Friday gurgaon 8 14 august, 2014 by Friday Gurgaon

8-14 August 2014

Vol. 3 No. 51  Pages 24  ` 10

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

There are beasts out there! Asha PANDEY

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

he two recent incidents of brutality against young girls (one a 2-year -old!) in Gurgaon have not only shocked the residents but also raised serious concerns about the safety of any girl or woman here. Just a few weeks ago an elderly woman had been raped and murdered in her house. The girls in this instant were raped and dumped, and the elder one was even murdered. In a city where thousands of women work in corporate offices, IT companies and call centres 24x7, these gruesome incidents send stark and chilling reminders that, ‘outside’ of the homes and offices (hopefully), not much is right in the Millennium City. We should not be fooled by the fact that the victims were ‘not one of us’. While the Gurgaon Police has constituted a Special Investigative Team, and even announced a major reward for information on the criminals, that is little solace for the survivors. If we do not want to see more and worse crime against women and children, we first need to accept that these two incidents are no longer aberrations. Of course women daily face many problems, and often have to face these silently. They often feel a sense of déjà vu any time something ‘exceptional’ is picked up by the media. However, these 2 incidents, which were also violent, seem to point to a heightened degeneration of society. In this migrants infested city, the psyche of some residents is fast changing. They have too soon seen it all, think they know it all, and then believe that they can do it all! In Gurgaon, the feeling of unease in public spaces, including parks, always seems just surface deep.

How long will we remain cocooned, in the mistaken belief that we live protected lives – while the pack of wolves moves closer to our doors?

Veena Gupta, an activist, says that the primary problem is the lack of awareness and education among the people – they are hesitant to approach the police and do not know how the system functions. “There are many poor children and women who get harassed on the roads, during work and in their homes, but they are too scared to call the police. Even affluent and well-to-do people prefer to keep silent on these issues,” she adds. Many teenagers, even from educated and affluent families, do not report these incidents because they fear that their ‘freedom’ would be curtailed. This needs to change. Most of the villains can, and should, be identified early. Prevention is a far more potent weapon than cure. Further, an inherent ‘acceptance’ that harassment, eveteasing and molestation is a ‘given’ if a woman goes out of home to work, needs to be completely rejected – by the accused camps and, more importantly, by society. Deeptilal Patra, who works in the Communications industry and traverses both Delhi and Gurgaon, says that it easier to travel in Delhi in the evenings, and to negotiate with the auto drivers, but in Gurgaon she finds it difficult to move around after 8pm. “Handling the auto drivers in Gurgaon, who often are half drivers and half miscreants, is itself a challenge – apart from trying to manage the maze that is Gurgaon,” she says. She adds while problems exist in both the cities, Gurgaon is worse because of the lack of adequate infrastructure, and a large floating population - with countless, nameless faces who seem to vanish as easily as they surface. And then return later to this wine, women and song El Dorado, especially on weekends, with friends. An interesting point made by Veena Gupta is that the safety also depends on the ‘built environment’, Contd on p 7 

Juveniles Riding the Roads { Barnali Dutta/FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

ver a year ago an under-teenybopper from Peramangalam in Kerala, driving a Ferrari, literally created news not only in India but also around the globe, since a video footage of this risky feat was uploaded on the Internet. When confronted by the law, the affluent father of this nine-year old kid, instead of repenting for his folly, bragged that the little fellow had been driving since the age of 5! Indeed, such a scenario still prevails in several parts of India - and Gurgaon is clearly no exception. Be it a two-wheeler or a car, a common sight happens to be youngsters in their mid-teens zooming along the roads as if they are on a racing track - in the process risking their own lives as well as those of others on the road. While earlier it was the ‘rich brats’ who were the culprits, this disease seems to have struck even the middle class families, as evident from the scores of youngsters riding twowheelers into and from schools. As per the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, a person driving any vehicle is expected to possess a valid driving license. This is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), the agency that en-

Asha PANDEY

forces the MV Act. However, a juvenile in the age group of 16 to 18 years may drive a two-wheeler with an engine power not exceeding 100 cc - and in Gurgaon this provisional licence for these youngsters is issued by the Sub Divisional Magistrate. But this privilege, extended to the enthusiastic juveniles to drive a two-wheeler of only a specific capacity, is being (allowed to be) grossly misused. Apart from driving a two-wheeler sans the mandatory safety helmet and flouting basic traffic regulations, the ‘modern’ kids also try their hands at the steering wheels of cars - large swanky ones too. On this scenario, Om Prakash, Licensing Officer at the SDM office, says, “We only issue licences as per the Act, in the presence of the riders’ parents or guardians and after a proper basic test.” Worried over the gross misuse of licences, the Deputy Mayor of Gurgaon, Parmindar Kataria, says it is high time this is stopped, since these youngsters are the future of the nation. He says, “Nowadays everybody being tech-savvy, it is time for us to create mass awareness by relying on social network to usher a sense of road safety.” Driving a scooty and even a mobike to the school Contd on p 6 

8-14 August 2014

RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319 Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014, VOL.–3 No.–51  8-14 August 2014

Editor:

Atul Sobti

Sr. Correspondent: Abhishek Behl Correspondent:

Barnali Dutta

Sr. Photographer:

Prakhar Pandey

Sr. Designer:

Amit Singh

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

Sunil Yadav Manish Yadav

Manager - Sales & Marketing:

Sunil Kumar

Political...

Ready for the Battle INLD has made the first move in the political battle in Haryana, by announcing the names of 62 candidates for the ensuing elections in the State. Political observers opine that this ‘timely’ announcement will definitely give an edge to the Party After a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections, there is a strong wave of resurgence in the Haryana BJP, with Party leaders sniffing a chance of establishing the first ‘saffron’ government in the State. Under the astute leadership of Party Chief Amit Shah, the BJP has started to make strong moves in the political battlefield.

Dy. Manager A/cs & Admin:

Consulting Art Editor: Qazi M. Raghib Editorial Office 213, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, Phones: +91 124 421 9092/93 Emails:

editor@fridaygurgaon.com

Wellness... Get Rich on Enzymes

In tune with technological trends in Administration, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) is set to launch a mobile phone based applications to deal with most of the civic complaints voiced by the citizens at a faster pace. According to MCG officials, the application, which uses the Android platform, would be available to the residents

A key lesson from Nature is that everything is inter-connected and interdependent. In the natural stream of life, events happen almost effortlessly when the right conditions are present. A key question however arises: how exactly is life-producing energy made available to each cell in the body? Is there any activity that can enhance the ability to produce more energy with less resources?

Spritual... We are His Agents on Earth

Bon Vivant... Unlocking Prison Gates

Irrespective of ‘belief’, most would agree that there is some higher power that is governing this world and is secretly holding this universe within its (His) invisible hands. He transcendently causes everything that is and everything that occurs. We are but channels, drawing power from this ‘cosmic powerhouse’. He is a common source of ‘reality’.

Tihar Central Jail, New Delhi. The name itself evokes a gamut of emotions - ranging from awe to terror. Tihar is the biggest jail complex in South Asia, and houses high-profile politicians and businessmen, deathrow convicts, terrorists, and men and women accused of heinous crimes. To enter its ‘fabled’ confines is a journey into a territory unknown. ...P 19

...P 15

...P 06

letters@fridaygurgaon.com contributions@fridaygurgaon.com subscription@fridaygurgaon.com adsales@fridaygurgaon.com 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. Printed at Indian Express Ltd., Plot No. A8, Sector 7, Gautam Budh Nagar, NOIDA – 201301, Uttar Pradesh

...P 17

G Scape...

Plus Other Stories.... Civic / Social

Still Not Recognised................................................P 08 Social

A Rapided-up Fare...................................................P 09

Notice A company called Anisa Media Ventures is not, and has never been, authorised to represent, in any manner, Friday Gurgaon or Arap Media Ventures. Any transaction with them is at your own risk and cost.

...P 11

Social... Be the MCG Online Police

Shiv Shankar Jha

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.

C ontents

Kid Corner

Feature / Events / Poetry / Painting............P 12 - 13 Comment

Speak As One............................................................P 16 Global

...P 24

Asian American actors on Broadway.........P 20 - 23

C oming U p

8-14 August 2014

Watch Out Art Alive Gallery presents a group show of paintings, sculpture and photography. Date: Aug 8 to Sept 10 Time: 11 am to 7 pm (Sunday closed) Venue: Art Alive Gallery, No.120, Sector-44 Preview on August 8.

Achieve Together Conference Date: Aug 9 Time: 8:00 am Venue: The Heritage School, Sector 62 This is a one day Conference that aims to bring children from different socioeconomic backgrounds together for a day of inspiration, learning and togetherness. Register yourself by dropping in a mail to achievetogetherconference@gmail.com. For more details, visit www.achievetogetherconference.com

Mums At Work WELLNESS Professionals Group Meet Date: Aug 12 Time: 4:00 pm Venue: Mums At Work, 1501, Tower S15, The Close South, Nirvana Country Cost: For friends: Rs. 250  For Members: Complimentary   To book a seat,  Call: Roopali at 9999693358 or Tarika at 9971664116

Recreate Your Life (Intensive) Date: Aug 9 Time: 10:00 am Venue: The Fern Residency , Sector 29 DOnate - Organ Donation Awareness Walk Date: Aug 9 Time: 5:15 am Venue: Artemis Hospital Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11ol9Nn31GsjsZm_nI5YIJFyXYtFBpRsmtF-7LnPZEc/ viewform?c=0&;w=1 Route - Artemis Hospital’s Gate no. 2 to Botanical Garden and back.  Distance - 5.5 km

Ride through the Aravalis - 180 kms Brevet Ride Date: Aug 10 This will be the ride through towns, villages, highways and rough terrains - witnessing some big lakes and old ruined forts.  Route: Gurgaon - Faridabad - Sohna - Nuh - Taoru - Manesar - Gurgaon.

Epicentre Stand Up Comedy Date: August 8 Time: 7:00 pm & 8:30pm Global Desi (Hinglish/90 minutes) Comedians. Raj Sharma and Jeeveshu Ahluwalia Tickets at Rs. 500 available at the Venue. Suitable for 18 years & above. Caferati Date: August 9 Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm The Open Mike Series. Moderator: Nicky Chandam. Perform your own work, in any of the languages of the NCR. Poetry, fiction, diatribes, songs…it's all good. You get two minutes, and the microphone. Stand Up Comedy Date: Sunday, August 10 Time: 7:30 pm

Family Tandoncies (Hinglish/75mins) Comedian. Amit Tandon & Vikram Poddar. Tickets at Rs. 500 available at the Venue. Suitable for 15 years & above. Theatre Date: August 11 Time: 7:30 pm Surajmukhi Aur Hamlet (Hindi/70mins) Director Amitabh Srivastava; Produder Three Arts Club. An adaptation of French dramatist Jean Anouilh’s ‘An Episode in the Life of an Author’, by Ranjit Kapur. It is a remarkable play belonging to ‘the theatre of the absurd’. Tickets at Rs. 350, 250 & 150 available at the Venue.

Krishna Janmashtami Special Date: Aug 11 Time: 11:00 am-7:00 pm Venue: Episode, Shop No. 203, Galaxy Tower, Sector 15 Episode India presents an exhibition on the occasion of ‘Krishna Janmashtami’, featuring an innovative range of silver and silver-plated Krishna items - and some with Radha.

Delhi's

Suitable for 12 years & above. Film Date: August 12 Time: 7:30 pm Woh Subah Kidhar Nikal Gayi! (Hindi/86mins). Director Tripurari Sharan. It traces the story of five young men and two women who become close friends while studying at a campus. Dance Date: August 13 Time: 7:30pm Kathak recital by Trina Roy, disciple of Susmita Misra & Kajal Misra. Music Date: August 14 Time: 7:30 pm Yeh Shaam Mastaani – nostalgic songs rendered by Krishna Raghava, disciple of Bhaskar Chandavarkar.

