Jan 7, 2009, page 3, Deccan Chronicle
The Andhra Pradesh government will introduce 350 ‘Hospital-on-Wheels’ across the state to extend healthcare services to rural citizens. ‘Hospital on Wheels’ aims to provide services like monitoring of pregnant women, child growth and chronic diseases besides necessary laboratory investigations.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
People> Awareness on Clean Drinking Water
Jan 7, 2009, page 3, Deccan Chronicle
British tourists are on a mission to India in their Adventure Rickshaw Run from Pondicherry to Shillong. Foreigners from various parts of the world took part in the auto rickshaw run in 50 auto rickshaws that started on January 1, 2009 to promote awareness on clean drinking water. They’re also involved in cancer research.
British tourists are on a mission to India in their Adventure Rickshaw Run from Pondicherry to Shillong. Foreigners from various parts of the world took part in the auto rickshaw run in 50 auto rickshaws that started on January 1, 2009 to promote awareness on clean drinking water. They’re also involved in cancer research.
People> Rural Women become Self Reliant
Dec 31, 2008, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
The Konoklota Mahila Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. In Jorhat, Assam is ushering in a new era of rural banking. Facilitating micro-banking, advancing micro-credit and providing micro-insurance facilities, the all woman set-up bank is going all out to help rural women become self reliant.
The Konoklota Mahila Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. In Jorhat, Assam is ushering in a new era of rural banking. Facilitating micro-banking, advancing micro-credit and providing micro-insurance facilities, the all woman set-up bank is going all out to help rural women become self reliant.
People> Rural Women become Self Reliant
Dec 31, 2008, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
The Konoklota Mahila Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. In Jorhat, Assam is ushering in a new era of rural banking. Facilitating micro-banking, advancing micro-credit and providing micro-insurance facilities, the all woman set-up bank is going all out to help rural women become self reliant.
The Konoklota Mahila Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. In Jorhat, Assam is ushering in a new era of rural banking. Facilitating micro-banking, advancing micro-credit and providing micro-insurance facilities, the all woman set-up bank is going all out to help rural women become self reliant.
People> Example of Communal Harmony in Kerala
January 6, Deccan Chronicle, 2009, page 5
In an example of communal harmony, a mosque in the sleepy village of Choondal, in Thrissur district of Kerala is lending a helping hand to travel weary Ayyappa pilgrims who trek to the hill shrine at Sabarimala, by providing them with drinking water, food and shelter.
In an example of communal harmony, a mosque in the sleepy village of Choondal, in Thrissur district of Kerala is lending a helping hand to travel weary Ayyappa pilgrims who trek to the hill shrine at Sabarimala, by providing them with drinking water, food and shelter.
People> Animal Adoption Scheme’ launched in Indore
Jan 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, , page 5
A college girl from Indore has become the first person to adopt a python under the Van Vihar National Park’s novel ‘Animal Adoption Scheme’ launched recently to generate awareness among the people about wildlife. The girl, Abhinita Das, pursuing LLB from Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai University adopted a python which was a rare choice.
A college girl from Indore has become the first person to adopt a python under the Van Vihar National Park’s novel ‘Animal Adoption Scheme’ launched recently to generate awareness among the people about wildlife. The girl, Abhinita Das, pursuing LLB from Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai University adopted a python which was a rare choice.
People> Pizza Grannies from Bangalore
Jan 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, , page 5
Two grand old ladies of Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) have come to be known as the Pizza Grannies. They serve yummy pizzas for a cause – to build a home for the aged and to keep it running. The Pizza Grannies are Padma Srinivasan, 73 and her friend and business partner Jayalakshmi Sreenivasan 75.
Two grand old ladies of Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) have come to be known as the Pizza Grannies. They serve yummy pizzas for a cause – to build a home for the aged and to keep it running. The Pizza Grannies are Padma Srinivasan, 73 and her friend and business partner Jayalakshmi Sreenivasan 75.
People: Indian Railways' toll free number
January 3, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
The railways have recently launched a service to register complaints if one is annoyed with the quality of food served on board the trains. Dial the toll free number – 1800-111-139 to offer suggestions and lodge complaints regarding catering services on the railway network. This is a 24 x 7 service offered by the Indian Railways.
