Re: [Assam] Halliburton's entry to Assam

[umesh sharma]

Halliburton is a controversy ridden name even in US - ever since US Vice 
President was found as former CEO of it and recently its decision to relocate 
its HQ to Dubai -- from US.

Seems it no longer wants to be a US company but focus on its own interests -in 
Asia and Africa .

Umesh

chittaranjan pathak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Mahanta da 
  What is your comment on the statement by this Assamese politician on 
Halliburton. Being a technocrat, American citizen you may be in a better 
position to comment whether the politician’s statement has any basis. Please 
give us your comment on this.
  Regards
   Halliburton likely to explore oil
Entry may spell doom for NE: AGP
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, July 1: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has alleged that the entry of US 
company Halliburton, known for its involvement in building and maintenance of 
military support bases for US Army in Iraq, into the North East India for oil 
drilling would spell doom for the region. AGP chief Brindabon Goswami said, “A 
controversial company is being brought into the region. It should be stopped 
immediately”. He urged the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter, halt the 
ONGC’s move to give access to the US oil company into Asom and the North-east 
and to conduct an inquiry if there was any kind of secret deal (kick back) 
between any politician of India and the US company. 
Talking to newsmen in the city today, Goswami linked the proposed entry of 
Halliburton into NE to the East India Company’s entry that had cost the country 
its freedom. 
Talking to newsmen in the city today, Goswami said that non-resident Asomiyas 
also expressed concern over the entry of Halliburton, and the AGP would hold 
talks with other political parties and organizations to make a united effort to 
stop the move. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had proposed to bring 
in Halliburton for oil drilling into the North-east as part of its proposed Rs 
90 billion investment in oil and gas projects in the region. Basically an 
infrastructure building company, Halliburton is engaged in engineering and 
construction industries in the energy sector and managing logistics for 
military operations, among its forays into various fields. It had come under 
heavy criticism for its part in  the Iraq war, where it was entrusted with oil 
fields and providing logistic support to the US Army. The company is alleged to 
have failed in fixing the oil fields, the primary responsibility assigned to it 
in Iraq. The AGP claimed that oil drilling was never a
 speciality of the company, and its proposed involvement for the purpose in the 
North-east smacked of ulterior motives of those who awarded the contracts in 
ONGC and Government.
There is also an allegation that Hallibuton was engaged in secret business 
dealings with Saddam’s regime by selling Iraq oil production equipment and 
spare parts to get the Iraqi oil fields up and running, Goswami said quoting 
confidential UN records.


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Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
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Re: [Assam] Assam CM meets investors in New York - TOI/IANS

[Ram Sarangapani]

KJD

Will be happy to contribute in any way I can .

With ref. to Naidu - you are correct about his defeat last time. The IT
sector makes up only a very small contibution to India's GNP (contrary to
the common misconception, and even season politicians like Naidu
miscalsulated)

But I hear this time he is a serious contender and those people in Houston
making a bee line to see him think he will be the next CM. Who know - but he
sure did attract a huge crowd (and not just desis).

--RS


On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


RS,
The same Chandrababu Naidu was rapped on the knuckle in the last AP
Assembly election because of his failure to build infrastructure in his
state.His laid too much emphasis on the development of IT industries
that proved Waterloo in the election.He was routed badly owing
to his wrong policy.

I am just beginning to write a short essay in relation to investment in
Assam by the NRAs.This will have some reference to CM's visit to the
USA.Your suggestion will be appreciated.

KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>
> >Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi >boards
> the flight way back home.How many investors worth the >name invested in
> Assam after his last visit ? I wonder !!
>
> I kind of agree with you. But somthing needs to be done.
>
> As you may already know, former Andhra Pradesh CM, Chandrababu Naidu was
> in Houston last week. He was fund-raising and reportedly collected a hugh
> sum, just in Houston (for his election bid - which in India goes to the
> millions of $ nowadays)
>
> He is also slated to visit NYC, DC etc and I think promised, a huge
> donation for Clinton's philanthrophy (he is a good friend of the Clintons).
> Naidu, is of course one of the few CMs who has made the "The South Asian
> of the Year" for Time Magazine and has been interviewed by Time and others
> too.
>
> It seems at Houston, there was a huge throng of people, and many big
> time, serious, investors standing in line to invest in AP.
>
> So what makes the difference? How can a former CM make such big waves?
>
> "During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people
> from the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. "
>
> But, I am encouraged. This is one of the few times there seems to be a
> silver lining here. 75 investors from the tri-state area visiting with
> Gogoi.  Now, if follow-up teams and NRAs can help capitalize on this - it
> will be wonderful.
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> >
> > Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi boards
> > the flight way back home.How many investors worth the name invested in
> > Assam after his last visit ? I wonder !!
> >
> > KJD
> >
> >
> >
> >  On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> >
> > >  *Assam CM meets investors in New York
> > > *5 Jul 2007, 0534 hrs IST ,IANS
> > >
> > >
> > >  NEW YORK: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was on a five-day visit
> > > here seeking foreign investment for his state.
> > >
> > > During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people
> > > from the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
> > >
> > > Gogoi apprised the group about the comparative advantages of Assam
> > > for new investors, adding that the state offers them more incentives and
> > > concessions than other Indian states. This was made possible under the
> > > policy of special programmes for India's northeastern region.
> > >
> > > The chief minister also underlined the fact that Assam was now safe
> > > and secure, and potential investors need not worry on that count. Gogoi 
was
> > > accompanied by senior administrative officials.
> > >
> > > Pervez Ahmad of Max India and Samir Menon of M/S Globally Managed
> > > Services hosted the dinner meeting for Gogoi.
> > >
> > > Mahesh K. Saharia, chairman of North-East Initiative, Indian Chamber
> > > of Commerce, gave a digital presentation, which emphasised the natural
> > > beauty of the state and the abundance of raw material.
> > >
> > > Saharia pointed out that Assam's educational institutions had the
> > > potential to supply required skilled manpower, which otherwise has been
> > > moving to other states in search of better opportunities.
> > >
> > > The state also gets special concessions from the central government,
> > > he said.
> > >
> > > The chief minister also visited Boston to attend a meeting of the
> > > Assamese diaspora on July 1.
> > >
> > > ___
> > > 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
> >
> >
>

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Re: [Assam] Assam CM meets investors in New York - TOI/IANS

[kamal deka]

RS,
The same Chandrababu Naidu was rapped on the knuckle in the last AP Assembly
election because of his failure to build infrastructure in his
state.Hislaid too much emphasis on the development of IT industries
that proved
Waterloo in the election.He was routed badly owing to his wrong policy.

I am just beginning to write a short essay in relation to investment in
Assam by the NRAs.This will have some reference to CM's visit to the
USA.Your suggestion will be appreciated.

KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:



>Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi >boards
the flight way back home.How many investors worth the >name invested in
Assam after his last visit ? I wonder !!

I kind of agree with you. But somthing needs to be done.

As you may already know, former Andhra Pradesh CM, Chandrababu Naidu was
in Houston last week. He was fund-raising and reportedly collected a hugh
sum, just in Houston (for his election bid - which in India goes to the
millions of $ nowadays)

He is also slated to visit NYC, DC etc and I think promised, a huge
donation for Clinton's philanthrophy (he is a good friend of the Clintons).
Naidu, is of course one of the few CMs who has made the "The South Asian
of the Year" for Time Magazine and has been interviewed by Time and others
too.

It seems at Houston, there was a huge throng of people, and many big time,
serious, investors standing in line to invest in AP.

So what makes the difference? How can a former CM make such big waves?

"During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people from
the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. "

But, I am encouraged. This is one of the few times there seems to be a
silver lining here. 75 investors from the tri-state area visiting with
Gogoi.  Now, if follow-up teams and NRAs can help capitalize on this - it
will be wonderful.

--Ram







On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi boards
> the flight way back home.How many investors worth the name invested in
> Assam after his last visit ? I wonder !!
>
> KJD
>
>
>
>  On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> >  *Assam CM meets investors in New York
> > *5 Jul 2007, 0534 hrs IST ,IANS
> >
> >
> >  NEW YORK: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was on a five-day visit
> > here seeking foreign investment for his state.
> >
> > During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people
> > from the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
> >
> > Gogoi apprised the group about the comparative advantages of Assam for
> > new investors, adding that the state offers them more incentives and
> > concessions than other Indian states. This was made possible under the
> > policy of special programmes for India's northeastern region.
> >
> > The chief minister also underlined the fact that Assam was now safe
> > and secure, and potential investors need not worry on that count. Gogoi was
> > accompanied by senior administrative officials.
> >
> > Pervez Ahmad of Max India and Samir Menon of M/S Globally Managed
> > Services hosted the dinner meeting for Gogoi.
> >
> > Mahesh K. Saharia, chairman of North-East Initiative, Indian Chamber
> > of Commerce, gave a digital presentation, which emphasised the natural
> > beauty of the state and the abundance of raw material.
> >
> > Saharia pointed out that Assam's educational institutions had the
> > potential to supply required skilled manpower, which otherwise has been
> > moving to other states in search of better opportunities.
> >
> > The state also gets special concessions from the central government,
> > he said.
> >
> > The chief minister also visited Boston to attend a meeting of the
> > Assamese diaspora on July 1.
> >
> > ___
> > 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
>
>

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Re: [Assam] Assam CM meets investors in New York - TOI/IANS

[Ram Sarangapani]

Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi >boards the

flight way back home.How many investors worth the >name invested in Assam
after his last visit ? I wonder !!

I kind of agree with you. But somthing needs to be done.

As you may already know, former Andhra Pradesh CM, Chandrababu Naidu was in
Houston last week. He was fund-raising and reportedly collected a hugh sum,
just in Houston (for his election bid - which in India goes to the millions
of $ nowadays)

He is also slated to visit NYC, DC etc and I think promised, a huge donation
for Clinton's philanthrophy (he is a good friend of the Clintons).
Naidu, is of course one of the few CMs who has made the "The South Asian of
the Year" for Time Magazine and has been interviewed by Time and others too.

It seems at Houston, there was a huge throng of people, and many big time,
serious, investors standing in line to invest in AP.

So what makes the difference? How can a former CM make such big waves?

"During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people from
the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. "

But, I am encouraged. This is one of the few times there seems to be a
silver lining here. 75 investors from the tri-state area visiting with
Gogoi.  Now, if follow-up teams and NRAs can help capitalize on this - it
will be wonderful.

--Ram







On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi boards the
flight way back home.How many investors worth the name invested in Assam
after his last visit ? I wonder !!

