MeraPahad Community Of Uttarakhand Lovers

Do TV Serials project Immorality ?

            Hi! Dear so and so, meet my ex-husband Mr. ABCD. Hi! Dear, this is my second son from my first husband who is now in USA. The Heroines in the TV serials may be seen introducing her husband and children in the presence of her present husband, who is the third or may be fourth in number. This is foreign culture and is being telecast in India on the Set of a large and ideal Joint Family. Sometimes the lady actor introduces her children, from first second or third husband, born before or after marriage. These days such serials are being telecast on the TV network as if we are not in India but in New York, London or Paris.  But the problem is, these serials are highly popular particularly with woman. The word Rape is so easily spoken as if it is just like the word Kissing.  The intriguing point is that all this is shown in the Set of a Joint Family where Dada and Dadi never die. They live for 100-150 years and look to be more young, beautiful and enthusiastic than that of their grand children.  You have to digest it all and we are all are digesting these serials. Is it that the imagination of immorality is attracting us? Is it that the inner demon in us relishes immorality? Once you become a fan of these serials you do not want to miss them. The serials are getting longer and longer without any break. The serials show the Joint families where the women are the dominating Actors. They mastermind in planning conspiracies and killings in cold blood. They can kill anybody may it be the husband wife or Dada or Dadi. But surprisingly the husband or any other actor who dies after being fired at blank-point range from the bullet of a Pistol again is shown alive. But the biggest problem is that all this is catching up the fancy of the housewives who do not relish missing any serial. Under these circumstances the silent message, which we are getting through these serials, is really very dangerous for the social environment and the Indian culture. What is going to be fate of this country can be anybody’s guess. No body can help. Why should the Serial Producers stop this all, after all they are minting money and when people are liking their serials and Sensor Board approves the telecast what can we do. It is up to the viewers what they chose and what they neglect.( By D.N.Barola)

RANIKHET- Rani Chhetra or Queens’ field


 

Ranikhet according to a local legend was the place where Raja Sudhardev  won the heart of Rani Padmini,   who chose this scenic place to be her abode, hence the place was named Ranikhet, Queen’s meadow or Queen's field. Some say that it was the area of Rani Padmini, hence the name of Ranikhet was Ranichhetra. With the times it was changed to Ranikhet. Thick forests, deodar and pine trees in the foreground and an unending range of Himalayas sweeping in the background Ranikhet is spell binding. Naturally Ranikhet is just like a heaven on earth. An all weather tourist destination, Ranikhet with its forest cover is also a great place for bird watchers and those who wish to holiday in the lap of nature in solitude

 
Parade of Kumaon Regimental Centre.

In 1869, the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. At one time during British Raj, it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla. In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 as 3,153. Ranikhet has an average elevation of 1,869 metres (6,132 feet). The cantonment is spread across two ridges, first called the Ranikhet ridge is situated at an elevation of 5,983 ft. and the second, the Chaubattia ridge, is at an elevation of 6,942 ft. Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from October to March. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the months of December, January and February.


Himalayas from Barola Cottage, Ranikhet

The reserve forests of Pine, Oak and Deodar in Ranikhet, host a vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna, its array of wildlife include, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Mountain Goat, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Pine Mertin, Wild Bear, Indian Hare, Red Faced Monkey, Jackal, Langur, Red Fox, and Porcupine.


480 kM. Himalayan Range from Ranikhet

480 Km. long range of Himalayas is visible at one go from Ranikhet. Himalayas are hardly 90 Kms. away from Ranikhet as the crow flies. The Himalayan Peaks visible are Trishul, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Nanda Ghunti Chaukhamba, Hathi Parvat, Gaura Parvat,
Bandar Puchh, Bharatkhanta, Kedarpeak, , Sukam Peak, Nandakhat, Bhanumati Peak,

Panchuli Peak.etc. In all 200 Peaks are sighted from Ranikhet. Some of the Peaks are more than 6000 Meters in height.The Forest Rest House is situated in St. Micle hill. From this place you can have a view of 500 sq. mile beautiful view of Bhatkot, Dwarahat,

Dunagiri. As per 2001 India census, Ranikhet had a population of 19,049. Males constitute 61% of the population and females 39%. Ranikhet has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 76%.

Ranikhet has always been known as a Military center and a land of bravery since British period. In fact Ranikhet was designed and developed in a very classical way by British for their troops.At present Ranikhet is a land of Kumaon and Naga Regimental center.

