Friday gurgaon 31 oct 6 nov, 2014

31 Oct-6 Nov 2014

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

Vol. 4 No. 11  Pages 16  ` 10

Anticipating a 'New Deal' { Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

W

ith the new government taking shape in Chandigarh, a large number of local 'leaders' and bureaucrats are lobbying with the political masters to get plum postings in the new dispensation. The new government is likely to settle in a month or so, even as departments to the new ministers have been allotted. The people of Haryana, and of Gurgaon in particular, who have voted in large numbers for the BJP, are hoping that this new government will end the parochial and anti-farmer policies of the Congress government - which seemed to have worked only in favour of the builders (completely forgetting the com-

A unified agency for Gurgaon

It is being strongly felt that there needs to be a systemic change in the administration of the City, as also greater local empowerment. It is for this reason that there has been a consistent demand for the setting up of a Gurgaon Development Authority (GDA - on the lines of the NOIDA Authority). Darshan Singh, CEO of Pan India, who has been working in the social sector for quite some time, Contd. on p 4 

Are we Ebola-ready?

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

A

prakhar PANDEY

mon man who had voted it to power). Gurgaonites expect the new government to develop a special agenda for the Millennium City, as it it the cash cow of the State.

They believe that Gurgaon should be developed as the financial capital of Haryana. The priorities are:

lthough WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared that Ebola has been contained in most of the African countries, the fear of this dreaded disease still persists in India.

The Government of India has decided to launch a nationwide awareness programme to caution the masses, and is also working on relevant measures to tackle a possible Ebola epidemic in the country. The first palpable signs of concern were witnessed as early as May of this year, when the Government issued a health advisory to all regional chiefs and key personnel at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), urging them to take necessary precautions to avert any crisis. The extremely dangerous and potentially fatal disease was detected in several regions within Africa in February. It evoked a chilling

reminder of the HIV outbreak during the early 1980s, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives around the globe. In the interim there has been Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and the more recent Japanese Encephalitis. However, these have been largely contained, with only a few stray cases returning in several countries. In recent times, no disease has spread so much panic as Ebola - more because of its late detection, and because the symptoms are similar to relatively less harmful diseases. The silver lining, perhaps, is the news that the disease will not spread through airborne infection, and that there is little fear of an epidemic. The major concern in India is the lack of proper protective equipment, and inadequate lab testing facilities and professional training, which will hamper efforts to detect and handle the disease efficiently and appropriately. There is just one analytical testing lab in the country, located in Pune. where virus detection is undertaken.

The Government has initiated extensive training for all the primary healthcare workers. It has also imported some 50,000 special training kits, which would be sent to the different States, to train the concerned personnel, who in turn will organise critical awareness programmes. At airports, immigration Contd. on p 5

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31 October-6 November 2014

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319 Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014, VOL.–4 No.–11  31 Oct-6 Nov 2014

THE WEEK THAT WAS

 The new Haryana Govt. takes oath of Editor: Atul Sobti office. n CM – Manohar Lal Khattar Sr. Correspondent: Abhishek Behl n Cabinet Ministers

n Correspondent: Barnali Dutta Ram Bilas Sharma, 66, Mahendragarh Sr. Photographer: Prakhar Pandey n Capt. Abhimanyu, 46, Narnaund n Om Prakash Dhankar, 53, Badli Sr. Designer: Amit Singh n Anil Vij, 61, Ambala Cantt. n Kavita Jain, 37, Sonipat Sr. Circulation Exec.: Syed Mohd Komail n Rao Narbir Singh, 53, Badshahpur n Karamdev Kamboj, 53, Indri Circulation Execs.: Sunil Yadav (Karnal) Manish Yadav n Ministers of State (Independent charge) Dy. Manager A/cs & Admin: n Krishan Bedi, 47, Shahabad Shiv Shankar Jha

(reserved) n Vikram Singh Thekedar, Kosli Consulting Art Editor: Qazi M. Raghib (Rewari) n CM keeps key portfolios; Capt.

Abhimanyu gets some prized Editorial Office portfolios (including Finance, 213, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Industry & Commerce); Ram Bilas Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, Sharma gets multiple; Anil Vij and Phones: +91 124 421 9092/93 Rao Narbir Singh get a few each.

editor@fridaygurgaon.com letters@fridaygurgaon.com subscription@fridaygurgaon.com adsales@fridaygurgaon.com

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North East residents get a 24x7 Helpline facility: 0124 2301559  A water tanker driver is found dead on Palam Vihar road.  3 people - 2 students and an auto driver - are held for the murder of a painter after a drunken brawl.

A security guard jumps to his death from an 11th floor apartment in Park Centra.

A woman, from Shillong, hangs herself in a guesthouse.

A woman is raped on the pretext of getting her a job, and kept hostage in a room for 14 days - in Manesar.

An IT professional is booked for the rape of his colleague and live-in partner, over 2 years.

2 people are held for molesting a BSc student in Shikohpur village.

Villagers take Pinky’s (student who self-immolated) plea to the new CM. A 22-year-old married woman is kidnapped from Bhim Nagar

Friday Gurgaon (Weekly) edited, published and printed by Atul Sobti on behalf of Arap Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. from 213, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122018, Haryana.

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 High Court says that the land outside Ambience Mall must remain a green cover, as per Master Plan.

Dengue cases have shot up to above 50.

MDU asks for central varsity status.

Leopards are still present in Mangar forest; farmers have lost a few goats recently.

49th. State Swimming Championship starts at Kamla Nehru Park.

Raahgiri timings will now be from 7am to 11am every Sunday; Raahgiri first anniversary will be celebrated on November 16th.

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

Vol. 4 No. 10  Pages 16  `10

The Lotus has bloomed here

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

N

ew’ Gurgaon, which was the hub of ‘Aam Aadmi politics’ during the Lok Sabha elections, and voted almost en bloc in favour of the AAP candidate Yogendra Yadav, embraced saffron in the Assembly polls. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP candidate, Rao Inderjit Singh, had polled 6,44,780 votes, while INLD's Zakir Hussain got 3,70,058 and AAP candidate Yogendra Yadav got 79,452 votes. Yadav, however, polled almost 27,000 votes from the Gurgaon assembly area, and it was expected that if AAP had fought the Assembly elections, it would have been a strong contender for the Gurgaon constituency. In the absence of a viable alternative to the Congress, many of these 'AAP voters’ and several others preferred to go with ‘Modi BJP’. In fact all the four seats in Gurgaon District (Gurgaon,Badshahpur, Sohna & Pataudi) have gone to the BJP. In the Gurgaon assembly constituency, BJP candidate Umesh Agarwal won by a record 84,000 votes (over his nearest rival, Gopi Chand Gehlot, of INLD).

What has surprised many has

{ Barnali Dutta / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

T

he states in India’s North East – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh (formerly NEFA), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura - are often referred as the Seven Sisters of our country (lately Sikkim has also been clubbed in this segment of Northeastern states). However, considering the treatment meted out to the people hailing from this region by the rest of us Indians, particularly in New Delhi and Bangalore, it seems that we do not even consider them a part of our country or of us, let alone seeing them as a family member. Seemingly due to their ‘Mongoloid’ fea-

been the average performance of Congress candidate Dharambir Gaba, who came a distant third.

He was expected to win, riding on the strong Punjabi vote bank of almost 70,000 votes.

All the permutations and combinations of the political pundits were proved wrong not only in Gurgaon, but across Haryana as well. It seems that people once again – even for an Assembly election – voted overwhelmingly for BJP in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even the strong, tried and tested caste arithmetic was proven incorrect in this election, says Vijay Arora, a Congress supporter. He is rankled by the poor performance of the Congress, particularly in Gurgaon, which is considered a ‘Punjabi’ seat. Gaba, backed by this community, has won it four times - and it was because of this performance that he was given the mandate. "Punjabis did not vote for Gaba this time. When we see the voting pattern boothwise, we realise that the BJP

It had been a brave decision of Amit Shah to sever ties with the Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC), when the latter refused to budge from its 50-50 stand, considering that BJP had no real independent ‘standing’ in Haryana (of course, in retrospect, if he could take on the Shiv Sena in Mumbai, the HJC decision would have been a ‘cakewalk’). Shah also stayed away from any ‘tie-up’ with INLD. With a repeat historic performance in Haryana, at Lok & Vidhan levels, Modi-Shah have proved that they are indeed mega game-changers. In many areas of ‘new’ Gurgaon, including DLF, Sushant Lok and adjoining localities, a large number of people did not even know the local party candidate, but still voted for BJP. Even Umesh Agarwal admitted that people had voted with Modi in mind. Akshay, who has worked for the INLD for a long time, says that despite a large number of people promising to vote for their candidate, they finally preferred to vote for BJP due to Modi. In fact a large number of Jaat voters, who have never ‘crossed the line’, also entered the saffron space, due to the magnetic attraction of the

PM. In adjoining Badshahpur, the BJP candidate, Rao Narbir Singh, had to face a stiff contest against Rakesh Daultabad of the INLD and (BJP) Party rebel Mukesh Sharma, who made the contest quite interesting. While it was a neck-to-neck race in Badshahpur hinterland, the BJP candidate got overwhelming support from many ‘new’ Gurgaon colonies, which are still a part of this constituency.

Almost 95 per cent votes in these ‘new’ Gurgaon colonies went to Narbir Singh - giving him a chance to become an MLA after a long time. The ‘elite’ corporate crowd did vote in many areas. In Pataudi and Sohna too the BJP won by huge margins, again despite not so strong candidates.

In Pataudi, Bimla Chaudhary won by a good number, and she ascribed her victory to PM Modi and also to her mentor, Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit Singh, who has quite a large following in the Ahirwal belt. So strong was the BJP wave in the urban areas that even ‘personal connections’ were swept away in the Modi wave. RS Rathee, an Independent, who had performed well in the last polls, managed only a couple of thousand in this election. Prem Bhatia, who stays in Sushant Lok, says that people

has won even in areas considered to be our strongholds.

