Categories
Festivals

Saga Behind The Celebration of The Holi Festival

The three-day long fiesta of revelry Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mewar by different sects of the Hindu community. Historians tell us that in Mewar the festival of colors used to start from Basant Panchmi. There was dancing of her by mates and that of Ghoomar by the ladies. Lok geet reverberated with the sound of ‘daph’ ‘dhol’ and ‘thali’. The Maharana would go to the garden where entertaining programmes were held. In the ‘durbar’ at Naginabad, the servants were given gifts. Holi was also celebrated in the chowk.It was only after the sacred fire was lit in the Rajmahal that Holi started in the city. There was a tradition of fireworks on Holi in Mewar.

Nowadays, on Holi starting from Shambhu Niwas Arvind Singhji Mewar, reaches Manek Chowk with Naubatrisawari that has ‘ran kan kan’ horses etc that attract the attraction of the foreign and Indian tourists who give him a standing ovation. Guard of Honour is also given to him by the personal army of the palace. Then rituals of Holi Dahan are performed under the guidance of the Purohits of the Dharmsabha.

As the fascinating legend about the Holi festival goes Hiranya Kashyap was very unhappy with his son Prahalad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He wanted to kill him several times but failed. Fearing that if he performed the ghastly deed himself, the public would go against him, he asked for his sister Holika’s help. It was believed that fire would not burn her as she sat in the fire for a long time every day. It was proposed that she would sit in the fire with Prahalad in her lap. At first, she did not agree but then her brother told that her if she refused, she would not be allowed to marry Eloji. However, Prahalad’s deep devotion to Lord Vishnu saved him and Holika was burnt to ashes. When Eloji with his baarat was on his way to the palace to marry Holika, he was stunned to learn of the tragic incident. He smeared his body with the ashes of Holika and vowed never to marry. He lost his senses and wandered here and there. He is considered to be an ideal lover. In Rajasthan, in many places have been named after him and one of which is Eloji Ka Neem, near Ganesh Ghati in Udaipur. At some places, people try to guess what the coming year is going to be like from to direction of the flames. Going off the flames in the north pretends a good time and the future is to be medium. When the direction is south. Also good is to be the time when the direction is east or west.

DAY 1: HOLIKA DAHAN

Source: india tv.
Holi celebration at City Palace Udaipur

As the time for Holi Dahan, approaches people start gathering at spots where Holika’s have been set up. The trunk or big branch of a tree is set up in the middle and it is surrounded by smaller branches and twigs, pieces of plywood, hay, cow dung ‘uplas’ that are made by women and children. Firecrackers are also put in the middle. At the appointed time, some rituals are performed and the fire lit. There is a feeling of elation as the flames go up. People go round the fire and start greeting others.

‘Dhoond’ ceremony of the newborn children is performed for their good health and welfare. As the legend goes, there lived a rakshas named Dhunda or Dhooni who came to the village and troubled children by making them sick and harming them. When other ways to drive her out of the village failed, the villagers cursed and abused her and lit a fire to frighten her. Finally, this succeeded and it became a tradition on the occasion of Holi.

DAY 2: DHULANDI

source: FairytaleIndia.com Dhulandi celebrations

On the day after Holika Dahan, comes ‘Dulhandi’ when the whole town goes gay smearing faces with ‘gulal’ and colors and sprinkling water. Revelry is in the air. The old difference is often forgotten and people they have started using ‘herbal gulal’ that does not stain clothes nor harm the skin. The use of harmful colors and paints is on the decrease.

DAY 3: BHAIYADOOJ

On the third day of the festival, falls ‘Bhaiya Dooj’ when the brother-sister bonds are revived. The festival that also known as yamdwitiya has a special significance for the Kayasth community. As the legend goes, as desired by Lord Vishnu, Brahma created the world. The latter asked Dharmraj to keep an account of all the deeds performed by human beings and reward or punish them accordingly. Dharmaraj requested the Lord to give him an able assistance to record all these things as it was an extremely difficult task to accomplish single-handed.

For the first time this year, ready-made ‘Holi’ is available in big numbers. The market with ‘semal’ wood costing 300 to 1100 in places such as Surajpole. Also available are ‘uplas’, cow dung cakes made by women. However, hay is to be bought separately. Earlier, people collected dry wood, grass, plywood pieces etc and women and girls made ‘uplas’.

HOW IS HOLI CELEBRATED BY DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES?

After Lord Brahma had meditated for a long time, he saw standing before him an intelligent and handsome being who was to take up this challenging task. As he had originated from the ‘kaya’ soul of the Lord, he has named Kayasth Chitragupta. The people of Kayasth community are descendants of Chitragupta. His sons got their surname after the places they settle in e.g Mathur as they settled in Mathura. As Chitragupta kept a record of the deeds of a man using a pen, the pen has become the weapon of Kayathas as the sword is that of the Rajputs. On On Yamadwitya, Chitragupta with his pen and inkpot is reverently worshipped by Kayasthas.

The Sindhi community of Udaipur has some fascinating Holi tradition. Pieces of wheat dough are baked on burning coal to make ‘Koki’. Sindhi Ghewar is offered as ’prasad’ during Holi Puja and after this 21, 51 or 101 Ghewars are sent to daughters and sisters. Bereaved families are offered Ghewar to end the period of ‘shok’.

SPECIAL RITUALS PERFORMED IN DIFFERENT TEMPLES OF UDAIPUR

source: Udaipurtimes.com Holi celebrations at Jagdish temple, Udaipur

Special rituals are performed in different temples of the towns such as Shrinath Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Asthal Mandir, Baijiraj Mandir and Jagat Shriomani Mandir. In Srinath  Mandir, the Lord has simple Pichwai of white muslin but its original color is not visible as ‘gulal’ is sprinkled on it by devotees.

In Shrinath Mandir, Nathdwara Holi is a big event when thousands of devotees from distant places throng the Mandir. All the main gates are gaily decorated with ‘bandanwar’. Everything gets covered with ‘gulal’ and ‘abir’. Mandlis from outside sing ‘rasias’. On Dulandi ‘dholutsav’ is celebrated. Holi Dahan is done at several places in the town for which ‘dand’ and ‘dhawajas’ are given to children by the Mandir Board.

Menar becomes the venue of a highly fascinating scene on the occasion of Jamra Beej. The main ‘Chouraha’ is beautifully illuminated drum beating goes on all the day at Omkareshwar Chouraha. After the ‘Kasumba’ ritual, the people with swords tied around the waist, and swords and guns in their hands come together. In the evening five groups that are followed by women carrying ‘Kalash’ on the head and singing songs of valor converged at the main chowk and fire guns in the air. Feats with swords are performed. The history of Mewar village and Menaria Samaj is read out.

Tamatar Rad, tomato fight, in which tomatoes are thrown by two parties of young men is organized in Dendor wada near Juna Mandir. After this Ger dance is performed. In village Bhiluda near Raghunath Mandir were two parties used to indulge in throwing stones at each other has been stopped now over 10,000 tribal folks perform Ger dance in the premises of the famous Tripura Sundari Mandir, near Banswara.

Leaving memories behind,  people in Mewar wait eagerly for the next year to enjoy Holi revelry again.

