Models exhibit ‘Khadi’ apparels in northern India to promote traditional hand woven cotton cloth

Models exhibit 'Khadi' apparels in northern India to promote traditional hand woven cotton cloth
DECEMBER 29, 2011              By Girish Kumar Dubey

In a bid to promote and enhance sale of 'Khadi', India's traditional hand woven cotton cloth, models in northern Uttar Pradesh state sashayed down the ramp, on Wednesday (December 28) showcasing ethnic and western 'Khadi' dresses.

The event included both men and women attires fabricated in 'Khadi'.

The male models showcased ethnic Indian men's shirts and traditional kurtas, traditionally associated with Muslims aristocracy, while the female models walked the ramp in unique 'Khadi' skirts, tops and Indian apparels (Salwar kameez).

Organiser of the event, Naveen Jaiswal stressed that the event aimed at attracting large number of people to get inspired for buying 'Khadi' garments.

"Various models, male and female, showcased 'Khadi' outfit in the fashion extravaganza and looked different. Their outfits attract people. We are expecting that this show would prove effective, inspiring large number of people to take 'Khadi' garments and increasing sale of our products," said Jaiswal.

The audiences praised the initiative been taken to promote 'Khadi' India's traditional clothe to the next level. Mahatma Gandhi (father of the nation) made it popular, as he used to spun cotton to make 'Khadi' cloth.

"People have this misconception that 'Khadi' is mend for politicians and elderly villagers, however seeing this fashion show it is clear that youngsters can also wear it and look great," said A local, Ajit Singh.

The purpose behind organizing the event was to change the trend and introduce innovative 'Khadi' apparels to the public.

"The purpose behind sashaying down the ramp in 'Khadi' attires was to create awareness among people by showcasing it as hip and interesting manner. Usually people take 'Khadi' outfits as their day-to-day attire but our purpose was to convey to people that 'Khadi' is in trend and has vast scope. Now, various kinds of 'Khadi' dresses are available in the market including casual, trendy and formal dresses that can be worn easily to make us comfortable," A model, Poonam Dubey.

In India, 'Khadi' is not just a fabric, but it reminds about a movement started by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed at promoting Indian cloth and boycotting foreign products.

Source

ANI

Restrictions

NO ACCESS BBC

Intro

In a bid to promote and boost sale of 'Khadi', India's traditional hand woven cotton cloth in the country, models in northern Uttar Pradesh state sashay down the ramp, showcasing exquisite ethnic and western 'Khadi' dresses.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 29, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A MALE MODEL WALKING THE RAMP IN PURPLE 'KHADI' (THE INDIAN HAND WOVEN COTTON CLOTH) SHIRT AND BLACK JEANS

2. A FEMALE MODEL WALKING THE RAMP IN 'KHADI' SKIRT AND TOP

3. ANOTHER FEMALE MODEL SASHAYING DOWN THE RAMP IN 'KHADI' SKIRT TOP

4. AUDIENCE SITTING

5. TWO FEMALE MODELS SHOWCASING 'KHADI' OUTFITS

6. AUDIENCE SITTING

7. MALE MODELS STANDING IN 'KHADI' KURTAS (TRADITIONAL INDIAN OUTFIT),

8. A FEMALE MODEL WALKING AROUND THEM IN WHITE 'KHADI' SUIT

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) ORGANISER OF THE EVENT, NAVEEN JAISWAL, SAYING:

"Various models, male and female, showcased 'Khadi' outfit in the fashion extravaganza and looked different. Their outfits attract people. We are expecting that this show would prove effective, inspiring large number of people to take 'Khadi' garments and increasing sale of our products."

10. FEMALE MODEL WALKING THE RAMP IN ORANGE COLOUR 'KHADI' TOP AND BLACK SKIRT

11. TWO MODELS SASHAYING DOWN THE RAMP IN 'KHADI' OUTFITS

12. AUDIENCE SITTING

13. TWO MODELS WALKING THE RAMP IN 'KHADI' KURTAS

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) A LOCAL, AJIT SINGH, SAYING:

"People have this misconception that 'Khadi' is mend for politicians and elderly villagers, however seeing this fashion show it is clear that youngsters can also wear it and look great."

15. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) A MODEL, POONAM DUBEY, SAYING:

"The purpose behind sashaying down the ramp in 'Khadi' attires was to create awareness among people by showcasing it as hip and interesting manner. Usually people take 'Khadi' outfits as their day-to-day attire but our purpose was to convey to people that 'Khadi' is in trend and has vast scope. Now, various kinds of 'Khadi' dresses are available in the market including casual, trendy and formal dresses that can be worn easily to make us comfortable."

16. A MODEL SASHAYING DOWN THE RAMP IN 'KHADI' OUTFITS

17. TWO MEN WATCHING THE FASHION SHOW

18. MALE MODELS WALKING THE RAMP IN TRADITIONAL 'KHADI' APPAREL

Original Script Date

Dec 29 08:17 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 29 08:17 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Models exhibit 'Khadi' apparels in northern India to promote traditional hand woven cotton cloth.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 29, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:57

Floriculture business blooms in northern India ahead of New Year

Floriculture business blooms in northern India ahead of New Year
 DECEMBER 29, 2011                  By Girish Kumar Dubey

Floriculture business bloomed in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, as farmers in Varanasi city work determinedly to keep up with rising demand of flowers during the New Year gifting season.

Flowers especially roses have become the latest gifting fad during the New Year season.

Even the wholesale floral distributors worked overtime as the sale has grown during the past week.

While interacting with mediapersons on Thursday (December 29), a farmer Balkishan said most of the farmers took to floriculture due to higher profits in the business.

He added that due to the symbolic significance, there is a high demand of roses, which has led them into paying more attention to its cultivation.

"We are into the cultivation of roses as well as various other flowers. But right now there is high demand of roses due to the celebration of New Year, January 1, as people prefer to give roses as gifts, since it is being considered as a symbol of peace and friendship. So due to high demand we are working more on its cultivation," he said.

Likewise, another farmer Bulan Patel illustrated that flowers are being preferred over other unfashionable gifting items like cards etc. "There is more demand for of roses for January1, so we are busy in its cultivation. The people prefer the roses to cards etc, as all such things are considered as old-fashioned gifts. People prefer flowers and so there is an increased demand for it," he said.

A single rose usually sold for Rs.15 to Rs.20, considerably doubles in price rising up to Rs.25 or above, during the gifting season. Apart from their ornamental significance, roses are symbolic romantic gifts, popular amongst youngsters.

