River Ganga conservation campaign

                                                         By Girish Kumar Dubey

Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 16:00[IST]

Varanasi, Nov 16 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police have organized a campaign from Haridwar to Varanasi to create awareness among people to save the River Ganga.

The campaign was initiated by the personnel of the Uttar Pradesh police in which personnel of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Security Force (BSF) were also included.

"There is lack of awareness among people and Ganga is becoming more and more polluted. As it is a heritage possession of our elders, so we are trying to spread awareness among people to keep the river clean," said Deep Chand Yadav, PAC official.

"At a few places the river is clean but at few places it's very dirty. Polythene and dead animals

are flowing in the river. So, at every bank, with the help of the locals, we tried our best to clean the river," said Maan Singh, a policeman.

In recent years, non-stop inflow of untreated civic waste and industrial effluents has turned the Ganga into a polluted water body.

The Government has planned to end discharge of untreated waste into the Ganga by 2020.

Though the Union Government enacted Ganga Action Plan in 1985 to clean the river, much of the action seems to have confined to papers. (ANI)

Ads by Google

Download Handbooks about
Grundfos Water Utility Solutions.
Wherever Water Matters...
water-utility.grundfos.com

Job Openings in L&T
Best Jobs in Top Companies in India
Upload your Resume for Free
HTCareers.in/L&T_Jobs

Launching Lenovo V460
Intel® Core™ i3 powered affordable
Laptop for growing businesses.
www.lenovo-india.in/SME

Dozens injured as Samajwadi party activists clash with police in Varanasi

                                                            By Girish Kumar Dubey

Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:10:50 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi, Oct 23 (ANI): Dozens including women were injured when Samajwadi party activists demonstrating against Mayawati Government clashed with police here today.
Police baton charged and used water canons to disperse the party workers who were staging a demonstration.
Samajwadi party, which was dislodged from power in the state by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) during last elections, has been accusing Mayawati as "anti development."
As per reports, police asked party workers to be calm as they were raising slogans against Mayawati as part of their three-day statewide campaign.

Police arrested about 150 party workers during the clashes.
Those injured have been sent to a nearby hospital.
Samajwadi party launched the statewide campaign against the Mayawati government following cancellation of the land allotment for a much hyped rail coach factory in Congress party President Sonia Gandhi''s Rae Bareli constituency.
On Sunday, Mayawati had announced cancellation of land allotment, a day before Gandhi was to attend a rally for a ground-breaking ceremony.

State authorities had cited resentment among displaced farmers as the reason for the cancellation of the land deal.
Mayawati said that the railway coach factory in Rae Bareli was part of a political conspiracy to mislead the poor, specially the residents of the constituency.

On Monday, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had directed the state and the Centre to maintain the status quo on the land allotted to the Railways for setting up of a rail coach factory in Rae Bareli.
Although the state government has reversed its decision, the Congress party''s hope of getting the project off the ground well before the Parliament elections are announced seems doomed. (ANI)

People offer special prayers after River Ganges is declared National River

                                                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey
                                                                      
Monday, November 10, 2008 6:38:26 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi, Nov 10 (ANI): Thousands of people offered special prayers in Varanasi on Sunday after the holy river Ganges got the status of country''s first national river.

Country''s Central government declared the river Ganges first national river on Tuesday with a separate authority to monitor its cleanliness.

Seers including head of the Jyotish and Dwaraka Pith Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand performed rituals amidst chanting of sacred hymns.

Swaroopanand expressed happiness over Government''s gesture, which would mean better and concerted efforts for cleaning the river battling pollution.

I want to convey my thanks to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on declaring Ganges a national river. I also want to say that by doing that he has won hearts of many countrymen and he will find an immortal place in the history. We now want him to accelerate pace of activities intended to clean the water of the Ganges, said Swaroopanand.

The residents are also upbeat and expect that the initiative will help their campaign for clean Ganges.

Now we feel that this step will help in cleaning the water of the Ganges and we would get the Ganges as clean as the one in Himalayas, said Asha Aggarwal, a resident.

The Prime Minister will chair the proposed Authority and Chiefs of the states through which the river flows would be its members.

Various agencies working on different aspects of river conservation and pollution management would be brought together under the proposed authority.

Environmentalists and scientists in India are concerned as the pollution levels in the river have reached alarming proportions.

Ganga or the Ganges, which finds a mention in mythological as well as historical texts, is in a pitiable condition.

The banks of the river present an ironical picture. On the one hand religious activities like prayers, recital of hymns and fire-rituals take place. On the other, heaps of garbage lies unattended.

One of the major causes of polluting the river is the cremation of human bodies on the banks of the river, the practice of throwing bodies into the river and immersion of flowers and other articles into the Ganga after performing religious rituals.

Hindus immerse the ashes of their deceased or just leave the bodies to be taken away by the "holy waters" to a heavenly abode.

Nearly 88 per cent of the pollution originates in 27 cities located along the banks of River Ganga and its tributaries.

Industrial effluents account for a quarter of the entire rubbish being thrown and pumped into these rivers.

Domestic and industrial pollution, combined with deforestation, use of pesticides and fertilisers and other factors, have rendered the water of River Ganga unfit for drinking. (ANI)

Tibetan robes in great demand in Varanasi

                                        
                                                             By Girish Kumar Dubey

Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:32:21 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi, Dec 11 (ANI) Varanasi, famous for silk, is fast emerging as a market for the traditional Tibetan robes.
Tibetan robes made of brocket cloth and peacock feather has been given a special place in Buddhist religion. The Buddhist monks consider it as a holy cloth and use it in every religious activity and ceremony.
According to the exporters, the demand of robes made of peacock feathers is high in foreign countries and fetch a good deal of foreign clients.
"Peacock feather is in great demand in foreign countries and the Tibetan use it in their religious works also," said Badruddin Ansari, an exporter.
The main source of income for the weavers involved in the making of these robes comes from the sale of brocket cloth and regular export helps them to earn their livelihood. According to the Buddhist monks, the cloth is so pristine that to wear it, a man has to prove his qualities. Only monks of high status in Buddhist religion can use it.
"Varanasi silk cloth is very famous and it has been given high status in our religion, so a common man can"t use it. There should be some merits for a man to use it. It is mainly used in Chatpadu, Tibetan Lohsan, religious functions and programmes," said Karma, a Buddhist monk.
Tibetan exiles set up makeshift shops every year for two months at various places in India as winter approaches and make brisk sales at reasonable prices. (ANI)

Moral crisis responsible for global economic woes: Dalai Lama

                                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:46:02 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi, Jan.14 (ANI): Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has said that a moral crisis in the world is to blame for the global economic woes. Selfishness and a lack of spirituality and culture in the world were key causes for the current crisis in the world''s financial markets, he told Buddhist students in Varanasi.

