[Assam] From The Sentinel Editorial: Public Transport in Europe
Public Transport in Europe HN Das Stuttgart is a relatively small city of about a million souls in the South West of Germany hedged in by hills and the narrow valley of the river Necker. It is the home of the automobile giants such as Mercedez Benz and Daimler Benz. It leads in the manufacture of precision instruments and machine tools. The vineyards surrounding the city supply the juice for vintage wines and the neighbourhood breweries sprew out beers in abundance. But the citys main distinction is in the field of book publishing in which more than 200 sizeable firms are engaged. Thousands of tourists throng to Stuttgart to see the grand old Baden-Wurttenburg Schloss (palaces), theatres, opera house, gardens and the Mercedez Benz car museum. Many people come to walk in the wooded hills, lakes and parks. People also come to witness the fabulous fairs and exhibitions. I was lucky to be in that city when they were celebrating the spring festival on the banks of the Necker in May this year. Over the years Stuttgart has developed an urban transport system which can vie with the best in the world. In some places the trains go underground. In others they rush through the tunnels below the hills. But they follow each other at frequent intervals so that commuters do not have to hurry like our Mumbaikars who risk heart attacks and fractures everytime they run like mad to board or alight from a local train. The buses are a bit slower but they cover every nook and corner of the city so that no commuter has to walk more than 5 minutes from his or her residence. Streets are safe, trains are safe and buses are safe. For example, my 9-year-old granddaughter goes alone to school by bus and train during the day and to her Bharat Natyam classes in the evening. They dont have separate school buses. They have combined tickets for buses and trains such as U-Bahn (underground trains), Strassen Bahn (street trams), Staat Bahn (Suburban trains) and Deutsche Bahn (National trains). Daily, weekly and monthly passes make matters easy for all commuters. For inter-State travel they have national trains, many of which are high-speed express trains. This elaborate system has been built up to ensure that the use of private vehicles is reduced to the minimum. Similar is the case with all other European cities. This time I saw one important change in Paris. A new traffic control system has been put in place which has made the flow of vehicles in the main thoroughfares very smooth. The spot where Princess Dianas car hit the kerb on the tunnel in Rue de la Rivoli to kill her and her boyfriend has now become a tourist attraction. But the road is so good and straight that the accident should not have taken place but for the rush and inebriated driving. The ferrry boats on the Seine river in Paris allow commuters to visit most of the monuments very conveniently. In Rome the terrible traffic jams of the past seem to have gone. This time I saw that a circular flow of buses and introduction of small electric buses to ply on the back roads have eased the situation to a great extent. In Rome, however, the authorities have failed to extend the underground train network because there seems to be several ancient cities buried below the ground and excavations for a metro has become almost impossible without destroying or damaging these heritage cities. However, the short metro line that they have built is already in position. In Berlin the western part was with West Germany. It was earlier occupied by UK, USA, and France. The eastern part was the capital of East Germany and was earlier occupied by USSR. After German re-unification of 1990 the two parts got integrated into one city again. But the Germans have been able to tackle the problems of integration including that of traffic integration quite efficiently. Construction of new buildings and renovation of old heritage buildings has been going on ever since re-unification. Public transport has become organized and smooth. Berlin has the unique system of one bus route (No. 100) exclusively dedicated to connecting all the heritage sites. Its underground train system has also become good. Similar is the position of public transport in other European cities. In the huge metropolis of London, public transport has been always good. More than 3.5 million people pass through more than 350 stations of the extensive underground train network. Millions more travel by the very convenient but slightly slower bus services. Taxis are expensive. Private cars are more so because parking is difficult and parking fees are prohibitive. This has been intentionally done to restrict cars so that traffic jams can be avoided. Now they are proposing to levy a "congestion charge" in Central London area. Both in Berlin and in London some cycle-rickshaws have been introduced. Probably the idea is to provide entertainment and to reduce pollution. In London the maximum number of cycle-rickshaws pedal through
[Assam] What a relief: The monsters are caught
At least I feel relief now that these monters are behind bar. Until next time!. To have identified and arrested the bomb suspects so quickly is an extraordinary achievement - and a testament to endless hours of work by hundreds of officers. An operation like this depends on those things to be successful -- speed, aggression and surprise. Nowhere else on this planet would such a police operation be carried out so quickly and professionally. It is not surprising though to hear one suspect bleating about his rights as he was arrested!. Does'nt that say everything about the distoration of the human rights culture in Britain. Indeed he has ... rights which included claiming for food and shelter after arriving in Britain and which now included the right to rest and sleep while under interrogation. If he had been up all day before he was arrested, they would'nt be able to question him before he had some rest. Poor little thing. The real threat to the life of the nation comes not from terrorism but from laws such as these. In a crisis you learn a lot about yourself. And in a moment of national crisis you learn about your country. We have now become so obsessedwith a distorted view of human rights that we have forgotten our rights to be protected. Great - Britain is fair and generous country. It is sad to see -- the fairness and generousity so murderously abused. As a result of Tony Blair's decision to sign on to the "Human Rights Act" and this is available to terrorists and the preachers an entire industry of human rights, lawyers and support groups. Our first lady Cherie Blair - barrister and judge was bleating about the sanctity of terror - "suspects" human rights. Poor old Tony! when it comes to an application of the power of the state at home, he is torn between humanitarian and civil rights principles - and the need to wage war against Britain's home grown enemies. So as his stand on Iraq - a stand for which he has paid a high political price. Rini KakatiBe the first to hear what's new at MSN - sign up to our free newsletters! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
I am sorry if my comments have caused you any offence. That was certainly not my intention. Perhaps it would have been more accurate if I had stated that the incidents with the Indian army occur with worrying regularity rather than "all the time". By my comments, I am not seeking to make a direct comparison between the situation in the UK and India. However I would suggest that a balanced picture needs to be drawn. Whilst I now live in the UK, I am an Indian by birth. I am not, by my comments seeking to criticise my homeland, far from it -- I love the country where I was born and raised. However and perhaps because of this, I simply can not ignore the obvious and worrying situation which I see and hear about each time I return. You have requested examples. I would suggest that you simply consider the numerous incidents that are frequently reported in the local newspaper covering the area. It was the Indian army in Assam (CRPF Jawans) who rapes tribal women in villages while they raid their houses looking for militants every now and again. The killing of Ranjit Borpujari at one of the hostel at Cotton College in that July morning 1960 is still fresh in my memory. I was only a school girl. On that occasion there was a protest demanding Assamese language to be officially recognised. As the procession passed the Second Mess in Panbazar, number of young boys were playing table-tennis at the forecourt of the hostel. As another young boy (still in his pyjamas) coming out of a room, the S.P. gave an order to shoot. Shots were fired at the group and the boy who was coming out of the room was shot in the back of the head and subsequently died. He was Ranjit Borpujari -- an innocent young student. Was there a detailed inquiry or investigation ? was the officer who gave the order prosecuted or arrested or even reprimanded for his actions ? I do not know. All I knew that he was simply transferred out of Assam. This incident remains with me to this day, not least as one of my maternal uncle Amar Hazarika (Manju mama) who is a champion table-tennis player of Assam was also heavily injured along with others -- as a result. During Assam agitation in 1980, young boy Khageshsar Talukdar was killed in Barpeta when again the S.P. gave an order to shoot at a peaceful demonstration. Whilst I appreciate that this incident occurred many years ago, incidents like these sadly continue up to the present day. There are numerous similar reported incidents where innocent young men are killed by the Indian army when they are looking for ULFA or similar. These incidents are simply recorded as men "... killed on encounters." A short cold phrase frequently used to cover a multitude of sins. At the end of the day we are agreed that recent shooting in London was extremely sad and unfortunate and I appreciate that you support my stance on this issue. Perhaps we should now draw a line under this matter. Hopefully we can agree that there are elements of good and bad in all countries and all cultures and that it is important that people question incidents where human life is violated or taken away, particularly where it arises from an "abuse of power". Rini KakatiWinks & nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From CNN News: Discovery docks with space station
Discovery docks with space station Future shuttle flights on hold Thursday, July 28, 2005; Posted: 8:06 a.m. EDT (12:06 GMT) CNN) -- Discovery docked with the International Space Station on Thursday as NASA tried to determine why insulating foam fell off the shuttle's external fuel tank during its launch. The shuttle-station rendezvous at 7:18 a.m. ET was the first since November 2002, NASA said. Discovery flew in an unusual upside-down maneuver while it docked so space station cameras with special lenses could take pictures of it, looking for possible damage. The images will be sent from the station to NASA engineers on Earth, who will scrutinize Discovery's surface tiles and its thermal-protection system, explained Wayne Hale, deputy shuttle program manager. "Any damage will not escape our detection," Hale said at a Wednesday news conference. NASA said that during launch, a piece of tile also fell from Discovery's underside near the forward landing gear -- an area that has a redundant thermal barrier. Falling foam from Columbia's external fuel tank during launch in 2003 was blamed for damaging the spacecraft, which led to the deaths of seven crew members when Columbia attempted to return to Earth. Discovery is the first shuttle launch since that tragedy. The piece of foam fell from Discovery's fuel tank during the shuttle's ascent into orbit on Tuesday. But unlike the Columbia incident, it did not strike the orbiter. Several smaller pieces also tore away, a NASA spokesman said. Discovery's crew is in no apparent danger, but NASA said Wednesday it won't launch any more shuttles until engineers solve the problem of foam falling from the fuel tank. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said Thursday that the foam problem will be solved. "We're very fortunate that Discovery appears not to have been damaged by this piece of foam and we're going to fix that before we fly the shuttle again," Griffin said on CNN's "American Morning." "The team has worked hard, very hard, for two-and-a-half years to get the tank to be absolutely as clean is it can be. We missed this one." Hale said the foam that fell off the tank is from 24 to 33 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide, and 2.5 to almost 8 inches thick -- only slightly smaller than the piece of foam that damaged Columbia's wing. Over the next four to five days, engineers "will come up with a fly-home as-is recommendation, or a repair recommendation, as required," Hale said. Shuttle crew members plan to test repair techniques during three space walks by astronauts Steve Robinson and Soichi Noguchi of Japan. The two also plan to service the space station. Since Columbia, NASA has developed contingency plans for astronauts to try to repair damaged shuttles so they can return to Earth. If a spacecraft cannot be repaired, plans call for the crew to take refuge in the space station until a rescue mission can be launched. Discovery is due to return to Kennedy Space Center August 7. CNN's Miles O'Brien, Marsha Walton and Kate Tobin contributed to this report. Winks & nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: Truth?? police encounter shooting in UK metro
The difference between the Indian Army and British Bobby is -- the Indian Army do it all the time in a callous, calculative and well planned manner. Whereas the police officerin London had to do it in split seconds. This morning when I walk past the high street I saw few people waving placards reading "Racist killers", "No shoot to kill". In my mind to say how lucky you guys are ! -- you are not one of those innocents killed in 7 July. But none of these idealistic protesters have put themselves in the shoe of the undoubtedly courageous police officers who are struggling to protect Britain from the ever -- burgeoning threat of terrorism. It was human error and we all do it. But the difference in other professions, can apologise for their mistakes and move on. It is never that simple for a police officer on what is rapidly becoming the war-style front line of crime fighting in Britain. If the Brazilian had been a suicide bomber, shouting to injure would'nt have prevented him from detonating a bomb. If it is my son I'd be shouting and screaming and demanding a full explanation into how this terrible mistake robbed an innocent man of his life. Looking at it objectively, what is the alternative ?. This is a terrible tragic mistake and no one wishes to distract from the grief suffered by Jean Charles de Menzes' family. But if this country and everyday commuter like myself is going to stand a chance of beating terrorism then Sir Ian Blair (Met Commissioner) is right to say the "shoot-to-kill" policy stays in place. Rini KakatiWinks & nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: police encounter shootings in UK India - fast macho guys
How important these police officers are -- when it comes to the suicide bomber threat we face today, these people are the gatekeepers between us and the people trying to kill us. So it is vital these highly trained professionals have the confidence of their bosses and the ordinary public. If they don't have that, it might lead them to hesitate -- that split second could be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people. The Brazilian was quite simply in the wrong place, doing totally the wrong thing at the wrong time. Yet why he made a run for it, despite challenges from police to stop, remains to be explained. Every one will understand the awful dilemma faced by the armed officer. To hold fire and risk more bloodshed, or shoot to kill. Rini Kakati _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger 7.0 today! http://messenger.msn.co.uk ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Britain is not afraid: Will not be defeated
London's worst nightmare threatened to return on Thursday on 21st. Two weeks to the day after 7/7 bombs at 3 different underground stations plus a bomb on a bus in Hackney, forced Londoners to relive the horror of that day. For all those who were caught in the attacks a fortnight ago, this terrifying repetition will bring unspeakable memories back. But brave London shrugged off the terror and once again got on with life. We all know that the bombers and their masters are evil, perverted and subhuman. And once again the Great British Public kept its cool -- meaning -- "They will not beat us". Hundreds of people like myself got up that fateful morning to make the grey commuter journey into the city However 56 people did not make it home again. The devastation of their loved one is something that we can call only dwell upon, however, it serves as a powerful reminder about what is at the heart of "the war on terror" and G-8, whichever perspective you look at it from. This is all I can remember about 7/7, frenzied text messages and phone calls from family and friends who knew I worked in Aldgate East, White Chapel area where the first bomb exploded. Many of our Assamese friends and families received phone calls from home non-stop -- wondering if they are OK. When you can't contact people you dearly care about in circumstances like these the panic and fear is universally translatable. Instead how we felt on Thursday 21st should give us some empathy about how people who live under siege and fear of attacks across the world (like Palestine or Kashmir) have to cope every single day. The value of human life is priceless from London to Iraq to Africa. At times like this there should be no distinction between the "developing world" and "the westerners" or those oppressed people" and "us the liberated ones". A hush fell across the world at noon on July 14th exactly a week as million were united in a silent tribute to the London suicide bomb victims. The nation was lead in mourning by the Queen who stunned thousands of tourists by walking into the forecourt near the main gateway at Buckingham Palace shortly before noon. It seems that what unites humanity is stronger than what divides it. During that brief silence, we mourned our dead, healed our wounds a little and expressed our great rage at the killers who inflicted mass murders on us. In every corner of Britain, every corner of Europe and in America and Africa too, millions stood united and defiant. At the sites of each 7/7 attack, Kings Cross, Edgware Road, Tavistock Square and Aldgate. The scenes of silence were echoed cities, towns and villages across Britain -- and in the rest of the world. For the relatives of the many confirmed fatalities that is the gruesome truth. And those of us whose family is safe should thank God it is not us who grieving such a loss. I feel so sad for those who will be living with this, in whichever way for a very long time. On 21st July Thursday in the courtyard of the British Medical Association headquaters in Tavistock Square doctors stood. The contrast could not have been more stark. Two weeks ago it was an improvised field hospital, filled with the screams of the dying and injured. But this very Thursday prayer replaced pain as the doctors who treated the victims, gathered to pay their respect to those unfortunate victims. Their bowed heads were turned towards the spot where hell engulfed theNo 30 bus on that fatal morning. Where as sametime the other side of London those fanatics (rejoiced probably 7/7) by striking second time at the heart of London. Life in London is getting back to normal with a determination afoot not to let the murderers win by making us scared. The clean up operation will have finished and London will return to normal, determined not to bow to the cowardly terrorists who seek to destroy us. We are not afraid -- The defiant message has spread far and wide across the country in the last two weeks. It barely took one day through before determined people resumed their normal everyday behaviour shows no fear or concerns. Smartly -- dressed fresh faced people emerged from Tube station -- meaning business as usual -- "Life goes on -- you have to get on with it". Above and all the ancient capital of one of the oldest nation it has grown into a microcosm of humanity. For the persecuted London has been a refuge, for the ambitious, its streets have indeed been paved with gold. It will welcome strangers in a manner that is foreign to you. It will reach out a hand of friendship to anybody who wants to share the spirit and energy of the wonderful people of this island. In here we find a free, open multicultural society in which people worship the God of their own choice and decide, by and large on their own way of life. Every Mosques, Temples, Church and Gurudwara across the country -- there is a prayer for the victims. Being British is an honour and a privilege -- whatever the colour your
