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October, 2012

Greetings !

With the eighth issue releasing this quarter I am pleased to inform you about

the unique initiatives taken by the government for its citizens which are both

inclusive and pro- development in nature .

The cover story of this issue focuses on 'Tribal Development' and I would like

to tell you that our vision of “Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth” has been

instrumental in shaping the lives of our tribal citizens. It gives me immense

pleasure to share with you how good and transparent governance can reach every

sphere of the society and ensure their growth and secured future. Our sustained

efforts in education, health, power supply, agriculture and many other sectors in

the tribal areas have brought them into the mainstream culture and have set a true

example of social inclusion. We have also included a special section on revisiting

'Mission Mangalam', a program which empowers women by providing them

financial independence. This issue covers the success of this novel initiative and

the positive change it has brought in the lives of the women of Gujarat.

Inclusive growth demands participation from even the marginalised sections

of society and good governance binds them together with leaders, government

machinery and civil society.

I also need to tell you about the launch of innovative healthcare services for

the people of Gujarat. With the Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana BPL families in

the state will be provided with medical care for critical diseases free of cost.

I have always believed that pro active measures help in anticipating events

that can affect the interests of people in the long . Hence the challenge lies in

creating a sustainable future with advanced planning and preventive action, our

recent visit to Japan has enforced this vision of having a consistent policy which

ensures confidence, growth and pride to the citizens of Gujarat.

I hope you will find this edition an informative and enjoyable read and will

experience a flavor of developments taking place in the state

Message from the CM

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat

Narendra ModiChief Minister, Gujarat

VOL-2, ISSUE-4 October,2012

CHIEF EDITOR V. Thiruppugazh

MANAGING EDITORArvind Patel

Dy. CHIEF EDITOR Pulak Trivedi

TEAM 'THE GUJARAT'Mihir Shah

Nitasha NairMadhurima MallikSahit Chirutapudi

Abhishek ShandilyaApan Singhal

Pranjal SrivastavaSahil Jhingon

Dhaval ParmarKruthika RaoLenin Samuel

DESIGN & LAYOUTGrey Orange Brand Pvt. Ltd.

DISTRIBUTIONSharad Bumbadiya

Jayesh Dave

______________________

Letters should be addressed to Commissionerate of Information

Floor no 2, Block no 7, Old Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India- 382010

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication's contents, in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited. The Gujarat does not necessarily agree with the views of the writers/contributors.

______________________

PUBLISHER SHRI V. THIRUPPUGAZH AND PRINTER SHRI DHAVAL K. DAVE ON BEHALF OF OWNER COMMISIONERATE OF INFORMATION, GOVT. OF GUJARAT, GANDHINAGAR, PRINTED AT GUJARAT OFFSET PVT. LTD., OFFSET HOUSE, STATION ROAD, VATVA, AHMEDABAD-382440 (GUJARAT) PUBLISHED FROM 7/2, DR JEEVRAJ MEHTA BHAVAN, GANDHINAGAR (GUJARAT) ON 27/09/2012. EDITOR: SHRI V. THIRUPPUGHAZH

E-mail: thegujaratmagazine@gmail.com

An English Quarterly Magazine

THETHE

Index Quick Bites

2 3

October, 2012

Model schools in every districtIn a programme held in Gandhinagar as a part of Teacher's Day celebrations on September 5, 22 teachers of the state were felicitated and prizes were distributed. The Chief Minister also interacted with around 1.5 crore students and teachers of the schools across the state via satellite broadcast. On the occasion, the setting up of two 'smart schools', one eco-friendly 'green school' and one 'sports school' in every district as models was announced Keeping in view the 125th birth

Fodder Cultivation Encouraged Benefits for Gujarati Cotton A state cabinet meet held recently Farmersreviewed the plans for fodder The Government announced a slew of distribution and management in the initiatives under the policy that would Saurashtra, Kutch and north Gujarat largely benefit the textile industry with regions. Various schemes offering special focus on the cotton farmers. The incentives for farmers and NGOs with a new policy ensures that the Gujarati view to encourage fodder cultivation cotton farmers get better valuation at were approved. It was decided to give the national and international markets.

It has also made provisions for `25 per animal per day to every development through financial Gaushala and cattle feeding houses assistance, tax concessions and managed by NGOs/trusts. According to infrastructural support.spokespersons, at present fodder is The new Textile Policy is expected to being distributed through 91 fodder

depots at the concessional rate of rupees attract investment of over `20,000 two per kilogram. So far, about 11 lakh crore, creating new employment kilograms fodder has already been opportunities for over 25 lakh people, d is t r ibuted to cat t le-breeders . 50 per cent of them being rural women, Considering the need for more number over a period of the next five years. This

anniversary of Dr. Sarvapal l i of fodder depots the government will Radhakrishanan next year the Chief form village clusters at the radius of 15 Minister called upon the teachers to kms. and will start new fodder depots deliberate upon the ways to bring about there.all-round qualitative changes in the primary education. He asked teachers Emphasis on Readingto take the 125th birth anniversary of The Chief Minister announced a 30-day Dr. Radhakrishnan as an opportunity to celebration of 'Vivekanand Reading strengthen the education system – Festival' in the primary schools of the starting from this September 5, to state from September 11. According to September 5, 2013.him, the weak link among the children

of primary schools is the lack of reading Encouragement to Gujarat's habit. The Vivekananda Reading Homeguards will also increase the state's revenue Festival was held on September 11th The allowance of 50,000 Men and and growth rate along with growth of 2012 to encourage reading among Women homeguards contributing to the textile industry. children.

Gujarat this quarter

October, 2012

Table of Contents

Success Story

Book Review

On a lighter note

Special Feature

In Focus

26 Mission Mangalam

Tracing success

30 Dholavira

31 Gujarat Luminaries

Jhaverchand Meghani

32 Fulfilling Ambitions

On Eklavya’s Path

34 Nari Adalats

36 Independence Day

37 Strengthening Relations

38 Photo Feature

Redefining Social Justice

CM visits Japan

Environment

In Conversation with

Travel

Arts & Culture

At a Glance

40 Blackbuck National Park

Model for Wildlife

Conservation

42 Sunita Avani Amin

On Dhrupad’s Depths

44 Patan-The Lost Capital

Rediscovering Anhilpur

46 The Stage of Bhavai

The elegant art of theatre

48 Upcoming Events

3 Quick Bites

Gujarat this Quarter

6 The Canopy Plantation

Livelihood Enhancement with

Forest Conservation

10 Security for the Urban Poor

Housing Initiatives

14 Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA)

Making healthcare affordable

16 Business this Quarter

A snapshot of business news from

across Gujarat

18 Education

The key to Gujarat’s Development

20 Tribal Development

Paving the way for Social Inclusion

Government Initiatives

Business

Sector Analysis

Cover Story

Tribal Development (Page 20 - 25)

Call of the Wild(Page 40 - 41)

Quick Bites

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October, 2012 Quick Bites

Govind Guru, the martyrdom of the students of biotechnology actively greens along the river Ambika attracted heroes of the movement would be participated and benefited from the quite a number of visitors. Some of the remembered by the generations. event. events that were the part of the festival

were: Water sports, adventurous UK review lauds Gujarat's PPP Call of the monsoons – Satpura activities, laser show, photography projects Festival exhibition, heritage walk, cultural A two-year review of the Indian The Satpura Monsoon Festival was evenings, food festival, contests, etc.infrastructure sector conducted by held to celebrate the beauty of Satpura, London's financial district lauds the called the Hill Station of Gujarat, state's performance in implementing during the monsoon season. The lush public-private partnership (PPP) projects. It also gave credit to the thriving investment environment and emphasised that the state is 'fiscally credible'. "In terms of financing, Gujarat is in a strong position, having emerged as a top investment destination in India; the government is also fiscally credible, meaning that payment risk is considered very low," it said.

National Biotechnology SymposiumNational Biotechnology Symposium was organised at AMA's J.B. Auditorium Hall in Ahmedabad on 1st of September 2012. A galaxy of eminent speakers from industry, academia & regulatory bodies dwelt on the theme of the Seminar - Innovations in Biotechnology: From Education to Industry. Over 500 delegates mainly

Mukhyamantri Amratum (MA) reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and promote institutional deliveries.launched to provide poor patients with Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and health protection cover of upto `2 lakh for the treatment of critical diseases. “Khilkhilat” is an unique initiative to promote institutional deliveries in the state. The “Khilkhilat” van would be providing free of cost transport to the mother and the new born from Government Hospital to home after 48 hours of delivery. Also, the transport would be provided for sick babies for 30 days after the birth. Along with this, proper counseling will be given to the mother for proper care of herself and the baby. This is seen in the light to

Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary, Van Mahotsav – of Environment, the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) Culture and Peopleo r g a n i s e d a Wo m e n C h e s s This year Gujarat’s Van Mahotsav championship in which women players celebrations were unique with the Chief from across the state participated. Minister Narendra Modi announcing Nearly 3,500 women chess players that the state would celebrate the including 1,250 differently-abled Centenary of the tribal reformist players gathered at Mahatma Mandir in Govind Guru's freedom movement Gandhinagar for a day-long Swami against the British Rule in 1913 AD. Vivekanand Mahila Chess Mahotsav This time, the Van Mahotsav celebrated on Monday. not just the environment and forests,

but also the cultural heritage associated Saurashtra Narmada Avataran with these. With the celebration of YojanaThe Gujarat government has launched a major Rs 10,000 crore scheme to divert surplus Narmada river water into Saurashtra's 115 dams. Known as the Sauni Scheme (Saurashtra Narmada maintenance of law & order in the state Avataran Yojana), it will be used to has been increased by upto 400%. supply more than 1 million acre feet of Previously the daily allowance was surplus Narmada water to fill up the `80, has now been increased to `200. dams located in Saurashtra's seven Additionally, the homeguards are now districts. This initiative was taken with eligible for a training allowance of ̀ 200 the intention of dynamically changing per day and a mess allowance of `100 the status of irrigation led projects in the

per day.Saurashtra area. The Chief Minister also used the opportunity to encourage

VivekanandMahila Chess Mahotsav the use of drip irrigation and desilting of

Organisedirrigation dams which at present are not

O n t h e o c c a s i o n o f S w a m i in use.

government decided to completely ban requested support from all sections of the substance. The government the society to support it in creating

awareness about the ill effects of Gutkha.

Healthcare Schemes LaunchedGutkhaMuktiAbhiyaan– Gujarat The government launched important fights cancerhealthcare schemes this quarter –Gujarat imposed a comprehensive ban Gujarat Medical Services Corporation on Gutkha consumption across the state was inaugurated and would now be from September 11th 2012 in a bid to providing quality life-saving drugs, at fight oral cancer. It was on the same day affordable rates – 569 life saving drugs in 1893 when Swami Vivekananda are being provided free of cost. The gave a soul stirring speech at the World corporation would also provide good Parliament of Religions in Chicago. quality medical equipement in a timely Gutkha consumption has led to many and effective manner.deaths due to oral cancer and the state

October, 2012

naB

no

Healthy Gujarat

Government Initiative October, 2012

he existence of forest d e p e n d e n t t r i b a l communi t ies i s of ten T

inseparable from their surroundings and their relationship with the forest is one of nurturing and being nurtured. The forest where they have historically dwelled fulfills their everyday requirements-fuel wood, food, fibre as well as a means of livelihood.

by Sohnee Harshey & Siddharth Gadvi

Government InitiativeOctober, 2012

7

cooperative and entrepreneurial spirit implemented in two new forest The nation awoke to the gifts of the and bring them to the sustainable level divisions- Narmada and Valsad North hitherto unknown and unexplored of holistic human development. in 2011-12. This year (2012-13), the forests around the beginning of the last

First implemented in the Dangs in programme has been taken up in Valsad century. With this discovery also came 2010-11, the scheme was envisaged to South, Dahod, Vadodara and the the exploitation of forest resources at be expanded in phases. It was Panchmahals.the hands of different agencies. The

tribals, the original children of the forest, could not cope up with this rapid change.

In order to combat these conditions and to revive the model of self-reliance which was the essence of the tribal existence, the State Forest Department launched the Canopy Plantation Programme.

Conceptualised in 2009, the programme seeks to promote bio diversity, ensure climate proofing, promote disease resistance in plant species and restore forest cover. At the same time, it is also expected to act as a socio economic umbrella over the forest dependent tribals who can then utilise the produce from the plantations for income generation. The canopy thus acts as a source of economic security for the dependent population. It is expected to provide multiplier benefits especially to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) tribal population in the state of Gujarat.

The programme in its entirety nourishes basic tenets of democracy, wherein citizens are instrumental in ushering positive change in their own lives. The idea is to catalyse their latent

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The Canopy Plantation ProgrammeThe Canopy Plantation ProgrammeIntegrating Livelihood Enhancement with Forest Conservation

Canopy plantations are essentially plantations under

which all plant forms such as trees, shrubs, herbs and

climbers are grown together to give a forest with more

species and product diversity. It represents a symbiotically

integrated multi-canopy forest capable of providing socio-

economic security to local people along with achieving the

objectives of bio-diversity augmentation and ecological

conservation.