The people have just voted for Modi," he admits. Analysts say that the Lok Sabha polls had shown that Gurgaon, particularly the new areas, would vote BJP, and it has now been proved beyond doubt that Gurgaon has become a bastion of the Party.

Meanwhile, another strong ‘belief’, that an Independent always wins from at least one seat in the District, has been belied.

Desi Apartheid

tures, and certain ‘associated’ behaviour, the Northeasterners have often been viewed with contempt (if not hate) by a particular section of ‘mainstream’ Indians. They are ‘dismissed’ derisively as Chinks or Chinkies (something that even the Chinese are not called today). Even the ladies are not spared, and are given anything but a ‘sisterly’ treatment. Their fairness, features and ‘modern’ dressing makes them ‘fair play’ for the locals.

The men are often beaten up, though they will not be cowed down easily. These aspects were also observed by the Additional Sessions Judge of Dwarka Court in Delhi, Virender Bhat, while delivering the recent judgement in the Dhaula Kuan gang-rape case,

sentencing the five accused persons (incidentally belonging to Mewat, near Gurgaon) to life imprisonment. These beasts had raped a girl hailing from Mizoram, who had been working at the call centre of a BPO in New Delhi. It is shocking that within this year itself, three such racial attacks have taken place in Gurgaon. In the latest sickening episode, three young men from Nagaland, who were working at a BPO, were attacked by some perverted locals at Ghosi village in the vicinity of Sikanderpur. Around 100 people from the Northeastern states live in this village. The victims were assaulted for a flimsy reason; they had refused to offer a round of drinks for the locals.

Contd. on p 4 

Contd. on p 4 

Watch and listen to

'Hai Ye Gurgaon Meri Jaan' a ballad on Gurgaon, based on the legendary song...

'Ye hai Bombay Meri Jaan'.

Friday Gurgaon Empanelled with DAVP Empanelled with DIPR, Haryana

 A woman defrauds many of Rs 50 lakhs in total, in a fake lottery scam in Krishna Colony.  There is a Rs 13 lakhs property fraud in DLF II.

24-30 October 2014

Printed at AGS Publication, D-67, Sector 6, Gautam Budh Nagar, NOIDA – 201301, Uttar Pradesh

The views expressed in the opinion pieces and/or the columns are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Friday Gurgaon or Arap Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

colony, and a Rs 20 lakhs ransom asked for her return.  A hotel on Delhi road is raided while a ‘rave party’ is on – drugs are found; 5 people, including the owner and manager, are arrested; there were 50 partygoers; the hotel is sealed.  A bank branch on Sultanpur Road, which was to be inaugurated soon, is gutted in a fire.

asha PaNDEY

Emails:

 New govt. says it will probe all land deals of the past 10 years.  CM will launch Swachh Haryana Abhiyan from November 1.  National Lok Adalat will be held on December 6th. This year. Over 70,000 cases will be put up for resolution. Last year almost 2 lakh

cases were settled. There are over 5 lakh cases pending in Haryana – 49,000 in Gurgaon. Of the 5 lakh plus, 101 are pending for over 20 years, and over 5,000 are pending for over 5 years. Now, over 5 lakh cases are added, and a similar number disposed of, every year.

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31 October-6 November 2014

Shri Utsav 2014 Date: October 31 Venue: The Shri Ram School, Aravali Shri Utsav 2014 is annual inter-school theatre and choreography competition.

Women Open Hand Combat Professional Learning Date: November 1 Venue: Vatika Tower, Sector 54 & Infinity Tower 3 Months Compact Package and a combination of Theory, Audio Visual and a Practical Combat Learning.

Eka Live Date: November 1 Venue: Levels Club & Lounge, UGF, M.G.Road, DLF Grand Mall, DLF Phase I, Sector- 28 The award winning Swatantra Rock Band is performing at Levels!

Halloween Carnival Date: November 1 Time: 8:30 pm Venue: DLF Club 5 A fun-filled carnival for children between 2 and 12

years - including Ball Pool, Bouncy, Story Telling Session Halloween Parade, Hogwarts Show with Wonderlab, Mask Decoration , Halloween Photo Booth.

'Day At The Museum' Date: November 2 Time: 9:00 am Venue: Heritage Transport Museum, Taoru Gurgaon Heritage Motoring Club of India, in association with Heritage Transport Museum, Taoru - Gurgaon, is pleased to announce a Classic Car & Bikes Drive to the Heritage Transport Museum.

SS Children's Workshop Date: November 5 Time: 3:30 pm Venue: MG Road Duration: 5 days, 4 hrs, a day Eligibility: 8+ to 15 yrs.

Fee: Rs 12,500/- ; for repeating: Rs. 5,000/.

Mr. Woodnote & Lil Rhys LIVE Date: November 6 Venue: Raasta Gurgaon, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City Mr. Woodnote & Lil Rhys are two of the most notorious buskers Bristol has ever produced. After getting shut down on the street by police all over Europe, they are back for a smashing India tour.

Delhi's Culture-Scape

Delhi International Arts Festival Kuchipudi Recital 'Nritya Samagam",

by Meenu Thakur and her disciples Date: November 3 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Azad Bhavan, ICCR, New Delhi

If you wish to be featured in ‘Coming Up’ (for listing your forthcoming events in Gurgaon), please mail us at fridaygurgaongallery@gmail.com

C oming U p

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Epicentre Theatre Date: November 1 Time: 7:30pm Oops! (Hindi/75mins) Directors: Karanjot Singh & Srishti Gupta; Producer: Kaivalya Plays.

Adapted from Dario Fo’s The Accidental Death Of An Anarchist.

A political farce, Oops! is a laugh riot that shakes up the four pillars of democracy.

Tickets at Rs.300, Rs.200 & Rs.100 available at the Venue.

Suitable for 16 years & above.

Theatre Date: Sunday, November 2 Time: 7:30pm Gharwali Urf Kajra Mohobbat Wala (90mins/Hindi) Dramatised & Directed by Rajesh Tiwari; Writer: Ismat Chugtai.

Tickets at Rs. 350 & 250 available at the Venue.

Suitable for 15 years & above.

Dance Date: November 3 Time: 7:30pm Sildance from USA, ‘Secretos, Conexiones y Revelaciones’ is a dance-theatre work where contemporary dance, acroyoga, yoga asanas, hand mudras, original music, poetry and chanting form together.

Followed by: Dance Theatre Land of Fire Director: Julia Varley; Actress: Carolina Pizarro (from Chile).

Collaborator: Delhi International Arts Festival.

Dance Date: November 4 Time: 7:30pm Cie Laroque, from Austria.

The two dancers show how different interpretations

of a single theme or topic, approached from opposing attitudes and perceptions of understanding may lead to a completely absurd form of (mis) communication.

Followed by: Dance Drama Macbeth-Kathakali Director: Prabal Gupta; Collaborator: Delhi International Arts Festival.

Stand Up Comedy Date: November 5 Time: 7:30pm Fight Comic (75mins/Hinglish) Singapore's most popular comedy face-off, is now in India, with a desi flavour!

Comedians. Neeti Palta, Amit Tandon, Abijit Ganguly, Sumit Anand and Zakir Khan.

The Show will be hosted by Vikramjit Singh.

Tickets at Rs. 400 available at the Venue.

Suitable for 18 years & above.

Free Seating.

Music Date: November 6 Time: 7:30pm D Major Symphony Project Collaborator: Delhi International Art Festival.

D Major Symphony Project brings together a mystical & differentiated domain of musical styles and influences towards uncreated and unbeatable instrumental classics.

Followed by: Dance Fusion The many moods of a sorceress A solo dance choreographed and interpreted by Ofra Hoffman.

Music: Pt. Kumar Gandharva.

Collaborator: Delhi International Arts Festival

04  Contd from p 1 says that the setting up of an agency like GDA will help streamline the administration and ensure the integrated planning, development and maintenance of the civic and social facilities and services in the City. There are two opinions on the setting up of the GDA: one favours the NOIDA model, of having an authority that is headed by a CEO, while the other prefers empowering the MCG and bringing all development and maintenance under the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). It would be the sole decision making authority of the City, and would be headed by an MCG Commissioner/ Gurgaon Mayor. The argument of the latter is that an elected Mayor and Councillors are answerable to the public; but there is also apprehension that money and power seem to decide the elections in most of the wards. Most residents working in corporates, with some having been exposed to NOIDA model, prefer the CEO model, as they feel that well educated, experienced and honest bureaucrats can best serve the citizens. Everyone agrees that there is need to strengthen local governance, by vesting the MCG or the GDA with greater powers – as anyway envisaged and upheld by Constitution amendments. An important first move in this direction would be to transfer all HUDA sectors to the new governing body or the MCG. A way has also to be found to integrate the private builder colonies into the existing civic and social ecosystem of the City so that these do not remain 'islands'. "We have to find a way to ensure that Gurgaon emerges as a holistic city and not as a group of private colonies living in individual vacuums", says Parvesh Sharma, a resident.

The importance of a single authority also stems from the fact that the City now needs to now make additional large capital expenditures, to ensure adequate water, power, sewage, transport and other facilities, as well as infrastructure for the new sectors.

Reviewing the Gurgaon Manesar Master Plan 2031

Taking into account the existing requirements of the City, and also its capacity to expand, residents say that there is need to review the Master Plan 2031, which has been subject to ad hoc revisions, allegedly to accommodate builders.

There is need to enquire into the 'wholesale' issue of licenses to private builders, while the infrastructure and services have

31 October-6 November 2014

Anticipating a 'New Deal' been ignored. City planners suggest that there is need to have a balanced development of residential, commercial, industrial and social areas.

Currently this seems to depend on the clout of the builder.

A City-based real estate broker says that Gurgaon was basically meant to be a city of plotted colonies, but the majority of the builders bought the plots from the owners, and consolidated the same to build multi-storeyed apartments. "This is how the City has been 'planned' and 'developed', and there is little one can do now. However, the mistakes should not be repeated in the new Gurgaon sectors," he asserts. The new government would have to take a relook at the pace of development, or create commensurate infrastructure, suggest experts. Further, the new government must ensure that the power to utilise city land, and its development and re-development, is vested with the local government agency.

