Article 377 – changing structure of the society, a feature by a MassCoMedia student

Subhadra Bhadauria,Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia 

My recent trip back home was a real serene. Family’s affection and chomping  frightlessly despite of augmenting fat and flab was immaculately perfect. Friday night around 9 we all planned to dine, TV was on  and mom was screaming on dad for the number of chapatti’s he wants but daddu’s  eyes were glued to the  worlds news from every hook and corner, completely oblivious to the surrounding, he was stuck to broadcast with strips reading “Gays won’t be allowed to enter the pubs and bars during 31^st December 2010 night“I felt an itch and thought to pen down my outlook to reach you all out there. Homosexuality is not a social vice and the every state should uphold these notions publicly and be empowered to contain it. Decriminalizing homosexuality may be an infringe to peace. 

Section 377 of Indian Penal Code is a piece of legislation which was introduced in India during British  times that criminalises sexual activity “against the decree of nature”. The law also rapt in itself “no coercive sex”. But 2 years back  Delhi high court‘s verdict on legalizing article 377 not only gave few hidden souls  to breathe freely and share a social platform but also vetoed many suicide attempts by the youth as earlier their burdened life was a grudge they hold to the creator.

A man and woman getting married and reproducing themselves, this is what we consider ideal life of two, sharing  “love bond” for entire life, but here the man and woman chose to live life this way .In the same way  censuring an individual who falls for same sex and wants to be with that mortal,  becomes  a sin. Deity biggest recipe of heart and soul makes everyone to bow before him. Drafting  a human is tough and the one above us is perfect in this .When his machine didn’t find a flaw then how do we under his umbrella  can raise a question on his crafting. Our epics and monuments are live example of homosexuality .Inscription  and pictures that we share on Taj Mahal, Ajanta Ellora  corroborates the race of homosexuality . 

Being neglected and devoid of social rights because you are just not another bigotry in the crowd. Is this to what we say humanity? 

Convictions are always difficult and so is  this .It has been analysed that homosexuality will not only help in controlling the ever growing population but would also support the individual sentiment. Many celebs like American singer Tracy chapman, actor Dan butler, famous pop singer Ricky martin who declared themselves as gay , were not conceited because this world though free don’t have legroom for homosexuals . A member is denied of roof in his own house . 

This value system is deeply ingrained in Indian society and nurtured over several generations. The Indian society displayed that in every aspect of life the government is manifesting in realizing a role in society for everyone. Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, there such persons can be assured a life of dignity and non discrimination. Our society shouldn’t be captive to the stereotypes and LGBT’s shouldn’t be seen as extraterrestrial ,the changing mindset can change the world. 

It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is converse of equality and this equality exhibitions will foster dignity of every individual.

So many controversies on lottery system in nursery admission, parents get more worried for this session., a report by a MassCoMedia student

Tazeen, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

This is the time to start admission in new session in nursery schools. The lottery system to new admission process in nursery classes has been become the subject of many controversies in this year that is why parents get more worried for their children admission. The central board council saying that it would give more peoples a better chance of entering popular schools. But some schools and parents are against for this admission process. R.K.Morden school’s councilor, Nidhi shrivastav said, “We have already reservation n management quota in admission then why is government making this system. Middle class family’s children are studding in this school but they can’t afford our study. After sometime parents came and said that they can’t afford school’s fee and other charges infect they can’t afford our study material. Then how it is possible for a lower class family. If their children finally get admission through the lottery system, how will they afford our fees and other charges?” She said that she is also against on parent’s interview in admission process because some students are more intelligent but they do not get admission because of their parent’s interview.

                                             Parents get more worried because the admission time has been started and the schools are still waiting for the final decision of board. Anita Giri in noida, a parent, who teach her five years old son Kartik for his admission said, “The admission forms are not out. I have no clue when the decision will come and the new process will start. Actually government gives a golden and lucky chance to those students who do not clear the admission test and interviews and finally they feel embracement infront of their friends and colleague. It’s good for students at least parent will not blame them.” Sunita Giri supports the lottery system but she is also selecting 5 or 6 schools because she doesn’t want to depend on fortune of her son. Shalu shrivastav who has a four years old son Pravesh said, “I am worried about the lottery system. I am teaching my son daily but I don’t know when the decision will come.

That is why I am selecting four or five school. Parents are doing handwork with their children. If their child will not select through the lottery system, not only parents but also children will feel so much embrace. In my opinion it’s not a good step in education system if the government takes but I am happy to know that government still thinking about this system.” Her neighbored Mr. Imran Khan who has a three years old daughter said, “The random selection also has its negative points but now if the name fails to make it in the draw of lottery, we might end up blaming the child. That would be very unfortunate. So point system is better than lottery system.”

