RC Panaji Secretary's Reportrotaryclubpanaji.org/uploads/magazine/20_pic_Spark... · —10th...

RC Panaji Secretary's Report

ROTRAY CLUB OF PANAJI

CLUB BOARD 2016-17

President

Rtn. Kishor Dhume

Secretary

Rtn. Rohit Pai

Vice President

Rtn. Subhash Sajane

Treasurer

Rtn. Prashant Kaisare

President Elect /

Director Club Administration 1

Rtn. Sadashiv Sirsat

President Elect Nominee /

Director Club Administration 2

Rtn. Viresh Nadkarni

Immediate Past President

Rtn. Nilesh Shah

Community Service Director

Rtn. Sanat Pilgaonkar

Vocational Service Director

Rtn. Ameet Nachinolkar

International Service Director

Rtn. Nester Sequiera

Youth Service Director

Rtn. Parai Dubhashi

Jt Secretary

Rtn. Bhalchandra Amonkar

Sargent at Arms

Rtn. Parag Sardessai

Editor

Rtn. Sanjiv Mirchandani

Rtn. Ian H.S. Riseley

Rtn. Anand G. Kulkarni

Rtn. Prasad Pawar

Dear Rotarians & Friends,NOVEMBER The Rotary Foundation month started with a bang, members committing towards TRF and contributing for the same in the first meeting itself . Looking at the projects done by RC Panaji we touched all the avenues of service in the month of November.Activities in the Month of November

st— 1 November 2017 : Regular meeting

Educational Scholarship was given to a needy girl student Ms Anjum for pursuing her studies in nursing. She was given Rs 10K courtesy Rtn. Nana Walawalikar.

— 2nd Nov- 7th Nov 2017 : Interact Students of Santacruz High School along with their teachers & some parents went to Pondicherry on a Interact Youth Exchange program cum study tour. They were sponsored and hosted by RC of Pondicherry Heritage.

— 8th November 2017 : Regular meeting Talk on Mr Prajwal Shetty athlete who will be representing Goa for Nationals and also trying to qualify for world championship was given Rs 10K for Sports Medicine/Diet courtesy Rtn Parag Sardesai.Educational Scholarship was given to a girl student Ms Saili Naik for pursuing her studies in Germany. She was given Rs 1.06 lacs. Exchange of Club Flags with visiting Rtn. Dr. Marek Wosinski who also expressed views on Global Network for Sustainable Development.

th th— 9 Nov -11 Nov :

th— 10 November 2017 : Rotary Club of Panaji in association with Growing Point, Goa hosted a basic “ thBabysitting Course” on Friday 10 November 2017, Conference Hall, Inspectorate of Factories &

Boilers, Altinho, Panaji Goa. ). The program was designed to instil confidence and empower youth by providing comprehensive instruction around topics such as accident prevention, basic first aid procedures and how to deal with illnesses and other problems that may occur during babysitting.This course will offer immense benefit to the youth training to promote themselves as a babysitter to prospective parent / Hotels/resorts/ Crèche in factories or even to start their own Crèche etc.

th— 11 November 2017 : Inauguration of Toilet Blocks for Girls & Boys at St. Xaviers Academy Old Goa . This academy supports about 350 specially abled children. These kids study/ live in this premises. The inauguration was done at the hands for DG 3170 Rtn. Anand Kulkarni & First Lady Rtn. Dr Rajashree Kulkarni .

th11 students who passed out 10 Std from this academy were given educational scholarships. The entire credit for Toilet Blocks and scholarship projects goes to Rtn A.D Prasad and his company MILROC Good Earth Property & Developers L.L.P.

— 12th November 2017 : Follow up measure of MEGA MEDICAL CAMP at Kundaim Village on 22nd October. 130 needy and poor patients were given spectacles. The spectacles were sponsored by Mrs.Babita Agarwal (Director Himigiri Casting Pvt.Ltd.). Mostly the beneficiaries were senior citizens. 23 patients were detected with cataract they will be operated at Ophthalmology Dept GMC.

— 14th November 2017 :

— 15th November 2017 : Guest Speaker Air Vice Marshal Sunil Nanodkar VM, VSM (Retd.) topic Make in India v/s Made in India – Defense Sector.

— 18th November 2017 : Interact students of Santacruz High School were taken to Science Centre Miramar to witness the "The Evolution of Void" a program conceptualized by an Architect, Philosopher & Physicist . Children witnessed the different installations and interacted with the faculties.

— 19th November 2017 : Members of RC Panaji attended Dist. Membership Development & Retention Seminar at Hubli.Some members also participated in a rally organized by

—

— 25th November 2017 : Special Children of Sanjay School Porvorim

—

Let's continue to involve in 'making a difference'

Talk on My Vocation by Rtn Kishore Parab & Release of SPARK September issue.

Rotary Foundation by Rtn. Prakash Saraswat.

Rotary Club of Panaji in association with Growing Point organised “Life Saver th thInternational First Aid course “(LIFAC) on 9 to 11 November 2017 and basic “Life Saver

International First Aid course “(Training the trainer programme ) at Conference Hall of Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers, Altinho, Panaji Goa. 30 plus participants benefitted from this course. This course is of immense importance as at the end of the course, after assessment, the participant will be qualified to: fulfill the role of a FIRST AIDER AT THE WORKPLACE. Certification done by St. John Ambulance Association.

India Vision Institute 'Walk in the Dark'. The walk was conducted at 18th June Road, Panaji, Goa and covered a distance of 2 kms. Rotary Eye Bank of Goa members carried Eye Donation awareness placards etc.22nd November 2017 : Closed Door meeting on Rotary Eye Bank of Goa. Certain important matters related to eye bank & its activities were discussed.

To Commemorate Children's Day, Rotary Club of Panaji chartered HoHo Bus for our two interact Schools ( Our Lady of Merces and Auxilium High School). They were taken around the city and tourist places. Professional guides are at service for them to explain various important places. Refreshments to all the students and accompanying teachers will be provided .

were taken around the city and tourist places on the chartered HoHo bus . Kids and the accompanying teachers were provided with refreshments.29th November 2017 : Club Assembly with AG in preparation for DG visit on 8th December 2017.

Yours-in-RotaryRTN ROHIT PAI, Secretary - R C Panaji 2017-18

NOVEMBER 2017THE SPARK

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Yes Rotary was growing really fast: 1965- Rotary Fo8ndat ion of Rotary 1956- Pacific Regional conference held in Sydney; International launches three new activities,

attendance 1961. Group Study exchange (GSE), Awards for th technical training and Grants for activities in The week including 15 November designated

keeping with the objective of TRF. (Later called annually as “The Rotary Foundation Week”.matching grants).117 Rotary Foundation Fellowship awards for

1967- TRF launches Undergraduate Scholarships for 1956-57.young men and women to study for one year at The first biennial meeting of the Council of colleges or Universities in countries other their Legislation held just preceding the convention.own.1957- The Rotary Foundation introduces a new

threcognition for Donors to TRF ($ 1000 or above) As of 30 June, 620,827 Rotarians in 12,906 by designating them as Paul Harris Fellows. clubs.As of July 1, the club strength reaches 9,507 1968- A new programme, Rotary volunteers abroad, and membership 450,000. with Rotarians offering technical and

1958- R.I. Board designates week including March 20 managerial training to developing countries as World Understanding Week (Later changed begins.to week including Feb 23 and in 1983 February Rotaract, a service organization for young men itself was designated as World Understanding and women 18-29 (later changed to 18-30) Month). years old, is also launched. Asia Regional Conference held in Delhi, RI institutes Significant Achievement award for attendance 3140. clubs.