Sharad Goel, a Gurgaon-based businessman, suggests that technology should be used to 'map' and digitise Gurgaon in a proper manner and help in the timely monitoring of the development projects of the City.

"Any kind of violation, including the setting up 'illegal' colonies, needs be checked well in time, but this will only happen when initiative is taken and basic rules are implemented," asserts Goel. He laments that there is little hope from politicians, irrespective of their parties.

Resolution of IAF Depot restricted area (900 meters), and regularisation of unauthorised colonies

The issue of the restricted area around the Air Force Ammunition Depot has become a political football for all the political parties, who have patronised the current residents, given them money to build streets, and ensured that a large number of their voters continue to live in this area.

However, none of the parties or politicians is ready to resolve this tricky issue, which involves multiple stakeholders – and the High Court. The residents are now hoping that, with BJP in the Centre and in the State, their disputed status could end once and for all. There are almost 2 lakh residents living in this area, who need to be 'accommodated'.

Maybe the Depot needs to be shifted, or the restricted area reduced. This issue needs to be resolved soon, else it would

remain a festering sore in the heart of the City. A related issue is the regularisation of a large number of illegal colonies in Gurgaon, and of providing basic facilities and services to their residents. Almost half the population of Gurgaon is living in these colonies, and they are being treated as second class citizens. Akshay, a resident of one such colony across the rail track, says that the situation is very bad, and there is restlessness among the people. Another related issue is the availability of affordable housing for the economically weaker sections and industrial workers. Sumit, a factory owner, says that his labour has to live in congested ghettos, as there is no provision of housing for workers. In his opinion, HSIIDC should set up multi-storeyed small apartments for workers, and lease them out, so that Gurgaon remains an attractive manufacturing destination.

A transport system for the City

Gurgaon is perhaps the only city in the world that has global ambitions but no local transport service to speak of! Arrogant auto rickshaw drivers and a poor bus service are the reality today. The government needs to understand that there is a limit to which private enterprise can sustain in the absence of proper civic and social facilities. There is urgent need for a commuting system that is cheap, ecofriendly and safe. Sanjiv Sharma, a broker, says that it is high time Gurgaon is connected with the Dwarka Metro, and this service is brought to 'old' Gurgaon as well. Sharma also feels that the Metro should be extended at least upto Hero Honda Chowk via Subhash Chowk, so as to cover some Udyog Vihar areas.

Making sufficient

Gurgaon

water-

One of the most critical problems being faced by the Millennium City is the fast depletion of the water table.

There are also no natural sources of water available to the City. The illegal tubewells, in both private colonies as well as unauthorised areas, are sucking the ground beneath us dry.

Darshan Singh (PAN India) says that water tankers are being used to 'import' water from 40 kms away now, and if this situation continues the entire water eco-system could be destroyed. "The catchment areas of the Aravallis have been blocked, and there is no natural rain water harvesting. Gurgaon

also has no natural lake or river," he says. Experts suggest that the City needs to urgently hand over the water supply and management to a single body.

That body should conduct an audit of the City's needs, assess the supply situation, find out how much water can be recycled, and plan a future course of action.

Bhawani Shanker Tripathi, founder member of the Mission Gurgaon Development, suggests that there needs to be a comprehensive water security plan for Gurgaon for the next 50 years, which must be revised every 5 years. He also suggests aggressive recycling and reuse of water, and use of fresh water only for activities that are absolutely essential.

Sharad Goel says that there is need for the revival of all village ponds and natural sources of water, and this could also be done by setting up artificial ponds. "In all the low lying areas of Gurgaon the authorities can build artificial ponds with kuccha bottoms, which can also ensure seepage of water into the ground. Why should we waste water by sending it to the Najafgarh drain?” he asserts.

Goel also wants a strict check on the tanker mafia, which is continuing to exploit the ground water and contributing significantly to the depleting water table. Darshan Singh opines that rainwater harvesting should be used intelligently, and the City should try to attain zero discharge in the catchment areas. Experts also suggest that there is need to upgrade the supply infrastructure, which can be done by replacing pipelines, plugging leakages, stopping theft of water from main lines, and metering all the supply, using better technology.

Making the Bandhwari waste treatment plant work

The manner in which waste is handled in Gurgaon is shocking; but even more problematic is the fact that the waste treatment plant at Bandhwari has become dysfunctional - and in fact is today just a dumping ground for solid waste. The Plant needs to be made operational urgently; it serves both Gurgaon and Faridabad. Experts suggest that recycling and re-use should become the mantra, and this can be implemented by taking some simple steps. The sewerage could be treated by setting up mandatory STPs in apartment complexes as well as in builder colonies. However, this is possible only if the there is a dedicated agency that

C over S tory can monitor and enforce the regulations.

Making healthcare delivery work

The new government in Gurgaon will have to upgrade the Civil Hospital, and also ensure that the hospital in Sector 10, which has taken years to complete, becomes functional.

These government hospitals need to deliver, and take inspiration from many hospitals in Delhi, which despite being in public domain are serving society well. The government must also ensure that large private hospitals, including Medanta, Fortis and Artemis, which have taken land on subsidised rates, deliver on their promise of serving the poor free of cost.

Making Gurgaon more green

The new government will have to push for more greenery, development of green belts and the protection of the Aravallis.

The previous government unfortunately went out of its way to promote real estate at the cost of the ecology and the environment.

Every project small or large should be subject to a mandatory Impact Assessment.

Open spaces, parks and nature reserves like the Bio-diversity Park should be administered by the government, in participation will relevant stakeholders. These should not become fiefdoms of particular NGOs – who, in the name of development, have failed to do much, allege some activists. The corporate residents of Gurgaon are also pushing for the promotion of nonmotorised transport and cycle tracks in the City.

Time for change

All the objectives and goals listed above have remained in the public domain for the last 5 years at least, but nothing concrete could happen because of the fixation of the erstwhile Congress government with 'builders and Rohtak', and the craze to somehow monetise all the real estate in the City. Now, with a new government at the helm, led by CM Manohar Lal Khattar and guided by PM Modi, Gurgaonites are expecting things to change – and hopefully fast. If the 'right' directions come from the top, the City residents feel that the bureaucracy will have to respond positively.

There is also a strong demand that officials who had made hay while the Congress sun shone should be at least repatriated to their parent districts and departments and Gurgaon must get a new set of officials and bureaucrats – with cleaner antecedents and a commitment to better the lives of the citizens.u

31 October-6 November 2014

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

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n October 13th, the twenty-one year Pinky Chauhan succumbed to her burn injuries. Life was snuffed out of this young student of the Government Post-Graduate College for Women, after she had attempted to self-immolate on September 29th., while participating in a protest against the ‘intentionally poor’ marking system, and the arrogant attitude of the College authorities.

Pinky was a second year BSc student.

The overall result of the students in her class was extremely poor, with almost 90 per cent failing to obtain pass marks.

Pinky was awarded a zero in her Physics paper, which left her devastated. After the tragedy though, it was revealed that she had in fact scored 60 marks out of a possible 100. Apparently the protests had led to the college authorities re-examining the papers. which reversed the fortunes of quite a few - including Pinky. But Pinky was not able to see that. She had already given up her life – some say ‘mindlessly’.

Was this highly emotional girl recklessly egged on by some colleagues? One may never know the truth. Her family has put the blame squarely on the college authorities, and some teachers whom they believe were grossly unfair to Pinky.

The family has moved court against the college authorities and these teachers. The family has found support from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which has sought the intervention of the Prime Minister and HRD minister (Smriti Irani) in the matter. They want an investigation into the circumstances leading to Pinky’s death.

Pinky was among the 1,000 odd protesters who raised their voice against the authorities of Government Post – Graduate College for Women at Gurgaon and Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, for giving them low marks ‘intentionally’. Pinky is said to have named five lecturers, including four women, in her statement, accusing them of forcing her to set herself ablaze, according to her family members.

While failing in examinations may

officers are being equipped with the knowledge to handle travellers who might be carrying the disease back to India from affected African regions. However, many feel that the measures adopted are not adequate. The NCDC guidelines on the disease have yet to create any significant impact among the health workers. The advisory too is little cause for comfort, as nurses and other health workers are yet to be given respirators; they also do not have the knowledge to operate in a hospital environment while using optical goggles. There is also much confusion on how soon the equipment procured by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will reach the intended locations. Further, not many trainers with a definite knowledge of

05

She's left her own marks

her when Pinky set herself ablaze”, he says. Chauhan is convinced that the teachers played a sinister part in his sister’s death. “Otherwise how is it that the fire could not be dowsed.

Pinky was burning for several minutes before she was taken to the hospital,” he states. The protest took a further ugly turn as the incensed students then vandalized the college premises, including the Principal’s office. Their single aim is now to bring the college administration to its knees. The present incumbent Principal, S Gyanender, has chosen to describe Pinky’s death as an ‘incident’. “What can I do? I was not even the Principal when this happened.

It is an incident, a very unfortunate one,” he says. Gyanendra adds that the college has virtually no role to play in the examinations. “The examinations are conducted by MDU. Even the invigilators at the examination halls are from MDU,” he remarks. “If at all, it is the MDU that should face the scrutiny for the events that have unfolded,” he says. Arun Chauhan will have none of this. “I demand that justice be done. My sister was not a bad student and could never have failed - as the subsequent marks have shown,” he says, fighting back tears. “I want the college authorities and the lecturers behind bars!” he exclaims. In his petition

he has clearly mentioned to the CM that he wants justice for his sister; it will also ensure that no other student would need to die just over marks Pinky is gone forever. The tragedy and horror have played out. Life will soon become ‘normal’ and the students will continue with their studies. They will face examinations again. But what is quite clear is that a definite step must be taken by the government to ensure that such events do not take place again.

“Obviously the event is a pointer to a deep rooted malaise in the education system.

It is a stark reminder of the growing indifference of college authorities, and of the administration and govt. in general.

