Category Archives: World Opinion

Retro beauties roll down city streets

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, Travel, World Opinion

Lucknow:

Sunday was a fun day for city’s motor sports aficionados and patrons of vintage cars and motorbikes. It was time to enjoy the ride in the retro beauties rolling down the streets of Lucknow. From Austin Chummy 1926 and Ford A 1928 vintage cars to Nortan, Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) and Royal Enfield motorcycles the annual vintage car and motorcycle rally once again brought back memories of a bygone era.

Organised by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club of Lucknow as a part of Lucknow Mahotsava, the vintage rally started from Koneshwar, Chowk after being flagged off by district magistrate Raj Shekhar.

Over 45 vintage beauties on wheels comprising 30 cars and 15 motorbikes were on the streets of Lucknow, the owners flaunting their priceless possessions.

Meandering through the roads of Old City passing through Rumi Darwaza, Chhota-Bada Imambaras, Hazratganj and also through the posh modern localities like Vibhuti Khand, the rally terminated at Indira Gandhi Prathisthan, Gotminagar.

Owner of the oldest vintage car Austin Chummy 1926, M A Khan, who has been participating in the rally for the past 21 years from the time Lucknow Mahotsava first organised such an event, said, “Old beauties always retain their charisma and preserving them helps conserve a cultural heritage.”

Along with the Lucknowites the rally comprised participants from other cities of Uttar Pradesh too.

Dr Tarun Sehgal, a resident of Sitapur and a proud owner of a treasured classic car, MGTC 1947 who has been participating in the event since past 11 years, said, “Every time I take out my MGTC 1947 model I enjoy the experience of driving and basking in the vintage glow.”

Secretary of Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club of Lucknow and also one of the participants, Sandeep Das believes though maintaining vintage or even for that matter classic vehicles is an expensive affair, the passion of the proud owners overrides the money spent and energy consumed.

In Car Parlance

Vintage cars- Cars manufactured before and till December 31 st 1939(Second world war) are called vintage cars

Classic cars- Cars manufactured between 1940-1962 are termed as classic cars.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Uzma Talha, TNN / December 01st, 2014

Supply Corps’ soldier saw first action as 21-year-old in WWI, recalls his daughter

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The Army Supply Corps, which completed 254 years of existence today, is undoubtedly one of the oldest units to serve the Indian Army. From World War-1 to Kargil conflict, the ASC’s has made its presence both during war and also during peace. And as the nation gears up to salute the officers and soldiers of the ASC, an octogenarian daughter of a World War veteran (who was a part of the Royal Indian Army Supply Core) recalls the life, action and time of her father during the turbulent period in the annals of world history.

Speaking to TOI, octogenarian Probhati Bose said that even before completing 21 years of age his father Bibhuti Bhushan Dey Majumdar had become a part of the British Army, and the first major action, which the young lad from Allahabad saw was the first World War (WW-1), which broke out on July 28, 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne in Sarajevo by a Yugoslav nationalist.

“My father (Bibhuti Bhushan Dey Majumdar) was born in the summer of 1893, and in January 1914 he joined the British Army’s Royal Indian Army Supply Corps. Within few months of joining, he got to see the first major action in World War-1, when he along with his regiment went to Mesopotamia to extend support to the infantry soldiers, who were facing the enemy bullets,” said Probhati Bose.

Recalling some of the stories narrated by her father (which she could recall), Bose said, “As per my father, mostly Punjabi Muslims and Sikhs fought for the Allies (Britain, France, Russia, US and others) against Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman empire. The Lahore and Meerut infantry divisions had to stop the Germans on the western front (in Europe). The soldiers also saw significant action in Mesopotamia, East Africa and South-East Asia.”

As per the New Delhi-based Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, India contributed immensely to the war effort in terms of both men and material. Her soldiers served in numerous battlefields – France and Belgium, Aden, Arabia, East Africa, Gallipoli, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Persia, Russia, and even in China. By the end of the war 1,100,000 Indians had served overseas at the cost of 75,000 dead. They earned more than 9,200 decorations for gallantry including 11 Victoria Cross (VCs).

