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Prez’s doc recalls days at GSVM

Amazing Feats, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

An alumnus of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Padma Shri Dr Mohsin Wali needs no introduction.

He has the distinction of serving three presidents, including Pranab Mukherjee, as physician.

At the age of 33, he became the youngest ever physician to the then president R Venkataraman and later Shankar Dayal Sharma.

Besides, he was also appointed to serve the family of former president Zakir Hussain. He was in the city to deliver a talk in the national conference — Wellness Con-2014 – organized by CSJM University’s Institute of Health Sciences on Saturday. Later, he spoke at length with TOI about his days spent in the city, his selection as President’s physician in 1990 and his experiences in the Rashtrapati Bhawan. “In 1990, I was working with Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi. One day hospital CMS called me to inform that he has recommended my name as physician to the then President Venkataraman.

I was shocked. But the biggest surprise was my appointment for the same.

Even my wife Naaz did not believe me and said that I cannot be appointed to such a high post and I merely said that it is an exception,” said Dr M Wali with a broad smile on his face.

During interview, the then president Venkatraman asked him as to how would he treat him and Dr Wali replied, “Sir, I will treat you like any other patient while maintaining dignity for you in my heart.”

This clinched his selection, added Dr Wali, who also had to appear before another president Shankar Dayal Sharma for an interview before been appointed as his physician.

Dr Wali also claimed that he took care of medical problems of former prime minister VP Singh for 15 years.

Recalling his days at GSVM Medical College, Dr Wali said, “I used to stay in room number 108 on the third floor. I was interested in surgery so I used to lurk around operation theatres even at 2am. My sincerity attracted the attention of my seniors and I got a chance to get involved in operations despite being a third year MBBS student.” His hard work earned him seniors’ respect and he was allotted a hostel room with PG students despite pursuing MBBS (graduation course).

Dr Wali is the first doctor in his family. “My maternal uncle motivated me into becoming a doctor,” he said.

A meritorious student since school days, he cleared medical entrance exams of Agra and AMU medical colleges too but opted for GSVM for his MBBS and MD courses.

Dr Wali has been discharging his service since June 1980 and is known for working beyond the call of duty. He also treats staff of the Rashtrapati Bhawan which he is not entitled to. “I treat them because they come to me. That’s my duty and I cannot run away from it,” said Dr Wali.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / by Abhinav Malhotra / November 17th, 2014

How Begum Hazrat Mahal got her share of fame

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Travel

Lucknow :

Begum Hazrat Mahal’s wouldn’t have been an inspiring tale of patriotism had it not been for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The Royal Family of Avadh is in possession of testimony written by Begum’s descendant Prince Anjum Qader.

Great grandson of Begum Hazrat Mahal, Kaukab Qader was present at function to honour martyrs of 1857 revolution in Lucknow and was saddened that the contribution of his ancestor was second to none, yet she was ignored. He and his younger brother Anjum decided to meet Pandit Nehru. In Anjum’s own confession written two years after Pandit Nehru’s death, “I prepared a memorandum and, picking up our youngest brother Nayyer from Aligarh Muslim University, we arrived in New Delhi on August 15, 1957.”

Their claim to the 1857 legacy made news and attracted the PM’s attention. Anjum was bowled over by Nehru’s ‘disarming charm’. All praises for the Queen of Oudh, he inquired about her grave so that something to perpetuate her memory there could be done. In response, Anjum said it was government’s duty to search for it and honour the Begum’s final resting place. Jawaharlal Nehru frankly admitted the lapse and promised to do the needful.”

The 10-minute appointment lasted for an hour and ended with the family providing the PM some reference material. Two months later, Indian government informed the family that the Begum’s grave was found in Kathmandu city and Indian Embassy in Nepal was taking care of it.

On May 9, 1958, Indian government announced state recognition for 1857 Freedom Struggle leaders including Begum Hazrat Mahal. UP government too promised a memorial. “Although we are not aware of the happenings behind the scenes, Mr. Nehru’s hand could easily be felt in the changed attitude,” Anjum writes. Soon after, the famous Victoria Park in Lucknow was renamed after the nawab begum who never gave in to British. Months later, Nehru held his public meeting in the same park.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / November 13th, 2014

16 new awards for Hindi promotion in UP

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow:

The state government on Wednesday constituted 16 new awards in the name of renowned writers and poets including Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Bhartendu Harishchandra for promoting Hindi among the state employees.

A decision to this effect was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. The awards will be given by Hindi Sahitya Parishad, an institution of the Hindi department, to writers and poets who are working with the state government.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 13th, 2014

Rowing championship infuses life into Gomti

Sports

Lucknow :

The ailing Gomti will have a healthy flow at least for next four days, thanks to the national junior rowing championship which began in the city on Wednesday.