The 73-year-old Nobel peace prize winner said people had forgotten how their own fortunes and those of others were connected.

"People have become selfish and materialistic, which has led to the economic slowdown," said the Dalai Lama at a gathering of 20,000 students at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies.

He said the solution was in recognising our interdependence, valuing education and protecting the natural environment.

He said that people needed to be less interested in consumerism, less selfish and to understand that if we want to survive and be happy, everyone must survive together. (ANI)

Handloom weavers protest in Varanasi against Chinese imitations flooding Indian markets

Handloom weavers protest in Varanasi against Chinese imitations flooding Indian markets                                                                                         
                                                        By Girish Kumar Dubey
  

Thursday, November 06, 2008 9:08:30 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi , Nov 6 (ANI): Scores of handloom weavers took to streets on Thursday in Varanasi , famous for its world renowned Banarasi sarees, against the cheap quality Chinese imitation products flooding the market.

The Banarasi saree, named after Varanasi ''s old name, Banaras , is the city''s most famous export item.

The Banarasi saree that became popular during the Mughal era, is a cottage industry for millions of people around Varanasi .

The Banarsi saree industry has also been adversely affected due to the import of cheap Chinese fabric, official reports say.

Powerloom owners have been producing cheap imitation products at various places, helped by computer-assisted copying of designs. According to protestors cheap imitation products are doing roaring business while highly skilled weavers who produce the original product suffer.

When weavers had less work, some women weavers shifted to zardozi but there too their livelihood prospects were dimmed by the import of a Chinese machine.

The weavers lamenting loss in business due to imitations of the Banarasi sarees being sold at less prices, said they were forced to take to streets to make their pleas heard to the authorities.

Earlier we used to do good business in Banarasi sarees, but slowly it started falling, because of the Chinese sarees which are being sold at lesser price than our sarees. Banarasi sarees require more labour, money and expensive raw material, but people are selling imitation of Banarasi sarees in cheap quality Chinese material, so our business is being affected badly. After facing lot of hardship we have today decided to take to streets as for how long can we go on living in penury? said Razia Begum, a protester.

The weavers also want the government to award patent to the Banarasi sarees, in order to save them from cheap imitations.

The weavers also sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with their list of demands.

The business has seen a major slump in last few years, forcing many weavers to adopt alternative livelihood like working as construction worker, or pulling rickshaw or migrating to other cities in search of work.

According to data available through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working with the weavers, the number of people employed in the once thriving industry has reduced from around 700,000 people to 250, 000 people only. (ANI)

Fluorosis cripples villagers in Sonbhadra village in UP

Fluorosis cripples villagers in Sonbhadra village in UP

                                                              By Girish Kumar Dubey 
Sat, 12/22/2007 - 19:11

Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 22: A large number of villagers of Sonbhadra village in Uttar Pradesh are suffering from fluorosis due to the excessive fluoride content in the ground water that these villages draw to drink.

They are facing the risk of becoming handicapped due to excessive fluorosis Chopan, Dudhi and Myorpur and Babhni Blocks. The excessive fluoride in water has given rise to several orthopaedic problems.

"Water is the main problem in our village. Earlier, we didn't have any hand pump or well in our village. People used to drink water from open streams and have consequently become victims of deformities and diseases, " said Shambhu Prasad Patel, a villager.

Majority of the affected persons have to work hard to earn their daily bread. With weak bones, none of them is able to toil.

Since the villages are isolated, these hapless rural folk have no easy access to public health services. With some of them forced to travel over 50 kilometres for a public health centre and a hospital.

Authorities of the State Health Department however claim that health camps are being set up for the villagers.

"This problem is prevalent in nine villages of three blocks of the district because of excessive fluoride content in water. We have provided every facility for the treatment of the people who are handicapped or are suffering from any disease due to water, " said Dr. Ganesh Prasad, Chief Medical Officer of Sonbhadra District.

Another grouse of the villagers is that the government is not showing any concern as not even ten percent of the affected and handicapped persons have been issued certificates that they are handicapped.

Villagers hope that the concerned officials in the administration will take effective steps to stem the rot.

Fluorosis is a condition caused by the excessive intake of fluorine and is commonly of two types - Skeletal Fluorosis and Dental Fluorosis. As the names suggest, it first affects the bones due to excessive accumulation of fluoride in bones and the latter affects the teeth. (ANI)

Japanese help rickshaw puller to open school for destitute kids

Japanese help rickshaw puller to open school for destitute kids

                                                                    by Girish Kumar Dubey

Tue, 05/27/2008 - 14:22.

• Uttar Pradesh
• Varanasi

Varanasi, May 27 : About 40 Japanese have come together to construct a school for destitute children in Varanasi.

A Japanese journalist met Salim, a rickshaw puller, during his visit to India and over a period of time, they became friends.

Salim, who nurtured a dream for opening a school for poor and destitute children, shared this with Shin Ekeda.

Ekeda supported Salim and mobilizing his friends in Japan to join the cause.

On his return to Japan, Ekeda succeeded in collecting funds for the project and came back to India to fulfill Salim's dream in Ratta Pur Village.

"I met Salim. He has a family and dreamt of making a school for poor children. I spoke to him, and thought we could do something. I went back to Japan and spoke to my friends. Around 20 to30 people have come forth and contributed towards the construction of the school. We bought land in this village," Ekeda said.

Salim's dream project has taken shape in the form of the 'Mother Baby Kindergarden School'. The construction of the school is now in full swing.

A group of Japanese are also engaged in the dream project.

"I am used to working with foreign countries to help poor people and also the handicapped. I heard from one Japanese about this and came here to build a house for street children," said Myco Kukomutp, a Japanese.

Salim has been treating them like his family, as the group has also shown immense trust in his family.

"We treat them like family and they have shown a lot of trust in us. They have come here and are building an English medium school for poor children and the education is free of cost," said Salim. (ANI)

Toy industry in Varanasi passing through a rough phase

Toy industry in Varanasi passing through a rough phase

                                                                  by Girish Kumar Dubey

Thu, 03/13/2008 - 14:18.

• Business News
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Mar 13: Toy industry of Varanasi is losing its sheen as it has been forced to use low quality woods following the ban on 'Koraiyya' wood traditionally used for making toys.

The cottage industry has suffered a setback due to the ban on the supply of Korraiya wood as per the forest preservation act.

The colorfully designed toys depicting dolls, animals, birds and other figurines have been in huge demand besides the domestic markets in many countries including France, Russia, Germany and Hong Kong.

But that is not the case now as Varanasi's toy industry is no longer producing quality products for which it has been known.

