8-14 May 2015
Vol. 4 No. 38 Pages 16 ` 10
RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2014-2017
Becoming City Smart { Barnali Dutta/FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
G
urgaon, the Millennium City of (North?) India, is set to herald in the maiden Smart City experience in India. The Modiled NDA government at the Centre had last year itself announced an ambitious plan to develop at least 100 cities in India into smart cities. A Smart City has been defined as one that employs digital 'smart' technologies and engages more actively and effectively with all stakeholders to enhance the performance of its civic services and the well being of its citizens. It is believed that a Smart City should be able to respond faster and better to city and global challenges, than
one that has a simple 'transactional' relationship with its citizens. A Smart City also endeavours to optimise the utilisation of its limited resources. The key 'smart' sectors that have been identified for a Smart City are: transport, energy, healthcare, water and waste. Interest in smart cities has been motivated by major external and internal challenges, including climate change, economic restructurings, the shift to online in retail and entertainment, ageing populations and pressures on public finances. Gurgaon was voted by the Union Cabinet to become the pilot for future Smart City projects under the government’s new Urban Renewal Mission, which has planned Contd. on p 6
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RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319 Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2014-2017 Vol. 4 No. 38 8-14 May 2015
Editor:
Atul Sobti
Correspondent:
Barnali Dutta
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May their tribe flourish The merry month of May, named after the Greek Goddess Maia, marks the birth anniversary of many spectacular achievers – and the field of Dance is no exception. Vernon Castle (UK) Maya Rao (India) Fred Astaire (USA) Martha Graham (USA) Balasaraswati (India) Dame Margot Fonteyn (UK) Bill Bojangles Robinson (USA) Frankie Manning (USA) Angela Isadora Duncan (USA) Dean Collins (USA)
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Friday Gurgaon
Wellness... Taming Chronic Diseases (Part 3) Having highlighted Vegetables & Fruits, and Proteins (in Parts 1 & 2), we now consider Whole Grains, which should ideally form a little less than a quarter of a ‘healthy and balanced plate’. The health aspects of whole grains have been known for long. However, despite the wisdom of early healers like Hippocrates ( 4th. century BC), the advice on the quantity and quality of grains that should be consumed has been inconsistent.
Spritual... Vipassana Liberation Vipassana literally means ‘clear insight meditation’ - to see things as they really are. It is a common practice throughout the Buddhist world, occurring in many forms and variations. It is especially important to Tibetan Buddhism. To decode the complex, potentially instructive connections between our contemplation and the mystical experiences of life, we must pause for meditative interludes…and practice Vipassana.
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8-14 May 2015
Epicentre Documentary Film Date: May 12 Time: 7:30pm Yoga: An Ancient Vision of Life (English/64minutes) Director: Benoy K Behl Yoga today is practised regularly in over 76 countries, with over 30 million having done so that in the USA alone. However, few know the true and deep meaning of Yoga. This film was conceived and produced by a devoted Yoga practitioner and teacher who is firmly rooted in the tradition of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The film incorporates sensitive shooting of the finest practitioners of Yoga asanas, and interviews with the leading teachers at the most
important Yoga lineages in India as well as prominent doctors, scientists and researchers worldwide. It has the last major interview with the late guru BKS Iyengar. Music Date: May 13 Time: 7:30pm An evening of popular Ghazals sung by Venkatraman. Dance Date: May 14 Time: 7:30pm An evening of Bharatnatyam recital by Shantanu Chakraborty & his disciples, as a tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
Shakti aur Samarpan A saga of strength and surrender, depicting the tales of Durga and Meera in Kuchipudi style. Performed by Meenu Thakur and her disciples from SURAMYA, an Institution of Performing Arts. Date: May 8 Venue: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44
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8-14 May 2015
Haryana govt. identifies 163 civic services that will be delivered on a timebound basis. Haryana becomes the first State in the country to start Aadhaar card registration of a newborn, for babies born in govt. hospitals; a pilot had been conducted in Faridabad district. Aadhaar cards have reportedly been issued to almost 90% of Haryana’s population. DGP, Haryana, Yashpal Singal, states that all-women police stations will be set up in various districts of the State by Raksha Bandhan – August 29; 500 policewomen will be recruited. To strongly tackle the skewed sex ratio in the State, the Haryana govt. announces a Rs 1 lakh reward for anyone reporting a case of female foeticide. Haryana starts Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance at the State’s offices in Panchkula. State says that, as per the Centre’s directive, all hospitals - private or govt., have to provide first aid or medical treatment free of cost to any sexual assault or acid attack victim. CM says each MLA (ruling party as well as opposition) area would be allocated Rs 5 crores for identified development work. Haryana govt. asks the Centre to allocate the State a dedicated coal block in Madhya Pradesh. e-Stamping for property registration starts in Haryana. ADS, Gurgaon, Vinay Pratap Singh, is sent to Nepal as head of a 10-member Haryana relief mission. A State Disaster Management Force, of policemen, has been planned. All buildings on 500 sq. yd. and above plots in Haryana will need to have solar panels installed by September 30th., in order to receive their completion certificates. Haryana School Education Board results are very poor, for both Class 10 and 12. In Gurgaon District the pass percentage is only 38% for Class 10 and 47% for Class 12.
THE WEEK THAT WAS A lab attendant is shot and killed in DLF II, allegedly for robbery; a man is shot at over an ice cube for a drink, in Bhondsi village; a gardener is electrocuted at a private school in Kherki Majra; a 22-year-old son of a businessman is shot dead in his car on Pataudi Road; 2 people on a motorcycle are hit and crushed to death by a vehicle on the GurgaonFaridabad road, past midnight; a youth who had tried to stop a fight and had been attacked, succumbs to his injuries. Parents of a stillborn baby in the Civil Hospital accuse the doctor of delay and negligence. A leopard is allegedly run over and killed by a vehicle on the Faridabad road; 6 leopards have been killed in the past 1 year. A 10-year-old girl, resident of Sector 5, is raped by her father’s colleague in Chennai while she is there with her father; the colleague is caught and the father is also being questioned on why to tried to hush up the matter. A woman files a ‘marital rape’ FIR against her husband. A woman files an FIR against her husband for dowry harassment and unnatural sex. The Nepalese origin person suspected of raping a North East woman is arrested from Delhi. A woman about to get married is sent morphed sexual images of herself, by a ‘friend’, who is caught. A man wanted for rape and dacoity is held on the outskirts of Gurgaon. A man who works in a private hospital is held when he is trying to bury two female foetuses in DLF 1. A drunk driver hits a parked car in Sector 21 – a woman and her daughters, sitting inside, are injured. 4 members of a family are injured in a cylinder blast in Jharsa. 5 HVPN employees are beaten up
Watch and listen to
'Hai Ye Gurgaon Meri Jaan' a ballad on Gurgaon, based on the legendary song... 'Ye hai Bombay Meri Jaan'.
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when they issue challans to Ashok Vihar residents who are using illegal power connections. 2 houses collapse and 2 people are injured when rocks on a hill are blasted for the setting up of a CNG station on Sohna Road. 3 men in a car snatch an Innova at gunpoint. An ex-JNU professor’s house in DLF II is burgled in daytime. A Delhi resident is defrauded of Rs 17 lakhs by a property dealer. A property dealer in Sushant Lok gets a Rs 5 lakhs ransom demand – his assistant is caught and owns up. A person loses Rs 9 lakhs in a property fraud - for the booking of a shop. 23 Citizen Service Centres (CSCs) will soon come up in various villages in Gurgaon District, under the e-sewa scheme of the State. MCG is issued a notice by the Water Pollution Control Board for polluting the Yamuna; it is accused of sending untreated waste to the river via the Badshahpur Nallah. A Rs 15 crores, 300-tonne Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Recycling Plant is planned at Begumpur Khatola within 6 months, on a 20-years BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis; it will be run by IL&FS Environment Ltd.; Gurgaon is estimated to generate 600700 tonnes of C&D Waste daily. The IFFCO Chowk public toilet is closed down. MCG will auction 350 stray pigs that it had recently rounded up. The State has asked for 6 new ambulances, 2 hi-tech, for Gurgaon, from the National Health Mission. DHBVN is replacing defective electricity meters across the City – it reportedly has replaced 18,000 out of an identified 50,000 defective meters. 34 private schools are issued notices With a view to providing time bound and hassle-free services to its citizens, the Haryana government has notified 163 services under Right to Service Act, 2014. These services would be provided in a prescribed time period and in case of unnecessary delay the concerned official would have to pay a fine. Specific to Gurgaon and Faridabad: Water supply and sewerage connection in Municipal Corporation area of Faridabad and Gurgaon would be given in 7 days, by Assistant Engineer. Water leakages, or blocked or overflowing sewerage would be taken care of in 2 days.
