Assam to revive Satriya Dance

Guwahati, Aug 25 (ANI): In order to promote the unique Satriya classical dance form of Assam among the people of the state as well as at the national and international level, the Satriya Sangeet Charkha Kendra (SSCK) organised a cultural program in Jorhat recently.

It was held at Satriya Mahotsabha in Rajabari, Jorhat with many renowned scholars and researchers stressing on the importance of preserving this beautiful dance.

The cultural program attracted large number of audience from all across the state.

Dr. Nirupama Mahanta, Convenor, Assam Satra Mahotsabha said, “These are the teachers of different Satriya music schools of Assam and they have received vast knowledge of Satriya dance, music and with different arts of Satriya from the resource persons.”

“Satriya dance has been recognised as a major Indian traditional dance form and accordingly it has come of age,” said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, a audience.

Satriya dance was created by one of the great Assamese Vaishnavite Saint, Mahapurush Sankardeva in the fifteenth century.

It is an artistic way of presenting mythological teachings to the people.

Traditionally, only men performed Satriya dance as a part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals. However, today, it is performed both by men and women and on themes other than mythology as well.

It is accompanied by musical compositions called borgeets, which are based on classical ragas played along with the khols (drums), taals (cymbals) and the flute.

The dance form has its origin in Majuli island, which is the seat of Assamese culture and tradition and the biggest river island in the world.

The government of India has recognized Satriya Dance as one of the classical dance forms of India. By Vaschipem Kamodang (ANI)

Two more eyewitnesses to be examined in Kasab case today

Mumbai, May 12 (ANI): Two eyewitnesses will be examined in connection with the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks today.

The prosecution will examine Hemant Boudhankar and Sanjay Govilkar, both assistant police inspectors.

The examination of the first witness, Bhaskar Kadam, concluded on Monday.

Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam identified the AK-47 rifle that was used by Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, on November 26, 2008.

Kadam had seen Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who fell to the bullets. He also identified two pistols, made from a company named Nedi Frontier Arms based in Pakistan.

Besides, Kadam also identified Abu Ismail”s clothes. Ismail was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack.

Earlier, the court had charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eighty-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

Witness identifies AK-47 rifle used by Kasab

Mumbai, May 11 (ANI): The first witness in the Mumbai terror attack case on Monday identified the AK-47 rifle that was used by Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, on November 26, 2008.

Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam had seen Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who fell to the bullets.

Kadam also identified two pistols, made from a company named Nedi Frontier Arms based in Pakistan.

Besides, Kadam also identified Abu Ismail’s clothes. Ismail was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack.

All these evidences were produced in the special court here today.

Earlier, the court had charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eight-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

Police arrest top Maoist leader in Orissa

Keonjhar (Orissa), May 10 (ANI): Police nabbed four Maoists, including a core commander, who allegedly orchestrated a series of attacks in the Similipal Tiger Reserve area in Keonjhar district of Orissa.
Police also recovered a live cartridges, country made pistols and Maoist literature from them.

“Bhaskar, who happened to be one of the core commanders of the Kalinga Nagar Area Committee (KNAC) which operates in Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and some parts of Mayurbhanj district has been arrested by the Special Operation Group and soldiers.

We have recovered arms and lot of documents which indicate the activities and programme of Maoists in the area,” said Soumendra Priyadarshi, superintendent of police, Keonjhar district.

The Maoists operate in a large swathe of India stretching from the east to some southern states, mostly in the countryside, and attack government officials and property.

Orissa is one of nine states badly affected by the more than three-decade-old Maoist revolt.

The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of millions of impoverished peasants and landless labourers. (ANI)

First witness to Mumbai attacks identifies Kasab

Mumbai, May 8 (ANI): The first witness in the Mumbai terror attack case on Friday said he saw Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, fire at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble.

‘I saw Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Omble, who fell to the bullets,” said Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam.

Kadam also said he fired at Abu Ismail who was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack. While Kasab pretended to fall down from car, Ismail was seriously injured.

On Thursday, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said the prosecution would now begin to present its witnesses in each of the cases against the accused.

The prosecution said it has over 1,800 witnesses and more than 750 pieces of evidence to present to the court.