Coupled with electricity woes the problems of the industry have complicated as it is compelled to use low-grade Eucalyptus wood.

"First, we have problem of electricity and then the problem of wood because of which the business has faced a set back. Earlier, we used to get 'Koraiyya' wood for making toys, but now there are woods like Eucalyptus. Before our products had good finishing, but now toys doesn't have good finishing and shine. The wood that we use now is waste for us because it is only fit for burning and grows naturally. Apart from this, woods that we use now are expensive and wet and the manufacturers are not satisfied with the quality," said Ram Shankar, a toy maker.

The toy makers claim that the wood that is being used now not only lacks the requisite finish, but toys made from it develop cracks in course of time and this has lead to the decline in the marketing of the toys.

The toy makers hold the government policies responsible for their woes.

"The attitude of the government is callous. Had it been concerned then the way it had planted trees like Eucalyptus it should have grown 'Koraiyya' tree with the help of the forest department. It could have taken some steps to help us and that could have helped in the growth of the industry and the number of people engaged in the business could have increased manifold and the toy making business could have done wonders in the market but sadly it is not the case," said Brahmanand Sharma, an exporter.

Due to the lack of governmental support many toy makers unable to withstand the crisis have switched to other businesses.

The number of artisans engaged in toy making has also declined to 300 from 4,000.

These artisans are still clinging to the traditional craft hoping that the government will take some initiative to bring them out of the woods. (ANI)

Massive campaign to cleanse polluted water of River Ganges

Massive campaign to cleanse polluted water of River Ganges

                                                              by Girish Kumar Dubey 

Thu, 02/21/2008 - 00:34.

• India News
• Global Warming
• Satya Narayan
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Feb. 20 : To prevent the holy River Ganga from further pollution, a massive campaign has been launched from West Bengal's Gangasagar, the point from where River Ganga flows into Bay of Bengal.

Organised by Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, the 99-day campaign named "Ganga Sanskriti Pravah Yatra" which commenced on February 1, reached Varanasi earlier this week.

The campaign would conclude at Gangotri, the origin point of River Ganges on May 11.

"People have lost their faith in those who give speeches. They have even lost their faith in the Saints. There have been so many swords coming out during the Kumbh fair to take a dip in the river Ganga, if the same come out even to save, the river could be saved.," said Satya Narayan Baba, an artist.

"It is a group effort of Ganga Mahasabha and 145 other organisations from Ganga Sagar and Gangotri. We have called for this yatra (campaign) completely on the trust of the people of this nation and those living on the banks of River Ganga and not the government. The people who have come riding on boats in this Yatra are not a sponsored lot," said Acharya Jitendra, National Secreatary of Ganga Mahasabha, an RSS outfit.

"We believe soon a time will come when even the public would come out on roads to save the sacred River Ganga", Acharya Jitendra added,

"Pollution and commercialization has increased a threat to river Ganga. The society is also polluting Ganga in the name of development. We believe this initiative would help in creating awareness regarding cultural and water pollution," said Indresh Kumar, All India Karamkarini Member of the RSS.

Many prominent Hindu clerics are likely to join the campaign.

After Varanasi, the campaign would be taken to Allahabad, Kanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Rishikesh and Devprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi before concluding at Gangotri, the origin point of River Ganga.

Meanwhile, the principal sources of pollution are domestic and industrial wastes. Conservative estimates put the effluents flowing into Ganges at 1.7 billion litres each day, out of which 1.4 billion litres is untreated.

Nearly 88 per cent of the pollution originates in the 27 cities that are located along the river's banks and the banks of its tributaries.

According to a recent official report, only 39 percent of the primary target of the Ganga Action Plan, which the Central Government had started in 1985, has been met so far.

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was originated from the personal intervention and interest of the late Prime Minster Indira Gandhi, who requested a comprehensive survey of the situation in 1979.

After five years, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published two comprehensive reports, which formed the base from which the action plan to clean up the Ganga, was developed. (ANI)

Protesting seers compel Spicejet officials to apologise

Protesting seers compel Spicejet officials to apologise

                                                                by Girish Kumar Dubey

Wed, 01/23/2008 - 15:57 

Varanasi, Jan 23: Protesting seers here compelled officials of the Spicejet airline to sack errant workers and apologise for their misconduct.

The issue reportedly surfaced on Monday when a prominent seer, Avimukteshwaranand of Vidya Mutt, protested against the lewd comments passed on a teenage girl by some Spicejet employees.

Errant workers jeered the sage when he protested against their behavior. This enraged his followers who gathered at the Babatpur Airport here on Tuesday and raised slogans.

The protestors were pacified only after the Spicejet sacked the four accused and tendered an official apology.

"We have already suspended those who were involved in the misconduct. The seer has forgiven us," said Nalin Srivastava, Station Manager, Spicejet.

"I am happy that the Spicejet people have realised their mistake and they have sacked the four employees and apologized in writing. They have also promised to keep the pride of Varanasi and the honour of females," said Avimukteshwaranand. (ANI)

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi

Tue, 01/22/2008 - 20:49.

• India News                                 by Girish Kumar Dubey 
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Jan 22: The Korean students of Gyanjoo University are spreading the message of love by hugging poor people in Varanasi, as a part of their "Free Hug Campaign."

They believe that their method can eradicate social divide by giving dignity to the deprived.

"Hugging each other is a small step to understand each other without speaking, without being violent. It may work over all castes but only if they hug each other more and more," said Frank, a student,

The Korean students spoke passionately about the urgent need to bring a change in the mindset of the people so that they could think beyond barriers of castes.

The students not only hugged the people but also washed the feet of those belonging to Musahar caste, which is considered one of the lower social groups.

"If we need to focus on anything at this point, it is the mindset of people. If we can change the mindset of the people and people start understanding each other, then it would be perfect," said Saisna Inko, a resident.

The Korean students have planned to visit 40 countries to propagate the message of brotherhood in the memory of those fellow countrymen who participated in the fight in
1985 to end the military dictatorship in Korea. (ANI)

Clean River Ganges campaign picks up in Varanasi

Clean River Ganges campaign picks up in Varanasi

                                                         Submitted    by Girish Kumar Dubey

on Wed, 02/20/2008 - 16:35.

• India News
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Feb 20: A campaign to clean the River Ganges has been restarted with vigour by activists of 146 organisations.

The campaigners said they wanted people to join the effort to save the river.

"We are not depending on the government for this campaign, but it hinges on the support of the inhabitants of towns situated on the bank of Ganges. When the people of the country come out for this cause, the government and its leaders will be forced to be accountable for the cause," claimed Jitendra, the General Secretary of the Ganga Mahasabha, a voluntary organisation.

