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IT City foundation laid, CM enlists achievements

About Uttar Pradesh, Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Lucknow :

Making a strong pitch for UP’s “visionary governance”, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Wednesday his Samajwadi Party government had envisioned a hi-tech city for Lucknow well before “others” launched the idea of “Smart Cities.” Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to build 100 Smart Cities, Akhilesh said “people are talking about Smart Cities today but I don’t see the difference between them and the hi-tech cities Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) proposed years ago.”

At the ground-breaking ceremony of the ambitious IT City, for which the state has partnered with HCL Technologies, the CM said UP government has taken several path-breaking decisions to strengthen UP’s infrastructure, from building four-lane highways to distributing free laptops and bringing metro rail project to Lucknow. “SP government is doing things according to the need of the day. At the same time it has not forgotten its tradition. Apart from getting Amul to set up its plant in Lucknow, we are also making cycle tracks,” Akhilesh added.

Inaugurating three key infrastructure projects for Lucknow—two of them in the IT sector—Akhilesh inaugurated UP’s second Indian Institute of Information Technology, and UP’s first IT City project. “Besides creating job opportunities for UP’s youth, these projects will increase importance of Lucknow and UP in the country,” Akhilesh said.

On Wednesday, the CM also laid the foundation stone of Medanta Awadh, the 1000-bed super specialty cardiology hospital by Gurgaon’s Medanta group in Lucknow. Speaking at the ceremony, Medanta chairman Dr Naresh Trehan said “I am a product of King George’s Medical College and had the dream to pay back Lucknow for what I learnt here. The aim of this hospital is to be able to deliver state-of-the-art health facilities to patients at affordable rates. We hope the government ensures we get this project off the ground as soon as possible.”

The IT City project, rechristened by the state government as CG City, will come up in Lucknow on a total of 830 acres of land. About 530 acres of this land pocket will be developed for residential purposed by the Lucknow Development Authority. As part of the state’s affordable housing policy, the government also plans to build low cost housing facilities on 10-acre plots to be given to beneficiaries with monthly income of Rs 8,000 per month.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / October 16th, 2014

Lucknow Expressions society hosts literary evening with british scholar Rosie Llewellyn Jones

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, World Opinion

It was a packed house when the Lucknow Expressions society organised another literary evening, this time with historian Rosie Llewellyn Jones.

Rosie Llewellyn Jones (left)
Rosie Llewellyn Jones (left)

Rosie’s writings on Nawab Wajid Ali Shah were released by filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who was the chief guest at the event. Introducing the audience to the life of Wajid Ali Shah, Jayant Krishna expressed disappointment over the lack of monuments or places in the city named after the Nawab.

“Perhaps, we are looking for the international airport to be named after him,” joked Jayant. Muzaffar Ali, on the other hand, spoke about a temple in Vrindavan with a statue of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.

The event concluded with a question-answer session, followed by high tea.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Renu Singh, TNN / October 16th, 2014

Quality education helps rustic talent blossom

Education

Surencha (Sitapur):

Class IX student of VidyaGyan (Sitapur), Prashant Singh is a happy-go-lucky boy. He was one among eight students selected for the Duke Talent Identification Program held sometime in Sonipat. Here, students did a three-week course in different subjects.

Son of a farmer in Hardoi, Prashant’s mother is a home-maker. “It (the course) was fantastic. My subject was forensic science. We were given to investigate a mock crime scene. The idea was to familiarise us with a crime scene, how to deal with it and what are the duties and jobs of an investigator,” said Prashant who aspires to become a forensic scientist. He, however, is also determined to create awareness in his village on use of fertilizers for enhancing crop quality.

At the workshop, Nancy Kulshrestha and Anupam Mishra studied social entrepreneurship and mathematical problem solving. Dreaming of becoming an IAS officer, Nancy took to social entrepreneurship because she wants to eradicate poverty in her village. On the other hand, Anupam who wants to be an IIT engineer is set to go back to his village and create awareness on the importance of education.

Class XI student Vaishali Dhariwal (along with three others) from VidyaGyan (Bulandshahr) met Usain Bolt after they won the ‘PUMA School of Speed Award’, India’s first national school-level running meet. “There were over 300 teams. We were nervous and excited at the same time. But when we ran, we saw we were better than others,” said Vaishali from Moradabad.

