready for more pink taxis as well as orientation classes for drivers…though not so many more cops on the roads, Will all this make it safer for women? Or will they remain as vulnerable as before. The truth is that such ‘urgent’ moves (after every highly disturbing ‘event’) are becoming more random…rather than part of an integrated, comprehensive plan for women’s safety. And we are not even talking (women’s) liberation yet.u

thoroughly verified by the police authorities. Women can also avail this service when they are accompanied by a male colleague or a family member. These autos would be available from the HUDA City Centre Metro station. Women commuters at this Station are expected to prefer this service as it would be safer and the charge would be the same as a ‘normal’ auto, said a traffic policeman. In its new avatar, the Pink Auto will be equipped with a light and an alarm button. "On pressing the alarm button, a distress signal on the auto will blare an alarm and a light will start blinking, indicating that the commuter

is in danger," said Mohit, a Pink Auto driver. Nisha Guha Thukral, a college student, said, “Relaunching Pink Auto is a great move by the Traffic department and I sincerely appreciate this. I would suggest that the authorities also start allowing lady drivers for Pink Autos.” Pink Autos were first introduced in January 2013, after a physiotherapy student was raped in a moving bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012 - but the service was later discontinued due to a poor response. “We may have failed once, but there is no harm in trying again. Our department had taken this initiative. We

prakhar PANDEY

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

C ivic/S ocial

23-29 January 2015

scrutinise their drivers’ licences, and take appropriate action. If during verification (while hiring and even regularly) it turns out that any driver has committed some crime or do not have proper documents, then he should not be hired…or removed from service”. Sushmita Ghosh, a resident, states, “Suddenly our traffic policemen seem to have become quite active in checking – though of course the traffic issue during peak hours is yet to be resolved. The verification drive is welcome. However, my concern is on properly the process is being carried out.” And how much of an impact do these verification drives really have on the cab drivers, most of whom are migrants from neighbouring provinces and other states? Anil Yadav, who owns a car agency, says the real impact is very little. He states, “I appreciate the initiative taken by the government, but such steps will never help stop crime. This has just become a new process of earning money. They are only harassing our drivers. “There are about two lakh drivers in NCR, most of them are migrants. In Gurgaon, the majority of them

are from West Bengal, Bihar and UP. Their licences have been issued from their native places. At present the system is that they have to go their native place for their renewal or for any missing documents. The drive has led to many of them having to leave the City. I don't deny that the owners need to conduct a proper check, and that drivers need to behave better. Perhaps a basic behaviourial class, for them to understand city folk better, would help. Civic society members should help in this.” But transport officials have a different take. “Drivers openly flout rules and systems, and that

prakhar PANDEY

Pink is back on the road { Barnali Dutta/FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he Millennium City had reintroduced Pink Autos (exclusively for woman commuters) with some new, special features. The relaunch was inaugurated by Joint Commissioner of Police, Saurabh Singh at the HUDA City Centre's prepaid booth. At present there are 21 Pink Autos in the City. The drivers of these autos have been

C ivic/S ocial

23-29 January 2015

hope to increase the number of Pink Autos in the not too distant future,” said DCP, Vinod Kaushik. “The Department had formulated a criteria for Pink Auto drivers – for example, they should be local and middleaged, ” an ASP added. However, the drivers did not seem to be satisfied with this concept. They expect that their earnings will reduce by almost 50%. Said Mohit, “Very few have availed Pink Autos, and this is unlikely to change. Even ladies seem to prefer the ‘yellow autos’, because most of their drivers are positioned just outside the station and offer rides at lower rates than us. We, on the other hand, have to wait at our booth, and have a fixed rate.” Added Kumar, another auto driver, “If I drop a commuter at DLF Phase 1 (from the HUDA Metro station), getting another woman commuter there will not be easy. In which case, I'll have to return ‘empty’ all the way to the Metro station to find my next customer." Lady commuters seem to also not be opting for the Pink Autos because the numbers are too few. Neelanjana Jaiswal, Senior Officer, Usha International, said, “I have not seen any Pink Auto, though I have definitely heard about them.” She felt that there was still very little awareness about the more modern and safer Pink Autos. “Commuters are always in a hurry on the road. Everybody is rushing. You just take what you get…and the ‘yellow autos’ are all over. For the Pink Auto program to be successful, the

