Saturday, July 31, 2010

Pakistan must check all terror groups, says David Cameron

Pakistan must check all terror groups, says David Cameron

Sandeep Dikshit
Manmohan hopes Islamabad will honour commitments

NEW DELHI: Underlining the need to remain engaged with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his British counterpart, David Cameron, on Thursday called on Islamabad to be indiscriminate in cracking down on terror groups operating from its soil.
“We believe that Pakistan should be as serious in paying attention to terror on its western borders as on the eastern borders. I sincerely hope the world community would use its good offices to promote this,” Dr. Singh said at a joint press conference with Mr. Cameron here. “It is not acceptable, as I have said, for there to be within Pakistan existence of terror groups that cause terrorism within Pakistan, outside Pakistan, in Afghanistan, India and elsewhere in the world,” added Mr. Cameron. At the same time, Pakistan should be encouraged to take steps to see that terror was reduced. “We want to work with Pakistan to make it fight the LeT [Lashkar-e-Taiba] and Afghan or Pakistan Taliban. The Pakistan government has taken steps and it needs to take further steps to reduce terrorism in Afghanistan, India and the streets of London. I think the right thing is to have discussion with Pakistan frankly, clearly and openly. Next week, I will have discussions with the President of Pakistan,'' he said.
Making the same point, Dr. Singh hoped that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi would accept the invitation to visit India later this year so that “sooner or later” the dialogue was restored to the “proper sense of purpose.”
In his first observations on the July 15 talks in Islamabad between the Indian and Pakistani Foreign Ministers, Dr. Singh said the discussions covered a lot of ground but the outcome appeared to be rancorous due to Mr. Qureshi's comments at a press conference that followed. Regretting the “way in which the press conference was handled,” he, nevertheless, felt that the discussions managed to “reach agreements on a large number of issues having a bearing on bilateral ties.”
“The way the press conference was handled by the Pakistani Foreign Minister distracted from the larger elements of the agreements reached between the Foreign Ministers of both countries,” he observed while declining to judge the outcome of the talks because “we are too close to events to pass a firm judgment on the outcome of the recent discussions.”
Replying to another question, Dr. Singh expressed the hope that Pakistan would honour the commitments given to him and his predecessors on many occasions that terror from its territory would not be directed against India.
Asked what the international community would do to see that Pakistan did not export terror, Mr. Cameron concurred with Dr. Singh's observations and added that Pakistan must crack down on or eliminate all terror groups, including the LeT.

Villagers block road after famer’s suicide

Villagers block road after famer’s suicide
Dhenkanal

After Auja Dehury, 22, of village Dassipur in Kankadahad block of Dhenkanal district committed suicide by consuming pesticide late on Wednesday night, the villagers blocked the road at Mahabirod for two hours on Thursday with his body protesting the "anti-farmer’ agriculture policy of the Government causing serial suicides of farmers in the State.

The agitating farmers withdrew the road blockade only after Kankadahad BDO Bidhnu Prasad Acharya and Inspector of Parjang police station assured them of possible steps for compensating the loss of crops of the deceased farmer.

Sources said Dehury cultivated cauliflower in one acre of his land last year borrowing agricultural loan of Rs 1 lakh from a bank and another Rs 50,000 hand loan from villagers.

But unfortunately, while his cauliflower crop was damaged due to insects, the paddy he had cultivated in the rest of his one-and-a-half acres upland was lost due to lack of water.

On Wednesday, when he was preparing the bed for re-cropping of cauliflower, the private financers forced him to repay their money.

Depressed over this as he was in no position to repay the loan he took his own life.

Dehury had got married only six months back.

Meanwhile, when the Kankadahad BDO, the Deputy Director Agriculture and Deputy Director Horticulture visited the village to assess the crop loss, only the Maa Mangala Self Help Group claimed that Dehury had borrowed Rs 20,000 from it.



http://www.dailypioneer.com/BHUBANESWAR/Bhubaneswar.html

NRO urges CM for recognition of Ghumura dance

NRO urges CM for recognition of Ghumura dance

Bhubaneswar

Noted Non-Resident Odia (NRO) Digambara Patra has written an e-mail to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to give due weightage to Ghumura folk dance form and its exponents while recommending artistes for the prestigious Padmashri award.

While Odissi, Chhau, Ranapa and other folk dance forms have been getting national recognition, Ghumura lacks patronage from the State Government, he lamented asking whether scholars of Ghumura lack political lobby or the form belongs to KBK and does not belong to a particular region continuously favoured by the Odisha State.

Ghumura is more popular than Ranapa and it is much ahead of many other dance forms in Odisha in terms of popularity of folk dance and it is more scholarly researched, cultivated and has a history of at least a 1,000 years, he remarked in his mail, a copy of which has also been sent to the President of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, State Department of Culture and all MPs from Odisha.

Alleging favoritism by various Chief Ministers towards their home district Ganjam in the name of south Odisha, he lamented that the Government was not giving equal recognition to Ghumura and its scholars.

Ghumura is one of the most sought after and leading folk dance forms in Odisha.

It is classified as a folk dance but it bears more resemblance with other classical dance forms of India and the dance is not limited to tribal only, he said.

The dance is associated with social entertainment, relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all class, creed and religion in the present days and can be classified as classical dance, he advocated.

Ghumura dance is still popularly hidden in the village level in south Odisha, western Odisha, central Odisha and some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Kalahandi is mainly known as land of Ghumura and has taken a leading rule in popularising and retaining its unique identity of Ghumura dance.

Ghumura dance has got the opportunity to represent the nation in various international events worldwide, he said.


http://www.dailypioneer.com/

Is Gujarat as a part of ‘enemy country’, asks Modi

Is Gujarat as a part of ‘enemy country’, asks Modi


Ahmedabad-

Hitting out at the Centre and the CBI, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said the agency's plea to the Supreme Court to shift the Sohrabuddin case outside Gujarat was an insult to the judicial system of the state.

He also asked the Centre whether it considered Gujarat as a part of "enemy country".

"Do you not consider the state as a part of India," Modi asked.

Accusing Congress of playing vote bank politics on the fake encounter case, Modi lambasted the ruling party at the Centre and also the CBI, which is probing the 2005 killing.

"There is an attempt to pollute the environment of Gujarat. This is an insult of the judicial system of Gujarat.. its judges..Its lawyers," Modi said at a function here.

"They are trying to malign my name for the last eight years. But now they have started maligning the judicial system of the state. I will not tolerate this. They can attack me but why the judicial system?" the Chief Minister asked.

"Am I doing anything wrong by fighting terrorism.. Have I done anything wrong by arresting the accused of Ahmedabad blasts. Why I am being stopped from fighting terrorism?" he asked.

The Central probe agency, which submitted a status report in the Supreme Court yesterday and placed records before it, has sought shifting of the case outside Gujarat for a "fair trial".

Amit Shah, former minister and a key Modi aide, has been arrested in the case.

"Why is Gujarat being treated as if it was part of an enemy state. Are judges of Gujarat useless. Other courts of the country are good, but courts in Gujarat are bad," Modi remarked.

"Gujarat's peace, brotherhood, development and progress is not liked by some people. They are working towards maligning it. There have been serious efforts to maintain peace in the state. But they do not want peace in Gujarat. They want to demean it," he alleged.

Citing the example of the Best Bakery case, in which the trial was held in a Mumbai court, Modi said even though the case was transferred to Mumbai, the investigation was done by Gujarat police, and the case papers and charge sheet was prepared by them.

"Only the courtroom and judge was from Mumbai, rest including the investigation was by Gujarat police, based on which the accused were convicted," he said.

Similarly, he said in the Bilkis Bano case, which was first transferred outside Gujarat, and then handed over to CBI, all persons except one, named in the chargesheet filed by Gujarat police were convicted.



