25-31 January 2013 Vol. 2 No. 23 Pages 24 ` 7 RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014 To Protect And Defend Time for A Citizen Oath { Maninder Dabas / FG } W ith an ever-present and grave concern as women’s security, impacting every family, it is now being felt that citizens need to join hands with the (limited) police, in order to curb such crime at every level. Incidents of eve-teasing, distasteful behaviour and molestation are quite rampant in Gurgaon. There is a plan for the establishment of a Public-Police Control Room, to help maintain a more effective communication between the citizens and the police. This Control Room will be manned by members from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), retired defence and police officers, social organisations and volunteers. Senior policemen, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and others would be accessible to this team. Most citizens are quite optimistic about this initiative. “Certainly this initiative can be of great help in curbing crimes against women, and in general. However, the citizens should sit with the Administration and agree on their respective duties and charters. Unfortunately, the past initiatives with the Gurgaon Administration have not been productive. This needs to change, as only the Administration has the powers to act and enforce. A normal citizen can’t realistically confront wrong-doers on his/ her own,” said Bhiwani Shankar Tripathy, General Secretary, Mission Gurgaon Development. The top brass of Gurgaon Police, however, has a different take. Maheshwar Dayal, DCP, East, explains, “Look, no amount of citizen policing can help curb crime unless we ourselves become more responsible towards our duty. We as policemen, and law and peace keepers of the City, should first improve our way of working; and if we do that, I don’t see any reason why we can’t make the city safe for each citizen. We are working on it.” But can Gurgaonites wait – and for how long? Security Observer scheme: a dead end Citizen policing is not an alien phenomenon for Gurgaon, as it has been actioned in 2010. A project, ‘Security Observers’, was started by the Police, by joining hands with citizens – especially some major RWAs of the City. A group of dedicated senior citizens was appointed as Security Observers. Contd on p 5 As I was getting some offensive messages, I went to the Police Station near Subhash Chowk. There was no police woman. They dialled the number (from where I was getting the messages), but it was not reachable – so they told me that it could be one of my friends or admirers! One of them said, “Madam chhodo. Itni si baat pe aap badnaam ho jaoge”. After a few such comments I finally gave up and left the police station. I don’t think that I will ever go to a police station to report anything. This is one reason I want a newspaper to intervene. (name withheld) It happened in broad daylight. A poor female beggar struck the window of a car. The driver, an old man, rolled down the window and touched her badly. When she shouted, the person smiled, rolled up the window, and drove away. The traffic policeman played the role of a mute spectator. (Manisha) { Shilpy Arora / FG } A newly-wed couple, Tanu and Vikas (names changed), moved to the City in 2010, in search of good jobs and better living. Within a few days both of them got decent jobs. As the couple couldn’t afford two cars, Tanu decided to commute through public transport. She didn’t know that this decision would shatter all her dreams, and cripple her for life. One day, when Tanu took an auto from her office to her residence in DLF Phase 1, the auto driver drove her to a lonely lane. When she raised an alarm, he started driving even faster. “I saw a weird smile on his face through the rear-view mirror. I realised that I was in trouble. I shouted, I screamed but nobody came forward to help me. I had no option, so I jumped out of the speeding vehicle,” Tanu recounts. Badly injured, she also lost her right hand, as a speeding two-wheeler ran over it. After this horrible incident the 28-year-old lady, along with her husband, shifted back to her hometown. There have been at least five incidents of abduction and abuse, while in public transport, in the past one year. In August, an elderly lady, who was travelling along with her husband in a shared-auto, had an argument with an auto driver at Sikanderpur. As tempers flared, the auto driver called his friends and beat up the couple. The lady received serious injuries on her face, and scratches on the neck. Other means of public transport, such as buses and the Metro are no better. We know of the recent case, where a girl student was abused and molested by a co-passenger in a State bus. Almost 60 per cent of women depend on public transport, but the Administration has failed to provide them an efficient, economical, and safe option. Auto-rickshaws Autos are the most common means of public transport in the City. These ‘auto wallas’ are often blamed for rash driving, tampering of number plates, overloading, misbehaviour with passengers, and open violation of traffic rules. Their behaviour with women, in particular, is a matter of concern. As Shri Laxmi, a resident of DLF Phase IV, informs, “After 8 pm, auto-rickshaws parked outside HUDA City Centre Station don’t charge less than Rs. 100, even for a distance less than 1 km. Contd on p 6 A 24x7 Women’s Helpline, Damini – 9266861111 – has been set up by REDCO. It is clearly time for a Police-Citizen Partnership (PCP), to ensure women’s security at every level. The police cannot do it alone. Their numbers are too low for the task at hand (even in general); and their competence lies in handling serious crime – eve teasing or distasteful behaviour is not yet taken seriously. The PCP can take many forms – PCP helplines, PCP security teams for each locality or colony, PCP traffic teams. The team members should be men and women who are able and eager to help; and the police need to empower them to warn wrong- doers, or report to/get help from the nearest police station. Some initiatives have been tried earlier – but the times have changed. A Public-Citizen Partnership, for crime prevention and reduction, is the need of the hour. This programme needs to be urgently implemented, and then reviewed monthly, at the level of a DCP in the City. There are many cases still being reported daily – of women becoming victims, mainly on the roads. To that extent, it should be easier to plan, and curb. FG has discussed the issue of Women’s Security with the Gurgaon Police, and will continue to focus on this very seriously. In this issue we bring you an update on various Citizen/corporate initiatives, as well as the status ‘on the road’. With public transport in the City still being woefully inadequate and inefficient, many women remain at the mercy of autos (including the dreaded shared-autos). Standing on the road, for a bus or auto, or walking to the Metro station, is no less hazardous. Gangs of young, inebriated ‘men’ roam in their cars, passing lewd comments, flashing, and inviting women inside. The irony is that even women driving on their own are not spared. All this is made worse in the evenings by the dismal state of streetlighting. The Administration remains in the dark. There are none so blind as those who will not see.
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25-31 January 2013
Vol. 2 No. 23 Pages 24 ` 7 RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014
To Protect And DefendTime for A Citizen Oath
{ Maninder Dabas / FG }
With an ever-present and grave concern as women’s security, impacting every family, it is now
being felt that citizens need to join hands with the (limited) police, in order to curb such crime at every level. Incidents of eve-teasing, distasteful behaviour and molestation are quite rampant in Gurgaon.
There is a plan for the establishment of a Public-Police Control Room, to help maintain a more effective communication between the citizens and the police. This Control Room will be manned by members from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), retired defence and police officers, social organisations and volunteers. Senior policemen, including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and others would be accessible to this team. Most citizens are quite optimistic about this initiative. “Certainly this initiative can be of great help in curbing crimes against women, and in general. However, the citizens should sit with the Administration and agree on their respective duties and charters. Unfortunately, the past initiatives with the Gurgaon Administration have not been productive.
This needs to change, as only the Administration has the powers to act and enforce. A normal citizen can’t realistically confront wrong-doers on his/her own,” said Bhiwani Shankar Tripathy, General Secretary, Mission Gurgaon Development. The top brass of Gurgaon Police, however, has a different take. Maheshwar Dayal, DCP, East, explains, “Look, no amount of citizen policing can help curb crime unless we ourselves become more responsible towards our duty. We as policemen, and law and peace keepers of the City, should first improve our way of working; and if we do that, I don’t see any reason why we can’t make the city safe for each citizen. We are working on it.”
But can Gurgaonites wait – and for how long?
Security Observer scheme: a dead endCitizen policing is not an alien phenomenon for Gurgaon, as it has been
actioned in 2010. A project, ‘Security Observers’, was started by the Police, by joining hands with citizens – especially some major RWAs of the City. A group of dedicated senior citizens was appointed as Security Observers.
Contd on p 5
As I was getting some offensive messages, I went to the
Police Station near Subhash Chowk. There was no police woman.
They dialled the number (from where I was getting the messages), but it was not reachable – so they told
me that it could be one of my friends or admirers! One of them said, “Madam chhodo. Itni si baat pe aap badnaam ho jaoge”. After a few such comments
I finally gave up and left the police station. I don’t think that I will ever go to a police station to report anything. This is one reason I
want a newspaper to intervene.(name withheld)
It happened in broad daylight. A poor female beggar struck the window of a car. The driver, an old man, rolled down the
window and touched her badly. When she shouted, the person smiled, rolled up the window, and drove away. The traffic
policeman played the role of a mute spectator.(Manisha)
{ Shilpy Arora / FG }
A newly-wed couple, Tanu and Vikas (names changed), moved to the City in 2010, in search of good jobs and
better living. Within a few days both of them got decent jobs. As the couple couldn’t afford two cars, Tanu decided to commute through public transport. She didn’t know that this decision would shatter all her dreams, and cripple her for life.
One day, when Tanu took an auto from her office to her residence in DLF Phase
1, the auto driver drove her to a lonely lane. When she raised an alarm, he started driving
even faster. “I saw a weird smile on his face through the rear-view mirror. I realised that I was
in trouble. I shouted, I screamed but nobody came forward to help me. I had no option, so I jumped out
of the speeding vehicle,” Tanu recounts. Badly injured, she also lost her right hand, as a speeding two-wheeler ran
over it. After this horrible incident the 28-year-old lady, along with her husband, shifted back to her hometown.
There have been at least five incidents of abduction and abuse, while in public transport, in the past one year. In August, an elderly lady, who was travelling along with her husband in a shared-auto, had an argument with an auto driver at Sikanderpur. As tempers flared, the auto driver called his friends and beat up the couple.
The lady received serious injuries on her face, and scratches on the neck.Other means of public transport, such as buses and the Metro are no better.
We know of the recent case, where a girl student was abused and molested by a co-passenger in a State bus. Almost 60 per cent of women depend on public transport, but the Administration has failed to provide them an efficient, economical, and safe option.
Auto-rickshawsAutos are the most common means of public transport in the City. These ‘auto
wallas’ are often blamed for rash driving, tampering of number plates, overloading, misbehaviour with passengers, and open violation of traffic rules. Their behaviour with women, in particular, is a matter of concern. As Shri Laxmi, a resident of DLF Phase IV, informs, “After 8 pm, auto-rickshaws parked outside HUDA City Centre Station don’t charge less than Rs. 100, even for a distance less than 1 km.
Contd on p 6
A 24x7 Women’s Helpline, Damini – 9266861111 –
has been set up by REDCO.
It is clearly time for a Police-Citizen Partnership (PCP), to ensure women’s security at every level.
The police cannot do it alone. Their numbers are too low for the task at hand (even in general); and their competence lies in handling serious crime – eve teasing or distasteful behaviour is not yet taken seriously.
The PCP can take many forms – PCP helplines, PCP security teams for each locality or colony, PCP traffic teams. The team members should be men and women who are able and eager to help; and the police need to empower them to warn wrong-doers, or report to/get help from the nearest police station.
Some initiatives have been tried earlier – but the times have changed.
A Public-Citizen Partnership, for crime prevention and reduction, is the need of the hour. This programme needs to be urgently implemented, and then reviewed monthly, at the level of a DCP in the City.
There are many cases still being
reported daily – of women becoming victims, mainly on the roads. To that extent, it should be easier to plan, and curb.
FG has discussed the issue of Women’s Security with the Gurgaon Police, and will continue to focus on this very seriously. In this issue we bring you an update on various Citizen/corporate initiatives, as well as the status ‘on the road’. With public transport in the City still being woefully inadequate and inefficient, many women remain at the mercy of autos (including the dreaded shared-autos). Standing on the road, for a bus or auto, or walking to the Metro station, is no less hazardous. Gangs of young, inebriated ‘men’ roam in their cars, passing lewd comments, flashing, and inviting women inside. The irony is that even women driving on their own are not spared.
All this is made worse in the evenings by the dismal state of streetlighting.
The Administration remains in the dark.There are none so blind as those who will not see.
02 25-31 January 2013
The New Republic
0325-31 January 2013
Healthy CompetitionVeteran film actor and MP, Raj Babbar, was in the City as Chief Guest at the finale of a dance competition, organised by a leading hospital. Participants included nurses, doctors, paramedics and supporting staff of the Hospital.
Huma in The CityActress Huma Qureshi was recently spotted at a Mall for a promotional activity. Being a Delhi girl, Huma was happy to be back in the City, and was amazed at the changed landscape. After her successful stint in Gangs of Wasseypur, Huma is looking forward to the release of her upcoming films, Ek Thi Dayan and D-Day.
Celeb Watch
04 25-31 January 2013
4
My nails seem lifeless and discoloured. Why does this happen and what can I do to rectify this?
First consult a doctor, as fungal infections can also discolour the nails. Some pastel colours, specially beige and pink, can become yellowish after being exposed to the sun. The nail too can acquire a yellowish tinge. UV resistant top coats are available for sun protection. If there is a yellowish tint, scrape the surface of the nail with the finest-grain side of an emery board. To brighten dull nails, “buff” or rub them gently with a piece of chamois leather. You can also dilute lemon juice with water and soak nails in it for 10 minutes daily.
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{ Aalok Wadhwa }
Feeling like having a sweet bite? If you can’t decide between a
cake and Brownie, try Nisha Jag-gi’s softer, lighter, yet indulgently gooey fusion of classic chocolate cake and walnut brownie – called Cakey Brownie. This piece of de- li-ciousness has her clients clamouring for more.
Some eight years ago, Nisha de-cided to be a work-at-home mom. She established Choconish as a home boutique company, specialis-ing in baking custom-made and specialised creations for her increas-ing list of clients. The menu has expanded, based on the orders she gets from her clients, to include brownies, cookies, cheesecakes, mousse, cupcakes, carrot cakes, lemon cakes, choc truffles, caramel puddings, apple pies and much more.
I ask Nisha what is it that makes her stand out from the competition. “I put love in everything I create. I bake every order personally, and never ever compromise on what I do”, is her reply.
First I sample the oatmeal cookies – which are nice and healthy. Next is the famous Cakey Brownie, which is light, chocolaty and not-too-sweet. While everything tastes great, the star for me is defi-nitely the carrot cake, which is topped with walnuts. One bite into it reveals a soft, moist and melt-in-the-mouth texture, which is ir-resistible. It is very difficult to stop at one slice.
So what is Nisha’s favourite dessert? "Caramel pudding” is her quick answer. She adds that she loves the Cakey Brownies too.
Nisha’s sweet offerings are worth more than a try.
ChocoNish Cakey Brownie Times
FOOD
Editor: Atul Sobti
Sr. Correspondents: Abhishek Behl Shilpy Arora
Correspondent: Maninder Dabas
Sr. Photographers: Prakhar Pandey Jit Kumar
Sr. Sub Editor: Anita Bagchi
Sr. Designer: Amit Singh
Designer: Virender Kumar
Sr. Circulation Execs.: Himanshu Vats Syed Mohd Komail
Circulation Execs.: Pankaj Yadav Sunil Yadav Manish Yadav
Accts. & Admin Mgr: Deba Datta Pati
Asst. Manager Media Marketing: Bhagwat Kaushik
Sr. Exec Media Marketing: Vikalp Panwar
Ad Sales Exec : Amit Agarwal
Consulting Art Editor: Qazi M. Raghib
Editorial Office213, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122001, HaryanaPhones: +91 124 421 9092/93
Emails:
Friday Gurgaon (Weekly) edited, published and printed by Atul Sobti on behalf of Arap Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. from 213, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122018, Haryana.