[Assam] Mangal Pandey: The Rising to open at Locarno film festival
After the global success of Lagaan, Aamir Khan is back with a bang !.Both Mother India and Lagaan came soclose yet so far awayat winning the Oscars. This time Aamir has a great chance to go even further to win the jackpot.If the film does not do well at the box office but it will be remembered in the history of Indian cinema that he was the only actor in Bollywood tocharge a whopping 8 crores by beating the likes of Amitabh, ShahRukh, Hrithik etc The historical saga Mangal Pandey - The Rising, starring Aamir Khan, has been selected as the opening film of the Locarno Film Festival. It will premiere in Locarno, Switzerland, on August 3, according to producer Bobby Bedi. The film has been directed by Ketan Mehta. Aamir's Lagaanhad received a fantastic reception at the Locarno Film Festival four years ago. The festival will be attended by Bedi, Aamir, Rani Mukherjee and Mehta. After the theatrical release of the film, Bedi plans to enter it in other festivals like Toronto and Sundance. Check out the Website: www.risingthefilm.com Rini Kakati The Rising Language: HINDI Director:Ketan Mehta Producer:Bobby Bedi Cast: Amir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel, Toby Stephens, CoralBeed Music: A.R Rahman Preview The Rising is an epic tale of friendship, love, loss and betrayal set against the backdrop of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. British colonial rulers are plundering the country for all its worth, treating the locals unjustly and causing widespread resentment. Worst of all they are using the Indians as sepoys, the infantry of the army, to control and regulate the population. After a hundred years of subjugation, India is awakening to the revolutionary prospect of change and self-rule. During a fierce battle in the Afghan wars of the mid-century, Mangal, a heroic sepoy rescues his British commanding officer William Gordon. The event creates a strong friendship and binding loyalty between them that transcends consideration of rank and race. The friendship is soon challenged, first by arrival of a charming and beautiful young aristocrat, Emily Kent, and then by the introduction of controversial new gun cartridges among the troops. The relationship is complicated further when Gordon saves a beautiful young native girl, Jwala, from the funeral pyre of her late husband, and falls in love with her. The new cartridges require soldiers to bite through their greased casing, made of animal fat, and suspicion spreads that the British are ignoring religious beliefs in favor of cheap weapons, and polluting their Muslim and Hindu soldiers. Gordon assures Mangal that the cartridges are free from pollution and demonstrating his total trust in Gordon, Mangal bites the cartridge. They soon discover that it really is animal fat and the rumor of this imposed pollution is the spark that ignites the powder keg of resentment in the country. Mutiny breaks out with Mangal growing in stature to lead the Indian people to freedom. Set in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, told across the divides of time, The Rising tells the tale of friends, lovers and enemies, exploiters and exploited, and the growth and awareness of a man and a nation. This sweeping epic is based on real historical events, seen as a trigger for Indian independence. It has been filmed in India over 6 months with a mix of British and Indian cast. Now you can search and browse smarter using the new MSN Search Toolbar including Windows Desktop Search! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] London torn into pieces: My heart bleeds
On Thursday morning I took the tube from Baker street to Whitechapel station my usual route to work. I was lucky to got off in time 10 minutes away from Liverpool station, when the bomb blast. I was holding onto my Saibaba locket and prayed for saving my life. This is the second time that I have been caught up in a major disaster and to be honest, I am feeling very shaky. Inspite of the massive difference in surroundings there have been uncanny similarities with the bomb explosion at Ganeshguri Market, Dispur few years back where I was shopping on that fatal day. The same bewildered _expression_ of innocent people stunned by sudden horror. The same creeping realisation that people are dead and dying. I can't believe that such barbarism should come the day after the national euphoria at winning the Olympics. It is desperately sad. And especially when G8 Summit of world leaders gathered for its mission to make poverty history. Terrorist on this earth don't care about anyone. Their killing is indiscriminate. Edgeware Road is full of Arabs, Aldgate has many Asians and predominately Muslims. How our earth anybody can really believe that God is pleased with this, that killing innocent people will earn them a place in Heaven. Every act of terrorism in the name of religion is wrong and does damage to those practising it. Walking down Oxford street you feel like you are in Park street, Chowringee, Kolkata. The Salwar Kameeze is as ubiquitous as the cropped top jeans ensemble and you can hear as many snatches of Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali as you do of English. This is an example of that much vaunted British multiculturalism. It is not just holidaying that appeals. When rich non-resident Indians -- whether it's L.N. Mittal or Naresh Goyal -- have to choose a baseout of where to operate it's always London that makes the cut. Partly of course it is that our easy familiarity with English makes it much easier to work and live here. But also the pace of life here is much more civilised when compared to say the frenetic energy of New York. Small wonders then that London has become the spiritual home away from home for most of us. It's the Indian punters who are the high rollers and it's their money that keeps the tills ringing. The British may have colonised us for several centuries. But it's taken us only a few deceased to take over their capital and make it our own. British are the most tolerant nation in the world. And it is the best country to live in. We knew after 9/11 then Madrid and next us but do not know when. For a few blissful hours we were the envy of the world, the place to be. Britain was the double winner that had staged the inmensely successful Live 8 concert and became the winner of hosting the 2012 Olympics. Thursday atrocities in London once more brought out the best of Britain. I salute the heroes of the Ambulance Services, the paramedics, the police, the fire brigade, doctors and nurses who gave of themselves to save life. Rini Kakati Want to get more out of e-mail? Then get Outlook Live! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] FW: read the message Before see the photo
From: jitu sarma [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: jitu sarma [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: read the message Before see the photo Date: 5 Jul 2005 09:27:07 - The young man in this photo went to a place called Sundarbans with his friends and he asked his friends to take this photo on this spot. While his friend took the photo, he screamed and fainted, 2 days later he died in the hospital. The doctors said he died from a heartattack. When the photos where developed, in the last photo there was a woman standing next to the young man, even though his friends said there was no one with him when the photo was taken. Many people know of this rumor and the last photo is the result of the blessings of technology. But still, the photo is very mysterious and I'm sure that when you see it you will feel the same as me. Here's the photo!! A Naval Officer sent it to 13 people and he was promoted within 13days. A businessman was sent this and he erased it and within 13 days he lost everything. A laborer received this and sent it to 13 people and within days he was promoted and all his problems were solved. So send this to 13 people and good things will happen _ Winks nudges are here - download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! http://messenger.msn.co.uk attachment: untitled.jpg ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The BBC: London beats Paris to 2012 Games
What a wonderful news!. Olympic is coming to my city!. Thanks to President Chirac! Nasty, petty, racist creep!. He made it look so easy.See you all at 2012! Rini Kakati The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London, the International Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday. London won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the IOC meeting in Singapore, after bids from Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated. Paris had been favourites throughout the campaign but London's hopes were raised after an impressive presentation by Lord Coe, the bid chairman. IOC president Jacques Rogge made the dramatic announcement at 1249 BST. It will be the first time the Olympics has been held in Britain since 1948. Coe said:"This is just the most fantastic opportunity to do everything we ever dreamed of in British sport." The dramatic news delighted flag-waving supporters who had gathered in London's Trafalgar Square. "Everyone was all together and we never lost our confidence" Bid leader Lord Coe on London's Olympic bid victory But raindrops began falling on disapointed Parisians outside the Hotel de Ville in the French capital shortly after the result. This is how the decision was made by the IOC in Singapore on Wednesday: All five bidding cities gave final 45-minute presentations to the IOC members before the vote began. The electronic ballot started at 1126 BST. Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated from the race in the first, second and third rounds of voting. The final round of voting finished at about 1145 BST, with the committee reconvening at 1230 BST for the official announcement. IOC president Jacques Rogge revealed the winner after a nerve-wracking wait at 1249 BST. Wednesday's decision brings to an end the 18-month race to win the host contract for the 2012 Games. And it was the most keenly-fought bidding contest in recent years. Paris was considered the front-runner for much of the campaign, and was highly rated in the initial evaluation and also by the inspectors after their visits earlier in the year. But it was widely recognised that bid leader Lord Coe, a high-profile personality within the IOC and other governing bodies, hauled London closer to the French capital as the vote approached. Madrid was seen as a consistent but not outstanding candidate, while New York's bid was dogged by problems over their proposed stadium, and Moscow was always seen as the rank outsider. Once attention moved to Singapore, the bidding cities called on political and sporting heavyweights to champion their causes. And the spotlight inevitably focused on Paris and London in the days leading up to the vote. The two cities had President Chirac and Prime Minister Blair respectively in their corners. Mr Chirac actually took part in the French capital's final presentation on Wednesday, while Mr Blair opted to lobby alongside the London bid team in Singapore before flying back to Britain to host the G8 summit. London also called on England captain David Beckham and a galaxy of Olympic and Paralympic medallists as ambassadors, while footballers Laurent Blanc and Zinedine Zidane were among those backing the Paris bid. Winks & nudges are here - Download MSN Messenger 7.0 today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Muga Silk Umbrellas will be displayed on Derby Racing Ground
Geographically Asia is the main producer of Silk in the world. The bulk of it is produced in China and India followed by Japan, Brazil and Korea. India is the second largest producer of Silk in the world. It has a strong tradition and culture bound domestic market of Silk specially in North East region. Muga Silk, the golden yellow silk is a wonderful gift of nature extractedfrom a species of insect not to be found anywhere in the world except in the Brahmaputra valley of the North East region.'Muga' has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Assamese people. The artistic and aesthetic sense of Assamese weavers is not content with the striking colours they choose for the fabrics but lies in their mastery over the creation of floral designs beautiful textures -- the weavers weaves with intense feelings and emotion. In Assam the handloom sector stands next only to agriculture in terms of employment generation. In the context of Silk weavers in Assam, Sualkuchi stands apart. Situated about 30 kilometres from Guwahati is the largest village in Assam and is also known as 'Manchester of the East'. It is very unfortunate that poor productivity and quality weak economic base of the weaving community, lack of market fascility and innovation in the traditional designs and colour schemes have been some of the factors ailing the weaving sector in Assam. Obsolete methods and devices are still in use --- limited range of products with inadequate value addition, lack of trained artisans. The malberry silk yarn mainly comes from Karnataka. The absence of any organised silk worm forming in the state has led the people to depend entirely on Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This has posed a threat to this indegen handloom industry by the cheap silk produced on powerlooms in other parts of the country. During my visit to Sualkuchi to meet my relations (my grand parents were one of the oldest reputed Mouzadar Bharali family from Sualkuchi.) I have met Dulal Choudhury -- a muga silk dealer from Guwahati --- known as 'Muga Dulal'. He felt for this industry that has not been able to attract outside market and also because of being unorganizedits silk industry is littley known outside Assam. Not content with getting into trade he continuously fiddled with the fabric and stumbled on its ultraviolet filtering properties and approached the physics department of Tezpur University to verify this. Their experiments endorsed his findings and set him off on a new venture. He began selling UV protection umbrellas and applied for a patent on it. Now he has been awarded the second prize at the Annual Business Festivalat IIT Mumbai for the most 'marketable innovation'. He has been selling these umbrellas in India. He already has enquiries from New Zealand about using muga fabric for making tents. During her visit to Assam on Jan '05, Lady Ann from England opened a grand exhibition of North East region at Guwahati, Pragati lll . She was attracted to the handicraft products and item made by wood and bamboo. She was attracted to the Assam Silk and Muga Umbrella. She took a keen interest and suggest 1) To identify this innovative value addedhandicrafts product range. 2) To establish links with research and reputed international designs institution based inNew York,London and Paris. 3) Muga Umbrella of Assam will be an attractive display at Derby Day in England. Well done Dulal ! Rini Kakati You can view the photos by attachment. Beautiful Muga Silk Umbrellas, Coats, Caps, Hats, Bags, Cushions Covers created by Dulal Choudhury and his business partner Kishore Kumar Kakoti who runs the Assam Silk Development Centre. Even the President of India, Dr: Abdul Kalam tries to hold one of the Muga Silk Umbrella. With MSN Hotmail, you get powerful spam filters and enhanced virus scanning & cleaning. attachment: 1MugaSilkUmbrellas.tifattachment: 10BlockPrintedEriCushionCovers.jpgattachment: 11BlockPrintedEriShwal.jpgattachment: 12BlockPrintedEriSilkTableMat.jpgattachment: 13ClientwearingMugaSilkCoat.tifattachment: 14ClientwearingMugasilkformalCoat.tifattachment: 15ClientwithMugaSilkUmbrella.tifattachment: 16paintingonMugaSilkascanvass.tifattachment: 2MugaSilkumbrella.tifattachment: 3MugaSilkUmbrellaPresident.tifattachment: 4MugaSilkUmbrellas_CushionCovers.tifattachment: 5BlockPrintedMugaCushionCovers.jpgattachment: 6MugaSilkhats_Caps.tifattachment: 7MugaSilkShirtTie_bags.tifattachment: 8HandembrioderedMugaLadiesTop.jpgattachment: 9EriSilkTops_MugaxMulberrySilk.tifattachment: mystall.jpg___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Muga Silk Umbrellas will be displayed on Derby Racing Ground
Geographically Asia is the main producer of Silk in the world. The bulk of it is produced in China and India followed by Japan, Brazil and Korea. India is the second largest producer of Silk in the world. It has a strong tradition and culture bound domestic market of Silk specially in North East region. Muga Silk, the golden yellow silk is a wonderful gift of nature extractedfrom a species of insect not to be found anywhere in the world except in the Brahmaputra valley of the North East region.'Muga' has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Assamese people. The artistic and aesthetic sense of Assamese weavers is not content with the striking colours they choose for the fabrics but lies in their mastery over the creation of floral designs beautiful textures -- the weavers weaves with intense feelings and emotion. In Assam the handloom sector stands next only to agriculture in terms of employment generation. In the context of Silk weavers in Assam, Sualkuchi stands apart. Situated about 30 kilometres from Guwahati is the largest village in Assam and is also known as 'Manchester of the East'. It is very unfortunate that poor productivity and quality weak economic base of the weaving community, lack of market fascility and innovation in the traditional designs and colour schemes have been some of the factors ailing the weaving sector in Assam. Obsolete methods and devices are still in use --- limited range of products with inadequate value addition, lack of trained artisans. The malberry silk yarn mainly comes from Karnataka. The absence of any organised silk worm forming in the state has led the people to depend entirely on Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This has posed a threat to this indegen handloom industry by the cheap silk produced on powerlooms in other parts of the country. During my visit to Sualkuchi to meet my relations (my grand parents were one of the oldest reputed Mouzadar Bharali family from Sualkuchi.) I have met Dulal Choudhury -- a muga silk dealer from Guwahati --- known as 'Muga Dulal'. He felt for this industry that has not been able to attract outside market and also because of being unorganizedits silk industry is littley known outside Assam. Not content with getting into trade he continuously fiddled with the fabric and stumbled on its ultraviolet filtering properties and approached the physics department of Tezpur University to verify this. Their experiments endorsed his findings and set him off on a new venture. He began selling UV protection umbrellas and applied for a patent on it. Now he has been awarded the second prize at the Annual Business Festivalat IIT Mumbai for the most 'marketable innovation'. He has been selling these umbrellas in India. He already has enquiries from New Zealand about using muga fabric for making tents. During her visit to Assam on Jan '05, Lady Ann from England opened a grand exhibition of North East region at Guwahati, Pragati lll . She was attracted to the handicraft products and item made by wood and bamboo. She was attracted to the Assam Silk and Muga Umbrella. She took a keen interest and suggest 1) To identify this innovative value addedhandicrafts product range. 2) To establish links with research and reputed international designs institution based inNew York,London and Paris. 3) Muga Umbrella of Assam will be an attractive display at Derby Day in England. Well done Dulal ! Rini Kakati You can view the photos by attachment. Beautiful Muga Silk Umbrellas, Coats, Cushions Covers created by Dulal Choudhury and his business partner Kishore Kumar Kakoti who runs the Assam Silk Development Centre. Even the President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam tries one of the Muga Silk UmbrellaMSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! attachment: 1MugaSilkUmbrellas.tifattachment: 10BlockPrintedEriCushionCovers.jpgattachment: 11BlockPrintedEriShwal.jpgattachment: 12BlockPrintedEriSilkTableMat.jpgattachment: 13ClientwearingMugaSilkCoat.tifattachment: 14ClientwearingMugasilkformalCoat.tifattachment: 15ClientwithMugaSilkUmbrella.tifattachment: 16paintingonMugaSilkascanvass.tifattachment: 2MugaSilkumbrella.tifattachment: 3MugaSilkUmbrellaPresident.tifattachment: 4MugaSilkUmbrellas_CushionCovers.tifattachment: 5BlockPrintedMugaCushionCovers.jpgattachment: 6MugaSilkhats_Caps.tifattachment: 7MugaSilkShirtTie_bags.tifattachment: 8HandembrioderedMugaLadiesTop.jpgattachment: 9EriSilkTops_MugaxMulberrySilk.tifattachment: mystall.jpg___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Sentinel: British Upper House members meet Gogoi
