NEW DELHI-100 YEARS!!

An amalgamation of the glorious past with the bedazzling future!

From the narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques(in chawri bazar and chandni  chowk) to the spacious and sophisticated tree lined avenues and govt. buildings(defense colony and greater kailash)-Delhi has it all.

 Dilli dilwalon ki and Desilicious delhi are some of the very famous lingo associated with delhi. The city has become the hub of all the activities ranging from politics(seat of power in delhi), sports(recently held cwg games), social awareness(gay parades, Anna hazare's anti-corruption movement) to the world famous street food and theatres, plays and concerts. You name it and its there-thats what Delhi is all about!

Located on the banks of river Yamuna, Delhi celebrates its centenary as India's national capital on 12/12/2011. In the last few years, Delhi has witnessed stupendous changes in terms of foreign interest. Due to rapid urbanization and globalization, more and more foreigners are flocking in large numbers to explore the rich cultural heritage, of Delhi.

The population of Delhi is close to 16 million yet people of all races, cultures and ethnicities live harmoniously and bask in the warmth of love for each other, celebrating all festivals with great grandeur.

The recently held GWG games, although a national shame, brought massive changes in the city. The entire city bore a festive look, trying to cover up all the blots and dirty shams associated with the games, due to the vast amassment of wealth and resources allotted to it. CWG opened new ventures for people coming from flea sized countries (Namibia, Tonga etc) to goliath nations like US and UK. World class sports complexes were built, large scale beautifications, restoration and renovation of all major tourist destinations were done to promote tourism along with the games. Also the F1 race held in Noida is a classic example of the changing trends in the city and the acceptance of Delhi as a world class  city globally.

The India Gate, Chandni chowk, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Purana Quila, Qutab Minar are a few of the numerous tourist favourite hot-spots. The cHandni Chowk and CP soothe the nerves of every shopaholic, Jama masjid is India’s largest mosque, akshardham is a Hindu pilgrimage whereas Lotus temple is for the bahai religion. Every time you visit the India Gate you can reminisce the exorbitant valour demonstarted by the slain soldiers if the Indian Army.

 Also the world famous Dilli ka khana from the roadside dhabas to the posh restaurants , you can get a taste of heaven! The sumptuous food ranges from kachoris, jalebis, matar kulche, momos, kebabs and curries and so much more. The most interesting  part is that all the cuisines of the world are available in Delhi coupled with the street food make it all the more appealing to a westerner.

Medical tourism has seen a rapid rise , Westerners are flocking in large numbers to avail medical treatments from the hospitals in Delhi. The hospitals AIMS, MAMC are of world class standards with the state of the art facilities and infrastructure. Dedicated and highly qualified doctors along with a humble team of nurses and attendants make the treatment comfortable and a less painful experience. Also the money charged is miniscule as compared to the foreign nations.

Premier educational institutes like the IIT, MDI, FMS, IIPM etc are a national pride. Every year these institutes churn out the crème of the country by skimming out the best students in the nation.

There are new and gigantic residential complexes, shopping malls, flyovers sprawling with each passing day taht can put New York and Seoul to shame.

The annual Auto expo and trade fairs at Pragati Maidan are a must see for every visitor and resident in Delhi. Latest models of cars, which are every man's fantasy are displayed there. At the trade fair, fancy items which will attract eyeballs and make the fairer sex weaken their knees and loosen their wallet.

Regular plays and dramas featuring eminent actors and theatre personalities are regularly staged. these plays are based on a variety of genres and also many times on social awareness.

The various classical concerts and rock concerts provide an exhilarating experiences . Maestros like Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan etc. mesmerize audiences with their soul rendering music. Whereas Metallica and Lady Gaga give live wire performances to enthrall audiences.

In short Delhi presents plethora of many cultures, places, flavors and so much more.....

It will take your breath away with its scintillating beauty and yet give eternal peace by just being in it.

By:
Priyanka deb
pri.rinti@gmail.com

time for EXTINCTION of ECONOMY SUCKING POLITICIANS

Can a fast-unto-death by a 73 year old ex-army man lead to historic step towards abolishing corruption??  I BELIEVE IT CAN.

And the government also believes the same- Anna’s  LOKPAL BILL will expose the atrocious amassment of wealth by top notch beaurocrats and politicians. Corruption in India has made global headlines more frequently than ever in the last year. Anna Hazare's initiative, therefore, comes at a time when our country's image has taken a beating. With the tabling of an effective  Lokpal bill, India can well be on its way to salvaging its reputation(thank the latest 2G, CWG, ADARSH HOUSING etc scams for the tarnish in our reputation).

The wealth of the AAM JUNTA has been plundered and vandalized by these worthless  s******s. India may have got freedom in 1947 but we Indians are still the slaves of corruption. Today, out of 543 MPs in Lok Sabha, 315 are crorepatis. That's 60%. 43 out of the 54 newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs are also millionaires. And no,I'm not even mentioning that 150MPs elected last year have criminal cases against them, with 73 serious cases ranging from rape to murder. Do you really think these people deserve to earn 104 times what the average Indian earns? Being a MP gives you certain immunities, not all of them meant to be discussed in a public forum.

“ Power does not corrupt men; Fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power.”

 George Bernard Shaw’s quote exactly describes the chaos in our country and the prowess of these politicians. But we are also the one’s to be blamed for our misery. How many of us go to vote for the right candidate? We celebrate holidays during elections and stay at home fearing an outbreak of violence. An unworthy candidate, then gets the power to milk out as much money possible, after getting elected. “Mere ek vote se kya fark pad jaayega? Saare hi corrupt hai, kya faayda??”  Has it not been most of our views?? We fail to realize that each vote would make a difference to 1.2 billion people in our nation and prevent those unworthy  vandals to plunder the wealth accumulated due to back breaking taxes paid by us. The vote would atleast elect ANDHON MEIN KAANA RAJA(some better person out of the rotten ones).

“Is desh ka kuch nai ho sakta”. This is one dialogue which angers me like crazy. Nothing is perfect in the world. We need to make it perfect .  When have we taken responsibility for what is happening? Never, isn’t it? Why don’t we take up the responsibility of cleansing the nation of these wealth /economy sucking politicians?  Why are we hesitant to be a part of defense, politics, beaurocracy and make our nation divert towards prosperity instead of poverty? We have grown up hearing India will be a super power by 2000, then 2015, now 2022…… When will it be developed? And by being developed, it doesn’t mean exquisite malls with theatres screening 3D, 5D movies or nuclear powers; It means rural upliftment, education , employment. Freedom from the shackles of fear of Maoists, honour  killings, child marriages(still rampant in Rajasthan), dowry etc.

I do not want my kids to hear the same that I have been hearing and suffer the way we are. Will you like it if our kids also grow up hearing India is a developing country and  will be a developed nation by……??

It is time we take charge, do something worthwhile for our nation. Our freedom fighters did not give up their lives for this day. Atleast respect their sacrifice. If Egypt, Libya can overthrow dictatorship which lasted for decades, why cant we?? Let us all raise our voices in support of a movement that will bring transparency. Let us support Anna by taking small steps – spread awareness about JAN LOKPAL BILL, and if possible, participate with him. The Mumbai DABBAWALAS  are pledging full support, are you ready?

Because Neil Armstrong said- “ It may be a small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind”.

By-
Priyanka Deb
pri.rinti@gmail.com

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BHARATIYA....

“If dreams would be horses then beggars could ride”, goes a popular saying.  This means that everyone has the right to dream, and dream big! But how many dreams are fulfilled??? Especially dreams of those people who are a part of BHARAT and not a part of INDIA INC.

Lets us today, spare a little time with those people whom, although we come across everyday, but always fail to connect with them. I am talking about the Guard uncles, Auto wale bhaiyas, paan waalas etc.  How many times do we stop for a while and talk to them ?? Rarely, isn’t it?? And that too, when they commit the smallest of mistakes, we have all the time to stop and insult them brutally.

We forget that they have kids who aspire to become something big, pretty wives who desire silk sarees and cosmetics like any other woman and they themselves day dream about having a comfortable life someday and are free from the hassles of managing all their wishes with a meager income.

Today, we shall have a candid chat with Mr. Rohtash Boora. I thought before going out and talking to utmost strangers, let me find out about this tall, smart, always on his heels and steady personality of IIPM. He is all of 46 but has all the vigour that could put a 20 year old boy to shame.  We can always find him in his crisp,smart  blue uniform and his never fading smile. Be it a sultry hot afternoon or an exhaustive evening, he is always on  duty without a single frown on his face.

Ask him what he likes about the college and like the alumni of a college, he will swear by the vibrance and hustle-bustle of the campus. He says" 16000 bachchon ko pichle 5 saalon mein degree lekar bahar jate huye dekha hai, bahut achcha lagta hai. Hamesha hi yahaan chahal pahal hoti hai”.  He further adds that the college has never delivered any false promises but has always taken care of all his needs. Such is his aura , that everyone who passes by him, flashes a smile and greets him everytime. Students, after getting placed through campus, come to meet him and seek his blessings. He has never ever got into any arguments with anybody here, instead he is always there to welcome all with his humble smile.

Mr. Rohatsh Boora is from the Jind district of Haryana and has been a part of our college since the last 5 years. When asked  if he has any dreams unfulfilled, he says “ mere saare sapne poore ho gaye hain”.

He is in complete awe for Professor Aman Chugh, an Accounts faculty in IIPM. He says Prof. Aman Chugh “hamesha har meeting mein mera naam zaroor lete hain”.

One thing that I deeply learnt from Mr. Boora is that he lives life on his terms and he is satisfied with what he has. He values all the gifts that he is blessed with.

Obviously, there must be troubles in his life also, but those troubles do not dare to shke even an iota of his determination to serve the college and be happy.

I wish all of us could learn this NEVER  GIVE UP ATTITUDE from him and thank god for whatever we have. We should value our blessings and try to LIVE LIFE KING SIZE.

-Priyanka Deb
pri.rinti@gmail.com

IC814-AN 8 DAY ORDEAL

Friday, 3 June 2011

IC814-AN EIGHT DAY ORDEAL

The heinous hijack of Indian airlines IC 814 on Christmas eve 1999,is a blot on the fair name of humanity. IC 814 was hijacked on its way from Kathmandu to New Delhi, India. Over the ensuing 8 days, as IC 814 embarked on a prolonged, horrific journey, the whole world waited and watched to see what would happen to the nearly 200 people on board the plane. The passengers, who were mainly tourists, had not even an iota of imagination that the short journey of 1 hour 20 mins would turn into 8 days of terror and deadly aftermath.

IC814 left Kathmandu at 4 pm on 24^th December 1999, a week before the whole world awaited the ushering of the new millennium. As soon as the plane entered the Indian air space, 5 heavily armed hijackers overpowered it namely:

1.bhola- mistri zahroor ibrahim

2.burger-ahmed qazi

3.doctor-shahid akhtar

4.shankar-shakir

5.chief-ibrahim akhtar

The hijackers ordered the pilot Captain D. Sharan to divert the plane towards west. The captain tried all witty tactics saying that there is very little fuel and the plane needs refueling. The hijackers were adamant initially but reluctantly agreed to land in Amritsar to refuel. The pilot hoped that rescue teams would end the hijack drama at Amritsar itself. However, the crisis management group in Delhi directed the Amritsar airport authorities to ensure that the plane was immobilized, which armed personnel of Punjab police were already in position to do. They did not receive approval from New Delhi. This callous act by the Indian government was severely criticized all over the world. Eventually, as time progressed with no refueling, the hijackers got suspicious and ordered to fly the plane, disregarding the pilots repeated pleas to wait and refuel.

The plane took off but due to extremely low fuel, the pilot requested emergency landing in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan blatantly denied the request fearing that their country might be linked to terrorism. Pakistan shut down its air traffic services, thus, effectively blackening the whole Pakistan air space. With no help from the ATC, Captain Sharan banked on his visual instincts and began descending on what he thought was a runway, only to suddenly realize it was a well lit road and aborted landing on time. On absorbing the fact, there is no other option, Lahore airport allowed the aircraft to crash land and refuel. But Pakistan officials rejected the pilots request to offload some passengers.

The plane took off to Dubai where 27 passengers were released along with Rupin katiyal,who was repeatedly stabbed by the hijackers, he later succumbed to his injuries. As the news of the hijacking spread, the world media turned its attention towards it and the callous attitude of Indian govt grabbed many eyeballs. Soon after the release of passengers in dubai, the plane headed to Kandahar.

After the plane’s descent in Kandahar, Taliban authorities, in attempt to gain international recognition, agreed to co-operate with Indian authorities. The hijackers initially demanded 35 islamic militants in Indian jails and US$ 200 million . The hijackers were adamant and were not ready for any “talks”. They negotiated with the Indian authorities, headed by ajit doval along with Taliban militiant for over 30 hours.

The conditions inside the plane were far from humane. The petrified passengers wet their clothes on their seats; their silent cries; chimera that they will soon return to their loved ones safely. The passengers experienced and lived those days in fear and many uncomfortable emotions. Family members of the passengers spent days in agony, anger, sorrow and hope that their loved ones will return home safely. They intensified the pressure on the government to take quick measures to end the hijacking.

A.B Vajpayee, the then PM, along with Brajesh Mishra, former national security advisor and their intelligence team decided to release 3 most dreaded terrorists:

1. maulana masood azad(responsible for parliament attack in 2001and founder of Jaish-e-mohammmed)

2.omar sheikh(facing death sentence now for brutal murder of Daniel peral,us journalist)

3.mushtaq ahmed zargar(responsible for training islamic terrorists in POK)

The prayers of the passengers and their family members did not go unheard and on 31^st December 1999 all the hostages of IC 814 were released in exchange of the 3 terrorists.

But the hijacking of IC 814 and its deadly consequences has added another chapter in the history of terror.

The hijackers are now residing freely in Pakistan and have not been heard of since then. Indian intelligence and Interpol have requested the Pakistan govt to arrest and extradite them but all requests have been ignored.

The release of the 3 terrorists was right or wrong is a question which has no correct answer. If they were not released then, many more passengers would have been brutally killed but their release triggered a spat of terror attacks not just in India but the rest of the world.

But the question to really ponder upon is” why did the Indian govt not take swift severe measures at Amritsar airport against the hijackers??”

Till when will we live in the fear of being killed by some ruthless religious fanatics and still see our govt (which claims to be for the people and by the people) turn blindfold to our misery and fears???It is time we stop languishing in our fear and dream of a world which is free from fear.

“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith”- Mary Morrissey
-Priyanka Deb
pri.rinti@gmail.com

who am i????

My name is Priyanka Deb and am currently pursuing my management studies from  IIPM,New Delhi. I belong to the land of traditions, wildlife and natural beauty-Jharkhand.  My father is the Chairman and head of department of Ranchi Veterinary College, Ranchi and my mother is  a beautician.

I am a soft-spoken person  but confident speaker with good communication skills. I have also  participated and represented my school and college on a number of occasions for debates, extempore, quizzes etc.

I have a good command over English and a few other regional languages . That is so because I love to learn new languages. I am sincere and remain dedicated to the assigned task till it is successfully completed.

I believe that leaders are made and not born,and I am also one of them. In my initial school years, I was extremely introvert but eventually  with the right kind of guidance and learning, I have evolved to become a good leader. I was the vice-captain of one of the four  houses in my school and also the captain of my college house team. I also presided over Nature Club in school.

 I love reading novels and music soothes my soul. I am also a trained singer and dancer and I have represented my school and college several times for the same.

My dream is to make my parents proud of their succeeding  lineage and set up a multi-speciality veterinary clinic for my father,which I will gift him after his retirement and for my mother,a bigger salon than the existing one, with all the modern amenities.

My father is my idol,and I hope to be a successful,honest and hard working person like him in future. He believes in simple living and high thinking coupled with hard work. This is what I adore about him and want to inculcate in my lifestyle.

I also admire Dr. Kiran Bedi for her stupendous valour and determination. She has broken the glass ceiling and truly represents the empowered woman of today’s India.

I am a complete believer and follower of the fact that hard work is the only mantra for success.
-Priyanka Deb
pri.rinti@gmail.com