Printed at Indian Express Ltd.Plot No. A8, Sector 7, Gautam Budh Nagar, NOIDA – 201301, Uttar Pradesh
The views expressed in the opinion pieces and/or the columns are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Friday Gurgaon or Arap Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014VOL.–2 No.–23 25-31 January 2013
Now get your copy of Reading & Riting is the Rithmetic - a compilation of the Editorials and cover stories of Atul Sobti.Get your hard copy at Quill and Canvas, South Point Mall, DLF Phase V, or order it online at ebagsfull.comCover Price-Rs. 350
She can be contacted at 98100-39333. www.choconish.in
wHaryanvi Made Easy Get a taste of the local lingo
1. My uncle is coming home today. Aaj mera tau aaoga ghar ne.
2. He is coming after 2 years. Wo do saala baad aan lagrya hai.
3. He is my father's brother. Wo mere babu ka bhai se.
4. He had gone to America with his family. Wo apne balka galla Amreeca chale gya tha.
5. I have forgotten how my cousins look. Main to bhoolliya mere bhai bhan kisse dikhe se.
6. We used to have great fun together. Hum saare ek saath ghanne mauj masti kare the.
7. I miss those days. Main ghanne yaad karun hun we din.
8. I am very excited. Main ghanne raajji hun.
www. .com/fridaygurgaon
{Inside}Spotlight (Still) on DLFThe spotlight refuses to go. Belaire Association had felt vindicated by the decision of CCI in early January, but CCI has now restricted its decision by not extending it to the new DLF SkyCourt project. The Belaire Association has decided to intervene. The next hearing has been fixed January 30th – it could have important ramifications for DLF, and for the real estate industry.
...Pg 7
Rewari – Our Industrial CorridorRewari, a historically important neighbour, and well-positioned on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, could benefit greatly from the proposed ‘Greater Gurgaon’ (including Manesar and Bawal) mega plans.
...Pg 9 & 10
Privately InsecureOur ‘private sector’ City has become very used to conveniences – including private security. Unfortunately, most of the private security firms may be non-licensed, and the guards completely untrained. It’s time to get serious on this – our lives could depend on it.
...Pg 14
05Cover Story25-31 January 2013
Their role was to conduct surveillance of the daily functioning of the police stations in their areas. The Observers were issued identity cards by the Police Commissioner’s office, and were to co-ordinate with the respective area SHOs. Their specific duties were: to see that FIRs were duly lodged by the police; to act as conciliators in cases of dispute among residents; to help maintain traffic; and to keep an eye on the overall law and order situation. The project, however, never took off. “Although the intention behind the initiative of the Gurgaon Police was good, the methodologies followed had several deficiencies and loop holes. The initiative also got limited to traffic, and the rest of the other important issues got sidelined; and in traffic management too this initiative failed, because the policemen didn’t support the volunteers,” added Tripathy. Col. (retd) Ratan Singh, head of JAFRA, who was appointed as one of the Security Observers, claims that the scheme is still alive – and of the 31 current members, most are from JAFRA.
However, there is no visible impact of their role.
Citizen Policing: a fair success in Delhi
In Delhi, the Delhi Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (DNWS), a Public-Police Partnership project, has helped curb crime in targeted areas. The scheme came out of a belief that crime can be curbed better if all the stake holders of the City keep their eyes open,
Contd from p 1
Time for A Citizen Oath
Delhi vs GurgaonDelhi Police has continued its
crusade against gender crimes, and inequities meted out to women and children, through the Special Police Unit for Women & Children. With the help of non-government organisations and other specialized agencies from the social sphere, the officials regularly mediate, counsel and help rehabilitate the victims. Instances of violence/harassment of women are dealt with swiftly, and with a heavy hand. The police has also been promoting self-defence training, which has developed as a comprehensive confidence building programme. In other initiatives, prominent Women Help Desks have been established at all police stations, and women constables have been deployed in PCR vans and beats. Predominantly women-staffed police stations have been started in the University campuses. Delhi Police has also issued a security advisory to BPO and similar companies for the safety of their women employees. In Gurgaon, a few all-women PCRs are operational, and in all the 24 police stations there are women lawyers now attached, to support the victims of rape or molestation.
Unified EffortIn Delhi, regular meetings of
the District Level and Thana Level Committees have been taking place. The meetings with RWAs have further helped maintain good law & order, and prevent crime. Some of the other initiatives include: Eyes and Ears
Scheme, Meetings with Bank officials, Aman Committee (Peace Committee) and Nagrik Suraksha Samitis. Gurgaon Police have yet to join hands with the masses – the Security Observer Scheme never took off.
Model Police StationIn Delhi, one police station in
each district has been selected as a Model Police Station. These police stations are equipped with the latest technology and scientific equipment, and a spacious and hygienic infrastructure. Emphasis is given to training on the behavioural attitude of staff, and to community policing initiatives. A monthly performance appraisal for ACPs, SHOs and Beat Staff has been implemented. Complaints are taken seriously, and disposed of expeditiously. Gurgaon Police has no model police station; in fact most of the police stations are in a shambles, as there are not even basic facilities – such as a mess, or proper barracks and toilets for the staff. Separate toilets for women staff is not even on the agenda.
Faster ResponseIn Delhi, Emergency Response
Vehicles (ERVs) have been deployed in all crime prone areas, as first responders to distress calls, supplementing the efforts of PCRs. Since ERVs are staffed with armed police officers, they are in a better position to reach the spot and preserve the scene of crime, or quickly respond to a law and order situation. Gurgaon has no such provision.
Nothing seems to have changedOn Tuesday, a woman robbed the card of a woman executive at a Metro station rest room, and shopped for Rs 34,000. It took almost an hour for the victim to get through to a helpline, and over 6 hours to file an FIR.Belatedly, the PCR vans have been instructed that they have no jurisdiction, and can lodge a case in any police station.
MCG Commissioner Vijay Singh Dahiya is transferred after just 2 months – for ‘admin-istrative reasons’ !
Is there no accountability to the citizens of the City?
Is there no accountability of the Chief Secretary, to explain Why – for a clear exceptional and extra-ordinary decision concerning a top civic official in Haryana’s top commercial City?
Happy Happy New Year
While some of us may feel sad that the season of festivities has come to an end but luckily in our country (& luckily for us ), this is just a beginning of a new festive season – so get ready as here comes Lohri, Republic Day, Valentine’s Day, Eid, Holi, Good Friday, just to name a few ………
Don’t know about you folks but we at “off the shelf” spent the first week of 2013 doing what we love doing the most – shopping shopping & then some more ……
Firstly picked up some really amazing oil paintings from some of our neighbouring (friendly) countries, along with little other really beautiful home décor stuff …. But best of all - picked up few really amazing floor / table top lamps. Trust me one look and you shall definitely want to take them home …. At least that’s what I did
Anyway, like they say, let the pictures do the talking… and really do hope, next time when you are in and around Sohna Road, please do drop in for a look. Take care, Rahul
P.S- Do look up offtheshelf india on facebook, to have a glimpse of the entire range.
“Off the Shelf” ……………… in your home
At - Ninex City Mart, 1st foor, Sohna road, (next to Fortune hotel) Phone-9910005046
and help each other in tightening the noose over crime and criminals.
DNWS has 4 main objectives: To reduce property crime; to
foster police-community relations; to inculcate and foster a community spirit; and to reduce juvenile crime (by getting the youth also involved in the Scheme). Delhi Police has provided good support for this initiative.
Under this Scheme, the police first identifies a neighbourhood, and then contacts its citizens, in order to motivate them to collectively keep their eyes and ears open, to the goings-on in their neighbourhood. Apart from open residential areas, similar schemes are being planned for business areas, apartments and high-rise buildings. This Scheme was proposed to be introduced gradually. As a first step it was proposed for two or three crime-prone areas, in each of the 9 police districts. It was implemented in areas known to
be vulnerable to the following crimes: a) robberies and burglaries b) thefts c) vehicle thefts d) snatchings. Once an area is identified, it is the task of the local police, especially the SHO and the ACP, to organise the residents into a cohesive and homogeneous group. Ideally, each NWC should cover not more than 500 houses. Alternatively, the jurisdiction of each NWC is equivalent to the beat of the local Constable.
“If this can happen in Delhi, there is no reason why it can’t happen in Gurgaon. We could call it a trust deficit in Gurgaon. The police doesn’t back the residents with an assurance of security, and stern action against the wrong doers who are caught with the help of the residents. Without this assurance and action, no normal citizen would come forward to help the police. A concept of Special Police Officer (SPO) should be introduced, on the pattern of Delhi’s Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. The process of coordination with the local police—interaction, reporting, monitoring—must be clearly laid out, before any person is appointed as an SPO. Effective policing also needs infrastructure support. Therefore, MCG, HUDA and DC Office must also be involved in the process,” added Tripathy.
New Helpline
REDCO and Gurgaon First have introduced a helpline for women in distress – 9266861111. “Gurgaon has become highly unsafe for women in recent times. Under this initiative, any
woman can call this helpline, which would be available 24x7, and manned by five experienced operators. Our people will note down the location of the caller, and inform the nearest police station. We would also give a call to the nearest areas where private security guards are present. Gurgaon has many gated colonies and apartments, and all of them have private security guards, who should be available for any citizen in distress. The third call would go to the nearest RWA. These calls would be actioned simultaneously by the team. We would also follow up with the police, on whether an FIR was registered, and then the progress in the case. We have started trials, and from March, this helpline would be operational,” said Col. (retd) Prithvinath, General Secretary, REDCO. u
06 25-31 January 2013 Cover Story
Contd from p 1 Fear On The RoadOne day I had an argument with an auto rickshaw driver. He threatened me and said, “Yahan se jaldi nikal le. Nahin to police wale se hi uthwa lenge tujhe.” I was completely horrified. Instead of helping a woman at night, they take advantage of the fact that she is alone.”
“It is an everyday story for women living or working in the City. Auto drivers are the nastiest bunch. They don’t fear the police. The pity is that you don’t have any other means of public transport in the City,” says Indu, who has been using public transport for the last one year.
Tamana, who has moved from Mumbai to the City, feels that auto drivers are like ‘freelancers’. “I call them freelancers as they set their own rates, and choose to say no to customers randomly,” says Tamana, who is upset over her husband’s decision to move to the City. An auto rickshaw driver, Hari Singh, says, “It is not our own auto. We have to pay a high amount of rent to the agency. It is not possible for us to take passengers wherever they want to go. If a passenger wants to go to Sohna Road from HUDA City Centre Metro Station after 8pm, I will refuse. I don’t care if it is a man or a woman.
For me, the issue is that I won’t get any passenger on my way back. Who will pay for that?”
Besides, most of the auto rickshaws in the City don’t have number plates. When asked about this major issue, DCP Maheshwar Dayal says “This has been one of the most important problems. How will people report it to the police if they don’t know the number of an auto rickshaw? We have sent a request letter to the District Transport Officer to provide high security number plates to all autos. However, nothing has been done till date.” So it is not just the passengers; even the police seems to struggle with the same people! A police official recounts, “We conduct regular checks on important places such as MG road and Rajiv Chowk, but many autos don’t stop. As they don’t have number plates, they don’t fear anybody.” Can it get any more lawless on the road?!
The condition of shared autos is even worse. When they were introduced, the idea was to save fuel, and provide a pocket-friendly means of transport to the people. However, it has given birth to a notorious ‘auto mafia’ in the City. “The drivers are local villagers, and have a fixed area for plying the autos. These drivers are often involved in snatchings, car thefts, and other petty crimes. The majority of
the drivers are ‘underage’, and many of them have a criminal background. If we take action against them, the local villagers get together and stage a protest,” says a police official, requesting anonymity. So it is now a mafia City too.
A few months ago some local RWAs and a few NGOs filed a petition for a ban on the shared auto service in the City. However, the villagers are fighting back. They are completely dependent on shared autos for their commute to the City. There are many villages around the City where shared autos are the only means of transport. In fact the regular attendance levels in some factories are dependent on them. Nirmala, who works in a factory, commutes regularly by shared auto from her village to Hero Honda Chowk. She says, “Only two shared autos go to our village. On days when we don’t get these autos, owing to repair works or some other issues, the attendance level in the factory drops.” She says that there are about 200 women in her village who totally depend on shared autos for their travel to the City.
Bus ServiceLast year a fleet of 36 city buses hit the
roads. Today, there are about 90 buses running in the City. The commuters, however, feel that there is a need to further increase the number of buses. Akansha, who travels from the Bus Stand to IFFCO Chowk via a City Bus, says “The new bus service is far better than travelling in an auto. But sometimes one has to wait for more
than 30 minutes to catch a bus.” Many prefer to wait for a bus rather than hire an auto. Niti Khandelwal, a resident of old Gurgaon, says, “Earlier, I used to ride my scooter to the Metro Station. But now I rely upon the City Bus service. Generally the crowd is decent. Drivers are also very supportive,” says Niti.
Radhika, however, has a completely different story to tell. “I have used the City Bus service only once. The route was from the Bus Stand to HUDA City Centre Metro Station. But the driver was so drunk that he drove to MG Road Metro Station.” She points out that a private service, Smart Ride, has made a big difference. “Unlike the City Buses, Smart Ride buses have designated stops. Also, there is a women-specific bus service, which is a big relief for those women who work till the late hours,” she adds.
Many people feel that having a bus service in the absence of bus shelters is useless. Commuters have to wait for buses on the road, putting their lives in danger. At night, without streetlights, it is very unsafe. Besides, the commuters obstruct the high-speed traffic. Shilpa, an active member of an RWA in Hamilton Court, suggests putting up small movable bus stands. She says, “We are planning to put in place a bus service from our condominium to a few Metro stations. People living in other condominiums and sectors can also board it. It has been made possible by putting up small movable bus stands at various points on the way. We are positive about its success, as it is very common in cities like Bangalore
and Mysore,” she says.
Delhi MetroWhile for some the Delhi Metro is a
saviour, as there is a special women’s compartment, there have been a few women who have faced issues in the Metro as well. Shreeja, who regularly takes the Metro from MG Road, says, “I always raise an alarm when men board the women’s compartment. Many times I get into an argument with them. Once a man refused to go back ,and I brought it to the notice of the Metro staff. Unfortunately the Metro officials arrived after 30 minutes. Till then the man had already de-boarded the train,” explains Shreeja. Ruhi also raises an important issue. According to her, the police need to ensure security near the Metro Station. Recounting an incident she says “A guy tried to grope my friend right at the IFFCO Chowk Metro Station. She somehow managed to escape. I feel so insecure once I step out of the Metro station.”
Finding SolutionsMany suggest that private services
like Radio Tuk Tuk, Pink Auto, Smart Ride, and gCabs should be increased in the City. “Private autos services have a GPS system and an electronic meter. You don’t feel cheated. The government anyway seems unable to provide any effective means of public transport,” says Monica. She also feels that more services like gCabs, that offer women chauffers, should be introduced. Tamana adds, “We have many alternatives for commuting to Delhi and NCR, but we lack a good intra-City transport facility. A new cab service called Ole Cabs charges just Rs. 99 for an intra-city commute, and seems a good step in this regard. I think there is a need to multiply such initiatives.”
Niti recommends cycle rickshaws and a ‘bicycles sharing system’. HUDA is reportedly planning such a system, wherein people can hire and share bicycles with other passengers for commuting within the City. “The bicycle rickshaws are open and maintain a moderate speed. This will ensure the safety of women, as well as be good for the environment,” she says . She, however, suggests that there should be dedicated lanes for cyclists.
Kritika, an activist, critical of the City’s lack of planning, argues, “Nothing can ensure the safety of women unless the basic infrastructure of the City is put in place. Most of the roads don’t have street lights. There are no pavements to allow one to walk freely beside the road. Subways are an unheard of phenomenon in the City. How can you ensure the safety of women by putting up cameras in dark lanes?” she questions. u
AshA
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In order to make Gurgaon a safer place for wom-en, Gurgaon Police has decided to have women constables at all five Metro stations in Gurgaon.
