Monthly Archives: October 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

IIT-Kanpur adds hope to Moonj craft revival dream

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Science & Technology

Kanpur :

Nineteen-year-old Meena Kumari can now make a moonj basket on her own. She also dreams to be an entrepreneur and revive the dying art of weaving Moonj baskets from grass. Sahana, a moonj craftsperson, wants awareness about this form though her children do not wish to follow the family tradition.

Meena and Sahana’s dreams are fired by a bunch of students of IIT-Kanpur students who are helping them in various ways under an MHRD initiative to revive this famous craft form of Uttar Pradesh, products made of wild grass called “moonj.”

And, as the institute gets immersed in its annual fest – Antaragni – Meena and many practitioners of the art proudly display their skills at a stall on the campus.

Meena was trained in less than three months by students associated with the research lab under IIT-K’s master of design programme.

“Moonj products are simple but attractive and eco-friendly,” said Meena, who studied computer science from an ITI, as she sat knotting the grass in spirals at the stall on Friday.

Naini, a village on the banks of Yamuna in Allahabad, is a major producer of moonj. Moonj and kasa are types of wild grass that grow on the banks of the Yamuna. The grass are found in abundance along the air strip in Kanpur too.

“Moonj is the outer layer of a type of grass called ‘sarpat.’ This layer is peeled off and knotted as it is easy to store and dry. These knots are locally known as ‘balla’. Kaasa grass is dried and wrapped with moonj grass by rolling around kaasa. The motifs of basketry are created by adding colored grass (after dyeing the original grass) in between,” said trainers Pooja Mishra and Jyoti Bahadur of IIT-K.

Nearly 90% of womenfolk in Naini are involved in moonj basket making. “I am making moonj products since four decades. But, my kids do not want to do this as they do not find this lucrative. I am happy that awareness about this craft is growing which will lead to people coming forward to get this form into the mainstream,” said Sahana, a moonj craftsperson from Naini.

Textile designer Neelam Gupta (28) left her job in Delhi to learn moonj craft. “I have seen my mother work on moonj craft since I was six. However, she could not continue as she had myopia and nobody from our family took interest in this craft form. When I got to know about this project, I decided to leave my job and work for reviving moonj craft,” said Neelam.

Moonj coiled grass products are used as containers, food storage devices, coasters and wall decorators. “Moonj craft also has traditional significance as the products are gifted to women in ritual functions and weddings,” said Pooja. Recent additions are cooker cover, bowl stand, glass cover, and cutlery box.

Project in-charge, Koumudi Patil who is a faculty of humanities and social sciences at IIT-K, said: “We are working to develop the community by looking into their frugal technology to promote moonj craft right at the grassroot level. The project aims to take the craft to the mainstream. Artisans will be engaged with the design process as well as entrepreneurship training so that they can earn their own livelihood.”

Besides, students at IIT-K who are part of the project are devising a mechanism to upgrade the technology in order to increase production. “The manual process is time consuming. At times, it takes weeks to design a moonj product. We are trying methods, which can be used in needle movement for knotting the spirals so that the products are masterly crafted. To create a space in the market, we need to increase production without affecting employment,” said Mohit Soni, final year mechanical engineering student involved in the project.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Isha Jain, TNN / October 11th, 2014

Sangam City a part and parcel of 160 yrs of postal service

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

The postal department will complete 160 years of glorious service on Wednesday. However, many of us are unaware that the Sangam City has been a vital spot in this journey and has many firsts to its credit. From the launch of first horse cart postal service to air-mail and railway-mail service, the city has always been the first choice.

The credit of launching horse cart service in 1841 goes to prominent trader of chowk area Lala Thantimal. Owing to diversified business, he felt the need for a speedy mail service and hence the first horse cart service came into existence. His mail service also used to carry letters of public but for a price.

The launch of service led to Lala Thantimal’s business growing by leaps and bound. Later, he finally settled in Kanpur. “A decade later, he started postal company ‘Inland Transit Company’. Initially, the company carried mails and parcels between Kanpur and Calcutta (now Kolkata). The services were later expanded to Meerut, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi,” said director, postal services, Krishna Kumar Yadav. Thantimal’s great grandson Vinod Tandon now lives in Kanpur but is engaged in separate business. Incidentally, Yadav has conducted an extensive research on the topic.

In another first, the Britishers in 1864 launched railway-sorting section between Allahabad and Kanpur. “The section was later converted into rail mail service which now occupies over 70% of postal delivery services in the country,” said the director.

The world of postal services was, however, revolutionized by world’s first airmail service. It too was started from Allahabad to satellite town of Naini in 1911 and carried letters of freedom fighter Motilal Nehru written to his son Jawaharlal Nehru.