Categories
Festivals

Holi Celebrations in Udaipur

The soft footfalls of Holi festivals can be heard weeks before the grand fiesta is celebrated with great gusto in Lake City. A couple of days in advance on the occasion of Amalka Ekadsh, rural folk from neighboring areas of Udaipur flock to the religious and historic place Gangoudhara (Gangukund) near the Chhatris, the cremations ground of the royal families of Mewar in Udaipur. The ancient ‘Kund’ is believed to have the presence of the river Ganga. In fact, people start gathering here days in advance. There is a big crowd of devotees at the Rajrajeshwar Shiv Mandir to perform rituals. Young and old are seen enjoying themselves on Chakri ‘jhulas’, eating ‘Chat pakodi’ and the like. They go on a shopping spree as there is a huge variety of items including cosmetics, bangles, and domestic ware on sale in this traditional fair. A special feature of this fair (mela) is the availability of earthen ‘matkas’ that Udaipurites in large numbers buy for their cool water supply in summer. It is also popular called ‘matka mela’ fair where pot makers from outside Udaipur begin to reach weeks in advance.

Source: UdaipurTimes.com

Udaipur markets start buzzing with activity. For the last couple of years, herbal ‘gulal’’ is having good demand and a fort night the Forest dept. has created a record by selling about 1100 kilos of this items. It is prepared in neighboring tribal areas of Udaipur such as Thamla Ber Devla of Kotda region Dang, Malviya-Merpor, Kodiyat and Chukdia of Udaipur and Jorma of Gogunda with a target of about 50 quintals. The income goes to the Van Suraksha and Prabhand Samiti. Mainly four kinds of ‘gulal’ is made from different material like roses, ‘amaltash’, ‘chukandar’. Tribal women go out in the jungle everyday to collect flowers and their juice is extracted. And after adding it to a rarest flower it is dried again. This material is then ground till they take the form of fine powder. Attractively packed in 200 and 250 gram packets the material is sent to the market. It is in big demand not only in outside places such as Delhi, Mumbai and Gujarat. Herbal ‘gula’ is proving very popular with its several advantages. It is eco friendly and does not hurt the skin or the eyes. The clothes are not stained. Its sweet smell and natural colors are added attractions. It has also become a source of income for tribal women who are becoming better aware of protection of forests but a big order has also been received from Australia.

Source: india.com
Holi celebration at City Palace Udaipur

Children and boys can be seen buying different kinds of ‘pitchkaris’ in markets, especially Surajpole, Delhigate and Bapu Bazar. This year also, a big favourite ‘ankwali pichkari’, that has the capacity of 1 to 2 liters of water and can be hung from the waist. So are gun and pump shaped ones. On sale are ones with stickers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, as also those of cartoon characters like Doromon. With these are being bought spray color, capsule color, tube color and ‘gulal’. The prices have gone up this year due to GST.
With the beginning of Holastak a week before Holi, special celebration of Fagoutware, started attracting devotees to the temples of Udaipur. During these eight days that are of special significance for Vaishnavas of Pustimagiya Vaishnavas, the devotes to the temples of religious fervour. Devotees of Udaipur and Gujarat come to the Shrinath Mandir Nathdwara, in large number. There is a lot of rarely devotees in the form of different gods and goddesses dance before the Lord. On this occasion are sung ‘garis’ that are dialogues between the lord and the ‘gopis’. Devotees have the ‘darshan’ of ‘lilas’ of Kamdeo for forty days when he tries to overpower the Lord in various ways. However, two days after Holi, Kamdeo accept his defeat.
Jagdish Mandir is also drawing a large number of devotees who participate enthusiastically in ‘bhajan’ singing and other programmes. According to an old tradition, thousands of villagers of Pherapheri do not work on Ekadash and visit this temple to worship the Lord. In Kalyan Shaktipeeth Udaipur , ‘Maha-aarti’ is performed after decorations the idol with ‘Chandan gulal’ of different colors.
In the main streets of the city can be seen persons of Vagaria community from Marwar and Mewar singing on the beat of the ‘chang’ and asking for ‘shagun’ money.
The whole city begins to vibrate with joyous festive vibes. Parties of singers from Nathdwara Srinath Mandir come to Udaipur to sing ‘rasia’ songs. To sing songs composed by the great ‘bhakti’ poet Ras Khan, singers from Brij also come to Udaipur.

Categories
News

Mewar Health Care Achievers Award 2018

With The Great Art Glamour the Third Edition of Mewar Health Care Achievers Award 2018 was celebrated at Bhairav Garh, Udaipur that was graced by the presence of a huge number of young and veteran medicos of the town. The event was presented by Mount Litera zee School Udaipur and Radio city 91.9 represented  by Mr. Arun Mandot, Mr. Manish Kapoor & Mr. Rahul Dubey respectively. The Event Co-sponsors were Prateek Power Industries, UN Motors and PropsGuru which were represented by Mr. Prateek, Mr. Bhupendra Kalra & Mr. Shubham Gandhi respectively, UdaipurBlog headed by Mr. Sanjit Chohan was the online media partner.

The function started with Ganpati Pujan by Ajay Choudhary (CMHO,Sikar) & the Chief Guest Dr.D.P.Singh (Principal, R.N.T Medical College Udaipur) & other guests.

Dr. Anand Gupta (Secretary, Indian Medical Association Udaipur Chapter) welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction of history and need of the event, Ms. Munmun Chakraborty (Principal Mount Litera Zee School Udaipur) talked about some salient features of the school, This was followed by a video presentation about the school.

In his address Dr. D.P. Singh talked about the hardship of a doctor’s life and need for respecting their vital role in the health care of the society, Dr. Ajay Choudhary,  State President of Indian service doctors associations emphasis the need for bigger public support for the right cause of the medical fraternity.

The service of Dr. Sanjay Gandhi of GMCH Udaipur & his team for their efforts in getting the best treatment of Dr. Meena in Udaipur and Ahmedbad were appreciated however inspite of which the latters life could not be saved. For organizing such a big event successfully the services of Alpesh Lodha Branch Head, Srishti Sanchar advertising were highly appreciated. The contribution of Dr. Sunil Chug, President, IMP Association, Udaipur was also recognized. Dr. A.S. Gupta the reputed Surgeon was honoured with Life Time Achievement Award. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Dr. Kshitiz Murdia of Indira IVF, Udaipur Dr. Arvind Singh of Arth Diagnostics, Udaipur earned the conceptual creativity (other than Medical Professions) Award, Dr. P.C. Jain was honoured for his outstanding work in the field of De-additive and rainwater harvesting.

Dr. B.S. Bomb of Aravali Hospital, Udaipur was felicitated in the MedicineCategory and Dr. A.L. Salvi of Ananta Hospital, Udaipur in the surgery category. Dr. Shilpa Goyal of GBHAmerican Hospital, Udaipur was honoured in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics. So also was Dr.Usman Khan of Aravali Hospital Udaipur in Orthopedics sector. Dr. Sushant Joshi of Partani ENT Hospital, Udaipur was felicitated in ENT whereas the award in ophthalmology went to Dr. Sharva Pandya of Drishti, Udaipur Dr. Jangid of Jivanta Hospital, Udaipur was honoured for his excellent work in the field of pediatrics

Dr.Prashant Agarwal of Dermadent, Udaipur bagged the award in Skin and Hair transplant category. Dr.Sitaram Barath of Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur won the Radiology Award. No wonder the Neurology Award went to the renowned Dr. Atulabh Vajpeyee of Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur in the field of Anesthesia was honoured Dr.Deepak Shah of Saraswati Super speciality Hospital, Udaipur Dr. Gulshan Mukhiya of GMCH, Udaipur bagged the Nephrology Award. Dr. Amit Khandelwal of GBH Hospital was honoured with Cardiology Award whereas the Oncology Award went to his Colleague Dr.Manoj Mahajan.