"River Ganga gives us salvation and purifies us. This effort to rid it of pollution is a Himalayan one," said Indresh Kumar, another member of the Ganga Mahasabha.

The principal sources of pollution are domestic and industrial wastes. Conservative estimates put the effluents flowing into Ganges at
1.7 billion litres each day, out of which 1.4 billion litres is untreated.

Nearly 88 per cent of the pollution originates in the 27 cities that are located along the river's banks and the banks of its tributaries.

Domestic and industrial pollution, combined with deforestation, the use of pesticides and fertilisers and other factors, have rendered the waters of the Ganges unfit for consumption or any other use.

Environmentalists say, one of the major causes of river pollution is the cremation of Hindus on its banks and the practice of immersing flowers and other rubbish after religious rituals.

According to a recent official report, only 39 percent of the primary target of the Ganga Action Plan, which the Central Government had started in 1985, has been met so far.

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was originated from the personal intervention and interest of the late Prime Minster Indira Gandhi, who requested a comprehensive survey of the situation in 1979.

After five years, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published two comprehensive reports, which formed the base from which the action plan to clean up the Ganga, was developed. (ANI)

Ashes of euthanised UK temple cow immersed in Ganges

Ashes of euthanised UK temple cow immersed in Ganges

                                                              Submitted by Girish Kumar Dubey 

 on Thu, 02/14/2008 - 00:39.

• General News
• David Cameron
• India
• Varanasi

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Feb. 13 : The ashes of Gangotri, the euthanised sacred cow of the Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple in the United Kingdom, were immersed in the River Ganges on Wednesday.

Gangotri was given a lethal injection last December after doctors of the Royal Society for Prevention Cruelty To Animals (RSPCA) declared it to be sick.

The priests of Bhaktivedanta Manor, a large temple run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) in a London suburb alleged that the cow was administered the injection when the prayers were going on.

The temple had taken the cow in after it was hit in an accident. RSPCA officials said that it was in dire condition and suffering from bedsores and had to be put down.

"How does it fee if someone is killing in your home. Your mother's interest is my best interest. She has bedsores and we understand she should be relieved of the pain; therefore, I want to give her the deadly injection and to give her that without even taking your permission. That's how we felt. And that was just devastating," said Gauri Das, the president, of the Hari Krishna Temple in the United Kingdom.

"(We have) written to Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of Britain. We have also written to David Cameron, the leader of the Conservative Party and the Leader of the Opposition in the British Parliament, and to Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK. The response, I have to say, so far has not been so good," said Raj Joshi, Chairperson, Society Of Black Lawyers, UK.

This is the second instance of such killing in UK in last nine months.

Earlier, despite waging a long legal battle and a vigorous campaign Shambo, the bovine which tested positive of TB was killed in the same manner.

After the Court of Appeal's decision Shambo was slaughtered on July 26, 2007 after a court upheld it was a TB positive animal and should be killed before it posed a risk to public health.

Cows are sacred to Hindus. The priests of the Skanda Vale temple near Carmarthen where Shambo was kept even constructed a shrine to the bull within the temple. (ANI)

Displaced weavers to pull cycle rickshaws in Varanasi

Displaced weavers to pull cycle rickshaws in Varanasi

                                                                      Submitted by Girish Kumar Dubey

 on Thu, 02/07/2008 - 23:08.

• Technology News
• India
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Feb. 7 (ANI): Many weavers, who have been displaced or have been badly hit due to the slump in the Benarasi saree industry, will now earn a living by pulling specially designed aero-dynamic rickshaws in Varanasi.

Thanks to a rehabilitation programme started by a local NGO in cooperation with the Guwahati-based NGO, Centre for Rural Devlopment (CRD), the rickshaws have been provided on nominal installments.

These rickshaws have been provided under a Janmitra Rickshaw Project, a part of Rickshaw Bank Project funded by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), which was formally inaugurated in Varanasi this past week.

Hindus celebrate birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman at Varanasi

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:03:53 AM by admin ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi, Apr 20 (ANI): Hundreds of Hindus joined a procession on Sunday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman in Varanasi.

Hundreds of men, women and children participated in a colourful procession.

We have been taking part in this every year since the past eight years. And since it is Lord Hanumans birthday today, we are taking out this procession, said Ram Narain, a devotee.

Women took part in the procession with traditionally decorated flower plates in their hands and offered flowers to the deity.

The birthday of Lord Hanuman is the time to celebrate and enjoy. Everybody is engrossed in the celebrations, said Mahendra Sharma, another devotee.

In Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, Hanuman helps his master Lord Rama to kill the demon king Ravana.
Hanuman is worshipped for his undying loyalty to Lord King Rama and his consort, Sita. (ANI)

'Hanuman Jayanti' celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

                                                        By Girish Kumar Dubey

Thursday, April 09, 2009 3:18:08 AM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

Varanasi/Ayodhya, Apr 9 (ANI): Devotees in Uttar Pradesh took out colourful procession and visited temples on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of Lord Hanuman.

In Varanasi, a huge procession was taken out in which thousands of devotees took part. They danced on the streets to the tunes of traditional drums.

The procession, which began nine days ago, concluded on Thursday. The purpose of the procession was to spread the message of anti-terrorism among the people.

"We pray to god to grant them good sense so that they acquire a sense of love and peace for people around them. This is the purpose of this procession and for the last nine years, it is being organised every year," said Kaushal Sharma, organiser of the procession.

At the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya, devotees celebrated Hanuman Jayanti with gaiety. They visited the temple of Shri Kaleram.

As per the tradition, the devotees applied colours on each other to celebrate the occasion.

"On this occasion, devotees visit the Temple of 'Lord Kaleram' from all over India to get their wishes fulfilled," said Abhayraj Yadav, a devotee.

In Ramayana, Hanuman helps his master Lord Rama to kill the demon king Ravana. Hanuman is worshipped for his undying loyalty to Lord King Rama and his consort, Sita. (ANI)

22 orphan girls enter wedlock at marriage ceremony in Varanasi

                                                                      By Girish Kumar Dubey

Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:16:40 AM by ANI ( 6 comments )

Varanasi, Nov 21(ANI): It is a moment that every girl waits for with great enthusiasm. And, for the 22 orphan girls in Varanasi, that moment came on Friday when the district administration helped them solemnize their marriage in a mass wedding.

The aim of the ceremony was to help the destitutes, who were separated from their parents at a very young age.

"We select prospective bridegrooms through a definite process and a lot of deliberations after these girls attain marriageable age. Public donations play a huge role in making the ceremony a success. The ceremony is performed with fervour and gaiety," said Nalin Awashti, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Varanasi.