KJD



 On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>  *Assam CM meets investors in New York
> *5 Jul 2007, 0534 hrs IST ,IANS
>
>
>  NEW YORK: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was on a five-day visit here
> seeking foreign investment for his state.
>
> During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people from
> the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
>
> Gogoi apprised the group about the comparative advantages of Assam for
> new investors, adding that the state offers them more incentives and
> concessions than other Indian states. This was made possible under the
> policy of special programmes for India's northeastern region.
>
> The chief minister also underlined the fact that Assam was now safe and
> secure, and potential investors need not worry on that count. Gogoi was
> accompanied by senior administrative officials.
>
> Pervez Ahmad of Max India and Samir Menon of M/S Globally Managed
> Services hosted the dinner meeting for Gogoi.
>
> Mahesh K. Saharia, chairman of North-East Initiative, Indian Chamber of
> Commerce, gave a digital presentation, which emphasised the natural beauty
> of the state and the abundance of raw material.
>
> Saharia pointed out that Assam's educational institutions had the
> potential to supply required skilled manpower, which otherwise has been
> moving to other states in search of better opportunities.
>
> The state also gets special concessions from the central government, he
> said.
>
> The chief minister also visited Boston to attend a meeting of the
> Assamese diaspora on July 1.
>
> ___
> assam mailing list
> assam@assamnet.org
> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>
>

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Re: [Assam] Assam CM meets investors in New York - TOI/IANS

[kamal deka]

Everything will be lost into oblivion as soon as Mr.Tarun Gogoi boards the
flight way back home.How many investors worth the name invested in Assam
after his last visit ? I wonder !!

KJD



On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


*Assam CM meets investors in New York
*5 Jul 2007, 0534 hrs IST ,IANS


 NEW YORK: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was on a five-day visit here
seeking foreign investment for his state.

During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people from
the tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Gogoi apprised the group about the comparative advantages of Assam for new
investors, adding that the state offers them more incentives and concessions
than other Indian states. This was made possible under the policy of special
programmes for India's northeastern region.

The chief minister also underlined the fact that Assam was now safe and
secure, and potential investors need not worry on that count. Gogoi was
accompanied by senior administrative officials.

Pervez Ahmad of Max India and Samir Menon of M/S Globally Managed Services
hosted the dinner meeting for Gogoi.

Mahesh K. Saharia, chairman of North-East Initiative, Indian Chamber of
Commerce, gave a digital presentation, which emphasised the natural beauty
of the state and the abundance of raw material.

Saharia pointed out that Assam's educational institutions had the
potential to supply required skilled manpower, which otherwise has been
moving to other states in search of better opportunities.

The state also gets special concessions from the central government, he
said.

The chief minister also visited Boston to attend a meeting of the Assamese
diaspora on July 1.

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Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[kamal deka]

That's exactly what I wanted to say.One can't do away with the problem of
flood,but one can alleviate the sufferings of affected ones to the minimum
by taking timely and appropriate measures.

As I wrote earlier,setting up of engineering colleges in round numbers is
okay,but building up of infrastructure is a sine-qua-non of economic
development.By infrastructure,I mean to refer to the social overhead
facilities,relating to
power,roads,railways,banking,communication,education,health etc.*WITHOUT
THESE FACILITIES ON HAND,TO INSIST ON BUILDING BUNCH OF ENGINEERING COLLEGES
IS ANALOGOUS TO A CHILD WHO WANTS TO RUN BEFORE BEING ABLE TO WALK !*

Allow me to furnish an example.Out of some 22 thousand villages,more than
8000 villages ( I may be  little off in citing these figures ) have still
remain unconnected with all-weather roads.How costly are their
production,consumption and trade can be easily imagined.*The bottom line is
this---one can build new engineering colleges as many as he or she wants
to,but that is not going to cast a magic spell in the economic development
of Assam unless sincere efforts are made to put those basic facilities into
proper place.*

KJD



On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


>Yes,yes--we have to live with it ( I mean,flood ),but can we live with
>it using some intelligence ?

KJD,

We really DO NOT have to live with it Or 'learn to live and dance with
floods' like Sarat Singha (I think) said.
While it is inevitable, the Stafected oneste Govt. can play a major role
in minimizing the affects, loss of life and destruction of crops/cattle.

About also thinking about engg. colleges, C'da is correct. This state
Govt. does not have to be flood control centric.
The govt. ought to be able to cope and prepare for floods (on an annual
basis), think also about lessening the blow (floods) for the long term, but
also of other things like education, engg. colleges, and general development
of areas not developed.

The people should  expect the Govt. (their elected representatives) to be
able to handle all this and more - that is the test the govt. ought to able
to pass. (IMHO)

--Ram


On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
>
> Yes,yes--we have to live with it ( I mean,flood ),but can we live with
> it using some intelligence ? Consider this---here is a state,where flood
> control department ( flood that brings misery to the people ) is considered
> a prize posting, while education department (education, which is concerned
> with the upliftment of a society ) is seen as a punishment posting  And
> this tells you the chunk of the story.
>
> I can write an scholarly essay as to why one should lay stress on the
> improvement of other areas instead of emphasizing on setting up new
> engineering colleges at this time.Chandanda has already touched on those
> points and I am in total agreement with him.
>
> KJD
>
>
> On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> >
> > Hi KJD,
> >
> > >In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most >menacing
> > natural calamity,experienced by the state every year >particularly since the
> > great earthquake of 1950
> >
> > I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg.
> > colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.
> >
> > Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at
> > Boston conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will just
> > leave it at that,
> >
> > Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be totally
> > off base in my assumptions)
> >
> > IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't
> > think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.
> > The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.
> >
> > So, what exactly can the state do?
> > It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.
> > Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock
> > Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the
> > dangers.
> > Be prepared with medical facilities
> > Rescue operation readiness
> > Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.
> > Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate insurance
> > companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. The state govt.
> > can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.
> >
> > The list can go on.
> >
> > --Ram
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi RS,
> > > My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh
> > > Sarma.He wrote and I quote " after the negative reception he
> > > received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about annual
> > > flooding "
> > >
> > > In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing
> > > natural calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since 
the
> > > great earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy o

[Assam] Kanaklata and Assam.org

[chittaranjan pathak]

Mahanta da
  Thanks for your interest and contribution so far. Hope you will take some 
initiative to fill the gap on biographies front too. Others will surely follow. 
I am not sure who the owner of the list is as my earlier post elicited no 
response. Are you one of the custodians? If so ,please let us know how we can 
all go about filling this gap. May be we can have a time frame and all of us 
can volunteer few biographies of personalities we feel we are familiar with. 
   
  Regards
   
  Chittaranjan
   
  By the way Mahanta da-these biographies are not about educating “Indians”.  
These will be useful for every one and most useful for the Assamese (including 
us and hopefully/wishfully our children). You also know it Mahanta da-is not 
it? The educating Indians bit was just out of old habit. You said that Indians 
are not interested about others, their culture, their history, their language 
and by and large, Indians are perfectly happy to suck-up to those who they deem 
are superior and are ever ready to push down on whom they deem inferior.
  Alright-what you are saying may be true for some Indians, but is equally true 
for most of the Assamese. How many Nolboriya Assamese know about Samson Sing 
Ingty or Kalicharan Brahma. Bokul Bonor Kavi does not ring a bell in Bijni 
nowadays nor does Kamala Kanta in Karbi Anglong. And now the situation is such 
that a Roy boy of Goalpara will idolize as Jatiya Bir Chilarai only leaving 
Lachit Borphukan to his Upper Assam friends. I feel such a list with life 
sketches with luminaries of Assam will be a learning, relearning exercise for 
all of us and to some extent make us all broadminded enough again to feel proud 
of all these luminaries from Assam forgetting the ethnic divides.
   
  Now tell me, should we not all feel proud this octogenarian Assamese doctor 
who is still on his mission at the ripe old age of 97. I have been fortunate 
enough to drink the “pink” concoction administered by this Good Samaritan 
during  those childhood fever bouts. Here is the life sketch of Dr. Nalini 
Sarma published  in this Saturday’s Sentinel magazine. 
  Atifa Deshamukhya in an interview with the venerated doctor.
He is 97 years old and still practising as a doctor, bringing succour to 
patients from far and wide. It is interesting to note that is these days of 
advanced medical tests and treatment — people still flock to him for clinical 
diagnoses based on the senses, and in some cases samples of body fluids tested 
by himself over a microscope. A stethescope and a BP machine are the only 
adjuncts that distinguish him as a doctor. Therein lies his uniqueness.
“He puts his hand at the pulse point and diagnoses the disease,” said a loyal 
patient who has been consulting him for over 50 years now. She also recounted a 
mysterious case about a lady of Uzanbazar who had been diagnosed with cancer by 
a leading hospital in the city. Just before leaving for Apollo Hospital, 
Chennai, she visited Dr Nalini Sarma at the behest of some relative. The doctor 
told her he could cure her in a day. And cure he did. A clinical diagnosis by 
the gifted doctor established that a purgative would heal her. She had the pill 
and as if by magic, she was cured instantly. 
When asked to comment on scores of such incidents reported to me, Dr Sarma put 
it down to originality of approach. In fact the late Dr Bani Kanta Kakati had 
once defended his system of diagnosis by saying that “Nalini has originality” — 
during the early part of Sarma's career. It acted as a spur — egging him on to 
develop this god-gifted trait. Now, at ripe old age he justifies his approach 
saying that stalwarts in every field are divinely gifted. “If I have been able 
to do something significant it is also a gift of god”, says he.
Not only education and professional experience, but a host of co-curricular 
activities and a childhood spent in the close proximity of nature have helped 
to shape the man as he is today. He learnt French and Korean, took lessons on 
the piano, learnt martial arts and was actively involved in games and sports. 
Perhaps that’s why he is healthy in body and mind till date. No specks, no 
artificial teeth, and still very much on his feet.
Dr Sarma is effusive in his insistence that the very medicines that heal can 
also kill. It is necessary to exercise utmost caution that medicine itself does 
not become posion.
“Douse the flame, don’t hit against the smoke” — is a precept followed by Dr 
Sarma. He is saddened that most doctors treat the symptoms of the disease, 
rather than address the root problem. He cited many examples to corroborate 
this. In most cases, it appeared that some primary cause as gas or 
malfunctioning of the liver was giving rise to complications in people which 
the front-ranking doctors and hospitals could not handle satisfactorily. But 
when Dr Sarma targetted the source of the disease, people recovered all too 
soon. And this is how his fame spread. 
He is happy to b