Nepal Helplines 0124 2316100, 0124 2303333 (for aid to Nepal) 1800-180-4646 Helpline for children with special needs
for not admitting underprivileged children as per the Act. Power to the Civil Hospital is cut due to non-payment of bills for the last 5 months. The draw of lots for admission of underprivileged children to Classes 1 to 8 is cancelled. 150 ‘unrecognised’ schools in Gurgaon (about 2,500 in Haryana) are given one more year to get themselves upgraded for ‘recognition’. Hundreds of parents protest a fee hike by a leading private school. Farmers block the Sohna-Gurgaon road to protest the delay in compensation for crop losses. 15 building projects in the new sectors are sealed, for not taking action on notices issued by the Administration on the basis of NGT’s directions on pollution. MCG removes concrete ‘tree guards’ from around 300 trees, as per NGT directive; HUDA has asked for 2 more months to comply. Licences of 10 PUC centres are revoked. MCG is making plans to relocate over 2,500 polluting ‘industrial’ units that are operating from within the City. MCG estimates that the City needs 600 buses for an effective local transport solution – current fleet is just over 100; it proposes to set up a separate company – Gurgaon Urban Complex Public Transport Ltd. – for this purpose. A Roadways Union strike leads to great inconvenience to commuters, many of whom are fleeced by local autos. A Traffic Tower, which will house multiple police departments, comes up in Sushant Lok 1. 56 CCTV cameras are being set up in 4 strategic locations across the City – at Sadar Bazar, IFFCO Chowk, Rajiv Chowk and Signature Tower. 5 identified parking sites in the Sector 32 corporate office area will be policed with the help of CCTVs. 2 multi-level HUDA-developed parking lots have been sanctioned to come up in Sector 29. A skill development centre, on PPP basis, is inaugurated by Gurgaon DC, Satyaprakash at Vikas Sadan. A thousand people, including some top athletes, participate in a marathon at Devi Lal Stadium, to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injury cases. Nirvana Country has decided to go solar, and has signed an agreement with Power Grid Corp. for this. Raahgiri celebrates its Platinum (75th.) Jubilee. The City temperature hits 43.6 degrees on Wednesday. World Labour Day, World Laughter Day and Buddha Purnima are celebrated during the week.
8-14 May 2015
05
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Industry Minister visits IMT Manesar
Farmer-friendly govt.
H
T
aryana Minister of Finance, Labour and Industry, Capt. Abhimanyu, along with Devender Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries, Haryana Govt. and Vineet Garg, IAS, Managing Director, HSIIDC visited IMT (Industrial Model Township), Manesar, the flagship industrial township of Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) for an assessment of the Township. The Industry Minister was of the view that in an Industrial Model Township the infrastructure and facilities should be of an international standard. In his tour of the area he also visited the Skill Development Centre. He directed the officials of HSIIDC to ensure that all the required basic infrastructure, such as the road network, electricity, sewerage, CETP and water supply, and the support infrastructure – like fire station, school, post office, safety and security, health services, entertainment facilities, housing for workforce, parking & eating joints for trucks and trailers, and public conveniences should be operational within the industrial complex. He also emphasised the need for the development of facilities like a Logistics Park on the National Highway, additional 220KV power sub-station to take care of future power requirements, and the connectivity of the transport hub area with the warehousing zone on the GurgaonPataudi road. He also desired that an educational site should be planned within the industrial area.
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he Haryana Revenue Minister, Capt. Abhimanyu, has dismissed the statement made by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Chief Minister, regarding irregularities in ‘girdawari’ for the estimation of crop losses, as ill founded and politically motivated. He said, “It is for the first time in the history of Haryana that special girdawari, on the basis of actual loss, has been conducted at a fast pace and in a transparent manner. Nationally, Haryana is giving the highest compensation to farmers. The BJP Government has stood by the farmers in their hour of crisis.” Capt. Abhimanyu dared Hooda to name the belt where irregularities have been committed. “The previous government had merely announced compensation, but done nothing. They paid no compensation for crops damaged due to heavy rains in October 2013, or for damages to crops due to a hailstorm in February and March 2014, or for the impact of drought in 2014. In contrast, the BJP Government has already released Rs 243.63 crores as compensation for the loss of crops; an unprecedented total amount of Rs 1,092 crores will be disbursed to farmers as compensation,” he added. “By relaxing the norms for entitlement to compensation, the Manohar Lal government has proven that it is pro-farmer. Some other decisions have also been taken for the welfare of farmers: these include waiving of tubewell electricity bills, interest-free crop loans and conversion of short-term loans into medium-term loans. Besides, it is for the first time in the history of the State that any government has waived off the payment of electricity bills for the impacted farmers,” he said. “The Congress remembers farmers only after losing power. It is a matter of great sorrow that some political leaders having vested interests are exploiting farmers for political gain. HJC supremo Kuldeep Bishnoi had alleged that the State government had given compensation of only Rs 20,000 in lieu of damage to crops over half an acre of land in Hisar district. “The district administration has repeatedly asked him to name the farmer who has been given Rs 20,000 for the loss on half an acre of land, but he has not disclosed the name,” countered Captain Abhimanyu.
06 Contd from p 1 a total outlay of about Rs 1 lakh crores. The ‘Gurgaon Plan’, announced by Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at an event last week, has been allotted a year’s time to show results. At the programme, the Union Power Minister mentioned that government officials have been given the task of coming out with a blueprint of the way forward within two weeks. The Minister explained that the ‘Gurgaon Plan’ was a very important project because its success would be crucial in replicating the model across the country. The Smart City project envisages the setting up of a ‘smart power grid’ on priority – it is deemed to be the foundation, the ‘backbone’, of a Smart City. Once set up the smart grid will ensure 24x7 power to Gurgaon. It will help rid the City – residences, commercial establishments, industries and institutions - of its dependence on diesel or gas generator sets for power back up. The project will entail an overhaul of the existing transmission network and the upgradation of 39 power substations. It is expected to be executed in two phases. The Smart City initiative is also likely to alter Gurgaon’s Master Plan – for example, it will now become necessary to incorporate the speedy and spontaneous development of an upgraded power supply network. A Smart City committee has also been put in place. Chairman, Power Grid Corporation of India RN Nayak, Additional Chief Secretary (Power) Rajan Gupta, Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner TL Satyaprakash and MCG Commissioner Vikas Gupta will form the all-important Committee and will be responsible for preparing the roadmap for the implementation of the project. The working of the Committee will be monitored and supervised by the Haryana CM himself. TL Satyaprakash says, “We have decided to first attend to the critical power system. An unreliable power supply has always been one of the major problems of Gurgaon. After setting up the ‘smart grid’ and ensuring 24x7 power, we would be able to more effectively deliver on other Smart City projects.” Gurgaonites are pretty excited with this concept of Smart City. Yadav, a resident of Sushant Lok, says, “I am very happy to know that Gurgaon will be turned into a Smart City. The population here has increased considerably, but the infrastructure has remained inadequate. Let’s hope that the govt. is serious on this, and will complete it on time. 24x7 power would indeed be something remarkable.” For the Smart City project, the following would be taken up on priority: ‘One Map Gurgaon’ - a mapping of the City based on a Geographical Information System (GIS) Electricity System (including the integration with Renewable Energy) – for
8-14 May 2015
Becoming City Smart Gurgaon is on its way to becoming the smart phone and smart card capital of the country. What we can definitely do without is smart money, smart alecs and smart arses!