British Upper House members meet Gogoi Guwahati, Jan 5: Members of the British House of Lords, Navaneet Dholakia and Lady Ann met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi here yesterday and urged him to take adequate measures to project the State outside the country as a major tourist destination, an official release said. They praised the rich cultural heritage of the State and were of the view that the State had all the qualities to emerge as the most sought-after tourist destination. Enjoy the awesome learning power of Encarta® at your fingertips when you subscribe to MSN® Encarta Premium. ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From Assam Live: BRITISH DELEGATION CALLS ON TARUN GOGOI
BRITISH DELEGATION CALLS ON TARUN GOGOI GUWAHATI January 5: A British delegation has urged Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to project the state abroad as a major tourist destination. According to information, the members of the british House of Lords, Navaneet Dholakia and lady Ann called on the Chief Minister on Tuesday evening and were impressed by the natural beauty and bounty of the state. They further appreciated the rich cultural heritage of the state and said Mr Gogoi that the state had potential aplenty to emerge as the most sought tourist destination. .Faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call and best of all it's free - download MSN Messenger today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: Lord's appeal to project State as tourist's destination
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, January 5, 2005 Lords appeal to project State as tourists destination By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Jan 4 Members of the UK House of Lords Lord Navaneet Dhokalia and Lady Ann met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence this evening and urged him to take adequate measures for projecting the State outside the country for making it the most sought after tourists destination. This was a courtesy visit of the UK Upper House members, official sources here said. According to the sources, Lord Dhokalia and Lady Ann were highly impressed by the natural and forest resources of the State and its stunning natural beauty. They also praised the rich cultural heritage of the States people. They told the Chief Minister that the State had all the qualities to emerge as the most sought after tourist destination. The Assamese people organisations in the UK have been maintaining a close link with them and they are also keen to extend their help to the States efforts at projecting itself as an attractive tourist destination, they told the Chief Minister, the sources said. The Chief Minister offered them a hearty welcome and felicitated them with traditional items of the States people, the sources said. Faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call and best of all it's free - download MSN Messenger today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: NECCI-EU meets discusses business opportunities
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, January 5, 2005 CITY NECCI-EU meet discusses business opportunities By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Jan 4 Making an effort to open new frontiers of business opportunities, the North East Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI), today organised a round table conference with the theme Doing business with the European Union. Trade and commerce with the European Union (EU) could be beneficial to entrepreneurs in the North East, said Chiranjit Chaliha, president NECCI, who he said the round table conference would be able to come up with a much needed plan in this regard. In his speech, DK Sharma, secretary general, NECCI, underlined the problems and prospects of North East India vis-à-vis trade and industry through a powerpoint presentation. His presentation, aimed for the benefit of the EU representatives, highlighted some areas in which the North East could emerge as an industry leader. In his address, Stefano Gatto, of the European Delegation in India, gave a backgrounder of the EU, and cleared some prevailing notions of the EU. It is not an international organisation, but a unique construct of shared economic ideas of the 25 member states., he said. According to him, the EU acts on behalf of the members, but the members retain their respective political identities. In this manner, the Union was novel and ingenious. He stressed that the idea of the EU was not the creation of a superstate. Its aim was to facilitate trade and investment, and to act together for better performance of all its member states. Putting special emphasis on EU-India trade and investment relations and EUs perception, he informed that according to recent estimates EU-India trade amounted to 27.586 billion euros, of which 13.355 billion euros was on imports from India to EU, while exports from EU to India amounted to 14.231 billion euros. This trade was on the upward curve, he informed. The conference was attended by Lord Navneet Dholakia and Lady Ann from the United Kingdom, besides businesspersons, bureaucrats, and financers from North East India.Faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call and best of all it's free - download MSN Messenger today! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Zubeen Garg draw accolades --- NRAs of UK
House of Lords in the Royal Court Palace of Westminster hosted the Global Assamese convention to focus on Assam and its heritage on Friday 17 December, 2004. This meeting will act as a curtain raiser to the North East NRI convention to be held at Assam Engineering Institute Field, Chandmari Field, Guwahati on 11 to 12 January 2005 organised by NECCI (North East Chamber of Commerce Industry). Lord Adom of Blackburn, Baroness Flather, Lord Nazir of Rotherham and Lady Helen have organised this meeting and invited today's Youth Icon, Zubeen Garg from Assam. There was a display of Assamese arts and crafts by Garima Garg which was appreciated by the dignitaries. Mr. Satyabrata Pal, Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr. R. Bagchi, Minister of Co-ordination for High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ajay Sharma, Director of India Tourism, Mr. Amit Roy, well- known journalist from The Daily Telegraph, Mrs. Paula Chatterjee, another journalist from Asian Voice, Mr. Chewang Phusog, Minister for High Commissioner of India and Policy Adviser of Asian Affairs, Mr. Atma Singh spoke about the richness of North East India specially Assam and the importance of showcasing the cultural diversity of Assam in UK as well as bringing together the investor of both countries. Utpal Borah from Philladelphia, USA came all the way to see Zubeen's Concert in UK. The cultural function was held the next day on Saturday 18 December, 2004 at Copland Technology Centre in Wembley. The main attraction of this evening was today's Youth Icon, Zubeen Garg and his band. Mrs. Malabika Barua greeted Zubeen with a typical Assamese Gamosa. The function was organised by Rini Kakati in collaboration with Asian communities in London. Zubeen started his performance by his great song " Majuli Majuli" dedicated to our cherished island. He also sang in Hindi, Bengali and Assamese song. Zubeen mesmerised the audience with his popular Bihu songs and the audience joined in and dance. The vote of thanks was offered by Mr. Rajinder Chopra, President of Hindu Samaj. He said that music has no boundaries and added that Zubeen's voice and music is second to none. In her welcome speech, Rini Kakati thanked the staff and the audience for their invaluable co-orperation and assistance specially to the crew of Zee TV for their full coverage of the programme. Rini Kakati MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Zubeen Garg draw accolades --- NRAs of UK
House of Lords in the Royal Court Palace of Westminster hosted the Global Assamese convention to focus on Assam and its heritage on Friday 17 December, 2004. This meeting will act as a curtain raiser to the North East NRI convention to be held at Assam Engineering Institute Field, Chandmari Field, Guwahati on 11 to 12 January 2005 organised by NECCI (North East Chamber of Commerce Industry). Lord Adom of Blackburn, Baroness Flather, Lord Nazir of Rotherham and Lady Helen have organised this meeting and invited today's Youth Icon, Zubeen Garg from Assam. There was a display of Assamese arts and crafts by Garima Garg which was appreciated by the dignitaries. Mr. Satyabrata Pal, Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr. R. Bagchi, Minister of Co-ordination for High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ajay Sharma, Director of India Tourism, Mr. Amit Roy, well- known journalist from The Daily Telegraph, Mrs. Paula Chatterjee, another journalist from Asian Voice, Mr. Chewang Phusog, Minister for High Commissioner of India and Policy Adviser of Asian Affairs, Mr. Atma Singh spoke about the richness of North East India specially Assam and the importance of showcasing the cultural diversity of Assam in UK as well as bringing together the investor of both countries. Utpal Borah from Philladelphia, USA came all the way to see Zubeen's Concert in UK. The cultural function was held the next day on Saturday 18 December, 2004 at Copland Technology Centre in Wembley. The main attraction of this evening was today's Youth Icon, Zubeen Garg and his band. Mrs. Malabika Barua greeted Zubeen with a typical Assamese Gamosa. The function was organised by Rini Kakati in collaboration with Asian communities in London. Zubeen started his performance by his great song " Majuli Majuli" dedicated to our cherished island. He also sang in Hindi, Bengali and Assamese song. Zubeen mesmerised the audience with his popular Bihu songs and the audience joined in and dance. The vote of thanks was offered by Mr. Rajinder Chopra, President of Hindu Samaj. He said that music has no boundaries and added that Zubeen's voice and music is second to none. In her welcome speech, Rini Kakati thanked the staff and the audience for their invaluable co-orperation and assistance specially to the crew of Zee TV for their full coverage of the programme. Rini Kakati MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: WARNING! The Earth threatened by the planet Hercolubus
Hello Chandan, The same queries bothered me too, but the present catastrophe and his predictions matching it can not be wished away. The trouble with us believing that science as we know now is all answering is also not correct, otherwise Newton would not have been overthrown by Einstein, Dirac and Hawking etc. We do not know yet enough is my humble view. Best wishes Rini _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Tsunami Donation Site in UK
People living in UK can donate their donations to the charity organisation at Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the Tsunami Earthquake. Here is the website : www.dec.org.uk Rini Kakati _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] English clubs pledge cash for tsunami victims
LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and other English Premiership clubs pledged at least one million pounds (1.8 million dollars) in aid for victims of Asia's tsunami disaster. All 20 clubs in the top flight have promised 50,000 pounds each to help provide relief to an area where English football is followed passionately. Advertisment I think everyone has been taken aback by the sheer enormity of events following the Indian Ocean earthquake, said Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League. The Premier League and our clubs have strong connections throughout the region and there was a real feeling amongst the clubs that we should do something as a collective to try and alleviate some of the pain and suffering that is so evident across those areas affected by the tsunami. Our thoughts go out to those who are suffering as a result of this catastrophe and hopefully this donation will help make a real difference as the disaster relief operation gets under way. Football's relief effort was kick-started by Everton's announcement it was opening a relief fund. The Liverpool-based club decided to take the lead because of its sponsorship links with Thai brewers Chang, who will be responsible for distributing the money raised. A bank account has been opened to allow supporters to make donations and club chief executive Keith Wyness said there would be a collection at the next home match, against Portsmouth on Tuesday. We are the only Premiership club with a sponsor in that part of the world, Wyness said. We have already been in touch with Chang and they are working on the ground already and doing a lot of things to assist in that area. We want to work with them and do whatever we can to help. _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: NECCI summit from Jan 13
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, December 29, 2004 CITY NECCI summit from Jan 13 GUWAHATI, Dec 28 The North East Chamber of Commerce Industry is going to hold Samriddhi the North East Entrepreneurship Brand Summit 2005, from January 13 to 15 at Leaf Hall, Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, Dispur, in association with the Delhi and Pune-based media and management training and consultancy institute, the Global Institute of Convergence Studies, stated a press release. Renowned speakers from the world of advertising etc, and high-profile entrepreneurs and marketers will share their experiences in the summit on what it takes to build and develop brand equity. Secondly, the summit would also study the success stories of vibrant Indian and regional brands. And for the first time in the history of the North East, the best business performers of this region will be awarded in various categories, the release stated. The jury for the NECCI Business Award includes industry experts from the field of media, brand management and social communication. The entries will be judged by experts from North East as well as outside. Applications from both industry and social development organisations are to reach NECCI Secretariat, 10 Jannat, Zoo-Narengi Road, Guwahati-24, before 5 pm on January 5, 2005. The nominations will be published in newspapers after January 7. For further details, contact phones 0361-2410461, 2410462, 2410463 and 2410464, the release informed. MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
Re: [Assam] Fw: WARNING! The Earth threatened by the planet Hercolubus
Never mind whether this writer was an astronomer or a spiritual leader, at the end of the day you have to be honest and admit to yourself that the facts and figures that were predicted had happened !. Therefore it would be naive of you to dismiss the whole thing. Rini Kakati _ Want to block unwanted pop-ups? Download the free MSN Toolbar now! http://toolbar.msn.co.uk/ ___ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From Assam Live: In the need of a comprehensive Policy for rural development
In the need of a comprehensive Policy for rural development By JATINDRA KUMAR BORGOHAIN GUWAHATI: We are aware of the responsibility, both theoretical and scientific, of the Brahmaputra Board which should take seriously the problem of ecological balance. Otherwise, the work done, whatever it may be, would turn Assam into a graveyard of plant and animal civilisation in the long period. Same point may be raised as an working for all sectors and departments those which are engaged in development works. Appropriate strategy must be evolved to keep the valley green, productive and sustainable for all the living creatures including plant,animals and microbes. Many high sounding phrases have so far been uttered but very little in practice has been done to protect the ecological balance and bio-diversity of the region. Regarding development of the rural areas, particularly, the agricultural sector, at this stage is very much clear. The flood-hit rural area is nothing, but the experimental graveyard of the planning and development sectors. Nearly half of the plain districts are completely or heavily ruined and devastated by flood, thousands lost their lives and properties. In some areas even the dead bodies were neglected, rotten for long time creating serious health-hazards in the region. In nearly two-thirds of the ruralareas roads, bridges, schools, hospital and residential houses areeither completely destroyed or partially damaged. The condition demands not only huge financial resources, but close and comprehensive attention of the human operators. First of all they must be graduated from ecological point of view otherwise, anything done by then might again bethe causes of flood just like that destroyed the Marigaon, Nagaon and the southern part of Kamrup and Goalpara districts. You cannot simply introduce some development projects which are completely ignorant or selfish regarding the fall of the supposed beneficiaries i.e. Marigaon and Nagaon districts are nothing but accumulated results of negligence and unscientific approach of the departments of flood control, embankment, PWD and power. Added to this, the activities of the forest department and the development agencies. All these departments are responsible, then why not the finger would be pointed to the government? The local-resource based ecologically sound and comprehensive policies are suitable for undeveloped areas. Policies must not be prescribed for rural people, which would benefit only the TNCs inthe long run, causing devastation of the local resources and tradition. For example, you are giving tractors to the rural people by drawing thebank resources; at the same time you are giving lessons for organic manners and pesticides. Tractors are certainly useful for quick preparation of cultivable land but it must be seriously introduced withproper instrumentations or it would simply reduce the number of animals in the long run. And hence, the quantity of organic manner available in the rural areas would be reduced to the dangerous level. To fill the gap you prescribe micro-nutrients produced by TNCs doubtful results. Added to this, is your prescription of organic pesticides. Again most of these things are produced by the foreign forms. Ultimately, who is benefited from this strategy? The cultivators or the TNCs? You cannot part with the drought animals producing the major share of manners. They are suitable for cultivation of paddy in the summer. Because there is no need of making the top soil rich in manners completely upside-down. For rice only the two or three inches deep top soil is highly essential. Making top soil upside down is not necessary for rice cultivation where the deposits of measures is uncertain and inappropriate. To the rural poors, keeping the top soil intact and the drought animals quite in large numbers essential for making land rich in manners. In the same way, proper emphasis should be given for research and production of cheaper varieties of organic pesticides. The question of seed selection must also be appropriately addressed. If you part with the local seeds and breeds forever without proper thought, then in the long run the bio-diversity would be completely ruined and the whole civilisation would be the losers. Local seeds which have sustained for a very very long period of history and have come over all sorts of natural calamities, pastes and diseases have a very strong potential of resistance. By keeping the bio-diversity intact we can honour the resistance potential of the local seeds and breeds properly. Selection of appropriate technology is hence the main thing upon which the edificeof self-sustainable development could be fortified. The stupidity must be minimised in giving prescription, For example, you should not give prescription of rearing of high breed pegs in malaria-endemic areas. This may lead to propagation of encephalitis to epidemic stage.You should not prescribe rearing of some
[Assam] From The Sentinel's melange: Civic Sense