[Assam] Sanjoy Ghose lives on in Majuli memory

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

Sanjoy Ghose lives on in Majuli memory
A STAFF REPORTER  TELEGRAPHINDIA  Guwahati, July 4: He is, in all 
probability, a mere footnote in government records. But residents of Majuli 
still remember Sanjoy Ghose, his work and how he was snatched from them a 
decade ago.
  Today, on the 10th anniversary of the social worker’s abduction from the 
island, hundreds gathered at Kamalabari Girls’ ME School to pay tribute to the 
man who showed them the way to self-dependence. 
  Educated in Oxford, Ghose was the general secretary of AVARD-NE, an 
organisation that had entered Majuli for an anti-erosion project but went on to 
become a friend, philosopher and guide for the islanders. Ulfa militants 
abducted Ghose on this day in 1997 and killed him that very night, though it 
was not until months of drama that the outfit admitted it.
  Ghose’s body was, however, never found. The CBI concluded that his body, cut 
into pieces and stashed in a gunnybag, was dumped into the Brahmaputra. Ulfa’s 
explanation for targeting Ghose was that he allegedly worked for the Research 
and Analysis Wing.
  Although residents of Majuli still remember the good work done by Ghose and 
his colleagues, the movement spearheaded by him has long died. The Sanjay Ghose 
Memorial Trust Society was formed in 2000 to continue the work left unfinished 
by the social worker but funds never came. Even the bronze statue of Ghose that 
the trust had planned to erect at Kamalabari has yet to see the light of day.
  “We are unable to go ahead with our plans for want of funds and lack of 
connections with the outside world. We have to remain satisfied with a memorial 
meeting on this day every year,” the general secretary of the trust, Kishor 
Mohon Pal, told The Telegraph from Majuli. 
  Today’s function was again a simple affair with Ghose’s admirers paying 
floral tributes and speakers recalling his contributions to the island. 
  “Without Sanjoy Ghose around and with no help coming from the government, we 
are helpless,” another member of the trust said. 
  Apart from a statue, the trust had planned to build an auditorium in 
Kamalabari in Ghose’s name and resume the rural development and erosion-control 
projects of AVARD-NE. 
  Under Ghose’s supervision, the NGO had planted trees along the banks of the 
Brahmaputra in Majuli to stop the river from eroding more land. Pal said he and 
his colleagues would contact Ghose’s wife Sumita to help the trust “through her 
connections”. 

 
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[Assam] Halliburton's entry to Assam

[chittaranjan pathak]

Mahanta da 
  What is your comment on the statement by this Assamese politician on 
Halliburton. Being a technocrat, American citizen you may be in a better 
position to comment whether the politician’s statement has any basis. Please 
give us your comment on this.
  Regards
   Halliburton likely to explore oil
Entry may spell doom for NE: AGP
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, July 1: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has alleged that the entry of US 
company Halliburton, known for its involvement in building and maintenance of 
military support bases for US Army in Iraq, into the North East India for oil 
drilling would spell doom for the region. AGP chief Brindabon Goswami said, “A 
controversial company is being brought into the region. It should be stopped 
immediately”. He urged the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter, halt the 
ONGC’s move to give access to the US oil company into Asom and the North-east 
and to conduct an inquiry if there was any kind of secret deal (kick back) 
between any politician of India and the US company. 
Talking to newsmen in the city today, Goswami linked the proposed entry of 
Halliburton into NE to the East India Company’s entry that had cost the country 
its freedom. 
Talking to newsmen in the city today, Goswami said that non-resident Asomiyas 
also expressed concern over the entry of Halliburton, and the AGP would hold 
talks with other political parties and organizations to make a united effort to 
stop the move. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had proposed to bring 
in Halliburton for oil drilling into the North-east as part of its proposed Rs 
90 billion investment in oil and gas projects in the region. Basically an 
infrastructure building company, Halliburton is engaged in engineering and 
construction industries in the energy sector and managing logistics for 
military operations, among its forays into various fields. It had come under 
heavy criticism for its part in the Iraq war, where it was entrusted with oil 
fields and providing logistic support to the US Army. The company is alleged to 
have failed in fixing the oil fields, the primary responsibility assigned to it 
in Iraq. The AGP claimed that oil drilling was never a
 speciality of the company, and its proposed involvement for the purpose in the 
North-east smacked of ulterior motives of those who awarded the contracts in 
ONGC and Government.
There is also an allegation that Hallibuton was engaged in secret business 
dealings with Saddam’s regime by selling Iraq oil production equipment and 
spare parts to get the Iraqi oil fields up and running, Goswami said quoting 
confidential UN records.

   
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[Assam] Assam CM meets investors in New York - TOI/IANS

[Ram Sarangapani]

*Assam CM meets investors in New York
*5 Jul 2007, 0534 hrs IST,IANS


NEW YORK: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was on a five-day visit here
seeking foreign investment for his state.

During his visit he met a group of 75 investors and business people from the
tri-state area - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Gogoi apprised the group about the comparative advantages of Assam for new
investors, adding that the state offers them more incentives and concessions
than other Indian states. This was made possible under the policy of special
programmes for India's northeastern region.

The chief minister also underlined the fact that Assam was now safe and
secure, and potential investors need not worry on that count. Gogoi was
accompanied by senior administrative officials.

Pervez Ahmad of Max India and Samir Menon of M/S Globally Managed Services
hosted the dinner meeting for Gogoi.

Mahesh K. Saharia, chairman of North-East Initiative, Indian Chamber of
Commerce, gave a digital presentation, which emphasised the natural beauty
of the state and the abundance of raw material.

Saharia pointed out that Assam's educational institutions had the potential
to supply required skilled manpower, which otherwise has been moving to
other states in search of better opportunities.

The state also gets special concessions from the central government, he
said.

The chief minister also visited Boston to attend a meeting of the Assamese
diaspora on July 1.
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[Assam] Article on engineering college by J. Kalita

[chittaranjan pathak]

Dear Shrri Jugal Kalita
  Congratulations to you and the co-authors- excellent article as suggestions 
are very pragmatic and doable. 
  From your article, if I understood correctly, the basic thrust is to produce 
significant number of engineering graduates to be at par with other states. 
Number of engineering colleges is a  corollary based on some assumed intake. 
Upgrade of existing ITI and diploma institutes spread all over Assam is an 
excellent idea and should be pursued immediately. Also at the same time while 
dwelling on this approach of establishing new colleges, immediate step should 
be to over-saturate the intake capacity of the existing two state engineering 
colleges. With an incremental expenditure this can be easily achieved. Also 
more B.Tech courses should be introduced in Tezpur university. And at the same 
time during this conversion spree of existing polytechnics, new ones should be 
created at more remote sites.
  Just a small thought on the staggering number of new engineering colleges-I 
think it is better not to scare the wits out of Assam government representative 
by saying a huge number of engineering colleges will be required. Instead of 
say 10 engineering colleges at X millions per college for an intake of 300 per 
college requiring 10X millions, another option could be having one or two 
single mega engineering college for say 2000-3000 student intake. Cost will 
surely not be 10X but may be 2 or 3 X. Just a question of balancing cost versus 
local aspiration to have a college at neighborhood. Your suggestion of 
conversion of existing diploma institutes will any way lead to an equitable 
distribution of engineering colleges through out the state. We have seen how 
lackadaisical the state government has been in running its two existing 
engineering colleges. On the other hand central government colleges like NIT, 
NERIST may not fulfill the “number” demand as only a small % of seats
 will be reserved for the state. An example is NERIST which must have produced 
more Bengali graduates than Arunachalis. Similarly private engineering colleges 
will appeal to only a certain section of the society due to higher fee 
structure.  For the general people of Assam, new state engineering colleges 
with transparent admission policies offer the best hope. Establishing one mega 
engineering college like Jadavpur university (which has an undergraduate 
engineering intake of around 1000 students) at central location like Guwahati 
or Nowgaon and additional normal size engineering colleges at other places in 
Assam should be the way to go.  
   
  Only request is that this good article should reach those who are in a 
position to take things forward.
   
  Regards
   
  Chittaranjan Pathak
   
  PS- Thanks to Umesh for letting us know that authors have made a forceful 
presentation to CM. Secondly a copy be forwarded to Education minister Ripun 
Bora and DTE and VCs of  Tezpur/Guwahati/Dibrugarh universities.
   

   
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Re: [Assam] Floods

[Ram Sarangapani]

Now, what you say here sounds pretty logical, C'da.


*** That was determined by some IAS babus,


Actually, what I used to hear many years ago (the thinking could have
changed by now) was that as the Brahmaputra is one of the most
'unmanageable' rivers. The force and energy from this river is multiples of
other large rivers. The other was that the quantity of sediments is 3 or 4
times similar rivers because of the rough terrain the river meanders thru.

So, any dredging would (I imagine) have to be for vast stretches, and
repeated numerous times a year.

Add to all this, the flood control dept(used to be one of the most corrupt
dept) claiming for dredges never undertaken or basically short-changing the
exchequer.

It could be that dredging (if done as you suggest) might really work. And
the alternatives are just horrible. I agree the Govt. must really tackle
this with a lot of seriousness.

In that sense, I am glad the CM was asked questions (hopefully point blank)
on the flood situation.

Hopefully, this issue (of floods) hasn't become important just because these
days a city like Guwahati too faces floods. The state is hurting more
because of the flood situation in the rural/agricultural areas and every
year vast numbers in the rural sectors get affected  - and sadly, have very
little recourse.

--Ram


On 7/4/07, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


 Ram:




>I have heard dredging doesn't work,






*** That was determined by some IAS babus, who were intimidated by the
thought of  finding a place for the dredged silt.


US corps of engineers routinely dredge the major waterways to keep the
navigational channels open, including the one on our back-yard, the Missouri
and its sister  river, the  Mississippi.


Some are concerned about undermining the foundations of bridge piers. But
that is not a serious problem.  Almost all the major bridges built  earlier
than  say ten years back, would have little to worry, since the silt that
has settled since then, when dredged, still will reach the levels at which
they were cast. And that alone will carry huge amounts of water more than
the rivers do now.


But if some IAS-wallas expect to dredge without having to remove  some of
the material a short distance away, obviously are expecting miracles, like
they are used to.  There is no free lunch. Question is how much the
alternative's cost?


Once the waterways are dredged, and allowed to flow with less resistance,
the weak banks would also encounter less erosive pressures and erosion will
become less virulent.














At 12:21 PM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:

C'da



>*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).



I was actually talking about the Brahmaputra itself. I am wondering how
can human intervention change the course of the river? say in a short time
span (10-50 years). I have heard dredging doesn't work, dams don't either
and would have thought, that one could put up embankments in one place, but
the river would find some other place (weak).