 There has been an adddition of two beautiful picnic spots. Ashiyana Park situated in zig zag natural landscape is the first choice of children. Rani Jheel - an artificial lake is the star attraction for young couples.You can enjoy the pleasure of boating in the lake.
 In addition to the above two new spots, Ranikhet has a number of tourist spots as under:


Upat Kalika Golf Course, Ranikhet

Upat-Kalika Golf course Ranikhet's golf course is a natural nine hole course, and is one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. It is one of the highest situated golf courses in Asia
Kalika Temple is situated 1 km from the golf course at Upat.
Museum & War Memorial: The museum of Kumaun Regimental Centre (KRC) and War Memorial at Som Nath Parade Ground, are important tourist destinations within the Cantonment area.


Jhula Devi Temple


Jhula-Devi Temple is a temple of goddess Durga, 7km from Ranikhet  It is 8th century old temple and it is believed that if a person asks for something he gets it and on fulfillment of his desire ties a bell in the temple. Very close to Jhula Devi is the Ram Mandir temple of Lord Rama. The original idol of Maa Jhula Devi was stolen in 1959, which could not be traced. A new idol was ceremoniously placed after some time. During British  rule, it is said, that the British used to offer 15 Kg. of mustard oil to light the earthern pot.  .

Chaubattia Garden It is a famous apple orchard, with a Government Fruit Research Centre. Besides apples, it is also possible to buy honey and fresh fruit juice from the sales counter of the garden.* Garden photos and location
Bhalu Dam: It is an artificial lake, in 1903, situated in the reserved forest 3 km below Chaubattia in the Cantt. Area.
Hairakhan Temple is situated 4 km from Ranikhet Town at Chilianaula is the Hairakhan Temple which was established by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. One can have a good Himalayan view from this place.
The nearest Air link is Pant Nagar Airport at a distance of 119 Kms. The nearest railhead

Kathgodam is 86 Kms. Ranikhet is well connected via roads. All season roads run

through Haldwani, Bhowali and Khairna. Ranikhet has direct bus links with Nainital (60

Kms.), Kathgodam (86 Kms.), Ramnagar 96 Kms.) and Delhi 366 Kms.)(By D.N.Barola)

Sir Thanx.

Last time i got an opportunity to visit Ranikhet. This Rani Lake (Rani Jheel) has been made recently near Narsingh Ground. Boating facility has also been introduced there to promote tourism and attract tourist also.

This is a good initiative.

Do TV Serials project Immorality?

            Hi! Dear so and so, meet my ex-husband Mr. ABCD. Hi! Dear, this is my second son from my first husband who is now in USA. The Heroines in the TV serials may be seen introducing her husband and children in the presence of her present husband, who is the third or may be fourth in number. This is foreign culture and is being telecast in India on the Set of a large and ideal Joint Family. Sometimes the lady actor introduces her children, from first second or third husband, born before or after marriage. These days such serials are being telecast on the TV network as if we are not in India but in New York, London or Paris.  But the problem is, these serials are highly popular particularly with woman. The word Rape is so easily spoken as if it is just like the word Kissing.  The intriguing point is that all this is shown in the Set of a Joint Family where Dada and Dadi never die. They live for 100-150 years and look to be more young, beautiful and enthusiastic than that of their grand children.  You have to digest it all and we are all are digesting these serials. Is it that the imagination of immorality is attracting us? Is it that the inner demon in us relishes immorality? Once you become a fan of these serials you do not want to miss them. The serials are getting longer and longer without any break. The serials show the Joint families where the women are the dominating Actors. They mastermind in planning conspiracies and killings in cold blood. They can kill anybody may it be the husband wife or Dada or Dadi. But surprisingly the husband or any other actor who dies after being fired at blank-point range from the bullet of a Pistol again is shown alive. But the biggest problem is that all this is catching up the fancy of the housewives who do not relish missing any serial. Under these circumstances the silent message, which we are getting through these serials, is really very dangerous for the social environment and the Indian culture. What is going to be fate of this country can be anybody’s guess. No body can help. Why should the Serial Producers stop this all, after all they are minting money and when people are liking their serials and Sensor Board approves the telecast what can we do. It is up to the viewers what they chose and what they neglect. ( By D.N.Barola)

Save River Campaign in Almora Uttarakhand
     
    Kosi Bachegi, Almora Bachega- Save Kosi, Save Almora, was the central theme of the Kosi Bachao Padyatra which commenced from Sunari village and reached Almora. At Almora, the Yatra turned into a rally. Starting from Gandhi Park it passed through the Mall Road and the main market, the Rally reached Ramsay Inter College, where a meeting was held. The Convener of the Kosi Bachao Padyatra, Basanti Bahen said that the people have a responsibility to save Kosi River.  Radha Behen of Laksmi Ashram, Kausani and the winner of prestigious Jamal Lal Bazaz award, who is leading the Padyatra in the Kosi valley pointed out that Uttarakhand, is the home of major rivers which serve as the lifeline of the country. It is important that Uttarakhandis unite to save the rivers, which are now getting polluted in a big way right from the source.  The polluting rivers would not only disturb the ecosystems but also the lives, livelihoods and culture of hundreds of villages living along their banks. She told that at present Save River Yatras are going on in Kumaon and Garhwal. All the Padyatris would reach Ramnagar on 16-17 January, where a Conference of the Padyatris would be organized.
 
