Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Before we completely forget Year 2008 and start adjusting with new resolutions of the New Year 2009 letrsquos refresh main happenings which made major news

Taking a look over the prominent activities in various fields of the state during the passing Year -2008 letrsquos learn some lessons from the big happenings and mishappenings to make Himachal Pradesh a better place to live in

MAJOR NEWSJanauryJanaury Dhumal initiated to provide employment through control over Monkey and Wild Life Menace JRKatwal a HAS officer took over as Director of Information and Public Relations on 3rd in Shimla formerly he was Managing Director MILKFED Himachal govt decided to provide 50 percent reservation for women in local bodies Una Dhali and Mandi police stations were selected in the initial phase for the ISO Certification and the necessary hardware and software infrastructure were being spruced up to meet the requirements of ISO 9001-2000 certificationcertification

With the new govt administrative changes were expected Officials close to the previous government were bound to get cooling period postings and this really happened Govt also lifted ban on holding of RSS shakahs in public places and considered to handover management of religious shrines to previous managements Rikhi Ram Kondal administered oath as interim Himachal assembly speaker and the first ever session of new assembly term was held outside state capital at Tapovan near Dharamshala on 11th

ToTo bring disgrace to former Himachal Congress Pesident Viplove a woman was held in a raid from her son-in-lawrsquos resort at Dehra whereas her daughter threatened BJP leader with libel case

The days moved ahead and so did the news Dhumal announced to simplify the recruitment process laid the foundation stone of Balh Valley Left Bank Medium Irrigation Scheme and stated to reward honest and proficient officers in the state To amuse all a thief got into our CMrsquos house in Hamirpur

ToTo counter the parking and traffic problem the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh

Development Authority (BBNDA) planned to set up an integrated Transport Nagar at Baddi Himachalrsquos largest Rural Water Supply Scheme faced Vigilance Inquiry and controversial Justice Jagdish Bhalla was appointed as Himachal Chief Justice

DhumalDhumal said to focus on fiscal discipline amp generating employment school children not to attend public meetings Himachal Transport Deptt decided to make all the offices and barriers online and BJP termed Excise concession withdrawal unfortunate State celebrated Himachal Day and Dhumal attended function in Sarkaghat where he announced opening of a Medical college in the Mandi district Indians celebrated Republic Day in various parts of the world To bring double smile on the faces of sisters govt declared gazetted holidays on rakshabandhanrakshabandhan and bhai dhuj for women To benefit apple orchardists apples were brought under Bima Yojna and CM asked ministers to be in office 4 days a week

February Another month of the year approached Bhalla took oath as new CJ Himachal Pradesh State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN) was launched old age pension hike came as a ray of light to many in oldies and new IRB located at Jangel Beri was looked upon to open more employment avenues for boys and girls separately Himachal govt fixed an annual plan of Rs 2400 crore and Ramesh Dhawala ensured 70 employment avenues to be provided to Himachalis in industrial units

JohnJohn Sims told that Himalayan Ski Resort will be developed as a World Class Tourism Destination and on the other side Dhumal dedicated Rs 24172 lakh for Indoor Sports Stadium With the rise in the fuel prices govt mulled 25 hike in bus fares and planned to run Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in plain areas in order to reduce the expenses on fuel Widening the locomotion Dhumal asked the Lallu Prasad Yadav to expand railway network in Himachal To delight drunkards govt lowered vat on alcohol top drug controlling official was put in policepolice custody for bribery charges which resulted Himachal Drug Licensing Authority-Pharma Unit Nexus to be probed

Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri rail line found mention in the budget proposals of railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and VMRT was decided to make functional in joint venture

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Dhumal announced to make Baddi a tehsil While on other side the Himachal vigilance department lodged a criminal case against former minister Singhi Ram First Primate Park was opened in the state and Dhumal aimed at introducing Yoga at schools Himachal was selected for reforestation under World Bank grant More than hundred Tibetan marchers who had been stopped and forcibly taken away by Kangra police to local custody started indefinite hunger strike in defiance to the arrest On the other side Dhumal said to introduce award toto progressive farmers and to establish one Head Office of new IRB at Bilaspur The Tribal Development Department decided to execute the first phase of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights Recognition) Act 2006

Education Board Chairman BR Rahi got Anticipatory Bail but was later cancelled and fromer Minister Singhi Ram was also arrested in Fake Certificate Case

April People welcomed the funfilled month of April by playing pranks on others But to some it was not a funfilled Foolrsquos Day like Singhi Ram who was sent to four day police custody In Forgery Case and SK Sharma CEO cum Secretary of HIMUDA on whom eyebrows were raised on plot allotment

TibetansTibetans demanded land in Shimla Cabinet sanctioned 413 new posts considered new transfer policy and increased HP Power share capital to 200 crores Second phase of Swan river project was launched by Dhumal and the much awaited Giri water lifting scheme was also inaugurated Scam in sale of land in Palampur caused loss in lacs to the state exchequer daily To benefit the people Himachal Tourism Dept went for online bookings and Himachal High Court disposed case opposing Himalayan Ski Village Project before we entered into the month of MayMay

May Himachal got 136540 crore assistance from World Bank for roads project A doctor was absconded for illegal abortion in a local clinic at Shimla On 27th President Patil visited Shimla And a Six-lane Parwanno-Shimla Expressway was proposed by Dhumal Govt also Sardar announced the revival of Sobha Singh Awards

June Himachal government got 34787 crores under NREGA programme and decided to include ginger crop of Sirmaur district in the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme

Asha Swaroop took over as new Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh andHimachal decided to adopt lsquoVan Mahotsava Scheme-2008rsquo

JulyJuly The State Government has constituted a new department named as Sainik Welfare Department in order to monitor welfare activities and decided to implement Bio-Carbon Afforestation Project in the State

HariHari Man Sharma of village Paniyala in Ghumarwin tehsil district Bilaspur successfully cultivated apple mango and litchi in the same farm and changed the whole notion of farming in the lower belts And Maharashtra PCC chief Prabha Rau was appointed Himachalrsquos new governor Kalka-Shimla railway line was declared as world Heritage site by UNESCO Dhumal named a Shimla road originating at Longwood Chowk near RKMV upto Keleston after Brigadier RD Mehta

PuttingPutting election manifesto commitments aside the government announced winding up the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) as a measure for downsizing government expenditure and reducing litigation costs District Level and Sub-Division Level Grievances Redressal Committees of all the districts and Sub-Division was formed in the state Authority to make BPL (Below Poverty Line) certificates was given to the concerned Gram Panchayat Pradhan as per the new pattern And DGP Ashwani Kumar was appointed Director of CBI

AugustAugust Dr Hari C Sharma became the first Asian to head ICE Bal Tejinder Singh director Extol Chemicals was sentenced to two years imprisonment for operating a chemical plant without permission and discharging pollutants above the prescribed limits Holidays and free traveling facility on Raksha Bandhan and Bhaiya Dooj was announced to females Himachal Cabinet completely switched over to Hindi language

SeptemberSeptember PTA Teachers protested before Himachal Vidhan Sabha SEL Manufacturing Co announced to invest about 5 billion rupees for technical textile

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

park in the state Gati made efforts to bring Kinnaur apples online Upgradation of the Nagrota-Bagwan-Ranital Mubarakpur and Paonta-Sahib-Shillai-Hatkoti roads into national highways was sanctioned by Centre

October Himachal government took up one-rank-one-pension to the ex-servicemen Probability of packaged food for Aganwari children was opposed by a number of social paediatric and medical activists representing various organisations

SeniorSenior IAS officer Subhash Ahluwalia was arrested in connection with a disproportionate assets case and was Police remanded for extented 4 days Then he was sent to two weeks judicial lock up and a day after High Court granted conditional bail to IAS officer

Rs 200 crore was released by Centre Renuka Dam project and NABARD sanctioned 155 crore for poly houses

CrackersCrackers sale was prohibited in Shimla but still we could see many shop vendors selling them and people celebrate Diwali with great pomp amp showGanesha Dutt was appointed as Vice Chairman of HIMUDA

NovemberNovember Dhumal stated that Rs 632 crore to be spent on drinking water and irrigation and Multi crore other projects for Himachal Rajender Rana was appointed as first Media Advisory Committee Chairman TCP Parwanoo issued notices to 15 illegal structures And Renuka Dam was announced to be named after Parshuram

FinallyFinally Himachal inked $800 Million Loan Agreement with ADB Dhumal launched the ambitious Rs 228 crore widening and strengthening of Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road project

Vijay Sood got 1 year jail term for making obscene CD and Vigilance asked for Narco Test of Ahluwalia Couple in disproportionate Asset CaseGovtGovt thinks of an alternate with Computerised Public Distribution System Heritage villages would be insured said CM All Panchayats in would be made Online by 2009-10

December Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Central Potato Research Institute worked and is working towards organic potato production by trying to develop a blight free variety that can be grown in larger quantities Cabinet approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Election) Act 1994

DhumalDhumal said that Govt committed to give representation to the left out areas in the State Cabinet and First Daily lsquoJan Shatabdi Expressrsquo was flaged off Govt increased Creamy Layer limit

Dhumal launched E-Grievance portal

BUSINESSJanauryJanaury On the very first day of the year 2008 US Multinational Nanobiosym Proposed to invest Rs 2000 Cr to set up Nano-Biosym Park in Solan District and with a change of guard in Himachal Pradesh governance the new BJP govt questioned the basis of setting up the Himalayan Ski Village without adhering to transparency Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) recorded highest generation at Jhakri Plant HK Sharma chairman-cum-managing director SJVNL informed that the company during the financial year 2006-07 had achieved a 47 increase inin electricity generation net profits and the dividends paid The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) sanctioned Rs 1876 crore loan to Himachal Pradesh for executing 19 minor irrigation projects and 15 rural drinking water supply schemes under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Dhumal also revealed that state government will get the Industrial Package approved for the state extended up to its original year of 2013 and he wrote a letter to Chhatisgarh CM Raman Singh regarding purchasing of electricityelectricity

Touted as a power surplus state Himachal in mid winter was in the midst of power crisis as industrial production schedules had been affected and urban and rural domestic consumers had to face persistent power cuts On the other side SJVNL tied up $ 400 Million World Bank loan for Rampur Project and the Eleventh Five Year Plan beginning from current financial year 2007-08 and ending in the year

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

2012 was been fixed at Rs 13778 crore

February Business sector of HP was moving ahead where ABB won $71 million power order for Himachal project Himalayan Ski Village was planned to allot to international companies by inviting bidding and the four days long strike at Lenovo plant come to an end A Chinese construction firm was given the task of upgradation of three road projects worth Rs 43113 crore in Himachal

MarchMarch Ambuja laid foundation stone its Second Unit Patikari Hydro Electric Project was inaugurated and under pressure from MNCs the central health ministry decided to close CRI LIC Shimla topped Premium collection in North Zone and in Baddi 3 units of Ruchi Masala were sealed While PHDCCI seeked Tax benefits for all New Industries in the state

AprilApril Dhumal commissioned Jindal Brothers Nalagarh Thermo Shield Plant and US fashion giant Fossil planned to make Watches in the state Avesthagen introduced Indiarsquos first 100 biodegradable plastic and Airtel crossed 8 Lakh Customer Base in Himachal High Court ordered partial demolition of Shimla Hotel

MayMay Himachal got World Bank approval for its Bio Carbon Credit Project and Consumer Court held Hyundai Motors liable for faulty car SJVNL set Record Rs 307 Crore Insurance Claim and a Chinese company Long Jian Road amp Bridge Limited signed an agreement of constructing a two-lane road of 80 kilometres from Theog to Rohroo

June On the other side High Court asked Himachal Government to take clear stand about allotment of 960 MW Power Project to Brakel CorporationJulyJuly Himachal Cabinet served notice for cancellation of 960 MW Brakel Corp Project in the first week and after some days Govt bought time to decide Project Allotment to Brakel Corporation Himachal Police laid seize to Versa Inc Pharma unit Solan

September Ratan Tata joined Nanobiosym Advisory Board Kolkata based SPS group set up steel plant in Gwalthai

October The Asian Development Bank has proposed to invest over 90 Million US Dollars in tourism related infrastructure in the state Himachal Government nudged Banks to push for Credit Inclusion

Himachal altered land buying process to suit Industry and HPL Socomec and Phoenix bagged CFL supply contract

DhumalDhumal categorically stated that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) would not be allotted any project in Himachal Pradesh as the organization had cheated the state

November Cabinet increased Medical Seats and enhanced support prices for Citrus Fruits GAIL-Himachal signed agreement for gas pipeline to BBN Industrial Belt

CMCM disclosed that Rs 81 lakh for reconnaissance engineering-cum-traffic surveys to construct a new broad gauge rail lines from Bilaspur to Leh had been sanctioned The government was bracing up to face a legal battle as it prepared grounds to cancel allotment of a 960 MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari mega hydro project on Satluj river handed out to Dutch company Brakel Corporation two years ago Brakel fought to save the award of this power project to them And finally Cabinet handed over 960 MW Project to Brakel Corporation

GovernmentGovernment threatened to Cancel Agreements of Un-executed Small Hydro Projects Hotel Wild Flower Hall lost dispute By Himachal Government

December Unitech Wireless and Idea Cellular grabbed GSM spectrum in Himachal BIG TV became the biggest DTH service in the state Reliance again petitioned court over Brakel allotment

Vodafone made a soft launch in Himachal and Himachal 2005 Economic Census was released

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MAJOR MISHAPPENINGSJanaury The people of Kullu had not yet overcome the shock of Mohani village while another devastating mid-winter inferno gutted 150 houses of Malana village and to increase the discomfort of the villagers it started snowing two days later Though CM announced a relief of Rs 3 crore

SamreshSamresh Jungrsquos brother accidentally shot himself intense cold wave claimed 5 lives in first month and about 30 persons were injured in a bus accident near Dhalli Shimla

February Sometimes mishappening occurs due to our mistake and sometime nature become too harsh to take away lives about 16 lives were lost due to heavy snow in state and a lady got AIDS from her husband and after his death even she committed suicide

MarchMarch In the starting of the month a major fire broke out in Birlarsquos Unit While 5 people died and 15 injured in an off-season landslide in Manali and two bullet sprayed bodies were recovered near Kufri

May A mysterious death of an engineering student occurred who fell from 4th floor Miss Seema Sood a post graduate engineer (Gold Medalist) from BITS Pilani ( Rajsthan ) wrote a letter addressed to President of India and appealed for mercy killing as she was confined to one room for the past thirteen yearsWeatherWeather Vagaries Damaged Himachal Horticulture Crops By Rs 300 Crore ndash Bragta

June Nathpa-Jhakari Generation Plant got shut down for some days due to heavy silt in Satluj 15 people died and 6 were injured when a Himachal Roadways Bus went off the road and fell deep into a gorge at Khaneoli Badrash near Rampur Rain brought lot of misery for villagers

AA bloody scene of unprovoked firing took place at Shoghi industrial area killing one and 4 others bullet injured

August 146 killed in stampede at Naina Devi

September Himachal Private Bus accident occurred near Chambi Khad in Shahpur area of Kangra 42 Injured Himachal lost more than 1540 crores in floods Rain Damage losses in Shimla District was calculated at Rs 400 Cr About 400 people stranded at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley

OctoberOctober Fire reduced mixy unit at Parwanoo into ashes Over two dozen people including at least five police personnel were injured outside the state secretariat when a protest blockade by PTA teachers turned violent In another accident 59 persons were injured three of them seriously when a state transport bus of Himachal Roadway rolled off the road near Sharunta Rohru

AA girl was mistakenly shot to death by a neighbour thinking to be an animal in Matiana Diwali celebrations turned tragic for a family as all four members died in Diwali lamp fire accident

November Forty five persons were killed and another five were injured when an private bus traveling from Kotighat to Shimla lost control near Kufri and went rolling 600 meters down into the valley A devastating fire gutted another heritage village

DecemberDecember Third incident of suicide by a girl student of Himachal Pradesh Institute of Dental Science Ponta Sahib was reported Himachal Holiday Special Kalka-Shimla train derailed in which one person died

NEWS IN GENERALJanaury Dr Vivek Sharma questions appropriateness of 50 reservation for woman Big B visited Himachal for shooting Read about The Army Heritage Museum by Ravinder Makhaik