The Oxco Surgery Award was shared by Dr. Devendra Jain and Dr. Subhabrata Das both of GMCH, Udaipur. The endocrinology category Award was given to Dr. Jai Chordia Fortis Hospital, Udaipur. Dr.Vipin Mathur, Govt. MB Hospital, Udaipur bagged the Gastroenterology Award while the Urology Award went to Dr. Hanumant Singh Rathore of PMCH, Udaipur. Dr. Mayank Seth of Medi Center Udaipur was honoured with Pathology Award Dr. Kalpesh Purbia of Pacific Institute of Medical Science,Udaipur was honoured for his contribution in this field of physiotherapy so was Dr. Kaushalya Dangi of the same institute to be award for

Categories
More

Relics Reveal Mewar’s Rich Heritage: Know about ‘Geo-Tourism’

Lake City is a big tourist destination for several reasons. Not many other places have so many attractions for tourists, Indian or foreign. Its scenic beauty with several big and small water bodies in all around the city such as Pichola, Rang Sagar, Swarup Sagar, Fateh Sagar, Badi, Udaisagar, Rajsamand and Jaisamand and hills covered with greenery is a sight to behold. The sanctuaries like Sajjangarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sita Mata and Jaisamand and Sajjangarh Biopark and Baghdera Nature Park and the newly developed Biodiversity Park have a lot to offer to wildlife lovers. In addition to these in several lakes, especially those near Menar, in the region can be sited a huge number of birds of various species. Those interested in history have several places to visit Haldighati, Sajjangarh and Kumbhalgarh Forts. Pilgrims have a lot of places of interest like Eklingnathji, Shrinathji, Dwarkesh Mandir and Jagdish Mandir to watch intricate architecture. One has palaces and haveli’s to visit.

ANCIENT RELICS FOUND

However, there are several places that are wonderful sites of geological interest and reveal our heritage that is centuries old. Recent researches done by geologists in Badgaon near Udaipur have shown that life existed there even 206 Crore years ago. Nanofossils have been found in this village. The findings of studies done by geo-scientists of Punjab in Rajasthan have revealed rocks in Rajasthan that are 370 Crore years old. These findings have been accepted at international levels. Studies of rocks in Udaipur and Gogunda region that are believed to be 330 to 140 Crore years old have also been undertaken. Surveys have been conducted by archeology dept. Of Sahitya Sansthan, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth in Girwa tehsil on the edge of Ahad, Banas, Berach basin and passing through Gadwa, Changedi, Sihada, Bichdi, and Udaisagar. Relics of habitation of the historical and medieval period have been found near Daroli and Mandesar. Near Bichdi Basti rock inscription have also been found. Study of 330 Crore years old rocks of Aravali range in Kherwara region has been undertaken. Facts about the origin of oxygen on earth have also been revealed in a study of German University. At one time, there was sea where there are mountains today.

UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL SITES DISCOVERED

According to Dr. Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, Co-convenor Geo-Heritage Group INTACH Udaipur Chapter, Geological Survey of India (GSI) DECLARED 26 UNIQUE GEOLOGICALSITES ACROSS India in 2001. Subsequently, a few more added to this list. Two fossil parks namely Fossil World Park of AkalJaisalmer Dist. and Stromatolite Park of Bhojunda, Chittorgarh Dist. are there on this list. Two rock monuments of Rajasthan viz Nepheline Syenite, Kishangarh, Ajmer Dist. and Barr Conglomerate, Barr, Pali Dist. also find a place here. Sendra Granite, Pali Dist. is another geological marvel from Rajasthan. As also Gossan of Rajpura-Daribo in Rajsamand Dist.

Nepheline Syenite, Kishangarh

Each monument has specialization of its own. Located about 18 km south-east from the desert city of Jaisalmer on National Highway 15 to Barmer, Akal Wood Fossil Park has the rare exposure of 180-million-year-old rock that has fossilized tree trunks lying scattered in an area of 21 Hc in the company of invertebrate life remains. A visit to Barr Conglomerate, Pali District located in the vicinity of village Barr on Beawar-Pali section of NH14, leaves one wondering hour a hard-brittle rock piece can be flattened and elongated like plastic clay without it being fractured or fragmented. In Sendra Granite NGM wind and water have become acidic by fluctuations in temperatures, acting over millions of years, have sculpted rocks into marvelous shapes that have fascinated human beings for ages. Here a visitor can watch fancy forms some of which have a strange resemblance to human beings.

Source: TimesofIndia

At Bichardi, in Pali district, there exists a geothermal well that is rare and unique in Rajasthan. It is a hot water spewing well that has +58-degree centigrade temperature. It has a water table at depth of 30m. The water is pumped out, cooled and then used for irrigation. In the Stromatolite Park, Bhojunda, in Chittorgarh district can be seen stromatolites that are biochemical accumulations which grow through the work of blue-green algae and bacteria in the shallow marine environment. They may produce a variety of structures Another Stromatolite has been discovered in still order Aravali rocks and that too in an economically significant rock phosphate makes to Stromatolic Park, Thamarkota in Udaipur district an undisputed King of National Geological Monuments of India.

ZAWAR SHOWED THE WAY TO INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Nearer home, the over 2500-year-old Zawar Zinc-Lead Mining Industry is located in a rugged area about 40 km south of Udaipur approached by NH8 to Ahmedabad up to Titdi village, and then a bifurcation to the left least leads one to Zawar village. Zawar is also a railway station on Udaipur-Himmatnagar railway line.  The importance of this geo-park that is defined as a unified area with geological heritage of international significance, can be judged from its recognition as an International Historic Landmark as early as in 1988. The plaque of American Society of Metals at Zawar reads: “At this site are preserved the zinc retort furnaces and remnants of related operation. The village artifacts together with temple ruins at least to the success of this metallurgical technology. This operation first supplied the Zinc for making a brass instrument in Europe, a forerunner of Industrial Revolution”. According to Dr. Ranawat Archeological study by the British Museum, London, MS University, Baroda and Hindustan Zinc Ltd. In 1983 proved that at Zawar metallic zinc was produced by distillation process for the first time in the world.

Sendra Granite NGM
Source: MyIndMakers

For as a metal zinc has a relatively low melting point (about 420-degree centigrade) and low alcoholic drink. Carbon dating of time of timber used as support in underground mines and common use of brass in Ayad and other archeology sites of Mewar prove that the area witnessed mineral utilization fairly early in human history. Its recorded and historically impactful use continued at regular but slow pace essentially because mining was done by chiseling as explosives and mechanization were not known them. Five-setting and quenching could have been used in open cast pits or shallow well-ventilated underground mines, but it is highly unlikely that it was used at wet deeper levels that had poor ventilation and damp oxygen-poor ambient condition.