Civic Sense H. N. Das Among the big cities I have visited, there are two - New York and Beijing - where the majority of the adults, including women, appear to be smoking most of the time. In Beijing there is no statutory warning, either on billboards or in cigarette packets, that smoking is injurious to health. But amazingly, no one throws a cigarette butt in the street nor litters the side walks in either of these cities. Cigarette companies used to advertise in the Times Square of New York which happens to be the most expensive and lucrative advertising site in the world but this now has become a thing of the past. Kolkata also has a large number of people who appear to be smokers. However, the streets are dirty and the drains are clogged with cigarette butts. 'Pan-biri' shops are aplenty not only in the market areas but also in the 'para' lanes. In any Bengali film, smoking appears to be the predominant activity, next only to eating. Here in Guwahati the percentage of smokers appears to be much less today than in our youth - fifty years ago - when a majority of college students used to smoke. But the littering goes on all the same. Unlike New York or Beijing, the city governments have not provided ample roadside bins to throw in the waste materials nor is there any training to motivate the general public that waste materials are properly disposed of. I have chosen this example to bring home the fact that we have failed to inculcate civic sense in our citizens generally, especially the younger generation. Another example of the lack of civic sense may be that of garbage disposal. We hold big banquets and entertain hundreds of people and then throw the plates and the left over food on the roadside. The plastic plates then float around for days together. The wind blows the litter into the compounds and houses of neighbours. In Guwahati, garbage disposal has become one of the most important problems today. Similar is the problem of cleaning the streets. In Australia, where manpower is short, each house holder is expected to clean and wash the road and footpath in front of his/her house. I was a resident of Adelaide for two and a half years and during this time, my son and I used to enjoy performing this task every morning. It was only for major thoroughfares in the areas containing business, institutional and government buildings that municipal arrangements were made for cleaning the streets. In all major cities of the developed world, garbage compression and disposal is elaborately organized. In the suburbs and countrysides of the United States, Australia, Canada and similar big countries, where land is plentiful, residents are encouraged to burn most of their waste materials in incinerators conveniently placed in corners of their own residential compounds. In advanced countries, solid waste disposal is taken up very seriously in order to eliminate any possibility of pollution and spread of disease. Mahatma Gandhi used to lay great stress on sanitary latrines and proper disposal of human and animal excreta. He had even prescribed alternative uses for such waste. Today we seem to have forgotten the urgency of such action in India. However, in Mumbai and a few other big cities, some attempts have been made to set up Sulabh latrines which are easily accessible to the poor. These may not compare with the public conveniences of the developed countries but nevertheless, these attempts do avoid public nuisances. It is true that poverty, corruption and inefficiency often prevent strict adherence to some of the rules but cases of intentional avoidance and deliberate breaking of rules are also many. There is a general impression that we Indians excel in breaking rules, or avoiding them altogether. For example, if there is a 'No Entry' sign for traffic regulation on a particular road, we still take our cars that way, break the rule, and boast about it. We avoid the cardinal rule of walking on the left side of footpaths. If this is pointed out, a prompt excuse would be that most of these footpaths have holes and are encroached by hawkers. It is also possible that sometimes we do not know the rules and since the elders are not aware, how can they teach the children how to behave in public? It is also the school's responsibility to inculcate such values in young children but our educational system is rather bookish and lacks the essential training of teaching children on how to grow up as good citizens. In spite of constant hammering by the media, concerned seniors and intellectuals, not much seems to have been done by those at the helm of affairs. It has to be emphasized that different aspects of our Civic Life needs to be highlighted in our school curriculum so that children imbibe the ethics and learn to follow the rules of good civic behaviour while growing up. Colleges can organize lectures, seminar and workshops on the duties and responsibilties of a good citizen. Finally, as rightly remarked
[Assam] From Assam Live: Assamese scientist aims for the moon
Assamese scientist aims for the moon By Syed Zarir Hussain Guwahati: He is aiming for the moon, and is expected to fulfil his mission soon. At 54, Jitendra Nath Goswami, a scientist from Assam, is working overtime with a team of experts and is all set for the historic launching of an unmanned spacecraft and placing it in a polar orbit, very close to the moon. This will be India's first extra-terrestrial scientific mission and is planned for launch in 2007-08. "The entire objective of this mission is to put a spacecraft in another planet, outside the earth's gravity, to specifically study and analyse the evolution of the moon," Nath told IANS. He is presently principal scientist for this ambitious lunar mission and also a senior professor at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. According to plans, the unmanned mission codenamed Chandrayaan-1 is expected to place a 525 kg satellite in an orbit 200,000 km away from earth. The Rs.3 billion ($67 million) project carried out under the new initiatives for planetary exploration programme by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was announced by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee last year. "We can study the properties of the moon with some high-resolution mapping, besides studies to ascertain a general belief that there could be water in the moon, mainly in the polar region," said the scientist from eastern Assam's Jorhat district. Nath says modestly that the task is indeed a challenging one that requires long hours in the laboratory. "I feel good that I was being chosen for this really exciting mission and hope things work out according to plans," he said. "My role is like a conductor in a symphony." As head of the mission, Nath looks after all the equipment to ensure that the data collected could be interpreted in the right manner for smooth launch of the satellite. A postgraduate in physics from Gauhati University, Nath did his doctorate degree from the Gujarat University and is today an accomplished expert internationally in the fields of solar system and cosmic ray, astrophysics and planetary sciences. According to ISRO, the proposed mission is considered very important because it would "provide a unique opportunity for frontier scientific research". "It is expected to be the frontrunner of more ambitious planetary missions in the years to come, including landing robots on the moon and visits by Indian spacecraft to other planets in the solar system," an ISRO statement said. But for the moment, Nath is taking a short break back home in Assam where he came to receive the prestigious Kamal Kumari Foundation Awards for excellence in the field of science and technology. "This is indeed an honour and I feel very happy for being chosen for the award," the scientist said. Indo-Asian News Service MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: NECCI moves PM not to include N Bengal in NEC
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Tuesday, November 23, 2004 CITY NECCI moves PM not to include N Bengal in NEC GUWAHATI, Nov 22 The North East Chamber of Commerce and Industry has condemned the Centres move to include North Bengal in NEC. It stated that the leadership of West Bengal during the last couple of years has been advocating extension of benefit of North Eastern Council (NEC) for the development of North Bengal particularly Siliguri. A move was initiated in September last year when the NER chief ministers meeting organised by NEC was held at Gangtok. It is said that the Confederation of India Industry (CII) persuaded West Bengal Government to take up the issue of extending NEC benefit to North Bengal with the then DoNER Minister Dr C P Thakur. In February, 2003, Ashok Bhattacharjee, Urban Development Minister of West Bengal, filed the proposal which was reportedly rejected by the West Bengal Chief Minister as an absurd proposal. A strong protest was raised by the industry associations including NECCI and the Chief Minister of Assam against this move last year. It is now understood that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee has finally enclosed the move and has written to PMO appealing for the extension of NEC benefit for the development of North Bengal. Surprisingly Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee reportedly agreed to take up the matter with PMO. The NECCI said: Such a move, if materialised, can be detrimental to the growth of development of business and industry in the hitherto undeveloped northeastern region of India. The NEC has been established with the sole objective of development of the north eastern region. During the last two decades the North Eastern Council has been initiating several developmental activities including infrastructure development. The present move will reduce the availability of fund with NEC for the development of the north eastern region. The population of North Bengal is almost the same as that of the whole north eastern region, it stated and added that therefore the inclusion of North Bengal in the North Eastern Council will divert a substantial portion of NECs fund. In view of the seriousness of the matter, the North East Chamber of Commerce Industry has appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for DONER to take all necessary steps to desist the West Bengal Government from taking such unhealthy move. NECCI also condemned the West Bengal Government for initiating such a detrimental step at the cost of the development of the northeastern region,Enjoy the awesome learning power of Encarta® at your fingertips when you subscribe to MSN® Encarta Premium. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune: Habits form character
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Sunday, November 21, 2004 EDITORIAL Habits form character HN Das mong the big cities I have visited there are two New York and Beijing where majority of the adults, including women, appear to be smoking most of the time. In Beijing there is no statutory warning either in billboards or in cigarette packets about smoking being injurious to health. But no one throws a cigarette butt on the street nor any one litters the side walks with ash in either of the cities. In New York advertising is also not there now. Cigarette companies used to advertise in the Times Square of New York which happens to be the expensive and lucrative advertising site in the world. This has become a thing of the past. However, it is quite different in Kolkata where also very large number of people appear to be smokers. Streets are dirtied and the drains are clogged with cigarette butts. Pan-biri shops abound not only in the market areas but also in the para lanes. In any Bengalee film smoking appears to be the predominant activity next only to eating. Here in Guwahati the percentage of smokers appears to be much less today than during our youth fifty years ago, when a majority of college students used to smoke. But the littering goes on all the same. Unlike New York or Beijing the city governments have not provided any roadside bins to throw the waste materials nor is there any training to motivate and inspire so that waste materials are properly disposed of. I have chosen this example to bring home the fact that we have failed to inculcate civic sense in our youth specially and citizens generally. Another example may be that of garbage disposal. We would hold big banquets and entertain hundreds of people. Then throw the plates and the left over food on the roadside. The plastic plates would float around for days together. These would not only create problems for padestrians but carried by crows, and sometimes by the wind, litter the compounds and houses of neighbours. In Guwahati garbage disposal has become the most important problem today. Similar is the problem of cleaning the streets. In Australia, where manpower is short, each house holder is expected to clean and wash the road and footpath in front of his/her house. During our two and a half years stay in Adelaide myself and my son used to enjoy performing this task every morning. Only for major thoroughfares in the areas containing business, institutional and government buildings, municipal arrangements are made for such tasks. In all major cities of the developed world garbage compression and disposal is elaborately organised. In the suburbs and country sides of the United States, Australia, Canada and similar big countries, where land is plentiful residents are encouraged to burn most of their waste materials in incinerators conveniently placed in corners of their own residential compounds. Everywhere in the advanced countries solid waste disposal is taken up very seriously in order to eliminate any possibility of pollution and spread of disease. Mahatma Gandhi used to lay great stress on sanitary latrines and proper disposal of human and animal excreta. He had even prescribed alternative uses for such waste. After him we seem to have forgotten the urgency of such action in India. However, in Mumbai and a few other big cities some attempts have been made to set up Sulabh latrines which are easily accessible to the poor. These may not be able to compare with the public conveniences which exist in the cities of the advanced countries. But such attempts, however feeble, do avoid public nuisance. There is a general impression that we Indians excel in avoiding and breaking rules. If there is a no entry sign for traffic regulation in a particular road, we would take our cars that way and boast about it. We avoid the cardinal rule of walking only on footpaths to our left. If this is pointed out the prompt response would be that most of these footpaths have holes and are encroached by hawkers of all kinds. It is true that poverty, corruption and inefficiency often prevent strict adherence to some of the rules. But cases of intentional avoidance and deliberate breaking of rules are also many. Sometimes we do not know the rules. Since the elders are not themselves aware, how can they teach the children how to behave themselves in public? Schools also do not inculcate such values in young children. This is due to the fact that our educational system is rather bookish and lack the essential training of children to grow up as good citizens. In spite of constant hammering by the media, concerned seniors and intellectuals, not much seems to have been done by those at the helm of affairs. It is in this context that it has to be emphasised that different aspects of our civic life need to be highlighted in our school curriculum so that children imbibe the ethics and learn to follow the rules of good civic behaviour while growing
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune: ULFA, AASU and Army
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, November 17, 2004 EDITORIAL ULFA, AASU and Army Col (Retd) Manoranjan Goswami It may sound little incongruous that I am taking of ULFA, AASU and Army together, when there is no commonality in them. There is no common agenda among the three, but somewhere across the canvas of present situation in Assam, all three have definite roles to play with a common objective, that is, to bring peace and stop Assam from bleeding further. The ULFA believes that sovereignty of the State of Assam with total power for self-determination is the answer to bring the misery and misfortune of Assam and the Assamese to end. For ULFA, the foreigners issue is not a problem of long term consequence Delhis colonial rule, as they say, must go. The ULFA also believe that violence is a part of armed struggle or revolution and it is a necessary tool. For All Assam Students Union (AASU), the breeding ground of all problems of Assam is the foreigners issue, specifically lakh of immigrants from Bangladesh. The AASU also recognises that Assam has remained neglected and exploited and the Assam accord clauses, jointly agreed with central government way back in 1985, if implemented, is the answar for long lost identity and development of Assam to a great extent. The AASU, inspite of all isolated incidents of violence that took place as the time of Assam agitation, has a non-violent approach, and no doubt, they are non violent. We must say that the AASU is the only student organisation of the country, which could lead a movement bringing it almost the status of our freedom movement with mass support form all sections. May be, on retrospection, we find that the AASU could not meet the aspirations of the people mostly because of the failure of their foster child AGP, but still, it is the voice of the younger generation of the ! State and by and large; it still is. Now coming to the Army, the Indian Army has two distinct characteristics. First it is the ultimate symbol of Indian nationalism and second it is truly apolitical. The Army faces the brunt of criticism for, alleged excesses here and there, but I can say that the Armys positive role is mostly ignored or remains unappreciated. The Indian Army has a definite role in bringing back the desired peace in the State. The Armys role should be understood Batter. I am not taking any brief for the Army but I can say with some authority that the Army does not relish their job maintaining internal security or taking up arms against its own people. The Armys solemn and sacred job is to protest the border of the country, whose sanctity and honour remain in their hand. The Army comes for fighting the insurgents only when the government wants them to as a last resort. The day the State or Central government asks the Army to go back to barrack they would gladly go, but certainly th! ey would not retreat under any threat. The Army, more than any branch of security force, can help in bringing peace if it gets the support and cooperation from the people. The Army always needs peoples support even when fighting a war. Now, coming to the ULFA among tears and agonies, there is, unfortunately, of course, one positive aspect of the Dhemaji blast and that is, for the first time the ULFA has been openly criticised and their heinous crime has been condemned by one and all, particularly by the AASU. We also find that in a Jatiya Mahasabha, held recently in Guwahati, people, cutting across politics and vocation, have recognised one aspect that violence will never bring any solution to any demand or problem projected by any quarter, be it political or economical. The ULFA, weather we admit it or not, gathered some goodwill and sympathy from the people at the initial stage because they spoke against corruption in very strong term. And there was participation from a good section of brilliant boys in the organisation also. But gradually, when extortion, kidnapping and killing became the order of the day, people got disillusioned. People, passively started asking why Manabendra Sarma was killed, why! Sanjay Ghosh was killed. But public outcry has taken a different form after Dhemaji and I must say that both AASU and media played a positive role. We hope this protest continues and at least, get the ULFA and the government on the discussion table. Even among enemies, discussion does take place and many a time it has been proved that discussion across is far fruitful, than the powers of the gun. But certain limitations are there and one should draw the road map for discussion well ahead and should be well planned before it meets irreparable collapse. The first point is can there by any discussion on sovereignty of the country. Assam is a proud part of India and no one in Assam, except probably the ULFA, talks about an independent Assam. With or without history behind, Assam does not want to be a sovereign State ceding from India. This is not negotiable and
[Assam] Colin Powell's resignation: moderates vs hardliners
The Times of India Editorial Colin Powell's resignation: moderates vs hardliners Fence-sitters should be banished from politics The 'moderate' is a sick joke in contemporary politics. He persuades everyone into believing that he acts as a restraining influence on hardline elements, without actually doing anything of the sort. Colin Powell was believed to be the moderate in the Bush administration who was opposed to the Iraq invasion. It was this moderate image, as well as his Afro-American descent, that prompted the US government to pick Powell as its spokesperson in the UN General Assembly address which sought to explain why Iraq should be attacked. The man who supposedly did not believe in getting into Iraq lied on television screens across the world on the existence of 'weapons of mass destruction'. A true moderate would have refused to go on air, even sacrificing his job in the process. The moderate is a packaged creation, serving as a perfect foil to overtly hard-nosed elements in a political set-up. Who better than a person from a disadvantaged community to play the role? Therefore, Powell is mistakenly perceived as someone who might better appreciate the plight of the have-nots in the world. Back home, Atal Behari Vajpayee is the moderate poster boy of the anti-Muslim Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Husain are pressed into service to peddle Hindutva. Finally, the Afro-American sat back and watched while tragedy befell Iraq; his friends in India hemmed and hawed when Gujarat burned. The late Yasser Arafat played ducks and drakes with Islamic fundamentalism, while posturing to stand for secular Palestinian ideals. Moderates are sidelined during crucial junctures, where an entire party converges around a single view, such as the Republicans after 9/11 or the BJP during Kargil. They are then reduced to a farce, reacting after a disaster. They cling to their posts despite all the embarrassment. We don't need such fence-sitters Enjoy the awesome learning power of Encarta® at your fingertips when you subscribe to MSN® Encarta Premium. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: Tackling post-flood problems in Assam