The river wins in the end :)



About Guwahati itself - I agree. A lot of the planning is faulty planning,
misspent/misdirected resources, corruption, and a general lack of or
indifference of civic sense among the citizenry.



The recent move by the city to ban all plastic bags from stores -because
the bags are thrown out by consumers (actually thrown out - anywhere outside
their well-kept homes) clog the drains - causing floods is good.

But it is like putting the cart before the horse. Bad or no drainage may
be amajor problem, but the City's floods seem to have a host of other
reasons as well.



--Ram








On 7/4/07,* Chan Mahanta* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't think
we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.

The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.












*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).




There is an enormous  amount that could be done and not a moment too soon.




BTW, Guwahati flooding is entirely a man-made phenomenon.  It is the
Indian style of non-planning, uneducated citizenry and dysfunctional govt.
bodies that has caused it. To resolve the problem, much that was done to
desecrate the city has to be undone. And it will need foresight, political
will and resources. The last could be generated. The first is widely
available. But the the one in the middle is the weak link.


































At 11:40 AM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:

Hi KJD,



>In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most >menacing
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year >particularly since the
great earthquake of 1950



I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg.
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.



Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will just leave it at
that,

Re: [Assam] Floods

[Chan Mahanta]

Ram:



I have heard dredging doesn't work,




*** That was determined by some IAS babus, who were intimidated by 
the thought of  finding a place for the dredged silt.


US corps of engineers routinely dredge the major waterways to keep 
the navigational channels open, including the one on our back-yard, 
the Missouri and its sister  river, the  Mississippi.


Some are concerned about undermining the foundations of bridge piers. 
But that is not a serious problem.  Almost all the major bridges 
built  earlier than  say ten years back, would have little to worry, 
since the silt that has settled since then, when dredged, still will 
reach the levels at which they were cast. And that alone will carry 
huge amounts of water more than the rivers do now.


But if some IAS-wallas expect to dredge without having to remove 
some of the material a short distance away, obviously are expecting 
miracles, like they are used to.  There is no free lunch. Question is 
how much the alternative's cost?


Once the waterways are dredged, and allowed to flow with less 
resistance, the weak banks would also encounter less erosive 
pressures and erosion will become less virulent.








At 12:21 PM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:

C'da

 >*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).

I was actually talking about the Brahmaputra itself. I am wondering 
how can human intervention change the course of the river? say in a 
short time span (10-50 years). I have heard dredging doesn't work, 
dams don't either and would have thought, that one could put up 
embankments in one place, but the river would find some other place 
(weak).

The river wins in the end :)

About Guwahati itself - I agree. A lot of the planning is faulty 
planning, misspent/misdirected resources, corruption, and a general 
lack of or indifference of civic sense among the citizenry.


The recent move by the city to ban all plastic bags from stores 
-because the bags are thrown out by consumers (actually thrown out - 
anywhere outside their well-kept homes) clog the drains - causing 
floods is good.
But it is like putting the cart before the horse. Bad or no drainage 
may be amajor problem, but the City's floods seem to have a host of 
other reasons as well.


--Ram





On 7/4/07, Chan Mahanta 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:



 >

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.


The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.









*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).


There is an enormous  amount that could be done and not a moment too soon.


BTW, Guwahati flooding is entirely a man-made phenomenon.  It is the 
Indian style of non-planning, uneducated citizenry and dysfunctional 
govt. bodies that has caused it. To resolve the problem, much that 
was done to desecrate the city has to be undone. And it will need 
foresight, political will and resources. The last could be 
generated. The first is widely available. But the the one in the 
middle is the weak link.























At 11:40 AM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:


Hi KJD,




 >In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the 
most >menacing natural calamity,experienced by the state every 
year >particularly since the great earthquake of 1950




I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg. 
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.




Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at 
Boston conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will 
just leave it at that,




Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be 
totally off base in my assumptions)




IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.


The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.



So, what exactly can the state do?

It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.

Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock

Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.

Be prepared with medical facilities

Rescue operation readiness

Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.

Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate 
insurance companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. 
The state govt. can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.




The list can go on.



--Ram









On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi RS,

My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh 
Sarma.He wrote and I quote " after the negative reception he 
received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about 
annual flooding "




In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing 
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year particul

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[kamal deka]

Yes,yes--we have to live with it ( I mean,flood ),but can we live with it
using some intelligence ? Consider this---here is a state,where flood
control department ( flood that brings misery to the people ) is considered
a prize posting, while education department (education, which is concerned
with the upliftment of a society ) is seen as a punishment posting  And
this tells you the chunk of the story.

I can write an scholarly essay as to why one should lay stress on the
improvement of other areas instead of emphasizing on setting up new
engineering colleges at this time.Chandanda has already touched on those
points and I am in total agreement with him.

KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Hi KJD,

>In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most >menacing
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year >particularly since the
great earthquake of 1950

I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg.
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.

Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will just leave it at
that,

Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be totally off
base in my assumptions)

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't think
we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.
The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.

So, what exactly can the state do?
It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.
Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock
Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.
Be prepared with medical facilities
Rescue operation readiness
Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.
Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate insurance
companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. The state govt.
can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.

The list can go on.

--Ram





On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Hi RS,
> My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh Sarma.Hewrote and I 
quote " after the negative reception he received at Boston
> conference where he was only questioned about annual flooding "
>
> In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing
> natural calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since the
> great earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the state owes much
> to this recurrent menace.For example,in the course of last ten years,the
> total damage caused by floods to crops,habitation of people and lives of
> cattle is estimated at over Rs.1000 crores.
>
> The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay (
> how many medical colleges will be needed to look after the ailments of these
> folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 76% of Assam's population
> is rural-based,who eke out a living from their poor surroundings and where
> facilities in the area of power,basic education ,health care
> benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless these
> areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is
> impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.
>
> KJD
>
>
> On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> >
> > Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.
> >  any mecal colleges
> >  --Ram da
> >
> >
> >  On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived
> > > just in time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid
> > > each for the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp
> > > (and avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .
> > >
> > > At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could
> > > make out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit work 
and
> > > fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been sponsored and
> > > monitored in Assam.
> > >
> > >  Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the
> > > self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for engineering
> > > students etc  http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional
> > > Institutes Forum
> > >
> > > under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management
> > > http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the
> > > Chief Minister --
> > >
> > > alongwith a presentation slideshow of http://www.pearllifeline.com/funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html
> > > who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff.
> > >
> > >
> > > 
http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
> > > After

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[Chan Mahanta]

And  at the same time become the methane factory of the world, with 
all that sewage decomposing in the canals, with no place to go. 
Sounds like a winner to me. It is already so after every rainfall, 
anyway. Just plug up whatever drain inlet is still working, and get 
some boats--voila, you have  a city viler than Venice.


It would be funny, had it not for the tragedy of it all, for so many 
of our own.













At 12:09 PM -0700 7/4/07, Dilip/Dil Deka wrote:
I wouldn't know who used the phrase "negative reception" at Laurel, 
MD - whether it was the CM himself or someone else. It is important 
to know the source because that has a bearing on what I am about to 
say.


If the CM used those words, it was because he felt uncomfortable 
answering some of the direct questions on infrastructure in Assam 
that were asked in the Boston town hall meeting (that's what it was 
called). The questions came from all sections of the 
audience including several second generation Assamese-Americans. I 
could see the pain these young people feel for their grand parents 
and relatives in Assam when they asked about measures being taken to 
alleviate water logging of streets in Guwahati and annual flooding 
of the state from the Brahmaputra. No direct answers were given.


There were questions on water retention ponds - why they are not 
made a part of any development in a major town/city in Assam. The 
answer was standard - for Guwahati, it is part of the master plan.


There wasn't any formal presentation or speech except for one by a 
GOA official, Mr. Sachan. The core of the speech by Mr. Sachan was 
on investment in Assam, including details on tax deferment for 
investors. I think the CM was expecting questions on investment in 
the town hall open meeting that he did not get. During the reception 
after the meeting, I noticed several would-be-investors talked to 
the CM on an one to one basis. Since they were private discussions, 
I wouldn't know what they talked about.


During the reception, someone passed on an idea in a lighter vein 
that Guwahati has the potential of being the "Venice of the East". 
Since the streets get water logged anyway, just dig them deep, 
retain and circulate the water, ply Assam style boats for 
transportation and call Guwahati the "Venice of the East". Open 
shopping malls on the two banks and invite the tourists. How is that 
for an investment idea? :-)

Dilip
===

Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


 >

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.


The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.






*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).

There is an enormous  amount that could be done and not a moment too soon.

BTW, Guwahati flooding is entirely a man-made phenomenon.  It is the 
Indian style of non-planning, uneducated citizenry and dysfunctional 
govt. bodies that has caused it. To resolve the problem, much that 
was done to desecrate the city has to be undone. And it will need 
foresight, political will and resources. The last could be 
generated. The first is widely available. But the the one in the 
middle is the weak link.












At 11:40 AM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:


Hi KJD,




 >In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the 
most >menacing natural calamity,experienced by the state every 
year >particularly since the great earthquake of 1950




I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg. 
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.




Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at 
Boston conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will 
just leave it at that,




Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be 
totally off base in my assumptions)




IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.


The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.



So, what exactly can the state do?

It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.

Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock

Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.

Be prepared with medical facilities

Rescue operation readiness

Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.

Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate 
insurance companies that they must offer reduced rats for farmers. 
The state govt. can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.




The list can go on.



--Ram









On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi RS,

My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh 
Sarma.He wrote and I quote " after the negative reception he 
received at Boston conference where he was onl

[Assam] Floods

[Ram Sarangapani]

C'da


*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).


I was actually talking about the Brahmaputra itself. I am wondering how can
human intervention change the course of the river? say in a short time span
(10-50 years). I have heard dredging doesn't work, dams don't either
and would have thought, that one could put up embankments in one place, but
the river would find some other place (weak).
The river wins in the end :)

About Guwahati itself - I agree. A lot of the planning is faulty planning,
misspent/misdirected resources, corruption, and a general lack of or
indifference of civic sense among the citizenry.

The recent move by the city to ban all plastic bags from stores -because the
bags are thrown out by consumers (actually thrown out - anywhere outside
their well-kept homes) clog the drains - causing floods is good.
But it is like putting the cart before the horse. Bad or no drainage may be
amajor problem, but the City's floods seem to have a host of other reasons
as well.

--Ram





On 7/4/07, Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


 >

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't think
we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.

The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.








*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).


There is an enormous  amount that could be done and not a moment too soon.