Steps of the process

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Since the expected results include reduced drop-out rate of children from schools and reduced migration, the Canopy Plantation Programme will definitely prove advantageous to the community in the long run. Evoking ownership for the Programme among the tribal community was thus a prerequisite in the nascent stage.

To achieve this, interaction between the Presidents of few Joint Forest Management Committees (legally constituted village level bodies functioning in sync with the forest department for protection and regeneration of forests) and the local tribal leaders was encouraged, which helped in acquainting the tribal population with the idea of Canopy Plantation.

In preparation for smooth execution, meetings of officials of the forest department were held and suggestions from various stakeholders were incorporated. The scheme was implemented in few pockets of the Dangs District in 2010.

In 2011, a third party review of the scheme was undertaken, after which it was gradually expanded to Valsad, Narmada and other districts with predominantly forests dependent populations.

JFM, Communication Co-ordinatorsForests and Environment Department

Government Initiative October, 2012

Within the first 6 months of its been generated so far. The table below the programme is highly replicable and implementation the project proved to shows the division-wise income yields good results irrespective of the be a winner, largely due to its ingenious generated through Canopy Plantation area. The tailor-made programme design. Approximately 1500 hectare of in four divisions-Dangs North and which promotes indigenous species land under canopy plantation in 91 South, Narmada and Valsad North. also ensures that the local population is villages in the state has become a source Since the nature of the plantation is not alienated from the gains of the of income for the local population. uniform in implementation and yet plantation. Moreover, the plantation

localized in terms of choice of 'canopy', has already been successfully Income to the tune of over `3 crore has implemented both on forest land as well as on private lands. Since 2010-11, the programme's outreach has expanded from 3 to 10 Forest Divisions and 426 to 1337 hectares this year (2012-13).

Forward market linkages are being

established for the products too. Marketing of the products is done through existing local channels with the

Government InitiativeOctober, 2012

Forest Department giving leverage to growth and environmental protection the local people to sell their products at have to go hand in hand. Increasingly, compet i t ive pr ices . Once the we shall understand that, with smart plantations attain maturity, it is planned public policies, governments can grow that these plantation will be tied up to their economies, alleviate poverty, larger firms willing to purchase fruits, create decent jobs and accelerate social vegetables and other products in bulk progress in a way that respects and wherein, the local population will be conserves the earth's finite natural interacting directly with the market and resources.pricing their products suitably. In addition to this, certain processes are already underway to brand these forest products with the help of specialists.

The Canopy Plantation Programme also marks a paradigm shift from the usual afforestation works taken up by Canopy Plantation Programme the Forest Department in the way of recognises the plural nature of integrating normal territorial forestry deprivation, and therefore attempts to with social forestry. The success of the provide a solution that is integrated and programme is based on convergence plural in nature.with various other government Another remarkable aspect of this schemes and programmes for programme is that it addresses both the employment guarantee, afforestation, ecological as well as economic watershed etc. concerns of society. As Ban Ki Moon,

The Programme stimulates the the Secretary-General of the United feeling of community participation and Nations has said, we must begin to community development. Through create a model for a 21st century canopy plantations, people are helped economy that rejects the myth that there to acquire capabilities for living their must be a zero-sum trade-off between life with minimum deprivation. The growth and the environment, meaning

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Forest Division Number of Area (ha.) Number of beneficiary Total Income generated over five villages covered families month period in 2011-12 (`)

Dangs North 13 470 223 9,22,260

Dangs South 12 355 186 6,63,969

Narmada 55 (200+289.80*) 341 12,85,33,302489.80

Valsad North 11 190 459 2,47,200

TOTAL 91 1504.8 4279 3,03,66,731

Division-wise data of income generated from Canopy Plantation Scheme

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* 289.80 ha. of non forest private lands covered by the programme in Narmada district.

A p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 5 0 0 hectare of land under canopy plantation in 91 villages in the state has become a source of income for the local population generating income of over ` 3 crores

Planting Hope : Tribal women taking part in Canopy plantation

We must begin to create a model for a 21st century economy that rejects the myth that there must be a zero-sum trade-off between growth and the environment

- Ban Ki MoonSecretary-General of

the United Nations

Canopy Plantation – a holistic approach to blend conservation and economic development

Change in mindsetalongwith reduceddependence on forests

Forest Regeneration

Increased productionof Medicinal plantsand fruit tress

Development ofCommunities

Increased Income

Government Initiative October, 2012

benefits, especially improvement of the Human Development Index (HDI).

As per 2001 census, Gujarat is the seventh largest state in area and the tenth largest in population. It has witnessed a growth rate of 33% in urbanization as compared to 21% in the entire country during 1991-2001.

ffordable Housing is a Nearly 77 % of the fast growing SGDP basic human need, and thus (State Gross Domestic Product) is Aan important responsibility contributed by urban areas where there

of a welfare State. Several Government is a growing demand for housing, initiatives have focused on integrating housing finance, and supporting affordable housing into the growth infrastructure. On account of rapid pace process. The housing sector is vital of urbanization, Gujarat is facing a since it is one of the major boosters of challenge of checking haphazard the overall economy leading to multiple growth of slums and ensuring that the

rising population in cities has access to affordable housing. The rapid urbanization has also brought a significant shift in the occupational and lifestyle profiles of the people residing an urban area. In order to tackle these challenges, effective steps have been taken.

To begin with, 2.5 lakh houses have been approved during 11th five year plan for the urban poor in Gujarat. Also, Town Planning (TP) schemes have reserved up to 10 percent for socially and economically weaker section (SEWS) housing. Further, the Government of Gujarat framed the Regulations for Rehabilitation and Redevelopment of Slums 2010 policy in order to provide slum dwellers clean and pucca houses and to rehabilitate slums by incentivising private developers. Seven slum sites in

Government InitiativeOctober, 2012

11

Ahmedabad have been approved for construction of 2,650 dwelling units located at Ambawadi, Khokhara , Vasna and Amriwadi. According to the provisions of the Regulations for Residential Townships 2009.

5% land is to be reserved for the economically weaker section housing and additional 5% of the consumed FSI (Floor Space Index)is to be reserved for the service provider class such as drivers , domestic helps etc. Additional support is provided for the construction of dwelling units for slum dwellers under centrally sponsored schemes. A total of 79,750 dwelling units and 3,800 units have been constructed out of the approved 1,13,488 under BSUP (Basic Services to the Urban Poor) in mission cities and 27,859 under IHSDP (Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme) in small and medium town respectively

In addition to providing housing to slum dwellers the State Government from the economically weaker section stock which is also cost effective due to has also felt the need for creating an to HIG (Higher Income Group) in the ease of construction, and low affordable housing stock (a number of 12th five year plan (2012 to 2017). maintenance cost resulting from the residential units). Therefore, the UD (Urban Development) & UH Gujarat housing board has been given Technical Innovation (Urban Housing) Departments ' the mandate of providing two lakh Innovative technologies are being decision to issue technology neutral housing units in all categories ranging adopted in construction of housing tenders for the economically weaker

section housing projects. Monolithic construction (construction with concrete with everything cast in the same time) technique in prefabricated technology with framed structure has been used widely for construction of affordable housing stock. For ex: AMC (Ahmedabad municipal corporation) has used the low maintenance and easy to use Aluminium foam based mascon technology while precast units used by the waffle technology is utilised by Anand Municipality.

Initiatives for Urban poorGujarat has witnessed steady

economic growth during the 10th five year plan (2002 to 2007) in almost all sectors of the economy. The overwhelming response seen in the Vibrant Gujarat Global investors has reaffirmed the growing confidence of private sector investors. Various towns and cities have attracted nearly 70% of

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Security for the Urban PoorHousing and other initiatives taken by the state

by Mona Kandhar I.A.S

SecretaryDepartment of Urban Developmentand Urban Housing

Challenges

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Land in urban areas are expensive and not easily available

A lot of slum is located on private land

There are serious issues of cost overrun which ULBs (Urban Local Body) find difficult to tackle.

There is not enough interest among developers contractors.

Land available for 216.63development

Preliminary 72.10 26.05TPS)

Final TPS 82.42 36.06

Total 154.52 62.11

Land in TPS which 464.47 103.33 567.80are under approval

Grand Total 618.99 165.44 784.43

Municipal Development TotalCorporation Authority (in Ha)

1

2

3

Town Planning Schemes (

LAND RESERVED FOR URBAN POOR

Garib Kalyan Mela : Realising dreams of unprivileged

Government Initiative October, 2012

the investment in and around them. integrated manner from 2007 Highlights of the schemes for the Urbanization in Gujarat is well The scheme envisages a holistic Urban Poor

above the national average at 42.6% approach for providing better standard and is estimated that it would reach of living at par with urban populace, by UMEED (Motivation, Employment, 50% by the end of the year 2021. This coordinating and integrating various Entrepreneurship, and Development would create a higher demand on programmes undertaken by different for Urban Poor)existing available basic infrastructure Departments. The scheme is aimed at UMEED is an innovative idea of skill facilities, and basic services which even the overall development of urban poor, development through training of urban presently requires further augmentation by providing opportunities for poor youth keeping in mind the need of and integration permanent employment, by upgrading the market in a particular area, so that

It is in this context the Government employment generation skills, ensuring employment of youth can be ensured. It mandated a 20% reservation in all funds better health and proper nutrition, aims at providing a platform where and grants to the urban local bodies for providing shelters and adequate basic employable youth can be trained. the purpose of enhancing urban basic infrastructure facilities for up gradation Young men and women aged between infrastructure in the slum areas. The of shelter like roads and electricity and eighteen and thirty five, from poor and Government of Gujarat has decided to other essential amenities with a strong vulnerable families can become part of implement “Garib Samrudhi Yojana” focus on empowering women UMEED Programme. UMEED across concerned departments in an training is completely based on market

Government InitiativeOctober, 2012

13

needs. The market scan is a detailed understanding of the requirements at the local level through interactions with leaders and heads of industry. The State Government has planned to establish UMEED centers in each Municipality.

SJSSRY (Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojna)This scheme aims at alleviating urban poverty by providing employment to the urban unemployed by encouraging them to set up self-employment ventures. Also, it plans to empower community in tackling the issue of urban poverty by promoting self-managed community structures like Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs), Neighbourhood Committees (NHCs), Community Development Society (CDS), etc.The main components of this scheme are :

Urban Self Employment Program (USEP)

Nirmal Gujrat 11th year plan (2007-2012) `167.18 Urban Women Self Employment Fully funded by the State Government, crore were allocated towards the

Program (UWSP) this scheme aims at constructing construction of 3,79,887 units. While in community and individual toilets for the 12th five year plan allocation of Urban Women Self Help Program poor families. A subsidy of `4,500 is `191.25 crore has been proposed.(UWSP) provided to the beneficiary for the

U r b a n w a g e E m p l o y m e n t construction of such toilets. During the Programme (UWE)

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people think” explained a young man, Payal and Pari, who flashed a huge relationships. Just few days ago, who works as a welder, whose balcony smile, the moment they spotted us. Nileshbahi's boss visited his house, has over half a dozen tulsi plant pots. Right next to the school is a small, such an event might have embarrassed “The atmosphere is very different when but a busy clinic run by Manishbhai, a him earlier, but now as he gave his boss you stay in a shanty, here people health worker from the Ahmedabad a cup of chai, he felt a sense of growing understand that they can become better Municipal Corporation. The clinic is dignity he admitted.and have a good life” he added with a also visited by a doctor thrice a week. On our way back we again bumped smile. “Along with providing health care, I into Payal and Pari who were playing

Any residential complex is also supervise the hygiene and living “Hopscotch“under the watchful eye of incomplete without an educational conditions in the complex” he added. many elders sitting outside by the institution. Right in the heart of the He recently had sent a sample of pavement, as the sun set behind them . complex is a kindergarten school. drinking water, which was severely “Earlier it was difficult to send my Pramilaben, a cheerful lady with a contaminated to AMC, resulting in daughters out to play till late, but I now ready smile is the teacher, who looks prompt action from the corporation. know that they are safe”, he said with a after the facility and the students. “I Many of the resident youths have smile.teach them to read and write and our been able to secure good jobs and bank facility also doubles up as an loans based on the residence proof that Anganwadi” she said. Two of the they now possess. Many talk about students were Nileshbhai's daughters, increased self esteem and better social

buildings, neatly divided by lanes. Nileshbhai's house is on the top

floor. On entering his house, one sees a clean and smartly furnished house. A colour T.V adorns the wall next to the door and a midsized couch has been positioned right in front of it. Pretty “My daughters can play freely here” little wall hangings and drawing made said Nileshbhai, a mild mannered by Nileshbhai's younger daughter Pari driver, who works for a private firm. hang on the walls. This family of four Previously a resident of a shanty by the seems quite comfortable in their new Sabarmati River now is a proud owner 1BHK home. His wife walked in to the of a house. Many like Nileshbhai, who hall and gave us a bottle of cool water used to reside in slums, have been given from a fridge hidden from our sight. a new lease of life, thanks to Shaheri The sight is more or less the same in Gareeb Awaas Yojana.most of the other houses. It becomes One of the housing complexes hard to believe that these families at one under the Shaheri Gareeb Awaas time lived in Slums. Yojana is located in Ahmedabad. The

“Environment changes the way complex has 32, four storeyed

Building Dreams

A Home Full of Happiness : Taking care of the poor

State Initiatives

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Land reservation in T P schemes & Residential Township 2009 for EWS

Slum Networking Project is implemented in Ahmedabad & Baroda fro infrastructure up gradation

Encouraging PPP by granting array of incentives in regulation for the slum rehabilitation & redevelopment 2010 and regulation for Residential Township 2009

Raised state assistance from 10,000 to 45,000 for IHSDP project

Government Initiative October, 2012

members of the family. Further, the coverage of ̀ 2,00,000 per family.scheme also includes a provision for The Department of Health and transport allowance that will amount to Family Welfare, Government of

Gujarat will select private hospitals `300 per visit subjected to an annual which will offer services as part of this ceiling of `3,000. The transport scheme and they will be referred to as allowance is also part of the total

ealthcare services are one of the most fundamental requirements of a society, H

but they remain largely beyond the reach of the masses due to sheer affordability factors. A large number of households are pushed into poverty as a result of the expenditure incurred on health care. The situation is worsened in case of BPL (Below Poverty Line) families. To address this vulnerability faced by the BPL population in the state, the Government of Gujarat launched a medical care scheme –Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA) –which will provide free treatment and cover medical care targeted at the BPL population.

