NCM chief urge for out of court settlement in Ayodhya issue, asks Muslims to be ‘big-hearted’

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November 18, 2018

National Commission for Minorities chairperson Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi on Sunday made a strong pitch for mediation in the Ayodhya issue, saying he will speak with all stakeholders for an out of court settlement of the matter.

He also appealed to Muslims to be “big-hearted” as it was a matter of faith for the Hindus.

Rizvi said in his mediation bid, he will make efforts to get an assurance for Muslims that if they agree to settle the Ayodhya issue, no dispute over mosques in other places such as “Kashi and Mathura” will arise.

In an interview to agencies, Rizvi said the commission, in its monthly meeting on November 14, authorised him, as the chairperson, that if he wants to mediate, he can hold talks with all the stakeholders for an out of court settlement.

Last month, the Supreme Court fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for the first week of January before an “appropriate bench”, which will decide the schedule of hearing.

“I believe that the court judgment will be in favour of one side and against the other side, so it would be better to have an out of court settlement. In that direction, I, as the NCM chairperson, will meet people from both communities and will try for an out of court settlement,” he said.

If a solution is achieved outside the court respectfully, both sides will be happy and the division that has been created will be bridged, Rizvi said.

Asked about concerns of Muslims that if they agree for resolving the issue, disputes may arise over mosques in other places, the NCM chairperson said he would speak with both sides specifically on the issue.

Rizvi said he will soon meet VHP working president Alok Kumar and in Lucknow, Muslim Personal Law Board members, Sunni Waqf Board office bearers, and Islamic scholars, to discuss the issue.

He said in talks it can be explored whether the Ram temple could be given to the Hindus as it is a matter of faith for them, and in the future there is no dispute on any other mosque in “Kashi, Mathura”, or elsewhere.

Rizvi said if such an assurance is given, then he believes this will prove to be a landmark and a “big pillar” in facilitating an agreement between the two sides.

Asked if Muslims should take a “big-hearted” approach on the issue, he said, “Yes, I want to appeal that the Muslim community should be big-hearted (on the issue). Somebody will have to take a step forward. As places such as Mecca and Madina are important for Muslims, in the same way Ayodhya is important for Hindus. It should be seen in that context.”

The entire Hindu community in the country has faith in the Ram temple and is associated with it, he said.

“If you see it in the context then you will see that place should be given for the construction of the Ram mandir…If Muslims show a big heart, take such a decision, then the divide that has been created over time will be bridged to an extent,” he said.

If Ram temple is constructed on the basis of Hindu-Muslim unity, it will not only be good for the country’s politics, but also for development, he said.

On whether he would also seek help in his mediation efforts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rizvi said if talks move in the “positive” direction and towards a “concrete” solution” then the commission will speak with whosover it has to.

The Supreme Court had last week declined early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul had said it had already listed the appeals before the appropriate bench in January.

As many as 14 appeals have been filed against a high court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Govt wants to ‘capture’ RBI’s reserves: Chidambaram

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Afternoon Voice

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November 18, 2018

Ahead of RBI Board meeting, Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday alleged that the central government was determined to “capture” the bank to gain control over its Rs 9 lakh crore reserves.

In a series of tweets, the former finance minister also claimed that the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was heading towards a “confrontation” in the Monday’s board meeting of the bank.

“Government is determined to ‘capture’ RBI in order to gain control over the reserves. The other so-called disagreements are only a smokescreen (sic),” he said on microblogging site Twitter.

Chidambaram said, “Nowhere in the world is the central bank a board-managed company. To suggest that private business persons will direct the governor is a preposterous idea.”

“November 19 will be a day of reckoning for central bank independence and the Indian economy,” he tweeted.

The RBI has a massive Rs 9.59 lakh crore reserves and the government, if reports are to be believed, wants the central bank to part with a third of that fund — an issue which along with easing of norms for weak banks and raising liquidity has brought the two at loggerheads in the recent weeks.

The government on November 9 had said it was discussing an “appropriate” size of capital reserves that the central bank must maintain but denied seeking a massive capital transfer from the RBI.

Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had also clarified that the government wasn’t in any dire needs of funds and that there was no proposal to ask the RBI to transfer Rs 3.6 lakh crore.