ZAWAR UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

In the opinion of the eminent historian of Mewar, Dr. Shrikrishna ‘Jugnu’, Zawar is known not only for its huge supply of iron, zinc etc but also the processes employed that included hilltop wells the digging of which started at the top and metal mixed ore was thrown out. In this process, there was no danger of flooding. In case of the collapse of sand, wooden planks were used. The technique of Shilabhedan as first described in Brahatsanhita and later on by Chakrapan Mishra, a contemporary of Maharana Pratap was used. In this, processes of breaking the rocks that obstructed mining were explained. One of the ways to break the rocks was to burn the wood of ‘dhak’ and ‘teemru’ wood on them and then sprinkle lime water on them. The ashes of the ‘shar’ tree. The mixture was sprinkled seven times on the rock to break it. Keeping a mixture of ‘Chhaj’, ‘Kanji’, ‘Sura’ and ‘Kulathi’ in a vessel for seven days turned it into a chemical. To break the orck, it was sprinkled on the rock 2-4 times. Neem tree leaves and bark, ‘timru’ fruit, ‘giloya’ etc were mixed with ‘gaumutra’ sprinklings of this mixture six times made the rock break into pieces.

It is believed that in 430 B.C metals were extracted in Zawar. Rocks were broken with ‘Chhaini’, hammer etc. and then melted in the furnace of the special type were made with sand in such a way that they were not affected by the three kinds of flames and the optimum temperature was maintained. Possibly pieces of Khejri wood that has the quality of burning for a long time were used to heat the furnaces. Researches by dozens of geologists from different countries like Britain have shown that in smelling round shaped sand pots were used. When not used for this purpose they were used in building houses. Now they have been displayed in a museum built by RSMM and Hindustan Zinc Ltd.

Promotion of geo-tourism through publications, internet, seminars etc with the active participation of tourism and mining depts. NGO’s like INTACH, and chapters of Rotary and Lion Clubs etc.

Categories
More

How IIM-U is Helping the City Gain Global Recognition?

Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur that Lake City was given after a long fight, finally became functional in August 2011 with the first batch of 58 students on the campus of MLSU. Soon after, the construction of a huge campus with several unique features started at Balicha. Now the Institute is running on the new campus.

How IIM-U is Helping the City Gain Global Recognition?
Photo by: Hawkeyed Photographers

Under the visionary Director Janat Shah the institute has been making phenomenal all-round progress and has become one of the top IIMs in the country. Since the start of the institute, the students have been left free to plan and execute activities on their own and that in the opinion of Director Shah has made them more creative and responsible. With the help of about 30 clubs, they are not only looking after their own affairs but also help the society in several ways. Among others, their work has been highly appreciated by the district authorities and other associations. The clubs are funded by the pocket money of the students. Needy students are also helped financially. The students also step out into the neighborhood to teach poor children and provide books etc. The ten committees meet with all the academic, professional and cultural needs of the students. All the important decisions are taken by them. All the issues related to the students, the facilities, and the management are resolved by the academic council. The programmes for former students and counseling for the present ones are organized by the alumni association. It is the work of council of student affairs to present the problems before the management. Infra committee takes care of the basic needs of the students. By contacting international institutions the international relation committee provides international exposure to the student. The media and interaction cells keep in touch with corporates who sponsor the IIM events’ merchandise and retail committee designs projects related to IIM and publicising them all over the country. Mess and infra committee plans the student’s diet in keeping with nutrition needs. For better placement, the placement committee facilitates an interface between students and corporate with the help of placement preparation committee, students get ready for placement. Students get guidance on matters such as business, employment from the professional club. The social club with its eleven units keeps in touch with people outside in different areas like education, business, employment and social awareness. In keeping with the changing needs, new clubs are added. For instance, this year there is a new club called Bikers and Riders.

Under the summer placement programme, after the completion of two semesters students go for a two-month long internship in the companies. Students are given scholarships. This year, out of 232 students of 2017-2019 batch 210 got placement. In addition to this 9 students applied for entrepreneurship. Out of the 71 firms that came for recruitment, 40 were new including Johnson and Johnson, ITC, Mario, Larsen and Toubro, Sutherland Global, Tata Steel, Hero, Volvo, SBI. Among the companies that had come earlier were Amul, Berger Paint, HPCL, Wipro, Yes Bank and Express Money. The highest offer placements were made in sales and marketing sector (103), followed by finance domain (25), operation (16), HR (14), business analysis (13), project management (12) and IT (9).The main companies were Yes Bank, ICICI Lombard, Johnson and Johnson, ITC, NMC Healthcare, and Cumming. The stipends were as follows: average stipend (about 54,000), best stipend (2 lac), average stipend of top ten percentile (about 1.21 lac), top twenty percentile average stipend (about 1 lac), top 50 percentile average stipend (about 77,000) and average stipend for international placement (about 1 lac).

How IIM-U is Helping the City Gain Global Recognition?
Source: UdaipurTimes.com

The alumni of IIM, Udaipur has not only impress the world with its brilliant performance but also set an example by giving up their lucrative jobs to serve the country and be with their parents. Angad Abrol, as a student of the 2013-2015 batch and an engineer from Chandigarh IIT, who was earning 35 lac annually in Sydney, Australia is running two companies in Noida. The one is a logistics company that takes online orders for moving goods. Another company is producing artificial products that are helpful in management work. The annual turnover of one company is about  2 crore. The 25 workers in the two companies get 4 to 15 lac annual salary. So much passion has Jairam Krishna, a student of the 2014-2016 batch for working on his own that he never thought of a job or going for a campus placement interview. He turned down lucrative job offers. He has founded a management consulting firm with his brother in Hyderabad. He is offering high-quality services in a safe way at a low rate in a short time. He gave up a job with a 7.5 lac package and did his MBA to master management.

A student of IIM-U, 2016-2018 batch Jaspreet Singh gave up a 12 lac annual package job in a private bank, has launched a wedding photography firm in Delhi with his three friends. His pre-wedding photography is like that of films and brings in new concepts.The firm has to refuse orders due to a rush of work. He has worked in many parts of the country. His five-member team gets 1 lac to 4.5 lac per year. Sandeep Rana, a resident of Dehradun, and Jaspreet Singh have started a new project in Bangalore. They launched a business to consumer concept to catch the taste of people but found that returns were not in keeping with the investment of time and money. Now the business is run by Ashish, an IIM-Indore student who gave up a job in a multinational company with a package of 12 lac. It is a business to business concept in which order for supply of food to companies for big events are executed. The one lac turn over company pays between 2 lac to 5 lac to its 25 employees.

Ishan Agarwal of 2015-2017 IIM-U batch who resigned a job of an international level company with a package of 12 lac has joined hands with Mridul Rajput and Mridul to buy more than 100 motorbikes that are given to tourists who go to Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram. Outlets have been opened in these three cities. Soon the business is to start from Banglore. Ishan is to give Harley Davidson bikes from Mumbai for which one would pay Rs. 5000 per day and for Bullet and Activa it is going to be Rs. 1200 and Rs. 400 respectively. The turnover that started from 2 lac has now shot up to 60 lac. The workers get up to 60,000 per month. Vikas Dapda of 2016-18 batch who had declined a package of 12 lac has opened a geriatric clinic in Ahmedabad with a friend and a team of ten persons. Seventy percent of the income is being given to workers as salary. Vikas plans to open a chain of hospitals all over the country. He is also offering service in IIM-U.

