Monthly Archives: July 2014

Women Kanwariyas flock Sangam

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Allahabad :

Driven by devotion and desire to offer prayers to Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, a large number of women Kanwariyas are joining hands with their male counterparts in walking the extra mile.

Dressed in saffron attire, the number of women carrying the decorated pot has increased manifold at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Sangam. Here the Kanwariyas collect water from Ganga before heading to Varanasi. Most of these women kanwariyas hail from rural area and are in the age group of 25-40 years.

After collecting water from Ganga, these women walk bare foot to offer jalabhishek to Lord Shiva. The start of Shrawan month has already filled Sangam city’s streets with saffron-clad Kanwariyas carrying decorated ‘kanwars’ structure on their shoulders.

“It’s a matter of devotion. Women are making a mark in all fields like education, engineering and medical. They are also strong enough to follow the custom and practice (taking kanwar on their shoulders) as men do” said Savita, a woman kanwariya from Soraon. She added “The number of women kanwariyas has increased in the last two to three years. Earlier, they preferred offering ‘puja’ to the deity at local temples.”

Besides, even families are supporting and encouraging the women in their desire to perform jalabhishek of Lord Shiva at Kashi Vishwanath.

Most of the women kanwariyas hailing from rural areas strictly adhere to the rituals as the act is supposed to fulfill their wishes and endear them to Lord Shiva.

Another woman kanwariya Kanti said, “Nothing is impossible for us. All the pains and harsh weather is overcome by devotion and determination. Fulfilling the ritual by overcoming all difficulties gives a feeling of contentment,” she added.

Interestingly, all women kanwariyas are well aware of the mythological significance of offering Ganjajal to Lord Shiva, a process known as Jalabhishek, during Shrawan. This is the second trip for Sushila. “Owing to safety reasons, I accompanied male kanwariyas from my village on my first trip. This time I am going along with five other women of the village.”

Asked as to how she would keep her spirit upbeat during the long and arduous journey, she replied: “We chant bhajans and recite stories path related to Lord Shiva. This makes the journey easy.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / July 16th, 2014

Clinton to visit Lucknow today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, World Opinion

Former US president Bill Clinton will visit the state capital on Thursday during which he is scheduled to take part in a student interaction in a school.

Clinton will spend about two hours in Jabrauli village under Mohanlalganj tehsil of here, and is also scheduled to take part in a Clinton Foundation Health Initiative programme during which he is likely to interact with children and their mothers.

“Former US president Bill Clinton will take part in the programmes organised in a school in Jabrauli village, “district magistrate Raj Shekhar said. “Programmes have been organised in three groups.. he will interact with students of class VI to VIII besides assessing the working of self-help groups”, the DM said. The DM said that elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of the former US president’s visit.

After Jaipur mid-day meal kitchen, Clinton to visit a Jabrauli school in Lucknow today
After Jaipur mid-day meal kitchen, Clinton to visit a Jabrauli school in Lucknow today

Besides senior police officers, large number of police and PAC personnel will remain present at the programme site. Shekhar said that Clinton Foundation is working in the field of health in several districts of the country.

As part of his tour, Clinton on Wednesday served chapattis to children at a government school in Jaipur after witnessing preparation of mid-day meals for thousands of students at a kitchen run by an NGO there.

Jaipur and Lucknow are on the itinerary for Clinton as part of a visit to the Asia/Pacific during which the former US president is also scheduled to travel to Vietnam, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia to take stock of the work of the Clinton Foundation and deliver remarks at the 20th International AIDS Conference in Australia.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / IBN Live / Home> IBN Live> India> Uttar Pradesh / Press Trust of India / July 16th, 2014

BHU prof awarded for impact of film on epilepsy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Varanasi :

Head of the department of neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Dr VN Mishra was awarded with the ‘Certificate of Achievement’ by the European Congress on Epileptology for impact of feature film ‘Ek Naya Din’ -fight against epilepsy in North Indian states.

‘Ek Naya Din’, an educative film for epilepsy awareness conceptualized by Mishra was screened during the 11th European Congress on Epileptology held in Stockholm, Sweden from June 28 to July 3. The film based on a real life story of a patient suffering with epilepsy has been also screened at schools and colleges of the north India.

According to Mishra, the film so far had been screened in 20 states of the country and many other countries of the world. The International journal of medical science and clinical Invention in its latest issue highlighted the impact of the film on epilepsy patients. He said that myth and misconceptions regarding management of epilepsy have been prevalent throughout the world. Epilepsy is still thought to be related with evil spirit possession by some, and spiritual rituals and religious healing are commonly believed to be effective treatments.