SIDDHI HOUSE MODERN P.G. FOR CORPORATE WOMEN

Traffic Police should ensure that an exclusive booth is set up (and publicised) for lady commuters,” she added. One of the major reasons for the earlier failure of Pink Autos was that they were just not allowed to carry men and were issued challans in case men were found riding in them. This time the Police have decided to be less harsh in dealing with such situations. Many lady commuters also felt that it is equally important to rein in the ‘yellow auto drivers’, who would still carry the majority of women. Quite a few of these drivers are often aggressive even with female commuters. “I know that the auto drivers are belligerent and very hard to manage. Despite cautioning them, we sometimes have to use equally aggressive tactics to discipline them,’ admitted a police official stationed near HUDA City Centre. “We have complained to our higher authorities, but these auto drivers ‘somehow’ manage to escape punishment. Further, their number is reaching unmanageable proportions. We need more manpower to

handle them,” added another official. Auto drivers come to Gurgaon from UP, Bihar and Bengal, for ‘better prospects’. The autos in Gurgaon also do not run on meters, though the Traffic department has set rate cards based on distances. According to Sarita Lekhi, a regular commuter in Delhi and Gurgaon, the rate card system just does not work (unlike the Delhi fixed meter rate). “Not many auto rickshaw drivers are prepared to either display the rate cards or willing to charge the prescribed rates. In fact the rates keep varying depending on the rush. Very often their behaviour is also not good,” Sarita said. The Traffic department will have to be more pro-active this time, starting with aggressive awareness drives. They will also need to ‘protect’ the Pink Auto drivers, and ensure they remain motivated. Pink Autos is a small, but worthwhile, step for the enhanced safety of women commuters. Women and their families now need to start preferring pink…at least on the road.u

To ensure the success of the two day Polio campaign, which was launched by the State Health department, MCG Councillor Rama Rani Rathi joined the Health team in spreading the message in Sikanderpur and Nathupur villages. More than 500 children were administered Polio drops during the drive. Speaking to the people, the MCG Councillor said that it was very important for parents to ensure the administration of the Polio vaccine, as it would help prevent a dreaded disease. Rathi also welcomed the efforts of the Health department, and assured all support to their teams working in her area. Good News 24x7 Hours

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he 2009 horror virus, H1N1 or Swine Flu - pandemic Influenza A - that originated in Mexico and shook the world (like AIDS did in the early sixties), simply refuses to die. In Gurgaon too a few people have been affected by the dreaded virus. They have exhibited flu like symptoms - including fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, headache, chill and fatigue. Some have also complained of nausea, while a few have suffered diarrhoea. This has compelling the Gurgaon authorities to issue a health alert. Influenza A, the most commonly circulating strain of influenza, continues to spread globally. More than 3, 50,000 persons across the world are reported to have been afflicted with this disease, since 2009. The virus is particularly dangerous because it spreads in the same way as ‘regular’ influenza. The symptoms are also typically the same. Affected persons cough and sneeze – and help spread the disease among large numbers. People with low immunity levels are the most risk prone. Unfortunately, health awareness in India is quite low. No one really knows what he can contract from the air above, because he rarely is aware of his blood profile or immunity level. While regular health checks are becoming increasingly ‘popular’, this habit has not spread among the masses, mainly because of the cost factor. And the normal health insurance plans do not cover preventive checks. The H1N1 virus was first detected in human beings way back in 1918, when almost a third of the world population was affected by Influenza A. It was an exceptionally severe