They always prefer to turn a blind eye to the underlying problems,” says Mr. Basit, a resident of Gurgaon. “Such horrifying incidents are entire unacceptable and do not augur well for our society,” he says. Basit is now apprehensive about continuing his daughter’s education in Gurgaon or admitting her to a government college once she is done with her Class XII examinations. “I have myself studied in a government college, but the state of affairs now prevailing and the overall environment gives me the jitters,” he says.

Mr Dharmendra, a social activist, blames both the students and the teachers for such a bizarre incident. ”Hopefully the government at the Centre will take some serious action against MDU as well as the college,” he says. He also believes that there is a deep-rooted apathy prevailing in the system itself. He questions the college security and its preparedness, given that the students appeared enraged and looked perfectly capable of doing something ugly. The College even has CCTVs in various places within the premises. “Why were they not working when such protests were taking place?” he asks. Why indeed?

There are many questions that still remain unanswered. They need to be urgently addressed…for Pinky’s sake.u

examined and administered the test for Ebola. Simultaneously, samples from the suspected patients should be rushed to Pune, for further analysis and clarification.

Dr. Dubey, Superintendent of Medanta Hospital, opines, “There are lakhs of diseases. It is not possible to ensure a foolproof success of any/all awareness programme(s). The essence must be to enlighten the masses about this disease.

Above all, preventive measures are The government’s very important.” immediate concern seems to be to ensure that not even a single patient of ‘Ebola’ enters the country and mingles with the population undetected. Gurgaon, being located close to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, is being viewed as a more ‘sensitive’ location. An official, who wishes to remain anonymous, quips, “There is very little knowledge among the decision making authorities on the road ahead. One school of thought is that we should enter into a dialogue

with the authorities in the affected countries, and agree that persons who are carrying the dreaded disease are detected, tested and quarantined there itself. Airports must stay fully equipped to deal with emergencies. Nipping things in the bud seems the best ‘treatment’.”

The disease generally remains in an ‘insipid’ state during the first 21 days of contraction. Patients need to be detected during this time and quickly isolated and quarantined, before they get a chance to come in bodily contact with others. Both the affected persons as well as the battery of health workers engaged in the task of disease detection and treatment have to co-operate. There is currently no vaccine for Ebola, though efforts are ongoing at breakneck speed. Rajesh Sinha, who resides near Gurgaon, says, “There are anyway so many diseases that we have to fight; now one more, that too a deadly one, has been added. From our side, let us at least be 'careful' and maintain good hygiene.”u

Pinky Chauhan (on mike) aspired to be an IPS officer.

Ironically, she had topped the routine examinations throughout her school life... maybe this was the cause for her extreme frustration at being given 'zero' marks in a college exam, and then (seemingly to rub it in) mocked for that by her teachers. not be a new phenomenon, and student unrest in the wake of poor examination results is not unheard of either, some questions do come to the fore in this case.

How is it that virtually 90 per cent of the students scored poor marks in the same examination? If that is so, should the fault lie only with the students? Should not the authorities have anticipated such volatile protests after the results were declared?

The Principal of the Women’s College was transferred and relieved from her duties, perhaps with a view to calm down the protesting students. But couldn’t Pinky’s death have been avoided? If a reexamination was undertaken, following the protests, why didn’t the authorities convey this decision to the rampaging students? These questions will have to be answered by the authorities in the days to come. “I detect a bigger conspiracy behind the whole episode,” says Arun Chauhan, the dead girl’s brother. “The college authorities are completely in the wrong. Even some of the teachers, whose names I cannot disclose right now, are equally to blame for instigating Pinky,” he says. He adds that the teachers simply ignored Pinky, when she threatened to set fire to herself, clearly pointing to their irresponsible act. “They ignored her threats and did not even try to stop

Are we Ebola-ready?  Contd from p 1

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the disease and its prevention or control, are available. Commenting on these developments, Dr. Vandita, Director of Sheetla Hospital in Gurgaon says, “Till now Ebola has not been detected in Gurgaon, but this City gets travellers from across the world.

While scientists and governments are doing their best to try and stop this virus from spreading, we have been instructed to examine those who are matching the relevant criteria that has been provided by the government. The virus has still not been detected in India. However, we must continue to take precautions. The weaker sections of the society need to be educated on this through door-to-door campaigns.” As for the symptoms, if a person is suffering from cold, cough and fever, and bleeding from different parts of the body, he/she should be immediately

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31 October-6 November 2014

Mhaara Sarv-shreshth Bank prakhar PANDEY

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

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he Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank (SHGB), which is one of the largest rural banks in the State of Haryana, is working hard at positioning itself as a fullfledged commercial bank that is not Only serving the customers in rural areas, but also making available complex commercial products to potential customers at very attractive rates of interest. Pravin Jain, Chairman and CEO of SHGB, headquartered at Rohtak, asserts that their main focus would be expand retail loans across the State, and to reach every customer who has the need for a loan. The agenda of the bank is ‘Samagra Gramin vikas se Sampoorna Haryana vikas tak’. Jain says that all efforts are being made to become a reliable and committed partner in the development of this region.

"The rate of interest for home loans offered by us is the lowest in the country, and a large number of companies in Gurgaon avail loan facilities from us," says Jain.

He asserts that the retail portfolio of the Bank will increase rapidly, as it is the most important asset class for the organisation. The Bank has also created a modern ‘housing hub’ in its regional office in Gurgaon, where one of the brightest officers has been appointed, to deal with

housing loans in an expeditious manner. The Chairman says that their approach is that the customers should not have to go to middlemen to get loans, but directly meet the bank managers and other officials, so that all the dealings happen in a transparent manner. Jain also says that Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank is the only bank in the State that is efficiently serving the ‘sub-service’ area, has launched a mega programme to spread financial literacy, has opened bank accounts for weaker sections, and is offering micro insurance and micro pension to its customers. "’NPS Lite’ is a pension scheme that has been launched for the weaker sections and for all workers in the unorganised sector, who have no social security benefits" he asserts. The Bank has also launched a big marketing and communication campaign, to help it spread its reach. "We are the largest bank in the State, with 582 branches, and have the highest per employee

productivity. Our Bank is also educating customers in rural areas on the need to adhere to financial discipline, so that they can avail loans and other benefits without any hassles," asserts the Chairman. Jain says that farming is a good, viable business for the people of Haryana, and suggests to landowners that they should work hard and avail the agricultural services being offered by the Bank, which will help them boost their income.

Since Haryana also has many Small and Medium Enterprises

(SMEs), the Bank is offering them loans liberally, thus contributing to the prosperity of industry and commerce in the State. Jain adds that they offer the lowest interest rate for the Dairy industry, which is ideal for many in the South Haryana region, where the Dairy industry hasa readymade market. The Bank is also financing polyhouses, mushroom farming and other agricultural operations. It has also launched Kisan Credit Cards for the farmers, and these have already been issued in large numbers. The Chairman

Now proudly beside us prakhar PANDEY

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

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he recently held elections to the Haryana Legislative Assembly witnessed a salient positive trend that portends well for the future. In an otherwise male-dominated scenario, women voters turned out in large numbers this time - and Gurgaon was no exception. As per the Election Commission’s draft figures, women (almost 5 lakhs) accounted for 48% of those who voted. While the Administration had taken many measures to enlighten the classes as well as the masses to exercise their electoral franchise,

something else seems to have led to the big change this time. For the women, the homemakers in particular, a major topic has always been the prices of essential commodities of daily

use. However, the increasing rate of crime against women, and of women’s (especially girls’) safety in general, has become a matter of great and grave concern. And women are

no longer willing to be silent on this, especially as they are now ‘out of home’ a lot more. What better outlet for this than a vote for or against a person or a party or a system? It is this feeling that seems to have prompted a good turn out by female voters. Commenting on these developments, social activist Poonam Bhatnagar says, “Women have now well understood their worth and the value of their own votes. In this male-dominating conservative society, by and large the women have followed their husbands blindly. But this time you could see the changes. Women came out in large numbers from their kitchens and stood in front of the polling booths. Large groups also offer good moral

says that bank loans are given to all categories, depending on their credit score and financial ability. "Our customers are not bogged down in red tape; in fact many get ‘genuine’ personalised attention even by the bank managers," he asserts.

Jain says that the Bank has also been focusing on inclusive banking, and that is why it has a large network of branches in Mewat region, apart from other rural areas of Haryana.

SHGB has also worked hard to ensure the success of the Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana, by which a large number of people from the weaker sections of society were able to open bank accounts. Infact Jain says that that has SHGB has processed the maximum number of cases. Jain believes that the economy will revive under the new government at the Centre and in the State, as it seems that a more honest, transparent and accountable administration has been and will be in force. "We also hope that populist measures, and the waiving of bank loans, should stop, as these steps impact the health of the financial system – and recovery from that is never easy. The loan waivers in the past have badly affected the banking system, and the rural banks in particular have been badly hit", asserts the SHGB Chairman. Jain urges all customers to come visit Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank and avail loans and multiple other facilities; he promises that they will be well served.u support.” She also agreed that the increasing rate of crime in Gurgaon was one of the major reasons that had influenced the female voters. “I would definitely say that the media had been very helpful for this awareness. Of course the pricerise has always been a ‘hygienic’ motivation,” she adds. Reshmi Biwi, from Tikli village, says, “I learnt about this voting process from my daughter, who is studying in Class 12.

I was surprised that she is aware of the voting system.

Honestly, I had never voted earlier; I voted for the first time in the just held elections.

I tried to understand the situation and then voted for change.” Dayawati, who works as a domestic help in Sector 56, laments that the previous government seemed to care the least for the economically backward society. “It was very tough for a daily wage earner

31 October-6 November 2014

to even afford two square meals a day. Me and my husband’s joint earnings are around 7,000 rupees a month, which hardly suffices to survive, after paying a hefty rent of 1,200 rupees a month for a jhuggi. So I and many ladies like me wanted a change, and we took the lead in casting our votes,” Dayawati says. Bhatnagar concurs, and says that the economically weaker sections of society have been neglected by the last government. “Many schemes for the weaker sections were regularly publicized, but they mostly remained on paper.