Culture-Scape

The Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art), Union Ministry of Culture, has just commenced celebrations of its 60th Anniversary. An Exhibition at the Lalit Kala Galleries is open for viewing. Date: Till August 24 Time: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Friendship 2014 A group exhibition of paintings Date: August 14-24 Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Venue: F-213C, 1st Floor, Lado Sarai, New Delhi Sree Tvak A group exhibition of paintings Date: August 14-17 Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Venue: Alliance Francaise De Delhi, Galarie Romain Rolland, Lodi Estate, K K Birla Lane, 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

8-14 August 2014

THE WEEK THAT WAS  CM sanctions Rs 199 crores for Gurgaon – for a multi-level car park in Sector 29, 6-lane underpass at the DLF-HUDA sector road, and an RCC Drain for the Badshahpur Nallah.  The Haryana govt. plans Nirbhaya Centres in all districts.  INLD names Gopi Chand Gehlot as its candidate for the Gurgaon Assembly constituency and Rakesh Daultabad for Badshahpur.  7 senior officials (including the Chief Engineer, Gurgaon Circle) of DHBVN are suspended after a vigilance probe of a Rs 100 crores procurement.  Hooda will honour CWG winners in Sonipat on August 8th.  A 2-year old is raped and dumped in Sikanderpur Village.  A 12-year-old is raped and murdered and the body dumped in a vacant plot in Sector 27.  An MNC employee is held for raping a minor domestic help in Sector 9.  A 27-year-old woman climbs a mobile tower near Malibu Towne and threatens suicide, complaining of sexual assault and harassment.  There is an alleged gang rape in Sector 10A.  A 30-year-old widow is raped by her landlord and his friend, in Village Kadarpur.  A former administrator’s son is held for the rape of his livein partner.  A manger is robbed of his bike at gunpoint, near Rajendra Park.  A person is held outside the court complex after police discover that he had a pistol planted in his 2-wheeler seat.  A contractor is held for beating up a cop.  A person demands Rs 1 crore from a woman in Rail Vihar, threatening otherwise to kidnap her son – he is held.  326 kg of cannabis, worth Rs 30 lakhs, is seized from 2 people, in Sector 33.  Banned e-cigarettes are seized from an outlet in a well-known centre.  A trader is robbed of Rs 1.8 lakhs in Sector 4. BPL families protest non-allotment of plots to them for years.  Protestors complaining of increased animal (especially cow) theft take to the roads.  MCG plans a youth sports festival in October – budget, Rs 49 lakhs.  The ‘organ transplant life corridor’ is tested between IGI Airport and Fortis Hospital – time taken, a little over 15 minutes. 

CM Rallies

aryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda recently announced the opening up of a Regional Center of the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) at Nagina. He was addressing a mammoth ‘Vikas Rally’ of the Assembly constituency, organised at the local grain market. The turn out at the rally was so large that the shed of the grain market could not accommodate all the people and they had to stand in the open as well. The CM announced that Nagina was chosen as it lies in middle of the district. Transport Minister Aftab Ahmed added that this is a small beginning, and the Centre would become a flourishing full-fledged university. He said that setting up of this Centre would help improve the literacy rate of district Mewat and people start looking at education more positively – as it would lead to better employment opportunities. The CM also announced a grant of Rs 2 crores for the development of Ferozpur Jhirka town, Rs 11 lacs for a Gaushala, Rs 11 lacs for completing the construction of Ambedkar Bhawan, Rs 11 lacs for the Bar Association and a Roadways sub depot. He also assured that construction work on the Nagina - Tizara Road would be taken up soon - which was a long-standing demand of the people here. Enthused with the high turn out at the rally, the CM demanded that the Central Government should now approve its budget for laying a railway line to Mewat - which was approved during the tenure of UPA government. He assured that half of the total cost would be borne by the Haryana Government, as promised earlier. But unfortunately, he said, the BJP-led Central Government has made a budgetary provision of only Rs 10 lacs for this project. He said that this shows the intention of the Union government - it did not want a rail line in this region. According to Prof Virender, Political Advisor to CM, the total cost of this railway line is around Rs 1239 crores. The CM hoped that the two Union Ministers from Haryana would take interest in this project and persuade the Union Government to make adequate budgetary provisions for this railway line. Striking a direct chord with the people, the CM said that he had made arrangements for their drinking water by launching the ‘Rainy Well’ scheme, and after the approval of the Mewat Canal proposal, their fields would also get adequate water for irrigation. This proposal is pending with the Central Government for approval. The CM reminded the people about the works he had done during the past 10 years and asked for ‘remuneration’ in the shape of votes during the Vidhan Sabha elections. He appealed to them to give all the three Assembly seats of district Mewat to the Congress, so that the pace of development could be maintained. He said that he has opened a Medical College, 4 it is and Polytechnic Colleges in district Mewat. He said that his government has spent more than Rs 4560.39 crores during the last 9 years in this district; and expenditure on some projects was still ongoing. The previous INLD-BJP Government had spent only Rs 284.30 crores during their 1999-2005 tenure. In Ferozpur Jhirka assembly alone, an amount of Rs 1,142.61 crores has been spent by his government, while INLD-BJP government had spent only Rs 64.20 crores. He said that when INLD leaders come to them asking for votes, they should ask them to name any one single work that they had done during their tenure for the welfare of farmers, businessmen or labourers - or for any category. They did politics of “jhooth aur loot” (lies & amassing wealth), the CM commented. Earlier, Transport Minister Aftab Ahmed said that the CM has given more than the expectations of the people here, and the people of Mewat have made up their mind to repay him during the Vidhan Sabha elections by casting vote in favour of Congress candidates. Former Deputy Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Azad Mohammed, senior Congress Leader Khurshid Ahmed, Congress leaders Maman Khan Engineer, Mohmady Begum, Abdul Gafar Quereshi and Mehtab Ahmed were also present.

MCG Budget Revenue Rs 996 crores (Stamp Duty Rs 536 crores, Property Tax Rs 200 crores, Adv Tax Rs 48 crores, CLU Tax Rs 20 crores, Vehicle tax Rs 3 crores) Expenditure Rs 959 crores (About Rs 400 crores Civic infrastructure provision, repair and maintenance, Rs 70 crores EWS welfare, Rs 22 crores Fire fighting equipment (101m high platform), Rs 40 crores Sanitation equipment, Rs 160 crores Rehabilitation of Dairies) Setting up of many Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs) Each of the 35 Councillors to get a laptop, a peon and a clerk.

Watch and listen to

'Hai Ye Gurgaon Meri Jaan' a ballad on Gurgaon, based on the legendary song... 'Ye hai Bombay Meri Jaan'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHKm54U913g OR View it at the FG Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fridaygurgaon

H appenings

8-14 August 2014

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'Only Ladies' Pool Party - eve of Friendship Day. Model United Nations 2014 ITM University conducted a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, with an aim to make students get a whiff of international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations’ agenda. The students of the University simulated UN committees and delegates. During a MUN, the participants role-play diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee) of the United Nations such as the Security Council or the

A first 'Flea Market' in the City

General Assembly. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult and then develop solutions to world problems. This time the Human Rights Council was simulated. Pranay Mehta, representing UAE, won the Best Delegate award, while Karan (representing the Islamic Republic of Iran) won the High Commendation award.

Akshay Kumar along with his co-star Tamannaah Bhatia and Producer Ramesh S Taurani in the City - promoting their upcoming movie 'Entertainment'

06  Contd from p 1 seems to have become a fashion statement. When similar fancies had become the order of the day, many schools in Delhi had barred their students from riding their two-wheelers to the school. But, till the other day, this has not been witnessed in Gurgaon. Thankfully the management in many schools has started taking corrective and preventive measures. Vice Principal of Blue Bells School, Arpita Acharya, states, “Our School maintains a certain discipline and we have ensured that the students should not come in driving their own vehicles. I am of the view that the elders at home and the concerned authorities also play an important role. Guardians should value the safety of their own wards and no licence should be either sought or issued before a youth attains the age of 18.” Arti Chopra, Principal of Amity International School, says that their institution has an efficient fleet of buses to ferry the students and, if needed, even the parents can accompany the children. “We are aware of the realities and hence discourage youngsters from driving,” she adds. Explaining the steps initiated by the authorities, Joint Commissioner of Police, Nazneen Bha-

8-14 August 2014

Juveniles Riding the Roads

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

n tune with technological trends in Administration, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) is set to launch a mobile phone based applications to deal with most of the civic complaints voiced by the citizens at a faster pace. According to MCG officials, the application, which uses the Android platform, would be available to the residents of the Municipality free of cost and could be downloaded from the Internet. MCG Commissioner, Praveen Kumar, says that he would directly monitor all complaints himself. So, if you find garbage lying around, simply click into the application on your phone and upload the pictures. The location can be easily verified with the help of GPS, which is inbuilt in the application. Praveen Kumar is very excited about this application. He says, “Technology is playing such an important role in our society today. We, as the protectors of the Municipality, can no longer ignore this aspect. This application will also certainly make our

jobs easier. Citizens can not only complain, but can offer valuable feedback and suggestions as well.” The application is called ‘Social Cops’, and could be particularly useful to those who are tech savvy and carry the new generation smart phones. But what about those who live beyond the city limits and in the peripheral? The MCG Commissioner, while admitting this issue, says, “But this does not mean that we will give up on the existing means of communication and mechanisms – like Helplines - for receiving complaints from the Municipality residents.  Civic issues

are often a big problem in almost all cities in India. The pressure of the population, inadequate infrastructure, virtual lack of planning and quick fixes has often been the bane of various municipal authorities. Thus, just devising another method to receive complaints may not offer the desired result. However, this mechanism may help keep a better ‘online’/’real-time’ check on the apathetic approach of some of the civic officers and others associated with the rectification of local civic issues

What does the Social Cops app do? It gives citizens a voice and a new way to participate in their communities. Citizen feedback is turned into useful data - like giving decision makers much needed insights about resource allocation. Be it an app gamification or a neighborhood conversation starter, it's all about simplifying life for the common man. Some concern areas already identified are: Road Infrastructure Public Worker Morale Broken Streetlights Cervical Cancer Awareness Heritage Site experienceu

PRAKHAR PANDEY

sin, claims, “We have already addressed this issue seriously. Apart from the Traffic Police, all our personnel have been asked to be vigilant and penalise the errant youngsters by issuing challans. We are also taking action against the guardians who pamper their children to commit such acts. Besides, we have reached out to the schools. Sharing his views, High Court advocate Sudip Kumar adds, “Of course students’ safety is of prime concern. But it is not possible to change the law instantly. It is time that experts review the existing law to decide whether youngsters aged below 18 years can be given

a licence to ride/drive.” Among the parents, although there are a few who praise the ‘feats’ of their under-18 children on the roads, a majority wishes that this should not be encouraged at any cost. “As parents, our duty is to care for our children and prevent them from mishaps of any sort,” says the mother of Ruhani (a student of Blue Bells School). It is time for collective social action that will help tackle this potentially dangerous ‘fad’ among the youngsters. There’s enough debate on juvenile behaviour today – let us not keep adding to it. u

that inconvenience the lives of residents. The MCG Chief says that his team is working hard and focusing on bettering the civic amenities in every part of the City. The new generation is expectedly quite happy on hearing of this ‘development’. Risha, a resident from the neighbourhood of IFFCO Chowk, is a daily commuter and feels harassed during heavy rains as the area develops acute waterlogging near the station. Interestedly she says, “Hopefully we can show the civic authorities the magnitude of the problems and get them to act…faster.” She adds that as citizens we need to be concerned and proactive, and apply the right pressure on the authorities to help redress

our problems instead of just sitting tight and blaming them without reaching out to them. “I believe that apps such as Social Cops should help,” she says. Prukalpa Shankar and Samarth Goel, c o - Fo u n d e r s of Social Cops, are very upbeat about the application. Prakulpa is happy that smart phones are getting more affordable now. Even the cost of Internet usage is reducing by the day. “The application would enable data feeding directly to the MCG authorities. The authorities would also be able to keep track of the relevant complainants, courtesy the GPS device. The app would enable the authorities to quickly relay the problem to the relevant people in the MCG system, thus speeding up actions and redressals,” they say. Even the City Administration is slowly realising that this Millennium City needs to be run differently. Isn’t it surprising that private builders still don’t get it? u