1961- Tokyo convention attracts record crowd of 1970- By the action of convention COL becomes the 23,378. “Parliament” of Rotary. Decision not to hold Number of TRF fellowships go up to 136. annual conventions consecutively for two years Club strength goes up to 10,994 and Rotarians in the same country.510,500 as on June 20. 1971- R.I. Board adopts RYLA as a recommended

1962- The first Interact club comes into existence at youth activity. Number of clubs reach 15,000 Melbourne, Florida, USA. with membership crossing 700,000.Rotary membership526, 000 in 11,309 clubs 1972/73- 365 member COL constituted with one as on July 1. representative from each district.

1963/64- World community Service projects The Council of Legislation votes to meet every develop. third year instead of every year.

th 1974- Relief activities for drought, flood, and As of 30 June 1964, the total contribution to earthquake items in Africa, Asia and the TRF crosses $ 10 million mark.Americas.A worldwide exchange of correspondence,

1977- October 1977 issue of The Rotarian about publications, programmes and persons mental health and mental illness receives a between matched districts and club were citation from the US mental Health association established.

Rtn. Anil Sardessai

GROWTH OF ROTARY

This third of series of articles in this year’s spark issues is an attempt to retrace the steps of this great organization which is striving to bring world understanding and peace in the world through its humanitarian programs.

FRIENDSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP existed in the world from the very birth of humanity. But Rotary was the first ever institution that could harness the tremendous energy that could emerge from the friendship and fellowship of the right people for doing good in the world.

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for its outstanding contribution to a better 1986- Rotary's membership crosses one million mark. understanding of mental health. Rotary abides by U.S. Supreme court decision

1978- A new venture in service, the Health, Hunger and permits clubs in the U.S.A. and elsewhere and Humanity (3H) Grants programme, is to admit qualified women as members.initiated to improve health, alleviate hunger and 1987- Rtn. John K. Evans donates one million US$ to enhance human and social development as a TRF.m e a n s o f a d va n c i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l Rotary News Net Work introduced.understanding, goodwill and peace. RVC (now RCC) launched as pilot programme.Tokyo convention registration 39,834-an 1988- Rotary dedicates its new World Headquarters unbeaten record. building in Downtown Evanston, Illinois, USA.

th The Polio Plus campaign exceeds expectations 1979- 3H programme launched as 75 anniversary with more than $ 220 million in contributions programme. Large scale polio vaccination in and pledges.Philippines, the project which inspired the Polio 7000 women in Rotary even before CoL green Plus programme.

th signal to admit women.1980- Rotary celebrates 75 anniversary worldwide.1989- CoL officially opens the doors of Rotary The Rotary award for World Understanding and

worldwide for women to Rotary.Peace is established.It also adopts the eight point Declaration for 1981- The Rotary Basic library is published.

th Rotarians in business and professions.Brazil-Worlds 4 largest in Rotary population.“Service above self” given the status as 1983- 3H programme becomes an activity Principal motto of Rotary.administered by the Foundation Trustees.RCC gets the official programme status.Endowment for World Understanding and

1990- Rotary establishes its Preserve Planet Earth Peace established.programme, with more than 2000 Rotary clubs 1984- Rotary unveils its Polio Plus programme to undertaking environmental projects.immunize all the children of the world.James Buchanan gave US$ 3 million gift to TRF.1985- Polio Plus programme is adopted and Rotary Rotary Peace Forum becomes regular. Name commits eradication of polio from the face of the changed to “Rotary Peace Programme”.earth by 2005.First Rotary club in the former USSR (RC 968 new clubs were chartered during 1984-85, Moscow) chartered. ¡¡¡ an unbeaten record.

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Starting 1 July, any club Expenses incurred before the Foundation approves the or district that applies for district grant application are ineligible for funding. More a global grant to support than 200 districts have already had their 2017-18 district a humanitarian project or grants approved. If your district hasn’t submitted its a vocational training application yet, make sure to start soon.team will need to conduct Changes to grant terms and conditions :a community assessment first and include the results in

their grant application. Assessing the strengths, The Foundation periodically updates grant terms and weaknesses, needs, and assets of the community conditions for clarity and to include policy changes. See you’re helping is an essential first step in planning an the current version for these changes:effective project.. Not only do assessments lead to In Section II, the Foundation :projects that have the most meaningful impact. The

Added the requirement for community assessments to process itself builds valuable relationships, involves be conducted before applying for a global grant residents in decisions that will shape their communities, (beginning 1 July 2018).and encourages them to participate in making lasting

improvements. Most important, projects that are In Section III, the Foundation : informed by community assessments are more

Clarified the restrictions on global-grant funded sustainable. You can use district grant funds to conduct construction to cover projects with or without a strategic the assessment. Rotary’s Community Assessment partner.Tools has ideas and proven methods for assessing a

community’s assets and needs, including meetings, In Section V, the Foundation :surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Clarified that it cannot fund any grant whose success Changes coming to the Grant Center : depends on international travel to a country on the travel

ban list, even if the project’s budget excludes the cost of In January we will unveil changes to the global grant travel.reporting section of the Grant Center. You’ll find that the

report has an updated look, and its content has been aligned with the global grant application. Some report

The Rotary Foundation Reference Guidequestions will be rephrased for clarity, and the financial portion will be much easier to use. We hope these A Guide to Global Grantschanges will make it easier for clubs to report on the Rotary Foundation Basics course in Rotary’s Learning Centertremendous work that they accomplish through global

Revised Lead Your District: Rotary Foundation Committee grants.Manual

District grant funding reminder :

Did you know that district grants can only be used to help fund projects that start after the grant is approved?

¡¡¡

Rtn. Subhash SajaneVice President

Article Compiled by

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New global grant requirement- community assessments


Since leadership is essentially a dynamic process, it is much a part his DNA that when he was a young boy generally perceived to be action oriented. Therefore, a aspiring to join army, he used to exchange the white question may arise as to what a leader who is an able bread that he used to get at home with coarse brown strategist can bring to the table for a team? In order to get bread of a soldier to condition himself for the rugged an answer to this question we have to turn back pages of environment of a battle field. In spite of being a great world cricketing history and the name that stares at us strategist, his over ambition led to his subsequent from these pages is that of former England captain Mike defeats and tragic end.Brearley. He was an ordinary cricketer with batting Being an able strategist is an important leadership average of just around 22 in 68 innings and that too competency in any walk of life in today’s challenging without any century to his credit. In spite of this fact, he times. Strategic thinking means taking the long view. It captained England in 31 of the 39 tests he played in the means “ big picture thinking”. A strategic thinker weighs period between 1976 to 1981. He has a phenomenal all the parameters that can have impact on the situation success rate of winning seven of the nine series his team that he is faced with while taking a decision. Strategic played under his captaincy. So principally he was in the leaders have extra polatory thinking to anticipate a crisis team for his captaincy and exceptional strategic and understand its different dimensions to enable them leadership he provided to his team. He had that extra to take prudent action. It was said that Napoleon won ordinary ability to get the best out of his team members most of his battles in his tent, as he used to plan for the benefit of his team. meticulously taking into consideration what can go He once predicted before a test match that his team wrong and had a contingency plan ready before the mate Ian Botham will score a hundred and take more battle. So even when things used to go wrong in a battle, than five wickets in one innings at a time when Botham he had ready plan of action to tackle the contingency. was struggling with both his bowling and batting. To the Leaders who are able strategists always have an astonishment of his team, Botham scored 149 runs in advantage over people who do not have ability or time of that test match and took 6 wickets in one innings. When thinking in advance.asked to explain this phenomenon , Mike Brearley One of the most important aspects of good strategic modestly said that he just allowed Botham to play his thinking is focusing on strengths of yourself, your people natural strokes and bowl with his natural pace and swing. and your organisation and identifying where they can As a keen student of psychology, Brearley had studied make a major difference. When working in an what was going wrong with Botham and just told him to competitive environment like business, sport etc., it is undo what he was doing and rely on his natural strengths also necessary to focus on the weakest areas of the in bowling and batting. Mike Brearley once won a match competitor or opposition. There is no point in going head for England against Australia by placing all his fielders, to head with your competitor where both of you are including wicketkeeper, on the boundary line when three strong. Strategic planners and leaders have the ability to runs were required of the last ball for Australia to win. react quickly because they have thought through what is This strategy was perfectly in line with the rules of the going on and what can go wrong. They are not swamped game. He is rightfully recognised by many greats in or carried away by events. Ability to react quickly to an English cricket as the best cricket captain England ever adverse situation is a mark of true strategic leader. had. He won laurels for himself and his team purely on Although belonging to entirely two different eras and the strength of being a master strategist. arenas, two greatest commanders of their respective Among famous leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte “troupes” viz. Napoleon Bonaparte and Mike Brearley was considered as the greatest master strategist. His have showed us what a leader who is a master strategist strategy in war was to identify and attack the weakest link can do for a team.of the enemy with element of surprise and speed. He won many battles with this strategy. Strategy was so