PTI |

Friday, July 30, 2010

Nun ‘rape’ case medical report under suspicion

The medical report in the Kandhamal nun ‘rape’ case that was prepared by the Baliguda sub-divisional hospital doctor Sangita Mishra came under sharp criticism at the trial court here on Thursday when the defence lawyers questioned its veracity.

“How come a doctor could examine a rape victim on August 25, 2008 when the requisition for the same came two months after on October 1, 2008”, the defence lawyers asked the doctor who recorded her statements before the trial court.

The doctor however, told the court that she had examined the victim as per the order of requisition that was made two months after the incident. While the deposition of the doctor remained inconclusive on the day, the defence lawyers felt that the entire allegation of ‘rape’ of the nun was an afterthought to malign the State and the documents in support of it by the prosecution are “fake and fabricated”.

“The entire game plan of the prosecution to build up a sensational case out of a non-issue is now getting exposed and more such revealing facts would come out after the deposition of the nun,” informed the defence counsel Ajit Kumar Patnaik.

Besides the doctor, the local project administrator of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Suresh Chandra Suanr, who was also appointed as a Magistrate during the communal violence also deposed before the court on the day.

In a startling disclosure, the Magistrate who was present during the recording of the statement of the victim at the local police station said that the nun had complained about someone sitting on her thigh when the mob assaulted her and the priest of the
church.

Similarly another witness, Subash Digal told the trial court that some people among the mob had actually escorted the nun and the priest to the nearby police station when they were attacked by another group from the mob.

The witness could identify only one Mitu Patnaik from among the accused produced in the court on the day.


http://dailypioneer.com/272695/Nun-‘rape’-case-medical-report-under-suspicion.html

Maoists drew less blood: CM

BHUBANESWAR: On a day Union Home Minister P Chidambaram promised to eliminate Naxalism in three years, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reeled out statistics to claim that Maoists drew less blood in Orissa.


Drawing a parallel with other affected states, Naveen claimed in the Assembly that Maoist violence came down by 30 per cent during the first six months compared to the corresponding period last year. His statement comes at a time when Naxalite activities have spread to 25 of the 30 districts in the State and the radicals have been striking with alarming regularity.

Replying to the debate on Home Department Budget, the Chief Minister took solace that the number of violent incidents in Orissa was less than that in the neighbouring states.

In the first six months till June, 68 incidents, involving 42 deaths, were reported in Orissa. During the period, 312 incidents were reported in Chhattisgarh claiming 220 lives and 254 incidents, involving 76 deaths, were reported from Jharkhand. In West Bengal it was 143 deaths in 193 incidents.

The discussion was held in the absence of the Congress and the BJP MLAs who have been boycotting the proceedings demanding resignation of the two coal scam tainted ministers. The Congress, however, lashed out at Naveen for the failure of the State Government to contain the Maoist menace. Addressing a media conference here, Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Chakradhar Paik alleged that neglect of tribal areas has enabled the Maoists strengthen their base.

The problem cannot be solved by police alone, Paik said and added there should be development initiatives in the tribal areas. The party was bitter that the Chief Minister did not take the people’s representatives of the areas into confidence.

Naveen has not convened a single meeting of MLAs of the areas, into where the Maoists have made inroads in the recent years, Paik pointed out.


http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Thursday, July 29, 2010

250 NGOs blacklisted in State

250 NGOs blacklisted in State
Bhubaneswar

Planning and Coordination Minister Anang Uday Singh Deo on Thursday informed the Assembly that the State Governmnet has black listed 250 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as they were involved in anti-State works.

Giving a reply to a question of Sidharth Sekhar Singh and additional questions of Rabi Narayan Nanda, Amar Prasad Satapathy, Sananda Marandi, Nrusinhga Sahu, Satya Narayan Pradhan, Sanjay Das Burma, Minister said nearly 1.5 lakh NGOs are working in the State now and they had received foreign funding of Rs 5.40 crore in five years from 2004-05 to 2009.

He also informed that while 83 thousand NGOs have been taking up different works in district levels, 23, 719 have been registered in State level. Of the black listed NGOs, 84 working in Nayagarh district had received Rs 2.65 crore from all sources including Central and State Governments. Grants have been stopped to such NGOs, Minister informed.

Sing Deo said the NGOs are funded as per the guidelines which have been specially set for them. District collectors have been asked to look into the workings of the suspected NGOs, he said.

BJP Krushak Morcha seeks CM’s resignation

BJP Krushak Morcha seeks CM’s resignation
Bhubaneswar,(visakeo)

The BJP Krushak Morcha in a meeting of the State and district functionaries here on Thursday has expressed concern over the CAG report stating that there has been a scam of Rs 4,200 crores in the Water Resources Department.

In the meeting presided over Krushak Morcha State unit president Maheshwar Sahu, the Morcha has questioned the transparent and clean image of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as he is holding the portfolio of Water resources. The Morcha alleged that water resources are being provided to the industries instead of agriculture and there is a conspiracy to provide water to the upcoming industries and there is an alarm bell for the farmers of the State.

The Naveen Government which is trumpeting to irrigate 65 per cent of the agricultural land has, till now not been able to irrigate 25 per cent of the lands.The Morcha said it will demonstrate before all the district collectorates on August 5 and demand for a CBI inquiry into the scam and demand the resignation of the Chief Minister

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Puri deities dazzle in gold

PURI: Gun-toting police personnel formed multi-layered security cover around the three chariots today as the Puri Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra - was decked in gold as part of the `Sunavesha' ritual.


As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.

Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.

The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.

Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.

Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.

Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.


http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Friday, July 23, 2010

NREGS failed to contain rural migration in Orissa: CAG

BHUBANESWAR: Despite implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), rural migration increased by a whooping 116 per cent in Orissa with irregularities in galore at many fronts, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India today.

The rate of rural migration was abnormally high by 483 per cent in Nuapada district while the state average was 116 per cent, CAG said in its report for the year ending March 31, 2009.

The report which was tabled in the assembly today found several lacunae as incidents of manipulation in muster
rolls, non-payment of unemployment allowance and others.

"Deceased persons, government employees and old age persons were shown engaged and received wages," the report said adding 61 per cent beneficiaries were not even aware of their rights and privileges they are entitled to under the scheme.

Use of labour displacing machines was also noticed in Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh districts. Inspection in 26
blocks found that 11030 works were executed at Rs 154.99 crore through contractors/middlemen in the guise of Village Labour Leaders (VLLs) and department officials.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

15 lakh devotees witness Sunavesha

15 lakh devotees witness Sunavesha

PURI:Over 15 lakh devotees thronged the abode of Sri Jagannath here on Thursday to witness the famous Sunavesha of the deities on raths. This was the most decorative vesha of the lords outside the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple.
Gun-toting police personnel formed multi-layered security cover around the three chariots today as the Puri Trinity - Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra - was decked in gold as part of the `Sunavesha' ritual.


As per the tradition, after arrival of the three chariots at the 'Singhadwara' of the main temple the deities are dressed in pure gold and ornaments studded with rare jewels. While Sunavesha is observed five times in a year this is the lone occasion when the devotees get to have a glimpse of the Gods in gold.

Three separate teams of servitors, belonging to each deity, drew ornaments, weighing 100 kg, from the temple treasury and carried them to the raths where it was handed over to the three special sets of servitors. The process began at about 3 pm and was over by 5 pm.

The deities were adorned with objects resembling giant human limbs like the feet and hands besides weapons of the deities like mace, Chakra and insignias _ lotus and conch. The other decorations included giant diadems, kundalas and chest guards besides necklaces and garlands studded with rare jewels. All these were, however, returned to the temple treasury after the 'Sunavesha' was over.