The batch of class X students at Bulandshahr passed with flying colours too. Around 60% students secured above 90% marks in board exams. Of these, 50% achieved 95% and above aggregate.

“We are seeing promising signs already. Our students, who have never stepped out of villages before they came here, are now travelling overseas,” Roshni Nadar Malhotra, trustee of Shiv Nadar Foundation that runs VidyaGyan schools, which run classes from VI to XII affiliated to the CBSE board.

VidyaGyan is the philanthropic arm of HCL promoter Shiv Nadar. Designed by the finest architects, VidyaGyan School campuses at Bulandhahr and Sitapur have sprawling acreage with state-of-art academic and residential facilities for students. The campus also houses an extensive sports complex with a basketball court on the hostel premises.

In all, there are 1,400 students and 92 teachers. This is targeted to increase three-fold and touch 4,200 in the next five years. Students are admitted after a three-tier selection process.

The SNF boasts of conducting one of the largest private selection and admission processes in India covering 75 UP districts. In 2014, it evaluated 2 lakh students for VidyaGyan of which 300 were inducted.

Students come from families of farmers and daily wagers in rural UP whose annual income is less than Rs 1 lakh.

The foundation has so far invested Rs 400 crore in these schools. The foundation has committed Rs 5,000 crore towards philanthropic initiatives, of which Rs 2,900 crore had already been incurred.

Going places

– 8 students selected for Duke TIP program that provides families and educators with an opportunity to identify and support academically talented students

– 2 students selected for an exchange programme with Brown University

– 1 student selected for an exchange programme with Lee University

– 1 student selected for the AFS YES Youth Exchange and Study Programme. The student has been adopted by a US family and is attending Thomas Alva Edison High School in Minneapolis

– 1 student selected for third annual edition of Doha Goals gathering of All leaders in Sport Forum

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Isha Jain, TNN / October 14th, 2014

Chestnuts rule market as costliest dry fruit

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Varanasi:

Gone are the days when cashew nuts and almond were known as kings in dry fruit markets.

Now in the pricelists of the dry fruits shops, chestnuts are mentioned as costliest not due to festival season or recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir but courtesy people, who follow the advice of Yoga gurus, Ayurvedacharyas and medical practitioners.

A dealer of dry fruits at Gola Dinanath Mandi said: “We are in this trade for generations but in past two-three years, a surprising trend has emerged as chestnuts, which were consumed mainly in winters, are now being sold round the year. Arthritis patients consume chestnuts on the advice of Yoga gurus and medical practitioners. It has resulted in shooting up of per kg price of chestnuts from Rs 1300 in the wholesale market to Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,200.

But, this change in consumption of chestnuts has diverted those buyers, who gift dry fruits during festivals like Diwali. Apricot had become its substitute to maintain the look of the gift packs, another wholesaler mentioned. It had reduced the price of gift packs by 50%. The markets of Gola Dinanath caters to demand of markets falling in a radius of 400 kms. General secretary of Kashi Kirana Vyapar Mandal Anil Keshari said that there are 126 wholesalers.

According to these traders, on an average per day trade of dry fruits remains above Rs 25 lakhs in volume. “The boom in this trade begins from sixth or seventh day of Shardiya Navratra and continues till Diwali. In comparison to normal days, the trading of dry fruits rises to five times per day in this period,” a trader said. The market revealed that major fluctuation in the prices of dry fruits like coconut, makhana, cashew and pistachio had been noticed four months back but now it is stagnant and there is no indication for further rise.

Traders consider that the rise in trend noticed in the price of almond has started changing now. The monsoon season when moisture damages many dry fruits is over now and the arrival of fresh dry fruits will also start in the market, which can bring the prices down in coming days. Indian raisin is losing attention because better quality Afghan raisin is available at cheaper cost despite import duty.

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / by Rajeev Dikshit, TNN / September 29th, 2014

No ‘Ravana vadh’ possible without this Muslim family

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Varanasi :

Sharadiya Navaratri is a time for celebrations for many but a Muslim family, away from all celebrations, is busy making effigies of demon king Ravana and his kin to be burnt on the tenth day of Navaratri, Vijayadashmi.

The members of this family, who believe that Vijayadashmi is the celebration of victory of good over evil, have been in this work for three generations.

