Friday gurgaon 25 31 july, 2014 by Friday Gurgaon

25-31 July 2014

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014

Vol. 3 No. 49  Pages 24  ` 10

147 Maruti Suzuki Workers ADMISSION OPEN SESSION 2014-2015

Two Years - No Bail, No Jail { Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

here is desperation among the thousands of Maruti Suzuki workers who were sacked or laid off after the July 18, 2012 violence at the Manesar factory, as the struggle to get their jobs back has turned into a futile exercise. They believe that they have little hope of getting justice from either the administration, the politicians or even the judiciary. The problem is even more acute for the 147 young men who remain incarcerated in Bhondsi Jail, having not been given bail even two years after the death of a factory manager whose killing was not pre-meditated and was caused amid the violence that erupted in the factory premises due to the prolonged tension between the workers and the management. The Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU), which is fighting for the cause of the jailed workers as well as those whose services were terminated in the aftermath of the Manesar violence, is despondent, as it finds itself pitted against both a resourceful auto major as well as a State government - which seems to exist only for industry. Acting in a most surprising and unusual manner, and exclusively for this case, the State has hired a top lawyer and team to fight against the workers – allegedly at a cost to the exchequer of about Rs 13 lakhs per hearing! The workers and the Union, on the

Asha PANDEY

The State of our Manufacturing Policy other hand, are struggling to pay the fees to their lawyers and are in perpetual debt - despite their lawyers having agreed for only a nominal payment. Advocate Rajender Pathak, a labour lawyer who has had many brushes with the government, alleges that in this case the entire system has been lined up against the poor workers, and that is why they have got no help, despite running from pillar to post. “The private company, the administration and the politicians want to set an example here, by getting these workers punished in a harsh manner,” says Pathak. The Japanese are the ‘privileged’ investors in this region. The sacked workers, who now prefer

anonymity, allege that the administration is still totally in favour of the company. Their recent request for permission to observe the Second Anniversary of the July 18 incident was denied. Pathak alleges that as soon as a meeting with the company management on this issue ended, Section 144 was imposed in Manesar, to ensure that workers could not hold a protest or demonstration on that day. The Union then approached the District administration to hold a demonstration in Gurgaon, but even here it was not allowed to set up a stage or use a mike. Advocate Pathak says that democratic rights of the workers in the State are just being trampled, because the message from the top is that this major company/investor has to be supported, come what may. As far as the legal status is concerned, he is hopeful that a majority of the jailed workers would be acquitted, but it is unlikely that they would get any relief from the State government on any count. As of now 48 witnesses have deposed before the Court, including 12 doctors. The legal process is likely to take one more year, says Pathak. “We are hopeful that justice will prevail,” he says. Numerous families have been ruined, as they have no source of income – the majority of the workers who are in jail are from very poor families. Out of the 147, about 100 were casual workers, with a total salary even less than the Rs 8,500 per month that was given to a permanent worker at that time. Pathak alleges that there has been excessive political pressure and interference in this case, which has led to extreme hardship for his clients. “Around 3,000 workers who were terminated Contd on p 7 

Hai Ye Gurgaon Meri Jaan Thankfully the postponed Grievance Redressal Meeting on the issues faced by residents has been held this week. It is good to see the DC (Shekhar Vidyarthi) taking this matter seriously. After years at least someone in the Administration has talked tough, straight and legal with errant and arrogant builders. The RWAs that were heard this time were from Ardee City 1, Mayfield Gardens, Parsvnath Exotica and Uppal Southend. The DC not only read out the riot act (and literally the Societies Act) to the builders but also asked for a status report within a week. A team led by Senior Town Planner will undertake the survey. The DC has even threatened the builders with criminal action if they do not act now, to provide the basic civic facilities and services in their ‘colonies’. A delay in the monsoon has caused 50% of the water meant for Gurgaon to be stolen along the way – from the Gurgaon Water Supply canal. A new NCR Water

Canal is being built for future requirements. However, the assumption/requirement is that 70% of this (NCR) canal’s water will go to Gurgaon. Given the realpolitik of the State, it was always an ambitious ‘target’. It now looks not doable. There will always be too many villages and takers – all with more political clout - along the 70km way. The first major rain this month leads to hours’ long traffic jams and the inundation of roads and bylanes. Over to 2015 now… This week a water pipeline bursts on Sohna Road, spilling thousands of litres, before being ‘capped’. This is the fourth major bursting of a major pipeline in the past 2 weeks. They say the force of the water was too strong! On the power front, it is learnt that the current

infrastructure can handle a max. of 1700MW, less than even today’s requirement. And even this infrastructure is down most of the time – this week, hundreds of feeders go ‘down’. Some colonies suffer 20-hour power cuts. The operation of a traffic light at the Hero Honda Chowk has finally been found ‘impractical’ - the Police had known this all along, and the Administration had provided this as a ‘token’. Meanwhile, the decade-long issue festers. Gurgaon girl Shivani Kataria has been adjudged Best Swimmer at the recent Junior National Swimming Championship. 24-hour Gurgaon Police Traffic Helpline: Call 9213020404 for reporting traffic jams and instances of road rage.

25-31 July 2014

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319 Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014, VOL.–3 No.–49  25-31 July 2014

Editor:

Atul Sobti

Sr. Correspondent: Abhishek Behl Correspondent:

Barnali Dutta

Sr. Photographer:

Prakhar Pandey

Sr. Designer:

Amit Singh

Sr. Circulation Exec.: Syed Mohd Komail Circulation Execs.:

Sunil Yadav Manish Yadav

Manager - Sales & Marketing:

Sunil Kumar

Civic / Social...

Home or Office: Buyers Beware The Gurgaon Real Estate sector, which was expected to turn around after the formation of the new government at the Centre, continues to remain in the doldrums. While many residential projects remain delayed, some commercial projects – sold on the promise of assured returns - are coming apart. The failure of the regulatory authorities to ensure that delivery schedules are adhered to, and promises delivered, has led to apartment buyers and commercial investors being forced to come out on the streets to protest, as well as approaching the courts, and in some cases even the police.

Dy. Manager A/cs & Admin:

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Social... Securing School Journeys

Shiv Shankar Jha

Consulting Art Editor: Qazi M. Raghib

Social... Self-propelled Champion

India's promising swimming star, Shivani Kataria, is a girl who wished to do things differently. Hailing from a modest background, the country’s latest water belle has high ambitions – of transcending the ordinary and making her name in an exclusive arena of achievers. However, at the start she was not sure where her fortunes lay. She was very fond of tennis,

The tragic incident of 2012 at Ambala, in which eleven pre-teen students and the driver of a school van succumbed and several others were injured, had raised the concern of all parents on the safety of their wards. Anxious citizens knocked at the doors of the High Court through a PIL, seeking mandatory safety norms for school buses.

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Bon Vivant... The Cine-Dances

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In the last 125 years, not many Hollywood movies have celebrated Dance as the central theme, despite almost all of these having ‘delivered’ at the international box office. Critics have analysed and even rated them earlier. Here is a Classical dancer’s pick – a Countdown - of the top ‘Dance Movies’ of Hollywood:

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C oming U p

25-31 July 2014

Praveen Sharma Advocate

9810289057 9350345041

( Deals in: DLF, Ansals & All Huda Sectors Shop No. 115, 116, South City-1, Arcade, Gurgaon - 122001 email : dreamhomz_dreamhomz@yahoo.co.in

Mr Manual Manuel at The Big Fat Lulu's An evening with mesmerising music played by award winning guitarist Adil Manuel. Date: July 25 Time: 9:30 pm Venue: Cross Point Mall DLF City IV, Sector 28 Art-tickles Summer Spell Offerings from creativepreneurs across a wide array of lifestyle product categories. Date: July 26 Venue: The Gallery Mall, MG Road, New Delhi

SLAP 11 Learn To Play the Djembe - Western African Hand Drum Date: July 26 Time: 5:30 pm Venue: Pablo - The Art of Food SOUND - The ultimate Medicine for Body, Mind & Spirit - Level 1 Workshop One of the greatest ancient Healing Sciences of all times, scientifically proven and accepted in Europe, USA & the Orient.

Stand-up Comedy Date: July 26 Time: 7:30 pm Papa CJ presents ‘An Evening with The Godfather’ (Eng/75mins) Comedian. Harith Iskander. He is widely regarded as The Godfather of Malaysian Stand-up Comedy. Over 21 years in the business, this man has hosted the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. Tickets at Rs. 700, 600, 500 & 400 available online. Suitable for 18 years & above. Date: July 27, Sunday Time: 6:30 pm & 8:00 pm Gurgaon's Funniest Day Of The Month (Hinglish/60mins each) 6:30 pm: Stand Up For Gurgaon (Eng & Hindi/60mins) Comedians. Stand-up comedians from Delhi NCR 8:00 pm: Comedy Knights With Joke

Dream Homz Property Consultant

Shringaar-Group Exhibition of Paintings,Sculpture & Photography Date: July 25 Time: 4:00 pm Venue: Gold Souk Mall, Block- C, Sector43,Sushant Lok Phase- I

Epicentre

(

Date: July 26, 27 Time: 8:30 am Venue: Galaxy Hotel,NH - 8, Sec. 15 Part II

Pinkathon 2nd Promo Run, Fun and Fitness day with Milind Soman Date: July 27 Time: 5:00 am Venue: Ramada,Gurgaon Central Come and Join us for the slow and fun Run with your very own 1st Super Model, Actor, the Iron Core man Milind Soman. Walk/Run Run for 3km, Run 5km & 10km. Please call for any query on 9891026004. Coffee with Milind Come and chat in person with model-actormarathoner Milind Soman on health, fitness, running and nutrition. Ask your queries, share your stories and know more about Pinkathon, A Milind Soman Initiative. Date: July 29 Time: 5:00 pm Venue: Ramada, Gurgaon Central (near Rajiv Chowk)

3D Printing Workshop in Gurgaon Date: July 26 Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Venue: SRL Diagnostics, VLCC, Sarhol Modh (closest Metro station: MG Road), Plot 23, Maruti Industrial Area, Sector 18.

Delhi's

Culture-Scape

Crystal Ball 9th Solo exhibition of Koshal Kumar Verma Date: July 25 to 29 Time: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Venue: AIFACS Art Gallery, 1 Rafi Marg, New Delhi

A Blissful Journey A Solo exhibition of Paintings & Drawings by Suddha R. Sama Date: July 29 to 31 Time: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm Venue: Convention Center Foyer, Gate No. 3, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi

Bhakti Pravah 2 days of lyrical Bhartanatyam performances RASANANDA by Geeta Chandran Date: July 27 Time: 6:30 pm Venue: Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, 89 Lodi Estate, New Delhi

Happening

Joker Jokest (Eng & Hindi/60mins) Improvised satire, sketches, parody songs and stand-up comedy featuring Nishant Tanwar and Abijit Ganguly Tickets at Rs. 500/- for each show available at the Venue. Suitable for 18 years & above. Free Seating Documentary Film Date: July 29 Time: 7:30 pm Dharm (Hindi/105mins/2007) Director Bhavna Talwar. The story is based in Benares and is about Pandit Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor), a highly revered and learned Brahmin priest. Art Date: Till July 27 Shades of Nature, a group show of a few versatile artists like Sunando Basu, Khushboo Chatterjee, Nanda Gupta, Sanam Bhasin.