FebruaryFebruary Days were still cold but news kept moving ahead Rana Shamsher Singh released his compilation of poems under the title lsquoAbhimannu Kis-Kis se Ladersquo Losar was celebrated on 7th and IARI developed a new variety of cabbage The fesitval of love ie Valentinersquos Day was celebrated great fervor but BYJM carried a protest against it

The craze for body art and rap style seemed to be growing among the youth of

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Dhumal announced to make Baddi a tehsil While on other side the Himachal vigilance department lodged a criminal case against former minister Singhi Ram First Primate Park was opened in the state and Dhumal aimed at introducing Yoga at schools Himachal was selected for reforestation under World Bank grant More than hundred Tibetan marchers who had been stopped and forcibly taken away by Kangra police to local custody started indefinite hunger strike in defiance to the arrest On the other side Dhumal said to introduce award toto progressive farmers and to establish one Head Office of new IRB at Bilaspur The Tribal Development Department decided to execute the first phase of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights Recognition) Act 2006

Education Board Chairman BR Rahi got Anticipatory Bail but was later cancelled and fromer Minister Singhi Ram was also arrested in Fake Certificate Case

April People welcomed the funfilled month of April by playing pranks on others But to some it was not a funfilled Foolrsquos Day like Singhi Ram who was sent to four day police custody In Forgery Case and SK Sharma CEO cum Secretary of HIMUDA on whom eyebrows were raised on plot allotment

TibetansTibetans demanded land in Shimla Cabinet sanctioned 413 new posts considered new transfer policy and increased HP Power share capital to 200 crores Second phase of Swan river project was launched by Dhumal and the much awaited Giri water lifting scheme was also inaugurated Scam in sale of land in Palampur caused loss in lacs to the state exchequer daily To benefit the people Himachal Tourism Dept went for online bookings and Himachal High Court disposed case opposing Himalayan Ski Village Project before we entered into the month of MayMay

May Himachal got 136540 crore assistance from World Bank for roads project A doctor was absconded for illegal abortion in a local clinic at Shimla On 27th President Patil visited Shimla And a Six-lane Parwanno-Shimla Expressway was proposed by Dhumal Govt also Sardar announced the revival of Sobha Singh Awards

June Himachal government got 34787 crores under NREGA programme and decided to include ginger crop of Sirmaur district in the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme

Asha Swaroop took over as new Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh andHimachal decided to adopt lsquoVan Mahotsava Scheme-2008rsquo

JulyJuly The State Government has constituted a new department named as Sainik Welfare Department in order to monitor welfare activities and decided to implement Bio-Carbon Afforestation Project in the State

HariHari Man Sharma of village Paniyala in Ghumarwin tehsil district Bilaspur successfully cultivated apple mango and litchi in the same farm and changed the whole notion of farming in the lower belts And Maharashtra PCC chief Prabha Rau was appointed Himachalrsquos new governor Kalka-Shimla railway line was declared as world Heritage site by UNESCO Dhumal named a Shimla road originating at Longwood Chowk near RKMV upto Keleston after Brigadier RD Mehta

PuttingPutting election manifesto commitments aside the government announced winding up the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) as a measure for downsizing government expenditure and reducing litigation costs District Level and Sub-Division Level Grievances Redressal Committees of all the districts and Sub-Division was formed in the state Authority to make BPL (Below Poverty Line) certificates was given to the concerned Gram Panchayat Pradhan as per the new pattern And DGP Ashwani Kumar was appointed Director of CBI

AugustAugust Dr Hari C Sharma became the first Asian to head ICE Bal Tejinder Singh director Extol Chemicals was sentenced to two years imprisonment for operating a chemical plant without permission and discharging pollutants above the prescribed limits Holidays and free traveling facility on Raksha Bandhan and Bhaiya Dooj was announced to females Himachal Cabinet completely switched over to Hindi language

SeptemberSeptember PTA Teachers protested before Himachal Vidhan Sabha SEL Manufacturing Co announced to invest about 5 billion rupees for technical textile

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

park in the state Gati made efforts to bring Kinnaur apples online Upgradation of the Nagrota-Bagwan-Ranital Mubarakpur and Paonta-Sahib-Shillai-Hatkoti roads into national highways was sanctioned by Centre

October Himachal government took up one-rank-one-pension to the ex-servicemen Probability of packaged food for Aganwari children was opposed by a number of social paediatric and medical activists representing various organisations

SeniorSenior IAS officer Subhash Ahluwalia was arrested in connection with a disproportionate assets case and was Police remanded for extented 4 days Then he was sent to two weeks judicial lock up and a day after High Court granted conditional bail to IAS officer

Rs 200 crore was released by Centre Renuka Dam project and NABARD sanctioned 155 crore for poly houses

CrackersCrackers sale was prohibited in Shimla but still we could see many shop vendors selling them and people celebrate Diwali with great pomp amp showGanesha Dutt was appointed as Vice Chairman of HIMUDA

NovemberNovember Dhumal stated that Rs 632 crore to be spent on drinking water and irrigation and Multi crore other projects for Himachal Rajender Rana was appointed as first Media Advisory Committee Chairman TCP Parwanoo issued notices to 15 illegal structures And Renuka Dam was announced to be named after Parshuram

FinallyFinally Himachal inked $800 Million Loan Agreement with ADB Dhumal launched the ambitious Rs 228 crore widening and strengthening of Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road project

Vijay Sood got 1 year jail term for making obscene CD and Vigilance asked for Narco Test of Ahluwalia Couple in disproportionate Asset CaseGovtGovt thinks of an alternate with Computerised Public Distribution System Heritage villages would be insured said CM All Panchayats in would be made Online by 2009-10

December Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Central Potato Research Institute worked and is working towards organic potato production by trying to develop a blight free variety that can be grown in larger quantities Cabinet approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Election) Act 1994

DhumalDhumal said that Govt committed to give representation to the left out areas in the State Cabinet and First Daily lsquoJan Shatabdi Expressrsquo was flaged off Govt increased Creamy Layer limit

Dhumal launched E-Grievance portal

BUSINESSJanauryJanaury On the very first day of the year 2008 US Multinational Nanobiosym Proposed to invest Rs 2000 Cr to set up Nano-Biosym Park in Solan District and with a change of guard in Himachal Pradesh governance the new BJP govt questioned the basis of setting up the Himalayan Ski Village without adhering to transparency Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) recorded highest generation at Jhakri Plant HK Sharma chairman-cum-managing director SJVNL informed that the company during the financial year 2006-07 had achieved a 47 increase inin electricity generation net profits and the dividends paid The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) sanctioned Rs 1876 crore loan to Himachal Pradesh for executing 19 minor irrigation projects and 15 rural drinking water supply schemes under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Dhumal also revealed that state government will get the Industrial Package approved for the state extended up to its original year of 2013 and he wrote a letter to Chhatisgarh CM Raman Singh regarding purchasing of electricityelectricity

Touted as a power surplus state Himachal in mid winter was in the midst of power crisis as industrial production schedules had been affected and urban and rural domestic consumers had to face persistent power cuts On the other side SJVNL tied up $ 400 Million World Bank loan for Rampur Project and the Eleventh Five Year Plan beginning from current financial year 2007-08 and ending in the year

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

2012 was been fixed at Rs 13778 crore

February Business sector of HP was moving ahead where ABB won $71 million power order for Himachal project Himalayan Ski Village was planned to allot to international companies by inviting bidding and the four days long strike at Lenovo plant come to an end A Chinese construction firm was given the task of upgradation of three road projects worth Rs 43113 crore in Himachal

MarchMarch Ambuja laid foundation stone its Second Unit Patikari Hydro Electric Project was inaugurated and under pressure from MNCs the central health ministry decided to close CRI LIC Shimla topped Premium collection in North Zone and in Baddi 3 units of Ruchi Masala were sealed While PHDCCI seeked Tax benefits for all New Industries in the state

AprilApril Dhumal commissioned Jindal Brothers Nalagarh Thermo Shield Plant and US fashion giant Fossil planned to make Watches in the state Avesthagen introduced Indiarsquos first 100 biodegradable plastic and Airtel crossed 8 Lakh Customer Base in Himachal High Court ordered partial demolition of Shimla Hotel

MayMay Himachal got World Bank approval for its Bio Carbon Credit Project and Consumer Court held Hyundai Motors liable for faulty car SJVNL set Record Rs 307 Crore Insurance Claim and a Chinese company Long Jian Road amp Bridge Limited signed an agreement of constructing a two-lane road of 80 kilometres from Theog to Rohroo

June On the other side High Court asked Himachal Government to take clear stand about allotment of 960 MW Power Project to Brakel CorporationJulyJuly Himachal Cabinet served notice for cancellation of 960 MW Brakel Corp Project in the first week and after some days Govt bought time to decide Project Allotment to Brakel Corporation Himachal Police laid seize to Versa Inc Pharma unit Solan

September Ratan Tata joined Nanobiosym Advisory Board Kolkata based SPS group set up steel plant in Gwalthai

October The Asian Development Bank has proposed to invest over 90 Million US Dollars in tourism related infrastructure in the state Himachal Government nudged Banks to push for Credit Inclusion

Himachal altered land buying process to suit Industry and HPL Socomec and Phoenix bagged CFL supply contract

DhumalDhumal categorically stated that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) would not be allotted any project in Himachal Pradesh as the organization had cheated the state

November Cabinet increased Medical Seats and enhanced support prices for Citrus Fruits GAIL-Himachal signed agreement for gas pipeline to BBN Industrial Belt

CMCM disclosed that Rs 81 lakh for reconnaissance engineering-cum-traffic surveys to construct a new broad gauge rail lines from Bilaspur to Leh had been sanctioned The government was bracing up to face a legal battle as it prepared grounds to cancel allotment of a 960 MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari mega hydro project on Satluj river handed out to Dutch company Brakel Corporation two years ago Brakel fought to save the award of this power project to them And finally Cabinet handed over 960 MW Project to Brakel Corporation

GovernmentGovernment threatened to Cancel Agreements of Un-executed Small Hydro Projects Hotel Wild Flower Hall lost dispute By Himachal Government

December Unitech Wireless and Idea Cellular grabbed GSM spectrum in Himachal BIG TV became the biggest DTH service in the state Reliance again petitioned court over Brakel allotment

Vodafone made a soft launch in Himachal and Himachal 2005 Economic Census was released

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MAJOR MISHAPPENINGSJanaury The people of Kullu had not yet overcome the shock of Mohani village while another devastating mid-winter inferno gutted 150 houses of Malana village and to increase the discomfort of the villagers it started snowing two days later Though CM announced a relief of Rs 3 crore

SamreshSamresh Jungrsquos brother accidentally shot himself intense cold wave claimed 5 lives in first month and about 30 persons were injured in a bus accident near Dhalli Shimla

February Sometimes mishappening occurs due to our mistake and sometime nature become too harsh to take away lives about 16 lives were lost due to heavy snow in state and a lady got AIDS from her husband and after his death even she committed suicide

MarchMarch In the starting of the month a major fire broke out in Birlarsquos Unit While 5 people died and 15 injured in an off-season landslide in Manali and two bullet sprayed bodies were recovered near Kufri

May A mysterious death of an engineering student occurred who fell from 4th floor Miss Seema Sood a post graduate engineer (Gold Medalist) from BITS Pilani ( Rajsthan ) wrote a letter addressed to President of India and appealed for mercy killing as she was confined to one room for the past thirteen yearsWeatherWeather Vagaries Damaged Himachal Horticulture Crops By Rs 300 Crore ndash Bragta

June Nathpa-Jhakari Generation Plant got shut down for some days due to heavy silt in Satluj 15 people died and 6 were injured when a Himachal Roadways Bus went off the road and fell deep into a gorge at Khaneoli Badrash near Rampur Rain brought lot of misery for villagers

AA bloody scene of unprovoked firing took place at Shoghi industrial area killing one and 4 others bullet injured

August 146 killed in stampede at Naina Devi

September Himachal Private Bus accident occurred near Chambi Khad in Shahpur area of Kangra 42 Injured Himachal lost more than 1540 crores in floods Rain Damage losses in Shimla District was calculated at Rs 400 Cr About 400 people stranded at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley

OctoberOctober Fire reduced mixy unit at Parwanoo into ashes Over two dozen people including at least five police personnel were injured outside the state secretariat when a protest blockade by PTA teachers turned violent In another accident 59 persons were injured three of them seriously when a state transport bus of Himachal Roadway rolled off the road near Sharunta Rohru

AA girl was mistakenly shot to death by a neighbour thinking to be an animal in Matiana Diwali celebrations turned tragic for a family as all four members died in Diwali lamp fire accident

November Forty five persons were killed and another five were injured when an private bus traveling from Kotighat to Shimla lost control near Kufri and went rolling 600 meters down into the valley A devastating fire gutted another heritage village

DecemberDecember Third incident of suicide by a girl student of Himachal Pradesh Institute of Dental Science Ponta Sahib was reported Himachal Holiday Special Kalka-Shimla train derailed in which one person died

NEWS IN GENERALJanaury Dr Vivek Sharma questions appropriateness of 50 reservation for woman Big B visited Himachal for shooting Read about The Army Heritage Museum by Ravinder Makhaik

FebruaryFebruary Days were still cold but news kept moving ahead Rana Shamsher Singh released his compilation of poems under the title lsquoAbhimannu Kis-Kis se Ladersquo Losar was celebrated on 7th and IARI developed a new variety of cabbage The fesitval of love ie Valentinersquos Day was celebrated great fervor but BYJM carried a protest against it

The craze for body art and rap style seemed to be growing among the youth of

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

park in the state Gati made efforts to bring Kinnaur apples online Upgradation of the Nagrota-Bagwan-Ranital Mubarakpur and Paonta-Sahib-Shillai-Hatkoti roads into national highways was sanctioned by Centre

October Himachal government took up one-rank-one-pension to the ex-servicemen Probability of packaged food for Aganwari children was opposed by a number of social paediatric and medical activists representing various organisations

SeniorSenior IAS officer Subhash Ahluwalia was arrested in connection with a disproportionate assets case and was Police remanded for extented 4 days Then he was sent to two weeks judicial lock up and a day after High Court granted conditional bail to IAS officer

Rs 200 crore was released by Centre Renuka Dam project and NABARD sanctioned 155 crore for poly houses

CrackersCrackers sale was prohibited in Shimla but still we could see many shop vendors selling them and people celebrate Diwali with great pomp amp showGanesha Dutt was appointed as Vice Chairman of HIMUDA

NovemberNovember Dhumal stated that Rs 632 crore to be spent on drinking water and irrigation and Multi crore other projects for Himachal Rajender Rana was appointed as first Media Advisory Committee Chairman TCP Parwanoo issued notices to 15 illegal structures And Renuka Dam was announced to be named after Parshuram

FinallyFinally Himachal inked $800 Million Loan Agreement with ADB Dhumal launched the ambitious Rs 228 crore widening and strengthening of Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road project

Vijay Sood got 1 year jail term for making obscene CD and Vigilance asked for Narco Test of Ahluwalia Couple in disproportionate Asset CaseGovtGovt thinks of an alternate with Computerised Public Distribution System Heritage villages would be insured said CM All Panchayats in would be made Online by 2009-10

December Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Central Potato Research Institute worked and is working towards organic potato production by trying to develop a blight free variety that can be grown in larger quantities Cabinet approved amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Election) Act 1994

DhumalDhumal said that Govt committed to give representation to the left out areas in the State Cabinet and First Daily lsquoJan Shatabdi Expressrsquo was flaged off Govt increased Creamy Layer limit

Dhumal launched E-Grievance portal

BUSINESSJanauryJanaury On the very first day of the year 2008 US Multinational Nanobiosym Proposed to invest Rs 2000 Cr to set up Nano-Biosym Park in Solan District and with a change of guard in Himachal Pradesh governance the new BJP govt questioned the basis of setting up the Himalayan Ski Village without adhering to transparency Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) recorded highest generation at Jhakri Plant HK Sharma chairman-cum-managing director SJVNL informed that the company during the financial year 2006-07 had achieved a 47 increase inin electricity generation net profits and the dividends paid The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) sanctioned Rs 1876 crore loan to Himachal Pradesh for executing 19 minor irrigation projects and 15 rural drinking water supply schemes under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Dhumal also revealed that state government will get the Industrial Package approved for the state extended up to its original year of 2013 and he wrote a letter to Chhatisgarh CM Raman Singh regarding purchasing of electricityelectricity