Be the MCG Online Police { Barnali Dutta/FG }

C over S tory

8-14 August 2014

C over S tory

There are beasts out there!  Contd from p 1 and how accessible it is to women. There is also a difference on how a woman faces discrimination and harassment, depending on where she lives and works, and her social status. For women who travel by bus and shared autos, the quantum and type of harassment is very different from that faced by women in crowded malls; likewise, the challenges for someone living in an urban village like Nathupur or Dundahera are different from a person residing in a gated township. The problem is accentuated by the fact that women are also expected to ‘legitimise’ their use of public spaces, says Patra. It is ‘ok’ for them to be on the street when they go to a neighbourhood shop or to see off their kid to school, but if

not just because of the delays. Many car drivers stop and offer a lift, as also a sly smile or a leer. She has never accepted; she uses public transport, which she finds comparatively safer. Many have not been so alert and level headed, and paid the price. Another issue is that, in our society, women are expected to be responsible for their own safety, and once an incident happens the ‘blame’ is put squarely on them. As a result most of them rarely move about in public spaces on their own. It is rare to see even a group of women enjoying their time in a park or spending time in a public space without the men or their families; it is a definite nono after dark. What a change in just a decade! Political activist Padmini Singh feels that a lack of basic infrastructure as well as an inadequate police force has led to this lawlessness in the

have lights, and there are guards or a police patrol nearby. The streets in Gurgaon should also be made less insular. Patra says that what makes Delhi safer is the presence of ‘familiar’ vendors, shopkeepers or even a dhobi on the street with whom the people have a familiarity or regular contact. Lighting, particularly on the roads, is quite inadequate in Gurgaon, and most of the streets and even major roads look blacked out and deserted late at night. That makes it quite a hazard for someone, particularly a woman, to move through these areas at that time. Ritu, who lives near Sikanderpur, prefers to reach home before dark, as Gurgaon is also notorious for drunken drivers speeding down some roads and being obnoxious (despite extensive police checks). ‘Public drinking’

The 12-year-old and her family, from Punhana (in Mewat, Haryana), had moved to Gurgaon recently. She had gone to return clothes (to customers) that her father had ironed. She was one of the brightest students at the openair school on the Supermart roadside. The 2-year-old was abducted, raped and dumped in a village area. they are seen on the same street at night, they are ‘fair game’. Gupta, who has been closely working with the Gurgaon Police, adds that (unfortunately) women need to always remain conscious of the time, space and mindset of the society they are in at a particular time. “Women need to be extra cautious, especially here. They should not take anyone at face value, and be very alert,” she says. Patra admits that there is fear among the women, as anyone could be targeted by the rogues. Palak, a regular commuter, says that waiting for a bus or a cab at IFFCO Chowk can be frustrating and irritating – and

City. “The rules and regulations should be implemented in letter and spirit, and criminals should be brought to book and punished as early as possible,” she asserts, adding that there should be very strong deterrence. Experts opine that there needs to be a change in the built design and infrastructure of the City, to ensure the safety of all who use the roads, streets, open spaces and public areas. In their opinion, deserted and lonely stretches are more likely to witness crimes, as compared to public areas that are used at all times by both men women. It is important that the parks are well lit, the inner colony streets

is ‘on’ at various ‘outlets’ till late. The lack of streetlights in Udyog Vihar, says Anjubala, is the reason that she waits for her husband to finish his work in a nearby factory before they leave together for their rented room in Dundahera. Also, most of the women prefer to move in groups, as police presence is negligible. In Udyog Vihar there are no bus stops and the shared autos are packed tight, making it ‘easier’ for women to be harassed and touched. The lack of public conveniences in Gurgaon also makes it difficult for women to use the public spaces, parks and markets. However, an even more serious issue is

how we so differently treat a crime that does not happen to ‘one of us’. There is a huge public outcry when a crime is committed against an IT employee, but if a factory worker or a maid is targeted, the reaction in the media and in society is far different and low key, says an activist. In her opinion the concern for women’s safety is quite classbased, as there is a large section - including nurses, security guards and domestic helps whose security is neglected both by the State and civil society. Women from the weaker sections, mostly migrants, are becoming increasingly vulnerable, as also those working in factories in Udyog Vihar(s). Even those working in upscale colonies as maids are not safe. In many cases, young girls belonging to families of industrial workers have left school because transport is either unavailable or is unsafe. Even girls from good families in

Gurgaon villages leave school because their parents are afraid that there could be security problems, says Singh. Gupta says that the police in Gurgaon are responsive, and all residents must approach them whenever they face a problem. “I have told people about the 1091 Women Helpline, which has been of great help. I tell them to lodge a complaint and ask for help,” she says. “While the police here, being short in number, may not be as visible as we would like, asking them for help or lodging a complaint would elicit a good response,” she adds. Women in Gurgaon say that the lack of safety of women has prevented them from exploring ‘life’ in the City and from participating in even mundane activities like taking a stroll in a new area. Sexual harassment is rampant, even if it is not always blatant. It seems that the Millennium City tag is becoming quite a drag.u

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espite repeated promises by the State government and the Administration, the residents of Tek Chand Nagar, an unauthorised colony that has been ‘approved’, still live in squalor. This Colony has no provision for sanitation, sewerage or drainage. There are no roads in the area, and streets remain unpaved - despite a budget being approved by the Municipal Corporation. Sanjay Singh, President of the RWA, says that this Colony, despite having a large number of residents, has seen no development. Some residents say that that they are happy that the monsoon has given a miss to Gurgaon this year, because once

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hat numerous actions by NGOs, RWAs and civil society are sometimes unable to do, is being achieved with the help of the humble RTI, a tool that has been used by a number of Gurgaon-based activists to force desired action by authorities on issues involving the public interest. The ‘system’ now is not opaque – it is translucent at least, if not transparent in many cases. The ‘fights’ have been many. For example, unauthorised liquor ‘ahatas’ had become eyesores for most residents, but the Administration was shy of taking any action. However, once it became clear (through RTI) that these structures were violating rules and norms, they had to be removed. Gurgaon-based RTI activist Jagjeet Walia, who filed the RTI with HUDA regarding the operation of these ahatas in some ‘posh’ areas, says that most of them had occupied space that was much beyond what was allotted to them. In addition, these ahatas were either not paying rent to the government, or the officials, in connivance with the operators, were just looking the other way. After

8-14 August 2014

C ivic/S ocial

Still Not Recognised it rains it becomes almost impossible to walk in the area. Singh says that the immediate need is roads and a basic sewerage system. Despite repeated requests to the municipal authorities no action has been taken to improve the civic facilities in the area, says Mishra. A majority of the residents in this Colony are migrants from other states and other parts of Haryana, and belong to the lower middle class and weaker sections of society. Ravi Kumar, a resident, says that nothing is deliberately done for unauthorised colonies, to ensure that slowly people who can afford it start moving to builder

areas. “We need schools, play grounds and other facilities also, but there are not even basic facilities such as water, sanitation and roads,” says Kumar. With election season coming they are now pinning their hopes on the political leaders who are visiting their Colony in search of votes. Singh says that there are around 1,000 voters in this Colony, and the last time they voted for the sitting MLA. “This time is about basic things in life, and we are not going to let them escape without delivering the goods,” says Singh. The residents present nod their heads in affirmation. Another resident says, “Till a Colony is being carved out by property dealers there is no check by the authorities, but as soon as people demand basic amenities the Administration brands us unauthorized,” he adds. The residents of Sheetla Colony Block B, on the other hand, are suffering because, there is no facility for potable water supply. The residents allege political interference, because some blocks in the area have been provided with water pipelines, courtesy the Gurgaon MLA. However, those who have

PRAKHAR PANDEY

voted for the other candidate(s) in the last election are being deprived of the benefit. Ashok Yadav, President of the RWA, alleges that there is no sewerage and sanitation system in their Block. The residents, says Yadav, had pooled money and themselves got their street made, as the government authorities and MCG have refused to do any work in the area. The residents are now fervently hoping that the BJP government at the Centre, for whom they voted in large numbers, would come to their rescue and resolve the IAF Depot area crisis. Pointing

A few Right men a sustained effort by Walia, in which he asked several questions of the authorities regarding the operation and functioning of the ahatas, it became obvious for HUDA and other authorities that action would have to be initiated against the vendors. They had in fact become a public nuisance for people living or passing close by. Walia says that the authorities were finally forced to act on July 5th., against five such ahatas - as they were (also) not paying rent as per the rules. “Land in Gurgaon is very expensive, and if the vendor pays the rent as per rules then it would be a major revenue gain for the State authorities. However what happened in reality was that just a pittance was paid to the State, while millions were made on the sly,” he says. More than that, what motivated him to fight against this menace was that the lives of several thousand people were being affected by the ‘open drinking’ culture being promoted by these ahatas. It prompted men to first drink, and then drive from there to all parts

of NCR - thus making it unsafe for everyone. Several residents of Sushant Lok (B - block in particular) had complained several times about the operation of an ahata near a commercial building on the road from HUDA City Centre to IFFCO Chowk, as a large number of office workers and executives would join rank and drink away the evening much to the chagrin of local residents, especially women - who found it unsafe even to visit the park nearby. The residents of the area are now happy that liquor ahatas from the ‘green belts’ have been removed, but they want this action to also be taken in the ‘old’ Gurgaon area. Surinder, a resident, alleges that despite numerous complaints the authorities had failed to take action against the vendors. However, it came as a welcome surprise when these were demolished. “We thought that due to the upcoming State elections the government had decided to show a pro-public face,” he adds. Walia confirms that there has been no change

in the policy; the non-payment of rent had forced the action. He adds that as per the Excise law only a few food items can be served to customers in these ahatas, but they have been turned almost into restaurants by the operators – right under under the eyes of the inspectors. In another RTI filed by Walia, it has been revealed that HUDA has spent ‘excess’ money on installing plastic speed breakers. The plastic speed breakers, which were obtained at a cost of Rs 1,000 per meter were being fixed by the contractors at Rs 4,000 per meter. It is because of the RTI filed by Walia that HUDA Administrator PC Meena had to order an enquiry into the purchase and fixing of these plastic speed breakers. They had come into vogue recently, particularly after a spate of accidents by speeding drivers hit the city. Two years ago also an RTI filed by Walia had revealed that MCG Gurgaon was also purchasing these breakers at an inflated cost. Walia, who himself works in a government department that

to the road that leads to Sheetla Colony, Kamal, a local resident, says civic infrastructure even in front of the historic Sheetla Mata temple is in a shambles. There is no system to collect the garbage, and dirty water creates havoc during the monsoon. Her also some residents are happy that the monsoon has failed in the City, as they have earlier had to wade through thick sewage water - as there is no storm water drainage system. The harm being caused by the huge amount of dust and pollution in the air is not yet known to many of them. u deals with civil works, says that massive amount of money is siphoned off in the procurement of material(s), and this is causing a huge loss to the State exchequer and tax payers. While Walia has been able to keep a watch on the public spaces in Gurgaon, Harinder Dhingra has fought a successful battle against the private health companies, and ensured that the ‘lucrative’ organ transplant business being carried out ‘clandestinely’ in some private hospitals here is brought to public notice. It was because of his relentless battle in the State Information Commission that Medanta and Artemis, which have Organ Transplant committees, were directed to share information with the public under the RTI Act. In a related RTI, Dhingra has also ensured that private hospitals that have obtained land on nominal rates now share the information about the treatment given by them to poor patients on their websites. Most of the RTI activists in Gurgaon say that while obtaining information in the City is a gruelling, long and arduous process, ultimately action does take place, and the public rightfully comes to know how the State funds and machinery are being misused. u

S ocial

8-14 August 2014

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

unning at a 50 per cent operational loss, the ‘prestigious’ Rapid Metro system developed for commuters within the Gurgaon area was going ‘off-track’. It was not realising its desired target level of commuters. Little wonder therefore that HUDA, the progenitor and the Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon (RMGL), the Special Purpose Vehicle set up to implement and run the project, have chosen to help bail it out by shifting the burden onto the commuters. Since August 1, 2014, RMGL has raised the ticket price to a sharp Rs 20 per ride, from a flat rate of Rs 12 - a hefty 67 per cent rise! The Rapid Metro system provides a ‘transport solution’ to commuters in and around the Cyber City, DLF Phase 2, DLF Phase 3 and NH-8 through to Sikanderpur - where it connects with the Delhi Metro. Naturally commuters are up in arms. “There is no significant change in the infrastructural facilities to match the rise in prices,” says Rajesh Khullar, a regular who commutes between Sikanderpur and Phase 2 of DLF. Another commuter Raj Singh is very upset. ”This sudden price hike is clearly unacceptable,” he says. Raj works nearby the Vodafone Tower and requires commuting over a small distance. Several commuters feel that such a stiff hike could have been avoided. “The authorities could have sought a hike to Rs 15 in the first stage and gradually increased over a period of time. That would have been more acceptable,” says Raj. Sanjiv Rai, CEO, RMGL, however defends the price hike. “The fare hike is imperative for the financially viability of the system. However, we have kept it reasonable, based on ground realities. Our focus is now to provide allied services to commuters.” It is believed that the latest price hike will help the Metro break even. Rai, despite the flak he is receiving from the commuting public, is clearly upbeat. “We see a lot of commuters coming from Udyog Vihar and this is reflected through Cyber City station’s high-

Achche din aa gaye? Two months ago when the Modi Government was sworn in, I had penned a few lines on the catch phrase ‘Achche din aa gaye’. Here it is, with an update.