Shamshad Khan, a member of the family said, “It has been 35 years since we are making effigies for Vijayadashami. We are the third generation of our family continuing the tradition.” About 8 members of his family are engaged in this work. They are now giving final touches to the huge effigies at Diesel Locomotive Works.

The materials used for making these effigies are bamboo, flour, waste sarees, taant (china rubber), colours, papers and sutli. “We get our materials from Guddi Silai, Chaukaghat and also Manduadih. Altogether three effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnaad are being made at DLW. These effigies are of 70-ft, 65-ft and 60-ft height, respectively”. Besides, five other effigies are also being made at Titthupur, Lahartara, Phulwaria, Kabirnagar and Babatpur.

Despite hailing from the Muslim community, these people prepare effigies and play a major role in Vijayadashami celebrations. Shamshad remarked, “The virus of communalism should be abolished and there should not be any animosity.”

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / October 02nd, 2014

KVT likely to engage CBRI to save temple walls

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Varanasi :

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has decided to rope in Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee for saving centuries-old temple’s artistic walls being ruined by the delay in removal of enamel paint.

However, the date of starting the work is yet to be decided as the trust meeting scheduled for Wednesday was once again postponed due to some undisclosed reason.

In 2008-09, the experts had opined that enamel paint applied on the temple was damaging its wall. Till 2013, the temple administration and trust knocked at the doors of Archeological Survey of India (ASI), National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC), NGOs and individual artistes for removal of paint. Now, they have turned to CBRI for the same.

KVT chief executive officer AK Awasthi told TOI, “The CBRI is seeking Rs 57 lakh to study the problem and find a solution. The decision to forward the issue to the state government for approval and sanctioning of budget was to be taken during KVT trust’s meeting on Wednesday.” However, he could not pin-point a date for forwarding the proposal.

Built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1977 the KVT, which enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva was, started facing threat after the enamel paint was applied on it in 1990s. The blunder of applying enamel paint on KVT walls was repeated more than five times in the past two decades. The temple is built of porous stones, which absorb water along with salt and mineral through capillary action. Plastic paint applied on the walls locked the moisture in stones causing damage to the structure. The attention of temple administration as well as state government was drawn towards it when general secretary of the Citizen Forum and former minister Shatrudra Prakash sought a white paper on the application of enamel paint in 2008-09.

Later the temple trust sought help of ASI and NRLC to examine the impact of enamel. After examining the effect of enamel paint the NRLC initially prepared an estimate of Rs 2.19 crore to remove it. But, when trust rejected this estimate the NRLC prepared another estimate of Rs 1.22 crore. But, this proposal was also not accepted by the trust as well as the temple administration. After these developments the temple was given proposals by NGOs and individual artisans for removal of enamel paints.

In 2013 the principal secretary (religious works) Navneet Sehgal had mentioned that some selected artistes can be allowed to start removing paints after the end of Maha Kumbh’s rush following Mahashivratri. But, now Awasthi claims that this work can be assigned to any government institution only due to which the decision for engaging CBRI has been taken. The officials are surely in no hurry but the adverse effect of delay is visible on the walls of the temple for past two-three years. In July 2012 a railing of a decayed portion had collapsed in which a priest was injured.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / by Rajeev Dikshit, TNN / October 09th, 2014

Razzak elected chairman of UP Bar Council

Business & Economy, Leaders

Lucknow-based lawyer Abdul Razzak Khan was declared elected as chairman of the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.

Razzak won unopposed as all the other contestants- Hari Shankar Singh, Anil Pratap Singh and Shree Nath Tripathi withdrew their nominations in his favour. All the 25 members of the Bar Council, who had to elect the chairman, were present at the headquarters of the Bar Council of UP at Thrornhill Road on Sunday.

Later, Khan promised to make all possible efforts to get welfare schemes for lawyers implemented. Outlinign his priorities, he said that first of all, he would persuade the state government to implement the insurance scheme worth Rs 5 lakh for the welfare of lawyers. Secondly, he assured to request the state government to implement the scheme of stipend to new lawyers.

He even warned the state government that if these two long standing demands were not fulfilled expeditiously, then he would lead the members on a dharna in front of chief minister’s residence on October 31, to pressurize the state government to provide all the necessary assistance to get these two welfare schemes for lawyers implemented.