               Mostly parent are still waiting the final Decision of education ministry. The system of admitting students to nursery classes through a lottery would not be a fair decision because the brightest student as well as the poorest once lost out through the lottery system. Some schools and parents are like point system more than lottery system and they want to continue the point system in admission process.    

Sari: Symbol of beauty and grace, a feature by a MassCoMedia student

Pratibha Agnihotri, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

The word sari is derived from the Sanskrit word Sati. In the history of Indian clothing the sari is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BC around the western part of the Indian subcontinent. The earliest known depiction of the sari in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus Valley priest wearing a drape.

In ancient Tamil poems the sari is described as exquisite form of dressing for women. As the time change saree has taken many new forms and variety. It has been the symbol of our traditional form or cultural form of dressing which our ancestor use to give us. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the stomach.

The nivi style is today's most popular sari style. The nivi drape starts with one end of the sari tucked into the waistband of the petticoat, usually a plain skirt. The cloth is wrapped around the lower body once, then hand-gathered into even pleats just below the navel. The pleats are also tucked into the waistband of the petticoat. They create a graceful, decorative effect which poets have likened to the petals of a flower.

The Indian sari, believe it or not, is more than 5000 years old! It was first mentioned in Rig Veda, the oldest surviving literature of the world, written somewhere around 3000 BC. The Sari, originally intended both for men and women, is probably the longest incessantly worn dress in the history of mankind. In modern era sari is used as one of the prominent dressing which is stylish & seductive. This old dressing of India has witness many changes with all the trends including the seductive dressing. Other parts of India have their own specialties too, like the bandhani or bandheja saris of Rajasthan and Gujarat, gadhwal silks from Andhra Pradesh and paithanis of Maharashtra. Each sari is identified by the distinctive quality of the silk used and the patterns woven into the saris.

RamLeelas to Multiplexes, a feature on growth of Indian Entertainment Industry by a MassCoMedia student

Upendra Sharma, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia 

 Ramlila(plays depicting stories from the Ramayana)Maidan, the place where from many generations we tribute to “The Lord RAMA” by act their stories in proper manner like dresses , make-up, lighting, costumes and sets etc. We saw Ramlila like a big function in month of oct.-november, which connects us directly to that period of Ramayan. “Ramlila” term as by which we present some leelas (activities) of Lord Rama.

In the evening we finish our work, to see Ramlila. We prepare like we are going in a function, to see Ramlila with family, we closely attached with the characters and believe that they are real not artist. Artist also do they work very passionately, they totally admire their character and perform in front of audience very realistically.

But now time has been changed, audience’s interest is going down they feel bore and they move from Ramlila maidan to mall.

Actually we are adopting western culture beside this we forgetting our real culture or our real root and history. Today people are quit interest in Ramlila and the number of audiences also decreases. People more involve in parties, shopping, and other activities. Basically they regret Ramlila and our culture and turn toward the mall. Mall culture is can be main reason for unpopularity of Ramlila these days. Earlier the time was not like that the maidan (ground) was totally full by audience and they relates artists  with the real characters like RAMA,SITA, RAVAN, and HANUMAN.

But today’s condition is Ramlila maidan looking for audiences and mall full by people. Even our reputed personalities and government are not looking this situation. Actually are not interested in Ramlila, they seeing their profit because of this they want to change ‘MAIDAN TO MALL’.

A report published on august 05, 2005 says that, the BJP by demanding that party President L K Advani step down, former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana today trained his guns on the civic authorities claiming that they had secretly tied up with a private company to convert the historic Ram Lila ground into a business complex. 

He claimed that top officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had "selected" a Kolkata-based company for the purpose without inviting bids or informing the standing committee. 

Under the agreement, underground parking lots are to be constructed under business complexes at the Ram Lila and parade grounds, on this account  Khurana said, "Ram Lila (plays depicting stories from the Ramayana)has been enacted on the Ram Lila ground for 150 years and I will not allow it to be converted into a mall".

So, only because of politics & lack of interest in people, we could forget our culture and also spiritual stories (lila / kahaniya of Lord Ram).We need to see what could be best to preserve or secure our culture by this types of programme or activities and by this we can transform our culture, literature and sanskaar to the next generation which is most important for personality growth as well as nation growth.

52 years of Armed Forces Act, a critical analysis by MassCoMedia student

 Veeyang Yirang, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Manipur – the land of jewels is famous for bestowing the nation world class sports persons, the most prominent being Mary Kom - the 5 time world women boxing champion but sadly, it is also a place known for the naked demonstration staged by a group of women against the Army brutalities in front of the Kangla Fort in 2004 as well as the epic hunger strike that still continues even after 11 years by a frail soul Sharmila against the draconian Act - Armed Forces Special Power Act which has marked its 50 years of reprehensible presence in this small state. 