IIM-U proposes to run a six-week course of Stanford School of Public Police, America from 16 June to 18 July. It would cover concepts such as principles and development research and its instruments and methods, management development, practical skills and development, report writing and its presentation with data. It would touch up in the characteristics of leaders for future development and their role. It would be beneficial for those who wish to be future leaders in the academic field. The areas to be taught include Indian NGOs, potential areas of developments and current social and political challenges. There would be team comprising three persons – one student of an Indian University, one of Duke University and one young man from NGO. Each team would spend about ten days in the area of an NGO. During this period would be studied the work being done in rural areas and city slums and the needs of the community and reactions. For NGOs, a detailed project proposal would be prepared that would include an analysis of evaluation, implementation plan, budget and expenditure and profit. Participants would get certificates from IIM-U.

IIM-U keeps organizing programmes that are not only beneficial but also quite interesting. Recently, in a two-day programme about entrepreneurship, some successful management people talked about the ways in which they put their ideas into practice and became successful. The speakers included young entrepreneurs like Gaurav Mantri, Angad Abrol, Vijai Lodha, Cherry Claire, Rohit Jayaswal and Mritunjai Yadav. In another event named Leap Day Lit Fest, Manjri Prabhu talked about her literary journey while Anchal Malhotra discussed her book on partition of the country covered in Anshul More shed light on his success. Writer Sujata Massey told the audience how she studied the background context of her work.

With their brilliant performance, social concerns and awareness creating activities, IIM-U students are covering Lake City with glory.

Categories
News

State Budget 2018: Reactions of the People!

Considered generally a magic wand which fulfills all expectations in one stroke, the annual budget of the state is one of the most eagerly awaited events by the public. As soon as it is presented in the assembly, one group has nothing but praise for it while another one finds nothing beneficial for anyone in it. In between are a small number of persons who impartially analyze its positive and negative features that impact different sections of the society like the housewife, the poor, the rich and the middle-class people, the businessmen and the like.

Health Care Sector

In the healthcare sector, the budget provides more ventilators, for ICU Swine flu ward to which 50 more beds were added recently and the nephrology depts. Get four more dialysis machines at the cost of 1.10 Crore. This would benefit the fast-increasing number of swine flu patients that come to M.B Hospital. In September – October last year about 34 persons died of this disease. The facility of dialysis machines would lessen the present waiting period of kidney patients.

Education Sector in Udaipur

The education sector in Udaipur district is to get more facilities. Half out of 544 govt. Adarsh schools at the Gram Panchayat Headquarters do not have enough classrooms in keeping with the number of enrolled students. The provision of building about 3400 additional classrooms in 1163 Adarsh schools in the state would also benefit Udaipur schools. Over 3 lac school students in the district are to get milk three times in a week as part of Poshahar scheme. The district has 653 secondary and about 3500 primary schools that are run by the govt. Recruitment of over 77,000 school teachers would improve quality of teaching in govt. Madanmohan Malviya Ayurved College, Udaipur. At present, there are P.G courses in 5 subjects. Now provision has been made for P. G diploma courses in Sharsutra (30 seats) B.Sc Nursing course (20 seats) one-year course P.G diploma course in Panch Karma technical assistant (30 seats) and diagnosis and maternity course. This would raise the quality of medical services.

Mavli is to get a government college. To solve the problem of inadequacy of teaching faculty, the services of retired faculty can be taken on pay minor pension basis. Students of M.G College, Udaipur would benefit from the decision to include in state financing 64 subjects of three facilities of U.G and P.G courses that are being run for five years under the self-financing scheme. All the govt. colleges in the state would get wi-fi facilities.

Judiciary

So far as the judiciary is concerned, one more NI cases court is to be added to the five existing ones. There are over 17,500 pending cases of bounced cheques in Udaipur that were filed 10 to 15 years ago. Now cases would be decided more expeditiously.

Games and Sports

All the five Janjati Khel Chatrawas in all the districts of Udaipur Division would be upgraded to sports academies. The three hostels in Udaipur in Madhuban, Sardarpura, and Khelgaon would become academies of games. It would soon, be decided which one would have archery, hockey, football, volleyball, kabaddi, and swimming. This would result in the availability of high quality, coaching, better diet etc.

A provision of 3000 crores has been made for taking water from Banswara Mahi to Jakham and from there to Rajsamand. The sanction of phases three and four of Dewas project would help in the permanent solution of water problem of Rajsamand, Amet, Kelwa, Railmagra, Sardargarh, Deogarh etc. In Udaipur district, there are to be three more ancient at Dholigar, Chuli ka Naka and Akolanaka.

Agriculture, Tourism, and others

Van Upaj Mandi Yards is to be opened in Kotda, Salumber and Gogunda. So, farmers would not here to come to big cities to sell their products. To promote tourism, a concession of 50% on stamp duty has been given to those who purchase or take on lease 10 floors in multi-story buildings.

Maharana Khumbha panorama is to be developed at Malyawas (Madaria).

Kanode has been made tehsil and Arthuna would become a sub-tehsil. Developers have welcomed the budget as DLC rate has been reduced by 10% and it would not be raised till March 2019 stamp duty on EWS and Low-Income Group Housing has been reduced from 75% to 50%. The decision to issue small ‘pattas’ for ‘bajari’ would solve a big problem. The withdrawal of royalty on waste marble blocks that are used in construction is also a welcome move.

Some other decisions that would benefit Udaipur Division include the provision to give seed mini kits free of charge to BPL and Antodaya SC and non-SC farmers of Udaipur Dungarpur, Banswara and Pratapgarh districts. In every Vidhan Sabha area, 15-km long new roads are to be built and 100 hand-pumps are to be set up. ITI’s at district headquarters is to have a smart classroom. Out of 12 ancients to be constructed in the Division Udaipur is to have four, Dungarpur, four (Mandwa, Kharpada, Panchkhundi and Japhra) Banswara five (Kundla, Mahundiwada, Sarwatwala Nala, Umriwala Nala and Chirowali) and Pratapgarh one (Mota Dhamania).

Udaipurites would also have the benefit of several other declarations concerning different classes of citizens.

Not setting up of a high court bench in Udaipur that would have benefited a large number of people, especially the tribal poor ones, is a big disappointment. It has been a long-standing demand of the region. Another expectation of Udaipurities to make the city a film city has also been ignored. Maybe these demands are fulfilled during the debate and the Chief Minister reply.

What is your take on the state budget, do tell us in the comment section below.

Categories
Festivals

Mahashivratri In Udaipur

For people in Mewar, Shivratri that was celebrated on Feb 13 has special importance as they and the rulers of Mewar have great reverence for Shaivism. All through the years, the Mewar & Maharanas have regarded Eklingnathji as the master and they just as ministers who carried out the Lord’s orders.

According to scriptures, Mahashivratri has a long history. During Sagar Manthan, churning of the ocean, by the gods and the demons, there emerged a pitcher full of poison that was so strong that it could destroy the whole universe. All of them were so frightened that for protection they went to Lord Shiv. the kind Lord agreed to drink the deadly poison and kept it in his throat that turned blue. Because of this miracle, Shiv is called Neelkanth. To commemorate this event, Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fervor.

On Mahashivratri, so important was the worship of Eklingnathji at Kailashpuri that the Maharana himself used to go there in a procession for Darshan. He offered five gold “Mohars” and rupees fifty to the Lord. After spending some time in the temple, he would go to the nearby places on the bank of Indra Sarovar for rest and listen to Shivratri Katha. At midnight he returned to the temple for worshiping and making offerings. As it was a day for fasting, he took only fruits. He would return to his place, after the mid-day puja. Sometimes, on this occasion, the Maharani would accompany him to Eklingnathji Mandir and present a dress to the Lord. The Maharana and his consort would attend two ‘pujas’, have darshan and make offerings. Mahashivratri was kind of a public festival on which the common man also observed fast and took part in worship.