The Scheme will improve access to healthcare for BPL families. BPL families will now be able to avail quality medical and surgical care for treatment of identified diseases involving hospitalisation, surgeries and therapies through an empaneled network of health care providers. The s c h e m e m e e t s e x p e n s e s o f hospitalisation and surgical procedures of the beneficiary members up to`2 lakh per family of five members per year. The benefit on family will be on f l o a t e r b a s i s i . e . t h e t o t a l reimbursement of `2 lakh can be availed individually or collectively by

P.K. Taneja I.A.S

Principal Secretary and CommissionerHealth and Medical Services and Education

Government InitiativeOctober, 2012

15

the Network Hospitals. The state government has tied up with 47 private hospitals till now and the network is yet to expand.

The beneficiaries of the scheme are BPL Families of the 26 districts of Gujarat. According to a recent enumeration made by the Rural and Urban Development Department, there are approximately 39 lakh BPL families in all the districts of the State.

According to the guidelines of the scheme a BPL family consists of the head of the family, spouse, and up to three dependents. The dependents will include such members as listed as part of the family in the beneficiary database provided by the Rural and Urban D e v e l o p m e n t D e p a r t m e n t , Gandhinagar.

An enrolled BPL beneficiary will

have to go to any Network Hospital A “State Nodal Cell” has also been with a Bar Coded Plastic Card and can set up by the Government of Gujarat, avail free services for the procedures for the implementation of this pan-covered under the Scheme which Gujarat scheme. This cell will include cardiovascular surgeries, implement, establish, provide, neurosurgeries, cancer, neo-natal administer, modify and supervise the diseases etc. In addition, any illnesses Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA), thus existing prior to the inception of the ensuring effective delivery to the scheme will also be covered. beneficiaries.

14

The Scheme will improve access to healthcare for BPL families. BPL families will now be able to avail quality medical and surgical care

MUKHYAMANTRI AMRUTAM (MA)

Making healthcare affordable

20 Khilkhilahat vans were flagged on the occasion. Like the Health care services launched in the state 108 ambulances these new service-vans too have been On the fourth of launched in collaboration with GVK EMRI (a non-profit September, the organisation). It has been planned that 124 of them will be state government launched in a phased manner to cover the state.launched three Also, GMSC will start four depots at Gandhinagar, Patan, h e a l t h c a r e Amreli, Surat and Jamnagar, now under the jurisdiction of schemes at an the Central Medical Store Organisation (CMSO), thus event held at the decentralizing the system of drug-delivery. The state Mahatma Mandir government plans to set up one depot between two districts in Gandhinagar. Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana, and add 7 more depots under the corporation. These depots Khilkhilahat Yojana and the Gujarat Medical Services will supply allopathic as well as ayurvedic medicines.Corporation (GMSC), mentioned in the 2012 State Budget

were officially announced by the Chief Minister. Speaking on the occasion the Health Minister said, “The present State government has allocated three times more Mukhya Mantri Amrutam Yojana is a `200 crore project budget for expanding the reach of health services. Even as aimed at providing free medical treatment upto `2 lakh to the lifesaving drugs are easily available in government BPL families. Khilkhilahat Yojana is to ensure safe transport dispensaries, the setting up of Gujarat Medical Service for new-borns and their mothers post-delivery and the Corporation will add impetus in providing wider availability GMSC is to ensure distribution and availability of life-saving of medicines”drugs throughout the state.

Inclusive healthcare : Medical cover of `2 lakh for poor families

Business October, 2012 BusinessOctober, 2012

1716

during the next five years period. This will also increase the state's revenue and growth rate along with growth of the textile industry.

Dahej features again among top 50 SEZsContributing around `900 crores to exports and employing around 27,000 people Gujarat's Dahej is the 26th top global free zone according to a survey conducted by fDi magazine (Financial Times). Last year Dahej was 25th on the list. The other free zones included in the list are located in 24 different countries, with Dahej being the only one in India. The 1732 hectare multi-project SEZ at Dahej has been set up by the Gujarat government arm of GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) in collaboration with ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Government of India). As many as 68 units have been allotted plots in Dahej.

26 MoUs signed between industries and ITIsAt the Industry Responsive Skills Convention held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar recently; 26 new MoUs over the existing 119 were signed between the ITIs and industries. This among others is a major step taken towards employment generation in the state. It was stressed that imparting skill development training through a public-

tap the investment potential and forge during this visit. private-partnership (PPP) model is one business partnerships with prospective of the highest priorities of the state in firms even as setting up a permanent Gujarat Launches new Textile the quest of eliminating unemployment trade office at Ahmedabad is emerging Policy, 2012 from Gujarat. The state government has as a strong possibility. The Government announced a slew of already taken major initiatives such as Scottish Development International initiatives under the new policy that up gradation of ITIs, setting up of 20 (SDI), a government organisation met would largely benefit the textile superior technology training centres, 120 representatives of leading industry with special focus on the in t roduc ing about 1074 sk i l l companies based out of Gujarat like cotton farmers. The new policy ensures development and training courses and a Torrent Group, L&T, Equilibrium, that the Gujarati cotton farmers get new skill generation training centre P a n d i t D e e n d a y a l P e t r o l e u m better valuation at the national and network under the PPP model. The University etc to check whether there international markets. It has also made convention, meant to be a precursor to are business opportunities around provisions for development through the Global Investors' Summit 2013, multiple sectors for Scottish companies financial assistance, tax concessions was jointly organised by the state's in Gujarat. and infrastructural support. Industries Department, iNDEXTb and A high level business delegation visit of The new Textile Policy is expected to the Industries Association.20 members from Scotland to Gujarat is attract investment of over `20,000 expected towards the end of the crore, creating new employment year Substantial investments and opportunities for over 25 lakh people, partnerships are expected to take shape 50 per cent of them being rural women,

Gujarat allocates `400 crore for tourism promotionGujarat has allocated `400 crore for promotion of tourism in the state for the current fiscal year. The amount includes `120 crore as grant which has been approved by the Planning Commission for the year 2012-13.According to Mr Sanjay Kaul, IAS, Commissioner and Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd, the funds will be utilised to develop and improve infrastructure in several key tourist locations.“The Planning Commission has approved `1,200 crore for Gujarat tourism to promote coastal tourism in the current Plan period till 2017. We have drawn up major plans to promote tourism in the state and the grant will help us achieve our goals,” he told newspersons at a road show organised to promote tourism.

Gujarat Gas gets nod for pipeline projectGujarat Gas Company Ltd had received au thor i sa t ion fo r i t s Haz i ra -Ankleshwar natural gas pipeline from the Petroleum and Natural Gas

Of the 227 PPP projects worth over site and developers are constructing one Regulatory Board.floor every week. 25 floors have been `68,000 crore under operation in India The provisional system capacity and completed already and it is hoped that as of December 2011, Gujarat extra capacity for this pipeline shall be the opening would happen soon.accounted for about 31 completed PPP equal to 5.06 mmscmd (million metric The two towers are located in the non-projects worth over `24,000 crore. The standard cubic metre per day) and 1.265 SEZ area or domestic service area of study was titled 'Inclusive Growth mmscmd, respectively, the company GIFT City. However, the government through PPP Policy Imperatives' and said in a filing with the stock envisages setting up an International was released by ASSOCHAM Gujarat exchanges.Financial Services Centre (IFSC) State Council.within the GIFT SEZ.Gujarat tops in Public Private The SEZ Board of Approval (BoA) had Two towers of GIFT City to be Partnership (PPP) projects under approved the proposal of GIFT SEZ Ltd launchedoperation- in November 2011, for setting up of an The construction of first two towers Gujarat has garnered the maximum IFSC in the notified SEZ near (each having 30 storeys) at Gujarat share of about 36% in the total number Gandhinagar.International Financial Tech-City of completed projects put to service

(GIFT City) is likely to get completed delivery under the public-private Scottish firms plan to invest in soon and the government is planning to partnership (PPP) model, according to a Gujaratoffer spaces to occupants in the towers study undertaken by The Associated A large number of Scottish companies as soon as it is completed.Chambers of Commerce and Industry will be making a beeline for Gujarat to The construction is in full swing at the of India (ASSOCHAM).

&BUSINESS

NEWS

( Source : iNDEXTb, September 2012)

Sector Analysis October, 2012

education has been introduced to The increase in the number of standard six and seven students and students also leads to the need for over 22,000 primary schools have been qualified teachers. By adopting a provided with computers. The state transparent, merit-based, on-line

recruitment procedure, 86,823 new government has invested `1,000 crore primary teachers were employed in the in computer infrastructure and

ne has to concede to the last decade. Also a new cadre of provided one 42 inch LCD screen in all point that education has primary school headmasters was secondary schools and 21,000 upper played a key role in created and 5,000 such headmasters primary schools. O

Gujarat's success in every field in the were appointed. Fifty per cent of them The infrastructure upgradation has past decade. The education sector in w e r e a p p o i n t e d t h r o u g h t h e been supported by massive enrollment Gujarat has seen a sea change with the government approved teacher's drives through programmes like the literacy rate increasing from 69.14 % in aptitude test and the remaining 50 per Kanya Kelavani Rathyatra and Shaala 2001 to 79.31% in 2011. The female cent through promotions. The state Praveshotsav (for the support of girl literacy rate in the last decade has gone government has also created the Indian child enrollment). These programmes up by 12.93%, a figure of achievement Institute of Teacher Education (IITE) have reduced primary school drop-out which is one and a half times more than with the aim of preparing high quality rates from 38.92 per cent in 2001 to the achievement of the previous teachers. IITE has started with initial 7.56 per cent in 2011. Also to encourage decade. The schemes initiated by the intake capacity of 100 students per year girl child enrollment into schools the education department have truly led to a and offers a 4 year B.Ed program to the Vidhyalakshmi Bonds were introduced complete turnaround in the way the teachers of tomorrow. in 2003, according to which, bonds importance of education is perceived in The state Government has started a worth `2000 are given for every BPL the state. new initiative called 'Gunotsav to

evaluate the quality of primary schools. Focus on Primary Education In this annual exercise, the entire Gujarat has over 32,700 panchayat bureaucracy, i.e. officers of all the

and grant-aid primary schools. Around Government departments are involved. 80,750 new classrooms have been A group of 3,000 class 2 (and above) constructed over the past ten years with officers and all ministers visit schools the aim of ensuring one classroom each and spend one full day in a school to for every teacher. The state can now examine teaching conditions, creating boast of 100 per cent drinking water enormous accountability.facilities in primary schools. Nearly 62,000 new toilet blocks have also been Secondary Education Reformsconstructed and 18,513 primary In Gujarat most of the schools used schools now have compound walls to (Below Poverty Line) girl child to be in the grant-in-aid sector, ensure safety. enrolled into school. On completion of Governments run schools were few.

Another major step taken by the standard seven, the bond money along But in the last decade, the number of government is the electrification of with interest is handed over as an government secondary schools from a primary schools. Gujarat now has 100 incentive to pursue secondary mere 140 in 2001 has increased to 744 per cent electrification in all in 2011. Some of the major initiatives education. Funds amounting to ̀ 115.48 government schools wi th the for quality enhancement in secondary crore have already been distributed expenditure on power being borne by level are: introduction of semester under this scheme to 11,84,655 girl the state government. Computer system from class 9, introduction of beneficiaries.