Source

ANI

Restrictions

NO ACCESS BBC

Intro

Floriculture business blooms in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, as farmers toil to keep up with the rising demand of flowers during the New Year gifting season.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 29, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A ROSE FARM

2. ROSES IN THE FARM

3. WOMEN WORKING IN THE FARM

4. A FARMER WORKING IN THE FARM

5. ANOTHER FARMER REMOVING WEEDS FROM THE FARM

6. ROSES IN THE FARM

7. DIFFERENT FLOWERS GROWN BY THE FARMERS

8. VARIOUS FLOWERS

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) BALKISHAN, A FARMER, SAYING:

"We are into the cultivation of roses as well as various other flowers. But right now there is high demand of roses due to the celebration of New Year, January 1, as people prefer to give roses as gifts, since it is being considered as a symbol of peace and friendship. So due to high demand we are working more on its cultivation."

10. A WHOLESALE MARKET OF FLOWERS

11. GARLANDS MADE FROM DIFFERENT FLOWERS KEPT ON THE GROUND

12. A GARLAND MADE FROM ROSES

13. MEN SELLING FLOWERS

14. A BOUQUET OF ROSES

15. A CUSTOMER BUYING A BOUQUET OF GLADIOLUS

16. BOUQUETS OF GLADIOLUS KEPT ON A SHELF

17. CUSTOMERS CHECKING OUT FLOWERS

18. RED ROSES KEPT IN A BASKET

19. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) BULAN PATEL, A FARMER, SAYING:

"There is more demand for of roses for January1, so we are busy in its cultivation. The people prefer the roses to cards etc, as all such things are considered as old-fashioned gifts. People prefer flowers and so there is an increased demand for it."

20. THE WHOLESALE MARKET

21. A GARLAND SELLER STANDING

22. A MAN CARRYING PILES OF GARLANDS

Original Script Date

Dec 30 06:32 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 30 06:32 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Floriculture business blooms in northern India ahead of New Year.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 29, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:28

Ancient handwritten Hindu scripture stolen from a temple in northern India.

Ancient handwritten Hindu scripture stolen from a temple in northern India.
                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey

An ancient hand-written Hindu scripture 'Ramcharitmanas' was stolen from a temple in Varanasi city of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state. The temple is located in Bhelupur area, on the banks of River Ganga.

A silver crown and a Ramayana text were also stolen along with the two-volume set of the ancient hand written holy 'Ramcharitmanas' scripture which was written by the 16th century poet and saint Tulsidas.

Speaking about the unfortunate incident, the priest of the temple, Vishambar Nath Mishra said that the theft was a major loss and he was still to come to terms with what has happened.

"It was extremely valuable to us. It's an ancient scripture from here. How will it be used and for what purpose I cannot say right now. As of now we are too shocked to think about anything else. The Police had also come and have promised us action," said Mishra.

Mishra added that the scripture was wrapped in a yellow cloth and was kept in the holy chamber of the temple, the foundation stone for which is believed to have been laid by saint Tulsidas himself.

Warning the provincial government of nationwide protest if investigation was not carried out in the matter, leader of India's main opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Alok Pandey said that it was the worst day in any devout Hindu's life.

"For us the followers of Hinduism, this has to be the worst day in our religious lives. Through the media we demand that instant action and enquiry must be ordered in this case by the provincial government and the administration. Otherwise not just here, we will protest against this in the whole of India," Pandey said.

The police have registered a case of theft at the Bhelupur police station in Varanasi and probe into the matter was on track.

Source

ANI

Restrictions

NO ACCESS BBC

Intro

An ancient hand-written Hindu scripture 'Ramcharitmanas' has been stolen from a temple in Varanasi city of India's Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 23, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. PEOPLE STANDING OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE

2. AN INSCRIPTION READING 'SHREE MAT GOSWAMI TULSIDAS JI' IN HINDI

3. A MAN SHOWING THE BROKEN LOCK

4. INTERIORS OF THE TEMPLE

5. A RELIGIOUS BOOK

6. VIEW OF THE TEMPLE COMPOUND

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) TEMPLE PRIEST VISHAMBAR NATH MISHRA, SAYING:

"It was extremely valuable to us. It's an ancient scripture from here. How will it be used and for what purpose I cannot say right now. As of now we are too shocked to think about anything else. The Police had also come and have promised us action."

8. PEOPLE STANDING OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE

9. PEOPLE TALKING

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION, THE BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), ALOK PANDEY, SAYING:

"For us the followers of Hinduism, this has to be the worst day in our religious lives. Through the media we demand that instant action and enquiry must be ordered in this case by the provincial government and the administration. Otherwise not just here, we will protest against this in the whole of India."

11. POLICE OFFICIALS TALKING

12. POLICE OFFICIALS STANDING

13. A POLICE VEHICLE MOVING

Original Script Date

Dec 23 23:39 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 23 23:39 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Ancient handwritten Hindu scripture stolen from a temple in northern India.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 24, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:19

Firebrand leader of India’s main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail

Firebrand leader of India's main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail

                                      By Girish Kumar Dubey
Uma Bharti, the firebrand leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), denounced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday (November 29), saying he had 'murdered democracy' by allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country's retail sector.

The reform would allow global chains like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Carrefour to own up to 51 percent of retail ventures.

Bharti said Singh had been pressurised into making the decision by pro-American and pro-rich bureaucrats.

"The Prime Minister has murdered democracy by allowing Wal-Mart to come in because his allies don't approve the decision. The group of ministers, constituted on the issue, doesn't favour it. He has taken a decision under the pressure of bureaucrats who are pro-American and pro-rich," Bharti told reporters in Varanasi city of northern Uttar Pradesh.

Bharti went on to liken Wal-Mart to Kalanemi, a demon in Hindu mythology, and urged the people of India to destroy the global supermarket giant.

"More people will lose their employment than people getting jobs. Brokers of Wal-Mart are spreading misinformation that it will create job opportunities. I want to caution the countrymen that they shouldn't fall prey to such propaganda. We will have to destroy Wal-Mart the same way Lord Hanuman destroyed Kalanemi (demon), who was deceptive and a crook and at last Lord Hanuman killed him. Wal-Mart is Kalnemi for us and we will destroy it," said Bharti.

Singh has failed to break an impasse on the issue, with opposition parties and his own political allies demanding a rollback on the reform.