The railways have recently launched a service to register complaints if one is annoyed with the quality of food served on board the trains. Dial the toll free number – 1800-111-139 to offer suggestions and lodge complaints regarding catering services on the railway network. This is a 24 x 7 service offered by the Indian Railways.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Inspiration: A coconut plucker's topsy-turvy art
January 11, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
A coconut plucker in Kollam, Kerala has virtually turned his profession topsy-turvy by mastering the art of climbing trees upside down. Over the years, 50 year old Ramachandran has proved that he could scale even the tallest coconut or arecanut (betel nut tee) upside down with great poise and ease.
Environment: Chilika, the biggest waterfowl habitat
January 11, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Chilika, the biggest waterfowl habitat in Orissa, India has hosted around 891,000 birds of 155 species this winter. The majority of the birds were taking shelter in Nalabana, the bird sanctuary inside the blue lagoon.
Chilika, the biggest waterfowl habitat in Orissa, India has hosted around 891,000 birds of 155 species this winter. The majority of the birds were taking shelter in Nalabana, the bird sanctuary inside the blue lagoon.
Environment: ‘Chuck manja, save birds’
Jan 9, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 19
Excerpts from the article ‘Chuck manja, save birds’, by a Deccan Chronicle correspondent from Hyderabad, India.
This Sankrati, a campaign endorsed by Jiah Khan (for PETA) calling for people to ditch glass coated manjas (the strings used to fly paper kites), that leave birds injured has turned scores of young kite fighters into crusaders for birds.
Youngsters are urging friends to spare a thought for hundreds of birds that are left with mangled wings and bleeding bodies, while they are busy having fun.
Anuhya Reddy, an engineering student and WWF activist says, “We identify with this cause because if you look carefully, you can actually see birds somersaulting in the air before regaining balance. The best part is, you don’t even have to go out of your way to support this cause. It’s as simple as choosing to fly kites in the open areas where theyere are less or no trees.”
C. Aradhana, who has started an online community where people sign up and pledge to ditch glass manja this Sankrati says, “Birds are unaware of the maze that we make with the manjas in the sky. They fly right into this invisible trap and end up hurting their wings.
Shravanya Rao, an animal lover says, “Once injured by sharp manja, birds cannot regain balance and fall from great heights. Some are maimed for life while others bleed to death. When you tell this to people they seem surprised. They say this thought never occurred to them. It's important to spread the awareness about this.”
Excerpts from the article ‘Chuck manja, save birds’, by a Deccan Chronicle correspondent from Hyderabad, India.
This Sankrati, a campaign endorsed by Jiah Khan (for PETA) calling for people to ditch glass coated manjas (the strings used to fly paper kites), that leave birds injured has turned scores of young kite fighters into crusaders for birds.
Youngsters are urging friends to spare a thought for hundreds of birds that are left with mangled wings and bleeding bodies, while they are busy having fun.
Anuhya Reddy, an engineering student and WWF activist says, “We identify with this cause because if you look carefully, you can actually see birds somersaulting in the air before regaining balance. The best part is, you don’t even have to go out of your way to support this cause. It’s as simple as choosing to fly kites in the open areas where theyere are less or no trees.”
C. Aradhana, who has started an online community where people sign up and pledge to ditch glass manja this Sankrati says, “Birds are unaware of the maze that we make with the manjas in the sky. They fly right into this invisible trap and end up hurting their wings.
Shravanya Rao, an animal lover says, “Once injured by sharp manja, birds cannot regain balance and fall from great heights. Some are maimed for life while others bleed to death. When you tell this to people they seem surprised. They say this thought never occurred to them. It's important to spread the awareness about this.”
People and Environment: 'On a green mission’
Jan 11, 2009 Deccan Chronicle, page 19
Excerpts from the article ‘On a green mission’, by Chirag Mohanty Samal.
In the hope of saving the earth while they still can, young members of the Indian Youth Climate Network are traveling around the country to spread the message. The solution to almost every modern issue from recession to global warming lies in looking for alternative sources of energy they say. These young green activists who began their road trip from Chennai will drive down all the way to Delhi via 12 cities in their eco-friendly electric cars, urging urban India to switch to a greener lifestyle.
Deepanjali Gupta, the co-founder of ICYN says, “India is busy dealing with issues like poverty and national security; but the overall important issue of climate change is being ignored. Inspite of struggling with inflation and recession, we are not paying enough attention to alternative sources of energy which are cheaper and will do us a lot of good in the future.”