The real estate lobby, not surprisingly, is rejoicing at the ‘fresh opportunity’. Along with the politicians, they may well be the happier lot, with the potential of more ‘activity’ in the City. However, some people fear that, with the land acquisition bill already becoming contentious, the government’s intent to heavily involve the private sector in the development of smart cities could meet with strong opposition. Unfortunately there is now even skepticism on the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model. the setting up of the ‘smart grid’ (Multi-modal) Transport & Traffic System. It is expected that the smart grid would bring about efficiency in the power supply network and facilitate: n reduction in AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses n reduction in outage frequency & duration n improvement in power quality n integration with renewable energy sources n demand side management & demand response n consumer participation in energy management n improvement in overall consumer satisfaction. But while the grand plan has been announced, there are issues of financing that have come to the fore. There seems to be a serious disconnect between ‘reality’ and the budgetary allocation for the development of smart cities. Only recently Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance, in his interaction with the media, had responded to a query on the budgetary allocation of around Rs 6,000 crores for the 100 smart cities versus the actual requirement, by suggesting that there are many different ways of getting smart cities off the ground. On Gurgaon, he had mentioned that it has been mostly developed through active private initiative, perhaps dropping a large hint that the private sector will
be very much at the forefront when it comes to setting up the ambitious smart cities. As of now even Gurgaon’s major business districts have poor civic infrastructure – like potholed roads and inadequate parking facilities. The Gurgaon landscape is also awash with large chimneys of diesel generator sets jutting out from the tops of glass and concrete buildings. Public transport is in a mess; one can witness the complete lack of public transportation facilities between commercial and residential areas. This has led to a heavy dependence on cabs, which has pushed up the costs for various establishments. It has also resulted in heavy traffic jams and, consequently, a loss of productivity. Sewerage is another problem. The City has still not connected hundreds of residential sewage drains to the main sewers – and the new sectors have been anyway left to drown in their own muck. Though dubbed as the Millennium City, Gurgaon has certainly not lived up to that promise. A question often asked is – which millennium? Today almost every developer in the City has ongoing court cases with its tenants or buyers, for failure to develop or deliver as promised. The government and administration have also lacked imagination, and even the intent. In this ever-increasing mess, some companies have already exited the City. These are not happy tidings for a city that was, and is now again being, proudly showcased as a game changer. Pradip Choudhry, Estate Manager of IREO, says, “The City was developed as a sum of multiple ‘building projects’, while the civic infrastructure is yet to be built. The basic problem is the undeveloped or under-developed infrastructure. Gurgaon is not at all well connected – physically, economically or socially. In contrast, Chandigarh is a very well organised and maintained city. It is quite tough to say whether Gurgaon will ever become a Smart City. The residents and the administrators need to be far more disciplined.” The challenge for the government therefore is immense. The government, however, is upbeat. It says that it has already started the ‘smart process’, and the first step towards a Smart City would be to prioritise and focus on offering 'smart solutions' for essential services like power, traffic and water management. It has also made it clear that people will have to show patience, as an entire city cannot be converted into a smart one overnight. Government officials have clarified that services would be made 'smart' on a prioritised basis and a city would be covered in a phased manner. The cities also need to become more sustainable and develop better resilience to disruptions. A Smart City is ultimately expected to benefit its citizens, by generating employment opportunities, increasing human productivity and helping realise the inherent urban potential of the City. Good Luck, Gurgaon. Let’s Get Smart!.u
C over S tory Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) For Accidental Death Insurance Eligibility: Age group 18 to 70 years, having a bank account and Aadhaar number linked to the bank account. Premium: Rs 12 per annum. Payment Mode: The premium will be auto-debited by the bank from the subscribers account. This is the only mode available. Risk Coverage: For accidental death and full disability – Rs 2 lakhs; for partial disability – Rs 1 Lakh. The scheme will be offered by all Public Sector General Insurance Companies and all other insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose. The premium paid will be tax-free under section 80C and also the proceeds will get tax-exemption u/s 10(10D). But if the proceeds from insurance policy exceed Rs.1 lakh, TDS at the rate of 2% from the total proceeds will be deducted, if Form 15G or Form 15H is not submitted to the insurer.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) For Life Insurance Eligibility: Age group of 18 to 50 years, having a bank account. Premium: Rs 330 per annum. Payment Mode: The payment of premium will be directly auto-debited by the bank from the subscribers account in one instalment. Risk Coverage: Rs. 2 Lakh in case of death for any reason. The scheme will be offered by Life Insurance Corporation and all other life insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose.
Atal Pension Yojna (APY)
The scheme will be launched on June 1, 2015 and the focus is on the unorganised sector. Subscribers under the age of 40 would receive a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 to Rs 5,000 at the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions. Government would co-contribute 50 per cent of a subscriber’s contribution or Rs 1,000 per annum, whichever is lower, for a period of 5 years - from 2015-16 to 2019-20. The benefit of government’s co-contribution can be availed by those who subscribe to the scheme before December 31, 2015. Eligibility: All bank account holders who are not members of any statutory social security scheme. Age of joining and contribution period: The minimum age of joining APY is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years. One needs to contribute till one attains 60 years of age. All Points of Presence (Service Providers) and Aggregators under Swavalamban Scheme would enrol subscribers through the setup of the National Pension System.
C ivic/S ocial
8-14 May 2015
CorpComm Security Drive { Barnali Dutta/FG }
07
The ‘Maha’ Battlefield
private initiative is timely, there are others who appear skeptical { Shobha Lidder } about its success. “We have very stringent criminal laws in he deadly bombing at the The gallant soldier dear Arjun our country. However, we still Boston Marathon in 2013 and Has nothing to lose but his life experience substantial criminal its aftermath perhaps has activity. Criminals do not seem to a key lesson for us. A powerful The rest he has left behind fear the law and this is where the explosion had ripped through the His home, his people initiative might be challenged,” city, killing 3 people and injuring The soldier wears an armour of said a Gurgaon resident. Police over 200 others. In the subsequent Courage & fearlessness patrolling notwithstanding, persons episode of the Marathon, the like Rashik Mohammad continue State administration and police Do or die to be fearful. “Regular police had been more alert. The security Disinterested soul keeps a score of how the assurance of strict vigilance has was beefed up manifold, with Mind & ego scores hardly helped check crime healthy contributions from The purpose is to safeguard virtues till now,” he said. Rashik is private companies. There all the more apprehensive were more than 7,000 Peace, purity, love, Truth There has been a very good because he has three young cameras fitted and focused The wounded soldier falls many times response from society for the post daughters. “I am not sure if on the tracks. The more At the hand of hate, anger, jealousy my daughters are safe in this developed countries of of Women Safety Officers (WSOs), And its kind city,” he said. Rashik is aware the world are now getting with over a hundred applying for a of Community Policing 2.0, but strong financial support Disease, discord, pain, suffering current requirement of 40. he is not confident that it will from the private sector for The devil churns up many dreadful things be able to rein in the crimes undertaking city and town The Masters speak of a magic device against women. Ishita Mainak security, given the spread For super power in difficult hours Pal is more hopeful. The of terrorism and heinous crimes against women. This in the past, ranging from road safety Ardee City resident said that she 'Be stout be cheerful wherever you be phenomenon has now reached awareness to traffic discipline. was looking forward to this maiden Remain calm & tranquil whatever it be' Indian shores. Gurgaon is set to Private resources will also be spent venture that has brought the State Sit like the Buddha under the Bodhisattva tree receive strong financial support on improving technical and other administration and private sector Witness storms, hail, scorching heat from private sector