You aredead righton this one. Yes, Mr. Sarma's article does alarm me. Thank you for bringing this issue to me. I will definitely forward it to Haren-da. In fact I will ask him to write up and answer Mr.Sarma's views. Now I am sending the detailed aticle of Mr. Sarma. Rini Kakati Tackling post-flood problems in Assam Barada Sarma The important objective behind this article is to discuss the important issues of floods and various issues relating to the Brahmaputra river that will have major repercussions because of the decisions that are going to be made soon. We should realize that the problems of floods, landslides, interminable water-logging of the major city streets for lack of drainage facilities due to filling up of natural wetlands, and the accompanying death, destruction and misery are due to implementation of policies without any transparency and accountability. In a recent write-up by former Chief Secretary of Assam HN Das published in the Mélange (the Sunday magazine of The Sentinel) on October 31, the total loss suffered by the State in the June-July floods in the State was to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore. Now this is a mammoth figure by all accounts. This should be enough to make us ponder as to how the Brahmaputra and its tributaries had been managed over the last 50 years and how effective flood control measures are necessary to reduce the damage and mitigate the sufferings of ordinary people in future. Structures in Seismic Zones: The flood losses are distressing, but what is more distressing to me as a consulting engineer, a regulator and a policy-maker are some statements from a paragraph in the article referred to above. The paragraph reads, "In regard to the control of the Brahmaputra by constructing dams in the Himalayas, which is a comparatively young mountain range and extremely prone to seismic activity, I had opposed the proposal to build huge dams along with hydel power stations costing Rs 35,000 crore as proposed by the Brahmaputra Board. The recent fear of bursting of dams on the Tsangpo river (main branch of the Brahmaputra), about with China had issued a warning to India, should deter any attempt to implement the Boards project. It should be borne in mind that the two largest earthquakes in human history, those of Guwahati-Shillong of June 12, 1897 and Arunachal (the NEFA) of August 15, 1950, occurred in this region. These weighted 8.7 and 8.6 respectively, on the Richter (si! c) scale! . Besides that the fear of environmental degradation by extra high voltage transmission lines of 800 or 1200 KV is also real (sic)." First, if dams, tall buildings, bridges, aqueducts, roads, highways, tunnels and other engineering structures were not built in highly seismic areas of the world, taking into consideration seismic forces that the structure would be subjected to in times of major earthquakes, man could not have made the progress he has made in the last century. Much research has been done in engineering schools and engineering laboratories around the world, including in India (Roorkee), in this field of engineering and research continues to be pursued in this area in many institutions for more knowledge. We should be aware that Japan would not be able to have fresh drinking water for its citizens, being an ocean-locked nation except from desalination plants which are still very uneconomic, if Japan did not build large multipurpose dams with storage for water supply. Also, huge hydro-power capacity would be unavailable for Japans industries to make it the second most powerful nation in the world in economic terms, had she not built high, medium and small dams, all across Japan for this purpose. We know that Japan is located in a highly seismic zone and in fact has had major earthquakes all through its history. (I know, over the years, Japanese experts have come to India and the North-east to consult and advise on these issues.) On June 15, 1896, at 19.32 hour, an earthquake of magnitude 8.5 on the Richter scale occurred in Sanriku, Japan. This earthquake was stronger in magnitude than the Assam earthquake of June 12, 1897 at 11:06 hour which was reported as of magnitude 8! ! .3 on the Richter scale by the USGS. Mr Das reports the magnitude of this earthquake in his article as 8.7 which is different from the USGS record. Not that it matters much as to which is the more accurate source. We should realize that these earthquakes are of very large intensity. The State of California, the seventh largest economy in the world, would not be such a powerful economic powerhouse had it not built one of the largest water management systems in the world. The dams, reservoirs, aqueducts, irrigation projects and diversion structures, hydropower plants etc. that transport water from water-rich northern California to water-short southern California have transformed agricultural practices and production in a big way in California. The growth of the multi-billion dollar a
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: Honour for Assamese teacher in America
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Friday, November 12, 2004 STATE Honour for Assamese teacher in America GUWAHATI, Nov 11 Dr Sanjeev K Bordoloi, an Assamese residing in the US, received the Outstanding Teaching Award in October, 2004 for his teaching in the MBA programme at the College of William Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, a press release said. Dr Bordoloi is a professor of Operations Information Technology in the School of Business. Dr Bordoloi teaches MBA, BBA and Executive Development courses on Operations Management, Service Management, Operations Planning, Project Management and Total Quality Management. Besides the College of William and Mary, he has also taught at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. His teaching specializes in field-based courses where students apply the classroom lessons in actual real-world situations to augment their learning. Dr Bordoloi has worked full-time in the semiconductor and steel industry (Motorola, Applied Materials and Tata Steel) at executive level. Besides his teaching, Dr Bordoloi has published several research papers in top journals and was named a Sam M Walton Free Enterprise Fellow by the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) in recognition of his leadership and support of the free enterprise program. Dr Bordoloi is the eldest son of Chandra Dhar Bordoloi and Basanti Bordoloi of JorhatFed up of receiving junk e-mail? Find out how to deal with spam here. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Telegraph: British bounty for Nagaland
British bounty for Nagaland Dibrugarh, Nov. 10: One of his abiding memories is of running up and down the hilly paths of Kohima, the Nagaland capital, with his siblings. Those were the days of World War II and he was just 10 years old. Now 67 and retired, Tony Twigger is back with a bagful of rare gifts for the place where he admittedly had a delightful childhood. Tony has brought with him rare photographs and maps that he inherited from his father, and wants them to be preserved in a museum or the state archives. His father, Major Horace Twigger, was an engineer with the Royal Indian Engineers. One of his many postings was in Kohima, where he supervised the construction of a building that now houses the Naga Hospital. The Twiggers stayed in Kohima for two-and-a-half years before returning to England. I still remember how the local Nagas used to dress us in their traditional attires and we enjoyed every moment of it. We also participated in all their festivals, Tony said in Dibrugarh, just before leaving for Kohima with some friends. Tony is carrying a copy of the Naga Hospitals structural plan, which was drawn by his father, and rare photographs of construction in progress. As a child, I witnessed how a massive rock had to be dug up and how hundreds of labourers were engaged for days to remove it so that a road could be built to facilitate transportation of building materials, he said, pointing to a photograph that has acquired a tinge of sepia. The British government had constructed the hospital as a tribute to the brave Nagas who assisted their troops in stopping the advancing Japanese army. The retired employee of the British education department has yet to contact the authorities in Nagaland to hand over the photographs and other materials. I will do it once I reach there. I will also visit the hospital and talk to the authorities there. They might be keen to preserve it themselves. Lets see, he said. On whether he planned to show his family where he stayed as a child, Tony said: My wife and my only son, who is a writer, were also scheduled to come, but could not do so for some reasons. Hopefully, they will come next season with my brother and sister, who, too, missed the bus because of different engagements. MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] News from The Sentinel: Tackling post-flood problems in Assam
Tackling post-flood problems in Assam Barada Sarma The important objective behind this article is to discuss the important issues of floods and various issues relating to the Brahmaputra river that will have major repercussions because of the decisions that are going to be made soon. We should realize that the problems of floods, landslides, interminable water-logging of the major city streets for lack of drainage facilities due to filling up of natural wetlands, and the accompanying death, destruction and misery are due to implementation of policies without any transparency and accountability. In a recent write-up by former Chief Secretary of Assam HN Das published in the Mélange (the Sunday magazine of The Sentinel) on October 31, the total loss suffered by the State in the June-July floods in the State was to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore. Now this is a mammoth figure by all accounts. This should be enough to make us ponder as to how the Brahmaputra and its tributaries had been managed over the last 50 years and how effective flood control measures are necessary to reduce the damage and mitigate the sufferings of ordinary people in future. Structures in Seismic Zones: The flood losses are distressing, but what is more distressing to me as a consulting engineer, a regulator and a policy-maker are some statements from a paragraph in the article referred to above. The paragraph reads, "In regard to the control of the Brahmaputra by constructing dams in the Himalayas, which is a comparatively young mountain range and extremely prone to seismic activity, I had opposed the proposal to build huge dams along with hydel power stations costing Rs 35,000 crore as proposed by the Brahmaputra Board. The recent fear of bursting of dams on the Tsangpo river (main branch of the Brahmaputra), about with China had issued a warning to India, should deter any attempt to implement the Boards project. It should be borne in mind that the two largest earthquakes in human history, those of Guwahati-Shillong of June 12, 1897 and Arunachal (the NEFA) of August 15, 1950, occurred in this region. These weighted 8.7 and 8.6 respectively, on the Richter (sic) scale! . Besides that the fear of environmental degradation by extra high voltage transmission lines of 800 or 1200 KV is also real (sic)." First, if dams, tall buildings, bridges, aqueducts, roads, highways, tunnels and other engineering structures were not built in highly seismic areas of the world, taking into consideration seismic forces that the structure would be subjected to in times of major earthquakes, man could not have made the progress he has made in the last century. Much research has been done in engineering schools and engineering laboratories around the world, including in India (Roorkee), in this field of engineering and research continues to be pursued in this area in many institutions for more knowledge. We should be aware that Japan would not be able to have fresh drinking water for its citizens, being an ocean-locked nation except from desalination plants which are still very uneconomic, if Japan did not build large multipurpose dams with storage for water supply. Also, huge hydro-power capacity would be unavailable for Japans industries to make it the second most powerful nation in the world in economic terms, had she not built high, medium and small dams, all across Japan for this purpose. We know that Japan is located in a highly seismic zone and in fact has had major earthquakes all through its history. (I know, over the years, Japanese experts have come to India and the North-east to consult and advise on these issues.) On June 15, 1896, at 19.32 hour, an earthquake of magnitude 8.5 on the Richter scale occurred in Sanriku, Japan. This earthquake was stronger in magnitude than the Assam earthquake of June 12, 1897 at 11:06 hour which was reported as of magnitude 8! .3 on the Richter scale by the USGS. Mr Das reports the magnitude of this earthquake in his article as 8.7 which is different from the USGS record. Not that it matters much as to which is the more accurate source. We should realize that these earthquakes are of very large intensity. The State of California, the seventh largest economy in the world, would not be such a powerful economic powerhouse had it not built one of the largest water management systems in the world. The dams, reservoirs, aqueducts, irrigation projects and diversion structures, hydropower plants etc. that transport water from water-rich northern California to water-short southern California have transformed agricultural practices and production in a big way in California. The growth of the multi-billion dollar agriculture industry, one of the largest in the world, would not have been possible without implementation of the California water plan. We know California is in a highly seismic zone and has had a number of major earthquakes in its history and also in recent times. As a matter of fact, the
[Assam] From Assam Live: All About Negotiation: Let the Ground Realities be Taken Up
All About Negotiation: Let the Ground Realities be Taken Up By JATINDRA KUMAR BORGOHAIN Guwahati: While the Bhismas and Dronacharyyas are sleeping and slogging through the incorrect path, the great daughter of Assam Mamoni Roisam is doing the right job by approaching correctly until now through the right path. But the straight gate is gloomy and narrowed and jungle treaders are very much well-versed in tactical sleuthing and raising slogans of political nature. The ground-reality is very much uncertain and complex. Because until now the rebel groups are not starting a meaningful dialogue. Each and every rebel group in the north eastern state must have a common approach regarding the future of the region including Assam. On the other hand, the Centre has no common approach. It starts dialogue with Thuingleng Muiva and Issac Su in Bankok, but have no common approach for other groups. This is a fallacious mistake. Because, in number, organisational strength and maturity PLA, ULFA etc are no longer second to NSCN (I-M). They have their own ideology and approach and even after closure of NSCN (I-M) warfront thFinal settlement of the problem of nationalities in Assam would be possible only on the basis of a national programme supported and accepted by all the organisations of Assam. The Ground Reality: One After the fall of the Myanmar rear area, the NSCN (I-M) have little hope of survival as a military power. The mature political leadership of NSCN (I-M) knows it very well that they cannot sacrifice the cause of self-determination of Nagaland without any meaningful gain. In case of ULFA, after the fall of Bhutan rear area, rising danger of joint India-Myanmar military action and increasing pressure on Bangladesh to damp down the rebel camps in that country, the rear belt is shrinking. That is why, they want find our a path of survival. In case of organisations like NDFB, after partial fulfillment of BTC demand, the support base is starting. Therefore, they are bound to find out a peaceful solution of the Bodo problem. The ground reality is of striking rear area of the rebels. This strategic drawback of the situation cannot be neglected by the rebel groups. Ground Reality : Two The political demand of the rebel groups is centring around an agenda of right of self-determination. This demand carries various meaning. For all political pundits of various school, it suggests autonomy with right to secede, i.e. freedom to determine the future of the nationality by its own members. Ground Reality : Three Uptil now the Government and ULFA---both parties are busy with their own line of action i.e. killing the other parties and the supporters. While Mamoni Roisom Goswami is preparing the ground for a discussion, the ULFA Commander-in-Chief, who is recognised by all as the Supreme authority so far the military command of ULFA is concerned, have threatened the Congress that the members of the organisation would be killed even at the grass root level. This cannot be accepted as a good tactical stand of ULFA. Because if discussion is to be made sincerely, then there should not be any threat from any quarter. The Centre, on the other hand, is continuing is operations against ULFA, Mamoni Roisom Goswami factor has no meaning at all in the military level. If the parties concerned are sincere for peacemaking, then they must stop the killings first. My suggestion to the Centre and the Assam Government to stop all sorts of killings. Same suggestions I like to offer to the other parties. It is not politics of a civil society. Let us hope for a better future and stop the killings. A fresh situation is needed to make the peace process a success. Ground Reality : Four The nature of the political problem of the nationality is of political nature. I do not think that economic doles would have some lasting impact. In the same thing, it should be recognised that the cause of concern is not a conspiracy against anybody. All demands centring around self-determination are of political nature and ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua's demand for sovereignty is also of political nature. Political demands of this type can be settled only if the Indian Union is reconstructed and the Constitution is reframed or re-written. I think Prof. Monoranjan Mohanti and other intellectuals helping Mamoni Roisom Goswami would realise this situation properly. Restructuring of this type does need many things more than the simple good wish and humanism. The reality would be realised in its comprehensive form to chalk out the alternative for all the oppressed and dissatisfied nationalities Fed up of receiving junk e-mail? Find out how to deal with spam here. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options:
[Assam] From The Times of India: Two Indians among world's top 50 businesswomen
Two Indians among world's top 50 businesswomen WASHINGTON: Two Indians figure in a list of the world's top 50 businesswomen announced by the Wall Street Journal on Monday. The inaugural "Women to Watch" survey of the newspaper places Indra Nooyi, president and CEO of Pepsico in India on the 16th position. Nooyi has been nominated for being one of the lead negotiators of the 13.9 billion dollars acquisition of Quaker Oats and its prized Gatorade brand. The newspaper said the list was "designed to recognise women who have achieved noteworthy successes in business in the past year, as well as those who are poised to play important roles in business in the years to come." The deputy CEO of HSBC in India Naina Lal Kidwai also finds mention in the list at 34th position for helping Indian companies raise billions at home and abroad. The 50 were selected by a team of Wall Street Journal reporters and editors from 550 nominations worldwide. The list, which placed Carly Fiorina of Hewlett Packard on the top, also included seven other Asians. Xie Qihua, chairwoman of China's Shanghai Baosteel Group was the top ranking Asian in the list. Other Asians on the list were: Fumiko Hayashi, president of BMW Tokyo; Wu Xiaoling, deputy governor of the Peoples Bank of China; Yang Mianmian, president of China's Haier Group; Yoon Song Yee, vice president of South Korea's SK Telecom; Kim Sung Joo of Korea's Sungjoo International and Sungjoo Design Tech and Innovation Fed up of receiving junk e-mail? Find out how to deal with spam here. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Editorial article from The Hindu: Why Bush win will please Osama?