50 years of AFSPA in Manipur also marks the 50 years of Armed forces brutality and gross human right violence in this sports state of North East. Reportedly, the act which also empowers the Army to shoot at suspicions has led to many fake encounters in the hills of Manipur. Fearing fake encounters many Manipuri’s have migrated to other states in small groups and the youths are sent out of the state by their parents to study or to work. The land is no more of the Manipuri’s but it has become the playground for the Indian Army and their brutalities. 

In fact, the imposing of AFSPA has not stabilized the state so far but it has only added to the suffering of poor villagers who are victimized by the Army in the name of interrogation, leading to human right violation. Presumably, it is the only Indian state where highest numbers of Military and Pare Military battalion are posted that has only enhanced the fear and insecurity of the locals due to its rampant records of human rights violations. Stepping in those villages, one can witness the scar marks on most of the villagers left by the Army. The story of rape and brutality is inscribed at the door steps of every village and every family has some agonies to share meted out by the armed forces.

The AFSPA provides special power to arrest, detain and kill civilians on mere suspicion. The Act also empowers the armed forces to search and destroy properties on mere suspicion in "disturbed areas". But wherever AFSPA is in operation, enforced disappearance, extra judicial executions, torture, rape and arbitrary detention comes to rise.

In 1958 when the Union Home Minister introduced the law in the parliament, he assured that the Act would be in operation for a mere 6 months. 52 years since then, it is still in operation in Manipur, increasing violence in a peace loving state. It is just hard to believe that some armed insurgent groups operate with the support of the state and central security agencies.

The people of manipur has done everything humanely conceivable to register their protest against the AFSPA -- naked protest by mothers, self immolation by student leaders, mass demonstration, petition to the Supreme Court, complaints to the United Nation are to name a few. The civil society groups including the media, political parties, jurists, expert groups appointed by the government and the United Nations have constantly called upon the government to withdraw AFSPA from Manipur and has held that the withdrawal of AFSPA  is essential to end the culture of violence in Manipur. However, the government has failed to give any heed to these considered opinions.

50 years of brutal oppression of the Armed forces, 50 years of suffering of the innocent souls and 50 years of gross human rights violations on the state of Manipur is enough to divulge the veracity of the draconian Act, AFSA. The verity is that the draconian Act has not been able to suppress the struggle of the many insurgent groups spread across the hills of Manipur but it has only added more miseries in the life of common man and most significantly, inscribed gross human rights violation in the history of the state. 

Manipur known for its beauty, dance, culture and sports is losing its grace and essence because of the cruelty meted out by AFSA. Record says, peace has been absconding since the baton was handed over to AFSA. Solidifying the fact, with iron fist, peace will never prevail or be gained. The history has it; violence has accomplished nothing except devastation, humiliation, frustration, poverty and suffering for humankind. To safeguard those virtues of humanity AFSA has to go from the hills of Manipur or else humanity will die agonizingly, each second, everyday, silently.

Free Medical Aid by DMRC, report by a MassCoMedia student

Manisha Bharti, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

New Delhi: Recently, a free medical health checkup camp was conducted by Max Health Institutes at Shastri Park and Metro Enclave, Pushpa Vihar.

This camp was only for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) employees and for their family members which was Free of Cost, according to Mrs. Shobha Dwiwedi, President of Women’s Welfare (Mahila Samiti) Shastri Park.

 “The medical camp was all for the (executive and non executive) residing in Shastri Park and Metro Enclave and its adjoining areas,” said Tripti Rani, Station Controller and member of the Metro Quarter, Shastri Park.

       

Many such medical camps took place for the betterment of employees and their families. Three medical camp already took place. This was the 4^th medical camp and the 1^st medical camp of this year and a New Year gift from Delhi Metro to it’s employees and of course for their families, as said by Neha, the residing member of Metro Quarter, Shastri Park.

Noida Authority planning green belt, a report by MassCoMedia student

 Gopal Choudhary, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Noida Sector-57 (UP): Noida development authority with the collaboration of Noida Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken the initiative to renovate the city by greeneries during the first quarter of this year.Around 150 parks and 50 fountains are under this renovation.

Navratna Udhyaan, one of the biggest parks of Noida with lots of other parks which are in sector-57, is under construction during these days because of initiative taken by development authority. This park has been given a very beautiful look with a fountain in the midst and also a boundary like a green belt around. A chain of flower’s plant is being set along with the boundary to give a centre of attraction to it. The same is being done with other parks too.This will be continuous for next three months with different parks situated at many more sectors in the area.

