`Little Zizou' is about triumph of love: Taraporevala

Mumbai (PTI): Screenwriter for films like `The Namesake' and `Salaam Bombay', Sooni Taraporevala, has said her directorial debut `Little Zizou' is a story about love triumphing over intolerance and hatred.

The story, set in Bombay (now Mumbai), is about two battling Parsi families, told by an 11-year-old who believes in angels, she said here.

"The film is about faith, hope and love. It is about following one's dreams, however crazy they may be. The film conveys that love can triumph over intolerance and hatred."

`Little Zizou', set to release in India on March 13, has won the Time Warner Award for Best Screenplay and Best Director at Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film Festival.

Eleven-year-old Xerxes Little Zizou, played by Taraporevala's son, Jahan Bativala, is a child who believes that his mother, who died when he was born, is out there somewhere and also that she will bring French footballer Zinedine Zidane to the city.

The movie is about the battle between the forces of fundamentalism, but also has a lot of fun, Taraporevala said.

John Abraham, who plays Arjun, an apprentice metal sculptor, says the film reminds him of his childhood. "When I see the film, I remember my childhood because I have had a very Zoroastrian childhood since my mother is an Irani."

Slumdog... Tamil version to hit cinemas tomorrow

Chennai (IANS): "Naanum Kodeeshwaran", the Tamil version of multiple-Oscar-winner movie "Slumdog Millionaire", is scheduled to hit the screens on Friday.

The film will open in the state with 100 prints, said its distributors Falcon Films in a press statement on Thursday.

The Tamil version of the movie will be screened for the benefit of prisoners before Saturday, according to Director General of Police (Prisons) R. Natraj.

"We also expect Rahman to pay the high security Puzhal Prison a visit to inspire the underprivileged section of society," Natraj told IANS.

Actors Silambarasan, Radha Ravi and ace singer-actor S.P. Balasubramanian have lent their voices to the characters played by Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan and Anil Kapoor respectively, the press statement added.

"I can proudly say that I contributed in a small way to the career of Rahman in the beginning of his Odyssey when he played the keyboard for my films. I knew even then that he was a genius. Now, my son (Silambarasan) has dubbed for the film and it is a trip down memory lane for us," said actor-turned-director-turned-politician T. Rajendherr.

Falcon Films have not disclosed the sum at which the rights were bought, but the industry sources said at least Rs.5 million was paid as advance royalty.

Rahman will be felicitated by the Cine Musicians' Union here on March 1 and presented with a 3kg silver globe as a token of the south Indian film industry's appreciation.

Jackie Chan's son says yes to Bollywood

New Delhi (IANS): His father is one of the finest action stars of all time, but 26-year-old Jaycee Chan admits he is scared of doing stunts unlike dad Jackie Chan. The youngster has worked in Chinese films, his next is a Taiwanese venture and he wouldn't mind trying his luck in Bollywood.

"Stunts scare me. I am scared of being hurt and then not being able to finish my movie on time and of letting my friends and family get worried because of it," Jaycee told IANS.

Kylie Minogue has lunch with Akshay Kumar

Mumbai (IANS): Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue arrived here on Thursday morning and one of her first appointments was lunch at Bollywood star Akshay Kumar's residence.

"Kylie and some of Akshay and Twinkle Khanna's close friends from the industry, plus the 'Blue' crew were invited for lunch by the actor on Thursday afternoon. This is supposed to be his way of making her comfortable in Mumbai," a source close to Akshay told IANS.

'Slumdog' children accorded boisterous welcome

Mumbai (PTI): The child actors of Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" arrived here from their dream US trip to a rousing welcome from family and friends on Thursday.

The actors, including Azharuddin Mohammed and Rubina Ali, who play the childhood roles of the lead characters of the film, reached Chhatrapati International Airport by a British Airways flight from Los Angeles via London at 11.45 am.

The kids, who received a red carpet reception at Los Angeles, came out amid heavy security and were whisked away by the representatives of FoxStar (which had arranged their travel to the US) in four cars. A large media contingent was waiting at the arriving lounge.

Spanish fair brings Indian artists more global visibility

Annie Samson

New Delhi, Feb 24 (PTI) India's pride of place at the recent Spanish international art fair ARCO has put the spotlight on contemporary art from the country, helping the approximately Rs 2000 crore and growing market to attract more foreign interest.

Even in the face of gloomy market sentiment, participating artists, gallery owners and curators at the recently concluded ARCO-Madrid, one of the biggest art fairs in the world, exuded optimism about the future of Indian art.

"There were more galleries at ARCO than at the Basel fair. The scale was overwhelming and it brought about branding and visibility to India among the Europeans," says art expert and director Indian Art Summit, Neha Kirpal who accompanied the Indian delegation to Madrid.

Over 55 artists from 13 galleries across the country participated at the fair where India was the guest country under the Panorama section.

"The West-led market for art has been witnessing a slowdown and others are realising that India which is an emerging market has its own dynamics. There are still transactions happening in this market," says Kripal.

Painter Jitesh Kallat who has been showcasing his works at Arco for a few years beginning from 2003 says, "The interest in contemporary Indian art has grown exponentially in the last five years and the main focus at Arco being India is a result of this." PTI

Osian's auction nets Rs 3.38 crores

New Delhi, Feb 24 (PTI) Noted auctioneer Osian's has clocked Rs 3.38 crore in sales at its second auction this year with contemporary artist Atul Dodiya's work dedicated to former Team India captain Rahul Dravid fetching the highest bid of Rs 57.6 lakhs.

A total of 25 out of 50 selected lots that went under the hammer were sold with a registered average lot price at Rs 13.5 lakhs at the auction held here on February 21. Osian's first auction was the ABC series last month in Jaipur.

While Dodiya's "Wall" fetched over Rs 57 lakhs, modern masters such as F N Souza, V S Gaitonde and Bikash Bhattacharjee also figured among the top five sellers in results released by the auction house Another highlight of the auction was K K Hebbar's portrait of Indira Gandhi fetching Rs 19.2 lakh.

"Figure," a brass sculpture by Meera Mukherjee fetched Rs 34.8 lakhs, while works by leading artists Chittaprosad, Manu Parekh, Sajal Roy, Amalnath Chakladar were also sold.

Both Mukherjee and Himmat Shah's "Untitled" works were auctioned at prices above lower estimates, which the auction house said proved that "art of the highest historical significance holds its value far better than most other financial assets. " Nevile Tuli, Founder-Chairman, said, "The art market is suffering like all other assets. This is thus the time to build when everyone has gone into hibernation." PTI

'Ustad' by Pt Ravishankar is my biggest award: Zakir

Deepak Sen
New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI) After winning the Grammy for a second time recently, tabla player Zakir Hussain is elated on being called an 'Ustad' by sitar maestro Pt Ravishankar and says it is unforgettable and the most rewarding experience than any award.

"For me, every award means the good wishes of maestros. Getting an award feels like I am not lagging behind the art, culture and critics," the mesmerising tabla player told PTI during a programme in the capital.

Hussain says, "I treasure most two awards in my life. The first was when my father and teacher Ustad Allah Rakha Khan appreciated my performance and said 'theek hai' (it is right).

"The second was when sitar player Pt Ravishankar at a joint performance introduced me as 'Ustad' Zakir Hussain. I was just 20-years-old at that time," he says.

Music is beyond any religion and community, pointed out the maestro.

"Indian classical music is old and has a rich tradition. The music based on sufism is above all boundaries and all religions. It is secular and there is no place for any demarcations made by the any religion be it Hindu or Muslim," he said. PTI

A R Rahman says Oscars are a "starting point" of my career

Chennai, Feb 26 (PTI) Coming home to an overwhelming reception after his dream run at the Oscars, music wizard A R Rahman said he viewed the top honour not as a "climax" of his career but a "starting point" for making a difference to music and people's perception towards it.
Arriving to the chants of 'Jai Ho', the award winning song of Slumdog Millionaire, by his fans and well-wishers, Rahman said he was completely overwhelmed and touched by the rousing reception.