Swine Flu stalks again ernment and private hospitals have been fairly active on this since the detection of the first case in Pune some years ago. He adds that people must guard against an indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics. “Sometimes people just start taking some antibiotics, thinking that this may prevent, or halt, such a disease. Not only would this be futile, but it could Swine Flu later lead to a few side effects.” disease. It was named Swine A victim of the Swine Flu because pigs were also Helplines: Flu, Dr. Sharmila Senattacked by the same virus 0124 2321121 gupta, Microbiologist at around the same time. The Medanta Hospital, tells first identification that the 9911519296 FG, "My son had also got afdisease emanated from an illfected. While we both came out ness among pigs was made in of it well, it can be dangerous, espe1930. The influenza strains in pigs are almost exclusively H1N1. Therefore cially for pregnant ladies.” Dr. Sharmila the H1N1 viral strain implicated in the clarifies that the consumption of animal 2009 flu pandemic among humans was flesh or chicken is not directly responsireferred to as Swine Flu, because initial ble for the disease in human beings. “It testing showed that many of the genes in is an airborne virus, and hence only the virus were similar to influenza virus- proper sanitary conditions can reduce es normally occurring in North American the impact of the disease,” she says. “Good hygiene is a must to prevent viral swine (pigs). However, the perils to human life attacks.” The virus, basically a severe notwithstanding, the disease can be form of Influenza A. needs to be properly cured. There is no need to panic. Dr. monitored. Medicines are now quite easDubey, Superintendent of Medanta ily available. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an Hospital, says, “Every severe cough, antivirus, has been found to be affeccold and fever should now not be mis- tive, Dr. Sengupta says. The real fear surrounds the high-risk taken as the H1N1 virus. If somebody is suffering from cold and fever, he should groups, who can easily get affected by this consult a doctor for further detection virus. According to World Bank reports, and confirmation. For example, he may some of the more risk prone are health be suffering from respiratory distress.” workers, who have to work in extremely Dr. Dubey feels that it is very important trying conditions, and also prisoners. Furto significantly increase the awareness ther, these kinds of airborne diseases are about this disease. He says that the gov- observed during a change of season. Dur-

Haryana Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh, while flagging off the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao publicity campaign in Gurgaon, said that BJP governments - both at the Centre and in the States - are strongly committed to the welfare of the girl child. He promised that they will help to significantly boost the education and welfare of girls in the State of Haryana.

C ivic/S ocial ing these times, utmost precaution should be taken. Doctors advise simple hygienic behaviour, such as washing one’s hands properly before and after a meal or a visit to the washroom, or using a handkerchief when sneezing. In places where the risk is pretty high, facemasks are advised, to prevent the breathing in of dust or other toxic airborne particles. People are also advised to take an antiviral injection at least once a year, to guard against airborne diseases. Evidently, awareness on such precautionary measures is low. The State Civil Surgeon at Gurgaon, Dr. Pushpa, says that records at private hospitals have shown that seven persons had been afflicted with the H1N1 virus - out of which one succumbed to the disease. She adds that the State hospital has no record of any patient afflicted with Swine Flu. “We are coming up with various programmes, including the publication of pamphlets, to raise the level of awareness among the people,” she says. She believes that, apart from maintaining hygiene, there must be timely reporting of the disease to health centres and treatment must be initiated as soon as possible. The ‘lay’ public has formed its own opinions. Raju, an auto driver, says, “I am aware of this. I had stopped eating chicken and mutton. I also think that the increase in the population of pigs in Gurgaon could be one of the reasons for the spreading of such diseases.” Dr. Pushpa stresses that the disease does not result from the consumption of animal flesh. It seems that the ‘Swachh Bharat’ sanitation programme is timely for this. It should significantly help the cause of cleanliness and the adoption of better sanitary measures by the people. We all need to get our act together; the air around us definitely has to get cleaner (more virus free). u

MCG Commissioner Vikas Gupta said that if Gurgaon has to become a clean and beautiful city, then the residents will have to strongly resolve that they will not spread garbage, and also motivate others not to do so. Gupta was speaking at the launch of 'Clean My Gurgaon' campaign at Sushant Lok 1 Vyapar Kendra. Apart from local traders, a large number of prominent persons from the City wet also present - including BJP leader Anil Yadav, Joint Commissioner Y S Gupta, President of the local market association Sukh Lal, Subash Mittal, Parvin Bhardwaj, Sanjay Mehta, Vikas, Hari Jakhar and Surendra Rathi. Commissioner Gupta added that people in the City should avoid the use of polythene, and instead promote the usage of cloth or jute bags. He also asked the traders to ensure that the garbage generated in the market is first segregated, and then goes into the respective dustbins.