Touted as a power surplus state Himachal in mid winter was in the midst of power crisis as industrial production schedules had been affected and urban and rural domestic consumers had to face persistent power cuts On the other side SJVNL tied up $ 400 Million World Bank loan for Rampur Project and the Eleventh Five Year Plan beginning from current financial year 2007-08 and ending in the year

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

2012 was been fixed at Rs 13778 crore

February Business sector of HP was moving ahead where ABB won $71 million power order for Himachal project Himalayan Ski Village was planned to allot to international companies by inviting bidding and the four days long strike at Lenovo plant come to an end A Chinese construction firm was given the task of upgradation of three road projects worth Rs 43113 crore in Himachal

MarchMarch Ambuja laid foundation stone its Second Unit Patikari Hydro Electric Project was inaugurated and under pressure from MNCs the central health ministry decided to close CRI LIC Shimla topped Premium collection in North Zone and in Baddi 3 units of Ruchi Masala were sealed While PHDCCI seeked Tax benefits for all New Industries in the state

AprilApril Dhumal commissioned Jindal Brothers Nalagarh Thermo Shield Plant and US fashion giant Fossil planned to make Watches in the state Avesthagen introduced Indiarsquos first 100 biodegradable plastic and Airtel crossed 8 Lakh Customer Base in Himachal High Court ordered partial demolition of Shimla Hotel

MayMay Himachal got World Bank approval for its Bio Carbon Credit Project and Consumer Court held Hyundai Motors liable for faulty car SJVNL set Record Rs 307 Crore Insurance Claim and a Chinese company Long Jian Road amp Bridge Limited signed an agreement of constructing a two-lane road of 80 kilometres from Theog to Rohroo

June On the other side High Court asked Himachal Government to take clear stand about allotment of 960 MW Power Project to Brakel CorporationJulyJuly Himachal Cabinet served notice for cancellation of 960 MW Brakel Corp Project in the first week and after some days Govt bought time to decide Project Allotment to Brakel Corporation Himachal Police laid seize to Versa Inc Pharma unit Solan

September Ratan Tata joined Nanobiosym Advisory Board Kolkata based SPS group set up steel plant in Gwalthai

October The Asian Development Bank has proposed to invest over 90 Million US Dollars in tourism related infrastructure in the state Himachal Government nudged Banks to push for Credit Inclusion

Himachal altered land buying process to suit Industry and HPL Socomec and Phoenix bagged CFL supply contract

DhumalDhumal categorically stated that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) would not be allotted any project in Himachal Pradesh as the organization had cheated the state

November Cabinet increased Medical Seats and enhanced support prices for Citrus Fruits GAIL-Himachal signed agreement for gas pipeline to BBN Industrial Belt

CMCM disclosed that Rs 81 lakh for reconnaissance engineering-cum-traffic surveys to construct a new broad gauge rail lines from Bilaspur to Leh had been sanctioned The government was bracing up to face a legal battle as it prepared grounds to cancel allotment of a 960 MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari mega hydro project on Satluj river handed out to Dutch company Brakel Corporation two years ago Brakel fought to save the award of this power project to them And finally Cabinet handed over 960 MW Project to Brakel Corporation

GovernmentGovernment threatened to Cancel Agreements of Un-executed Small Hydro Projects Hotel Wild Flower Hall lost dispute By Himachal Government

December Unitech Wireless and Idea Cellular grabbed GSM spectrum in Himachal BIG TV became the biggest DTH service in the state Reliance again petitioned court over Brakel allotment

Vodafone made a soft launch in Himachal and Himachal 2005 Economic Census was released

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MAJOR MISHAPPENINGSJanaury The people of Kullu had not yet overcome the shock of Mohani village while another devastating mid-winter inferno gutted 150 houses of Malana village and to increase the discomfort of the villagers it started snowing two days later Though CM announced a relief of Rs 3 crore

SamreshSamresh Jungrsquos brother accidentally shot himself intense cold wave claimed 5 lives in first month and about 30 persons were injured in a bus accident near Dhalli Shimla

February Sometimes mishappening occurs due to our mistake and sometime nature become too harsh to take away lives about 16 lives were lost due to heavy snow in state and a lady got AIDS from her husband and after his death even she committed suicide

MarchMarch In the starting of the month a major fire broke out in Birlarsquos Unit While 5 people died and 15 injured in an off-season landslide in Manali and two bullet sprayed bodies were recovered near Kufri

May A mysterious death of an engineering student occurred who fell from 4th floor Miss Seema Sood a post graduate engineer (Gold Medalist) from BITS Pilani ( Rajsthan ) wrote a letter addressed to President of India and appealed for mercy killing as she was confined to one room for the past thirteen yearsWeatherWeather Vagaries Damaged Himachal Horticulture Crops By Rs 300 Crore ndash Bragta

June Nathpa-Jhakari Generation Plant got shut down for some days due to heavy silt in Satluj 15 people died and 6 were injured when a Himachal Roadways Bus went off the road and fell deep into a gorge at Khaneoli Badrash near Rampur Rain brought lot of misery for villagers

AA bloody scene of unprovoked firing took place at Shoghi industrial area killing one and 4 others bullet injured

August 146 killed in stampede at Naina Devi

September Himachal Private Bus accident occurred near Chambi Khad in Shahpur area of Kangra 42 Injured Himachal lost more than 1540 crores in floods Rain Damage losses in Shimla District was calculated at Rs 400 Cr About 400 people stranded at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley

OctoberOctober Fire reduced mixy unit at Parwanoo into ashes Over two dozen people including at least five police personnel were injured outside the state secretariat when a protest blockade by PTA teachers turned violent In another accident 59 persons were injured three of them seriously when a state transport bus of Himachal Roadway rolled off the road near Sharunta Rohru

AA girl was mistakenly shot to death by a neighbour thinking to be an animal in Matiana Diwali celebrations turned tragic for a family as all four members died in Diwali lamp fire accident

November Forty five persons were killed and another five were injured when an private bus traveling from Kotighat to Shimla lost control near Kufri and went rolling 600 meters down into the valley A devastating fire gutted another heritage village

DecemberDecember Third incident of suicide by a girl student of Himachal Pradesh Institute of Dental Science Ponta Sahib was reported Himachal Holiday Special Kalka-Shimla train derailed in which one person died

NEWS IN GENERALJanaury Dr Vivek Sharma questions appropriateness of 50 reservation for woman Big B visited Himachal for shooting Read about The Army Heritage Museum by Ravinder Makhaik

FebruaryFebruary Days were still cold but news kept moving ahead Rana Shamsher Singh released his compilation of poems under the title lsquoAbhimannu Kis-Kis se Ladersquo Losar was celebrated on 7th and IARI developed a new variety of cabbage The fesitval of love ie Valentinersquos Day was celebrated great fervor but BYJM carried a protest against it

The craze for body art and rap style seemed to be growing among the youth of

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

2012 was been fixed at Rs 13778 crore

February Business sector of HP was moving ahead where ABB won $71 million power order for Himachal project Himalayan Ski Village was planned to allot to international companies by inviting bidding and the four days long strike at Lenovo plant come to an end A Chinese construction firm was given the task of upgradation of three road projects worth Rs 43113 crore in Himachal

MarchMarch Ambuja laid foundation stone its Second Unit Patikari Hydro Electric Project was inaugurated and under pressure from MNCs the central health ministry decided to close CRI LIC Shimla topped Premium collection in North Zone and in Baddi 3 units of Ruchi Masala were sealed While PHDCCI seeked Tax benefits for all New Industries in the state

AprilApril Dhumal commissioned Jindal Brothers Nalagarh Thermo Shield Plant and US fashion giant Fossil planned to make Watches in the state Avesthagen introduced Indiarsquos first 100 biodegradable plastic and Airtel crossed 8 Lakh Customer Base in Himachal High Court ordered partial demolition of Shimla Hotel

MayMay Himachal got World Bank approval for its Bio Carbon Credit Project and Consumer Court held Hyundai Motors liable for faulty car SJVNL set Record Rs 307 Crore Insurance Claim and a Chinese company Long Jian Road amp Bridge Limited signed an agreement of constructing a two-lane road of 80 kilometres from Theog to Rohroo

June On the other side High Court asked Himachal Government to take clear stand about allotment of 960 MW Power Project to Brakel CorporationJulyJuly Himachal Cabinet served notice for cancellation of 960 MW Brakel Corp Project in the first week and after some days Govt bought time to decide Project Allotment to Brakel Corporation Himachal Police laid seize to Versa Inc Pharma unit Solan

September Ratan Tata joined Nanobiosym Advisory Board Kolkata based SPS group set up steel plant in Gwalthai

October The Asian Development Bank has proposed to invest over 90 Million US Dollars in tourism related infrastructure in the state Himachal Government nudged Banks to push for Credit Inclusion

Himachal altered land buying process to suit Industry and HPL Socomec and Phoenix bagged CFL supply contract

DhumalDhumal categorically stated that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) would not be allotted any project in Himachal Pradesh as the organization had cheated the state

November Cabinet increased Medical Seats and enhanced support prices for Citrus Fruits GAIL-Himachal signed agreement for gas pipeline to BBN Industrial Belt

CMCM disclosed that Rs 81 lakh for reconnaissance engineering-cum-traffic surveys to construct a new broad gauge rail lines from Bilaspur to Leh had been sanctioned The government was bracing up to face a legal battle as it prepared grounds to cancel allotment of a 960 MW Jangi-Thopan-Powari mega hydro project on Satluj river handed out to Dutch company Brakel Corporation two years ago Brakel fought to save the award of this power project to them And finally Cabinet handed over 960 MW Project to Brakel Corporation

GovernmentGovernment threatened to Cancel Agreements of Un-executed Small Hydro Projects Hotel Wild Flower Hall lost dispute By Himachal Government

December Unitech Wireless and Idea Cellular grabbed GSM spectrum in Himachal BIG TV became the biggest DTH service in the state Reliance again petitioned court over Brakel allotment

Vodafone made a soft launch in Himachal and Himachal 2005 Economic Census was released

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MAJOR MISHAPPENINGSJanaury The people of Kullu had not yet overcome the shock of Mohani village while another devastating mid-winter inferno gutted 150 houses of Malana village and to increase the discomfort of the villagers it started snowing two days later Though CM announced a relief of Rs 3 crore

SamreshSamresh Jungrsquos brother accidentally shot himself intense cold wave claimed 5 lives in first month and about 30 persons were injured in a bus accident near Dhalli Shimla

February Sometimes mishappening occurs due to our mistake and sometime nature become too harsh to take away lives about 16 lives were lost due to heavy snow in state and a lady got AIDS from her husband and after his death even she committed suicide

MarchMarch In the starting of the month a major fire broke out in Birlarsquos Unit While 5 people died and 15 injured in an off-season landslide in Manali and two bullet sprayed bodies were recovered near Kufri

May A mysterious death of an engineering student occurred who fell from 4th floor Miss Seema Sood a post graduate engineer (Gold Medalist) from BITS Pilani ( Rajsthan ) wrote a letter addressed to President of India and appealed for mercy killing as she was confined to one room for the past thirteen yearsWeatherWeather Vagaries Damaged Himachal Horticulture Crops By Rs 300 Crore ndash Bragta

June Nathpa-Jhakari Generation Plant got shut down for some days due to heavy silt in Satluj 15 people died and 6 were injured when a Himachal Roadways Bus went off the road and fell deep into a gorge at Khaneoli Badrash near Rampur Rain brought lot of misery for villagers

AA bloody scene of unprovoked firing took place at Shoghi industrial area killing one and 4 others bullet injured

August 146 killed in stampede at Naina Devi

September Himachal Private Bus accident occurred near Chambi Khad in Shahpur area of Kangra 42 Injured Himachal lost more than 1540 crores in floods Rain Damage losses in Shimla District was calculated at Rs 400 Cr About 400 people stranded at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley

OctoberOctober Fire reduced mixy unit at Parwanoo into ashes Over two dozen people including at least five police personnel were injured outside the state secretariat when a protest blockade by PTA teachers turned violent In another accident 59 persons were injured three of them seriously when a state transport bus of Himachal Roadway rolled off the road near Sharunta Rohru

AA girl was mistakenly shot to death by a neighbour thinking to be an animal in Matiana Diwali celebrations turned tragic for a family as all four members died in Diwali lamp fire accident

November Forty five persons were killed and another five were injured when an private bus traveling from Kotighat to Shimla lost control near Kufri and went rolling 600 meters down into the valley A devastating fire gutted another heritage village

DecemberDecember Third incident of suicide by a girl student of Himachal Pradesh Institute of Dental Science Ponta Sahib was reported Himachal Holiday Special Kalka-Shimla train derailed in which one person died

NEWS IN GENERALJanaury Dr Vivek Sharma questions appropriateness of 50 reservation for woman Big B visited Himachal for shooting Read about The Army Heritage Museum by Ravinder Makhaik

FebruaryFebruary Days were still cold but news kept moving ahead Rana Shamsher Singh released his compilation of poems under the title lsquoAbhimannu Kis-Kis se Ladersquo Losar was celebrated on 7th and IARI developed a new variety of cabbage The fesitval of love ie Valentinersquos Day was celebrated great fervor but BYJM carried a protest against it

The craze for body art and rap style seemed to be growing among the youth of

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MAJOR MISHAPPENINGSJanaury The people of Kullu had not yet overcome the shock of Mohani village while another devastating mid-winter inferno gutted 150 houses of Malana village and to increase the discomfort of the villagers it started snowing two days later Though CM announced a relief of Rs 3 crore

SamreshSamresh Jungrsquos brother accidentally shot himself intense cold wave claimed 5 lives in first month and about 30 persons were injured in a bus accident near Dhalli Shimla

February Sometimes mishappening occurs due to our mistake and sometime nature become too harsh to take away lives about 16 lives were lost due to heavy snow in state and a lady got AIDS from her husband and after his death even she committed suicide

MarchMarch In the starting of the month a major fire broke out in Birlarsquos Unit While 5 people died and 15 injured in an off-season landslide in Manali and two bullet sprayed bodies were recovered near Kufri

May A mysterious death of an engineering student occurred who fell from 4th floor Miss Seema Sood a post graduate engineer (Gold Medalist) from BITS Pilani ( Rajsthan ) wrote a letter addressed to President of India and appealed for mercy killing as she was confined to one room for the past thirteen yearsWeatherWeather Vagaries Damaged Himachal Horticulture Crops By Rs 300 Crore ndash Bragta

June Nathpa-Jhakari Generation Plant got shut down for some days due to heavy silt in Satluj 15 people died and 6 were injured when a Himachal Roadways Bus went off the road and fell deep into a gorge at Khaneoli Badrash near Rampur Rain brought lot of misery for villagers

AA bloody scene of unprovoked firing took place at Shoghi industrial area killing one and 4 others bullet injured

August 146 killed in stampede at Naina Devi

September Himachal Private Bus accident occurred near Chambi Khad in Shahpur area of Kangra 42 Injured Himachal lost more than 1540 crores in floods Rain Damage losses in Shimla District was calculated at Rs 400 Cr About 400 people stranded at Sarchu and Chhatru areas of Lahaul valley

OctoberOctober Fire reduced mixy unit at Parwanoo into ashes Over two dozen people including at least five police personnel were injured outside the state secretariat when a protest blockade by PTA teachers turned violent In another accident 59 persons were injured three of them seriously when a state transport bus of Himachal Roadway rolled off the road near Sharunta Rohru

AA girl was mistakenly shot to death by a neighbour thinking to be an animal in Matiana Diwali celebrations turned tragic for a family as all four members died in Diwali lamp fire accident

November Forty five persons were killed and another five were injured when an private bus traveling from Kotighat to Shimla lost control near Kufri and went rolling 600 meters down into the valley A devastating fire gutted another heritage village

DecemberDecember Third incident of suicide by a girl student of Himachal Pradesh Institute of Dental Science Ponta Sahib was reported Himachal Holiday Special Kalka-Shimla train derailed in which one person died

NEWS IN GENERALJanaury Dr Vivek Sharma questions appropriateness of 50 reservation for woman Big B visited Himachal for shooting Read about The Army Heritage Museum by Ravinder Makhaik