Both brides and bridegrooms were decked-up in their fineries. Brides had smeared their palms with mehendi, had bangles in their wrists and had put on red attire, while bridegrooms were in suites, befitting the occasion.

"I am very happy. I have forgotten my past life and I want to forget the rest of it. I was separated from my parents at a tender age. I have been transferred here from another institute from Mumbai," said Varsha, a bride.

After the function, the marriages were registered under the Hindu marriage Act of 1973.

The grooms and brides also expressed their gratitude for the help and support provided to them by the administration. (ANI)

Clean River Ganges campaign picks up in Varanasi

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:53:59 PM by admin ( Leave a comment )

                                                                By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Feb 20 (ANI): A campaign to clean the River Ganges has been restarted with vigour by activists of 146 organisations. The campaigners said they wanted people to join the effort to save the river.
"We are not depending on the government for this campaign, but it hinges on the support of the inhabitants of towns situated on the bank of Ganges. When the people of the country come out for this cause, the government and its leaders will be forced to be accountable for the cause," claimed Jitendra, the General Secretary of the Ganga Mahasabha, a voluntary organisation.
"River Ganga gives us salvation and purifies us. This effort to rid it of pollution is a Himalayan one," said Indresh Kumar, another member of the Ganga Mahasabha.
The principal sources of pollution are domestic and industrial wastes. Conservative estimates put the effluents flowing into Ganges at 1.7 billion litres each day, out of which 1.4 billion litres is untreated.
Nearly 88 per cent of the pollution originates in the 27 cities that are located along the river's banks and the banks of its tributaries.
Domestic and industrial pollution, combined with deforestation, the use of pesticides and fertilisers and other factors, have rendered the waters of the Ganges unfit for consumption or any other use.
Environmentalists say, one of the major causes of river pollution is the cremation of Hindus on its banks and the practice of immersing flowers and other rubbish after religious rituals.
According to a recent official report, only 39 percent of the primary target of the Ganga Action Plan, which the Central Government had started in 1985, has been met so far.
The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was originated from the personal intervention and interest of the late Prime Minster Indira Gandhi, who requested a comprehensive survey of the situation in 1979.
After five years, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published two comprehensive reports, which formed the base from which the action plan to clean up the Ganga, was developed. (ANI)

Novel campaign by self-help group to create awareness on Ganges river pollution

Saturday, May 23, 2009 12:01:41 AM ANI ( Leave a comment ) 

                                                            

 

                                                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, May 23 (ANI): A self-help group from Varanasi on Friday sent 543 utensils filled with water of river Ganges to the national capital to raise awareness on river pollution.

Ganga, which is revered as holy, also happens to be one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Organisers said that the 'Save the River Ganga' campaign was to enlist support of the 543 newly elected lawmakers in parliament.

"To purify water you will have to undertake steps because if we don't look towards this direction at this time then the water of rivers, ponds and lakes will get polluted. How long we will survive like this on mineral water? We have to draw everyone's attention towards this thing and at the same time the purity of Ganges, for which our country is known, we have to safeguard it," said Swami Abhimukhteshwara Nand Saraswati.

"We don't just hope but we are fully confident that we will achieve success in our campaign of pollution free Ganga," said Girish, a volunteer.Revered as goddess by Hindus, the River Ganga is believed to cleanse people off their sins.

Though the Central Government set up a Ganga Action Plan in 1985 to cleanse the river, much of the action seems to have been confined only on paper.The Ganga runs its course of over 2,500 kilometres from Gangotri in the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar in the Bay of Bengal through 29 cities.

In 1996, the apex court banned the discharge of effluents from various tanneries located on its banks in Kanpur.

However, with one billion tonnes of waste being dumped into it everyday, the River Ganga, unfortunately, remains one of the most polluted rivers in the world. (ANI)

Varanasi craftsmen make a flag symbolizing communal harmony

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 3:45:28 AM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

                                                                      

                                                                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), May 5 (ANI): Keen to reduce the differences between Hindus and Muslims, craftsmen in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi have made a flag symbolizing communal harmony.

"The Hindu-Muslim differences should lessen down. The differences, which are created in our hearts by the politicians and Muslims, are always termed, as militants. So, all these misunderstandings, which are created by the politicians, should be finished," said Mohammad Shamin Raza, one of the flag makers.

"Keeping all these aspects in mind, we made this flag," he added.

The flag is made of three colours green, white and saffron.This flag has been made with lot of enthusiasm, as the workers assert that it would be a strong message for Hindu-Muslim unity."The flag is made up of three colours. The green colour symbolizes our religion i.e., Islam, white colour symbolizes peace and saffron is the colour of Hindus. All the colours will send a healthy message," said Azam Ali Bhutto, another flag maker.

"In our group also there are both Hindu and Muslim workers, but we work together and everybody cooperates among each other," he added.

The flag costing Rs 1,50,000 would be given to the holy shrine of Varanasi on June 5. (ANI)

Varanasi residents protest against theft at famous Vishwanath Temple

Wednesday, Oct 27, 2010 12:17:09 PM by ANI
By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Oct. 27 (ANI): Residents of Varanasi took
out a rally in protest against the administration's failure to prevent
a robbery at the famous Vishwanath Temple.

Sources said that a week ago, a traditional Indian silver Trident was
stolen from the temple despite tight security.

The residents said this incident was unacceptable as the temple
administration spends huge amounts of money for its safety and
security.

"If things are stolen from somewhere else, it is a different matter.
Despite tight security here at the temple, a theft has occurred. Lot
of money is being spent on safety and security measures of the temple.
In spite of this, if 2.5 kilograms of silver trident is being stolen,
then it is not just a matter of trident being stolen, it is stealing
of a body part of the deity," said Avi Mukte Swaranand, a priest of
the temple.

"Seven to eight days have passed, but the administration has not been
able to find the thief or the trident. They have been unable to tell
the people what steps are being taken in this matter, and therefore,
it is natural for people to be angry," Swaranand added.

The residents have demanded that the police look into the matter with
some urgency. (ANI)

Rag pickers launch a weekly tabloid in Varanasi

Rag pickers launch a weekly tabloid in Varanasi

 

By Girish Kumar Dubey
Varanasi, September 28 (ANI): Young rag pickers in India's holy city of Varanasi have launched a handwritten newspaper, highlighting the problems faced by them as well as other children in the society. The credit for this unique newspaper titled Baccho Ki Awaz goes to Vishal Bharat Sansthan, a city-based NGO. The young rag pickers themselves are reporters and compilers of various stories.
Added: 09/28/2009

Largest Muslim congregation begins in Uttar Pradesh

Largest Muslim congregation begins in Uttar Pradesh
Tuesday, January 1, 2008

                                                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 31 (ANI): A large number of Muslims have gathered in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh District for the Alami Ijtema, the largest international congregation.