A solar powered heating system maybe expensive initially, but it works out cheaper in the long run. “There are many youngsters working with various NGOs to combat climate change and through this road tip we are trying to bring all of them together on a common platform.”
Kartikeya Singhm a rural energy researcher and a member of ICYN says, “We want to showcase potential solutions and share our experiences with the people we meet. We have visited several universities and held workshops there. The participation of the youth has been encouraging. In the process, we have also learnt about the various eco-friendly projects that enterprising students have come up with. If they get a proper platform and support from the government the scenario can change.”
Caroline Howe, from Yale University who is a part of this team says, “The number of engineers graduating each year in India is more than the population of certain American cities. This is undoubtedly t he land of climate solutions. So we are looking up to India to bring about a positive change.”
Monuments and Heritage Sites: School children take oath to maintain heritage sites
Jan 14, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
As a part of its sensitization program, the Archaeological Survey of India will administer an oath to about 150 students of a Delhi school to maintain cleanliness at heritage sites. The students will take the oath at a function at Munda Gumbad. The ASI has also launched the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme to sensitize students to maintain cleanliness at monuments.
As a part of its sensitization program, the Archaeological Survey of India will administer an oath to about 150 students of a Delhi school to maintain cleanliness at heritage sites. The students will take the oath at a function at Munda Gumbad. The ASI has also launched the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme to sensitize students to maintain cleanliness at monuments.
Monuments and Heritage Sites: Kangla Fort to be restored
Jan 14, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Kangla Fort in Imphal from where Manipuri Kings ruled for 2000 years will be restored by the Manipur government. The fort included palaces, buildings and places of worship which were destroyed in the Anglo-Manipur war in 1891.
Kangla Fort in Imphal from where Manipuri Kings ruled for 2000 years will be restored by the Manipur government. The fort included palaces, buildings and places of worship which were destroyed in the Anglo-Manipur war in 1891.
Environment: Cherrapunjee to be rescued of water shortage
Cherrapunjee, the world’s wettest spot, faces acute shortage of water during the post monsoon months and a slew of measures will be initiated by Israeli experts from February to restore its environment and harvest rainwater.
People: Secret Slumdog Millionaire
Feb 2, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Seeking to cash in on the Slumdog Millionaire hype, co-producers of the film are planning a reality TV show set in Mumbai slums that will feature super rich people posing as commoners and visiting poor families for charity. Titled Secret Slumdog Millionaire, the show is a spin-off of the Secret Millionaire series that originated in the UK.
People: Indian radio show on Right to Information Act
Feb 2, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
An hour-long weekly program on FM Rainbow (102.6 MHz) provides answers to queries on the Right to Information Act. The show has been started by an NGO Kabir, working on the RTI issue for several years. The program is aired at 5pm every Sunday.
Environment: India gifts 250 solar lanterns to Burma
Feb 7, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Indian solar lanterns will light up more houses in Burma, in areas devastated by the killer Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. India handed over 250 solar lanterns to Burma on Thursday on a request from Rangoon following good feedback on the performance of 500 such lanterns.
Indian solar lanterns will light up more houses in Burma, in areas devastated by the killer Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. India handed over 250 solar lanterns to Burma on Thursday on a request from Rangoon following good feedback on the performance of 500 such lanterns.
Environment: Rashtrapati Bhavan goes greener
Feb 7, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Go greener seems to be the motto of Rashtrapati Bhavan as the estate takes energy saving and pollution free steps. The nearly eight decade old president estate will also get the national capital its first rock garden.
Go greener seems to be the motto of Rashtrapati Bhavan as the estate takes energy saving and pollution free steps. The nearly eight decade old president estate will also get the national capital its first rock garden.
People: Special bus service for ladies in Rajasthan
Feb 6, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Keeping in view the growing workforce of women in Jaipur, Rajasthan Roadways introduced special women-only buses in the city on Thursday to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for them. Chief Minister Ashok Ghelot flagged off the special buses on eight routes in the city.
Keeping in view the growing workforce of women in Jaipur, Rajasthan Roadways introduced special women-only buses in the city on Thursday to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for them. Chief Minister Ashok Ghelot flagged off the special buses on eight routes in the city.
Inspiration: 80 year old student
Feb 6, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Retired Prof. MK Prem, 80 year old, has been enrolling for courses at Rajasthan University since 1943. he has so far done BSc, MA (English), MA (Economics), MBA, M. Phil, LLB, LLM (one paper due), PG Diploma in Taxation Law, PG Diploma in Criminology, BA and is currently pursuing MA in Psychology as a final year student.