Vocal Date: July 30 Time: 7:30 pm Hindustani Classical Vocal Recital by Sangita Misra, disciple of Binapani Nayak, Ravi Rishiraj & Sarathi Chatterjee. Tabla accompaniment by Pt. Mithilesh Kumar Jha. Harmonium by Vinay Mishra.

Student of the Year

Anil Parashar, President & CEO, InterGlobe Technology Quotient, felicitated the national winner of the ‘Student of the Year’ contest at an event in Gurgaon. The Contest aims to create talent for the Travel & Tourism industry. In association with over 75 travel academies, Travelport Galileo imparts training through theory cum interactive modules such as the Travelport Galileo Basic GDS course and the Automated Ticketing course.

25-31 July 2014

THE WEEK THAT WAS  A proposal by the CM for a separate SGPC body for Haryana (versus only Punjab today) gurudwaras (52) has got the Centre also involved. The Haryana body is to meet shortly in Karnal.  AAP has decided not to contest the polls in Haryana.  An NSG commando is killed in a road accident on the e-way.  A 40-year-old man is found murdered near Atul Kataria Chowk.  A 20-year-old biker is crushed to death on the e-way.  A youth hangs himself after being beaten by his father for telling him (father) not to drink.  A 12-year-old youth commits suicide; an engineer who is transferred to NOIDA commits suicide and blames 3 people in a suicide note; a businessman who was heavily under debt hangs himself, in Manohar Nagar; a 21-year-old woman from Patel Nagar hangs herself – her kin allege that it is a ‘dowry death’.  A 34-year-old DSC constable shoots himself with a service revolver at the IAF Ammunition Depot.  Police bust a sex racket by arresting 9 people (including 4 women) outside a mall in Sohna Road.  3 people, including a couple, are held in Sushant Lok for coercing a minor girl into the flesh trade; the pimp was paid Rs 2 lakhs.  An ASI (Police) is assaulted in Sector 10 – 4 people are booked.

 A woman gets an extortion threat (call)  Over 100 buyers protest at the for Rs 2 lakhs. construction site of a much-delayed  There is a fire at a factory on Daultabad Unitech project in Sector 33; they Road; it takes 2 hours to douse it. volunteer to undertake construction  A canter is looted at gunpoint; a driver activity in view of the builder’s is robbed of his Innova car at gunpoint excuse of non-availability of on Sohna Road; a cab is snatched at workers for the delay. gunpoint on Sohna Road; a man is  The Police has launched an robbed of his bike and cash, when he aggressive drive against underage is stopped near Rajiv Chowk; a truck driving, by catching and challaning driver is assaulted by 4 people and his such students driving out from truck forcibly taken away, near Leisure their schools - parents have been Valley Park – the accused are caught. cautioned.  A man and his ‘gang’ members are  Gurgaon Police set up an app booked for assaulting a bus conductor asking for customers to rate the and driver near Rajiv Chowk; auto service/drivers in the City. they had been asked to buy  An audit of MCG reveals Rs 70 tickets. crores unaccounted income from  2 Delhi-based youth are property tax. booked for cheating a woman  A collision of 2 trucks leads to a of Rs 6 lakhs in a land deal. 5-hour jam on the e-way.  A travel executive is tricked of Rs  A bus driver intelligently rams the 40,000 when he is sold a laptop near an vehicle into the road divider when ATM site, but later finds that the bag is its brakes fail, near MDI Chowk. filled with bricks.  There is a proposal to make the  An elderly lady living in Sector 7 is Nehru Stadium into an all-in-one robbed. sports facility.  A new Police post comes up near the Kherki Daula toll Friday Gurgaon is also available at: plaza. Indian Oil Petrol Pump (Opp. Neelkanth Hospital, M.G. Road)

 DC proposes an entity, Gurgaon Community Foundation (GCF), to be chaired by him, for the identification and monitoring of (private) CSR projects in the City.  A candle march is taken out in the City for a missing (in Myanmar) merchant navy official.

Paritosh Book Stall (Sikanderpur Metro Station) C.S.P. - Kanchan (Opp. Vyapar Kendra - C Block Sushant Lok-1) C.S.P. - Swamy (Sector-14 Market, Near Mother Dairy) Deepak Book Stand (Bus Stand) Nagpal News Agency (Bus Stand) C.S.P. - Madan (New Railway Road) Jain Book Stall (New Railway Road) Rojgar Point Book Stall (New Railway Road) C.S.P. - Sector-14 Market (Near Mother Dairy) C.S.P. - Dharampal (Sohna Chowk) Karan Book Stall (Railway Station) Shashi (Fuwara Chowk) Raw (Sohna Chowk)

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25-31 July 2014

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06 { Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he Gurgaon Real Estate sector, which was expected to turn around after the formation of the new government at the Centre, continues to remain in the doldrums. While many residential projects remain delayed, some commercial projects – sold on the promise of assured returns - are coming apart. The failure of the regulatory authorities to ensure that delivery schedules are adhered to, and promises delivered, has led to apartment buyers and commercial investors being forced to come out on the streets to protest, as well as approaching the courts, and in some cases even the police. The builders are meanwhile manipulating the void in any sort of regulatory check to the hilt. It is hard to imagine that the govt. is not complicit. The owners of 'The Residences' project in Sector 33, which is a part of a township being built by Unitech, held a unique protest on Saturday, when almost 150 home buyers descended on the project site and volunteered to work as labour – ‘responding’ to the builder’s excuse that shortage of labour has delayed the project! Each of the buyers has paid about Rs 50 lakhs for an apartment. Vikram Bishnoi, President of Terraces Apartment Buyers Association, says that this project was launched in 2009 as part of Uniworld City, with the promise that the apartments would be delivered in December 2011 (or March 2012, for those that were launched later). This complex comprises 22 towers, each14 storeyed (total 1320 apartments). “By March 2011 the structures of the towers were almost complete. Most of the buyers had made close to 90 per cent of the payment,” says Bishnoi. However, all their hopes were dashed when the builder, instead of completing this residential complex, launched a commercial project in the same 150 acres ‘township’. The owners allege that more than Rs 500 crores collected from them was diverted to the commercial complex, where construction began in 2012. One part of the 3-part commercial complex was soon completed in 2013 and leased out to tenants. The rest of the commercial complex was also completed by 2014. “We were repeatedly told that labour was not available to work on the project site. However, when we asked how the commercial complex had been built and delivered so quickly, there were no answer”, he adds. The apartment owners

25-31 July 2014

Home or Office: Buyers Beware

Will the govt., and therefore builders, finally act? t the fag end of it's tenure, has the Haryana government A ‘realised’ the problems being faced

were further shocked when the builder next decided to build villas in the same ‘township’, and the entire labour was moved from the commercial property to that new project – again leaving the residential property buyers in the lurch. Bishnoi says that the homebuyers have decided to come to the site every Saturday and Sunday and will work with the labour. Those who are frail and old can hire labour and get their work completed, so that they can at least think of getting their dream homes at some point of time. Most of the buyers are professionals, with more than 15 years of work experience, with many working in leading companies. A majority has taken loans and is paying EMIs as well as rents. For most of the people this is their first home. Bishnoi say that the builder now claims that he is ready to pay penalty for the delay, but none of the residents has received anything – and they do not believe that they will. It also would be a pittance compared to the ‘losses’ that they are already dealing with. Unitech has lost all credibility in their eyes. While the buyers of ‘The

Terraces' hope they will be able to somehow manage to get their apartments ready, a large number of investors from all parts of country, and particularly the NCR, gathered in Manesar to protest against AN Buildwell, the company that has built the Spire Edge commercial complex there. Investors allege that the Company had promised assured 12 per cent returns. Anuj Arora, Secretary of the Spire Edge Allottees Association, says that buyers have not received any payment from November 2013 onwards; instead, the builder has made a hefty demand in the name of ‘power connection’ for the building, and now branded the complex as World Trade Centre (WTC). Arti Singh, a widow of an army officer, says that her husband had invested more than Rs 50 lakhs in this project. “The returns from this investment are a very important source of income,” she says. She adds that this investment was made from the sale proceeds of their ancestral house. She is particularly perturbed that, instead of giving her the

by apartment owners and plot buyers – or is realpolitik the reason for some ‘movement’? Perhaps the court cases filed by several RWAs has also influenced the government to finally take action against builders, many of who are a law unto themselves in the City. In a late but positive development, the Deputy Commissioner Shekhar Vidyarthi pulled up various builders in Gurgaon for not adhering to their Licence terms & conditions and failing to provide the required facilities and services. He directed them to bridge the ‘gap’ in maintenance and upkeep of internal services in another seven days or face action. Vidyarthi was presiding over the meeting of a Committee that has been constituted for the redressal of the grievances of people residing in various ‘colonies’. He minced no words in saying that as per the Haryana Registration of Societies Act 2012, till the developer gets the Occupation Certificate issued - after completing all terms and conditions of the Licence - and an elected RWA is formed, it is the sole responsibility of the developer to maintain and upkeep the internal services like roads, drinking water, sewage, drainage, parks, community centers etc. Vidyarthi also warned the builders that the furnishing of wrong information by a representative of a builder to a public servant could lead to a punishment of upto 6 months imprisonment - under Section 177 IPC (which he read out in detail). He asked the developers to take serious note of their lapses and ensure immediate action is taking to rectify them – otherwise the Committee can even recommend the cancellation of their Licences and the seizure of their Bank Guarantees.

C ivic/S ocial returns on her investment, the builder is now also talking of ‘maintenance’ – which could be Rs 15,000 to 20,000 per month. Anuj Arora says that they have repeatedly approached the Company Directors, but they have not offered any way forward. Rather, on the day of the protest, the builder had called in a number of policemen, who tried to prevent the protest. Finally, on meeting, the representatives of the builder claimed that they did not have the authority to make any commitment. Most of the investors in this project are retired government and army officials, who invested their life’s savings in this project in order to get an assured monthly income. They feel cheated. Shashi Singh, an educationist from Ghaziabad, has invested almost her entire savings as well as her husband's retirement income. She alleges that some people who were allotted space on the second floor have now been ‘shifted’ to the fourth and fifth floors arbitrarily – it seems that just some ‘virtual space’ has been sold to the investors. The investors say that they are fed up with the repeated ‘assurances’ of the builder and now want the government to intervene in the matter. They also want action against the brokers and dealers who motivated them with false information. The Association is also planning to move the Economic Offences Wing and have issued notices to the builder in this regard, says Anuj Arora. While the apartment owners and buyers of the above two projects are turning the heat on the builders, there are RWAs in the City who have been forced to approach the government as well as the judiciary to seek an end to the incessant problems being faced by them. Recently the Fresco Apartment Owners Association approached a Gurgaon Court against the failure of their builder to provide them civic services and facilities. Similarly, the residents of JMD Gardens on Sohna Road have approached the National Consumer Court to get their grievances addressed. Likewise, the RWA of Ambience Lagoon, a premier residential complex, recently approached DTCP (Dept. of Town & Country Planning) for help in resolving the large number of problems being faced by its residents. Everyone is now anxiously awaiting the setting up of an independent Real Estate Regulatory Body - which can ensure that builders deliver their projects on time, do not misuse the funds of buyers/investors, and provide the facilities and services as promised.u