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LEADERSHIP: A MASTER STRATEGISTRtn. Vaman Gaitonde

" The author is a corporate coach and currently conducts transformational leadership programs for organisations in Goa, for improving their productivity and profitability,as the sole license in Goa of world's largest transformational leadership development organisation Leadership Management International (LMI)Texas, USA"

The author can be contacted on [email protected]

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Ratnottama Sengupta has just turned director with 'And They Made Classics', an hourlong documentary on the unique bonding between Nabendu Ghosh and his filmguru, Bimal Roy. A seasoned journalist since 1978, she has been writing for newspapers and journals, participating in discussions on the electronic media; teaching mass communication students, writing books on cinema and art, programming film festivals and curating art exhibitions. Daughter of Nabendu Ghosh, a leading name in Bengali Literature and legendary screen writer-director, she has written on Hindi films for the Encyclopaedia Britannica; been a member of CBFC, served on the National Film Awards jury and has herself won a National Award. She has been the Editor of an entertainment website, CineBengal.com, the former Arts Editor of The Times of India, and a member of the NFDC's script committee.

Who Needs These Little Languages in a Globalised World?Ratnottama Sengupta


Ratnottama Sengupta focuses on dialects through cinema

Onataah

Is there justice for the raped woman? She may be absolved by the highest court of the land but what can the victim do if society shuts its door on her? This thought had prompted Prad ip Kurbah to make Onataah, Daughter of the Earth (2017) in Khasi, the language spoken in the remote village she escapes to. Kurba’s earlier film too was it the language spoken in Meghalaya for it had tackled the theme of youth going astray and taking up guns.

Nachi Se Banchi (Kurukh) –

“Dance to Survive,” musician, linguist, writer, educationist, above all, tribal activist who was a key figure in the creation of Jharkhan, Ram Dayal Munda would say. For, he strongly believed that Adivsasis would survive only if their culture continued to flourish. Indeed, “for him, the preservation of the tribal way of life, culture and languages was integral to improving their lot and for fighting for their rights to the forest land they lived on,” explained Meghnath Bhattacharya, who co-directs the documentary with Biju Toppo.

Tanyabi Lake

Tanyabi Lake (Chakma) builds upon a folklore that narrates the story of a maiden who is married to a rich man who pays a reverse dowry – as is the custom amongst some tribals of North East – forcing her lover to leave her world. Her tears wrench the heart of the river that flows by her home – it decides to change its course…. To narrate this tale director Satarupa Sanyal had to choose Chakma, closest to the Bengali spoken in Chittagong, Sylhet; the Roh ingyas o f A rakan , and B ishnupr iya Manipur is. The language spoken by only 3.5 Chakma and Diangnet people – according to the 2007 census – is listed by UNESCO as ‘Definitely Endangered’. As is Khasi, and Kurukh, while Bodo and Kokborok are ‘Vulnerable’…

It was when I was with Central Board of Film theatres they don't - certainly not in states outside their Certification (CBFC) from 2007 to 2011, that I first saw a own. And that's the tragedy: Once every few months a Khorta film. I didn’t know that a film could be made for language is going extinct, linguists tell us.such a small section of viewers. Then, I saw an Oraon/

Languages have gone extinct throughout human Santhali film, and subsequently three Rajbongshi films. history. But now they are disappearing at an accelerated These brought me alive to the fact that films are made in rate due to globalisation – neo-colonialism? – as languages which many would never get to see outside economically powerful languages dominate little their pockets, even though they speak of realities that languages. Already, between languages that are ‘safe’ make India what it is today.because they are spoken by generations inside and

Most films we get to see on our screens talk about an outside their homes, and those that are ‘extinct’ because Indian from the backwaters going to the Big Bad City. all the native speakers are dead, a UN study finds four Now, there's this little film that talks of a person going divisions of languages in India: Vulnerable, Definitely back from a metro to the folds of an Arunachal village. Endangered, Severely Endangered and Critically One film speaks, in a remote language from Karnataka, Endangered. And consensus amongst linguists is that, if against the irresponsible divorce some Muslim women there are 6000 languages spoken today, by the year are subjected to. Another language raises its voice 2100 at least 50 percent would be gone. On their list, against the killing youth are subjected to, close to the Rabha from KarbiAnglong, Sherdukpen from national Capital, in the name of Honour. These films Arunachal, Kokborok from Tripura are vulnerable while speak in languages like Rabha, Sherdukpen, Byari, Mising is definitely endangered. And once we lose these Kodava, Mising or Kokborok. languages, gone would be their songs, myths, proverbs

and poetry as these are not easily transferred.Haven't heard of these languages, you say, let alone films in them? But surely you've heard Haryanvi, The irony is that language is among the many Gujarati, Konkani, Oriya or Maithili. Yet, you won't need boundaries broken by technology today. So, I type in all your fingers to count how many films you have seen in Roman letters, and the software Avro reproduces it in these languages. Yes, they get made and sometimes Bengali. Hollywood films are dubbed for India in Tamil, even hit headlines with a National Award. But release in Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Hindi while American

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Death Certificate

One day a young man who supplies water to passengers in trains that pass through godforsaken stations in the interiors of the land that is India, doesn’t return home. His wife goes in search of some news, and is told someone’s been run over in the region. Thus, starts her run between the railway station, the police station and the hospital – for a piece of paper that’s called Death Certificate. With this even the dead cannot claim his right to a decent burial, so what to speak of his wife’s rights to compensation!

Rajaditya Banerjee’s ‘Death Certificate’ (2017) is placed in Jharkhand, and naturally the Kurmi characters – the Kudumi people of Assam who went from these parts Savitri, Ramlakhan, Siboo – speak Kurmali, a variant of to the tea gardens decades, even centuries ago. But in Bengali blended with Hindi that is heard in the tribal all, there are only some 310,000 speaking the tongue, if regions of Odissa and Bengal too. It is also spoken by we go by the 1997 census.