Further, the education system really needs to be developed in Haryana; we are far behind other States. Being associated with an NGO, where we work for the welfare and development of the weaker sections of the society, I am well aware of the ground realities,” she says.

To cite an instance of mass ignorance about govt. ‘schemes’, Bhatnagar adds, “Many of the poor folk don’t even know that they do not have to pay any charges in the maternity or labour ward of any government hospital, particularly when a female baby is delivered. Such is the state of affairs in Haryana, which is anyway well-known for its skewed sex-ratio.” Another housewife, who wished to not be named, says, “The Congress party ruled Government had not been helpful to us as well

as to the society. And this time everybody wanted a change.

There are high hopes. That’s why we, all the ladies in our neighborhood, took the lead in casting our votes.” Mrs. Krishna Gupta, who resides near Galleria Market, admits, “It was really unmanageable for the middle class - although it is hard to define the word ‘middle class’ in Gurgaon, where the cost of living is skyrocketing.

For me this was one of the important reasons to vote; I needed to see a change. I do believe that unemployment and corruption are critical aspects to be addressed; and I am glad that the youth too were alert of this aspect.” The youth – clearly Including girls and women - too played a crucial role in ensuring an encouraging response at the various polling booths. Despite

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

T

he new government in Haryana should focus on improving the infrastructure in Gurgaon, and also ensure that rampant corruption and nepotism, which prevails across the State, should be brought to an end, says prominent Gurgaonbased businessman Sharad Goel – who is also an environmentalist and an RTI activist. Advocating the need for the govt. to reach out to business community, for revenue and job creation, Goel says that today they instead feel harassed and shortchanged. The previous government has paid for its misrule and for its preferring to take care of the interests of only the builders – at the cost of its citizens, particularly in Gurgaon, alleges Goel. He says that the first positive step to bring back the City on track would be the setting up of a Gurgaon Development Authority (GDA), which would bring all development, infrastructure and civic work under one head. "We need an overarching agency in Gurgaon, which works across the private, HUDA and other areas, to ensure that there is more effective planning and implementation of facilities and services. Today, one arm of the gov-

rapid urbanization and scores of industries and offices coming up in Gurgaon, the prolonged unemployment has also been another prime factor that motivated the youth (and there are many women workers now) to come out in large numbers - to vote for a change. Rohini Yadav, a college student, who was quite shattered by the education system and crimes against women, says that, ‘I was very much exited, as I had just crossed my 18th birthday and could vote for the very first time. I believe that an election is not about winning a throne.

Whoever comes in power should be responsive and look after our problems. I tried to be observant during the election, and saw that it was basically about a power-game and money. All our citizens need to be educated, if we want to really see a change.” A few other things that had made many women come forward to vote, were: education, public transport and traffic. While the turnout by the women at the polling stations in the Millennium City was encouraging, the real change seems to have taken place in the ‘hinterland’. The scorecard of the eves in Bhiwani, Jind, Mahendragarh and Kurukshetra was even better.

If this is the shape of things to come, it can only be right for women.u

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07

Business Expectations

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ndustries and Trades of Haryana State have a lot of expectations from the new BJP Government, and are hopeful that schemes for Industrial development will be implemented in a better way. This was stated

by H P Yadav, President, NCR Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gurgaon. The Chamber has sent a letter send to the Chief Minister, offering the following suggestions: 1. The formation of a ‘Haryana Industrial Peacekeeping Group (from Haryana Police)’, for the prompt handling of crises and frequent labour unrest problems.

2. The development of patches of vacant, barren land in NCR, into Industrial/ Economical Zones, with proper infrastructure and facilities. This will also help prevent the use of cultivated/agricultural land for industrial/ commercial use. A vibrant agriculture will help boost the Horticulture and Food Processing Industries, which will create many new local jobs.

3. Development of Mewat district of Haryana as a Special Industrial Zone. It is still a very backward area, and has a lot of barren and less cultivated land. Industrialisation will also help provide more jobs to locals. Tax concessions, like on Excise and Income tax, on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, can be provided. In fact the Haryana Government (HSIIDC) had already declared that Nuh region would be developed as an IMT (Industrial Model Township), but the progress has been very slow, due to the high cost of land.

4. More focused Industrial Training through ITIs, Polytechnics and other training Institutes, so that trained/skilled workforce is made available to Industries.

Modern education facilities, using latest updated tools as per the requirement of Industries, are required; at the same time, Management Colleges/Institutions are also advised to have a practical and focused approach.

The Chamber has also asked for the extension of Delhi Metro services to Manesar and Rewari, and for better public transport in the industrial areas,.u

A social, civil businessman ment can help end the inernment does not know stitutionalised corruption what the other is doing, in the State, as it does not and this has led to many have to depend on any ally. basic deficiencies," he asGoing forward, there is serts. Secondly, the busineed to ensure that those ness community in Gurwith poor ‘track records’ gaon wants the easing are not made ministers of of rules for carrying out important departments. its business – especially Goel avers that Haryana is the easing of red tape. a great State, has the right Goel says that its time the location, and can provide a ‘licence permit and inspecprakhar PANDEY great environment for busitor raj’ should be brought to an end. “The tax and labour regime ness, but the need of the hour is good is excessively complicated – even for an governance. And the politicians have to ‘experienced’ businessman. It is impos- set an example for the bureaucrats - othsible to get land from the government, erwise what happened in the Congress and even when one gets the land, it is government will be repeated.

Being an environmentalist, Goel difficult to get the bundle of clearances from the State. Once the officials come to has also launched an initiative of know that someone has money to set up ‘Swachh Bharat Swasth Bharat’, by a unit, they behave like predators. This adding on the health impact of being clean and hygienic in our lives. approach and behaviour has to end, if Haryana is to survive as an attractive in- Goel says that only if we are clean can dustrial location,” warns Goel. He also we be healthy and live a very productive wants the State to ensure uninterrupted life. “Gurgaon is a very young city, and I water and power supply to all industrial want the people to embrace both cleanliunits of Gurgaon (including the IT sec- ness as well as healthy living, to ensure tor), so that they don’t have to spend that this city becomes and remains procrores on generating power and pump- ductive and happy. This year he had focused on planting ‘peepal’ trees across ing water. This was clearly not part of their ‘investment’ plan. The BJP govern- the City, and also around the country

among his friends. He says that at least 500 peepal trees must have been planted due to this effort. Goel has also launched a campaign to save the traditional ponds and ‘johads’ in the urban villages of Gurgaon, and has spent a huge amount of resources and efforts to convince the government and the masses about the importance of doing this. It was due to his persistence that the Gurgaon administration built a boundary around the large pond in Sukhrali, and has also pumped water into this pond. Goel says that the only way to boost the water table of the City is to safeguard the traditional ponds. He also says that in the waterlogged areas the government could build artificial ponds. "This will not only help boost the water table, but also end the problem of water logging in areas such as Hero Honda Chowk, and Sheetla Mata Road, where it causes a lot of problems", says Goel. He adds that despite obstacles being faced by him due to his activist ways, he is going to work Hard, with the support of the people, to ensure Gurgaon becomes a healthy place to live in, and to do business. If this does not happen in the next five-years, then, says Goel, a majority of the companies will find ways to reduce their footprint here, and the Millennium City will remain in name only. It would then only be a matter of time before even residents start fleeing this drying nest. u

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K id C orner

31 October-6 November 2014

American Montessori Public School

Recitation Skills

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n English Recitation activity was conducted for the students of Montessori III. The children recited various poems with clarity and confidence and brought props appropriate to their poems.

Space Agers

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Diwali Celebs

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he School premises were decorated with diyas, candles, lanterns and rangoli. A special assembly was conducted by the students of Montessori IV. Tips to celebrate a safe and ecofriendly Diwali were given. A diwali pooja was also conducted in the school by the staff and management of the School.

Space workshop was organised for the students of Classes I and II. They were introduced to the concept of Space and the components of a Space Rocket. A video clip of a rocket launch was shown, which was followed by some simple experiments. The Workshop ended with the launching of 'PopRockets' by the students.

Diya Decorators

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hat better than diyas to celebrate Diwali in a traditional and eco-friendly manner.

To promote the same, a Diya Decoration Competition was held for the students of Classes I and II. The students decorated the diyas with mirrors, sequins, glitter and stones.

A Robot Fest

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he Third annual Pathways Gurgaon InterSchool Robotics Fest, ‘Robongiers' was graced by Capt. Rohit Bajaj, School Director, Pathways School, Gurgaon and Prashant Jain, Director, Pathways Schools. The First round was on ‘Electronics', wherein each team had to build a small light-following robot that would sense and follow the light of a torch. In the next round the students were given a situation where passengers of a plane crash were stranded in the forest, and robots needed to be built *(using Lego blocks) and programmed to travel through a maze and pick up these passengers.

The competition challenged the students' logical thinking, creativity and problemsolving skills. Manav Rachna International School, Faridabad clinched the Trophy.

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

31 October-6 November 2014

K id C orner

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Ryan International School, Sector-40

Mera Pyara Tyauhaar

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yan International School, Sector-40 conducted an Inter-Class Hindi Declamation Competition for Class II. The topic was ‘My Favourite Festival’. The winner was Shivi Gurjar (IIF). The School Head Ms. Peeya Sharma said that all festivals are associated with joy, togetherness and brotherhood.

Skating on Medals

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yan International School, Sector-40 participated in the Inter-School Open Roller Skating Championship held at St. P.B.N. School, Sector-17B and bagged the First position (Trophy).The Ryanites competed with 350 students from 12 schools, and won 5 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze medals in different categories. Pranav, Navya, Mansi, Riya Bhambhu and Rimjhim won Gold medals.

Swachh Vidyalaya

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yan International School, Sector-40 celebrated the ‘Swachh Bharat' campaign. The children performed a radio jockey show on the theme of cleanliness, and also coined some jingles.

Card Creativity

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yan International School, Sector-40 participated in a Greeting Card-making Competition where Chestha Kharbanda of Class IIID won the First position at the Zonal level. A creative genius, she assembled a dazzling card for the occasion.