"They (fans) almost killed me with their love," the music maestro said in a lighter vein.

On bagging two Oscars, Rahman said "it (winning Oscars) is not the climax of my career.. It is a starting point for making a lot of difference in music and in the way people think about music." Rahman said that he wanted to use the occasion to give a message that between love and hate he always opted for the former.

"Between love and hate, I chose love.. The actors and directors (present at the Kodak Theatre) liked the statement. Even Michael Jackson (pop star) liked it", he said with a smile.

A festive atmosphere prevailed at the airport where Rahman was treated to a musical reception by his friend and popular percussionist, Sivamani, who played the drum. PTI

India will emerge least affected in global downturn: Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed confidence that India would emerge the least affected country of the world from the current global economic meltdown.
"Today we are addressing the global downturn with the same resolve and imagination. Let me assure this House that India would emerge the least affected among the countries of the world from the current economic crisis," he said.

Prime Minister's statement in the Lok Sabha on the last day of its term was read out by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is the Leader of the House.

Singh, who is recuperating after a cardiac bypass surgery, expressed his sincere apologies for not being able to participate in this last session.

Noting that the country faced some of its best times during the last five years, he said it became the second fastest growing economy in the world.

"It also witnessed some very challenging times when the global rise in oil prices led to a spiral of price rise in commodities, resulting in higher inflation which we brought under control through prudent economic policies," he said.

Besides, he said, the country's foreign policy was steered in a manner that succeeded in ending its nuclear isolation and creating unprecedented global opportunities for it. PTI

Inflation falls to 15-month low of 3.36%, RBI may cut rates

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Continuing its downward slide, inflation fell to about a 15-month low of 3.36 per cent, providing greater room to the RBI to cut interest rates to perk up the slowing economy.
While most products including food and manufactured items became cheaper, some luxury items like wine turned expensive, leading to a fall of 0.56 percentage points during the week ended February 14 from 3.92 per cent in the previous week.

Economists say the fall in inflation was expected as the global financial meltdown and slowing economy have depressed prices.

This would prompt the Reserve Bank to cut key rates or other tools to spur economic growth as the Government does not have much space left to boost the economy. Yesterday, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed the hope that the RBI may take appropriate policy action at the right time.

In Parliament, Mukherjee said he had also pointed out to bankers this month that prime lending rates are too high.

"RBI is expected to cut rates," Crisil Principal Economist D K Joshi said.

HDFC Bank Chief Economist Abheek Barua expected deflation by April-May. He said prices of items virtually in every category have fallen, except for non-food articles in raw form. PTI

Meltdown effect: 20,000 Indians returned losing jobs abroad

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) About 20,000 Indians have returned home after losing their jobs overseas due to the global economic crisis, the government said today.
Though the exact number of people who have returned is not available, there are reports which indicate that between 16,000 to 20,000 Indians have come back here after the economic slowdown, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.

To a supplementary, the Minister said that the number of incidents of overseas employers keeping passport of Indian employees have come down by 50 per cent. But he did not provide the period when this reduction has been witnessed.

He said the government is aware that some employers keep the employees' visas with themselves and do not renew these in time, rendering them illegal immigrants. The government is holding talks with foreign countries on the issue.

The UAE has issued direction to employers not to keep the visa of their employees, he added.

The Minister also said there is a need to make changes in the Immigration Act, which was last amended in 1983.

On the issue of migrant workers, he said the government has taken a number of initiatives, including signing of bilateral agreements to protect their interests.

Asked how many Indians are in jails abroad, he said the government does not have the figure, but it is very vigilant and would collect the information. PTI

India's border with Bangladesh secure: P Chidambaram

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) India's borders with Bangladesh are "secure" and there are no threats to the 4,095-km boundary in the wake of the rebellion in Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in the neighbouring country, Home Minister P Chidambaram said today.
"Our borders are secure. Our BSF is on the alert. I don't think the BDR-Army dispute in Bangladesh will spill over to our border," he said when asked about the situation in Bangladesh.

There is "no threat to the borders," Chidambaram said.

Following the rebellion that had broken out in BDR headquarters in Dhaka yesterday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said that it was "exclusively an internal matter of Bangladesh." Replying to a question on the truce between the Pakistan authorities and the Taliban in Swat and other provinces, Chidambaram said the arrangement between the two sides was a matter of concern for South Asia.

"It has been stated in Parliament that the arrangement between Pakistan and the Taliban in respect of Swat does raise concern for the entire South Asian region. Beyond that, I do not wish to say anything," the Minister said. PTI

Composite dialogue process 'at risk' : Pranab Mukherjee

Dubai (PTI): Pakistan's failure to keep its commitment of not allowing its territory to be used for terrorism has put "at risk" the "substantial gains" made during the last few years of the composite dialogue process, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said.

In an interview to Dubai-based Khaleej Times, Mukherjee said the bilateral talks have been put on hold, with no meeting held or scheduled between the two neighbours. He also said that the progress in bilateral relations depends on Pakistan's response to India's demand for action against terrorists based in that country.

"Our composite dialogue process, started in 2004, was premised on this commitment. Clearly, Pakistan has not kept its word. The composite dialogue process with Pakistan has been paused. No meeting has taken place and neither are any scheduled," he said.

According to Mukherjee, "substantial gains, made during the last four or five years, in normalising our relations, are at risk". "Future progress in our bilateral relations depend on Pakistan's response, not only in words, but also through substantive actions," he told the paper.

For India, he said, "logical conclusion" means perpetrators of terrorist acts are brought to book and terror network and infrastructure dismantled completely.

BBC Hindi, Urdu journalists on strike

Prasun Sonwalkar
London, Feb 26 (PTI) BBC's Hindi, Urdu and Nepali service journalists went on a strike today to protest plans that will allegedly result in 34 job losses and outsourcing of editorial content to the Indian sub-continent, even as a motion has been tabled in the House of Commons in their support.

Journalists from Hindi, Urdu and Nepali sections walked out from their newsrooms at 00.01 hours (GMT) today and are scheduled to continue the strike until 23.59 hours.

Meanwhile, the motion, tabled by senior Labour leader John McDonnell, expressed "grave concern" at the BBC World Service's decision to allegedly "impose its plans to offshore 100 per cent of Hindi output and 50 per cent of Nepali and Urdu output, which will result in many job losses".

The motion, supported by several MPs, said the BBC's plans "worsened pay and conditions for staff who are moved overseas and could have serious consequences for editorial independence".

The MPs urged the BBC World Service management to reconsider its position and enter into a positive dialogue with the unions representing BBC World Service's staff.

A demonstration by the striking journalists outside the BBC's historic Bush House here has been scheduled for 3 p.M. today. PTI

Fag-end buying lifts Sensex by over 52 points

Mumbai, Feb 26 (PTI) Late buying pushed up the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex by over 52 points on expectations that the excise duty cuts might lead to reduction in prices of auto, teck and consumer goods.
The Sensex, which dipped to 8,788.32 points during the day, bounced back to record a gain of 52.30 points at 8,954.86 as shares in the auto, refinery and software sectors gained. The index gained 80.50 points in the previous day's trading.

The 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty also rose by 23.15 at 2,785.65, after touching the day's low of 2,731.90 and a high of 2,797.80 points.

The benchmark indices remained weak in afternoon trade even as hopes of rate cuts brightened after inflation fell to a 15-month low. A strong opening in European stock markets helped the Sensex recover initial losses.

Participants creating fresh positions in the first trading of the current derivatives segment today also pushed up the market to end with gains.

Concerns about rising borrowing costs for Indian corporates weighed on the market as fears of a downgrade of the country's sovereign rating by global agencies loomed large. PTI

Tata Motors to launch 'Nano' on March 23

A very good news for everybody and for middle class as their dream car , i mean people's car will be up for sale.