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films are channelized worldwide with English subtitles! change. India exists in a constant state of translation, Why don't Indian language films enjoy the same reach in and conversation with and between the various the globalized world? Doordarshan once made Adoor Bhashas are the key to understanding both the unity and Gopalakrishnan, Girish Kasaravalli, Amol Palekar, Shaji the diversity of the enigma that is Bharat.” And Malashri Karun, Buddhadev Dasgupta and Jahnu Barua Lal, professor at Delhi University and author of Chamba household names across India. But today films from Achamba: Women’s Oral Narratives, adds: “We do need India's East West North South are seldom accessible these little languages to remain anchored to a rich cross country. Film societies have mostly folded up. tradition of oral literature and culture, and to avoid being Channels - desi or videshi - primarily play mainstream homogenized into a flat mediocrity.”stuff. And media emphasizes glitterati over reflective

That could be why, when Nitish Bharadwaj decided to cinema.direct his first film Pitruroon, he did so in Marathi. “Once I

I am happy to report that this year Kolkata International zeroed in on the subject, India’s language diversity Film Festival repeated India Unheard, the section it had posed the next question: Should I make it in Hindi, the started in 2015, to focus on little languages. In 2014, language of Bollywood, or my mother tongue? Since my when I curated the first of these festivals at Nandan, The journey as an actor in theatre and cinema had led me Good Road had featured there. Not because it is the from Marathi to Hindi, I decided to debut with Marathi. It Prime Minister’s language but because it had raised a is my tribute to my native culture and audiences who storm by beating Lunch box to the Oscar nomination. have always given me immense love, and also my debt “The film,” chair Goutam Ghose had then said, to my late parents who were connoisseurs of Marathi “surprises by showing the unknown India through a boy literature.”lost on a family holiday to Kutchh.” Several strands

The Indian Panorama that is a high point of IFFI in Goa intertwine in the film set on a highway running through showcases thematic and aesthetic excellence in Gujarat’s hinterland to win the Best Gujarati film at 60th cinematic idiom. DFF tries to take them to International NFAFestivals, to cultural exchange programmes outside

Its producer, NFDC, had produced Paltadacho Munis festivals, and to one or two pockets of India – say, North /Man Beyond the Bridge. The Konkani film rich in East or Andamans, which has hardly any halls now, or metaphors balanced the personal and the political, to Kolhapur, which once cradled Indian cinema. Their premiere at Toronto 2009, won the FIPRESCI prize for guideline says that “the entries can be in any Official New Discovery, and opened the Indian Panorama 2009 language of a state or Union Territory, any language in before winning a Lotus at 57th NFA. I consider this a the Eighth Schedule, of any dialect permitted by the success story of cinema in that language for, when IFFI Govt of India from time to time.” What causes this shifted Goa, the strongest critics of the move had revision? Not the death of a language, we hope! For, objected on the ground that there was no Konkani silent films are also permitted within this linguistic fold. cinema worth speaking. And there’s one clause that unites all these ‘languages’

– They MUST be subtitled in English.My festival in Nandan featured the Assamese film Adhyay, tag-lined ‘a chapter in survival’ as it focused on I am in complete agreement with the need for this clause how villagers survive in rural Assam without basic for when I sit down to flip through the movie channels in needs like healthcare, drinking water and viable my home, I can watch films in Hindi, English, Bengali, education system. Such deprivation, common to vast Marathi, Gujarati – the languages I read, write and tracts of India, adds to the poverty particularly prevalent speak, having been born and raised in Bombay – along in our tribal pockets, as we see in Orong. Here’s why with some Oriya, Assamese and Punjabi films, since my Suraj Kumar Duwarah made the film about the Karbi proximity to these languages through living in Delhi and Anglong community in Rabha language. “My research Kolkata have given me an entry into them. But I sorely showed me that 15 per cent students are school miss watching Malayali, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, or that dropouts, and most of them survive below poverty line. rare Manipuri or Kashmiri film that might be on the small Moreover, its cinematic possibility appealed to me. The screen, because they are not subtitled in English.dialect is symbolic of the community: Each day some

This reminds me of something my filmmaker brother language is dying – and this community is struggling to Subhankar Ghosh (director of NFDC’s Woh Chhokri get its language into the 8th Schedule. The language is a and Doordarshan’s Yugantar, who subsequently taught metaphor for the struggle for socio-economic survival of Filmmaking in National University, Fiji and Mumbai’s the species…”Whistling Woods, once said: “My mother tongue is the

Here, let me quote Namita Gokhale, writer and architect bullock cart that must take me through the mud road. of the Jaipur Litfest and Mountain Echoes in Bhutan. Hindi is the bus that takes me to the hawaiadda. English “The Indian languages and dialects carry the burden of is the aeroplane that takes me beyond the shores…”history and tradition as well as the impetus of grassroots

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Dr. Vidya Kamat- Parthan

A Contemporary artist, research scholar and Professor of Comparative Mythology. As an artist she has exhibited her works in India and abroad, and her works are in various prestigious museums. She was also the recipient of cultural scholarship by HIVOS Netherlands for her study on “Documentation and study of roadside shrines in Mumbai”. She has been engaged in teaching and designing courses on comparative mythology for many years. She is an accredited research guide for doctoral students of comparatives mythology at the University of Mumbai since 2003. Currently, she is a co-founder of Talking Myths Project -the online archive on traditional tales from the Indian subcontinent. She is also the Founder Member and Secretary of Center for Study of Mythology and Culture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and study of Indian mythology.

FABLESThe Frog King and the Snake

The Snake Mandyavishya was growing the snake. Being a noble king, he offered old. With no strength and speed to catch to take the first ride on the snake’s back.his prey, he would go hungry for days. Mandyavishya was very glad to serve the One day, while searching for some form king and soon the two became good of sustenance, he saw a pond full of friends. One day as Mandyavishya was frogs. Mandyavishya’s mouth watered at ferrying the king he voiced his worries the thought of frogs for dinner and he about his waning strength. “I can no hatched a plan. longer catch prey like before,” he said. He made his way stealthily to the edge of “Can I eat a frog from your pond to keep the pond and quietly lay there without myself alive? This way I can serve you for making any move to hunt the frogs. As a long period of time” The king took pity the frogs saw the snake, they swam and agreed to his request thinking the away. But when they realised that the serpent is a dear and trustworthy friend.snake was not interested in them, they let their guard Soon thereafter frogs began to disappear from the pond. down. One curious little frog decided to find out what the Many were eaten by Mandyavishya, while others problem was. Inching little close to the banks where the hopped away to another pond to save their lives. And serpent lay, he asked “O snake, it is your nature to kill soon the pond was devoid of frogs. One day as frogs and eat. But you seem to be least interested. What Mandyavishya was carrying the king on his back, he told is the matter? Why are you lying so quietly on the banks the frog, “Oh king, I am so hungry and there are no more of this pond?” frogs left in the pond. I am sorry, but I will have to eat you The snake replied “My dear one, I am that unfortunate today”.snake, who has been cursed by a Brahmin. I bit a By the time Frog King realised the true nature of his Brahmin’s son in frustration. So the Brahmin cursed me friend, it was too late. saying that to redeem myself I would have to serve frogs

Story Collected by : Vidya Kamatand live off their generosity. So I am waiting here to serve any frog who wants my services.” Story Told by :Sitabai Pai PanandikerAnd what kind of services you can offer?” asked the little Text Source: Panchatantrafrog. “You can sit on my back and I can ferry you across

Location: Pan Indiathe pond.” replied Mandyavishya. All the frogs reported the sad story of the snake on the banks of their pond Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons ¡¡¡ back to their king, who arrived with his ministers to meet

Traditionally myths are oral tales. They are passed down the generations either as a sacred story or as an aphorism and treasured by a community as a valuable source of their heritage. When people migrate, their stories travel with them and over time even if the narratives change their relevance and meaning remain intact. The national and cultural character of India and subcontinent was maintained through such narratives. The Talking Myths Project will attempt to capture and engage with this shared mythological heritage of the region.