companies, skills required to improve vigilance together. “At least the police will not in what is being touted as the first and other non-core policing complain about lack of resources Witness… Public Private Partnership (PPP) activities like traffic management, and will not be able to use that as For the worst will pass away initiative in dealing with crimes neighbourhood watch and area an excuse for their inability to quell None have come to stay – especially those against women. patrolling. WESS is creating criminal activity in the city,” she Just don't cling to anything The ‘pink’ initiative, which started awareness among people about vital said. “I just hope that the corporates with the for-women-only auto social issues pertaining to women’s are not ‘investing’ in the project to The gallant soul will be rickshaws, is now encompassing safety and gender sensitisation. The curry favour with the police,” she Wounded many times the overall security of women organisation is also helping women added. She was less hopeful of the The soul will win over the hallucinations within the Millennium City. Private realise the significance of their legal impact of such initiatives in the Of the mind sector companies have joined hands rights. Flash mobs will promote rural areas. “In the city the noise with the City Police and Nonactivities related to self-defence will be louder, so it might get heard. You are the shining soul, the rest never mind. Government Organisations (NGOs) and also endorse the Gurgaon But what about the villages? Will to take women’s security to the next Police Helpline, to help create a the PCR vans be effective there? Will Shobha Lidder level. Last week the Gurgaon Police safe environment in the City. Any they be able to easily apprehend Writer, Journalist, Teacher, Trainer, Social launched Community Policing such measure will invariably have criminals from there?” Over to Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer 2.0, an initiative that has attracted its share of detractors. While most the Police, corporates, WESS… financial, material, technical and people believe that this public- and us.u skill support from 33 private sector companies. “We will be sensitising the public on the vitally important All relationships are never forever concern of women’s safety and The leaf will go back to the branch no more security,” said Ms Veena Gupta, Another set of tasks, another cycle of life awaits it ahead Founder President of WESS Time does not wait, it is no one’s friend Foundation. The organisation { Sri Bimal Mohanty } is a non-profit entity that has Back unto the soil it will return relentlessly stood for women’s For a new life-nourishing power In the evening hours of life safety, security and empowerment. Will help to wake a new seed off its slumber Under the last spectacle of the dying sun “We will also demonstrate the use of To grow up as a new tree, nourishing like a mother the Police Helpline and help women When the pensive mood grips the mind learn basic safety techniques under May not as a leaf again, but in another form I search for that single moment from the past behind different scenarios,” she added. Will return to the cause A single ray of hope, a moment of worth, a gift of grace WESS is also undertaking a project As if programmed to surrender to the divine laws To be beside me in my loneliness. at ground level – on the road – with Nothing is ever lost, nothing cast away the Police. Bharti Arora, Joint One more life has come and will be gone Commissioner, Police, elaborated, To the new, old always gives way Did I live to its purpose if it had one? “Ten ‘pink’ PCR vans, each with at As another unit in the never-ending cycle of creation A yellow dry leaf slowly falls off life’s tree least one female constable on board, Thus the cycle goes on and on… A cherished relationship has snapped free will be stationed near schools, colleges, other institutions of learning, shopping malls and places where the vulnerability of girls To Advertise and women is high.” Bharti Arora added that even though incidents of eve teasing are quite high, not many get reported because the victims are scared or ashamed to go adsales@fridaygurgon.com to the police. Besides, they are also write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
T
afraid of being victimised at a later date. “Often the kids are shy to tell their parents as well. We are going to keep a strict vigil, to help avert uncomfortable situations,” she said. Bharti Arora was full of praise for WESS’s initiative and thanked the private corporations who have come forward with financial assistance. The PCR vans will be funded by private sector companies and will be ‘manned’ by WESS volunteers. Many of these companies have also supported various police activities
I Shall Return
GURGAON’S OWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
9868163312 | 9818303901
08 MCG Budget? { FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
T
he rift between the MCG Councillors and the Executive of the Corporation over its proposed Budget has led to the postponement of the House meeting. The Councillors had announced that they would oppose the passing of the Budget as they had not been consulted. At a press conference this week, Councillor Nisha Singh had alleged that the Budget was inflated and did not give a real picture of the assets and liabilities of the Corporation. The Councillors even alleged that the Corporation was misguiding the residents by making lofty announcements - like the recent one on the public transport system, or the MCG office building, a Foot Over Bridge at Hero Honda Chowk, a functional MCG website Income Head
Stamp Duty
The proposed MCG Budget does lack specifics and even some rationale. The total Budgeted Revenue for this year is Rs. 1,566 crores. Last year MCG had budgeted Rs. 996 crores, but the actual realisation was only Rs. 392 crores. No justifiable reason has been provided by MCG for the increase in Budgeted Revenue by 57% for this year, despite falling short by 61% last year. In fact the Budget is 4 times last year’s actuals! Here are some of the observations on the major revenue sources:
Budgeted income in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Actual Realisation in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Budgeted income in 2015-16 (in Cr)
Remarks
536
44.4
712
Revenue from Stamp duty comprises almost 50% of the budgeted revenue for this year. Current year estimate of Rs. 712 crores seems unrealistic, especially given a dead market. According to officials this includes previous dues receivable from the government.
10
6.3
127
No logical explanation/basis has been provided for this huge increase (over 1,000%)! Obviously the expectation is that all old dues will be recovered this year.
Property Tax
200
36.2
200
Try, try, try again…in fact MCG has also budgeted a Property Tax refund of Rs. 100 crores in 2015-16
License Fees
10.1
4.5
10.1
Try, try, try, try…
Advertising revenue
48
27
48
Try, try, try, try, try….
Total Budgeted Expenditure (Revenue and Capital) for the current year is Rs. 1,313 crores. Last year the Actual Expenditure was Rs. 397 crores, against a Budget of Rs. 960 crores. Revenue Expenditure has been budgeted at Rs 618 crores, against an actual spend of Rs 354 crores (on last year’s Budget of Rs 525 crores). Some of the observations on Revenue Expenditure are as below:
Establishment Expenditure on staff
Establishment Expenditure on outsourced staff
Budgeted Expenditure in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Actual Expenditure in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Budgeted Expenditure in 2015-16 (in Cr)
Remarks
47.37
30.5
68.5
There is no satisfactory explanation on why Establishment Expenditure (i.e. expenditure on salaries and benefits) is budgeted to be more than double of last year’s actuals. Is MCG planning to double in size over the next 12 months?
28.5
11.96
IT/Professional/ Consultancy
4.33
5.09
20
Budgeted Expenditure on IT/ Professional/Consultancy services has been increased 4 times over last year’s actuals. Out of this, Rs. 15 crores has been budgeted for new IT Infrastructure - which includes 150 computers and laptops (Rs. 1.2 crores), GIS Lab (Rs. 3 crores). There is no explanation for the balance almost Rs. 10 crores. There is a provision for a biometric survey of street vendors, which should ideally be conducted using the Aadhaar platform.
Communication Expenses
0.65
0.41
4.6
No plan has been presented on which areas the MCG will incur this huge increase in communication expenses.
Sanitation
39.69
34.18
22.46
In the midst of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the operational expenditure on Sanitation has gone down. Is Swachh Gurgaon not part of Swachh Bharat?
Office Maintenance Expenditure
0.4
0.48
12
A 25 times increase in the maintenance expenditure without any explanation whatsoever!
Legal Expenses
0.1
0.15
1
No explanation is available for a seven-fold increase in Budgeted Expenditure compared to last year’s actuals.
Property Tax Refund
0
0
100
Last year’s collection of Property Tax was only Rs. 36 crores. MCG has budgeted Rs. 100 crores of Property/ House Tax refund (charged extra) in the year 2015-16.
Books and Periodicals
0.02
0.07
5
Good intentions…but for what?
with online payment facility, the restoration of the Bandhwari Waste Treatment Plant etc. - when in fact it has no money to back these and no intention to deliver on them either. Rama Rani Rathee, MCG Councillor, said that the Corporation has not made public the status of its outstanding dues.
Development Charges
Expenditure Head
C ivic
8-14 May 2015
28.5
Budget for outsourced staff (including from a company, M/s Balaji Engineers, that was blacklisted by the Councillors/ House more than a year ago), is more than double of last year’s actuals.