“Noida is an industrial area, so parks like this (Navaratna Park) are must be here to maintain the balance in environment.” Said Vipin, who had come there with his colleague to get some rest of the work.Authority also said that this renovation will be continue in Nearby Ghaziabad, Shahibabad and Bulandshar area in the early of second quarter of the year as all three cover a big portion of industrial sector.

As every coin has its two sides, the same is with this also. One hand this initiative is boon of nature to the people of Noida, On the other hand there are some security issues.  “This has definitely a  good step taken by the govt. but just because of not having proper security arrangements for parks or historical monuments, these are sometimes misused by some anti- social peoples irrespective they are from out or in of country. Authority should look into the matter in this regard too. ” Said a resident living in the house nearby.

Anyways, the initiative has already been taken and should be completed during the time span given by the concerned department, and it’s for sure that it will be beneficial for the city if it is got done within the time span given by the concerned department.

SPEAK OUT- Edition 1 by MassCoMedia student

Swati Jain, Trainee Reporter & Creative Designer,MassCoMedia 

NOIDA- THE CRIME CAPITAL, a MassCoMedia student report

Nimisha Karmani, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Noida is rated as the crime state of the NCR and security is the biggest concern of the city. Noida being named as the IT hub of NCR is one of the dangerous place for the girls in the evening hours.

Lack of security being a major concern troubles not only the girls but also to their parents. Mrs. Mehra living in sector 18, whose daughter works at sector 82 says “when my daughter is late only by 15 mins, I start keep calling her to be at home as early as possible”. In the modern era of today parents are not willing to let their daughters work or roam around the city even in the daylight. So is the case with Yamini’s mother who does not allow her to leave the house after six in the evening. “My mother is so possessive that she sends my brother to pick me up after my tuitions which generally end by 5:30pm” quotes Yamini.

“Offices at Noida entrust the female employee by providing them with perfect security” says Mr. Ram Prakash Pandey, security in-charge at HCL: N4 branch at sector 59. He continues “If a girl is dropped at the end then we make sure a security guard is also present in the cab to make her feel secure”. On being asked about the security, the HR of the company confidently says “if there is a complaint by any of the employees regarding the cab drivers or the security guards, an immediate action is being taken on them”.

Mr. Anil Sharma, the supervisor of the security team of Global Logic, another office at sector 59 was not willing to reveal any of the details regarding the same. He was manipulating all the information given by the guard present at the main gate of the office. The guard told that the shifts get over by 10 in the evening but the supervisor bluntly answered that “the office gets closed by eight”.

“We parents are still not convinced by the security measured taken by the offices” said Mrs. Mehra (mentioned above). She added “Only security is the main reason why the parents fear to send their daughters to work at the offices in Noida. Not only are these girls from whole Delhi/NCR not willing to work at this dangerous place”.

India – The next superpower, a startegic review by a MassCoMedia student in the light of 63rd Republic Day

Jitendra Kumar, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Reckoned as the emerging superpowers of the world, Republic of India adds another yet other feather to its defense line.  Indian navy is poised to take its undersea capabilities to a new level with launch INS Deepak. This new fleet tankers replenish fuel and stores on warships out on extended patrol.  By allowing ships to patrol at great distances for home shores they impart strategic reach to a country’s navy.

India is strategically moving from an era of ‘non-alignment’ to ‘poly-alignment’, and by doing so it is growing from a regional military power to a global power. The country has fourth largest air force in the world. And introduction submarines with nuclear warhead like Arihant demonstrate the steep concern of the country about its defense line.  

India has strategically increased the number of countries with which it has defense-specific agreements. It has also conducted more joint military exercises with other countries, and the recent series of joint military exercises have now become an annual affair. 

Deploying new technology has become the focus of the country. The military establishment of the country is undergoing an unprecedented transformation.  Defense strategists have shown more interest in working with West apart from its old defense partner Russia. Through this new policy, Delhi seeks to become a regional power across the Indian Ocean basin. Further, it aims to secure agreements from partners in this region that support this goal, while building up expeditionary capabilities in its navy and air force.

In the mean time India is also developing "strategic partnerships" with countries perceived as leaders of a global, multi-polor order and seeking modern military capabilities from many of those countries. India will likely emphasise balance in its defense relations, especially with the larger powers of the United States, Russia, the EU, UK, and Israel.

This balance will often be reflected in defense procurement decisions, as these are enduring symbols of the bilateral relationship.

The country’s military strategy is entirely based upon Pakistan or China’s counter strategies. It’s military power boasts of offensive, broad front, and highly lethal strategies.