However, the daughter of the World War veteran lamented that military history, which is taught in most of the schools or colleges, is virtually devoid of India’s contribution to World Wars. She said, “It is really unfortunate that most of the news channels or newspapers are obsessed about the Indo-Pak wars. It is sad that the media gives comparatively less coverage to the illustrious history of India’s contribution in the World Wars. And it is only on few occasions, that the World War veterans are remembered.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / December 08th, 2014

Web portal bridge for Indo-US study group

Business & Economy, Education, World Opinion

Lucknow:

Consolidating US-India ties, Lucknow University in a first-of-its-kind initiative will offer add-on courses in ‘American Studies in India’ from January. Students, both under and post graduate, opting for these courses can also connect with their American counterpart via a web portal which was launched by the department of English and Modern European Languages, Lucknow University in collaboration with Public Affairs Section, American Embassy on Tuesday.

The web portal would strengthen and promote American studies in Indian universities and colleges. Project coordinator Nishi Pandey said the forum would be interface with American students offering more content and database.

Launching the portal, director American Center and assistant cultural affairs officer, American Embassy Emily White stressed students and teachers use the American Centre Facebook page as medium for exchanging cultural and educational interests.

White said India studies is already a part of curriculum in many American universities and relevance of American studies in Indian colleges is important. Students opting for the certificate and diploma courses may study America’s history, geography, political developments, economy, foreign policy and international relations. “There will also be courses in American literature, feminism and gender issues and culture,” said Pandey. The courses were designed by experts from India and US over a period of five years.

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

Mauritius prez honours BHU’s Bhojpuri centre

Education, World Opinion

Varanasi :

The Bhojpuri Study Centre of Banaras Hindu University was awarded with ‘Vishwa Bhojpuri Samman’ by the president of Mauritius Rajkeswur Purryag at International Bhojpuri Mahotsava organised in Mauritius from October 29 to November 5.

The coordinator of Bhojpuri Study Centre Professor Sadanand Shahi said the award was given to BHU centre for its outstanding contribution for the promotion of Bhojpuri language and literature. After returning from Mauritius, Shahi said the BHU delegation also discussed the issue of establishment of ‘Bohojpuri Diaspora Centre’ at BHU with the President of Mauritius and other leaders.

He further added that during the festival it was unanimously decided that the next International Bhojpuri Festival and Conference will be held at BHU. The event was also attended by Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, UP speaker Mata Prasad Pandey and minister Ambika Chowdhary. Scholars from India, Fiji, New Zealand, USA and other nations also participated in the fest.

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

Canberra designer, buried in Lucknow, cited at G20

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

Brisbane/Lucknow:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott and US President Barack Obama the fascinating story of an American architect who had an emotional link with their countries.

The discussion among the leaders who met for the G20 summit here centered around Walter Burley Griffin, the well-known American landscape architect who designed Australian capital Canberra and who is buried in Lucknow.

Around 15 students from department of landscape, University of Western Australia will do a joint studio with second year Master of Architecture (M Arch) students of faculty of architecture (affiliated to UP Technical University) for the design of a memorial for Australian architect Griffin on the banks of river Gomti.

Christopher Vernon of the Australian delegation had earlier told TOI, “Griffin died in Lucknow on February 11, 1937 at the age of 61 years. He was buried here. Griffin and his wife Marion in their memoirs talked about walking on the banks of Gomti and so we thought it would be appropriate to have a memorial there.”

Griffin’s house in Butler Palace was destroyed. The only place which still exists is his house in New Hyderabad.

The prime minister shared with Abbott and Obama the fascinating story of Griffin, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. A couple of photos of the three leaders engaged in the discussion were posted on the spokesperson’s Twitter account. A photo of the final resting place of Griffin at Lucknow Christian Cemetry was also among them.