25-31 July 2014

C over S tory

147 Maruti Suzuki Workers

Two Years - No Bail, No Jail  Contd from p 1 unilaterally have also been facing problems, as they are not able to get jobs due to the ‘background’. Some of them are still hounded by the police. Separately, cases have been filed against 66 ‘absconders’,” alleges Pathak. He is highly critical of the way the entire State machinery has treated the workers (mostly locals) almost as pariahs, while the (mostly foreign) Company is being pampered. The Maruti Suzuki Workers Union meanwhile is continuing its struggle to get justice, and recently (on the Second Anniversary) held a demonstration in Gurgaon, where it demanded either a judicial inquiry or a CBI probe into the incident. However, Despondence and despair is writ large on the faces of the workers. One of them, preferring anonymity, says

the ‘Jan Jagran Yatra’, passing through Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind, Karnal and Gurgaon districts of the State, before finally entering Delhi. On January 31 there was a large protest in the Capital, where members of a large number of auto trade unions, workers unions and left organisations participated. MSWU members say that even those workers who were not even present on the day of the incident have been unfairly implicated; some were summarily dismissed and some even accused of the violence! Nobody is willing to listen to ‘logic’. “India is a democratic

Industry worried

In a recent seminar organized by the NCR Chamber of Commerce and Industry, deep concern was expressed at the present scenario of labour unrest, agitations and sit-ins in the Gurgaon Manesar industrial belt, clearly showing that there is a massive deficit of trust between workers and industry owners. HP Yadav, President of the Chamber, apprehended that unless the government takes remedial measures the situation might worsen, as production is down. Yadav added that workers have started a new practice of agitating within the premises. He demanded the setting up of a ‘Haryana Industrial Peace Keeping Squad’. However, Dr. Anuradha Lamba, Joint Commissioner, Labour, spoke in a more conciliatory tone and called for cordial relations between workers and management that they have continued their struggle, held demonstrations across Haryana, organised a march from Kaithal to Delhi to protest against the injustice, and even all their family members have come together in this struggle - but nothing has moved this government. On the ‘First Anniversary’ last year, the workers’ procession from Gurgaon to Manesar had been curbed, as a result of which around 200 dismissed workers were forced to stage a protest in the Leisure Valley Park. To check any protest in the entire industrial area, hundreds of policemen had been posted there. In January of this year the Maruti workers organised

country with socialism as it’s founding principle; despite that, the workers, who form the backbone of any industrial activity, are not only being treated badly but are being victimized,” says a worker participating in a demonstration. Independent voices have also questioned the labour policies and practices at the Manesar plant of Maruti. The workforce at the Manesar plant was primarily casual, and local, and worked directly under the Japanese supervisors/managers, unlike the Gurgaon plant, where there is a greater presence of middle-level Indian managers. Many of the dismissed workers

opine that Japanese managers are often not sensitive to the Indian work culture and try to enforce their Japanese systems. A worker alleges that rest breaks were hardly given, and once a co-worker almost wet his paints as there was no reliever on the line. Trade Union leaders allege that there is excessive pressure on the workers, who despite remaining underpaid and understaffed, are asked to double the output while the salary remains static. Pathak says that living conditions of the workers are abysmal. They live in one-room shanties and anyway have no assurance of a job, as the contractors hold sway. Workers’ unions, which can perhaps help channel the voices of the workers, find it tough to even get registered. A Japanese journalist, who has worked for months in a famous Japanese auto major’s factory, says that while the Japanese manufacturing principles of Just In Time and Kanban have been applauded across the world, they have also resulted in more injuries and job accidents…and even suicides. Another reason for the July 18 violence, allege workers, was the refusal of the Company to allow a (separate) Trade Union to be formed at the Manesar plant. With a majority of the workers being young, they wanted that a union that could represent them. As importantly, they felt that the Union at the Gurgaon plant, which the management was supporting, had failed to represent their cause effectively. The steadfast refusal of the management to accept the demands of the workers had resulted in the conflict being stretched for over a year; and, during this time, the labour department and the state government also played a ‘negative’ role. Pathak alleges that the government and management colluded to deny a Constitutional right (to form a Union) to workers. There were even threats, coercion and force used to deny this right, he alleges. When the impasse ended, the Company, in a surprising move, decided to terminate the leaders who had fought for the setting up a union in the Manesar plant, and allegedly paid hefty ‘compensation’ to them - in what was called a

Voluntary Retirement. Trade Union leaders allege that this shortsighted policy was the leading cause for the eruption of violence on July 18, and ultimately the death of a senior manager. There was no union leadership or structure left, which could act as a safety valve and offset the steam and anger of the workers on that day. A sacked worker says that all the leaders who were trusted by the workers were removed by the Company. There was no one left whom they could trust or who could guide them. A hastily registered new Trade Union got no respect from the workers, nor did it create (or perhaps no interest in) a mechanism for a dialogue. Trade Union leaders allege that the State government was so insensitive and aggressive against the workers and blatantly pro the Company, as there was a clear threat that it could shift

to Gujarat. It is surprising, because this very company and this very State govt. have earlier applauded the labour in this region, saying it was a major attraction for industrialists. A majority of the auto companies in this region are now facing worker sit-ins and strikes, because of low wages (compared to the rising inflation) and the lack of facilities to the working class. The ineffectiveness or ineptness of the labour dept. is not helping. This ongoing struggle at Maruti Suzuki represents an intolerance, and a growing disparity between managements and working classes, which does not augur well for an India that wants to make a turnaround in the manufacturing sector. Labour lawyer Pathak says that the verdict in the Maruti case could point the way to the future of capital-labour relationship in India.u

Another delay - another protest The buyers of Emaar-MGF Palm Drive apartments (Sector 66), who had happily invested a decade ago, impressed by the promises of a super-luxury township that would be made to global standards, are going to hold a protest on July 25. They say that while the apartments were to be delivered within 3 years, it is now a decade…and they are still waiting. The homebuyers’ dreams of luxury living have become a nightmare of delays and broken promises. Their frustration and anger is likely to erupt during the protest, which is being planned at the Emaar office in Gurgaon. “We were ensnared by the beautiful ads. and the globally-trusted name of Emaar,” says Archana Prabhu, one of the buyers. Further, if the buyers pay even one day late, they are charged interest at 18%. Should Emaar not pay interest at the same rate, for its delay, to its homebuyers, they ask? The buyers add that what really worries them is that Emaar-MGF has launched several more projects, while it has conveniently forgotten them. Emaar MGF has completed one residential project in Gurgaon – on Golf Course Road.

08 write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he tragic incident of 2012 at Ambala, in which eleven pre-teen students and the driver of a school van succumbed and several others were injured, had raised the concern of all parents on the safety of their wards. Anxious citizens knocked at the doors of the High Court through a PIL, seeking mandatory safety norms for school buses. The judiciary took a serious view of this issue and directed all the relevant stakeholders in the school transport system to abide by certain strict guidelines. In this context, it may be recalled that the Delhi Administration had prescribed specific norms for all the schools that had their own transport fleet or chartered buses. The guidelines were comprehensive: from the colour of the school buses (yellow) to fitting of speed governors and emergency exit doors,

training of drivers, provision of a first aid box and the presence of an escort-attendant in each bus. For the hired private buses, it was made mandatory for them to display a board with the name of the school painted in yellow, besides other stipulations. Gurgaon-based schools, catering to hundreds of students from Delhi, were also compelled to comply with these safety norms. Now that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued similar directives for both the States as well as Chandigarh, the Government of Haryana has come forth with standard procedures to be followed by all the schools. At the outset the government has mooted the Surakshit School Vahan Policy and formed district-level committees under the stewardship of a Regional Transport Authority (RTA). A few of the ‘physical’ requirement under this Policy are: the painting of every school bus in yellow, with a 254mm wide strip of dark blue all around its body - just below the windows; installation of BIS-certified white reflective strips in the front and rear; fitting of an approved speed governor and GPS system; display of the name of the school or the words ‘School Bus’ on the front and rear (and

Securing School Journeys PRAKHAR PANDEY

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

S ocial

25-31 July 2014

in the case of a hired private carriage, a board with the words ‘On School Duty’ to be prominently placed on the windshield or the destination board); displaying the route and timings; and ensuring proper periodical and preventive maintenance of the buses. A notable feature in this Policy pertains to the need to employ only trained drivers that have at least five years’ experience and have not been challaned for traffic violations. Other important guidelines pertain to the presence of an attendant in each bus, the provision of a first aid box and fire extinguisher, and the absence of any tinted glass or curtains on the windows. The school authorities

are also expected to ensure that there is ample space within their school premises for the parking of buses. Friday Gurgaon (FG) met the Secretary heading the RTA and also conducted a random check of a few schools and buses on these aspects. FG covered Manav Rachna International School, DAV Public School, DPS, Shikshantar School, Amity International School and Swiss Cottage School. Most of the schools checked had implemented this Policy to the satisfaction of the RTA members. Nain, transport in charge of Amity, says: “We seriously look after the safety of our students, and we had im-

plemented most of the requirements under this policy even before it was formulated. A few days ago the RTA members had come for an inspection and they were quite happy and satisfied with what we have done.” The Principal says, “Apart from constant counselling to the drivers to follow safety norms, we have set up a place for them (a library of sorts) so that they might not sit idle. We also conduct regular meetings and make sure that the first pick up and the last drop during a trip is not of a girl child.” Vijay Taneja, the transport in charge of Manav Rachna, reveals their the institution has ensured full compliance of the Surakshit School Vahan Policy

for both the primary and secondary sections, and regularly monitors the performance of the drivers. Commenting on measures initiated as per this Policy, Manoj Khatri, the RTA officer, says, “It will take a year for the inspection to be complete. We are working everyday to ensure that the Policy is getting implemented, so that students travel safely. We do inform the schools 10 to 15 days before the inspection, so that they have a chance to review and rectify any shortcomings. The District Commissioner, Shekhar Vidhyarthi, says, “We want this Policy to be strictly complied with. Children often don’t voice their grievances, and that makes it even more important for us to ensure that there is no laxity in our inspections.” Recalling the Ambala mishap he says, “Unfortunately I was a witness to that incident. I know how students were treated by drivers or operators of the school buses, who would pack them like sardines. They hardly bothered about the safety and security of the students. Anybody still operating like that has to be strictly dealt with.” Principal of DAV Public School, Mrs. Anita Makkar, shares her concern on the safety of the students and welcomes the new Surakshit School Vahan Policy. She contends, “Nowadays schools are much more alert on issues like the security of students. It is necessary for every school to follow these rules, as our priority must be the safety of the students who have been put in our care.” Even the parents and guardians of the students have hailed this bold step by the State. However, while even the students of Central Schools travel by chartered buses or coaches provided by respective establishments (like the Army, Air Force or CRPF), the fact none of the State government schools provides a transport facility for its students is startling.u

CIty Bus

Sites for 13 proposed Bus Queue Shelters HUDA Gymkhana Club Sector 29 United Tower Fortis Hospital Cyber Park Bakhtawar Chowk Medanta Hospital Subhash Chowk Omaxe Mall IFFCO Chowk Sector 14 (near Gulab Restaurant) Palam Vihar (Ram Mandir) Columbia Asia Hospital Maruti Udyog