The incidents of eve teasing and molestation have seen a rise in Gurgaon in recent times, including in
and around Metro stations. Gurgaon Police will instal women police booths inside the five Metro stations. “For
this initiative we have already selected thirty women police person-nel, who will work in two shifts – with 3 of them per shift per station. Earlier there was no designated place for them, and so women could not locate them easily. Now with a separate booth, and a banner, I hope this initiative would not only increase their visibility, but women commuters would feel at ease while travelling,” informed Maheshwar Dayal, DCP, East, Gurgaon.
FG is happy that this initiative has been taken up very shortly after a discussion with DCP Dayal on women's security – where safety in and around Metro stations was specifically taken up.
Galli Galli Sim Sim, the Indian version of world–renowned children’s educational series Sesame Street, in association with community radio station Alfaz–e–Mewat FM 107.8, organised an awareness camp on Traffic
Rules at the Government Middle School, Village Uleta , Nagina, Mewat.As road accidents are frequent in Mewat, the idea was to create awareness
among children, parents and the community on the importance of following traffic rules, and road safety. During the Programme, they also played the Galli Galli Sim Sim episode on Road Safety. There was also a session on the importance of following traffic signals, and their significance was demonstrated through cut outs of traffic lights that had been made by children. A local truck and auto driver also took the programme participants through a live experience on traffic rules. This was followed by a short Question Answer session, and a talk by a traffic policeman.
Obey Traffic Rules
07Civic/Social25-31 January 2013
DLF (Still) Under Spotlight
Trees save wildlife. Wildlife saves trees.
{ Abhishek Behl / FG }
Giving a week’s time to real estate major DLF, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on
Wednesday fixed January 30 as the next date of hearing of the petition filed by Belaire Owners Association, seeking to restrain the builder from launching new projects without changing the clauses that have been identified by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as being 'one-sided'. The Belaire Association had approached the High Court, after CCI dismissed their appeal – seeking anti-dominance sanctions on the DLF SkyCourt project – under the Competition Act. The CCI had said that it could not take action against the DLF SkyCourt project merely on the basis that penalties had been imposed against the company in the Belaire case.
The Belaire Association, in its appeal to the CCI, had alleged that the builder was violating the CCI order by launching new projects – namely ‘SkyCourt’ –without making any changes in the terms of agreement which had been deemed anti-competitive by the CCI in two orders delivered in August 2011.
The CCI rejected the appeal of the flat owners, and the order said: It is observed that the question regarding terms and conditions of agreement of the other projects that may be launched by DLF in Gurgaon
was never before the Commission. Therefore, an application in respect of terms and conditions of other projects cannot be entertained. Accordingly, the present application filed by the Association under section 42 read with section 48 of the Act is not maintainable and hence rejected.
Vaibhav Ghaggar, Counsel for the petitioner, said it was this order that forced the Belaire Owners Association to approach the High Court, with the contention that the CCI had given this order without listing the case, and even giving a hearing to them. Ghaggar told Friday Gurgaon that last year’s Cease and Desist order of the CCI in fact prevents DLF from launching new projects without changing the buyer-seller Agreement. “We approached the High Court because the decision by CCI was not fair,” he says, adding that a number of times contempt notices had been filed with CCI but no action was forthcoming on the issue.
The CCI had issued the ‘Cease and Desist’ order in August 2011, preventing the builder from selling units under the existing buyer-seller Agreement. In fact, in the latest January 3, 2013 order, the CCI itself has come out with a ‘model agreement’, and struck down almost 16 sub-clauses of the Agreement which it deemed were unfair, and against fair play. That order came after two flat buyers’ associations (Belaire & Park Place) had filed a petition with the CCI, alleging abuse of dominance by the realtor. It was also this petition that led the CCI to impose a hefty penalty of Rs. 630 crores on the company (DLF).
Real estate experts say that the real implication of the CCI order, rejecting the plea of flat owners in the SkyCourt case, was to practically annul the ‘Cease and Desist’ order issued by CCI itself. Secondly, by reserving this order to merely two projects (of those who filed the petition) means that DLF can use the ‘abusive agreement’ under question for other projects in Gurgaon. In fact legal luminaries have also said that the company would have to tweak its Agreement for new projects, otherwise it could be questioned in courts.
Amit Jain, a buyer in the Belaire Apartments project, says that they had first petitioned the CCI, and then approached the Court, because the buyers think that if DLF launches new projects without changing the clauses, then it defeats the entire purpose of their fight. “We want the company to change the clauses before launching new projects, so that buyers do not get caught by their ‘one-sided’ clauses. Secondly, we were also apprehensive that the builder
could build and launch new projects on land that belongs to Belaire and Park Place residents,” says Jain.
DLF meanwhile has maintained that the ‘Cease and Desist’ order does not bar it from launching new projects under the current Agreement, and if the need arises it will subsequently make the required modifications to the Agreement. This issue is still under the consideration of COMPAT.
Sanjay Sharma of Qubrex opines that after giving a historic decision in the Belaire case, the CCI should reinforce the message of fair play and equity in the real estate industry, and ensure that
dominance does not continue to be used by a big player to undermine the interests of the buyers. “The decision by the CCI to dismiss the Belaire Owners Association petition in the SkyCourt case means that the original ‘Cease and Desist’ order gets restricted to just two projects, rather than being applicable to all projects – making it meaningless in the long run,” asserts Sharma.
Legal experts meanwhile say that DLF might have to answer some tough questions at the January 30 hearing, as the decision of the CCI has been more or less clear on the need to modify the buyer-seller Agreement. u
What is a ‘Cease and Desist’ order?
This is an order which halts an activity, and directs a person not it take it up. A violator faces legal action. The CCI had given a Cease and Desist order to DLF, stating that it needs to alter the buyer-seller Agreements before launching new projects. The primary plea of the Belaire Owners Association is that DLF should change its Agreement before making any new offers. The DLF SkyCourt project was launched new, but with the same old Agreement.
The Competition Act clearly states that “if any person contravenes, without any reasonable ground, any order of the Appellate Tribunal, he shall be liable for a penalty of not exceeding rupees one crore or imprisonment for a term up to three years or with both as the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Delhi may deem fit.”
08 25-31 January 2013 Civic/Social
End Of The Road?{ Abhishek Behl / FG }
Stung by the sentencing of its top two leaders in the teachers’ recruitment
scam, the INLD, despite its strong posturing, is clearly a party in disarray. With no second line of leadership, the dynasty-based party reiterated its faith in the first family led by patriarch Om Parkash Chautala. While the party is expecting relief from the High Court, and Chautala has famously said that INLD will survive even without him, the mood in the rank and file is grim. Many believe that this conviction could prove to be an endgame, both for Chautalas as well as the party. It will now depend on how Abhay Singh Chautala, who has 'automatically' become the top leader, handles the situation – although his rise may not be smooth.
Other INLD leaders continue to express confidence that the crisis will make the party come together stronger. They also accuse the Congress of playing bad politics, and using the CBI as a political tool. The INLD leadership in Gurgaon asserts that it will take the matter to the Peoples’ Court, and let them decide who is right or wrong. Interestingly, some of them even agree that there might have been some shortcomings in the appointment of teachers, but want to know whether Choudhary Bhajan Lal and CM Bhupender Singh Hooda have not done the same during their tenures.
The conviction of the Chautalas could greatly help the Congress, and even the Haryana Janhit Congress led by Kuldip Bishnoi, who has already hailed this verdict as historic. The Congress should be relieved. For the last one year it has been under
fire for various land scams, and the Chataulas were in the forefront in highlighting these issues, much to the discomfiture of the Congress. Lately, the rallies and dharnas being organised by INLD had also started to attract the masses in large numbers, and political watchers were hinting at the resurgence of the party.
From the statements of the current party leadership it is clear that INLD will use the current crisis to portray the victimization of its leaders. Already Abhay Chautala, in his statement, has made it clear that they consider this entire episode as a concoction of the centre, with the help of CBI. INLD District President Gurgaon, Ramesh Dahiya, said that this entire exercise was scripted by the Centre, as INLD is making a strong political comeback. “We had won 31 seats in 2009 elections, and this time we are going to wipe the Congress from the State, despite this setback,” he asserts. The State Party
President, Ashok Arora, has said the party is united, and stands solidly behind the Chautalas.
While reiterating their faith in the judiciary, the INLD local leadership also exhorted the workers and supporters to have patience, and not indulge in any thing that would harm the image of the party. Some of the INLD workers and supporters had turned violent outside the Rohini Court on Tuesday, after hearing that their senior leaders had been sentenced to 10-years in jail.
this did not bring any legal ac-tion against the Congress lead-ers. So why is the CBI pressing cases against the Chautalas?” he wanted to know. Anil Rao, senior INLD leader, says that the CBI is being used as a tool to corner the opposition parties in different states. “We will not bow to the diktats of the CBI, and come back stronger to de-feat the machinations of the rul-ing party. The writing is clearly on the wall, and the election in 2014 will make it clear who is the real criminal,” he asserts.
The Chautalas are also accused in a case of amassing assets disproportionate to their income, and a CBI chargesheet has been filed on this against former CM Om Prakash Chautala, and his two sons. Another legal obstruction for the family could be a CBI charge involving favouritism in recruitment of candidates for the Haryana Civil Services.
With the Court pronounc-ing the maximum sentence to the duo, both the leaders will now be disqualified from contesting elections, from the date of conviction till six years from the date of release under Section 8(3) of the Rep-resentation of the People Act. The Election Commission guidelines also stipulate that if a person is on bail, pend-ing his appeal against convic-tion, he is not allowed to fight polls. Legal experts say that from here on the fight for the two senior leaders will be arduous, and they will need all the help of the party as well the people to make a comeback.
The only hope for the party is to use this episode as an emotional tool to galvanise the Jat voters, who have predominantly formed the main vote bank for INLD, and provided muscle power to the party.u
In 1999, the Chautala government advertised 3206 posts for Junior Basic Trained Teachers (JBT). In April 2000, the government appointed Rajni Sekhri Sibal as Director, Primary education, and in the same year in July, Sanjeev Kumar, IAS was appointed Director, on the understanding that he would do the bidding of the Chautalas, alleges the CBI. In 2003, Sanjeev Kumar filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, alleging corruption in the appointments. The CBI says this happened because his understanding with the Chautalas had fallen apart.
In November 2003, a CBI probe was ordered, and a preliminary enquiry began in December, 2003, In May 2004, CBI opened a case against Om Prakash Chautala, several government officials, and also booked Sanjeev Kumar in a disproportionate assets case. His role in the JBT recruitments also came under the scanner. In May 2008, CBI said that appointments were made on the basis of a fake set of interview scores, and filed a chargesheet in a special court. In July 2011, charges were framed against 61 accused, while one was discharged. In January 2013, the Special Court convicted Om Prakash Chautala, his son Ajay, Sanjeev Kumar and 52 others. Six of the accused have died during the course of the investigation, while others have been given different punishments.
In Gurgaon, which is not an INLD stronghold, the INLD District Youth President, Gaje Singh Kablana, said that he is confident that the framing of false charges against the INLD leadership by the CBI will boomerang on the ruling Congress. “We are going to take this matter to the people, who have already shown their resolve to support the Chautalas. This will prove to be the endgame for the Congress, at least in Haryana,” he asserts.
Many in the party were not expecting these sentences for
the Chautalas, and several others indicted in the JBT recruitment scam. Ram Ni-was Rao, District Legal Cell Chief, says that the JBT teachers whose re-cruitment has led to the sentencing of the Chau-talas, are still currently serving, and have even been promoted by the present government. “The PTI teachers appointed by the Hooda government, and Patwaris appointed by Bha-jan Lal in the past, were removed from service. But
What the JBT scam is all about
THE WEEKTHAT WAS♦ The Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, Justice AK Sikri, inaugurates a Sub-Divisional Court in Pataudi. About 350 lawyers will provide service, and about 2,500 cases will be transferred here from the district courts. A front office cum Legal Aid Clinic, and Lok Adalats, will also be set up.
♦ Haryana will now have a 10% quota for EWS in all govt jobs – the total reservations would now total 67%,
♦ CM Hooda promises a rail connection to Mewat District, on his visit there. A Medical College and an ITI have already been proposed.♦ CM Hooda inaugurates Rockland Hospital, Manesar; and visits Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon.
♦ There is a 4-day Workshop of the Field Publicity functionaries of the Gurgaon Division of the Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs department.♦ Additional Labour Commissioner (NCR), Naresh Nar-wal, is the Chief Guest at the concluding session.
♦ A 3-member State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) is set up.♦ A 32-year-old woman is assaulted, molested and
robbed in a running auto, by multiple auto drivers.♦ A youth is arrested for molesting a woman.♦ A woman police constable faces eve-teasing at a Metro station – 1 of the men is caught.♦ A Britisher misbehaves with a woman at Sushant Lok, and is booked. ♦ A nursery teacher is missing – allegedly abducted.♦ Wearing of badges is made mandatory for bus drivers and conductors of the State run buses; this decision has been taken on the heels of the recent molestation of a college student in a State bus.♦ Schools and colleges have been asked to conduct self-defence workshops for women.
♦ A local premium hotel gets a blast threat on email, alleg-edly from a terrorist outfit. A person is arrested in Kolkata.♦ An 18 year old is killed by friends over a financial dispute.♦ 4 wanted criminals are held after an encounter, and weapons recovered from them. They have been involved in multiple robbery and murder cases.♦ 4 are arrested for posing as guards and robbing multiple times.
♦ 6 people are booked for hitting 2 policemen after a brawl at a party.
♦ Directors of a private developer, Pal Infrastructure, are booked for an alleged Rs 10 lakhs fraud.♦ An agent dupes a travel firm and customers of Rs 7.5 lakhs.♦ 3 robbers attempt to loot a truck carrying motor vehicles.♦ A ‘chhatri’ and jewellery are stolen from a Jain Mandir.♦ A man is booked for deleting data from his previous (IT) company’s mailbox.♦ A task force is set up to help tackle cyber crime.♦ 2 ASI-rank officials are caught accepting bribe.
♦ A private bus service has started from Dwarka to Udyog Vihar, and to Cyber City.♦ The custody of Maruti workers, accused of violence, is extended.♦ Kingdom of Dreams hosts an Afghan TV Awards ceremony. ♦ Jindal Steel and Power Corp. has installed a 100 ft. high Indian Flag outside its Sector 32 office.♦ A 7-month pregnant woman gives birth while in a vehicle on NH8.
09Civic/Social25-31 January 2013
Rewari: Our Industrial Corridor{ Abhishek Behl / FG }
Mark Twain is once said to have quipped that while history does not seem to repeat itself, it does rhyme. Happy days could be back for
Rewari, a neighbouring city. This important regional centre during the Mughal period is making a resurgence, after being eclipsed in the revolt of 1857. The town had to bear the brunt of British suppression, as its leader, Rao Tula Ram, fought valiantly against the East India company. Rewari was one of the districts that comprised the Sarkar-e-rewari, along with Bawal, Bohara, Pataudi, Sohna, Taoru, Gohana, Kotkasim and Nimrana. Even independence did not improve the fate of Rewari in United Punjab – or even Haryana. Casteism and sub-regionalism have kept it ‘backward’.