     The Yatra got an overwhelming response from the villagers specially women. Hundreds of people followed the Padyatries throughout the route of the Padyatra. In Almora District the Padyatra commenced from Mahatgaon, Kosi, Malla Vimol, Talla Vimol, Talar and ultimately reached Almora. At Mahatgaon, the Kendriya Adhyaksha, of Uttarakhand Lok Vahini (ULV) Shamsher Singh Bisht welcomed the Padyatries, whereas at Almora the ULV leader Rajiv Lochan Sah welcomed the Padsyatries.  Rangkarmi Girish Tewari ‘girda’, recited Kumaoni Songs my ‘kosi harai gay’- My Kosi is lost and  Sara Pani choosh rahe ho, nadi sumandar loot rahey ho. – You are sucking the entire water and are looting the water of the rivers and the sea. 
 
    The present ‘save the rivers campaign’ Padyatra’ had started from Bengal on 2 January. Now the Yatra is being undertaken by the people in Uttarakhand. Water is the prime necessity of life. People of India have a right to get clean water. The National Water Policy declared by the Government of India on l April, 2002 has defined water as a property-a commercial commodity; hence it will promote privatization of water resources. India's new National Water Policy emphasizes continued government control over water resources, ignoring pleas by environmental groups to involve local communities in order to overcome looming shortages.  It is a flawed National Water Policy, which bypasses community rights. Naturally it will destroy
further the community rights and will erode the community responsibility in water consumption and its unsustainable use. The culture of conservation has already been replaced by the culture of over-consumption and utter waste due to unprecedented population growth and other reasons. Gandhiji once said that mother earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed.
 
    Earlier in 2003 a Yatra led by Rajendra Singh Magsaysay award winner and the President of the Rashtriya Jal Biradari was also organized. The Jal Birdari’s stand was that from times immemorial, our rivers have been flowing freely and are sustaining our people and life in all its forms The rivers were kept alive by the culture of care and conservation which gave to nature, as much as it took with almost in the same purity. This kept alive the hydrological cycle (Jal Chakra). The current crisis of water scarcity is a result of breaking our links with our rivers and water, which is disrupting the hydrological cycle. People rightly apprehend that the privatization of water will snatch away the fundamental right of the people on natural water resources.  Uttarakhand has the unending and perpetually flowing water resources Himalaya is rightly called the ‘Water Tower’ of Asia. The country has 4 thousand billion cubic meter water, out of which Himalaya’s share is 80%.  Many rivers emanate from Himalayas, i.e. Ganga, Yamuna, Satluj, Ravi etc. These rivers have 11 major dams from which 177 billion cubic meter water is being stored and is feeding 42% of the country’s requirements.  The Govt. of India provides facilities for the treatment of water, but does not provide for finding ways and means to conserve and maintain the present flow of water. No system for the rejuvenation of drying rivers has been planned so far.
 
    The ordinary man’s right to natural, clean and fresh water has been snatched away and water is now flourishing as a profitable commercial commodity. A man should consume at least 3 to 5 Litre of water every day to keep him fit. But bottled water being very costly discourages men to consume lesser quantity of water. When ordinary man drinks water is a tumbler, he finishes the entire water contained in the tumbler. But if he drinks water through the Bottle, he would take a sip or two. Thus the intake of water goes down drastically. The cost factor also prohibits him to drink the entire one Litre bottle or even half of it. It is pertinent to mention that in the hills the drinking water intake is quote low. In case of women’ the drinking water intake is still lower. Low water consumption results in formation of kidney stones particularly in the Hill areas. Hence clean water drinking habit would also have to be inculcated amongst the men and particularly amongst women ‘drink more water to keep yourself healthy’, could be a slogan for the hills. For the purpose necessary education and publicity is the need of the hour.
 