Why Bush win will please Osama? By Robin Cook All the checks and balances that the founding fathers constructed to restrain presidential power are broken instruments. IF YOU imagine the rest of us have a problem living with George W. Bush for another four years, spare a thought for the 55 million Americans who voted against him. John Kerry is fated to be stuck with the label of a loser and is already being blamed for his lack of charisma, his absence of passion and his electoral misjudgment of being born on the eastern seaboard rather than the Deep South. Yet in fairness to Mr. Kerry, more Americans backed him than supported Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter, and some of them queued for two hours in their determination to vote for him. There may be more conservatives in America than ever before, but there are also more Democrats. Unfortunately this does not add up to a case for a recount. The United States does not run a proportional system and the winner takes all. In Mr. Bush's case, he not only took the White House, but he also took a clean sweep of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and he will now have the opportunity to take a majority of the Supreme Court. All the checks and balances that the founding fathers constructed to restrain presidential power are broken instruments. It is to be hoped that the obsession of President Bush with fitness will guarantee his health for the length of his renewed tenancy of the White House. Otherwise we get President Cheney. I met Dick Cheney immediately after he had been installed as Vice-President in what was the most bizarre encounter of my time as British Foreign Secretary. He could not disguise his irritation that a European pinko had somehow wormed a way into his diary and for half an hour mostly confined himself to monosyllabic replies. By contrast, this week he was in full triumphalist flood, claiming Mr. Bush's election as the greatest "of any presidential candidate in history." The first sign as to whether the Bush second term will be more flexible will be what now happens to the neoconservatives. Will Paul Wolfowitz, the Pentagon No 2 who lobbied for the invasion of Iraq, get promoted to the front rank? Will John Bolton, the No 3 at the State Department who has overseen the Bush campaign to torpedo the International Criminal Court, survive in any rank? Mr. Bolton has been responsible for much of the sabre-rattling towards Iran and responded to a question about whether he would support Europe's attempt to offer Iran incentives with the terse one-liner: "I don't do carrots." What makes this web of reactionary ideologues a menace to the world is that they believe complex, historic problems have simple, instant, military solutions. And it is an article of faith with them that America must acquire full-spectrum dominance of military capabilities in order that it can impose such solutions unilaterally. They are the product of an era in which America has emerged as the sole hyperpower, and regard allies not as proof of diplomatic strength but as evidence of military weakness. They will now celebrate their election victory by putting Falluja to the torch. Mr. Wolfowitz was furious last spring when the outcry among both Sunnis and Shias obliged the marine corps to abandon its siege; this time he will insist on military victory in Falluja regardless of the political cost across Iraq from civilian casualties. The administration remained sensitive enough to the potential domestic cost of another major offensive in Iraq to delay it until after the presidential polling day, but it will not give a second thought to the adverse impact on public opinion in Britain of escalating civilian casualties. It is notable that all the comment this week from the Bush camp on prospects for the Middle East has built on the failing health of Yasser Arafat, as if he alone had been the obstacle to peace. But it is a delusion to imagine that a peace agreement can be established by the simple strategy of finding a more pliable successor to sign up to it. There will be no lasting peace or viable Palestine unless Israel withdraws from its settlements on the West Bank. Far from pressing Mr. Sharon for such a concession, there is no evidence that Mr. Bush even supports dismantling the settlements, or that he could get agreement to it from the neoconservatives in his administration, who regard Likud as the nearest thing they have to a sister party. The paradox may be beyond Mr. Bush, but the best way he could make progress in his war on terror would be by winning peace in the Middle East. When Osama bin Laden launched his attack on the twin towers he intended it as a demonstration of his malign belief that the only relationship acceptable between the west and Islam was one of violent confrontation. As George Soros has argued, the Bush administration walked into a trap by responding in a way that accepted the terms of the relationship set down by its enemy. Now
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune: Bush or Kerry?
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, November 3, 2004 EDITORIAL MESSAGE FOR TODAY Victory has a thousand fathers but defeat is an orphan. JOHN F KENNEDY Bush or Kerry ? The spectre of 2000 US elections continue to haunt that highly polarised nation. Four years ago, for the maiden time in the history of USA, the margin of error was bigger than the margin of victory. Bush ultimately bagged the battleground state of Florida by 537 votes. And, all its 25 electoral colleges had to back him. It was a typical The winner-take-all system at work thereby giving him the presidency. This is despite the fact that Al Gore had won half a million more votes than Bush. Thus, though there is a raging debate on in USA over the very fundamentals of this system, yet the voters know that even a few hundred votes in the swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Missouri and Ohio could be crucial in this close battle between Republican George W Bush and Democrat John Kerry. This time too, there are apprehensions galore of the voting errors, infamous butterfly ballots and hanging chads that had disenfranchised thousands of voters in Flor! ida. Convicts in US do not have voting rights. They were felons too and had an unusually high proportion of Blacks. Incidentally, the African Americans form approximately 15 per cent of the American population and view voting as a privilege and not a right in an affirmative way. They normally support the Democrats. What is more, Florida is one of the six states in America where even the ex-felons lose their right to franchise unless they are allowed to vote by the governor. The Republicans knew that to win Florida they had to restrain the Blacks from turning out to vote, and thus played the strategy. Fortunately, after the media exposed the list, this move was dropped this time. But, in the post-poll phase, shadows of legal wrangles loom large. The poll process in USA is carried out by election supervisors at the county level, and laws as well as procedures differ from county to county. Nonetheless, in spite of electoral reforms being put in place, people are largely sceptical about the entire process: There are queries about electronic voting machines, voter registration, absentee balloting and provisional ballots. These question marks have put the road to the White House in doubt, to say the least. After the 2000 fiasco and the enactment of the Help America Vote Act in 2002, there was a move to give the state money to upgrade technology. But very few opted. This time, only 15 of the 67 counties in Florida are using the EVMs following widespread belief that they may have been programmed to steal an election. Many actually chose the old system of punchcards. What made matters worse was the promise of a CEO of one of the companies in Ohio providing the machines. He, in a fundraising letter, promised to ! deliver the state to President Bush. Therefore is the demand in US that these machines should not be used unless there is the safeguard of a paper trail that is a parallel paper record to facilitate recount. A key poll plank this time is stem cell research. While on one hand it would enable any Dr Frankenstein to degrade humanity on the other it is portrayed as a remedy for all kinds of diseases. President Bill Clinton had allowed the use of federal funds for its research whereas Bush on August 9, 2001, imposed a ban on it save for some 60 lines already established by then. Support for Proposition 71 the initiative under which $3 billion in state funds are to be used to power embryonic stem cell research forced California governor and now Kennedy kin Arnold Schwarzenegger to break ranks with his Republican party. Notably, in an endorsement recorded about a week before his death, paralysed Superman star Christopher Reeve had urged the Californians to back the controversial research when they vote in the November 2 referendum. Kerry has stolen the show here by accusing Bush of sacrificing life-saving science for right-wing dogma and pledges his support to the research b! y overturning the ban. The other defining issue is, of course, terrorism of the Bin Laden mode. Though the issues raised by the US polls were bigger than this one single man, yet he definitely remains the most potent symbol. A poll on Saturday showed that the tape had not tipped the balance at all. In a bid to influence the voters in America, Laden offered a critique of US foreign policy, especially the administrations of President Bush and his father. He suggested to Americans that they have the power to stop the Qaeda attacks by rejecting candidates who attack the organization or who cause harm to the Muslims: Your security is not in the hands of Kerry or Bush or al Qaeda. It is in your hands! While many feel that any change in leadership may affect the crusade against the fundamentalists there are others who say: Bush has been in office and Osama is still running around.
[Assam] Wahid Saleh: a true social worker, from Rajabari to Netherlands
While organising the NRA Convention in Assam, it reminds me of a name Wahid Saleh of Netherlands. It is an honour and a privilege to be included in a prestigious list of speakers at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Wahid Saleh was one of the speaker including Amartya Sen (Noble Laureate), Lord Meghnad Desai (academician), Salman Rushdie (book author), L.N. Mittal, The Hindujas and Swarja Paul in the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divasat Delhi in the year 2002. Hailing from Rajabari, Jorhat, he moved to West Germany in 1963 for his higher training in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, but landed up in the Information Technology. He went through the whole process of IT -operator, programmer, system analyst, system deigner, data communication manager, computer centre manager and IT manager. His last job was Head of the department of Quality and Research of a major Dutch company. He was responsible for the design, procurement and implementation of a data communication infrastructure involving more than 5,000 online users. After 38 years in IT he had taken early retirement and is now involved in social work. Wahid was also the Secretary of the Federation of International Friendship and Cultural Organisations in the Netherlands. Since 2001 he is one of the cultural coordinators of the Milan Festival, celebrated in the Hague. It is the biggest open air festival of the Asians in the European mainland. On behalf of the Indian community in the Netherlands, Mayor of Zoetermeer and the Ambassador of India presented Wahid with The Golden Jubilee Community Service Award. So, far he is the only person to receive this award. Wahid was then awarded the coveted Dutch honour, Ridder in de Orde van Oranje - Nassau or the Knighthood of the Order of Orange - Nassau. It was presented on the occasion of the queen's birthday. Wahid is beleived to be the first Indian national to receive the rare honour, which is normally given only to Dutch nationals who have made distinguished contributions to socio-economic life in the Netherlands. He was chosen for the award for his efforts in the promtion of multicultural activites in the country. The Dutch award was given to him as "tribute to his commitment, devotion, and years of dedicated work promoting knowledge about, and understanding between the peoples of India and the Netherlands of their culture, history, philosophy, religious and social structure of the two countries," according to the citation for the award. Rini KakatiMSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Re: Question Time in the USA
Question Time is a very popular programme in UK. It is hosted by David Dimbleby. I hardly miss it. I watch it every thursday and is shown in BBC One. I am sure it will be shown in some TV channel in the States. But not in the radio. Rini KakatiMSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune: How planning failed Assam
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Tuesday, October 26, 2004 EDITORIAL How planning failed Assam H N Das The amorphous entity, we normally refer to as the Centre, has now formally acknowledged the neglect and injustice of Assam in respect of Plan allocations in the past. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government admitted as follows: It is a matter of concern that regional imbalance have been accentuated by not just historical neglect but also by distortions in Plan allocations and central Government assistance. Even in the Tenth Five Year Plan, States like Bihar, Assam and UP have received per capita allocations that are much below the national average. We have, however, been crying, for the past twenty years at least, about the discrimination and the neglect in respect of the Plan. In 1984-85 while preparing Assams Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990) as the then Planning and Development Commissioner of the Government of Assam I carried out considerable research with the object of unravelling the basic trends of the economic development process in Assam during the previous few decades. In this endeavour I was assisted by N K Barua and P B Deb. One outcome of this research was the development of a planning model which could postulate the different rates of growth per annum that would achieve corresponding reduction in the gap between the States per capita income (PCI) and the national average and also project the period during which the gap could be bridged. This research brought out, for the first time, that during the entire period of planned development the rate of economic growth in Assam was much slower compared to the national average. Secondly, at constant 1970-71 prices, Assams PCI of Rs 50.04 was higher in 1950-51 than the average PCI of India. However, it started lagging behind since the late 1960s and by the year 1984-85. Assams PCI became Rs 212.9 which was lower than the all India average. This fact now looks obvious and is often quoted by economists, politicians and social leaders. But no one had an inkling about it before out research results were published. Thirdly, all along the period of planned development the per capita plan expenditure per annum in Assam upto the Sixth Five-Year Plan was lower than the national average. Only after the Seventh Plan the expenditure picked up slightly. When late Hiteswar Saikia, the then Chief Minister, took the model and the graphs to the then Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi she got a real shock. She told us that while she had always known that Assam was backward she could never imagine that it had been better off than the rest of India in the year 1950 and had slided down so much in 35 years of planned development. That year Assams central assistance went up by an additional Rs 100 crore. This was quite a considerable amount in those days. However, this initiative was never followed up and nothing at all was done to provide the level of investment required to lift up the rate of economic development in Assam as postulated by the model. Meanwhile, insurgency and political problems complicated the scene and government attention was diverted to other matters. After retirement from service, in early 1995, I reworked the time series of PCI at constant 1980-81 prices and found that there was no basic change in the trends seen earlier. The newly worked out series showed that while in 1950-51 Assams PCI of Rs 40 was higher than the national average by 1992-93 the figure had lagged behind so much that it became Rs 271 which was less than the national average. The latest position, as worked out by the Government of India shows that while in 1950-51 Assams PCI was 104.1 per cent of the national average by 2002-03 it had slided down to only 55.4 per cent of the national average. What is more unfortunate is that while Assams PCI lost 30 percentage points in the first 40 years from 1950-51 to 1990-91 in the liberalised regime of the next 11 years from 1990-91 to 2001-02 it slipped 20 percentage points. A projection on the basis of the present growth rates of population and NDP/NSDP brings out the more ominous portent of Assams PCI becoming only 33.12 per cent of the national average by 2019.20. This is alarming. When we make an inter-regional comparison in terms of PCI, the differences appear to be glaring. In 2001-02, for example, while Assam had a PCI of Rs 10,951 the national average was Rs 18,912. The highest of all States was that of Goa which was Rs 49,673. What is significant is that Assam is worse off than the other North Eastern States. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in terms of Human Development Index (HDI), which gives a better insight into economic and social development, Indias rank was found to be 115 among 162 countries. The value of HDI for India worked out to be 0.571 against Norways 0.939, which happened to be the highest of all countries. A
[Assam] Editorial article from The Sentinel: Eliminating Veerappan