S ocial

25-31 July 2014

Self-propelled Champion Shivani Kataria has been selected for the Youth Olympics, which will be held in Nanjing, China from August 17. write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

ndia's promising swimming star, Shivani Kataria, is a girl who wished to do things differently. Hailing from a modest background, the country’s latest water belle has high ambitions – of transcending the ordinary and making her name in an exclusive arena of achievers. However, at the start she was not sure where her fortunes lay. She was very fond of tennis, as also of Sharapova and Sania. But, at eight, with her first splash in the pool during a summer camp, she was hooked to swimming. She took to it like a duck to water! She won accolades and wins at the school, and then at the State, level. She dreamt of representing her State at the National level, and then the country at international events. She has fared well at both junior and senior national level competitions, where she has won some top-three positions. She has proved her mettle as a swimmer par-excellence in two events – the butterfly and freestyle. ”At present I am preparing for the 2016 Olympic, and for that I have moved to Bangalore,” she says. She is being coached by Nihar Ameen, a top swimming coach associated with the Dolphin Academy, at the J.P. Park in Mathikere (Bangalore). Among Ameen’s earlier trainees have been the first Indian athletes to qualify for the Olympics - Shikha Tandon, for Athens, 2004, and Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwa, for Beijing, 2008. From 1989 to 1992 Ameen was the Assistant National Team Coach in the USA with the Team Director and Olympic Coach, Jack Nelson. He is also a member of the panel of experts for ‘Go Sports Foundation’, a non- government organisation. “Ameen Sir is very supportive,” says Shivani. She is equally thankful to her School, which has allowed her to participate in all important swimming competitions. “I am particularly grateful to my Principal,

Last living day { Ashok Lal} God has given the mankind gift of knowledge and information. Through this gift the man is getting answers to all his questions.

PRAKHAR PANDEY

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

All , but just two of them. One, how his death shall be? And another, when it is going to be? When an aeroplane crashes, and all but one person die. Why and how he survived, no one can reply.

Medals won 2013 40th. Junior National Swimming Meet 2 Gold: 200m and 100m Freestyle 1 Silver: 50m Freestyle 1 Bronze: 50m Butterfly School Nationals 3 Gold:50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle Seniors Nationals 1 Silver: 50m Freestyle 2 Bronze: 50m and 100 Freestyle 2014 41st. Junior National Swimming Meet 5 Gold (with 4 new Meet records) Best Swimmer in Group 1 Dubai International Meet 2 Silver:100m and 200 Freestyle 1 Bronze: 50 Freestyle Porto International Meet 1 Silver:100 Freestyle 1 Bronze: 200 Freestyle

Mrs. Anita Makkar, who recognised my talent and always encouraged me to pursue swimming along with my studies. Without such a supportive school I would not have been where I am today,” she says. Shivani is currently a student of the Eleventh standard at the DAV Public School in Gurgaon. Shivani has successfully juggled academics with a career in swimming. She did reasonably well at the ICSE Board examination, managing an overall 75 per cent score. It was a rather hectic schedule for a girl of 15 - to be competing at National swimming competitions while cramming for the Board exams. In fact the young girl also has some favourite pastimes. “I do enjoy cooking, reading and listening to music. Justin Bieber is my favourite….I love all his songs,” she smiles. She admits that she has had to forego chholebhature, since she has to keep a strict watch on her weight. She has a fancy for pasta, and likes to cook it also. Shivani has a maturity beyond her years. At an age and time when most girls are interested in fashion, fun and friends, she is focused on swimming. She realises that if she wants to become a world-class swimmer, she has perhaps the next ten years to do so. She is intent on achieving her swimming goals before settling down to prepare for the Civil Service exams. Yes, she wants to become a civil servant once she has ‘hung up her costume’. “I cannot bask in the glory of my swimming laurels for the rest of my life. A swimming career is a short one. I must have a meaningful ‘occupation’ after that,” she says. She would like to build a ‘sustainable career’ before entertaining any thoughts of marriage.

A king who was hale and hearty, and had won many battles and survived, got choked by a mere morsel and instantly died. Therefore says 'Lal' You must live in such a way as if every single day is your last living day!! ablsl1971@yahoo.co.in

“In any case I do not intend to get married before 25,” she says. Her family supports her decision. “My father is my inspiration,” says Shivani, her immense respect reflecting in her eyes. Shivani’s father, who is in the realty business apart from owning some agricultural land in Haryana, is very supportive of his daughter’s decisions. He is a bit cut up with the authorities, though. “I am somewhat disappointed with the government. The administration and society show little appreciation (forget respect) for a sport like swimming – only cricket seems to matter,” he says. “I hail from a village, where I have some agricultural land. I have leased it out, to fund my daughter’s dreams,” he adds. In Haryana, which is known for boxing and wrestling, the State government in recent times has recognised that sports talent and now provides good support. But it’s very early days for swimming. It is indeed disappointing that a Haryana girl, who could do the State proud in the nationals, and maybe prove to be a mentor for so many girls, is being ignored in her own State….as also by us Millennium City folk. Fortunately, this has not deterred the young lady. She wants to, and will, pursue her dreams and make them come true. Her brother, who likes to swim as well, eggs her on. “She has a passion for swimming, and I want her to excel and fulfill her dreams,” he says, looking at his sister fondly. “She even swims a stroke or two in her sleep,“ he signs off with a chuckle.u

25-31 July 2014

R eal E state

25-31 July 2014

C ivic/S ocial

Now, a ‘Senior’ Coach

City needs more Express halts

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he rail commuters on the Delhi-Gurgaon-Rewari line, particularly those undertaking short ‘local’ travel, are a harried lot, as they are made to wait interminably, with the Express trains always being given preference on this network. They allege that every day the local train from Sarai Rohilla to Farrukh Nagar faces delays – it is allowed to move only when the bigger trains have left or crossed the station. For example, last Wednesday the 74033 DMU, which is always packed, left Sarai Rohilla station ten minutes late, then was stationed at Patel Nagar for some time, thereafter it was stopped at the ‘outer’ of the Delhi Cantt. Station (to ensure that the Ashram Super Fast train could leave the City first), and stopped again for 45 minutes at Bijwasan station to ensure that a train from Chandigarh to Bandra could pass. The DMU reached Gurgaon one and half hours late, and this is almost a daily occurrence on this network. Pradip Yadav, who lives in Gurgaon, wants the authorities to make the travelling on passenger trains easier, more timely and safer, as this could help in cutting down on number of vehicles on the roads. “I regularly go to Delhi using the local trains, but they sorely need to improve service,” he adds. Regular ‘old timers’ say that the local DMU has been facing this discrimination for long, To overcome this problem and harassment, the passengers are now demanding that 22472 Bikaner Superfast Express, which starts from Sarai Rohilla, should be asked to stop at Gurgaon station. Thakur, who regularly commutes from Gurgaon to Delhi, and sometimes to Rewari, says that railway authorities should look into the problems of passengers and start delivering on the promise of ‘acche din aane waale hain’.u

enior citizens in the National Capital Region have urged the Union Urban Development ministry and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to introduce dedicated coaches (on the lines of women’s coaches) for the elderly in the Metro trains. “Delhi/NCR has more than three million senior citizens, out of the total 90 million in the country. Most of them depend heavily on the Metro rail as their means of transportation as it is a safe, affordable and fast mode of travel. However, they find it difficult to board the general compartments, which also have just two to four seats dedicated for the elderly and the handicapped. They get pushed and jostled,” said K.K. Kapila, Patron in Chief, Delhi/ NCR Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association.

A Special Raahgiri On Raahgiri Day the Gurgaon Chapter of Family Of Disabled partnered with Concentrix to create awareness about both the challenges faced by the disabled as well as their inner potential, to help mainstream in society. A nukkad natak, with a theme of Disability, was staged; and many of the disabled also performed. A vision-impaired President Award winner, Ms Madhubala Sharma, performed a skit on the Ability of a blind person.

Industry Empowered Capt. Ajay Yadav, Minister of Power, Environment and Forests, Haryana has claimed that the State now has surplus power capacity. As per him, Haryana has 10,635 MW of installed power capacity and a current production capability of 5,300 MW. The maximum demand is 8,000 MW. In this scenario, he believes that it is possible to plan for a supply of 23 hours of electricity to the cities and Industrial areas. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Power Scenario in Haryana - Prospects and Practical Solutions - Present & Future’, organised by NCR Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gurgaon. He instructed DHBVN to inform industry regarding the schedule of power cuts in their sector. Sanjeev Chopra, General Manager, DHBVN, Gurgaon was also present.

P hoto F eature

25-31 July 2014

Inside Out

Biodiversity Park

Outside In

PRAKHAR PANDEY

Ki d C orner

25-31 July 2014

Ryan International School, Sector 40

Commemorating Mandela

yan International School, Sec-40 was privileged to be a part of Mandela International Day, which was organised by Suhas Borker, Governor, Working Group of Alternative Strategies. The students paid their tribute by lightning a candle and offering flowers.

A Green Touch

he Montessori wing of Ryan International School, Sector-40 enthusiastically celebrated Environment Day. The students and teachers planted saplings of Neem, Ashoka and Gulmohar at select places in the CRPF and RIS areas, and in the parks of various sectors.

Syncing the Parents

yan International School, Sector-40 organised a workshop for the parents of Montessori I and II students, on ‘Ryan Montessori Teaching Methodologies’. The Workshop focused on some child centric teaching techniques. The objective is to have the parents in consonance, and partnership, with the School, in terms of teaching methods. American Montessori Public School

Kavi Sammelan

lass I students enthusiastically recited poetry with the help of props. The students were judged on their voice modulation, presentation and diction.

Splashing Fun

he toddlers of Montessori I/II beat the summer heat by playing in the Splash Pool.

Prized Olympians

he winners of the State Olympiad held earlier in the year were felicitated at the School. Naman Goyal of Class I stood first in the State in the Science exam.

Ki d C orner

25-31 July 2014

Getting Media-friendly

tudents of Ryan International School, Sector- 31 were privileged to attend a workshop on Media Literacy under the banner ‘Prosocial Peer Moderator Program’ organised by Fortis School Mental Health Program (Fortis Hospital).

G Earth 2025 Foundation - Tree Plantation

Green Declamation

he students of Ryan International School, Sector-40 participated in a Declamation Competition conducted in school. By espousing ‘Less Pollution is the Best Solution’, the young nature lovers emphasised the need to preserve Mother Earth. Following the vision Founder Chairman, Dr. A.F. Pinto, the students took a pledge to respect the environment and to ‘Thick Globally and Act Locally’. School Head, Ms Peeya Sharma appreciated the efforts of the green warriors and congratulated the winners Raghvi Gupta, Kshiti Singh, Aryan Kapoor and Shreya Singh.

G Earth 2025 Foundation - at Raahgiri

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

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25-31 July 2014

T EDITORIAL Atul Sobti

Letter To The Editor Dear Editor, With reference to your editorial last week, 'Let not a hundred Gurgaons bloom - yet', it is indeed true that uncontrolled and builders oriented expansion of Gurgaon is not a welcome step in development. You have rightly listed the steps that need to be taken to improve the infrastructure before allowing more and more high rises to change the city's skyline. The need is to look at the 'ground' reality and even the sub ground conditions like the waterbeds. Will the authorities that be awaken to your sincere guidance is to be seen? In the same light I read the article by Shobha Lidder on the ' Seniors of DuPage County'. It is indeed a pleasure to read about the happy life style of the senior citizens in Chicago. Gurgaon seniors are not anyway less social. But what is the support they get from the local government or other authorities? The truth lies in her concluding lines. Why can we not emulate the support that America gives its senior citizens as their legal right?