Sector AnalysisOctober, 2012

19

comprehensive and continuous engineering has also significantly risen. and vocational training courses. Close evaluation, change in pattern of Board Staying ahead of the demand, the to 1,86,000 youth have received examination etc. Incidentally Gujarat Government has also increased seats vocational training through these has chosen not to abolish Board exams for degree and diploma engineering in initiatives. Also to increase the in Std 10, but has made this exam rote- Government Engineering Colleges. knowledge of the English language free, to test students' understanding of Total seats in professional colleges among Gujarati youth, the state the subject. have increased from 22,475 to government has started SCOPE (The

Another key initiative for students, 1,38,740, while the seats available in Society for Creation of Opportunity who have taken the unconventional Government and Grant-in-aid colleges through Proficiency in English) route to higher secondary school, is the have also gone up from 13,470 to programs. Over two lakh students have state government's decision to allow 33,955 in the last decade. In the acquired proficiency in English so far diploma students from Industrial Government and grant-in-aid colleges through this initiative.Training Institutes (I.T.I) to seek students can study by paying just To sum up, these initiatives by the admissions in any of the graduate nominal fees. Students belonging to state government in the education sector degree courses. The Government has Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) clearly indicate that students are announced a major policy of declaring avail 5 per cent reservation in provided support at every step in their equivalence of ITI with SSC and HSC. engineering and pharmacy courses. academic endeavours. From school

While students whose family annual enrollment incentives to providing Higher and Technical Education training to teachers on the latest income is less than ̀ 2.5 lakh or who are The number of Universities in the pedagogical practices, discussions on handicapped and have secured

state has increased from 11 in 2001 to curriculum to enhance the quality of admission in a technical course through around 45 in 2011.Over 9 lakh students education to job fairs and English merit the tuition fee is waived. Over are pursuing college education now as speaking courses- the state takes care of 24,700 students have been provided opposed to nearly half that number a every requirement of a Gujarati student.free education under this scheme.decade ago. Number of students To address matters of employment applying for technical courses like the state government organises job fairs

18

EducationThe key to Gujarat's development story

By Dr Hasmukh Adhia I.A.S

Principal Secretary

Department of Education

The education sector in Gujarat has seen a sea change with literacy rate increasing from 69.14 % in 2001 to 79.31 % in 2011; female literacy rate in the last decade has gone up by 12.93%

Cover Story October, 2012 Cover StoryOctober, 2012

2120

Tribal DevelopmentTribal DevelopmentPaving the way for Social Inclusion

the massive machinery of development. `15,000 crores is the amount that the Gujarat government had allocated under the Tribal Sub plan during the

evelopment has always Eleventh Five year plan, against this an been a sterile term when aggregate of over `17,000 crores has Dlooked from the point of already been spent. To keep the

view of mere numbers and statistics. momentum on, the government has Real development can only be seen sanctioned a plan to allocate a further when it reflects in people's lives. `40,000 crores for the next five years. Gujarat's, tribal population reflects

The highest amount ever allocated prior such a change. A conversation with any

to this was `4997 crores in the Tenth tribal clearly highlights the progress

Five year plan. Implemented on a they are undergoing. Talk to an old

mission mode, the task that the school principal and he will introduce

government has taken up is in its you to teachers who were formerly

fundamental nature a task to radically students from the same school, meet a

uplift the standard of living of the tribal bike rider and he will start chatting

community. about his new found knowledge about bike engines. Wherever one travels

The Special Purpose Vehicle- D-through the tribal belt, one can meet

SAGpeople talking about a change. Change

Innovation has been a constant buzz that is just not random boon of

word in this programme. In order to development, but a change that is the

reduce decision making time, the result of state's focused action.

government setup an autonomous body, It is seen in the life of a qualified

archery coach, who did all his schooling in an ashramshala; in the life of a father, whose son is a doctor; in the life of a woman, who has become the medium of change in her village. Such are the many stories.

Behind all these stories is the major steptaken by the government. Every tarmac road, bridge, school is a sign of

by Lenin Samuel

Cover Story October, 2012

plans and implemented them successfully. At present around 1,47,000 hand pumps have been installed in the 12 tribal dominated districts, with the highest number being in Dahod, followed by Valsad. The government has seen to it that there is one pump for every 50 tribal citizens. At spots where the habitation had low and sca t t e red popula t ion the government introduced a more advanced UNICEF approved India Mark I I level handpump has revolutionised water supply and storage in the tribal belt. With the capacity to discharge water upto 6 meters above the ground level it has facilitated water storage in tanks. A handpump has the ability to fill up an 800 litre tank in around 1 hr.

Earlier handpumps were plagued with the problem of sick bore wells. They were borewells which went dry and hence had to be recharged. In order

which was given the responsibility of about 50% of rural tribal households to resolve this issue, the government identifying projects for the programme, relied on hand pumps and as per a has invested heavily in bore well timely disbursal of funds and selection survey conducted by the water recharging techniques. As of now 5,500 of implementing partners. Equipped department in the year 2002 only 4% of sick borewells have been recharged. with qualified and efficient personnels, households had tap connections within This technique has made sustenance of D-SAG (Development Support Agency their house. Drudgery was a nagging the available water supply system of Gujarat) has spearheaded many of problem; the 2001 census states that extremely easy.Vanbhandhu Kalyan Yojana's core 70% households had the nearest water The approach towards the idea of activities: modernisation of agriculture, source at around a distance of 500 m, providing sustainable water supply has skill development and education. while 25% of the households had to been grounded on downr igh t D-SAG is the reason for speedy labour for miles before they reached pragmatism and innovation. The implementa t ion and informed their source of water. The concept of government involved its main improvisation of the projects as per the providing piped water becomes more stakeholders, i.e the tribal communities need on the field. challenging when one comes face to in the decision making process. The

face with the unique manner in which a celebrated “Pani Samitis” were formed Water supply tribal settlement is structured. Rarely as bodies of the Gram Panchayat to look Reliable Water supply throughout does one find a cluster of houses; after the planning and implementation

the year has been a problem in the Tribal instead we have sparsely populated of the village water supply system. Out belt due to its hilly topography. Even hamlets where houses are generally of the 5,164 tribal villages, Pani Samitis though it receives the highest amount of 500-700 meters apart have been formed in 5,012 and have rainfall in the state, the terrain does not In order to tackle this situation the efficiently shouldered responsibilities serve to the purpose of saving water government came up with an array of of the water system. either by increasing the ground water An important quality of good level or creating perennial rivers. During governance is its ability to accept the monsoon, large swollen rivers with unique conditions and respond to it. In strong currents are a norm, only to sync with the states progressive power disappear by summer. The Situation was policy, the government has installed rather grave, with cases of severe about 290 solar pumps. These pumps drudgery and lack of good quality are effective at remote tribal habitations drinking water. where the task of electrification is

The 2001 census indicates that challenging. Besides being environment

Cover StoryOctober, 2012

23

operation in the state including the Connectivity brought jobs, wealth and tribal belt, the declining trend of ground education. “You might not notice that water level has been considerably bike rider who passed by because you arrested. are from the city, but for us it is a

All these effective steps have led to testimony of progress” he said.a sea change in the water supply Such changes can be brought about scenario in the tribal belt. At present the only due to government's heavy state can boast of providing “direct to investment in this sector. An amount of home water supply service” to over `710 crores has been allocated by the 41% tribal families, as compared to 4%, Gujarat government for roads and a decade ago. bridges under the tribal sub plan to

improve the tribal infrastructure. The Roads and Transport total tribal area is over 32,000 sq kms A seemingly ordinary trip from and the overall length of roads in the friendly, these pumps are also low on

Godhra to Dahod turned out to be tribal area as of January 2012 was maintenance and are reliable.pleasant surprise, when my vehicle around 17,000 kms, making it to be The award winning WASMO smoothly accelerated to 70 km per hour about 53 km for every 100 sq km area, (Water and Sanitation Management on the newly built concrete road. The 70 compared to the non-tribal area where Organisation) was brought in the year km stretch from the two cities is the average is around 35 km. In total 2002 to fast track the implementation of picturesque and forms a very important 99% villages have been connected drinking water facilities within stretch in the tribal belt. I travelled from through roads. One gets a very positive villages. This innovative model has Vadodra to Godhra, then from Godhra perspective, when one realises that the brought governance to a new level to Chiloda and the sight remained tribal area constitutes of only 18% of altogether by creating community led consistent. Either we found roads being the state area, but has 23% of overall water management programmes. By upgraded and bridges being built or I roads in the state.2011, over 17,000 village water and was cruising. To ease the burden of transportation, sanitation committees were formed to

Raghusingh, principal of an 6 new bus stations have been constructed actively decentralise water resources Ashramshala has seen his village and about 882 new vehicles have been and delivery systems.change. Gharbada which is more than added to the existing fleet.The enormity of the states action 10 kms from Dahod, recently got its can be seen in its efforts. With over tarmac roads. Since then the economy 1.5 lakh check dams, 2.5 lakh farm of his village has changed he says. ponds and 1.25 lakh Boribunds in

22

An amount of `710 crores has been allocated by the Gujarat government for roads and bridges under the tribal sub plan to improve the Tribal infrastructure - 99% villages have been connected through roads

Realising Sauno Sath : Bringing tribals into mainstream

Cover Story October, 2012

Education uniforms for a cost of `20 crores and The government has come up with Education is a major foundation on also increased uniform assistance from an interesting Scheme which provides

which sustained development resides. interest assistance of 6% on loans of `200 to ̀ 300.“Had it not been for my school, I All taluka's in Gujarat have a single upto `50 lakhs to M.B.B.S. Doctors couldn't have possibly become what I ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) belonging to the Scheduled Tribal am now” said an experienced archery based in it. The year 2012 saw the section . This will certainly promote coach, who at present is the third archer formation of 33 new ITI in the state. establishment of dispensaries in the in the state to have graduated from The state has also gone ahead and tribal area.Kolkata's prestigious Sports Authority proposed to start 30 new KVKs At present the government has also of India school ( SAI). (Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra) in tribal provided assistance to 88 students, who

“I owe my confidence and my talukas. These Kendras impart skills desired to pursue higher education independent nature to my Ashramshala”, based on the WISH concept (Woman abroad. Over ̀ 8 crore were provided in he said with a beaming smile. At present oriented, Industry related, Soft skills, loan. One area where tribal students the state looks after 452 Ashram Shalas Hardcore traditional courses) pursuing higher education had and 97 Secondary Ashram Shalas. The government has also taken repeatedly opted for is in the Aviation

Such testimonies are not exactly extremely encouraging steps in terms sector. As of now over `1.3 crores has rare and unjustified either. The of fueling the ambition of tribal been provided as loans to 15 education system focussed on the tribal students seeking to excel in their commercial pilotsbelt has gone on a major overhaul careers.recently, with the state machinery actively investing in replenishing and upgrading the system.

All in all 28 technical institutes have been started for higher education, while the successful Eklavya Model Res iden t i a l Schoo l has been implemented at 55 different places. A remarkable 93% result of 10th (SSC) Exams was achieved by the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools which is far above the state average of 61% in the year 2009-10. At present the government spends `42,000 per student per annum.

An ambitious project has been initiated to cater to the higher aspirations of tribal students. Under this vision, five agriculture polytechnic colleges, three engineering colleges and a Physiotherapy college have been set up in tribal districts.

With a desire to strengthen the body as much as the mind, Doodh Sanjivani Yojana has been implemented in 252 primary schools belonging to 7 tribal talukas. About 200 ml of fortified flavoured double toned pasteurized milk is distributed to students under the project.

Every morning during my trip I was greeted with a beautiful sight of students going to school early in the morning, dressed splendidly in their uniforms. The government provided over 9,83,000 students with brand new

Cover Story

25

Health initiatives 108- Ambulance servicesThe office of the state health “This is 108” said Zafar ali,

department is always in a flurry of Gharbodiya ( Vadodra) taluka's project ac t iv i ty. The depar tment has manager for 108 emergency services. undertaken massive programmes to Instead of a big ambulance, I was check health problems that generally introduced to a baby, who was barely a affect the tribal belt. “The tribal region few months old. In answer to my is our priority” said Dr. Dinkar Rawal, a surprised look, 108's mother Sumitaben Senior Health official. It would not be explained how she delivered her son in Another major initiative was the boastful, if one is to mention that the the ambulance and in gratitude she winner of the Prime Minister's Civil state is committed in providing quality decided to name him after the Services Award (2011), the sickle cell health services to the tribal belt. As of Ambulance services. Surprised as I anaemia project. Sickle Cell Anaemia now 31% of the Primary Health centres was, it also gave me an insight to the which is a hereditary disease is and over 22% of the Community Health amount of good will this service has predominantly found among the tribal centres are located in the tribal belt. earned. population in India. According to one of This is quite interesting, if one From the day of its inception it has the hypothesis, it is a natural mutation considers the fact that the state's tribal drastically changed the way health in Haemoglobin molecule to protect population is only around 15%. Along services are availed by tribal RBCs from malarial parasites. with providing the foundation for a communities. One area of medical Consequently Sickle Cell gene is robust health infrastructure, major emergencies that has seen a profound mainly present amongst tribal groups programmes (Sickle cell anaemia, change since the time the white only, who originated from malaria Leptospirosis) have also been launched ambulance started patrolling the roads endemic forest areas. to enhance the health services provided of the tribal districts, is in pregnancy The programme was launched on to the tribal belt.