The 63-minute educative film highlights the most basic issues relating to epilepsy management like importance of drug intake, issues regarding the management during the time of attack, importance of family care. The film is about a young girl who is born in a typical north India joint family and is suffering from epileptic seizures from the age of six. Her parents take her to a doctor but her grand parents think that some evil spirit that is causing the seizures, so they call a witchcraft practitioner that aggravates the problem of the girl. The girl’s classmates also mock at her, but at the instance of her mother teachers and fellow students gradually realise her medical condition and begin to support the brave girl.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / July 16th, 2014

Earth Infra launches Rs 1,500 cr housing project

Business & Economy

Earth Infrastructure today launched a Rs 1,500 crore housing project on Lucknow-Rae Bareli road, which is emerging as a major realty hub in the region.

The project ‘Marvel’ spread over 3 lakh sq ft would comprise 900 residential apartments spanning 10 blocks and common amenities for sports, heath, art, entertainment, club and fine dining.

The apartment would be priced at Rs 32 lakh onwards depending upon size, Earth Group’s Marcom head Kalim A Lohar said.

Last year, the company had launched its maiden housing project in Lucknow estimated at Rs 4,500 crore.

The Group has 11 running projects in India with 12 million sq ft under construction.

On Union Budget 2014-15, he noted the realty sector was sanguine about improving business climate.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by B S Reporter / Lucknow – July 15th, 2014

Villagers of Jabrauli agog to meet Clinton

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The proposed visit of former US President Bill Clinton to Jabrauli village in Mohanlalganj tehsil of Lucknow has generated excitement, enthusiasm and hope among villagers. Police and district administration officials are going the extra mile to ensure that nothing goes wrong during the high profile visit on Thursday.

From connecting roads to the panchayat bhawan and primary and secondary schools, the village and its residents are waiting eagerly for Clinton to arrive. A labourer white washing a wall of the primary school was stopped by an official of the district administration just as he was about to swipe out a diagram showing computer and its accessories.

According to district administration officials, Clinton is expected to stay in the village for nearly 45 minutes. He is scheduled to see workers connected to the Clinton Health Access Initiative, which trains healthcare workers to treat diarrhoea, one of the largest killers of children in India.

Among others waiting anxiously for Bill Clinton are 69 members of Matsya Jeevi Sahkari Samiti Limited, Jabrauli, who formed this self-help group in 1984 and are primarily involved in fishing. Member of the self-help group Jagroop Narayan said “we will try for an audience with Bill Clinton, so that we can narrate our miseries to him and draw his attention to our plight.” He added that members of this self-help group were from Jabrauli village and hailed from the same community. Some of the varieties of fishes these members cultivate (in the pond) include Rohu, Nayan Bhakur, silver carp and grass carp.

“We have sought a pond from the government, to improve our livelihood. But, we have yet to see any success in this regard,” said 58-year-old Jagroop.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / July 16th, 2014

Ganga warrior Yogeshwar passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature

Varanasi :

Ganga warrior and self-proclaimed head of Kashi Mahashamsan Peeth Nagnath Yogeshwar, passed away after a prolonged illness on Friday. He was cremated at Manikarnika Ghat.

In 2008, he undertook a 1,000 day long fast for uninterrupted flow of Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar. The fast began on July 19.

He was admitted to a government hospital recently and referred to Sir Sunderlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University on Thursday. He died at the hospital around 1.45 am. He protested against the construction of dams on Ganga.

His last rites were attended by scores of people, including Congress MLA Ajai Rai.

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

Renuka and Anoop Kumar launched ‘The Oudh Story’ a fashion studio in Lucknow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

The city has another hot-spot for all fashionistas. ‘The Oudh Story’, a designer fashion studio, launched amid huge fanfare at Hotel Clarks Awadh on Saturday, night had all fashion conscious city janta thronging the tastefully done up place.

The chic store was opened by MD Clarks Group of Hotels Anoop Kumar and his wife, the creator of The Oudh Story, Renuka Kumar, who is also a known celebrity stylist and an acclaimed dancer.