“The first air mail took off from the Parade Ground in February 18, 1911. It carried 6,500 letters and after 13 minutes it landed near the Central Jail in Naini,” said Kumar, adding Allahabad was the most suitable place for starting the postal service as it was situated between Kolkata and New Delhi and between Mumbai and New Delhi.

It may be mentioned here that a clergyman of the Holy Trinity Church, currently situated on Sarojini Naidu Marg, requested Englishman Walter Windham to participate in an exhibition on Parade Ground with his aircraft. There, Windham performed an aerial show to raise funds for the construction of a hostel. As a part of their contribution, a lot of people had also posted letters with postage stamps which were delivered to Naini.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / Vinod Khanna, TNN / September 30th, 2014

UPSNA revives Akademi awards after 12 years

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow:

The prestigious Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) awards for music, dance and drama which were discontinued in 2003 have been revived. This was announced by UPSNA president Naved Siddiqui and secretary Veena Vidyarthi on Thursday.

“Besides a shawl and brass plaque, awardees will be given a purse money of Rs 10,001 on November 11,” said Siddiqui.

The past 12 years awards will be given in retrospect in two phases. To begin with, awards this year will be given for those entitled between 2003-2008 and in the next financial year the remaining till 2014 will be honored.

Out of the 115 entries, 66 have been shortlisted (11 artistes are awarded annually) to be honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi awards and 12 for Ratan Sadasyata at the three-day fest from November 11-13 to mark the centenary of UPSNA.

Ratan Sadasyata will be given to Sulochana Brahaspati (classical music) and Hari Prasad Chaurasiya (flute) for 2003; N Rajan (violin) and Daya Prakash Sinha (stage drama) for 2004; Savita Devi (light classical music) and Rajan Mishr (classical music) for 2005; Chhannulal Mishra (classical music) and Anoop Jalota (light classical music) for 2006; Saadat Hussain (qawwali) and Anil Rastogi (drama) for 2007 and Mudra Rakshas (drama) and Wilayat Jaafri (drama) for 2008.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / October 10th, 2014

‘Fellow of Academy’ award to BHU prof in plastic surgery

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Varanasi:

Head of the department of plastic surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Prof V Bhattacharya was awarded with the ‘Fellow of Academy’ by National Academy of Medical Sciences for his immense contribution in the field of medicine along with the new inventions in plastic surgeries.

Every year, National Academy of Medical Sciences awards the diligent plastic surgeons for their contribution in the field of medicine and this year, Prof V Bhattacharya has been chosen and would be honoured at the 54th National Convention on October 18 in Hrishikesh.

Prof V Bhattacharya is known for the invention of new technologies and contribution in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgeries and has also received various accolades like Kilner Prize, HariOm Ashram Award for his work and contribution in the field of medicine. For the holistic development of the world of medicine, he has also created two short films of which ‘Sushrut – The Father of Plastic Surgery’ holds a significant place on an international level.

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

Clean India campaign unearths century-old record

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

While preparing for Thursday’s ‘Swatch Bharat’ campaign, the Department of Post recently stumbled upon century old records hidden beneath stacks of files in its store room. The archival documents, throwing light on the functioning of postal services in the British regime, were in a dilapidated state.

The officials and the public have so far been oblivious to the existence of such records that have academic interest. As the officials went through the records maintained in English, Hindi and other languages, they were surprised to find many unknown facts, including the one that malaria drug ‘quinine’ as earlier used to be sent through post offices.

The document says, “Quinine is almost finished. There is a stock of only two packets. The branch master should write to assistant director, public health malaria, Lucknow for new supply.”

Similarly, records dated January 24, 25 and 26, 1905 and signed by the then Post Master General of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh (border almost identical to present Uttar Pradesh) says, “The horses of Allahabad are the best I have seen in this circle. Most of them are in very god condition, but some are thin. Post Master has prepared a statement which shows that some of the horses are overworked.”

He wrote that he want a similar statement from Cownpore, Lucknow and Agra after which he would take any action.

Further during the inspection, the then British Post Master General found plague had hampered the work in the city and the number of absentee in the office had also increased affecting the work.

The document reveals that Allahabad had earlier been the focal point of business transaction among others. Now the officials have decided to maintain and preserve the records.

“The swatch bharat abhiyan was a blessing in disguise as we got rare records related to postal services in Allahabad circle. The service of the circle was termed as the best by the then Post Master General. At present the records and documents running into several pages are being studies and will be preserved,” said KK Yadav, director postal services, Allahabad region.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / October 01st, 2014