“First detected in the year 1994, Leptospirosis has considerably risen to become a big threat” said a senior health department officer. Leptospirosis, a Zoonotic disease, which spreads to humans from animals, at times has been fatal to the infected. Rodents are generally blamed to be major carriers of this disease. Cases were largely detected during the Monsoons in Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Vapi, which are tribal dominated districts. To counter this problem, the health department took

the first week of August this year and related cases. 2007, the year of extensive steps. ASHA (Accredited within the first month itself a total of commencement saw only 36 cases Social Health Activist)workers were 1,46,315 tribal population were being reported, but the growth in trained to identify early symptoms and screened. The aim is to screen around awareness has been phenomenal since local diagnostic centres were set up in the 15 lakh tribals every year. Post the then. In all the 108 services has affected districts. The government screening the individuals are presented attended to 4 lakh pregnancy cases in medical college in Surat was developed with a colour coded card. Where a white the tribal area. The figures speak for into an advanced testing laboratory to card indicates absence of sickle cell, themselves. confirm diagnosis. The department got while a half yellow card suggests the The need had always been for a over two and half lakh pamphlets possibility of the trait and an entirely wholesome strategy to usher in distributed and T.V and Radio yellow card confirms the presence of development in the tribal belt. As much advertisements were aired to create the disease. After distributing the cards, as improving human society requires awareness. adolescents are advised to avoid will and economy, it also requires All these efforts proved fruitful, for marriages between two yellow card compassion and patience. The it considerably brought down the holders. In all 2,11,211 Sickle Cell government in this case has been able to viciousness of the disease. In the year Trait – gene carriers were provided steadily turn the tide of backwardness 2007, over 621 cases were reported, counselling about their status. and bring in a revolutionary change in while in the year 2012 the number came

every tribal household.down to 89.

24

October, 2012

Success Story October, 2012 Success StoryOctober, 2012

27

Dubai. The shipping charges are borne for every woman she employs. The by the customer. In UK packs of 200 most important part of the exercise gms are sold for 70 -80 pennies which is which is kneading the dough and almost double the price at which we sell adding appropriate quantity of flavour it to them” said an executive from a and salt is done by her too.Khakra company of Rajkot that The women on their part have procures the Khakras from these welcomed the change. “Since I have a women. small child, I can't go to any other

Shraddha Sakhi Mandal, under the factory. Here he sits with me all day,” umbrella of which these women came said Bhavana Ben with a four-year-old n Paardi, a village in the together five and a half year ago took up Vivek by her side. Women working at Lodhika taluk of Rajkot district, the Khakra making enterprise five the unit also claimed that the work a small house is abuzz with Imonths back. “I used to work in a atmosphere here was better than in the conversations. Amidst the chaos, factory where we made Khakras, factory and they felt a sense of around 12-15 women are seen making almost all these women worked there. I belonging and camaraderie with the Khakras at a frantic pace. While some managed everything from buying the other women.are seen stooped over a line of stoves flour to making the dough and getting it The women claim that the only flattening the dough for any moisture packed. It was then that I realized that, thing cutting down their profits is the with wooden bases, others are seen we were getting paid very less for our lack of a machine to pack the Khakras making round chappatis out of the work and could make more money if we in an air-tight manner.“We still don't dough and supplying it to the women started out on our own,” said Maya Ben have a vacuum machine to pack our sitting by the stove. the head of the Sakhi Mandal and the produce and hence have to sell it for a A little boy is seen sitting next to his manager of the whole unit. lower price. We are trying to obtain a mother, playing with the dough, as his

Maya Ben along with a close friend loan for it through the State mother flattens the dough and cuts it Damayanti Ben started this enterprise Government's Mission Mangalam into shape and tosses it into a plate. The by utilising the revolving fund of programme,” said Maya Ben. plate when full is passed on to the

Trupti Raval, Lodhika Taluka `5,000 available to them through the women by the stove, who fries them in a Livelihood Manager when asked about Sakhi Mandal enlisted in the Mission low simmer until all the moisture is the status of the loan, said, “All the Mangalam program of the State removed from them and stacks them in procedural formalities have been done Government. All the work is done at a neat pile next to her. For every 1.5 kilo and the bank has also come and Maya Ben's place and she provides all of dough, a woman gets `8 for inspected the site. Bank authorities the necessary infrastructure like gas flattening the dough into circular have assured us that the loan amount of stove, pans, dough, oil and wooden chappatis or `16, if she is frying them.

flatteners to the women. Maya Behan `1 lakh will be sanctioned soon.”Blue plastic chips stuck on every 1.5 also gets `50 per month as commission kilo of dough, kept safely with the

woman flattening the dough are a measure of her day's work. The chips at the end of the day decide her wage for the day. Each Woman makes up to `3,000 per month. From morning 8 to 5:30 in the evening, except an hour lunch break in between, the women in this small house in Paardi are either in front of a stove or bent over a bailan.

These women are part of the small household industry that supplies Khakras to a local industrialist in Rajkot, who vacuum packs them and exports them all over the world.

The Khakras made in six flavours are sold to the industrialist for `85 per Kg, who in turn vacuum packs them and sells them at `200 per Kg. “Our main clientele is in UK, USA and

26

by Kruthika Rao

Khakras Go International

he Masala store is at the end of a line of Stores. To reach Pavitraben's shop, T

one has to walk all the way to the end of the line. One thing that stands out is that almost all the other shops are either housing a Garage or are spare parts vendors. I approached a rugged looking mechanic and inquired about the masala shop and immediately his hard face melted into a big grin, “Oh, you are looking for Parvatiben? just keep walking straight and you will find her shop”. Behind him stood five others, The veteran Mahila mandal's gave them a much needed exposure. who joined him in wildly gesturing us venture recently plateaued, when they In order to increase their in the right direction. A board were unable to find more oppurtunities. efficiency, Mission Mangalam also welcomed us to the shop. Seated behind That is when Mission Mangalam's came handy in providing market the counter was a confident Parvatiben Taluka level Manager Yogesh Parmar linkages. They identified on the unit's and behind her were the all women met the mandal. He came up with an behalf possible vendors who would be crew of the Masala Making unit. elaborate branding and packaging interested by procuring their finished

The Jai Bajranbali Mahila strategy. It started with a simple, but product. At present the masala unit's Mandal started the Unit eight years very vital task of printing the unit's products are also sold in Surat city. back. Today they have earned the name on the package and methods of Expansion in their market coverage has respect of all their neighbours. As soon quality standardisation. Thereafter he encouraged them to move into new as the neighbours realised that introduced them to new market option, products, at present they have also Parvatiben got visitors, couple of chairs when he helped them gain a stall at a started selling freshly packed tea came hurrying from a garage and firmly local Valvada Haat (Sunday market) packets.lodged themselves outside the masala and to put up a stall during the shop. successful Gareeb kalian mela, which

t has been nearly two years since the Gujarat Government launched the Mission Mangalam Programme. This poverty alleviation programme aims at empowering Gujarat's women by creating Sakhi Mandals and integrating them into the Icorporate value chain has come a long way since then. In this issue, we look at four cases in different regions of Gujarat,

where the Mission Mangalam Programme has truly made a difference in the lives of rural women. We begin our journey with a Masala Making unit in Mahua Taluka (Surat District) where one woman's initiative to transform traditional cooking knowledge to a business enterprise has proven to be a source of income for others in the community. Then we move on to Paardi, a village in Lodhika Taluka (Rajkot District), where one woman's entrepreneurial vision has led to the inception of a Khakra making unit. From Paardi, we go to Indrapastha village of the Anjar Taluka (Kutch District), where a stitching unit is providing a steady source of income to the women of this region. Our last story is set in Asai in Himmatnagar taluka (Sabarkantha District) where a vermicompost unit has proved to be an economical as well as eco-friendly initiative.

Mission Mangalam - Tracing success

by Lenin Samuel

Masala MakerI

II

Success Story October, 2012 Success StoryOctober, 2012

2928

Project Manager, Marketing Rural DAP in the last quarter were a great Cottage Services, Mission Mangalam, boon. A demand for 15 lakh kilos from explains “With funds through this unit alone is what followed. convergence of various schemes like, Gujarati farmers have now realized that SGSY, NREGA, TSC these units were not only is this product more efficient, set up around two years ago. Under the but also way cheaper. ”first phase of Mission Mangalam, we Conversations over hot tea in the talked the members of erstwhile SHGs port ico of Jass i Ben 's newly into being a part of this project. Though constructed pink yellow house (a result initially reluctant, once these women of the convergence of Indira Awas narrow path snakes its way saw organic fertilizer's efficiency and Yojana and Mission Mangalam) reveal d o w n i n t o a v a l l e y the high returns, they agreed. Their that this constant source of livelihood checkered with lush green Afarmer husbands also encouraged them. has unleashed a new wave of self-fields where a single storehouse Consequently, we now have 42 such confidence in these women. So much structure stands out. “Gram Lakshmi functional units in Sabarkantha alone.” so, that they smartly handled a Sammohik Vermicompost Unit” reads

Talking on the marketing aspect, Mr. troublesome bank official creating a bright green board outside the Joseph Fernandes, District Level problems for years over minor structure. Inside are 40 rectangular beds livelihood manager, Mission Mangalam transactions related to their Sakhi in rows of 20 on each side separated by elaborates , “The main roles of Mission Mandal account. “We told him we an aisle in between. Each bed is Mangalam are to stimulate community would have to take legal action. Soon numbered and allotted to the women of involvement and to create market enough the man mended his ways”, the Jai Maldari Mahila Mandal of the linkages. For the Vermicompost units, chuckles Jassi Ben with a sense of picturesque Asai village in the an internal market was already present achievement.Sabarkantha District. within the network of Sakhi Mandals Discussing what the future holds, 10 Rabbari (a dairy-farming working in the Agriculture sector. To the women dreamily say, “We want our community) women, members of the further expand the markets, the Mission market to expand and we plan to grow Mahila Mandal demonstrate the Mangalam team planned to publish an into an autonomous producer company procedure involved in the production of advertisement in a popular regional shortly.” Vermicompost, an organic fertilizer, daily. The inflated prices of Urea and proven to have given far better results

as compared to i t s chemica l counterparts. All kinds of organic solid wastes are brought and dumped into the respective beds allotted to them, each with a capacity of around 2500 kgs. A bed is then fed with 20 kgs of worms which turn the waste into organic compost. Each vermicomposting cycle takes 45 days for completion. After which the product is packed in 25 kg bags sold at the rate of `5/kg. The worms reared in the compost beds are also sold at `125 per kg. Therefore, the Mahila Mandal earns around `12, 500 from one bed every two months.

“We have already got orders for 15 lakh kilos of organic compost from contractors in Rajkot, Petlad etc. We have even tried the product in our castor crops and have witnessed a remarkable 40% increase in the produce, not to mention the better quality” says Leelaben Desai, a proud-owner of 4 buffaloes, a farm and a member of the SHG. Standing next to her, a smartly dressed Tushar Rathore, Assistant

by Madhurima Mallik

Harnessing Organic Wealth

ramila Mewada's day begins at nine-thirty every morning, where she heads out of home P

towards the 'Sri Sakhi Swarnim Talim Kendra', a stitching unit in Indraprastha Navi Dudhai village of Anjar taluk in Kutchchh district. Pramila's day ends at five thirty in the evening and she manages to earn close to `5,000 a month, far higher than her income previously when she ran a beauty parlour in the village. Her husband, a carpenter, who works on a contract basis earns `200 per day. The work at the stitching unit is a steady source of income for women like Pramila, who vouch for the change this enterprise has brought in their lives.

these enterprises for the local populace finishing work. Each woman on an The stitching unit in Indraprastha approached both parties and offered to average works for 2-3 hours and earns village is one of two in Anjar taluk and b e a r t h e e x p e n d i t u r e o f t h e on an average `3,000-`5,000 per was conceptualised in 2010 under the infrastructure needed to set up a month.Mission Mangalam project. The first stitching unit. “Initially when I worked as project was started in Varsamedi in July

Under the technical guidance of construction labourer I had to leave 2010 and the next one in Indraprastha Wellspun 25 sewing machines were home at seven in the morning. followed a year later in September bought by the Department of Rural Sometimes I was forced to take my five 2011. It is one of the few projects where Development at a cost `22,500 per year old son because there was no one collaboration between government, machine. Ten out of the 25 machines are to look after him. Now I just leave at industry and the NGO sector has in Varsamedi while the remaining 15 nine in the morning. I earn close to resulted in providing livelihood are at Indraprastha. At Indraprastha, the `3,000 per month by doing thread work opportunities to women.sewing machines are housed in a and finishing,” said Paru Ben At Indraprastha, Jan Shiksha community hall provided by JSS, while Maheshwari, from the Indraprastha Sanstha, an NGO was already actively in Varsamedi the machines are housed unit.involved in vocational training in a building provided by the gram According to the women, the programmes and was looking for a way panchayat. A month long training is stitching unit provides a homely to ensure a secure source of income for provided by Welspun and a trainer is atmosphere as compared to the stifling the women they worked with. Welspun appointed by them at each unit. The atmosphere in a factory floor. “Because on the other hand had corporate social women who show promise are then of the cultural background of these responsibility initiatives near a village trained and taken into production where women they cannot work in a factory in Varsamedi where they had trained they stitch Welspun products with the like atmosphere. It was conceived women to stitch and were providing raw material made available to them by keeping that in mind and the women raw material to them to stitch the company. now feel it is their second home,” added bedhseets, pillow covers and other

Around 35 women work at the Sharada Chhangani, the Welspun, CSR Welspun products. The finished goods Indraprastha unit, while 25 of them take co-coordinator for Anjar Taluk.were bought by Welspun on a piecewise turn in the machines, the remaining 10 basis. The Government of Gujarat women are involved in ironing and sensing a secure livelihood option in

by Kruthika Rao

Stitching a Seamless Enterprise

IVIII

Book Review October, 2012 On a Lighter NoteOctober, 2012

3130

Mahatma Gandhi called him the Rashtreeya

Shayar (national poet). Journalist , singer,

freedom fighter, a man who donned multiple

hats, Jhaverchand Meghani, till date remains one

of the most celebrated names in Gujarati

literature. Born (August 1896) in the quaint

religious town of Chotila, Gujarat, Jhaverchand

was among the noted few who were instrumental

in shaping the linguistic identity of Gujarati

language. The beautifully chronicled intriguing

oral traditions of Saurashtra, which were named

“A Ruby Shattered”, can be accredited to him. He

even lent his unique voice to some of these

renditions. He authored around 100 works of

literature in a short span of 25 years ranging from

plays to poetry and from biographies to folk-

songs. He even served two years in prison for

writing “Sindhudo”, which allegedly contained

seditious material that inflamed the youth against

the British rule. This great man breathed his last that the age of 50, on 9 March, 1947 in Botad

Gujarat. His sudden death came as a shock to

everyone including Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who

aptly said, “It is the greatest loss to Gujarati

literature.”