Retired Prof. MK Prem, 80 year old, has been enrolling for courses at Rajasthan University since 1943. he has so far done BSc, MA (English), MA (Economics), MBA, M. Phil, LLB, LLM (one paper due), PG Diploma in Taxation Law, PG Diploma in Criminology, BA and is currently pursuing MA in Psychology as a final year student.
Education: Rise in School Enrollment:
Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle
Excerpts from the article on rise in school enrollment by Rashme Sehgal
The school report card developed by the National University for Education, Planning and Administration (NUEPA), that covers 1.25 million primary and upper primary schools across the country has shown that Kerala tops the combined rankings for both primary and upper primary education for school-going children. Bihar and Jharkhand have shown the way again with increase in primary enrolment in schools.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Environment: Two leopards rescued from well.
Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Two leopards which accidentally fell into a well in Igatpuri tehsil near Nashik were rescued by the forest department. They incident took place on Sunday night when the wild cats were chasing their hunt. They were brought out of the well with the help of a ladder.
Two leopards which accidentally fell into a well in Igatpuri tehsil near Nashik were rescued by the forest department. They incident took place on Sunday night when the wild cats were chasing their hunt. They were brought out of the well with the help of a ladder.
Environment & Monuments: Ban on immersion of idols in lake
Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
For the first time in more than two and a half decades, the authorities have not allowed the immersion of idols in the tank surrounding the 16th century tomb of Afghan King Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram in Bihar. The ban on immersion of idols is a part to preserve the monument and the lake.
For the first time in more than two and a half decades, the authorities have not allowed the immersion of idols in the tank surrounding the 16th century tomb of Afghan King Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram in Bihar. The ban on immersion of idols is a part to preserve the monument and the lake.
People: Baked goods made in Tihar to be exported
Jan 28, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Baked goods made by the inmates of Tihar Jail might soon be exported. Several distributors have approached the jail authorities seeking to market the products abroad. Tihar inmates produce various bakery products such as biscuits, rusk, cakes and a range of snacks at the factory inside the prison. These are in great demand because of their good quality and low price.
Baked goods made by the inmates of Tihar Jail might soon be exported. Several distributors have approached the jail authorities seeking to market the products abroad. Tihar inmates produce various bakery products such as biscuits, rusk, cakes and a range of snacks at the factory inside the prison. These are in great demand because of their good quality and low price.
People: The tale of Tantya Bhil the Indian Robin Hood
Jan 24, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Tantya Bhil, known as the Indian Robin Hood, will be the focus of the MP tableau during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. The tribal hero, who had even made it to the New York Times paper then, was born at Badada village in Pandhana Tehsil of Khandwa (East Nimar) in MP and emerged as a great hero of the masses because of his indomitable courage and passion in challenging the British regimen.
Tantya Bhil, known as the Indian Robin Hood, will be the focus of the MP tableau during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. The tribal hero, who had even made it to the New York Times paper then, was born at Badada village in Pandhana Tehsil of Khandwa (East Nimar) in MP and emerged as a great hero of the masses because of his indomitable courage and passion in challenging the British regimen.
Environment: Shop raided selling illegal brushes made of mongoose hair
Jan 24, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
The forest department of Friday raided a shop in Dausa, Rajasthan and seized around 200 brushes made of mongoose hair, an official said. The officials raided the shop on a tip off and seized 200 brushes of different sizes and arrested the shopkeeper.
The forest department of Friday raided a shop in Dausa, Rajasthan and seized around 200 brushes made of mongoose hair, an official said. The officials raided the shop on a tip off and seized 200 brushes of different sizes and arrested the shopkeeper.
People: Campaign against Child Labour
Jan 31st, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5
Actor Aamir Khan is likely to promote Maharashtra government’s campaign against child labour. The state has decided to utilize Khan’s appeal among children after the runaway success of his film Taare Zameen Par and may rope in the actor for its campaign against child labour.
Actor Aamir Khan is likely to promote Maharashtra government’s campaign against child labour. The state has decided to utilize Khan’s appeal among children after the runaway success of his film Taare Zameen Par and may rope in the actor for its campaign against child labour.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Environment: Porbandar gets down to saving the Whale Shark
Source: Deccan Chronicle, January 30, 2009, page 11.