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There lived a king by the name of was married to a young girl. His wife was Sanjaya and his queen Phusati who regularly taunted by the women in the bore him a child with special powers. village when she went to the village well Upon his birth, the infant prince is said to about her husband’s age. Soon she have asked his mother, “Mother what decided not to go there anymore and could I gift you?” The gods too took asked her husband to hire servants for notice of this special child, who was the job. When Jujaka said that he could soon named Vessantara. not afford servants, she suggested that

he go to the prince who was livin in exile When he was eight, the prince once somewhere close by, and ask for his again surprised everyone by saying that children. He would never say no to he wished to donate something that was anybody.entirely his own, not gifted by anyone else. He wanted to

give away his eyes, flesh or even his heart. The gods were Now the forest that the prince and his family had chosen further impressed. The years passed, the prince grew up, belonged to his uncle. And he had deployed guards to completed his education and married the princess of a ensure that no one approached the Prince, lest he donate neighbouring kingdom, Princess Maddi. The kingdom whatever little he had. When Jujaka tried to get there he prospered and soon a son and a daughter were born to the was chased away. But when Jujaka told them that he was young couple. sent by the prince’s father to fetch him back, the guards

allowed him in.When Prince Vessantara was still a child, a young white elephant had been brought to the stables and the two had Jujaka waited for the prince’s wife to leave for collecting developed a special bond. The prince was often seen wood before going up to him with his request. The Prince sitting atop the elephant donating generously to his people. agreed and handed over the weeping children to Jujaka. The prince was deeply attached to the pachyderm. But as Jujaka tied their hands with creepers and dragged them fate would have it, there came about a long period of away. When the Prince felt sadness at seeing his children drought on one the neighbouring kingdoms. The king of go, he realised that he was still a slave to worldly emotions that state was advised to send eight Brahmins to Prince and controlled his thoughts. But his wife was heartbroken Vessantara to ask for the elephant as a gift as that would and fainted. On gaining consciousness, she felt miserable end the state’s drought. but thought it was her duty to stand by her husband’s act of

generosity.When the Brahmins landed up, the prince was distributing alms to the needy. They asked for the elephant and he At this last act of generosity, however, the Supreme Sakka readily gifted it away. The gods took notice and greeted his was worried. He knew that the Prince could donate decision with thunder and lightning. However, the prince’s anything, even his wife. To prevent some unscrupulous decision did not go down too well with his own people. They Brahmin from doing the same, the Sakka went up to the considered the elephant to be the harbinger of prosperity prince in the form of one and asked for his wife. The prince and angered by the prince’s action, they asked for his gave her up too. The heavens shook and the earth rumbled banishment. at this ultimate donation. Sakka then appeared in his true

form and gave his wife back. Meanwhile, Jujaka had lost his While the king and queen were distressed, they bowed to way with the children and instead of reaching his village; he the request of the people and it was soon time for the prince reached the Kingdom of Prince Vessantara. He was taken to leave. True to character, he donated all that he had and to the King who recognised his grandchildren. On learning people travelled long distances to receive alms from him. what had happened, the King gave him riches to last a life Finally having donated every possession, the prince and time in exchange of the children.his family got on to a chariot to leave the village. However,

four Brahmins arrived just at that moment. They were late Later the king decided to go to the forest and get the prince for the alms. But the prince had given everything away; all and his wife back. The citizens of the village too agreed and he had were the horses drawing his chariot. There were soon the prince and his wife were back. Soon Prince four and the prince gave them to the Brahmins. Vessantara assumed the throne and later ascended the

heavens for his acts of generosity. The prince is considered The gods were moved at his acts of selflessness. They to be one of the previous births of Gautam Buddha and the despatched four deities in the form of stags to drive the main objective of the Jataka is to impress upon people the chariot. However, soon another Brahmin appeared and significance of the generosity and charity in one’s life.asked for the chariot, and the Prince donated that too

without hesitation. The stags disappeared and the family Story collected by: Utkarsh Patelcontinued on foot. After an arduous journey, they found Text source: Jataka Tales, Vessantara Jataka No. 547themselves in a forest where the family began living the

Location: Pan Indialives of ascetics. They built two huts, one for Prince Vessantara and the other for his wife and children. Image copyright: Wikimedia CommonsIn a village nearby there lived an old Brahmin, Jujaka, who ¡¡¡

JATAKA TALESThe King Who Donated his Children

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Rtn. Siddhesh Shetye

Why should I invest?

Why should you invest? The answer is very simple: to If you are still not inspired enough to start your investment create wealth. And why would you want to create wealth? plan right away, here is a quick list of habits that stops you Well, to fund various financial goals you may have in your from being rich.life like an expensive TV, foreign holiday, retirement, and Waiting for the perfect plan: Spending months or years so on. to come up with a fool-proof investment plan is not a great The trouble is that most of us have a single source of idea. There is no guarantee that your perfect plan indeed income and there are various needs that are immediate, is going to be perfect. So, start right away.medium term and long term. If we move from one goal to Starting late: It is extremely difficult or almost impossible the other with our accumulated savings, we would be left to catch up with someone who has started investing with almost nothing for our long-term goals. That is why it regularly much earlier. Even with a very large investment, is important to not just keep money you would find it difficult to catch up. in the savings bank, but use it to Once again, start now.make investments that will help you

Investing for short-term: Try to create wealth over a long period of think beyond a few months or a year. time.You think of short-term investments If you start your investments as only when you have short-term early as possible, you will be in for a goals. Long-term goals need long-pleasant surprise. This is because term investments. The basic rule: time and compounding interest are stick to debt investments for goals a lethal combination that will that are below three years. Invest in multiply your wealth beyond your equity if your goal is five years away imagination over a long period of

or longer.time.Playing it safe: You can't build a large corpus with small Consider this example: Ram and Shyam are friends, both investments in debt schemes. If you want anything are 30 years. Ram invests R1,000 every month for his substantial over inflation, you should invest in stocks. Get retirement. He manages an annual return of 12 per cent rid of the fear of stocks and invest in stocks for your long-on his investments and succeeds in amassing a neat term goals.corpus of a little over R35 lakh at the end of 30 years.

Shyam does nothing for 20 years. He suddenly wakes up Looking for tips: Don't waste time looking for tips to get 10 years before his retirement and starts investing rich quick. Most of these tips would do exactly the R12,000 every month for the next 10 years. He also opposite: rob you a chance of making money on your manages to pocket an annual return of 12 per cent on his investments. If you got your basics right, shut out all the investment. However, at the end of the exercise, Shyam noise and stick to your plan. Take our word for it: you managed to create only around R27 lakh for his would be rich one day.retirement. Trading is not investing: Getting in and out of How is it possible? Ram was investing a measly R1,000 investments, especially equity investments, is not a great whereas Shyam was investing R12,000 every month. idea. You would pay higher taxes on such frequent sale Well, it is possible because of the compounding interest. and purchases. It also would rob you a chance to make Some people call the eighth wonder of the world because spectacular returns from your investments over a long of its power to multiply money over a long period. If you period. Giving time to your investment is key to create invest in a disciplined manner and give you investments wealth over a long period.plenty of time, you can achieve most of your goals without Source – Value Research much pain.

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Here's an easy-to-understand guide that answers this basic question

Siddhesh founded InvestWell in the year 2015 with the sole motive of providing prudent advice and fine solutions to the various investment needs of the investors. He offers a wide range of services keeping in mind the challenges faced by the customers with the aim to provide them a fulfilling and rewarding investing experience with him. In a short span of two years, InvestWell has earned a quality clientele with its prudent advisory skills and consistent performance backed by deep market research and advanced software tools.

He can be contacted on [email protected]


Germination – Getting it rightYogita

Over the last five years, Green Essentials has created an alternative food network that provides community access to higher-quality of food that is fresher, healthier and more delicious. This has been achieved by encouraging local farmers, home-gardens and collaborations like the Chorao Farmers Club. They have conducted many workshops for kitchen gardeners across Goa, running organic farms and Organic Farmers Markets and participating in the organisation of food-centric community events like the Konkan Fruit Fest.