Of the seven concealed ornament compartments in the temple treasury only one was opened till now. This lone compartment contains 367 items made of four quintals of gold and silver ornaments weighing 14 quintals. As many as 251 items find mention in the official inventory conducted in 1978. These apart, platinum ornaments studded with diamond, emerald, ruby and other precious stones of rare quality and size are used on special occasions.

Over 12 lakh devotees thronged this small town to witness the glittering function, throwing traffic haywire. The residents were put to immense difficulties as police closed almost all roads leading to the Grand Road from morning. There were traffic jams along various routes leading to the Holy City. Devotees waited for hours to join the queue.

Besides the security personnel, security cameras were scanning the crowd while an unspecified number of plainclothes police and intelligence personnel were pressed into service along with bomb detection and disposal squads.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Press Release on Coal Scam and CM’s statement to the Assembly.

Press Release on Coal Scam and CM’s statement to the Assembly.
-------- viswa sambad kendra orissa-----

Addressing a Press Conference to-day (Dt.21/7/’10), the Chief Spokesman and State Vice President Ashok Sahu castigated the Chief Minister of being a party to the on going Coal scam under the OSIS by protecting the two Ministers who were at one time Chairman of the Corporation. Shri Sahu alleged that Pratap Jena had personally got one Balaji Coal Traders appointed as Handling Agent who is transporting Coal from MCL to the Coal Depot at Manguli Chhak in Cuttack District by trucks and Tippers owned by ‘ Baba Lingaraj Transport Co.’ whose real owner is Pradip jena himself. He further alleged that Badri Narayan Patra, another Minister now was signatory to a resolution dated 17th February 2009 for setting up Coal Depots owned by private parties even at places where MCL has its own depot. It is in violation of the FSA and also the guidelines set by the Department of Public Enterprises as the expenditure involved exceeded ten lakh rupees. The prior approval of the parent department of Industries should have been obtained by the OSIS before embarking upon changes in the Coal distribution policy as resolved on 17/2/2009. Shri Sahu emphatically stated that there are enough materials to constitute prima facie charges against both the Ministers to investigate into their complicity in the multi Crore Coal Scam. But the CM, by giving clean chit to the delinquent members in the Cabinet has pre-emptied the investigation by the Vigilance Department. He alleged that in face of a clean chit by none other than CM himself, no one in the Vigilance Department would finger at these two delinquents even if they are guilty.
Shri Sahu further alleged that Hemant Sharma, the IAS officer was benefited by being posted as the Director Industries as well as the Managing Director of the OSIS as a reward for the services he rendered as the Collector and Returning Officer in Kendrapada where Naveen Babu’s arch-enemy Bijoy Mohapatra was contesting the elections in 2004. Shri Sharma as Director Industries formulates policies for allotment of MSMES entitled for such subsidized coal and as MD of the OSIS was implementing his own decisions in a different capacity. How he could be above board when corruption is ascertained to have been committed during preliminary enquiry. The CM has admitted in his statement before the Assembly on 17/7/2010 that there has been corruption reported in the OSIS but regarding appointment of private Coal Depot holders the concerned file had not gone to Badri Narayan Patra. But the resolution dated 17/2/2010 is within full knowledge of Patra as per records. Hence, CM’s statement is baseless, illogical and intended to mislead the House. The CM has to drop these two delinquents from his Cabinet and suspend Hemant Sharma and Akhil Jena to facilitate the Vigilance Department for impartial and fearless investigation.

Lakhs witness Jagannath's return car festival

PURI: Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad thronged the pilgrim town of Puri today to witness 'Bahuda Yatra', the return car festival of Lord Jagannath amidst tight security.


Winding up their nine-day annual sojourn to their auht's abode, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra set off their return journey to the 12th century shrine on three majestic wooden chariots.

A host of special rituals were performed before the deities moved out of the Gundicha temple to the three colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey as sound of 'Jai Jagannath' rent the air in the seashore town.

The three deities were then taken to the chariots in an elaborate royal ritual called 'Pahandi' to the beating of gongs, cymbals and konch shells as devotees and 'sevayats' (worshippers) jostled to have a closer look and to touch them.

Jagannath was ensconsed in the largest of the chariots, 45-feet high 'Nandighosh' which has 16 huge wooden wheels. The chariot of Balabhadra was the 14-wheeled 44 feet high 'Taladhwaja' and that of Subhadra known as 'Darpadalan' with 12 wheels and standing 43 feet high.

The Gajapati King of Puri, Divya Singha Deb arrived from his palace on a silver-plated palanquin for the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual. He offered prayers to the deity and then swept the platforms with a golden broom and sprinkled flowers and fragrant water.

The giant chariots were pulled by devotees on "bada danda", the grand avenue up to the lion's gate in front of Sri Jagannath temple where they would be stationed till Friday.

The deities would be decorated with 'suna besha', golden attire, tomorrow on the chariots, which is expected to attract a large number of devotees.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/lakhs-witness-jagannaths-return-car-festival/191739.html

9 acquitted in Kandhamal riots case

PHULBANI: A fast track court here today acquitted nine persons in a case relating to communal riots in Kandhamal in 2008 for lack of evidence. Additional Sessions Judge of Fast Track CourtII Chittaranjan Das acquitted nine persons who had been arrested from Tikabali area for various offences, including arson.


The main charge against them was that of torching a church on August 28, 2008, at Beladevi village under Tikabali police limits ?
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/9-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots-case/191616.html

Kandhamal riots: 229 churches damaged

BHUBANESWAR: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Surjya Narayan Patro today said that 229 prayer houses and churches were damaged in the 2008 riots in Kandhamal district.


In a written reply to a question from Nihar Ranjan Mahanand (Cong), the Minister said that the State Government had sanctioned Rs 51.9 lakh for the repair and renovation of all the 229 damaged churches after the Supreme Court directive. He said that no temple was damaged during the riots in the district.

The Minister said that Rs 50.9 lakh has already been paid to the managing committees of 221 prayer houses and churches.

He said that funds for repair and renovation of the prayer houses were paid by the State Government and the Centre had no contribution in it.

While the highest number of 55 prayer houses were damaged in Tikabali block, 44 were damaged in G Udaygiri block. The number of prayer houses damaged in other blocks are, Phulbani nine, Phiringia one, Chakapada one, Raikia 39, K Nuagaon 34, Daringbadi 16, Baliguda 19, Tumudibandh five and Kotagarh six.

http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/kandhamal-riots-229-churches-damaged/191935.html

'46 farmers killed self in 2 years'

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government today admitted 46 farmers committed suicide in the State during two years, 200910 and 201011, for different reasons.


In a written reply to a question from Pratap Chandra Sarangi (Ind) and Ramchandra Kadam (Cong), Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout said that 27 out of the 46 farmers who committed suicide had availed of loans from different banks while the reason behind the death of others was not available. While three farmers ended their lives in Balasore district, four committed suicide in Bargarh. But the cause behind the suicide of farmers from Bargarh district is yet to be ascertained. Two each committed suicide in Balangir and Cuttack districts. Boudh reported a lone case. The farmer, Uograsena Mahanandia, had taken a crop loan of Rs 9,000 and goatery loan of Rs 30,000.

Two such cases were reported from Ganjam district. The reason behind the death of Banchhanidhi Pradhan of Srichandanpur village by consuming poison has been stated to be due to quarrel within the family.


http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/46-farmers-killed-self-in-2-years/191605.html

'Gujarati Muslims well-off than brethrens in WB'

PATNA: The Muslims in BJP-ruled Gujarat were "prosperous" in comparison to their brethrens in the Left Front ruled West Bengal, the BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed here today.


"The growth rate of Muslims in terms of their prosperity is the highest in Gujarat and the poorest in West Bengal being lorded by the 'secular' forces," he told reporters here.