He is known for designing Canberra, Australia’s capital city and has been credited with the development of the L-shaped floor plan, the carport and an innovative use of reinforced concrete.

Influenced by the Chicago-based Prairie School, Griffin developed a unique modern style. He worked in partnership with his wife Marion Mahony Griffin.

In 28 years they designed over 350 buildings, landscape and urban-design projects as well as designing construction materials, interiors, furniture and other household items.

Through their contacts during their time at the Greater Sydney Development Association, Griffin won a contract in 1935 to design the library at the University of Lucknow in Lucknow.

Although he had planned to stay in India only to complete the drawings for the library, he soon received more than 40 commissions, including the University of Lucknow Student Union building; a museum and library for the Raja of Mahmudabad; a zenana (women’s quarters) for the Raja of Jahangirabad; Pioneer Press building, a bank, municipal offices, many private houses, and a memorial to King George V.

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

14 countries to attend carpet expo this year

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, World Opinion

Varanasi :

The 28th Indian Carpet Expo, organised by Carpet Expert Promotion Council, will start from October 10 to 13 at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) in Varanasi under the aegis of Union ministry of commerce.

Manufacturers from Varanasi, Bhadohi, Panipat, Mirzapur, Jaipur, Srinagar and Agra will exhibit wide range of hand-knitted, tufted carpets and floor coverings at the expo. The event provides an opportunity for traders to directly deal with buyers. The organisers would offer reimbursement of $500 for return air-ticket as well as free accommodation for two nights for potential buyers.

The guest of honour would be SSU vice-chancellor Prithvish Nag and textiles secretary Sanjay Kumar Panda will inaugurate the event. Around 400 carpet importers from 57 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, Germany, Britain and US are expected to participate. Buyers from countries like Bulgaria, Malaysia, Israel, Mauritius, Thailand and other 14 countries would also attend the expo.

Ex-Chairman Siddhant Singh said, “The rate of exports have increased and currently we have reached Rs 7,010 crores witnessing around 21% growth. Priorities have also been given to women in handicrafts and in the coming two years the growth rate is expected to cross 50%.”

He further alleged, “The present government might be better in other aspects but in terms of banking they are relatively slow. I also wish to inform that the UP government is not co-operative in terms of providing us space to organize the expo.”

CEPC Chairman, Kuldeep R Wattal complained about space for organising the expo, he said, “It would have been better if the vent was held in Sanskrit Shankul which is far-stretched as compared to the Sanskrit University.” He highlighted the problems associated in conducting the expo and said, “The interest rates are around 12% but since April, the interest submension is not fixed which used to be around 3%. On the other hand, the service tax is around 12.50% but even this is being overlooked by the government. As far as the appeal for Krishi Udyog is concerned, the government is still in doldrums about it.”

He further added that, “Prime motive behind holding Carpet Expo in Varanasi is to provide business opportunities to all the carpet buyers. We wish to make sure that the carpet importers and manufacturer-exporters are equipped with proper business environment.”

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

Meet the master behind flutes, big and small

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Agra :

Dinesh Shandilya, now 76, made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for designing and playing a five-feet long and 3.5 inch diameter width flute made of plastic pipe way back in 1996, but his passion for crafting the wind instrument in new shapes and sizes has not diminished even a bit over the years.

After a lot of experiments in the flute design, his latest creation is a 25-feet long flute with one inch diameter which he plays with ease. His name has also been recorded in Limca Book of Records for playing the smallest flute, just 4.5 inches long, in 2000.

For this engineer-turned-musician, the inspiration for playing flutes of various lengths came from his eagerness to play some difficult ‘ragas’. He says he could not find bamboo of desired quality and diameter even after extensive search, after which he used PVC pipes to make his longest flute to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

What’s more, he used sorrow as a motivating force to come up with something unique and beautiful. “I suffered from nervous breakdown and depression after the death of my younger brother and later, my wife. No therapy could cure me. I, at last, got solace in Vrindavan, where I heard devotional music in temples and flute recitals of Hari Prasad Chaurasia which helped me recover from illness,” says Shandilya.