“There is no proposal to ask RBI to transfer (Rs) 3.6 or (Rs) 1 lakh crore, as speculated,” he had said.

“The government’s FD (fiscal deficit) in FY 2013-14 was 5.1%. From 2014-15 onwards, the government has succeeded in bringing it down substantially. We will end the FY 2018-19 with FD of 3.3%. The government has actually foregone (Rs) 70,000 crore of budgeted market borrowing this year.”

Garg said that the only proposal “under discussion is to fix appropriate economic capital framework of RBI”.

Economic capital framework refers to the risk capital required by the central bank while taking into account different risks.

14 lakh ‘fake children’ registered with anganwadis in Uttar Pradesh: WCD Ministry

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Afternoon Voice

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November 18, 2018

Over 14 lakh “fake children” have been found registered across 1.88 lakh anganwadis in Uttar Pradesh, the Women and Child Development Ministry has said.

In a meeting of the National Nutrition Council on Thursday, the ministry was informed that about 14.57 lakh fake beneficiaries were registered with 1.88 lakh anganwadis in the state, a senior WCD official said.

Anganwadis, a type of rural child care centres, were set up by the government to combat under nutrition and stunting among children below the age of six years.

“The ghost children were identified after registration of beneficiaries with Aadhaar,” the official said.

There are a total of 1.08 crore children enrolled in anganwadis of Uttar Pradesh and Rs 2,126 crore has been sanctioned for these centres till February 2018 in this fiscal, according to government data.

The ministry gives Rs 4.8 and the state contributes Rs 3.2 for food per day for every child, the official said.

“With the identification of the fake children, it has been found that about Rs 25 crore can be saved every month in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.

Another Women and Child Development (WCD) official said about 39 per cent of the total child population in India resides in Uttar Pradesh and so the number of children in the state is high.

The identification and elimination of fake beneficiaries registered in various anganwadis across the country is an “ongoing process”.

The process was started in July after the Assam government during a physical identification of children found 14 lakh fake beneficiaries.

Stating that many lapses have been found in the food distribution system, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had directed all state governments to verify the number of children who “really need to be fed.”

There are around 14 lakh anganwadis across the country and 10 crore beneficiaries, who include children under the age of six and pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Gandhi in September said about one crore fake beneficiaries registered in various anganwadis have been identified and eliminated.

The identification of fake beneficiaries is also being done through smartphones having Integrated Child Development Services-Common Application Software (ICDS-CAS) app.

It has been distributed to about 1.2 lakh anganwadi centres and the ministry aims to increase its coverage to 14 lakh centres by the end of the year, officials said.

The nutrition monitoring app has been developed under the Poshan Abhiyan also called the National Nutrition Mission, which aims to bring down stunting of children in the age group of 0-6 years from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022.

Sabarimala row: Congress accuses state govt for creating terror-like atmosphere in name of security

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Afternoon Voice

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November 18, 2018

Amid mounting tension in Kerala over the issue of women’s entry into Sabarimala temple, the Congress on Sunday accused the CPI(M)-led state government of creating a ‘terror-like atmosphere’ in the name of security of the hill shrine.

The Congress levelled the allegation as a three-member party delegation comprising former state ministers Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Adoor Prakash and V S Sivakumar left for Sabarimala to study the situation there.

“The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has virtually turned into a fortress, where the entry of devotees of Lord Ayyappa are being restricted,” Radhakrishnan, who is also a legislator, told reporters here.

Prakash, representing the Konni Assembly constituency, claimed that heavy police deployment at Sabarimala was disrupting the normal flow of devotees.

“The government, using the police force, is creating a terror-like atmosphere in the name of ensuring security of the Lord Ayyappa shrine,” he alleged.

Sivakumar, a former Devaswom minister, alleged that the government had not taken any step to provide basic facilities for the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

The MLA from Thiruvananthapuram said devotees face a lot of hardship due to lack of basic facilities at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam.

Before heading to Sabarimala, the Congress leaders alleged that the state government was not interested in setting up necessary infrastructure and security for the pilgrims and instead was only interested in creating hardships for them.