Editorial-I Eliminating Veerappan Almost three decades after the dreaded bandit of the forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala had embarked on his major activity of stealing sandalwood and selling it with the blessings of a host of politicians whom he benefited Nemesis, in the form of the Special Task Force (STF) overtook Veerappan on Monday night. He was eliminated at long last when he was shot down by the STF of Tamil Nadu in the Hogenekal forest area in Dharampuri district along with three of his associates. This is perhaps what Veerappan deserved, considering his brutal ways of eliminating forest officials and STF personnel in the past. But as far as the nation is concerned, it would have liked him to have been captured, interrogated and tried, since this would have possibly exposed the political godfathers who protected him and delayed his end by at least two decades. The Tamil Nadu STF commander who is now so busy holding press conferences, might do better hanging down his head in shame for ! all his predecessors who failed to get Veerappan not because they lacked trained personnel or equipment, but because they chose to listen to their political bosses who wanted Veerappan to be left unharmed. The STF should also hang down its head in shame for allowing Veerappans sense of vendetta to be better than its own sense of vendetta at the elimination of dedicated police and forest officials and any number of citizens. If the STF has given Veerappan an extra lease of life, so have the villagers around the forests where he operated. To most of them he was a Robin Hood of sorts, because of the help they always had from him. In turn, they made sure that Veerappan did not lack information that would allow him to escape the police. What they overlooked was that this is what all criminals are obliged to do when they are pursued by the police. What they also forgot was that Veerappan had killed over 150 people and over 2,000 elephants in his long and diabolic career as a forest bandit. That was the kind of price the nation had to pay so that a murderous bandit could save his miserable skin. That was the price the nation had to pay so that some political bosses could continue to derive benefits from Veerappans survival. And so the STFs of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had obviously been told to soft pedal the entire operations against the perverted killer. One recalls how Veerappan beh! eaded Karnataka Deputy Conservator Srinivas in November 1990. In May 1992, he attacked a police station in Ramapura killing five policemen and fled with all their arms and ammunition. Three months later, his gang killed STF officers Harikrishna and Shakil Ahmed along with four constables. In April 1993, he triggered off a landmine blast getting at least 22 people in a bus killed. In spite of all this, the STF, which had been formed by then, was unable to nab the killer with all the resources at their command. Worse, when Veerappan abducted Karnataka matinee idol and four others on July 30, 2000 and held them captive for 100 days, the Karnataka Government even conceded Veerappans demand that some of his followers held in the Mysore jail be released. It was a writ petition filed by the father of the late Shakil Ahmed that invoked the Supreme Courts wrath on the Karnataka Government for embarking on such a patently illegal course of action. It remains a mystery as to what might have brought about the change of mid-sets in the appropriate quarters that eventually led to the elimination of Veerappan on Monday. But two turning points may be significant. The first is that Veerappan himself had begun to get tired of being a perpetual fugitive. His pleas for amnesty and offers of transfer came around the mid-1990s. The media, which had always sought to project Veerappan as no more than just a sandalwood smuggler, also projected itself in the worst possible light by speculating on the possibility of Veerappan getting into politics around this time. However, the abduction of former Karnataka minister H.Nagappa on August 25, 2002 must have sent shock waves among the political beneficiaries of Veerappans criminal activities. They must have decided that enough was enough. But they must have obviously wanted Veerappan killed rather than caught alive. They did not want any of the skeletons in the cupboards tumbling out.! And even though Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh says that he will conduct an inquiry into the involvement of politicians in Veerappans activities, we know that this will be no more than a charade. Veerappans elimination is good riddance to bad rubbish, but it would have been so much better if he had been caught alive so that we could have heard him sing about his political benefactors. MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___
[Assam] Bollywood baadshah for president
Check the weekly South Asian Comic Strip which features British comedian fame Ali Gand Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan as they debate on the upcoming 'Predential Debate 2004' live from Washington DC withJohn Kerry vs George W.Bush trying to out smart one another towin the maximum votes. It seems even Bill Clinton joins the debate in a typical Bollywood styleelection campaign. It's hilarious!. And will make you laugh till the end.All you have to do is just simply press the start button first then put the headphone in your ears and sit back and enjoy the excitement. Rini Kakati www.badmash.org/dishoom.phpFaster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call and best of all it's free - download MSN Messenger today!---BeginMessage--- - Forwarded message from Vinu Warrier [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2004 09:46:16 -0500 From: Vinu Warrier [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Vinu Warrier [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Bollywood baadshah for president To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], kumar rema [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], Balmurli Natrajan [EMAIL PROTECTED], Prasenjit- [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], Swarnavel Eswaran Pillai [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jalaja Pillai [EMAIL PROTECTED] You HAVE to see this. And don't forget to watch out for Clinton's endorsement right at the end. http://www.badmash.org/dishoom.php Also check out other funny non-bollywood clips at: http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/af/home/ Go to this site and click on the Bushwhacked clip. Vinu Warrier Writer Stamats Communications, Inc. 615 5th Street SE/ PO Box 1888 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-1888 (800)-553-8878/ (319)-364-6167 FAX (319)-365-5421 www.stamats.com http://www.stamats.com/ Promises kept. - End forwarded message - You HAVE to see this. And dont forget to watch out for Clintons endorsement right at the end. http://www.badmash.org/dishoom.php Also check out other funny non-bollywood clips at: http://atomfilms.shockwave.com/af/home/ Go to this site and click on the Bushwhacked clip. Vinu Warrier Writer Stamats Communications, Inc. 615 5th Street SE/ PO Box 1888 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-1888 (800)-553-8878/ (319)-364-6167 FAX (319)-365-5421 www.stamats.com Promises kept. ---End Message--- ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From Assam Live - FBI OFFER: Hapless govt groping over blind theory
FBI OFFER: Hapless govt groping over blind theory By JATINDRA KUMAR BORGOHAIN Guwahati: Assam is really unlucky. Unlucky in the sense that she suffered badly on the socio-political and economic fronts not only because of poor leadership, rampant corruption and natural calamities, but also because of rebel groups who kill mainly the unarmed people of its own nationality and destroy social and national capital that can be used by the people under any government. In the last two weeks, the rebels killed many people who donot know where they were bombed and killed even the operators do not know why they were killing the innocent people. It is pity that the hapless government is groping over blind theories leading to nothing. The home minister and the defence ministers are telling the same old stories that the serial blasts throughout the North East are conspiratorial act guided by the ISI. The defence minister said the tone most emphatically that it is ISI and there are a few camps where the conspirators are trained. But uptil now, Assam Chief Minister is not sure of ISI involvement. Most of the top Congress leaders in Assam think that the ISI hand is generally favoured theory of the BJP and Sangh Pariwar. Tne allegation is generally made by the BJP and Sangh people. The move behind the allegation is very clear. The state Congress leaders' objections to this type of allegation is also very clear. Political pundits think that with this allegations the Sangh Parivar is fomenting suspicion against the minorities. This type of arguments are very common and based on some half backed ideas that enrolls each ministers as ISI agent. What the home ministry anbd defence ministry say bases on most probably on some half truth. Yes, half truth, fragments link together to mould the Pak conspiracy theory. It is half truth becasue Pakistan and leader general is there ISI would take chance. There is other mentors like the CIA with poky nose. It is now coming with a proposal that is ready to help the state government ib finding the culprits behind serial blasts and killing of innocent peoples. If I imagine, that the pokerfaced sun is coming forward to safeguard the ISI then it will be something mudy. Now we are all for "India-Pak bhaibhai" and nobody should shake the balance. The Centre has yet to decide on offering a greenleaf to the FBI. But the wide satisfaction is louder than the greenwards of actual permission. The most favoured theory of New Delhi, in consonance with the American boss is the theory of Global terror, ie terror propagated by the Muslim fundamentalist Osama bin Laden. The frame of the future war zone is the North East, the groups demanding right of self determination for a long period, are all conspirators under pay roll of Al quida. FBI must be invited to fit the jigsaw together. The real truth of the untold part of the story is that FBI must prove the presence of al Quida in the region to play the role of the global boss. After all, it ius the honest duty and responsibility of the boss to safeguard the interest of the poor puppet. Let us be frank enough to tell the revealed part of the story. It is the story of negligence and uneven development or under development of the region. Untold negligence and backwardness of the region is the dark calderas from which there is open eruption of venom. Inviting FBI is just inviting the war front to the door step. Particularly, in a region like the North East or Kashmir, it will be synonymous to globalising the local issue. It is either political knavity and ignorance that prompts an honest individual to invite and give shelter to a cub of white elephants. Once I read a story of a cub of white elephant by a very famous African political figure of Nehru era. The story was about a small, lonely and lean elephant that was invited by a man( most probably a black skinned one) and gave him a small piece of wood to sit in the corner of the dining rooom. Gradually, it grows and occupies to the whole room. day by day, it becomes larger and larger and the owner left the whole sleeping room, then the portico. Still it grows, figure expands and got the courage to throw out the owner of the house to the street. It is all about imperialism. Thanking the story teller than Iomo Kanyatta I can conclude that invitation to a small cub may be the ultimate cause of becoming uprooted and father of street children. Terrorism is propagated by America itself by adopting mass destruction technique everywhere. he gives strong ground for terror to survive. It is just like a viper eating the viper. Terrorism in this sense is weapon of imperialism-it gives imperialism the most wanted chance to launch a full scale attack against a state, a nation or a big revolution. it evident in Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Terrorists invited the war, but when the marine and the bobms came, they vanished. Nowhere they resisted imperialism in the world. There is no such thing genuine as red
[Assam] Zubeen Garg's Concert in UK
A series of concert at the prestigious House of Commons in London and Wembley will be organised by Rini Kakati Zubeen and his band will perform live at the biggest event in the month of Nov/Dec '04 Today he has become a youth icon. In the music world of Assam, no other star has glittered so much within a small period of time. He is the one and only Zubeen Garg. He knew how to create that magic web of rhythmic spell-modern sleek and with lots of technology brilliance. This versatile singer, composer, lyricist is enriching the music scene of Assam and Bollywood film world. His rhythmic voice can be heard in many Hindi films like Amitabh Bachchan's film "Kaante" with the super hit song - "Rame - Rame Re". Coming from a privileged background. His father is a retired Magistrate. Zubeen learned music from his school days. The heartthrob of many girls. Zubeen falls for single down to earth Garima. His wife - a true companion. Presenting before you in London, Zubeen Garg the heartthrob of entire Assam the cynosure of music lover's. Let's catch the maverick star in a pensive mood when he reminiscences on rhythm and vibes. His Performance : He has done more than 700 shows in entire North-East India. Has done one Hindi Album called "Yuhi Kabhi". Has sung many super hit Remixes like Salwa, Jadoo, Dance Masti, DJ Doll etc. He has done music for one Bengali film "Sudhu Tumi". Has worked with A.R. Rahman for two films - Dil Se and Doli Sajake Rakhna. Has sung in other languages like Tamil, Marathi, Punjabi, Uriyaa and Bengali. Agni Pankh, Ek Haseena Thi, Mudda and Fiza with Hrithik Roshan. Dubai performance - Oct. 2003 and April 2004. Sri Lanka performance - Sept. 2002 by Sony Music. Assam Convention, Austin, Texas - July. 2004 Rini Kakati Faster than e-mail, more discreet than a phone call and best of all it's free - download MSN Messenger today! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] From The Assam Tribune: NECCI roadmap on energy sector
The AssamTribune Guwahati, Saturday, October 16,2004 CITY NECCI roadmap on energy sector By A Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Oct 15 The North East Chamber of Commerce Industry (NECCI) has decided to prepare a roadmap to explore the energy sector in the North-east. The roadmap is also aimed at identifying the core energy sectors and optimum utilisation of energy in the region. Talking to this correspondent here today, NECCIs secretary general DK Sarma said that the road map would be able to provide all necessary information relating to untapped energy sectors in the North-east. The roadmap would be prepared in association with the National Productivity Council (NPC) which would help the states in the region in near future, Sri Sarma said. In this context , he informed that despite vast resources, this region is facing severe shortage of power and hence a complete roadmap is essential for giving proper direction in this regard. Citing an example ,Sarma said that Assam is famous for abundance of hydrocarbon ,but due to lack of initiative ,it is yet be tapped ! so far. We will cover entire energy sectors in the region which would help private parties to invest in the region, he added. It may be recalled that the NECCI had organised an energy summit in Guwahati recently which favoured preparing a road map to find out the energy resources in the North-east. The summit was attended by several leading experts from power companies and institutions. The experts attending the summit unanimously agreed to explore proper utilisation of energy resources of the region to meet the power shortage. On preparation of the road map, Sarma informed that NECCI would seek co-operation from various institutions and experts to complete the project. In the recently concluded summit, we had received suggestions from various experts which would be incorporated in the proposed roadmap, he informed Fed up of receiving junk e-mail? Find out how to deal with spam here. ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune
The Assam Tribune Guwahati, Wednesday, October 13, 2004 EDITORIAL MESSAGE FOR TODAY I love argument, I love debate. I dont expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, thats not their job. MARGARET THATCHER (Former Prime Minister ofUK) Bush-Kerry faceoff The United States of America is on the threshold of a major decision-making process. For, in just 20 days time, the electorates of this nation arguably the strongest in terms of military and economy will exercise their franchise to determine their leader. This time, however, this election to the top slot of the worlds most influential country in this monopolistic scenario is witnessing a neck-and-neck contest between the present President and Republican candidate George W Bush (Jr) and Democrat opponent Senator John Kerry. At the conclusion of their second debate, both the heavyweights appeared evenly poised. However, the venue of their final debate that primarily focuses on domestic issues theoretically today would definitely stand Bush in good stead as he leads there by 10 points. This is primarily because the rugged landscape of Arizona widely acknowledged since 1950 as the birthplace of conservatism had brought to being the anti-government credo o! f Barry Goldwater: Extremism in the defence of liberty is no vice. Mentionably, it also put the Republican party on its tracks and shifted the power scales from the Rockefeller moderates to the laissez faire anti-Communist individualists of southern and western America. Though he was defeated humiliatingly by Lyndon Johnson in 1964, his ideals found a vociferous mouthpiece in his apprentice Ronald Reagan. And now, the majority of Arizonans visualise another south-western citizen out on a crusade in favour of traditional values, gun-ownership and gas-guzzling SUVs. The most important point in favour of Bush is that only a substantial shift from the Iraq issue would force the conscious American electorate to dismiss their Commander-in-Chief mid-war. Besides, Arizona has grown rich with dollars traded via the military-industrial complex it houses and their lucrative endeavours. Nevertheless, hope is not lost yet for the Democrats in view of the marked rise in the undecided voters and the 500,000 new voters. Second, that this State backed Bush only by six per cent in 2000, leaves enough elbow space for Kerry to manoeuvre. Kerry now has the gargantuan mind-boggling task of being able to link his favourite poll missile to the deteriorating domestic economy. One of his most effective tactics has been to rub in the fact that 90 per cent of the Iraq war costs have been borne solely by the Americans. This weeks challenge before the Democrat would be to link that $ 200 billion expenditure mismanagement to the crises of the middle class namely spiraling prices of petrol, college fees and houses besides, of course fiscal deficit and mounting unemployment. Kerry can juggle Reagans debate strategy in 1980 against his opponent and then President Jimmy Carter. Those polls were also conducted under similar situations held as it was amid yet another U! S foreign policy debacle in the Middle East and rising costs of living. Reagan had asked his people point blank, It might be well if you would ask yourself, are you better off than four years ago? Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the stores? Is America as respected as it was? Then, as now, the answer was a No, and a one-time incumbent was ousted from office. Kerry would garner the maximum leverage by focusing on the inflated middle class balloon of the Clinton era that is severely punctured now. What is more, the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium at Arizona State University where the final debate is to be held has a haunting history for the Democrats. The design for this building was originally planned by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, in his fading years, for the proposed new opera house in Baghdad on the suggestion of King Faisal of Iraq. Wright subsequently expanded the brief to also include museums, parks, an authentic bazaar and a university there. But, the 1958 revolution put the last nail on the plans coffin. Nevertheless, the resourceful Wright sold it to a new client and that Baghdad Opera House is hosting this years USA Presidential final poll debate. Besides, Arizonas popular Senator, Vietnam veteran John McCain is regarded by many as the leading Republican candidate for the top post in 2008. With the aggressive Bush, the voters have their future well set out far in advance as the future policies would be a continuation of the pres! ent ones. But liberal Kerrys diametrically opposite stand on Iraq which is at a crucial stage besides a number of domestic key issues like backtracking on tax breaks to selected outsourcing companies and overhauling of the economy in favour of the middle class are vital areas of concern for an electorate still trying to come to terms with the growing
[Assam] Editorial article from The Assam Tribune