Excerpts from the aricle by: Vivek Menon
'Within four years Gujarat's people have saved the whale shark at its shores and conferred on it the title of 'Gujarat Gaurav', making Vhali, another symbol of parochial pride.
Morari Bapu, in particular, was the key to a million hearts when he first likened Vhali to Matsya avatar and said killing the shark ammounted to deicide. This stopped hunting almost instantaneously, but he further strengthened emotive ties of the locals by likening the fish to a daughter who, after marriage, had left her home and migrated to South Africa/ Australia. The daughter, he said, was returning home to give birth. Which father would not provide a safe home to his daugher to give birth, he thundered and all of Gujarat sat up and listened.
The hunters no longer hunted, the government agencies were now in competition to spearhead the protection and children filled my offices with paintings, stories and emotive outpourings.
Within a year of its launch, the campaign successfully converted former whale shark hunters into its protectors, convincing them to voluntarily release accidentally-trapped whale sharks from their fishing nets. Within two nears, the Gujarat government started a scheme to provide relief to fishermen for the loss of their nets, which is almost inevitable in such rescues.
In four year, about 80 whale sharks have been released by the Gujarat's fisher folk. Gujarat was no longer killing hundreds of sharks! The campaign also gave whale shark the name Vhali - the loved one.
Awareness is also being created amongst school children with the help of inflatable whale sharks to teach them about the need to conserve the shark.'
Excerpts from the aricle by: Vivek Menon
'Within four years Gujarat's people have saved the whale shark at its shores and conferred on it the title of 'Gujarat Gaurav', making Vhali, another symbol of parochial pride.
Morari Bapu, in particular, was the key to a million hearts when he first likened Vhali to Matsya avatar and said killing the shark ammounted to deicide. This stopped hunting almost instantaneously, but he further strengthened emotive ties of the locals by likening the fish to a daughter who, after marriage, had left her home and migrated to South Africa/ Australia. The daughter, he said, was returning home to give birth. Which father would not provide a safe home to his daugher to give birth, he thundered and all of Gujarat sat up and listened.
The hunters no longer hunted, the government agencies were now in competition to spearhead the protection and children filled my offices with paintings, stories and emotive outpourings.
Within a year of its launch, the campaign successfully converted former whale shark hunters into its protectors, convincing them to voluntarily release accidentally-trapped whale sharks from their fishing nets. Within two nears, the Gujarat government started a scheme to provide relief to fishermen for the loss of their nets, which is almost inevitable in such rescues.
In four year, about 80 whale sharks have been released by the Gujarat's fisher folk. Gujarat was no longer killing hundreds of sharks! The campaign also gave whale shark the name Vhali - the loved one.
Awareness is also being created amongst school children with the help of inflatable whale sharks to teach them about the need to conserve the shark.'
Environment: Army cleans up Bada Talab or Upper Lake in Bhopal
Source: The Deccan Chronicle, January 31, 2009, page 7 (Visakhapatnam edition)
Bhopal, Jan 30:
'Joining the war against water crisis, 250 army personnel took part in desilting the almost dry Upper Lake. Ever since the campaign to deepen the lake was launched by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan earlier in January, several political leaders, government officials, students, NCC cadets and citizens joined hands to deepend Bhopal's lifeline whose catchment area has over the years been reduced to 9 sq km from 361 sq km when it was originally built.
Legend has it that the lake was built by Paramar Dynasty's Raja Bhoj who ruled Malwa from 1005-1055 AD and Bhopal derived its name from the lake 'Bhoj ka taal'. The men in uniform which included 50 officers and 200 soldiers helped in desilting the Bada Talab or Upper Lake.'
Bhopal, Jan 30:
'Joining the war against water crisis, 250 army personnel took part in desilting the almost dry Upper Lake. Ever since the campaign to deepen the lake was launched by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan earlier in January, several political leaders, government officials, students, NCC cadets and citizens joined hands to deepend Bhopal's lifeline whose catchment area has over the years been reduced to 9 sq km from 361 sq km when it was originally built.
Legend has it that the lake was built by Paramar Dynasty's Raja Bhoj who ruled Malwa from 1005-1055 AD and Bhopal derived its name from the lake 'Bhoj ka taal'. The men in uniform which included 50 officers and 200 soldiers helped in desilting the Bada Talab or Upper Lake.'
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