ARE GIRLS NOW SECURED IN BPO? an exclusive survey by MassCoMedia student

Subhadra Bhadauria,Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

A recent survey conducted by MassCoMedia on security of  females in business process outsourcing industry (BPO) especially during night shifts may be a good sign for those .girls who wished to work and be independent but couldn’t due to the insecurity epidemic.

 

A  Chatwal  administrative head of Infopro , a BPO in sec 58 Noida  briefed on the  an assortment of measures  taken by the organization to cope up with the quandary .The organization has well guarded security from renowed and established security agencies like forcetech who resort to the problem under question.These agencies focus on various strategy of  security as a whole and help the organizations implementing the same. the guard accompanies each cab having females employees  with the first pick and first drop stratagem i.e female employee will   be picked first and dropped first. And in case of any last drop the guard will escort her to the nearest end.

This tactic has actually reduced the panic that prevailed due to graveyard shifts in BPO. Guards are between the age group 18-35 who are supervised by the experienced senior  on the safety grounds . Proper training of handling the guns and permission to fire in case of mishap ensures better safety. Girls have ball in their court  with increased  female workshops .

But when a question was raised on the safetykeeper’s character Chatwal  promptly replied that’s “its trust that we firmly believe in”. Saniya (name changed) 21  working with EXL another bpo in the same sector is all nine pins  due to the shuttle services started by their company and head over heels as her onlyu parent her mother is not perturbed by her working hours and doesn’t spend sleepless nights until she reaches home  as earlier.All these measures has build confidence in girls thereby increasing the female employee ratio in recent times in BPO sector. 

BPO’s evolved as the fastest developing industry tapping the youth brains to the fullest and serving as the giant employer the the masses and hence the security is indispensable.

Notwithstanding to above still many organizations remain handicapped when it comes to the female security cells  and female cabbies .

PAYING GUEST- MOST LUCRATIVE BUSINESS, a survey report by MassCoMedia

Akansha Goel, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia 

From 2008, the number of paying guest has increased by three-fourth according to the survey conducted by MassCoMedia. 

Increasing in number of paying guest is directly proportional to increase in number of migrants. Maximum students studying in different college and Employers working are not from this capital so demand of paying guest is high.

These days paying guest is considered as business. Owners are money minded and don't focus on the facilities and securities of their tenants. To earn big amounts people rent their lavish houses and stays in the nearby area at lesser prices.

Sumatra, 21, one of the tenants said, “There is no time limit, our uncle only wants money on 1st of every month and after that he never visit this place".Another paying guest, Roli, 24, employer at SIAM said, “Our aunty is charging reasonable and we enjoy homely environment".

Jay, 42, owns the paying guest from last 5years said, “I am very strict and never allow girls to enter or exit the house after 10 O'clock at night".

Manju, 58, owns the paying guest from last 25years said" Number of paying guest are increasing but the quality is deteriorating. I provide girls with food as well and employed a security guard for their safety".

Crime rate is increasing its high time for girls to open their eyes and to gear up for their safety and security as "Society prepares the crime and criminal commits it".

Price increase pinches pocket

Neha Kedia, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

NEW DELHI: Due to rise in the cost of onions because of unseasonal rains and hoarding by unscrupulous traders, now, common man is asking a lot of questions and the Government does not seem to have any answers.

   From the last two months it can be seen that the prices of onions are soaring. Previously which was being sold at Rs.10 to Rs.15 per kilogram (KG), now it is being sold at Rs.50, Rs.60 and even Rs.70 per Kg. If one has a look at the statistics then the prices of onion is Rs.34 per Kg at all Mother Dairy outlets, whereas the barrow boy sells it at Rs.40 per kg. However, the market price of onions is Rs.35 per Kg in Azadpur vegetable market.

   “I have been selling onions on my barrow from the last four years at the rate of Rs.12 per kg. But from the last two months due to the shortage in the supply of onions the cost has increased. To maintain the stock we used to buy 30 sacks of onion on weekly basis from Azadpur subji mandi at Rs.6 per kg and sold it at Rs. 12 per Kg. With the effect of increasing rates, our sale has decreased due to which we are hardly bringing five sacks of onion per week” said Vijay Kumar, barrow boy, Pushpa Vihar.

   “Due to the lack of Government policy we have to suffer. Having knowing about the hoarding by corrupt traders to fill their own pockets by grabbing the income of common people, Government has not taken any action to charge them” said Reenu Aggarwal, House Wife.     

   The increased prices have not only affected the sale of the vendors, but it has also affected the budget of the family. “In spite of being known that there is a shortage of onions due to freaky weather, the Government did not take corrective measures to ban the import. Why the Government is not taking any action against crooked traders “said Dr.Nitin, Gastroenterologist, Neelu Angel’s Hospital.