Jhaverchand Meghani

by Nirmish Thaker

intelligent and mysterious impact on the lifestyle of this civilisations. “Dholavira – a civilization. His detailed analysis of the harappan metropolis” by Varun water storage, distribution and drainage Maira introduces us to the facilities present at Dholavira would be ancient city of Dholavira in extremely helpful to first time visitors present – day Gujarat and tries to of the site. Discoveries like the world's explain the impact Dholavira's oldest signboard and seals with d i s c o v e r y h a d o n o u r inscriptions and figurines of unicorns at understanding of this ancient this site, have further intensified the civilisation. mystery of this age and to those curious

Dholavira, located in the about learning more about Dholavira, Kachch district of Gujarat is this book would be the right place to among the largest and most start. significant sites of this civilisation. This book also lays down various

The first major excavation of theories explaining the rise and fall of Dholavira began in the 90s and this this great civilisation, the different book summarises the discoveries made phases of its development and also by archaeologists at this site, and also outlines the kind of trading that used to proposes some theories that could take place between this civilisation and explain their way of life and the others. Dholavira's strategic location administration structure followed by between Lothal and the other major he civilisation known as the this civilisation. towns of this civilisation meant that it Indus Valley Civilisation or

Apar t f rom explaining the enjoyed an important sphere of the Harappan Civilisation is Tdiscoveries at this site, Varun Maira influence in that age which is reflected one of the most ancient and most helps us visualise the same through on its size and its level of planning. mysterious civilisations in the world. sketches and pictures of this site. “Dholavira – a harappan metropolis” is Almost 5,000 years old, archaeologists Beginning with an introduction to the an easy-to-read, clear and curiosity – have found sites of this civilisation just civilisation, the book transports the inducing piece of literature and is a about 100 years back along the Indus reader to Dholavira, explaining the city must-read for all amateur history River. Harappa and Mohenjodaro, the design, its people, its relics and other enthusiasts who have a special interest most popular sites of this civilisation discoveries unique to this site. The in this ancient civilisation.and probably the largest, have

A lot of questions about this answered a lot of questions about this civilisation are still unanswered. We civilisation, but there are still hundreds still do not know what language was of questions that are left to be answered spoken and have not yet deciphered – Who were these people? Are we their their ancient script, nor do we know if descendants? What happened to them? the civilization had a king or a How did they manage to build such well democratic system and what exactly planned towns and cities? Who did they happened to it. But this is exactly the trade with? What language did they kind of challenge archaeologists and use?historians around the world relish. So, if With more sites being discovered sketches of relics found in the site are you want to join this journey of over the last 100 years, from Iran in the truly useful to understand the ingenuity discovery which promises to be full of west to Meerut in the east, and from of this race and also, induces curiosity surprises, Dholavira would be a very Afghanistan in the north to Maharashtra to learn more about the civilisation. interesting place to start indeed. in the south, archaeologists from around The best feature about this book is

the world are slowly finding answers to Varun Maira's detailed explanation of all these questions about this large, every discovery made at this site and its

Sahit Chirutapudi

a harappan metropolis

A stadium, an excellent drainage system and the world’s oldest signboard: Dholavira’s unique story is captured in this truly fascinating book

Special Feature October, 2012

along with prominent archers like Limbaram, Shyamal and Mangal Shingh.

Bhil, who dropped his dream of participating in international competitions

Bows and arrows are the for the sake of coaching young budding things we understand. Archery talent said, "Traditionally it is not difficult is a skill we took up for our to provide training to the adivasi youth but “

security and livelihood. Now we are we require latest equipments to compete honing it to gain recognition. Our internationally. Luckily, compared to immediate goal is the 2016 Olympics. other states, Gujarat is blessed with better It's high time we make our community, talent. After recent successes at the state and country proud,” said a 20- national level, we are now working year-old national level archer from a overtime with an ambition to participate in tiny town called Naswadi in Gujarat the 2016 Olympics.”with confidence.

Archery is an ancient sport and Indian history is replete with stories of heroic tribal archers. Be it the legendary Eklavya or the great Indian freedom fighter Birsa Munda, tribals are synonymous with archery. Though it was mainly used for hunting and during combat in ancient times, today archery has become a precision sport. It is now gaining popularity among the people of Gujarat too, especially in the tribal belt where it has received great acceptance Currently 20 students coming from as a modern sport. Based in the hilly remote areas in and around the district tribal village of Naswadi, 200 km south are being trained at the academy hostel. of Ahmedabad, Eklavya Archery These include three female archers who Academy is working hard to provide a are preparing for national competitions. platform for Gujarati archers. Dinesh The daily routine of the students Bhil, a two-time national champion is involves yoga, prayanam, meditation the founder and the coach of the and other exercises which optimize academy. The 35-year-old archer is a their archery performance. Care is also diploma holder in archery from taken that besides archery, the students Kolkata's SAI school (Sports Authority get the best of education under sports of India). He was trained in the sport quota in nearby schools and colleges.

Special FeatureOctober, 2012

33

Most of the archery students have already bagged medals at the national level. One of the trainees and a national level medalist, Magan Sunghadiya, aged 20, said, “It is my dream to participate in the 2016 Olympics. To attain this goal, I practice every day for about 4 to 5 hours and make every arrow count. I am confident that archers from Gujarat will win a ticket to the Olympics this time.

Archery is a sport entirely based on three qualities: concentration, patience and balance. Most people have a common perception that the more you concentrate, better the results. But professional archers disagree. Along with concentration an archer requires balance, the skill to release an arrow at the right time and a great deal of patience. These three steps can be learnt, but it demands a lot of practice and hard work to master this skill. More importantly, a conducive environment to train is needed.

Devgadh Baria is another small town that is rapidly emerging as a hub of young talented archers. At the centre of all the action is the town's District athletes in the state.” honour at Olympics 2016. Sports Complex that houses a total of Archers from Gujarat's tribal areas The Gujarat government is 15 archers including 4 girl trainees. have shown tremendous potential and increas ingly working towards Quality coaching complemented with promise in recent years. Most of them providing budding archers especially immense practice has already resulted look forward to performing well at the from the tribal belt with quality in 12 archers winning medals at the National Archery Championships and training, access to amenities and state level and 3 at the national level. the National Games. Next up for them platforms to showcase talent. Mr. S. P. Not surprisingly then, the state would be challenging international Sama, chief coach of the Sports government has recently provided archers at The Asian Games 2013, The Authority of Gujarat added,” Our aim is financial aid to the sport and given World Cup and The Commonwealth to enhance and develop the sporting clearance to building a hostel with all Games. However, the ultimate dream spirit of the local indigenous necessary amenities like study rooms, a for all of them is playing for national inhabitants of the state. The state gymnasium, modern equipments etc. archers are doing really well now and The archers have also been provided our job is to pave the way for them. with modern imported equipment Under the Centre of Excellence (COE) worth 1.5 lakh each. scheme, the state government provides

Rohit Baria, senior coach at the need based assistance. The archers are complex said, “Modern equipment has provided insurance cover by the helped in training and boosted trainee's government. We have high hopes from enthusiasm. We are also keeping a the archers of the tribal belt. ”check on their diet. Along with yoga, With raw talent, quality training and pranayam and exercise, good diet is the determination of young archers, the also important for the players.” Further, future for the sport in Gujarat does look he added, “State level sporting events bright.like Khel Mahakumbh and Gramin Olympics encourage young sporting talent and help discover the best

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32

Fulfilling Ambitions Fulfilling Ambitions On Eklavya's path

by Dhaval Parmar

Archery is an ancient sport and Indian history is replete with stories of heroic tribal archers. It is now gaining popularity among the people of Gujarat too, especially in the tribal belt where it has received great acceptance as a modern sport

Aiming at the future : Dinesh Bhil with the Chief Minister

Archery is a skill we took up for our security and livelihood. Now we are honing it to gain recognition. Our immediate goal is the 2016 Olympics

- Dinesh Bhil

In Focus October, 2012

headlines and have been easily Eager to witness the process of law forgotten after evoking momentary reaching out to a common woman, I sympathy. met the District Project Co-ordinator,

In modern times while laws have Parulben Pandya, of the Mahila ot very long ago, our cook striven for an egalitarian society, Samakya in Vadodara district. She told Rekha used to come gender equality remains difficult to me, “Earlier, the Mahila Samakyas had Naccompanied by a shy, achieve. This might be contested, by representatives (CRPs- Cluster

pretty teenage girl, her niece Kajal. stating that more and more women are Resource Persons) visiting each village While helping her aunt with the kitchen standing up for their rights. But such interacting with the women and chores she would take an occasional cases are rare restricted only to the discussing their problems. They peep at the television, evidently educated. motivated 5 women from each village enamoured by the shiny sari clad However, while sifting through to form a sangh and these sanghs from bejeweled protagonists of our daily d o c u m e n t s f o r s c r i p t i n g a n all the villages in a block came together soaps. It wasn't hard to tell that she advertisement, I came across a news to form a federation which started harboured sweet dreams of marital story on Nari Adalats and how their conducting the Nari Adalats. The sangh bliss, of escape from the rigours of the remarkable success in Gujarat is being members were given three months of monotonous domestic work she part lauded nationwide. As I read on I legal training towards this.” took in. One day, Rekha broke the news realized that Gujarat is leading the Loaded with this much information of Kajal's grand wedding to us. She nation in women's emancipation too. It and accompanied by a CRP (Ketalben) couldn't stop singing paeans of the has been continuously taking proactive and a camera person, I reached the doting husband Kajal had found for steps to ensure social and legal justice Waghodia Taluka Panchayat, to attend herself. for women throughout the state. its weekly 12 to 4 Nari Adalat hearing.

Less than two months later, grim- Modeled on the Lok Adalat On the first floor of the old building, faced, she asked my mother for a day concept, Nari Adalats are block level huddled together in a circle were off saying that she had to pay a visit to autonomous tribunals of women around 30 women of all age groups Kajal's in-laws. She brought the girl operated by them for addressing their including 2 infants. Sighting the back home. Kajal had been subjected to grievances. These bodies are supported familiar Ketalben the group erupted acute physical and mental torture for by Mahila Samakhyas of each district. into cheerful cries of greeting and dowry. 42 of them have been sanctioned queries about the new person, that

Our history is replete with incidents throughout the state with the oldest being me. A register was quickly pulled where women have suffered in silence. ones in Vadodara district which started out to record my attendance and other Sadly, such stories have never made the in 1995. necessary details. A loud and confident

by Madhurima Mallik

In FocusOctober, 2012

35

voice asked me for an introduction assuring they would let me participate in the proceedings which would follow later.