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Tata Motors today said it will launch 'Nano', touted as the world's cheapest family car, on March 23 in Mumbai and bookings will start from April this year.
The car was unveiled at the auto expo in Delhi in January 2008 and a function on March 23 would mark the car's commercial launch.

"The cars will be on display at Tata Motors dealerships from the first week of April 2009. Bookings will commence from the second week of April 2009," the company said in a statement.

The company said that the booking process and other details of the Rs one lakh car would be announced on the day of launch.

"Tata Motors is making arrangements for the widest possible network to book the car, so that prospective customers can conveniently avail of booking facilities at their locations, across the length and breadth of India," the statement said.

The company had also displayed the Nano at the Geneva Motor Show last year and had triggered competition, including Nissan-Renault, to announce plans for building low-cost family cars. The economic crisis has, however, forced them to put the plans on hold. PTI

Sensex up further by 52 pts on fall in inflation

Mumbai, Feb 26 (PTI) On the back of fag-end buying amid short-coverings mainly in auto, refinery and IT counters due to a fall in inflation as well as firm European cues, the benchmark Sensex reversed its initial weak trends and ended up by another 52 points, despite sustained capital outflows.
Brokers attributed the recovery in share values mainly to the covering of short positions on the last day of the February derivatives contract today.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share Sensex initially touched a low of 8,788.32 but rebounded sharply to settle the day at 8,954.86, a rise of 52.30 points or 0.59 per cent over its previous close. Yesterday it was up by over 80 points.

The 50-share Nifty of the National Stock Exchange too rose by 23.15 points or 0.84 per cent to 2,785.65 from its last close.

Asian indices, however, gave a mixed performance with a downward bias due to fall on Wall Street yesterday on warning given by the US government about the financial institutions.

However, a smart rally in European markets at the opening also helped the late recovery in the index.

Continuing its downward slide, inflation fell to about a 15-month low of 3.36 per cent during the week ended February 14 against 3.92 per cent in the preceding week, providing greater room to the apex bank to cut interest rates to perk up the slowing economy. PTI

IOC to invest Rs 700 cr in North East India

Surajit Khaund
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – In a bid to smoothen supply of LPG and cover more areas by retail outlets, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Limited has lined up investments to the tune of Rs 700 crore in the Northeast. Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, Subrato Ghosh, the newly appointed Executive Director of IOC (North East Integrated State Office), said that funds would be spent on modernisation of the existing retail outlets, upgradation of LPG bottling plants and shifting of depots. “In view of growing demand for fuel, nearly 300 retail outlets will be modernised in the next fours years. Moreover, we are planning to open 70 more new outlets in next three years in the Northeast to cover more areas,” he said while providing feedback on the future plans for the region.

In this context, he said that IOC has taken a number of steps for shifting of depots to avoid oil pilferage. “As part of our plan, we will be investing about Rs 140 crore for shifting of Tinsukia terminal to Digboi. Similarly, another Rs 200 crore will be spent in Imphal and Agartala,” he informed.

On perennial shortage of LPG encountered by the consumers in the region, Ghosh said that to overcome the problem, the existing 12 LPG bottling plants would be converted by new electronic system. “The steps have been initiated to provide smooth supply of LPG among the consumers. The new technology will also provide maximum output from the plants,” he added. The Executive Director, however, said that the total demand for LPG in the region is around 23,000 MT per month, and the IOC has taken a slew of measures to narrow down the demand-supply gap. “After complete conversion of the existing LPG bottling plants, we will have sufficient stock. This is a new technology in which we are pumping about Rs 100 crore into the project,” Ghosh claimed.

Asked about the impact of frequent bandhs and blockades in the Northeast, he said that IOC has to take extra measures so that consumers are not affected. “But, any agitation generally affects normal functioning of service,” he added. source: assam tribune

Penelope Cruz becomes first Spanish to win an Oscar

Los Angeles (IANS): Penelope Cruz won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", becoming the first Spanish actress to take home an Oscar.

The award, which was the first handed out Sunday, was a milestone for both Spanish film and for the actress, who had been nominated for an Oscar in 2006 for her performance in Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's film "Volver".

"This is not going to be 45 seconds; I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one. Thank you so much to the Academy. I want to share this with my fellow nominees and with the amazing ensemble of actors that I had the privilege to work with in this movie. Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character," Cruz said in her acceptance speech.

The actress also thanked the directors who gave her roles early in her career, including Bigas Luna, Fernando Trueba and Almodovar, EFE reported.

"I want to dedicate this to my parents and to my brother and sister, to my friend Robert Garlock, who is not with us anymore, and to everyone who has helped me from the beginning and I thank you from my heart," Cruz said.

The 34-year-old actress recalled how she watched the Academy Awards while growing up and what they meant to her.

"I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this was not a very realistic dream. And I, always on the night of the Academy Awards, stay up to watch the show and I always felt that this was, this ceremony was a moment of unity for the world because art, in any form, is and has been and will always be our universal language and we should do everything we can, to protect its survival," she said.

The actress then continued her speech in Spanish, thanking all those who were sharing the moment with her and the actors in Spain.

Cruz was competing for the Oscar against Amy Adams and Viola Davis, both nominated for their roles in "Doubt", as well as Taraji P. Henson for her performance in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and Marisa Tomei for her role in "The Wrestler".

"Vicky Cristina Barcelona" tells the story of two young American women, Vicky (played by Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), who spend a summer in Barcelona, where they become involved with Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), a handsome painter who still has a relationship with his temperamental ex-wife, Maria Elena (played by Cruz).

The film was shot in Barcelona and Oviedo, and both Bardem and Cruz, in particular, give excellent bilingual performances.

After dyslexia, Bollywood to focus on mood disorder

Mumbai (IANS): After Aamir Khan's much feted take on dyslexia in "Taare Zameen Par", Bollywood is putting the spotlight on bipolar disorder, a psychological illness that causes extreme mood swings in a person.

Being made by Prawaal Raman, known for his earlier thriller "Darna Mana Hain", the film is tentatively titled "Happy Teachers Day" and will star versatile actor Farooq Shaikh.

"It's a story tracing the relationship between a professor and his student. When I read about bipolar disorder I wanted to make a film about it. Not too much is known about this psychological disorder. And it can go undetected for a lifetime because the mood swings are often taken to be just over-moodiness in an individual," Raman, who has worked with Ram Gopal Varma, told IANS.

The brain disorder causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The extreme mood swings can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.

While Farooq Shaikh has been finalised to play the professor, a hunt is on for a suitable actor to play the student. Raman has auditioned a number of actors but is yet to zero in on a suitable face.

On parting ways with mentor Ram Gopal Varma, Raman said: "The other day a producer was trying to instigate me into talking against Mr. Varma. I told him if it wasn't for my tenure at the Factory (Varma's production house) I wouldn't be doing the work that I'm doing right now."

The parting with Varma, however, was far from amicable. Raman was directing a film called "Zabardast" featuring Nisha Kothari and Karan Nath for Varma when he just upped and left.

"After 10 days of shooting 'Zabardast' I realised it wasn't going anywhere. So I told Mr. Varma I didn't want to direct it. And I left...Whatever happens, happens for the best," the filmmaker said.

I was nervous facing the camera after 25 years: Neetu Singh

Mumbai (IANS): Her vivaciousness was her trademark in the many films she acted in, but Neetu Singh admits she was nervous while facing the camera after more than 25 years for comeback film "Do Dooni Chaar", in which she stars opposite husband Rishi Kapoor.

"Yes, I was indeed nervous when I was called for my first shot in the film," Neetu Singh told IANS. "I was facing the camera after more than 25 years and was conscious on the sets."

As expected, the scene went off well as she was quite comfortable once she had to give her take.