To maintain a suitable water level for the sporting event, the state irrigation department has released additional 100 cusecs water into the river. The current level of the river, which varies from eight to nine feet between right and left banks, has considerably gone up after release of 100 cusecs water. It will also reduce pollution in the river water.

The rowing competition could not have taken place unless extra water was pumped into the river, which has only 40% of its ecological flow.

Officials said 100 cusecs water is more than sufficient to maintain the water level for the four-day national event which will conclude on Saturday. “We will ensure that the level is maintained throughout the event,” said executive engineer, Sharda canal, Roop Singh Yadav.

“The volume means not only will the river sufficiently regain its ecological flow but will also have extra level of water needed for the sport,” said assistant professor, school for environmental sciences, Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Venkatesh Dutta.

Officials in UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said a healthy river should have Dissolved Oxygen (DO) not less than 4 mg/litre. The Gomti, at several points between Gaughat and Gomti barrage, has no or very low level of DO. “100 cusecs mean the level of DO will increase by an average 1 mg/litre,” said regional officer, UPPCB, Kuldeep Mishra.

A healthy river should not have more than 3mg/litre of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). High count of bacteria in the Gomti water sucks more oxygen and that increases BOD in the river water to 18 to 20 mg/litre at several points, mainly in downstream.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 13th, 2014

No remains of house where Nehru was born

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Allahabad:

House number 77 in Meerganj locality, where India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was born in 1889, doesn’t exist. The rented accommodation was demolished in 1931 by the then municipality as part of its development drive, much after the Nehru family moved out. Its exact location is now unknown.

There is still a house bearing number 77 in the area but as per records, address was re-allotted after the demolition drive. Now, what remains is a rare photograph of the house taken by Baldev Ram Dave, the then chairman, Improvement Trust (now Allahabad Development Authority). It was taken before the building was getting demolished. The photograph was later gifted to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in early 1980s by his family members.

“Original caption of the photograph mentioned the location, longitude and latitude of the house, also stating that Jawaharlal Nehru was born in the only room on the upper floor of the house before sunset. Now, the caption has been changed,” a senior member of the family, who do not wished to be named, said.

Jawaharlal was around three years old when his father Motilal Nehru moved out to a posh location at 9, Elgin Road in Civil Lines. After gaining success in the legal profession, Motilal shifted to a big bungalow, now known as Swaraj Bhawan, in Colonelganj area in 1899.

“On the suggestion of Mahatma Gandhi, the bungalow was dedicated to All India Congress Committee in 1930. Motilal Nehru had by then, built a new two-storied building adjacent to Swaraj Bhawan and had named it Anand Bhawan. He shifted to Anand Bhawan in 1928, which is now a museum,” SP Mal, assistant director, Anand Bhawan Museum, said.

He added: “Swaraj Bhawan was the residence of the son of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University. He sold it to SN Pandey, who later passed it on to Raja Jai Kisen Das in 1894. Motilal Nehru, then purchased it for Rs 20,000. Swaraj Bhawan served as the headquarters of the freedom struggle activities till Independence.”

Anand Bhawan and Allahabad Museum have exhibited a replica of the two-storied 77 Meerganj. Old timers claimed that it was a red-light area then. When business started flourishing in the area, the area became a hub of flesh trade.

Mal claimed that attempts were not made to build a memorial at the place probably because the area was congested. The locality never finds mentions in any function related to Nehru probably due to existence of red light area there. Even Congress workers refrain from mentioning anything about the place.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / November 12th, 2014

City’s ‘Zuckerbergs’ build shoe networking website

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Agra :

A group of youngsters from disparate fields like Economic Honours, graphic designing and creative writing, have come together and built perhaps the first social network website for shoe makers.

The website, called ‘Shoekonnect’, has put these six 20-somethings into the limelight as just 28 days after being set up, it has amassed more than 150 subscribers from around the world, including Patrick De Muynck from Polimoda Fashion School in Italy.

Visibly excited about their new project, one of the youngsters, Siddharth Vig said, “India ranks second in the world in terms of footwear volume produced and the footwear sector is one of the highest foreign exchange earners. Lack of innovation and communication in the industry actually served as the inspiration for our venture. ShoeKonnect will enhance the connections between the business houses of this industry and make communication among them barrier free.”

ShoeKonnect is actually a part of the parent organization, called BizCrum, which provides a platform for businesses of all kinds to create a social network of their own.