FebruaryFebruary Days were still cold but news kept moving ahead Rana Shamsher Singh released his compilation of poems under the title lsquoAbhimannu Kis-Kis se Ladersquo Losar was celebrated on 7th and IARI developed a new variety of cabbage The fesitval of love ie Valentinersquos Day was celebrated great fervor but BYJM carried a protest against it

The craze for body art and rap style seemed to be growing among the youth of

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla And Karnail Rana launched his VCD

March Weather did not change much and light news also kept filling the media chapters Youth Congress General Secretary was booked in an attempt-to-murder case and adopted the ldquoRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnardquo to provide an insurance cover for all below poverty line (BPL) families HPTDC recorded 272 crore turnover

AprilApril To rejuvenate the meaning and way of living of the people of Himachal Yog Guru Swami Ramdev visited Bilaspur Government announced to honor people in handicrafts and handloom sector Dumal dedicated Jani Bridge in remote Kinnaur valley Know little bit more about Kangra and its ancient fort State considered relaxation of TCP norms in villages in industrial areas

MayMay Ram Subhag Singh said that Govt to start bigger aircraft at Kullu Airport during the current summer season Read lsquoThe Fallrsquo The original creative genius of Tarsem Singh

VillagersVillagers of Bagheri and Gholowal panchayat opposed land acquisition A writer talked about the plight of widows and considered their re-marriage as no out-of-the-way decision Rs 101 Crore was sanctioned for Himachalrsquos Total Rural Sanitation Program Himachal govt planned to set-up a centre of Pitanjli Yog Peeth in the state A Lancet study said that Infant mortality can be checked by breastfeeding

JuneJune HBCFDC introduced special loans for backward classes Government of India approved 1333 crores to Himachal Pradesh under Macro Management of Agriculture Issue of unsafe tattooing in melas increased with the passing of yearsJulyJuly Himachal constituted High Power Temple Committee to oversee the management of religious shrines in the traditional manner and even to suggestion Himachal targeted 2010 to achieve total sanitation in the state Govt also extended the premium free insurance cover worth 50000 to all the licensed fishermen

August Himachal government launched 59th State Level Van Mahotsava

September Transparency International rated Himachal as ldquoModerately corruptrdquo Scholars said SEZs are not an answer to Indiarsquos economy needs Delhi Kala Gram a NGO at Kaithu jail gifted inmatesrsquo television sets and books for the library

OctoberOctober Sanjauli-Dhalli Bye-pass Road was opened Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced a dedication worth Rs 1125 crore developmental projects to the people of Lahaul and Rs 522 crore to be spent over Yangla Bridge A 108 ft high statue of Lord Hanumana would be erected at Jakhu

November KalkandashShimla Train was shown on UNESCO World Heritage site map A food poisoning incidence case woke up municipal authorities to suspected contaminated food being served at eateries in the city

AfghaniAfghani Heroin Crosses over Jammu-Chamba Border and intercepted in Himachal Dhumal revealed that Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Kangra at Tanda would be developed at par with (AIIMS)

December Centre to relocate submerged Bilaspur Temples Himachal planned to implement lsquoPanchkaramarsquo treatment in 20 hospitals Dhumal laid the foundation stone of RFSL complex Dharmshala New Timber Distribution Policy drew flakInIn an effort to abolish AIDS Himachal consider to pre-marriage HIV tests compulsory

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Davinder Thakur a former national executive member of BJP Kisan Morcha was suspended from BJP Kuldeep Singh was elected Chairman of CPM committee

February Manisha Sharma was unanimously elected as President of Jawalamukhi Nagar Panchayat and our lone lady Minister rode in the bus to attend personal function in Delhi On the other side Congress blamed BJP for burdening people with unjustified bus fare hike

MarchMarch Politics one of the favourite topics of the people keeps coming up with masala for them leaders are ready to do anything for lsquokursirsquo Satyapal Jain said that Shanta Kumar would be the BJP candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat Bitta raged against Raj Thackeray in Himachal and Irked over Virbhadra poem Congress staged walkout Veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar filed his papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat Whilst Rakesh Singha accused less than three month old BJP government of abandoning its manifesto on the other hand Dhumal complained of discrimination from central Govtcomplained of discrimination from central Govt

April State assembly opted for 50 women reservation On the other hand Virbhadra Singh called Governmentrsquos 100 Days as the days of lsquoBluff And Blusterrsquo and Ravi Dhawala amp Bindal said over it that Virbhadra is unable to digest new Himachal Government Preformance Additional remaining portfolios were allocated to ministers on 24th On 29th CPI demonstrated against price rise and next day Former congress minister charged BJP govt for neglecting Palampur Anurag Thakur son of Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal filed papers for Hamirpur bye electionHamirpur bye election

May On the May Day celebration CITU blamed BJP in Himachal for making mockery of workersrsquo class Throwing the ball back at Congress BJP held UPA Government responsible for rising prices Himachal grievances committee was constituted Virbhadra Singh said that Congress introduced Carbon Credit Trading in State not BJP

52 voting was calculated in 4-Hamirpur PC by-election and the young Bhartiya Janta Party candidate Anurag Singh Thakur was declared elected

Vigilance raided Residences of Former CMs Private Secretary Subash Ahluwalia

June GS Bali accused new government for having been at the helm of affairs for about six months and blamed them for being indecisive about the Himalayan Ski Village project BJP Ministers blamed Congress for leading Himachal into heavy debt

August CPI(M) opposed to private medical colleges in state

OctoberOctober BJP picked out issues of price rise cutting the state food ration quota UPA government soft attitude towards terrorism and rising corruption levels toe the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections On the other side Congress weaned away Narinder Thakur the son of late BJP leader Thakur Jagdev Chand for Lok Sabha elections BJP-Congress fought to gain hold over Volleyball Association

NovemberNovember Congress opposed attaching of government hospitals to private institutions for setting up new medical colleges

DecemberDecember Congress asked BJP govt to reduce transport fares in Himachal CPI(M) slammed the fiscal package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for averting an economic slowdown as lsquotoo little too latersquo Himachalrsquos lone BSP legislator Sanjay Chaudhary joined BJP A day before the BJP completed one year in power the opposition Congress chose to mount a bitter attack accusing the ruling regime of conspiring to ldquomortgagerdquo Himachal and working under dictates of mafia Advani addressed the lsquoVijay Sankalp Rallyrsquo on the first anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state anniversary of the regime of BJP govt in the state

EDUCATIONJanaury Prof RNatarajan the former chairman of AICTE has stressed upon the need to Re-engineer the engineering education to face the challenges of twenty-first century HIMUDA planned to set up education hub in Kallujhanda near Baddi and parents cried foul over dental admissions

February To disappoint poor the proposed Mandi Medical college was announced to be given to private sector whereas NIT Hamirpur signed a MOU with Sheffield Hallam University England

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

March Anil Wilson resigned as Vice-Chancellor of HP University for personal reasons and Center allotted Central University for Kangra

April Dr KR Dhiman was appointed as VC of YS Parmar University and Dr Sunil Kumar Gupta appointed as VC of HPU The government intending to turn the state into a knowledge hub it was pushing for opening more centers of excellence and was considering proposals of nine more private universities

MayMay AVBP-SFI Students clashed in HPU Campus IIT Roorkee was assigned the task of assisting in setting up the IIT in Himachal

June The University studentsrsquo violence lead to the suspension of SHO The Ministry of Tourism approved central financial assistance of 10 crores for construction of Institute of Hotel Management at Hamirpur

TheThe Director of Elementary Education announced that the State Government decided to provide Mid Day Meal from 1st July 2008 in all the Government and Government aided Middle Schools

July Everonn signed MOU with the Education Department to provide IT education in 793 schools in Himachal Himachal got approval for setting up IIT in the State

AugustAugust Rajeev Bindal announced to introduce one-year Diploma course in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) in collaboration with All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Mysore (Karnataka) Govt planned to introduce lsquoAnganwadi Attendance Certificate Schemersquo and increased education budget by 142 percent Educomp Solutions launched Smart Class in Auckland House School

SFI retained its hold over Himachal Pradesh University

SeptemberSeptember Newly revamped youth congress demanded that quota for Himachal students in private institutions be raised and sought making educational loans interest free to promote quality professional education On the occasion of Teacherrsquos Day 12 teachers were conferred awards by Guv

Government entered into an agreement with Tera Software Ltd and GNG Trading Pvt Ltd to establish 2070 common service centres (CSC) in Shimla and Mandi Divisions St Bedersquos College Shimla was threatened with closure because of reduced grants

October Students seek restoration of grants for St Bedersquos November ABVP won HPU Students Council Elections SFI and SCA submitted memorandum to Executive Council Members

DecemberDecember The Himachal Minority Welfare Council asked for suitable legislation to make it mandatory for bringing madrasas education curriculum within the fold of formal education so as to improve employability of Muslim youth Dhumal announced Rs 617 crore educational hub lsquoAtal Nagar HIMUDA Shiksha Kunjrsquo at Kalu Jhanda in Solan

SPORTSToTo bring a smile on the faces of ski champions Dhumal announced to include Ski in 3 sports quota Governorrsquos XI won Cricket Match at Dharmshala 34th All India Interstate Electricity Board Kabaddi tournament held in April kicked off at Solan

IPLIPL T20 cricket championship delayed summer tourist season in Himachal and the Great Khali headed to home with honor In July Himachal asked Centre to accord the status of National Sports Institution to Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institution Manali

HimachalHimachal Pradesh Football Association players lost to the St Stephenrsquos Football Academy Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal-2008 flagged off on 27th Sept and on 1st Oct Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008 was flagged off by Dhumal

SureshSuresh Rana four time winner of 10th Raid de Himalya lead the car section and Ashish Modghil in the bikes category but in the end a controversy arouse on the part of the organizers in tabulating the penalty points Nepalrsquos Padam won the Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Dhumal announced to spend 428 cr on International Para-Gliding infrastructure Yogesh Lakhani won Shimla Motorcycle Challenge

ENVIRONMENTGlobalGlobal warming has affected the natural weather conditions of the world and the delayed rains affected the wheat sowing in lower regions On 24th Jan Shimla recorded coldest night in 15 years which affected water supply and the ground frost hit wheat and pea crops To check pollution in Sarsa river water open auction of empty chemical drums were banned in Baddi

Read a note on the preservation of the Himachali heritage To surprise all Mild Snowfall was experienced in statersquos Tribal Belt in the mid of April

PremPrem Kumar Dhumal announced that the Draft Policy for Climate Change-2008 Carbon Credits through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has been prepared for State Water supply schemes were damaged by hydel companies in Palampur In summer heavy rain badly hit Shimla tourism and great losses were encountered in shape of landslides

Kinnaur Manch Petitioned Governor to overturn Cabinet Decision to usurp tribal lands

HimachalHimachal amended Land Laws for Industry and planed to create Environment Fund Green tax to save Himalayan ecology Farming of medicinal plants to be promoted Bindal

In November Shimla experienced early snow CM launched energy saving CFL Atal Bijli Scheme Developer did not pay lease amount for Jakhu Hill Ropeway Project

AWARDSAwardsAwards injects an encouragement injection in the veins of the people or an organisation to work better and the passing year got many such motivational injections SJVNL bagged Golden Peacock National Award for eco-innovation Himachal Pradesh won 1st prize at ELITEX -2008 In May CM was honored with

the lsquoGolden Peacock Awardrsquo and Governor distributed Rank (Race for Awareness and Knowledge) and Bolt awards (Broad Outlook- Learner Teacher)

TheThe reputed house of Life Books marked Wildflower Hall near Shimla as the most romantic destination in the World GAF announced lsquoThe Dalai Lama True Gandhian Award-2009 for Tibet causersquo in July Dr Majhail got Rashtriya Vidya Saraswati Puruskar award Dalhousie Public School conferred computer excellency award For Environment Management Hydro electricity generator Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam bagged Green Award Himachal confronted National Award for Green Environment

HimachalHimachal Pradesh became the first State in the country for having highest contraceptive prevalence rate Himachal Roadways gets 3 national awards Chamba Rumal was registered with Geographical Indications

SJVNLSJVNL CMD conferred Hind Gaurav Award Dr Ashish Sadana amongest four people in India has been awarded by International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI) USA Ghumarwin was awarded Nirmal Gram Purskar Himachal was declared as second best state in the country in e-Governance and HRTC received 3 National Level Awards Himachal got National award for HIMSWAN

HPPCLHPPCL conferred upon Excellence Award and Spiti Ecosphere won 2008 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award Biolaya Organics won SEED Initiative Award for their project investigating Himalayan oregano essential oil as an antibacterial agent for MRSA Himachal scored Highest on the lsquoGovernment Initiativersquo Indicator on ESI

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Goodbye Year 2008

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

MY HIMACHAL INITIATIVESMy Himachal carried an exclusive interview with a promising youth activist from Himachal - Sarika Katoch In April My Himachal announced its new team and also launched lsquoSave The Weaverrsquo project with students from SP Jain Mumbai as a result of this collaborative effort Himachal Government decided to implement Insurance Scheme for Weavers

InIn the end of May Fourth My Himachal Health Mela in Kullu ndash 2008 was organised

My Himachal members celebrated Indiarsquos Independence Day in US

Payson Stevens was honored by PCI for his work with My Himachal Dr Des Kashyap brought music and name of state on US Radio as well he launched podcast lsquoAwaz Pahadan Dirsquo on My Himachal Blog

MyMy Himachal and Censud organised AIDS Awareness Programme in November Agri Business orientation program was organized by My Himachal and CENSUD

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

MH NEWSMH NEWS

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

MH News

wwwhimachalus

Editorrsquos noteIts for the first time that a Himachali is being interviewed by a Himachali on Podcast Roots in Himachal makes this interview more pleasurable

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

RTI Debate by My Himachal amp CENSUD in Joginder Nagar

By Jitender Verma

wwwhimachalus

Mandi True democracy can be achieved by ensuring participation of people in governance and transparency in implementation of various developmental activities RTI is one such tool in the hand of people which can go a long way in ensuring that developmental funds percolate down to the neediest person It would enable citizens to ensure that government official perform their duties Enlightened citizens can become the fifth pillar of democracy RTI Act came into force on 12th October 2005 This act gives right to a common man to inspect almostalmost any public document ensuring peoplersquos participation in governance and developmental activities This act has the capability to change the face of Indian democracy But few people have knowledge about this powerful tool in their hands

Govt of India and UNDP has launched Capacity Building for Access to Information ( CBAI) Project on pilot basis in Mandi and Hamirpur districts Centre for Sustainable Development ( Censud) is the executing agency for mass awareness campaign under this project My Himachal is the online partner of Censud making available all activities under this project on its blog

AA declamation contest was organised under this project on RTI at Govt SenSecondary School ( Girls) Jogindernagar Dr Sunil Thakur Principal of the school presided over the function Shailja and Ritu Thakur stood first and second while Priyanka and Divya stood third Dinesh Kumar Coordinator of these competitions highlighted the features of this act and told students how to use it for the benefit of the society Winners were given prizes while all the participants were awarded certificates Another contest under the project was organised at GovtGovt SenSecondary School School Makriri where Pooja Neetu and Mamta got first second and third prize respectively

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

FEATURED

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Apple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago Stokes went to India to teach and ended up staying there to learn Stokesrsquo granddaughter tells his story in a new book An American in Gandhirsquos India

Asha Sharma was a child when her grandfather Samuel Stokes died in 1946 so she didnrsquot know him well But over the years she learned more about him and became fascinated with his story

ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she ldquoSamuel Stokes belonged to a very distinguished family of Quaker heritagerdquo she says ldquoHis first American ancestor Thomas Stokes had come to Philadelphia in 1678 When Sam was about 20 years old he decided to go to India and work in a leper home in Simla Hills He joined some missionary activity His parents of course were worried that he would get leprosy and never return But he was determined to gordquo

Johnny Appleseed of the HimalayasSoSo in 1904 Stokes arrived in India and started working in that leper home in the Himalayan foothills He quickly realized that the people there needed help to fight not only disease but poverty as well

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

Samuel Evans Stokes came to India in 1904 as a missionary and ended up a Hindu fighting for Indiarsquos freedom

ldquoHeldquoHe saw that people were very very poorrdquo Sharma says ldquoThey didnrsquot have clothes to wear They didnrsquot have meals to eat They would have tea with salt Then he thought he maybe could try growing fruits in that area Somehow the idea of apples came to his mind

ldquoIn 1916 he brought the first apple trees from Philadelphia to the Simla Hills He distributed them [the apple seeds] free to the local people and helped them to plant and nurture them That was a start of an economic revolution in that areardquo