Guwahati, Friday, October 8, 2004 EDITORIAL Post flood problems in Assam HN Das Flood in Assam this year has been so severe that it will be a stupendous task to rehabilitate the victims. Two months after the water had receded some people are still staying in shacks on roads, embankments, hillocks and other safer areas. The dimension of the problem can be caused from fact that flood had affected 1,21,73,964 people in an area of 28,46,979 hectares of 10,425 villages. Quite a number of these people have now returned to their damaged houses. A total of 6,97,117 people had originally taken shelter in 702 officially recognised camps. But there were 4,62,360 people in 386 camps till something ago. An all party meeting had suggested gratuitous relief for all the people who lost their houses and crops for six months till the next crop is harvested. That will cost Rs 220 crore, if not more. Reconstruction of 4,95,343 fully damaged houses will cost Rs 493.34 crore. Another Rs 969 crore will be required for the 19,38,049 partly damaged ones. But reconstruction has become normal and the victims move out of the temporary shelters to their own villages or to new rehabilitation sites. The road length affected is 622 kms of national highways, 136 kms of State roads, 461 kms of major district roads, 2627 kms of other roads and 504 bridges. Out of these PWD roads and bridges alone will cost Rs 514.25 crore to repair. Agriculture has been badly affected. The total crop area damaged is 12,47,845 hectares. Besides 50,375 heads of milch, draught and plough cattle were lost. The Agriculture department has demanded Rs 989.21 crore for restoration of damages while the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has asked for Rs 109.23 crore. The restoration of damaged fisheries is estimated to cost Rs 34.39 crore. A new schemes for living with flood has been prepared this time which it is proposed to construct raised platforms and open type halls for shelter in 2,479 Gaon Panchayats. This will cost Rs 1,000 crore. Taking into account all the other sectors the total fund requirement is assessed at nearly Rs 7,000 crore. It will be a well nigh impossible task to identify funds of such magnitude. Assams share in the Calamity Relief Fund for five years (2000-05), under the Eleventh Finance Commissions dispensation, is Rs 560.81 crore. A major portion of it has been exhausted and only Rs 123.36 crore is available for 2004-05. Out of this the Union Governments share is limited to Rs 92.52 crore. Already the first instalment of Rs 46.26 crore has been released to the State. Moreover, for the first time an amount of Rs 55 crore has been allocated to Assam from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) recognising the severity of the disaster. All this is meant for rescue and relief only. For restoration and rebuilding plan funds will have to be drawn upon. But Assams Annual Plan allocation for 2004-05 is only Rs 1,795 crore. The major portion of this is tied up in different items of expenditure and cannot be diverted. The amounts which can be utilised are under Indira Awas Yojana, SGYP and other rural development schemes and programmes. For Bihar Union government has made an additional amount of Rs 400 crore available under the Indira Awas Yojana during the current year as an additionality to the Annual State Plan so that it can be utilised for construction of houses for the flood affected people. Assam is yet to obtain such additional funds. It is also doubtful whether MLAs, whose constituencies are not flood affected, will allow such funds to be diverted to flood affected constituencies. The Union Finance Minister has released an adhoc amount of Rs 200 crore as ways and means advance to Assam Government. This is subject to adjustment on receipt of the recommendations of the Central team which visited the State. After inspecting the flood affected areas they must have submitted their assessment of the actual requirement of funds from different sources. But whatever amount the Central team may recommend now has to come out of NCCF. The problem is that the total corpus of the NCCF for the entire country is only Rs 500 crore during 2004-05. Under these circumstances the Union Government will have to make special arrangement of funds for Assam. Several issues need attention in this connection. While the available funds are not sufficient for relief and rehabilitation there is a suspicion, given vent to particularly by the local vernacular media, that whatever money is allotted will never be fully or properly utilised. A substantial portion will be siphoned off by unscrupulous politicians, bureaucrats and contractors. Then there is the question of restoration of structural damages. These include roads, buildings, embankments and others. These will have to be rebuilt and repaired. In the case of drainage and embankment schemes, however, it will be better to await the report of the Central Task Force, appointed
[Assam] Bride and Prejudice (East meets West)
A must see British Asian film from the maker's of "Bend it like Beckham" directed byGurinder Chadha which stars Former Miss World: Aishwarya Rai and 'Ring' fame Martin Henderson. It's funny, beautiful and has the ingredients of typical mix of Hollywood Bollywood flavour. Rini Kakati Bride and Prejudice By Taran Adarsh East meets West! The Indian cinegoer has witnessed a number of films based on this theme. Right from Manoj Kumar's PURAB AUR PACHHIM to Aditya Chopra's DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE to Subhash Ghai's PARDES, almost every film-maker has had his take on the fusion. Celebrated director Gurinder Chadha's much-hyped, keenly-anticipated BRIDE AND PREJUDICE follows a similar route. Based on Jane Austen's 19th century classic novel 'Pride And Prejudice', BRIDE AND PREJUDICE can be best described as an Indian film in the garb of crossover cinema. The vital question is, does BRIDE AND PREJUDICE entice the viewer? It tries to balance the East and the West and the outcome is one curry that looks enticing. Wait, BRIDE AND PREJUDICE is not that perfect film, for it has its share of deficiencies. But notwithstanding the blemishes, BRIDE AND PREJUDICE still works because it adheres to the indispensable Bollywood formula of romance, heartbreak, songs, a cheerful conclusion and most significantly, hilarious moments that you carry back home. Frankly, BRIDE AND PREJUDICE is an experiment of sorts. And Gurinder needs a pat for treading a path that most successful Westerners wouldn't dream of. Yet, the experiment could meet with diverse reactions from movie buffs - you'd either absorb it like a sponge, or detest the kitsch that comes with it. BRIDE AND PREJUDICE starts in Amritsar when a determined Mrs. Bakshi [Nadira Babbar] sets out to find marriage matches for her four daughters [Namrata Shirodkar, Aishwarya Rai, Peeya Rai Choudhuri, Meghnaa], while there's a lavish wedding in town. Right away, the smart and headstrong Lalita [Aishwarya Rai] announces that she will only marry for love, giving her mother nightmares. Lalita meets the wealthy American Will Darcy [Martin Henderson] and sparks fly. But is it love or hate? Darcy comes across as an arrogant Californian snob. For Darcy, Lalita is like a small-town Indian beauty who knows nothing of the world. Alternately enchanted by and suspicious of one another, Lalita and Darcy nearly fall prey to assumptions, gossip and a comedy of errors until pride is humbled and prejudice overcome, so that love can triumph. BRIDE AND PREJUDICE dresses up the novel in a neat Indian outfit and then tosses it straight into an Indian wedding, filmed in typical Bollywood style. From corsets to saris, from the Bennetts to the Bakshis and from pianos to bhangra beats, Gurinder revitalizes the classic novel with exuberance and splendor. Gurinder marries a characteristically English saga with classic Bollywood format and the result is interesting at times. Though the novel was far more gripping, Gurinder makes it up with wittiness and naughtiness. The difference between the Jane Austen novel and Gurinder's celluloid adaptation is that while the original depicted the clash between Darcy and Elizabeth due to their social status, the conflict between Darcy and Lalita here is a result of their cross cultures. Gurinder makes a laboured attempt to squeeze in every success formula available on the shelf. Besides, Gurinder's effort to bat for India and bring it centre-stage needs to be lauded. The narrative is laced with moments every Indian can identify with: A domineering mother, a subdued [henpecked?] father, an adamant/strong-headed daughter, a misunderstood foreigner, a desperate NRI But BRIDE AND PREJUDICE is not without hiccups. One, the film is too Bollywoodish. Meaning, the songs and some sequences look straight out of a Hindi film and do get taxing at times. The West may not embrace it whole-heartedly. Ditto for the songs, which act as a major hindrance. After a point you actually start feeling that you're watching a Hindi flick. Also, the plot gets too familiar after a point. You can actually predict what's in store for the climax. Cinematography [Santosh Sivan] is befitting an international product. Music [Anu Malik] sounds pleasant to the ears. The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is awe-inspiring as Lalita Bakshi. With a competent director at the helm of affairs, Ash takes giant strides as an actor. She makes a concentrated effort to make her character look real. The sequence in the pre-climax, when she walks out on Henderson, is simply brilliant. Martin Henderson as the 'American Born Confused Darcy' is likeable. He may not radiate the charm of a Cruise or an Affleck, but he does manage to look the character he portrays. Daniel Gillies [as Johnny Wickham] is efficient in a role that has negative shades. Anupam Kher is competent, like always. Nadira Babbar is fantastic. She delivers, what can be rightly called, a topnotch p
[Assam] Dr.Lohit Datta-Barua : a writer, from Mississippi to Brahmaputra
There is an inextricable link between our motherland and the people where we belong.It is a bond which can transcend continents and oceans and yet remains steadfast and pure, unaffected by time or distance. That is what Dr.Lohit Datta-Barua has tried to prove through his writing. We both grew up in the same Panbazar area of Guwahati.I findit very interesting to read.One book is A View Through My Window: About places, people, and issues and the other one is Colour of Life. Rini Kakati ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lohit Datta-Barua ABOUT THE BOOK: A View Through My Window: About places, people and issues For almost three decades, Dr. Lohit Datta-Barua has lived in suburban Houston.He spent his humble childhood on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra in northeast India, amongst rich natural surroundings (also known as the land of the Red River and the Blue Hills).He moved to the USA in early 70s.He is an engineer by profession.His professional career took him to many countries around the globe. Although a busy professional, Dr. Datta-Barua has lost neither his love of nature nor his thirst for traveling.He found striking similarities between his old river and Paul Robesons Mississippi, the Old Man River.He traveled extensively within US and Canada, China, Russia, Indonesia, India, the Middle East, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and many European countries.This compilation includes his travel anecdotes from his travel experience to a few of these countries.Through these he also introduces people with different needs, aspirations, cultures and the contrasting surroundings.The second section of this book reflects his observation and views on certain serious issues facing people such as poverty, religion, ethnicity, etc. and their impact on people on this globe.This book is about giving the readers a view of the outside world through the authors window. Title: A View Through My Window: About Places, people, and issues Author: Lohit Datta-Barua E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Publisher: Publish America Website: http://www.PublishAmerica.com Publisher: Phone: 1-240-529-1031, Fax: 1-301-631-8467 ISBN: 1-4137-3822-2 Pages: 170 Cover: Softcover, 5.5 x 8.5 Retail Price: $19.95 (US) Wholesalers: Ingram, Baker Taylor and Brodart Co. (1-800-233-8467) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lohit Datta-Barua ABOUT THE BOOK: Color of Life Color of Life is his first compilation of such short stories, or more appropriately, autobiographical essays written from his firsthand experiences and painted with some color.It opens a window to two different worlds through an immigrants eye, and displays seasons of life through agony, defeat, and hope. Title: Color of Life Author: Lohit Datta-Barua E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Publisher: PublishAmerica Website: http://www.PublishAmerica.com Publisher: Phone: 1-240-529-1031, Fax: 1-301-631-8467 US Copyright: TXul - 160 - 193 ISBN: 1-4137-2623-2 Pages: 154 Cover: Softcover, 5.5 x 8.5 Retail Price: $19.95 (US) Wholesalers: Ingram, Baker Taylor, and Brodart Co. (1-800-233-8467)MSN Premium gives you PC protection, junk-mail filters, advanced communication tools and great software like MSN Encarta® Premium. Click here for a FREE trial! ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Gauhati University Alumni Association
The University of Gauhati, the oldest in the North East India, came into existence of January 26th 1948. Under the able Stewardship of stalwarts the university had grown from strength to strength over the years and had assiduously built a glorious tradition of creating a wealth of trained men and women, spread today far and wide bringing laurels to their alma mater through achievements in all fields of learning and knowledge. The British council in India has always promoted interaction between the Indian and the British universities for sharing of new ideas and many innovative concepts which link higher education in 21st century. In February 12th - 13th 2004, a meeting was held in New Delhi jointly by University Grants Commission New Delhi, Higher Education Funding Council of England, UK and British Council in India. Our Vice Chancellor, Mr.Gajendra Nath Talukdar from Gauhati University also participated in the seminar. The alumni are the strength and pride of the university, for they disseminate its image through their contributions in the Arts, Science, Commerce, Medicine and Engineering. It is a matter of great pride that the alumni of Gauhati University are to be found today throughout world and are held in high regard in their particular fields of works. The Gauhati University Alumni Association is going to make a joint effort to project and impliment scheme for further development of our university. It is therefore proposed that a united effort be made by the Government public, old new students to give defination and character to Gauhati University. Rini Kakati Overseas Co-ordinator Gauhati University Alumni Association 81 Fortunegate Road Harlesden London NW10 9RH E-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] A membership form for the Gauhati University Alumni Association is attached here with. Please send your membership fee to : Gauhati University Alumni Association Prof. Umesh Chandra Goswami Dept. Zoology Gauhati University Administrative Block Gauhati - 781014 Assam India E-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Use MSN Messenger to send music and pics to your friends http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] Gauhati University Alumni Association
The University of Gauhati, the oldest in the North East India, came into existence of January 26th 1948. Under the able Stewardship of stalwarts the university had grown from strength to strength over the years and had assiduously built a glorious tradition of creating a wealth of trained men and women, spread today far and wide bringing laurels to their alma mater through achievements in all fields of learning and knowledge. The British council in India has always promoted interaction between the Indian and the British universities for sharing of new ideas and many innovative concepts which link higher education in 21st century. In February 12th - 13th 2004, a meeting was held in New Delhi jointly by University Grants Commission New Delhi, Higher Education Funding Council of England, UK and British Council in India. Our Vice Chancellor, Mr.Gajendra Nath Talukdar from Gauhati University also participated in the seminar. The alumni are the strength and pride of the university, for they disseminate its image through their contributions in the Arts, Science, Commerce, Medicine and Engineering. It is a matter of great pride that the alumni of Gauhati University are to be found today throughout world and are held in high regard in their particular fields of works. The Gauhati University Alumni Association is going to make a joint effort to project and impliment scheme for further development of our university. It is therefore proposed that a united effort be made by the Government public, old new students to give defination and character to Gauhati University. Rini Kakati Overseas Co-ordinator Gauhati University Alumni Association 81 Fortunegate Road Harlesden London NW10 9RH E-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] A membership form for the Gauhati University Alumni Association is attached here with. Please send your membership fee to : Gauhati University Alumni Association Prof. Umesh Chandra Goswami Dept. Zoology Gauhati University Administrative Block Gauhati - 781014 Assam India E-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Want to block unwanted pop-ups? Download the free MSN Toolbar now! http://toolbar.msn.co.uk/ ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
[Assam] 33rd National Games 2005 12th - 23rd November
The 33rd National Games will be held at Guwahati, Assam from 12th to 23rd November, 2005. Sports persons from all over India will take part in 29 (twenty nine) disciplines to vow for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. We welcome any sports persons of Assam who have shown excellence in sports in any part of the World.We also welcome the Non-Resident Assameses Indians to come forward and offer valuable suggestions and extend help and cooperation to make the 33rd National Games 2005 a grand success. Shri.Tarun Giogoi, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam and President of the Organising Committee extend hearty welcome to all NRIs to witness the Games being organised in a beautiful scenic atmosphere of Assam. The Sarusajai Sports Aquatic Sports Complex is just 35 minutes away from the heart of Guwahati, the Sarusajai Sports Complex will fulfill the coveted role of the main stadium for the National Games 2005.The main stadium of the Sarusajai Sports Complex will seat a mind-boggling crowd of 30,000.Covering with flood light - anarea of 3857 square metres, the stadium will host the athletic events and football.Within the complex will also be the biggest air-cooled indoor stadium in the State.To host the aquatic sports events of the forthcoming National Games 2005, in Aquatic Sports Complex of Olympic standard, will be established at the Sarusajai Sports Complex, designed to host the various swimming and water polo competitions. The Sonapur Sports Complex, besides the comprehensivesports infrastructure, the forthcoming National Games 2005 will see new sports complexes, which are at par with any sports complex in the world.With the hills of Meghalaya as a backdrop,the Sonapur Sports Complex will be situated at Tapesia and will also feature as separate indoor stadium and a velodrome for the archery and cycling events.With wide approach roads, surrounded by greenery,the site is ideal for a sports complex of international standards.With arenas that can accomodate fifteen different sport disciplines,the huge complex will also have seen peripheral and support facilities like administration/information wing, fitness centre,green rooms,cateterias,amphitheatre school and a 300 accomodation facilities.With enough avenues for practice and entertainment, the complex would be a dream for sportsmen and guest alike. The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Sports Complex, Amingaon on the north bank of the mighty Brahmaputra is a scenic spot popular with the citizens of Guwahati.The proposed Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Sports Complex in Amingaon will consist of an indoor stadium, which will host few competitions. The Water Sports Complex, Deepar Beel: Taking advantage of the picturesque Deepar Beel lake near Jalukbari, a Water Sports Complex is proposed to be build. Designed to host all kinds of water sports, the complex will be hosting the rowing, canoeing and kayaking competitions in the forthcoming National Games 2005. In this regard, the NRIs may contact our Overseas Co-ordinator, Mrs.Rini Kakati of UK for valuable ideas and suggestions. Thanking You. P.Hazarika (IAS) Secretary General National Games 2005 Dispur Guwahati-6 Tel: 2261660/2456752/2452785 Mrs.Rini Kakati Overseas Co-ordinator from UK 81 Fortunegate Road Harlesden London NW10 9RH Tel:0208-961-3446 _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