BTW, Guwahati flooding is entirely a man-made phenomenon.  It is the
Indian style of non-planning, uneducated citizenry and dysfunctional govt.
bodies that has caused it. To resolve the problem, much that was done to
desecrate the city has to be undone. And it will need foresight, political
will and resources. The last could be generated. The first is widely
available. But the the one in the middle is the weak link.






















At 11:40 AM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:

Hi KJD,



>In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most >menacing
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year >particularly since the
great earthquake of 1950



I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg.
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.



Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will just leave it at
that,



Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be totally off
base in my assumptions)



IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't think
we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.

The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.



So, what exactly can the state do?

It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.

Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock

Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.

Be prepared with medical facilities

Rescue operation readiness

Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.

Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate insurance
companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. The state govt.
can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.



The list can go on.



--Ram









On 7/4/07,* kamal deka* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi RS,

My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh Sarma.Hewrote and I 
quote " after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference where he was only questioned about annual flooding "



In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing natural
calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since the great
earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the state owes much to this
recurrent menace.For example,in the course of last ten years,the total
damage caused by floods to crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is
estimated at over Rs.1000 crores.



The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay ( how
many medical colleges will be needed to look after the ailments of these
folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 76% of Assam's population
is rural-based,who eke out a living from their poor surroundings and where
facilities in the area of power,basic education ,health care
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless these
areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is
impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.



KJD



On 7/4/07,* Ram Sarangapani* <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:

Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.

 any mecal colleges

--Ram da



On 7/3/07,* umesh sharma* < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:



Hi,

In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just in
time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each for
the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and
avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[Chan Mahanta]

 >
IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.

The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.





*** Yes, you are off base here Ram :-).

There is an enormous  amount that could be done and not a moment too soon.

BTW, Guwahati flooding is entirely a man-made phenomenon.  It is the 
Indian style of non-planning, uneducated citizenry and dysfunctional 
govt. bodies that has caused it. To resolve the problem, much that 
was done to desecrate the city has to be undone. And it will need 
foresight, political will and resources. The last could be generated. 
The first is widely available. But the the one in the middle is the 
weak link.












At 11:40 AM -0600 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani wrote:

Hi KJD,

 >In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the 
most >menacing natural calamity,experienced by the state every 
year >particularly since the great earthquake of 1950


I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg. 
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.


Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at 
Boston conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will 
just leave it at that,


Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be 
totally off base in my assumptions)


IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't 
think we can increase/or decrease floods by human action.

The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.

So, what exactly can the state do?
It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.
Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock
Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.
Be prepared with medical facilities
Rescue operation readiness
Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.
Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate 
insurance companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. 
The state govt. can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.


The list can go on.

--Ram





On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

Hi RS,
My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh 
Sarma.He wrote and I quote " after the negative reception he 
received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about 
annual flooding "


In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing 
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly 
since the great earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the 
state owes much to this recurrent menace.For example,in the course 
of last ten years,the total damage caused by floods to 
crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is estimated at over 
Rs.1000 crores.


The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay 
( how many medical colleges will be needed to look after the 
ailments of these folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 
76% of Assam's population is rural-based,who eke out a living from 
their poor surroundings and where facilities in the area of 
power,basic education ,health care 
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless 
these areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity 
is impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.


KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:


Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.
 any mecal colleges
--Ram da


On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:




Hi,

In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived 
just in time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we 
had paid each for the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish 
with the shrimp (and avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .


At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could 
make out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit 
work and fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been 
sponsored and monitored in Assam.


 Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the 
self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for 
engineering students etc   
http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional Institutes 
Forum


under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management 
 http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which 
was later shown in front of the Chief Minister --


alongwith a presentation slideshow of 
 http://www.pearllifeline.com/ funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA 
http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html 
who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff.

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[Chan Mahanta]

Good points Kamal.

Guwahati flooding and Assam flooding are highly pertinent questions. 
If there were too many questions, it means only one thing: There were 
few or no answers. It would be nice if those who attended the Q and A 
would share what was asked and what answers they got.


However Engineering colleges and  COMPETENT vocational colleges 
should not be discarded either.
They are not mutually exclusive issues.  Just because the state is 
concentrating on flooding , it could not mind technical education  is 
not a credible or acceptable excuse.


But more than Engineering or vocational or medical colleges., what is 
critically needed is a dramatic emphasis on and improvement to 
primary and secondary education--for ALL, not just for a select few.
Because without that, you can build all the colleges of higher 
learning you wish. They will be filled by outsiders.















At 11:36 AM -0500 7/4/07, kamal deka wrote:

Hi RS,
My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh 
Sarma.He wrote and I quote " after the negative reception he 
received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about 
annual flooding "


In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing 
natural calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly 
since the great earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the 
state owes much to this recurrent menace.For example,in the course 
of last ten years,the total damage caused by floods to 
crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is estimated at over 
Rs.1000 crores.


The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay 
( how many medical colleges will be needed to look after the 
ailments of these folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 
76% of Assam's population is rural-based,who eke out a living from 
their poor surroundings and where facilities in the area of 
power,basic education ,health care 
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless 
these areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity 
is impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.


KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani 
<[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:


Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.
 any mecal colleges
--Ram da


On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:




Hi,

In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived 
just in time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we 
had paid each for the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish 
with the shrimp (and avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .


At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could 
make out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit 
work and fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been 
sponsored and monitored in Assam.


 Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the 
self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for 
engineering students etc   
http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional Institutes 
Forum


under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management 
 http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which 
was later shown in front of the Chief Minister --


alongwith a presentation slideshow of 
 http://www.pearllifeline.com/ funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA 
http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html 
who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff.


http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
After that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering 
college by Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd 
UPenn - Ivy League Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da 
Tabildar (IIT , NASA, USA ), Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD 
Columbia) , Mantu-da Bhaishya ( BITS, Pilani ) , Ganesh-a Bora (PhD 
Kansas - Agriculture engineering)  , Durba-da Bhattacharya (Prof 
Computer science - Tejpur Univ, Assam)


--- with comments on it by  Gautom Barua (Director IIT- Guwahati 
Computer Science) and other IIT profs and Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof 
Computer Science at Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder)


The Chief Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the 
negative reception  he received at Boston conference where he was 
only questioned about the annual flooding of Guwahati (he later 
spoke of Global Warming which might lead initail floods by melting 
of glaciers followed by drought - when no more glaciers). He said 
that he is so pleased with these presentation which have a positive 
note and aim to improve the 

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[Ram Sarangapani]

Hi KJD,


In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most >menacing natural

calamity,experienced by the state every year >particularly since the great
earthquake of 1950

I agree, this is a much bigger and affecting more people than Engg.
colleges. And this is a problem that happens every year.

Yes, Umesh did report "after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference ". Don't know exactly what that means - but will just leave it at
that,

Regarding the annual floods: Here are thoughts (and I could be totally off
base in my assumptions)

IMHO, the annual floods are are going to happen every year. I don't think we
can increase/or decrease floods by human action.
The river will find the weakest embankments to crest, and will do so.

So, what exactly can the state do?
It can be ready for it every year by taking evasive actions.
Can be ready with large scale evacuvation plans including livestock
Can identify Highly flood prone areas, and advice settlers of the dangers.
Be prepared with medical facilities
Rescue operation readiness
Help farmers get back on their feet with seed/fertilizer supplies etc.
Help farmers acquire flood insurance - the state can mandate insurance
companies that they must offer reduced rates for farmers. The state govt.
can help farmers with the bulk of the premiums.

The list can go on.

--Ram





On 7/4/07, kamal deka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Hi RS,
My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh Sarma.Hewrote and I 
quote " after the negative reception he received at Boston
conference where he was only questioned about annual flooding "

In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing natural
calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since the great
earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the state owes much to this
recurrent menace.For example,in the course of last ten years,the total
damage caused by floods to crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is
estimated at over Rs.1000 crores.

The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay ( how
many medical colleges will be needed to look after the ailments of these
folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 76% of Assam's population
is rural-based,who eke out a living from their poor surroundings and where
facilities in the area of power,basic education ,health care
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless these
areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is
impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.

KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
>
> Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.
>  any mecal colleges
>  --Ram da
>
>
>  On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just
> > in time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each
> > for the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and
> > avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .
> >
> > At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could make
> > out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit work and
> > fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been sponsored and
> > monitored in Assam.
> >
> >  Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the
> > self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for engineering
> > students etc  http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional
> > Institutes Forum
> >
> > under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management
> > http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the
> > Chief Minister --
> >
> > alongwith a presentation slideshow of http://www.pearllifeline.com/funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html
> > who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff.
> >
> >
> > 
http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
> > After that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering
> > college by Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd UPenn -
> > Ivy League Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da Tabildar (IIT ,
> > NASA, USA ), Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD Columbia) , Mantu-da Bhaishya (
> > BITS, Pilani ) , Ganesh-a Bora (PhD Kansas - Agriculture engineering)  ,
> > Durba-da Bhattacharya (Prof Computer science - Tejpur Univ, Assam)
> >
> > --- with comments on it by  Gautom Barua (Director IIT- Guwahati
> > Computer Science) and other IIT profs and Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof Computer
> > Science at Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder)
> >
> > The Chief Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the
> > negative reception  he received at Boston conference where he was only
> > questioned about the annual flooding of G

[Assam] United they stay, in a tie of brotherhood (The Sentinel, 05.07.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

United they stay, in a tie of brotherhood
Jorhat Mising joint family has 51 members
>From our Correspondent 
JORHAT, July 4: For those seeking a glimpse into the ethnic life throbbing on 
the south bank of the Brahmaputra river here, the extreme end of north-west 
Jorhat is the most suitable retreat. And situated in a corner of the rural 
area, about 20 km from the town, is Bahnphola, a predominantly Mising-inhabited 
village. Apart from a fairly motorable road, there is nothing to write about 
the place, under the threat of constant erosion.
But amid all the shortcomings, a family of 51 members living in the village has 
lately become the centre of attraction. The joint family is headed by Anil 
Pegu, a school teacher, who has been instrumental in “keeping the flock 
together” after the demise of Bapuchand Pegu, his father, way back in 1974. He 
is ably supported by 85-year-old Pamoti and 80-year-old Domonti, the widows of 
the senior Pegu, who lord over as the matriarchs. The youngest member is a 
one-and-a-half year-old toddler.
Pegu has nine younger brothers who are all married and have children. His seven 
sisters have all been married off. The extended family lives in five stilted 
houses (called chang ghars) within the same compound. There are two kitchens, 
also on stilts.
“Earlier, we produced bumper crops on the 100-bigha plot that we till,” 
Manoranjan Pegu, one of the brothers who is a farmer, said. But the devastating 
floods of 1998 turned to wasteland large portions of their fields, bringing 
down the yield. “Though the paddy is just enough to feed us round the year, we 
still manage to sell off the rabi crops that we grow on our fields,” he pointed 
out. 
With 51 mouths to feed, the meal cooks in a large saucepan on the hearth in the 
kitchen. For each major meal, as much as 20 kg of rice and 10 kg of vegetables 
are required. At this rate, the family consumes 60 kg of rice, their staple 
diet, every day. “The bowaris (daughters-in-law) cook the meals in turns, while 
most members toil in the fields,” Bineswar Pegu, another brother and also a 
farmer, said.
Apart from Anil Pegu, there are just two more members who have different 
professions other than farming. With another brother as a teacher, Pegu has a 
niece who is a trained nurse.
With more than 60 buffaloes, 40 cows, several piggeries and poultries, the 
family does not have any difficulties in making ends meet. “We also had an 
elephant which died last year,” Pegu said. The family has a common television 
(which runs on battery as there is no electricity in the area), one land phone, 
a tractor and four motorcycles.
And most significantly, there are 32 voters in the house. No wonder, whenever a 
political dignitary tours the area, he or she makes it a point to visit the 
Pegus’ household. 
On the secret behind their ability to stay together in a large family, Pegu has 
a simple answer: “There have not been any major differences of opinion or 
quarrels so far in the household. I have never prevented my brothers from doing 
any work which benefits the family as a whole.” Echoing this, another sibling 
said: “However, our brother has been a strict disciplinarian, too. He does not 
allow any one of us to go astray.”
   