The first case was a fresh one I was told. A young girl with a wailing infant stepped in. Rashmi, was a Rajput girl from Jambuwada. She was married early because of an ailing mother and financial troubles. Soon after the wedding her husband s ta r ted threatening to kill her. He sold her stree-dhan(belongings she had brought with her from her parental house) and has been absconding for three days with their one year old daughter. The adalat members comforted the weeping Rashmi and decided to issue a notice to her husband. I was curious about what

look after my aging parents; you just get Adalats have taken up the onus.” said would happen if he chose to ignore it. me my daughter.” I shifted at my spot ASI Pandav, full of admiration for these “Some of us will go to his house and ask feeling uncomfortable with the tension gritty women.him to appear at the Adalat. If he still in the air. To my utter delight, far from Back at the adalat, the members had refuses the police will co-ordinate with being intimidated, the women around by then, successfully counseled a us. ” was the united reply. In any case if me did not as much as flinch. Their couple into reconciliation. I asked if the second party refuses to respond composure was comforting. They they would keep a tab and check if the after repeated reminders, some simply said, “Start an account for your matter was fully resolved. They told me members of the Adalat go with daughter with the federation and each case was allotted a follow-up policemen from the local thana to make

period of two years and the members deposit a monthly sum of 1,000, if you sure that both the parties are heard. personally went and checked if all was agree we take your case further. Your Accordingly, they arrive at a consensus, well. I further asked what if that was not time is up for today.” I was informed. the case and the matter had worsened in By this time I wanted to pay a visit The second case was, to my surprise the meantime. “We are not here to give to the police station having spotted it in an appeal by a man Mukeshbhai, for out punishments. If a matter needs more the same campus before. A couple of child custody. The seemingly flustered than discussion and counseling, we man showed pictures of his four year hand it over to the court of law” I was old daughter in his wallet. He said his told. The best part is that the contesting ex-wife was refusing to let him meet his parties pay a nominal amount of 251 daughter for the last 7 months. They had (only if they can afford to), while filing got a divorce on the condition that the a case and that is all they have to pay. mother would let the father meet his This money goes to the Nari Adalat child every two months, failing which fund and is used to sponsor the trips the the custody could be contested. The members need during follow-ups.Adalat members listened with rapt

All this while I was so engrossed in attention almost sympathizing with the the proceedings, I did not feel time pass man's story. Suddenly, one of them by. Amidst hugs, farewell and invites to sitting close to the petitioner pointed visit again, I left the building premises out, “Are you sure you can take care of a ove rwhe lmed by th i s s imp le 4 year old with your meager income?” mechanism of empowerment. A members enthusiastically escorted me. The enraged man went on the striking example of the innate ability of At the station the Assistant Sub-defensive, now hurling abuses at the women to manage kitchen to court with Inspector, I.S. Pandav, greeted us estranged wife and saying, “What I do equal élan, I pondered. Watching these warmly. “They have shouldered half of with my child is my business alone, I do champions of social equality, I was our burden; crime against women has not want to educate her beyond primary confident that justice could finally be reduced by more than 50% in the school as she would follow in her brought to Kajal.locality ever since the behens of Nari mother's footsteps. I would make her

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Redefining social justice

Nari Adalats

Realising good governance : Empowering women with justice

Crime against women has reduced by more than 50% in the locality ever since the behens of Nari Adalats have taken up the onus

- I.S. PandavAssistant Sub-Inspector,

In Focus October, 2012

Chhelbhai Pathak, Nathuji Rathod, Manu Joshi, Pratap Pathak and Chandu Dave were felicitated by the Chief Minister for their roles in achieving independence.

The state government also launched a series of developmental schemes that resonated with Gujarat's development trajectory. Along with the felicitation of freedom fighters the monthly pension of freedom fighters was increased by 1000 per month. They will now be hour. He further said that Gujarat's Pro-

receiving 6000 per month.people Proactive Good Governance Twenty six thousand Scheduled (P2G2) was a model for the nation to

Caste students are expected to benefit follow. with the construction of 66 hostels in 36 ndia's 66th Independence Day The steady growth of Gujarat was towns.was celebrated at the Police attributed to the success of the “Panch

A significant announcement on Parade Ground in Junagadh. On I Shaktis” ( Jal Shakti, Jan Shakti, Gyan Independence Day was the complete the occasion the national flag was Shakti, Urja Shakti, Raksha Shakti) and ban on Gutkha in the state from hoisted by the Chief Minister Narendra the fact that Gujarat has achieved a September 11 to rid the Gujarati society Modi. The colourful celebration was 100% enrolment rate with a mere 2% of the health hazards caused due to this called “Gauravgadh Junagadh”. A trend drop out rate was rejoiced.addiction. has been set in Gujarat, where each year Freedom fighters like Kanak

The event saw huge participation a lesser known place, other than the Upadhyay, Labhshankar Dave, and ended on an optimistic note and it capital is chosen to host the was followed by a tree plantation drive Independence Day festival. During the throughout the state.course of the celebrations, the state

government announces development incentives for the host district. Thus, Gujarat has set yet another new precedence of turning a national fest ival into a celebration of development.

At the function, a special grant of1 crore for each, the Junagadh

Municipal Corporation, and the Junagadh District Rural and Urban Development was announced. Junagadh will soon get a medical college. A rise in the sum of cash awards given to villages based on their performance in local governance was declared too. The prize money was raised from 2-lakhs to 5-lakhs.

In his address to the gathering the Chief Minister spoke about the mantra of Surajya (a land with good governance) calling it the need of the

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by Pranjal Srivastava

In FocusOctober, 2012

37

Japan and India have had a deep cultural bond and “historic relations… both

believe in a liberal society and democratic governance… For Asia to be the Global Hub of 21st century, Japan and India both are going to play major roles.”

The Chief Minister's historic visit to Japan, aimed at strengthening the ties between Gujarat and Japan, echoed such spirited sentiments.

In his four day Japan tour, the Chief Minister called for a stronger collaboration between Japan and Gujarat, which he believes has the potential to change the world. The visit, scheduled from July 23rd to July 27th, started with CM Narendra Modi's address to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). The CM, in his speech, emphasised on the positive developments that have happened between the two regions since 2007. He with Japan, especially DMIC (Delhi companies' preparations for its plant in termed the exchanges between Gujarat Mumbai Industrial Corridor) and DFC Gujarat. He also met the Indian and Japan a 'regular affair' and said that (Dedicated Freight Corridor) projects Engineers posted there. Later he the people of the two places have learnt that are being jointly developed by both received a warm reception from a lot from each other and he hoped that the countries. Gujarat Government is Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce. this exchange will lead to major global committed towards creating conducive On the 4th day, the Chief Minister possibilities. That these cultural business environment for Japanese visited Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe and exchanges of ideas are not new, and industry and thus has planned to set-up met top leaders including a delegation have continued since early days of from Toyota car makers and Mr. Buddhism – the relation between the Hideaki Ohmura, Governor of Aichi two nations is indeed a historic as well Prefecture province in Nagoya who as contemporary reality. said that “there are many similarities

On day -2 the Chief Minister met between Aichi and Gujarat.”Japan's Dy. PM H.E. Mr. Katsuya The Japan visit concluded on a very Okada and many top level business positive and high note with Chief executives and reiterated that Gujarat is Minister stating that, “With this visit to one place where global businesses can two Japanese townships and eco-city Japan begins a new chapter of mutual look up to for investing in plants and projects. The Government of Gujarat is trust.” In all, the government manufacturing their products in the committed towards strong input of delegation, lead by the Chief Minister, highly investment friendly atmosphere investment and has planned a Special met 2000 key personnel, including 7 in Gujarat. The biggest enabler of this Investment Region, at Dholera and ministers and top businessmen and strength is the futuristic infrastructure Special Economic Zone at Dahej. industrialists at 66 functions organised which the State has created. In recent On Day-3, the government prepared in his welcome. years, there is further focus on building grounds for partnering with atleast 100 With such warmth and positivity world class infrastructure. They include Japanese which shall put automobile emanating out of the tour, it surely gives the Special Investment Regions (SIRs), units in the state. The Chief Minister hope that the west-most corner of India Industrial parks and Logistics parks. also visited the Suzuki motor plant and has a solid friend in the east of the

Indeed, a lot of prolific projects are had discussions with Suzuki Chairman world.coming up in Gujarat in collaboration Osamu Suzuki and sought the

36

Independence DayCelebrations

by Abhishek Shandilya

With this visit to Japan begins a new chapter of mutual trust

- Narendra Modi

Strengthening RelationsCM ’s visit to Japan

Photo Feature October, 2012 Photo FeatureOctober, 2012

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Independence Dayth

TarnetarTarnetarTarnetarFairFairFair

Celebrations at Junagadh

Environment October, 2012

a princely state, the population of This unique landscape is also Blackbucks was close to 8,000 in this colonised by the shrub Prosopis region. However, with hunting and J u l i f o r a ( G a n d a B a b u l ) . habitat loss their population reduced to Although,Ganda Babul also provides as low as 200 in 1966. cover to large predators like wolfs ,

ong green grass stretched jungle cats and Hyena that are among across a landscape as flat as the other animals found in the park, the the hardbound cover of a shrub tends to spread rapidly. The forest L

notebook; the air, thick with moisture, department has been instrumental in indicating the ongoing monsoon checking the overgrowth of Ganda season. Amidst the lingering smell of Babul by timely eradication of the wet mud and dew-laden grass are shrub.hundreds of pairs of black twisted Watering holes in the park also horns. The slightest noise and the horns attract a large variety of migratory rise to display fully grown male birds. The Lesser Florican is one such Blackbucks majestically overlooking endangered bird of the Bustard family their territory. that is found at the park between June to It was then with the intervention of

The Blackbuck National Park at September. The Lesser Florican is the Government of Gujarat that the area Velavadhar in Bhavnagar district of known for its elaborate courting display was declared a Sanctuary in 1969. The Gujarat is one of the few sites in the and comes to the grasslands mainly to area under the purview of the Sanctuary country where Blackbucks are found in breed. was further enhanced in 1976 and the such large numbers. Merely a three The black male Florican performs a status upgraded to that of a National hour drive from Gandhinager, this park ritualistic display where it shoots up to Park. allows a wildlife enthusiast to observe over two meters in air, rotating along its “There are close to 1,500-2,000 the Blackbucks in their natural habitat. head to delicately land inside the tall Blackbucks in the park currently, a

Historically, the Bhal flatlands have grass. It performs this courting display number that has constantly risen over primarily been the habitat of the every five to eight minutes to woo the the years due to suitable conditions in Blackbucks. Reports of the forest more coveted brown feathered female the park,” added K J Parmar, the department claim that during the pre- Florican, which is usually difficult to assistant conservator of forest and the independence era when Bhavnagar was spot. The Floricans are very sensitive park incharge.

by Kruthika Rao

EnvironmentOctober, 2012

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birds and the protection that the park provides them has resulted in a gradual increase in their numbers over the years. According a recent census conducted by the forest department the number of territorial male Floricans is around 46.

Another migratory bird found in the park between September to March is the Harrier. Harriers are birds of prey that come and roost in large numbers in the park. Mainly three species of Harriers – Pale Harrier, Montague Harrier and the Marsh Harrier are seen in the park. They are a boon to the cotton growing farmers of the area as they consume rodents and insects that are harmful to the cotton crop. Velavadar is the largest communal roosting site of the Harriers in the world, their numbers reaching up to 1,500 in the month of December.

“When they arrive it is like a dark cloud moving towards you. The sky is

Buck National Park at Velavadhar can informants, who are villagers from completely covered by them like the largely be attributed to the symbiotic nearby villages and inform the arrival of dark clouds during relationship between the park authorities in case of plans by monsoon,” said Harpal Singh, a beat management staff and the local miscreants to trespass park land. guard in the park.community. Seven beat guards patrol “We haven't had a single case of Apart from a lot to offer to birding areas within the park as well as outside poaching in the past ten years. The local enthusiasts, one animal which is a it. The forest officials also have community is mainly vegetarian and constant fixture in the park is the

don't indulge in such activities. Night Striped Hyena. A vulnerable cub and a patrols have also curbed over grazing of female Hyena came under the glare of the grasslands” added K.J Parmar, the the headlights of our pick-up truck ACF of the Park.during our rounds around the park.

Ample protection for the animals The Hyenas, mainly scavengers and due to initiatives by the park authorities considered conniving due to their and local support from the villagers depiction in popular culture are an have led to a successful conservation alluring sight in the wild. Hyenas program at Velavadar, making it a confronting wolves and wild boars haven for endangered species like the during disputes over food make for an Blackbucks and the Lesser Floricans.exhilarating experience to view.

The rich bio-diversity at the Black

Call of the Wild : A striped hyena with its hunt

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Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

A Model for Wildlife Conservation

The rich bio-diversity at the Black Buck National Park at Velavadhar can largely be attributed to the symbiotic relationship between the park management staff and the local community.

The Blackbuck National P a r k a t Ve l a v a d h a r i n Bhavnagar district of Gujarat is one of the few sites in the country where Blackbucks are found in such large numbers.

In Conversation With October, 2012

" "quoted from the Natya Shastra and later again in the Sangeet Ratnakar best describes Sunita Avani Amin's wholistic training and personality. She first learnt Bharatanatyam and then went on to learn Dhrupad from Bahauddin Dagar, a Rudra Veena exponent and then from Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar.

Sunita, trained in the Dagar tradition of Dhrupad has won hearts all over the country with her precise and soulful renditions. Dhrupad in the 'Dagarvani' tradition is one of the oldest forms of classical music which is still practiced. It is highly meditative in nature and considered a spiritual experience both for the singer as well as the listener. Kruthika Rao has a candid chat with the young musician about Dhrupad music and all that it has to offer in the current times.

When did your tryst with You are a trained Bharatanatyam

Dhrupad begin?dancer too. Why choose to pursue

I started learning from Baha-ud'din Dhrupad?

Dagar in Bangalore and at his request I As you may know I had done my

learnt under Ustad Zia Fariduddin Arangetram (dance initiation) under

Dagar at Dhrupad Sansar, IIT, Mumbai. Guru Smt. Padmini Rao and my degree

The last three years I have been in dance from Oberlin College, but I

continuing my learning by visiting had never learnt an art form that

Dhrupad Gurukul at Palaspe, Panvel. completely captured me from day one

The latter was set up by Baha-ud'din prior to Dhrupad of course. Besides I

Dagar's father, Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. am a North Indian and language

Learning from my guru's veena has constitutes a major part of your culture

been a precious gift.and personality. Therefore, I concluded

Gitam, vadyam tatha nitryam, trayam sangeetam ucchate

In Conversation WithOctober, 2012

43

that I was best suited for Dhrupad.