The deadlock means Singh's Congress party-led coalition faces further opposition disruption of parliament, which has been adjourned for six days already.

The controversy comes at a bad time for Congress, worried the issue could become a lightning rod for criticism of the government before state elections due next year.

The issue feeds into some deep-seated nationalism of Indian politicians, as well as fears of massive job losses among the millions of small shopkeepers.

Intro

Uma Bharti, leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleges Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has 'murdered democracy' by allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country's retail sector.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 29, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), ARRIVING TO BRIEF MEDIA

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"The Prime Minister has murdered democracy by allowing Wal-Mart to come in because his allies don't approve the decision. The group of ministers, constituted on the issue, doesn't favour it. He has taken a decision under the pressure of bureaucrats who are pro-American and pro-rich."

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"More people will lose their employment than people getting jobs. Brokers of Wal-Mart are spreading misinformation that it will create job opportunities. I want to caution the countrymen that they shouldn't fall prey to such propaganda. We will have to destroy Wal-Mart the same way Lord Hanuman destroyed Kalanemi (demon), who was deceptive and a crook and at last Lord Hanuman killed him. Wal-Mart is Kalnemi for us and we will destroy it."

4. BHARTI LEAVING IN A VEHICLE

Original Script Date

Nov 29 11:51 (22 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 29 11:51 (22 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Firebrand leader of India's main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 29, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:02

India’s main opposition dismisses support to FDI in retail sector

India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), made it clear that the party had never backed in any of its manifestos the entry of the global giants in the retail sector.

While speaking to mediapersons at India's northern holy city of Varanasi, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said on Tuesday (December 06) that the party never favoured the entry of foreign companies in the retail sector and demanded a roll back of the federal ruling Congress government's decision.

"The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is completely prohibited in our manifesto of 2009. We (BJP) have not backed the FDI in any manifesto. In 2004 also there was no manifesto of any party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was having a vision document in that also there wasn't any word in favour of FDI," said Joshi.

However, as per media reports, the BJP had proposed a similar policy in 2002 and has been leading the pack in opposing the decision in 2011 stating mass unemployment and losses to Indian traders amongst other reasons.

The proposal of introducing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country's $450 billion manufacturing sector has been facing stiff resistance from both the government's allies and opposition ever since the Manmohan Singh led federal government gave it a green signal, last month.

Meanwhile, Joshi also talked about the proposed anti-graft bill to combat corruption from the country.

The government's draft of the ambitious bill--that aims to root out the decades-old corruption from India's civil and democratic institutions--has faced widespread criticism from across the national socio-political spectrum for being too 'weak.'

Critics say it seeks to keep the Prime Minister, federal police, certain government employees, bureaucrats and judges out of the Ombudsman's purview, thereby undermining the effectiveness of the legislation.

Joshi stated that he would discuss the Indian government's version of the bill with his other party members and would soon come out with a decision and would demand the necessary changes that need to be made in it.

"The proposal that was passed in the parliament on ombudsman bill or public ombudsman bill, whatever name you would like to give to it, it must be formulated keeping in mind all those principles. So let us see with what version does the standing committee of the parliament comes out with and we will see what are the loopholes in it. Accordingly we will express our viewpoint and see to what extent can we go. Our viewpoint on this issue is clear," said the senior BJP leader.

Analysts believe that smooth passage of the government-drafted Ombudsman Bill will go a long way in boosting the image of the Congress party among a wide section of irate Indians sick of endemic graft.

Intro

Senior leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Murli Manohar Joshi says that his party has never mentioned in any of their manifestos that they are in favour of allowing foreign direct investment in the country's retail sector.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 06, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURALI MANOHAR JOSHI, SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is completely prohibited in our manifesto of 2009. We (BJP) have not backed the FDI in any manifesto. In 2004 also there was no manifesto of any party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was having a vision document in that also there wasn't any word in favour of FDI."

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURALI MANOHAR JOSHI, SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"The proposal that was passed in the parliament on ombudsman bill or public ombudsman bill, whatever name you would like to give to it, it must be formulated keeping in mind all those principles. So let us see with what version does the standing committee of the parliament comes out with and we will see what are the loopholes in it. Accordingly we will express our viewpoint and see to what extent can we go. Our viewpoint on this issue is clear."

Original Script Date

Dec 06 13:10 (15 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 06 13:10 (15 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

India's main opposition dismisses support to FDI in retail sector.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 06, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:08

Villagers clash with a police party over arrest of Hindu ascetics in northern India.

Villagers clash with a police party over arrest of Hindu ascetics in northern India
                                           By Girish Kumar Dubey
Locals of Ram Nagar near Varanasi in northern India's state of Uttar Pradesh, clashed with a police party on Wednesday (December 07).

The police personnel had come to arrest certain Hindu Sadhus (ascetics) who were protesting against setting up of a proposed tortoise sanctuary on the land occupied by them.

According to the ascetics, the proposed sanctuary would be constructed on their land, which they said had been bought by them from the villagers.

However the administration claimed that this land belongs to state government and had been earmarked for the sanctuary in 2009.

Consequently, the locals resorted to pelting stones on the police and even attacked them with sticks as a protest against the forceful detention of the ascetics.

Present at the ground zero, Ravinder, District Magistrate of Varanasi said ascetics did not have any permission to stage protest and also asserted that the land belonged to the Forest Department.

"Recently, we got information about the construction of hermitage on the land. In this regard, the Forest Department had issued a notice of objection at which some protesting ascetics were staging a sit-in demonstration. Recently, they had burnt three pyres and threatened of self-immolation. So, the police and magistrate had come here, since they had not taken permission for the demonstration and when police tried to arrest, they started pelting stones. Two policemen and one woman have been injured in the scuffle," said Ravinder.

However, on his part, Swami Krishnanand, head of hermitage said that they had informed the administration about the protest well in advance and charged the police of citing some excuse to arrest them.

"They were all sitting on demonstration. Ascetics were sitting on protest only after informing DM (District Magistrate), SP (Superintendent of Police) and Mayawati (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh). Administration never came here to ask about us. And when they came they baton charged the ascetics and started beating before arresting them," said Swami Krishanand.

The brawl between the villagers and police resulted in a tense situation in the area forcing administration to deploy a large number of police force to maintain law and order.