This time, congregation is being held in Sherwan, a nondescript hamlet, where discussion will take place on ways to combat targeting of the community worldwide.
The Sherwan village now boasts of a 4.6 million square foot shamina that can accommodate the gathering and includes hostels, clinics and cellular service providers.  

Besides devotees from all over India, delegates from Saudi Arabia, France, Canada and the UK are taking part in the meet.  

The delegates at the meet said the main problem confronting the religion was that the followers did not follow the tenets of Islam in their daily life.

"All the people living in this world who fears Allah and believe in Allah and follows the tenets of religion set by the god. Everybody who offers Namaz (prayers) and show allegiance to Deen (faith) should try to become honest, start loving each other and stop the bloodshed and violence," said Riyaz Ahmed from Aligarh.  

Anwar Hussain from Meerut, said:  "Any Muslim living anywhere either in Pakistan, America or Iraq. If they are persecuted anywhere then its impact is felt in Azamgarh, because we are one family and believe in one faith."  

The meet also turned out to be a mass marriage venue with 500 couple getting married at a simple ceremony.  

The three-day meet concludes on January 1.

Similar congregations were held in Jaunpur, Allahabad and Barabanki in the 90s.  The largest international congregation is the brainwork of global Islamic movement Tablighi Jammat.

Benazir portraits fly in the sky in Varanasi

Benazir portraits fly in the sky in Varanasi
Monday, January 14, 2008

                                                        By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Jan.14 (ANI): Several ardent fans of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto in Varanasi have paid their heartfelt tributes to the assassinated leader on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Lohiri festivals by kites. 

Shocked and aggrieved over Benazir's killing, these kite makers and fliers found the two major Hindu festivals celebrated on Sunday and Monday, as the perfect occasion to express their love for Benazir, who was a leader of masses beyond geographical confines. 

Varanasi's Dal Mandi market and its neighbourhood in the holy city were flooded with kites. But the most sought after kites were the ones bearing a picture of Benazir Bhutto on them.

"The demand of the kites that have a picture of Benazir on them is high in the market this year because of the incident that has happened to her in Pakistan. So the people are demanding these kites more to pay tribute to the slain Pak leader," said Chand, one of the shopkeepers.

Though there are a variety of kites right from Britain to China available in the market, the kites with Benazir's picture on them were sold like hotcakes.

"Benazir died recently and we are paying our tribute to her in this fashion through kites," said Saud Ahmad, one of the local kite-flyers.

The festivals of Lohri in Haryana and Punjab, Uttarayan in the west, Makar Sankranti in North India and Pongal in South India when people of all the faiths celebrate together. But this was the first occasion when the kite-flyers used the festive occasion to pay tribute to a political leader from Pakistan. (ANI)

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Jan 22 (ANI): The Korean students of Gyanjoo University are
spreading the message of love by hugging poor people in Varanasi, as a
part of their "Free Hug Campaign."

They believe that their method can eradicate social divide by giving
dignity to the deprived.

"Hugging each other is a small step to understand each other without
speaking, without being violent. It may work over all castes but only
if they hug each other more and more," said Frank, a student,

The Korean students spoke passionately about the urgent need to bring
a change in the mindset of the people so that they could think beyond
barriers of castes.

The students not only hugged the people but also washed the feet of
those belonging to Musahar caste, which is considered one of the lower
social groups.

"If we need to focus on anything at this point, it is the mindset of
people. If we can change the mindset of the people and people start
understanding each other, then it would be perfect," said Saisna Inko,
a resident.

The Korean students have planned to visit 40 countries to propagate
the message of brotherhood in the memory of those fellow countrymen
who participated in the fight in 1985 to end the military dictatorship
in Korea. (ANI)

Protesting seers compel Spicejet officials to apologise

Protesting seers compel Spicejet officials to apologise
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

                                                              By Girish Kumar Dubey

 

Varanasi, Jan 23 (ANI): Protesting seers here compelled officials of the Spicejet airline to sack errant workers and apologise for their misconduct.

The issue reportedly surfaced on Monday when a prominent seer, Avimukteshwaranand of Vidya Mutt, protested against the lewd comments passed on a teenage girl by some Spicejet employees.

Errant workers jeered the sage when he protested against their behavior. This enraged his followers who gathered at the Babatpur Airport here on Tuesday and raised slogans.

The protestors were pacified only after the Spicejet sacked the four accused and tendered an official apology.

"We have already suspended those who were involved in the misconduct. The seer has forgiven us," said Nalin Srivastava, Station Manager, Spicejet.

"I am happy that the Spicejet people have realised their mistake and they have sacked the four employees and apologized in writing. They have also promised to keep the pride of Varanasi and the honour of females," said Avimukteshwaranand. (ANI)

French tourists perform puja at Varanasi for world peace

2:12:2007                             By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Dec 2 (ANI): A group of French tourists offered prayers for
world peace by performing Hindu rituals in Varanasi on Sunday.

The tourists, led by a French citizen, who is famous amongst his
followers as Guruji, offered prayers and performed certain fire
rituals for a better and sane world with peace prevailing all around.

Guruji has been visiting India along with his followers annually for
many years in his quest for quintessential and spiritual ideals. He
has dedicated his life to Sanatan Dharma.

"India is at first the country of spirituality and love. The key word
here is love, Bhakti (religiosity), devotion and so on so forth," said
Guruji.

He has established a Hindu monastery in the French capital Paris and
has around 5500 followers who have joined him in search of eternal
truth and answers of their spiritual queries.

Explaining her attachment towards India Isabela, a follower of Guruji
said, "Now, many people want to come back to spirituality. And, may be
some people are attracted by a lot of things they have in the West.
But this is really magical and holy land."

The performance of Yajna (fire rituals) for world peace by these
exotic devotees may or may not bring peace to the world but their
faith and devotion may attract many more tourists from abroad to
attain mental peace.

The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganges and
the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and
religious centre in northern India for thousands of years and remains
a thriving tourist and spiritual destination of the country. (ANI)

Fluorosis cripples villagers in Sonbhadra village in UP

22:12:2007                                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 22 (ANI): A large number of villagers of Sonbhadra village in Uttar Pradesh are suffering from fluorosis due to the excessive fluoride content in the ground water that these villages draw to drink.

They are facing the risk of becoming handicapped due to excessive fluorosis  Chopan, Dudhi and Myorpur and Babhni Blocks. The excessive fluoride in water has given rise to several orthopaedic problems.