Amid tight security, thousands of pilgrims payed their obeisance at the Lord Ayyappa shrine on Saturday, which was also the first day of Malayalam month ‘Vrischikom’. The temple opened on Friday evening for the two-month annual pilgrimage season even as the stand-off over entry of women of menstruating age into the temple continued.

The temple complex and nearby areas had witnessed protests by devotees when it was opened for monthly pujas for eight days in October and early this month against the LDF government’s attempt to implement the apex court verdict allowing women of all age groups to pray at the shrine.

Social activist Trupti Desai, who arrived at Kochi airport Friday en route Sabarimala, was forced to return to Maharashtra after she faced an over 13-hour protest.

CBI vs CBI: The Never-ending saga — Part I

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Vaidehi Taman

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November 16, 2018

There is no full stop to the ongoing CBI chaos as India’s premier investigating agency has sent both the Director and Special Director on a leave till the time the probe against them for corruption charges are completed. Both of them have been alleging each other of corruption, FIRs were filed, and in an unprecedented move, the CBI had raided its own headquarters.

The Supreme Court observed during the hearing on Friday that the CVC report is “very uncomplimentary” on some charges against Verma and said that a further probe was needed on some aspects. The apex court said that Verma should file his response in a sealed cover by Monday and the court will take up the matter on Tuesday. The court turned down Special CBI Director Rakesh Asthana’s request that the CVC report should be provided to him as well.

It is to be noted that the CBI Chief Alok Verma and the second-in-command Special Director Rakesh Asthana both come from a very commendable and potent career background. While Asthana is one of the most successful officials in the CBI’s history in terms of numbers of cases probed, probes completed, charge sheets filed, and the accused brought to justice, Director Verma also possess some commendable professional history in terms of the position held and the kind of achievements he made as the police chief of different UTs and the reforms he made to boost the morale of the forces.

The central government very rightly came with the argument that both of them have accused each other of corruption and for a fair probe, it was necessary that both of them are out of the official powers to ensure that the probe against them is free and fair. The government also informed in a press conference through the Finance Minister that it was the CVC which decided as per the law that both of them should be sent on a leave till the time the probe against them is completed as a measure for the time being. In other words, both of them were ousted from the office technically for the time being but practically were sacked. Now, there are questions being raised on the whole issue and with the role of the CVC. Nageshwar Rao has been appointed as the acting Director of the CBI until the time the probe is completed or the new Chief is elected as per the rules. The point to be noted is that the main argument put forward by the government and the CVC was that since both the number one and number two of CBI were accused of corruption, so both should not be holding any position in the CBI while the agency probes into the charges. But at the same time, the CVC and the government appointed Rao, as the acting Chief. Against Rao there are many charges of corruption like acting on behalf of the accused and cases of disproportionate assets which were going on and were being probed by the CBI itself under the supervision of Verma who himself had recommended that Rao should be removed from the agency.

There are many corruption allegations against him and he is known for shielding the corrupt governments. As per the story about the newly instated working Chief of the CBI as exposed in savukkuonline.com portal, the Hindustan Tele Printers Limited or HTL was started as a Public Sector Unit (PSU) of the Central Government, on December 14, 1960, at Guindy. It was intended to manufacture Teleprinters, but at the initial stage, it assembled the parts of teleprinters imported from the Italian Company Olivetti. Another PSU, Hindustan Machine Tools Limited (HMT), manufactured many of the machines required for the Hindustan Teleprinters. Hindustan Teleprinters Ltd. continued as an active supplier to P&T Department. But the economic liberalisation turned out to be a bane for this PSU, as it failed to understand the sea change in technology. The introduction of mobile services was the final nail in the coffin of HTL. It turned into a loss-making unit. When the central government wanted to commence a PSU in Chennai, TN government was liberal in allotting prime land in Chennai keeping in mind the employment it would generate. The land was allotted in 1965 and the condition for allotment was specific. The land so allotted should never be used for anything other than the purpose it has been allotted. After HTL became a sick unit, its debts started mounting. HTL owed money to banks, employees, state government by way of sales tax, etc. The banks, to which HTL owed money, formed a consortium headed by SBI. In 2001, the Department of Disinvestment decided to sell 74 per cent shares of HTL and Himachal Futuristic Communication Limited (HFCL) emerged as the successful bidder. Deepak Malhotra, Mahendra Nahata and Vinay Maloo incorporated HFCL in the year 1987.