Anoop and Renuka Kumar
Anoop and Renuka Kumar

Housing collections from acclaimed Indian fashion designers like Anjul Bhandari, Chetan Chiller, Hemant Ambwani, Anuradha Vakil and Mandeep Negi’s Shades of India, the store is a onestop place for all those looking for the perfect ethnic and western wear for both men and women at affordable rates, Renuka, the promoter of the store, said, “I have conceptualised this place with great care and affection. All the designers who will be showcasing their designs here are very accomplished and known names in the fashion world, not just in India, but internationally.

This is a wo n d e r f u l concept which brings together new designers to Lucknow and most of all, here people can get customised outfit which will be specially made to order. Also, throughout the year, designers will be coming to Lucknow to personally interact with our clients.”

Designer Hemant Ambwani, who has designed for the likes of the Bachchans among other celebrities, said, “Lucknow is a wonderful place to be showcasing my designs. My speciality is the traditional Rajasthani gota-patti and for me to be bringing my designs to Lucknow is a great opportunity. Here people are still inclined towards traditional wear and I’m sure people will like my ensembles. It’s the first day today and already people have shown such great interest in my designs.”

Saturday’s designer trunk-show also had the guests meet the designers in person and talk to them about latest trends and designs. The Oudh Story is located at Hotel Clark’s Awadh, Lucknow.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Entertainment> Events> Lucknow / TNN / April 21st, 2014

CII Young Indians unite Lucknow residents to empower women

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Lucknow :

Youth, particularly women, got together in large numbers on Saturday for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII’s) Young Indians (Yi) session on ‘Let’s Unite for Women Empowerment – ‘Celebrating Malala Day’. The session urged for bold action to embed women’s rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality in all we do, now and beyond.

The session was packed with dynamic panelists including some eminent women achievers like Kiran Bedi, retired IPS, social activist Anjum Chopra, former Indian women’s cricket team captain, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee, Dolly Thakore, Indian theater actress and casting director, Melissa Lee Ohm, former US Marine and CEO and Founder, STaND, Aparna Yadav, brand ambassador, NGO Harsh and classical singer, Niloufar Pourzand, Chief of UP, UNICEF, Deepa Malik, Arjuna Awardee and founder Wheeling Happiness, Kanika Kapoor, playback Singer and musician Sayema Rehman, RJ, Radio Mirchi, New Delhi.

Kiran Bedi expressing her pleasure for being in Lucknow said,”I am here just because this session is in Uttar Pradesh, had it been anywhere else I wouldn’t have gone. I am very concerned about the issue of women security in this state. I have for long wanted to come over and speak to the people here.” Bedi suggested measures for empowering women. “There are 6 Ps that need to be worked upon to ensure that women are treated with dignity, these are – People, Police, Politicians, Prosecution, Prisons and Press.”

The panel discussion ranged from stories of accomplishments and hardships these women achievers had faced. Anjun Chopra spoke about being the captain of Indian women’s cricket team, which is otherwise known to be a men’s game. Dolly Thakore told about her movement of supporting women and how she manages to wear all the hats at once. Melissa Lee Ohm shared how her two daughters inspired her start her own self-defence training and sexual harassment prevention consultation organization. Similarly, Niloufar Pourzand threw light on the serious need to prevent ‘toilet rapes’ in the state.

Deepa Malik’s speech moved the audience to tears as she shared her story. She said in spite of being paralyzed chest down, with three tumour surgeries and nearly 200 stitches between shoulder blades and a life on a wheelchair for the past 14 years has not stopped the 44 year old from taking up challenges, and she is the first and only Indian swimmer, biker, car rallyist and athlete in her category of paraplegic disability, and has numerous awards to her name including the Arjuna Award.

Likewise Kanika Kapoor the latest music sensation of Bollywood expressed that all that glitters in not gold and life of a woman has many challenges and yet she carry it with a broad smile.

Guarav Prakash, founder chair, Yi Lucknow Chapter said, “July 12 is also being celebrated by United Nation, as Malala Day, in support of Malala’s (Yousafzai’s) unparalleled example ,of courage and valour ,and it is appropriate that we also dedicate this day ,to every woman and girl child in this country to applaud the youngsters, who not only raise their voice but are also willing to support the fairer sex.”

He insisted that people who resort to brutalizing and stifling the existence of our female gender, do not come from some other planet, but are from one of us. It is indeed shocking that they are unaware of what harm their actions do, to a society of which they are a part.