Locals assert that the fate of Rewari has begun to improve only in the last decade, with some semblance of development. They also appreciate the key role played by local MLA and State Power Minister Captain Ajay Singh Yadav, who has been elected a record six times to the State Assembly. However, the complaint is that the government still favours some other specific districts. “Successive governments have ignored the southern parts, as they are dominated by Yadavs,” claims Vijender Yadav, a local resident. The City of about 2 lakhs people is witnessing a gradual change. The recent opening of the Rewari-Rohtak railway line is a boon, as many locals go to Rohtak for medical treatment (at PGI), and for education (to MDU). “The railway line will prove to be of immense help to the City residents,” says Advocate Suresh Yadav. He says that it is only in the last few years that Rewari has got a water supply scheme, that has brought an end to the perennial problem of drinking water. A circular road has been built around the City, and acts as a by-pass. The roads have been re-laid – particularly those connecting it to important towns like Gurgaon, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Dharuhera and Bawal. The City has witnessed the arrival of two big malls. The City has also got a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant.
Yogesh, a resident of the City, says, “Now the City hospital has been upgraded, and a trauma centre has been set up in the heart of the City.” Two government colleges—one for the boys, and another for girls—have come up. An ITI for technical education is also coming up at Lisana, and will also have a hostel facility. Sachin Verma, a City resident, says that the setting up of the ITI will help the local youth get jobs in the new industries being set up in Manesar, Bawal and Dharuhera.
A major demand of the people is that a regional university centre, which is affiliated to the Maharishi Dayand University (MDU), should be converted into a full-fledged university. Right now around 1,500 students are being imparted higher education. “We want a university and a medical college to be set up here, as people have to depend too much on Rohtak and Delhi,” says Krishan Yadav, sitting at an eatery in the heart of the City.
With Rewari contributing well to the country’s armed forces, as well the paramilitary, it is also called the army belt. A large number of ex-servicemen contribute to the local economy and polity. The Rezangla War Memorial and Park, in the heart of the City, celebrates the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice of the brave Aheers of this region. A few years ago, the Gurgaon MP, Rao Inderjeet Singh, who also happens to be the scion of the local royal family, had managed to get a Sainik School opened in the area.
Devender Yadav, a former army official, says that historically the people from this area have joined the armed forces, because the tough topography makes the locals hardy – agriculture is not a sustainable option.
The lack of irrigation has always remained a very emotional issue with the villagers, as the ground water here is brackish – not very good for growing crops. “For decades we had been asking the state governments to set up a minor irrigation canal. Now it has been built, and it has transformed the agricultural landscape,” asserts Rajender Singh, while puffing a hookah outside his house in Mirpur village. The network of irrigation canals, and work on the Masani Barrage, has helped
the farmers immensely. At Lisana the government has set up a major Water Treatment Plant.
The City is a hub of brass work, which was patronised by Hemu, the King of Rewari who fought Akbar in the second Battle of Panipat. Hemu is said to have supplied brass cannons to Sher Shah Suri, which helped him defeat Humayun and push him out of India.
The state government has also developed a new vegetable market on the outskirts of the City, that acts as a magnet for the agriculture growers of the area, says Akash Agarwal. The ‘old’ City closely resembles the Sadar Bazar area in Gurgaon, with colourful shops selling clothes, utensils, electronics and other sundry items – for the City as well as rural folks.
Ramesh Jain, a resident of the ‘old’ City, says that Rewari city, despite moving towards modernity, still values its culture and traditions. “We still have cordial relations with our neighbours, celebrate festivals together, and help each other,” says Jain.
The winds of change are also being welcomed – particularly industry, and the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which is expected to
be a game-changer for the City.Industry watchers say that once the proposed
Logistics Hub comes up in Rewari, and Bawal is developed as an Industrial Growth Centre by HSIIDC, this region could be one of the fastest growing areas in India.
A major part of the DMIC Project is the Manesar Bawal Investment Region (MBIR) Plan, that is a combination of brownfield and greenfield projects.
The towns that fall within the Region will be integrated into this economic zone, that aims to provide housing for 3.20 million residents, and jobs for 1.2 million. A greenfield integrated township is being planned as part of the DMIC, and will be spread over an area of 35 sq.km – located along National Highway 8, along the proposed Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS). This township will be modelled as a high-density transport-oriented development, that will house business parks, educational institutes, hotels, a sports complex, hospitals, high-density ‘green’
residential areas, affordable housing and large public spaces. Rajesh Yadav, a Real Estate consultant, says that the price of land is already increasing in Rewari, particularly along the major roads.
While the Logistics Hub has not seen much work in the last few months, insiders say that formalities are almost completed. It will be developed through a Special Purpose Vehicle, of Delhi Mumbai Indus-trial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and HSIIDC, on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. With Rewari being an important rail and road junction, experts says that this Logistics Hub could help in the consolidation of freight moving to the NCR and Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Ra-jasthan. The Hub will be located in close proximity of Manesar, Dharuhera and Bawal, and handle the cargo of these industrial areas. As per the DMIC plans, the Logistics Hub will have a container freight station, custom-bonded and domestic ware-houses, a railway sliding, a truck parking area, an auto zone, and a container-handling facility.
Local MLA and Power minister Captain Ajay Yadav recently met the Union Rail Minister and urged him to consider including Rewari Junction in the Delhi zone. He also asked for a rail line between Palwal and Rewari, and for more trains to stop at Rewari.
Experts says that another project that will push economic growth in the Manesar, Rewari and Bawal belt is the proposed Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) proposed for these areas. The objective is to provide high-speed connectivity, for the easy movement of men and materials, says Akash Gupta, a consultant based in Dharuhera. This project will cover 130 kms, and connect IGI Airport with Bawal, through a semi-elevated and ground-based rail track. MRTS is expected to carry 1.5 to 2.5 million passengers by 2040. Gupta says that the alignment for this system has been finalised, and different models for project implementation are being considered.
The MBIR region will also have a significant area for low-cost housing for industrial workers, good quality education and health facilities, and water management facilities. Insiders say that the pre-feasibility reports for all these projects are under consideration. Around 3,000 acres of land will be acquired in Bawal for these industrial and infrastructure projects.
Even as these proposed projects are slowly taking shape, the locals in Rewari say that this development will take years. They want short-term solutions for their long-pending problems.
The turnaround is tough but achievable say City watchers. Rewari is set to regain its prominence in the coming few years, and make history rhyme.
Contd on p 10
PRAK
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Advocate Suresh YadavSachin Verma
10 Civic/Social25-31 January 2013
{ Shilpy Arora / FG }
Sitting in a well-furnished room, with computers on their desks, many underprivileged children,
eagerly listen to a teacher. They are being taught the significance of Alpha and Beta. On being asked a question, they raise their hands instantly, eager to blurt out the perfect answers. This is a scene at the Sikanderpur Centre of Aravali Scholars.
Prabhat Agarwal, the co-founder of three companies—Parsec Technologies, Parsec Loans, and Whowhere Inc.—has a passion to help the needy, and make a difference to society. It is quite palpable in his initiative of Aravali Scholars. An alumnus of IIT-Delhi and IIM-Ahmedabad, Prabhat started the Centre from his home, in 2010. Some deserving students were given guidance and made to participate in quiz programmes, and other brain-storming activities. As a result the School quickly developed a good reputation, as many students secured high marks in the CBSE Board exams. Aravali Scholars has two more centres – one at Brijwasan, Palam Vihar and the other in Dwarka. Despite his busy schedule, Prabhat takes out time to personally mentor these students.
Talking about the concept and the selection procedure, Prabhat says, “Sincere and hardworking students, from Class 8 to Class 12, are provided an opportunity to maximise their potential. This is enabled through free mentoring, counselling, and ensuring access to relevant academic resources. However, not everyone can make it to Aravali Scholars. Students are first shortlisted. They are asked to go through a set of maths exercises in the first few weeks, to build a sound foundation. This is followed
parents, to make them understand the importance of education in a girl’s life. Finally my family agreed. Now I have to study hard to prove my mettle. I am sure I will make it big in my career,” says Mahima, with stars in her eyes.
Not a smooth journeyEven for a relatively well-off
entrepreneur, it has not been a smooth journey. Not only was the land for the other centres acquired with difficulty, the number of children coming forward from the villages was not very encouraging. “The parents were reluctant to send children for an after-school coaching, as the mothers would need them—especially girls—for household chores. It took us quite a long time to convince them. However, after a few children secured good marks, many other parents started sending their children,” recounts Prabhat. He feels that providing counselling to parents is very crucial.
Talking about the City, Prabhat believes, “It is our responsibility to help villagers, as this City belongs to them first. Gurgaonites have succeeded and earned well; we should give something back. I think our initiative is a small contribution in this regard.”
Prabhat has also co-founded a project called ‘Sunhaira Sikanderpur’, which aims to transform ‘Sikanderpur Basti’. This Project will ensure that around 70,000 migrants living in the area are benefitted through interventions in education and sanitation. Besides, Prabhat is a part of the working group of National Public Bicycling Scheme, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Urban Development. He aspires to make the City pollution-free, and chooses to ride a humble bicycle. u
Giving Backby a test to gauge their capabilities. If the students are found to be meritorious, hard working and needy, they are admitted into Aravali Scholars.” Thereafter, full support is rendered, by providing the right mentoring, academic resources and access to a professional network. Aravali Scholars also supports students through college, and their early career.
Apart from providing access to computers, the School also has a library, that contains a large number of English books – since learning English language is one of the focus areas. While some books are donated by visitors, most of them are bought by Prabhat. He points out, “There is a need to give education in the English medium, so that these children can easily compete with other children at a senior level.” Besides, there are reference books, story books, text books on subjects such as physics, mathematics, chemistry – and audio-visuals teaching aids.
Interestingly, the Centres have small pantries, wherein food is cooked for all the students. The School believes that along with education, it is extremely important to take care of the health needs of the underprivileged children. “It is so unfortunate that some children are not given enough food to even survive. Keeping this in mind, we came up with the idea of home cooked nutritious food for the children,” says Prabhat.
Success StoriesThe Centres are abuzz with success
stories. Trisha (name changed), made it to one of the most reputed courses, Computer Engineering, in Allahabad University. The high score of Trisha
secured her a seat on the basis of merit. Her hard work, and the right guidance, made her achieve the feat. According to Trisha she owes her success to Aravali Scholars. Her inspiration is Prabhat, and like him she wants to come back to her village and provide education to her people. “We prepare study modules with extensive questionnaires, to help students like Trisha. We strengthen their weaknesses and polish their strengths, to ensure they are able to give their best effort at the competitive examinations,” says Prabhat.
Ravi (name changed), who had to skip a few years of schooling, was very weak in Mathematics when he entered Class 9. However, his grasping power and hard work, along with the guidance provided by Prabhat, made him clear the annual examination at the first attempt.
Mahima (name changed) was completely shattered when her mother pulled her out of the School. “There were many family pressures. But our mentor spent a long time with my
After receiving suggestions from the government of Haryana on the Concept Master Plan (CMP) of Manesar-Bawal Investment Region (MBIR), the Consultant has revised the Plan, and it is now with the Deptt. of Town and Country Planning, awaiting notification.
Early Bird Project - Integrated Multi Modal Logistics Hub (IMLH) Project at Rewari. A meeting was held in July 2012, between the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles – Government of India and the Chief Minister of Haryana, to discuss the way forward for the MBIR. The Techno-Economic Feasibility Study has been approved by the State Government. Section 4 Notification was issued on 4th July 2011, for Land acquisition, and needs to be expedited. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and Government of Haryana have agreed in principle to form a Joint Venture for the implementation of the IMLH project.
Feasibility report on Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) between Gurgaon and
Status of MBIR, and Early projects being developed by DMICDCBawal: Approval of the final alignment and Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) is awaited from the State Government. The Government of Haryana has, meanwhile, given its approval to the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the project, and has asked for initiation of the land acquisition process. DMICDC is planning to start the DPR/Detailed Engineering Studies. Talks have been initiated with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a Japanese long tenor, soft loan. The project can only move forward with the support of key stakeholders- viz. Governments of Haryana and Rajasthan. They need to finalise the alignment, and make the land available. In a meeting held on 12th June 2012, under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, it was suggested that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) needs to be prepared, while finalising the MRTS route alignment and concluding the land acquisition process.
Pre Feasibility Study for Water Supply (from Tajewala): The State has advised that the DPR should be prepared before they approve the project, but DMICDC‟s view is that the State should at least approve
the “concept‟ before further studies are undertaken. On the directions of the State Government, the representative of Singapore Water Co. gave a presentation on the scope of work for undertaking the Techno-Economic Feasibility Study regarding augmentation of water supply in the MBIR. Accordingly, the draft RFP for preparation of Integrated Water Resource Management Plan for MBIR has been prepared, and sent to the State Government.The Consultant has also submitted the Draft Pre-Feasibility Reports for Education and Medical Hub, Low Cost Housing, and Integrated Multimodal Passenger Hub at Panchgaon Chowk. The feasibility report for these pilot projects is expected to be submitted soon.
Manesar-Bawal Ecocity, Haryana (Toshiba Consortium):An Energy Management System, with high efficient gas co-generation system, is being evolved by Toshiba as a pilot project. Toshiba Consortium is in discussion with GAIL for the allocation of domestic natural gas, and met with local industries for “high quality‟ and “stable‟ electricity supply. Toshiba
Consortium, in a meeting held on 20th September 2012, explained that they are taking forward the project structuring.
Jhajjar-Manesar Region, Haryana:NEC Corporation and Mitsui are working on the Logistics Data bank business plan, and had a detailed discussion with DMICDC on the subject in the third week of May 2012. They also had a meeting with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, about the Logistics Data bank Concept and possible implementation strategy. NEC Corporation is meeting logistics companies and large manufacturing companies to finalise the implementation strategies for the Logistics Databank project. The NEC Consortium had given a presentation to DMICDC, and apprised that a regulatory framework from DGFT, for data sharing by all the logistics players, will be necessary to ensure the viability of this project. In a meeting held on September 28 last year, the proof of concept on Logistics Data bank Project has been presented to Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, who advised the consultant to work out the options for providing an affordable technological solution.
Contd from p 9
JIT
KUM
AR
11Kid Corner25-31 January 2013K
ids
Bra
intic
kler
s
SolutionS
Fill in the grid so that every row, column and coloured box contains ALL the numbers from 1 to 6. Bonus clue: which number should go in the circle: 1 or 4?
Taksheel Buddhadeo, Amity International School Raj Kumar, Grade VII B, Radiant Kids School Hitesh Kaushik, Grade VIII Charak, MRIS
Friendship has a long life,After a 15 minutes of fight,We realize we have done a big mistakeand think whole night.Friendship never lets us down,It supports and helps us rise.For me, friendship is very precious,So I always try to be unpretentious
Literary Flourish
Friendship
Chinmay ModiGrade VI
Ryan International School, Sohna Road
Artistic Strokes
Kid Corner25-31 January 201312A Happy Sports Day
(Happy School, DLF-Phase I)JIT KUMAR
13Kid Corner25-31 January 2013
Cricket Prodigy{ Anita Jaswal }
Sports prodigies have the ability to amaze and astound us with their rare abilities
– to perform at a highly-advanced athletic level at an early age. The question is, are they born as young superstars, or are they developed through specialised training programs?
Samarth Nagpal, at the age of 4, was seen wielding a cricket bat with aplomb. He would play for hours with his father, and later, with his friends in the local park. By the time he turned 8, and sensing his unabated passion for the game, his parents enrolled him in the Gursharan Academy.
“It was kind of fun watching him play cricket, and his passion towards the sport was infectious! Therefore we thought of sending him to an academy, to enhance his skills. We knew we have a child who lives and breathes cricket. Today our whole family has learned to love the thrill of the sport,” says his mother Poonam with pride.
Samarth is a Grade VII student of the Suncity World School, and the captain of the Junior Cricket team.