Courtesy: Yash Sharma

A day before Mahashivratri, a grand procession was taken out that passed through the main roads of the city. It was led by elephants and horses. There were tableaux of the twelve Jyotirlinga’s on bullock carts. So also, those of Shiv Barat, Om Banna, Kallaji Bauji, Eklingnathji, Bharatmata, Chandra Shekar Azad and Subhash Chandra Bose. The Bahurupias and acrobatic feats were some of the other attractions.

On Shivratri, Feb 13th, a large number of devotees went to Eklingnathji and among them were those who walked all the way several ‘anusthan’, rituals, were performed in the famous Eklingnathji Mandir on Udaipur Nathdwara road. The special ‘puja’ was started at 10 pm that continued for 4 ‘praharas’ till 12:00. In each ‘prahara’ there were 13 ‘rudra-abhisheks’ that is 52 in all. In each ‘abhishek’, 9.25 kilo of milk, ghee, sugar, and honey was being special ‘Shringar’ was done. All through the period, the band of the royal palace was in attendance playing lilting tunes. Devotees were able to have ‘darshan’ till 11:30 am. Then the regular ‘trikal puja’ started. A special police force was deployed in the area for three days and special buses were run for the devotees.

Thronged by devotees on this auspicious occasion was the famous Mahakaleshwar Mandir on Rani Road, the biggest Shiv temple in the city. It was decked with flowers and special lights. With the recitation of Vedic ‘mantras’, the ‘sahestra abhishek’ was done by Brahmins. There was ‘mangala aarti’, ‘madhyan aarti’ and special ‘shringar puja’ and ‘mahaarti’ was performed in the evening. All through the four ‘paharas’ special rituals were performed.

Mahashivratri In Udaipur
Courtesy: Gajendra Kumawat
Mahakaleshwar Mandir

Highly revered is the Mahakaleshwar Mandir as it is believed to be as old that of Eklingnathji temple at Kailashpuri. Another unique thing about it is that the idol is ‘Sayambhu’ that is it appeared on its own and was not brought from or made anywhere. So, it is considered to be highly auspicious. The Lord gives ‘darshan’ in different forms at different times of the day. In the morning during ‘mangla darshan’ the idol in its child form is white. It takes on the form of a teenager person with dark colour at noon and that of an old man in the evening. Devotees near Picchola lake worshipped the black stone idol of Shiv with three ‘netras’ at the Gadia Devra Mandir that often gets flooded during monsoon and people have darshan of the idol reflected in a mirror. The not so old idol of the Lord built of black stone in Badleshwar Mahadev Mandir located at Dhan Mandir near Delhi. It gets its name from the huge ‘Bad’ tree that stands in front of it. Also crowded was the ancient Shiv Mandir Gangodhara ‘talab’ near the cremation ground of the Rajputs in the Ahad area. Other Shiv Mandirs in the town such is Bheem Parmeshwar in Chandpole and Patelshwar also attracted a big number of devotees. At Hanuman Shiv Mandir in Ashok Nagar ‘prasad’ in form of ‘segari pakode’, kesar milk and fruits were distributed.

The Shiv Idol in the famous Ubeshwar Mahadev Mandir located behind Sajjangarh also attracted a large number of devotees. It is said that once when Maharana Pratap was worshipping there, the Mughal army reached the palace suddenly the ‘lingam’ burst, a huge flock of bees came out of it and drove the enemy away. Built by Mata Devkunwar, mother of Maharana Sangramsingh Second, Baijnath Mahadev Mandir in village Sisarama became the venue of worship by devotees of Shiv on Mahashivratri.

Nestled among hills on three sides, Amrakhji Mahadev Mandir at the foot of Chirwa valley and believed to be the venue of austerities performed by Ambreesh Rish attracted a big number of Shavites on Shivratri. So also, the ancient Vameshwar Mahadev temple at Paldi on Shivratri. So also, the ancient Vameshwar Mahadev temple at Paldi on Udaipur-Iswal route that had been a ‘math’ of the Lakuish sect and about 225-year-old Raj Rajeshwar Shivalaya situated near the Debari Dwar, the cast gateway to Udaipur had big crowd Mela was also held at Jargaji, a place full of scenic beauty among the lush green Aravali hills, about 90 km from Udaipur. It was an event that showcased the rich culture of Mewar and Marwar.

Mahashivratri In Udaipur
Courtesy: Siddharth Nagar
A person dressed up as Lord Shiv

In Shri Kulum Ashram Segura Dhuni Shivratri was celebrated in a unique way. The five-day Shiv Parvati Vivah ceremonies started with the sending of Lagna Patrika when ladies from the bride’s side went to the groom’s house singing ‘mangalgeets’ and the pandit read it out without recitation of ‘mantras’.

In Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir that is perched on a hilltop in Titardi area on Shivratri day flowers were shower from a helicopter in addition to the performance of other rituals and night long singing of ‘bhajans’.

Categories
More

Panthers are entering cities. Question is whether to kill or save them?

The news of panthers being seen near Udaipur is not uncommon these days. The beast was seen sitting in a pipe at the site in Pratapnagar Bypass where the new building of the administrative block of Maharana Pratap Agriculture College is under construction. Another one-year-old female panther was sited near a hut in Kaya village on the Ahmedabad road. Hitting by an unknown vehicle became the cause of the death of a partner that was found in Kewada ki Nal, near Udaipur. There are several other reports of animals and men being attacked by panthers and Panthers being killed cruelly.

There are certain things that everyone must know, about Panthers, that shall save them in case of any unfortunate incident.

HABITAT OF THE PANTHER

Panther belongs Genus Panthera that has three more species viz Tiger, (Panthera Tigris), Lion, (P. Leo) and Snow Leopard (P. Uncia).

At present, the major carnivore at the top of the food chain is Panther (Panther Paradus). Other vertebrates in habituating the surrounding area are the striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian fox, Indian wild boar, squirrels, and rats. The Panther can survive in a wide range of habitats. It can thrive well in the open country, rocky, scrubby and forested areas. It can do well in arid mountains country and broken hilly areas. It can thrive even in close proximity of human habitations.

PANTHERS IN UDAIPUR SANCTUARIES

It is interesting to find that the two sanctuaries near Udaipur that have the highest number of panthers; Kumbhalgarh and Sitamata. The area-wise figures of panthers in different areas in the year 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are Udaipur Pradeshik (29,31,21 and 23)Udaipur Pradeshik Uttar (11,14,13 and 17) Jaisamand (11,10,11 and 12) Phulwari Ki Nal (21,19,18 and 21) Kumbhalgarh (88,85,88 and 95) Raoli Todgarh (25,28,33 and 35) Sitamata Sanctuary (34,34,38 and 40) Bassi (09,09,08 and 11) and Bhainsroadgarh (7,7,8 and 8). The number of panthers in ascending order as per the last wildlife census was Bhainsroadgarh (1) Jaisamand (11) Udaipur Pradeshik (13), Bassi (13) Udaipur Pradeshik Uttar (19) Phulwari ki Nal (20) Raoli Todgarh (35) Sitamata Sanctuary (43) and Khumbhalgarh (101). There are a big number of animals like bear, wild boar, chital, sambhar, chinkara, wolf, fox, wild cat, chousigha jackal and different kinds of birds. Kumbhalgarh has the largest number of panthers due to its extremely rich biodiversity.