Anchoring UNICEF

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yan International School, Sector 40 celebrated ‘World UNICEF Day’. The Ryanites of Classes IV H and VII highlighted the importance of UNICEF services across the world through an informative talk show and radio jockey show, which was interwoven with creative and catchy jingles like ‘Heal the World’.

Media Savvy Maths Whiz

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yan International School, Sector-40 conducted an Inter House Maths Quiz for the students of Class II. Mahatma Gandhi House was the winning house, and the individual winners were Deboshman Dutta, Areeba Sayeed, Sanyam Gupta, Meghna Kwatra, Madhav Bhardwaj Ishita Gupta and Parth Joshi. School Head Ms Peeya Sharma congratulated all the winners and encouraged the students to practice 'Mental Maths' to enhance their mathematical skills.

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hiranjiv Bharati School launched its newsroom, 'Media Mélange', to help create interest in the field of journalism and mass communication.

The news anchors for the day were Harsh Lahiri and Arushi Awasthi. This was followed by a debate on the topic, 'Are schools doing enough to ensure child security'? The panelists were Priyanshi Gupta, Vivek Rana, Namrata Dua and Shrushti Kaul. This venture is the brainchild of the Principal, Ms Sangeeta Saxena.

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31 October-6 November 2014

C omment

A White Paper On Gurgaon

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ith a new CM and his govt. at the helm, it’s time for another revisit. Despite Master Plans for 2021, 2025 and 2031 being announced for Gurgaon – in quick succession – we still have no overall assessment of our current deficiencies. Clearly, the future Plans have no basis in the present. They have been seemingly made only for big real estate plays. We lament the poor administration, and the multiplicity of agencies – MCG, HUDA, the DC Office and HSIIDC. We believe that a Gurgaon Development Authority (GDA) would be the answer to most of our prayers. In the absence of an honest assessment of what has not been done to date, and what is still not being done well, we will continue to flounder. And the culprits will merrily build new condos and colonies and sectors – and make those future residents tear their hair over the next decade. This lack of accountability has to stop. The culprits need to be held accountable.

EDITORIAL Atul Sobti

Letter To The Editor

The Town and Country Planning (T&CP) Department is at the centre of it all. It is clearly complicit. Rather than acting as an effective planner, a responsible approving authority and a vigilant inspector, it has become a facilitator for deviations. The first accountability has to start here. T&CP Department must be charged with developing and issuing a ‘White Paper on Gurgaon’, within 3 months: on who has not done what (whether HUDA, MCG or private builders), as per approved plans. It should also confirm which builders should immediately hand over the maintenance of condos and colonies and sectors; and also confirm what has happened to the EDC and IDC paid by customers, for each project. All deficiencies, as per approved plans, need to be taken care of/funded by the builders, before they hand over their projects; they should be given a maximum of 6 months to comply. Separately, an Audit Team from Chandigarh should check why the maintenance and repair of facilities, and the delivery of civic services, continues to be so poor – despite most residents paying a decent maintenance charge every month. In the absence of this, many RWAs are now taking on their builders, and wanting to ‘snatch’ the premises - after facing years of neglect. On an on-going basis, T&CP should be tasked to issue a quarterly report on each project/sector, based on field visits and inspections. Most importantly, we need to ensure that the same problems do not recur in the new sectors (58 to 115). T&CP needs to provide the detailed plan, sector wise, as to what will come up where, by when, and by whom (see box also). And who will build, who will maintain the civic infrastructure and facilities?

Unfortunately, the new sectors have already started going the same way. Infrastructure is again lagging the development of housing estates. In fact residents are moving into their houses/flats, without their projects being given a formal water and power connection.

Clearly, ‘informal connections’, despite the High Court’s

For the new sectors of Gurgaon, T&CP Dept. needs to immediately (as it has not yet been Master Planned) identify/designate space, colony/ sector-wise, for: n Roads, footpaths n Parking facilities – private and public transport; shelters and stands n Parks, Sports stadiums, Community Centres, Cultural Centres, Markets n Hospitals n Schools/Colleges n EWS houses n Fire Stations/Police Stations n Petrol Pumps/CNG stations n Water boosting stations, water pipelines n Power sub-stations, cabling n Sewage drains and connection to the master drain; storm water drains; public toilets; rainwater harvesting sites n Night shelters, Child Care Centres, Centres for the Aged and Disabled n Liquor vends This will also ensure that facilities do not suddenly come up, say, next to a house(s) – as is happening in current sectors. orders, have become the order of the day in this City.

We need to change course now, otherwise we will continue to see ad hoc development. First, builders who have defaulted in current sectors (1 to 57) should be asked to develop, or make good, what they had promised.

All their ‘excess’ earnings, from common areas, or from change in plans, need to also be returned to the customers/RWAs. This should include all commercial buildings/areas too. Until they have so complied, these builders should not be allowed to proceed with construction in their new projects. This action should be welcomed by the good builders/developers, as they currently get lumped with the rest. It is also time to prepare a 3 year Civic Plan for the current sectors of the City – including the ‘unauthorised colonies’, the EWS houses/flats and villages/slums. MCG should be charged with this role – which means that all of Gurgaon needs to first be under its control. HUDA needs to transfer employees and all its sectors to MCG; this should have been done by now, considering MCG is over 5 years old. All private builders need to complete their pending works, as per plans submitted, and then hand over their areas/colonies to MCG. This total handover should be completed by the end of year 1, by all concerned, so that the following 2 years are taken up by MCG to set the overall systems and processes in motion - for the regular maintenance and repair of facilities, and delivery of services. For this role of course, MCG needs great leadership. u

31 October-6 November 2014

{ Dr. Rajesh Bhola }

O

ur conscious mind is forever engaged in paying attention to our wants and pleasures; our mind is always responding to the stimuli generated by the five senses.

We are enslaved by the demands made by the outer world; we soon start believing that the material world is the real world. Meditation releases us from this slavery. But controlling the wandering mind needs practice and training. The mind will repeatedly stray away from one thought; numerous thoughts will keep on disturbing the mental quiet. But once we stick to our practice, the mind learns to stay just where we put it. That is what is called entering the ‘concentrative’ state. With further practice we become unaware of the outside world and get immersed into the identified thought. Concentration means being able to free our mind from all objects of distraction (including our own thoughts and emotions) and to direct it towards a single object whether reposing it in a single state of awareness, or directing it toward a single goal. To many people, such mental control implies effort. And so it does, in a sense. In another sense, however, they are mistaken - for, as long as you try to concentrate you will not be able to concentrate really effectively. Deep concentration is possible only in a state of relaxation. Where tension exists, whether physically or mentally, it expends our energy needlessly - like the stray strand of thread that refuses to enter the eye of the needle. Many people mistakenly believe that meditation amounts to a kind of escape from reality, an avoidance of one’s worldly responsibilities. Actually, meditation is easily the most effective way of enabling you to not only face life’s challenges, but also to overcome them.

The deep power of concentration that comes through daily meditation enables you to resolve an issue in perhaps minutes - where, otherwise, you might have fretted over it for weeks. Even more importantly, the concentration that comes from regular meditation generates with perfect naturalness a strength of will that is necessary for success in any undertaking.

Another important point in developing concentration, and therefore will power, is inner clarity – a crystal clear clarity of reason and feeling. Meditation is a great aid in the development of such clarity.

Muddy thoughts and feelings produce chaos, both inwardly and outwardly. Inner confusion is the antithesis of concentration; inner clarity, on the other hand, is almost the definition of concentration.

When your mind is clear, you will naturally address issues one at a time. It is equally true to say that, by limiting yourself to doing or thinking about one thing at a time, you will find that your mind, in turn, gradually develops clarity. Concentration involves the practice of shutting out of your mind all distracting thoughts and impressions. It is not easy not to think about a thing. Try telling yourself, for example, to completely avoid thinking about icebergs (doesn’t happeneasily , does it?). No one can do many things at once and do them effectively. Leave, then, for the moment, every other issue

Attaining Concentration except the one on which you have decided to focus your attention. Do not strain… be relaxed. Be interested in what you are doing.

Become absorbed in it.

Thus, in ‘concentration’ meditation we investigate the object of meditation by contemplating it in all its details, and focus single-pointedly on one aspect of the object and hold our mind on it without movement. Single-pointed concentration is a useful meditative power. The five great obstacles to concentration are: laziness, forgetfulness, mental wandering, depression, and failure to correct any of the above problems when they arise. We think we are still meditating, but suddenly discover that for the past thirty minutes our mind has been somewhere else. This is the coarse level of the wandering mind.

When we overcome this we still have to deal with subtle wandering - in which one part of the mind holds the object clearly but another part drifts away. We have to develop the ability of using the main part of our mind to concentrate on the object, and another part to ‘watch’ that the meditation is progressing correctly.

This side part of the mind is like a secret agent, and without it we can become absorbed in incorrect meditation for hours, without knowing what we are doing. The thief of mental wandering or depression comes in and steals away our meditation.

Holding, holding tightly and watching: these are the three keys of concentration meditation. It is like when we hold of a glass of water: we have to hold it, (hold it) tightly, and also watch to see that we are holding it correctly and steadily without allowing any water to spill out.

In the beginning, your main struggle will be against wandering and depression. Even though you may be able to concentrate effortlessly for a great length of time, you may not yet have attained concentration. You must also develop a certain sense of pleasure and harmony within both body and mind. You need to concentrate till a great pleasure begins to arise within your head and spreads down, feeling like the gentle invigorating warmth of a hot towel held against your face. When this happens, you will have a sense of inseparability with the object, your body will seem to disappear and you will sort of become one with the object; you will almost want to fly away. Meditation is anyway light and free, like a humming bird in mid-air drinking honey from a red flower. Once you are in this state, you will be able to fix your mind on any object of virtue for as long you want.

Concentration and mindfulness are distinctly different functions. They each have their role to play in meditation, and the relationship between them is definite and delicate. Concentration is often called ‘one-pointedness of mind’.

It forces the mind to remain on one static point; yes, It can be developed by force, by sheer unremitting willpower.

