[Assam] Back to where the story began
Back to where the story began - Calcutta hosts festival of films from Assam with focus on Bodo cinema RITU PARNA DATTA Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Bengal minister Pratim Chatterjee and actress Sharmila Tagore light the inaugural lamp at the festival. Picture by Aranya Sen Calcutta, May 4: When Jyoti Prasad Agarwala premiered the first film in Assamese, Joymoti, in Calcutta in 1935, it was believed to be the perfect beginning for ethnic cinema from a cloistered region. Joymoti garnered fulsome praise from critics, but turned out to be a commercial disaster. Seventy-two years later, the story has not changed: Assamese cinema continues to be feted nationally as well as abroad, but it is still a struggle for meaningful films from the state to be commercially viable. So, it is back to Calcutta for another attempt to showcase the tapestry of Assamese cinema before an audience that at least appreciates cinematic art that goes beyond the cut-and-thrust of commercially-driven films. Organised by the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation Ltd in collaboration with the Union information and broadcasting ministry, the Bodoland Territorial Council and Nandan, the Festival of Films from Assam that began today is focusing on Bodo cinema. Pinky Brahma Choudhurys Duphang-ni Solo, the first film to be screened, was made in 1997 and has done the rounds of film festivals. So have the films of Jwangdao Bodosa, formerly known as Pradip Brahma. Bodosa made the first film in the Bodo language, Aleyaron, in 1984 and has since added three more to his oeuvre. The other films chosen for the four-day festival are Jahnu Baruas Konikar Ramdhenu, Munin Baruas Dinabandhu, Bodosas Rape in the Virgin Forest, the late Bhabendra Nath Saikias acclaimed Sarothi, Gautam Boras Wosobipo (the first film in Karbi), Phaylaw Kamleswars Sayaram Gojoula and Bidyut Chakrabortys evocative Nishiddha Nodi. Bobbeeta Sharma, chairperson of the ASFFDC, described the films to be screened in Calcutta as truly representative of ethno cinema. She said the corporation has been trying to pull regional cinema out of the morass it has got into with synergised promotion and financing. Sharma said the government has already taken the big step of proposing to plough back revenue garnered by way of entertainment tax back into regional cinema. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi inaugurated the festival with an assurance of continued support to the struggling industry. Actress and censor board chairperson Sharmila Tagore said it was heartening to see the resilience of filmmakers from Assam. Khampa Borgoyari, the deputy chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council, thanked the organisers for choosing to focus on Bodo cinema. - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible new car smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] Rongali Bihu celebrated in Canada (The Assam Tribune, 05.05.2007)
Rongali Bihu celebrated in Canada GUWAHATI, May 4 The Asom Sangha, Canada, celebrated its 37th annual Rongali Bihu on April 14 in the Malton Community Centre, Mississauga, Ontario. The 2007 Bihu gathering was largest in Assamese community history, participation and enthusiasm was overwhelming! Dr Nilakshi Khataniar, the president of Asom Sangha, along with the Joint Secretaries Rajib Barman and Mandir Panchanan greeted everyone with a Bihubobia welcome. At the outset, the president acknowledged the loss of two individuals of the community: well known Assamese singer, late Anima Bhattacharyya Chakravartty of Peterborough; and late Dr Bijit Bora, son of Lolita and late Kumud Bora of Ottawa, who was working with the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. A minute of silence was observed for the departed souls. The president then welcomed the new families, babies, and visitors: Dibyajyoti and Debashree Gohain Barua, daughter Sneha; Partha and Joyashree Gogoi, son Arjun; Prodip and Purbalee Das, daughter Shreya Kashyap; and new baby Neeyar Dutta (son,Saurav and Sangeeta Dutta) and Deban Das (son, Bikul Britta Das). Three welcomed visitors were Kamal Saran Gohain of Guwahati, Chandra Dutta and Parul Bhuyan Dutta of Tinsukia. With great humour and wit, the two Masters of Ceremony (MC)- Madhuri Hazarika and Suranjita Hazarika then started the cultural show. A chorus Srimoi Asomi was performed by Reeta and Nubul Barua, Purbalee Das, Sangeeta and Saurav Dutta, Uma Talukdar, Satarupa Hazarika, Nilakshi Kahtaniar, and Binu Hazarika. Childrens participation was heartwarming this year. One of the highlights was an adorable childrens fashion show put on by: Aryan Bora, Dhruv Hazarika, Priya Bordoloi, Loya Bhuyan, Priyakshi Prishni Mahanta, Sneh Boro, Neeyar Dutta, Inika Hazarika, Jishnu GargiTalukdar, and Shreya Kashyap which showcased Assamese fashions in the sweetest way possible. The cultural show was continued with performances by