The wildlife census is done on Buddha Purnima in May as there is a full moon on that night and animals can be seen clearly. Workers of the Forest Dept. keep a 24-hour watch and count panthers etc when they come to drink water. However, the census figures are not always hundred percent correct if an animal comes to drink water twice during the period it might be counted two times. A single panther might go to two places to drink water and be counted twice. Water collects at some places where workers are not posted and the animals there are not counted.

PANTHERS ENTERING THE CITY

As compared to this year, the number of Panthers entering the cities was bigger. Most incidents have occurred in Udaipur and Rajsamand districts and that too in populated parts near the forest. It was so in Udaipur urban area but there was no conflict with human beings. People were troubled by panthers in urban areas like Rajeev Gandhi Garden, MLSU Campus, Chitrakoot Nagar, near Doodh Talai and Dhikli area.

Source: UdaipurTimes.com

It is interesting to learn the nature of the panther. It is afraid of man and in normal circumstances does not attack a man. Except for a brief period during mating and when females are rearing their young ones, the panther lends an entirely solitary life, usually within a defined territory. Like other members of the cat family, it marks its territory with urine and by scratching the ground with its claws. The size of the territory varies from season to season, as well as the type of habitat and availability of food.

HOW THE PANTHER PREYS

The panther feeds on a variety of different animals including cattle, sheep, goat, langur, deer, antelope, hare as well as smaller mammals and birds. Normally hunting at dawn or dusk, it uses a combination of stealth and cunningness to catch its prey.

Sometimes it lies in silent ambush in the branch of a tree but more often it stalks its victims and waits for the right time to pounce on it. It kills either by sinking its teeth in the prey’s throat or by a well-aimed bite at the back of the head. It will often then carry its kill that may be as heavy as itself, high up into a tree. Here it stores the prey safely beyond the reach of scavengers such as hyenas and jackals. After a meal, it usually goes to a waterhole to drink.

SAFETY AGAINST THE PANTHER

The panther is afraid of man and does never attack a man on its own. There are several ways of safety against panther. So, when one sees a panther, one should not try to run away silently but make one’s presence felt by making some noise. While passing through a place where there is likely to be a panther, keep producing some sound. Avoid going near it, do not disturb it or throw stones at it. People should not try to surround it but let it go away. If it is hiding behind rocks or bushes, don’t try to go near it and search it. It is better to inform the team of Forest dept. And wait for it to arrive there. If people stop surrounding it in 99% cases there would be no problem. Keep open all the routes for it to return to the jungle. To make it run away, it is better to stand at a safe distance and beat drums or firecrackers. For people in rural areas, it is advisable not to tie sheep, goats and small animals in the open. Cut the bushes near the houses, so that the panther does not get the place to hide. Whether it is day or night, never leave children, especially those under 12, alone. They should never be naked as then the panther takes them to be just animal. Let them wear bright colored clothes. They should not be left alone in the jungle. Do not allow young children to take cattle for grazing. Keep the doors of houses closed at night. It is better not to leave waste material near houses as it attracts dogs and other animals that are attacked by the panther. It is not safe to try to free small animals that have been caught by a tiger as it would incite it to attack human beings.

WHY THE PANTHER COMES NEAR CITIES

It would be relevant to know why panthers come near the cities and begin to harm animals and men. The number of carnivorous animals such as rozda, sambhar, langur, wild boar is dwindling fast. These are the animals that the panther feeds on. Thus, the food chain has been disturbed by us. No wonder hungry panthers visit urban areas in search of food and attack small animals there. Another main problem is the scarcity of water sources for animals in the forest.

HOW THE PANTHER IS BEING KILLED

One main concern about panthers these days is that their number is decreasing fast. The reasons for this trend are not far to seek. Places such as Chirwa Ghat, Bilota, Koler, Negadia, Ghodaghati, Bandaria Magra, Padasali, Gadrola, Diwer, Chhapli, Sangawas and other places in Bhim tehsil have a good number of panthers, hyenas etc. Rajsamand is a big center of marble industry and there is traffic of heavy vehicles on the four-lane road and quite a few of them are overloaded. They are driven at speeds between 100 to 130 km per hour and in absence of radium indicators of proper warning about the presence of animals, quite a few Panthers and other animals get crushed. So, there is an urgent need to build eco ducts, underpasses etc and put up fencing on either side of the roads in such areas for the safety of animals. Man has started killing panthers brutally when they enter cities and take pride in doing so. There is a provision under Vanyajeev Sanrakshan Adhiniyam 1972 through which Forest dept. files FIR against those who kill a panther or abet others in doing so. Such persons can be sentenced up to seven-year imprisonment. On one hand, most people are not aware of it and on the other, it is seldom enforced by the authorities. The panther has become the prey of greedy ‘shikaris’ who sell parts of its body for heavy amounts.

IMPORTANCE OF SAVING THE PANTHER

Awareness has to be created among people about the importance of saving panthers. Farmers have now come to realize that by preying an animal like langurs, wild boar, blue bulls, deer, antelopes, Indian hare and porcupine that damage crops, it helps in controlling their numbers. Thus, the animal is a crop-friendly one since it controls a number of herbivores in the forest and agro-system, it is also an eco-friendly creature. In areas where leopards have been wiped out, herbivorous plants can cause damage to crops. Panther rich zone can also attract tourists. Thus, animals can open new avenues for earning income in forests and rural areas.

Categories
More

Know About the Wetlands in Udaipur- These Save Water, Wildlife and Plants!

Nature has been especially generous for Mewar and given it a number of water bodies such as Picchola, Fatehsagar, Badi, Udaisagar, Rajsamand, and Jaisamand. Now, it depends on us how we preserve them. We have wetlands that are, regions that are filled with water permanently or seasonally and gradually develop an independent environmental system of their own.

At present 169 countries of the world have accepted the concept of wetlands and there are 2384 such places all over the world. In 1971 in Iran, was held International Ramsar Conference when the importance of wetlands and need for preserving them was realized. Since then Wetland Day is being celebrated all over the world.

In Udaipur district, we have at least nine big and small water bodies that are waiting to be declared as wetlands. One is Sahi Dam, Kotra that is spread over 356 hectares and another is Bharmela Talab in Menar, Vallabhnagar tehsil covering 217.01 hectares. In Menar, Vaalabhnagar tehsil is Dand Talab that has an area of 304.6 hectares. Covering an area of 552.39 hectares is Bagolia Talab in Mavli tehsil. Then we have Lake Udaisagar in Girwa tehsil with an area 680 hectare while Lake Jaisamand in Sarada tehsil covers about 5873.53 hectares. Vallabhnagar Dam in Vallabhnagar tehsil spreads 869.16 hectares whereas the Badgaon Dam, Morjai Talabin Mandi tehsil, covers an area of 1091.56. Bhatewar Talab in Vallabhnagar tehsil covers 869.83 hectares. A technical report of these water bodies was sent to the govt. in accordance with wetlands management and conservation rules 2010 of section 3.