Mindfulness, on the other hand, is a delicate function leading to refined sensibilities. These two are partners on the path of meditation.

Mindfulness is the sensitive one; he notices things.

Concentration provides the power; he keeps the attention pinned down to one item. Mindfulness picks the objects of attention, and notices when the attention has gone astray. Concentration does the actual work of holding the attention steady on that chosen object. If either of these partners is weak, your meditation will go astray. True concentration is a wholesome one-pointedness of mind; that is, the state of the mind is free from greed, hatred and delusion. Unwholesome onepointedness is also possible, but it will not lead to liberation. You can be very single-minded in a state of lust, but that gets you nowhere. Uninterrupted focus on something that you hate does not help you at all. In fact, such unwholesome concentration is fairly short-lived, even when it is achieved - especially when it is used to harm others. True concentration is free from such contaminants. It is a state in which the mind is gathered together, and thus gains power and intensity. We might use the analogy of a lens. Parallel waves of sunlight falling on a piece of paper will do no more than warm the surface. But the same amount of light, when focused through a lens, falls on a single point and the paper bursts into flames. Concentration is the lens. It produces the burning intensity necessary to see into the deeper reaches of the mind.

Mindfulness selects the object that the lens will focus on, and looks through the lens to see what is there.

Concentration should be regarded as a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for good or for ill. Properly used, it can take you towards liberation, but it can also be used in the service of the ego. You can use concentration to dominate others; you can use it to be selfish. However, concentration alone will not give you a perspective on yourself. It won’t throw light on the basic problems of selfishness and the nature of suffering. While it can be used to dig deep into psychological states, even then the forces of egotism will not be understood. Only mindfulness can do that.

Only mindfulness can look into the lens and see what has been uncovered. Only mindfulness understands; only mindfulness brings wisdom. Concentration has other limitations, too. Really deep concentration can only take place under certain specific conditions. Buddhists go to a lot of trouble to build meditation halls and monasteries. Their main purpose is to create a physical environment free of distractions, in which to learn this skill.

There has to ne no noise, no interruptions. Of course just as important is the creation of a distraction-free emotional environment.

Mindfulness directs the power of concentration; mindfulness is the

S pritual

11

manager of the operation. Concentration furnishes the power by which mindfulness can penetrate into the deepest level of the mind. Their cooperation results in insight and understanding. These must be cultivated together in a balanced ratio.

Just a bit more emphasis is given to mindfulness, because it is the centre of meditation. The deepest levels of concentration are not really needed to liberate us. Still, a balance is essential.

Too much awareness, without calm to balance it, will result in a wildly oversensitised state; too much concentration, without a balancing ratio of awareness, will result in the ‘Stone Buddha’ syndrome – wherein a person in meditation gets so tranquilised that he sits there like a rock. Both of these extremes are to be avoided. The initial stages of mental cultivation are especially delicate.

Too much emphasis on mindfulness at this point will actually retard the development of concentration. When getting started in meditation, one of the first things you will notice is how incredibly active the mind really is.

The Theravada tradition calls this phenomenon the ‘monkey mind’; the Tibetan tradition likens it to a waterfall of thought. If you emphasise the awareness function at this point, there will be so much to be aware of that concentration will be impossible. Do not get discouraged. This happens to everybody.

And there is a simple solution. Put most of your effort into one-pointedness at the beginning. Just keep calling attention to the wandering, over and over again. Face it out. A couple of months later you will have developed concentration power. Then you can start pumping your energy into mindfulness. Do not, however, go so far with concentration that you find yourself going into a stupor. Mindfulness still is the more important of the two components. It should be built as soon as you can comfortably do so. Mindfulness provides the needed foundation for the subsequent development of deeper concentration. Most blunders in this area of balance will correct themselves in time. Right concentration develops naturally in the wake of strong mindfulness.

The more you develop the noticing factor, the quicker you will notice the distraction, and the quicker you will pull out of it and return to the formal object of attention. The natural result is increased concentration. In the beginning the habits of distraction and dullness will be much stronger than the newly emerging habit of concentration. As you continue to cultivate mindfulness with vigilance, the continuity of your awareness will grow, until you are able to stay focused with less distraction. When your concentration becomes more stable and you are able to enter the concentrative state without losing the awareness of your object for long, your mind will begin to get clearer, providing you with a refreshed vividness and clarity of thought.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

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31 October-6 November 2014

W ellness

13

{ Jaspal Bajwa }

A

lmost everyone has suffered from back pain at some point in his/her life. As a result, Backache has never been billed as a major health concern. It therefore came as a surprise to many when the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2010 listed ‘Chronic Lower Back Pain’ as the leading cause of disability across the world. Disease Burden is defined by what is making us sick, rather than what leads to mortality; it is measured in terms of ‘DALY - Disability-Adjusted Life Year’. The ‘adjustment’ refers to the number of years that are lost due to ill health, disability and premature death. Disease Burden is increasingly being caused by chronic diseases. Lower Back Pain is leading the pack amongst musculo-skeletal disorders, nervous diseases and injuries. In fact this is set to intensify, with people the world over tending to live longer now.

Several risk factors have been identified for Lower Back Pain. These include posture, occupational hazards, depressive moods, obesity, and a lack of physical exercise and balanced nutrition. Back pain is not a single disease, but a constellation of symptoms.

In 2010, as many as 80 million DALYs had been lost due to chronic back pain. Of these, 28% were due to occupational ergonomic risk factors alone.

Many occupations require long hours behind a desk. An improper ergonomic set-up gets amplified by poor posture, rapid pace of work, heavy and incorrect lifting, bending, twisting, sustained non-neutral postures, etc. At present, Lower Back Pain is treated mainly with analgesics; the underlying causes are rarely addressed.

Alternative treatments include physical therapy, rehabilitation and spinal manipulation. Disc Surgery remains the last option (when all other strategies have failed), but very often the outcomes are disappointing. In recent years, development work on 3D imaging, biomaterials, growth factors, disc re-nutrition and stem cells has brought new hope, which may help delay the surgeries. However, it is also important for doctors to improve their diagnostic skills and to identify potential risk factors in a more timely manner.

Tip of the Week

Body posture is key.

Slouching at the desk is even worse than slouching when

Health & Vitality... Naturally!

Preventing a Pain in the Back standing up. The forwardhead posture places stress on the back and neck muscles, causing headaches and shoulder stress. A slouched posture also causes the weakening of the lower back. Once abdominal muscles get weakened due to slouching, they can no longer effectively protect the spine from injury. Stretching, taking regular breaks for short walks and modifying the workspace can help ease the back pain that comes from sitting at a desk. It is important to align the centre of the computer monitor with the eye-level. The hips, knees and elbows should be bent at 90 degrees and feet should be gently yet firmly resting on the ground. A small pillow or lumbar roll can help to keep the lower back properly aligned in the chair. In the initial stages it would help to set an hourly alarm, as a reminder to check and realign one’s posture. A fitness professional can also be approached, to learn simple stretches and exercises that help reverse the effects of poor posture. If however, back pain is accompanied by numbness, weakness, tingling or bowel/ bladder changes, medical help

should be sought without any delay.

Nature’s Wonder Food(s) of the Week: ‘Back Pain-relief’ foods

There are several foods that can help to prevent and remedy chronic back pain. Firstly, it is important to ensure a well-balanced diet, which should never be deficient in Omega 3 fats, Calcium and Vitamins D & K. Eating fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, herring, sardines) can help relieve back pain. Omega 3s help by improving the blood flow and taming inflammation in blood vessels and nerves, especially at the edge of the spinal disks. A study reported in Surgical Neurology indicates that imbibing of 1,200mg or more of EPA and DHA per day can reduce back and neck pain. Various natural fruits, vegetables & spices that are high in anti-oxidant values and anti-inflammatory properties can be used to enrich the diet and to heal back pain. A few good examples are: High anthocyanin fruits like cherries and berries; a bowl of cherries for breakfast can reduce a major marker of

inflammation by 25%; Bromelain in pineapples is a protein-digesting enzyme as also a natural antiinflammatory highly revered herbs like turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and mint; the curcumin content in turmeric protects against joint inflammation and also preserves good tissue and nerve cell function; a study of osteoarthritis patients has shown that 200mg of curcumin a day can help reduce pain and significantly increase mobility; ginger is a traditional stomach soother and helps not only as a metabolic aid but also as a natural antiinflammatory, affording relief from migraines, arthritis pain and muscle aches.

High quality probiotics, like yoghurt, with ‘live and active cultures’; several bacterial strains in yoghurt help reduce pain, inflammation and bloating.

Tofu, tempeh, other fermented forms of whole soy (shelled Edamame beans).

Astaxanthin – one of the most powerful oil-soluble antioxidants. Boswellia (‘Indian Frankincense’ or Salai Guggul ) - highly regarded by herbal practitioners, as are oils such as Evening Primrose,

Black Currant and Borage, which are high in GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid - a fatty acid).

In Ayurvedic practice, in addition to general tonics such as ‘Ashwagandha’ and ‘Brahmi’, specific tonics to balance Vaata (Air) and Kapha (Water) doshas are used to enhance the natural cushioning between joints. ‘Lakshadi Guggulu’ is particularly helpful for enhancing calcium deposition, which hastens bone repair.’Triphala Guggulu’ is a well-balanced mixture of two very effective herbs; it helps improve blood circulation.

The Triphala component acts as an effective bowel cleanser and Guggul works as an effective defence agent for the body. Dashamula is a combination of ten roots, which can be used as a tea as well as an enema - to balance Vaata and Kapha. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), several herbal combinations are recommended to help heal chronic back pain by getting the ‘Qi’ (energy) to flow freely, and also to strengthen the kidney, liver and spleen. A good example is the Ginseng and Astragalus Combination (GAC) - Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang which ‘tonifies’ Qi, stimulate the CNS, increases digestive absorption and strengthens general body functions, thus helping remove fatigue and healing various types of prolapse. u For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions

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31 October-6 November 2014

Haryanvi Made Easy 1. Do you have this in my size?