Sharma says it wasnrsquot easy for Stokes to convince local farmers to start planting apple trees

ldquoAn apple tree takes about six to seven years to growrdquo she says ldquoAnd he would tell them to grow the apple trees and they would say lsquoIf we plant the trees where will we grow our food crops And what will we eatrsquo It was a battle for him in the beginning but he succeeded and gradually the people began to grow apple trees Thatrsquos why hersquos called the lsquoJohnny Appleseed of the Himalayasrsquo And people still remember him for thatrdquo

Tragedy inspires Stokes to join independence movementWhatWhat many people donrsquot know though is that Stokes had become an active member of the Indian Independence Movement even writing a series of newspaper articles advocating the countryrsquos freedom from foreign domination

ldquoCFldquoCF Andrews the British man was very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and CF Andrews was a very close friend of my grandfather Stokesrdquo she says ldquoThatrsquos how Stokes first got connected with Gandhi But Stokes was doing a lot of work for the people of the Hills He was fighting the British administration against forced labor

ldquoItldquoIt was the incident of April 1919 [The Jallianwala Baghs incident in Amristar in the Punjab] when there was indiscriminate shooting of about one thousand people in a garden in Punjab Thatrsquos the time that Stokes saw the violence against the Indian people and decided to join the Indian National movement He became very active in the Punjab He became a member in the Punjab Provincial Congress Committee

ldquoThen of course he became close to Mahatma Gandhi Whenever Mahatma Gandhi had any important meetings he would invite Stokes Stokes was a signatory to some of the very important manifestos of those timesrdquoAs an outspoken independence advocate Stokes had to pay the price for what he believed in Sharma says

ldquoHe was arrested and put in prison for six months He refused to be treated like a Europeanrdquo she says ldquoYou know in those days there was a separate ward for the

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Samuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independence

By Faiza Elmasry wwwhimachalus

Europeans and a separate ward for the Indians But he said lsquoI donrsquot want to have special treatmentrsquo Buy anyway he did that six months of jail sentence in Lahore and I think that was a highlight of his life something he was very proud ofrdquo

Commitment to India both political personalThat passion for equality extended to Stokesrsquo personal life

ldquoWhen he decided to get married he chose to marry an Indian as proof of his belief in racial equalityrdquo she says ldquoWhen he married he said lsquoI married an Indian I want to live in India so my children should be raised as Indians and not as Anglo-Indiansrsquo He gave his children all Indian names He had seven children One died My mother was his eldest daughterrdquo

SharmaSharma says her grandfather was a prolific writer His journals books and correspondence with family members and friends were a great resource as she began to write about his life What fascinates her most she says is how her grandfather came to India to teach people about Christianityhellip and ended up staying becoming a Hindu and studying Indian languages and philosophies

ldquoIldquoI think he was really touched by the simplicity of the Indian peoplerdquo she says ldquoIt is the openness of the Indian society and the acceptance I think that is what makes a difference the culture which is thousands of years old Those kinds of things when people go there you welcome whoever comes to your home

Yoursquore kind Yoursquore tolerant Yoursquore accepting and yoursquore simple Those the things I think which are valuable Itrsquos mainly the feeling of universalism that attracts peoplerdquo

SharmaSharma says she hopes An American in Gandhirsquos Land will keep Samuel Stokesrsquo legacy alive Shersquod like her grandfather to be remembered as a champion of freedom and equality and of course as the man who introduced the American Delicious apple to the Himalayas

With kind premission from Asha Sharma via Voice of America

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

For the past two years the people of the state of Himachal Pradesh have been facing a crisis of sorts - since the Timber Distribution rights were suspended by the orders of the Honourable High court people have had immense difficulties in finding wood for construction and repair of their houses religious ceremonies and even burning their dead The Courtrsquos decision came as a response to a response to a PIL which alleged major malpractices in the system of Timber Distribution which were leading to decimating the forest wealth while the timber sanctioned forfor utilization by right holders was being siphoned off to the market by profiteers The PIL had a strong logic to it and to a large extent reflected the ground situation Now after more than two years of consideration the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has come up with a prescription that has been approved by the state cabinet and submitted to the Court for its verdict As a compensation for the inconvenience that the people had to go through while the rights remained under suspension one had hopes that the resultant policy would pave the way for democratizingdemocratizing the decision making process around timber distribution that could have been a precursor to the people of this state existing symbiotically with its forests Sadly the news of what has been proposed does not raise much expectation on this count At this point it is important to envisage the scenario that might emerge if the proposed prescriptions are adopted in toto

BackgroundThe Himachali people are amongst the very few in the country whose rights over the use of forest resources were elaborately documented through the forest settlement processes of the pre-independence era Timber rights entitled a person to a tree of particular specie for his genuine need of constructing or repairing his house almost free of cost These rights have been in place for more than a hundred years and have a taken-for-granted existence in the peoplesrsquo mindsets Modifying these rights is seen as a politically sensitive matter by the politicians ndash thethe reason why despite discrepancies having crept into the system long back and despite proposals by HPFD no one in the establishment dared to make any major modification It is in the light of these conditions that we have to realize the importance of the current situation when the courtrsquos intervention has presented us with a rare opportunity to create a win-win situation At this juncture it would be fruitful to understand how the timber distribution system was supposed to work and how it degenerated

Once in five years a right holder could make an application to HPFD for the sanction of a tree by paying a nominal fee explicitly for the purpose of own house construction or repair This request was for the grant of one tree regardless of the quantity of timber actually required The eligibility and the need of the applicant was certified by the Patwari the Forest Guard and the Pradhan of the village The Forest Block Officer also confirmed the silvicultural availability of trees in the designated forest for the village The application moved from the Guard to the ForestForest Ranger onto the Divisional Forest Officerrsquos (DFO) table In the absence of any transparent and democratic processes on the ground the number of applications with the DFOs invariably much exceeded the number of allotable trees for any given forest As a result the sanction of trees depended upon the DFOrsquos discretion and how well connected the applicant was Once sanctioned the forest officials used to mark a tree and the beneficiary used to have it felled and converted into sleepers through contracted labour Due to lack of cash the poorer beneficiariesbeneficiaries generally used to pay the labourers in terms of a certain number of sleepers from the converted timber Often more trees were felled for each one sanctioned legally and not without the knowledge of the ground staff HPFD used to sanction timber worth about Rs 100 crores annually in return for miniscule revenue

Through the PIL in the High Court it was contended that the system of Timber Distribution was being abused and owing to corruption and in total disregard of the technical principles of forestry the forests had been stripped of their erstwhile wealth by the powerful interest groups siphoning the timber illegally into the market while the genuine applicants were left empty handed It was pleaded that foolproof mechanisms are put in place while sanctioning timber to right holders

The Proposed Policy TheThe proposed policy approved by the government recommends that the practice of sanctioning whole trees be replaced with sanctioning converted sleepers The maximum quantity of timber that can be availed by a beneficiary and the periodicity of its sanction has also been defined ndash 30 sleepers for constructing a new house obtainable once in a lifetime and 10 sleepers for repairs obtainable after fifteen years A person whose father is alive would not be eligible for benefits The rate of timber has been proposed at Rs 400 or ten percent of the marketmarket price for a person belonging to a BPL family and thrice that amount for

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

TD Policy Letrsquos Not Miss This Opportunity

By Rahul Saxena wwwhimachalus

other people To prevent the probability of people entering forests for timber the timber is proposed to be provided to the beneficiaries at the Forest Guard hut which would entail the additional burden of Rs 50-100 per sleeper on the beneficiary for its haulage The order of preference for sanctioning of timber would give priority to dry and diseased trees and green trees shall be considered last that too if silviculturally available The Forest Guard would verify the genuineness of an application for timber and have the decision for sanction approved in the Panchayat Gram Sabhaapproved in the Panchayat Gram Sabha

The Possible Upshot The outcome of this seemingly rational and progressive formula has to be foreseen in the light of certain other allied facts If diligently implemented the proposal to base timber distribution on silvicultural availability is welcome Providing converted timber instead of trees shall reduce some hassle for the beneficiary but the cost of carriage to his village is an additional burden At a landing cost of about Rs 450 per sleeper a BPL person would have to shell out Rs 4500 for repairs and about Rs 13500 for new constructions Anyone who is acquaintedacquainted with the villages in the hills would know that this is an impossibility and could result in two scenarios ndash either the beneficiary would sell off some of the wood to meet the costs incurred or would not go through the prescribed process at all but resort to illicit felling Needy persons with living fathers would more certainly take the latter approach But is it that easy for a person to fell and convert a tree illegally with the HPFD staff constantly on the watch The answer in many areas is YES despite HPFDrsquos over confidence to the contrary It has been happeninghappening in the past and corruption understaffing large ranges political pressure and the dependence of staff on people for information are factors that would ensure that this continues to happen The Forest Guard playing the central role in sanction of timber would lead to increased corruption favouritism and increased burden on the staff Worse the imposition of new riders on access of forest resources is going to further alienate the right holders from their forests and escalate forest related offences This would result in the forests which the governmentgovernment so dearly wants to preserve due to its own commercial interests seeping into graver danger than ever before

It is a sad reality that even fifteen years after the official initiation of the concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) HPFD is still trying to single handedly and

unfeasibly police the forests as if it was their sole owner True the forests cannot be entirely left at the mercy of the local individuals too or the powerful vested interests would conspire to destroy them But why and how would any village destroy its forest if there was a general sense of ownership towards it and there was a certain accepted set of democratic and transparent rules defining its use protection propagation and benefit sharing These rules could easily incorporate participatory village level mechanisms for identification of beneficiaries assessmentassessment of a beneficiaryrsquos exact need and silvicultural availability sanction of timber and proper utilization of sanctioned timber Then people would become the real guardians of the forests and contribute positively towards the protection of existing forests and afforesting areas of timber scarcity One easy way to lsquodemocratisersquo forestry related processes is to have decisions approved through the Panchayat Gram Sabhas but the method of functioning of current Panchayat system and their incongruity with the forest boundaries makes them impractical unitsunits for forest related decision making Forest wise institutions of right holders offer a more practical solution provided HPFD is willing to put in the hard work to nurture and facilitate them as Nepal has demonstrated The HPFD may have no choice but to come up with such solutions in the light of many areas impending to come under community control after the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006

It is a sincere wish that the proposed prescription on Timber Distribution be opened up for debate and responses sought from public before finalizing it Also since no one can get such a complex policy right in the first attempt it would be crucial to include a procedure for independent periodic review and fine-tuning into the implementation process Let this opportunity not be missed or the next one might not come within our lifetimes

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Payson Stevens talk at San Diego Museum of ArtTil-Chowli- A Lohri special recipe

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan Avnish Katoch wwwhimachalus

Lohri festival is very famous for its celebration with Til-Chowli instead of tradition sweets Til-chowli is mostly made at home and not available commercially in shops Without making Til-chowli the celebrations of Lohri are incomplete So Guys here we present a recipe for making Til Chowli You guys should try it out and then give your feedback to further improve upon this

IngredientsSesame seed (Til) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupRice (Soaked for 2 hours) 1 CupGround nut seeds (roasted and without salt) frac14 CupDesi Ghee 3-4 tspDry fruits (optional)Revadi (250 gm)

Sakkar (and not sugar) especially if one could get desi sakkar from the rural areas of himachal

RoastRoast sesame seeds in the kadai till color changes to light brown Now heat desi ghee in a pan and put the soaked rice in it and roast the same for 5 minutes or till the rice become soft Now roast groundnuts separately in ghee

Take a new bowl and mix all the ingredients like roasted rice sesame seeds ground nuts revadis and dry fruits Add sakkar (to your taste) and serve this as traditional ldquoTil-chowlirdquo dish of Lohri festival

ThanksThanks to Mr Vivek Sharma for contributing towards this He is Masters in computer applications currently looking for a job and can be contacted at vivekhmrgmailcom He has a deep interest in devising new types of vegetarian recipes trying them out to give new flavours

By Dr Sudarshan Kumar Vatsyayan

Payson Stevens returns to SDMA to give a talk and show a documentary he made at Tabo Ancient Monastery in the Spiti Valley of India Once part of Tibet the monastery is a repository of ancient and powerful Buddhist art where Tibetan Buddhism has been continuously practiced since 996 AD In September 2008 Payson and his wife Kamla Kapur were trapped in Tabo for two weeks when a huge storm blocked all roads going in and out of the village He will recount their experi- ences and tell how the Abbot opened up the temples for him to make his documentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpturedocumentary of rarely photographed murals and sculpture

Since 2003 Payson and Kamla have been living half the year in a remote valley of the Indian Himalayas where they built a home Trained in science and art Kamla Abbot Gesheji Payson and Zangpo Lama Payson now spends his time painting and exhibiting in India (wwwenergylandscapescom) He has been an advisor to the Great Himalayan National Park since 2000 on nature conservation and sustainable livelihood issues He is a founding member and on the advisory board of the NGO My Himachal (wwwmyhimachalcom) where he is involved with child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valleywith child healthcare and nutritional issues in the rural Kullu Valley

By Avnish Katoch

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Who introduced Apples to Himachal

By Saurab Bhakri wwwhimachalus

It is really quite great to know about the great efforts of a noble human being and visionary like Late Satyanand Stokes whose contribution to the introduction of lsquoDeliciousrsquo quality Apple to all of us in this part of the world shall always remain thankful forever

This has reference to the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo by Faiza Elmasry and lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo by Sanjay Versain posted in My Himachal Blog few days back

TheThe opening sentence in the write up titled lsquoSamuel Stokesrsquo Legacy in India Apples and Independencersquo itself says ldquoApple growers in Indiarsquos Western Himalayas still remember Samuel Evans Stokes the American who brought the fruit to their land a century ago hellip ldquo while in the second write up titled lsquoHow the apple came to Indiarsquo too mentions about contribution of Late Satyanand Stokes for introducing apples in India at large leave alone Himachal as what I got to know is clear from the following as mentioned in the write up

On the other hand the write up also mentions the following On the other hand the write up also mentions the following

All the stuff somehow made me quite unclear at my end as to who rightly genuinely could be credited with for the birth and introduction of apple whether in India or Himachal

SoSo out of curiosity to further gather information on Late Satyanand Stokes and his noble efforts be it working for the Lepers or being the only American to have participated in the Indian freedom movement or as an introducer of apple here

rdquo He told me the story of the man who introduced to India the deliciously sweet apples that we now enjoy Samuel Evan Stokes 21 came to India with the intention of working at a home for lepers in the Simla hills hellip rdquo

Captain R C Scot of the British army had introduced apples to the Kullu valley in 1870 These apples the Newton Pippin King of Pippin and the Coxrsquos Orange Pippin were strains of the English sour apples that were not popular because of their taste To meet the demand of the Indian market sweet apples were still being imported from Japan

and also my keenness to know about applesrsquo birth or introduction I got to explore for knowing about apple cultivation in Himachal its introduction etc as Himachali apples are renowned and sworn all over for its great taste quality hellip

InIn the process of getting to know I happened to come across some more feed or say information on applersquos introduction in Himachal when I got to lay my eyes on one piece of information from the paragraph from a book titled lsquoTourism in Himachal Pradeshrsquo by Manoj Jreat where it is mentioned that commercial plantation of apples started in Himachal with the introduction of apples mostly of sour variety by the Christian missionaries and British officers in the middle of the 19th Century Noted among them were Capt Lee who introduced English varietiesvarieties of apples in Kullu valley and Alexander Couts who planted an orchard at Mashobra near Shimla in about 1887 The Couts Garden as it was popularly known today houses the Regional Horticulture Research Station of Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry It is also mentioned that the credit of taking up apple cultivation on a large scale in Himahcal goes to Samuel Stokes (Late Satyanad Stokes) a resident of Philadelphia who came to India in 1904 as a missionary worker

Though it is also mentioned that lsquoDeliciousrsquo variety of apples is the most important commercial variety that is grown in the State

Going by all the stuff as above it is understood that Late Stokesrsquos contribution be taken as that of introducing the variety of lsquoDeliciousrsquo which no doubt enjoys the greatest patronage all over So would he be considered as a person as an introducer of apple in Himachal or say even India on the whole

MayMay be through My Himachal Blog we get to finalise a name of the person responsible for the birth of apple here in Devbhoomi