Priyakshi Mahanta, Jishnu and Gargi Talukdar, Rubin Hazarika, Rucci Barua, who all sang Assamese songs. The song stylings of Shreya Kashyap, Iksu Dutta, Loya Bhuyan, and piano played by Tora Sharma and Priyakshi Mahanta also kept the night alive. Riya Das and Aquina Athayda both engaged the crowd with their dance steps, and Sanjucta Sharma Barkataki impressed with her Hindi dance moves. Uma Talukdar sang a beautiful Assamese song while Dr Iswar Chakravartty enlightened the crowd with his self-composed and other poems. Assamese songs by Purbalee Das were specially pleasing, and mouth organ by Nava Pallav Das was enchanting. Ajit Singh told few jokes, while Anjali Singh sang couple of Hindi Assamese songs. The crowd was very much inspired by excellent dances choreographed and performed herself by Bohni Sikha Dev of Detroit, USA, with two of Bhupen Hazarikas songs. Added enthusiasm to the night included three sponsored door prizes (winners - Rikha Sharma, Rinki Boro, and Apurba Hazarika); home made Assamese delicacies prepared by many participants; and the delectable Indian dinner organised by the Sangha. Joyous cultural evening was ended with a formal hussori. The exquisite sound of dhol by Nubul Baura and taal by Rajib Barman and Rajib Hazarika, and Bihu dance lyrics of Reeta Barua and Saurav Dutta, later joined by Mitali Sharma, Jib Talukdar, Kausik Bhatta,Tara Bhuyan, Prodip Das; all brought thrills to the public. Soon it became an open Bihutoli where everyone participated and enjoyed themselves! The president thanked everyone who helped, specifically to Sanjeev Bordoloi, Paran Mahanta for the hall, Mausam Hazariaka for dinner, Prodip Bora for video, Ryan Das with registration, the joint secretaries and the two MCs of the evening. (The Assam Tribune,05.05.2007) - Office firewalls, cyber cafes, college labs, don't allow you to download CHAT? Here's a solution! ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] [asom] Re: Press Release on 'Fast unto Death'
Can Yours Truly butt in? Assam Govt already has (you guessed it--with Oxomiya peoples' money) laws /arrangements to overcompensate all ununiformed oir Uniformed ones-Even Delhi's very own- who get hurt/scared/traumatized/(may be)killed by Terrorists. And Nothing but 'Encounter' deaths and disappearances or never-ending prison(Again at Peoples' cost) for OUR REAL Freedom-fighters. For THEIR so-called(non-violent) Freedom fighters- every facility provided for N generations!Facilities depriving the People -mind you! mm To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Thu, 3 May 2007 09:30:25 +Subject: [asom] Re: Press Release on 'Fast unto Death' I understand that AssamWatch (UK) is a Human rights organization.From the press release by Dr Hazarika, as he mentioned about the sixwives of the ULFA cadres, it seems he is only concerned about thewellbeing of ULFA and ULFA relatives.My question to Dr Hazarika:What about the families that had to part with their near and dear ones due to the ULFA's brutality?Many of those kidnapped by the ULFA remain traceless, (for your information Dr Hazarika please see the post: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/message/3100)Are these families not 'human' enough so that their 'rights' couldbe taken up by Human rights organization like AssamWatch (UK)?Regards,Wahid Saleh--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:PRESS RELESEAW/001/2007Dated 29 April 2007AssamWatch(UK) has noted with some relief that upon receiving firmwritten commitment from the Chief Minister of Assam, the six wives ofthe missing cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom in Bhutan inDecember 2003 has ended their 'FAST UNTO DEATH' action on 26 April2007. Assam Watch(UK) would like to thank the Government of Assam forintervening in time to save the lives of these determined ladies whohas followed the footsteps of Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi who went onrepeated 'Fasting Protests' during the Indian independence struggle.We are very hopeful that the Assam Government will honour thewritten reassurances and commitments given to the ladies on doing theneedful in tracing the where about of the missing persons pursuing allavenues and return them to their families as soon as possible.The ladies fasting from. 21 March 2007 have put their health in extreme jeopardy. Appropriate care need to be provided for overallwell being of these ladies who have put their bodies through extremestarvation on a background of a anxiety over their beloved ones forover the last Two and a Half year and it is expected that theappropriate authorities have already taken this into consideration andcontinue the care needed for them without any prejudice.Dr. M. HazarikaCo-ordinatorAssamWatch(UK)__._,_.___ Messages in this topic (0) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 25 New MembersVisit Your Group SPONSORED LINKS High res High res photos Assam Assam tea Bodum assam Yahoo! Mail Get on board You're invited to try the all-new Mail Beta. Yahoo! Photos Create your own Photo Gifts Y! Messenger Send pics quick Share photos while you IM friends. . __,_._,___ _ Palate Teasers: Straight from Master Chef! http://content.msn.co.in/Lifestyle/Moreonlifestyle/LifestylePT_101106_1530.htm___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] [asom] Re: Guest house in Delhi