In 2010, Samarth joined Mohit Soni’s MS Sports, and had the rare honour of being sent to Australia in 2011, to play friendly matches. His experience Down Under made him even more determined to improve his form with the bat, and also to establish his credibility as an all-rounder. “I want to put both parts of my game together.” says Samarth.
It was therefore no surprise that Samarth joined the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence (YSCE), in 2012. He was among the lucky few to be chosen for the Under 16, Inter School matches in Johannesburg,
sponsored by the South African Cricket Board.
Though they did not win any of the 4 matches played, Samarth
scored 38 runs in a single match, and took 4 wickets
in 5 overs, yielding only 20 runs.
Samarth strongly believes that, “Because of my
parents’ constant encouragement and
support, I got the best training in cricket. I thank
my parents for inspiring me to do my own thing, and for letting me find my own way. I would not have been here without their
understanding and indulgence. My coach, Rahul Sir, has taught me how to hold a bat, and all about good hand-eye co-ordination, and the understanding of cricket strategy and tactics. My idol is MS Dhoni. I really look up to his skills of captaincy, the way he handles his entire team and remains calm. All his match-winning knocks come at moments of immense pressure.”
How does he balance his time between cricket and studies, and where does he see yourself some years from now? “My parents ensure that I keep the balance between sports and studies. I know that they expect a lot. I have to make my parents and my mentors proud. My goal in life is of course to become a cricketer; but before that, I want to
be a good human being.Other than cricket, I like cooking,
swimming, cycling, badminton, T.T. My favourite subjects are History and Grammar.”
In YSCE, Samarth has learnt that to get to the top, it takes countless hours of hard work, a fierce desire to be the best, and a dedication to achieving one’s goals. “As its tagline says, ‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them’, the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence is a dream come true for me. At such a young age I could not have asked for more. This Academy is the first of its kind cricket-centre, that provides
an all round training experience to young passionate cricketers like me. Each of us is assured of hands-on coaching at indoor and outdoor nets, match practices on turf and cement pitches, video analysis to correct and improve different parts of the game, mental and fitness conditioning tips, and a continuous appraisal system – that monitors the progress of the participant. I know I am one of the lucky ones able to live his dreams!”
We can claim there are no shortcuts to greatness, but the simple fact is that some people start out with a definite advantage. When you’ve got it, make the most of it – and Samarth has definitely started hitting his stride earlier than most!u
I slept in the morning,And woke up in the evening.My father was painting,While my mother was fainting.I saw my brother dancing on a ball,And the elephant climbing onto the wall.I saw a ditch,Which looked like a witch.I saw the sun cool,And the moon dark.No one got scared,Looking at a shark.I got puzzled,Looking at the scrubber,It was used as rubber.But in the end,Thank god, that it was a dream!So Sweet Dreams!!!
Tanya GargClass VII , DPS Gurgaon Sec - 45
‘My Dream’
PollutionPollution do we have a Solution for you!Pollution, Pollution do we have a Solution for you?No we don’t but we will try.Oh,I have a solution!Why don’t we stop burning plastic!Oh,I also have another solution.Why don’t we carpool as the burning fuel increases pollution,Isn’t it?Pollution Pollution,now we have many solutions.Now we can stay without having a problem.
Anandi RayDPS Gurgaon Sec - 45
Class 4 Asokas, Lotus Valley School
Priya Sangwan, Class- VII, MRIS School
Artistic Strokes
Priyanka Yadav, Class- XI, Swiss Cottage School
Mansi Vats, Class- VI, MRIS School
FriendshipFriendship is loveFriendship is peaceFriendship is joyFriendship which cannot sinkFriendship to make people laugh, not frownFriendship is an arrow, with a bowFriendship is a gold, which cannot get oldFriendship is a treat, which is very good to eatCount your life by smiles not tearsCount your age by friendship not years
Divya SapraVII B, Blue Bells Model School
14 25-31 January 2013 Civic/Social
{ Maninder Dabas / FG }
With only about three thousand policemen maintaining law and
order in Gurgaon, the citizens feel insecure and nervous; and the statistics displaying an unprecedented rise in crime in the recent years has only added to the fear. Be it at the market place, on the roads, in the malls, or at any other place, nobody seems to feel safe anywhere in Gurgaon. Women especially feel very unsafe while coming out of their homes after sunset. One answer, in this private City, has been the excessive presence of private security guards. They are visible at every nook and corner of Gurgaon.
This City today has around 35 to 40 thousand security guards. But is this large fleet of private guards helping reduce crime, or making less people fall prey to any sort of crime? “Crime in Gurgaon normally happens on the roads and in public places, that are not covered by private guards. But yes I agree that Gurgaon is prone to crime, and these guards are a second line of defence, maybe at a minimal level. As far as their effectiveness is concerned, it depends on the different private security agencies. The Private Security Industry (PSI), which is the second largest employer of manpower after the Agriculture Sector, is in the unorganised sector of our economy, and is perhaps not optimally motivated, trained or equipped to successfully take on the challenges that confront it. This also opens it to the criticism of being ineffective and highly unresponsive. But their effectiveness surely can be felt, and I believe in future this industry would become a force to reckon with,” said Vishal Swara, Head of Central Association for Private Security Industry (CAPSI)-India, and the owner of SLV Security Services Pvt Ltd. CAPSI is working to integrate and professionalise this unorganised and scattered sector.
Role of CAPSI CAPSI is a prominent
organisation for Security professionals. It made its beginning in 2005, and has emerged as an elite association – nationally and internationally. Renowned security professionals, managing the world’s largest workforce of 7 million guardsmen and women, are engaged in providing private security cover to their customers. CAPSI’s governing processes are guided by an eminent Board of Governors, comprising former army generals, veteran police and para-military officers, high ranking intelligence professionals from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and premier government intelligence agencies, and renowned risk managers. The executive leadership of CAPSI is provided by security entrepreneurs, who have
Privately Insecure
Training shall be imparted to the security guards on the following subjects, namely:-
(a) Conduct in public and correct wearing of uni-form;(b) Physical fitness ;(c) Physical security, security of the assets, security of the buildings/apartments, personnel security,household security;(d) Fire fighting;(e) Examining identification papers – including iden-tity card, passport and smart cards;(f) Ability to read and understand English alphabets and Arabic numerals, as normally encountered at the time of identification of documents, arms licenses, travel documents and security inspection sheets.(g) Identification of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs);(h) First-aid;(i) Crisis response and disaster management;(j) Defensive driving (compulsory for drivers ofarmoured vehicles, and optional for others);(k) Handling and operation of non prohibitedweapons and firearms (optional);(l) Rudimentary knowledge of The Indian Penal Code, 1860(45 of 1860), relating to right to private defence, procedure for lodging First Information Report (FIR) in a police station, as mentioned in Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.(m) Identification of different types of arms in use by the public and police;(n) Use of security equipment and devices, like
security alarms and screening equipments; and(o) Leadership and management (for supervisory staff only).The duration of the training for security guards shall be a minimum of 100 hours of classroom instruction, and 60 hours of field training, spread over at least 20 working days, in a rec-ognised institute. Ex-servicemen and former po-lice personnel shall, however, be required to attend only a condensed course, of minimum 40 hours of classroom instructions and 16 hours of field train-ing, spread over at least 7 working days.
Other conditions(1) Every private security guard while on duty shall put on:(a) An arm badge, distinguishing the Agency;(b) Shoulder or chest badge, to indicate his position in the organization;(c) Whistle attached to a cord, to be kept in the left pocket.(d) Shoes with eyelets and laces.(e) A headgear, which may also carry the distin-guishing mark of the Agency.(f) Photo identity card on the outer most garment, above waist level, in a conspicuous manner.
Minimum WagesThe minimum wages of a security guard are decid-ed by the Labour department of the State. Changes are made after every 6 months. At present the minimum wage for a security guard in Gurgaon is Rs. 5,097.
achieved excellence in the business of security management in India and abroad. This unique bouquet of experience and entrepreneurship has taken CAPSI to new heights within a period of 5 years, especially after the enactment of the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act-2005 (PSARA). PSARA defines the hiring, working and training requirements and parameters for this sector. “CAPSI, with the help of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), wants to transform this huge sector into a skilled workforce, that can make a difference to the internal security of the nation,” informed Swara. “This sector, employing approximately seven million people, and growing at an annual rate of 25 per cent, comprises mainly of youth that are lacking in education, and hailing from the weaker sections of our society. To provide them the best Skills and Knowledge, and to develop unique security practices, the Security Knowledge and Skill Development Council (SKSDC) was formed in March 2011. SKSDC, with the help of NSDC, is coming up with the National Occupational Standards, where only fit, educated and trainable people would come into this profession. The quality of the workforce employed in our malls, gated complex and colonies is today not good enough to curb the threats of insecurity,” added Swara.
Haryana and Gurgaon“At present Gurgaon
has more than 35 thousand guards, working to provide
a safe environment. We have only three thousand policemen, to cover large areas of malls, hundreds of corporate companies, and hundreds of residential towers and colonies. Such a limited number of policemen cannot really curb crime, or even nab most criminals. So in order to make themselves feel safer, people will continue to employ private security guards, and in the times to come Gurgaon could see this number going beyond the 50 thousand mark,” said an agency owner. But such claims seem as hollow as the stomachs of some of their private security guards, because the statistics of the last few years show a significant rise of crime even in areas where these guards were deployed. “Yes, I agree with this; and it’s because most of the workforce employed today is either unfit or untrained to do such a type of job. Most of these guards do nothing except stand and gaze at women, and they are less than useful when there is a need to save somebody. This is happening because PSARA (Act) has not been implemented, and still most of the agencies are operating without licences and other necessities. In Haryana alone we have around 400 private security agencies, of which only 113 have licences. The State police needs to check whether an agency has the licence and other required qualifications,” added the owner.
No help from StateThe majority of the work-
force comes from UP, Bihar, MP,
Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Since Haryanvis are not repre-sented, the state government is probably not sensitive to this sector. “This business is anyway unorganised, and the State’s callous attitude makes it worse. India seriously lacks employ-ment opportunities for the unskilled and less educated, and this sector is a wonderful area where this huge popu-lation can get employment. Rapid industrialisation and corporatisation has provided us with a never-ending source of employment, provided the states take it seriously. Hary-ana has no training centre to date. Rajasthan has set up the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihood Devel-opment Corporation (RSLDC), which pro-vides funds to train and educate their youth. Hary-anvis don’t believe in joining this profession of a guard, as most of the people from Haryana are Private Se-curity Officers (PSOs) – who ei-ther come from a police or army b a c k g r o u n d , and have al-ready under-taken training,” added Swara. The pay is also poor. “I get only 4 thousand ru-pees per month, after doing a 12 hour job per day. I don’t even know
how much I shall get, but the money is not enough to meet my expenses, and I have to also send money to my family in Bihar,” said a guard at one of posh colo-nies.
The Process“We discuss the matter with
their estate officer, and after see-ing the target area we provide the guards. It depends on how big the area is, and how modern and high-tech security the client has asked for,” informed Swara. “As of now we have around 400 odd security guards in all the Phases (plotted colonies). We have formed a mechanism according to which each guard is deployed to keep a watch over the happenings in two to three streets or lanes. Condominiums have their own security guards, but they are not allowed to en-ter into the buildings. As far as the high-tech surveillance sys-tems like CCTVs is concerned, the builder has placed these things at a few places. Soon all
DLF areas should have a surveillance system in place,” informed Sudhir Kapoor, Sec-retary General, DLF City RWA. “Here in Uniworld apartments, the builder provides
us with these security guards, and to me most of
them look unskilled; but yes, they do make some dif-ference. Security in Gur-gaon is indeed a great concern, and the crimes taking place on the roads are a testimony to our fear. In our gated areas these guards are our only line of defence. Some builders do ask the RWAs before hiring guards from an agency; when the builder doesn’t consult us before chang-ing the agency, we al-ways confront them. It is for our security that these people are being hired, and we ought to know how efficient and capable they are,” said Col. (retd)
Sarvdaman Oberoi, Secre-tary, Uniworld Gardens RWA.
How Effective? No. I don’t think so that these
guards, who are roaming here in this market, are capable of preventing any chain snatching or eve-teasing, that often happens in crowded areas such as markets. They are only good for roaming here and there, and telling people like beggars to stay away from the markets. When some real need arises, they are less than useful. And I don’t blame them, because they neither get enough money from their agency, nor they are educated, skilled or trained enough to take on criminals,” said Vaishali Batra, a resident of one of the posh areas. They can become an important asset for the security of the City, provided there is a proper recruitment mechanism – to ensure that an educated (basic education) and physically strong person is employed by an agency as a private security guard,” said a senior police official. u
PSARA (Act)
15Wellness25-31 January 2013
Health & Vitality... Naturally!{ Jaspal Bajwa }
A toxin is any substance that irri-tates or harms our body, and un-dermines our health. Toxins come
in many shapes and forms. Some are chemical pollutants, that we are ex-posed to from the atmosphere; others are produced in our body as by-prod-ucts of metabolism. If our digestion, excretion as well as the immune sys-tem are working well, our bodies are able to naturally detoxify every day. However, this ability gets dulled over a period of time – especially due to the lifestyle abuses and addictions which touch almost all facets of modern ur-ban life.
As winter runs its course, our bod-ies accumulate a lot of junk. Eating heavy foods and exercising less re-sults in layers of fat, excess toxins and sluggishness. One thing leads to an-other. Soon enough the clogged pipelines result in ‘congestion’ and ‘stagnation’ in our body’s vital systems. If unchecked, this can become the root cause of degen-erative diseases.
It is for this reason that ancient health systems, like Ayurveda, rec-ommend internal cleansing at every change of season. Gentle cleansing gives our body an important break. In some cultures, people take the time to fast. Stepping out for walks, practising deep breathing and quiet meditation can help take the full benefits of the cleanse. Detox is considered especially beneficial in the spring, because that is the time all of nature is rejuvenating itself. Com-ing out of hibernation, a detox or cleanse can be the best way to jump-start and re-charge the body, and prepare it for a more active and healthier life.
Detox And A Dandy Herbwith – like an integrated plan based on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein, beans, healthy fats, and plenty of fluids – along with regular physical activity.
Tip of the weekA gentle fast works on the same
principle as “eating less leads to a longer life”. The wisdom of the ancients has been validated through experiments. Laboratory studies show that when mice were fed 60% less calories, they tended to live almost twice as long, and with much fewer tumors.
Nature’s Wonder Food of the week: Dandelion or Taraxacum officinale
Some people con-sider the humble dan-delion to be a nuisance as a garden weed. To others, it is an impor-tant detoxifier … a harbinger of spring. In French ‘dent-de-lion’ means ‘tooth of the lion”, referring to the jagged
shape of the dandelion leaves. Native to ancient Greece or Persia, dandelion now has a global footprint. It has many local names – such as Pu Gong Ying in China, Dudhal in India and kara hindiba in Turkish. The botanical name - Taraxa-cum officinale - gives us the first hint of its real importance. It translates to "of-
A note of caution. Some people get enticed by fads which are in the nature of “aggressive de-tox diets” – many a time promoted in the guise of rapid weight-loss pro-grammes. Excessive fast-ing or use of laxatives, colonics or diuretics, or even excessive exercise, can result in a serious imbal-ance – with negative consequences. Fast-ing should always be undertaken with the guidance of a healthcare practitioner, or a Nutritionist. More importantly, it should invariably be followed by a long term healthy diet plan that one can stick
ficial remedy for disorders". Dandelion is one of the most use-
ful and respected herbs of our planet. Not surprisingly, it finds a mention in the Pharmacopeias of a host of countries. It has a heavy-weight status in all three of the world's oldest systems of herb-alism - Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and European. In TCM it is one of the top 6 herbs, and in Ayurveda it is believed to reduce Kapha– which tends to accumulate mucus in the body in win-ter.