   The Government about 10 days back reiterated its intention to curb the prices and said that it will relieve import restrictions, impose export controls, and increase the purchase of essential commodities as it has come under fire from the opposition on rising food prices. Although it does not seem that the prices of onion would decline till the next two months.

 

IT’S TIME FOR DRINK!

Upendra Sharma,  Trainee Reporter MassCoMedia

Winter brings happiness for liquor lovers, because it gives opportunity for them to drink and to give relief them selves from cold. During winters the sale of liquor goes high and it break the sale of essential part of human life i.e. WATER…People of Noida and N.C.R are crazy about liquors including Scotch,rum,vodka,whiskey and beer in this season.  

 

“Especially in winters the more demand of whiskey and rum but in summer, it’s time for beer” and per month sale more than one lakh, said by Yogendra Singh28, Junior Traitor sale UB GROUP.

“The main reason of high sale in winters could be because of marriage season and party days like 25 December and new year etc.” said by localist.According to a survey, last year the sale was Rs.188crore in December, while it was 165 crore in December 2009, Rum topped the list of sold liquor segments, with 1,80,601 cases sold in N.C.R in December2010 as against 1,19521 cases in December 2009.

So it is clearly indicating that day by day and year by year the number of liquor lovers’ increases and party on all the time in Noida and N.C.R region. It also helps to increase revenue which from liquors sales government gets a big amount.

Roadside food, people’s choice, a report by MassCoMedia student

Gunjan Anand, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

GHAZIABAD: Sometimes the demands and choices of people go beyond the legal boundaries. The same has helped the street food corner and small Dhaba owners at Hapur road in Ghaziabad. A small belt of street food shops of approximately a kilometer long is situated there for last 30-40 years but considered as illegal by the Police as the shops are unregistered and the owners also doesn’t possess any legal license to run the shops.

In the past, the shops also have got uprooted many times by the Police but later on the owners somehow managed and made themselves established again and again at the ground zero. When asked about the reason, why the cops get fails every time to make this illegal business shutdown?   Constable, Brijesh Kumar said, "There is definitely lack of strict steps taken by police as well as corruption being the primary causes of their failure." On the contrary, Dhaba owners say that they are not doing anything illegal. Customers come to their shops in large number and they have good business all day long since long time. "Police harass us just to make money from us, as our business is going in flow", said a Dhaba owner, Satpal Singh.

Though the fight is on and both the parties are blaming each other but the customers have no concern with this. The small food hub is liked by everybody from a student to truck drivers and they just enjoy the tasty food out there every day. "We get food at reasonable rates almost 24 hours and also the Hapur road gets safer, especially at night." said by a customer, Rahul. "May be its illegal but still its good" he added.    

Sector 58 in the state of civic apathy, reports a MassCoMedia student

Mehak Zubair, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

While the whole world was busy preparing to welcome the New Year the municipal workers of sector 58 had been on a strike for three days. The result   of this strike was such huge heaps of garbage that the place could be easily mistaken as a dumping ground. This spot has conveniently become the dumping point for   all the industries of this region and the accumulation of garbage   has made it a breeding place for diseases .on being asked   Sauraj Balnuki, the union leader explained that the workers were divided in two categories.one category consisted of workers directly in contact with the authorities and the other of those who are indirectly in contact with the authorities. 

The first group  had been promised that after the end of  the year they would be allowed to work in sector 58 and areas around it.These workers have been working in these areas for  a long time ,Maipal Sanop Mahaveer has been here for almost twenty years and Dayawati for ten years amongst several others.The workers say that they were assured that  they could work in this area but now the authorites are not only turning their backs they are allegedly giving this place to workers under Tehlisdars.Sauraj ,while referring to the declaration of June 1988  says tehsildari was banned ever since.They have also kept with them a copy of this declaration.The reason for this injustice they claim is not only the authorities being bribed but  also the greed for vote banks.The workers claim that those  under Tehsildars  give their votes in exchange of such favors and since they are locals it is highly beniftial for those in power.

The list of their grievances goes a long way back.It was during the government of Maulayam singh,that 1460 plots were allotted to them in sector 122.The change of government led to these being allotted on paper only.Suraj narrates how  promises of making 100 workers permenant  each year were never fulfilled.The wages of those who are indirectly in contact with the municipal corporation are 5152/- and those under direct control get 3500/-,both the groups are not amongst those who have been the benificaries of the sixth pay commission . In case a worker dies  the former are given 5000 for cremation  and a job to anybobdy  eligible  in the immediate family and no  other compensation   what so ever .while the former  are not satisfied with these provisions the latter are not given any at all. Maipal, while narrating an incident said that in 2007 an old woman worker had died in a road accident .It was after this incident that again false promises of making them permanent were made.