Dear Shrabonny, He manages seating/booking at Srimanta Sangkordev Guest Cultural SocietyHouse mm To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Thu, 3 May 2007 16:19:11 +Subject: [asom] Re: Guest house in Delhi FOR MRIDULThanks Mridul about the informationa and the no.. Can u tel me more about abhijit.. as in how will he be able to get me some accomodation...ThanksOn Sat, 28 Apr 2007 Mridul Bhuyan wrote :Hi,Pls. contact Mr. Abhijit at cell no. +91 9871319664 at Delhi.Rgds.Mridul BhuyanShrabani Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Hi everyoneI belive there is a guest house in Delhi for the Assam journalist.Anyone has any information regarding the tarrif and the other details...Shrabani Das===moderator appended=From: Surajit Jaradhara [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Thu May 3, 2007 3:39 amSubject: Re: Guest house in DelhiThere are many anusthans or societies in Delhi from Different communities such as thamil Sangam, Kerela societies, Brihan maharastra bhavan etc. It looks like many other states have guest houses or facilities ( either govt. or Pivate- Society run ones) in delhi. sam has been only been able to come up with three for over the years. Letas not blame the govt. and the one only existing. The sankaradeva Bhawan came up after much efforts, perseverance and tenacity - few involved in this would know it. It can be a good beginning to start another one or two. Criticism is not beneficial unless it leads to something. May be some one in assam or in delhi can think of startingSurajit-From: Shrabani Das [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:43 pmSubject: Re: Guest house in DelhiDear UtpalThanks a lot for the information. I will surely try out there.. :)And as for Raj and Asom journalist not beinmg Lucky.. well well..well..Anyways Thank for replying... __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (0) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 25 New MembersVisit Your Group SPONSORED LINKS High res High res photos Assam Assam tea Bodum assam Yahoo! Photos Upload Order Same-day pickup at Target Y! Messenger Talk it up - free! Call your friends worldwide - free! Yahoo! Mail Next gen email? Try the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta. . __,_._,___ _ The idiot box is no longer passe! http://content.msn.co.in/Entertainment/TV/Default.aspx___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] [asom] Re: Guest house in Delhi
there is this aurobindo ashram guest house..opposite IIT delhi..rooms are clean..cheap..250/day single room with 5 meals..you can meditate..it's at south delhi..no drinking/smoking. booking done only thro' email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] only catch is ..u will hv wash ur own dishes.. On 5/5/07, mc mahant [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Shrabonny, He manages seating/booking at Srimanta Sangkordev Guest Cultural SocietyHouse mm -- To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Date: Thu, 3 May 2007 16:19:11 + Subject: [asom] Re: Guest house in Delhi FOR MRIDUL Thanks Mridul about the informationa and the no.. Can u tel me more about abhijit.. as in how will he be able to get me some accomodation... Thanks On Sat, 28 Apr 2007 Mridul Bhuyan wrote : Hi, Pls. contact Mr. Abhijit at cell no. +91 9871319664 at Delhi. Rgds. Mridul Bhuyan Shrabani Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi everyone I belive there is a guest house in Delhi for the Assam journalist. Anyone has any information regarding the tarrif and the other details... Shrabani Das ===moderator appended= From: Surajit Jaradhara [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu May 3, 2007 3:39 am Subject: Re: Guest house in Delhi There are many anusthans or societies in Delhi from Different communities such as thamil Sangam, Kerela societies, Brihan maharastra bhavan etc. It looks like many other states have guest houses or facilities ( either govt. or Pivate- Society run ones) in delhi. sam has been only been able to come up with three for over the years. Letas not blame the govt. and the one only existing. The sankaradeva Bhawan came up after much efforts, perseverance and tenacity - few involved in this would know it. It can be a good beginning to start another one or two. Criticism is not beneficial unless it leads to something. May be some one in assam or in delhi can think of starting Surajit - From: Shrabani Das [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:43 pm Subject: Re: Guest house in Delhi Dear Utpal Thanks a lot for the information. I will surely try out there.. :) And as for Raj and Asom journalist not beinmg Lucky.. well well..well.. Anyways Thank for replying... __._,_.