PRAKHAR PANDEY

{ Barnali Dutta/FG }

A Rapided-up Fare

{ Ashok Lal} Khushiyan manane ko Geet gungunane ko Hansne ko hansane ko Naachne ko gaane ko Sapne sachh karane ko Desh ko jagane ko Modi ji aa gaye Ji haan, achche din aa gaye.

est footfall of 11,000 riders daily – which has been achieved in the last three months. Our AC buses will run on high frequency routes to enable corporate employees reach their offices in time and in comfort,“ he says. Rapid Metro has introduced a free of cost AC shuttle service in locations having a cluster of IT-BPM companies. In its pilot phase, the service, whose introduction coincided with the fare hike, will operate between Vodafone Belvedere Tower station and Unitech Infospace in Udyog Vihar. The service will be available during office time, between Monday and Saturday. But Rapid Metro’s earlier target of reaching out to more than one lakh commuters on a daily basis might still remain a pipe dream without the associated improvement in infrastructure and strategic connectivity issues such as linking the stations to areas that are difficult to access - by plying buses, either free of cost as

Is baar Lal Quile par Jab tiranga lehrayega To ek memne ki jagah Ek sher dharhaeyga Garjenge baadal, chamkegi bijli Nahin myaoon myaoon karti Koi royegi billi Kyunki hausla badhane ko Modi ji aa gaye Matlab achche din aa gaye.

promised or at minimal costs. The 5.1 km rail project currently carries roughly 42,000 people daily, though the initial projection was between 90,000 to 200,000. RMGL had initially assured a last mile connectivity by buses – and even a skywalk. That is why it was welcomed, despite a high single line link flat fare of Rs 12 (which is now already Rs 20) and the inconvenience of a ‘fixed round-trip journey’, no matter where you want to go. Rai says that as service providers they are trying their best to make the transport system more meaningful to the large number of commuters. Elaborating on the fresh steps being undertaken, he says, “We are aiming to better our facilities.” Some of the steps to be undertaken are: 1) Building a covered pedestrian walk-way from Ambience Mall to the Moulsari Rapid Metro station; 2) Plying a free shuttle service between the two points; and 3) Plying an AC shuttle service between Belvedere Tower and Udyog Vihar (this has started from August 1). There will also be a lucky draw campaign every month for the commuters, which offers them an opportunity to win an international holiday package Rai adds that the Rapid Metro is committed to increasing the usage of public transport. “Our efforts will be more visible in the months to come and we are certain that the commuter traffic on the Metro system will grow very rapidly,” he signs off.u

Mauka bhi dekhiye, kaisa bejod hai Saare hi desh mein khushi ka mahaul hai Grahaniyon ke mann mein uthi umang hai Ki daam subziyon ke jaldi ghat jayenge! Baba log khush hain ki Mummy ka haath pakad Desh mein, videsh mein Naani ke ghar jayenge Share market bhi aisa uchal raha Ki Modi ji aa gaye Yaani , achche din aa gaye. Vaise din badalte kuchh der nahin lagti Pal bhar mein dher sab Jahaan hui chhoti si galti Saari shekhi yun hi jhad jayegi Ek ke baad ek musibat Gale pad jayegi Modi ji, phoonk phoonk ke kadam badhaiye Kahin log na kahne lagen Achche din kahaan gaye Achche din kahaan gaye ! ablsl1971@yahoo.co.in

I am a girl, people, do not disrespect me When I was a baby my family hated me They tried to kill me Why is it always happening with me? Just because I'm a girl People don't disrespect me When I grew up I did all the work of my family When I did something wrong they beat me They never tried to love and care for me Why it is always happening with me? People don't respect me When I went to school people discouraged me They said I can't achieve my aim

No one was there who understood me Why it is always happening with me? I'm a girl, people, don't disrespect me When I achieved my aim people said that is useless for me I should do only household work So my parents stopped me Why it is always happening with me? I'm a girl, people, don't disrespect me One day a man came and gave money to my family I didn't think about it But later I came to know that for becoming rich my by Bhat Aijaz, in collaboration with Devender Dah

family had sold me Why it is always happening with me? People, don't disrespect me I was not happy with my life They daily beat me It was like a hell for me Why it is always happening with me? People, don't disrespect me Is it my fault that I'm a girl? Is there no value of my life and me? Today I have finished my life…but still I'm asking why it is always happening with me?

S ocial

8-14 August 2014

Tree Plantation by G Earth 2025 Foundation

Blood Donation Camp organised by Rotary Blood Bank and Rotary Club of Delhi Garden City in the City

A peace march was held on Tuesday morning to focus attention on the horrific rape and murder of the 12-year-old daughter of a ‘presswala’, in Sector 27. The girl’s body was found in a nearby vacant plot on Monday morning. Students of Gaurav Niketan, the open-air roadside school on Supermart Road, along with well-wishers and activists, traced the route from the school to Galleria and back with placards, to draw attention to the fact that rapes cannot continue and Gurgaon must become safer for every woman and girl child. A follow-up peach march has been planned on Saturday August 9th., starting from the open-air Gaurav Niketan school on Supermart roadside (closer to Golf Course end). Anyone who wishes to support the cause may join. They should preferably wear white, and bring appropriate placards. After assembling at 4.15 pm, the marchers would walk to Galleria and back.

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play as per the rules. Experts opine that to transform this City there is a need to do away with the outdated planning systems and put more focus on tackling urban poverty, devolve and delegate of powers to the urban local bodies, and bring the different civic agencies in Gurgaon under either the MCG or a Gurgaon Development Authority (GDA). While the implementation of the Scheme has

{ Abh

GRG

/35/201

2-2014

PRAKHAR PANDEY been slow, and it has missed deadlines, it is one of the largest city-modernisation schemes ever launched. JNNURM provides substantial funds for the development of a city's infrastructure. Arun Maira, Member, Planning Commission, who has been closely involved with this Scheme, writes that JNNURM should be considered

Contd on p 7 

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8-14 August 2014

P olitical

Ready for the Battle

{ Abhishek Behl / FG }

write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon

INLD: GC Gehlot

BJP: GL Sharma

NLD has made the first move in the political battle in Haryana, by announcing the names of 62 candidates for the ensuing elections in the State. Political observers opine that this ‘timely’ announcement will definitely give an edge to the Party which has been on the back foot due to the conviction and incarceration of patriarch Om Prakash Chautala. From Gurgaon, the INLD has announced the name of Gopi Chand Gehlot, who is a senior leader and former Deputy Speaker of Haryana. Many say that he will give a tough fight to the ascendant BJP. Gehlot spoke to Friday Gurgaon about his candidature from Gurgaon, and asserted that every major civil work and development in the Millennium City has happened under the INLD government led by Om Prakash Chautala. An INLD veteran, he also claims that discrimination with Gurgaon has turned this city into a backyard of Haryana, despite it contributing a major share of revenue to the State. “Congress has ruled Haryana for the last 10 years, and prior to that also it was ruling under different Chief Ministers, who failed to do anything for the people of Gurgaon. The INLD has fought for the rights of the people here, and participated in every agitation against this injustice,” he asserts. “It was when the INLD was in power from 2000 to 2005, Gehlot says, that the Chautala government decided to bring the Metro to the City; it also ensured the construction of the Mini-Secretariat; and it constructed the Tau Devi Lal stadium - as also a number of large of parks in the City. We also ensured that a government hospital in Sector 9, and an ESI Hospital, is constructed here,” he says. He asserts that the INLD would transform the City completely, if voted to power in the State. “The neglect of ten years would take time to get undone, but the Party is committed to give jobs, create opportunities, build infrastructure and ensure that there is no discrimination with Gurgaon,” he adds. When asked about how the Party plans to challenge a resurgent BJP, which under the leadership of PM Modi and BJP Chief Amit Shah is hoping to bring the first ‘saffron’ government, Gehlot says confidently that in the Assembly polls the issues would be local and no Modi ‘magic’ or ‘wave’ is going to work. He also points out that BJP has never been a strong contender for power in the state of Haryana; it has been limited to urban centres. Referring to his expected opponents in the Congress and BJP in Gurgaon, Gehlot says that none of them has done anything for Gurgaon, and most of the opponents are hoping to use money power and influence to win - which is not going to help them. “I have worked in the field for several years, and I am connected with the people; this time the mood is to give a chance to INLD, to correct the vast disparity created by the Congress,” says Gehlot. He has also outlined an agenda for Gurgaon, which includes connecting ‘old’ Gurgaon with the Metro, setting up a world-class university, as also a new park (on the lines of Leisure Valley) in ‘old’ Gurgaon, permanently resolving the problems of the residents in the 900 meters restricted area around the IAF Depot, ensuring 50 per cent reservation to locals in private companies, ending the licence permit (builder) raj, and constructing multi-storeyed parking complexes. Gehlot is hopeful that people across the city will support his candidature. His office (in Sector 15 – near Civil Lines) is brimming with activity, with people from all walks of life coming to meet him. Political watchers opine that Gehlot could prove to be a strong candidate, as he has the experience and connects well with the 40,000 strong Jat voters (out of a total 3 lakhs voters) in Gurgaon. A number of Jat dominated villages will be supporting his candidature. However, his chances are likely to be spoiled if former INLD Youth leader Gaje Singh Kablana, who is bearing a grudge because of the refusal of the Party’s mandate to him, decides to stand. Kablana is also a Jat, and has strong roots in the IAF Depot area. He could divide the Jat votes in the constituency. Other candidates like RS Rathee and Labour leader Kuldip Janghu could also cut into the Jat votes. Gehlot is however confident that the people of Gurgaon this time will vote for the Chautalas, as some of the best work for the City has come under their government(s). Asked about the authoritarian image of the Party, which specially scares urban voters, Gehlot denies the charge, saying that his Party has been fighting for the cause of the people.u