"Water is the main problem in our village. Earlier, we didn't have any hand pump or well in our village. People used to drink water from open streams and have consequently become victims of deformities and diseases," said Shambhu Prasad Patel, a villager.

Majority of the affected persons have to work hard to earn their daily bread. With weak bones, none of them is able to toil.

Since the villages are isolated, these hapless rural folk have no easy access to public health services. With some of them forced to travel over 50 kilometres for a public health centre and a hospital.

Authorities of the State Health Department however claim that health camps are being set up for the villagers.

"This problem is prevalent in nine villages of three blocks of the district because of excessive fluoride content in water. We have provided every facility for the treatment of the people who are handicapped or are suffering from any disease due to water," said Dr. Ganesh Prasad, Chief Medical Officer of Sonbhadra District.

Another grouse of the villagers is that the government is not showing any concern as not even ten percent of the affected and handicapped persons have been issued certificates that they are handicapped.

Villagers hope that the concerned officials in the administration will take effective steps to stem the rot.

Fluorosis is a condition caused by the excessive intake of fluorine and is commonly of two types - Skeletal Fluorosis and Dental Fluorosis. As the names suggest, it first affects the bones due to excessive accumulation of fluoride in bones and the latter affects the teeth. (ANI)

Demolition drive in Varanasi sans notice invites public ire

Demolition drive in Varanasi sans notice invites public ire
Sunday, December 30, 2007

                                                      By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Dec 29 (ANI): At least three people, including a policeman, were injured today when angry mob protesting against the authorities carrying out a demolition drive without prior notice clashed with police here.

The demolition of illegal encroachments in Varanasi's Chowkaghat area without any notice angered the people.

After initial argument with the demolition squad, the mob started pelting stones, in which a police official was injured.

The clash took an ugly turn when the police resorted to baton-charge the protestors. The mob also set a police camp on fire.

Residents termed the demolition drive without notice as "unconstitutional."

"No notice was issued to shopkeepers. If we were informed in advance then we would have been prepared. The whole act is unconstitutional," said Bhaiya Lal, a resident.

"It's all wrong. At least they should have served us a notice. Their action cannot be justified," said Tara Devi, another resident.

Residents claimed that many structures that were being demolished were not illegal. (ANI)

Varanasi witnesses anti water pollution campaign on "Nag Nathiya" festival

                             By Girish Kumar Dubey
Friday, November 16, 2007

Varanasi, Nov.15 (ANI): People in Varanasi were made aware about water pollution affecting the holy River Ganges on Wednesday, as the holy city marked "Nag Nathaiya", the over 400 years old festival here. 

Apart from the religious aspects, the prime purpose of performing "Nag Nathaiya" was to highlight the rising pollution in River Ganges. 

It is said that that many decades ago, the organisers of "Krishna Leela" and "Nag Nathaiya" festival had a sort of premonition about the deterioration which the River Ganga may have to endure.

According to Prof. Kaushal Kishore Mishra of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) said that the Nag Nathaiya festival has been spreading awareness about the problem which they might face due to contamination, if not checked on time. 

"The condition of Ganges is deteriorating day by day. This "Nag Nathaiya" based on Krishna Leela is basically meant for this purpose in contemporary scenario, said Prof. Kaushal Kishore Mishra.

Enactment of "Nag Nathaiya"--depicting the taming of the dark and venomous cobra with several hoods by Lord Krishna--was the event's hallmark.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna accidentally threw a ball in the River Ganges while playing with his friends. To retrieve the ball, he dived into the river and fought with "Kala", the dark cobra that had created havoc in the neighbourhood.

Krishna ultimately defeated the ferocious cobra and danced on its hoods denoting his superiority over the serpent. The entire episode has since then been named as "Nag Nathaiya" and marked as a festival by devotees. 

Thousands of devotees led by the priests performed rituals and witnessed the enactment of "Nag Nathaiya". The common belief is that devotees' wishes are fulfilled on this particular day and hence the mass participation of public.

"Since childhood, I am visiting this festival. I have seen wishes of people coming true here. And since then my faith has further deepened," said Ashok Pandey, a devotee. (ANI)
--MP

Private radio station in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh

23:11:2007                                                            By Girish Kumar Dubey

Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh), Nov.23 (ANI): An undergraduate villager in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur District has become the cynosure of all eyes after setting up a private radio station here.

Twenty-year-old Arun Kumar, a resident of Ravtipur Village, realised his dream with personal savings and contacts. He wanted to keep his fellow villagers posted with the current news, views and trends.

"I wanted to set up my own radio station and I did it. It took me four years to make it operational," said Arun Kumar.

Villagers are all praise for Arun's unbelievable feat that has done proud to everyone here.

"With his limited resources, this boy is doing a great thing. We all are very happy with his efforts," said Bhanu Singh, a villager.

Since childhood Arun was fond of music and despite being an under graduate he set up a radio station.

He used his audio compact disc (CD) player, a few condensers, and an antenna to set a radio station that entertains and informs villages residing within an area of three kilometres every day for six hours between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.

Since Arun's radio station lacks modern gadgets, the services are yet to improve.

The availability of "Ravtipur Radio Station" has benefited about 3,400 residents of Ravtipur Village, as it has offered a channel which broadcasts local news, as against All India Radio, which has very little of local news.

Meanwhile, the District administration has assured Arun all help, if he wants to seek a license.

"We have heard about this private radio station. We have asked this person that he could seek a license from home control, the District administration will certainly help him," said Ritu Maheswari, District Magistrate, Ghazipur. (ANI)

UP lawyers strike work in protest against serial blasts

UP lawyers strike work in protest against serial blasts

   26 nov 2007                                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey
Varanasi, Nov 26 (ANI): Lawyers in Uttar Pradesh struck work on Monday in protest against last week's serial bomb blasts in Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad.

"People here are sad, angry, and shocked. Like everywhere else, it is more so here because the blasts happened and people were killed. We will organise a mourning ceremony for the dead," said Rajmohan Tripathi, the President of the  District Bar Association.

The strike affected people visiting the courts for the hearing of their cases.

"The lawyers are on strike and I have travelled 300 kilometres for the hearing. I don't know if my case will be heard today or not," said Kamal Nain.

At least 15 people were killed and 80 injured in the blasts.

The explosions took place in and around court premises.

The Special Task Force, which is carrying out the investigation in the Friday's blast, have reportedly found traces of RDX at the blast sites.

The Uttar Pradesh police has released the sketches of two suspects whoever believed to be behind the blasts on Saturday.