"I was wondering how I would be able to memorise my dialogues and deliver them well. It was bound to happen though and I settled down after my initial nervous moments," said Neetu, who debuted as a child actor more than 40 years ago in "Dus Lakh" and has acted in around 50 films.

"Do Dooni Chaar", being made by debutant director Habib Faisal, will see her playing a typical Punjabi wife of a Mathematics teacher (Rishi Kapoor) in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area.

Neetu said she decided to make a comeback on the big screen after much persuasion as she was happy looking after her family.

"Except for an odd still-shoot here and there, I hadn't done much for the camera over the years. Yes, there were offers to act all this while but I wasn't too keen. I was happy looking after my family and home," said Neetu, who featured in hits like "Khel Khel Main", "Amar, Akbar, Anthony" and "Kabhie Kabhie".

So what really made her return to Bollywood?

"My kids are doing good now and are settling down in life. Riddhima got married and Ranbir too is doing well for himself. He is going in the right direction. There are good roles being written today and this is when I decided to give acting another shot," she said.

Neetu is quite happy playing a middle-class Punjabi housewife in "Do Dooni Chaar", instead of making a quintessential big-bang comeback.

"'Do Dooni Chaar' is quite interesting. It is a meaningful light hearted entertainer. Rishi-ji plays a Mathematics teacher while I play his wife and a mother of two grown-up kids. My clothes too have been designed on the lines of those that are typically worn by women in this part of the city," the actress said.

Neetu Singh's last big release was opposite Amitabh Bachchan in "Yaraana" (1981), though she did later feature in lesser-known films like "Chorni" and "Ganga Meri Maa".

"Do Dooni Char" is set to release later this year.

Rajiv Anchal to direct a film on Mumbai slums

Chennai (PTI): After Slumdog Millionaire, movie goers may soon get another insight into slums with Malayalam director Rajiv Anchal all set to make a multi-lingual film based on a novel revolving around a don emerging from Mumbai's Dharavi shanties.

If Slumdog Millionaire narrated the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, the film based on the novel Angel of God by writer Jyothi Menon revolves around a single character called Moosa Bhai, who was born into the bowels of poverty in Dharavi to a drunken father.

Angel of God would be made in Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil and Menon is signing up with Anchal, whose work 'Guru' was nominated for an Oscar in the foreign category section in 1997.

"I am signing up with Director Rajiv Anchal very shortly to transform my novel into a Malayalam movie", Menon told PTI.

She said she was also holding talks with Hindi and Tamil producers. "Currently, many producers including Tamil and Hindu were evincing interest in striking a deal with me to produce a movie based on my novel", she said.

Menon said the book subtly brings to light the different kinds of people and situations one encounters in life - people, who wear masks of decency to get along, the once who come into your life and touch you and events that change your life forever..."

"My protagonists in this book are transformers. They not only transform themselves, but those around them. I believe that we have power to transform, if only we believe."

For this full length fiction feature, Jyothi alais Jyo as she is popularly called, said she had spent five years researching and three years to write this book.

Speaking over phone from Kerala, Anchal, who had produced many award winning films said, he was interested in making the movie because the fiction of the novel would be fit for a cinema story.

Anchal said "this story can be transformed into a good screen play. It (novel) has all the qualities to be adapted into a movie, which I would be doing it", he said.

Anchal, with many international awards to his credit, said the deal would be finalised this week and he would decide on the cast after that.

Menon also said that she would be releasing three more books this year including a book titled 'Gold fish' for children.

'Obama wants to see Slumdog Millionaire'

Washington (PTI): The US President, Barack Obama, wants to watch Slumdog Millionaire, the White House has said.

"I don't know if he has seen Slumdog Millionaire. I know he wants to," White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, told reporters during the course of his daily press briefing.

Slumdog Millionaire, the exhilarating rags-to-riches fairy tale set in Mumbai, swept the Oscars with eight awards including the best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, with A R Rahman becoming the only Indian to bag two Oscars for the best score and original song.

Freida Pinto in Woody Allen's next flick

London (IANS): Lady Luck is surely smiling on Indian actress Freida Pinto. After starring in Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire", she has been signed up for American director Woody Allen's next untitled project.

The film would also star British actress Naomi Watts, Anthony Hopkins and Josh Brolin, reported imdb.com.

The shooting of the film is expected to kick off during summer this year.

Holmes avoids Oscars, goes to work instead

London (IANS): Actress Katie Holmes, wife of superstar Tom Cruise, did not attend the 81st annual Academy Awards function as she was working on her new movie in New York.

Holmes was battling the winter cold with double breasted navy jacket, stripey trousers and brown boots while on location for the new movie "The Extra Man", reports dailymail.co.uk.

Holmes was also seen carrying a bag with the slogan "I Love My Home... Planet Earth". Other stars not attending the gala event included her husband Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts.

Dev Patel invited to visit Nepal

Kathmandu (IANS): Dev Patel, the 18-year-old hero of Oscar-sweeping "Slumdog Millionaire", says he is fascinated by Nepal and has received a standing invitation to visit the Himalayan republic.

Patel, who won the Critics Choice Award and Screen Actors' Guild Award for his portrayal of Jamal Malik, the tea boy at a call centre who joins a quiz show and becomes a millionaire, could visit Nepal on an invitation by a leading Nepali hair stylist and make-up specialist.

Maverick Neel David, who plans to open a chain of hair salons and already has three under his belt, including one in India, bumped into the rising star during his sojourn in London.

David is currently training in film and television hair styles and make-up at the academy of noted makeup artiste Christine. One day, to his delight, the lanky Patel walked into the training centre.

The two began a conversation and the chance meeting blossomed into friendship, Nepal Samacharpatra reported, carrying a photograph of Patel with his arm around David.

"Patel, being of Indian origin, has a fascination for Nepal," David told the daily. "He is busy right now but I am working on bringing him to Nepal on a visit."

Despite political turmoil, Nepal remains a favourite destination of Hollywood and other western celebrities. Hollywood icon Richard Gere and "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Orlando Bloom visited the Himalayan nation recently.

Boyle's father lauds Rahman's music

London (PTI): Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle's father has praised AR Rahman's music in the movie, but is not too enthused about the film and dismissed it as just "reasonable".

Based in Radcliffe in Greater Manchester, 88-year-old Frank Boyle stayed up all night with family and friends watching his son's glory at the Oscars, but did not go over the top in his praise for the film. Slumdog Millionaire won eight Oscars awards with two going to AR Rahman.

He said: "I think it's reasonable. He is not making films for me. He is making them for younger filmgoers so I won't say anything more about it. I really liked the music I thought it was wonderful.

"I always knew that Danny would be successful but I never thought he would be the number one director in the world. He has always been interested in films. He got into it when he was a boy".

But Boyle's twin sister, Maria, is delighted by her brother's success. She told The Daily Telegraph: "It was a tremendous night at the Oscars, we've not spoken to him yet although we sent a text.

"We did speak to him on Monday afternoon and the kids were in a limo on the way to the ceremony. It was fantastic to see him up there and great that he spoke about us because he had a lot of people to thank. I can't believe he referred to Radcliffe."

'Slumdog' children miss date with Madonna

Los Angeles (PTI): As the winning team of "Slumdog Millionaire" finally made it to the 'Vanity Fair' ball the children in the group were disappointed to learn that superstar Madonna had already left the party.

The cast members of the team were the last to enter the party at around 2 am, having made the rounds of the other celebratory bashes including the one thrown by the producers of the film, Fox Searchlights and the Governor's Ball.

And young actor's Tanay Chedda and Ayush Khedekar were disappointed to know that superstars like Madonna and Mick Jagger had already left the party.

"Everywhere we go, everyone says 'Vanity Fair' is the party to come to," a child actor said, while adding that they hope to make it in time next year to meet their idols.