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

THE GOVERNMENT GIG

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Cabinet decides to repeal sports act

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday gave its nod to repeal the controversial sport act which infringed upon autonomy of sporting bodies decided to merge state gazetteer with the language art and culture department and approved handing over land on token lease for setting up the employee state insurance (ESI) corporation college and hospital

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the cabinet decided to promulgate an ordinance for repealing the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration Recognition and Regulation of Associations) Act 2005 so as to maintain autonomy of sporting associations and considering the reservations expressed by Indian Olympic Association about the law a cabinet spokesman stated

AsAs an administrative reform and cost saving measure the cabinet decided to merge the state gazetteer office with art language and culture department by transferring the technical staff t and adjusting non-technical staff in disaster management cell

ToTo set up the Rs 500 Crore ESI medical college and hospital the cabinet approved leasing of 139-6-5 bighas land along with built up infrastructure for 99 years in Ner Mohal tehsil sadar of Mandi to Employees State Insurance Corporation The land and building would be leased for a token amount of Re 1 so as to pave the way for opening of medical college and hospital a cabinet spokesman stated

TheThe cabinet decided to rename the Rs 198 crore lsquoMicro Irrigation and Other Infrastructure Development Diversified Agriculture Special Projectrsquo as Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan-Baagwan Smridhi Yojnarsquo

The project would be completed in four years and aims at providing 80 percent subsidy to farmers on drip irrigation schemes and 50 percent subsidy on construction of farm tanks boring of wells and purchase of pump sets for agricultural purposes

TheThe scheme target to bring about 20000 hectares of land irrigation cover and save water for irrigation purposes to boost crop productivity the cabinet spokesman said

The cabinet also decided to grant one time relaxation in upper age limit of 45 years prescribed in Recruitment and Promotion Rules of the Ayurvedic Medical Officer in recent batchwise recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officers to maximum of five years

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells TollrsquoRampR plan for hydro project affected approved

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Government has endeavoured to create mass awareness about the environment through screening a short documentary film titled lsquoFor Whom the Jingle Bells Tollrsquo produced and directed by a young film maker Vivek Mohan hailing from Shimla town in various educational institutions all over the State to motivate young people to educate others about the ecological safeguards in association with the Education and Environment Protection departments This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister after Vivek Mohan the film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimlathe film maker presented a copy of the half hour duration film to him in Shimla

Prof Dhumal said that students were the future citizens of the country which besides formal education also needed to be educated in the environment protection activities He said that the proposed film would help in inculcation of the awareness and responsibility towards the environment so that they could grow up as aware and enlightened citizens

He said that mass awareness campaigns had already been launched by the State Government through different channels available at its command and by roping in NGOs engaged in such activities so that it could emerge a mass movement He said that the State Government had also created Himachal Environment Fund to collect donations for protection of the environment from the people

By MH News Network

Shimla The Himachal cabinet on Friday approved a relief and rehabilitation plan for residents likely to be affected by various hydro projects being executed by Himachal Power Corporation (HPCL) a state entity Nod for a consumer awareness policy was also accorded

PresidedPresided over by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal the approved relief and rehab plan include a onetime resettlement grant ranging between Rs 25000 to Rs 25 lakhs for people displaced because of the project Rehabilitation colonies with all basic amenities would be developed by HPCL to provide housing for all project affected families

OtherOther relief measures incorporated include that a baseline socio-economic plan for each project would be prepared separated by undertaking an independent survey All affected families would be provided 100 units free power each month for a ten year period a cabinet spokesman stated

Besides free medical facilities for all affected families scheduled caste and tribe families if they choose to settle in another district would be entitled to an additional resettlement grant of 25 percent the spokesman said

WithWith the objective of creating mass awareness the cabinet approved a consumer awareness policy about the consumer rights by constituting state and district level consumer protection councils

The policy would be implemented by food civil supplies and consumer affairs department and the consumer councils would help to educate the people through awareness campaigns the cabinet spokesman said

InIn another decision the cabinet approved restoration of a 085 MW Roolang small hydro project in Mandi district However the promoter would need to furnish security charges in accordance with the hydro power policy and deposit all pending dues with HIMURJA the nodal agency for small hydro projects the spokesman stated

By MH News Network

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Govt makes efforts to preserve its Folk Art and Culture

By Disha Singh wwwhimachalus

Shimla Himachal Govt has decided to strengthen the lsquoGuru-Shishyarsquo (Teacher-Pupil) Scheme to train budding artistes in traditional folk arts of the state This was revealed by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal Chief Minister and Chairman of the Executive Council of HP Language Art and Culture Academy

ThisThis effort is made in order to preserve the folk art and culture of the state by grooming young people in specific fields and providing improvised monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 to the teachers and enhanced scholarship of Rs 500 to the pupils earlier which was Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively he said Every teacher will be training a minimum batch of five students in master craftsman in Pahari Paintings Sculpture Wood Carving Folk Dance Folk Music and Instruments Chamba Rumaal Handicrafts besides training them in ancient scripturesscriptures reading and revive the folk art and craft at the verge of extinction for future generations to come he added

Youth will also be trained in script reading and writing as maximum number of manuscripts were written in lsquoTankrirsquo script and this training will help in revival of a number of old important documents and manuscripts

He also said that efforts would be made in association with IGNOU to open atleast three schools wherein students would be imparted training in reading and writing lsquoTankrirsquo language under the guidance of National Manuscripts Mission

He said that additional efforts would be made for the documentation of lsquoJherersquo of district Mandi and lsquoAinchalirsquo of district Chamba folklores which were at the verge of distinction as also the traditional astrological system lsquoSaanchersquo prevalent during ancient times in Sirmour and Chopal areas of the State

HeHe also emphasised on the need to use Hindi in every activity and popularise the same for all practical purposes to strengthen the national integration in right perspective He said this while addressing the Rajbhasha Puruskar Vitaran Samaroh (National Language Prize Distribution Function) organised by the Department of Language and Culture to honour the officers and officials who had contributed significantly towards the promotion of national language Hindi in their day to day functioning

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

JANUARY BUZZ

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

DrKalam addressed NIT Hamirpur Convocation Pragpur Lohri now State level

By Disha Singh MH News Network wwwhimachalus

On the 3rd Convocation of National Institute of Technology at Hamirpur Former President of India Dr APJAbdul Kalam addressed the Convocation and awarded medals to outstanding NIT graduates

HeHe advised NIT to work out strategies for the per capita income of employable people of Hamirpur by knowledge empowerment and facilitating the creation of small and micro industries based on the raw material and core competence available He said that the topography of Hamirpur suited most the bio-diesel plant cultivation and NIT need to encourage people participation in the same He emphasized the need to adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education enhancement as also create energy independence plan for the district throughthrough micro-hydel plants solar energy systems bio-mass fed plants and wind power whichever was possible and also carry dense afforestation of the district to make it fossil fuels free

He assigned NIT the task to study systematically the products and processes from small scale khadi and village industries and come out in next six months with an action plan as how such industries could be enabled to increase its production and increase exports to outside the State and the country

By Disha Singh

Shimla Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal announced grant of 5 years tax holidays to the villagers under Home Stay Scheme with a view to involve rural people in promotion of tourism and Pragpur Lohri Festival to be celebrated as State-level Festival

MoreoverMoreover foundation stone of National Institute of Fashion Technology would be laid on January 21 wherein the State Government would be contributing Rs 58 crore towards infrastructure development besides providing required land free of cost to the Government of India he added

In addition he said that social security pension had also been enhanced by 10 per cent from January this year to facilitate about 25 lakh social security pensioners in the State

By MH News NetworkBy MH News Network

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Transport and Oil Strike Himachal Pumps run dry shortages turn critical

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

Shimla The five day old transport strike coupled with an oil strike has left petrol pumps dry and shortages have developed in the gas food grain vegetable and fruit supply chain across various towns and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh while the issues at stake are yet to be resolved

Ramesh Dhawala food and civil supply minister asked for having special reserve stocks of diesel and petrol in states that were solely dependent upon road transport

ldquoNotldquoNot only interstate movement of goods but within the state itself the situation is fast becoming criticalrdquo Dhawala told myHimachal News Unless the strikes are resolved soon the situation here is fast becoming criticalrdquo he said

Sukumar president of Himachal petrol pump owners association said that most pumps in Kangra Una Sirmaur Shimla Kullu Bilaspur and Solan districts were either dry or were operating on reserve stocks

Long queues are being witnessed at pumps where supply is available he said

HoweverHowever he added that the truckers strike had partially eased pressure on diesel consumption as less movement of trucks had made the fuel available for other consumers

ldquoThe state government has not been paying heed to our warningsrdquo said Sukumar ldquowith the result that not enough stocks are stored within the state to meet crunch periodsrdquo

ShiriShiri Chand excise and taxation officer at Parwanoo barrier disclosed that against a daily count of over a thousand trucks on interstate movement of goods over the last three days the number had come down to between 150 to 200 trucks

ldquoNo LPG gas truck entered the state in the last two days said Chand ldquoMilk and bread supplies were going through but transport of vegetables food grains and motor vehicle fuel supply stands badly hitrdquo he added

ldquoThe barrier which made had a daily revenue realisation of Rs 2 lakhs has come

down to Rs 25 thousandrdquo said the ETO

SK Acharya general manager food and civil supply corporation which is a nodal agency involved in public distribution system said that there was a shortage in supply of levy sugar in the state However he claimed ldquothere is enough stock of essential food grains in the PDS system to meet exigenciesrdquo

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Land for housing Karmapa monastery in Himachal yet to be settled

By Ravinder Makhaik wwwhimachalus

ShimlaEfforts to establish a monastery suitable for housing Orgyen Trinley Dorje claimant for the 17th Karmapa of the Kaygu sect of Tibetan Buddhism presently living at the Gyuto Tantaric monastery - Sidhbari in Kangra district for the last eight years has failed to resolve even as there are reports about land having been marked out at two possible sites

TwoTwo sites one at Trilokpur in Nurpur and the other at Gopalpur near Palampur have been proposed for setting up the Kaygu sect monastery which could house the Karmapa till the controversy surrounding the real head of the sect is settled sources disclosed

Reacting to reports about land having been bought for setting up the monastery near Nurpur KK Pant district magistrate of Kangra told Times of India ldquoWe are not aware of any such developmentrdquo

HeHe said that matters related to Karmapa were handled by the ministry of external affairs and the state authorities are involved later

Chemed Choegyal a member of the Karmaparsquos entourage out on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya over phone said that the Karmapa and other members were busy with important religious ceremonies and they were not in a position to comment on the issue

AA schism threatens Kaygu followers over succession of Karmapa as there are two reincarnate claimants for heading the sect after the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje died in 1981

Besides Orgyen Trinley Dorje the other claimant is Trinlay Thaya Dorje both of whom have escaped from under the watchful eyes of Chinese authorities in Tibet

TrinlayTrinlay Thaya Dorje made his way to India in 1994 and Orgyen Trinley Dorje surfaced at Dharamshala in January 2000 after undertaking a dramatic journey out of Tibet which was reminiscent of the journey into exile the Dalai Lama undertook in 1959

While Trinlay Thaya Dorje has extensively travelled in India and abroad Orgyen

Trinley Dorjersquos movements are monitored and has so far not undertaken an overseas tour after India granted him residency in 2001

To settle the issue of succession in the sect a visit to the legendary Rumtek monastery in Sikkim is a must and a claim to the jewel studded lsquoblack hatrsquo of the Kaygu sect has to be accepted which will help followers back in Tibet and elsewhere to grant recognition for the real Karmapa

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

Rajbhasha Puruskar-2008

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Award winnersRam Subhag Singh Secretary HomeBrij Lal Verma Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister Section Officers of GAD (F) with First Prize Public Grievances Cell CM Office with 2nd prize GAD Accounts-II with 3rd and Primary Education and Receipt and Issue with Commendation Certificates

RakeshRakesh Chandan Superintendent of MPPampPower Section F Bhuvneshwar Sharma Senior Assistant GAD and Ramesh Chand Senior Assistant PWD-A

AbhayAbhay Pant Director of Small Savings Pradeep Chauhan Economic Advisor and Dr RN Batta Director Panchayati Raj were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively while Kaul Singh Deputy Director Local Audit Department Kuldeep Thakur Deputy Director Treasury and Lotteries Department and Ghanshyam Singh Bali Assistant Director Small Savings were awarded Commendation Certificates

MrsMrs Tripta Sharma Senior Assistant Printing and Stationary Department Joginder Sharma Senior Assistant Home Guard and Civil Defence and Shri Basant Lal Junior Assistant of Panchayati Raj were adjudged winners amongst the individual category at the directorate level to get Commendation Certificates

AtAt CorporationBoard level First Prize was awarded to Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries Board RP Bhardwaj Second Prize to Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla AN Sharma and Third to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation MC Parmar while KC Sharma Deputy Director Finance and Accounts of State Ex-Servicemen Corporation Hamirpur Gopal Karar Assistant Manager HP State Small Industries and Export Corporation and Lekh Ram Thakur Private Secretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation CertificatesSecretary to the Mayor MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

In the individual category Rattan Lal Senior Assistant HRTC Baijnath Tilak Raj Superintendant Grade-II OBC Corporation Kangra and Smt Geeta Thakur Clerk MC Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificates

At the District Level District Welfare Officer Kangra Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Hamirpur and District Programme Officer (Child

Development Project) Kinnaur were awarded First Second and Third prizes respectively

Amongst the officers category Netra Kant Sharma Commandant Home Guards and Civil Defence Kullu Shyam Lal Sharma Fisheries Officer Bilaspur and Chuni Lal Naib Tehsildar Elections Mandi were awarded Commendation Certificates

InIn the individual category at district level Mrs Saroj Kumari Senior Assistant DC Office Una Bali Ram Sharma Junior Assistant Youth Services and Sports Department Solan and Smt Shashi Sharma Junior Assistant District Election Office Shimla were awarded Commendation Certificate

District Una had been adjudged the Best District for implementation of the Hindi programmes while District Language Officer Hamirpur was the Best District Language Officer to implement the same vigorously

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

HIMACHALI AUTHORS

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo by Dr Batta released

By MH News Network wwwhimachalus

Prem Kumar Dhumal Himachalrsquos Chief Minister today released a book titled lsquoEconomics of Road Transportrsquo authored by Dr RN Batta

The book attempts to analyze various dimensions related to transport sector and provide an analytical framework examining the transport policies It also discussed various problems related to the sector in length and potentials in generating revenue

ChiefChief Minister congratulated Dr Batta on the occasion and termed this work as a commendable effort on his part

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

MH HINDI

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

िसयासत की िडश स सताप क िसगनल

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

िहमाचल की राजनीती म इन दिनो डिश घोटाल क सिगनल हडकप मचाय हए ह परदश का जनजातीय जिला किननौर भरी सरदी म डिश घोटाल की चरचा स गरमाया हआ ह डिश घोटाल स निकलन वाल सिगनल इतन सताप भर ह की इसक चलत मखयमतरी परमकमार धमल का किननौर दौरा भी किरकिरा होकर रह गया डिश घोटाल स खार खाए किननौर क गरामीणो न इस मसल पर नाराजगी जतान क लिए दिवाली स अगल दिन रिकोगपियो म धमल को काल झड दिखाए धमल वहा जनजातीय उतसव का शभारमभ करन गए हए थ लकिन इस घटना स एक तरह नौ माह स सतता क घोड पर सरपट सवार उनकी सरकार को जरर झटका लगा ह

हालाकिहालाकि पी टी ऐ जस आनदोलन पहल स ही फट पड़ थ लकिन नौबत मखयमतरी को काल झड दिखान तक नही पहची थी जो डिश घोटाल न ला दी जाहिर ह मामला उतना सरल और सीधा नही ह जितना की किननौर परशासन बता रहा ह दरअसल कदरीय योजना क तहत किननौर जस दरगम इलाक को बाहरी दनिया स जोडन की गरज स परधानमतरी कारयाला की पहल पर 9926 डिश यहा आबटित करन का कारयकरम तय हआ यह फरबरी 2008 की बात ह यह डिश किननौर क पह कलपा और निचार खड म बराबर बटी जानी थी उसम भी तरजीह उनकषतरो को दन की हिदायत थी जहा दरदरशन का सिगनल नही ह और शडो जोन ह मशामशा यह थी की इस दरगम इलाक क लोग साल भर दरदरशन और अनय सचार माधयमो का अवलोकन कर सक और एक तरह स बाहरी दनिया स र-ब-र हो सक लकिन कनदर की इस अहम योजना को यहा बठ अधिकारीयो और राजनितिक सरमाओ न पलीता लगा दिया