___ Messages in this topic http://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/message/3081;_ylc=X3oDMTM1ZWczdW9vBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRtc2dJZAMzMTA3BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTE3ODI2NDIzOQR0cGNJZAMzMDgx (0) Reply (via web post) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxaHRvdHUzBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRtc2dJZAMzMTA3BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTE3ODI2NDIzOQ--?act=replymessageNum=3107| Start a new topic http://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmM3QzanQyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzExNzgyNjQyMzk- Messageshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcTAwbTdyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNtc2dzBHN0aW1lAzExNzgyNjQyMzk-| Fileshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/files;_ylc=X3oDMTJna21uY3JwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNmaWxlcwRzdGltZQMxMTc4MjY0MjM5| Photoshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/photos;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcHBrMmdxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNwaG90BHN0aW1lAzExNzgyNjQyMzk-| Linkshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/links;_ylc=X3oDMTJndHI0OTJkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNsaW5rcwRzdGltZQMxMTc4MjY0MjM5| Databasehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/database;_ylc=X3oDMTJkbzE5YWl0BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNkYgRzdGltZQMxMTc4MjY0MjM5| Pollshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/polls;_ylc=X3oDMTJnb3ZjZmxtBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNwb2xscwRzdGltZQMxMTc4MjY0MjM5| Calendarhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/calendar;_ylc=X3oDMTJlcDJtdDFyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNjYWwEc3RpbWUDMTE3ODI2NDIzOQ-- [image: Yahoo! Groups]http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlYXNobDkzBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTE3ODI2NDIzOQ-- Change settings via the Webhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline/join;_ylc=X3oDMTJna2pqb29tBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNzdG5ncwRzdGltZQMxMTc4MjY0MjM5(Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest[EMAIL PROTECTED]:+Digest| Switch format to Traditional[EMAIL PROTECTED]:+Traditional Visit Your Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/assamonline;_ylc=X3oDMTJlOXVmN251BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwNTYwMTM4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTgzODA3MwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNocGYEc3RpbWUDMTE3ODI2NDIzOQ--| Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use
Re: [Assam] Fwd: To ---- Letters to the editor ---- 'TRIBALS SIDELINED'
Tribals Sidelined’ appears to be a rather generalised observation. It is not a fact that Tarun Gogoi-led government is handled by Brahmins and Muslims as there is a sizeable number of tribals in the Cabinet. If some of the Ministers as mentioned are more outstanding than their colleagues, thanks for their superior leadership and resourcefulness. It is a fact of life that no two persons have the same versatility. Then again the Cabinet system of government is a shared responsibility. Many years ago once I made a casual remark in front of an MP in Delhi that Government had not done much for the tribal people of Assam. I did not know that that particular MP happened to be the Chairman of a committee scheduled with the responsibility of looking after the interest of the tribal people. I humbled down before the stalwart in no time as facts and figures rolled off from his mouth dwelling on the tremendous achievements in that particular sphere. I promised then and there never to put questions to such public men without some preparations. Then again one has to be specific. The particular family is obviously in the business of film-making. I don’t think the mention of their caste is relevant in this context. Governments do give grants to deserving applicants who make films, documentary or whatever. Producers of films are like authors of books who seek fame. They provide a service of information, education and entertainment. The media cannot shut out themselves from reasonable and informed criticism. Self-publicity ought not to be so obvious. True, talented tribal women without contacts and money are at a disadvantage. It is also a fact that it is an advantage to be married into a politically ambitious family. But the latter is a social issue. Bhuban___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] Fw: Assamese news from Akashbani Guwahati
http://www.newsonair.com/index_regional.htm Click at the bottom of the page on Guwahati.___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