Karan

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A few simple steps to follow to ensure it works for you

A lot of new gardeners get disheartened when seeds pots.sown with high expectations do not germinate. Keeping in mind a few simple things can ensure good results with germination, whether they are sown in nurseries or directly into garden beds or pots.

Are your seeds viable?

The quality of seed is probably the most important factor affecting germination. Keep in mind that sometimes even good seeds fail because they’ve been kept for too long before sowing (especially in warm and humid climates).

For raising nurseries in the ground, pick some soil from healthy patch (33%), add coco soil (33%) and compost (33%) and prepare a mix for nursery beds. Isolate these beds by placing a plastic sheet under the soil (you need just 3-4 inches of soil depth for seedlings) and a creating boundary of rocks or bricks to hold in the soil.

Have you been watering your seeds appropriately (not too much or too little)?

A simple test using moistened tissue paper can determine the quality of seed and the germination rate for you.

Is your soil/medium carefully prepared?

Pathogens in the soil and poorly draining medium can adversely affect seeds (and young seedlings). Green mossy growth on your soil is an indicator of poor drainage, which can cause fungal problems. Too much decomposing matter (wood and leaves) in the soil can be problematic and compaction of soil (too much clay) can stifle the seeds. Get your nursery mix right.

For nurseries in containers, a 50:50 mix of coco-peat and vermi compost makes a light, well-draining medium to germinate seeds in. This mix can be used in paper/plastic cups, small containers or even shallow

Figure 1: Germination testing in moistened paper-napkins can help asscertain whether your seeds are viable or not

Figure 2: 50:50 mix of coco-peat and vermicompost in papper cups for germinating in a nursery

Figure 2: 50:50 mix of coco-peat and vermicompost in papper cups for germinating in a nursery

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Inconsistent watering or over/under watering creates transplanted. There are some exceptions to this havoc with nurseries. This will lead to poor germination however (especially root crops like carrots and radish or weak seedlings that are susceptible to disease. Using etc).In some situations, when we want leafy crops to last a watering can (with a shower head) instead of a hose- for a longer period, we may choose to plant smaller pipe will solve this problem. The seedlings must be seeds pretty densely.watered very gently or they will get knocked down. The list below should help illustrate this and help you Keep the soil moist BUT NOT. If you see moss growing decide:on the soil surface it’s a clear sign of over watering. However, if you poke your finger through the soil (just below the surface) and find it moist, you needn’t water again.

How deep is your seed sown?

Different vegetable seeds should be sown at different depths – but a general rule of thumb is to ensure that the layer of soil above the seeds in not more than 2-3 times the width of the seed (e.g. for a seed of 1mm width, about 3mm deep is ideal). If seeds are too deep, they may germinate, but not come to the surface, and die under the soil.

Sun or Shade?

Seedlings prefer dappled sunlight. Too much shade makes the plants tall and lanky, and susceptible to disease. Too much afternoon sunlight stresses out the little plants. The shade of trees like coconut, guava frangipani etc, that is not very dense (mango and chikoo trees cast deep shade that will not work), works well for

Should I direct-sow or put seeds in nurseries? nurseries.As a general rule, larger seeds are sown directly By keeping a few of the points in mind, one can start (planted in-situ) while smaller seeds tend to be one’s kitchen garden on the right note.

In Nurseries Sow Direct (to transplant) (where it will grow) Lettuce CucumberMustard greens BeansTomato Gourds (Ridge, Bitter etc…)Brinjal CornChilly RadishCapsicum CarrotCabbage/Cauliflower BhindiBroccoli Kohlrabi Basil Other herbs

Figure 4: Sow seeds no more than twice its width for best results

James Britton, a language educator wrote that in and one of the gendered aspects of travel that women experience we become. And so it is everyday that we are appear to take advantage of. I looked behind me and alive and experiencing language and life as we know it. I there was a much older woman in line who said to me, “ was standing in line to get my boarding card, one early Are they blind? Are we invisible ?”. My thoughts too, but I morning at an overcrowded airport line in Dabolim. We had no answer. I used the rest of a long morning of travel know the ‘Season’ in Goa is upon us when the early to think of these things.business / work travellers have to jostle with holiday What is it to be invisible and or to make people invisible ? makers and over stuffed luggage. I imagined I was How does this happen and how can we remind waiting my turn, when there was a rude over taking. An ourselves of the implications around visibility and extremely harassed looking woman cut the line and invisibility ? I turn to stories to find my answers or at least went to the counter just before me. Everyone looked to seek some understanding for them.away. No eye contact was available and I realised it was upto me to say or do something. But I chose to let it go. Invisibility as a phenomenon is not new to literature. It is Too early in the morning for a scuffle. I remained found in many genres; in fairy tales ( The Twelve Dancing invisible. Princess for example) or in fantasy ( Lord of The Rings

and others) and in science fiction ( The Invisible Man) . I got my boarding card and was waiting in the security The earliest reading around invisibility can be found in line and this time a gaggle of three women, pushed their Plato’s Republic with the ring of Gyges. So we know that way past , plonked over sized bags on the security belt invisibility is a trope, a motif that writers use to construct and cut the line ahead of me. Again, I noticed no plots and heighten aspects of story telling, but we also confrontation from anyone and absolutely no know that stories mirror or resonate with reality and so awareness from these ladies. They moved their bodies where does invisibility show itself in real life ? How does to enable their gaggle to fit in the line with no reference this resonate with us and in fact become such a critical or comment to the many others who were queued up aspect of our social being that we do not recognise we before and quietly. Were we all invisible ? are rendering people invisible or are invisible to so I thought I must stay quiet , again. This is a familiar sight much.

Sujata Noronha

Sujata Noronha is an educator with a focus on early literacy. The heart of her work is supporting processes that enable more children to read, write and think.She has two Masters Degrees, one in Financial Management from Goa University and one Masters in Education from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Sujata has an M Phil in Education and is presently, pursuing a PhD in Education from the Tata Institute of Social Science.

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We must understand that it is through stories that we tell as rich, a sense of kinship as powerful and I listened to and the narratives we construct from these stories that stories that I have never heard of and never will. Every enable us to make sense of life. Those of us who evening I was treated to a world of story telling that advocate stories as a way of life, language and being, allowed me to understand how much of this community’s are not wont to forget how stories and constructive world was invisible to me, because it is not found in narratives can also work against us. Sometimes the printed literature. This loss of visibility is more mine than stories we tell or that others tell us can diminish rather theirs because we remain limited by not knowing.than empower us. Sometimes the narrative causes So if we think about what we have been reading of late more conflict than resolution and therefore bears and whose world, world view, point of view and examination. perspective we have reflected upon, we may realise how When story tellers grant invisibility to a character ,the much of life is invisible to us. Move away from the character herself is now empowered and can gain familiar, because to really understand you must engage access and perform acts that the visible are unaware of with what has been invisible thus far. When we choose but in real life when we render a community invisible we invisibility over visibility we deny ourselves the are retaining the power with us, to diminish and violate a opportunity to know and understand and to become people who we think do not matter in our lives. more human. Our humanness emerges from engaging

with the invisible to make it more visible.How do we raise awareness about reality, about the invisible becoming visible if not through concerted story telling , story collections and diverse ideas. If the queue cutting ladies hear enough about experiences of queue cutting, we believe that over time they will become cognisant of their own actions and the impact on others. This however is a trite example of invisibility. On the same travel I arrived at a community that was new to literacy. A community that development NGO’s refer to as tribal in a way that marks backwardness. The only backward person there was me. I did not have a culture

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Text by Sujata Noronha who is a literacy educator from Goa. She directs the work of Bookworm a library based organization and also supports reading projects across India.