C omment

Pehle Aurat

here is a very strong case for the lack of public toilets. The males just haven’t setting up of an Aam Aurat Party, bothered enough about all this. The education which would primarily fight the and health of the children and of the poor Assembly (State) elections. Of course is another ‘soft’ area that needs sensitive women, having the better half sense too, handling and delivery, rather than the boast would probably like to call it Aam Log Party and flourish of fund allocations. The same or Hamari Party. The issues at a local (yes, thought and care would apply to the housing State is closest to that) level have most to for the poor, and the setting up of facilities do with the provision/delivery of adequate and services for the differently abled. Women civic and social infrastructure, facilities will also think twice before allowing the and services, and their maintenance – mushrooming of liquor vends, that too consistently and equitably. And of course around residences and schools. It’s time for providing for the safety women to also regain their and security of all the freedom in the parks, rather residents. It’s quite a nothan being forced out of It’s surprising that brainer to realise that them. there are few women more women (than men) RWA Heads in the have to deal with (the Men have conveniently City. The men seem to lack of) these facilities used the Indian woman believe they have all the and services on a daily stereotype, and exaggerated answers – even outside basis, and it is they who the ‘specialised skill’ needed the office. better know the answers/ to run administrative solutions to the issues. and political posts, as an They could also be excuse to keep women trusted to implement the out of decision-making solutions effectively – probably through roles outside the house. Women are not Mahila Sabhas in mohallas. Of course men supposedly 'jugadu'. They do not need to be. could also participate, and soon even ask Women would handle corruption better and for a quota (reservation)...even in the Party. in a more practical and focused manner. Further, no one would be more sensitive to Men have also had it too easy…and have the issue of children’s and women’s safety not really taken care of issues – civic and than women themselves. Men simply have criminal - that plague women on a daily basis. not learnt…to even ‘talk’ with sensitivity. Men have hardly felt any heat and have not A special Women’s Police Force (again with really been on the receiving end – especially a ‘reserved’ number of men) could more versus women. They are beginning to get a effectively tackle street harassment - and taste of it, as frivolous cases of dowry and not smile indulgently, saying ‘boys will be rape are beginnig to rise. But women have boys’. They will even manage traffic and ‘no much to 'make up'. Surprisingly, the Supreme parking’ issues better – for there has been no Court recently intervened in such a case, one better than Kiran (Crane) Bedi to date. to signify that it thought this had already gone too far! Is that the ‘tolerance’ level of The frustration of the ordinary citizen is (even) the (Supreme) male? Once the ladies primarily on account of the daily issues in numbers take charge at the State level, – of inadequate and infrequent water and things at the ground level will get better very power supplies, the rising prices of food soon. Aam aadmi needs to make way for them items, poor sanitation and the filth around, - AAP would benefit from doing so. Either and of the inconvenience and insecurity of way, the time for woman - the aam aurat travelling by buses and autos. Women face has to come...soon. Really achhe din tab hi special issues of open defecation and the aayenge.u

S piritual

25-31 July 2014

Blessed are those who mourn... { Dr. Rajesh Bhola }

I walked a mile with pleasure She chatted all the way but left me no wiser I walked a mile with sorrow No word said she But oh the things I learnt from her I cannot forget’.

e mourn over those we lose, and over what we lose. Mourning is spontaneous, and inevitable. It comes from our being ‘possessive’ – of both people and material things; we feel deprived when we lose them, and mourn their loss. But, as Jesus intriguingly said, ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted’. The blessing does not lie in the experience of mourning, but in the consequence that arises from it. The blessing that comes with mourning is the blessing of being comforted. Comfort is either something we give to others or receive from someone else; it is not something we do for ourselves. One of my friends lost his son. He was so overcome with sorrow that he lost his appetite and did not want to leave the house. Concerned for him, three of his colleagues paid him a visit. The grieving friend confessed that he was struggling with doubt. "I am no longer able to pray to God," he admitted. "In fact, I am not certain I believe in God any more." After a moment of silence, one of his colleagues said, "Then we will believe for you. We will pray for you." The three men met daily for prayer, asking God to restore the gift of faith to their friend. Some months later, as the three friends gathered for prayer at his house, their friend smiled and said, "It is no longer necessary for you to pray for me. Today I would like you to pray with me." Mourning should teach one to have a deeper sympathy and compassion for others - to share the sorrow of others. However, today, the whole effort of human life, the pleasure madness, the drive for amusement, entertainment and thrills, the mania that seeks the next high, the money, energy, and enthusiasm expanded in living it up - all these are an expression of man’s aim to avoid sorrow…and mourning. People want to escape the pains and sorrows of life. They long to get away, to look away and to run away - to find a place where sorrow does not exist, and where there is no pain. We should condemn this shallow, superficial laughter of life, this frivolous happiness of the world. ‘Blessed are those who mourn rather than those who rejoice, because there can be no true rejoicing until we have stopped running away from mourning’. Blessed are

From the Old Testament: ’It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men, and the living will lain it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth’. the people who feel keenly their inadequacies, guilt, failures, helplessness, unworthiness and their emptiness, and who do not try to hide these things under a cloak of self-sufficiency; rather, they are honest about them and grieve and mourn. Their tears - whether of loneliness, discouragement, love, loss, anxiety, concern, care, worship or devotion - are a gift from Him to release the sorrow of their hearts. Famous writer C.S Lewis wrote, ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our

conscience, but shouts in our pain’. He added that one of the most disquieting dimensions of grief is God's silence. ‘When you are happy, so happy that you have no sense of needing Him, so happy that you are tempted to feel His claims upon you as an interruption, if you remember yourself and turn to him with gratitude and praise, you will be - or so it feels - welcomed with open arms. But go to him when your need is desperate, when all other help is in vain, what do you find - a door slammed in your face and a sound of

bolting and double bolting on the inside…and after that silence’. The book’s ending, describing the final moments spent by Lewis with his wife, was like a symphony that was not quite finished…ended with an unresolved chord. ‘How wicked it would be, if we could, to call the dead back! She said not to me but to the church priest, “I am at peace with God.” She smiled, but not at me’. His last line is a quote from Dante: ‘She turned once more to the eternal Fount’. This points to a final remedy for grief, where God will ‘wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’. Though we may sometimes doubt it, the promise of that day is certain. For now our pilgrimage to that city of happiness is a trail of tears it winds its way through the valley of shadow. I have come across people who have, by virtue of their wisdom and understanding or through their experiences, learnt to ‘voluntarily’ mourn. By remaining in a state of detachment, they do

not feel deprived, and so do not feel a sense of ‘loss’, or shock. The loss has, in a way, already occurred somewhere deep inside them. Those who mourn voluntarily know that all their belongings and their relatives will not stay with them forever. Deep inside they know that all these possessions are in a way dead. These mourners left ‘everything’ much before ‘those things’ left them. We have two clear choices – one, of detaching ourselves from possessions; the second, of being stripped of our possessions. All mortal possessions should be cautiously used, remembering that these are only an illusion and will be snatched away involuntarily - causing sorrow and mourning for which we may not be prepared. To avoid this turmoil, let us prepare, deep in our hearts, to learn to detach ourselves from our ‘possessions’.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

The swings of ‘sawan’

The Inverted Tree of Life

{ Sri Bimal Mohanty }

{ Shobha Lidder }

The swings of ‘sawan’ are here now

I often sit under the Maple tree

Look them reaching out to sky and coming down low

A three hundred year old maybe

In a moment they smell the heady heights

Oft in my stressful times

In the next come down to touch the earth’s feet

When body & mind

Is not that life my friend - now you wear the crown

Are not in sync

And then the swing of life pushes you down When up there keep your head steady You’re about to dive to the bottom, be ready When down in the dumps, next moment you’re on your way to the top What goes down must also go up Waste not your emotions either way

I pick my pen & ink And write my heart’s rhyme & rhythm The tree is my prism Of synchronicity It draws my stress & strain Aches & pains with an élan I breathe in its refreshing prana

But learn the lesson of life, wise men say

Like a Divine plan

Up and down are both in one’s stride

Neither is guilty nor philanthropic

Fools succumb but the wise welcome the next wave to ride

All this is so natural

Life has its ups and downs like the swing

A symbiosis

To teach us the truth, the divine hand keeps us playing

Compatibility of the opposites

On the swings of ‘sawan’

That in ancient science

The wise men have learnt to see it in their own way

The inverted Tree of Life

Bask in the knowledge, enjoy life’s game

Is called Man.

Swings of ‘sawan’...or swings of life...what’s in a name?

Writer, Journalist, Teacher, Trainer, Social Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer

25-31 July 2014

Health & Vitality... Naturally!

Herbs & the Hormone Balance { Jaspal Bajwa }

ery often a wide range of troublesome symptoms that severely impact our health and quality of life are not well understood. This either leads to under-diagnosis or the other extreme - which results in expensive and unnecessary medication. The real culprit may, in fact, lie hidden in something as far-reaching as hormonal imbalance or brain health. Hormones are the chemical messengers produced by glands such as the thyroid, pancreas and adrenals. These are key to regulating our emotional health, metabolism, appetite, sleep cycles, cell growth and repair, stress reactions, sexual desire and fertility. Maintaining the delicate balance of hormones is critical to regulating millions of biochemical actions in the body. The vulnerability to imbalance can occur to anyone at any age. In

relative terms, however, women are far more vulnerable, as is evidenced by the wide prevalence of chronic fatigue, weight-gain, mood changes, depression, reduced libido, hot flashes, insomnia, inflammation, pain, PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) and menopausal symptoms. One of the hormones - Estrogen - regulates many aspects of sexual and reproductive development, as also the health of the heart, blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, brain and the urinary tract. Aside from estrogen produced by the body, our modern lifestyle exposes us to estrogen-like compounds through the intake of drugs and from the environment. These compounds are known as xenoestrogens. Hormone imbalance in women from an excess of estrogen can have serious consequences. In recent years, over-use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and birth control pills has drawn flak

{ Alka Gurha }

or good health, an Alkaline Diet is promoted in several branches of alternative medicine, especially Ayurveda. In modern times the Alkaline Diet became popular when Victoria Beckham tweeted in favour of an Alkaline Diet Cookbook - ‘Honestly Healthy’. An Alkaline Diet includes fresh fruits & vegetables (except cranberries, prunes and plums), soybeans, roots and tubers, nuts and legumes. According to the proponents of this Diet, foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, grains and processed foods produce acid in our bodies, and should be restricted. The foods suggested in an Alkaline Diet are also considered healthy as they contain lots of water. The proponents of an Alkaline Diet further suggest that we shouldn’t have alcohol, tea or coffee. They believe that eating specific foods that make our body more alkaline protects us against diseases like arthritis and cancer and also helps us to lose weight. A healthy diet, as per them, should include 60-80% alkaline foods and 20-40% acidic foods, but the degree to which a food is alkaline or acidic matters. It is important to note that the above claims are not supported by medical evidence. Many doctors do not believe that an acid-producing diet is the foundation of any illness. However, there is evidence in ‘conventional’ medicine that Alkaline Diets can help prevent the formation of calcium kidney stones and osteoporosis.u

because of their long-term impacts on our health – especially through unintended consequences; the solution for one issue becomes a problem for another, through a messed up hormonal balance. The good news in this context is the existence of plant-based phytoestrogens. Quite contrary to the name, phytoestrogens are not the same as an endogenous estrogen; hence, these do not contribute to any form of estrogen overdosage. Being selective estrogen receptor modulators, phytoestrogens have the potential to reduce troublesome hormonal imbalance and menopausal symptoms, while at the same time lowering breast cancer risk. Phytoestrogens commonly occurring in food sources include isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. Some of the best sources are: nuts and seeds, such as flax, sesame, sunflower, almonds, beans (such as soy and mung), alfalfa sprouts, hummus, garlic, dried apricots and dates, olive oil, green beans, peas and blueberries. Amongst herbal extracts the leading examples are Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Red Clover, Chastetree, Licorice, Fermented Soya, Schisandra, Bupleurum and Shatavari.