Re: [Assam] Fundamentalists - of love and hate
media should also give coverage to extremists in North East who fight others in the name of Christ. Umesh umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Date: Sun, 6 May 2007 00:44:40 +0100 (BST) From: umesh sharma [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Assam] Fundamentalists - of love and hate To: Pradip Kumar Datta [EMAIL PROTECTED], issuesonline_worldwide [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], assam@assamnet.org, [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], issu [EMAIL PROTECTED], list [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is really sad. These guys should make their mission of removing brahmin priesthood and replacing with caste-free temple management --that requires real guts - of going against their support base - which perhpas they don't have. Umesh Pradip Kumar Datta [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fundamentalists - of love and hate Fri, 04/05/2007 - 05:39 Tarique Anwar By Vishal Arora The attack on a Christian priest allegedly by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the evangelistic zeal demonstrated by the victim right after the assault April 29 in Jaipur brings to light the contrast between the Hindutva and Christian fundamentalism in our country. The VHP members launched the attack on Pastor Walter Masih at his house after inviting TV news channels to cover their mission. A sense of pride was evident in their gesture, which was later shared by VHP leaders who refused to condemn the incident. The bleeding Christian victim, accused of conversion, too stood his ground by turning towards the camera to preach his religion before he was taken to a hospital, saying this is how Jesus Christ was killed 2,000 years ago. Given that fundamentalism means returning to the fundamentals of a religion or ideology, both Hindutva forces and Christian missionaries can rightly be termed as fundamentalists. But their goals and methodologies are as different as the east is from the west if seen in the light of the law of the land and universal values. Hindutva fundamentalists are said to indulge in hate campaigns against religious minorities, mainly Christians and Muslims, and perpetrate violence. Besides, they train their cadres in arms to fight the enemies. These activities are unlawful under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. They also do social service, but the pockets where they serve often witness violence against the minorities. On the other hand, Christian fundamentalists preach the Gospel with the people of other faiths by personal interaction, public meetings and distribution of literature, permissible under Article 25 of the Indian constitution. But proselytisation is not allowed, as the Supreme Court has ruled. Christian groups also serve marginalised sections through developmental programmes and educational and medical institutions. In the areas where they work, sections of the people convert to Christianity. Do they convert using unfair means? Converts, who have the sole right to make such an allegation, do not say so. Besides, anti-conversion laws are in force in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for close to 40 years, but not even a single person has been convicted of forced conversion by any court of law. There are, however, sporadic incidents of sections of Christian fundamentalists criticising other religions in their evangelistic zeal, which is distasteful and untenable besides being unlawful. Christian fundamentalists are also accused of receiving foreign money - an accusation that is true. But so do Hindutva groups to fund their activities. Money comes through and is regulated by the Indian home ministry as per the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. As regards the Hindutva dream of making India a Hindu nation, it is both impossible and undesirable. The basic structure of the constitution mandates India to be a secular state. This cannot be amended even if a clear-cut majority in parliament seeks to do so. Even otherwise, the progressive Indian society would never like to regress to a theocracy like Saudi Arabia. Similarly, preaching of non-Hindu faiths cannot be banned, as that would defy both the constitution and international human rights conventions to which India is a party. Besides, any such restriction will subsequently curtail the rights of mainly Hindus - who are in majority in the country - to embrace any religion. The infamous killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons in Orissa in 1999 by a mob led by Dara Singh, supposedly a follower of Hindutva, had demonstrated the different natures of the Hindutva and Christian fundamentalism. Staines moved from Australia to one of the most backward areas in India and served leprosy patients besides preaching Christianity for 34 years before he was killed. On the other hand, Singh, who preached hate against Christians,