HFCL commenced its operations by implementing a small Rs 1.68 crore project for manufacture of analogue subscriber carrier systems. Subsequently, HFCL stunned the market by forming a partnership with Israel based Bezeq and managed to win 9 of the 20 telecom circles outbidding AT&T – Birla, Reliance-Ninex, BPL-US West and Tata-Bell Canada. When HFCL’s stocks were running high, it got itself entangled in a scam with its godfather the then Telecommunications Minister Sukhram being booked by CBI. Subsequently, HFCL got embroiled in the 2G scam too.

HFCL Principal Promoter Mahendra Nahata was also accused of making frequent visits to the residence of Ranjit Sinha in spite of being involved in the 2G scam.

The consortium of banks headed by the SBI decided to auction 11.021 acres of the land belonging to HTL. The Bengaluru based RMZ Millenia, a realty firm, emerged as the successful bidder and bid Rs 298 crores for the 11.021 acres of land.

RMZ also deposited Rs 20 crores in an Escrow account towards the purchase of this land. An agreement to this effect was signed between the State Bank of India (Escrow Agent), HTL Limited the property owner and RMZ Millenia, the purchaser on March 30, 2007. But the government of Tamil Nadu was reluctant to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and was litigating up to the Supreme Court. The undue delay resulted in the successful bidder RMZ Millenia pulling out of the deal. On April 16, 2012, the government of Tamil Nadu finally issued a NOC for the sale of land belonging to HTL in G.O. Ms No. 18, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department. One of the mandatory conditions for issuance of NOC is that “out of the net sale proceeds, the company (HTL Limited) shall remit after deducting its liabilities, an amount equivalent to 10 per cent of such surplus to government”.

But, this G.O itself was the results of a criminal conspiracy say sources. The decision to issue NOC to HTL was taken in a cabinet meeting of TN cabinet headed by Jayalalitha. In the meet, it was decided to relax the condition on the sale deed.

(This is the first part of the Editorial and the latter part will continue on Sunday.)

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

CBI Director Alok Verma in a fix

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Afternoon Voice

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November 16, 2018

Ever since the massive rift within the CBI came out in the open, the daily unfolding drama is far off from taking a back seat. Hearing the legal feud that involves incumbent CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana who have charged corruption charges on each other and was asked to step down till the time the probe against them is completed, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) probe report has been “very uncomplimentary” on certain charges levelled against Verma by Asthana.

The observation from the top court came while it was hearing Verma’s plea challenging the government’s order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of corruption charges against him. Following that, the apex court had issued notices to the Centre and the CVC seeking replies on Verma’s petition.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court received a preliminary probe report on Alok Verma in a sealed cover from the Central Vigilance Commission on Friday; the higher court also accepted a sealed-cover report from M Nageshwar Rao, the interim chief of the CBI, on the decisions he’d taken between October 23 and 26.

The SC’s obiter dictum following the CVC inquiry supervised by former top court judge AK Patnaik is enough to keep Verma in a fix. Keeping the hope of CBI chief getting a clean chit hanging in the middle, the Chief Justice Rajan Gogoi-led apex court bench decided to share a copy of the report with Verma to enable him to file his response to the report in a sealed cover before 1 pm on Monday as the court will hear the case next on November 20. It further charged the CVC stating that it has asked for more time to investigate certain charges.

“Once we will have your (Verma) response, we will take a decision,” the CJI asserted. Moreover, the SC declined a plea by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Rakesh Asthana, for giving him a copy of the report as well.

“We have gone through the report. It is very exhaustive. It was complimentary on some charges, not so complimentary on some charges and very uncomplimentary on some charges against him,” Justice Gogoi proclaimed during the proceedings on Friday.

Challenging the case of irregularities filed against him, CBI director Verma too has accused the CVC Commissioner KV Chowdary of bias and violating the SC order. Besides that, Verma has equally blamed the Modi government for the entire drama that disrupted India’s top investigation agency. As per the sources, Verma attacked Asthana for fabricating charges against him to divert attention from his involvement in the bribery case.

