Monthly Archives: November 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

Doodnath Singh to get Bharat Bharti Samman

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

City-based doyen of literature Doodhnath Singh has been selected for the state’s highest literary honour Bharat Bharti Samman by the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan. The announcement was made in Lucknow. Singh would be felicitated with cash award of Rs 5 lakh, citation and a shawl.

Besides, litterateur Mamta Kalia would receive Lohia Sahitya Samman and Vibhuti Narayan Rao would be given the Sahitya Bhushan Samman.

Besides, Tamil litterateur M Govindrajan has been named for ‘Sauhard Samman’ for his works in Hindi while writer Dinesh Mani has been selected for ‘Sarjana samman’. Media analyst Dhananjay Chopra would be felicitated with Baburao Paradkar Samman.

Doodhnath Singh who was taking care of his wife admitted to a private hospital was not available for the comment.

It may be mentioned that 78-year-old Doodhnath Singh has authored popular novels like ‘Akhiri Kalam’, ‘Niskashan’ ‘Namo Andhakaram’, a collection of stories ‘Sapt Chehare wala admi’, ‘Dharmashetre Kurushetre’, a collection of poems, plays, memoirs and interviews. He has also edited several literary books.

Similarly 74-year-old Mamta Kalia is known for her lucid expression. Known for her short stories, she has also authored novels like ‘Beghar’ and ‘Narak Dar Narak’. She has been awarded with UP Hindi Sansthan’s ‘Yashpal Samman’.

She has also been awarded with ‘Bhartendu Samman’, ‘Sharad Joshi Smriti Samman’ and ‘Sahitya Bhushan Samman’.

Similarly, M Govindrajan has helped in propagation of Hindi literature in the Sangam City. City authors and theatre artistes have congratulated the litterateurs for their achievements.

“The honour will definitely motivate the writers to continue with their creative approach,” said Yash Malviya, noted lyricts and poet.

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

Murtaza restricts South Zone

Sports
Central Zone's Ali Murtaza being congratulatd by teammates after scalping four South Zone wickets. Photo: R.V. Moorthy / The Hindu
Central Zone’s Ali Murtaza being congratulatd by teammates after scalping four South Zone wickets. Photo: R.V. Moorthy / The Hindu

Central openers delight in the second innings

Central Zone was well-served by left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza’s four-wicket strike that restricted South Zone to 379 in its first innings on the third morning of the Duleep Trophy final here on Friday. At close, Central had established an overall lead of 111 runs with six wickets in hand.

Resuming at 308 for four, South faltered and lost the momentum against Murtaza’s sustained spell. After skipper Piyush Chawla foxed K. L. Rahul on a defensive prod, the South innings crumbled with the last five wickets contributing a mere 20. This was in sharp contrast to the character the team showed on the second day.

Vihari was the one to impress with his exceptionally timed strokes. He had mostly played second fiddle to Rahul but gifted his wicket when looking set to dominate. Rahul was dismissed for 185 (233 balls, 19×4, 2×6) while Vihari, who faced 97 balls, hit ten fours and two sixes.

Central was a transformed side when it batted the second time with openers Faiz Fazal and Jalaj Saxena demonstrating a refreshingly positive approach. They played their shots and grew in confidence to put on a 128 runs.

Saxena (71, 119 balls, 15×4) fell to his first false stroke. Soon, Fazal, batting attractively for his 139-ball knock 72 (11×4), succumbed to indiscretion when he swung and unerringly found the only fielder in the deep. It was a tame end to a brilliant innings.

The scores:

Central Zone — 1st innings: 276.

South — 1st innings: Robin Uthappa lbw b Saxena 80, K.L. Rahul b Chawla 185, B. Aparajith c N. Ojha b Pankaj 21, Dinesh Karthik lbw b Pankaj 0, R. Prasanna c N. Ojha b Pankaj 0, Hanuma Vihari b Murtaza 75, S. Gopal (not out) 13, R. Vinay Kumar lbw b Murtaza 2, A. Mithun lbw b Murtaza 0, P. Ojha c Saxena b Murtaza 1, H.S. Sharath c & b Saxena 0; Extras (lb-2): 2; Total (in 90.3 overs) 379.

Fall of wickets: 1-168, 2-231, 3-231, 3-233, 4-233, 5-359, 6-363, 7-366, 8-370, 9-378.

Central bowling: Pankaj Singh 20-3-67-3, Ishwar Pandey 17-2-72-0, Faiz Fazal 3-0-13-0, Ali Murtaza 13-1-59-4, Piyush Chawla 20.3-3-95-2, Jalaj Saxena 17-0-71-1.

Central — 2nd innings: Faiz Fazal c Aparajith b Vinay 72, Jalaj Saxena lbw b Ojha 71, Robin Bist (batting) 26, Naman Ojha c Uthappa b Gopal 27, Ashok Menaria lbw b Gopal 0, Mahesh Rawat (batting) 11; Extras (b-6, lb-1): 7; Total (for four wkts. in 62 overs): 214.

Fall of wickets: 1-128, 2-160, 3-195, 4-201.