बिना किसी नियमावली क जम कर अपनो को डिश की रवडी बाटी गयी जिसक चलत आज किननौर की अधिकाश जनता म रोष ह जिलाधीश किननौर न इस मामल म बिना कोई नियम तय किए मातर साद आवदन पर डिश बाटन का काम शर करवा दिया जिसका नतीजा यह हआ की पातर लोगो को अभी तक डिश नही मिली ह जबकि परभावी लोगो को दो या इसस अधिक डिश हासिल हो गयी डिश क आबटन की बानगी दखिय की विधायक तजवत नगी क गाव किलबा और साथ क सापनी और दसर गावो म तो डढ सौ और दो सौ तक डिश बाट दी गयी और किननौर क सबस बड गाव कलपा म अभी मातर दो डिश बटी ह यहा तक की पर कलप खडखड म भी मातर नौ डिश बाट पायी ह बतात ह की विधायक न रात दो-दो बज तक जिलाधीश कारयालय म बठकर डिश बटवाई और बतान की जररत नही की यह आबटन उनक चहतो को हआ इसी तरह भाजपा की जिला परिषद सदसय चदरमणि नगी का गाव म भी पौन दो सौ डिश बटी

इस सर मामल पर जब लोग आदोलित हो उठ तो जिलाधीश न बाकयदा एस डी एम पचायत समिति परधान जिला लोकसपरक अधिकारी और अनय पचयातो क साथ मिलकर एक डिश आबटन समिति बनाई लकिन यहा भी बात बनन क बजाय इतनी बिगड गयी की अगसत म डिश आबटन स उपज लोगो क गसस को दवान को लकर बाकायदा जिला मखयालय म धारा 144 लगानी पडी बिहार जस भखमरी झल रह राजयो म ऐसा होना नयी बात नही लकिन किननौर जस धरमभीर और शात जिल म यह बात निशचित तौर पर नयी भी ह और मामल की गभीरता को बयान करती हलकिन हकमरान यहा भी नही चत और डिशो की बदरबाट जारी रहीरही गौरतलब ह कि यह डिश विशदध रप स किननौर जिल का लोगो म बाटी जानी थी लकिन सबत बतात ह कि २२ डिश शिमला जिल क सराहन म आई टी वी पी कप म भी द दी गयी जबकि रकोगपओ म सथित ऐस ही कप को मातर पाच डिश दी गयी

हालािक िजलाधीश क अनसार यह डिश आई टी वी पी किननौर म ही सथापित करगी लकिन हकीकत यह ह कि आई टी वी पी न अभी तक यह नही बताया ह कि किननौर म इनका इसतमाल कहा किया जा रहा ह और फ़िर परशन यह भी ह कि यदि ऐसा ही था तो सीध किननौर म ही यह डिश कयो नही द दिए गए यही नही असपताल सकल और पचयत घरो क नाम पर जारी डिश भी समबधित पदाधिकारियो क घरो म लगी हअब जमीनी हालात यह ह कि परशासन का पास मातर 1200 डिश बची ह जबकि परा का परा कलप खड शष बचा ह जहा अभी डिश बटनी ह जबकि इसक आलावा दसर दोनो खडो स जो शिकायत आ रही ह वोहवोह अलग स ह जाहिर ह समान आबटन अब किसी भी सरत म समभव नही ह ऐस म जहा जिलाधीश किननौर अब मामल को कागजो म दरसत करन क लिए खाना परती कर रह ह वही यह मामला अब राजनितिक रगत लता जा रहा ह कागरस बाकयदा इस मामल को आगामी लोकसभा चनाव म मददा बनान जा रही ह परव विधायक जगत सिह नगी का अनसार हमन सचना क अधिकार क तहत हर जानकारी हासिल कर ली ह जो साफ़ बताती ह कि भाजपा क लोगो न परशासन की मिलीभगत स किननौर म आम और जररतमद लोगो का हक मारा ह जो उस महगा पड़गा कागरस क ही जिला परवकता सरय नगी क अनसार बहतर होता किकि परशासन राशन कारड या गरीबी रखा को आधार बनाकर यह आबटन करता ताकि सभी पातर लोगो को डिश भी हासिल हो जाती और उगली भी नही उठती लकिन बदरबाट का चलत हालत यह ह कि किसी की तो गऊशाला म भी डिश लगी ह और जो असली हकदार ह वोह मन मसोस कर बठा हलकिन अब लोगो क सबर का पमाना छलक रहा ह हाल ही म परभावित लोगो न एक बार फ़िर जिला मखयालय पर धरना दिया और रोष सवरप गिरफतारिया दी इस सार मामल को कागरस क परव विधयाक जगत सिह नगी दिशा द रह थ जाहिर ह की अब यह धीर-धीर मारक राजनितिक मामला बनता जा रहा ह हो सकता ह की कागरस इसका लाभ उठाना चाह रही होलकिन एक बात तय ह की गिरफतारी जसा कदम छोट मामल म नही उठाया जाता और चकि ऐसा हआ ह तो यह मामल की गभीरता को दरशाता ह लकिन कमाल की बात यह ह कि यह गभीरता जिला परमख पी एस डरक को नही दिख रही जिलाधीश महोदय इस मामलीमामली बात बतात ह डरक क मताबित कही कोई घपला नही हआ ह हमन बाकायदा जाच भी करवाई ह और बाकि बच लोगो को भी चरणबदध ढग स डिश द दी जायगी पर कस यह वोह नही बता पाए खास कर जब हमन पछा की आपक पास मातर 1200 डिश शष ह और परारथी 3300hellipतो उनका जबाब था की आपकी जानकारी सही नही ह और आप थोड़ा इतज़ार करो सब निबट जाएगाउधर इलाक क यवा विधायक तजवत नगी का कहना ह की जगत सिह इस मामल को तल दकर विधान सबह चनाव म मिली हार क सदम स उबरना चाह रह ह तजवत क अनसार सभी को एक समय पर डिश नही दी जा सकती किसी को पहल तो किसी को बाद म ही मिलनी होती हलकिन कागरस ऐसा भरम फला रही ह की मानो जो छट गए वोह हमशा क लिए वचित हो गएजबकि ऐसा नही ह इस सार मामल पर मखयमतरी जरर सतलित परतिकरिया दत ह उनक मताबिक डिश कम पड़न का मामला उनक धयान म ह और उनहोन वयकतिगत तौर पर परधानमनतरी स और डिश जारी करन का आगरह किया ह जब वोह आ जायगी तो लोगो को डिशडिश भी मिल जायगी और जो इस मसल पर हो-हलला कर रह ह उनक मह भी बद होजायग लकिन यह तो तब होगा जब होगाhellipफिलहाल इस सार मामल पर वहा लोगो क एक समह म जबरदसत रोष ह और यदि यह और जारी रहा तो डिश की यह सियासत लोकसभा चनाव म सरकार की सहत पर भारी पड़ सकती ह

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

मतरिमडल िवसतार पर भारी पड़ रही मणडी वालो की महततवकाकषा

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

समपरण विशव मदी की चपट म ह और धमल सरकार मणडी की चपट म जी हा इसम कोई शक नही की धमल सरकार पर मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा भारी पड़ रही ह बीत साल नौ जनवरी को अपन दरबार को नवरतनो स ससजजित करन क बाद अब जब धमल इस सखया को गयारह क शगन म बदलना चाहत ह तो ऐस म मणडी की महतवकाकषा इतनी तजी स हिलोर मारन लगी ह की मतरी मडल विसतार तो दर जो मतरी साल भर स एलरजली भवन म डरा जमाय बठ ह उनकी करसी तक हिलन की नौबत आ गयी ह धमल न तपोवन म विधानसभा सदन म घोषणा की कि मतरिमडल विसतार का समय आ गया ह

यहीयही नही बाद म उनहोन मीडिया स बातचीत म मामल को और साफ करत हए बताया की विसतार म मणडी और ऊना जिलो को सथान दिया जाएगा लकिन यह कया जिस धमल सहज मान कर बोल गए आज वही बात इतनी बडी हो गयी ह की मानो जान -अनजान धमल न बरर क छतत म हाथ डाल दिया हो धमल क मतरिमडल विसतार की घोषणा क कछ ही घटो बाद झडी वाली गाडी झटकन वालो की लाबिग शर हो गयी ऊना क दोनो दावदार सतपाल सतती और वीरदर कवर तो सदन म धमल की मिजाजपरसी तक ही सीमित रह मगर मणडी क दावदारो न तो बाकायदा मीडिया म दावदारी पश कर दी

दिलदिल राम खद को पारटी का सबस पराना सिपाही और कमजोर वरग का होन क नात पश करत नजर आए तो रप सिह का तरक था की वोह इतन वरिषठ ह की पहल की सभी भाजपा सरकारो म मतरी रह ह और चौथी वार क लिए भी तयार ह ऐस म भला जय राम ठाकर भला कस चपप रहतhellipहालाकि पारटी अधयकष होन क नात विरोधी उनह एक वयकति-एक पद क फारमल क तहत रस स बाहर मान रह थ पर जय राम न नहल पर दहला जडत हए दावा किया की उनकी सरमायदारी म तो पारटी सतता म आई ह लिहाजा सबस सकषम वही ह और फ़िर वही हआजब तक एक-एक पड़ क लिए दो-दो दावदार थ तब तक तो सब ठीक था पर तीसर क आ आ जान स मामला उलझ गयाhellipयानि तीन तिगाड़ा खल बिगाडाhelliphellipजी हा दावदारो की इस लाबिग न इतना वहित रप ल लिया की मामला अशोका रोड तक जा पहचा

ऊना वाल तो शिमला तक ही सीमित रह लकिन मणडी वालो न ऐसा वयह रचा की भरी सरदी म धमल को पसीन छडवा दिए और बात यहा तक पहच गयी की रप सिह और जयराम दोनो को ही समायोजित करन की बात उभर आई और उसक लिए ईशवर दास धीमान की बलि का फारमला तक पश हो गया लकिन इस फारमल स दीपकमल म जवाला भडक गयी जय राम ठाकर की आड म अपनी सियासी रोटिया सकन वाल सगठन क एक तथाकथित पहरदार न पतरा फका की धीमान को बटल बना दिया जाए यानि मखयमतरी का राजनितिक सलाहकार बनाकर कबिनट रक दिया जाए और उनकी जगह जयराम को एडजसट किया जाए इस तरह रप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायगरप सिह और जयराम दोनो ही समायोजित हो जायग

जाहिर ह इस पर बबाल होना ही था और हआ भीधीमान क साफ़ इनकार क बाद उनह जयराम दवारा खाली की जान वाली अधयकष की सीट का भी चगगा फका गया जिस भी धीमान न नही चना और इस सारी डरामबाजी का नतीजा यह रहा की मतरिमडल विसतार टल गया ह सतरो की मान तो धमल आडवानी की रली स पहल ही विसतार कर लना चाहत थ और इस बाबत दिलली स हरी झडी भी ल आए थलकिन जयराम की हर जगह मलाई खान की इचछा क कारण दसरो क हक पर बरफ डल गयीगौर तलब ह कि इसस पहल जब पारटी सतता स बाहर थी और अधयकष पड़ का चनाव हआ था तो भी जयराम न अपन उसी एन आर आई

हिमाचली आका की बदौलत जबरदसत लाबिग की थी और सफल भी रह थपर सरकार बन क बाद स ही वोह मतरी पद पान क लिए छटपटात रह ह और गाह-बगाह यह छटपटाहट जाहिर भी होती रही हऐस म अब जब मौका (आखरी ) आया ह तो वोह कोई चास नही लना चाहत और सर-धड की बाजी लगाय हए ह

वसवस ऐसा नही ह की इसम जयराम ही अकल दोषी ह मणडी म इस बार भाजपा क परदरशन को दखत हए मणडी स तीन मतरिओ का बाजिब कोटा बनता था मणडी म इस बार भाजपा न दस म स छः सीट जीती ह और यदि हीरालाल को भी इधर गिन लिया जाए तो यह सखया सात हो जाती ह जबकि यदि परी मणडी ससदीय सीट पर जाय तो सतरह म स भाजपा को तरह (हीरा लाल को मिलकर ) सीट मिली ह ऐस म मणडी शर स ही तीन मतरी चाह रही थी पर शाता कमार की दोसती की(चाह तो तयाग भी कह सकत ह) कीमत चकान क चककर म धमल को ना चाहत भी कागड़ा को चार मतरी दन पड़ और मणडी क हक पर डाका पड़ गयाजबकिगयाजबकि कागड़ा स मतरिओ की सखया वीरभदर ही छः स छाट कर दो तय कर चक थ और इस बार भी इसस जयादा नही बनता था कागड़ा स भाजपा को महज आठ और परी कागडा ससदीय सीट स दस सीट मिली ह पर जब धवाला क लिए शाता आड गए तो बात बिगड गयी और मणडी का हिससा शाता की जिद को समरपित हो गया

हालाकि खीमी राम को विधानसभा का उपाधयकष बनाकर धमल न सतलन साधना चाहा पर उनक कलल स होन क कारण सतलन और गडबडा गया हालत यह हो गयी की मणडी म यह बात फ़ल गयी की धमल सरकार म मणडी स कोई मतरी नही हhellipहालाकि गलाब सिह ठाकर को दसर नबर की करसी दी गयी ह पर वहा क भाजपाई अभी भी उनह कागरसी ही मानत ह ऐस म मणडी म भाजपा क खिलाफ जनाकरोश भी बढा जिसकी परिणिति मडिकल कालज सघरष क तौर पर सामन आई साल भर तक तो ठीक था पर अब जबकि लोकसभा चनाव सिर पर ह और मणडी स वीरभदर सिह की उमीदवारी की मातर घोषणा ही बाकी ह ऐस म डमज कटरोलकटरोल जररी हो गया था इसलिए धमल न चनाव स एन पहल मतरिमडल विसतार करन और मणडी स मतरी दन की घोषणा की ताकि वहा पारटी क खिसकत जनाधार को सभाला जा सक पर उनह कया मालम था की सभलन-सभालन क इस चककर म पारटी क बड-बड दिगगज बकाब हो जायग और एक साल स शात पडी गततबाजी फ़िर उभर आयगी अब हालत यह ह कि मणडी वालो की महतवकाकषा न निगलत बन रही ह और न उगलत

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

टावर बन टशन

By Sanjeev Sharma wwwhimachalus

शिमला क करनल चौहान न सना की लमबी और कठिन सवा स निवत होन क बाद इस खबसरत शहर म अपना आशियाना बनाया था ताकि बाकी का जीवन अपन परिवार क साथ सकन स बिताया जा सक लकिन आज उनह लगता ह की वोह अपन पतक गाव म ही बस जात तो जयादा अचछा था भल ही सविधाए कम होती लकिन सकन परा होता ऐसी ही वयथा सजौली क राम कमार की हपारिवारिक जिममदारिओ स निबटन क बाद उनहोन भी सहत और सकन स भरपर जीवन की उममीद की थी पर आजकल वोह अनिदरा की बीमारी इनसोमनिया का शिकार होकर रह गए हhellip

करनलकरनल चौहान और रामकमार दरअसल अपन घरो क पास सथापित मोबाइल टावरो स परशान ह जो उनक जी का जजाल बन हए ह कमोबश ऐसी ही वयथा शहर क उन अधिकाश लोगो की ह जिनक घरो क आसपास इस तरह क टावर लग हए ह दसर शबदो म यह कहा जा सकता ह की सचार कराति क य कथित सतमभ टशन का सबब बन गए ह तो गलत न होगा शिमला तो मातर उधाहरण ह वासतव म हिमाचल की हर बडी बसती इस समसया स जझ रही ह और करनल चौहान और रामकमार जस लोगो की फरहिसत लगातार लमबी होती जा रही ह