S piritual

23-29 January 2015

Inspire Yourself { Dr. Rajesh Bhola }

rying to discover our higher consciousness while living the urban life, rather than retreating to mountain caves or jungles, is definitely more difficult. Let us not wait for that special day, when we think we would be able to escape from this complex life and find a quick and fast road to spiritual attainment. Let us also remember that just a change of location will not rid us of our habits and thoughts and faults. The real battle takes place inside our minds. We should make own ‘retreats’, by cutting off ourselves for some time every day forgetting our surroundings, and remembering and worshiping Him in our heart…and seeking guidance. Discovering ourselves is about discovering the universal nature of all beings, and inspiring us towards positive action. Many people believe they must take inspired actions in order to accomplish their goals and dreams, or to create something in their lives. So what is inspired action and how do we recognise it and know that this is what we need to take? Inspired action is some enterprise that we undertake with the intention of creating a specific new and desirable result in our lives. Two things that will create inspired action or manifest inspired results are: taking purposeful actions that are outside our comfort zones; and being detached, having no expectations, from the results. Actions that can create real, desirable change in our lives are those wherein we trust that the outcome will be beneficial even though we cannot predict with certainty what the actual results will be. Detaching from expectations and embracing whatever results proceed from the action will give us a genuine sense that the action was inspired. Trusting our intuition, our gut, and knowing that the universe is, as Einstein said, ‘friendly’ and will not let us down, will lead to inspired action. The action should be aligned with our sense of purpose and should cause us to get out of our comfort zone. There is a huge difference between taking action in order to make something happen and taking inspired action – wherein there is enthusiasm, excitement, energy and joy. ‘Forced’ action often seems like a classic one step forward, two steps backward kind of scenario. You are moving and acting and doing and working, but nothing seems to actually be happening. You are spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.

On the other hand, when you are taking inspired action, you are in the zone everything just flows. Even though you may be working harder than ever, it does not feel like work. You are surfing that wave of energy like a pro and enjoying every minute of it. The universe seems to be going out of its way to make it all work out for you. The learning therefore is that it is not your actions that create what you want, but your intent. Your actions only serve to manifest your intent. Action without intent is often counterproductive. Further, when you create what you want with thought, you will only need one tenth of the effort to achieve your desire. If you focus on what you want instead of what you do not want, you will know when it is time to take action. Never therefore try to force things to happen because you are afraid of what will happen if you do not take a certain action. Instead, choose inspired action, which moves you towards what you want, not away from what you do not want. Acting with intention helps attract people and opportunities into your reality. You feel positive energy begin to move within you. Inspired action takes us out of the realm of the ego and our limited logic. Some people find themselves caught in the void, or ‘twilight time’. This can be experienced as the time when the old life is dissolving and the new life is coming into being. They are often doubtful of their next steps. They need to be patient, take their time and be clear about what they really want. Being in the void can be an opportunity to rest, recharge and get focused – so that when the wheel of life turns and the curtain lifts the next time, we are ready to move forward. We can find fresh purpose and consciously reshape our lives. We can reinvent ourselves. We can co-create our future – with ourselves and others - through our thoughts, feelings and actions. We beings are all connected to each other and to Nature. We must live with a greater conscious awareness of our self, of others and of our planet. We have to constantly evolve, to become the best versions of ourselves – exploring new ways of thinking, living, working and sharing. It’s time to inspire yourself to discover your higher consciousness, and the new you.u Dr. Rajesh Bhola is President of Spastic Society of Gurgaon and is working for the cause of children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities for more than 25 years. He can be contacted at rabhola@yahoo.com

GURGAON’S

OWN

WEEKLY

NEWSPAPER

Creative Silence { Shobha Lidder } People who cannot live without people Are chasing people all the time Talking in parks, at shopping marts In drawing rooms, endless talk In elevators, corridors Who’s who, false or true Neighbours or neighbourhood Walking fast, talking faster Each one is master orator Speculator, avid narrator Of what others do or don’t do Often rude to one or two People who cannot live without people Are chasing people They cannot be alone Incessant chatter on the mobile phones Like the vagrant drones Noise pollution Even to still the mind We need ‘guided meditation’ A talk to silence the mind Within or without Take time out Savour a bit of silence Taste a bit of still Practise a science of silence Silence is the womb of creation Isn’t that a temptation! Shobha Lidder Writer, Journalist, Teacher, Trainer, Social Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer

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23-29 January 2015

K id C orner

Ryan International School, Sector 40

Indian Army Day

yan International School, Sector 40 organised a Special Assembly to mark the country’s 67th Army Day. The School Head Ms. Peeya Sharma enlightened the students about how discipline, hard work and service before self is the essence of an Armed Forces personnel.