fter a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections, there is a strong wave of resurgence in the Haryana BJP, with Party leaders sniffing a chance of establishing the first ‘saffron’ government in the State. Under the astute leadership of Party Chief Amit Shah, the BJP has started to make strong moves in the political battlefield. After ensuring the entry of South Haryana strongman Rao Inderjit Singh (from the Congress), BJP has now managed to get Ch Virender Singh another Congress veteran - to join its ranks, while close Hooda aide Vinod Sharma is also knocking the Party doors. While the battle for Party tickets is getting shriller, both political analysts and Party leaders feel that in GL Sharma, close aide of Gurgaon MP Inderjit Singh, is the frontrunner to get the Gurgaon mandate. Sharma, who has been working in Gurgaon, Mahendergarh and Rewari areas for the last three decades, says that he will abide by the Party verdict. He continues to work hard to strengthen the BJP rank and file. “We want to ensure that the misrule of Congress ends, and BJP comes to power in the State. Only if this happens will the people be able to get justice,” says Sharma. He recently opened offices in Rajendra Park and Rajiv Nagar, and two more shall be opened in other mandals of the Party. The reason for opening these offices is to ensure better interaction with the people. Apart from noting their problems (and their voter registration status), the data and information would be used to frame the Party Manifesto for the Gurgaon Vidhan Sabha. Being clearly a strong contender for the Party ticket, Sharma has been holding a series of meetings in the city, and during one such event in 4/8 marlas he asserts, “For the last 10 years no single college has been opened in Gurgaon, the bus stand is in a shambles, the Civil Hospital does not have adequate equipment and manpower, there is no resolution of the 900 meters area, the unauthorised colonies in the City have seen no development work.” Addressing a strongly Punjabi crowd, Sharma asks the large number of youth in characteristic ‘Modi style’ , “Have you got employment with the government; how many of you have got jobs even in private companies?” The reply is spontaneous, as the youth shout slogans against the Hooda government, which they allege has done nothing for the people. Jobs and development have benefitted the people of Rohtak only. The BJP leader asks them why even private companies in the Gurgaon - Manesar belt are not ready to employ local youth, and why the local businessmen and traders are suffering due to the ‘licence permit raj’. He once again taps into the feeling of the crowd when he refers to the rampant corruption and indifference of the bureaucracy in Gurgaon, which he accuses of working only to further the interests of the ruling Party. Taking a dig at his former Party leaders, Sharma tells the gathering that during a recent visit of the Chief Minister to Gurgaon, the Congress Party leaders did not raise the issues of the 900 meters area, unauthorised colonies and traffic jams, but instead asked him to save the Party office - which has been built at Kaman Sarai (allegedly ‘illegally’). “What kind of leaders are these who are not willing to voice the concerns of the people?” he asks the crowd - which applauds loudly. Sharma thanks the people of Gurgaon for voting and supporting PM Modi and BJP candidate Rao Inderjit Singh during the Lok Sabha polls, but tells them that most of the development work, employment issues and related matters of the residents people of Gurgaon and Haryana can be resolved only when the BJP comes to power in the State. “I want you to repeat what you did in the Lok Sabha polls and vote for the Party in large numbers,” he exhorts. While the BJP has yet not decided on the list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections, it is clear that the Party is expecting major gains in the State. It is also expected that the guidance of the RSS, as well as its strong network of pracharaks could also play an important role in the ensuing Haryana elections. Political watchers add that with Party Chief Amit Shah laying emphasis on the winnability of candidates, it is most likely that the BJP will do very well. Local leaders like Sharma, who have nurtured their constituencies for long, are now banking upon the Party to take notice of their hard work and are waiting with their fingers crossed. The BJP would do well to finalise the Party candidates soon.u

8-14 August 2014 Asha PANDEY

Friday Gurgaon wishes its Readers a Happy Raksha Bandhan

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8-14 August 2014

Ki d C orner

Ryan International School, Sector 40

Tying-up Soldiers!

tudents of Ryan International School, Sector-40 participated in ‘Bharat Raksha Parv’. They celebrated a Rakhi-tying ceremony with the soldiers of the CRPF Cantonment, Subroto Park.

Brainy Vansh

ansh Aggarwal, student of Class VI, Ryan International School won a trophy in the Dictation competition conducted by ‘Brain O Brain’. School Head Ms. Peeya Sharma believes that the students of today’s generation should also be judged by their success in such competitions. She added that Vansh is a magnificent mathematician too.

Talking Games Ryan International School, Sector 40 organised an informative talk show on the Commonwealth Games.

A Soft but Firm Touch

yan International school, Sector-40, organised a Workshop, ‘Good Touch Bad Touch’ for the parents of little Ryanites in the age group 4 to 7 years. The resource person stressed that it is always the parents who need to initiate the education of their children on ‘safe and unsafe touches’.

Meenakshi Investiture

‘

Discipline in school brings discipline to life’ - With inspiration from these words of former President, Abdul Kalam, the Meenakshi Public School, Sector 10A, conducted its Investiture Ceremony.

8-14 August 2014

R eal E state

W ellness

8-14 August 2014

Health & Vitality... Naturally!

Get Rich on Enzymes { Jaspal Bajwa }

key lesson from Nature is that everything is inter-connected and inter-dependent. In the natural stream of life, events happen almost effortlessly when the right conditions are present. A key question however arises: how exactly is life-producing energy made available to each cell in the body? Is there any activity that can enhance the ability to produce more energy with less resources? An important clue might lie in understanding the role played by over 50,000 enzymes. Enzymes make life happen. These catalysts enable metabolic reactions to take place at far lower energy thresholds. Without adequate enzymes, none of the vital functions in the body would happen. Indeed, enzymes are critical for making nutrients available to every cell, and in exchange carry away toxins and waste materials! All the minerals and vitamins we eat, and all the hormones our body produces, need enzymes in order to work properly. Each enzyme plays a very specific role. Enzymes enable a series of sequential interactions. As a catalyst enzymes make the right conditions available for digestion and effective metabolism. Enzymes impact energy production, absorption of oxygen, hormone regulation, and help fight

infections, heal wounds, and break down proteins and fats. Most important is their role in reducing a root issue like inflammation (which progressively leads to all the major chronic life-threatening diseases). Another important angle is the role played in strengthening our gut - the birthplace of our immune system, by controlling pathogens. It is not surprising that the incidence of most inherited metabolic diseases can be attributed to a faulty gene that either does not produce a specific enzyme at all, or does so in an ineffective manner. Dr. Edward Howell spent his entire professional life studying enzymes and can be credited with catalysing enzyme research. He went as far as saying that a person’s life span is directly related to the exhaustion of his/her enzyme potential. Digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas, the stomach and the salivary glands, and are present in all the raw foods that we eat. In addition, many foods contain an abundance of antioxidant enzymes. When Digestive Enzymes from natural foods are deficient, our body resorts to putting the pancreas and other glands into ‘over-drive’, to help with the digestion of food, thus depleting the essential reserves of metabolic enzymes required by each cell for energy production and reproduction.

Conversely, adequate consumption of enzyme-rich foods can decrease that rate of exhaustion, resulting in a longer, healthier and more vital life. The more raw foods we eat, the less burden we put on the body to produce the enzymes it needs. Ideally, we should get 75 percent of our Digestive Enzymes from food. There are eight main types, and all their names end with ‘ase’. For example, Protease - for digesting protein, Amylase - for carbohydrates, Lipase - for fats, Lactase - for milk, etc. Together with proper chewing, choosing of organic, natural and minimally cooked foods ensures that the food we eat enters our stomach laced with Digestive Enzymes. This ‘pre-digestion’ makes it easy for the stomach and subsequently for the small intestines to finish the job of digestion, of extracting all the nutrients and making them available to each cell in the body.

Tip of the Week

Enzyme deficiency can be aggravated by over-cooking food or by excessive reliance on heavily processed foods. Indulging in over-eating can further burden the body’s ability to produce enzymes. Age plays its own role. By middle age, most of us lose 25% of the enzyme capacity we had as children; and by 70 we could be producing as little as one-third of what we need. The

The Truth about Salt intake { Alka Gurha }

able salt contains sodium chloride, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy human body. However an excess of salt intake can cause several health problems. While we all ‘know’ that chips, nachos, pickles and chutneys have high salt content, we should also know that cheese, bread, sauces, ketchup and processed food also contain high levels of salt. Besides adding flavour to our food, salt also plays other roles. Since our body cannot make sodium and chloride

ions itself, these need to be consumed through our food intake. Sodium regulates the volumes of fluid in our body. It also aids the uptake of various other nutrients into the cells. The normal pH, or acid-base level, of blood is also influenced by the sodium

‘Sodium Free’ often means that the product contains less than five milligrams of sodium per serving. And ‘Reduced Sodium’ can mean reduced (from an ‘original’) by twenty five percent. When you are scanning for sodium content, do not ignore various other forms of sodium - like sodium ascorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate etc., which are equally harmful. ‘Natural’ salts, like ‘sea salt’, are partially refined; sea Salt is becoming popular and is being sold as a table salt replacement.

best ways to naturally increase enzyme levels are to increase the proportion (ideally to over 75%) of raw, living foods in the diet, to minimise consumption of liquids along with our meals and to chew food thoroughly. Consuming fewer calories can be helpful, as on an average 80% of available energy is spent simply in digesting food. Supplementation can be considered – ideally with plantbased enzyme formulations that should be taken just before a meal. As the demand on the pancreas to produce Digestive Enzymes goes down, it allows the body to divert more of its energy into producing Metabolic Enzymes. In parallel, we can reduce the load on the liver and decongest the bile and pancreatic ducts. Raw beets, leafy greens, cinnamon and the drinking of Fenugreek Tea can help improve the bile flow.

Nature’s Wonder Foods of the Week: Enzyme Rich Foods While all raw foods contain enzymes, the most powerful enzyme-rich foods are those that are sprouted (seeds and legumes). Besides sprouts, other enzyme-rich foods include: n unpasteurised, fermented, biogenic foods like miso, apple cider vinegar, natural yogurts, sauerkraut and unpasteurized honey n papaya fruit, seeds & leaves and pineapple fruit, raw figs, bananas, avocados, grapes, kiwi fruit, mangoes and dates n fresh Aloe Vera juice or gel, artichoke extract (cynara scolymus), extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil n raw meat and dairy.u For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions

levels in the body. Salt helps in water retention. If we eat too much salt, the extra water stored in our body raises our blood pressure. So, the more salt we eat, the higher is our blood pressure. High blood pressure can strain our heart, arteries, kidneys and brain. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and dementia. An average adult requires less than 1 gram per day - and children need even less. However, most of us consume more salt than the recommended maximum of 6g per day, putting us at risk to multiple health problems. The good news is that by just reducing our salt intake we can lower our blood pressure and the risk of several diseases. Since salt ‘draws’ water, it

interferes with the normal absorption of water, which possibly leads to constipation and the accumulation of toxins in the intestinal tract. Salt is preservative in nature. It kills living bacteria on a food item and therefore slows the decay process of that food. However, most table salts are depleted of minerals that the body needs, and have additives that are harmful when ingested. However, the correlation between salt intake and poor health needs further studies. Part of the problem is that individuals vary in how they respond to salt. This could be because the human kidney is designed to respond differently to varying levels of salt intake. For now, it is best to just limit our salt intake. u

C omment

8-14 August 2014

Speak As One

language now. What we don’t (won’t) speak, we can’t really learn. We’ve even adopted a hands-off approach to the simple Namaskaar or Namaste, which was a common greeting across India. 'Shudh' Hindi had to die a premature death – like the purity in all aspects of our culture. It has gone the way of Classical music and dance. We’ve become ashamed of our roots. Linguistic states, accelerated in the 60s A National Language is at least as important and 70s, have made us look more like the EU than as the National Flag or Anthem. Every country the US – a ‘khichri’ much has one. It is a matter of harder to govern. Bollywood identity…roots…culture… Japan and China, Asian (non-‘white’) has further killed Hindi – and pride. India has none nations have become global leaders, the less said of the Hindi – the Language, that is. but take great pride in their language, speaking skills (outside of We are now even willingly customs and culture. All foreigners the dubbing studio) of film giving up the remnants of have accepted this when dealing with stars the better. Bollywood the best link language – them, and especially when visiting their anyway has always had a Hindi. It is seen as ‘inferior’, countries – and even grudgingly admire Hollywood (& also English) even by many poor people them for it. The world admires those fixation. The singular Hindi now. Earlier only the ‘brown that admire themselves. We have, on the standard (now pall)-bearer sahibs’ and the well-to-do contrary, given up our core competence is Amitabh – who strides thought so. We’ve reached a and competitiveness, in multiple areas colossally across this stage where the same thing (including sports), just to copy (please?) firmament. Even cricketers said in Hindi and English others - who would almost always be seem to want to speak in has 2 different connotations/ better in those areas than us. What kind of English only. The only field meanings – with the logic or grand strategy is this? where Hindi survives, even ‘superior’ meaning being in Metros and big cities like that in English. The ‘bad Gurgaon, is Entertainment. times’ have befallen Hindi more – not the vernacular We’ve made the idea of a nation, India, more (normally single state) languages. All forms of difficult, without a common language throughout signage and transactions are now ever more in the country. In fact we have just added more to English. Has globalisation, with its opportunity for BPOs/IT, been the prime reason? Or is it a reason as regionalism over the years. Our language has also become coarser over the years – as we have mundane as a job requirement today? ‘developed’. It is time to create a language called Hindi, though our Official Language, is not India’s “Hindustani’ – an amalgam, with all the colloquial thrown in; and then taught as the National Language universal language – it’s not even the National one across the country. Let us declare a Hindustani of course. Sanskrit may have been better, but we Day….soon….to kick-start this Project.u gave up very early on it – and it is virtually a dead ith the English versus Hindi/vernacular languages issue cropping up recently, and with an English versus Hindi versus vernacular confrontation expected sooner than later, it is maybe time to revisit a recommendation of FG.