Dandelion stimulates bile flow, and has been used for centuries to treat jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver disease. As it is a natural diuretic, it has been used to treat swelling, water retention, breast problems, gallbladder problems, pneumonia and viruses.
Not only is the dandelion nature's richest green vegetable source of be-ta-carotene (from which Vitamin A is created), it is also particularly rich in fibre, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamins C,D,E,K and the B Vitamins – thia-mine and riboflavin. Micro-nutrients such as copper, cobalt, zinc, boron and molybdenum are also present. The pres-ence of a long list of nutrients is not un-usual – however, what definitely stands out is the particular combination – to-gether with high levels of vitamins, min-erals, carbohydrates, proteins and fibre. Some scientists have even gone as far as to say it is an interesting example of “a harmonious combination of all nutrients, in ratios optimal for a hu-man organism”.u
Registered Holistic Nutritionist (Canadian School of Natural Nutrition) For edu-cation purposes only; always consult a health-
care practitioner for medical conditions
Smile In Style Profile: Dr Heman Verma is an orthodontist, implantologist, surgeon and a man with a sublime touch. Over the years he has been working with all kinds of patients and believes in giving
personal attention to each patient.A Bachelor in Dentistry, a Masters
in Orthodontics and Implantology and a visiting doctor at Mayo School, Ajmer, he has
undertaken specialised training in Botox and dermal fillers from New York. He has also taken advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, gum surgeries, CPR, nitrous oxide and conscious sedation, root canal treatment, crown bridgework, aesthetic dentistry and children dentistry.
Dr. Heman VermaOrthodontist, Implantologist
AN INSIGHT IN THE CLINIC
n Located at 8, Dakshin Marg, Dlf City Ph II, Gurgaon, by the name ‘Dental Stylers’ - Dental & Orthodontic Clinicn Ultra modern fully computerized equipped with the best softwaren RVG & Intra Oral Camera, one of its kinds in Haryana meets and needs of the patients like no othern Also equipped with India’a first Digital OPG Machine DENTAL VIBE, STAn Has a DIODELAZER installedn A very special department exclusively dedicated to children to make their trip to the Clinic a very enjoyable and memorable onen Strict Standards of cleanliness and sterilization of instrumentsn Personal and individual attention to each patientn 8 functional dental units and operatories.
The Dental Stylers, one of the largest dental clinics in North India, capped a fantastic year by winning the coveted
award for Best Dental Team at this year’s Brand Academy Business and Service Ex-cellence Award. Led by the dynamic duo of Dr Heman Verma and Dr Priyanka Verma, along with a team of sixteen specialist doc-tors, this Clinic strives to provide the very best in dental care, with the latest technology.
Dental Stylers offers complex dental sur-geries and cosmetic dentistry in an environ-ment that puts the patients at complete ease. Dr Heman Verma says that their goal is to provide the best patient care with a gentle and hu-mane touch. “We have the best inclass equipment in dental care, and a highly trained team that has been working with the Clinic for the last twelve years”, he says. “We are about keeping patients happy and satisfied,” he asserts.
Dental Stylers, says Dr Ver-ma, is the largest dental care fa-cility in North India, with 8 chairs, 16 doctors, and sufficient sup-port staff. “This is the only centre in Gurgaon which has a special-ist section for the kids, where ev-ery care is taken that children do not fear the dental seat”, he says, adding that each of the chairs has been installed with multimedia systems and television screens.
In Gurgaon, the doctor says there is aver-age awareness about dental care, and people visit a clinic only when they feel any pain in their teeth. The people must go to hospitals for regular check ups. The reason why there is not much emphasis on checks is the Insur-
ance system as it is pres-ent in the West does not exist here.
Dental Stylers is a spe-cialist in correcting malaligned teeth in children and adults, and people from across North India and even from western countries come to the Clinic to get treatment. “The cost of treatment here is quite less as compared to Western countries – or even Africa while the quality is as good. The Clinic has a database of 27, 000 patients,
and the number is increasing every month”.
Dr Verma says that he prefers permanent im-plants as they are better. His clinic uses a process that involves check ups, consultations, photos, digi-tal x-rays, CT scans – and finally the treatment plan. He says that Dental Stylers is the only clinic in India which has
‘Dental Vibe’ which is an injection system to ensure that there is no pain. The Clinic also has di-ode lasers that cost Rs 25 lakhs each, and only these are used to perform the surgeries. Another sophisticated equipment laser is the Single Tooth Anesthesia, that ensures that only a single tooth is anaesthised.
At Dental Stylers we emphasize prevention as well as personalized attention. Dr Heman Verma and Dr Priyanka Verma and their sup-porting team have a deep understanding of the stress that comes with a dental visit. they have made it their personal goal to provide the best in caring customers services, with an approach that will make you relax and relieve
DENTAL STYLERS8, Dakshin Marg, DLF Ph II, Gurgaon
Ph.: 9810296979, 9810297979 0124-4276610
all your stress and even enjoy your visit to the Dentist.
Dr Verma, says that the hi-tech medical machinery – such as computerized digital radiography, integrated imaging and patient database software – offers the most painless treatment possible, and, the fastest recovery period. For example, each chair of the Clinic is equipped with an intra oral camera, which allows patients to see their treatment in real time on the computer screen, and under-stand the procedure. This plays a big role in minimizing fear, and the common feeling of “God knows what they are doing to me!”
Fellowships:Fellow of American Academy of facial cosmetics.Fellow of International congress of oral implants.Associate fellow of American Academy of implantology.Fellow of World Federation of Orthodontics.
16 Comment25-31 January 2013
Let's Change Focus - PM to CMs
Our focus has been far too long at the Centre – at the PM, Central Ministers, Opposition leaders, Parliament, the Supreme Court. And unfortunately what the media
discusses with them is basically daily or weekly operational topics or happenings – of events that have occurred in a few metros. The various central speakers are also happy to talk on anything and everything – and always with authority; and are accompanied by ‘national page 3 folk’ – again willing to talk, in fact lecture, on ‘the world’.
A universal lament today is the lack of action, and the poor implementation of existing schemes, rules and laws. We are perhaps speaking to the wrong people. Our focus should be on where the action takes place.
It is time to talk directly to Chief Ministers across the country, for it is they who can influence the daily lives of citizens the best. It is they who should be held most accountable. Yet, we hardly hear from a CM ever - on prime, or any other, time – in any ‘national’ newspaper or TV channel.
We are asking too much of the Centre. The Centre can at best provide a plan and the guidelines, and ensure regular inspection – and that is where its competence also lies. The Centre is only seen as doing its planning role at Budget times; and the inspection is left to specialist audit agencies. So Central Ministers, except for the Railways and Finance Ministers, hardly feel accountable to the public – and even the media seems to find the coverage/investigation of the work of other central ministries ‘boring’.
The Centre never tires of announcing new national schemes, allocating the funds, and then crying that precious little gets delivered to the right person – yet continues to ‘spend’ the funds. Why not authorize the states to fund the schemes, and take monthly reimbursements from the Centre. Hold the CMs directly accountable. The public would also know that the buck now stops locally, for their basic needs. And each party head should take accountability for his/her own party CMs. A ruling coalition controls broadly half the States, which is about double the percentage of what national schemes are delivering. A tight control on these states should help deliver far better results; and the opposition would then feel the pressure to also deliver better. The level of scams would also reduce in extent and scope – to probably less than a quarter. We have to stop ‘throwing paper money’ at Budget time, and say a final farewell to most central ‘welfare’ schemes.
Unfortunately, Central Ministry positions seem to be the ‘quid pro quo’ for coalition partners – and obviously this means that large schemes and funds have to be at their disposal. So total decentralization to States may be difficult in these coalition times.
Why cannot we allot a fixed time/space for CMs to be spoken to, to be interviewed, on a national channel/newspaper?
Maybe set up a fixed day in a month/quarter for a CM/State.Let the CMs showcase what they are doing right. Let the
public also see what they are missing in their state – and in the process get to know India better. The CMs would also learn from each other.
Citizens will overall feel more involved, and so provide stickier TRPs/Readership too !
EDITORIALAtul Sobti
The root cause for inaction is lack of discipline – financial or
otherwise; of not feeling ac-countable; and of not fearing
any punishment. The remedy is known - to free the police, the judiciary and the bureaucracy from political control. There
would be far better discipline, and much-improved implementa-tion - almost immediately. There would be ‘change at the ground level’, for all to see. It’s time we made a start – with the police.
It is therefore also an opportune time to maybe suggest what a CM’s Key Result Areas (KRAs) should be, on which his/her party leader and central team should assess him/her every year.Specific measures and targets would be applied as relevant.
Chief Minister’s KRAs
(should be put in the public domain within 3 months of a new CM taking over; and by March 31 every year, by an incumbent CM).
Set up a 10 year Vision, a 3 year (rolling) Plan, an annual Budget, and a quarterly (Budget) Review, that would :
Substantially reduce the Number of Poor (BPL)Substantially improve the Safety & Health of Women, Children and the Elderly Ensure Law & Order 24x7
Ensure an annual double-digit State Revenue growthAttract regular and desired New Industrial Investments Substantially improve Farm and Agricultural Productivity Ensure Jobs for all the Youth
Deliver Basic Civic Services (Water, Food, Power, Education, Health, Sanitation, Public Transport, Housing) to all, at all timesStrictly implement RTE; and ensure that all girls are compulsorily sent to schoolsSet up new Higher Education/Training Institutes every yearEradicate Slums, or at least ensure basic civic services in themIncreasingly empower Panchayats for local decisionsEffectively implement all Central Schemes
Set up Sports and Social/Cultural facilities in every localityEnsure Parks and greenery are well maintained, and secureCommission at least 1 large Solar project Ensure that the Differently abled do not feel handicapped
Increasingly E-nable delivery of servicesInvolve the private sector/NGOs – and Citizens - in various schemes/initiativesHave zero tolerance for CorruptionDeliver through good, effective Teamwork between bureaucrats and MLAs.
Pro-actively take measures/implement remedies (eg. well before onset of summer, monsoon, winter; or festivals – as against ‘just before elections’).
17Spiritual25-31 January 2013
{ Dr. Rajesh Bhola }
The body and mind can by no means be separated. It is distressing to see young children who are disabled. They feel
pain and inconvenience. I sit with them and try to understand their minds. Many spastic children have a deep sense that they should not have had to face this disability; being ‘different’ causes them great unease. But they feel ashamed to ask for help. Many of them sit alone soberly for hours, hooked to a toy, a calculator or television.
Disability has been around for a long time, but is conspicuously absent in the history books we read. The history of disabled people is the history of being visually conspicuous, while being politically and socially absent – erased from all records and memory. Recovering disability’s lost or untold history is important, to illuminate some of the darker corners of our past. We will start seeing disability in a whole new light when we realise and visualise what we could be, if our grandpa had been blind or disfigured. Disability—as both a condition and concept— and the disabled are caught up in a multitude of social and cultural contradictions: between individuality and an objectified isolation; between medicine and the law; between sainthood and stigma; between being stared at yet ignored; between being labelled “special” as well as “deviant”; between presumed privilege and disenfranchisement; between being too public yet too personal; and between the discourses of rights and reasons.
For rehabilitation, the disabled are wedged between schools and hospitals for the better part of their life – between being either pupils or patients. We are unable to provide a larger or richer social support for people with disabilities. The lack of will on part of the families and the government, to arrange for medicines, education, and employment, would continue to wear down the disabled. In fact,
See The Disabled – Don't Just Look
Smile is a MahamantraForgiveness a MahadaanSilence is the healer within Keeps you clean.Meditations are healthy addictions - a benedictionKindness is the best balm For inner calm.Clean your thoughtsTo detox.Be a Yogi or a bhogiMake a choiceSpeak in a soft voice.
Think well of others withinWellness will Spring.Share your WisdomAll is for freeIn the inner Kingdom!
Shobha LidderWriter Journalist, Teacher Trainer,
Social Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer
All Is For Free
{ Archana Kapoor Nagpal }
“Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration.” - D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930) English Author
‘I love you’ – three words we all would have said to someone at some point of time in our lives.
And would be always waiting for someone to whisper them into our ears.
I felt love when I was 19. I never realised that it is such an indispensable feeling – without which there is no life, even if you are alive. I met him and he changed my definition of love. He made me understand that love is much above the bond between a parent and a child, husband and a wife, man and a woman, or brother and a sister. It is a colour that can add millions of shades to someone’s life – even to someone who has lost all hopes to live, or someone who is just living on a hope.
May 2011, at Apollo Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, was where I met him. There was something in him that grabbed my attention. I was in my 30s, and he was many years ahead of me. I was limping with my bandaged foot, when I reached my doctor’s room for a post-operative examination. Like always, there was a long queue of patients ahead of me.
What interests me while waiting, is to look around and watch people. It was no different that day. I was waiting and searching for a place to sit when I saw him, a 75 year old man – so old that he could not make out that I had asked him to make some room for me to sit. He was very feeble, and you could actually count his veins and arteries.
I realised that he was hard of hearing, so I chose to stand and
wait. He soon saw my discomfort in standing, and offered me a place to sit. He explained to me, with actions, that I was so thin that I could adjust into a small frame of space, and he moved towards his right. I just smiled, with my eyes conveying my gesture of thanks.
Finally I was called by my doctor – after an hour’s wait. I grabbed my bag and medical report to make a quick move. The moment I got up, the old man held my bag, and pasted
a tag on it. The tag read – ‘P.S. – I Love You’.
Even before I could ask him, he gave me a printout that had the following text printed on it:
“Please convey my message to people you meet in life, that you love them, as they are the most wonderful creation of God. God created man to spread love, and there are still many who are left untouched with the feeling of being loved. The word ‘love’ gives hope to live, and peace to die. In my 70s now, I am doing this for every person I meet, so he/
she can carry my message to others – and today you held my attention. So you are one of my messengers for the day, to spread the message of love to everyone around. Just say – ‘P.S. – I Love You’”.
I felt so touched that I could not control my tears. Using my poor sign language, I tried to convey to him – ‘I love you too, Sir’.
On my way back home I gave the same tag to my husband. The old man helped me to understand the basic aspect of love – beyond expectations and relationships. He made
me learn that love is not a need, but a medicine for all ailments. An unconditional and selfless expression of love is missing in today’s world. We have forgotten humanity, and it has been taken over by hatred. We need someone like this old man, who can just come for a few hours, and tag us with love. Life is too short to even love someone, so why should we find time to hate?
P.S. – I Love You...All. u
Spreading Love
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the families and the society think that the problem of disability can be eliminated by removing the disabled from sight, from social spaces.
I have never forgotten the moments I used to spend with a child known as
Sonu. He would throw a ball, but could not pick it up off the floor. At this point we both used to smile. We both recognised the so-human quality of this situation. We both knew how difficult it was to accept disability, and how the embarrassment of
the condition was harder to cope with than the problems of the condition itself. Sonu was
abandoned one morning by his parents. The child was a spastic and could not speak, could not express anything. His parents never came back – and he was left all alone. However, even in his aloneness we found him in communion with all of us. He was rehabilitated in a shelter home. We lost him two years ago. I was greatly pained – and wrote his obituary:
Sonu, 18, left for his heavenly abode at 3 am on Thursday, 20th January, 2011. His parents do not know that the journey of their young child is over.