Prasad made the remark in defence of Narendra Modi in reply to a question about the jitters among the minority community about the latter's visit to Bihar to attend the BJP national executive.

"Modi will attend the two-day national executive and address a rally at the historic Gandhi Maidan here on June 13," Prasad said.

The BJP national spokesman refused to answer a volley of question on the image of the Gujarat Chief Minister and the reservation about him among the Muslims.

PTI-http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/gujarati-muslims-well-off-than-brethrens-in-wb/180518.html

Smooth return of Lord Jagannath

PURI: After `khichdi’ and `gopal bhog’ in the morning, it was a smooth return journey. The gods must have enjoyed the 3-km hassle-free ride while the devotees perspired in scorching heat. But for the six lakh visitors, these were moments to cherish despite high humidity.


The ropes of all the three chariots snapped at various places causing some anxious moments. Some devotees and cops were injured.

As if the Trinity was in a hurry for `Bahuda,’ all the rituals were completed before time. `Pahandi,’ slated to be over around 1.30 pm, was completed by 11.45 am.

`Chherapahanra’ by Gajapati Dibya Singh Deb was completed 90 minutes before

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=33884226

BJD MP Siddhant promoting Maoism: BJP’s youth wing

BJD MP Siddhant promoting Maoism: BJP’s youth wing
Bhubaneswar(visakeo) -
The State Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha on Wednesday met Governor MC Bhandare and sought his immediate intervention to stop the release of Odia movie Swayamsidha in which a ruling BJD MP Siddhant Mohapatra plays the role of a Maoist area commander.

CM’s clean chit would impact coal scam probe: BJP

CM’s clean chit would impact coal scam probe: BJP
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-
The BJP on Wednesday strongly criticised Chief Minister's clean chit to the two tainted Ministers, Badri Narayan Patra and Pratap Jena, in the multi-crore linkage coal scam terming the same as the latter's 'pre-judgement'. The party has also reiterated its demand of bringing former MD of OSIC Hemant Sharma into the investigation.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Now, Opposition demands CAG audit BHUBANESWAR: With allegations and recriminations flying thick and fast, the Opposition on Tuesday came out with a fr

Now, Opposition demands CAG audit
BHUBANESWAR: With allegations and recriminations flying thick and fast, the Opposition on Tuesday came out with a fresh demand to embarrass the Government. Bent upon seeing the sack of the two tainted ministers, it called for CAG auditing the entire business transaction of coal by the Orissa Small Industries Corporation (OSIC) in the past 10 years.
At a media conference, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh and Opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan pointed out that the decision to appoint coal handling agents was taken at 161st board meeting of the corporation. The fuel supply agreement (FSA) between OSIC and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) did not have the provision for appointment of coal handling agents, which has been mentioned by the Vigilance in its FIR, Harichandan said.
The resolution has the signature of the then OSIC chairman Badri Narayan Patra. This, Harichandan claimed, contradicts the statement of the Chief Minister in the Assembly giving the ministers a clean chit.
This was also corroborated by BJP leader K V Singhdeo after the allparty meeting. He said the resolution of the 161st board meeting having the signature of the then chairman Patra was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister at the meeting.
OSIC is involved in coal business since 1992. Patra was its chairman when the new coal policy was formulated in 2007. And during the tenure of Pratap Jena, OSIC was involved in subsidised coal business, Harichandan said. As per the new coal policy, coal transaction by OSIC should have been reviewed by Industries Minister Raghunath Mohanty on a monthly basis. Mohanty has become a party by not reviewing it, he charged.
Singh said coal transaction under all the district industries centres (DICs) should be investigated. The Vigilance has probed transactions of only Jagatpur, Cuttack and Kendrapara DICs, Singh added. Meanwhile, the Opposition boycott of the Assembly continued even as Naveen Patnaik attended the allparty meeting convened by Speaker Pradip Amat on Tuesday to end the stalemate. But the meeting failed to bring out a solution as there was no meeting ground between the two sides.
While Naveen described the resignation demand as `unjustified', Singh alleged that facts placed by them were ignored at the meeting.

http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

9 acquitted in Kandhamal riots case

9 acquitted in Kandhamal riots case
PHULBANI: A fast track court here today acquitted nine persons in a case relating to communal riots in Kandhamal in 2008 for lack of evidence. Additional Sessions Judge of Fast Track CourtII Chittaranjan Das acquitted nine persons who had been arrested from Tikabali area for various offences, including arson.
The main charge against them was that of torching a church on August 28, 2008, at Beladevi village under Tikabali police limits ?




http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/9-acquitted-in-kandhamal-riots-case/191616.html

Birla Tyres crisis: Utkal Bharat seeks Govt intervention

Birla Tyres crisis: Utkal Bharat seeks Govt intervention
Utkal Bharat chief Kharabela Swain, on Tuesday, met Chief Secretary Tarun Kanti Mishra at the State Secretariat and demanded State Government’s immediate intervention in the ongoing crisis in Birla Tyres at Balasore. He told Mishra that the problem occurred as the plant management is intolerant with the genuine activities of the recognised Birla Tyres Workers’ Union (BTWU).

Naveen has no right to be in office: BJP, Cong

BHUBANESWAR: Hours after BJP demanded the chief minister's resignation in the wake of Orissa High court's observation on state's "inconsistent" mineral policy, Congress today asked Naveen Patnaik to step down from office to prove his respect for law of the land.


"Patnaik often says that law will take its own course.

Now the court of law (Orissa HC) has indicted the state government in strongest words finding it on wrong foot while disposing a case relating to recommendation of Posco-India's name for prospecting license (PL) over an iron ore reserve," senior Congress leader Narashingha Mishra told reporters here.

Dubbing Patnaik as a person who had "no respect" for the laws, courts and Constitution, Mishra challanged him to go by law in context to recent High Court judgement.

Citing an instance of the chief minister's alleged lack of respect for law, the senior Congress leader pointed out that Lok Pal's direction in connection with the land acquisition for Vedanta University project, was also not abided by the state government.

Though the Lok Pal had asked the state government to take action on its recommendation on Vedanta University case within 90 days, nothing was done, Mishra said.

In the much-hyped mining scam also the state government failed to arrest the real culprits or seize minerals worth Rs 110 crore stolen by a private company even after one year, he alleged.

Cautioning the chief minister, the Congress leader said that Patnaik should step down voluntarily as the law has been chasing him on different cases.

"Now the chief minister is liable to criminal prosecution in view of the observations made by the High Court on mineral policy," Mishra said.

Quoting a portion of the HC judgement of July 14, Mishra said "This clearly shows that the stand taken by the government is totally inconsistent and the mineral policy of the state is totally in a mess and the state government has adopted a policy that would suit to the situation and suit to favoured parties."

Meanwhile, the agitating Congress MLAs already on dharna over coal scam demanded a probe by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Accusing the chief minister of shielding the two ministers in the coal scam, leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh alleged that more ministers could be part of the irregularities.


http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/congress-seeks-naveen-patnaiks-resignation/191451.html

Tension at Tulashi Kshetra as non-Hindu enters temple

Tension at Tulashi Kshetra as non-Hindu enters temple
kendrapara(visakeo)-Tension erupted among the servitors and the devotees in Gundicha temple at Tulashi Kshetra, the abode of Lord Baladevjew at Ichhapur here on Monday following a non-Hindu’s entry with Swami Prangyanandaji into the 300-year-old Gundicha shrine.

Hindu radicals dominate Orissa’s schools

Hindu radicals dominate Orissa’s schools
Published Date: June 25, 2010

Tags: Orissa’s schools, Radical Hindu groups, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS


Christians are worried over the influence of Hindu extremists in Orissa schools
Today's Indian News
Indian Muslim condemns murder of Pak Christians
First women seminary professor teaches Bible
Communists tell off ‘meddling’ bishops
Church helps students taste new media
Pro-Hindu student group protests terrorism
Radical Hindu groups in Orissa may have stolen a march on Christians by developing a large network of schools in rural areas of the state neglected by the Church, an education expert fears.