Illustrations by Alia Sinha an avid reader and an illustrator based in New Delhi. She is a friend of Bookworm.


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SIKKIMIRRESISTIBLE …….ENCHANTING!!!!!


Small but beautiful, situated in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkin with an area of 7096 sq km with an altitude ranging from 800 to 28,208 ft and the climate ranging from tropical to alpine, a veritable treasure house of some of the most beautiful streams, lakes and waterfalls. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow .

Sikkim is dominated by the looming profile of the Khangchendzonga (8598m) which can be seen from almost everywhere in the state. Sikkim shares its border with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau rising from its northern border. It was once a Himalayan monarchy and part of the fabled Silk Route to China.

Buddhism is the state religion and Sikkim has a sizable community of Nepali Hindus and smaller population of indigenious Lepcha and Bhutia people.

Getting there:

Air :The airport located nearest to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal which is 124 Kms away from

jeeps to travel to your destination of choice at Gangtok. reasonable rate.

Rail : New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two rail stations Sikkim Helicopter Servicenearest to Sikkim located in West Bengal. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism has connected to all the major cities. Sikkim Helicopter Service from Gangtok to Bagdogra

Airport and back. The five-seater Helicopter offers an Road : The lifeline of Sikkim, which is National Highway exclusive mode of transport not merely enabling 31A connects Gangtok with Siliguri and this picturesque connecting flights, but also to see Sikkim from an highway runs through the lush green forests along the entirely new view.bank of river Teesta on one side and sky touching

Sikkim Helicopter Service also conducts, besides the mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya on other side. regular runs to Bagdogra Airport and back, special This unique ride of almost two hours will gives you the mountain flights. opportunity to enjoy the valley carpeted with numerous

wild flowers. Regular bus service operated by S.N.T. and Special flights are also conducted over West Sikkim and adequate number of private buses, jeeps and taxies are North Sikkim for a bird's eye-view of the monasteries available from morning to evening at reasonable rate and the exotic Valley of Flowers, Yumthang.and you can have a very comfortable journey. From

The places of interest in Sikkim are:Siliguri you can catch jeeps and taxies to reach almost all the important tourist destinations located in both Gangtok : The capital of the state of Sikkim lies at an South and West Sikkim. You can also hire taxies and

elevation of 1,780 m. It is a charming, laid-back town

Ann. Maryrose Sequeira is an IATA qualified Travel Consultant having 25 years experience in the industry. She is passionate about organising tailor made holidays for her clients. She manages Libra Worldwide Travel & Tours.She can be contacted on [email protected]

Ann. Maryrose Sequeira

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straddling a ridge with houses spilling down the hillside. the pine clad mountains with their snowy peaks. One It is a modern capital city with all vibes of city life has has to stay at Lachen to visit Gurudongmar Lake. mingled with traditional style of living, to make this place

Gurudongmar Lake – Situated at a height of 5425 mts a unique land.and at a distance of approximately 185 kms from

Rumtek Monastery : Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Gangtok. It is considered one of the sacred lakes of the Chakra), is the seat of the 16 th Gyalwa Karmapa Lama, state both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. The Lake of Kagyu order. It is one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist remains milky in color throughout the year and it is the sects, since 1960s.The centre is the treasure house of source of river Lachen Chu.some of world's most unique religious scriptures and

Pelling / Pemayangtse - Its vicinity has numerous sacred objects.waterfalls, soft trek routes and soothing atmosphere for

Lachung – It stands on an alpine meadow from which all discerning. At an altitude of 6,800 ft, Spectacular rise the pine clad mountains with their snowy peaks. close up views of Mt. Khanchendzonga and her One has to stay at Lachung to visit Yumthang or katoa. subordinate peaks is the major highlight of this location. The road from Gangtok has rhododendron lined along A full day guided sightseeing of Pelling town including the way and is also known as 'Valley of Flowers', the best Kecheopari Lake, Kanchendzonga falls, Changey falls, time to visit is in April & May, when the rhododendrons Rimbi falls, Yuksom, Pemayangtse monastery, are in full bloom. Singshore Bridge, Legship hot spring, and much more

Yumthang - Yumthang, at a height of 11,800 ft. & Nathula Pass - located at a distance of 56 km from approximately 135 km. from Gangtok, is a paradise for Gangtok, is a pass on the Indo-Chinese border. Serving nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora & fauna as a trade link between India and China, this park also and breathtak ing scenic grandeur o f the once served as the main access for Sikkim-Tibet trade. rhododendrons. The roadside is covered with Popularly known as the Silk Route, this pass is at an rhododendron shrubs and trees, the entire valley colors elevation of 14,450 feet and is rich in diverse alpine flora in May. Yumthang “Tsa-Chu” or the hot spring on the left and fauna. The Nathula Pass is divided into terms bank of Lachung Chu is well known for its hot springs 'Nathu' and 'La', which mean 'listening ears' and 'pass'

respectively.Lachen – It stands on an alpine meadow from which rise

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The trade route was closed down in 1961, as a result of Dec . Yuksum - Bakhim - Tsokha - Dzongri - Thanghing / the war between India and China. However, in 2006, the Bikbari - Zemathang / Chaurigang - Goecha la / trade between the two countries resumed again after Rathong glacier and back .conciliation. Passing the Tsomgo Lake on its way, this

CORONATION TREK OCT - DEC : Rumtek - Sang - pass is one of the highest motorable roads in entire Yangang - Rabongla - Tashiding - Yuksum . India. Covered with snow for most parts of the year, a

special permit is required to visit this pass. RIVER RAFTING : River rafting enthusiasts have two riversthe Teesta and Rangit gushing through paradisic At present, tourists are permitted to visit the pass on country. The Teesta experience takes you rafting from Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Makha down to Sirwani and Sirwani to Rangpo. The This pass is also amongst three border posts that Rangit expedition is from Sikip to Nayabazar to Melli. connect China and India. The other two border posts are Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek Shipki la (Himachal Pradesh) and Lipulekh the assistance of the Department of Tourismand travel (Uttarakhand).agents for arranging river rafting trips .

SIKKIM OFFERS YOU A HOLIDAY THAT IS MORE Teesta ExperienceTHAN A DREAM - A VOYAGE OF ADVENTURE AND

DISCOVERY. Makha - Sirwani - Bardang - Rongpo Rangeet Experience MOUNTAINEERING IN SIKKIM Sikip - Jorethang - Majitar - Melli

The first European to explore the Kanchendzonga area Kayaking was Douglas W. Fresfield who reached its abse in 1899 from the Green Lake Basin area. A German expedition led by Paul Bauer made the first attempt to reach the summit in 1929 followed by another attempt in 1931 and reached an altitude of 26,000 ft. In 1955 Charles Evans conquered Kanchendzonga a few feet below the summit from the Nepal side. In 1977 an expedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feet below the summit. In 1987 an Assam Rifles expedition attempted the peak. In 1991 an Indo Japanese expedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogata conquered the peak.

The Kabru was first climbed in 1935 by a British C. R. Cooke. The Pyramid Peak was first conquered in 1949 by a Swiss R. Dittert. A British A. M. Kallas, climbed the Paunhri in 1911. The summit of Siniolchu was first reached by a German in 1936. It was later again climbed by the famous Sikkimese Everester Sonam Gyatso. Pandim was climbed in 1993 by a team from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute. Rathong was conquered by an Indian expedition in 1964.