Tip of the Week

Fortunately, hormonal balance can be corrected. It responds to lifestyle choices, such as elimination of sedentary habits and avoidance of exposure to dietary toxins, radiation and other environmental pollutants. Positive lifestyle choices, like maintaining an ideal weight ratio, can reduce insulin resistance and the over-production of estrogen. Hormones can be boosted by minimising needless stress, which pushes our adrenal glands to over-produce the stress hormone ‘cortisol’. Minimising reliance on over-processed food, refined sugars, white flour products, fast foods, deep-dried foods and products with high caffeine (or too many chemical sounding ingredients), can be a big step. However, it is most important to replace sedentary activities with active outdoor hobbies and sports, balanced by

The pH Balance

Alkaline Food: Sprouts, tofu, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, onions, spinach, apples, almonds, ginger, sweet potatoes and herbs. Acidic Food: Beef, chicken, egg, pork, vinegar, tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolates, peanuts, butter, cheese, yoghurt, oil, fruit juices and soft drinks.

W ellness activities that allow our creative juices to flow; we should also spend quality time with family and friends. Ensuring a high quality of sleep and retaining a robust sense of humor is critical! Nature’s Wonder Food of the Week: Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus Native to India, Shatavari belongs to the same family as asparagus. It is one of the most powerful rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda – and especially good for women’s health. In Sanskrit, Shatavari means ‘having one hundred roots’, or ‘having one hundred husbands’! It is revered as a nourishing, cooling, lubricating detoxifier, which calms stress and anxiety. It supports the normal functioning of the immune and digestive systems – it also increases our libido. Shatavari helps the immune system recover more quickly from exposure to toxins, by protecting blood-producing cells in the bone marrow and by enhancing the production of immune-regulating messenger molecules. Dry and irritated membranes in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb, making it also useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body’s fluids. Powdered extracts from its roots have been used as a diuretic, galactogogue (supporting normal production of breast milk), aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, demulcent, antibacterial, digestive and an adaptogenic immunomodulator (the ability to balance pH in the cervical area). Steroidal saponins called ‘Shatavarins’ may be responsible for the hormone-like effect that Shatavari has on the reproductive system. These saponins have been seen to increase follicle-stimulating hormone in women. Shatavari contains Shatavarin-I - which is unique to Shatavari, and Protodioscin - which is also found in the male libido-enhancer Tribulus. Men may benefit from the herb as well, to recover from general sexual debility.u For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions

The pH Balance

Going back to high school Chemistry of ‘pH balance’, we know that a pH of 0 is totally acidic, a pH of 14 is completely alkaline and a pH of 7 is neutral. These levels vary throughout our body. With a pH between 7.35 and 7.45, our blood is slightly alkaline. However, our stomach is very acidic, with a pH of 3.5, as it needs to help break down the food in our body. Urine changes the pH level depending on what we eat. Though our body works to maintain an overall delicate pH balance, it is said that an Alkaline Diet helps our body to maintain its blood pH levels. Proponents of Alkaline Diets believe that a diet high in acidproducing foods disrupts this balance and promotes the loss of essential minerals - such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium - as the body tries to restore equilibrium. This imbalance is thought to make people prone to illness.

25-31July 2014

B on V ivant

The Cine-Dances

10 Dance with Me won four Academy awards, (1998) - Randa Haines’ it is still one of the most film, starring singers Vanunderrated films produced essa L. Williams and Chayon Dance. anne, featured Gloria Esta4 fan’s hit single ‘You are my Footloose (1984) { Meenu Thakur Sankalp } home’ and fourteen other Though remade in 2011, the Dance tracks. ‘Dance With original still strikes a chord In the last 125 years, not many Hollywood movies have Me’ was an entertaining film with viewers. Herbert Ross celebrated Dance as the central theme, despite almost that gave viewers a glimpse of cast Kevin Bacon as an Ameriall of these having ‘delivered’ at the international box the competitive world of Ballcan teenager, Ren McCormack, office. Critics have analysed and even rated them room Dancing. Though critics who revives Dance in a small earlier. Here is a Classical dancer’s pick – a dubbed the storyline as unimaginaAmerican town. Critics dubbed the Countdown - of the top ‘Dance Movies’ tive, it grossed more than $15 million at the box office. movie as a confused attempt to entertain, but gave a thumbs-up of Hollywood: to Bacon’s Dance skills and his realistic portrayal of McCormack. 9 Black Swan (2010) - A rare combination of Dance and a Scathing comments apart, the Film grossed more than $80 million in psychological and horror thriller, ‘Black Swan’ was directed by the United States. Darren Aronofsky and starred Natalie Portman and Mila Kuni 3 Saturday Night Fever (1977) - John Badham and the s. Portman’s performance and Aronofsky’s direction were applauded and the film grossed $329 million worldwide, and won Bee Gees made the film memorable, with Dance sequences and many Academy Award nominations - including Best Director, sound tracks like ‘How deep your love’, ‘More than a woman’ Best Film and Best Actress. Portman won the Oscar for Best Acand ‘Stayin’ Alive’. The Film made John tress . Travolta a star. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The Film wonder8 Chicago (2002) - Adapted from a fully expressed the sheer joy of dancing. 1975 Broadway stage musical, Chicago It has been voted as one of the best 1,000 featured the legendary Richard Gere, films ever made. The video game ‘World and Hollywood ‘bombshells’ Catherine of Warcraft’ was inspired by Travolta’s Zeta-Jones and Rene’e Zellweger. Gere showed the world that Dance movements. he could shake a leg and the two actresses were also a surprise 2 Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – This Film is a 1952 DanceDance package. The Film garnered six Academy nominations and won Best Picture at the Oscars. It received a rousing re- musical, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie ception from the public and the Daily Telegraph headlined it Reynolds . The iconic Film offers an insight into the Hollyas ‘The Best Musical in Thirty Years’. wood of the late ‘20s, a time of transition from silent films to ‘talkies ’. Initially a modest performer at the box office, ‘Singin’ 7 Top Hat (1935) - No Dance list is in the Rain’ has been accorded legendary status by contemcomplete without Fred Astaire. ‘Top Hat’ porary critics. It is described as one of the best musicals ever was written by Allan Scott and Dwight made. Kelly and O’Connor’s Tap Dance routines have become Taylor and directed by Mark Sandrich . Writer Irving Berlin ’s rare collections in the archives of Hollywood. The hit single, numbers, ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails ’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek ’, it ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, still continues to be happily hummed by became one of the all time classics. ‘Top Hat’ was one of Astaire’s many old-timers. most successful films, achieving second place in worldwide box1 West Side Story (1961) - The office earnings for 1935. swords may be out for me, for ranking 6 Dirty Dancing (1987) - The ro‘West Side Story’ ahead of ‘Singin’ in the mantic pair of Patrick Swayze and JenniRain’. ‘West Side Story’ is a film that demfer Grey portrayed the love of a student onstrates Street Dancing at its best, and for her Dance instructor. The soundtrack is set up in an upper New York neighbourbood of the 1950s. The of the Film generated platinum albums, and viewers rated rivalry of two teenage street gangs - of American and Puerto Rithis Dance romance very highly. The New York Times head- can origin (Jets and Sharks) - forms the central theme. The Film line said it all: ‘Dirty Dancing Rocks to an Innocent Beat’. has been relived in many stage shows over the past fifty years. It won 10 Academy Awards (from its 11 nominations) – the most 5 All That Jazz (1979) - Bob Fosse’s film won the Palme ever by a Dance musical The Film has been deemed ‘culturally d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Festival. Featuring Rob Scheider and significant’ by the United States Library of Congress and is preJessica Lange, ‘All that Jazz’ relied heavily on the histrionic served in the US National Film Registry .u abilities of its actors and foot-tapping music. Though the Film The Writer is a renowned Kuchipudi Danseuse and Choreographer { Krishan Kalra }

hen the president of our local industries association suggested a trip to the North Atlantic island of Ganou-Ganou, most of us were very surprised. No one had heard of the place and, in any case, it hardly sounded like one for a business delegation. The chief was however persistent. He told us about their special coconuts and 56 varieties of fruit, their exotic wines and the most beautiful shells in the world. Their imports, we were informed, spanned a wide range of consumer goods and durables, and were bartered with the fruits and shells. We were given lectures on the wisdom of developing a virgin market, of being the first ones there to grab this golden opportunity. We finally relented – after all, you can’t let down your President! Of course it helped that there were a few who had not been abroad, and some whose wives were also waiting for a foreign trip – apart from that rich businessman who makes more profits than he knows what to do with it. So it was, that a seven-

Our Diplomatic Leader member delegation boarded the Air-France flight for Paris, the only place in the world from where you can get a visa − and a flight − for Ganou-Ganou. Two days later, an eight-seater Second World War vintage Piper − sporting the beautiful coconut and mango emblem of the island nation − took off from Paris on it’s three hour flight to the sovereign republic of Ganou-Ganou. The small plane made a bumpy landing on the sandy strip. Besides displaying a big welcome banner, the King, his six wives and all 450 residents, dressed in their Sunday best leaf skirts, had gathered to greet us. We learnt later that 3 pregnant women and one midwife were unable to make it. The King stepped forward and garlanded our leader; the rest of us were garlanded by his wives. The next three days passed like a breeze. We were always surrounded by a crowd of beautiful women resplendent in their leaf skirts (and nothing else) − much to the annoyance of

our wives. Every meal was a feast - an unbelievable variety of fruits, the choicest coconuts, exotic seafood and even more exotic wines. There were no meetings, conferences or official visits. During the day we’d be on the beach, at nights we slept on soft leaf beds. At the end of all this wining, dining and ogling, the King, his wives and 450 subjects again got together near our plane. The King made a short speech, again garlanded our President, and handed him a flag and a seal - both bearing the beautiful coconut and mango insignia. The speech was translated by the pilot. Our leader had been appointed the honorary counsel of Ganou-Ganou - only the second one in the world − and given powers to issue visas. Mr. President made a befitting reply, thanking His Majesty profusely and promising to honour the dignity of their flag to the best of his ability. One of the flashiest cars in our small town now flies an exotic flag on the bonnet and carries a blue number plate, with GanouGanou written in golden letters. Our leader has become a diplomat.u

25-31 July 2014

Ray, the Robot, lifts a white station wagon to a parking place.