In a complete ignorance of all hygiene standards, the municipal corporation has failed to provide gloves, masks, uniforms and even gumboots for the past three years, says Suraj. On being asked why they don’t complain or move the court they have a story in explanation to   share. Some years back 61 workers filed a case not only was it futile, it also resulted in them loosing their jobs. Manoj kumar who had been a silent spectator till now could not stop himself and with a sigh and surety said that ‘’we live on the road and will die here’’. 

When the students of Massco Media tried to contact the municipal authorities they refused to say anything.  It was only after the students showed interest in and raised questions on grounds of hygiene    that the authorities intervened and the garbage was disposed off and the strike ended.              

Youth fall in drugs, an exclusive report by MassCoMedia student on children going for cheap drugs

Deepak Sharma, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia 

An eight year old boy, might have not much in common with other kids of his age who are from different families like sachin and gouav but sniffing ever is common thread between them.

 Raja’s daily routine includes tedious job of collecting plastic bags and bottles. This provides him a meager of Rs 30-40 a day. It is in such circumstances that he gets relaxation from sniffing ever. Two years back when he saw his friends taking fluid, it became a part of his life too. Access was never a problem as it is easily available at any stationary store and is also an inexpensive drug.

This addiction has passed on from a stage of smelling the liquid diluter to drinking it. This apparently minor addiction is what has led his mother, a maid in sector 35 Noida, to think that her son is not mentally well. She narrates how her doctors could not detect any kind of problem and yet son never behaves normally. He even goes to the extent of beating his sibling for money.

Sachin is a young boy living in the village morna in sector 35 of Noida. His family back ground is stable and his father is a financer. His daily routine includes buying and drinking fluid every day with his friends behind the church in sector 34. He also revealed that the amount of consumption is three to four bottles per head each day.

Gourav who hails from a high class family is also not free from his addiction. All these details most definite make one inquisitive as to why these children’s have such easy access, fluid addiction amount from the age  8-20 is an established fact. Yet nothing much is done. A shopkeeper denied being responsible in any way for such problems and shunned all this away by saying that it cannot be known whether it will be used as a stationary product or as a drug. He also explained that since he like several others cannot judge whether the child is an addict, he is left with the option of thinking of it being used for it is being used for it is supposed to i.e. to make correction.

Another situation had different options to share. He said that boys are mere involved in this type of addiction eventually leads to a disturbed mind. Expressing helplessness he said if they are not given  fluid in one store they are never short of others like him and others like him only the wish of being able to stop such children but not with any means of doing so.

According to Dr. Ramerh mittal (psychiatrist) “these kids feel relaxation after took fluid as toluene is the main chemical which relieve stress from brain, but slowly and steadily they became habitual of this.

·         Effects of drugs:-

-Fast heart beat

- Hyper active

- Extra emotions

- Swelling in brain veins

Slowly the nervous system broke down and leads to mental disturbs, heart attack and gone to destination to death. fluid is not only one way of addiction, there are huge range of alternatives like as disprin tabs, Iodex, cough syrups are other modes of addiction. This can’t be stopped at once.    

Sipping Tea, a feature on Kadak Chai ki Dukaan

 Swati Jain, Trainee Reporter MassCoMedia 

A man fully clad, barely open eyes, sits on a bench and says in his shivering voice "One tea please" then "one more, one more, one more…!" and the person who is most pleased by listening these words is the Chaiwala. Such type of scene could be seen easily in any street corner of National Capital Region (NCR).

The hot vapor of tea is the best healer of cold wintry breeze, so the tea makers are fully encashing the warmth of hot tea in this frosty weather. Where most of the people are only having problem with the low temperature, the tea makers are very much happy with the situation. "The sales has increased a lot, now a days", said a tea maker, Rajesh. With the downfall in temperature, the tea business is rising day by day. The work hour span has increased and most of the tea stalls are open late nights. There is a rapid growth in frequency of drinking tea. "I usually had one-two cups of tea per day but now I am taking four-five cups a day" said a BPO employee, Ankit Aggarwal.

The non drinkers are also switching towards it, some to get relief from their cold and some just to enjoy the weather with friends. And for the regular tea lovers, this is the golden time as a student, Puja says," Nothing can be better than a cup of hot tea in such a cold day". Winter also has added different flavors to the tea, with tea at its best in the season.

So whether this winter has taken anything good or not, but it surely has brought smile on some faces.