Intro

Locals of village near Varanasi in northern India's state of Uttar Pradesh, clash with a police party that came to arrest Hindu ascetics protesting against a proposed tortoise sanctuary.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

RAM NAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 07, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. EXTERIOR OF THE CAMP

2. POLICE IN SCUFFLE WITH ASCETICS

3. POLICE FORCEFULLY PUSHING ASCETICS OUT OF CAMP

4. POLICE TAKING ASCETICS IN POLICE JEEPS

5. VILLAGERS RUNNING WITH LOGS

6. VILLAGERS ATTACKING POLICE PERSONNEL WITH STICKS

7. VILLAGERS PELTING STONES

8. VILLAGERS PELTING STONES ON THE POLICE JEEPS

9. VILLAGERS RUNNING AFTER THE POLICE JEEPS

10. VILLAGERS TAKING AN INJURED WOMAN

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAVINDER, DISTRICT MAGISTRATE OF VARANASI, SAYING:

"Recently, we got information about the construction of hermitage on the land. In this regard, the Forest Department had issued a notice of objection at which some protesting ascetics were staging a sit-in demonstration. Recently, they had burnt three pyres and threatened of self-immolation. So, the police and magistrate had come here, since they had not taken permission for the demonstration and when police tried to arrest, they started pelting stones. Two policemen and one woman have been injured in the scuffle."

12. GROUP OF POLICE PERSONNEL WALKING

13. TALKING TO POLICE OFFICIALS

14. POLICE FORCE BEING DEPLOYED IN THE AREA

15. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SWAMI KRISHNANAND, HEAD OF THE HERMITAGE, SAYING:

"They were all sitting on demonstration. Ascetics were sitting on protest only after informing DM (District Magistrate), SP (Superintendent of Police) and Mayawati (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh). Administration never came here to ask about us. And when they came they baton charged the ascetics and started beating before arresting them."

16. ENTRANCE OF THE CAMP

17. A BANNER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAMP

18. PEOPLE STANDING

Original Script Date

Dec 08 02:50 (13 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 08 02:50 (13 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Villagers clash with a police party over arrest of Hindu ascetics in northern India.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

RAM NAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 07, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:59

Indian astrologers of Varanasi predict political turmoil due to lunar eclipse

Indian astrologers of Varanasi predict political turmoil due to lunar eclipse

                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey
Astrologers of Varanasi, the ancient temple city on the banks of the River Ganga in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state, predicted a wave of political turbulence on Friday (December 09) caused by the total lunar eclipse to take place on Saturday (December 10).

Standing along the banks of the sacred river, astrologer Pandit Pawan Tripathi went so far as to suggest an internal rift within the government.

"This eclipse will definitely have an impact. There will be political turbulence. Many things may happen that are undesirable. There will be opposition within the government, and there is the possibility of a motion of no confidence," he said.

Further he noted that while Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would have a 'neutral' eclipse, it did not augur well for veteran activist Anna Hazare who has launched a crusade against the establishment to counter corruption and nepotism in government and public life.

Pandit Tripathi said that the eclipse did not augur well for people of several Zodiac signs, Librans being foremost.

He said that the possible adverse effects of the eclipse could be countered by divine invocations.

"In order to escape the ill effects of a lunar eclipse, people should stay where they are, and invoke the deities that they believe in. This causes the benefit of the world, the individual and the world is protected," added Tripathi.

He also advised people other than children, the sick and the early to refrain from consuming any food or drink during the eclipse, a normal ritual practised by Hindus in India.

The total phase of the eclipse is slated to last over 50 minutes.

Hindu mythology ascribes eclipses, both solar and lunar to be caused by the immortal severed head of the demon Rahu swallowing either the sun or the moon. As such devout and conservative Hindus reckon eclipses as inauspicious.

Source

ANI

Restrictions

NO ACCESS BBC

Intro

Astrologers in India's ancient temple city of Varanasi foretell that the total lunar eclipse of December 10 may precipitate political mayhem.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 09, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. EXTERIOR OF TEMPLE

2. DEVOTEES RINGING TEMPLE BELLS

3. CLOSED GATE INSIDE TEMPLE COMPLEX

4. DEVOTEES INSIDE TEMPLE COMPLEX

5. CEILING OF THE TEMPLE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PANDIT PAWAN TRIPATHI, ASTROLOGER, SAYING:

"This eclipse will definitely have an impact. There will be political turbulence. Many things may happen that are undesirable. There will be opposition within the government, and there is the possibility of a motion of no confidence."

7. DEVOTEES INSIDE TEMPLE COMPLEX

8. A TEMPLE DOCUMENT IN HINDI

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PANDIT PAWAN TRIPATHI, ASTROLOGER, SAYING:

"In order to escape the ill effects of a lunar eclipse, people should stay where they are, and invoke the deities that they believe in. This causes the benefit of the world, the individual and the world is protected."

10. SPIRE OF TEMPLE COMPLEX

11. PEOPLE OUTSIDE TEMPLE GATE

12. SIGN OVER TEMPLE GATE IN HINDI

13. A NOTICE TAPED TO A TEMPLE WALL

Original Script Date

Dec 10 01:40 (11 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 10 01:40 (11 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Indian astrologers of Varanasi predict political turmoil due to lunar eclipse.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 09, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:11

Migratory birds throng the Ganges river bank in north Indian holy city

Migratory birds throng the Ganges river bank in north Indian holy city
                                            By Girish Kumar Dubey 

Winter by the banks of the Ganges River in north India's temple town of Varanasi is witness to new sights and sounds apart from its fabled Hindu rituals.

Migratory birds throng the city from the months of November and December, their sounds a distinct presence on the holy river.

These birds thrive in the temperate summers of central Asia's Pamir Mountains and fly down to India to escape the bitter cold winters of the region.

In Varanasi, one of the birds' many wintering spots, locals and tourists alike enjoy the annual migration.

"These birds arrive at the onset of the winter season, and are very attractive. They leave after the winter months. They come and go every year and increase the beauty of the ancient river banks of Varanasi," said Jeet Kumar, a local resident and avid bird watcher.

The birds also bring better earnings for boatmen at the 'ghats' (river banks).

"Tourists come and take boats to the river. They like what they see. Bird feed is sold on the boats, they buy it and feed the birds," said Shambhu, another local resident.

India boasts of a diverse presence of birds with the total number of recorded species exceeding 1300.