South bowling: Vinay Kumar 10-1-56-1, A. Mithun 8-1-25-0, Pragyan Ojha 22-7-52-1, S. Gopal 10-2-43-2, H.S. Sharath 9-3-22-0, B. Aparajith 3-1-9-0.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Vijay Lokapally / New Delhi – October 31st, 2014

30,000 farmers attend Kisan Mela

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

The three-day Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Mela conducted by Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture University concluded on Friday. More than 30,000 farmers from different villages participated in the fair and gained knowledge about latest agricultural techniques.

During the closing ceremony, textile minister Shiv Kumar Beria said that organic fertilizers, seeds and other technologically advanced farming equipment should be provided at low cost to farmers for better yield. “India is an agricultural country. It is must that farmers are provided necessary equipment at a low cost. Farmers should also look towards animal husbandry,” Beria said. Kalyanpur MLA Satish Nigam was also present.

The highlight of the event was ‘Krishak Conference’ that gave a platform to farmers to discuss their farm and crop related problems with agricultural scientists and got useful tips. During the conference, the farmers also shared their beneficial experiences with others. A quiz session for farmers was also organised and the winners got prizes. As many as 92 stalls were set up that included 20 stalls by different departments of the university.

CSA vice-chancellor Munna Singh highlighted the achievements of the university in terms of education and research work. He asked farmers to adopt crop diversification and integrated farming system.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / November 01st, 2014

Nawabs and their love to see self on canvas

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

Lucknow :

Narcissism omnipresent now in the form of ‘selfies’—pictures people click of themselves—was manifest in the form of portraits the high and mighty got painted of themselves for posterity. Nawabs of Avadh contributed immensely to the Company School of Painting, a genre of portraits during the British Raj, providing opportunity for many artists. They created vivid testimonies of the socio-cultural practices of the period.

The nawabs’ patronage to painters became a tradition. At a workshop in the city, Indian and Bangladeshi painters drew inspiration from ‘How nawabs patronised the palette’.

* Tilly Kettle’s Father and Son

Tilly Kettle (1735-86) was a portrait maker from London who traveled to India with the East India Company. He met Shuja ud Daulah in Calcutta where he painted his portrait and later accompanied him to Faizabad. He captured many facets of the aristocratic life but his most famous work was portrait of Shuja-ud-Daulah with his heir apparent Asaf ud Daulah. “The nuances of their work are remarkable. The intricacies as in the bejeweled ‘bajuband’ (armlet), and poise on the face of the two kings is an inspiration,” says Vipul Varshney, a city architect. Painters from Delhi such as Mir Kalan Khan also found refuge in Avadh with Mughal aristocracy declining.

* John Zoffany’s Cock-fight

The tradition of patronising painters was inherited by Asaf ud Daulah. This benevolent nawab is given credit for making Lucknow a subject for painters. The grandeur of his personality was captured on paper by Johann Zoffany (1733 – 1810), a painter of German origin and the work became a stencil for many local artists. Myraid representation of cock-fight match in the court of Avadh speaks volumes of the times. Claude Martin and another painter Ozais Humphery (of the Jane Austen portrait fame) are also in the picture. Later, Martin became a route for entry to the nawab’s court. Ozais made the painting of Haider Beg Khan (1786), a royal in nawabi court. The work, now in Victoria and Albert museums of London, showed that painters found clientele in people other than nawabs too.

* William Hodges, the first professional

Better known for a voyage to the Pacific Ocean, Hodges came to Avadh in 1778, under the patronage of Warren Hastings. He was one of the first British professional landscape painters to visit the country. He remained here for six years, staying in Lucknow with Claude Martin in 1783. His painting of (Fatehpur Sikri) is in Sir John Soane’s Museum. His depiction of the nawabi palace in Faizabad is noteworthy.

King Nasir-ud-Din Haider’s role

This nawab would be remembered more for promoting local artists. One of the paintings of the King with an English lady, probably the wife of Lord Bentinck, is quite striking. It shows the influence of British lifestyle on Avadh. A research work by Neeru Mishra has studied over 300 paintings on Krishna done by artist Ram Prasad who was known to be patronised by Nasir-ud-Din Haider, bringing to fore the nawab’s faith in the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.

Fusion of genres

Researcher Pran Neville has noted that Indian artists took the opportunity to work for their new British patrons, especially because the traditional patronage of Indian rulers and their courts was rapidly declining. “While adopting some features of Western art they took care to preserve traditional elements. Since their own skills were more than adequate, they did not need formal training from the British,” he writes. Scholars at Colombia University also noted that Zoffany was being imitated by local artists. One of his famous works, portrait of Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah, has seven versions besides the original.

Price of vanity

Getting a portrait made was a costly affair. Artists even advertised in newspapers to reach out to clients. One such advertisement that appeared in April 1798 was given by one lesser known artist named Morris. He charged 15-80 gold mohurs for different sizes such as bead size, three quarters, kit cat, half length and whole length. Zoffany charged Rs 2,500 from the wife of a British officer. “The well-to-do, in fact, were ready to spend any amount to get their portraits made for it was a fashion statement,” suggests Neville.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / November 02nd, 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