Since 1978, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS, national volunteer corps) has built a network of 793 schools in the eastern state with a faculty of 12,000 teachers, local reports say.

“The RSS has spearheaded the movement, successfully penetrating into the educational systems of both the grassroots and centralized regulatory commissions,” the English-language Asian Age notes.

“A whole new generation is being grown indoctrinated in Hindutva (Hindu ideology). It is a devious strategy to teach hate to the young,” the paper claims, with as many as 55 of the top 100 10th grade students now coming from these schools.

“The RSS made it clear that the schools, together with the Ekal Vidyalayas (primary schools in villages), were set up to counter the influence of the schools run by the Church,” John Dayal, President of the All India Christian Council, said.

He lamented that Christian schools, which are mostly located in metropolitan cities and towns, have earned the reputation of being elite English language institutions for the rich and powerful.

Barring a few exceptions, there are hardly any Christian schools in rural areas, Dayal added, and the RSS-run schools fill the vacuum, providing high quality education without the elitism.

“The Church needs to do a rethinking in this regard,” he warned.

Father Anselm Biswal, former director of social work, agreed.

“The schools that we have are no match for the RSS schools,” he said. “What we require today is a commitment and direction to the issue of education”.

Source: ucanews.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

International Rama Dharma Pracharka Sabha

International Rama Dharma Pracharka Sabha
Bhagya Nagar, 500 094

Will conduct

Karkitaka Vavu Bali and Pithru smarana

Day, Date & Time
Monday, the 9th Aug 2010 at 7:00 am

Venue
Ganesh Ghat
Kapra Lake
Sainikpuri
Bhagyanagar

Register your name beofre 7 th Aug 2010
ALL ARE WELCOME
For Details:
Pradeep Nambiaar 9440115560
G Suresh Kumar 9000242150
Hary Krishnan 9912130300

RSS Cooperate with Investigators: Bhagwat

RSS Cooperate with Investigators: Bhagwat
Thiruvananthapuram | Jul 19, 2010 PRINT SHARE COMMENTS









RSS today expressed readiness to cooperate with officials investigating allegations about its involvement with Hindu right wing groups named in terror attacks in parts of the country.

"It has been repeatedly made clear that violence has no place in work of the Sangh. It has never encouraged violence and would not do so in the future as well", he said addressing a gathering after inaugurating RSS's new office building here.

The Sangh has expressed readiness to co-operate with officials investigating the allegations against it, he said.

"It is not the mission of the Sangh to intimidate anybody or create a scare. Nor will it allow itself to be intimidated by adversaries", Bhagwat said.

Bhagwat alleged some vested interests and adversaries were trying to defame RSS without any reason. "This is being done with the ulterior motive of spreading misunderstanding about the Sangh", he said.

The RSS chief said a section of the media has 'misgivings' about the activities of the Sangh".

Alluding to criticism of the outfit in the wake of the attack on Headlines Today office in Delhi allegedly by RSS workers, Bhagavat, without naming the channel, said the media's 'lack of proper understanding' of the Sangh could be the reason behind charges being levelled against it.

He, however, said the Sangh would survive the attempts to defame it as society knew it was a cadre-based organisation that respected the rule of law and the Constitution.
http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?687950

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - Chennai] Vilification campaign on against Sangh

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - Chennai] Vilification campaign on against Sangh
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Reply |Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Chennai
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RSS Chief today reiterated Sangh's readiness to cooperate with officials investigating allegations about its involvement with Hindu right wing groups named in terror attacks in parts of the country.
“It has been repeatedly made clear that violence has no place in work of the Sangh. It has never encouraged violence and would not do so in the future as well”, he said addressing a gathering after inaugurating RSS’s new Karyalaya (office building) in Thiruvananthapuram here.
The Sangh has expressed readiness to co-operate with officials investigating the allegations against it, he said.

“It is not the mission of the Sangh to intimidate anybody or create a scare. Nor will it allow itself to be intimidated by adversaries”, Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat alleged some vested interests and adversaries were trying to defame RSS without any reason. “This is being done with the ulterior motive of spreading misunderstanding about the Sangh”, he said.
http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?687950
http://www.asianetindia.com/videos/vilification-campaign-sangh-rss-chief-2_174604.html


--
Posted By VSK, Chennai to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - Chennai at 7/20/2010 06:42:00 PM



--

VANDE MATARAM
----------------------------------------------------
VISHWA SAMVAD KENDRA, CHENNAI
12, M V Naidu Street, Chetput,
Chennai -600 031, Tamilnadu
Phone: 044-2836 5386
Visit us at http://rsschennai.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------------------------

• Orissa identifies 4,083 Bangladeshi infiltrators, deports 48

Orissa identifies 4,083 Bangladeshi infiltrators, deports 48
Bhubaneswar(visakeo)-"Though the state government had identified 4,083 infiltrators from Bangladesh, it was not aware of the presence of infiltrators from any other country," he said replying to a question in the assembly.
While highest number of 1,649 Bangladeshi infiltrators were identified in coastal Kendrapara district, it was followed by 1,112 in Jagatsinghpur district, 703 in Malkangiri, 313 in district, 150 in Balasore district, 106 in Nabarangpur district and two in Baragarh district respectively, he said.
"The state government is not aware about involvement of any infiltrators in anti-national activities," Patnaik said pointing out that stringent action would be taken if any infiltrator was found to be involved in anti-national activities.
The state government had also taken several steps including round-the-clock patrolling in coastline to stop further infiltration into the state, the chief minister said.

Orissa may become Odhisha

Orissa may become Odhisha

NEW DELHI: In the monsoon session of Parliament, the Centre plans to push through several pending legislations, including formal change in the name of Orissa to Odisha and Oriya language to Odia.
The proposed change requiring an amendment in the first and eighth Schedule of the Constitution will be put before Parliament, sources said. The Union Cabinet had cleared the proposed amendment without a discussion in October 2009 after Orissa Assembly moved a resolution in August to change the state’s name to Odisha and its official language to Odia.
The set of legislative amendments and introduction of new Bills also include Landports Authority Bill, amendment in the Criminal Procedure Code(CrPC) and proclamation of President’s rule in Jharkhand.

http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Another bomb explosion creates panic in Cuttack

Another bomb explosion creates panic in Cuttack

CUTTACK: Explosion of a bomb in the vicinity of the crowded Cuttack railway station this morning spread panic waves in the region. The incident coming only five days after the bombing on several small businessmen near the station has only added to the fear. According to reports, the bomb exploded inside an abandoned house very close to the gate no. 1 of the Railway station this morning. The explosion was of low intensity and did not cause any injuries to the passengers or passers-by. But, the explosion sparked off a panic running at the railway station. Police rushed to the spot and found two more unexploded bombs in the house. The bombs, all of crude nature, were apparently hidden inside the structure. The bomb defusing personnel of the police neutralised the two. Miscreants on the night of July 13 had hurled bombs at vendors injuring three. Shop owners Rabindra Nayak, Muktikanta Ray and Dhaneswar Swain were standing near their neighbouring shops when miscreants hurled three bombs in quick succession at them. The attack was attributed to extortion demands but police are yet to nab the miscreants.

http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Tsunami or cyclone, here’s instant alert