  (The Sentinel,05.07.2007)

 Send free SMS to your Friends on Mobile from your Yahoo! Messenger. Download 
Now! http://messenger.yahoo.com/download.php___
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Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[mc mahant]

 Has he a clue?He knee-jerked at DCon "Global Warming"!!!<.Unless these areas 
are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is impossible,even if 
you build thousands of engineering colleges.>
 
Again he is Clueless. 
That is why he repeats this invitation often:"Let ULFA come and run the place".
But he never said-"I shall retire to my village forthwith"
mm
 


Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 11:36:20 -0500From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 
Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C
Hi RS,
My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh Sarma.He wrote and 
I quote " after the negative reception he received at Boston conference where 
he was only questioned about annual flooding " 
 
In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing natural 
calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since the great 
earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the state owes much to this 
recurrent menace.For example,in the course of last ten years,the total damage 
caused by floods to crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is estimated 
at over Rs.1000 crores.
 
The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay ( how many 
medical colleges will be needed to look after the ailments of these folks,I 
wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 76% of Assam's population is 
rural-based,who eke out a living from their poor surroundings and where 
facilities in the area of power,basic education ,health care 
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless these areas 
are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is impossible,even if 
you build thousands of engineering colleges.
 KJD 
On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote: 

Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.  
 any mecal colleges
--Ram da 

On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote: 


Hi,In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just in 
time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each for the 
Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and avoided a 
painful alergy outbreak ) . At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going 
on - I could make out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit 
work and fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been sponsored and 
monitored in Assam.  Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation 
for the self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for engineering 
students etc  http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional Institutes 
Forumunder the leadership of Assam Institute of Management 
http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the Chief 
Minister --alongwith a presentation slideshow of http://www.pearllifeline.com/ 
funded and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA 
http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html who advised US President George 
Bush on medical stuff. 
http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/After
 that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering college by 
Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd UPenn - Ivy League 
Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da Tabildar (IIT , NASA, USA ), 
Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD Columbia) , Mantu-da Bhaishya ( BITS, Pilani ) , 
Ganesh-a Bora (PhD Kansas - Agriculture engineering)  , Durba-da Bhattacharya 
(Prof Computer science - Tejpur Univ, Assam) --- with comments on it by  Gautom 
Barua (Director IIT- Guwahati Computer Science) and other IIT profs and 
Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof Computer Science at Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder) The 
Chief Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the negative 
reception  he received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about 
the annual flooding of Guwahati (he later spoke of Global Warming which might 
lead initail floods by melting of glaciers followed by drought - when no more 
glaciers). He said that he is so pleased with these presentation which have a 
positive note and aim to improve the situation of Assam. Main Points of the 
engineering college presentation -- Orissa has 13,000 employed by Infosys for 
computer work -- even though has much worse travel connection than Assam. 
Gautam Barua (IIT - G director) was told by Infosys Chief (Nilekani is IIT 
batchmate of Gautam-da ) that Assam only produces 750 engg grads compared to 
13,000 by Orissa - and Infosys wants 80% of its employees to be local -atleast. 
Second, Assam has 2.5% of India's population but only 0.2% of its engineering 
colleges and only 0.17% of its engineering graduates. I agreed with Jugal-da 
that engineering education might act as a "pull" in improving basic education 
(at school level) .  Later during lunch Jugal-da, Partha-da and others were 
having lively discussion with the CM. The CM 

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & C

[kamal deka]

Hi RS,
My attention was drawn to the following remark,made by Umesh Sarma.He wrote
and I quote " after the negative reception he received at Boston conference
where he was only questioned about annual flooding "

In my considered opinion,the problem of flood is the most menacing natural
calamity,experienced by the state every year particularly since the great
earthquake of 1950.The stagnancy of economy of the state owes much to this
recurrent menace.For example,in the course of last ten years,the total
damage caused by floods to crops,habitation of people and lives of cattle is
estimated at over Rs.1000 crores.

The dream of setting up of 111 engineering colleges in Assam is okay ( how
many medical colleges will be needed to look after the ailments of these
folks,I wonder ?).But then,one must remember that 76% of Assam's population
is rural-based,who eke out a living from their poor surroundings and where
facilities in the area of power,basic education ,health care
benefits,roads/communication/transport etc.are non-existent.Unless these
areas are taken care of by the government,economic prosperity is
impossible,even if you build thousands of engineering colleges.

KJD


On 7/4/07, Ram Sarangapani <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Thank you, Umesh for providing an exhaustive account of Assam 2007.
 any mecal colleges
--Ram da


 On 7/3/07, umesh sharma < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>
>
> Hi,
>
> In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just
> in time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each
> for the Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and
> avoided a painful alergy outbreak ) .
>
> At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could make
> out the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit work and
> fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been sponsored and
> monitored in Assam.
>
>  Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the
> self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for engineering
> students etc  http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional
> Institutes Forum
>
> under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management
> http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the
> Chief Minister --
>
> alongwith a presentation slideshow of http://www.pearllifeline.com/funded and 
spearheaded by an NRI/NRA http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html
> who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff.
>
>
> 
http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
> After that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering
> college by Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd UPenn -
> Ivy League Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da Tabildar (IIT ,
> NASA, USA ), Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD Columbia) , Mantu-da Bhaishya (
> BITS, Pilani ) , Ganesh-a Bora (PhD Kansas - Agriculture engineering)  ,
> Durba-da Bhattacharya (Prof Computer science - Tejpur Univ, Assam)
>
> --- with comments on it by  Gautom Barua (Director IIT- Guwahati
> Computer Science) and other IIT profs and Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof Computer
> Science at Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder)
>
> The Chief Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the
> negative reception  he received at Boston conference where he was only
> questioned about the annual flooding of Guwahati (he later spoke of Global
> Warming which might lead initail floods by melting of glaciers followed by
> drought - when no more glaciers). He said that he is so pleased with these
> presentation which have a positive note and aim to improve the situation of
> Assam.
>
> Main Points of the engineering college presentation -- Orissa has 13,000
> employed by Infosys for computer work -- even though has much worse travel
> connection than Assam. Gautam Barua (IIT - G director) was told by Infosys
> Chief (Nilekani is IIT batchmate of Gautam-da ) that Assam only produces 750
> engg grads compared to 13,000 by Orissa - and Infosys wants 80% of its
> employees to be local -atleast.
>
> Second, Assam has 2.5% of India's population but only 0.2% of its
> engineering colleges and only 0.17% of its engineering graduates. I
> agreed with Jugal-da that engineering education might act as a "pull" in
> improving basic education (at school level) .
>
>  Later during lunch Jugal-da, Partha-da and others were having lively
> discussion with the CM. The CM had declared that his govt had declared
> already that the year 2007 was the Year of Education and passed a Bill
> (confirmed by his ADC later to  me) to open privately run engineering
> colleges etc. Jugal-da however, told me that he was not able to lay hands on
> any such Bill being passed by Assam govt - but may have been introduced.
>
> I was within one feet of the CM and  even made eye contact but I
> conceded to the stalwarts waiting to ta

[Assam] Fwd:Photos: Assam 2007 with Chief Minister & Zubin Garg

[umesh sharma]

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 08:33:26 -0700 (PDT)
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Assam 2007 with Chief Minister & Zubin Garg

  You have been invited to view Kedar's photos!  #hdrcolor{ 
font-size:14px;  font-weight:bold; 
font-family:verdana, sans-serif; background-color: #ffcc33; 
text-align: center; color: #fff; 
padding: 10px 0 10px 0;margin: 10px 100px 10px 100px;   
 } div.view{ display:block;border: 1px 
solid #ffcc66; background-color: #FFEDB5; 
padding:5px 8px 4px; font-size:11px; 
font-weight:bold; font-family:verdana, sans-serif;  
   white-space:nowrap; width: 80px; }  div.view a { 
color:#333; text-decoration:none; }  div.view a:hover { 
color:#f80; }  div.nmitxt{font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; 
   font-family:verdana, sans-serif;
 background-color: #ffcc33; color: #fff;padding: 10px 5px 10px 
5px;margin: 10px 10px 0 0;text-align: center; } div.nmitxt a {  
   color:#fff; text-decoration:none; }  div.nmitxt a:hover 
{ color:#f80; } 
   Kedar has shared photos with you.

 
  Assam 2007 with Chief Minister Tarun 
Gogoi & Zubin Garg.
 (1 album) 

  Here are few selected photos’ I took here 
& there in Assam2007. To get a complete picture of Assam 2007 some one needs to 
make a master album for Assam 2007 combining all or all the selected photo’s 
from every one else. Please feel free to use these photos anyway you like. 
 
Thanks. 
Kedar Bhuyan 
 
 
 - Kedar
 
  View photos 
  Sign-in and be rewarded!
 Sign-in before the slideshow and get a special offer at the end!
 
 Not a member yet?  Get 20 FREE prints when 
you join! 
   If you 
can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=14ymvk4v.5x3l227j&x=0&y=c1wjay  

   
Do more with these photos!  