Not a drop to drink...

tudents of Class IV C of Ryan International School, Sector 40 presented an enlightening and inspiring street play on the topic, ‘Wondrous Water’. The students said that if wastage of water is not stopped, there would perhaps be no water left by the year 2050.

Swachh Natika

yan International School, Sector 40 organised a street play and a peace march based on the theme ‘Swachh Bharat’. The Green Brigade also distributed handmade paper bags. The School Head Ms Peeya Sharma motivated the students to practise and preach what they believe in and make valuable contributions to the society at large.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The Adventurers

yan International School, Sector 40 took part in the Rocksport Challenge Adventure Race and Carnival, at Camp Tikkling. Four students from Ryan participated in the Junior Group 3km Obstacle Race and achieved Third position in their group (of 10 schools).

Enviro-sensitive Drive

he students of Ryan Global School, Sector 40 participated in a Street Play to make the citizens aware of the harm that human malpractices are causing the environment. The students urged the public to increase its sensitivity towards the environment, by not using plastic bags, lessening the usage of insecticides, planting trees and preferring public transport.

23-29 January 2015

Think Big for a New and True India

ince Independence, India’s progress has been exceptional and notable in many ways. India has witnessed increasing economic growth, a higher literacy rate and a substantial improvement in various sectors. India has been richly blessed with natural and human resources. With the abundance of talent, if we move ahead in the right direction, with appropriate strategies, the future of India is very bright. On the eve of Republic Day I would like to recall Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s words (from his book, India 2020), ‘A developed India by 2020, or even earlier, is not a dream… It is a mission we can all take up - and succeed’. He highlighted five core areas: Agriculture and Food Processing, Infrastructure, Education and Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology and Critical Technologies and Strategic Industries. Of course we also have to be consistent in execution and implementation of the same. Though our country has seen its share of conflict, struggle and setbacks, India has remained steadfast in maintaining the world’s largest diverse democracy. While India’s service sector has been

K id C orner

a large contributor to the country’s 21st Century economic progress, we need to further focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure building and investment in human resource capital. The provision of quality education with technology integration and a hands on learning experience will equip our youngsters and make them better prepared for their future. India becoming an International Education Hub, attracting students and renowned educators from across the globe, is more than a possibility. India has to create jobs for its young population and an expansion in manufacturing will definitely help. Our Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ is a very laudable concept. Today India needs a holistic approach towards progress and development, along with rapid administrative reforms at all levels. We need to bring science, technology and moral values to each and every doorstep and work together to establish peace and harmony in the country. Our country needs to recognise the talent in every community and thrive on the resources available. India as a nation should move forward on the path of progress, with greater zest, to take its rightful place in the world economy. Wish you a very happy Republic Day. Jai Hind. Dr. A. F. Pinto Chairman, Ryan International Group of Institutions

Govt. College Sector 9 Vipin Kaushik of BA 1st won a Silver medal at the University level Taekwando tournament, Super High Weight category, held at MDU Sports Complex, Rohtak recently. He has been selected for a twenty days camp, to prepare for the All India tournament.

Google Student Ambassador Summit

alash Chhabra, a student of ITM University, Gurgaon, was selected to represent his University at the Google Student Ambassador Summit. The three-day Summit was held at Infosys Campus, Pune. Leaders from various IT organisations and leading global companies participated in the Summit. Palash, a B.Tech-Information Technology student, would now help conduct Googleenabled workshops at ITM University. Palash has chosen ‘Digital Marketing’ as his prime focus.“We wish Palash more success and hope that he will use this opportunity for knowledge building,” said Prof B S Panwar, Vice Chancellor, ITM University.