80 species are migratory and throng many sites across the country during a winter that is very temperate compared to the harsh cold of their native regions

Intro

Migratory birds swarm the holy city of Varanasi in north India's Uttar Pradesh state, adding to the majestic winter beauty of the Ganges River.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 13, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. BOATS ON THE BANK OF THE GANGES RIVER

2. GULLS LANDING IN RIVER TO FEED

3. MAN FEEDING GULLS

4. GULLS FEEDING IN RIVER

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) LOCAL RESIDENT, JEET KUMAR, SAYING:

"These birds arrive at the onset of winter and are very attractive. They leave after the winter months. They come and go every year and add more beauty to the ancient river banks of Varanasi."

6. GULLS FLYING AMONG BOATS NEAR RIVER BANK

7. A BOAT MAN ROWING

8. GULLS FLYING OVER THE RIVER

9. GULLS LANDING ON THE WATER

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) LOCAL RESIDENT, SHAMBHU, SAYING:

"Tourists come and take boats to the river. They like what they see. Bird feed is sold on the boats, they buy it and feed the birds."

11. GULLS FROLICKING ON THE RIVER

Original Script Date

Dec 14 08:38 (7 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 14 08:38 (7 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Migratory birds throng the Ganges river bank in north Indian holy city.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 13, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:38

Indian social activist condemns probable ban on Hindu religious scripture

Indian social activist condemns probable ban on Hindu religious scripture
                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey
Magsaysay Award winner and India's well-known social activist Medha Patkar observed that that it is illogical on the part of Russia to ban Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita.

She said this while interacting with mediapersons during a sit-in demo at Varanasi, the temple city in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state on Tuesday (December 20).

She also noted such a move by Moscow could invite the wrath of followers who believe in Bhagavad Gita's tenets.

According media reports, a complainant before a court in Siberia sought a complete ban across Russia, on this Hindu scripture, also known as the Song of the Celestial Bliss.

Significantly, the announcement to ban the book came two days after Indian Prime Minister's visited Moscow.

"Russia has no rights to do this (ban on Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita) and when people would raise their voices against this move, then Russia would also accept fault committed by them," said Medha Patkar.

The ban could strain relations between the two countries, as the decision would hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

A day earlier on Monday, the ongoing winter session in Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) was disrupted over this issue and the lawmakers demanded Indian government for a diplomatic intervention.

Commenting on the controversial Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill, Patkar said that she is hopeful that the federal government would live to the expectations of the people and ensure an effective institution of Lokpal.

"We are still hopeful with whatever Salman Khurshid (Indian Law Minister) is saying about the new Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill. He has said that the Bill would be placed in the parliament under his supervision that it includes issues related with violation of citizen's charter which would be considered as corruption because this is a Constitutional Bill which we present and which is in favour of Dalits (socially lower caste) and underprivileged section of the society and is not against them. We want to convey this message to all political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav (chief of regional Rashtriya Janata Dal), Mayawati (head of regional Bahujan Samaj Party and Chief Minister of northern India's state of Uttar Pradesh) and Ramvilas Paswan (of regional Lok Janshakti Party) and many parties have also extended their support to it," added Medha Patkar.

The proposed Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill drafted by veteran activist Anna Hazare and his associates representing the civil society envisage the setting up of a national anti-corruption watchdog to check financial mismanagement and corrupt practices that have deeply pervaded several democratic and civic institutions of India.

The government's version of the Bill has faced flak from Hazare and opposition parties alike, who view the contours of the draft as being too weak.

Intro

Renowned social activist, Medha Patkar says that Russia has no right to ban Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita and is only inviting the wrath of followers who believe in it's tenets.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (DECEMBER 20, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. SOCIAL ACTIVIST, MEDHA PATKAR, STAGING A SIT-IN DEMONSTRATION WITH A GROUP OF ACTIVISTS

2. CROWD OF PROTESTORS SITTING

3. PROTESTORS SITTING AT A GROUND

4. PATKAR SITTING

5. A PROTESTOR SITTING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) INDIA'S FAMED SOCIAL ACTIVIST, MEDHA PATKAR, SAYING:

"Russia has no rights to do this (ban on Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita) and when people would raise their voices against this move, then Russia would also accept fault committed by them."

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) INDIA'S FAMED SOCIAL ACTIVIST, MEDHA PATKAR, SAYING:

"We are still hopeful with whatever Salman Khurshid (Indian Law Minister) is saying about the new Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill. He has said that the Bill would be placed in the parliament under his supervision that it includes issues related with violation of citizen's charter which would be considered as corruption because this is a Constitutional Bill which we present and which is in favour of Dalits (socially lower caste) and underprivileged section of the society and is not against them. We want to convey this message to all political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav (chief of regional Rashtriya Janata Dal), Mayawati (head of regional Bahujan Samaj Party and Chief Minister of northern India's state of Uttar Pradesh) and Ramvilas Paswan (of regional Lok Janshakti Party) and many parties have also extended their support to it."

8. A GROUP OF PROTESTORS SITTING

9. PROTESTORS SHOUTING SLOGANS

Original Script Date

Dec 20 17:01 (21 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Dec 20 17:01 (21 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Indian social activist condemns probable ban on Hindu religious scripture.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

DECEMBER 20, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:24

Bismillah Khan’s family boycotts voting in Varanasi

Bismillah Khan's family boycotts voting in Varanasi                 By Girish Kumar Dubey Varanasi, May 3 (ANI): Family and friends of late Ustad Bismillah Khan, India's legendary Shehnai maestro, today boycotted their ballot in ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The late maestro's sons, Nayyar Hussain and Nazim, accompanied by relatives, friends and residents from the neighbourhood in the pilgrim city of Varanasi gathered in a market to organise a commemorative recital instead of going to cast their ballot. They said that the assurances made by politicians to give Khan's family a petrol pump as also a music academy to help other impoverished artistes had turned out to be empty promises. "We have boycotted the election because politicians came to our home promising us a petrol pump, a memorial for Khan sahib (Ustad Bismillah Khan), and even opening an academy in his name. But nothing has been done till date," said Nayyar Hussain, Ustad Bismillah Khan's elder son. Over 65 members of Ustad Bismillah Khan's extended family and scores of residents from his neighbourhood did not vote in the polls to show their displeasure at the system's lack of apathy. His younger brother, Nazim, added, "Khan sahib has been dead for six months now. Fulfilling our needs is secondary… they (the government) still hasn't built a memorial for him as promised." Ustad Bismillah Khan, born into a family of musicians who played for royalty, started his music career in 1930 and earned recognition nationally as well as internationally purely on the strength of his talent. He transfixed generations of audiences across the world with his soulful rendition of classical music on the 'shehnai', which is played during marriages as well as religious events. Khan was conferred with innumerable awards including India's top civilian awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri and had the distinction of performing from the rampart of Red Fort on August 15, 1947, when India became independent. Varansi went to polls on Thursday in the penultimate phase of the seven-phased polls. (ANI)

Firebrand leader of India’s main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail

Firebrand leader of India's main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail

                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey
Uma Bharti, the firebrand leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), denounced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday (November 29), saying he had 'murdered democracy' by allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country's retail sector.