Buy Kodak prints
Create a collage
   Create a mini photo book 
   Create mugs  

   Can't see the images, text or links?
Read above on how to view this in a browser 
 
Questions? Visit http://www.kodakgallery.com/Help.jsp.
©Kodak, 2007.  All rights reserved.



Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/

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Re: [Assam] ANT & GRASS HOPPER

[Krishnendu Chakraborty]

U  !!   Great explanation ...

BTW  I did not portray that the World is black and
white  it was your intelligent TWIST


> They are the privileged few of India, empowered by a
> government who 
> steals from the many to enrich and empower the
> select few, those 
> whose children , by overwhelming percentages get to
> attend those 
> 'elite' institutions, only to leave and enjoy the
> good life on 
> foreign shores.

I do not know what are the sources of your information
but I do not have any statistics which suggets that
those who attend these 'elite' institutions like your
alma mater are children of corrupt Indians.  Do you
have any statistics ?


glaring fact of their 
> pretensions to being 'achievers, of being self-made
> men/women, is
> fiction, but something their desi-education never
> prepared them to 
> recognize or realize.
> 

So what are you .  not a self made man ? Or is it
that you are the ONLY self made man from India?

> 
> 
> Am I ONE of them, like you insinuate?  You decide.


As a matter of Fact,  YOU attended 'elite institution'
 which is FUNDED by Citizens of India and LEFT to
enjoy life on foreign shores  WITHOUT contributing
ANYTHING to India or Assam (except being a armchair
revolutioner).

It is sad to see that the self proclaimed most
intelligent person of Assamnet fails to answer some
simple questions :) ... not for the first time though


--- Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> 
> 
> 
> What happened? You did not want to get to the
> answers you were seeking?
> 
> 
> I did not say anything about the world being black
> and white. But 
> when YOU , who agreed with the creator of  DATGH ,
> subscribed to that 
> black and white world concept, as you read it, of
> the world divided 
> into the two camps--of the Ants and the
> Grasshoppers,  you are the 
> one who subscribed to  it.
> 
> 
> I had nothing to do with YOUR comprehension, or lack
> thereof, of what 
> was embedded in that piece of trash, that some of of
> you found to be 
> 'very good', enlightening or whatever.
> 
> 
> I realize, that YOU were caught up with your own
> flawed 
> understanding, and resulting arguments you
> proffered.  But there is 
> more to it:
> 
> 
> That piece of foible,  a desecration of Aesop's
> fable,  really DID 
> NOT try to divide the world up to two neat camps, of
> the HWAs and 
> LCLs.  It was far worse. It attempted to portray
> that there were 
> those who worked hard, pulled themselves up by their
> bootstraps, on 
> their very own,  like the self-made men/women they
> fancy themselves 
> to be; only to be thwarted by those like Medha
> Patkar , Arundhati 
> Roy, CNN, BBC, NDTV or who have you, who speak up
> and out for those 
> on whose backs these self-made men/women are
> attempting to build 
> their fortunes.
> 
> 
> But in reality, those who identify withe gist of
> this article are the 
> COMPLAINERS, the 'cribbers' in your words. They are
> the PARASITES. 
> They are clueless ands can care less  about all
> those, for whom their 
> land is the only thing that stands between a life of
> urban 
> deprivation and and a life of dignity, however
> meagre.
> 
> And who does the wretched author of that piece
> belongs to? To the 
> 'cribbers'.  They are abjectly ignorant of the
> glaring fact of their 
> pretensions to being 'achievers, of being self-made
> men/women, is
> fiction, but something their desi-education never
> prepared them to 
> recognize or realize.
> 
> 
>   Thus, the question you asked me, is based on  
> your   inability to 
> comprehend ordinary English, compounded by your
> political 
> predilections.   The 'cribbers'  here  are those to
> whom the author 
> of the clueless piece belongs. And WHO are these
> cribbers?
> 
> They are the privileged few of India, empowered by a
> government who 
> steals from the many to enrich and empower the
> select few, those 
> whose children , by overwhelming percentages get to
> attend those 
> 'elite' institutions, only to leave and enjoy the
> good life on 
> foreign shores.
> 
> 
> Am I ONE of them, like you insinuate?  You decide.
> 
> 
> And that was what I was saying that you took issue
> with.
> 
> 
> I hope, NOW you understand.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> At 3:40 PM -0700 7/3/07, Krishnendu Chakraborty
> wrote:
> >C'da
> >
> >Thanks for enlightening me.  Now I know that --
> >
> >The world is black and white ---  losers and
> winners 
> >
> >BBC,CNN, AR, GOI etc all should be branded into one
> of
> >these there cannot be any one who can be termed
> as
> >exploiters  etc.
> >
> >There cannot be others in the world who are
> corrupt,
> >criminal etc ... certainly there are none in that
> >group in the US of A but in India  are you sure
> ??
> >
> >There cannot be people whose IQ is not like
> Einstein
> > again ... I thought from your  postings that
> >Indians are a bunch of Idiots and the ONLY
> Intelligent
> >Indian has migrated to St Louis.
> >  

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam2007: Pt 1-- National flag dance - Zubeen mania; heroine

[umesh sharma]

Look at this national integration themed dance sequence by Mridu and Marshilla 
- the Brahma sisters 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0z455LtMF0
Des (Country ) Rangilla (colorful) -- with Indian national flags at Assam 2007 
in Washington DC. 

Umesh

"Alpana B. Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:P { margin:0px; 
padding:0px } body { FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma }   I just got a 
chance to look at some of these and I agree. They are just beautiful. 
  
 Thanks for putting it on YouTube for all. We enjoyed it very much. 
  
 Congratulations to Mridu for an excellent performance. It definitely is one 
great way to show honor to a departed soul. 
  
 >> guests . The elder one college going seemed talented
>> enough to join Hollywood or Bollywood film industry

 And I agree with this too - Mridu dances like a professional. 
  
 I wish them the best.
  
 - A. Sarangapani
 Spring/Houston, Texas.
  
 

 
  “In order to make spiritual progress you must be patient like a tree and 
humble like a blade of grass”
 - Lakshmana
  
  



  
-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; assam@assamnet.org
Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2007 21:32:44 -0500
Subject: Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam2007: Pt 1-- Zubeen mania; heroine

 Congratulations to Mridu Brahma for a really entertaining dance 
performance.
 Keep up the creative work.
 Rajen & Ajanta Barua
  
 - Original Message - 
 From: "Niranjan Brahma" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
 To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; 
 Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 7:28 PM
 Subject: Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam2007: Pt 1-- Zubeen mania; heroine
 

> Thanks Umesh for your kind words. It was nice meeting
> you at Assam2007.
> We will be uploading videos of Assam 2007 soon. But
> here is the first one, an Assamese dance by Mridu in
> memory of our baideu Anima Chakrabarty.
> 
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VggyuLIzEA
> 
> Thanks
> Niranjan
> 
> 
> --- umesh sharma <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> Just reached home thanks to Partha-da Gogoi who
>> lives closeby. it is 2:34 am.
>> 
>> After midnight it was all the magic of Zubeen Garg
>> (Borthakur) and his string of Assamese and Hindi (Ya
>> Ali songs) - for two hours. I got to talk to him for
>> a couple of minutes -- seems he needs a Godfather in
>> Bollywood still - networking works wonders. But
>> today it was his voice and tempo which was
>> wonderful.
>> 
>>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf3ZhpNzElM&mode=related&search=
>> 
>> Also it was wonderful too the excitement and talent
>> of Assamese in dancing - Sattriya dance by Jugal-da
>> Kalita's wife, 
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ15-lRx_dA - from
>> the net
>> 
>> the national themed song with Indian flags in
>> Rajasthani outfits by Brahma sisters - who later
>> excelled in dancing frestyle alongwith all the
>> guests . The elder one college going seemed talented
>> enough to join Hollywood or Bollywood film industry
>> - as I discussed with another well wisher of theirs.
>> 
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ao-iQimHHg  the
>> elder sister
>> 
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahEKz3-M9Fo both
>> sisters
>> 
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKg1PeNEy-A By
>> Satyen-da of DC
>> 
>> The Rick and Nick brothers, the ethnic fashion show
>> and various Bihu dances were well choreographed.
>> Compared to North India women were not hesistant to
>> join in the singing , dancing and other cultural
>> activities which was good.
>> 
>> Umesh
>> 
>> Umesh Sharma
>> 
>> Washington D.C. 
>> 
>> 1-202-215-4328 [Cell]
>> 
>> Ed.M. - International Education Policy
>> Harvard Graduate School of Education,
>> Harvard University,
>> Class of 2005
>> 
>> http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu
>> info)
>> 
>> http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used
>> )
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
>>
>> -
>>  Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone
>> who knows. Tryit now.>
> ___
>> assam mailing list
>> assam@assamnet.org
>>
> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.
> http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
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Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of E

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & CM

[umesh sharma]

Rajen-da,

I was expecting to meet you at Assam 2007. Hope you are doing well. More in a 
private email -  thank you for your timely help in my problems. God Bless You.

Gautom Barua's name I heard from ADC of the Chief Minister who was smoking 
outside the hotel and reacted to my comments about Jugal-da's presentation - 
about Infosys's comments about engineering grdautaes in Assam (only 750 - and 
only 3 engineering colleges -- compared to 250 in Andhra Pradesh -mostly 
privately run). The ADC perhaps wanted to show that he is on top of things .

Umesh

Rajen & Ajanta Barua <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:   Umesh-ji:
 Thanks for the update. I am glad to see  that there were meaningful 
discussions with the CM on relevent issues. Thanks to  Jugal and Partha for 
taking the initiative. I am glad to see involvement  of Gautom Barua (Director 
IIT, Guwahati) on the issue of additional  engineering colleges in Assam. Was 
he personally present in the Assam-2007? I  have already written to Jugal that 
they have done a great job because this is  the first time ever that we 
Assamese have prepared an indepth scientific report  on what we have and what 
we need and why, at least for the engineering  education. If we follow this 
approach, instead of GOI Mai-Bap to bless Assam, we  will win. Let us keep up 
with the issues and follow up agrresively.
 Thanks
 Rajenda
  
- Original Message - 
   From:umeshsharma 
   To: assam@assamnet.org 
   Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:30PM
   Subject: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2;engg colleges, NRAs & CM
   



   Hi,

In  the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just in 
time  to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each 
for the  Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and 
avoided a  painful alergy outbreak ) .

At the same time meeting of Assam Society  was going on - I could make out 
the sentences in English which were focused  on non-profit work and 
fund-raising (of about $2,500 only) and projects been  sponsored and 
monitored in Assam.