Oscar winners Sean Penn, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet partied amongst other A-listers like Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Reese Witherspoon, Will Smith and Jessica Biel. But the post-Oscar bashes received a royal snub from the golden couple, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Pitt and Jolie were nominated together in the Best Actor and Best Actress category but returned empty handed as the highly-competed category wins went to Sean Penn and Kate Winslet. Pop queen Madonna, whose entry was anticipated eagerly, disappointed the gathered media by turning up solo without current love interest, 22-year-old Brazilian model Jesus Luz.

Another couple at the party was Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan. While Ronson was the DJ for the night, Lindsay joined the crowd on the dance floor.

However, it was rap mogul P Diddy who stole the show when he picked up the mic and started rapping, cheered on by the Hollywood crowd. Another important event in the Oscar planner was Elton John's AIDS Foundation charity ball, which was attended by the fashionista duo Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes.

Kalaimamani awards for Asin, Nayanthara

Chennai (PTI): South Indian stars Asin, Nayanthara, Meera Jasmine and Bharat and veteran actress B Saroja Devi are among those who will receive the Kalaimamani awards, instituted by the Tamil Nadu government.

A total of 70 persons will be given the awards in recognition of their work in their respective fields, an official press release said.

Other notable awardees are Tamil scholar Avvai Natarajan, Carnatic musicians Maharajapuram Sreenivasan, VS Kumar, Embar Kannan, Vazhuvoor Ravi and Veeramani Raju, noted drummer Shivamani, orator Suki Sivam, Bharathanatyam dancers Aishwarya Rajnikanth Dhanush, Vasantha Mukunth and Swetha Gopalan, film producer Abhirami Ramanathan and small screen artistes Sundar K Vijayan, Thiruselvan and Abhishek, the release added.

'I'm proud of Danny Boyle'

Hong Kong (PTI): Asian actress Michelle Yeoh said the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" was an example of successful collaboration between Asian film industry and Hollywood.

The Bond actress hoped that the film would pave the way for more such joint ventures in future. "That was a very Indian theme, but it was done by an English director. However, nowadays the film world is global.

We should not say, 'This is only ours.' We should work together, share the technology, share the intellectual property, share the talent," Yeoh said.

The "Memoirs of Geisha" actress also defended the film saying it should not be confused with real life in India. The film has been criticised by some for its portrayal of Indian poverty.

"It's a fairy tale story. What are the odds something like that can happen? But that is the magic of filmmaking. So I am so proud of Danny," the actress said. The former Bond girl, who has worked with Danny Boyle in 2007 for sci-fi movie "Sunshine" said, "I cried. I was so happy for him (Boyle)."

Resul rushing back home to attend daughter's birthday

New Delhi (PTI): Kerala-born technician Resul Pookutty, who bagged an Oscar for sound mixing in "Slumdog Millionaire" and was appreciated for his acceptance speech, does not want to miss his daughter's first birthday party and is rushing back home.

"Last night was really exciting. It was like a dream. So many things happened in a short span. I could not sleep for more even two hours," Pookutty said.

The Film and Television Institute of India graduate said he will reach his Mumbai home on February 26 to attend his daughter Falina's birthday. "Falina will be a year old on the 26th. And I have to reach home," he said.

Pookutty also said that his acceptance speech was dubbed the most eloquent by American Broadcasting Corporation. "I was informed by Vikas Swarup that ABC termed my speech as most eloquent at Sunday's ceremony," he said.

A beaming Pookutty had said on stage that the Oscar was a piece of history handed over to him. "I come from a country and civilisation that gave the world the word that precedes silence and is followed by more silence. That word is 'Om'. So I dedicate this award to my country," he had said in his speech.

Funny moments from Oscars 2009

Los Angeles (PTI): The balls are over, the trophies have been taken home but some moments from the 81st Oscar will be remembered for the comic relief they provided amongst the teary acceptances and political speeches.

"Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle skipped the emotional part, choosing instead to hop on stage while receiving his first Oscar.

The 53-year-old director explained his funny action by saying that he had once promised his kids that if he ever won the award he will recede into the spirit of the comic character 'Tigger' from "Winnie the Pooh".

"My kids are too old to remember this now, but when they were much younger, I swore to them that if this miracle ever happened that I would recede into the character of Tigger from 'Winnie the Pooh'," he said while clutching the golden trophy.

The ceremony was revamped this year after last year saw a unprecedented slump in the TRP's for the telecast ceremony, with song and dance routines predominating the ceremony. Host Hugh Jackman was joined on stage by Anne Hathaway in the first performance of the evening, which poked fun at the nominated films.

Jackman later duetted with Beyonce and was joined on stage by Zac Effron and Vanessa Hudgens of "High School Musical" and Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfried from "Mama Mia!". Funnyman Ben Stiller got the entire crowd rolling with his parody of Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre transformation from Academy winning actor to bearded rapper.

Stiller, who came on stage to present the best cinematography award sporting a bushy fake beard and shades loudly chewed gum and when his co-presenter actress Natalie Portman asked him to stop, he promptly took it out and stuck it on the podium, like Phoenix who had done so while on David Letterman's Show.

"I just want to retire from being the funny guy," Stiller mumbled, as the audience guffawed. "You look like you work at a Hasidic meth lab," said Portman. Another presenter duo who were a hit with the Hollywood crowd were Steve Martin and Tina Fey.

Actress Kate Winslet also drew cheers from the crowd as she asked her dad to whistle so that she could spot him in the crowd and was promptly answered by her father who winked as the cameras panned to him.

James Franco and Seth Rogen spoofed 'Best Film' nominees while Philipe Petit's drew laughs for his impromptu acts. Tight rope walker Petit who was called on stage after "Man on Wire", his biographical documentary won the Oscar, grabbed the golden statuette from director James Marsh's hand and perched it on his chin. He then took out a golden coin and made it disappear in thin air. source: http://www.thehindu.com/

Slumdog producers say two child artists wont be "left alone"

London (PTI): Producers of the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire are contemplating "systematic protection mechanism" for the two slum-children artists in the film and they wont be "left alone" in their life.

They want something more professional to be put in place to look after Azaruddin Mohammed, 10, and Rubina Ali Qureshi, 9, the child actors in the film who attended the Oscars with six other children who are from better off families. "They (Azharuddin and Rubina) are not being left alone - their lives are being disrupted," film producer Christian Colson said on Monday night.

"We need a more systematic protection mechanism in place for them. The profile of the film is high and will remain high, we can't assume attention on these children will drift away." Colson has also suggested setting up a stage musical based on the film to help generate money for poor children in Mumbai and the the film-makers set fund has so far raised half a million pounds.

It was "imperative that the welfare of the children is in the hands of experts and not well-intentional inexperts," he told The Times. "It is important that we do right by these kids."

Mohanlal to act in Shakespeare's Tempest

Kochi (PTI): Versatile Malayalam film actor Mohanlal plans to stage Shakespeare's 'Tempest', with the star donning the role of the protagonist sorcerer Prospero.

The show is being thought of by the actor to be part of the in-house production of JT Performing Arts Centre (JTPAC), the dream project of Mohanlal, chairman of the centre RPT chairman of the centre and entrepreneur friend Jose Thomas, its president.

Magician Gopinath Muthukad will also be part of the project, Mohanlal told reporters here and added that there were also plans to stage 'Nala and Damayanthi'.

The JTPAC will begin staging a variety of performing arts focusing on music, dance, theatre and folk art from Feb 26. Jose Thomas said they planned to rope in well known artistes from India and abroad, including US and Thailand, to perform at the centre which has world class facilities.

Following this, 'Rhythm', an artistic depiction of Mahatma Gandhi's dream 'Unity in Diversity' would be staged by a team of 65 artistes from around the world, Mohanlal said.

The show will be a fusion of three forms of classical music of the world -- Carnatic, Hindustani and Western classical and a unique blend of traditional and contemporary dances of India.