The reform would allow global chains like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Carrefour to own up to 51 percent of retail ventures.

Bharti said Singh had been pressurised into making the decision by pro-American and pro-rich bureaucrats.

"The Prime Minister has murdered democracy by allowing Wal-Mart to come in because his allies don't approve the decision. The group of ministers, constituted on the issue, doesn't favour it. He has taken a decision under the pressure of bureaucrats who are pro-American and pro-rich," Bharti told reporters in Varanasi city of northern Uttar Pradesh.

Bharti went on to liken Wal-Mart to Kalanemi, a demon in Hindu mythology, and urged the people of India to destroy the global supermarket giant.

"More people will lose their employment than people getting jobs. Brokers of Wal-Mart are spreading misinformation that it will create job opportunities. I want to caution the countrymen that they shouldn't fall prey to such propaganda. We will have to destroy Wal-Mart the same way Lord Hanuman destroyed Kalanemi (demon), who was deceptive and a crook and at last Lord Hanuman killed him. Wal-Mart is Kalnemi for us and we will destroy it," said Bharti.

Singh has failed to break an impasse on the issue, with opposition parties and his own political allies demanding a rollback on the reform.

The deadlock means Singh's Congress party-led coalition faces further opposition disruption of parliament, which has been adjourned for six days already.

The controversy comes at a bad time for Congress, worried the issue could become a lightning rod for criticism of the government before state elections due next year.

The issue feeds into some deep-seated nationalism of Indian politicians, as well as fears of massive job losses among the millions of small shopkeepers.

Intro

Uma Bharti, leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleges Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has 'murdered democracy' by allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country's retail sector.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 29, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), ARRIVING TO BRIEF MEDIA

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"The Prime Minister has murdered democracy by allowing Wal-Mart to come in because his allies don't approve the decision. The group of ministers, constituted on the issue, doesn't favour it. He has taken a decision under the pressure of bureaucrats who are pro-American and pro-rich."

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP), SAYING:

"More people will lose their employment than people getting jobs. Brokers of Wal-Mart are spreading misinformation that it will create job opportunities. I want to caution the countrymen that they shouldn't fall prey to such propaganda. We will have to destroy Wal-Mart the same way Lord Hanuman destroyed Kalanemi (demon), who was deceptive and a crook and at last Lord Hanuman killed him. Wal-Mart is Kalnemi for us and we will destroy it."

4. BHARTI LEAVING IN A VEHICLE

Original Script Date

Nov 29 11:51 (20 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 29 11:51 (20 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Firebrand leader of India's main opposition attacks PM over FDI in retail.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 29, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:02

India minister announces relief package of 62.34 billion rupees for weavers.

India minister announces relief package of 62.34 billion rupees for weavers
                                     
                                           By Girish Kumar Dubey

India's federal Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on Saturday (November 19) announced a relief package of 62.34 Billion rupees for 1.3 million weavers, in Varanasi city of northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Expressing concern over the state of handloom industry, Sharma said that the government has waived off debt worth 38.84 Billion rupees.

"The first package is for waving off the debts. That consists of 15,000 cooperatives for weavers that will facilitate more than 13 lakhs of weavers out of which three lakhs belongs to Uttar Pradesh. Including all this 3,884 crore rupees of debt has been waved off," he said.

This sector has been under tremendous stress due to the increased yarn prices and strong competition from power loom and mill sector.

Sharma further said the relief package will benefit large number of weavers across the country as it will give support to their economic condition.

"The total expense of the second package which I have announced is 2,350 crore rupees. If we sum up the cost of both the packages then it will be more than 6,200 crore rupees," he added.

A six fold strategy has been prepared by the federal government under the name of Handloom Package to help the weavers.

Meanwhile, on Saturday (November 19) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi had asked the federal government to provide adequate financial assistance to handloom weavers, ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2012.

Intro

India's federal Commerce Minister Anand Sharma announces a relief package of 62.34 billion rupees for 1.3 million weavers, in Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 19, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. ANAND SHARMA, INDIA'S COMMERCE MINISTER, ARRIVING AT THE EVENT

2. STUDENTS THROWING FLOWERS AT SHARMA

3. SHARMA VISITING STALLS

4. VARIETY OF WOVEN CLOTHES ON DISPLAY

5. SHARMA STANDING AT THE STALL

6. SHARMA SITTING ON THE DAIS

7. WEAVERS SITTING

8. SHARMA SITTING FOR THE NEWS CONFERENCE

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) ANAND SHARMA, INDIA'S COMMERCE MINISTER, SAYING:

"The first package is for waving off the debts. That consists of 15,000 cooperatives for weavers that will facilitate more than 13 lakhs of weavers out of which three lakhs belongs to Uttar Pradesh. Including all this 3,884 crore rupees of debt has been waved off."

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) ANAND SHARMA, INDIA'S COMMERCE MINISTER, SAYING:

"The total expense of the second package which I have announced is 2,350 crore rupees. If we sum up the cost of both the packages then it will be more than 6,200 crore rupees."

11. A WEAVER WORKING

12. MACHINES AT THE WORKSHOP

13. A MACHINERY DISPLAYED

14. A WEAVER WEAVING A CLOTH

15. THREAD BEING WOVEN ON A MACHINE

16. PEOPLE WORKING IN THE WORKSHOP

Original Script Date

Nov 20 02:06 (3 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 20 02:06 (3 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

India minister announces relief package of 62.34 billion rupees for weavers.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 19, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:48

India’s cash-for-vote scam accused flexes political muscle ahead of polls

India's cash-for-vote scam accused flexes political muscle ahead of polls
                                       By Girish Kumar Dubey
Flexing his political muscle ahead of the upcoming polls, Indian lawmaker and accused in the 2008 cash-for-votes scam, Amar Singh, lashed out at friend-turned-adversary, Mulayam Singh Yadav in the Varanasi town of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state on Sunday (November 13).