TREKKING

SUGGESTED TREK ITINERARY

The following itineraries have been drawn up with Yuksum as base. You can also draw up your own Kayaking is undertaken on the Teesta and is arranged detailed trek itinerary with the help of Sikkim Tourism, for special groups. Some experience in kayaking is adventure division, Gangtok or any recognized travel required. Kayaks are available with Sikkim Tourism.agent in Sikkim . Trekkers hut along trek routes are at

YAK SAFARI (A safari with a difference )Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksum, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Yak Safari is organized from Dzongri onwards by Sikkim Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang & Sikip. tourism or organized Sikkim travel agencies on prior

booking. An unforgettable experience. MONASTIC TREK : March - May / Oct - Dec Pemayangtse - Sangacholing - Khecheopalri - Dubdi - MOUNTAIN BIKING Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang .

Mountain Biking is another adventure that has been RHODODENDRON TREK : March - May : Naya bazar - recently introduced in Sikkim. Most of the roads in Hilley / Soreng - Varsey - Dentam - Pemayangtse . Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. This sport is

definitely poised to become popular in Sikkim in the near KHANGCHENDZONGA : Mid March - mid June / Oct -

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future. This sport is being promoted in most parts of But Sikkimese cuisine is much more than just Momos North Sikkim& West Sikkim. For further details please and Thukpa, with every community having their own contact Sikkim Tourism . special way of cooking, using ingredients typical to

them. This results in a wide variety of dishes, each with a HANG GLIDING unique taste and flavour.Hang gliding excursions are conducted in North Sikkim Fermented food, in fact, is an important element of many and Jorethang in West Sikkim. Sikkimese dishes. Climate Chhurpi, a fermented dairy product prepared from cow

milk with a mild sour taste is used for making soups and Sikkims geographical location with its altitudinal Achar. It is often used with Ningro, a wild fern to make a variation allows it to have tropical, temperate and alpine most exotic combination.climatic conditions within its small area of 7,096 kms.

Kinema, a fermented soybean food, rich in protein and Temperature conditions vary from sub-tropical in the with a unique flavour is eaten with rice while Gundruk southern lower parts to cold deserts in the snowy north. and Sinki are two traditional fermented vegetable It is also the most humid region in the whole range of the products which are sun dried after fermentation and Himalayas, because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal stored for consumption. These are later used for soups, and direct exposure to Southern monsoon. curries and pickles.

Rainfall is heavy and well distributed during the months Bamboo shoot is another commonly used ingredient in from May to early October. July is the wettest month in local food. This can vary from fresh bamboo shoot called most of the places. The intensity of rainfall during South-Tama, which is often used with pork to make an West monsoon season decreases from south to North, irresistible curry to Mesu, a traditional fermented while the distribution of winter rainfall is in the opposite bamboo shoot product used to make pickles.order. The highest annual rainfall for the individual

station may exceed 5000 mm. and average number of But the most exotic local dish is surely Sishnu Soup, rainy days (days with rain of 2.5 mm. or more) ranges prepared from leaves offrom 100 at Thangu in north Sikkim to 184 at Gangtok in

Edible wild varieties of nettle.east Sikkim.

Accompanying the food often is Chaang, a fermented Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to cereal-based alcoholic beverage. It is sipped from a September. bamboo receptacle using a thin bamboo pipe. The

Biting cold is experienced at higher altitudes of 10,000 ft receptacle which has millet in it is topped with warm plus. The temperature rarely rises above 15 degree water a few times until the millet loses its flavour. No visit centigrade and heavy snowfall occurs during the winter to Sikkim is complete till you try this atleast once.months. Some also receive snowfall during April or mid-

November.

¡¡¡ Sikkimese Cuisine

Hot steamed flour dumplings filled with minced meat, cheese or vegetable, accompanied by home made chilli sauce and piping hot soup. Yes, we are talking about the Momo, the most commonly available food in Sikkim. From roadside shacks to the most expensive restaurants, you will find Momoson every menu. Another popular and easily available item is the Thukpa or Gya-thuk, a typical Tibetan style noodles in soup, based with vegetables or meat.

Bengali cuisine

Ingredients

I (one) Hilsa – cut into 8 pieces (belly and back together). Leave out the head and tail / use only the prime, belly+back (‘gol’ or ‘peti-gaada’) portions.

Mustard seed (both, yellow and black) – 3 tsp

Coconut - chopped

Green Chillies

Mustard Oil

Haldi Powder

Red Chilli Powder

Salt

Process

1. Add haldi powder, wee bit of chilli powder and salt to the fish. Let it stand for about 15 minutes.

2. Prepare a paste in the mixer with the mustard seeds, green chilli, chopped coconut pieces, and salt.

3. Add mustard oil, the mustard paste, and a couple of green chillies and a pinch of Kashmiri/ red chilli powder (optional) to the fish.

4. Place this in a steel tiffin box with cover and steam it in a pressure cooker.

5. Switch off after first whistle.

6. Take out the tiffin box after the pressure has died. Sprinkle a teaspoonful of mustard oil and serve.

Bengali cuisine is a culinary style originating in Bengal, a region in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, which is now divided between Bangladesh and the West Bengal state of India. Other regions, such as Tripura, and the Barak Valley region of Assam (in India) also have large native Bengali populations and share this cuisine. With an emphasis on fish, vegetables and lentils are served with rice as a staple diet.

Bengali cuisine is known for its subtle (yet sometimes fiery) flavours, and its spread of confectioneries and desserts. It also has the only traditionally developed multi-course tradition from the subcontinent that is analogous in structure to the modern service à la russe style of French cuisine, with food served course-wise rather than all at once.

----Wikipedia

Ingredients5 or 7 types of vegetables: Ridged gourd, pumpkin, brinjal, drumstick, flat beans, long beans, pointed gourd (parval), potatoesBadi (optional)Paanchforan - Kalonji, cumin/ jeera, Fenugreek/methi, fennel/mouri, radhuni seedsSalt, haldi powder, turmeric/haldi powder, cumin/jeera powder, coriander/dhania powder, red chilli powder, pinch of sugarGinger pasteGhee – 1 tspMilk ½ cup mixed with maida (1 tbs)Mustard oil

Process1. Fry the Badi and keep it aside. Also fry the brinjal separately and keep.2. In heated mustard oil put in the Five spices/ paanchforon.3. Add the vegetables and stir. Also add the brinjal.4. Mix the turmeric/haldi powder, cumin/jeera powder, coriander/dhania powder, red chilli powder, salt and sugar in hot water. Pour and Stir it in.5. Add the badi and stir.6. Before taking off, add ghee and pour in the milk-maida. Serve.

Mixed VegetableIngredientsBelly (peti) portions only of a large Rohu or Catla – 6 piecesOnions – 3-4Garlic – 6-8 podsGinger – approx. ½ inchTomato – 1Cardamom 3-4; Clove 3-4; Cinnamon – couple of sticksBay leaf/ Tejpatti – 2Yoghurt – 50 gmsSunflower OilRaisin/ kismis – a fewSaltHaldi and Chilli powderSugar to taste

Process1. Salt the fish and lightly fry it (simply turn it around in heated oil) and keep it aside.2. Beat the yoghurt and strain it (so that it doesn’t form into balls when put in oil). Keep it aside.3. Prepare a paste of the chopped onions, garlic, ginger and tomato. Keep it aside.4. Heat fresh oil in the kadai and put in the bay leaves, whole pieces of clove-cardamom-cinnamon.5. Put in the Onion-garlic-ginger-tomato paste. Add haldi powder, red chilli powder, salt, sugar. Cook it till the oil separates.6. Add the yoghurt and keep stirring. 7. After a while add (warm) water and stir. Add the raisins (after washing in water).8. Put the fish in and cover it for about 5 min. 9. Open the lid, add a little ghee. Let it simmer for a bit, especially if there is excess water. 10. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of powdered clove-cardamom-cinnamon. Serve.

Rohu / Catla with Yoghurt (Doi Machh)

Mustard Hilsa(Bhapa Ilish)

Ratnottama Sengupta

24


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