Tsunami or cyclone, here’s instant alert
BHUBANESWAR: Disaster warning along the Indian coast is all set for a makeover. Just picture a scenario where a tsunami warning is issued through the public address systems minutes after an earthquake strikes.
To make disaster warning effective, and give vulnerable population more time to respond, a public address system-based mechanism would make its mark in 13 states of the country soon as part of the last mile connectivity programme of National Disaster Mitigation Authority (NDMA) which is, currently, devising the system that will be piloted in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh before being extended to other states.
The system will be automatic and run 24x7. Once an alert is issued, the system will disseminate the information and would require no functional operation at any point, said Project Director of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project Dr GSG Aiyangar.
“We’re looking at different states having different sets of geographical frameworks and needs. What Andaman and Nicober needs would be different from that of Orissa. That’s why we are devising a system that caters to all the states,” he said.
Currently in the State Capital to evaluate the proposed Communication Hubs and Last Mile Connectivity Project by the Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA), Aiyangar said, the public address system will complement the existing six-layer communication system in place.
The strategy is to prioritise the vulnerable pockets in three tiers and then install the system accordingly. The NDMA is assessing the gaps to finalise where such systems can be located.
“Natural disasters are getting bigger in magnitude and ferocious by the way. We need multi-layered communication approach to take on the calamities,” Special Relief Commissioner Nikunja Sundaray said.
According to Aiyangar, it was the 1999 Super Cyclone which is the benchmark for the challenge that natural disasters present. “We should be prepared to meet the challenges a calamity of that magnitude throws at us,” he said.
Meanwhile, it is the Communication Hubs and Last Mile Connectivity Project of the OSDMA which has caught the attention of NDMA. The project which looks at converting multi-purpose cyclone shelters into communication hubs may form the base of the model that NDMA is working on.
“We have invited the representatives of all the 13 states next week to finalise the model. The communication strategy would be ready in the next 10 days,” Aiyangar said.
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Kandhamal riots: 132 persons convicted

Kandhamal riots: 132 persons convicted

BHUBANESWAR: At Least 132 persons have till now been convicted in different cases related to 2008 communal violence in Kandhamal district, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said today.
While replying a question in the State Assembly, Naveen said 38 persons were killed in the communal violence. On the involvement of any particular person or organisation, Naveen, who is also in charge of the Home Department, said 24 activists belonging to Bajrang Dal and VHP were arrested and lodged in jails.

http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa

Monday, July 19, 2010

60 killed as express trains collide in West

Sainthia (West Bengal)


60 people were killed and over 90 passengers injured when a train in high speed tore through the rear of another at the Sainthia station in Bhirbhum district of West engal, after it apparently overshot the signal in the small hours of the day.

Driver M C Dey and assistant driver N K Mandal of the Sealdah-bound Uttarbanga Express, which collided with the Ranchi-bound Vananchal Express, were among the dead in the accident for which railways are not ruling out sabotage as the cause.

The guard of the Vananchal Express A Mukherjee also died in the mishap which was so severe that the roof and the sides of one of the compartments mounted the road overbridge across the tracks in the station, 191 kms from Kolkata, in Eastern Railway.

A part of another compartment of the Vananchal Express split and fell on the road along the tracks after being thrown over the bridge.

"A total of 60 persons, including three railway employees, have lost their lives in the accident when three rear coaches including one luggage van and two unreserved general second class coaches of the Vananchal Express were affected," an Eastern Railway release said here.

The accident occurred at 2:00 am when the New Coochbehar-Sealdah Uttarbanga Express came on the same track and rammed into the Bhagalpur-Ranchi Vananchal Express which was leaving platform number four at Sainthia station.

Eastern Railway General Manager V N Tripathi did not rule out sabotage, which Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee hinted this morning when she said "we have doubts about the cause of the accident, the second in West Bengal in two months".

The General Manager said the train was in speed and "what caused this we will have to find out. The driver is a very good driver and we are also puzzled".

Asked whether sabotage could be behind the accident, he said, "Possibly. Nothing could be ruled out".

Though the railways were hesitant to come out with the reason for the accident, the second in two months in West Bengal after the Jyaneshwari Express disaster that claimed 148 lives, an apparent overshooting of the signal by the driver of the Uttarbanga Express could be the reason behind this.

Eastern Railway sources in Kolkata and Railway Board sources in Delhi said the Uttarbanga Express, which has a scheduled stop at Sainthia, was running at a high speed, overshot the signal and ploughed into the Vananchal Express.

The scheduled arrival and departure of Uttarbanga Express at Sainthia was 1.38 am and 1.39 am. It was not clear why the train, which was to halt at the station, was at a high speed. The engine of the Uttarbanga Express, which was to stop at the station, telescoped into the rear of the Vananchal Express.

The affected bogies have been detached and the trains left for their destinations.

The Railway Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs five lakh each for the kin of the dead, Rs 1 lakh for grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for the other injured. Employment for one of the members of the victims' families will be given in railways, she said.

Railways have ordered a probe by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (eastern circle).

The hand of Maoists is suspected in the May 28 Jyaneshwari Express disaster following which a number of Maoists have been arrested.

Union Home Ministry has despatched five teams of National Disaster Relief Force comprising 140 personnel to assist in the rescue and relief operations. Three teams are already at the spot and the rest two will be reaching soon.

Heavy-duty gas cutters were brought from Panagarh to extricate bodies trapped in the mangled coaches of Vananchal Express.

"The National Disaster Management forces, including the BSF, and police are extricating bodies from the severely damaged coaches at the Sainthia station," West Bengal Director General of Police Bhupinder Singh told PTI.

Singh said that there was a scarcity of blood in the Suri and Sainthia hospitals where the injured were taken to.

"The police are arranging blood from the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital and are also looking for donors to meet the scarcity of blood," the DGP said.

Eastern Railways said rescue operations were proceeding on a war-footing and three relief trains, including medical vans, reached the site from Rampurhat, Burdwan and Asansol.

The first relief train with a medical van reached the site at 3:30 am and immediately started rescue operations, it said.

Trains were being run through the up line, though the down line was still blocked.

Other than cancellation of Malda Town-Howrah intercity Express, Sealdah-Rampurhat Intercity Express and Howrah-Rampurhat Express, the Kanchenjungha Express, Ganadevta Express, Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, Jamalpur Express, Kanchenkanya Express, Gaya-Howrah Express, Varanasi-Sealdah Express, Saraighat Express have been diverted via the Naihati-Azimganj route.

Rs 5 lakh, job to kin of dead in accident: Mamata

IANS| Kolkata

Compensation of Rs.5 lakh will be paid to the kin of those killed in the train accident in West Bengal's Birbhum district, union Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee said Monday.

She said a job will also be provided to the kin of the dead.

At least 49 people were dead and 150 injured when the speeding Sealdah-bound Uttar Banga Express rammed into the stationary Bhagalpur-Ranchi Vananchal Express from the rear at Sainthia station in Birbhum.

Banerjee also announced compensation of Rs.1 lakh for the greviously injured and Rs.25,000 for those who sustained minor injuries. (PTI )
________________________________________

One killed, two buildings blown up in Malkangiri

One killed, two buildings blown up in Malkangiri

In a series of attacks targeted at crippling police informers and the infrastructure used by security forces, armed Maoists gunned down a person and blew up two Government school buildings in the district in the wee hours of Sunday.

BJP farmers’ body seeks compensation package

BJP farmers’ body seeks compensation package

The farmers’ body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday agitated in front of the Sub-Collector’s office and demanded a compensation package for the farmers as damages due to loss of seeds supplied by the Government.