Singh, a former leader of regional Samajwadi Party, was arrested on September 06 in connection with his alleged role in the scam and subsequently granted bail on humanitarian grounds on October 24.

Police arrested Singh and his secretary Sanjeev Saxena, after being reprimanded by the Supreme Court for sloppy investigation in July 2011. A private television channel had secretly recorded the alleged transaction of money.

Boosted by the conditional release, Singh is now seeking a comeback in Indian politics to restore his old glory, claim analysts.

Addressing a massive political rally in Varanasi, the articulate Singh voiced his ire at Yadav for having betrayed him earlier, asking the regional political heavyweight to explain why he had not supported him in testing times.

"I want to ask Mr. Mulayam Singh, why did you remember me and our relations during the recent elections? Why did you not remember me when my fellow leader, Jaya Prada, was facing atrocities and a harrowing time in Rampur (a town in northern India)? You did not remember me when a local leader in Rampur called me a middleman and a supplier. Why did you not show support to me by protesting his remarks?" asked Singh.

Yadav and Singh had bitter fallout last year, following which Singh and his close friend, Jaya Prada, were expelled from the Samajwadi Party on charges of indiscipline.

Since then, ties have been extremely strained between the Yadav and Singh-who had earlier been viewed as a formidable political duo by opponents.

Singh also slammed chief of the Hindu radical party Shiv Sena, Bal Thackeray, and his nephew, chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Raj Thackeray, for their perceived ethnic bias against north Indians.

"Bal Thackeray and Raj Thackeray celebrate the Hindu festival of Ganesha Utsav. They do not get tired of worshipping Lord Ganesha, the son of Hindu God Shiva. They say Lord Ganesha is their father. However, Lord Ganesha's father is God Shiva, who hails from the holy town of Varanasi, and so do the people of Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh," added Singh.

In the past, the Shiv Sena has often targeted north Indians, especially those hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, in its stronghold, India's western Maharashtra state, on the pretext of upholding the interests of the 'sons of the soil.'

The MNS too has a powerful influence over Mumbai, much like its larger political rival Shiv Sena, drawing sustenance from a politics of resisting immigration into Mumbai by Indians from states other than Maharashtra.

For generations, waves of migrants have tried to escape rural poverty by coming to Mumbai, gradually elbowing out the local Maharashtrians, who now form less than 50 percent of the city's more than 17 million people.

Meanwhile, Singh reflected on the proposal of creation of a separate state-Purvanchal-from the existing Uttar Pradesh region, urging the provincial chief minister, Mayawati, to bring the issue in the state assembly first.

"I appeal to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister that though you have written a letter to the Prime Minister (on the issue of division of the state), it will not lead to anything. You must call a session of the state assembly and get a proposal on the issue passed from the provincial legislators. This proposal must be sent to the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister does not take any action on the issue of Purvanchal, then the federal ruling Congress party will come under fire," said Singh.

Mayawati currently heads the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and came to power in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh after a massive victory in the 2007 assembly election.

Uttar Pradesh is politically important, as it sends the most number of lawmakers to the national parliament in New Delhi. The state elections are due in 2012.

Intro

Flexing his political muscle ahead of the upcoming polls, Indian lawmaker and accused in the 2008 cash-for-votes scam, Amar Singh, lashes out at friend-turned-adversary, Mulayam Singh Yadav and regional leader Raj Thackeray at a rally.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 13, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. AMAR SINGH, INDIAN LAWMAKER AND ACCUSED IN THE 2008 CASH-FOR-VOTE SCAM, ARRIVING AT A POLITICAL RALLY IN A CAR

2. SINGH BEING ESCORTED OUT OF THE CAR IN A WHEELCHAIR

3. SINGH'S SUPPORTERS SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE

4. SINGH'S AIDES OFFERING A HUGE GARLAND TO HIM

5. AUDIENCE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) AMAR SINGH, INDIAN LAWMAKER AND ACCUSED IN THE 2008 CASH-FOR-VOTE SCAM, SAYING:

"I want to ask Mr. Mulayam Singh, why did you remember me and our relations during the recent elections? Why did you not remember me when my fellow leader, Jaya Prada, was facing atrocities and a harrowing time in Rampur (a town in northern India)? You did not remember me when a local leader in Rampur called me a middleman and a supplier. Why did you not show support to me by protesting his remarks?"

7. AUDIENCE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) AMAR SINGH, INDIAN LAWMAKER AND ACCUSED IN THE 2008 CASH-FOR-VOTE SCAM, SAYING:

"Bal Thackeray and Raj Thackeray celebrate the Hindu festival of Ganesha Utsav. They do not get tired of worshipping Lord Ganesha, the son of Hindu God Shiva. They say Lord Ganesha is their father. However, Lord Ganesha's father is God Shiva, who hails from the holy town of Varanasi, and so do the people of Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh."

9. AUDIENCE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) AMAR SINGH, INDIAN LAWMAKER AND ACCUSED IN THE 2008 CASH-FOR-VOTE SCAM, SAYING:

"I appeal to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister that though you have written a letter to the Prime Minister (on the issue of division of the state), it will not lead to anything. You must call a session of the state assembly and get a proposal on the issue passed from the provincial legislators. This proposal must be sent to the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister does not take any action on the issue of Purvanchal, then the federal ruling Congress party will come under fire."

11. AUDIENCE

Original Script Date

Nov 14 00:51 (9 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 14 00:51 (9 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

India's cash-for-vote scam accused flexes political muscle ahead of polls.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 13, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:07

Rahul Gandhi pays a surprise visit to holy shrine in north Indian Hindu pilgrimage city

Rahul Gandhi pays a surprise visit to holy shrine in north Indian Hindu pilgrimage city

NOVEMBER 01, 2011             By Girish Kumar Dubey

India's federal ruling Congress party's General Secretary Rahul Gandhi paid a surprise visit to the holy shrine of Guru Ravidas Maharaj at the Hindu holy city of Varanasi in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state on Tuesday (November 01).

Gandhi paid a surprised visit to the holy shrine earlier in the day, which sent the local people, and the pilgrims gathered there into frenzy.

The Congress party leader met the religious leaders of the temple and listened to the religious discourses given out, after which he had food at the community kitchen of the temple.

"He had come to seek blessings at the temple of Guru Ravidasji Maharaj here. He prostrated in front of Guruji's idol and then he listened to the religious discourses, which were being delivered at that time. Then he had food at the community kitchen for about ten minutes. Then he gave out autographs to the people at the guesthouse. Then he told the people that he would serve to the most through the medium of politics," said Pramod Kumar, a local man.