Anju Rani of BA 1st won a Bronze medal in Boxing.

Deepak, of B.Com 2nd won a Silver medal in Boxing, Fly Weight category.

Anmol Chaudhary of BA 2nd won a Bronze medal in Boxing, Light Heavy Weight category.

If you wish to be featured in ‘Kid Corner’ (for publishing your school’s activities and achievements), please mail us at fridaygurgaongallery@gmail.com

23-29 January 2015

C omment

The India Premier Team

s the (One Day) Cricket World Cup looms, it is perhaps a good time to prepare an India Premier Team - a league of its own, with Premier Modi as the non-playing Captain cum Coach. Opener 1, facing the first ball: Smriti Irani – always up front, and ready to take on anything thrown at her

EDITORIAL Atul Sobti

Opener 2: Manohar Parrikar – has the best defence One Down: Rajnath Singh – at home in this position; ready to move in – to either salvage a situation or to grab an opportunity No. 4: Arun Jaitley – the best bat & bet, and the most sporting mind Three Down: Sushma Swaraj – has the most consistent record in ‘away’ matches Four Down, and the Keeper: Amit Shah – the Acting Captain; keeps everybody in check No. 7, a part-time Bowler and the Nightwatchman: Harsh Vardhan – part-time State player; can be sent in to play a few overs in difficult situations No. 8 and an Off-Break Bowler: Venkaiah Naidu – as batsman, can doggedly wear down any opposition by always offering a ‘dead bat’; as bowler, delivers from wide off the stumps No. 9 and a (genuine) Pace Bowler: Piyush Goyal – a powerful adversary; believes in speeding things up No. 10 and a (fiery) Pace Bowler: Ravi Shankar Prasad – always ready to take on the opposition; he talks his walk No. 11 and a Googly Bowler: Prakash Javadekar – he has mastered the art of bowling the wrong ‘un right 12th. Man: Uma Bharati – the man for all seasons Reserves: Gadkari (foil to Rajnath) and Prabhu (on his own parallel track)!

PM Modi has the potential be the most successful (Five Year) Test Match Captain of India. Incredibly, in this mode he can perhaps even win single handedly. However, for the One Year Match he needs to let his team of batsmen, bowlers, fielders and keeper play their game more freely, as per their skills and expertise. For the Quarter Year/90 Day Matches, where ‘daily hits’ are now necessary, he needs to get his (BJP) CMs into this delivery mode. In Delhi they are up against a very good Quarter Year (rather, 49 Day) player.

W ellness

23-29 January 2015

Health & Vitality... Naturally!

Green Twins

Chlorella & Spirulina { Jaspal Bajwa }

rganic Blue-Green Algae (BGA) - one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet – has evoked considerable interest in recent years. The super potency of Blue-Green Algae is because it has a high concentration of nutrients – such as proteins, lipids and over 65 vitamins, minerals and enzymes. BGA offer the complete spectrum of eight essential and ten nonessential amino acids. When properly cultivated and processed, these nutrients can be made easily absorbable by the body. Edible forms of BGA should not be confused with the ‘green scum’ found in almost every terrestrial and aquatic habitat (ocean, fresh water or damp soil). A green mass floating on the surface of ponds is a common sight in the rural hinterland. Health authorities look warily upon these masses, and for the right reasons. However, BGA or Cyanobacteria fulfill vital ecological functions in the world’s oceans, being important contributors to the presence of carbon and nitrogen globally. Of specific interest as nutrient-dense foods are Chlorella and Spirulina - the Green Twins. They have significant amounts of lipid, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals and unique pigments. They may also have potent probiotic compounds, which enhance health. Although each of them would probably individually qualify as a ‘superfood’, their complementarity in terms of nutritional profile is interesting. Chlorella tends to contain more chlorophyll and iron; it is also better at chelating heavy metals from the body and repairing cell damage. Spirulina, on the other hand, contains more protein, gamma-linoleic acid (a beneficial fat that is essential for brain function) and cancer-fighting phycocyanin. Consequently, some holistic healthcare practitioners tend to favour the consumption of both of these foods in tandem.