Chaitanya Rathi, another member of the group, said, “We gave our idea a concrete form through ShoeKonnect – the footwear industry’s own social network that promotes communication among footwear businesses. To emulate this idea in other industries, BizCrum was conceived.”

The journey began when the two friends, Siddharth and Chaitanya, pursuing Economics Honours from Delhi University during their last semester in January, hit upon the idea to start something of their own with a view to bring value to businesses around them.

Siddharth (21), hails from Agra, and had always imagined doing something for the city’s shoe manufacturing industry, while Chaitanya, comes from a business family. The youngsters brainstormed and came to the conclusion that technology could help revive local businesses and make them flourish, maybe even on a global scale.

After the idea was conceived, the duo met Siddharth Rastogi, a 22-year-old graphic designer and technology enthusiast. The team started forming. Next, they met fashion-forward Charuka Arora from Agra and researcher and creative writer Aditya Madhusudhan from Kota. The five of them began the process of setting up Bizcrum – Agra’s first B2B tech startup.

But they still needed an entrepreneur, someone who could give direction to the process. That is how they met Sumat Nanda in Agra after interviewing countless number of technological entrepreneurs. Work on Bizcrum then started.

Siddharth said Sumat was the one who came up with the concept of ‘ShoeKonnect’. It gave a face to Bizcrum, telling the world what this network was all about, he added.

ShoeKonnect aims to bring together component suppliers, footwear manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers on a single platform. This will not only help exchange ideas and innovations in shoe-making but also make trade smoother as it allows a manufacturer from India to get in touch with his counterpart in other countries.

The team spoke to over 200 footwear business owners as a part of their research, understanding their needs, designing rough mockups of their platform and building strategies around the business model. They worked through their final exams and were able to concentrate on this venture when their college ended in June. “For the next two months, all of us slogged hard, conducting field studies, meetings and even taking up odd jobs to meet costs,” Siddharth added.

Once the groundwork was laid, the team found that spreading awareness about the venture was even tougher than setting it up. But they managed to come out with flying colours. They divided the work among themselves and made sure that every aspect was taken care of.

Acknowledging the role of those who helped them, Siddharth said, “The whole endeavor couldn’t have been possible without the help of seniors such as Rakshit Tandon (cyber security expert), GP Sharma, Ravi Saini and Rittwick Visen, the creative team of – Rishav Kumar, Varun Gupta and several bright student interns. It is thanks to them that we have 150+ members associated with shoekonnect in the past 28 days. Among the 150 members, 20 are from other countries.”

Appreciating the initiative, Pooran Dawar, chairman of Dawar Group (leading Indian footwear manufacturer) and AFMEC (Agra footwear manufacturers and exporters chamber), said, “These kids are doing extremely well. As a shoe manufacturer, I felt the need for something like Shoekonnect. It will surely take India’s shoe industry to the next level.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Ishita Mishra, TNN / November 10th, 2014

IIT-K celebrates 55th foundation day

Education

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K), which completed its 55 years of existence on Sunday, celebrated its foundation day. The celebrations witnessed the participation of faculty members, students and alumni of the institute.

On this occasion, the institute administration felicitated its alumni by giving them `Distinguished alumnus award’. While Dipankar Das Sharma of 1977 batch was present to receive the `Distinguished alumnus award’, Jayadev Misra of 1969 batch and Vijay Kumar of 1983 batch were not present. The awards were presented by Prof Indranil Manna, director of the institute and Prof M Anandkrishnan, chairman, Board of Governors, IIT-Kanpur.

The `Distinguished alumnus award’ is the highest award instituted by the board of governors of the institute for its alumni in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Dr RK Sachan, registrar, IIT-Kanpur informed that the foundation day celebration programmes were held in three sections. He said that the programme began with a lecture delivered by Prof Baldev Raj, director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, who was the chief guest on the occasion. This was followed by distribution of Institute Fellow Award. The three personalities given this award were Prof SG Dhande, former director of IIT, Kanpur, Prof TVS Rammohan Rao, ex-faculty of IIT-K and Prof M Satyamurthy, director, IISER, Mohali. Prof Dhande was not present in the function.

The students present during the celebrations enjoyed every moment of the event. A group of students performed a band on the dias in the main auditorium. The programme ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Later, Prof I Manna, director of the institute while talking to newspersons said that the institute had planned to celebrate the foundation day on a much bigger scale. “We took a decision to invite school students on the campus on the foundation day and show them the technological advancements and research work done by the institute. But all this will be done in the next foundation day function”.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / November 03rd, 2014

Nehru defied British, made salt at Allahabad

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Allahabad :

Although much has been written and said about the famous Namak Satyagrah undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi, only a few would know that a similar disobedience movement was carried out by Jawaharlal Nehru at Sangam city way back on April 11, 1930.