Sachin Agarwal, chairman, CII Uttar Pradesh State Council said, “Concerted local, regional and global efforts will have to be made in order to make the world a better place. We should give women a chance to grow up into productive citizens who will meaningfully contribute their share to bring harmony, peace and cooperation both locally and globally.” He added that people should acknowledge their contribution and numerous sacrifices by giving women a chance to prove their abilities and showcase their talents.

Agarwal also informed that CII has launched a special initiative for women, Indian Women Network (IWN), a platform for all women to drive their ambitions and motivate them to achieve their dreams. It is a network of women, for women and by women. Abhishek Mishra, Minister, vocational education, GoUP was the chief guest for the session and Navneet Sikera, deputy inspector general, Lucknow was the guest of honour. Divij Narain, co-chair, Yi Lucknow Chapter and director, Speed Motorwagen gave the vote of thanks.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Priyanka Singh, TNN / July 12th, 2014

Yawar Ali Shah hosts annual day bash for AMA Herbal staff in Lucknow

Business & Economy

A lavish Annual Day party was organised for the entire staff of AMA Herbal in Lucknow on Tuesday . The directors of the company , along with their families and staff, got together to celebrate the occasion.

The evening began with a vote of thanks by Yawar Ali Shah, one of the directors, to all the employees who had helped achieve this success. Awards were given out to all those who had worked hard for this.

Yawar Ali Shah
Yawar Ali Shah

Amid applause and cheers, trophies were given to more than 35 employees of the company . While Anshul Shukla and Neeraj Choubey jointly won the award for Employee Of The Year, while Khalil Ahmed was felicitated for 40 years of continuous service.

Several more awards were announced for excellent performance in administration, production, marketing, etc.

AMA Herbal, is a world renowned company dealing in natural textile dyes and herbal colours, Telling us more about the company , Yawar Ali Shah said, “Our herbal products are the result of our dedicated research and development team, which is responsible for making eco-friendly products for consumers.

Our natural products with Bio Active ingredients are well recognized by dermatologists in India and the world. The credit for our success goes to our team and that is what we are celebrating today .”

The guests again erupted in cheers as the launch of four new products was announced at the party .

AMA is in the process of introducing the Vegetal Bio Hair Colour in the US market in the coming year along with promoting natural dyes and gulal, in the European market.

The company also has plans to expand in the domestic market with wellness clinics and more herbal products.

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

Drumsticks seed a water purifier

Science & Technology

Allahabad :

In the backdrop of the fact that the policy makers are battling out the problem of providing potable water to lakhs of countrymen, a research, undertaken by a team of Botanist from Allahabad University, has provide a cheap, indigenous yet a very effective solution to make water free from any contamination and fit to drink.

The team, led by Prof Anupam Dikshit, has found that the seeds of Moringa oliefera, commonly known as Sehjan or drumsticks, have the potential to remove impurities from contaminated water and make it safe for drinking. This interesting and useful finding is the outcome of a DST (department of science and technology) sponsored project, entitled ?Identification of some Indian plants for thedevelopment of indigenous technology for potable water treatment’.

“Growing population, increased economic activity and industrialisation have not only created an increased demand for safe drinking water but also resulted in severe misuse of natural resource. Polluted water is estimated to affect the health of over million people especially in most of the developing countries.” According to a statistical data, it was found that 2.2 million deaths occur per annum due to usage of impure water of which 90% are children under the age of five and it is in this backdrop that our finding bears significance, said Prof Dikshit.

The research team, assisted by Prof Dikshit’s students Dr Awadhesh Kumar and Madhu Pandey, screened several medicinal plants such as Moringa oliefera commonly known as Sehjan,Citrus reticulata (Orange), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Mentha arviensis (Pudina) and made several extracts of these plants. But it was in the case of Moringa oliefera, seed paste of which showed antimicrobial and coagulating potential in water purification.

For the experiment the team members collected water samples from different places in and around Allahabad region including AU campus, Katra, Daraganj, Kydganj, Chowk, Tagore Town, Civil Lines. Among these, the sample having negative bacteria was treated with extract of aforementioned medicinal plants and the antibacterial property was tested by using molecular device i.e. spectrophotometer.

“These low molecular weight proteins worked like magnet when added to any unsafe water as it makes raw waters turbid such as silt, clay, bacteria etc which is then left to settle down or it may be removed by filtration methods”, explained Prof Dikshit. Extract of seeds of drumsticks have shown tremendous power of killing bacteria which causes several diseases such as cholera, dysentery, salmonellosis, typhoid fever , pneumonia etc, he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Rajiv Mani, TNN / July 04th, 2014