Tip of the Week

It is important to note that Chlorella and Spirulina products can vary significantly, depending on the way these were cultivated, harvested and processed. There can be a wide variation in nutrient availability - by as much as a factor of 10. Although BGA is considered generally safe, some concern has been voiced about the potential presence of microcystin, a toxic by-product of BGA. In response, several health authorities have established regulatory limits on the microcystin content in BGA products.

Nature’s Wonder Food(s) of the Week : Chlorella & Spirulina

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is an unicellular fresh water green algae rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a simple, one-celled organism that got its name from the Latin word for ‘helix’ or ‘spiral’, because of its spring-like physical characteristic Chlorella contains more chlorophyll than most plants

and is ranked one of the top 10 health foods. On a per gram basis, it is way more nutrient dense than other greens. It contains more nucleic acids (RNA/DNA) than any other food, which gives it a lot of energy producing potential. It is a great supplement to help boost any diet lacking in green vegetables. Chlorella has a wide variety of useful nutritional applications: like, supporting natural detoxification, digestive health, immune function, inflammation reduction, antioxidant function, estrogen balance, cholesterol metabolism and circulation. A lot of the Chlorella that is available as nutritional supplements is grown in Japan or Taiwan; it is processed and made into tablets and liquid extracts. These extracts contain Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). CGF is a mix of its nucleic acids along with important glyconutrients and amino acids. Chlorella also contains an impressive array of vitamins and minerals - such as A, D, E, K1, Beta Carotene, lutein, B vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Dietary supplementation with Chlorella may help reduce high blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing and enhance immune functions. Chlorella is also used to increase ‘good’ bacteria in the intestine, in order to improve digestion. Spirulina, with its high nutritional value, has been consumed as food for centuries in Central Africa. It is now widely used as a nutraceutical food supplement worldwide. The antioxidant and/ or anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina have been demonstrated in a large number of preclinical studies. Both Chlorella & Spirulina are being actively researched around the world as key foods to support nutrition. Chlorella could offset many of the stressors that induce wear and tear in our lives, because of its unique concentration of nutrients as well as their energetic structure. Spirulina is being researched for its effect on viral infections, swelling, wound healing and the immune system in general. Caution: BGA supplements are considered to be safe in general. As with most products, pregnant or nursing mothers must first consult their health care providers. Also, people suffering from certain autoimmune diseases should desist from consuming these products. Since BGA enhances the immune system, BGA supplements may worsen symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions linked to an overactive immune system. Spirulina may also interfere with drugs that slow blood clotting. It is important to conduct adequate research when sourcing these products. BGA may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins ― toxins produced from some algae ― if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina may be especially dangerous for children. u For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions

Rise in Type 2 Diabetes in Children

hile Type 2 Diabetes is traditionally known as adult-onset Diabetes, doctors say that they are seeing a rise in cases involving children. The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes was considered a rarity in children two decades ago…but that was also a time when children were out on the streets playing, rather than being plugged to some game indoors. As we undergo a radical economic and lifestyle transformation, an epidemiological transition is also emerging - with a rise in Type 2 Diabetes in children becoming a major worrying trend. “The factors that have given rise to lifestyle diseases in India include the dropping levels of physical activity, increased intake of high calorie food and a total sedentary way of living… leading to an increase in the overweight population. Unfortunately, these conditions do not leave children untouched. A major concern today in urban centres is a rise in child obesity. When this combines with a genetic predisposition, it sometimes leads to the early onset of Type 2 Diabetes,” says Dr. Sandeep Kharb, Consultant, Endocrinology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon. Obesity, particularly excess abdominal weight, increases the chances of insulin resistance in the body. With less focus on exercise and physical activity, and the easy availability of high calorie food, a lot of children today are turning overweight at an early age. “Unlike in rural areas and smaller towns, where children still cycle to school or venture out to the playgrounds every evening, urban kids are increasingly becoming couch potatoes. Addiction to television and video games, changes in modes of transportation, and the increased presence of elevators in all establishments has drastically reduced the levels of (physical) activity in children. Further, high energy low fibre foods, like burgers and pizzas, are available in plenty in school cafeterias - and many kids lap up these delicacies on an everyday basis. Undesired weight gain is a logical outcome,” adds Dr. Kharb. One of the major threats to healthy living, Diabetes today afflicts over 65 million Indians – already the second highest population of diabetics in the world (after China). It would be dangerous for the health of the country to allow children to fall into the Diabetes trap. There is enough scientific evidence to suggest that a large number of cases of Diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy diet and indulging in regular physical activity. The onset of Diabetes can certainly be prevented or delayed in children and young adults. The solution lies in changing our urban culture before it is too late. Along with parents, schools too need to become more active in preventing a childhood Diabetes epidemic.