[Assam] RE: [WaterWatch] Kumbhkaran’s R ise For A Day; Sethusamudram
I do not know who is more of a duffer--BJP orCongress -THINK and decide yourself!! I mention just 2 (out of 200)similar follies in Assam Context; #A. Bogibeel Rail Bridge PROJECTnear Dibrugarh since'67--going on and on at both banks-but now how to cross the 10Km?.RAIL Reportedly spent 5000Crores already. Q1 Why try to cross 10Km-when just a 100Km downstream there is acrossing 1 Km across at near Neamati-where British had a river port. Q2 Why high-Power Teams were sent in last 2 years to study the Designs/workings of Denmark-Sweden Rail/Road under sea/Overground link. As if Bogibeel will ever connect two Continents or facilitate million tons/year goods traffic.Even while there are North Bank AND South Bank British-Built Rail lines in place, goods flowing now/past/ever may run to no more than thousand tons a year .And the big river flows along untouched by Barge Traffic since British left. Q3 Why Can't BJP or Laloo say Oops that WAS goofing-not me-STOP IT NOW! #B BRAHMAPUTRA and annual Assam Floods-Vast areas desertified by sand- No River Traffic to Sea since British-Embankments AUTHORIZED by DELHI-some 40,000 Crores Lent/Spent foolishly Embanking' UNDER NATIONAL EMBANKMENT POLICY. Yours Truly Shouting since 1972-Stop Embanking-Dig Deepwater straight channel-Create a Brahmaputra River Authority-I will tell you how/what/when to recover vastlands/have 365x24 hr Heravy Barge Traffic-eiliminate daily 5000 Trucks/50 Train Rakes toFEEDAssam-- save 6 million Kilolitres Diesel /yearspent on Truck/Rail Cargo. 2 years Back Manmohan made some garbled moanings like that--then nothing more. And Brahmaputra Board Act '80 is still ACT. Board continues.WHAT output?!!Who can say STOP the Nonsense! Oh my Country!! India needs a third Alternative. And Fast. Mukul Mahant 71yrs. Consulting Engineer, in Assam To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Fri, 4 May 2007 10:05:01 -0700Subject: [WaterWatch] Kumbhkaran’s Rise For A Day; Sethusamudram Kumbhkaran’s Rise For A Day; Sethusamudram Like mythological Kumbhkaran, MM Joshi raised the issue of Sethusamudram for a day in the parliament on behalf of BJP the party dethroned in last elections and aspiring to return back in coming elections after two years of commencement of the work which was remotely started by Prime Minister and widely publicized. He has gone to sleep again. This story is about we first create a problem, then create another problem to solve it and in doing so kill another important project that’s why we are lagging. Firstly we located refineries in Gujarat, secondly started shipping surplus in a region to another and thirdly to make it work Sethusamudram was introduced and fourthly it killed TN Srilanka rail link project as either of the two projects can work in that region. In the pictures here you can see “Ram Setu” is physically there in all documents and even a 300 meter wide trench through it will cost Rs.2500 Crores thus there was no merit in BJP’s leading contender for the position of Prime Minister argument that the minister was destroying the eveidence. “This is due to the presence of a shallow region known as Adam’s bridge, located southeast of Rameswaram near Pamban, which connects the Talimannar Coast of Srilanka.” Actually official site acknowledges the link in all documents. http://sethusamudram.gov.in/LNTReport1.asp http://sethusamudram.gov.in/WhatisSethu.asp http://sethusamudram.tamilar.org/archive/2005_07_03_archive.html But what is important is it was immensely advantageous for TN to connect to the Sri Lanka by providing the necessary rail connection along the Ram Setu or Adams Bridge. Earlier the data about coastal traffic was not available and I had rightly stated there is little advantage for long distance traffic in accessing the ports of India. In the DPR downloaded the coastal traffic is 20 million tones. But it mainly consists of bulk goods like Petroleum, Coal and Iron Ore. It was found 5.2 MT of coal was shipped from eastern side of Sethusamudram to Tuticorin for thermal power station but 2.9 MT of it was loaded at Haldia port near Kolkatta. It will not cost less to take coal to Haldia port and ship it to Tuticorin. It will require 15,000 Tones of coal transport per day or a long haul train a day. But even more astonishing was transshipment 7 MT of Petroleum Products loaded at Mumbai and 5 MT terminating at Vishakhapatnam and 2 MT at Chennai that has a refinery already. So refinery at Vishapatnam was a better option than locating major refinery at Jamnagar. As demonstrated by reliance that was originally licensed to install 6 MT refinery added more units to make
Re: [Assam] Fwd: To ---- Letters to the editor ---- 'TRIBALS SIDELINED'