Perpetual renovation of Chhatia temple for Puri

Perpetual renovation of Chhatia temple for Puri

JAJPUR: Construction work at the Anantagopal temple in Chhatia, about 60 km from the Jajpur district headquarters, never stops.
It is not that the temple, otherwise known as Chhatiabata, needs regular repair or renovation but the legend has it that work in the temple must go on, come what may. And so has it been since time immemorial.
The temple gets plastered over and over again, new brick walls are added. Wooden doors and windows of the temple dismantled, refixed and get a coat of colour ceaselessly. The Anantagopal temple is regarded as the second abode of Lord Jagannath after Puri.
The endless constructions are certainly a drain on the temple exchequer but then, age-old customs cannot be done away with.
“Regular construction work has been a tradition of the temple,” explains Pradyumna Kumar Das, hereditary trustee of the temple who is treated by the Chhatiabata devotees as a living god. “Since the temple’s present structure cannot be allowed to be different from its past, work continues till now,” he said.
The unique tradition is rooted in age-old belief that comes from ancient scriptures called the Malika, according to which Chhatia originally belonged to Lord Jagannath. The faithfuls claim that Lord Jagannath - now ensconced in his abode at Puri - will return some day to Chhatia. And keeping his eventual return in mind, the construction work in the temple continues. “Lord Jagannath will return to Chhatia some day,” maintains Bibhuti Pal, a faithful. And the decks are being constantly cleared for the Lord’s eventual return. Since his return is expected any day, the statue of Jagannath at Chhatia rides a horse and holds a sword, keeping in mind that it is 'Kaliyug' and he would have to wipe out modern day evils in his reincarnation as Kalki. No one in Chhatia, therefore, expects the work to come to a halt till Lord Jagannath’s return. “The construction work in Chhatia temple will be stopped only when the Lord returns,” said Pal. The belief in the return of Lord Jagannath is so deeply-rooted that locals say if the construction at the temple and the preparations to welcome back the deity ever stop, there will be disasters and the world could even come to an end. The funds for construction works come from donations by devotees. And this also provides work for local carpenters, masons and labourers throughout the year.

Express News Service

Saturday, July 17, 2010

50,000 pull giant Nandighosh chariot in Keonjhar

50,000 pull giant Nandighosh chariot in Keonjhar
The famous Rath Yatra of Keonjhar passed off peacefully as the single giant chariot Nandighosh carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Subhadra arrived at their aunt’s house, Mausi Maa Temple at Bada Danda in Old Town area. Around 50,000 devotees from nearby areas including the neighbouring State of Jharkhand pulled the giant chariot from the famous Sri Baldev Jew Temple here on Tuesday afternoon after the traditional ‘chhera pahanra’ ritual was performed by chief royal priest Harihar Mishra of the present king Ananta Narayan Bhanja Deo.


http://www.dailypioneer.com/

Oriya Woman starts off Mission Mt Everest

Oriya Woman starts off Mission Mt Everest
Kalpana Dash, the adventurous lady from Dhenkanal whom the mountains and forests always lured and who had a childhood dream of conquering the World's highest peak, started off on her
renewed attempt to scale Mount Everest after being given a warm send off by Governor Rameswar Thakur, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other sports lovers in the Governor House. After the flag off ceremony in Raj Bhawan, Dash went straight to the Jagannath Mandir in Puri to seek Lord's blessing before leaving for Nepal. It will be Dash's second attempt to conquer Everest. In 2004, she could not make it to the top after climbing 7300 metres when she had to withdraw due to frost bite with the summit barely 1500 metres away. Last year was as miserable as the year before as she could not generate the requisite fund for the expedition though people of Dhenkanal,her home district, had organised a sponsorship campaign for her. However failure could not deter her and she has arranged about Rs 16 lakhs out of the total Rs 30 lakhs to be submitted at the end of her expedition and has urged people to donate for her cause.This time, many corporates have come forward with sponsorships and with well wishes from all, it is hoped that she will achieve grand success

Friday, July 16, 2010

हेडलाइंस टुडे के खिलाफ संघ का शांतिपूर्ण और अहिंसक प्रदर्शन

हेडलाइंस टुडे के खिलाफ संघ का शांतिपूर्ण और अहिंसक प्रदर्शन
नई दिल्ली। (visakeo) - राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के कार्यकर्ताओं ने शुक्रवार को टीवी टुडे समूह से जुडे़ न्यूज चैनल आज तक एवं हेडलाइंस टुडे और एक अंग्रेजी समाचार पत्र मेल टुडे के खिलाफ जमकर प्रदर्शन और नारेबाजी की। संघ कार्यकर्ताओं ने आज तक और हेडलाइंस टुडे को हिंदू विरोधी चैनल बताते हुए चैनलों के खिलाफ अपने रोष का लोकतांत्रिक ढंग से प्रदर्शन किया।

विडियोकॉन टॉवर के प्रवेश द्वार में घुसते समय हुई धक्का-मुक्की और पुलिस के साथ झड़प की घटना को छोड़कर प्रदर्शन शांतिपूर्ण और अहिंसक रहा। किसी भी कार्यकर्ता के हाथ में न तो डण्डे थे और न ही लाठियां। निहत्थे सैंकड़ों कार्यकर्ताओं ने टीवी टुडे समूह के समाचार चैनलों के खिलाफ जमकर नारेबाजी की।

राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ दिल्ली के प्रांत संघचालक श्री रमेश प्रकाश, सह प्रांत संघचालक श्री श्यामसुंदर अग्रवाल के नेतृत्व में करीब एक हजार कार्यकर्ताओं के जुलूस ने सायंकाल विडियोकॉन टावर स्थित हेडलाइंस टुडे के कार्यालय के भूतल स्थित मुख्यद्वार के बाहर एकत्रित होकर नारेबाजी शुरू की। कार्यकर्ताओं ने अपने हाथों में तख्तियां ले रखीं थीं जिन पर चैनल विरोधी नारे लिखे हुए थे।




‘हेडलाइंस टुडे हाय-हाय’, वंदे मातरम, भारत माता की जय, आर.एस.एस का अपमान- नहीं सहेगा हिंदुस्तान आदि नारे लगाते हुए कार्यकर्ता विडियोकॉन टावर के मुख्य प्रवेश द्वार के बाहर सायंकाल करीब 5 बजे के आस-पास एकत्रित होना शुरू हुए थे। प्राप्त जानकारी के अनुसार, संघ ने शांतिपूर्ण प्रदर्शन की सूचना पहले से ही स्थानीय पुलिस प्रशासन और हेडलाइंस टुडे के संपादकीय विभाग को दे रखी थी।

मुख्य प्रवेश द्वार के बाहर अभी प्रदर्शन चल ही रहा था कि तकरीबन 5.30 बजे सायंकाल लगभग हजार की संख्या में लोग जुलूस की शक्ल में विडियोकॉन टावर की ओर बढ़े। इस जुलूस में शामिल लोगों में कुछ लोग बहुत आक्रोशित थे। उनका कहना था कि हेडलाइंस टुडे राष्ट्र समर्पित संगठन आर.एस.एस के खिलाफ दुष्प्रचार कर रहा है। उसके वरिष्ठ कार्यकर्ताओं को आतंकवाद से जोड़ना पूरी तरह से निराधार है।

भीड़ में शामिल कुछ लोग हेडलाइंस टुडे के संपादक से मिलकर शिकायत दर्ज कराने की मांग करने लगे। वहां उपस्थित आर.एस.एस के वरिष्ठ लोगों ने कहा कि हमारा प्रदर्शन शांतिपूर्ण है, हमें यहां केवल धरना देना है। लेकिन भीड़ में शामिल लगभग 40-50 लोगों का समूह वरिष्ठ लोगों की अनदेखी करता हुआ मुख्य द्वार के भीतर घुसने का प्रयास करने लगा।

चूंकि विडियोकॉन टॉवर लगभग तेरह मंजिला ऊंची इमारत है। इस इमारत में न केवल आज तक, हेडलाइंस टुडे, मेल टुडे, दिल्ली आज तक का कार्यालय है वरन् आईडीबीआई, आईसीआईसीआई जैसे प्रतिष्ठित बैंक समेत दर्जनों अन्य अर्ध सरकारी, गैर सरकारी दफ्तर भी इस तेरह मंजिला भवन में स्थित हैं। आज तक और हेडलाइंस टुडे का दफ्तर भवन की चौथी मंजिल, पांचवी, छठी, बारहवीं और तेरहवीं मंजिल पर स्थित हैं।