EDITORIAL Atul Sobti

Letter To The Editor Dear Editor! Are Mahabharata and Ramayana someone’s figment of imagination and not historical truths? This seems to be a futile debate. All our opinions are drawn from our limited knowledge from within the boundary of a person's cognition at a particular space and time. Understandably we cannot see or think beyond that and take it to be the truth. But is it the truth? Is it right to trade it as conclusive truth? Prior to Gallileo, it was a belief, given the limited knowledge at the time, that the sun revolved around the earth. But in time the truth was 'revealed' and the world now knows better. People like Justice Katju (as reported on TV) and his ilk may not see the truth in the Mahabharata or Ramayana now, but the truth will get revealed one day. Jumping to conclusions and denying the existence of say the Ramasetu, the city of Dwarka and other related beliefs in the Mahabharata or Ramayana will be immature, to say the least. It is unthinkable that the great epics - as in India and Greece sprouted from human minds without any basis of truth. While some minor poetic exaggerations have of course crept in, the esoteric truth cannot be denied. Sri Bimal Mohanty

Dear Editor, I have been following Kuchipudi dancer Meenu Thakur Sankalp's columns in your newspaper for the last two weeks. Meenu's articles, 'Two 'Left' Right Feet', which has been based on her experiences, is indeed a great read and parts of it were absolutely hilarious. The article had an emotional and touching end. The article 'The Cine Dances' was very interesting. Being a Hollywood buff, I loved her analysis of the best dance movies. I have not watched a few of them and will do so soon. I agree with Meenu's ranking of West Side Story as the best dance film made in Hollywood (ahead of 'Singin in the Rain' and 'Saturday Night Fever'). Thanks for putting up your newspaper on issu. com. I can read it online during my office work. Wishes and regards, Sunil Sharma

Dear Editor, Your editorial piece the last week was very truthful and eye opening. It is true that the expectations from the new government are very high. However, will it be able to live upto them? Some really good steps have been taken while on some issues the government is really on the back foot. The opposition, though rather miniscule, will try all the tools in its hands to maybe even stall a good move. While the ‘war’ of the Lok Sabha was swept by a wave, the upcoming State elections are not likely to be a cakewalk. The ‘Modi effect’ has already started waning. The rain gods have not been very kind. Nothing really seems to have happened on the food prices front. As you have rightly said, Modi ji has to come out of the virtual world and into the real world.

8-14 August 2014

S piritual

We are His Agents on Earth { Dr. Rajesh Bhola }

rrespective of ‘belief’, most would agree that there is some higher power that is governing this world and is secretly holding this universe within its (His) invisible hands. He transcendently causes everything that is and everything that occurs. We are but channels, drawing power from this ‘cosmic powerhouse’. He is a common source of ‘reality’. We need to develop a sense of awe and respect for this infinite and boundless power. What a relief it would be if we spiritually surrender ourselves to Him and treat ourselves as His agents – accepting that His wishes would be executed through us. To ensure absolute obedience and a merging of interests, He begat sons (and daughters), whom he could fully rely on. If we also trust and treat Him as our Father, our interest too will be watched and safeguarded by Him. Jesus is said to have spoken of himself as one who was ‘sent’. Let us discover how He actualises his providential purposes in the world. If these were restricted to physical phenomena, we could confidently say that He achieves His intentions through the operations of the physical natures He gives to creatures. But He has also made human beings, upon whom he has conferred the gift of free will, with whom he has entered into a covenant, and to whom he has made promises. How can He effectively fulfill his providential ends if his human agents are free to resist him and subvert his well-laid plans? And, while He knows all things beforehand, He does not (wish to) predetermine all events. He does not (wish to) interfere. It is not His will that there should be wickedness; He does not even (choose to) compel virtue. It is we who have it in our power to abide in virtue and follow Him - who calls us into its ways – rather than straying from the path and dwelling in wickedness. The idea that God’s causality could interfere with my freedom can only arise from an idolatrous notion of God as a very large and powerful creature - a part of the world. We are inclined to locate God at the ‘top of the scale’, and to imagine that he makes the most difference of all. But God does not make the most difference. He makes, if you like, all the difference. Neither His motives nor dispositions are causes of our free willed actions – and yet are caused by Him. This is not the paradox that it seems at first sight, for God is not anything else. God is not a separate and rival agent within the universe. The creative causal power of God does not operate on me from outside, as an alternative to me; it is the creative causal power of God that makes me what I

Medical advances have given us choices that we simply did not have before. As more aspects of our lives come under our voluntary control, we are faced with new ethical issues. We are trying to control that which we cannot. Like Prometheus, we may have stolen fire from Olympus, but unlike Prometheus, we have kept it for ourselves and may unknowingly be using that stolen spark to fashion our own undoing. Medical advances are seldom unambiguous, precisely because they frequently conduct us to boundaries both enticing and entrapping. We approach them in wonder, we should cross them at our risk. The empirical mindset that scientific success has bequeathed to culture has induced many philosophers and theologians to assume a defensive posture, which has largely conceded the advance of science while scrambling to find scholarly niches not yet affected by it. The irony is that the march of science - both biological and social - in our day is what has motivated and renewed questions about Divine agency. Concerns about crossing the line have led many (scientists) to ethical boundaries that they acknowledge as ‘kind of’ spiritual.

am. It is, of course, our image making that deceives us here. However hard we try, we cannot help picturing God as an existent individual making the world or controlling it. But God cannot share a world with us; if he did, he would have created Himself. God cannot be outside, or alongside, what he has made. Everything only exists by being constantly held in being by Him. We may wish to make a distinction between God’s ordaining will and his permissive will, but everything happens because that God wills it to be. We are free not because God withdraws from us and leaves us our independence, but because God is in a sense more directly the cause of our actions.

Our freedom is a window to the creativity of God. Through it the Master guides us. We need only to realise it; we need to co-operate with the mysterious hidden power to allow it to freely flow inside us and to let it act through us. We need not use the Divine power but let this power use us as its agent, for which we need to submit and surrender ourselves fully to it. Let Him work as He wishes. u Dr. Rajesh Bhola is President of Spastic Society of Gurgaon and is working for the cause of children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities for more than 25 years. He can be contacted at rabhola@yahoo.com

The Grand Cosmos { Sri Bimal Mohanty }

Standing alone under the night sky On a moonless night with none nearby In the company of Nature, I wondered what I saw In amazement and childlike awe Gazing at the canopy of stars that dazzled overhead The myriad grandeur before me unfolded Some twinkling at me, some faintly seen What does this celestial spectacle really mean? What is the purpose? What does it convey? What, it seizes my mind, does it want to say? This creation all around me How does it come to be? Whose hand is behind that conceived and when? The mind searches for answers, but all in vain. In this grand scene they say I have my place I am as much a part as anything else With the countless stars, I am linked with all Not alone am I, but a part of the whole Our destination is same, our aspirations the same We pray the same prayer with only difference in name We all rush to the same source, whence we all came Drawn by that irresistible power, at the end it is all the same Answers to all ‘whats’, ‘whys’, and ‘what fors’ lie with that single ‘who’ In His presence we understand our natures true.

To daughters by destiny { Shobha Lidder } New civilisation has new styles Of ‘swayamwaras’ They elope, defy, justify Love pangs, care a damn Run to a city magistrate He is most disinterested & dispassionate Says, ”You are adult enough to know What you are doing, I legally declare you man & wife” It is done not to be undone by anyone Now this daring wife confiscates Some mother’s precious son Without her permission or commission Takes ownership of him overnight As her knight in armour In ancient times ‘Swayamvaras’ were open only to noble men Worthy to win the hand of noblewomen ‘Noble’ as per their noble deeds Women then chose of the chosen men Surrendered to them in loyalty The noble youth would then Take his glowing bride To his even nobler mother Whose heart & soul he was Her precious one! The bride showed gratitude in attitude She knew it took a brave heart to give Your son to another woman To tend & fend for her forever A human inheritance Of love She at once stepped into the hierarchy There was no anarchy in family domains She devoted to her mother- in-law Because she doted on her son Such a simple one A note to the modern damsels Who violate these social laws And flaw their lives as wives Leaving no examples for their sons’ brides To emulate… Such is destiny & fate It is never too late to make amends Be friends with mothers by destiny In amenity! Writer, Journalist,Teacher, Trainer, Social Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer

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8-14 August 2014 Kid Corner Check out what Gurgaon kids are up to

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B on V ivant

8-14 August 2014

{ Meenu Thakur Sankalp }

ihar Central Jail, New Delhi. The name itself evokes a gamut of emotions - ranging from awe to terror. Tihar is the biggest jail complex in South Asia, and houses high-profile politicians and businessmen, death-row convicts, terrorists, and men and women accused of heinous crimes. To enter its ‘fabled’ confines is a journey into a territory unknown. As I embarked from my car in front of the giant gates, surrounded by high prison walls, I was overwhelmed – and a little apprehensive. Just a few days earlier, enduring multiple checks, I had entered Jail No. 6, which houses women inmates. The security staff had been bewildered to see a dancer, attired in a traditional costume and a fiery make up. However, I could understand their reaction, considering that I was the first dancer to venture into Tihar. Tihar Jail’s stated main objective is to convert its inmates into

Unlocking Prison Gates ‘normal’ members of society by providing them with useful skills, education and respect for the law. It aims to improve their self-esteem and to strengthen their desire to improve. Tihar Jail also believes in the reform of the inmates through various programmes, which ready them for a life of rehabilitation upon their release from jail. As India’s ancient culture has so many moral lessons to offer, the jail authorities felt that a Classical dance performance would be a worthwhile effort and contribution – and so I got the opportunity to perform Kuchipudi at Tihar Jail. As I walked in, the inmates greeted me. They looked like the people I see on the road everyday - not very different from me. The difference was that these women had committed heinous crimes. I was made to understand that most of these women were victims of circumstances – but unfortunately they can never turn the clock back. A warm

{ Krishan Kalra }

oth my wife and I were born in Pakistan. So when recently a business delegation to that country was announced, we signed up. We started with many mixed feelings – of curiosity, adventure and nostalgia. An important item on the agenda was the visit to our old houses, hoping that they were still there and, more important, that we would find them. Being part of a delegation, we were spared the usual ‘hassles’ a visitor would face in a developing country - a ‘hostile’ one at that. We should not have worried. We were given an affectionate reception right from the Lahore airport – where we had to change flights. There was much garlanding and back slapping, and then we were whisked through passport control, someone took charge of our baggage, refreshments were offered at the elegant CIP lounges, and a fleet of cars drove up, just as we were being besieged by a bunch of inquisitive press reporters. Nothing seemed much different from back home! So, given the predictable delays and the sub-continental habit of not valuing time, we finally made it to our hotel room in Islamabad only at midnight – 8 hours after the PIA reporting time at Delhi airport. Transiting thru Islamabad, late at night, was a sheer pleasure. There were wide smooth roads, lovely boulevards, artistically lit up beautiful buildings, bold clear signages, and well-informed and talkative drivers. It all looked so different, especially from the image we had in mind - of a poverty ridden, underdeveloped nation, housing mute people suppressed by army rule. Here was an ultra modern, well maintained city, with open hearted, proud but warm and hospitable people. A very pleasant surprise indeed. The next evening we were very willingly escorted to my wife’s ancestral house in the narrow winding lanes of Rawalpindi – Islamabad’s twin city. It is quite a contrast to its new avatar, and yet has wide main roads and a total absence of encroachments – ensured with the help of a few municipal bulldozers. My wife’s family’s house is still there – but crumbling. Even though my better

set of women officials seemed to be dealing with the inmates with both care and strictness. As I commenced dancing on stage, I wondered what purpose my performance would serve if I was not able to communicate with the inmates. I therefore

encouraged them to come up on stage to learn some nuances of dancing. Much to my amazement an inmate immediately decided to shake a leg, and her sincere attempt spontaneously made me join the audience in generous applause. I then performed on