    It is a well-known fact now that the natural and various human made conditions have resulted in Global warming.  The snow fall is scanty. Hence the water reservoirs are getting depleted. Uncertain and untimely rains, short duration incessant rains as a result of cloud burst, deforestation, de-conservation of soil, silting, population explosion etc. are instrumental in deficient rainfall. If we only talk about the southern slope of the Himalayas, the existence of huge water resource spread over 30,000 Sq.Km. is in danger, because 650 cubic meter of water is melting from the glaciers. These glaciers spread over 17% area, are facing global warming phenomenon. These glaciers have been turned into amusement parks and sports ground due to unprecedented rush of trekkers, who are dumping huge waste material into these glaciers. These glaciers are slowly and steadily being converted into small lakes by man’s pride of conquering these Glaciers. The situation is getting grim and grave year by year. This is an irony of the Himalayas States that are rich in water resources, but continuously face water scarcity, because of the difficult terrain and topography.  I personally feel that, it was the worst day for the water resource, when the water was confined into a one Litre plastic bottle. This water which is considered to be pure, I feel is not the natural clean spring water, because certain chemicals and minerals are added to conserve it for a long period.  At least it is not fresh water. The drinking water must be colour less, taste less and without smell. In 2003 it was alleged by a Delhi based NGO Centre for Science and Environment that all brands and bottled soft-drinks contain pesticide content which they claimed is 36.4 times higher than the European Union norms. A beginning was made by Sri Rajiv Gandhi, to make Ganga and other rivers pollution free, the Uttarakhand Government and the people of Uttarakhand must continue the process of cleaning the river waters as a matter of habit.
 
    Kautilya (Chanakya) once advised the King to give up an individual for the family, family for the village and so on. His view was that the collective interest should override individual interest. The role of civil society is to make the state work in public interest in a genuine manner. Since Man is a part of greater scheme of nature, man should also submit to the will of nature and organize his life style within nature’s laws. Keeping the above in view, the people of the Dev Bhumi, Uttarakhand should work collectively in collective interest, conserve and cleanse the water resources. The rivers flowing from the territory of Uttarakhand must be made pollution free, so that when they enter the other states, pure, transparent, clean water is passed on by the Uttarakhand State to the people of India. The ‘patit-pawani’ sacred Ganga and other rivers and water resources are becoming dirty and polluted and we all are responsible for this state of affairs. Are we prepared a lending hand to keep the sacred Ganga clean and sacred? If we take this responsibility to ourselves, there is no doubt Ganga would become pollution free.(D.N.Barola)
 

GIRAA – Kumaun ki haakee

             गिरा – कुमाओं की हॉकी


हॉकी भारत का गौरव हुवा करती थी. ध्यान चाँद को हॉकी का जादूगर कहा जाता था. आज हाकी की दुर्दशा हो चुकी है. आंखिर हॉकी की इश दसा के लिए कौन जिम्मेदार है? पहले हॉकी घर घर मैं खेली जाती थी. रानीखेत के गावों मैं हॉकी खेलने का अलग अंदाज़ था’ हॉकी बनाने के लिए पेड़ की ऐसी टहनी को काटा जाता था जो छड़ी की आकार की हो. यह उल्टी लाठी के समान होती थी. इसे हॉकी के रूप मैं प्रयोग मैं लाया जाता था. घिंघारू की जड़ की हॉकी उत्तम मानी जाती थी. कपड़े की सिलाई कर उसे बौल का स्वरुप दिया जाता था. कुछ लोग बांस की जड़ की बाल बनाते थे. उत्तरायनी के दिन मकर संक्रांति को इसका फाइनल खेला जाता था. विजेता को इनाम मिलता था. खेल समाप्ति के बाद बौल तथा हॉकी को फैंक दिया जाता था. मान्यता थी की ऐसा न करने वाले को पित्त रोग हो जायेगा. मैदान कितना बड़ा या छोटा हो इसकी सीमा नहीं थी. खिलाडियोँ की भी सीमा नहीं थी. १०-१२ या ७-८ लोग गिरा का खेल खेलते थे . आज भी गिरा का मेला चनुली सरपट मन्दिर जो के घट्टी के पास है, चमर्खान के मेले के समापन के दिन गिरी का खेल खेला जाता है. इसके पश्चात् बसंत पंचमी तक गिल्ली डंडा खेला जाता है.

एक और खेल जो गिरा की ही तरह होता था उसका नाम है सिमंटाई या सत्पत्थारी. इसमें सात पत्थरों से विकिट बनाया जाता था. कपड़े की बौल से विकेट गिराना होता था. विकेट कीपर ही खिलाड़ी को बौल मारकर आउट करता था. आज से सब खेल लगभग समाप्त हो चुके हैं. यदि हांकी को पुनर्जीवित करना है तो इन खेलों को भी पुनर्जीवित करना होगा.(D.N.Barola)