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No representatives working with TERI: Centre

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:23:57 +0000

New Delhi, Mar 15 (ANI): The Union Government on Monday clarified that none of its representatives are working with the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

TERI is preparing policies related to climate change.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh said TERI has been involved in various research projects of the Government and associated in organizing workshops on scientific and technical issues.

Rameh informed members that TERI does not provide funds for government officials to travel to meetings of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

TERI Director General R.K. Pachauri is the Chairman of the IPCC in his personal capacity.

The decisions of IPCC are taken by consensus by the members of the panel and there are no official linkages of TERI and the IPCC in decision making, Ramesh said and added that India is a member of the IPCC and would continue to participate in the activities of the IPCC.

The members to the Bureau of the IPCC are elected from among the members of the IPCC according to the Rules of Procedures and geographic representation. (ANI)

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Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor still at planning, says Centre

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:23:19 +0000

New Delhi, Mar 15 (ANI): The Union Government on Monday informed Parliament that the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project is at planning stage.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindhia said the project would be developed in two phases.

The duration of Phase one, as originally conceived is from 2008-09 to 2012-13.

Scindhia infomed the House that a provision of Rs. 330 crore has been made during the 11^th h Five Year Plan for its Project Development Fund to ensure availability of uninterrupted funds for various preparatory activities.

He added that, Japanese contribution amounting to US 75 million dollars is in the form of a commercial loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The DMIC project has been conceived along the Multi-modal Western Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor (DFC) of the Railways Ministry which is between Dadri and Navi Mumbai. (ANI)

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Incumbents win Fremont Gurdwara Elections, support former version of Nanak Shahi Calendar

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:22:45 +0000

By Ravinder Singh Robin

New Delhi, March 15 (ANI): “Sadh Sangat Salte”, a Sikh body in U.S, today won the Fremont Gurdwara Elections with a big margin defeating “Panthic Salte”, jointly represented by Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann), on Sunday in San Francisco Bay Area.

Thousands of Sikhs, particularly youngsters, enthusiastically participated in the election.

The newly formed committee has also announced to celebrate all the Sikh events according to the previous version of NanakShahi Calendar and rejected the latest amended version of the NanakShahi calendar issued by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), the premier Sikh body.

Talking to ANI from San Francisco, Jasjit Singh, a senior member of the Sadh Sangat Salte, informed that most the youngsters showed their interest in the election and the consecutively win of the “Sadh Sangat Salte” illustrate people liking the works performed by the Salte during last tenure. (ANI)

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Manipur’s Classical Dance Festival promotes peace

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:22:01 +0000

By L.C.K Singh

Imphal, Mar 15 (ANI): The first international Indian classical dance festival (indiclad) 2010 was held in Manipur with an aim to revive the traditional devotional performing arts amongst the youth and to promote peace and harmony in the region.

A scintillating Nat Sankritan performance by 250 traditional sankirtana devotees marked the inauguration ceremony of the international dance festival held at Mani Mandir, ISKCON in Imphal.

The four day long dance festival was organised by Ranganiketan, Manipuri cultural troupe of ISKCON in sponsorship with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Foreign and local artists performed various classical dances like Kathakalli, Kathak, Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri and Sutra.

“This festival is not an ordinary dance festival. It is a platform for the development of peace in the society. We are trying to bring everyone together in one platform and pray to Almighty,” said Ajit Das, chairman, INDICLAD Festival.

Guadaljara Mahima Sandoval of Spain and Miss India Universe Ekta Choudhury also attended the festival as special guests.

Seminars for youths on HIV infection and drug addiction through Vedic wisdom were also conducted as a part of the event.

People in the state thronged the venue to witness the grand event and they also got a chance to meet, exchange views and understand people and their customs from other parts of the world.

“It is very good for the society to understand and know other people from other parts of the world,” said L.Ibomcha, Audience

“Such function will bring understanding and peace amongst people in the state. Feelings of violence in people can be controlled through such event,” L. Prathamani, Audience

The festival provided a platform for various dance forms and spread the universal message of peace. (ANI)

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Mobile library helps change Majauli Island

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:21:28 +0000

By Vashipem Kamodang

Guwahati, Mar 15 (ANI): Majuli is the largest riverine island populated by tribal people in upper Assam has basic medical and educational infrastructure, but to facilitate education on the island, some local people have started a mobile library.

Thirty-year-old Mitu Khataniya who was born in Kamalabari in Majuli, completed his M.A. degree from Dibrugarh in 2003.

Even as he was completing his master’’s degree he kept dreaming of making education accessible to the people of Majuli and eradicating backwardness.