I was also informed that you conduct classes in musicology? Can you explain about that field for our readers' benefit?

I taught Introduction to Musicology at BITS, Pilani, Rajasthan for a semester. Musicology involves the study of various streams of thought on Music. Comparative studies between Western Classical Music and Indian Classical Music. A simplified understanding of the fundamentals of Indian classical music were also covered.

What are the various streams of thought in music? What are the theories regarding the origin of Indian Classical Music?

The Greek philosolphers had extensive theories on music from its origin to its effect on humans and even animals.The root of Indian Classical

ocean is so vast that nothing seems to be Chennai now. The younger generation Music is believed to be the Sama Veda, enough. It is ingrained in Gujarati needs to inculcate patience.from which originated the Prabandha culture, it seeks the best in everything gayaki. Raja Man Singh Tomar from food to art to business! There is a Where have you received formalized the music in his court. The lot of attention to detail. This is that maximum appreciation for your art?Mughal influence gave rise to Khayal backbone of our culture. It governs In the Hall of Harmony across Shri. while simultaneously all over India the everything we do. Gujaratis are Aurobindo's Samadhi in Pondicherry. Prabandh Gayaki evolved into the perfectionists...baddhu perfect joye! Also recently in Patiala. various forms that exist today. (she laughs)

Music as therapy is being Since Dhrupad is a combination What is your advice to students of popularised in many places? How do of the rest, does it make it more

Dhrupad? you think music can be used for the complex?Any form of Art requires practice same?Yes, it is complex but so is Carnatic

along with the guidance of a guru. Good music has vibrations that Music. It is complex because it is Rigorous riyaz should only be affect the soul of human and animals. It orthodox in its practice, Riyaz. Riyaz a t t e m p t e d a f t e r o n e h a s a n is not just pleasure that one feels but an entails getting up in the Brahma Kala and understanding of Sur, Laya and Tala. upliftment of the self. Music has the practicing a single note until dawn. Very often students are in a hurry to ability to change the nature of a person Followed by the practice of overlapping make it big and are impatient and and I am a true example of that.scales and followed by a morning raga, compromise on one of these aspects. some tans in the afternoon and another Mastery over Vilambit Laya involves Where do you derive support raga in the evening, a total of 6 to 8 hours an enormous amount of practice. from to continue your musical a day. It is also complex in its use of laya Besides, because of the "fast" culture journey? (Tempo) and layakari (Rythm).that we have adopted: fast food, fast My mother-in-law and Grand cars, fast money making methods etc, mother-in-law, very wise women, made Six to eight hours of practice we are losing the amount of patience me promise that I will never leave would mean a lot of discipline. What that our forefathers had. In ancient music come what may. My gurus' keeps you going?times Carnatic singers used to sing 64 training has also been along these I am a perfectionist and that is what kalas between 2 beats! This is only sung lines.motivates me. I also have a natural by musicians such as R. Vedavalli in drive that pushes me, although the

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On Dhrupad's Depths...In conversation with Sunita Avani Amin

Master at play : Enamouring the audience - Sunita Avani Amin (left)

Dhrupad in the 'Dagarvani' tradition is one of the oldest forms of classical music which is s t i l l i n p ra c t i c e . H i g h l y meditative in nature, it is considered as a spiritual experience both for the singer as well as the listener

Travel October, 2012

age of no measurements and no invention to design cloth. Earlier, the Maharaja would acquire it from the Jalana king of Maharashtra who would send him used fabric. When the news

s we wander along the reached the Maharaja, he ordered to narrow lanes sewn through move 200 families of weavers from the colour splashed stone A Mahashtra to Patan.”. “ None of them

houses of the medieval capital of continued with the craft” he trailed off.Gujarat, Patan, a running commentary Patola is only one of the numerous on its glorious past blends with the remnants of a bygone era that Patan clunk from the stone carver's chisel and stands guard to. It is best to set aside the metall ic sounds from the four to five hours for a leisurely silversmith's shanty. Munching on the exploration of its bustling streets, the succulent red Kutchi dates that are majestic step-well (Rani ki Vav) and a heaped on the carts of the numerous fruit vendors lining the lanes; we go looking for the Salvi household located in an area famous as Salvivad in the Old city. The Salvis are one of the only two remaining families that have preserved the ancient skill of Patola weaving.

“Amitabh Bachchan was here recently” said Bharat Salvi, unfurling an exquisite red and gold fabric with a flourish. He does not take his eyes off the loom he is working on as he points to the wall opposite him covered with testimonials from celebrated people across the world. The workshop is a tiny part of the house where a bare silk thread is tied, naturally dyed and woven into a Patola (the legendary Patan ni Patola).

Two men, one from the family Jayesh Salvi and another assistant Ibad ( a driver by profession) are all the manpower he has. Breaking into an anecdote Bharat Salvi says,” Around thousand years ago, our clan was brought to Patan by Maharaja Kumar Pal, a connoisseur of the craft. It was an

by Madhurima Mallik

TravelOctober, 2012

45

plethora of Jain and Hindu temples well has four compartmental pillared Kalka Mandir, Panchmukhi Hanuman, amidst a few mosques, dargahs and pavilions with a draw well at the end. Jasma Odan ni Deri, old Mahalaxmi rojas acting as a reminder of its cultural Five out of the seven storeys have been Mandir, Sindhavai Mata nu Mandir, significance. restored so you cannot descend all the Hingaraj Mandir, Panchasar Derasar and

Beautiful havelis intersperse with way to the underground tank. Every Sheikh Farid no Rojo. small stone houses where beedi makers wall of the well is embellished with Also do not forget to visit the work industriously sitting at the stunning sculptures. Out of the original Mashru weavers, though not unique to doorsteps. They are happy to indulge 800 sculptures, 400 have survived the Patan as Patola, Mashru weaving is an the visitor's who want to try their hand test of time and today testify to the age old tradition in India influenced by at rolling the tendu leaves into beedis. ageless beauty of the Solanki era. the Persian style. This vibrant and Walking on the overlooking cramped Other places to see: Trikam Barot ni attractive fabric is a must-have for your streets you may chance upon open a Vav, Sahstraling Sarovar, Anand Sarovar bridal trousseau.humble looking Jain Bhojanalaya. Stop (Gungadi Talav), Khan Sarovar, Old by for large and delicious vegetarian satvik meals available at a mere 20. There is so much to see in the vicinity that the food which is known to induces lethargy only energizes you for the journey ahead.

The modern Patan is the seat of Hemchandraacharya North Gujarat Universty. Also, a medical center and a marketplace for farmers. The two kilometer journey from here to Rani ki Vav takes you through the busy marketplaces of the New city with flashing colourful bangdis (bangles) and clay toys.

Lush manicured lawns welcome you as you enter the ASI site that houses the queen of all step-wells in India, the magnificent Rani Ki Vav. Near the entrance an iron board displays snippets of historical facts. The Vav is said to have been constructed by Rani Udayamati in the honour of her husband, the Solanki ruler Bhimdeva I (1022-1063). It is oriented in the east-west direction and is 64 m long and 20 m wide. The depth of its shaft is 27 m. As we approach the well, the stretch of grass suddenly ends at the mouth of a vast trench dug into the earth. The massiveness surprises you and as you alight the steps (woven in between long corridors) of this intricately carved seven storey structure which goes beneath the ground level, you are transported to a world of extravagance and architectural splendour. Calling it the “highest watermark” of Solanki architecture is no exaggeration. You should hire an ASI certified guide for better understanding of the sculptures which have mythological bearings. The

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Patan - The Lost Capital Rediscovering Anhilpur

A glimpse into Patan's past

A fortified town on the bed of the mythical river Saraswati , Anhilpur Patan (historical name) was founded by Vanraj Chawda (of the Chawda Dynasty (746-942 AD), predecessors of the Solankis) in 745 AD. Historian Tertius Chandler estimates that it was the tenth-largest city in the world in the year 1000, with a population of approximately 100,000.It remained the capital of Gujarat until Sultan Ahmed Shah shifted the capital to Ahmedabad in 1411. It is said that the famous Bhadra fort of Ahmedabad was named after Patan's old fort.

Weaving History : The clad of traditional “patan ni patola”

Art and Culture October, 2012

prominent. The historical importance Primarily, Bhavai was dedicated to of Bhavai is established from the fact the Goddess Amba and even today, that it is said to have originated out of a during the Navratri festival, it is major political event of the time. performed at the famous Amba temple

ndia is a country known for her Bhavai was started in the 14th near Mount Abu. The connection with rich of art forms. Literature, Century by Asaait, a scholar in dance the Goddess is in the name 'Bhavai' IMusic, Dance and Theatre and music, with the help of his three itself. Etymologically, it contains two

being the foremost forms of artistic sons. The aim of the theatre was to Sanskrit words – Bhav meaning traditions combine to form a source of educate people and society while Universe and Aai meaning mother; and rich story-telling. These art forms were entertaining them. It thus concentrated together meaning, Mother of the of prime importance to the society as more on the plots (called Vesh) that Universe –Amba. However, it is also they exhibited not just the people's were 'popular' and appended a social said that Bhavai is called so because it is religious faith but also depicted the ill message to them. Some of the most performed through Bhav -Sanskrit effects of social stigmas. popular Veshas included the Ram word for 'Expression'.

Gujarat, a land of immense cultural Leela, based on the mythology of It is said that Asaait produced 360 importance, has its own dance theatres, Ramanaya and Kaan-Gopi (based on Veshas, out which, only 60 have of which Bhavai is one of the most stories of Lord Krishna). survived. The artists are known as

by Abhishek Shandilya

Art and CultureOctober, 2012

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Bhavaiyaasand Naayaks. Bhavai more or less retained its original purpose, but one of the branches is said to have off shot to a more contemporary form which focused mainly on entertainment and lost its sheen subsequently.

One of the most interesting facts of Bhavai is that it is performed only by males – even the female parts. The women are only spectators. The Bhavai artists travel and perform for eight months in a year. The villagers recognise the group when it enters the village and eagerly wait for the sounds of Bhungal (a longer form of Bugle) which signals the start of the performance.

Bhavai is an extremely simple form of theatre when considered in terms of production requirements. It is not dependent on heavy stage, lights and theatrical assistances and is performed in the avai lab le open space . Historically, it didn't have rules as such, but with time, certain practices have become common to it. For example, the can be attributed to its sheer focus on Jester. The main humour comes from portrayal of famous historical acting, which obviously requires Ranglo or Ranglee who lights up the personalities has become a cult. Thus tremendous energy on part of the audience through his hilarious acts.the Naayaks do not build the characters actors. Bhavai became popular in the in the plot as they are recognised by Through humour, the dance form courts of feudal lords and nawabs of the their dresses and props. The only conveys special social messages, time. During this time, the Naayak – musical instruments used are Drums, reflecting on social injustice, caste Bhavaiyaas prospered. But with the cymbals and Sarangi. Thus, it can be stigmas, etc. The Naayak is the chief onset of advanced contemporary said that the brilliance of this art form protagonist and he is assisted by a theatre, slowly but gradually, Bhavai

lost its prime place. The new theatres however owe many of their hit performances to it. It is important to mention here that the Government of Gujarat, recognising the importance of Bhavai as a key cultural tradition, has announced an assistance of 90 lakh for its benefit.

Bhavai is to be seen and not just read about. It is to be understood through its artistic representations. Any amount of writing shall not do justice to its beauty. The very history it originated from, the dedication of Naayaks, and their connect with the folks – the heritage it represents now, shows the strong will of the Bhavaiyyas who have preserved it for over 600 years – no amount of oral or written material can fully represent what Bhavai is, but Bhavai itself.

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The Stage of BhavaiThe elegant art of theatre

“Ramlo” : Tickling the audience

Colours of expression : A bhavai artist

At a Glance October, 2012

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Upcoming Events

Come December, we will see the Carnival of Rann Utsav being celebrated in all its grandiose. This year, the annual, month and half long event will begin from the 15th of December and go on till 31st January. The festival saw 8,000 international visitors last year and more are expected this year to drown themselves in the magical and unique experience that only Kutch can provide. The festival echoes with folk music and it's a podium exhibiting folk dance art and handicrafts. Adding to it, are the three days leading to the full moon day, which in the Kutch's otherworldly landscape give an enormity and breathtaking beauty to the moon. At the Rann Utsav, the stage is set for anybody willing to experience the union of a harsh, pictur-esque landscape and an equally vivid culture that it surprisingly supports.

Rann Utsav (December 15-January 31)

Gujarat dances to the catchy beats of folk music during the nine days of Navratri, literally meaning nine nights. This is the time of the year when every Gujarati village and city pulsates with people performing the raas garba until dawn. Garba or garbo is the legendary folk dance of the state performed to the melodious tune of the flute and beats of various percussions. The word origi-nated from 'Garbhdeep'-meaning an earthen pot with holes and a lamp lit inside, symbolic of the human body and the divine soul within. Accordingly an earthen pot is placed in the centre of the circles that are formed while performing the dance. Possibly the world's largest Dance festival ever, it is celebrated with fervour all over India, but one can watch it in its most passionate form only in Gujarat. October 15th to 24th are the scheduled dates and the world is welcome to join in.

Navratri (October 15-October 24)