 Later Partha-da Gogoi  presented a passionate presentation for the 
self-help groups and business  initiative and mentoring for engineering 
students etc   http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional 
Institutes  Forum

under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management  
http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the Chief  
Minister --

alongwith a presentation slideshow of  http://www.pearllifeline.com/ funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA  
http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html who advised US President  
George Bush on medical stuff.  

http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
After  that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering 
college by  Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd UPenn 
- Ivy League  Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da Tabildar 
(IIT , NASA, USA  ), Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD Columbia) , Mantu-da 
Bhaishya ( BITS,  Pilani ) , Ganesh-a Bora (PhD Kansas - Agriculture 
engineering)  ,  Durba-da Bhattacharya (Prof Computer science - Tejpur 
Univ,  Assam)

--- with comments on it by  Gautom Barua (Director IIT-  Guwahati Computer 
Science) and other IIT profs and Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof  Computer Science 
at Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder) 

The Chief  Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the 
negative  reception  he received at Boston conference where he was only 
 questioned about the annual flooding of Guwahati (he later spoke of Global 
 Warming which might lead initail floods by melting of glaciers followed by 
 drought - when no more glaciers). He said that he is so pleased with these 
 presentation which have a positive note and aim to improve the situation of
  Assam.

Main Points of the engineering college presentation -- Orissa  has 13,000 
employed by Infosys for computer work -- even though has much  worse travel 
connection than Assam. Gautam Barua (IIT - G director) was told  by Infosys 
Chief (Nilekani is IIT batchmate of Gautam-da ) that Assam only  produces 
750 engg grads compared to 13,000 by Orissa - and Infosys wants 80%  of its 
employees to be local -atleast. 

Second, Assam has 2.5% of  India's population but only 0.2% of its 
engineering colleges and only 0.17%  of its engineering graduates. I agreed 
with Jugal-da that engineering  education might act as a "pull" in 
improving basic education (at school  level) .

 Later during lunch Jugal-da, Partha-da and others were  having lively 
discussion with the CM. The CM had declared that his govt had  declared 
already that the year 2007 was the Year of Education and pass

Re: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & CM

[Rajen & Ajanta Barua]

Umesh-ji:
Thanks for the update. I am glad to see that there were meaningful discussions 
with the CM on relevent issues. Thanks to Jugal and Partha for taking the 
initiative. I am glad to see involvement of Gautom Barua (Director IIT, 
Guwahati) on the issue of additional engineering colleges in Assam. Was he 
personally present in the Assam-2007? I have already written to Jugal that they 
have done a great job because this is the first time ever that we Assamese have 
prepared an indepth scientific report on what we have and what we need and why, 
at least for the engineering education. If we follow this approach, instead of 
GOI Mai-Bap to bless Assam, we will win. Let us keep up with the issues and 
follow up agrresively.
Thanks
Rajenda

  - Original Message - 
  From: umesh sharma 
  To: assam@assamnet.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 11:30 PM
  Subject: [Assam] Day2: Assam 2007: Pt2; engg colleges, NRAs & CM





Hi,

In the Day 2 of the meeting (on Sunday July 1st, 2007) we arrived just in 
time to have the lunch (got value for money - the $110 we had paid each for the 
Assam 2007) - I was able to identify the dish with the shrimp (and avoided a 
painful alergy outbreak ) .

At the same time meeting of Assam Society was going on - I could make out 
the sentences in English which were focused on non-profit work and fund-raising 
(of about $2,500 only) and projects been sponsored and monitored in Assam.

 Later Partha-da Gogoi presented a passionate presentation for the 
self-help groups and business initiative and mentoring for engineering students 
etc  http://www.nepif.weblet.in/   North East Professional Institutes Forum

under the leadership of Assam Institute of Management 
http://www.aimguwahati.com/ -- which was later shown in front of the Chief 
Minister --

alongwith a presentation slideshow of http://www.pearllifeline.com/ funded 
and spearheaded by an NRI/NRA http://www.assamtribune.com/may0507/Photo4.html 
who advised US President George Bush on medical stuff. 


http://www.posoowa.org/2007/06/30/a-need-for-expanding-engineering-education-facilities-in-assam-for-economic-growth-and-human-development/
After that was the persuasive presentation for promoting engineering 
college by Jugal-da Kalita based on research by Jugal-da (IIT , Phd UPenn - Ivy 
League Univ, Prof Computer Science, Colorado) , Umesh-da Tabildar (IIT , NASA, 
USA ), Jukti-da Kalita (IIT, IIM, PhD Columbia) , Mantu-da Bhaishya ( BITS, 
Pilani ) , Ganesh-a Bora (PhD Kansas - Agriculture engineering)  , Durba-da 
Bhattacharya (Prof Computer science - Tejpur Univ, Assam)

--- with comments on it by  Gautom Barua (Director IIT- Guwahati Computer 
Science) and other IIT profs and Dipankar-da Medhi (Prof Computer Science at 
Kansas and AssamNet Co-founder) 

The Chief Minster was in a state of bliss --- especially after the negative 
reception  he received at Boston conference where he was only questioned about 
the annual flooding of Guwahati (he later spoke of Global Warming which might 
lead initail floods by melting of glaciers followed by drought - when no more 
glaciers). He said that he is so pleased with these presentation which have a 
positive note and aim to improve the situation of Assam.

Main Points of the engineering college presentation -- Orissa has 13,000 
employed by Infosys for computer work -- even though has much worse travel 
connection than Assam. Gautam Barua (IIT - G director) was told by Infosys 
Chief (Nilekani is IIT batchmate of Gautam-da ) that Assam only produces 750 
engg grads compared to 13,000 by Orissa - and Infosys wants 80% of its 
employees to be local -atleast. 

Second, Assam has 2.5% of India's population but only 0.2% of its 
engineering colleges and only 0.17% of its engineering graduates. I agreed with 
Jugal-da that engineering education might act as a "pull" in improving basic 
education (at school level) .

 Later during lunch Jugal-da, Partha-da and others were having lively 
discussion with the CM. The CM had declared that his govt had declared already 
that the year 2007 was the Year of Education and passed a Bill (confirmed by 
his ADC later to  me) to open privately run engineering colleges etc. Jugal-da 
however, told me that he was not able to lay hands on any such Bill being 
passed by Assam govt - but may have been introduced.

I was within one feet of the CM and  even made eye contact but I conceded 
to the stalwarts waiting to talk to him - who could have more immediate impact 
or synergy.

Partha-da in his very professional approach  showed that it was possible to 
 have business outreach delegations to US  -- since backward states like 
Jharkhand and  Uttranchal have been  making waves in US. Utpal-da Brahma  (IIT, 
IIM  and  National Defense  Academy  selected  ) was of the opinion that  first 
 local Indian companies need to  be invited to Assam and  based on their  
performance MNCs would  get

[Assam] FW: [WaterWatch] Meeting on Ecological Democracy by SADED

[mc mahant]

Coloring/Highlighting Mine-mm> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 15:47:49 +0530> Subject: [WaterWatch] 
Meeting on Ecological Democracy by SADED> > Friends,
MANOJ Das -Please round up all you can -and create 3rd. Front> > South Asian 
Dialogues on Ecological Democracy (SADED) is organizing a> three-day conference 
from 5- 7th July, 2007 in New Delhi.> > A number of environmentalists, social 
scientists, activists and media> persons are expected to participate. A wide 
range of topics on> ecological issues will be discussed during the conference.> 
> These topics SHOULD BE  discussed are:> > 1. Greening the Economics 
"Bamboo-no Timber till 2050"> 2. River linking  Define the Farce> 3. Energy 
Consumption and Questions of Energy JusticeEqual quota?> 4. Global Warming 
Tarun explained all in DC> 5. Ecological Democracy as learned from  Tribes> 6. 
Green Party in India Logical 3rd. Front> 7. SEZ= the Special Exploitation 
Zones> 8. Indian Agriculture need not care for WTO Diktats> > Your presence and 
participation in the Conference would add immensely> to the value and 
significance of the deliberations. We would be most> grateful if you would 
please confirm your participation in the> conference.> > Following Resource 
persons have confirmed their participation:> > Shri S.P. Shukla, Shri Aseem 
Srivastav, Dr. Amita Baviskar, Dr. Ritu> Priya, Shri Subhash Lomte, Dr. Uma 
Shankari, Shri Narendra Bastar,> Shri Ghanshyam, Shri Vagish Jha, Dr. 
Sudhirendar Sharma, Shri Gopal> Krishna, Shri Akhtar Hussain> > > The detail of 
venue and timing of the conference is as follows:> > Venue: Gandhi Peace 
Foundation, 221 � 223 Deen Dayal Upadyay Marg,> Near ITO, New Delhi. Phone: 
011-23237491> > Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.> > > With regards,> > > Vijay Pratap> 
Convener-SADED> > > Rakesh Bhat> Coordinator - SADED> > > Contact Persons in 
Delhi: Rakesh Bhatt, Coordinator SADED> (011-26713251/ 9868249639); Hrishikant 
Mamgain (9899154463) Sanjay> Kumar (011-26177813)> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links> > 
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:> 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WaterWatch/> > <*> Your email settings:> 
Individual Email | Traditional> > <*> To change settings online go to:> 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WaterWatch/join> (Yahoo! ID required)> > <*> To 
change settings via email:> mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > mailto:[EMAIL 
PROTECTED]> > <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:> [EMAIL 
PROTECTED]> > <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:> 
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> 
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Re: [Assam] movies: Jatinga vs The Might Heart - Daniel Pearl

[umesh sharma]

Jatinga Ityadee (et al) has English subtitles - in DVD

I wonder where one can buy it from -- perhaps from Assam 2007 organizers 
www.assam2007.com 

Umesh

umesh sharma <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: PS:  I just watched "The Might Heart" 
by Angelina Jolie based of Slain Journo Daniel Pearl -- by Omar Sheikh Masood - 
a London School of Economics grad 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Omar_Saeed_Sheikh

 http://www.mercurynews.com/movies/ci_6274810
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Pearl 
I needed to read subtitles only when they spoke in French - the police Chief in 
the movie was a muslim actor from my hometown - Irfaan - also in "The Namesake" 
movie
 
 And will watch the Assamese movie "Jatingaa et al..." based on disillusioned, 
idealist youth joining militants and  leaving when realising reality different 
from ideals. I bought a DVD at Assam 2007 for $20. Hope it will be worth it.
Jatinga is a place where Birds are attracted by light and trapped and killed 
and eaten http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/assam/jatinga.htm



 

Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. -  International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/  

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Umesh Sharma

Washington D.C. 

1-202-215-4328 [Cell]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)




www.gse.harvard.edu/iep  (where the above 2 are used )




http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
   
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