On Wednesday, court charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eight-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

Pro-talk ULFA cadres want to participate in Lok Sabha polls

Guwahati, April 10 (ANI): While the United Liberation Front of Assom (ULFA) is today infamous for its militant activities, the pro-talk ULFA cadres are eager to take part in the upcoming 15th Lok Sabha elections.

The pro-talk groups of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) that declared a unilateral ceasefire last year are looking forward to join the electoral process and cast votes. hey had been boycotting elections so far. And, significantly, today they are also looking forward to restoration of peace in the region.

“As it is a democratic Government, we are hoping whichever Government comes to power, will take the peace process forward,” said Raju, pro-talk ULFA cadre.

“This year, we are getting a chance to vote and we will make use of the opportunity,” said Bhaskar Rajbonshi, pro-talk ULFA cadre.

About 150 ULFA cadres are now staying in the main Headquarters of the pro-talk ULFA group in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam.

ULFA cadres are gradually joining the pro-talk camp, hoping that a permanent solution will take the state forward on the path of development. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)

The adversary managed to get away in Assam: Home ministry

New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) A day after five terror attacks rocked Assam killing 10 people and injuring over 60, the Indian government Tuesday admitted it had specific inputs of the impending strikes and ‘regretted’ that the ‘adversary’ had managed to get away.

Security agencies have blamed the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the blasts.

‘The security forces, and especially the Assam police, were on high alert and tried their best to secure the most vulnerable locations. It is unfortunate and deeply regretted that the adversary has been able to strike this time’, the home ministry said in a statement.

‘The government condemns these acts of violence, even while it regrets that it was not possible for the security forces to pre-empt and prevent these incidents,’ it added.

Detailing the steps taken by his ministry on specific alerts, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said many advisories were sent to the security forces as well as to the Assam government to remain extremely vigilant during this period.

‘The period between March 16 (ULFA’s so-called Army Day) and April 7 (its so-called Raising Day) has always been a vulnerable period in Assam for many years,’ Chidambaram said, while releasing a booklet on ‘The Congress party’s pledge – Protecting India From Terror’.

Since January, the security forces have been able to arrest 42 ULFA cadres and neutralise 15.

‘For example, notorious ULFA cadres such as Tapan Roy, Paranjal Deka, Anupam Gogoi, Bhaskar Hazarika and Kushal Das, were neutralised by the Assam police in the last three months. In the process, the security forces have lost four lives,’ said the home minister.

‘It is natural to put the blame on security and police but we had made arrangements for thwarting such attacks and it is unfortunate this has happened,’ he added.

Assam has long been on the terror radar.

Terror struck on the first day of 2009 when three serial blasts in as many hours triggered by suspected ULFA militants left six people dead and more than 60 injured.

The explosions took place a few hours before Chidambaram flew in for his maiden visit as home minister to review the law and order situation in the state.

Before that, in October last year, serial bombings rocked the state, killing over 80 people.

Villagers of Maharashtra overwhelmed by farm loan waivers

Ganoeri (Maharashtra), Mar 31 (ANI): Farmers in Ganoeri village of Aurangabad district of Maharashtra have expressed happiness after their farm loans were waived off recently.

Congress-led Government had on May 23, 2008 raised the total farm loan waiver limit to Rs.716.8 billion from the Rs.600 billion.

“The government has given a lot to us. They have made us loan free. Earlier, we were in shackles but now we are in less shackles. The government has done a lot of favor to us,” said GorakhBeraker, a farmer.

The farm loan waiver scheme aims at enabling the beneficiary farmers to apply for fresh loans.

“The problems we were facing are gone now because of the loan waiver. Now we are living in peace. For progress in farming, for our children this is a good help. Such government should come in future. Congress should come in power for next five years,” said Dhamodar Bhaskar, another farmer.

Agriculture in India continues to be highly labour intensive and supports nearly 60 percent of a billion-plus population but constitutes only 20 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the economy. By Abdul Hadi (ANI)

Surrendered ULFA rebels wants to participate in general elections

Nalbari (Assam), Mar 24 (ANI): Surrendered rebels of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) express their desire to participate in upcoming general elections.

A splinter faction of Assam’s main rebel group, the ULFA, which prefers to have talks with the Central Government for a negotiated settlement to the separatist issue, said they want to cast their vote in the elections, which will be between April 16 and May 13.