UdaiSagar

For making Udaisagar, near Udaipur, a wetland, the land of 11 villages was included so that the whole area could be legally safeguarded. However, due to changing rules, it has not yet been declared a wetland.

Preserving wetland is important for us and the birds due to several reasons. During rains, they check the water from flowing away, so the water seeps down and the level of the underground does not go down. This, in turn, recharges wells and tube wells. Wetlands also help in conserving biodiversity as it is on them that animals and birds survive. The welfare of Udaipur depends on wetlands that provide water for irrigation and drinking. Lake strengthens the economy of the city with the help of tourism. Even small lakes like Roopsagar, Nela, Mandopi, Titardi and Phuta Jugi contribute to the development in their own way.

Wetlands are in danger as they are being encroached. Other activities are increasing there. That is being used as agriculture land. Those located near cities are in greater danger.

Categories
Health & Fashion

Know What Udaipur’s Cancer Specialist has to Tell You on the World Cancer Day

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 4, this year, it is perhaps worthwhile to know about the condition of the dreaded disease in the city, the main causes, symptoms, remedies etc.

Facts and Figures about Cancer

The recent figures about the disease are quite alarming, while over 26% of all deaths in India are from heart diseases, 7% are from cancer. Cancer, diabetes, and hypertension account for 35% of all deaths in India. Over 10 Lac new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in India. Cancer cases in India are likely to increase from around 14 lacs in 2016 to over 17.3 lac by 2020. Deaths due to cancer are projected to go up from 7.36 lac annually to over 8.8 lac by 2020.

According to a recent survey in Rajasthan, there are about 2.5 lac cancer patients in the state and to it every year about 40,000 new patients are dead. It is possible to save about 60% of the patients if treatment starts at an early stage. According to specialists Rajeev Gandhi, Cancer Research Centre New Delhi, the growth of cancer was about 36% twenty years ago but now it has gone up to 65%. Due to the supporting system of chemotherapy, the side effects have gone down. With the new technique, the hospitalization period has become shorter and the tolerance of the medicine has also gone up.

According to Dr. Narendra Rathore, HOD, Cancer Dept., Govt. M.B Hospital, Udaipur, 10 lac people out of about 1.25 lac become victims of cancer and there are 24,000 cancer patients in Udaipur. The figures of cancer patients in Govt. M.B Hospital Udaipur are in the year 2005 (3000 outdoor and 1300 indoor), 2010 (4200 outdoor and 1450 indoor), 2014 (5300 outdoor and 3800 indoor) and up to December 2016 (10,200 outdoor and 8200 indoor). According to Dr. Rathore, cancer of mouth, tongue, uterus, breast, large intestine, liver, prostate, and blood fall into the category of main cancer. In men, the main cancer is in mouth, lungs, and stomach. Thirty percent of cancer is of mouth and neck. Among women the cancer of breast, cervical and large intestine is common out of total cancer patients 28% have cervical cancer.

Last year in Govt. M.B Hospital, Udaipur 30 to 50 cancer patients came in the outdoor radiotherapy dept. daily and there were 30-40 indoor patients. Everyday radiotherapy was given to 60-70 patients in two shifts from 9 am to 7 pm. The patients came from far off places such as tribal areas, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Neemach, Mandsaur, and Jawra. Last year a new cobalt therapy machine costing 4 crores was installed with the help of which radiation therapy was given in 1.5 to 2 minutes whereas the old machine took 5-6 minutes.

Know What Udaipur’s Cancer Specialist has to Tell You on the World Cancer Day
Dr. Shankar Vangipuram

According to former Dr. Shankar, Director, Radiation Oncology, Geetanjali Medical College Hospital, Udaipur, cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancer can cause serious illness and death.

What is a Tumour?

A tumor is an abnormal lump or collection of cells, but all tumors are not cancer. Tumours that are not cancer are called benign. Benign tumors can cause problems. They can grow very large and press on healthy organs and tissues. But they can’t grow into (invade) other tissues. So, they also can’t spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are seldom life-threatening.

Signs of Cancer

Talking about early signs of cancer, Dr. Shankar says that they could be new lumps or growths on the skin. A sore or bruise that does not heal, a mole that changes in shape, size or colour or bleeds in unusual circumstances, an ongoing cough or hoarseness that last longer than three weeks, indigestion and difficulty in swallowing, a change in bowel or bladder habits for no good reasons, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or tiredness and blood anywhere it normally should not be- in urine, bowel motions or from spitting.

What can cause cancer?

In 75% cancer cases, there are modifiable factors such as smoking, obesity, diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and air or water pollution and in 15% cases, it is due to modifiable factors like infections, ionizing radiation, hormones, occupational factors. Non-modifiable factors like age, sex, race and genetic become the cause the remaining 10% cases. Smoking a main cause of cancer causes 14 types of cancer. The most damaging components of tobacco smoke are tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, oxidizing chemicals, dangerous metals and radioactive compounds. Obesity is another cause of cancer and for safety, one has to do physical activity and set behavioral and diet goals.

The main cancer fighting, foods are strawberries and blackberries, leafy vegetables, garlic, grapes, tomatoes, apple, broccoli, cabbage, tea, and coffee.

Ultraviolet rays from are welding torches and mercury lamps can also cause cancer. Some particles are known as primary particles that are emitted directly from a source such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and fires can also cause cancer. Secondary particles that are formed in complicated reactions in the atmosphere of chemicals such as sulphur-dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power plants industries and automobiles can be sources of cancer. Indoor pollution through biological pollutants like molds, bacteria, viruses, and pollen can also cause cancer. Second-hand tobacco smoke when some other is smoking is also dangerous.

Also dangerous are combustion pollutants that come from sources such as fuel burning stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, heaters and water heaters using gas, coal, oil, wood or other fuels Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter the homo through cracks in the foundation, floor and walls, drains and other openings is also harmful. So also, asbestos that is present in many products found in the home including roofing’s, floorings etc. Formaldehyde, found primarily in adhesive and bonding materials is also harmful. Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation.

Tissues nearest to where the phone used a cell phone for 50 minutes, brain tissues on the same side of the head as the phone’s antenna mobilized more glucose than did tissues on the opposite side of the brain. The researchers note that the results were preliminary and possible health outcomes from this increased glucose metabolism were still unknown. Individuals who are concerned about radio frequency exposure can limit their exposure, including using an earpiece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children.Know What Udaipur’s Cancer Specialist has to Tell You on the World Cancer Day

Concerned about the suffering of cancer patients the Union Govt. is set to roll out a massive door to door screening programme for the early detection of cancer heart disorders and diabetes which account for over 35% of deaths in India. Under the initiative, the Govt. aims at testing over one-third of the population comprising zoo districts across the country in one year. The program is among the preventive- care measures planned by the health ministry and is targeted at people in the age group of 30-69 years, who constitute almost 37% of the total population. This population is highly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 55% of the premature mortality in the same age group.

Nearer home, realizing the importance of education as an important component of cancer control programmes, Dr. V. Shankar has initiated Cancer Olympiad in Udaipur. It comprises a series of planned activities aimed at educating the youngsters of the various age group to understand cancer and to recognize the initial signs and symptoms of some common cancers. Intra-school competitions include coloring, drawing, poster making, short story writing, slogans, dance, dance drama, skit, quizzes etc. Run for Fight Against Cancer is another event. Dr. Shankar feels that the importance of proper preventive measures and treatment is being realized by Udaipurites.