India Art Summit - An Intimate Affair with Modern & Contemporary Art, a report by MassCoMedia student

Jitendra Kumar, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia 

 India Art Summit was a mesmerizing experience for the connoisseurs.  The third edition of the event was a grand success with visitors from across the continents. This three day (20^th Jan – 23^rd Jan) event was held at Pragati Maidan, Delhi.  Art enthusiasts from across 20 countries flocked to see the third edition of the exhibition. There were visitors from Australia, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and USA.

The exhibition showcased the largest and most diverse collection of modern and contemporary art in India. It hosted 84 of the world’s leading art galleries. Medium presented included paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, prints, photography, performances and digital art.

An affair with art witnessed participation of galleries like the Delhi Art Gallery, Art 18/21 of London, Art Lounge Gallery of Portugal, Arteria of Canada, Indigo Blue Art of Singapore, Art Gallery 21 of Latvia and Grey Noise of Pakistan.

The much acclaimed Indian, Art Summit also entered into controversy for taking down Hussain’s painting from its gallery. Still the grand event was a great success in quenching the thirst of collectors and enthusiasts.

A young visitor from Delhi school of art made an interesting remark “what brings me here is passion to paint and appreciate the work of others. Beside, the seminars held alongside with the exhibition help budding artists like me to understand the changing dynamics of the contemporary and modern art”

As the name of the event itself proclaims- Art Summit, apart from painting there were other medium also at display such as sculptures, installations, photographs and digital art.   

Highlights of the Summit

Ø  3 days

Ø  84 Exhibiting Galleries

Ø  More than 10,000 visitors

Ø  550 modern & contemporary artworks displayed

HORNBILL FESTIVAL, an exclusive report by a MassCoMedia student

Veeyang Virang, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

It’s not that simple to dream and redeem them at the same time. But when there is faith and the will, that we can do it, the mountain can crumble at your feet. Hornbill Festival is an upshot of such grit and determination that has elongated multifarious changes within the region and most importantly, in the way, the world viewed the land of the Naga’s - Nagaland.
Hornbill Festival termed as festival of the festival is one of the biggest and the most revered festival of the North Eastern state. Annually, celebrated on the hills of Kisama, a Naga heritage village some 22 Km away from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. It begins from December 01 and concludes on Dec 07. It’s the best time to comprehend about the Naga culture and cuisines.
Situated on the hillocks of Kisama, its chilling zephyrs don’t curtail the movement of the crowds as it’s also the only time for the trouble torn Nagaland to showcase their culture and cuisine to the world.  Thanks to the diligent effort of Naga people who dared to dream differently and paved the wave of alternation. It is their vision that Hornbill Festival is no more a regional or a festival of single community; but it has been curved into an imperative medium of celebrating the diversity and ethnicity of Nagaland, the North Eastern states as well as neighboring Myanmar and Thailand all under the same roof. The collective endeavors of the local community has authentically composed a soothing music- a masterpiece- the Hornbill Festival that has touched hundreds of life and retraced back the forgotten smiles.
Since last many years, the splendor of it has been mesmerizing and weaving unforgettable memories. Memories that reconnected to their ancient lineages and reminded them to be blissful and fearless of who they are. The melody has also crafted an ambience for the younger generation to be comfortable with their cultural heritage, inspiring them to flaunt ethnicity.
During the initial years, no one ever speculated the journey of Hornbill festival to be so enriching and enduring. It was possible due to the hardworking local populace.  Hornbill Festival that has become a significant part of Naga community, also tells that how unified efforts can change the scenario so rapidly.  Few years back no one thought that HF could survive for such long, everyone thought it was flash in a pan due to ranging insurgency problem but the festival has been able to prove it wrong.
In today’s world, subsisting with ancient culture and traditions has never been easy nor will it ever be. Because, compulsion of changing phases and influences of contemporary civilization are too intense and immediate. But in such tempting backdrop, the remarkable achievement of Hornbill Festival divulges that if we adore our culture, we’ll earn respect from others and if we preserve it, no matter what, it’ll magnetize the globe to have a glimpse of it.
Beside blazon of culture and nature, blending Hornbill Festival with innovative ideas like eco-tourism and indirect source to uplift the regional economy has also contributed in the phenomenal success of it. Opening the barricade of this secluded province for the global explorer’s has witnessed the improvement of local economy that has brought back the smiling faces on the streets, speaking volumes in silence.
All these years since the inception of Hornbill Festival the world has altered for good. Fortunately, the essence of HF has not faded nor the tribal spirit has declined. In fact the changes it has elongated will never disappear or forgotten. For instance, as per the official statistics, HF’10 has recorded awesome figure of tourist influx – both international and domestic. Perhaps such enormous numbers of tourist has never explored any other festival of North Eastern state in past years. Indeed it’s an achievement – a remarkable achievement.