Grief-stricken, he found solace in soul-stirring flute recitals, which led him to create something which has likely lent new dimensions in the mellowness and depth of notes in the flute.

Over the years, he has made several flutes of bamboo and fibre in sizes ranging from 9 inches to 25 feet, enabling him to produce notes of around 6 to 6.5 octaves. He has specially made bass flutes of different diameters so as to unfold elaborate rendition of profound and classical melodies of ragas like darbari, marwa, pooriya etc.

In the process, he says he has devised a new technique of finger manipulation suitable for playing different sizes of flute.

“Playing a flute is not easy, one needs to have strong lungs to start with. This can be achieved with practice. I spend more than four-five hours daily practicing the instrument. While designing new types of flutes, one has to keep in mind the quality of bamboo. It has to be lightweight and not have knots. The best bamboo is found in Assam,” he says.

In September 2014, Shandilya was conferred doctorate in record breaking ‘honoris causa’ for largest and smallest flute by the World Records University. His feats have been recorded several times by India Book of Records and Limca Book of Records since 1996.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Aditya Dev, TNN / October 31st, 2014

IIM-Lucknow & Kelly School of Business joint programme to run 2 batches in a year

Education, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The valedictory function marking the completion of second batch of one-year certificate programme in business analytics for executives (CPBAE) was recently organised, in which efforts of 26 participants were given due recognition. In 2013, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA started the one year certificate programme.

Speaking on the occasion, IIM-L director Prof Rajiv K Srivastava, said, “We have received encouraging feedback for this programme. Given the demand for the programme both IIM Lucknow & Kelley School of Business, Indiana University have decided to run two batches of Certificate Programme in Business Analytics in a year. The next batch is scheduled to begin from March 2015.”

The programme combines business strategy, business analytical tools and applications of analytics in selected business areas, namely finance, marketing and operations. The purpose of this programme is to develop skills and a mindset for participants that will allow them to identify and seize business opportunities using business analytics tools. The programme has both in-residence and online learning channels.

The programme is jointly taught by faculty from IIM Lucknow and Kelley School of Business, USA and on-campus modules are conducted from IIM Lucknow campus. The ceremony was chaired by the IIM-L director Prof Rajiv K Srivastava, MA Venkataramanan vice-provost for strategic initiatives, Indiana University; chairperson MDP (IIM-L) Prof Jabir Ali along with programme directors Prof Amit Agrahari and Prof Gaurav Garg.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / October 28th, 2014

Annu Rani returns with Javelin bronze to grand welcome

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Meerut :

Days after Meerut-based Annu Rani won a bronze medal in the women’s javelin throw event at the Asian Games in South Korea, she was given a grand welcome by people at Bahadurpur village on Monday afternoon. Villagers garlanded the 21-year-old several times over, and gifted her a shawl.

Amarpaal, Annu Rani’s father, who was at first not so enthusiastic about her interest in the javelin throw sport, said, “Villagers have given such a grand welcome to her that we are all feeling like celebrities.”

Annu Rani is the second contestant in these Asian games to have returned to Meerut with laurels. Seema Punia, who won the gold medal in the discus throw event, also belongs to Meerut. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav announced a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh to Punia.

On Monday, as Annu Rani returned, few people even remembered that when she first took to javelin throwing, her father and neighbours had tried to dissuade her.

“I would never have imagined that among these are people who opposed my participation in the games,” Annu Rani said. District president Meenakshi Gaur visited the family on Monday.

Annu Rani’s throw of 59.53 metres was her personal best, but Chinese duo of Zhang Li and Li Lingwei grabbed the first two places at the Asian Games, outperforming her.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Meerut / by Ishita Bhatia, TNN / October 06th, 2014