The centre also has plans to launch its own productions, including musicals, theatre and dances directed by the world's leading artistes, Mohanlal said.

HAD Minister launches RGGVY Scheme

: DIPHU, Feb 22: With a view to provide rural electrification in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and NC Hills, an ambitious project under the banner of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutkaran Yojana (RGGVY) has been launched in the region.
Khorsing Engti, Minister, HAD, Veterinary and Bidya Sing Engleng, Parliamentary Secretary, Government of Assam jointly inaugurated the scheme at ASEB power house near Diphu on February 19.

On the occasion, the inaugural function was held under the presidentship of Joyram Engleng, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). Khorsing Engti, HAD Minister, who inaugurated the scheme said that the people of the hills region living in the far-flung areas would get electricity facility through the RGGVY Scheme. He also said that all the BPL families living in the region would be given electricity connection and have to pay only consumption charge. He also revealed the government has already allocated Rs 35 crore for implementing the RGGVY Scheme in the region.

Executive Members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council including Bidya Sing Rongpi, Pradip Rongpi, Longki Timung and Hemari Teron attended the function as invited guests. SC Nath, CGM of Central Assam Electricity Distribution Company (CAEDC) and other officials of Electricity Department also attended the function.

Addressing the gathering, Bidya Sing Engleng said that the RGGVY Scheme would provide electricity in every nook and corner of the district. He said that the people of the district would be benefited through the scheme. He further urged the people of the district to cooperate the authority for proper implementation of the scheme. SC Nath, CGM, ACEDC informed about the RGGVY Scheme. He also said that altogether 1,380 villages have no electricity facilities and 433 villages have partial facilities in the hills districts. To implement the scheme, two new 33 KB sub-stations will be installed at two different venues like Bokuha and Umpanal of Karbi Anglong district. Altogether 31,504 BPL families of the district will be provided with free electricity connection through the scheme, said the CMD. He also mentioned that more than 5,000 transformers would be set up at different places of the district for proper implementation of the scheme, stated in a press release.

Move on to upgrade Namrup Fertilizer plant

Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 21 – While the Central Government is still undecided on setting up the fourth plant of Namrup Fertlizer, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is pushing for approval of Rs 272 crore plan for replacement and renewal of machineries of the second and third units of the plants. This was conveyed at a meeting by Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bijoy Krishna Handique with the Namrup Fertilizer Shramik Union, officers association, and officials of the Ministry. The meeting was also joined by the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Company Limited (BVFCL).

Official sources said that the visiting delegation of the employees was told that the plan to revamp the two units of Namrup has been submitted to the Union Cabinet for clearance. The funds for renewal and replacement of the two plants have been earmarked earlier.

It was also conveyed that the Ministry proposed to an additional corpus fund of Rs 50 crore to sustain the operation of the BVFCL during its revamp. The fund will be used against any contingency that arises during the renewal period, said sources.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertlizer had last week in a Rajya Sabha reply said that no decision has been taken yet on setting up the Fourth unit of the Plant. The proposal to set up the unit was announced by Union Chemicals and Fertilizer Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan during his visit to the State couple of years ago.

With elections drawing closer, both the Congress and AGP have gone on the overdrive to woo the employees of the fertilizer plant. While Handique, who represents the neighbouring Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency is apparently anxious because he also happens to be the concerned Minister, AGP MP Sarbananda Sonowal, the local MP has been working closely with the touring employees.

This week, he even raised a Zero Hour motion in the Lok Sabha seeking Central Government’s intervention.

The BVFCL is passing through a difficult period and production has been hit, he said. The fate of farmers, tea gardens and small tea growers were at stake because of the crisis. The Fertilizer plant is the only major industry set up by the Congress Government in its five decade of rule in the North-East, he contended.

He said that with obsolete plant and machinery, it was not possible for the Fertilizer Plant to increase production. He urged Government of India to sanction adequate funds to BVFCL to start the work on the Fourth Phase of the Plant. source: assam tribune

Assam Police gears up for Lok Sabha polls

R DUTTA CHOUDHURY
GUWAHATI, Feb 21 – Though the dates for the ensuing general elections are yet to be announced, the Assam Police force is gearing up for the polls and a major shake up of the entire force is being done as per the guidelines of the Election Commission. Talking to The Assam Tribune, the Director General of Assam Police, GM Srivastava said that the force is already in election mode and asserted that all the guidelines of the EC would be strictly adhered to before the stipulated date.

The DGP said that the EC has issued strict guidelines for posting of police officers before the elections and a massive exercise is on to shake up the force to comply with the EC’s instructions. He said that as per the guidelines, any officer, who worked for three years in a particular place would have to be transferred and the same exercise is on, which resulted in the transfer of a number of police officers including officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).

In addition to the three year rule, no officer would be allowed to function in his or her home district during the elections and the officers, with whom the EC had any problem in the past would not be allowed to be engaged in poll duty. Moreover, the officers, who have less than six months of service left, would also not be engaged in election duty. However, the constables are not included in the purview of the guidelines of the EC.

Srivastava pointed out that the shake up in the police force turned out to be a major event as “we cannot transfer officers whimsically and before transferring and posting any officers many factors need to be looked into. But we will complete the process before the time stipulated by the EC.”

The DGP said that after the entire process of transfer of officers is completed and the officers take charge of their respective areas, the process of preparations to ensure violence free elections would start. “What we are doing now is reorganizing the force as per the guidelines of the EC and the actual preparations of the police force for the elections will start after the announcement of the election dates,” he added.

The DGP also admitted that the threat perception from the militants during the ensuing polls is yet to be thoroughly assessed and this would be done only after the announcements of the dates of the polls. source: assam tribune

Mani Shankar Aiyar lays Lanka cement plant foundation

Correspondent
HOJAI, Feb 21 – Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar today laid the foundation stone of Rs 1500-crore mega cement industry to be built by Calcom Cement India in a joint venture with the State Government, at Pipalpukhuri under Lanka revenue circle in Hojai subdivision. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said in spite of insurgency problems in the north-eastern region, he has given more thrust to accelerate economic progress of the region with a new industrial policy “NE Industrial Development and Promotion Policy” with project security cover to industrialists and the proposal ‘project related security’ already submitted to the Prime Minister is now under active consideration to dispel fear from the mind of desirous investors in this part of country.

Aiyar also mentioned that to put the region at par with rest of India a vision called ‘NE Region Vision 2020’ has been chalked out that envisages a staggering Rs 40 lakh crore from the Central Government. He appealed to the industrialists to invest in this resourceful region by showing a little courage like Calcom and said that development will be the best fight with ultra outfits.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who attended the functions as chief guest stressed the need for changing pattern of development of Assam by way of allowing more and more large and medium industry. Asserting that just for a handful of youths gone astray the state’s future could not be allowed to be at stake, he asked them to shun violence.

Sounding a note of warning to the outfits that protection to entrepreneurs is the bounden duty of the government, Gogoi asked them to come to the negotiation table instead of kidnapping anyone engaged in the economic growth of Assam.

The function was presided over by Pradyut Bordoloi, Minister Commerce and Industry and was addressed by Rockybul Hussain, Minister Forest, Khorsing Engti, Minister Mines, Binod Bawri, chairman Calcom Otnil Raja, general secretary APCC(I), Dr J Balaji, DC, Nagaon among others.source: assam tribune

BPPF lashes out at Hagrama

A CORRESPONDENT
SRIRAMPUR, Feb 21 – “Hagrama Mahilary is acting like an autocrat in BTC. An armed organisation having indirect favour of the ruling BPF is carrying out activities like kidnapping and murder throughout BTAD”, so said ex-MP of the Rajya Sabha, U G Brahma on the prevailing condition of BTC in a public gathering held on the premises of Bhomrabil High School field recently.