In 2004, Mitu launched a mobile library to help local students.

His effort was supported by Preserver Majuli, an NGO.

“This is our great concept to spread education in this area. Though education is spread a far, we think, it’s not enough. We are far behind till yet. Due to lack of communication problem, this area is totally not developed yet,” said Mitu Khataniyar, founder, Mobile Library

Push Cart Mobile library has four volunteers who deliver books to students at their schools.

Currently, the library has 700 books in Assamese and another 250-300 books in English and Hindi will soon be added.

Students do not need a Library Card, but just have to enter their name, class and school in the record book of the mobile library to borrow a book for maximum period of two months.

“After the Mobile Library came to our school, we learned many new things and have gained knowledge from reading different books provided. I hope the library will continue visiting our school and also to serve the people of this land forever,” said Arnab Jyoti Khataniyar, Student.

“Not only the students but also the teachers have benefited a lot. I am sure that after the introduction of this mobile library in Majuli, thousands of students especially from rural areas have gained knowledge, as the books given by them are mostly not in the school curriculum/syllabus,” said Jiban Borah, Teacher.

The arrival of the mobile library has benefited more than 7-8 thousands students on Majuli Island. (ANI)

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Peace talks brings alive hope among Naga people

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:20:53 +0000

By Peter Chachei

Kohima, Mar 15 (ANI): The recent peace talk between National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN -IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivaah and the Union Government has provided hope of a solution to the decades long Naga issue.

People in Nagaland also contributed to the reconciliation process by holding public meetings.

A joint public meeting of three Naga political groups NNC/FGN, GPRN/NSCN and NSCN/GPRN in which people of Nagaland also participated was recently held at Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium in Nagaland to facilitate the peace talk in Delhi.

Held under the banner “A journey for common hope” and organized by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and Joint Working Group, the meet provided a much-needed platform to bring the three warring Naga factions together for a common cause.

As part of the ongoing reconciliation process, the forum has also been meeting Naga people residing in Naga areas like Ukhrul, Senapati, Zunheboto, Mon, Wokha and Mokokchang.

“We have witnessed things that are going on. We are determined, together we will approach the Government of India for final settlement of Naga issue,” said Rev. Wati Aier, Convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation

“It (rally) clearly shows the will is there from the people. People are willing and ready for peace in our area. Once that is established, it is just a matter of time when real peace will come to us,”said Puni Modoli, a local.

Nagas and other non-local communities who readily embraced the reconciliatory movement towards peace in the region, turned up in mammoth number to support the cause.

Discussions, prayers to almighty for the attainment of peace and songs by Oriental Theological College Choir were conducted during the meet.

“We represent the younger generation. We feel very optimistic about the future of the coming generation. We hope this reconciliation fulfills and reaches its end,” said Machio, a local.

The meet attended by various Naga factions and people from all sections of the society clearly reflects the hopes and enthusiasm of the people for a positive and progressive outcome of the peace talk. (ANI)

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Indian self-help group to provide artificial limbs to war victims in Iraq

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:20:22 +0000

New Delhi, March 15 (ANI): The famed artificial Jaipur Foot, which has enabled thousands of disabled people restart their lives in the country, is now all set to offer a healing touch to the victims in strife-torn Iraq.

On Monday, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi flagged off, a 22-member delegation of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) which embarked for Iraq where they will set up a camp.

Strife-torn Afghanistan has been sourcing artificial limbs from this Jaipur-based outfit to help war victims get rehabilitated.

“We are taking a team of 22 people to Iraq to fit 1000 amputees with “Jaipur Foot”, so that they can regain their mobility again and walk like you and me,” said D R Mehta, Founder and Chief Patron of BMVSS.

The NGO”’’s first “Jaipur Foot” camp in Kabul was held in 1996 at the behest of the Ministry of External affairs when it provided 1,105 artificial limbs.

Originally developed by a local orthopaedician Dr. Pramod Karan Sethi, a fellow of Britain”’’s Royal College of Surgeons, and a sculptor named Ram Chandra, the main advantage of this prosthesis is its lightness and mobility.

Sublimely low-tech, it is mainly made of rubber, wood and aluminium and can be assembled easily.

A person fitted with this limb can walk like a normal person without a stick or support, and even run, ride a bicycle and climb a tree because the Jaipur limb has a very comfortable stump socks interface.

Patients can, after the fitment, return to work in fields, factories, shops and offices.