The great Bindi divide half was all of 3 years at the time of Partition, she had heard enough from her parents to be able to recognise every room, staircase, courtyard, and even the floor tiles. She was like a little girl, running all over, eyes moist - with me in tow, clicking pictures of every nook and corner. All through this the present occupants were patient and even offered to serve us tea. It was a most worthwhile trip. Thereafter, official meetings and receptions, quick trips to the ancient city of Taxila and the famous ‘Punja Saheb’ gurudwara, and the cute little hill stations of Murree and Bhurban, rounded off our two days and three nights in Pakistan’s capital city. Early the third morning we left, by road, for Sargodha – enroute to Lahore. M2, the 4-lane motorway between Islamabad and Lahore, is every bit as good as the ones in Europe or U.S.A. Built, operated and maintained by Daewoo of Korea, it could well be the much-needed kick off for Pakistan’s industrialisation. Well-designed exits and traffic joining zones, well-managed toll plazas, motorway patrol cars ensuring the speed limit of 120 kmph, SOS phones at every kilometre, tastefully built highway stations for food and drink, comfortably air-conditioned quick snack shops, gas stations … it has all the essentials of a modern motorway. It took just 3 1/2 hours for the entire journey of nearly 380 kms. However, what was perplexing was that there While we were boarding the PIA plane at Delhi, there had been a final physical check of hand baggage and a body search at the top of the ladder, outside the aircraft door. I had put my satchel down on the little makeshift table and was going to open it, when the policeman saw my wife behind me and asked, “With you (in Urdu)?” As soon as I shook my head in affirmation, he asked me to close the satchel and waved us on. Perhaps a universal feeling that if you are travelling with family you won’t be upto any mischief!

traditional stories from Hindu mythology, depicting Ganesha and Krishna. As I readied to balance my feet on a brass plate for the finale, I looked up keenly at the audience. Despite their rapt attention, I could sense a feeling of solitude and a resignation to fate. They were generous in their praise and applause and thanked me for my performance. I asked if they would like to see me dance again. Pat came a reply, in chaste Hindi, “How is that possible? We need to come out of jail for that.” As we all laughed (nervously) at the comment, I promised them that I would come again. As I drove back blinded by the setting sun, under the giant floodlights of the watch towers above me, meandering through the roads of the jail complex, I inadvertently whispered one word to myself as I passed through the exit gate, waving to the saluting guard: ‘Freedom’. We take it so much for granted.u The Writer is a renowned Kuchipudi Danseuse and Choreographer

were very few vehicles on the road. It’s either the (high) toll fee or the absence of CNG filling stations. Of course we took a detour for Sargodha - my place of birth! Sargodha is only 2 hours from Lahore – an hour on the motorway upto Pindi-Bhatiyan and an hour’s detour on inner roads. The trip down memory lane continued at Sargodha, a small town where I was born in 1940. Unlike in Rawalpindi, we didn’t have the house number. Helpful shopkeepers located an old centurion – a retired ‘girdavar’ - who was only too keen to connect up the old ‘khasra’ numbers to guide us. Despite ‘our’ house’s division into several shops and dwelling units, it hadn’t changed much. The occupants very sweetly showed us around the place. As we were leaving, the old man insisted on giving five rupees to my wife, saying that she was like a ‘beti’ come home! Both of us couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in our eyes. Lahore turned out to be very different from Islamabad. Very much the old city, with graceful bungalows along the canal bank, shopping malls – old and new – teeming with people, newly created food street at Gwala Mandi, Mughal period Shalimar Garden … the place is full of life, very different from the ‘antiseptic’ beauty of Islamabad. We felt the heart of Pakistan is in Lahore. Soon it was our last day. We were trying out some sandals at one of the hotel shops when a group of young girls entered. “Have you come from India?” asked one of them. “Yes, but how did you know?” answered my wife. “The great Bindi divide, Aunty”, she said pointing to the vermillion circle on my wife’s forehead. “It is perhaps the only thing that distinguishes Hindu and Muslim women. Apart from that, we look alike, our clothes are identical, we speak the same language, and eat similar food. But for the Bindi, I could well be your daughter! And, by the way, Aunty, just remove your Bindi for a while when you go shopping. You won’t have to pay foreigners’ prices!” she added mischievously. The Great Bindi Divide indeed. How I wish our politicians could understand this ‘simplicity’. Or am I dreaming?!u

Asian American actors on Broadway

Peter Hurley / Angel Desai

n a recent evening in New York City, ushers wearing  pink jumpsuits welcomed audience members into a large space pumping  with techno music as animated images of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos were projected on the walls.  The club-like atmosphere and the set, made up of moveable props in the centre of the space, are the first indications that the Show is no ordinary musical - it’s an interactive and immersive experience, with audiences walking around as the story of the deposed Philippine dictator unfolds.

Joan Marcus / O&M Co

{ Emoke Bebiak/New York/ DPA }

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Ruthie Ann Miles (centre) playing Imelda Marcos with the cast around her in the stage show ‘Here Lies Love’, running at The Public Theater at Astor Place, New York City. Joan Marcus / O&M Co

Angel Desai, an Asian American actress with an impressive resume of TV appearances and roles on and off Broadway. She said there have been too few dramatic roles for Asian Americans.

Ruthie Ann Miles playing Imelda Marcos in the stage show ‘Here Lies Love’.

Ruthie Ann Miles (centre) playing Imelda Marcos in the stage show ‘Here Lies Love’.

Ruthie Ann Miles (centre) playing Imelda Marcos in the stage show ‘Here Lies Love’, running at The Public Theater at Astor Place, New York City. Credit: Joan Marcus / O&M Co / dpa

Filipino-origin actor Jose Llana performing in ‘Here Lies Love’, a Broadway production about the Marcos period running at The Public Theater at Astor Place.

When a young Imelda Marcos appears on stage, singing about love as the highest value, audiences are transported. They relive the rise and fall of the brutal dictatorship the Philippines experienced under Imelda, known for her extravagant  lifestyle and of course her husband and former President, Ferdinand Marcos.   The show ‘Here Lies Love’, running at New York’s Public Theatre, is extraordinary for yet another reason: it’s one of the few productions in the City that employs a large cast of Asian American actors.   With recent announcements that past hits such as ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘The King and I’ are set to return to Broadway next season, the number of  roles for Asian Americans will likely in-

crease. A recent  article in the New York Times hailed this as an ‘unusual bonanza of jobs’. However, some warn against being too optimistic, they believe that the upcoming shows are not going to significantly alter the general landscape on Broadway. Angel Desai, an Asian American actress with an impressive resume of TV appearances and roles on and off Broadway, told dpa that  the increase in roles doesn’t mean that the problem is solved.  ”Things are looking up, yes, but that’s all relative to there being a dearth of opportunities before,” Desai said.  According to the Asian American Performers’ Action Coalition (AAPAC), where Desai serves as a member of the Steering Committee, only 4 per cent of roles went to Asian American actors on New York City stages  during the 2012/13 theatre season.   The figure stands at 77 per cent for Caucasian actors, 15 per cent for African Americans and 4 per cent for Latinos, AAPAC reported. The numbers are especially troubling given the City’s demographic breakdown - only 33 per cent of New York City’s population is white, while African Americans make up 23 per cent, Latinos 29 per cent and  Asians 13 per cent.  Desai said that the underlying problem is the mindset that Asians are not part of America’s social fabric and are often excluded even from modern plays.  ”The goal is to have us

be more part of the fabric of the American scope of theatre. We’re still seen somehow as this ‘other’, as something foreign - strange and non-American,” Desai said. In fact Asian American actors appearing in roles that are not  specifically written as Asian characters is still rare on Broadway,  especially when it comes to leading roles. Desai said she often doesn’t even get auditions for parts she would fit in, because of being an Asian American. She suspects it’s true for many of her counterparts. ”I did not get an audition for Shakespeare in the Park (this year)... again,” Desai said, referring to the annual performance of Shakespeare plays in Central Park. “How many Asians auditioned for Shakespeare in the Park? Very, very few,” she added. When Asian characters do appear on stage, they are often based on stereotypes and depicted as foreigners - such as with the musical Miss Saigon, which is set in Vietnam. ”Miss Saigon is really a story that does not need to be told anymore. Hey, let’s see that story where the Asian girl shoots herself after she’s been dumped by the white guy. Do you want to keep seeing that story?,” she said. “In order to stay relevant and draw in large audiences, New York theatres need to be rooted in the reality that US society is racially diverse. When there are people of colour on stage, suddenly there are more people of colour in the audience,” Desai countered.u

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Bored-out! She’s bored to tears and the phone never rings. Safely employed in a big bureaucracy, she has nothing to do all day and it’s driving her crazy!

Andrea LohmannHaislah, a psychologist with Baua, a German agency that advises on health risks at work. She advises workers to take action to fight Boreout.

Monique Wüstenhagen

orsten Gottschall used to like going to work. As an  official with a Staterun disability programme, he had plenty to do - that is until 2005, when the bosses decided to move him to another office.  Gottschall soon found himself in the (Finance) Control department of the German organisation. It was not where he wanted to be. ”They just wanted to get rid of me,” said Gottschall. With a degree in Social Science, he did not have much of a head for figures. “All of a sudden I didn’t have any work to perform and there was even less of it as time passed.” The German was soon suffering from ‘Boreout’ - a term coined by Swiss business consultants Philippe Rothlin and Peter Werder, and explained  at length in their 2007 Germanlanguage book ‘Diagnosis Boreout’.  The word is used to describe demotivation in the corporate workplace, including general tedium caused by repetitive and unchallenging work. ”We have had an amazing amount of feedback,” Rothlin. Most people said  have heard of Burnout, which affects people who devote too much of their waking time to work-related matters. Boreout sufferers, on the other hand, are just not interested in their job. Outside of company hours, they give no thought to work whatsoever. Boreout often arises in big bureaucratic organwho isations when employees  have long-term job guarantees are not given the right things

f humiliation was a place it would be found behind a drawn curtain. Breathing unforgiving light, stuffy air and dealing with the “Does it fit?” of the pushy sales assistant - no wonder many shoppers dread the fitting room. Experts say that this (room) is the most neglected part of a store.  ”The worst faux pas is the lighting,” says Andreas Steinle, Managing Director of the Future Institute in Frankfurt. “The horror is the cellulite that you (have to) notice… and the wrinkles.” It does not help that the curtains are never quite big enough to hide your physical flaws from other customers.  But there is some (flattering) light at the end of the tunnel. New ideas have been developed and some are reaching the stores already. One solution could come

and can be observed staring intently at their computer screens (simply gazing at thin air would put their jobs at risk), while telling  colleagues that they have loads of work.. Unfortunately, keeping up this subterfuge of ‘going through the motions’ is a major stress factor, and it can lead to health problems. ”It’s hard to talk about being bored at a time when job performance is the be all and end all and everyone is battling to keep a job,” said Austrian Labour Sociologist Elisabeth Prammer.  After analysing some Boreout biographies she came to the conclusion that although the problem is widespread, a taboo has made it impossible to discuss it openly. Ironically, it is as much a phenomenon of our age as the opposite extreme, Burnout.   Gottschall recalled feelings of worthlessness, apathy and depression.  ”I was literally bored to tears,” he said. ”A long period of being under-utilised

Righting the Fitting Room through technology. At the University of  Erlangen-Nuernberg, doctoral student Christian Zagerl is researching a fitting room that would be empathetic to its users. His  interactive fitting room is called Cyberfit.  ”The idea is to convey the emotion that connects a person with a product,” says the 32-year-old. His fitting room knows which piece of  clothing the customer is going to try and projects a suitable ‘background’  on the wall. ”For an outdoor jacket, for example, there would be a mountain landscape, accompanied by a bird song,” he says. Informawould tion about the product  also be presented, such as what other items might go with it. Zagerl’s project won an innovation prize at CeBIT, the world’s largest annual Computer fair, in Hanover.  Of course suggestions like “You may also like

...” sound suspiciously like Internet shopping. But that’s somewhat intentional. “Online shopping now sets the standard for non-online retailers,” says futurologist Steinle. “That’s where these techniques are already in use.”  In fact Virtual Shopping consultants have already made their way into fitting rooms. In Berlin’s Karl Lagerfeld Store, customers can use Felix Kaestle

{ Antonia Lange/Stuttgart, Germany/ DPA }

were not being given enough to Gottschall would certainly do.  have liked to do more. “The stress came about because they didn’t think I was capable of  doing anything any more,” said the German. He studied Social Welfare at the university, trained as a psychotherapist and used to be in charge of  a facility for old people. He had always enjoyed his work. “Suddenly I was just nothing,” said Gottschall.  For years on end Gottschall sat at his desk, shuffling papers from one side to the other and counting the minutes until he could go home. He wasn’t allowed to surf the Internet, and reading books would have been a too obvious display of idleness.  He finally decided to teach himself Microsoft Excel and Word and helped pass the time by tinkering with various IT programmes. “I did that to make it look as if I was actually doing something.” Boreout victims are paradoxically keen to appear busy

to get on with, or when higher ups forget to keep them occupied.  Rothlin said that the phenomenon has nothing to do with laziness.  He seeked to explode what he called the ‘myth of sweet idleness’. “There are some people who are plain lazy. They deserve to be sacked. But under-utilised members of staff suffering from Boreout are generally eager people, but have been forced into the situation in which they find themselves,” he said. Certain jobs are prone to Boreout - especially tasks where workflows can be rationalised, or sometimes replaced by software. Office workers such as civil servants and those in the financial sector are particularly at risk. Figures released by Germany’s Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Baua) in a ‘stress report’, show that in 2012 around 13 per cent of employees felt that their skills were not being deployed  sufficiently in their current jobs. Around 5 per cent felt they

a tablet computer to take a photo of the item they’re trying on, thereby exposing their selection directly to the stern judgement of  their Facebook community. It also lets customers check out the item, whether in the correct light, in black and white or in a frame, says Store Manager Thomas  Pohle. The service is also a method of advertising the Lagerfeld logo appears in A woman tries on a pair of shorts in a store changing room. Many people dread going into these cabins, where bright lights show up perceived flaws and the sales assistants always seem to be applying ‘pressure’. Scientists are at work to make them a little more tolerable.