The Ravidas Maharaj temple is one of the most revered shrines for the people of the lower castes from the Hindu and Sikh religion in north India.

Many pilgrims who had come in from the northern state of Punjab also saw Gandhi coming in suddenly to pay homage to the saint's shrine.

"There were many people present there who have come over from Punjab. Nobody knew as to who was coming and going. Then he came up all of a sudden," said Satvinder Singh, a pilgrim from Punjab.

Political speculations are high that Gandhi's visit is to target sympathies from the lower caste sections of north India by visiting the shrines of one of their traditional patron saints.

Also some see it as a direct challenge to Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Maywati's hold over the lower caste sections in the state for the coming state elections.

The polls to the legislature of Uttar Pradesh, scheduled in the early part of 2012, are seen as an opportunity for the Congress party to re-establish a firm political base in the country's fifth largest and most populous state, before the 2014 general elections to the federal parliament.

Rahul Gandhi is determined to give a tough fight to the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the Uttar Pradesh provincial polls.

His visits to various parts of state have been focused equally on the lower caste Dalits, Muslims, socially backward classes and marginalised Hindus.

Intro

India's federal ruling Congress party's General Secretary Rahul Gandhi pays a surprise visit to the holy shrine of Guru Ravidas Maharaj at the Hindu holy city of Varanasi in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 01, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. ENTRANCE DOOR OF THE TEMPLE OF SRI GURU RAVIDAS TEMPLE

2. LETTERS ON TOP OF THE ENTRANCE DOOR IN HINDI READING 'SRI GURU RAVIDAS TEMPLE'

3. RAHUL GANDHI, LAWMAKER AND GENERAL SECRETARY OF INDIA'S FEDERAL 4. RULING CONGRESS PARTY, MEETING WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE TEMPLE

5. THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS FELICITATING GANHI WITH A PIECE OF CLOTH

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PRAMOD KUMAR, A LOCAL PERSON, SAYING:

"He had come to seek blessings at the temple of Guru Ravidasji Maharaj here. He prostrated in front of Guruji's idol and then he listened to the religious discourses, which were being delivered at that time. Then he had food at the community kitchen for about ten minutes. Then he gave out autographs to the people at the guesthouse. Then he told the people that he would serve to the most through the medium of politics."

7. GANDHI WRITING DOWN HIS SIGNATURE AT A BOOK IN THE TEMPLE

8. A GHROUP OF PEOPLE SEATED

9. GANDHI STANDIGN WITH TWO RELIGIOUS BOOKS FROM THE TEMPLE

10. THE IDOL OF SRI GURU RAVIDAS MAHARAJ

11. GANDHI HAVING A MEAL FROM THE TEMPLE'S COMMUNITY KITCHEN ALONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SATVINDER SINGH, A PILGRIM FROM NORTHERN PUNJAB STATE, SAYING:

"There were many people present there who have come over from Punjab. Nobody knew as to who was coming and going. Then he came up all of a sudden."

13. GANDHI COMING OUT OF THE TEMPLE WITH OTHER PEOPLE

14. GANDHI GETTING INTO HIS CAR

Original Script Date

Nov 01 16:54 (16 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 01 16:54 (16 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Rahul Gandhi pays a surprise visit to holy shrine in north Indian Hindu pilgrimage city.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 01, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:42

Gandhi scion visits villages in north Indian state ahead of provincial assembly polls.

Gandhi scion visits villages in north Indian state ahead of provincial assembly polls
     

NOVEMBER 01,2011

                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey

In an attempt to reach out to the locals ahead of provincial assembly polls, Gandhi scion and Congress party General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (November 01) visited village in Chandauli district of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Rahul Gandhi paid a surprise visit to the holy shrine of Guru Ravidas Maharaj at the holy city of Varanasi in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state on Tuesday (November 01).

Gandhi's visit was not announced in advance and no mediapersons were allowed to report the event.

The Gandhi scion sat among the villagers and patiently heard their grievances.

Media reports said that after staying in the district, his entourage moved to Mirzapur district in the state.

Political speculations are rife that Gandhi's visit is aimed to garner sympathy from the marginalised section of north India as he visited the shrine of one of their traditional patron saints.

Also some see it as a direct challenge to Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Mayawati's hold over the marginalised sections in the state, during the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The polls to the legislature of Uttar Pradesh, scheduled in the early part of 2012, are seen as an opportunity for the Congress party to re-establish a firm political base in the country's fifth largest and most populous state, before the 2014 general elections to the federal parliament.

Rahul Gandhi is determined to give a tough fight to the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the Uttar Pradesh provincial assembly polls.

His visit to various parts of the state focused equally on the lower caste Dalits, Muslims, socially backward classes and marginalised Hindus.

Intro

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE -RE-SENDING WITH FULL SCRIPT

In an attempt to reach out to the locals ahead of the provincial assembly polls, Gandhi family scion and Congress party General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi visits villages in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

CHANDAULI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (NOVEMBER 01, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. HUTS ON ROADSIDE

2. LOCALS GATHERED AROUND CARS IN A VILLAGE

3. RAHUL GANDHI, GENERAL SECRETARY OF INDIA'S RULING CONGRESS PARTY INTERACTING WITH LOCALS

4. LOCALS SHOUTING SLOGANS IN SUPPORT OF GANDHI

5. GANDHI STANDING

6. GANDHI SITTING IN A PUBLIC MEETING

7. WOMEN SITTING ON THE FLOOR DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING

8. GANDHI LISTENING TO A LOCAL DURING THE MEETING

9. LOCALS STANDING DURING THE PUBLIC MEETING

10. PREMISES OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL

11. GANDHI ADDRESSING THE LOCALS

12. GANDHI LISTENING TO A LOCAL DURING THE MEETING

13. SECURITY PERSONNEL PRESENT ON THE SPOT

14. GANDHI TALKING TO A LOCAL

15. GANDHI SITTING INSIDE HIS CAR

16. CAR LEAVING THE SPOT

Original Script Date

Nov 02 04:50 (4 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Nov 02 05:06 (4 hours ago)

Script Version

2

Headline

Gandhi scion visits villages in north Indian state ahead of provincial assembly polls.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

CHANDAULI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

NOVEMBER 01,2011

Sound

NATURAL

Duration

1:44