हिमाचलहिमाचल म इस समय बीएस एन एल एयरटलटाटा इडिकोम आईडिया रिलायस और एयरसल नामक दश की छः बडी मोबाइल कपनिया अपना वयवसाय कर रही ह भारत सचार निगम क मखय महा परबधक अनिल कौशल क मताबिक निगम क हिमाचल म दस लाख स जयादा गराहक ह जिसक लिए उनहोन 800 टावर लगा रख ह और इसी साल क अत तक 300 टावर और लगाय जायग इसी तरह एयरटल क भी सात लाख गराहक ह और उनक लिए कमपनी न 600 टावर सथापित किए ह बाकि बची चार कमपनियो क भी अलग स 843 टावर लग हए ह

यानियानि इस समय हिमाचल म कल मिलाकर 2000 स जयादा टावर ह और यदि कमपनियो की विसतार योजना को मिला ल तो इसी साल यह सखया 3000 पहच जायगी इसक अलावा वोडाफोन और सपाईस जसी कपनिया किसी भी वकत हिमाचल म अपना कारोबार शर कर सकती ह एक खास चशम स दखन पर आपको यह सचार कराति का बहतर रप लगगा लकिन यदि इसी विसतार को करनल चौहान क चशम स दख तो भविषय खतर म ह हिमाचल म कलमिलाकर 12 जिल ह इस अनपात स हर जिल म औसतन 200 मोबाइल टावर इस वकत काम कर रह ह जो दिसमबर तक बढकर 250 हो जायगजरा सोचिय इतन जयादा टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती हनिकलन वाली रडियो तरग कितनी घातक हो सकती ह

हालाकि अनिल कौशल क मताबिक यह महज मिथया ह की इन टावरो स सवासथय पर परतिकल परभाव पड़ता ह वोह कहत ह ऐसी कोई थयोरी अभी सामन नही आई ह फ़िर भी हम यह खयाल रखत ह की टावर बसती स दर ही लगाय जायऔर बसती म लगान स पहल नो ओबजकशन लिया जाता ह लकिन आपको बता द की अब यह साफ़ हो गया ह की यह टावर खतर क भरपर ह शिमला कसर असपताल क सहायक परोफ़सर डाकटर मनोज गपता बतात ह की यह आज का सबस बडा हलथ इश ह हमार पास ऐस मरीजो की सखया बढ़ रही ह जो इन टावरो की बजह स परशान ह

औरऔर उनकी परशानी नाहक नही ह डाकटर मनोज क अनसार इन टावरो स निकलन वाली रडियो

तरगो का बजरगो और बचचो पर जयादा परतिकल असर दखा गया ह शोध बतात ह की इस वजह स लोगो म अनिदरा और मषतिषक क विकास पर असर दखा गया ह बचचो क दिमाग पर तो जयादा असर पड़ता ह जो उनह ताउमर क लिए विकषिपत बना सकता ह यही नही कई मामलो म बरन टयमर जसी खतरनाक बीमारी भी इन तरगो क कारन पाई गयी ह जबकि रकतचाप म गडबडी तो आम बात ह

साफ़साफ़ जाहिर ह की यदि समय रहत इस समसया की तरफ धयान नही दिया गया तो आग चलकर दिककत और बढ़ सकती ह वस टावरो की सथापना को लकर इस तरह क सपषट निरदश पहल स ही ह की उनह रिहायशी इलाको म नही लगाया जाएलकिन इन नियमो की पालना नही होती कही अपनी छतो पर टावर लगवान वालो का लालच तो कही सथानीय निकायो की मिलीभगत स यह उललघन लगातार हो रहा हऐस म पीडितो की तमाम उमीद सरकार स ही ह

हालाकिहालाकि मोबाइल कमपनियो पर राजय सरकार का सीधा नियतरण नही होता लकिन टावरो की सथापना पर नियम लाग करवाए जा सकत हपर सरकार को तो इस बार कछ धयान फिलहाल नही ह परथम इमपकट क पछन पर सवासथय मतरी राजीव बिदल पराथमिकता स मामल पर विचार करन का भरोसा जरर दिलात ह लकिन अब तक कया किया गया इसका जबाब उनक पास भी नही ह बहतर होगा जो भरोसा उनहोन दिलाया ह उसपर जलद खरा उतर अनयथा ककरमततो की तरह हर कही उगत मोबाइल टावर अपन आकर की तरह ही भयकर साबित हो सकत ह

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

शाता क सपनो का निजीकरण

wwwhimachalus

सबस खतरनाक होता ह मरदा शानति स भर जाना न होना तडप का सब सह जाना hellipसबस खतरनाक होता ह सपनो का मर जानाhellipकामरड कवि न न जान यह पकतिया किस सदरभ म लिखी थीपर समय का फर दखिय की यह नज़म आज खाटी सघी शाता कमार पर लाग हो रही ह जी हा शाता कमार क सपन न सिरफ मर गए ह बलकि य कहिय की बिक गए ह जो शायद मरन स भी खतरनाक हअधर सफर क इस मसाफिर न 18 साल पहल एक सपना दखा थापालमपर म एक बढिया असपताल बनान का धीर-धीर इस सपन को पख लग जब पख कषीण होत दिख तो शाता न अलख जगाईhellip

अपनोअपनो म जोगी क नाम स परसिदध इस जोगी को तब लोगो न जम कर खर दी एक दो रपय की नही पर 25 करोड़ की इस खर स शाता कमार न पालमपर म सवामी विवकानद असपताल क काम को आग बढाया कायाकलप क नाम स एक अति विशिषट किसम का पराकतिक चिकतसा कनदर भी खोला कया हआ जो वीरभदर न उस मालिश कनदर करार दियाकया हआ जो भर चनाव म बाली जस बडबोलो न उस टरसट का हिसाब माग लियाशाता टस स मस नही हएhellip भाजपा सरकार आई तो लोगो को भी लगा की चलो अब तो इस असपताल म ससत इलाज क दिन आन ही वाल हhellipपर यह कया कायाकलप न तो शाता क सपन का ही कायाकलपकायाकलप कर डाला जो असपताल लोगो को मरहम बाटन वाला था अब ज पी जसी दखदाई कमपनी क हाथो म चला गया ह वोह ज पी जो अपन नाम क आग तो जनसवा ससथान लगाती ह पर हिमाचल म सिरफ और सिरफ जखम दन क लिए जानी जाती हचाह परयावरण हो या मानव आकड गवाह ह की वागत स लकर मागल तक इसन न जान कितन लोगो को जखम दिए ह

कितन ही गावो का पानी चरा लिया ह तो कईओ को अपन जबर का शिकार बनाकर कभी न खलन वाली नीद सला दिया (याद कर वागत काणड) पर ना जान इस जालिम ज पी न शाता को कौन सी घटटी पिलाई की शाता को लगता ह की उनका सपना अब ज पी ही साकार कर सकती ह ताज़ा करार क बाद अब विवकानद टरसट पर ज पी का कबजा हो गया ह इस मसल पर फिलवकत सब की राजनीती गरमाई हयी हhellipकई सवाल हवा म तर रह हhellipहो सकता ह शाता अपनी वाकपटता स उनक जवाब भी द डालhellipपर एक सवाल जो सबस अहम ह वोह यह की शाता यह कयो भल गए की जिन सवामी विवकानद क नाम पर वोह असपताल बनन वाल थथ उनहोन कहा था hellip उठो जागो और तब तक चलत रहो जब तक की लकषय की परापति नही हो जाएhelliphellipतो फ़िर कया कारण रह कि लकषय बीच म ही बिक गयाकयो हो गया सपनो का निजीकरणयकष रपी जनता को इस सवाल का जबाब जब तक नही मिलताhellipतब तक पयास नही बझन वाली शाता जी

ठका

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

यवको क परित िहमाचल क ससथापना िदवस पर

By Dr Vivek Sharma wwwhimachalus

िवकास क िलए उततरदायी कौनहरहर वरष परदश और दश क मतरीगण करोडो रपयो क आय-वयय की बात कहत ह | विकास क लिए उठाय जान वाल कदमो की सराहना होती ह | सततापकष और विपकष एक दसर क निरणय और सोच की निदा करत ह | फ़िर पानी बरसता ह और कई पल और सडक बह जाती ह | सरकार मडिकल या इनजिनीरिग कालज बना दती ह विदयारथी भरती हो जात ह और फ़िर मालम पड़ता ह कि मलभत सविधाओ कि कमी क कारण राषटरीय सटार पर डिगरी मानयता परापत ही नही ह | शिलानयास होता ह रिबबन कटता ह तालिया बजती ह और फ़िर सिरफ नामधारी शिला रह जाती ह और वाद भला दिए जात ह | हमारी कोशिशो म कया कमी रहतीरहती ह कि सही निरणय भी एक वरष क बाद एक टट पल की तरह अधरा और अनावशयक नज़र आता ह इन अधरी सडको पर चलकर कस हिमाचल आरथिक और सामाजिक विकास कर पायगा इन विफलताओ का उततरदायी कौन ह

उततरदायितव एक महतवपरण शबद ह कयकि इसको समझकर मनषय करमशील बनता ह और नियत और नियम को समझन लगता ह | नियत को बाध रखन क लिए नियम बनाय जात ह और यदि नियम और नियत सही हो तो मानव करतवय क परति जागरक रहता ह | गिरती हई इमारत बनान वाल मिसतरी ठकदार पी डवल डी क अधिकारी नियम की उलहना करत ह नियत स अपन लिए सपतति इकतरित करन क लिए समह का नकसान करत ह | ताजजब मझ इस बात का नही कि लोग अपन सवारथ क लिए सीमट म रत मिलत ह या टोल टकस का पसा जब म भर लत ह | ताजजब इस बात का भी नही की राजनीती क नाम परपर मददो को उछाला जाता ह और फ़िर भला दिया जाता ह | ताजजब इस बात का ह कि वादो स मकरन वालो बार बार अधर या टट जान वाल पलो को बनन वाल बार बार विदयारथियो को पढाय बिना पगार पान वालो रिशवतखोरी स अचानक अमीर बन जान वाल लोगो को हम जब पहचान भी लत ह उनका बहिषकार नही करत | यह नही करत कि उनका धदा-पानी मदा पड़ जाए | पर हम उनको मॉफ किए बिना उनक अपराधो को सवीकार कर लत ह | ऐस म अगर विकास मच पर बठा बत ह अगर हमारी समसयाए जय कि तय ह तो इसक उततरदायी भी कया हम नही

मसल कई ह | कछ क लिए सरकार नाम की अदशय ससथा को दोषी भी नही ठहराया जा सकता | पिछल साल नना दवी म अनको बचच बड जवान एक भगदड म मार गए | ऐसा कय हआ म इशवर-धरम-शासतरो को मानता ह पर म ऐस हादसो को दविक परोकोप नही मान सकता | मदिरो क बहिर की बकाब भीड धकका-मककी चीखना-चिललाना दगन दामो पर पजन सामगरी का बचना-खरीदना हमार धरम-ससकारो क परति असममान दरशात ह | जिस रोग का उपचार मौजद हो जिस हादस को रोकन कि विधि आती हो उसक लिए दवा न लना सही कदम न उठाना हमारी सोच शिकषा और आचार की अदरदरशिता अशकषमता क दयोतकदयोतक ह | एक वजञानिक और इजिनियर की तरह सोचता ह तो पाता ह कि हमार परदश म ऐसी घटनाए सिरफ इसलिए होती ह कयकि हम डगो की मजबती भीड क विसतार बाड़ो म नदियो क वग अनियमित सपतति सगरहण जसी गणनीय नापी-तोली-जाची जा सकन वाली चीज़ो का परी तरह निरिकषण और लखाकन नही करत | तो अब परशन यह उठता ह कि ऐसा निरिकषण कौन कर

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

MH EXPLORES

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

The temples of Kullu valley in Himachal

By Dr Sanjeeva Pandey wwwhimachalus

Bounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges on either side the Kullu Valley is often referred to as Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple In old Indian texts such as Brahmand Puran Brihatsamhita and Markandeya Puran this area is mentioned as lsquoKulantapitharsquo which famous traveler Penelope Chetwode has translated as the End of the Habitable World - as anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass bounding Kullu and Lahul will understand

MayMay I initiate this blog entry with the description of three prominent temples near Bhuntar Airport in Kullu Valley They are Khokhan temple of Lord Brahma Dayar temple of Lord Vishnu and Bajaura temple of Shiva (Mahesh)

Adi Brahma Temple of Khokhan (Near Bhuntar)TheThe unique temple of Adi-Brahma is located close to Bhuntar on a link road starting from Shamshi moving towards the village of Khokhan at about same elevation as of Dayar temple of Vishnu across the valley In Hindu Pantheon there are a large number of temples devoted to Vishnu and Shiva but very few to Brahma Hence the Adi-Brahma temple built in wood and stone at Khokhan is of great importance In Himachal Pradesh another Adi-Brahma temple is at Tihri (Uttarsal) in Mandi district

AtAt Khokhan the Adi Brahma has one ashta-dhatu eleven silver and two brass mohras fixed in the rath The temple is made in wood and stone in a peculiar style

Local folklores indicate that there have been tiffs over supremacy between the temples of Adi Brahma and Dayar located on the either side of the valley

Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar (Near Bhuntar)FromFrom Bhuntar (on National Highway 21) a link road bifurcates on the left bank of Beas to Dayar village The Pagoda Style Temple of Trijugi Narayan at Dayar is saddled on a ridge and clearly visible from Bajaura Shiva temple and the NH 21

The pagoda style of a temple is often associated with lord Buddha This is one of the first few temples depicting influence of Buddhism in the region which grows more and more as one moves further into Himalayas and trans-Himalayas (Lahul and Spiti districts)

In the hills Vishnu is often referred to as Daridra Narayan or protector of downtrodden Vishnu is more popular in rural areas and agricultural community with as many as 65 Narayans in Kullu valley alone

TheThe temple of Dayar made of stone and wood has an idol of Vishnu about four feet in height along with smaller metal idols of Buddha MR Thakur in his book ldquoMyths Rituals and Beliefs in HPrdquo mentionsrdquoIt is remarkable to note that the presiding deities in chief areas of the Pradesh are among Vishnu like Raghunath in Kullu Madhav Rao in MandiLaxmi Narayan in Chamba Murli Manohar in Sujanpur Bansi Gopar in Bilaspur and Parshu Ram in Renuka (Sirmaur) The following of Vishnu may be gauged by the reverence of large number of Narayans and his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquoand his nine incarnations - Matsya lsquothe fishrsquo Kurm lsquothe tortoisersquo

Varah lsquothe boarrsquo Narsimha lsquothe man-lionrsquo Vaman lsquothe dwarfrsquo Parshu Ram Rama Krishna Buddha and the tenth would be incarnation Kalkirdquo

Bajaura Temple (Near Bhuntar Airport)The temple of Basheshwar Mahadev (or Vishvesvara Mahadev) is located at Bajaura on National Highway 21 about four kms from Bhuntar Airport There are about twenty recorded stone-temples in Kullu of which the Bajaura temple of Lord Shiva (Lord of Universe) is the largest one The famous archeologist Dr Vogel has described this temple in detail in his report to the Archaeological Survey of India (1909-10) He saysrdquoThe excellent workmanship of the large bas-reliefs and in fact all the sculptural decoration on Bajoura temple points to an early daterdquoan early daterdquo

Mandanjeet Singh an Indian art historian in his book Himalayan Art (UNESCO 1968) opines that the temple was built in eleventh century The temple looks a bit squat with an unusually flat Shikhara The outer surface of the temple is covered with the carvings

There is no pillared hall attached to this temple though such adjuncts are common in Mandi temples The sanctum of the temple called Garbha Griha is approached directly by an open doorway on the east side of the temple and contains the linga of Shiva set in the yoni of his female power (shakti) Devi the daughter of Himalaya

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

My Himachal Photography Section

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

My Himachal Flickr Section

We dedicate this section to our Photo enthusiasts Wersquoll be publishing 10-15 photographs in each issue to encourage our growing talents Have a look and enjoy

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

My Himachal Photography Section

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus

SUSCRIBE OR JUST WRITE TO USJOIN HIMACHAL IN ITS GROWTH

CONTACT

USA

Avnish Katoch 289 Buckley Dr Harrisburg PA 17112 USA Phone +1 (717) 649-5738

avnishhimachalus

INDIA

Ravinder MakhaikBlock C - 5 Flat No 19 SDA Apartments Old Brock Hurst Shimla HP 171009

editorhimachalus

SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS IDEAS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO

dishahimachalus | nchandokhimachalus