Throughout his journey Sonu could not get a birth certificate
Dropped by parents one morning alongside the road, to his fate
It was an effort in Civil Hospital to get him a disability certificate
He has gone for a deep sleepI woke up Dr. Arora in the wee hours of the morning
to at least get Sonu a timely death certificate
His afflictions are over; at least let him go for a quiet sleep
I weep, I wail. The tears don’t stopHe has gone for a deep sleepSonu, you woke me up forever I will always remember you
Till my turn comes... to go to sleep. Social arrangements also shape what is
considered a disability. A lack of social support encourages the perception that people with severe disabilities are burdens, incapable of having rewarding relationships. Resultantly, many such disabled persons live and die unnoticed – like Sonu. Another young teenager, who is spastic, confides in me that “Uncle, I try to do things that most others do, but my body does not obey my orders.” Is it his fault? Will we as a society just continue to perceive such persons as ‘burdens’?
We need a shift of consciousness. We need people in society to extend a hand to those who need help. We cannot live an isolated life; we are indissolubly linked to the fates of one another, and the world around us. We all need to be committed to a new view, a non-alienating approach towards the disabled. Let the disabled complete their journey on this planet in a barrier-free environment, and let us help them come to terms with their personal conditions and emotions, by including them in the social mainstream. u
Dr. Rajesh Bhola is President of Spastic Society of Gurgaon and is working for the cause of
children with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities for more than 20 years.
18 Art25-31 January 2013
Born in Nairobi in 1957, Trupti Patel grew up in Vadodara and the hills of Mount Abu. After an MA in Sculpture from MS University of Baroda, in 1983, she received another MA in Ceramic Sculpture at the Royal College of Art, London . Apart from solo shows, her work has been in international public collections, including the Shigaraki Ceramic Sculpture Park in Japan; Victoria & Albert Museum in London; Cartwright Hall, Bradford and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and Sculpture at Goodwood in Sussex. In 1995, Patel was commissioned by Gray’s Thurrock Council in Essex to make a large public work in bronze, and was a guest artist at the International Potter’s Festival in Aberystwyth in Wales. It is creditable that DLF’s very first art gallery, Alternatives, run by Manu Dosaj, has displayed some of Trupti’s most significant artistic creations. Trupti has taught at the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda, and was a visiting faculty at NID (National Institute of Design) in Ahmedabad. She lives and works in Vadodara, with her sculptor-husband Dhruva Mistry, since 1997.
Homeland is a unique body of ‘neo-classical’ aesthetic installations, that powerfully evokes the identity of our Land. Hence Trupti has created it with farmland-earth from all over India. The striations of our differently-coloured earth, that now lie on the gallery’s floors, may be later placed for indoor storage and display in separate vials, ‘surrounding’ the central sculpted icon. The artist’s intrinsic nature has always adhered to the principles of re-cycling. In her own candid words --- “ I dislike mall-goods and the entire mall-culture with its wasteful packaging. I get unnerved and disoriented by all unnecessary items. It is utterly wasteful to maintain ‘manicured’ lawns of grass, when people don’t have enough drinking water. I have a simple gravel-garden in Baroda, where I always use recycled water. I look after stray dogs in my area; I don’t believe in showing off fancy, expensive indoor-pets. When I was much younger, I once tried to grow orchids; when they died, I learnt the lesson of never displacing natural forms and lifestyles.” Trupti’s poetic and soulful Earth-art indeed evokes this deep and true bond with the earth.
Hymn To The Homeland
{ Srimati Lal }
The sublime and moving earth-installations and sculptures of Baroda-based sculptor Trupti
Patel --- Homeland – on display at Gallery Alternatives until mid-February, mark a moving aesthetic beginning to a new year in need of meditativeness and a deep re-connection to a humanistic value system. Trupti’s noteworthy body of work, evolved over the past 7 years and assembled specifically for this exhibit, portrays the poignancy and poetry of an artist’s true roots. Further, the inherent meanings of Indian ‘iconic’ symbolism are powerfully evoked here, by employing ‘mitti’ culled from eight different Indian states (that cut across the Tropic of Cancer).
Androgynous, all-seeing, beautiful masks appear timelessly afloat, gazing skywards, upon deep beds of earth. Mysterious, smiling, meditating heads seem merged with Trupti’s formations of this very earth. Their serene, semi-classical gazes echo both the Devi -Visarjan of goddess-immersion, as well as the piercing presence of Egyptian, Phoenician and Greco-Roman mummy-portraits. Mahamaya-Devi comes down to us from the river ; she is returned by us to the river’s all-encompassing silt – continuing to regenerate our lives in an eternal cycle. We humans are no different -- the Ganga is constanty replenished with our own mortal ashes, to perennially nourish and regenerate our rivers and our earth into infininity. “Dust we are, and to dust we return” --- the fact that every grain of dust speaks eloquently, in an immortal artistic language, is exemplified by Trupti’s haunting forms, in her series titled Associations of the Homeland.
As a student artist in the 1970s and later, Trupti was alarmed to discover that, despite India having such a living artistic tradition of Terracotta, simply-fired clay was not then accepted by the ‘Contemporary Art-Gallery establish-ment.’ This lacuna only strengthened Trupti’s deep feeling for clay -- with its powerful regenerative powers and its holistic nature. Her sculp-tures present what may be described as ‘a meditative perusal of natural
Clay sculpture of 2005- 2012, evocatively titled ‘Keep
This Water In Your Home -- Instructed By Mother,’ a
sculpted evocation employs actual Ganga-water, sealed in a copper urn.
Here, she has inventively contemporised and made secular the myth of Shiva and Parvati. A neutral male head carries a reclining woman upon it; she is balancing a copper urn of Ganga-Jal upon her shoulders, in repose. In the artist’s words: “The Ganga comes first; we come from it, and we return to it. I do not adhere to any particular ‘religion’ , nor any ritualistic iconography: I am inspired by so many things. I have arrived at the inner meanings of rituals via my own natural route. I respect the potent vial of Ganga-water that my grandmother revered in her prayer-room, as the essence of a profound cycle. We are all parts of the sun, of the moon, of the pull of the water, and of the earth. I have realised that the re-birth of all materials is completely credible... In full awareness of this, I am now re-viewing my earth with great respect and reverence.” u
Artist, Writer, & Curator
and manganese, fired at the highest stoneware temperature. Over 2 kgs of
cobalt have been used in such a work, lending such sculptures formidable historicity, depth, weight, and permanence.
It is fascinating to observe the tonal variations in these
eight panels of mitti --- in a mesmerically natural earth-palette, varying from red, orange, brown, slate and grey to yellow. The urban ‘sophisticated’ pigments and painterly paraphernalia
of artists actually originates from such earth-tones. Trupti has marvellously employed ‘the palette of the earth’, in order to create a mesmeric vision of life’s eternal cycle. In an exclusive interview, from Baroda, the sculptor told me: “My art is entirely intuitive --- not measured. It emerges
entirely from within, from the mind --- and it is not ‘corrected’ after it emerges. I venture completely into the unknown with every new work, and I am glad that I
have no ‘fixed measures’. “ In Trupti’s sublime
Ceramic, Oxide and
clay’ --- be it in terracotta, ‘thrown’ shapes, or sculptural figures --- in order to realise the deeper socio-psychological relationship of the self with the inherent cul-ture of all our earth-connected rituals. Trupti’s sculptural installations exert a pro-foundly mystical vision, that includes the symbolic meanings of our rituals. Her exploration of clay also includes the strong reality of the all-consuming fire.
In a series titled 23.5 degrees North, Trupti has powerfully employed the actual textures, colours and tones of Indian ‘mitti’. As this piece is viewed at ground-level in the Gallery, one observes India’s ‘mitti’ from west to east (left to right) – from Gujarat to Mizoram. In the centre of these eight subtle, beautifully-aesthetic striations, that appear to be vibrating in different colours, stands an omnipresent, dark and classical female head. This contemporary icon is masterfully sculpted from a ‘composite body’ of oxides and minerals, including cobalt
door has to be constructed, incorporate glass windows on top of the door – as this could be an ingenious way of using the morning sun to filter and illuminate the foyer. A single sun-facing glass shelf can il-luminate up to 20 to 100 times its unit area.
South facing main doors are usually avoided in Vaastu, as all the for-
tunes and luck of the family could get washed away.
Making your Front Door LuckyHave a water feature on the left
side of your door (when you are in-side, looking out). You can fill up an aquarium with goldfish, carp, arowana or terrapins. Do not mix fish with terrapins.
The colour you choose is responsible for the look and feel of the door. The ide-al colour choice for doors (whatever the direction), should be white, cream or bamboo brown. Avoid black and blue – they can have a morbid aura.
According to Fengshui principles, one can also hang the three Chinese threads, with red ribbon or cotton, on the door handles of the main door. These are sup-posed to bring good fortune into your home.
Tips for your Main DoorYour main door should not direct-
ly face the main door of the opposite house. This could prove uncomfort-able when both the doors are open – as one unconsciously tends to look into the other house.
19Bon V ivant25-31 January 2013
It takes patience, trust and values to weave a perfect part-
nership. Drawing from the traditional practice
of matchmaking—akin to a family heirloom, blending the needs of a modern society—Glitterato helps bring two evolved individuals together to form an everlasting bond. Led by Chandni Awasthi, Director of Glitterato Matrimonial, the organization believes that matchmaking in the present times needs a sensitive, sensible and re-sponsible approach. “I think a fresh approach and perspective needs to be added to the legacy of our elders, who have played matchmakers their entire life,” says Chandni, who has been in-spired by her grandmother. “I have had a love marriage, and I have been lucky. But I have witnessed many marriages, both arranged and love, that have gone astray, because the matchmaking was not holistic and did not take several fac-tors into account,” she asserts.
At Glitterato, Chandni ensures that obvious mistakes are avoided, and people who really like each other are brought together, while keeping in mind that the two families must also be com-patible. “In Gurgaon I started six months ago, and I have had a phenomenal re-sponse. The reason was the personal touch, and the surety that privacy will be maintained – about the prospective bride and groom, and the families,” she asserts. She also says that there was a great need for such a marriage service
in Gurgaon, because people are tired of traditional
marriage bureaus, and websites as well. There is a strong demand for
A Perfect Partnership customized service for the cli-ents in Gurgaon, as they are well-heeled and do not want their private lives to become drawing-room discussions.
On marriage, she says, “There are a large number of single mothers and divorcees who want to marry again, be-cause people do not think that marriage has failed. They just believe that the relationships have not turned out as ex-pected.”
To ensure that families also have an equal say in the mar-riage of their wards, Glitterato ensures that the respective suitors first should accept the profiles of a boy or a girl. Sub-sequently, a meeting between the two indi-viduals is arranged, and the last names of the families are not revealed till both sides show equal interest.
She says we do not promise 10 alliances in a week (to choose from), but we do prom-ise a match close to their given preferences. Glitterato has about 200 clients in its data-base, belonging to both Gurgaon and Delhi, and all come from the higher strata of soci-ety. Chandni says that, despite the quick growth, she ensures that only people with certain values and attitudes join the service, as earning money is not the sole purpose of her endeavour.
When asked what is the USP of her or-ganization, Chandni says that their strength comes from the close connection they have with clients, and the understanding of their needs. “I also try to make the clients under-
stand that life is not perfect, and we have to adjust as per the situation,” she says. The people in Gurgaon are also very mature and hon-est in what they want, and ready to experiment with new things in life – and that may include partnerships. However, like other Indians, they still have great faith in Indian traditions. “The mar-riage cannot happen unless the horoscope matches,” she says with a smile. An-other help that Glitterato of-fers to its clients is in making background checks of the grooms and brides, so that there is no problem later.
To find a solution to the problem in relation-ships, she has started SocialCircles, wherein people come together a couple of times a month, and share their experiences – and do different things, over a cup of coffee. The place for the meeting is arranged by Chandni and her team, and different events—ranging from Tarot, to Art, culture and fashion make-overs—are organised, so that people can get let go of any tension, and enjoy the moment. “The idea behind Glitterato SocialCircles is to have a social calendar in this hectic schedule of life. It aims to be an entertainment social platform, to promote business, and introduce like-minded people,” she says. Currently the Circle has 30 members, and the number is growing.
Perhaps due to the presence of social media like Facebook, Chandni says that peo-ple these days do not connect and interact
in their real lives. Even neighbours do not come together and socialize, and this is the reason for social tensions, eventually leading to depression. “I want people to come out, meet, share experi-ences and laugh – drown their worries,” she asserts.
Chandni says that the Social Circles group also aims to provide a scope for networking, to people who want to start some business. “There are several wom-en in Gurgaon who have talent, and want to start something new, but do not know where to go. Here there are several peo-ple who can act as mentors, and help bring out the entrepreneurship which lies latent in people,” she says. The mem-bership fee for the Social Circles is Rs. 5,000 per person, and any one who has a genuine desire to meet people can join the group. The group is also taking up philanthropic activities, and recently donated blankets, in association with the Uday Foundation. Chandni says she does not want her organization to become an NGO, and it will always re-main a commercial entity with a social outlook. “I have decided that 10 per cent of the earnings of the company will be donated for social causes,” she asserts. In the near future her organization will also launch an event-based website fo-cusing on Gurgaon, that will tell people the latest happenings in the Millennium City. When asked how she managed to focus on different things, she smiles and says that her father, who is a successful businessman, is a great inspiration.
{ Bhavana Sharma }
Doors don’t get the attention they really deserve. Their placement and décor can enhance or ruin the
ambience of any house. We know that the main door of every home is the gateway, and it is important to place it in the right direction. This door is called the ‘kou’ or ‘mouth’ of our home. It is through this auspicious door that all the positive and negative chi enters. An auspicious day is usually fixed for the residents to enter their homes – preferably after performing a Vaastu Pooja. Matching a home’s style and scale, the main doors are a gracious transition to the indoors.
Here are some Vaastu tips to help you get more out of your doors – the windows to your soul.
To figure out where to place a main door, imagine that you are standing in front of the house. Divide the front fa-cade of the house into two parts, with an imaginary, middle vertical line. The door should be placed towards the centre–ei-ther in the left or the right half–depend-ing on the direction the door faces.
According to Vaastu Shastra, a north- facing door should be po-sitioned in the left half (when facing the house) – that is, more towards the North-
East. Again, it is preferable to have more openings in the North and East – to chan-nel more natural light into the house. If the door is opaque, it should be placed more to the centre of the wall, and win-dows should be built in the North-East. The door should not be at the corner
Plan Your Gatewaysof the walls, but a few feet away from the corner junc-tion. There should be enough ventilation and fresh air; the number of windows on the Eastern side should be large, and preferably with at least two openings.
West facing doors can be built on the left side of the house, when facing the house from the main entrance. Doors on the
South-West should be avoided. It is recom-mended to have more window openings to-wards the North, to al-low constant sunlight through the day. It is best to avoid openings in the South-West, since the Sun is in the
South and West at mid-day and in the af-ternoon. If a house has a main entrance in the West, it should have a correspond-ing door in the East also.
East facing doors can be built in the right half, and inclined towards the North-East. According to Vaastu, doors should have more openings in the North and East, to allow more sunlight throughout the day. If the door is opaque, it should be placed more to the eastern side of the home. For houses that have a garden in the front yard, where the main
Even if open spaces are shrinking, never have the main door directly facing an abandoned, rundown or dilapidated building.
Front doors should not face any toi-let – as it considered very inauspicious for the housemates. The entrance gate and the main door should be on the same side: it is not considered good if the main door to the house is on the opposite side to the entrance of the property.
Remove any underground or septic tank, if there is one under the main en-trance.
Never have the main entrance door lo-cated in the corners of the house.
If you have a wall directly facing the main door, there should another door further away that opens out, perhaps into a balcony. In this way, the fresh air that enters the house from the main door can flow in and exit from the other side. Sometimes, simple objects like mirrors and plants are also instrumental in estab-lishing the balance.