Mere naapey ka ya mil jaa ga?

Naapey – Naa pay

2. How much is this for?

Iska kitna le ga?

3. That is too expensive Yo te ghanna mehenga hai

Ghanna – Gh as in ghost + un na

4. I am looking for something cheaper Main te kuch sasta sa chahiye 5. You are cheating me Tu manne dokha de hai Dokha – Do + kha

6. I am not buying this Manne na lena yo 7. Ok, I’ll take it Chal, le lyun hun Lyun – as in Kyun (‘why’, in Hindi)

Get a taste of the local lingo

1. Don’t drive too fast Ganni tez mat chalawe

Tez – Like Mez (‘table’, in Hindi, soft t)

Chalawe - Cha+la+way

2. Clean the bedroom Bedroom saaf kar 3. The bathroom is dirty Bathroom bhunda hai

Bhunda – Bhun - as in bhuna (‘roasted’,

in Hindi) + da

4. Make food by 1 pm Ek baje tahin roti banna liye

Tahin - Taeen

5. A guest will come at noon Dopharre ek mehman aave ga

Dopharre – Do + fur+ ray

1. Who is at the door?

Darwaje pe kunn hai?

Kunn - Like gunn (‘good qualities’, in Hindi) 2. Give the car keys to the driver Gaddi ki chaabi driver te de de

3.

Open the door Kawad khol de Kawad - Ka + wa + d (as in den)

4. Have the children eaten?

Balakaan ne kha liya?

Balakaan - Balak + aan 5. Buy vegetables by the evening Saanjh tahin sabzi kharid liye 6. Send the driver to the office Driver ne daftar bhej de

6. Offer him some tea Chaa de de isne

8. Can I have a bag?

Ek jholla mil jaa ga?

1. At what time does the store open?

Dukan kitne baje khulle gi?

Khulle - Khul (like in ‘full’) + lay

1. I have a pain in my back

2. Do you accept credit cards?

Credit card le le hai ke?

2. I have high fever Mere thadda bukhaar chadh reha hai Thadda - Th (as in ‘Thand’ (cold) in Hindi)

Meri kadd main dard hai Kadd - as in Ka+ d (as in ‘dar’ (fear) in Hindi)

3. Can I take Photographs? + adda (d as in den) Photu kheech lyun ke?

3. Do I have to go to the hospital?

Mere ke haspatal janna padega ke?

4. Can I smoke here?

Janna - Ja + nn + na Yade ciggarette pee sakun hun ke?

Yade - Ya + day 4. I have medical insurance Mere dhore medical insurance hai 5. Make the food less spice Khaane main ghanna masala mat daaliye Dhore - Dho (like ‘wash’ in Hindi) + ray

Ghanna

- Gh as in ghost + un na

S ocial

5. When do I take these medicines?

Ye devai kad kad leni hai?

6. Can you take our picture?

Kad - K + ad (as in ‘maddad’ (help) in Hindi) Mhari photu le sake hai ke?

31 October-6 November 2014

B on V ivant

Glasgow’s own ‘Basivi’

{ Meenu Thakur Sankalp }

T

he brush in 31-year-old Gail Robertson’s scrawny hands rustled through the dust that covered the splintered copper ladle, which had just been excavated from a forgotten Vijayanagara empire ruin, not far from the world heritage site Hampi in North Karnataka. Then, pushing back his pince-nez spectacles to the bridge of his nose with his soft and tiny (‘girlish’) fingers, he waved to his fellow archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India - a sign that he was done for the day. Gail catalogued his new findings, while carefully wrapping the brittle copper ladle in cellophane tape and placing it in the inner pouch of his leather satchel. On the way back to his hotel near the Hospet Railway Station, he stopped at a non-descript village. He pulled out a fiftyeight-year-old moth-eaten map, sketched by a British archeologist, titled ‘The Basivi streets of Hampi’, and stood admiring the precise hand-made sketches and the stencil-like plume pen strokes. Gail had spent more than three years at Queensland University, researching the Devadasis of Southern India.

He had learnt through his work that a Devadasi was a girl ‘dedicated’ to a temple of worship for the rest of her life. During the initial years of their existence, Devadasis were respected dancing girls who were ‘married’ to their craft. They lived close to temples and were concubines to wealthy patrons, who financed their dance performances on a temple stage. But, as time

passed, due to poverty, lack of cultural funding in temples and disrespect for dance, Devadasis were forced to become ‘religious prostitutes’. This practice carried on for more than eight centuries, till it was outlawed - as late as 1982, in Karnataka. The Devadasis of Karnataka were known as Basivis.

Gail was moved by the story of the Devadasi Basivis and was very keen to know if any of them still existed, decades after India’s independence.

Painstakingly meandering through the narrow lanes of the village, with the help of the old map, Gail enquired from the local people (in broken Kannada) if any Basivis were still alive. Most of the villagers had not even heard of the term, let alone of a woman still practising the ‘profession’. As Gail turned back in disappointment, he heard a ‘beautiful’ voice call out to him. “Did you say Basivi?” the voice asked. Gail turned back and saw a beautiful dusky woman, perhaps a few years older than him. She was wearing a cotton sari, her hair neatly tied in a bun, and her coconut-

{ Krishan Kalra }

C

irca 1895, in the desert village of Jamali in West Punjab, my grandfather, Ram Narain, 18, joined his elder brother, Diwan Chand, in the small family business. He was later to become a prosperous commodity trader and mill owner in Sargodha, as well as an Assessor and Kursi-Nasheen appointed by the British rulers; but at the age of 18, Ram Narain had to toil hard for feeding the large family. Diwan Chand had started the business seven years earlier, with a total capital of one thousand rupees, all contributed by affluent relatives – the Bajaj family of Kaka village. The young man had worked diligently and honestly and earned – after all expenses – a handsome profit of fourteen thousand rupees over seven years. When Ram Narain joined him, the family decided to pay back the Bajaj brothers their share of the profit – 50 per cent as per agreement – and become independent. However, parting with

oiled hair adorned by jasmine flowers. He replied, “Yes, I did.

Can you help me?” “Perhaps,” she responded, in a familiar western accent, “because I am one of them.” Gail gaped at her, and his flabbergasted look said it all. “You are what? A Basivi?

But your accent? You seem to be from England!” “Scotland,’ she corrected him, and continued, “My Kannada-speaking mom married a Scottish tourist. I was born in Glasgow and educated at Manchester. My late grandmother lived in this village. She was a Basivi. Though my parents have never come back to India, I come here twice a year to discover my roots. I learn classical dance from my grandma’s friend, an eighty-year-old dance teacher, Devamma. Not many people know that she was a Basivi in her youth.” The woman continued, “Look, the Devadasi was not a bad system. It was an avenue for girls who wished to dance. Given the circumstances during the medieval years, there were no patrons who would finance them or accept them as part of society. So, being dedicated to God and dance, they served as concubines to wealthy men. To them it was a marriage to dance. Their girl children followed in their footsteps.” Gail was not convinced, ‘Prostitution in the name of art cannot be

A Debt of Honour seven thousand rupees from the business was not feasible. It was therefore decided to call on the rich Balouch clan in a canal bank town some 50 miles away, and seek a loan. The brothers hired a horse for the journey. They rode in turns, with the other walking along. Starting at pre-dawn, they made it to the Balouch haveli by dusk. Their generous hosts fed them well and made them comfortable for the night.

Early the next morning, the older brother explained the reason for their mission. The benefactors held a family conclave and decided to honour the request.

In fact, the loan from the Balouch clan was interestfree and payable-when-able; they also had not asked for any ‘equity’ (share). Seven thousand worth of sterling silver coins were packed in two gunnysacks and given to the brothers. With enough food packed for the journey, the brothers then started their journey

15

accepted. Let us not forget that it was an exploitative practice.”

The woman smiled and replied, “I agree. But just about every traditional practice has been misused; and that is precisely why it has now been outlawed by the government. The present generation has not even heard of the practice. And there are no surviving traditional Devadasis today. However, there are some people who still believe in these traditional beliefs. I am one of them.” As Gail looked at her closely, she asked, “Are you surprised?” He replied, “No, I am not. But tell me, how can one fall in love with a Basivi?” She laughed loudly and answered, “Well, I do not know. A Devadasi loves only dance. But why are you asking me this question?”

Gail sheepishly responded, “Perhaps I may fall in love with one. Can I see you dance?” She looked at him and said, “Yes, why not? I am practising tomorrow at seven, at the fourth house at the end of this lane.

That is where Devamma lives.

She also cooks amazing ‘Bise Bele Bath’ rice.” As she turned to go, Gail held her hands and asked, “What is your name?”

Pat came the reply, “Rajamma.

Ok, my ‘real’ name is Ruth Jones, but Devamma still calls me Rajamma, my grandma’s name. She feels that my grandma has returned from the dead when she sees me dance.”

Gail kissed her goodbye and, with a spark in his blue eyes, quipped, “Well, Rajamma. We have a dance-date, tomorrow, at seven.” Before Ruth could react, Gail pedalled off into the crimson sunset.u The Writer is a renowned Kuchipudi Danseuse and Choreographer

back to home. The return took longer, because of the bulk load of over 80 kilograms of silver that was loaded on the horse; both the brothers had to walk all the way back. They finally made it back by midnight.

The next expedition was to Kaka village, to pay back the Bajaj brothers. There was no written agreement then; trust was the lone guarantee sought…or given.

Some elders of Jamali village accompanied the young men, and it was decided that they would all request the Bajaj brothers for an ‘ardaas’ in the gurudwara – to thank the Lord for the partnership settlement and to wish the brothers well in their new independent venture. The Bajaj family asked for some ‘extras’ for granting this ‘favour’: a roll of muslin worth oneand-a-half-rupees, mishri (sugar candy) worth half a rupee for each of the four brothers, and one rupee for ‘prashad’. The ardaas done, the delegation returned home triumphantly and wished the Kalras Godspeed in their new venture. The family has never looked back.u

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31 October-6 November 2014

G -Scape prakhar PANDEY

Chhath Puja

jit kumar