Capital Expenditure in 2015-16 has been budgeted at Rs. 695 crores compared to the last year’s actual spend of just Rs. 43 crores, against a budget of Rs. 435 crores. Again, no details are available in the Budget. Expenditure Head
Budgeted Expenditure in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Actual Expenditure in 2014-15 (in Cr)
Budgeted Expenditure in 2015-16 (in Cr)
Remarks
Misc. Capital Expenses
216.65
3.6
408.18
No explanation or details for a huge expenditure of over Rs. 400 crores under Misc. category has been provided. Last year an expenditure of only Rs. 3.6 crores was incurred!
Biodiversity Park
00
0
20
Till last year there was no Budget and no Expenditure on Biodiversity Park as per the Budget document. This year Rs. 20 crores expenditure has been planned, without any explanation.
Building (including office building)
21.31
7.0
70.00
Since the last three years MCG has been budgeting for an office building, but even a foundation stone has not yet been laid. MCG has now budgeted Rs 70 crores for the same. Will an office building even be completed in one year?
Mysterious Miscellaneous: Rs. 162 crores of Revenue Expenditure, comprising 26% of the total Revenue Expenditure, has been categorised as ‘Misc.’ Even more shockingly, Rs. 408.18 crores of Capital Expenditure, comprising 58% of the total Capital Expenditure, has been categorised as ‘Misc.’
K id C orner
8-14 May 2015
The New Council
Breathe Easy
A
R
n Investiture ceremony marked the inception of the newly elected Council for the 2015-16 session at Ryan International School, Sohna Road. The distinguished guests were welcomed in five different languages. Lt. Gen. Vijay Kumar Jetley , PVSM, the Chief Guest pinned the badges on all Core Council, ruling party and opposition party members. Principal Mrs. Rashmi Prakash administered the oath to the School President, Bala Chandra Routhu, who then administered it to the Council members. Scholars (from Classes VII to XI) who had excelled in academics and extramural activities were felicitated at the Scholar Badge ceremony.
09
yan International School organised a Special Assembly to mark World Asthma Day, and students of Class V presented a talk show on Asthma - its symptoms, causes and prevention. The message conveyed was: ‘don’t let your precious breath be taken away by any cause...only get the good moments of life take your breath away’. The students made others aware that Asthma is a hereditary disease, and while it has no cure it can be prevented (for example, by being careful about food allergies). A change of weather often aggravates Asthma. Students dressed as doctors demonstrated how an asthmatic patient needs to be given emergency aid. The School Nurse demonstrated the use of a nebuliser. The School Head Peeya Sharma emphasised that pollution needs to be curbed to help fight this deadly disease, which is widely prevalent in today’s world. She shared that students are the worst affected, since their organs are yet to mature
Be ever so humble
T
he students of Ryan Global School, Sector 40 presented a thought enactment on the quality of Being Humble, an integral element within the 12 Visions of the school.
Support the Staff 'As the sun shines I will make hay To keep failure at bay For there remaineth a pay For my honest toil each day'.
O
n that note of respect, MRIS 46 students celebrated Labour Day. The children were sensitised on the dignity of labour and respect for the support extended by domestic, school and community helpers. Students expressed their love and gratitude by presenting 'Thank You' badges to helpers. Students of Grade V were taken to nearby construction sites, where they could interact with labourers. Students got an insight into the daily challenges faced by homeless people who build dream homes for others. On returning, the children wrote short biographical accounts of the people they had met. It also led to a lot of reflective thinking and sensitivity in the children, which ensured a rich class discussion.
10
8-14 May 2015
C omment
Matru Devo Bhava Bhagwan ka doosra roop hai Ma
Chulhe ki
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
Unke liye de denge jaan
Jalti roti si
Main hi nahin bahu bhi kehti
Humko milta jeevan unse
Tez aanch mein jalti Ma!
Kehte saare pote nati
Kadmon mein hai swarg basa
Bheetar-bheetar
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
Sanskaar veh hamen sikhlaati
Balke phir bhi
Roz sabere mujhe jagana
Achcha bura hamen batlati
Baahar nahin ubalti Ma!
Baith palang par bhajan sunana
Hamari galtiyan ko sudhaarti
EDITORIAL Atul Sobti
Ram Krishna ke anupam kisse
Pyaar veh hum par barsaati
Dhaage-dhaage
Teri dincharya ke hisse
Tabeeyat agar ho jaye kharaab
Yaadein bunti
Pooja ke tu kamal banati
Raat-raat bhar jaagte rehna
Khud ko
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
Ma bin jeevan hai adhura
Nai rui sa ghunti
Khaal-khaali soona-soona
Din bhar
Haridwar tujhko le jaata
Khaana pehle hamen khilati
Tani taant si bajti
Ganga ji mein snaan karata
Baad mein veh khud hai khaati
Ghar-aangan mein chalti Ma!
Ma Kela ki jot karata
Hamari khushi mein khush ho jaati
Dheere-dheere paanv dabata
Dukh mein hamare, aansu bahati
Sir par
Tu jab bhi thak kar so jaati
Kitne khushnaseeb hain hum
Rakhe hue poora ghar
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
Paas hamare hai Ma
Apni
Hote badnaseeb ve kitne
Bhookh-pyaas se oopar
Kamre ka vo soona kona
Jinke pass na hoti Ma.
Ghar ko
Chalna phirna khaana sona
Naya janm dene mein
Roz subah Thakur nahlana
Dheere-dheere galti Ma!
Bachchon ko tujhko tehlana
Phati-purani
Gaiya aakar roz rambhaati
Maili dhoti
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
(Unknown)
Jisko tu deti thi roti
Saans-saans mein Khushboo boti
Subah der tak sota rehta
Dhoop-chaanh mein
Ghut-ta man mein rota rehta
Bani ek si
Bachche teri baatein karte
Chehra nahin badalti Ma!