It is advisable that the entrance to the main door be the largest door of the house.
All main doors should open inside and clockwise.
Always keep your doors in good work-ing condition – avoid creaking doors. Doors that creak invite negative chi.
You can place auspicious signs on the door, like ‘Om’ and “Swastika’, as these raise the spiritual vibrations outside the door.
The best materials for making the main door are teak wood, Honne, and Matti. Wood from Peepal, coconut, trees giving flowers and fruits out of season, and thorny or fragrant trees should not be used. It is imperative that we protect our natural resources, and try to use them in their best possible way. u
Tarot Reader & Author
[email protected], 9818842737
25-31 January 201320 G lobal
{ Axel Botur / Berlin / DPA }
The spring/summer men’s fashion season is set to go ultra-stylish. In 2013
everything will look fresh, sharp and posh. European designers have not yet declared a brand-new sense of elegance, but are looking for alternatives to the casual look for men – which will continue to have a place in the market. This is what the well-dressed man on the street can expect to wear this year:
Smart: The smart-looking man will wear cotton pants, perhaps with a crease. As an elegantly interpreted alternative to a button-up shirt, he can wear a polo shirt. The look comes with a light blazer or a short summer coat, which is less dominating than a longer sports jacket. The suits are in discreet colours. Polo shirts should have a distinctly stylish appearance – with longer button tabs, slender lines, and made from high quality materials.
Men’s Fashion: The Look Of 2013
the German trade journal, Tex-tilWirtschaft. Accessories have grown in importance over recent years in men’s fashion. Scarves and coloured socks have be-come a familiar look. Matching this trend, Italian fashion brand Dsquared2 has some very dis-tinctive necklaces. It’s just one more way for men to adorn themselves this season. u
Neon Colours: Last season, European men developed a desire for colour, and they won’t have to miss out on it in spring/summer 2013. Neon is the strongest colour message. Even classic designers like Salvatore Ferragamo are using flashy colours. The French label Louis Vuitton has integrated neon clothing and accessories into its collection. Dark red and vibrant shades of blue can serve as alternative colours.
Floral Design: Floral patterns will be a welcome sight on shirts and trousers. Patterns will be either abstract or soft and colourful. There is even a “from head to toe” version, but it will take a lot of courage to wear it.
Accessories: “Men are looking for ways to break free from uniformity. They enjoy discovering themselves, and finding ways to express their individuality through little things in fashion,” says Mi-chael Werner, Editor in Chief of
{ Marc Herwig / Tuebingen, Germany / DPA }
What are the elements of a guy’s perfect night-in for sports students? Cold beers, a soccer match on TV - and crochet hooks. Five students from the city
of Tuebingen, in Southwest Germany, combined those elements, and transformed a hobby into an ongoing business.
They spend their evenings and nights at home together – crocheting hats and other headgear. At first their girlfriends thought they were crazy, but that switched to finding their crocheting boyfriends sexy. The all-male crochet club has developed into a successful online company, with several employees.
Sales of the hats made by the Hatnuts, as they call themselves, are thriving, thanks to their cool image. The five Hatnuts sport designer stubbles in a photograph on their website. They uploaded a video to YouTube, and published a crochet book for young people. “Your granny’s instruction manual just doesn’t have the same appeal that ours does,” says Didi Gugel. About 100 orders a week arrive through the online shop, and over 1,000 of the handmade hats are sold each year.
It all started out on a remote, romantic farm that had no TV or internet, in the mountains in southern Germany. Gugel had a job as a snowboard teacher during his university studies. “The evenings were terribly long, and I needed a hat that fitted me.” He remembered his handicraft lessons back in school, and started to crochet – at first with modest results. It was his aunt who taught him (on his next visit home) how to crochet properly. After many dark winter nights he crocheted his first hat. Later, some friends from Tuebingen dropped by, and were pretty envious. “They wanted me to crochet hats for them.”
But Gugel had a better idea. Back in Tuebingen, he organized a crochet seminar. Fifteen students participated, and five of them stayed as the core team. Besides Didi Gugel, the other Hatnut members are –Tobi Egerer, Sebi Mertens, Micha Schwarz and Jules Knoll.
Soon the knitting club became the talk of the University. “The initial reaction was always the same: ‘How embarrassing can you get?’ But it wasn’t long before they were asking: ‘Can I have one too?,” Gugel says. “One thing is for sure: crocheting doesn’t mean you are not a man. Actually it attracts women,” he says without giving further details. In terms of women, the Hatnuts share a strict code of conduct: crochet must not be a means to hook girls. They are only allowed to give something made from crochet to their current partners.
But a lot has changed since the five started crocheting. They completed their sports studies, and while looking for jobs have moved all over Germany and beyond.
In their regular lives they work as teachers for mathematics and sports, as computer scientists for fitness studio systems, as division managers for a big sports retailer, and as managers for sports for the disabled.
Orders for their hats have grown. They sponsored Germany’s National Paralympics Nordic Ski Team this year, and one of their hats was even on Mount Everest.
“The time is over when we were crocheting the orders in our student apartments,” Gugel says. “If you insist on having a hat made by one of us personally, you can write ‘I want Didi to crochet mine’ on the order.”
Even though time is in short supply for the Hatnuts, none of the five can stop crocheting. “It’s simply in our blood: If we’re in front of the TV, we automatically reach over for the crochet hooks,” Gugel says. u
The Hatnuts’ Crochet Business
Hatnut staff Didi Gugel, Micha Schwarz, Tobi Egerer, Jules Knoll and Sebi Mertens (left to right) demonstrate the fun of crotchet in self-made woolly hats.
Thomas susanka / handouT
{ Sydney / DPA }
It is a curriculum vitae that needs some explaining: no fewer than 52 jobs in
different parts of Australia over 2012 – most of them poorly paid. But 24-year-old Paul Seymour can explain it: it was his deliberate intention to stay with each employer for just a week, to see what he wanted to do with his life.
He started out in Brisbane with a website, and a promise to take any job for a week. Friends and relatives fitted him up with employment for the first month, and the quest for work experience rolled on from there. He scooped ice cream, brewed
beer, cleaned toilets, made chocolates, did some teaching, lived rough on Sydney’s streets while working in an advertising agency, and was a roadie for a Melbourne band.
Seymour couch-surfed to keep costs down, and got used to a week-at-a-time life – where no sooner are you settled than it is time to move on. “On Monday you come in amped-up; by Wednesday you’re starting to get your head around the job and figuring it all out, making friendships with your workmates; and then on Friday its all over,” he said.
His advice for those bored
with their jobs is to do what he did, and try something new - anything new. “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and see if it’s actually any better, or it’s just perceived that way.” He thinks he might like to end up in advertising, or journalism, or broadcasting – after he finishes a university degree.
The year of speed-dating with employers has certainly changed him. “Before, my view on the world was that I would’ve loved to be anyone else, and now I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone in the world,” he said. “All that came from giving something else a go.” u
Working A Week At A Time
21G lobal25-31 January 2013
{ Matthias Hoenig / Eckernfoerde, Germany / DPA }
On a sunny winter day, sub-marine U32 is tied up at the quay of the German
naval base in Eckernfoerde, on the Baltic coast, ready for a routine tour of duty.
The sea is as smooth as a bil-liards table. But for Command-ing Officer Christian Moritz, 36, and his crew, turbulent times lie ahead. On February 10, this state-of-the-art Class 212 A non-nuclear submarine will set off across the Atlantic, with a stopover in the Azores, to take part in a prestigious exercise with the US Navy. The war games are due to start in March. The adven-ture evokes memories of a legendary manoeuvre code-named JTFEX 01-2.
Back in 2001, the German submarine U24, of the older 206 class, managed to pierce the security net surrounding the mighty aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. It crept up on the nominal “enemy”, and fired green-dyed signal ammunition at the giant warship. If the torpe-does had been for real, the huge ship would have suffered fatal damage. “U24 was so close that it could have rammed the carrier,” said one submariner. “We just wanted to show what a mod-ern, conventional submarine is capable of.”
The U32 itself established a world record in 2006, when the 56-metre-long vessel stayed under water for two weeks, without surfacing. These modern submarines use hydrogen fuel-cell technology – which can operate independent of any air supply. The boat is normally propelled by a diesel engine, but can switch to its fuel cells for silent cruising and lurk-ing. The U32 can stay at least 18 days below the waves before re-surfacing, according to the Spie-gel news magazine.
There has been no official confirmation of such feats. If anything, the submergement duration is conditional on the crew and their supply needs rather than technical limits, said Captain Moritz, with a twinkle in his eye.
Before a short winter train-ing cruise, the U32 crew lines up on the pier for the customary greeting ceremony, before the men descend into the confines of the submarine, via a series of steel ladders. After a few checks the U32 sets off. The passage begins so quietly and without any trace of vibration, that it is hard to tell if the craft is mov-ing at all, and U32 glides from its berth majestically. Up to 15 crew members are at work in the com-mand centre of the submarine – a square room with numer-ous monitors fixed to the walls. Some of the crew members wear headphones. The grey leather chairs they sit on are anchored to the floor.
The atmosphere is akin to being inside an airport con-trol tower, but without the windows. Light comes from neon tubes protected by glass,
U32 On A Bold New Mission
Christian Moritz, Commander of the German Navy submarine U32, in the conning tower, as the vessel leaves port for a dive under the Baltic Sea.
Steffen Worthmann (foreground) of the German Navy crew of the U32 submarine, works at the periscope during a dive in the Baltic Sea near Eckernfoerde.
Carsten rehder
which can stand a substantial ex-plosive force. “Crew, make ready to dive,” the Captain orders, and the command is echoed by other members of the crew. “Flood the tanks” is the next order, as the men say loudly what they are engaged in doing.
The word “periscope” rings out, and suddenly the range-finding device rides up into the Command Room, offering an all-round view of activities on the surface – from 13.5 metres below the waves. The view through the twin periscope tubes is breathtaking. A camping site on the Baltic coast (some two kilometers away) zooms into focus, in razor-sharp defini-tion. Caravans, tables and trees, all can be seen in full detail. At night, the periscope uses infrared technology to detect movements.
First boatman Timo Roesemann handles a torpedo tube on the U32, while it is docked in Eckernfoerde.
The submarine U32, docked in Eckernfoerde, Germany.
A freighter appears as if in an X-ray image - the hot part of the vessel where the engine performs its task, and the fun-nels, are shown as black, while the cooler parts of the super-structure appear lighter. When the vessel is submerged below the extent of the periscope, the crew must rely on a suite of ultra-modern sonar tools to dis-cover what is going on above. “We are then blind but not deaf,” is how sonar expert Arno Lawida describes it. The 26-year-old first mate trained as an electrician, and hails from Bonn. “Serving on a submarine was what I always wanted to do,” he says.
Asked about life below the waves, the crew members of-ten use the word “family”, to describe the atmosphere. Natu-rally, they talk about camara-derie and esprit de corps, “even though we do tend to get on each other’s nerves sometimes,” says Timo Roesemann, 28, whose lon-gest stretch under water lasted for three and a half months.
Mobile phones and the in-ternet do not work when the craft is submerged, and so the men find themselves longing to go on land again. Lawida occu-pies one of the three sonar op-erator seats. There are six moni-tors in two rows on the wall in front of them. Lawida watches over a monitor with a greenish mass of points and lines – which show what is happening on the surface above. “Like to have a listen in?” he asks, and with-out further ado, he turns up a
knob so that the sound of a mo-tor launch above can be heard as a high-pitched signal. Larg-er vessels create sounds with more bass.
The crew of U32 is in a re-laxed mode at the moment – all this is routine stuff. In the Command Centre, the roles are clearly delineated. The opera-tional area is made up of navi-gation and command, together with the weapons guidance systems. Should a torpedo be launched in anger or as a test, it can still be steered, using a fibre optic device.
Two consoles are used for the automatic transport and load-ing of torpedoes, which use an automatic water ram-explusion system (which ejects the torpe-do with water pressure to avoid acoustic detection) – unlike in World War II, when crew had to manhandle the massive projec-tiles into their shafts.
In an emergency, the crew might need to abandon the vessel under water, and for that even-
tuality each crew member has a bright orange full-body lifejack-et with a body-hugging neoprene skin. “You can survive for up to 24 hours in even water at 2°C,” says Roesemann.
Every year, the crew prac-tices escaping from the subma-rine at a depth of 33 metres, in a custom-made pool located not far from their naval base. The rescue suits are fitted with a ra-dio set and a small bottle of com-pressed air, to aid buoyancy.
A modern submarine does not even feel claustropho-bic. The main entrance is wide enough for two men to pass, and no one has to duck their head once inside. The ceiling height is around 2 metres, and the air inside is neither hot nor stale. A pleasant office-like at-mosphere prevails. “When we are submerged, the air is actu-ally more agreeable than when we are travelling on the sur-face, since it can get sweaty in a submarine in humid climates,” says Roesemann.
Numerous war films have con-veyed life on board a submarine as endless boredom, punctuated with bursts of action and mortal danger; but according to Moritz, there is plenty for idle hands to do. He does admit though that it is hard for any crew member to be alone with his thoughts. Only captain Moritz has his own tiny cabin. The rest of the 24-man crew sleep in bunks, with little lockers to contain their possessions.
Moritz has been in com-mand of a submarine since 2011, and points out that he was not prompted by the heroic actions portrayed in many a movie. He prefers to talk instead about the forthcoming mission on the US East Coast. “The Americans are anxious to test the safe-ty of their aircraft carriers, and our task is to wage war against one of them.”
The U32 will be also trying out a new form of sonar. “I hope that we will be able to refine our tactics, and find out just how stealthy we really are,” says the Commanding Officer. Moritz believes that the passive so-nar used on board the 212 A-Class will enable it to spot warships quicker, while evad-ing detection – thanks to what experts call its low-emission profile, which makes it hard to spot. The vessels above have to rely on their conventional so-nar being able to bounce sound waves off the submarine hull, before they can tell if it is lurk-ing nearby. u
22 G lobal25-31 January 2013
{ Kuala Lumpur / John Grafilo / DPA }
Sea piracy in 2012 dropped to a five-year low of 297 at-tacks, due to a strong presence of multinational navy patrols, an international watch group said. The Kuala
Lumpur-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said the number of pirate attacks in 2012 was far below the 439 recorded in 2011.
It said pirates boarded 174 ships in 2012, while 28 ships were hijacked and 28 were fired upon. It also recorded 67 attempted attacks. “The number of people taken hostage onboard fell to 585, from 802 in 2011, while a further 26 were kidnapped for ransom in Nigeria,” it said. “Six crew members were killed, and 32 were injured or assaulted.”
The organization noted a sharp decline in pirate attacks in the seas off Somalia, with 75 reported incidents in 2012, compared to 237 the previous year. “The continued presence of the navies is vital for ensuring that Somali piracy remains low,” IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan, said. “This progress could easily be reversed if naval vessels were withdrawn from the area.” Mukundan warned that the capability of Somali pirates to launch attacks remains strong, and called for continued vigilance in the Gulf of Aden. u
Sea Piracy Attacks Drop
24 G -scape25-31 January 2013
All Roads Lead To Gurgaon
Pataudi Road
NH 8- Kherki Dhaula
Sohna Road
Faridabad Road
Palam Vihar
Old Delhi Road-Kapashera
NH 8-Sirhaul
MG Road
22-28 June 2012 29 June-5 July 2012
GURGAON TERMINUS (GT)(2 Years of the Metro)
16-22 November 2012
Old Lords In New Bottles
MOderN TeMpLes Of GurGaON
date: Nov 28, 2012
What Sanitation Drive?date: Oct 9, 2012
Best of 2012
30 Nov-6 Dec 2012
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