The meeting organised by the Srirampr Anchalik Committee BPPF was presided over by Mainul Hoque Choudhury and attended by Rabiram Narzary, president, Central Committee BPPF, Mozaffar Hussain, central organising secretary and other central and district committee members. The ex-MP in his speech also accused the BTC authority of having indulged in knee-deep corruption. Brahma also accused S K Bwismuthiary (MP, Kokrajhar) who wants to make BTC a heaven now, have already spent ten years on the floors of Parliament but did not utter a single word for the non-Bodos living within BTAD.

While delivering welcome address Mozaffar Hussain said that Hagrama Mahilary was an extremist and his nature has not changed yet because he (Hagrama) and his ‘bahini’ still masterminds some heinous crimes like murder of innocent journalists and creating ethnic riots. Also he alleged that Hagrama Mahilary is using the Muslims and other non-Bodos as vote bank only. Rabiram Narzary in his speech mentioned that the BPF activists are playing foul politics and appealed to all sections of people particularly the minorities to select the right candidate in the following forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

Children’s plight: Greater Srirampur comprising about 15 villages have been neglected by the government since independence. The socio-economic condition of the people’s is very low. Many children born of poor parents in Srirampur and its adjoining area such as Simul Tapu, Dawaguri, Haraputa, Rangapara, Telipara, Bhomrabil, Jacobpur, Grahampur, Rangsupur and so on cannot continue their education because of poverty and are forced to work in the fields and private houses. Again those who migrated to the towns, are being exploited in the tea stalls, hotels, establishments, farms, factories and mills for long hours and in trying and unhealthy conditions. The brick-kilns and some tea gardens also use child labour. Besides the small (light) vehicles like Tata Sumo, Auto-rickshow, Tempo, Tata-Magic etc also appoint children as fare collectors. Small girls who work in other people’s homes are subjected to torture, exploited sexually and even killed.

Various NGOs and social organisations are trying to stop child labour but they are yet to create public awareness and motivate the masses against it. Local conscious citizens have demanded government steps to abolish child labour, implement the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act as well as to punish those related with child labour employment.source: assam tribune

Garo Students’ Union student body denies reports

Correspondent
DUDHNOI, Feb 21 – The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Assam zone, expressed concern over a newsitem which allegedly went against the interests of the Garos living in Assam.

According to this news item, one K K Sangma, a self-styled president of the Garo National Council (GNC), allegedly made a public statement (through NETV) that the Garo-inhabitated areas of Assam have been included in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.

Reports say such a state of affairs can be traced to some leaders of various Garo organisations.

Those leaders have been reported to be driven by actios which can be described as anything but unscrupulous. Selfish motives are said to be behind the combinations and permutations originating from leaders with nefarious designs.

Denying the reports as false and baseless, the GSU has made a clean-up action on the issue of whether Garo areas of Assam have to be included in or excluded from the RHAC, a broad-based and comprehensive meeting of all the leading Garo organisations of Assam was held at Nishangram near Dhubri in September last where leaders of GSU Assam zone Garo Women’ Federation, All Assam Garo Union and All Assam Garo Sahitya Sabha were present. The GNC leaders were also invited to the meeting, but they failed to attend, the students’ body pointed out.

All the Garo organisations excluding GNC had unanimously taken resolutions to include the earns-dominated areas of Assam into the RHAC, where people of the Garo community have been living with place and sharing equal status in central educational and economic fields like other tribes living in this area.

The press release carrying this clarification of the GSU Assam zone was issued by its president Desal Marak. source: assam tribune

Rush of ticket-seekers for Mangaldoi LS seat

Correspondent
GORESWAR, Feb 21 – Strong resentment prevails among the people of the No 8 Mangaldoi Parliamentary constituency following the rush of ticket-aspirants of different political parties for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls as almost all the candidates are outsiders.

As many as 24 candidates from the Congress have already applied for tickets from the constituency. Among them are Madhab Rajbongshi, former MP, Lakshikanta Saikia, former MLA Dr Haren Das, Kirip Chaliha, Dwijen Sarma, Jamansingh Brahma, Silvious Kondopan, MP (RS), Chandra Kumar Sarma, ex-State election commissioner, Rajib Sarma, Shahnaj Ahmed, Proof Ruparani Bhuyan, Hiranya Bora, ex-MLA etc and most of them do not belong to the Mangaldoi. Moreover, Narayan Chandra Borkatoky, sitting MP from the BJP, an outsider could not forge a good relationship with the voters of the constituency particularly in their times of distress and faced problems. This has resulted in Borkatoky having to give up his desire of contesting once more as on MP this time. A few BJP leaders are permanent settlers of the area like Dr Narendra Nath Sarma, Dr Rabindra Hazarika, Kuladhar Saharia, Jadab Chandra Deka, Charan Deka, Jerina Barbhuyan, Pradip Thakuria and Ashokananda Singhal.

The BJP candidate would be supported by the Bodoland People Progressive Front (BPPF) led by Rabi Ram Brahma in Mangaldoi constituency. The BPF (Hagrama) which is in alliance with the Congress has decided to put in the said constituency by their (BPF’s) own candidate in the polls. The AUDF has also decided to contest in the constituency. source: assam tribune

Dr Thokchom Meinya calls for monitoring of dev funds for NE

CORRESPONDENT
IMPHAL, Feb 21 – Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Thokchom Meinya, while participating in the discussion on the Interim Budget for 2009-2010 in the Parliament on Friday raised issues pertaining to Manipur.

He said that the Northeastern States did not have enough revenue resources. They actually lived on the grants given by the Central Government and whatever money was given by the Central Government was huge.

According to Manipur Information Centre, New Delhi, the MP emphasized the need of proper monitoring of the development money to ascertain whether it was utilized properly or not. The border States like Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh were special category States having many problems. Hence peace was required to develop these areas, he added.

He urged upon the Union Government, particularly, the Ministry of Home and the Ministry of Finance to be more liberal in dealing with these States in terms of financial help. He also proposed the Union Government to look into tackling the problems faced by these States in a holistic manner. source: assam tribune

International film fest in March

GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – Banking on the success of last year’s international film festival for short and documentary films, the Cine Art Society, Asom (CineASA) is gearing up to hold the CineASA International Film Festival from March 16 to 20 at Rabindra Bhavan here, stated a press release.

This year’s festival will showcase 20 highly acclaimed feature films as well as a number of short films from across the globe. The festival will hold a retrospective of famous filmmaker Wong Kar Wai (Hong Kong), pay tribute to renowned Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski and focus on another master Ingmar Bergman from Sweden. It will also showcase films of Lars von Trier of Denmark, Mika Kaurismaki of Finland, Zhuanfzhuang Tian of China, Koki Mitani and Yasuo Furuhata of Japan. Moreover, it will showcase best of the short films that have won accolades in important festivals across the world including a retrospective of best of the diploma films of the FTII, Pune, the release added.

The CineASA International Film Festival will also hold a competition of short films from the Northeast and the shortlisted films from the entries will be screened under ‘North-East Shorts’ section. CineASA has constituted a five-member jury for selection of films for the package as well as for the awards.

CineASA has invited entries for the competition and intending participants may send their films, preferably in DVD format (otherwise CD), with a demand draft of Rs 500 favouring ‘Cine Art Societry, Asom’ payable at Guwahati. Entries should reach CineASA by February 25 at: Cine Art Society, Asom, Subansiri Enclave, RG Baruah Road, Zoo Tiniali, Guwahati. source: assam tribune

Kamalabari Satra’s welfare mission for Majuli

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – The Uttar Kamalabari Satra in Majuli has undertaken a mission to ensure welfare of the people of the island. As part of the mission, the Satra, a centuries-old Vaishnavite monastery, has been holding monthly health check-up camps in the interior areas of the island, setting up schools in the socio-economically backward areas and has procured an ambulance to help the ailing people reach the hospitals in times of urgency.

Satradhikar of the Satra Janardan Dev Goswami told this newspaper that his institution has been extending the service of the ambulance to the islanders since 2007. Hundreds of islanders have been benefited with this service, he said.