When the movement was at its peak, Jawaharlal Nehru and his supporters had defied the British policy by making salt at the crossing of Hewitt Road and Crosthwaite Road (presently near Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Crossing) following which he was arrested for engaging in ‘illegal’ practice by the then British regime.

As per the then police and court papers, when the salt was measured it weighed around ‘one-fourth tola’ (around 2.75 gram). Nehru was arrested and produced before then city magistrate M S Sant, who ordered six months of rigorous imprisonment to him. The salt was kept with police till Independence and after it, when Nehru dedicated his ancestral house ‘Anand Bhawan’ to the nation, the salt was recovered and exhibited there for the visitors.

Regional archive officer Amit Agnihotri said, “As per the court judgement, Nehru was arrested and prosecuted under section 9 (c) of Indian Salt Act III of 1882 for abetting the manufacture of contraband salt on April 11 on open land near Crosthwaite Road.”

Further, when Nehru was informed of the charges and asked whether he pledge guilty or not guilty, he replied that he was not prepared to take any part in the trial.

Nehru even admitted in taking part in breaking the law, reveals the documents in possession with TOI.

Taking into evidence submitted by Naim-Ul-Haq, sub inspector of police who arrested Nehru, the city magistrate pronounced his order for six months of imprisonment.

After Independence, Anand Bhawan was dedicated to the nation and a trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, was formed to look after it. Along with all the belongings of Gandhi-Nehru, the salt too was then recovered from police and given to supervisor of the building R N Gupta for exhibition.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / November 09th, 2014

Christian community remembers departed souls

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow :

Observing the All Souls Day, Christians in the city prayed for departed souls in their family on Sunday evening.

Many of them went to the graveyard to clean graves and lighted incense sticks and candles on them. Some of them read a portion or two from the Bible while others prayed. Families also offered special prayers at their homes in the morning.

“It is an occasion to remind ourselves that we arise from soil and this is going to be our fate some day. therefore, we repent asking God and our ancestors to forgive us for deeds that went wrong consciously or unconsciously,” explained R F Bunny, president, United Christian Welfare Association UP which organised a programme at Nishatganj graveyard.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 03rd, 2014

IFS officer awarded for being alligators’ saviour

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Lucknow :

Lucknow-based Indian Forest Service officer, Sujoy Banerjee, has been conferred green warrior award by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for his efforts to save alligator population in the National Chambal Sanctuary and working towards the protection of wildlife.

The award was given to Banerjee in New Delhi on Monday. The award is an extension of work done by RBS through RBS Foundation India in the field of environment and wildlife conservation.

Conferring the award, RBS said it “recognizes the commendable work done in conservation of wildlife, natural resource management, environment protection, human lives and property” by Banerjee while serving as deputy conservator of forests at the National Chambal Wildlife Division.

Speaking to TOI, Banerjee said conservation of wildlife is a regular process that can’t be completed in toto. “Caring for wildlife is a sustained effort and natural habitats are at serious risks these days. Illegal activity in protected areas, lack of awareness among the villagers residing nearby the area along with degrading environmental conditions are some of the serious pointers that we need to protect and preserve wildlife,” he said. Banerjee added that illegal mining and fishing in the protected areas are the two main causes of concern for wildlife conservationists.

On the award, Brijesh Mehra, country executive India at RBS, said, “The dedication of the numerous nominees and winners of the Earth Heroes Awards is truly inspiring. They are actually making a difference to our vital environs. We believe that collective efforts of government, organisations and local communities can place a higher emphasis on environmental protection and spread awareness.”

Commending the help offered by his team at the vast wildlife habitat, Banerjee said only a few people work round the clock in shifts to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the near-extinct flora and fauna. “Alligators or their meat, skin and other parts are not directly used for any purpose. They are killed because they come in conflict with humans who try to illegally smuggle sands from the protected area. Also, many alligators get caught in the fishing nets and the illegal fishermen kill them without any motive,” he said.

During 2012-13, 55 nests of the alligator species were protected by the team of 41 conservationists which resulted in more than alligators being added to the wild. They also protected 74 nests of the critically endangered Red Crowned Roof Turtle.

Banerjee is currently posted in Noida and is working on a tree height measuring instrument ‘Sujoy’s altimeter’ which is under commercial production. Also, he is working on a new method of mitigating human-elephant conflict called the “chilly cracker technique”, which is currently under field trial.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Jayanta Deka, TNN / November 03rd, 2014