The low cost of this artificial limb has made it extremely popular in Afghanistan. (ANI)

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Attempts to freeze BSP symbol a conspiracy of opposition parties, says Mayawati

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:19:51 +0000

Lucknow, March 15 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party President Mayawati on Monday said that the attempts to freeze her party’s election symbol through various objections were a conspiracy backed by the opposition parties.

Ms. Mayawati also rejected the description that the elephant statues erected in parks and memorials to Dalit icons were related to her party’’s election symbol, as she said that the statues the elephants have been shown welcoming with their snouts up, whereas the elephant in the BSP’’s election symbol has been shown with its snout down.

The BSP is to submit its reply on a petition filed against the elephant statues with the poll panel on March 18.

Addressing her party’s massive rally on the occasion of 25 years BSP’’s existence and the birth anniversary of its founder Kanshi Ram, at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan here on Monday, Ms. Mayawati said the Election Commission should take a view of the Congress and SP’’s symbols.

Cycles were being distributed to the beneficiaries of the Savitribai Phule Scheme for girls launched by the BSP Government and the hand was used by leaders of all political parties to welcome people, Ms. Mayawati said.

During her 90 minute long address Ms. Mayawati trained her guns on the Congress and dubbed it as anti-Dalit, which supported the caste system.

Justifying the erection of her own statues along with other BSP leaders, Ms. Mayawati said: “Is there any law in the country which bans building statues of living leaders and whether funds can be spent only on erecting statues of dead leaders and not the living ones?”.

She pointed out that the statues of form prime ministers and congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have been erected throughout the country by the Congress and several schemes, colleges, universities, airports, railway stations and roads using government funds have been named after them.

In last 63 years since Independence crores have been spent on building memorials and museums of Gandhi-Nehru family. But, when statues and memorials to Mr. Kanshi Ram and other icons are built, the BSP Government has been charged by the opposition with misusing government money, Ms. Mayawati reminded the public in the rally.

However, a giant garland, which was put around Ms. Mayawati by BSP supporters, attracted attention of all, as it was alleged that it was made of Rs. 1,000 Indian currency notes. (ANI)

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Party reached new peaks under Sonia Gandhi: Congress

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:18:58 +0000

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) The Congress Monday hailed Sonia Gandhi’s leadership on her completing 12 years as party president, and said the party’s journey under her stewardship was of “solid achievements and reaching new peaks”.

“This has been a journey of solid achievements, reaching new peaks, social inclusion – a journey of a resurgent Congress with focus on values and moral dimensions in politics,” party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters here.

He said the 12 years of Sonia Gandhi’s leadership were marked by the party being in power at the centre for six years and in power in 11 states.

Singhvi added that it was not only about power and position. “It is the quality of governance that has been the constant endeavour of the Congress under Sonia Gandhi,” he said.

Gandhi became president of the Congress for the first time in March 1998 and has since led the party.

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Lapanag to meet Chidambaram to discuss border firing

news — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:17:34 +0000

Shillong, March 15 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D.Lapang Monday said he will meet Home Minister P.Chidambaram in Delhi Wednesday to discuss the regular firing by Bangladeshi border guards in Muktapur sector along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.

“The fresh shootings in Muktapur are unfortunate. We are deeply concerned and I shall go to New Delhi on March 17 to take up the matter with Home Minister P. Chidambaram,” he said.

“I will impress upon him (Chidambaram) to take up this matter with concerned authorities as the people cannot live in fear,” Lapang said, adding security forces must be watchful to prevent infiltration and to ensure the state is not used by underground elements.

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troopers Sunday resorted to “unprovoked firing” for the fourth time since February, evoking tension along the border, according to Border Security Force (BSF) officials.

BSF Inspector General (Assam-Meghalaya) Prithvi Raj said that the BDR had resorted to fresh “unprovoked firing” to scare away Indian villagers engaged in fishing in a swamp area in Birkympleng in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district.

BDR troops had earlier opened fire at Muktapur Feb 4, Feb 14 and Feb 28.

Chidambaram Friday sent Joint Secretary (Border Management) Sada Kant to assess the situation in Muktapur after Meghalaya Revenue Minister R.C. Laloo apprised him of the tension along the border.

In the just concluded BSF-BDR border conference in New Delhi, BSF chief Raman Srivastava had raised serious concern over intermittent firing by BDR forces along the border in Meghalaya.

Meanwhile, panic-striken border villagers in Meghalaya have shifted to safer grounds following Sunday’s gunfire.

“The situation is tense. Most of the people, especially women and children, have moved to safer grounds after the gunfire,” Muktapur village chief Manoj Manar told IANS.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced.