Sunday, January 15, 2012

9:26 PM

Kites dot city skyline on Sankranti Mumbaikars celebrate festival with much fanfare & fervour

Kites dot city skyline on Sankranti

Mumbaikars celebrate festival with much fanfare & fervour


Makar Sankranti was celebrated with fervour across the city with colourful kites dotting the skyline. Wearing trendy attires, children, alongwith their families, enjoyed kite-flying on Saturday.
The festival is celebrated mainly to mark the transition of Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn). People traditionally observe it as a thanks giving day to the God and creatures for a wonderful harvest.
“The day starts early. We make til-gud and meet people. Til-gud ghya god god bola is the general line we have, when we offer this to people. It is basically to tell them that they be sweet to all,” said MC Bhide, a consultant whose family religiously prepares that for Makar Sankranti. Kichdi is other item.
“Earlier, we used to have a holiday on Makar Sankranti, so we would go and meet people after doing pooja and having khichdi. But that is not the case now,” he said. Another preparation that is made is “gudachi podi” (pooris made of jaggery and coconut).

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While the Bhides are high on sweet preparations, the Kapadias prefer to be high on kite. In Deepak Kapadia’s family of 22 members, all were seen flying kites. When it comes to food, the Kapadias settle for idli, sambar and chutney and flying kites all day. “It is something I have been noticing for the past 40 years in my home. We do not prepare sweets,” said Deepak, an automobile consultant.

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Sweet dishes, otherwise, is a character inherent to the festival. Across regions, sweet preparations are made all through the day. Lohri, celebrated by Punjabis on Firday (by some) saw people preparing similar jaggery-based ladoos. For Tamilians, who call the festival as Pongal, milk is prepared with jaggery and for Keralites, nai payasum is the dish to be relished on the day. “Milk is boiled to the brim and when it reaches there, we shout Pongalo Pongal. The family is around to see the milk spill. It is basically symbolic to the good harvest and that the crop was been more than sufficient,” said Meenakshi Jayaram, a lecturer.
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Offering prayers during the festival is a must for Keralites. “It also happens to be the last day of fast for devotees of Ayappa. We offer prayers to him and prepare sweet dishes,” said Premrajan Nambiar, joint secretary of the the Mumbai Keraleeya Samaj. In his house, nei payasum (ghee payasum), which is made of ghee, jaggery and rice is prepared and distributed among people.

 
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9:21 PM

Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor

Change the cricket selection process
This is with reference to the columns (January 13, 14) in DNA on Indian cricket. I fully agree with you that our selectors should take some bold decisions while selecting team for test cricket. With due apologies to our big three they should have said good bye gracefully. In fact the coach and selectors should have sorted it out with the senior players and eased them out. I feel sorry for Sachin that he has become a big joke on Facebook and Twitter among Non- Indians. Crass commercialisation of the game especially during the Dalmiya era has led to greed among players and the BCCI. Regionalism in the selection policy has been a bane in Indian Cricket (for that matter in other Indian Sport also). Some very drastic steps are required now. BCCI should emulate Australian Board in selection policy. Only three Selectors should be nominated irrespective of the region. They should have played minimum of 40 tests. Selectors should go for young and fit players, some of our pitches should be made fast, bouncy only then we can expect some sort of consistency in our game.


Cart this Indian team back home
I don’t know why everyone is criticising the Indian cricket team and ridiculing their performance, especially that of the `famed batting line-up`. They are the world’s No. 1 team, in go-karting. All we need to do now is to go cart them home because the cash-rich IPL 5 Tournament is about to start and only foolish players would harm their prospects by stretching themselves in the poorly paid five-day game. That’s the positive behind their performance which translates into mega bucks pragmatism.


Set up labs to check adulterated milk
As per a report, more than 65 per cent people in Maharashtra and all over the country drink adulterated milk mixed with water, detergent, fat, skimmed milk powder, urea and glucose. The sample of milk tested by the officials and the authorities found that the milk is not pure boiled, distilled water and not even tap water, but water from dirty, contaminated sources which has been proved as injurious to the health. In the city of Mumbai, the milk adulteration takes place on a larger scale and there is no effective strategy to tackle the problem, except in few cases where raids takes place and very few culprit are arrested and produced before the court. One thing is clear that no effective action is taken to end milk adulteration and the helpless consumers who do not have any alternative to drink adulterated milk risking their lives. I strongly feel that there should be one laboratory in each ward so that the consumers can test sample of milk and if this done there is better chance of identifying the sources of adulteration, but with the increased in the price of milk the anti-social elements and the criminals will be very busy in making money and adulteration can take place at the larger scale.


Improved immunity can counter TB threat
The discovery of 12 cases of Totally Drug Resistant tuberculosis should not lead to panic reactions, especially from doctors (“Fears of a TDR-TB epidemic rise”, DNA, January 12). While the news is alarming from the point of view of current unavailability of treatment regimens for this new strain, the potential threat of an epidemic is much less than predicted. Mycobacteria are opportunistic bacteria (both M tuberculosis and M leprae) and do not easily infect humans with good immune systems, generally attacking those who for any reason are immunologically compromised. Epidemics are caused by bacterial or viral agents that are highly infectious and capable of causing disease across the immunological spectrum. What is more urgent at this stage is to avoid scare-mongering and research both the failings in current strategies that allowed the emergence of a TDR strain as well as newer medications to counter it. The rampant and non-monitored use of antibiotics used in many developing countries along with the tendency to stop medication once the patient feels better are two major factors that need to be checked. Improving the immune state of high risk target groups through better nutrition and primary health care can play a significant role in countering this threat.
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

10:50 PM

your city your day

your city your day

l PET carnival
A two-day carnival for doting pet parents and their little ones, Dog A’Fair will showcase products to enhance the lives of their doggie babies and also include events for pets to learn, interact, indulge in and simply enjoy the day out. Celebrity dog lovers too are planning to come along with their designer pets. Attractions will include a dog photo studio and an artist corner, a dog tarot reader and a one-of-a-kind dog adoption pound where NGOs offer their dogs for adoption
Where: Radio Club, Colaba
When: Sunday, January 8

Highlights:
The much-awaited Dog Awards will be held yet again, commending individuals associated with the world of animals, especially dogs
When: 5pm on Sunday

A super-duper doggy personality pageant
When: 5.30pm on Sunday

l adopt
Seven pups, about two-months-old each, are looking for homes. They are gentle, playful and adorable. Indian breeds are the best breed and are sturdier than other foreign breeds. They easily adjust to our weather, are less susceptible to diseases and ailments, and age does not show on them easily. You also save a life when you adopt an Indian rescued pup
Contact: To adopt, call 98205 28869
Tiny is a two-and-a-half-month-old puppy. She is white in colour, very naughty, playful and very affectionate. She is very friendly and gets along well with other dogs and cats. She walks on a leash and is not fussy about food, eating whatever is offered to her
Contact: To adopt, call 98200 16845

Baby is a 5-6-week-old kitten waiting to be adopted by a loving family. She is playful, healthy, sweet, bubbly and absolutely adorable. She is also kitty-litter-toilet-trained. Many more kittens are up for adoption. We are looking for loving homes for them and people who will care for them throughout their lives. Kittens are best adopted in pairs and provide love, entertainment and happiness to every home
Contact: 99870 85350

Two one-and-a-half-month-old male kittens are up for adoption. They have been deflead, dewormed and are absolutely healthy. They are looking for a loving
home. Kittens are best adopted in pairs
Contact: Call 98210 36495 to adopt


l book launches
Attend the launch and book signing of Confessions of a serial dieter by Kalli Purie. The diets featured in the book are structured rather like episodes in Purie’s life, full of characters, anecdotes and juicy nuggets of weight wisdom from surya namaskars set to Bollywood beats to drastic coconut water diets, from a dark experiment with bulimia to a love affair with a self-concocted champagne diet. In this candid tell-all, Kalli looks at weight-related complexes, myths and dilemmas straight in the eye and tells us not just what to do but how to do it
When: Sunday, January 8
Where: Crossword, Kemps Corner
Timing: 11.30am onwards

Attend the launch of Consumer Rights and You by Rajyalakshmi Rao, former member and judge, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and Nabankur Gupta, founder CEO, Nobby Brand Architects and Strategic Marketing Consultants. This first-of-its-kind book provides solutions to consumer woes by explaining the Consumer Protection Act through cases actually decided by the Consumer Fora. It deals with complaints in sectors such as insurance, medical, housing, banking, education, public utilities and provides consumers with the know-how to effectively respond to defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices.
When: Monday, January 9
Where: Gateway Room, Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba
Timing: 12 noon onwards


l seminar
The Ideas Exchange announces the third edition of the Legal Counsel Congress, India’s premiere peer-to-peer knowledge and networking exchange for the in-house community and for the first time ever in India — The Legal Counsel Awards. Stalwarts in the fraternity like Stuthi Shetty, Head of Legal, ING Vysya, Jigar Shah, Director — Head Of Global Markets Legal, India, Deutshe Bank AG, and Vijaya Sampath, among others, will address several legal issues such as in-house legal expertise, legal risk assessments, along with relevant case studies.
When: January 18 and January 19
Where: Taj Lands End, Bandra
Contact: To register, call 6171 3207/3205

l KIDS
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Oxford Bookstore and Moksha Publishers invite you to a Kite Making workshop for little ones between the ages of 6 and 14. Materials will be provided, except for rulers and scissors, to children who will be allowed to run their imagination run wild and design wacky kites. Participate certificates will be provided to all children
When: Sunday, January 8
Where: Oxford Bookstore, Apeejay House, 3 Dinshaw Vachha Road, Near KC College, Churchgate
Timing: 3pm onwards
Contact: 6634 5242, 97735 49548
Jumping Genius Day Care and Activity Centre is conducting special workshops for children on reading, writing, yoga, gym, and boot camps which include physical, creative and mind stimulation. The workshops are suitable for kids aged between 1.5 and 6 years. Jumping Genius is located at Tardeo, Prabhadevi, Bandra and Sion
Contact: Call 98207 51811 for further details

Epson’s Creative Imaging Contest is open for children aged between 8 and 16 years. Participants can explore art through photography, painting, sketching, digital graphics, paper craft, collages etc. All art works must be made using Inkjet or Laser prints. The First Prize winner of the contest will be awarded an Epson wi-fi all-in-one printer plus an all-expenses paid trip to Taipei. The last
date to receive entries is January 15
Contact: Call 080 30105000

Send your event details to dnalistings@gmail.com. Please include description of event, venue, timing and cost of attendance, along with photos.
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10:47 PM

Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor

The need for Virar Panvel local
This is in response to your article ‘Virar-Panvel Local plans on fast track’ (DNA, Jan 6). I would like to bring to your attention the plight of the Kurla-Mahul Local line in this regard. The proposal to run locals on the Kurla-Mahul line has been totally ignored all these years despite having a nod from the Central Government and the Railway ministry (In response to the proposal submitted by then MP Kirit Somaiya in parliament in 2004). This old electrified line is currently used only a few times a day to serve the refineries and the RCF plant in Mahul. Starting locals on this stretch would help locals in areas such as Suman Nagar, Chembur Camp, Vashi Naka and Mahul tremendously as they currently have to rely on inadequate BEST services and auto rickshaws to travel to/from Kurla.
—Aditya G, via email

Century mania
This is with reference to the article on the drama surrounding Sachin’s hundredth 100 (January 7, DNA). How do you explain incoherent anchors on various television channels getting super excited when Sachin comes to bat? Enough sycophants will ensure that Sachin continue playing till he is 58 -the official Indian retirement age - before he hangs his boots waiting for that elusive 100. Can we expect our cricketers to finally imbibe some level of team-spirit and gamesmanship by watching their Australian counterparts conduct themselves with such supreme sportsmanship that they do not aim for records but think about what really matters - winning a test. We are only good at cricket and nowadays watching these two pathetic tests, I guess we are aiming for mediocrity there too. Our sportsmen I guess have this insane desire to be made to feel unwanted before they finally hang their boots.
—Snehha, by email

The best team in the world?
This is in reference to the recent 0-2 loss to Australia by the Indian team. One fails to understand why the team goes down under in foreign soils-even with the best players who have been part of the team continuously from past 3-4 tours? It should be noted that the mere term ‘World Champions’ isn’t restricted to wins in India but also across the world’s best cricket playing nations. No wonder the team has been banking upon one person’s jinxed miracle to score 100 centuries which of late is turning out to be a mirage. Why pressure the person who has already accomplished many feats? Why not focus on nurturing the young blood who need the right kind of break-to begin with the Australian tour? If the team doesn’t fit in well it is high time to start replacements immediately to infuse young blood into the team. The team needs to win the remaining matches as well hence this is the right to stay focused on victory itself, and not any individual’s record.
—Varun Dambal, Bangalore

II
Cricket lovers are unable to digest Team India’s ignominious capitulation before the host team’s three fast-bowlers to end up scoring a total of 591 runs in two outings which was still 22 runs less than the 613 runs which the three middle-order Australian batsmen had scored between them in their only innings! The reasons: after Zaheer Khan gave us some hope by reducing them to 37 for 3 wickets, our bowling just melted before the marauding Aussies allowing them to post 659 runs. Our batsmen seem to be suffering from foreign-phobia on overseas pitches and regrettably no one could score a single century. If Ashwin could score 62 runs, it is intriguing why Sehwag, Dravid, Kohli and Dhoni could not do so. The immediate remedy is to sack Duncan Fletcher and send Kapil Dev to guide the team in the remaining two tests.
—Dr RV Subramanyan, Mumbai

Helmets are compulsory for police, too
Apropos to your above report (DNA, January 6) on statistics on motorists booked for not wearing helmet - 3,26,740 in 2007, 5,73,377 in 2008, 2,71,602 in 2009, 2,28,662 in 2010 and 1,90,190 in 2011 till November. I’m sure none of the statistics quoted would have any policemen riding a two wheeler without a helmet. It is a very common site to see most of the policemen including the police patrol riding two wheelers without a helmet. I have halted many of them and drawn their attention and they give a lame excuse that they cannot hear the phone if they put on the helmet. But that is no excuse to violate the law particularly by those who are supposed to maintain it. The Motor Vehicles Act and Rules do not have any such exceptions. I have also drawn the attention of the Police Commissioner as well as Joint Commissioner of Police [Traffic] in writing with photographs, but there has been no action. Can someone take up this matter strongly?
—Sharad Kumar, via email

Keep the elephants uncovered
The EC has issued orders for covering statues of elephants put up in UP, as this is the election symbol of the BSP. This is stretching the sense of a bureaucratic fair play too far. By covering these, even a nondescript symbol will attract curiosity and defeat the very intention of the exercise. Will Congressmen be now asked to offer only ‘ gloved ‘ hands when meeting the electorate or the ‘cycle’ is barred from venues of rallies by the SP? Try covering Lalu’s ‘lanterns’ in Bihar or ordering a solar eclipse in Tamil Nadu ! The EC must now take great care in awarding election symbols that are cost effective in matters of providing them with covers in election time.
—R.Narayanan, Ghaziabad
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Thursday, January 5, 2012

8:51 AM

Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor



RTE helpline
It was good to read that a group of jurists have started a helpline to ensure the admission of poor students in private schools under the Right to Education Act (‘Now, a helpline for admissions of poor kids in pvt schools’, January 4). While the best medium for an awareness program is through word of mouth, the print media, particularly vernacular papers, should publicise this helpline by periodically publishing the helpline number especially before the academic session that starts in June.
—PM Gopalan, Mumbai

Toilets for women
The lack of toilet facilities for women is in focus now thanks to the efforts of minister Varsha Gaekwad. However, the lack of toilets is also a problem for men who resort to relieving themselves in the open, making our streets an open toilet. Many public buildings including government offices and banks do not provide Western toilets either, inconveniencing senior citizens. The toilet facility in the city’s international airport is woefully inadequate too. A visitor at one end of the building has to walk to the other end to use it. In this context, it may be appropriate to recall a news report a few months ago of an experiment being conducted in Australia of a device, consisting of a cup with a small tube attached to it, which enables women to pee standing like men. The main objective of this exercise was stated to be to save space needed to build ladies’ toilets. It will be worthwhile to try this
here too.
—A G Ramasubramanian,
via email

Dirty politics
This refers to the report ‘BJP rewards BSP cast offs’ (January 4). The BJP, even if it has ever been so, is no longer the “party with a difference”. With Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh in the offing, the BJP and other parties are welcoming with open arms, tainted elements thrown out by their parties. In order to sign up winnable candidates, political parties are sacrificing probity in public life and sanctity of representative democracy. It is high time that the law is amended to restrict political parties from fielding as electoral candidates anyone who has not been an active and uninterrupted member of the party for the past three years i.e. more than half of the term of an elected House.
—MC Joshi, Lucknow

BMC polls
The opposition parties in the BMC have taken strong objection to Shiv Sena’s ‘Karun Dakhwala’ (We did it), electoral campaign by the ruling party and its working president. The opposition parties and its leaders should realise that if they want to claim credit for the achievements of the BMC they also have to take the blame for its failures and lapses. This is to bring to the notice of all concerned that the popular perception is that failures or lack of services far outweigh the perceived achievements. The main issue in this election will be ‘what has not been done’ rather than ‘what has been done’.
—Anil Bagarka, Mumbai

Caste or class?
After reading the analysis ‘Caste an offence to Constitution’ in DNA (December 26), I am of the opinion that present day politicians and bureaucrats are indirectly supporting the caste system in education, employment, elections, subsidies, etc. In India, there are only two classes - the haves and the have-nots. Actual subsidies should be given only to the have-nots based on their family income and not on caste. Today vote banks are promoting the caste system, caste hatred and therefore there is no improvement in the field of education, employment and healthcare.
—NBH Kulkarni, via email

Dismiss the General
The controversy over the army chief’s age turns uglier by the day. Now the relationship between the General and the Defence Ministry is being compared to the Indo-Pak relationship. But is it the Defence Ministry that is treating the General as a Pakistani or is it the General who thinks he is facing a Pakistani enemy in the form of the Defence Ministry? In any other country, such a General would have been summarily dismissed from service. I haven’t read any newspaper or TV channel highlighting this General’s contribution to the Indian Army other than the controversy of his age. All he wants is a particular date of birth at joining the forces and another at the time of retiring. Well-done General!
—Gilbert D’Souza, Bangalore
Mullaperiyar mess
This refers to the news report ‘Now, Kerala wants to wriggle out of Mullaperiyar issue’ (January 4). The areas of the reservoir land, reclai





med when the water level in the dam was lowered from 152 feet to the present 136 feet in 1979, have been encroached by the ‘land mafia’ to build resort houses. This has been done in connivance with successive governments of Kerala. They created the bogey of ‘dam burst’ only to divert attention from this encroachment as well as to get more land for the ‘land mafia’.
—VM Swaraj, Chennai
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2:30 PM

YOUR Mumbai CITY YOUR DAY

YOUR CITY YOUR DAY

KIDS
Yoga teacher Nilufer Patel will use unique techniques to make yoga fun for toddlers and children. For instance, yoga through the journey of a caterpillar to a butterfly. She will narrate the facts and act accordingly at every step. The learning will be multidimensional as students will learn fun facts while practising yoga. The workshop also extends itself into art. Every workshop ends with the kids colouring using their imagination. Classes start from Thursday onwards and will be conducted in two batches. The cost is Rs1,800 per child for 4 sessions
When: Thursday, January 5 onwards
Where: The Art Loft, first floor, above Patel Store, Mehboob Studio, Bandra
Timing: Batch 1 — 4pm to 4.45pm (3 to 6-year-olds) and Batch 2 — 5pm to 5.45pm (7 to 10-year-olds)
Contact: To register, call 99304 83966 or email contact@theartloft.co.in

Epson’s Creative Imaging Contest is open for children aged between 8 and 16 years. Participants can explore art in various forms across photography, painting, sketching, digital graphics, miniature models, paper craft, collages and any other form of paper work. Contestants only need to ensure that all art works are made using Inkjet or Laser prints. The First Prize winner of the contest will be awarded an Epson Wi-Fi All-in-one printer plus an all-expenses paid trip to Taipei to attend the award ceremony. The last date to receive entries is January 15 Contact: For more information, call 080 30105000 or email creativeimagingcontest@eid.epson.co.in

Jumping Genius Day Care and Activity Centre is conducting special workshops for children on reading, writing, yoga, gym, and boot camps which include physical, creative and mind stimulation. The workshops are suitable for kids aged between 1.5 and 6 years. Jumping Genius is located at Tardeo, Prabhadevi, Bandra and Sion
Contact: Call 98207 51811 for further details

Active
BNHS is organising a bird watching trip at Nilje Lake in Dombivli. Nilje is a small village about 8km from Dombivli. The small village pond hosts the winter migrants — several water birds like Teals, Brahminy Duck, Pheasant tailed Jacanas and Moorhens can be sighted at the pond. The surrounding area is a mixture of cultivated land or dry fallow land and scrub country. The charges are Rs60 per person
When: Sunday, January 8
Timing: 7.30am to 10.30am
Contact: AmandeepKaur Giran, education officer at 95949 29107/53425, or email cecbnhs@gmail.com

Participate in Run for Pink of Health, a social initiative organised by Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital. Register and run with thousands of athletes, running enthusiasts and fitness-conscious Mumbaikars. This event will provide a unique running experience at the Heritage Gardens in Powai. Entry on a first come, first served basis, and by prior registration only. Last date for registration is January 4
When: Sunday, January 8
Where: Heritage Gardens, Powai
Timing: 6am
Contact: To register, call 98701 76113 or visit www.rotarylakers.org

Workshops
Give your home a festive touch with the traditional rangoli adorning your doorstep. Learn how to make different types of rangoli in a one-day workshop on Traditional, Designer and Decorative rangolis, Khassida work, Magic rangolis and more by Sneha Sawant
Where: Vile Parle (West)
Contact: 98204 41219 or 2670 6273

Attend an eggless cake workshop. Learn the professional way to make tasty and easy eggless cakes, brownies, cookies and assorted chocolates in a practical workshop
When: Ongoing
Where: Andheri (West)
Timing: 2pm to 5.30pm
Contact: 98203 28740



Published Date:  Jan 04, 2012
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2:08 PM

YOUR CITY YOUR DAY

YOUR CITY YOUR DAY
Adopt
Urban Dogs is a one-day fun fest presented by www.urbanbrat.com and World For All Animal Care and Adoptions in association with Mark — the pet shop and Eureka Forbes. Take advantage of discounts, offers and sales, and participate in games, fun music and on-the-spot contests. Prizes for different categories like the best dressed dogs, dogs with the maximum accessories etc. will be given out. Little puppies and kittens will also be up for adoption at the event. Photography kiosks and game stalls will be the major attraction at the event where pet parents can get a chance to click professional photographs with their pets and play exciting stall games
When: January 15
Where: Bandra Hindu Association Hall, Linking Road, Bandra (West)
Timing: 11am to 6pm
Contact: Call Apeksha Harihar on 98924 00579
or email apeksha.wmb@gmail.com

Baby is a 5-6-week-old kitten waiting to be adopted by a loving family. She is playful, healthy, sweet, bubbly and absolutely adorable. She is also kitty-litter-toilet-trained. Many more kittens are up for adoption. We are looking for loving homes for them and people who will care for them throughout their lives. Kittens are best adopted in pairs and provide love, entertainment and happiness to every home
Contact: 99870 85350

Seven pups, about two-months-old each, are looking for homes. They are gentle, playful and adorable. Indian breeds are the best breed and are sturdier than other foreign breeds. They easily adjust to our weather, are less susceptible to diseases and ailments, and age does not show on them easily. You also save a life when you adopt an Indian rescued pup
Contact: To adopt, call 98205 28869

ART
Attend “Passageway — Overgoing” by Wolfgang Laib, a German artist.
Working with collected pollen, beeswax and other organic material, Laib has created an exhibition contemplating on the relation of nature and humankind
When: Ongoing, till Jan 13
Where: Gallery Chemould Prescott Road, 3rd Floor, Queens Mansion, G. Talwatkar Marg, Fort) and Gallery Mirchandani Steinrücke (2 Sunny House, Mereweather Road, Colaba)
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