भीड़ में शामिल लोगों की बातचीत और हाव-भाव से स्पष्ट दिख रहा था कि उन्हें इस बात की कोई स्पष्ट जानकारी नहीं थी कि आज तक अथवा हेडलाइंस टुडे का कार्यालय टॉवर के किस तल (फ्लोर) पर है। दूसरे विडियोकॉन टॉवर के प्रबंधन ने एहतियातन ऊपर जाने वाली सभी लिफ्ट को पहले ही बंद कर दिया था। यही कारण है कि मुख्य प्रवेश द्वार के अंदर घुसने के बाद उन्हें यह भी नहीं समझ आया कि वे क्या करें।

ऊपर जाने के लिए लिफ्ट की सुविधा बंद होने के कारण आवेशित कार्यकर्ताओं का दल वापस लौटने को बाध्य हो गया। लौटते समय भूतल पर स्थित स्वागत टेबल, टी स्टॉल और आईडीबीआई बैंक आदि दफ्तरों से जुड़े सूचना पट आदि धक्का-मुक्की में बिखर गए। एक उग्र व्यक्ति ने टी स्टॉल पर रखे गए झाडू या कहें वाइपर को हवा में उछाला। लेकिन तत्काल संघ के कुछ वरिष्ठ कार्यकर्ताओं जिसमें मुकेश कुमार, सह प्रांत कार्यवाह प्रमुख थे, ने उस व्यक्ति को डांटकर बाहर निकाल दिया। एक-आध मिनट के अंदर ही सभी लोगों को संघ के वरिष्ठों ने समझा-बुझाकर मुख्य द्वार से बाहर निकाल दिया। इस मध्य उपस्थित पुलिस को समझ नहीं आ रहा था कि वह क्या करे। जाहिर है कि संघ के बड़े-बुजुर्गों की उपस्थिति ने मामले को ज्यादा बिगड़ने नहीं दिया।

भगदड़ और बेतरतीबी का यह समूचा माज़रा कुछ मिनटों में ही निपट गया। लेकिन हेडलाइंस टुडे के खिलाफ गुस्से का इज़हार मुख्य द्वार के बाहर ज़ारी रहा। सैंकड़ों लोग धरने पर बैठ गए जिन्हें प्रांत संघचालक श्री रमेश प्रकाश ने संबोधित किया। उन्होंने अपने संबोधन में कहा कि हमें किसी प्रकार से हिंसक या अराजक प्रदर्शन नहीं करना है। हमारा प्रतीकात्मक विरोध हेडलाइंस टुडे के खिलाफ आज सफलतापूर्वक संपन्न हो गया है लेकिन यदि राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के खिलाफ किन्हीं पूर्वाग्रहों और राजनीतिक षडयंत्र के अन्तर्गत इसी प्रकार से दुष्प्रचार अभियान चलता रहा तो संघ के कार्यकर्ता लोकतांत्रिक तरीके से अपना विरोध प्रदर्शन आगे भी जारी रखेंगे और आवश्यकता पड़ी तो ऐसे हिन्दू विरोधी समाचार चैनलों के विरुद्ध मानहानि का मुकदमा भी दर्ज कराया जाएगा। धरने को प्रांत प्रचार प्रमुख रविंद्र बंसल, प्रांत कार्यवाह विजय कुमार, सह कार्यवाह मुकेश कुमार ने भी संबोधित किया।

बाद में कार्यकर्ताओं ने समूचे विडियोकॉन टॉवर को मानव श्रृंखला बनाकर घेरने की कोशिश भी की लेकिन भारी पुलिस बल आ जाने के कारण वे ऐसा नहीं कर सके। फिर भी विडियोकॉन टॉवर के अगल-बगल दोनों तरफ कार्यकर्ता नारेबाजी करते रहे। इस बीच एसीपी पुष्पेंद्र कुमार के द्वारा कुछ कार्यकर्तोओं को अपशब्द बोले जाने से कार्यकर्ता पुनः उग्र हो गए। दोनों ओर से भीषण गरमा-गरमी शुरू हो गई। पुलिस ने नारेबाजी कर रहे अनेक कार्यकर्ताओं को जबरन खींचकर अपने कब्जे में ले लिया और लाठियां पटकनी शुरू कर दी। इस लाठी-पटक में अनेक कार्यकर्ताओं की पुलिस ने बेरहमी से पिटाई की और चार कार्यकर्ताओं को पकड़कर विडियोकॉन टॉवर के अंदर अपनी गिरफ्त में ले लिया।



इस संवाददाता ने अपने कानों से एसीपी पुष्पेंद्र कुमार को यह कहते सुना- “सालों को बीच से काटो।...जितने मिलें...उठाकर बंद करो...।" कुछ पुलिस कांस्टेबल यह कहते हुए आने-जाने वालों की धरपकड़ करने लगे “...अरे बंद करो सालों को...मुकदमा भी तो लिखड़ां है... क्या लिखोगे...किसकी गिरफ्तारी दिखाओगे।”

इतना सुनना था कि अपने गंतव्य की ओर वापस लौट रहे कार्यकर्ता आग-बबूला हो गए। फिर से विडियोकॉन की घेरेबंदी शुरू हो गई। यह सारा प्रकरण शाम को उस समय तक चलता रहा जब तक कि कार्यकर्ताओं को यह विश्वास नहीं हो गया कि पुलिस की गिरफ्त में उनके बीच का कोई व्यक्ति नहीं है। समाचार लिखे जाने तक संघ के कुछ वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों के पहाड़गंज थाने पहुंचने की सूचना मिली है। फिलहाल टीवी टुडे या हेडलाइंस टुडे की ओर पुलिस में किसी के खिलाफ कोई एफ.आई.आर. दर्ज कराने की सूचना नहीं है। हां, मीडिया चैनलों पर जरूर आज तक, दिल्ली आज तक और हेडलाइंस टुडे समेत अनेक समाचार माध्यमों ने आरएसएस के विरुद्ध वाक्-युद्ध छेड़ दिया है।

MEDIAMEN BOYCOTTED ORISSA ASSEMBLY PROTESTING AGAINST GOVERNMENT APATHY TOWARDS RISING ATTACK ON MEDIA.

MEDIAMEN BOYCOTTED ORISSA ASSEMBLY PROTESTING AGAINST GOVERNMENT APATHY TOWARDS RISING ATTACK ON MEDIA.

Bhubaneswar, (visakeo),July 16, 2010: The media persons of Bhubaneswar created a history to express their solidarity for the cause of mediamen and freedom of press on Friday as all media men boycotted the Orissa Assembly as protest against apathy of the State Government towards rising attack on the media in Orissa. Not a single media person covered the question hour of the House and even Orissa Television which telecasts the live proceedings of the House switched off the cameras to express solidarity with the Media Unity for Freedom of Press (MUFP) which had given the boycott call on Thursday during its demonstration before the Assembly in an attempt to wake up the Naveen Patnaik Government which is ignoring repeated demands of MUFP to punish the assaulters and ensure safety and security of the working media persons in the State.

The media persons did not enter to the press gallery of the State Assembly and squatted before the entrance to the gallery silently .

Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Leader of Opposition came near the squatting media persons and extended the support of the opposition to the cause of the media persons in the State.

Prasanta Patnaik, on behalf of the MUFP congratulated all media persons for taking such a historical step to express solidarity for the cause of the media and freedom of press which is in danger as the State Government and its police were acting against the interest of the media persons. The MUFP also expressed gratitude to the Editors, Media Houses and TV channels for supporting the cause of media unity for freedom of press.