He further promised to taken more steps for the welfare of lawyers after getting the aforesaid two demands implemented.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / October 12th, 2014

Rural cricket stars in a league of their own

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Lucknow :

Idiosyncratic batsmen, charged audience, nail-biting run chases, unpredictable results— It’s all there at the Indian Grameen Premier League (IGPL), a rural cricket tournament being played barely 18km away on the outskirts of the city.

Now in its third season, the IGPL which was started in December 2013 has in fact gained so much popularity among the local lads that foreign-educated MBAs, young entrepreneurs and budding politicians are among those who have either formed or joined one of the 16 participating teams. Among the strong contenders are BKT Superkings, BKT Blues, Bhawani Tigers, Rukhara Royals, Young Fighters, Eleven Fighters, Abbasiya Cricket Club and Chhatamil Cricket Club. Many of the popular players in these teams are known not by their original names but by the names of international players they resemble in playing style or looks.

For example, Atul Mishra of BKT Superkings is called Dhoni because of his helicopter shot and wicket keeping. Ranjeet Singh of Bhawani Tigers is often compared with Australian all-rounder David Hussey and Hafir Zubaid from Mohanlalganj team is known as Hashim Amla beacause of his looks and batting style. Another player from Mohanlalganj was cheered as Kieron Pollard because of his physique and ability to hit long sixes without footwork.

Participating in IGPL for the first time, London-return Manvendra Singh, the captain of BKT Superkings says, “Even after pursuing a business management course from Great Britain, I couldn’t leave my passion for cricket and decided to form my team. My team is a good mixture of young blood and experienced players.”

On the other hand, the captain of defending champions Bhawani Tigers is a home guard in the fire department, Sanjeev Singh. “No matter which team is playing, my players know how to uproot the stumps of the opponents. Unlike other players, who tend to shift to other teams for better opportunity after the season ends, our teammates stick together and that’s why we rule,” says Singh.

The man behind the sporting league, Anurag Bhadauria, better known as ‘Bhaiyaji’ among youths in the area, says, “Being a local and a diehard cricket fan, I initially thought of an idea to utilize the energy of idle and unemployed youths into something from which they can benefit from and hope for opportunities.”

Giving the example of Amrendar Yadav, a 31-year-old youth who does commentary for IGPL matches, Anurag said, “Like many other village boys, Amrendar too was depressed because of unemployment and even attempted suicide. But this league has given him opportunity for employment.”

He added, “Sports have a lot of potential to change the nation. Take the example of Brazil. Over here, we don’t have lush green grass or proper kits to play, but still these boys are trying to find opportunities in their passion.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / Arvind Chauhan, TNN / October 09th, 2014

Potters work overnight to meet demand of designer diyas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

This Diwali, the demand for designer ‘diyas’ has increased manifold and city based potters have started working meeting the requirement. A Naini based potter said, “Diyas occupy a special significance during the festival and the demand for for both ordinary and designer diyas has risen”. He added, “Despite the fact that markets are flooded with LED and Chinese lights, people are still going for the traditional diyas every Diwali. With the changing trends, potters too are wheeling out designer diyas. During the puja of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, people still light diyas as no electrical light can replace our traditional medium.”

Potters, however, said people now prefer diyas to decorate their houses as well. Pooja, a buyer said, “Diyas offer a unique picture on the festive occasion which could not be matched with lights”.

Archana Mishra, a house wife said, “LED lights cannot replace diyas. Even mythological tales on Diwali mention use of diyas. It is said that these earthen lights not only help in lighting the physical path but the spiritual path too.” Kumar, a potter, said, “The sales of designer diyas has picked up in the past few years. Besides small vendors, shops selling gift items too have started keeping designer diyas.” City potters are working overnight in order to meet the demand of designer diyas this festive season.

Currently, not only elders of the potter’s family but youngters are too busy designing diyas this Diwali. According to them, it is the best time to show their caliber by drafting designer diyas.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / October 12th, 2014

Freedom fighter Captain Abbas Ali dies

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Freedom fighter Captain Abbas Ali, 95, died of a heart attack around Saturday morning, at a hospital here.

Ali was a captain in the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Later he joined the socialist movement and was a close associate of Ram Manohar Lohia.

He left party politics in 1988.

His son senior journalist Qurban Ali told IANS: “Captain Sahab was active till the last minute”

Abbas Ali was born in in 1920 Khurja, Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Early in life he was inspired by Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS> Politics / IANS / Aligarh – October 11th, 2014