ye dil mange more On 5/6/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tribals Sidelined' appears to be a rather generalised observation. It is not a fact that Tarun Gogoi-led government is handled by Brahmins and Muslims as there is a sizeable number of tribals in the Cabinet. If some of the Ministers as mentioned are more outstanding than their colleagues, thanks for their superior leadership and resourcefulness. It is a fact of life that no two persons have the same versatility. Then again the Cabinet system of government is a shared responsibility. Many years ago once I made a casual remark in front of an MP in Delhi that Government had not done much for the tribal people of Assam. I did not know that that particular MP happened to be the Chairman of a committee scheduled with the responsibility of looking after the interest of the tribal people. I humbled down before the stalwart in no time as facts and figures rolled off from his mouth dwelling on the tremendous achievements in that particular sphere. I promised then and there never to put questions to such public men without some preparations. Then again one has to be specific. The particular family is obviously in the business of film-making. I don't think the mention of their caste is relevant in this context. Governments do give grants to deserving applicants who make films, documentary or whatever. Producers of films are like authors of books who seek fame. They provide a service of information, education and entertainment. The media cannot shut out themselves from reasonable and informed criticism. Self-publicity ought not to be so obvious. True, talented tribal women without contacts and money are at a disadvantage. It is also a fact that it is an advantage to be married into a politically ambitious family. But the latter is a social issue. Bhuban ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
[Assam] CBTC- a swindlers heaven
CBTC (Cane Bamboo Technology Centre) has been misrepresenting itself: 1. It was an organisation of UNIDO, DST and NEDFi. Kamesh Salam is just an employee; 2. UNIDO gave US$ 6.5 Million. What happened to that; 3. NEC's generous member Mr. Srivastava gave some Rs. 5 crores to CBTC (read Kamesh) for preparing a NE bamboo policy; any audit of that public money? Mr. Srivastava is also generous with his daughter Sadhna. NEC gave her a few crores to make a movie on NER. 4. Modus operandi: get some foreign 'gora chamra' to give lecture to our 'gaonwala bhais' and hog some news print space; lecture-lecture, more lecture; 5. How Kamesh continues to remain as the Director for so many years; 'kya raaj hai?' 6. Latest wonder: He is a plain BA..and this Sentinel report elevated him to a 'Doctorate' Cry my mother NER. Sentinel report: 6 May State cane and bamboo artefacts can have a wider customer base: French experts From our Correspondent BARPETA, May 5: If provided with adequate opportunities, artisans from the State involved with the cane and bamboo sector can make a mark for themselves in the international stage, said the father-son due of Joseph De Reze and Thomas De Reze, bamboo experts of international repute, who were on a visit to Barpeta, recently. The French experts were in the State on an invitation from CBTC director Dr Kamalesh Salam. The two French experts arrived in Barpeta recently, and met Manendra Deka, proprietor of Dekas Cane and Industry, who has received much accolade for his work in the sector. There are many skilled workers in Asom creating great artefacts using cane and bamboo as raw materials. But they do not get the market compared to the quality of their work. Their creations are bound to get a wide market if they can be sent to other parts of the world, mainly the European countries, Joseph De Reze told The Sentinel. The two Frenchmen praised Deka and his employees, and asked them to create artefacts using modern tools so as to cater to a wider customer base. The father-son duo said although Asom cultivates bamboo on a large-scale, the cash crop has not been utilized to the best possible extent. We came to India hoping to take finished products made using cane and bamboo to France and other countries in Europe, Thomas De Reze further said. It may be mentioned here that the French bamboo experts have planted bamboo in over 40 hectares of land in France, Belgium and Spain, and produce nearly a million units of the cash crop annually. The visiting experts were presented with some thirty different creations, all made by the artisans of Dekas industrial unit, as mementos. It may also be mentioned here that Manendra Deka, a national award winner for his exquisite creations, have been employing many unemployed youths in his industrial unit along with his two brothers. Joseph De Reze and Thomas De Reze later visited Mahibul Haque, another entrepreneur involved in creating cane and bamboo artefacts. ___ Yahoo! Mail is the world's favourite email. Don't settle for less, sign up for your free account today http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/evt=44106/*http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/mail/winter07.html ___ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