The blasts came a week after the Uttar Pradesh police along with central security agencies busted a Jaish-e-Mohammed module, which wanted to target Rahul Gandhi. (ANI)

Muslim girl translates Hindu religious texts

Muslim girl translates Hindu religious texts

By Girish Kumar Dubey

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | MP
Varanasi, Oct 2 (ANI): A Muslim girl in Varanasi has set-out on an endeavour to translate Hindu religious texts, including 'Hanuman Chalisa' and 'Ramcharitmanas' into Urdu.Nazneen Ansari hopes her work will help people of both faiths to understand each other better.She has already translated Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindi poem praising Lord Hanuman, into Urdu and is working on Ramcharitmanas, a Hindu epic."I have done this to bring people closer to each other.

 

There are many people who cannot read Hindi. Now, they can read Hanuman Chalisa in Urdu and can understand the moral of the story. It is my humble endeavour to help people in understanding each other's religion and culture," Nazneen said. Rajiv Dwivedi, a professor of History in Mahatma Gandhi Kashi VidyapithUniversity said that Nazneen's effort desired to be known widely. "

 

There is a large segment of the society that needs peace. Neither the media highlights nor politicians push them. Nazneen's work will boost the spirit of peace loving segment of our society," Dwivedi said.Great India Institute, an NGO, plans to get her work published so that her work reaches the laymen."Presently, Nazneen is busy in translating Ramcharitmanas.

 

Once it is complete, we will get both Urdu Hanuman Chalisa and Ramcharitmanas published," said Puja, chief executive officer of Great India Institute.Mahabharata, another Hindu epic was translated into Persian during Akbar's reign under the title of Razamnama. (ANI)

Book on Durga written in blood

Book on Durga written in blood

By Girish Kumar Dubey 

Thursday, October 4, 2007 | MP
Varanasi, Oct 3 (ANI): Ramesh Chandra Dhawan of Varanasi is writing the book "Durga Saptashati" using his blood.It has become a daily affair for Dhawan, to sit on the banks of the Ganges and write three pages of the Durga Saptashati.

 

He believes that his effort will promote peace in the world. An extremely thin and bony person, Dhawan said, "There should be no epidemic, not be any bloodshed and peace should flourish world over." In the last six months,

 

Dhawan has been able to pen 560 pages and hopes to write other Hindu scriptures in the future.The Durga Saptashati is edicated to three Goddesses - Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and Kali, ferocious form of GoddessDurga.Durga Saptashati is a mantra of 700 verses on the Mother Goddess.

 

 It forms a part of the Markandeya Purana, one of the 18 important Puranas of Hinduism. It is also known as Chandi Path, Devi Mahatmya or just Saptashati. (ANI)

13 feared dead in stampede at Mughalsarai

13 feared dead in stampede at Mughalsarai

By Girish Kumar Dubry

Thursday, October 4, 2007 | MP
Mughalsarai, Oct 3 (ANI): At least 13 women were feared dead and several others injured in a stampede at Mughalsarai railway station on Wednesday.

The mishap took place when two trains arrived simultaneously on platform number five and six, Mughalsarai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) H K Kala said. Women were climbing stairs when the stampede took place, Kala added. Additional DRM Harindra Rao said the injured have been rushed to hospital, and two or three of them were discharged after treatment.

The women were going to Varanasi to take bath in the Ganges on the occasion of "Putrajaya", a local festival. (ANI)

Child prodigy praised for her tailoring skills

Child prodigy praised for her tailoring skills

                                                         By Girish Kumar Dubey

Thursday, October 11, 2007 | MP
Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), Oct.11 (ANI): At an age when kids are found making new friends at the neighbourhood or school, five-year-old Sheelu Mishra of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh is teaching students of her mother's age. Youngest of five of her siblings, Sheelu, a student of Lower Kindergarten, had to take up the job to support her family. Today,

 

she teaches tailoring to girls quite older to her for two hours daily.She learnt the skills from her mother Asha when she used to teach tailoring-skills to others at their tailoring-centre. "My mother used to teach other girls and that's how I picked up tailoring. I can make blouse, petticoat, under garments, simple frock, umbrella frock, pyjamas, pant, and shirt," said Sheelu.It's been one year since Sheelu has been teaching. Asha, Sheelu's mother, says she is so happy that her daughter picked up tailoring skills at such a young age."When I was unwell, I was worried how would I run my tailoring-centre.

 

At that time she (Sheelu) said she would do it. I asked her how you will do it. She said I have learnt all and can sew anything. I asked her to show and she made a cutting on the paper," said Asha.Sheelu's students say that they have complete faith in her and they don't mind learning the skills of tailoring from a child."When I came here for first time I asked auntie (Sheelu's mother Asha) for tailoring skills. But she was not keeping on well and there was no one to handle teaching.

 

 At that time Sheelu (the kid) said she would teach me," said Suman Pandey, Sheelu's student.Sheelu, at present, teaches twenty four girls in the age group of 12 to 42 at the tailoring center. And, she charges rupees 50 per student besides the enrollment fees of rupees sixty five. (ANI)

Home Guards hit streets demanding better pay

Home Guards hit streets demanding better pay

                                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey

Friday, October 26, 2007 | MP
Ghazipur (UP), Oct 25 (ANI): Home Guard personnel took to the streets of Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district on Thursday with begging bowls in their hands demanding regularisation of their service and better pay package. The Home Guard personnel are sent on duty for three months in a year to assist the police in performing their duties.

 

They said that they were not able to actively discharge any work apart from policing because sometimes they were called in for urgent tasks and officers charge them with indiscipline. "Some of the Home Guard personnel are working as labourers in order to survive.

 

We have placed all our demands before the government and made them aware of our problems. In our department, even expressing our genuine problems and feelings is termed as misbehaviour, " said Shivsagar Pandey, a home guard. These Home Guard personnel in Khaki uniforms are deployed to ensure security of ministers and are on duty at police stations also. However, they have to buy their uniform, shoes and belt themselves. "The person recruited for this service holds a secure, respectable job. This is not just an ordinary service, but a respectful job. The motto of the Home Guards is to serve the country selflessly.

 

 We are working on that only," said Jyoti Kumar Raizada, a Home Guard commandant. The government has recruited them mainly to look after the arrangements during elections, but has not done anything to ameliorate the pitiable condition in which these unfortunate Home Guards live. According to the records, a total of 1,20,000 home guards are in Uttar Pradesh, of which, only 20,000 guards are sent on duty and 8,000, are sent to private places for work.In Ghazipur, the total number of home guards is 1500 of which, only 300 are on duty. Similarly in Varanasi, only 750 guards out of 3900, in Mirzapur 350 guards out of 1200, in Sonbhadra 300 out of 700 guards and in Badohi 300 out of 600 guards are given work. As a result, at least 80 per cent of the Home Guard personnel remain idle during the year. (ANI)