Tab aanknon mein aansu jharte
Kaushlendra
Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati
Ma ab tu kyon na sahlaati
Ab jab se tu chali gayee hai Murjha man ki kali gayi hai Thi mamatva ki sundar moorat Teri vo bholi-si soorat Dridh nishchay aur vajr iraade Man gulaab ki komal paati Ma! kuchh din tu aur na jaati. R.C. Sharma (Aarcee)
8-14 May 2015
{ Dr. Rajesh Bhola }
V
ipassana literally means ‘clear insight meditation’ - to see things as they really are. It is a common practice throughout the Buddhist world, occurring in many forms and variations. It is especially important to Tibetan Buddhism. To decode the complex, potentially instructive connections between our contemplation and the mystical experiences of life, we must pause for meditative interludes…and practice Vipassana. It is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation, which was rediscovered by Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills. This non-sectarian technique aims for the eradication of mental impurities and the resultant happiness of liberation. Vipassana is a means of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body and by continuous interconnection and conditioning of the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that helps dissolve mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion. It is then that our thoughts, feelings, judgments and sensations become clear. Through this direct experience, the nature of how we grow or regress, how we produce suffering or free ourselves from suffering, is understood. Our life then becomes characterised by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace. The Vipassana technique requires hard, serious work. There are three steps to this meditation training. The first step is to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual activity, speaking falsely and intoxicants. This simple code of moral conduct serves to calm the mind, which otherwise would be too agitated to perform the task of self-observation. The next step is to develop some mastery over the mind by learning to fix the attention on the natural reality of the ever-changing flow of our breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. After a few days of practice, the mind is calmer and more focused, better able to undertake the practice of Vipassana: by observing sensations throughout the body, understanding their nature, and developing equanimity by learning not to react to them. Finally, as an advanced practitioner, we learn the meditation of loving kindness or goodwill towards all, in which the purity is shared with all beings. The entire practice is actually mental training. Just as we use physical exercises to improve our bodily health, Vipassana can be used to develop a healthy mind. Of course the results come gradually, through continued practice; it is unrealistic to expect all problems to be solved instantly. Within a few days of practice, however, the essentials of Vipassana can be learned, so that it can be applied in daily life. The more the technique is practised, the greater is our freedom from misery, and the closer our approach to the ultimate goal of total liberation. The basic premise underlying Vipassana is the recognition that ‘the mind is not my own’. Oh, we may think it is: thinking that ‘these are my thoughts, my ideas, my feelings, my hopes and aspirations’. If so, Buddhism teaches, we are like the donkey who thinks that it is his idea to carry the pack, the ox who believes that he chooses to plough the field, or the rooster who believes that he controls the rising of the sun. By doing so we are behaving like the little children who follow sunbeams and shadows, and soon start to regard them as their own beams and shadows…. an extension of themselves. To loosen the grip of this illusion and to free our cognitive faculties, so that we may contemplate better, Vipassana practice requires us to stop following or chasing these shadows - by simply acknowledging and accepting their presence and working to quieten the mind. In just a brief five-minute session of Vipassana we can experience the difficulty, the frightening underlying truth, and even some of the
benefits of this practice. Try this: sit up straight; rest your hands lightly in your lap or on your knees; do not close your eyes entirely, but let your lids relax so that the eyes become half-closed; without moving your head, lower your gaze to approximately 30˚ below the horizon; do not look at anything in particular, do not think about or worry about anything in particular; as thoughts come to your mind, as they surely will, simply acknowledge them and let them pass - do not follow them or try to suppress them; do the same for any feelings or emotions - let them pass. Sit silently like this for five minutes. For some this time seems like an eternity. They shift nervously in their seats, occasionally opening their eyes a bit wider or turning their head to see if anyone is looking at them. At the end of the session, slowly open your eyes and gradually return to the consciousness of the room in which you are sitting. How do you feel? Rested, relaxed, energised, centred, focused? Do things look and feel a little differently than they did five minutes ago? Do you find yourself becoming acutely aware of details in the room that had here-
Vipassana Liberation
tofore escaped your attention? Are you perhaps more aware of – do you perhaps even feel more connected to – the people who occupy a space adjacent to your own? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, you have caught a glimpse of the power of Vipassana. Everyone seeks peace and harmony, because that is what we often lack in our lives; from time to time we all experience agitation, irritation and disharmony. And when we suffer from these miseries we don’t keep them to ourselves; we often ‘distribute’ them to others as well - unhappiness permeates the atmosphere around someone who is miserable. We ought to be able to live at peace with ourselves and with others. After all, human beings are social beings, and must learn to deal better with each other and live well in society. But how are we to live peacefully? How are we to remain harmonious within and maintain peace and harmony around us, so that others can also live so? In order to be relieved of our misery, we have to know the cause of our suffering. If we investigate the problem, it will become clear that whenever we start generating any negativity or impurity in the mind, we are bound to become unhappy. This mental defilement or impurity cannot coexist with peace and harmony. How do we start generating negativity? Again, by investigation, it will become clear that we become unhappy when we find someone behaving or something happening in a way that we don’t like. When ‘unwanted’ things happen, we create tension within, tying ourselves up
S piritual
11
in knots. Some unwanted things keep on happening throughout our life, and our resultant negative reaction makes our entire mental and physical structure so tense that our life becomes miserable. Now, one way to ‘solve’ this problem is to ‘arrange’ that nothing unwanted even happens in our life, that everything keeps on happening exactly as we want or desire. For this, we must either develop the requisite ‘power’, or someone who has that power must come to our aid. But we know that this is impossible. There is no one in the world whose desires are always fulfilled and in whose life everything happens according to his or her wishes, without anything unwanted happening. The more reasonable way would be for us to see how we can stop reacting blindly when confronted with things that we don’t want or like. How can we stop creating tension, and remain peaceful and harmonious? In India, as well as in other countries, some wise saintly persons over the years have studied this problem of human suffering and found a ‘solution’: they believe that if something unwanted happens and you start to react by generating anger, fear or any negativity, then, as soon as possible, you should divert your attention to something else. For example, you should get up and go drink a glass of water – the chances are that your anger will begin to subside. Or, you should start counting, repeat some ‘mantra’ (words or phrases), or call on your earthly or heavenly god(s). By diverting the mind, you’ll be freed of negativity to some extent. The mind begins to feel less agitated. This solution still works. However, it works only at the conscious level. In fact, by diverting the attention you are pushing the negativity deep into the unconscious, where it continues to generate and multiply the same defilement. So, while on the surface there is a layer of peace and harmony, in the depths of the mind there is a sleeping volcano of suppressed negativity, which sooner or later may erupt in a violent explosion. Other explorers of the inner truth went still further in their search and, by experiencing the reality of mind and matter within themselves, recognised that the diverting of attention is only helping us to run away from the problem. They rightly believed that escape is not a solution, you have to face the problem. Therefore, whenever negativity arises in the mind, just observe it…face it. As soon as you start to observe a mental impurity, it begins to lose its strength and slowly withers away. In its simplest form, Vipassana cries ‘time out’ to the stream of cognition and concern that constantly berates our being. In the quiet space that remains, we find an inexplicably virginal, untapped, unused, unassuming and unspoiled abiding awareness. “How can this be?” a student will sometimes ask. “I thought I knew my mind, but now I find that the mind I thought I knew may not be mine at all. The self I thought I knew – the ‘me’ identified with thoughts and feelings that float across the canvas of my mind– may not be real at all. More pointedly, this self, even if real, and which I took to be me, is not me’. Such is ‘awareness’. Students who engage in Vipassana immediately before an exam find that their anxieties dissipate, their minds clear, their memories crystallise, and they are better able to focus and concentrate on the task at hand - which helps improve their performance far more than a last few minutes of desperate cramming. Given the cultural biases of different religions, one of the nice features of Vipassana is that it is both unobtrusive and portable - it goes wherever you go. All you need is a reasonably quiet place, though with a little practice even external noise will cease to be a barrier. With a bit more practice you may find yourself going on Vipassana walks - sometimes called ‘walking meditation’. It is an eminently practical practice. 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 30 years. He can be contacted at rabhola@yahoo.com
12 { Barnali Dutta/FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
W
ith summer just round the corner, it’s time for a ‘door’ choice – indoor versus outdoor. For children, summer once meant a welcome break from (indoor) classrooms and an opportunity to frolic under the bright, welcoming sun. This was also considered beneficial for health. Playing and spending time outside could improve a child's vision. Similarly, soaking up some sun would boost a child’s Vitamin D supply, which helps build stronger bones. However, today parents, perhaps rightfully given the ‘climate change’, are mindful of how much time their children spend outside under the ‘burning’ sun. Summer temperatures in India have always been harsh. Football and other games and outdoor activities do take a toll on a child’s body, and he/she loses valuable nutrients and vitamins through perspiration. To prevent dehydration, the best
8-14 May 2015
Don’t Water It Down remedy of course is to drink water – lots of it. Water helps to regulate body temperature by allowing the body to release heat when the surrounding temperature becomes more than that of the body. Experts recommend the drinking of five glasses of water a day (1 litre) for children between the ages of 5 and 8, seven glasses (1.5 litres) for children 9 to 12, and eight to 10 glasses (2 litres) for children 13 years and older. However, these are minimal guidelines. If your child is exercising or performing a strenuous activity outdoors, he/ she should drink more. Children are at greater risk (than adults) of dehydration and heat illness during summer. The common summer health problems are diarrhoea and dehydration, as well as chicken pox, jaundice and urinary infection. “Usually diarrhoea is followed by
This seems to be today’s ‘workable compromise’. Deep Chauhan, a seven-years-old boy standing outside the MGF Mall with his parents, says, ”I love Coke. I even carry it in my water bottle during school hours.“ His mother supports her son and says, “It’s his choice, but we try to keep him healthy by recommending juice. Yes, I agree nothing can replace water, and sometimes it is our fault that we give in so easily.” Unfortunately, water does not even seem to be an alternative any longer.
{ FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
I
t was a matter of pride for Haryana to be chosen to host a race that was simultaneously held across 6 continents and 35 countries. More than 1,000 people, including some top athletes, participated in a unique Marathon at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Sunday. The Marathon was organised by Wings For Life, a non-profit research foundation, in association with the government of Haryana and the Haryana Olympics Association, to raise awareness on spinal cord injuries. Linah Chirchir from Kenya won the race and the cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs, Chess player Tania Sachdev, off-road racer CS Santosh, Boulderer Tuhin Satarkar and India’s first blade runner Major DP Singh took part in the run. Bollywood actor and local ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, boxers Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar, Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey team Mamta Kharab and President, Haryana Olympic Association Param Vir Rathee were in the stands to cheer them on. “It is for a great cause and we are happy to be part of it. We are also proud that India is among the 35 countries that has been chosen to host this Marathon,” said a participant. Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana said, “I believe
dehydration; and then the dren, as they can lose bacteria like e-coli increase, fluids more quickly. which further intensifies the It can become a seridiarrhoea. Children should ous problem if it’s not preferably drink only dealt with quickly. Dr. water and avoid carbonNeelam Mohan of ated drinks. The most Medanta Hospital important thing is that says, “A proper everybody should intake of water is know how to prevery important. pare ORS (Oral ReFizzy drinks can hydration Solution). In never replace that our hospital we provide need of the body. In ORS free of cost,” says fact they weaken the Dr Siddhida at the Civil bones and affect the Hospital. “There should liver. They also help be an awareness camincrease obesity. UnAs paign aimed at parfortunately, today alalternatives to ents, since many of most all urban chilwater, the most them today do not dren, from toddlerrecommended seem to know even liquids for children are age, are very much some health basics. into carbonated coconut water, lemon I come across eight drinks.” Dr. Mowater, clear soup to nine child patients han cautions that and fresh juice. every day. In most cas‘unprotected water’ es I have to admit them. should be avoided. She It is important that everyalso feels that parents and one follows a strict sanitary regi- guardians today are not always men. In Gurgaon the poor drain- aware and are not able to spot age system is often the cause of the symptoms of dehydration several diseases. The toxic stag- early. They clearly should be nant water breeds mosquitoes, well aware of the causes and the which intensifies the onset of perils of the disease. People in malaria and dengue.” adds Dr rural areas are less sensitised to Siddhida. Dehydration usually some common ailments like dihappens because of fever, vomit- arrhoea and hence the children ing or diarrhoea. It is more com- in villages become more susmon in babies and young chil- ceptible. Their treatment starts
A Glocal Marathon that this is a golden era for sports in India. Hockey, football, cricket or kabaddi, every kind of sport is being encouraged, and the government is playing an important role.” The race follows a unique concept. Athletes in different countries start the race at the same time: this year over a hundred thousand athletes in 35 locations around the world started at 11am UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), and the race was held across 12 time zones - from
S ocial only when much damage has been done. Rashmi of Jharsa village seems very upset as she has to repeatedly carry her child to the hospital to treat her for dehydration. “She vomits very frequently and her motions simply do not stop,” she says. Rashmi’s anger is at the huge garbage dumps around her residence, which remain piled up for days without being cleaned. The water in her village too is contaminated. “I try to keep my child clean, but the nearby garbage and the spurious drinking water supplies in our village have affected my child very severely,” she says. Her major grouse is that people in her village don’t understand much about the reasons for such illnesses. She is aware that simple actions like keeping the area clean, boiling water before drinking and maintaining proper sanitary habits can go a long way in preventing common ailments - which can become serious if not tackled early. However, no one seems to care. It is also unfortunate that, while many urbanites seem to have, rightfully, become health conscious themselves, they are most willing to indulge their kids with ‘fizzy drinks and fast food’! Our best legacy, and a most worthy use of our acquired knowledge, would be to bring our kids up healthy. And it all starts with water, that magic elixir of life.u
thusiasm of the huge crowd of runners and cheerers. Haryana lived up to its reputation as the de facto sports capital of the country. “The best sports persons California to Japan, and multiple tem- in the country now come from Haryana perature zones - with Norway’s Stavanger and maybe that is the reason why Haryvenue being the coolest at 10 degrees and ana was the chosen one,” said blade runGurgaon searing at around 40 degrees. ner DP Singh. That such an event has A ‘catcher’ car sets off 30 minutes raised the stature of Haryana is evident; after the athletes have started, and however, it should also make the people slowly accelerates till all the athletes of the State aspire to catch up with the are overtaken. Whenever it world in social indices. Said Ayushmann passes a participant, that per- Khurrana, “Yes, the sex ratio in Haryana son is eliminated from the con- is still a major issue, but with education it test. In Gurgaon the race started will definitely improve. More women enat 4.30pm. The May sun was blaz- tering sports and other fields will have a ing hard but it did not wilt the en- salutary effect on society.” The proceeds from the Marathon will go toprakhar PANDEY wards ensuring a better life for millions across the world who have sustained a spinal cord injury. “This event is for a great cause. Earlier, financial issues would hamper such activities, but nowadays both NGOs and governments are encouraging sports in our country, “ said DP Singh. The blade runner ran 9.5 kms before the ‘catcher’ car caught up with him. This time no one from across the world could match last year’s global champion Lemawork Ketema, who was ‘caught’ after more than 5 hours/78 kms. On to Marathon 2016.u
8-14 May 2015
{ Jaspal Bajwa }
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Health & Vitality... Naturally!
aving highlighted Vegetables & Fruits, and Proteins (in Parts 1 & 2), we now consider Whole Grains, which should ideally form a little less than a quarter of a ‘healthy and balanced plate’. The health aspects of whole grains have been known for long. However, despite the wisdom of early healers like Hippocrates ( 4th. century BC), the advice on the quantity and quality of grains that should be consumed has been inconsistent. Today, while the consumption of whole grains continues to be a healthy practice in rural areas, one of the unfortunate by-products of rapid urbanisation has been the swift replacement of whole grain-based healthy nutrition by fadled saturated fat-laced meats and empty carbohydrates. In ‘developed’ countries most people now do not consume the recommended 2-3 servings of whole grains per day – in fact many do not consume any. This is despite the recommendations of physicians and scientists, who have been stamping the virtues of whole grains for the prevention of constipation since the early 1800s – leading to the ‘fibre hypothesis’ in the early 1970s, which suggested that whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, provide the necessary fibre along with other healthy constituents. ‘Refined’ grains only seem to have a connotation of being ‘up-market’ and ‘tastier’, while actually, by ‘refining’ we are losing out all the health benefits that are contained in the ‘germ’ and the ‘bran’. Grainrefining results in the loss of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, lignans, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds and phytic acid. The bran and germ fractions provide a majority of the biologically active compounds - for example, high concentrations of B vitamins and minerals, and elevated levels of basic amino acids and tocol levels in the lipids. Once they are stripped away, the (refined) grain leaves us with ‘empty carbs’ devoid of healthy fibre. In fact, while pandering to our taste buds, refined flours can spike blood glucose levels, play havoc with micro flora in the gut and significantly increase constipation and obesity. It is most ironical (and worrisome) that healthy whole grains, which are a wonderful aide to preventing chronic diseases, are being made ‘impotent’ by ‘refining’ and ‘processing’ them. Fortunately, in the last two decades, plenty of science-based evidence has given us yet another chance to switch back to whole grains. They not only help in avoiding constipation (which itself can be a root cause for many diseases), but the consumption of whole grains can be an important preventative for major chronic diseases and various
Taming Chronic Diseases (Part 3)
cancers of the gut. Consumption of whole grains may also help regulate blood glucose levels and be helpful in managing Type 2 Diabetes. The different beneficial components in whole grains work together to protect your health. Whole grains may also support weight management, by protecting you from over-eating, as they provide bulk to the diet.
your own kitchen. In addition, look for restaurants and fast-food venues that offer whole grain options. Interestingly, antioxidant activity can be enhanced in grain based foods by browning reactions during baking and toasting, which increase the total antioxidant activity in the final product - as compared to raw ingredients. The moral of the story is do not throw away the bread crusts.