Diabetes Prevention in Children Make exercise a national culture: Unlike the West, urban

Indians are yet to accept exercise as a daily necessity. We need to push our children out of the house every evening. Let them roam and run and burn their fat. Reduce their time spent on video games. Schools too need to allot compulsory hours for physical activity and play. Promote a balanced diet: Even though it is convenient and quick, even both-spouses-working families should not get dependent on fast food. Make sure the children follow a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain and fibre. Here again schools have a role to play, by keeping track of the items being served in their cafeterias. While we can see the rising threat, we do not have much concrete data or research to establish the specific reasons for this rise in Diabetes among children. We need to better understand the causes, with the help of a large volume of valid data. This will also help public health professionals to come up with better preventive measures. u

23-29 January 2015

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23-29 January 2015

Dancing to a different tune

F AC E BO O K

and happy while at a dance performance. But that day, the wait seemed to frustrate me. As I flipped an old one-rupee coin carelessly, it landed on the table such that it revealed its darker side. That seemed to reinforce my ‘negative’ mindset. I began to visualise what dance should not be. The television, as if on cue, was showing visuals of a bunch of drunken men prancing on a dance floor while guzzling cans of beer. I instantly remembered another occasion,

The writer is a renowned Kuchipudi danseuse and choreographer

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his happened at a recent dance performance. My make-up done and costume in place, I waited in the green room, ready to start. However, the organisers nonchalantly came and told me that the programme would be postponed for an hour, as our ‘VIP’ Chief Guest had been unfortunately caught in the Delhi traffic. I tried to smile understandingly… concealing my frustration at having to wait so long in a sultry green room. I was soon bored, and decided to switch on the television - the mode of relaxation for many. As I flipped the channels, little did I know that this would be the first time that I would be writing an article while waiting backstage! For me, dance has always evoked a sense of passion (even ecstasy), dignity, discipline and, in general, a most positive feeling. I have always felt good

Raasta, the lounge at Cyber Hub, joined hands with Humour Me and organised an evening of Stand Up Comedy, to delight its customers. The sharp wit and humour of the three performers Vikramjit Singh, Manas Tayal and Abhijit Ganguly - evoked constant laughter and cheers. The audience clearly wanted more. Raasta Lounge is built around the Rastafarian (music) culture.

asha

{ Meenu Thakur Sankalp }

when a group of gangsters, perhaps from the ravines of Chambal, were firing in the air and greeting heavily made up and skimpily dressed women, who were dancing ‘suggestively’ to an ‘item number’. The rowdy elements then joined them on stage, shoving wads of currency notes into their blouses. I had seethed in anger at this act of disrespect and disdain. Enough, I said to myself. There should be no more negative thoughts before my dance performance. The TV remote landed me providentially on a channel featuring the TV classic Mahabharata. I sure could do with divine positivity before my show, I told myself. I scribbled some thoughts on a piece of paper. It was clear that dance, that elixir, could also be portrayed negatively. I decided that my judgment on dance could wait for later, when I would outline the modern negativity in dance. The Chief Guest had arrived and it was time for the first curtain call. The next one hour proved to be the greatest leveller. I essayed the role of Goddess Durga. Armed with a trident, I pushed the demon Mahishasura to the ground. As he lay under the sharp edges of the trident, I paused. On his face flashed the images of those whom I had seen disrespecting dance. I told myself that I was not celebrating the death of just a demon, but also of all the negativity that dance could surely do well without.u

Desi

Apar

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23-29 January 2015

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