Talking to reporters at the “Khotra Shatra”, a designated camp of surrendered rebels in Nalbari District on Monday, Raju, a surrendered rebel said, “I am thinking hard to cast my vote in the upcoming elections.”

The ‘pro-talks’ group, which walked out of the ULFA, declared unilateral ceasefire last year expecting reciprocal gesture from the Central Government to restore peace in the region.

“We are hoping that peace process will progress further after elections. Whichever party comes to power after elections we will provide our full support,” said Bhaskar Rajbonshi, another surrendered rebel.

ULFA has been demanding independence for Assam since 1979 and accuses New Delhi of exploiting the state’s resources and doing little to develop the province.

The outfit has also accused non-Assamese people of plundering the state’s resources and spoiling its culture. (ANI)

Assam’s militancy victims demand end to violence

Guwahati, Mar. 9 (ANI): In a bid to gather support against violence in the state, militancy affected families gathered in Guwahati have launched a program called, ‘Sankalp’.

So far, more than 10,000 people have died and 6000 families have been seriously affected by militancy and violence in Assam.

‘Sankalp’ was held is association of a project called ‘Aashwas’, which was initiated by the Assam police to help children affected by militancy.
An art exhibition was also held where those affected shared their thoughts about militancy.

“I only want to say that I don’t understand what these people want. What do they get by killing innocent people? They have killed my husband. He is dead and so he got his peace but what about us? We did not do any wrong,” said Sadhna Roy, whose husband was killed by ULFA.

The project supports education of militancy-affected children till the age of 18.Currently, 750 children are benefiting from Aashwas project.

“This is an anti-violence advocacy. Looking at the children affected by militancy bring tears to people. This is a collective efforts of the people and we take a vow not to let these things to happen to children in the future,” said Aashwas official Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta.
During the closing ceremony of the program, the Assam Police took out a torch rally against the atrocities inflicted by militants on innocent people. (ANI)

You can enjoy Oriental food in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Feb.14 (ANI): Oriental food has traditionally been popular in the cities near seashore. The cuisine, however, is now being catered in Chandigarh as well.

The credit goes to Purple Rice, the oriental restaurant which has been popularizing this special food while bringing cheers to food lovers here.

Located in Chandigarh, food lovers at Purple Rice can relish the Indonesian, Taiwanese, Chinease, Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisine. The sound of chopping and sautéing of fresh vegetables as your dish is prepared in front of you under the guidance of chef Bhaskar, creates a perfect ambience.

Be it the ambience, the décor or the food – eating out at Purple Rice is truly a different experience for the Punjabis.

“We are very popular with Indonesian prawn sattees and then we have Indonesian pomphret and jumbo shimpholes and salt and pepper prawns and there are various other things in starters. In the main course, what we have done with seafood is that we have done a lot of customization. If you go through the menus, we have on every menu, … the heading says, make your own prawn in any kind of sauce, make your own pomphret with any kind of sauce and same with fish,” said Vipul Dua, Managing Director, Purple Rice. (Oriental Wok Café’).

Though authentic Chinese and Thai food is the mantra here, Vipul has done his bit to appease the Punjabi taste buds. His chilly Paneer is appropriately called ‘Chinjabi’.

“The trend is changing because people want to be healthy these days. They are more health conscious. They want to be fit. They want to look fit, that’s the reason. These oriental dishes have lots of vegetables, so they are the more healthy rather than eating just pure may be for that matter you would be eating cream chicken or butter chicken, you just has chicken and lots of fat in it,” says Simran, one foodie.

“Now-a-days people are traveling a lot, so they are more aware of what all is in like the latest fad, so these multi-cuisines are latest fad now-a-days. Like in any hotel, you will find various types of cuisines from Chinese to oriental, continental and everything, health being the foremost reason. I think so people are more conscious and aware and so these cuisines are picking up,” said Babita, another food lover.

A visitor can relish a meal at Purple Rice anywhere between eight to ten dollars per head including beer or wine from Australia, South Africa, Spain, Italy, France or India.