Elisabeth Prammer

{ Nico Pointner/Berlin / DPA }

Andrea Lohmann-Haislah

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Elisabeth Prammer, an Austrian Labour Sociologist and author of a book on Boreout.

can make people ill,” said Andrea Lohmann-Haislah of Baua. Depression can lead to chronic back pain and even cardiovascular problems.  Most companies or organisations do not have any contact person who can be consulted on the Boreout issue, said Prammer. ”It is important to have a sense of personal responsibility. You  have to do something about it yourself,” said Rothlin. Employees should alert those in charge and ask to be given tasks that are commensurate with their skills. “Another strategy is to simply explore doing other things, without being asked to do so - and not just give in to the boredom.” As a last resort, Boreout victims should resign, the expert advised. Gottschall finally overcame the tedium in 2011. He handed in his notice and now works full-time in his own psychotherapy practice.   The 54-year-old is intensely busy! u    the photo. ”It’s clear that people want feedback,” says Steinle. That must be better facilitated in the fitting room, by whatever method. ”There will be a variety of fitting rooms. They’ll have to suit  the (respective) brand.”  The discount store Primark has come up with an innovation in its Cologne store – stuff that can make the dreams of young girls come true. It is a concept of ‘group fitting rooms’, which friends can all fit into together. And, while you can wait for ‘real’ change to happen, fortunately even today there are alternatives for those who don’t like to see their own reflection in the fitting room mirror. For example, at the fashion brand Hollister, the light is so dark that one can’t see any wrinkles - or whether the T-shirt is blue or black! Hipster fashion chain Kauf makes it even easier: there’s no mirror at all in the fitting room…  u

G 22 Vapiano – ‘Fast Casual’ Restaurant

very day, across restaurants operated by the German-based chain Vapiano, thousands of hungry diners patiently wait for an alarm to buzz on their table. Each customer has been handed a small device, which vibrates when his or her food is ready to be picked up at the counter, where it has been freshly prepared. Along with a wide choice of stools, couches and  regular dining chairs, it’s a ‘gimmick’ that makes a Vapiano ‘dining’ experience memorable. Although the cuisine is Italian-style, the chain was founded in Germany 11 years ago, and is still based in Bonn. Vapiano, describing itself as a ‘fast casual restaurant’, seems to have caught the vibe of the times. Every year almost 18 million people dine in Vapiano restaurants in Germany alone; there are branches in South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and in the Saudi capital Riyadh.  Vapiano has about 60 branches in Germany and 150 around the world. The newest opened in June in London’s hip Soho area. The plan is to reach 1,000. Last year the chain had a world turnover of 160 million euros. Vapiano’s founders figured that the operating principles of a fast-food counter could be applied to a more upmarket restaurant,  making it attractive as an after-work meeting place for urban youth. ”It’s going to be the fastest growing sector in the next few years,” says  industry expert Gretel Weiss from the trade magazine, Food Service. Weiss expects the ‘systematised’ restaurant sector to see double-digit growth. In 2013, such businesses saw

Guests sit outside a Vapiano ‘fast casual restaurant’ in Stuttgart, Germany, as a passer-by makes a phone call. The chain operates 150 restaurants including sites in Asia. Uwe Anspach

{ Antonia Lange/Stuttgart, Germany/ DPA }

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German businessman and investor at the bar of one of his Tialini restaurants in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

A Tialini restaurant, just after its opening, in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

German businessman and investor at the bar of one of his Tialini restaurants in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

11.8 billion euros (16 billion dollars) of trade. Consumers perceive ‘fast casual’ as different fast-food from classic US-style  franchise chains like McDonalds and Burger King. However, they all run on a similar business model - standardising the purchase, cooking and serving of meals to achieve economies of scale. Weiss says that the sector’s cutting edge is visible in Vapiano’s casual  dining areas, where uncomplicated and fresh food is cooked literally in front of the customer, and he/she can later move over to the couch area to sip on an espresso. The competition has noticed the chain’s success and is about to take on Vapiano at its own game. Wendelin Wiedeking, who mounted one of the bids most audacious takeover  in German history when he was Chief Executive of carmaker Porsche, seems to think that there is financial promise in ‘systematised’  restaurants: he has just founded a pizza-restaurant chain of his own. He wanted to call the chain Vialino, but finally decided on Tialini. It has three outlets so far, all in Germany. The Tialini in Stuttgart, Germany’s automotive capital, is situated close to a Vapiano. No one can forget how the wily Wiedeking narrowly failed in 2008 to take over Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker. “It’s just a great location,” insists a spokes-

man for Tialini. In contrast to Vapiano, Tialini customers are served at their tables. There are other competitors seeking a foothold in upmarket dining, without resorting to the same old pizza, pasta and sauce recipe. All have the potential to go global, provided they can get a secure foothold first in Germany, Europe’s biggest consumer marketplace. The Yaz chain serves oriental food, while Dean & David Grosstaedter have specialized in salads at their restaurants. Coa and another company called GinYuu are two chains trying to win European customers in the Asiancuisine sector. Today’s ‘systematised’ restaurants go much lighter on meat than the steakhouse chains that spread over Europe from the 1980s onwards. ”Casual dining is growing very fast; a new business opens in Germany almost every day,” says a spokeswoman for Germany’s trade association for systematised catering. “Along with classic fast-food chains, there are several others that mainly serve salads, soups or wok meals.” Weiss thinks the competition will not harm Vapiano. “More competitors will only help the sector to grow,” he says. Why are casual dining restaurant chains growing? “Everyone likes moderate prices, but the main reason is the recognition factor and the fact that they are reliable,” says Weiss. The simple but uniform style of food is effectively a quality guarantee. u

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Hot debate about Hot pants

hey’re everywhere. And anybody claiming not to be peeking is a liar. Extremely short shorts - also called hot pants - are dominating the fashion trend among young women and girls on  Germany’s sidewalks as soon as daytime temperatures rise.  Fashion experts say hot pants - a creation of the late 1960s - began making their comeback about five years ago, but now have become established as regular street-wear.  Mara Michel, Managing Director of the Association of German Fashion and Textiles Designers, concurs they are everyday wear – and not just for parties. “They simply look pretty,” she says, of the shorts. If you’ve got good-looking legs, then show them off, is her view. “Hardly anybody is  going to feel scandalised. The girls won’t be shocking their parents. The grandmas of today were wearing these things back in the 60s and 70s,” Michel adds.  But not everyone agrees. In German schools, where uniforms are unknown and children are permitted to wear more or less what

Franziska Kraufmann

{ Christine Cornelius/Stuttgart, Germany/ DPA }

Five school-age girls wear hot pants for a stroll in the German capital Berlin

A young German woman wears hot pants on a street in Stuttgart, Germany. they like, some teachers, parents and fellow-classmates feel hot pants are too ‘sexy’ for a dress code. Some even judge them immodest on religious grounds. Some Mums and Dads suggest that their sons, with so much bare skin in sight, might forget all about trigonometry and Latin! There have been bans in some German schools on what is deemed to be ‘inappropriate’  clothing. At the Evangelisches Heidehof Gymnasium, a secondary school in a  conservative Protestant section of Stuttgart, pupils deemed to be  wearing unsuitable apparel are handed XXXL-sized black or grey T-shirts to wear on top. The

gree. What is seen as ‘provocative’ clothing can vary from one person to the next - a point that the teenagers are still learning. Juergen Boehm, Chairman of the German Secondary Schoolteachers Association, says, “I’m always of the opinion that (clothing) should be suitable for the occasion.  Teachers should grant pupils the right to freedom and individuality. But if the hot pants are too short and the girl’s buttocks are showing, then it can get a bit difficult.” That’s not the view of fashion expert Mara Michel. “The girls are simply trying things out. If there’s a bit of buttock showing, and it looks cute, then (to me) that’s aesthetic,” she says. But she also sets a limit: the hot pants should not resemble swim briefs. And hot pants are anyway not for everyone. Without the right figure, it is better not to wear them. “Each body has an aesthetic that suits it,” she adds. Not every girl knows this yet, which is why Michel argues that schools should have courses on aesthetics and how tastes are shaped. Youth trends researcher Klaus Hurrelmann, of the Hertie School of   Governance, agrees that parents and teachers should be more active in guiding youngsters who are still forming their tastes. “A lot can be said for setting firm boundaries and explaining to children the reasons for them,” he says.  While many German Muslims and conservative Christians may be concerned about this attire, do heated arguments also take place in ‘mainstream’  German homes about scanty apparel? Not likely, Hurrelmann says. “Parents today mostly don’t feel scandalised by the clothes their kids are wearing. Often enough they even copy the kids’ styles right away, because they want to look young and cool too.” Mara Michel urges older women to let their hair down and copy teen styles. “For me, German women dress too boringly. They don’t have the guts to go wilder. Thank God the youngsters are showing us how it’s done!”u

Slowing it down with BA

Glass-floor platform on high Swiss mountain

{ Frankfurt/ DPA }

Annica Hansen, a German television presenter, shows off her holey hot pants in the ragged denim look at the Gala Fashion Brunch during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin.

loose shirts hang over their thighs, reaching almost down to their knees. Principal Berthold Lannert says the threat is enough - the shirts hardly ever need to be put to use. The classroom teachers do, however, continually remind the pupils of the clothing rules,  especially when warm weather comes around.   Lannert rejects allegations that the school is prudish. “A school is, for all practical purposes, a work environment and so one shouldn’t dress like that,” he says, of the hot pants. “A school is not a catwalk.” He denies that the school is authoritarian, saying that it follows the modern German custom of talking issues through, and not becoming passive-aggressive about them.  ”We want to encourage the feeling that when something starts to become embarrassing, we can maintain a dialogue with the students,” he says.  Dress code advocates state that it would generally be agreed in Germany that a girl should not wear just a bikini bottom to school or work, and so the issue is one of de-

aking the train in the air - that’s supposed to make British Airways guests feel more relaxed. A new entertainment program on board its jets is offering ‘Slow TV’ - in which passengers watch a seven-hour movie of a real-life train trip through the snowcovered winter world of Norway. Nothing much happens in the film: the train just keeps going.u

ourists who take a cableway up the Schilthorn, a Swiss mountain, can soon take a giddying step off the top of the cliff. The Skyline Walk - a 20-square-metres terrace, which projects 10 metres out over a 250-metre-high cliff-face is to open on August 15. The special part of the new platform is its seethrough floor, which allows for a clear view of the icy rocks of the Alps below. The new platform is connected to an existing observation platform at the upper station of the cableway, at an altitude of 2,677 metres.u

8-14 August 2014

G -Scape PRAKHAR PANDEY

Capital

Raahgiri