{ Frank Christiansen/Dusseldorf/ DPA }

Ray, the Robot, lifts a blue Volkswagen Golf to a parking place at Dusseldorf Airport in Germany. Ray, the Robot, lifts a black BMW car to a parking place at Dusseldorf Airport in Germany - the first site where the machine has worked without human control.

Ray, the Robot, lifts a black BMW car to a parking place at Dusseldorf Airport in Germany - the first site where the machine has worked without human control.

My Friend, the Robot { Lars Nicolaysen/Yokohama, Japan/ DPA } o the sound of music, Parlo raises his arms in the air and calls out in a child’s voice: “Let’s clap in time.” A dozen elderly Japanese watch the little robot standing on the  table in front of them in bemusement.  They are gathered in the community room of the FuyoEn rest  home in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Not all of them understood what the 40-centimetre  humanoid robot had said. ”The robot has become part of our daily life,” says Akira Kobayashi,   the Director of the Care Home, which lies in a special economic zone for the promotion of robots.  ”Parlo is perceived by some of our ladies as

a small child,” Kobayashi says, as the robot now plays guessing games with the elderly people. ”The robot has been set up with 365 different programs. We use it to improve the mood in our daily relaxation sessions with the residents,” he adds. Parlo was developed by the Fuji Soft company. “The robot’s aim is to create a new relationship between people and computers,” says Eiji Honda, head of the Japanese company’s robot division. Noting that computers have to date been largely tools, he says that “we Residents of the Fuyo-En rest home in Yokohama, Japan clap as Parlo the robot speaks from a table top. The robot has been devised to win the trust of its human users.

Lars Nicolaysen

ow often have we dreamt of someone who could take over our tiresome chores? And what could be more of a drag than crawling around the tight bends of a concrete, multi-storeyed car park in search of that elusive parking space? At Dusseldorf Airport in Germany, a Robot Parking Assistant, by the name of Ray, will now take over that chore for you. The ‘device’ has been developed by a small Bavarian-based Artificial Intelligence outfit called Serva Transport Systems. Busy travellers just drop their vehicle in a specially allocated bay.  Ray sizes up the vehicle and slips its forklift-like prongs under the bodywork, before lifting the car a few centimetres off the ground and trundling off to park it. Ray can carry a car of up to three tons in weight. It is very adroit; it can spin on its axis, making it much more manoeuvrable than a car. This enables the rows of cars to be closer, which boosts car park capacity. The Robot can even be summoned and pre-booked using a telephone app. Ray can be retrofitted to an existing multi-storeyed parking facility.  While inspecting a Ray prototype at the Hanover Trade Fair in April,  German Chancellor Angela Merkel had asked a company executive sceptically, “You’re sure Ray will be able to find my car afterwards?” Ray has provided that answer at Dusseldorf…and so far nobody’s vehicle has gone astray! This Robot Valet has plenty to keep it occupied 24x7, although the number of parking spaces for which it is responsible has been initially restricted to 260. Ray is not only a boon to drivers allergic to the rigours of locating a parking space, it promises to be a good earner for its owner too. Car park operators can expect a revenue

G lobal

Ray, the Parking Robot

Federico Gambarini

hike of at least 40 per cent – and more, if a new car park has been designed with Ray in mind. The engineers that designed Ray came up with a clever application when they installed it at Dusseldorf Airport. They linked the robotic system to a data bank, so that Ray ‘knows’ when a plane with a parked car owner aboard it has landed. The Robot can therefore retrieve the relevant car in good time and have it ready for drive-off. Though automated car parking is definitely here to stay, innovations like this can prove to be tricky: a driverless mono-rail people-mover at Dusseldorf Airport, the Sky Train, was initially dogged by technical gremlins. The problems included frequent breakdowns and passengers stranded in cabins outside the terminal. Airport officials have confidence in Ray – they say that ‘he’ will not misbehave. As insurance, however, Ray is in the company of several cyber colleagues. If  ’he’ fails, another will take his place.u

G lobal

25-31 July 2014

(now) want to make them partners.” He points to a poster of Astro Boy, a comic figure known in Japan as Tetsuwan Atomu  (originally drawn by Osamu Tezuka). That ‘manga’ comic of the 1950s and 1960s, about a boy android who has supernatural powers, was in a sense a forerunner of Parlo. It’s also an indicator of Japan’s enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology and an acceptance of all kinds of  robots. Parlo is equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, he is able to recognise people by their voices and to respond to them. Japanese industry and researchers are not interested in robots for their entertainment value alone. Robots for services are the focus - particularly Care Robots, on which the industry and the State are co-operating closely.  Japanese society is ageing rapidly, and it is anticipated that there will be a shortage of Care workers (almost half a million by 2020). Toyota Motor has developed a ‘Careassist Robot’ to help bed-ridden patients get out of bed.  Panasonic has developed a bed, part of which can be turned into a wheelchair. The electronics giant is also working on a series of  robot suits, like the

battery-powered Ninja model, which will help one to carry heavy objects or even another person. ”Special sensors measure precisely how much strength is needed,”  Panasonic spokesperson Yayoi Watanabe says. Honda’s ASIMO and Sony’s AIBO robot dog are other advanced projects. The idea is not for robots to replace Care workers, but rather to assist their human colleagues as helpers. ”To be honest, you can also manage without a robot like Parlo,” Kobayashi says, adding that Parlo is simply another tool for stimulating the elderly to communicate or to enjoy their meals more. The situation is similar with the robot seal Paro, which is also used at the Fuyo-En care home. Although simply a machine, disguised as a cuddly seal in white fur, Paro is able to assist the Care workers to look after patients suffering from depression and dementia. ”Sometimes these patients forget within a couple of minutes what they are supposed to be doing and become anxious,” Kobayashi says. ”Before we introduced the robots, a Care worker had been needed to deal

A resident of the Fuyo-En rest home in Yokohama, Japan takes a closer look at Paro, a robot in the form of a toy white seal. The robot has been devised to win the trust of its human users. with this situation,” he adds. Now, the engagement with the seal frequently leads to a more cheerful atmosphere – which eases the task of the care workers. This is a key issue in robot development, as Care workers face an arduous task, both physically and psychologically. “While industrial robots can replace factory

workers, in the Care sector it is people who will continue to play the main role and the robots will support them. They will live and work along side each other,” says Shiro Sekiguchi, who works for an organisation promoting the use of care robots in Yokohama. There are difficulties in introducing  Service and Care Robots on a wide scale. According to economic  research institute Yano, the market for Care Robots is relatively limited market - attributed at least partly to the  high development costs, as well as the current lack of functionality in the robots. While Japan already has a large range of robots and related technologies, by no means have all these products achieved market success.  Many are at best prototypes. However, deregulation of the Care sector could boost robot development. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has shown enthusiasm for robot technology. During a recent visit to a rest home in Saitama, near Tokyo, where he tried out a robot bed, Abe said: “I would like to make robots a pillar of my growth strategy.”u

Tough Carbon Fibre conquers car world { Stefan Weissenborn/Berlin/ DPA }

MW is leading the way, with its innovative i3 runabout, showing that it is possible to build a compact city car using a high-tech material like carbon fibre without sending production costs through the roof. Admittedly the i3 is not a bargain-basement minicar. The extra-light, ultrastrong carbon fibre it employs has seldom found its way into regular production models. Widespread use of the material has so far been confined to Formula One or to exclusive sports cars. Experts believe that carbon fibre has a great future, although the quantity of the material used in a given car will depend on the model’s prestige or the need to save weight - in search of enhanced fuel economy. The carbon fibre used is Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). The material is heattreated to provide a tough, high-impactresistant surface. In the case of the i3, the use of carbon fibre offsets the weight of the car’s heavy battery pack. The manufacturer believes carbon fibre is the only material capable of satisfying enhanced vehicle safety requirements without incurring a weight penalty. Experts say CFRP is 20 per cent lighter than aluminium, a metal that has been at the core of competitor Audi’s weightsaving efforts for decades; it is half as heavy as steel. Other carbon fibre advantages are the ‘secondary effects’, as explained by Klaus Drechsler, a professor for carbon composites at Munich’s Technical University. “The lower mass of such a vehicle means that the brakes can be downsized, while smaller engines can still provide the same performance.” One carbon fibre disadvantage is that it is harder to repair than steel, which can be welded or panel-beaten - even if the result does not turn out to be completely

Sony presents an extra-thin Phablet { Berlin/ DPA } factory-grade. While damaged carbon composites can be patched and rebonded to eliminate dents, the process is expensive. That may be another reason why CFRPs have seen little use is massproduction vehicles. Drechsler expects that the cost of using carbon fibre will be halved in five years. The drop in overall production costs, including logistics aspects, is likely to amount to more than 90 per cent, says the specialist. BMW says it has already cut carbon fibre costs by half over the past five years. Until costs come down further, ‘mundane’ cars are likely to be made largely of steel. “We have to ensure that we can produce a marketable product,” said

VW technology spokesman Harthmut Hoffmann. In order to shave off weight the company is testing high-tensile steels, which permit thinner panels to be pressed at higher temperatures. “This makes the components both lighter and stronger,” says Hoffmann. Safety requirements dictate that future cars will never be made entirely out of carbon fibre. “The B pillar of a car is supposed to deform in a crash,” says Eckstein. “So CFRP would not be suitable for making the pillar. On the other hand, making some other front vehicle sections out of carbon fibre makes sense, since CFRP absorbs more crash energy than steel or aluminium.”u

ony’s newest smartphone - the Xperia T3 - is only 7 millimetres thick and weighs 145 grams. But it also comes with a 5.3-inch HD display and a stainless steel frame, making the Xperia a phablet that punches above its weight class. Along with its quadcore processor (1.4 gigahertz) the Xperia can also utilise the LTE and NFC standards. It also comes with an 8-megapixel camera, 1 gigabyte (GB) of working memory and 8 GB of storage space - which can be expanded with an SD card. It goes on sale in Europe at the end of July, in white, black and purple models. No price has been set.u

Stops itself if driver falls ill

Adaptive steering

{ Berlin/ DPA }

{ Cologne/ DPA }

he next generation of Audi’s upmarket A6 saloon will offer an ‘emergency driver assistance’ function, which can halt the car if the driver falls ill at the wheel, Germany’s Autobild motoring gazette reports. The system is designed to bring the car to a standstill at the side of the highway as quickly and safely as possible, with hazard lights switched on. The car then transmits an emergency call, which automatically alerts rescue services. The upcoming A6, which is slated for 2017, will also feature downsized two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines, rather than the larger motors currently fitted. More powerful diesel variants will also be on the specification choice sheet.u

ord is offering a new steering aid on selected models, which is claimed makes the car more agile and easier to squeeze into tight parking spaces. The adaptive steering system lightens the load for the driver by altering the number of turns of the front wheel. The steering turns the front wheels a greater distance at low speeds and reduces the ratio at higher speeds, so that the effect is less noticeable. This enhances straight-line precision. Ford said the innovation will be available on selected models from 2015. u