The monthly health check-up camps organised by the Satra has also been benefiting the people of the interior areas significantly. The Satra has also been requisitioning the services of the experts of the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh and Sankaradeva Nethralaya to check up the health condition of the islanders, besides the local doctors, said the Satradhikar.

The Satra also supplies medicines free of cost to the people found ailing by the doctors. Several organisations like the Sewa Bharati are extending support to the Satra in this matter, he said.

The Satra has placed a request with the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and some of its well-off devotees to provide it with a ferryboat to carry the ailing patients to the hospitals of Jorhat, Dibrugarh and other places in hours of need, said the Satradhikar.

The Satra is planning to set up ten schools in the inaccessible areas like the Kartik Chapori, Bhakat Chapori and Ujani Majuli on its own. It has already set up a school at Jakaibowa in January last in association with the Bidya Bharati.

It has also teamed up with the Sewa Bharati to make the farmers of the interior areas of the island aware of the modern methods of cultivation. Already, mustard seed plantation was raised in an area of 350 bigha of land during this winter, said the Satradhikar.

Recently, the Satra organised an eye check-up camp with the help of the experts of the Sankaradeva Nethralaya on its own campus. Eyes of around 550 persons were screened in the camp and according to Dr Harsha Bhattacharjee of the Nethralaya, 65 persons were diagnosed as suffering from various vision-related ailments and about 90 per cent of the diseased persons were diagnosed as cataract-affected.

Rest of them were diagnosed as suffering from other diseases like glaucoma and retinal detachment etc. diseases. The commonality of these diseases was found to be presbyopia , said Dr Bhattacharjee.

Of them 16 were sent to the Guwahati hospital of the Nethralaya for cataract operation with the Satra bearing their conveyance expenses.

Dr Bhattacharjee lauded the efforts of the Satra as “very good”. “The venerable Satradhikar of the Satra has taken bold steps and those are expected to lead society of the state ahead,” he observed. source: assam tribune

Lecture on humanism at Bajali College

Correspondent
PATHSALA, Feb 17 – A lecture on humanism with special reference to Vivekananda, Dr Radhakrishnan and Karl Marx was organised at Bajali College on February 10 under the aegis of the Philosophy department of the college. The lecture was sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR).

Dr Pranita Devi, HoD, Philosophy, explained the purpose of the lecture which was inaugurated by Dr Debendra Nath Sarma, principal of the college. Dr Girish Sharma, HoD, Philosophy, Gauhati University, delivered the lecture with reference to the contributions of ICPR towards development of philosophical studies and research at the national level. Dr Sharma discussed the concept of humanism in the east and the west and also differences of the humanism of the east and the west. He stated “Humanism is not a new philosophy, it is a traditional concept of man which is spiritual and we cannot ignore the tradition, one may accept it or not.” He also added that there is nothing new in the universe and eternal truth is man. Man is the measure of universe. He elaborately discussed the comparative concept of humanism in the philosophy of Karl Marx. Vivekananda and Dr Radha krishnan with reference to affinity and difference in their thoughts. Rejuvenation of spiritualism is humanism,” he observed. Prof Karuna Mohan Sarma conducted the agenda of the lecture-programme.

Maghi Purnima observed: The villagers of Barbang-Janpar on the outskirts of Pathsala observed Maghi Purnima with religious programmes on February 9. ‘Bhagavat-path’ and night-long ‘Akhanda naam-kirtan’ on the night of February 9, distribution of prasad at the dawn of February 10 marked the occasion. A large number people visited the ‘Garkhiya Than’ venue of the festival on the occasion.

Mahavishnu Yajnas: Mahavishnu Yajna at Pathsala from January 31 to February 2 and Mahavishnu Yajna of Bhogpur near Pathsala from February 7 to 9 were held with attendance of devotees in large numbers.

Rana Sabha: The age-old Rana Sabha at Bamakhata organised by the descendants of Nareswar Rana Patgiri was held with a five-day programme recently Ganga Burah and Kayath Burah Sabhas of the locality were also held recently. The Bangaon Sabha with five-day duration and Amdah-Barala Sabha with five-day duration on the southern locality of Bajali subdivision also concluded recently.

‘Pal-naam’: The two-day ‘pal-naam’ of Kaljirapara Satra was held on February 6 and 7. This is an annual religious event of the Gopaldev Satra.

Delay in construction of NH-152: The ongoing construction of a portion of NH-152 connecting Pathsala with Bhutan territory from Baghmara chowk to Bhutan is progressing satisfactorily even as the works on the portion of NH from Kenduguri to Baghmara are allegedly progressing slowly.

It has created doubt among the public whether the construction of this portion of the NH will be completed by March 28, the last date fixed by the concerned Central Ministry. source: assam tribune

‘ULFA working at ISI’s behest’

Correspondent
UDALGURI, Feb 17 – There is no meaning of sovereignty as conceived by United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) due to the rapidly changing world politics. ULFA’s goal is wishful thinking ULFA cannot achieve it. This was said by Jiten Dutta, secretary of the pro-talk ULFA body, who was here at Udalguri on Friday evening along with Dilip Kalita, assistant secretary, Dibakar Moran, finance secretary and Jon Bhuyan, member of the body, at the office premises of Udalguri AJYCP.

During an hour-long ‘Exchange of thoughts’, the pro-talk ULFA leader observed that Pakistan’s ISI has been using ULFA in carrying out destructive activities in Assam. They have turned into puppets in the hands of ISI.

“Now see where we are, sheltered in Bangladesh, we can’t dream of a sovereign Asom. Rather, we may predict that after some 20 years, Bangladeshis, now flourishing in Assam, would demand autonomy and other status,” Dutta said.

Dutta also observed that the pro-talk body of ULFA wanted a solution within the framework of Indian Constitution. “We want full autonomy to Assam, full safeguard to all indigenous tribes of the region as an alternative to sovereignty. We now believe in non-violence and realise that if we continue with irrelevant demands such as sovereignty, the top leader would no doubt survive in foreign lands but our boys would die one by one and we can’t allow it carry on this way”, Dutta said.

He also said that gun culture can’t be an ultimate solution for peace and prosperity. It rather invites destruction of a generation.

The pro-talk ULFA leader on the occasion informed mediapersons that the body is going to submit its charter of demands on February 16 next to Prime Minister of Indian through Chief Minister of Assam.

Even though our demands may not be met soon, we shall continue our democratic effort with the help of intellectuals, social organisations and student bodies, so that we can bring full autonomy to our motherland,” he added. He also showed a copy of manifesto of the organisation which advocate the introduction of Upper House in Assam Assembly, full autonomy and safeguard of indigenous population.

The pro-talk body of ULFA led by Jiten Dutta held discussions with the office-bearers of Udalguri district units of AJYCP and All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union on the occasion. source: assam tribune

Special focus on NE security: P Chidambaram

Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 17 – Involvement of Bangladeshis in Guwahati blasts has not come to light, even as Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today reiterated that the Centre has trained special focus on the internal security situation in the North-eastern States.

The assertion about the Bangladeshi angle to the blast was based on the report of Assam Government, it was clarified by Minister of State for Home Affairs Radhika V Selvi. However, the Minister added that during investigation, involvement of ULFA militants have come to light.

Earlier, replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Chidambaram said that special attention is being paid to the NE region and that he had visited Assam, Manipur and Nagaland to take stock of the prevailing situation.

In a Lok Sabha, the Government admitted that there were reports of various militant outfits in the North-east, indulging in extortion to collect money from various industrial and business houses, contractors, transporters, officials and politicians. Details of cases registered are not centrally maintained, Selvi said.

Chidambaram, during his recent tours to the region, as also during meeting with security officials, has stressed on putting an end to extortion racket, asking officials to mount crackdowns. source: assam tribune