Tip of the Week
Nature’s Wonder Food(s) of the Week: Chronic Disease Taming Foods (Part 3) - Whole Grains
Getting more whole grains into your diet is not difficult. You should opt for whole-wheat chapatis or tandoori rotis, and not ‘naans’ or ‘parathas’ or ‘luchis’ that are made with refined flours. Other than rice or breads, you can enjoy a broad range of readyto-eat grain breakfast cereals, instant oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain couscous, quickcooking brown rice and whole-grain biscuits. When buying grain foods, be wary of misleading label claims. Look for products that list ‘whole grain’ at the top of the ingredient list, without any complicated sounding embellishments. If feasible, buy whole grain and mill it or cook it in
As summarised in Parts 1 & 2, a well balanced, varied and wholesome
W ellness
diet, which is alkalising, mainly plantbased and, whenever possible, fresh and organic, is indeed the best for overall health. When combined with a healthy activity level, the consumption of traditional locally available foods helps to cultivate the right kind of immunity enhancing micro-flora in the gut. The major cereal grains include wheat, rice, bulgur, maize, oats, rye, barley, triticale, sorghum and various millets. Artisanal ‘Ancient Grains’ like Spelt , Kamut and Khorasan wheat are also in the process of being re-discovered as healthy options. ‘Pseudo-grains’ like amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are normally included with ‘true’ cereal grains because their nutritional profile, preparation and use are similar. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations had officially declared 2013 as ‘The International Year of the Quinoa’. Quinoa is super-dosed with antioxidants; the concentration of two flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) in it can sometimes be greater than their concentration in high-flavonoid berries. Many delicious whole grains, such as millet, teff and sorghum have strong roots, coming from the early agricultural traditions of Africa. Teff is the star ingredient in ‘injera’ bread - a spongy, Ethiopian flatbread that uses a natural fermentation process similar to that used in sourdough bread, which helps make some of the nutrients more bio-available. Sorghum flour is perhaps best known for its role in gluten free baking, as the sweet taste and texture somewhat mimics that of wheat flour. Whole grains like jowar (millet), bajra (pearl millet), jau (barley), ragi (finger millet) and kuttu (buckwheat) are consumed very commonly in the rural parts of India. While many are staples, some are much awaited seasonal delicacies - like ‘makki ki roti’. Millets are antioxidant rich, buckwheat can help reduce blood sugars, while ragi is a heart healthy grain that can also be used as a semi-solid food for young children. Jau is excellent for the liver. Both bajra and corn also have good iron content. Most of the whole grains are high in fibre and antioxidants and can effectively help with weight management. City dwellers need to re-discover what the simple rural folk already know – that the key to good health lies in substituting (simple) empty carbs with complex whole grains. To be continued: In the concluding Part 4 we will cover the remaining foods, like fats & beverages, that can help prevent Chronic Diseases.u For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions
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8-14 May 2015
May their tribe flourish { Meenu Thakur Sankalp } The merry month of May, named after the Greek Goddess Maia, marks the birth anniversary of many spectacular achievers – and the field of Dance is no exception.
1. Vernon Castle (UK)
Born on May 2, 1887, Vernon teamed up with his illustrious dancer-wife Irene and is credited with reviving modern dancing through an innovative Ballroom technique. In 1914, Vernon and Irene stunned audiences with their Broadway show, ‘Watch Your Step’. Vernon is also remembered for his jazz rhythms. He died in an air crash during a training flight in 1918, aged only 31.
2. Maya Rao (India)
A Kathak dancer of repute, Maya Rao was born on May 2, 1928. Maya is well known for popularising Kathak, a North Indian dance form, in South India. She opened a Kathak dance school at Bangalore. Maya trained under the famous Kathak exponent Shambhu Maharaj. Serving as the Vice-Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Academi, Maya Rao was also a recipient of numerous national and international awards. She coauthored her autobiography, ‘Maya Rao - A Lifetime in Choreography’. She died in 2014.
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3. Fred Astaire (USA)
A legend who needs no introduction, Fred Astaire, the dancing star of Hollywood for over a decade, is best known for his blockbuster hits Top-Hat (1935) and Funny Face (1927). His partnership with Ginger Rogers transformed the face of Hollywood musicals. He danced and sang in as many as 212 songs in Hollywood movies. His splendid and orchestrated dance movements are remembered to this day. Born on May 10, 1899, Astaire danced for 76 years, before his death in 1987.
4. Martha Graham (USA)
Born on May 11, 1894, Martha Graham is regarded as the Mother of Modern Dance. In a glittering choreography and production career of 75 years, Graham produced the greatest masterpieces in American Dance. Martha Graham’s technique of contraction and release gave a new impetus to modern dancing. The Martha Graham Company of New York is the symbol of the Modern Dance technique. Martha’s contribution in ‘Appalachian Spring’ is one of her many masterpieces. Graham died in 1991, aged 97.
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5. Balasaraswati (India)
Born on May 13, 1918, Balasaraswati is referred to as the Queen of Abhinaya (Expression). Balasaraswati was born in a Devadasi (temple-servants) family in an orthodox Tamil society. Balasaraswati is revered as one of the legends of Bharatanatyam. She brought purity of technique and the Guru-Bhakti tradition into Bharatanatyam. Balasaraswati is fondly remembered for popularising Bharatanatyam in the West. She was honoured by the United States as one of ‘America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures’. She was the recipient of the second highest civilian award of India, the Padma Vibhushan.
6. Dame Margot Fonteyn (UK)
Born on May 18, 1919, Margot Fonteyn is regarded as one of the greatest Ballet dancers. Fonteyn spent her entire dancing career at the Royal Ballet. Encouraged by Queen Elizabeth II, Fonteyn performed principal roles in ballets like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. The legendary Rudolf Nureyev was her long-time partner, an association that lasted till 1979. It is also believed that Nureyev used to kiss her hands in appreciation during curtain calls, a most apt tribute from a fellow legend. Fonteyn passed away in 1991, aged 72.
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7. Bill Bojangles Robinson (USA)
A tap dancer of repute, Bill Robinson was born on May 25, 1878. He was a popular dancing star of the 1930s. Films brought him into the limelight, especially his role with Shirley Temple in ‘The Little Colonel’. Robinson was one of the first African-Americans to succeed in dancing at Hollywood. He was an inspiration for performers like Fred Astaire. The US Congress declared Robinson’s birthday as National Tap Dance Day in 1989 - forty years after his death.
8. Frankie Manning (USA)
Manning was born in Florida on May 26, 1914. He mastered Lindy Hop routines and became the choreographer of Herbert White’s, Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. He became a renowned dance instructor after World War II and continued to teach dance till the 1980s – and continued to choreograph well after that. At the age of 75 he received the Tony Award. He is respected for his contribution to the revival of Swing Dancing. He died in 2009, aged 95.
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9. Angela Isadora Duncan (USA)
Born on May 27, 1877, Isadora Duncan was an American, but was exiled from the US because she was sympathetic to the Soviets. She broke away from the traditional ballet style and focused on natural movements. She introduced the Greek technique and the use of Greek costumes in Ballet, a path-breaking achievement in those times. She freed Ballet of its rigidity. Duncan died in a tragic automobile accident when her scarf got entangled in a wheel, strangulating her to death.
10. Dean Collins (USA)
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Sol Ruddosky (a Jew) by birth, Dean Collins was born on May 29, 1917. Collins is regarded as the original symbol of the Swing technique and Lindy Hop, especially in California, USA. The Hollywood style of Lindy Hop owes much to Collins. He starred in memorable films in the 1940s, after he was named Dancer of the Year in 1935. He worked with the famous Shirley Temple and Arthur Murray. Collins died in 1984. The writer is a renowned Kuchipudi danseuse and choreographer
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8-14 May 2015
G -Scape prakhar PANDEY
Inauguration of Traffic Tower
Traffic Management at work
C D Chowk on Sohna Road
IFFCO Chowk
Rao Tularam Chowk
U-turn on Sohna Road
Rajeev Chowk
Underpass - NH8