22 { Janet Binder/Bremen, Germany/ DPA }

cientists are working on a project to grow food in space, which could revolutionise the diet of astronauts. It is hoped that specially designed glasshouses will be able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to astronauts manning the International Space Station (ISS), as well as deliver produce for any future trip to Mars. Daniel Schubert, an engineer with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and his colleagues are currently growing lettuce in a sterile laboratory that is a test-bed for the idea - part of a project to develop resource-conserving greenhouses for use in space. “Every kilogram transported from Earth into orbit costs up to 20,000 euros,” explains Schubert. “If that kilogram has to be transported to Mars, we are almost looking at millions of euros.” Several tons of special food would be needed for any future possible Mars mission - which would last between two and three years and require a team of six astronauts. Rather than carry the heavy food, it would be better if seeds could be taken up and grown in space. ”The astronauts would then be able to produce their own fresh food,” says Schubert. The garden in space would have another advantageous side effect, namely the production of oxygen. The plants also produce plenty of water, which could be used for drinking. Equally important is the potential positive psychological effect of being able to see a bit of greenery in space. ”It could help mitigate the ‘drab’ experience of spending three years in an artificially lit tin can, being surrounded by countless cables and enduring high levels of  noise,” says Schubert. This has already been noticed on the ISS.    ”The astronauts are happy to visit the plant experiments and ‘stroke’ them,” he adds.  Tasty, fresh food would improve the mood of the scientists. ”We are creating the first garden on a distant planet,” says engineer  Schubert, although the research, code-named Eden, is still at an

{ Thomas Schoerner/Cologne/ DPA }

irst there was the barcode, which was mainly useful for retailers. Now there are QR codes, which are useful to us all. QR stands for Quick Response. QR codes are those boxes containing little black and white squares that you often see on printed posters. If you have not activated a QR code reader on your smartphone - and it may be confusing for first-time users - it’s time to try one out. There’s a wealth of information waiting to be unlocked. Think of QR codes as bridges between the printed and the online worlds. The clump of squares can be scanned in a flash with a smartphone’s camera. The codes are also pretty easy to create and implement. “QR codes create an analogue bridge to the digital world,” says Christian Wolf of BasicThinking.de, a technology blog. “Their biggest strength is their multifunctionality, paired with simple execution and affordable production.” The codes can contain numbers, letters or

25-31 July 2014

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A Greenhouse in Space

A lettuce grown under pink-violet lamps without soil in a sterile laboratory at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bremen, Germany. The aim is to one day grow green vegetables in space this way. early stage. The first harvested lettuce did not taste particularly good, but researchers have nonetheless reached a first milestone. It is expected that by 2016-17 a prototype greenhouse will be tested for nine months in one of earth’s more inhospitable environments -Neumayer Station III, run by Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in the Antarctic. DLR engineer Paul Zabel will travel to the Antarctic to supervise the project, along with nine of AWI’s own researchers. “The Project closely resembles a space mission, which is why I immedi-

Lettuces grow under pink-violet lamps, without soil, in a sterile laboratory at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Out, under normal light, Daniel Schubert holds a lettuce grown under pink-violet lamps, without soil, in a sterile laboratory at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). ately took so much interest in it,” says 27-year-old Zabel. However, there is a lot of preparatory research to be carried out,  with all highly perishable vegetables being grown first. “We first want to conquer the lettuce, and then the radish,” explains Schubert. ”Cucumbers and tomatoes are the most difficult of all.” At the moment the greenhouses

QR Codes can open up worlds symbols, though in a form that most humans cannot read. “The codes are often used to encode Internet links: scan the code and you can save yourself from typing out the URL,” says Thomas Mueller of Eco, the Association of the German Internet Industry. They’re not limited to Internet addresses. The codes can also contain small documents, contacts, appointment information, Wi-Fi access data or news. A lot of companies have begun to use them in addition to bar codes, for production and logistics. The technology has been around for 20 years - created in 1994 by Japanese automobile supplier Denso Wave, to manage inventory in warehouses. They caught on sooner in Asia (than in Europe and North America). Even though the clump of pixels seems random, “the pattern actually contains information in binary format, which can be read with a camera and then interpreted with decoder software,” says Wolf. The

amount of data a QR code can hold depends on the number of squares. It can vary from 11 x 11 to 177 x 177 elements, says Wolf. The most comprehensive code can contain up to 7,089 numbers and 4,926 characters; and it can be further expanded by combining multiple codes. Even if a code is smudged or torn, it often remains readable, thanks to an integrated auto-correction function. All that’s needed to scan a QR code is a smartphone with a camera resolution of at least 2 megapixels. “You can make your own QR codes - black and white, or coloured, with your choice of contents - quickly and cheaply. Use special websites or an add-on like QRCodeR for Firefox, and then save it as an image file. The codes can then be uploaded to websites, tucked into emails or printed out onto business cards. Don’t make the boxes too small, or else basic mobile phones with poor quality cameras will not be able to read them, recommends

are still standing in an underground DLR facility in the northern German city of Bremen. Anyone wanting to enter the room has to don protective clothing and wear protective spectacles, because of the ultraviolet light emanating from the LED panels. The plants grow in the closed system extremely quickly and are ‘used to living under lights’ for 24 hours a day. Soil is not necessary: the plants are suspended in the air, while the roots are constantly sprayed with nutrients. Whatever is not taken in by the plants is recycled and squirted on them again. ”We don’t need pesticides either, because pests and disease can’t infiltrate a closed system,” boasts Schubert. It is hoped that inflatable greenhouses can be used in the future. “We need to take this a step at a time. It would be fatal if the ‘facility’ finally does not work on Moon or Mars,” remarks Schubert.u Eckstein. “In most cases you’re on the safe side with 2 x 2 centimetres, though a QR code can be smaller.” The more complex the code, the bigger it should be, to make sure it’s readable. “That’s even more important if the code could be put in situations where it might be damaged, like on a flyer that gets folded, or in an area with bad lighting - like in clubs or the subway,” explains Wolf. Be careful not to scan every code you come across. “It’s possible that a code could be a link to a phishing site or a website with specific smartphone malware,” says Wolf. “Be on your guard with QR codes coming from non-transparent or less-reliable sources - like on a sticker along the street or on an unknown flyer,” says Wolf. Also, if you see a QR code that’s had another one stuck over it, it should be a warning sign. No poster printer would correct his work with a simple sticker. It’s more likely the sticker has been put onto the poster by someone that has an evil intent. Once a QR code is scanned, the creator would technically be able to plant cookies onto your smartphone.u

Let them

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Chris Grodotzki

25-31 July 2014

Live Free A guard opens the gate of the Ensessakotteh Wildlife Rescue Center.

{ Carola Frentzen/Menagesha, Ethiopia/ DPA }

miserable lion cooped up in a tiny cage in which it could barely move had been one of the most saddening sights at the Awash National Park in eastern Ethiopia. The Ethiopian tour guides would proudly tell the tourists how the wild beast had been conquered. An attitude of malice towards wild animals is widespread in the east African country.   At first the villagers had kept Dolo, the lion, on a one-metre-long chain for four years. Almost blind from malnourishment, the lion was then handed over to the Awash Park, where it languished for three more  years in the cage.  Two years ago, after numerous protests from the tourists, the Ethiopian wildlife authority had acted and asked an animal protection  group, the Born Free Foundation, to take away the lion.  Since then, Dolo and Safia, a five-year-old female lion rescued from a similar situation, have lived in a large, wild enclosure of acacia  and pine trees. Dolo sometimes jumps at the high fence.  ”Then he stretches upwards as much as he can - probably because he couldn’t do that for such a long time. He simply cannot believe that  he is able to move now,” says Stephen Brend, Ethiopia country representative and Project Director of the Born Free Foun-

Stephen Brend (right), Project Director and country representative of Born Free Ethiopia, speaking to students from an Addis Ababa school, at the Ensessakotteh Wildlife Rescue Center. The site provides a haven for rescued wildlife from all over Ethiopia and is the first of its kind in the country. dation.  The founder of the Foundation, 83-year-old Virginia McKenna, an actress, has taken this big cat - having poor eyesight and a sparse mane - to heart. “She once told me that Dolo is her favourite lion of all time,” says Brend. The actress became involved in animal conservation, along with her husband Bill Travers, after starring in the 1966 movie Born Free - which was about a naturalist couple Joy and George Adamson.  The goal of the Born Free Foundation, set up in 1984, is to free wild animals from captivity, enable them a life in dignity and, if possible, return them to the Today the Foundation wild.   is working in almost 20 countries on four continents. They have helped free tigers, bears, whales and many primates.  In 2009 the Ethiopian government gave the Foundation a 70-hectare site near the forest area of Menagesha - to help curb illegal wildlife trade, to better protect the wild animals, and to educate the people on how to treat them. Schoolchildren from Addis Ababa regularly visit. Dozens of animals have  found a

Andrea and Janu, the ‘Italian lions’, nuzzle inside their enclosure at the Born Free Wildlife Rescue Center, Ensessakotteh. Orphaned males from the same litter, they were brought up by the deputy head of mission and his wife at the Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa, and handed over to Born Free as they grew older.

A baboon inside one of the enclosures at the Ensessakotteh Wildlife Rescue Center. new home in Ensessakotteh, an Amharic word that means ‘animal footprint’. There are now 77 animals in the sprawling enclosures - including seven lions, several cheetahs, giant tortoises, jackals, baboons, monkeys and birds. Visitors are welcome, but Brend wants to avoid too many, so that the animals do not feel disturbed. “After all, we are here for the animals and not for the tourists,”  says the Australian who, prior to coming to Ethiopia,

spent seven years in the Indonesian part of Borneo fighting to protect orangutans.   While several monkeys and caracals (also known as the desert lynx) have been rehabilitated and released into the wild with radio  collars, the lions won’t get such a chance. “The lions will be here for the rest of their lives, because Ethiopia  is too densely populated. It wouldn’t be only dangerous for the humans but also for the lions,” Brend

says.  The Foundation, with the help of national authorities, has rescued many animals from miserable conditions in recent years, including baboons chained up in private houses or bars, and cheetahs - mainly from Ethiopia’s Somali region - which were trapped for sale to wealthy Arabs.   ”Next week we will pick up another three cheetahs,” says Brend.  There is no shortage of horrific stories at Ensessakotteh. The lion, Kebri, still very aggressive, grew up in a much-toosmall cage at a military camp, after farmers, agitated with her for attacking  their livestock, poisoned his mother.  ”When we rescued him we found stones, bottles and sticks on the floor of the cage,” Brend says. It is no wonder that the big cat still roars and rages when visitors  approach the gate of his enclosure.  Then there was the case of the hyena discovered at a makeshift zoo at the university in the city of Harar.   Brend says that the condition of the animal was the worst he has ever seen of a wild animal.  The animal was held in a small, barren, concrete cage for years and the zoologist believed that the animal had lost its mind. Yet, the hyena made a rapid recovery once brought to the Foundation’s centre.  “Here was an animal that we worried might be permanently insane but, two  days later, she was lying in the shade of an acacia tree, free from any fear or distress,” Brend says. “At that moment it occurred to me that, no matter what the cost, the effort of getting her out of that cage - saving this one ’individual’ - made the world a slightly better place.”u

25-31 July 2014

G -Scape Asha PANDEY