And as Punjabis get used to the oriental cuisine, the restaurateur has plans to build a chain of Purple Rice restaurants! By Sunil Sharma (ANI)

Dainik Bhaskar achieves industry video high with Vdopia

Gurgaon, Feb 10 (ANI/Business Wire India): Vdopia, the world’s leading premium online video advertisement network, today named Dainik Bhaskar as a Star Advertiser of 2008.

This accolade is recognition of the extraordinary success that Dainik Bhaskar achieved for its campaign – “Ziddkaro”.

This campaign was targeted at 25-40 year olds and was able to generate a click-through rate (CTR) of 3.55 per cent, which is seven to eight times above the industry average.

The campaign’s success was due to the immersive video-in-video experience, which combined with endorsement by Mahinder Singh Dhoni (MSD), provided mass market appeal with deeper customer engagement.

Over 200,000 unique viewers watched the “Ziddkaro” video ad, which was simultaneously featured on over 100 premium sites, reaching Indians across the country. The video campaign ran as a pre-roll before premium video content, which included news, sports and entertainment sites.

This pre-roll video ad was clickable and took viewers directly to Ziddkaro.com. 9369 viewers landed on the Ziddkaro site.

Vdopia came up with superb innovation – ‘text superimposition’, in which the zidkaro invitation text was embedded in the video ad, thus generating more user response.

Kushal Sanghvi Managing Director of Media Contacts, said: “We spent a lot of time strategizing what would be done for the campaign online. The brand has invested in making a great commercial and it was only perhaps right to try and explore the same in the digital space too.

Vdopia offered us the right opportunity to use the same video creative online across relevant premium internet video content. Vdopia team not only implemented it quickly but also came up with the idea of text superimposition, which increased the CTR and led to huge traffic on Ziddkaro.com. Vdopia is the undisputed market leader and their expertise helped us achieve such impressive results.”

Sanjeev Kotnala, Vice President, Dainik Bhaskar Group added: “It was great idea from Media Contacts to communicate our message to the Internet audience using Mahinder Singh Dhoni (MSD) TVC. MSD is a national icon and the campaign created great buzz and impact. Vdopia not only gave us great reach and branding, but also delivered impressive traffic to our site.

There is no doubt that Vdopia is going to be a part of every marketing plan and is certainly taking the online video industry to the next level.”

Mayur Sethi, Media Supervisor India, Media Contacts said: “I would like to congratulate the entire Vdopia team for brilliantly executing Dainik Bhaskar’s Ziddkaro campaign.

Their ability to take great video creative and deliver great audience results is testament to their position as the world’s leading premium advertising network.”

Saurabh Bhatia, Chief Business Officer, Vdopia said: “We would like to congratulate Media Contacts and Dainik Bhaskar for being the advertiser of the quarter. The key to success for the campaign was amazing creative, right targeting, positioning with premium content and using innovation like text superimposition by Vdopia.

This is a landmark within the Indian advertising industry as it is the first time that a media company has used online video advertising for corporate branding purposes.

Online video advertising is now a critical part of the media mix; we’re delighted to be working with Media Contacts who are ahead of the game in their understanding of how online video can extend TV campaigns.” (ANI)

Sand art in Varanasi to condemn terrorism

Varanasi, Jan 20 (ANI): More than 400 artists created sculptures on the banks of river Ganges in Varanasi to express their ire against terrorism.

Hundreds of artists and tourists were present to make themselves a part of this the marvellous art. This social crusade was to create awareness on how terrorism is steadily breeding in the country inculcating a sense of fear and insecurity of lives in people.

“In India, whether it is a rickshaw puller or the Prime Minister, all of them are gripped in fear. To express our fear and create awareness, artists like us have designed this art on the sand which also shows that we condemn terrorism,” Hemant Yadav, an artist

Many artisans made sculptures of hotel Taj, which was attacked in Mumbai.

These artisans condemned the terrorists’ attacks in Mumbai and conveyed condolences towards the victims who lost their lives in one of the most deadliest attacks in India.

“We have made these sculptures in memory of arts for the people who have died in the attacks at the Taj Hotel and other places in Mumbai. We prayed for their souls on the banks of the holy river of Ganga,” said Bhaskar Vishwakarma, another artist. y Girish Kumar Dubey (ANI)