The Verma-Asthana rift started in October 2017 when Verma, during a meeting of the five-member CVC, objected to Asthana’s promotion as Special Director. The reputation of the Central Bureau of Investigation has crashed deep down after Alok Verma recently filed an FIR against Asthana alleging him to have demanded a Rs 5 crore bribe from a Hyderabad-based businessman through middlemen in order to help him be out of trouble in controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi case, in which Asthana was heading the Special Investigation Team. Asthana too accused Verma of attempts to thwart investigations in important cases while the CBI has already issued a statement defending Verma.

Narendra Modi-led government’s decision to divest Alok Verma in a midnight-decision and commissioning M Nageshwar Rao as the interim CBI Director was slammed by the Opposition parties. A detailed story by Afternoon Voice — “M Nageshwar Rao – CBI to fight corruption with corrupted?” — stresses on why Rao getting new designation in the CBI is too tainted with controversy as many have called him another black sheep in the CBI backed by BJP Telangana.

While Congress called it “the ‘last nail’ into the independence of CBI” and interpreted Verma’s keenness to probe the ‘layers of corruption’ in the Rafale deal scam as a possible reason behind his sacking, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury termed the removal as “illegal”. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too voiced their acrimony.

Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap expressed, “The most corrupted official Rao, who was with PM Modi during his reign in Gujarat, is appointed as the interim CBI Director which is against the Constitution. If someone is trying to malign or target Alok Verma for their political purpose, it is unfair! The entire nation wants to know why such a haste decision was taken. The faith that citizens had for CBI, has been destroyed with the ongoing feud.”

Defending the government, BJP spokesperson Madhu Chavan stated, “I believe that our Prime Minister will not take any anti-constitutional decision and whatever order the Supreme Court passes, will be obeyed.” On asking further regarding the case, he chose to remain silent.

The public confidence on the country’s premier investigative agency has received enough blows so far and the crisis has got transformed into a political controversy. With excessive fuel into the fire, now, the entire nation fixes eyes on November 20 for a solutive direction on the bitter battle case!

Maj Gen (R) AJB Jaini said, “Firstly, the democratic institutions such as SC, CVC, CBI are the strongest pillars of any democracy. I am personally a voter of BJP and I think that since the government has come to the power, the democratic institutions or those trying to go against the government, are getting attacked. Just the way Raghuram Rajan was sacked, the similar is happening with Alok Verma.”

“This internal conflict in the CBI is a big blow to the democracy. However, all these are leading towards the loss of reputation leaving a bad impression and loss of faith amongst the common people,” he added.

BMC spent Rs 13.59 cr to prepare revised DP plan: RTI

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Afternoon Voice

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November 16, 2018

An RTI plea has found that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) spent Rs 13.59 crore to come up with a revised Development Plan 2034 for Mumbai.

The civic body had to come up with a revised DP after the first one, developed under then municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte, was presented in February 2015 and received flak from several segments of society.

Later, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the BMC to come up with a new DP by incorporating objections and suggestions of the public.

The revised DP got the state government’s nod this week.

The Right to Information plea, filed by city-based activist Anil Galgali, found that, of the total expenses, Rs 46.55 lakh was paid to Ramnath Jha as remuneration for being the Officer on Special Duty overseeing the DP preparation.

A sum of Rs 1.26 crore was spent on uploading the DP onto the BMC’s website while another Rs 46 lakh was spent to print the plan.

The RTI reply revealed that ex-IAS official Gautam Chatterjee, ex-chief engineer Sudhir Ghate and former deputy director (planning) were collectively paid around Rs 20 lakh for holding hearings as well as finalising objections and suggestions from the public.

A sum of Rs 3.35 crore was paid to Akhil Bhartiya Sthanik Swarajya Sanstha for hiring technical experts, planners and manpower to prepare the plan, the RTI reply states.

The civic body also set aside Rs 10 lakh as a contingency fund while the revised DP was being prepared.

Galgali called the expenditure “lavish” and said this money would have been saved if the BMC had prepared the first DP plan properly.

Calls and messages sent to BMC officials, however, did not elicit any response.

Magical Powers of Dance

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Afternoon Voice

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November 16, 2018

When we all are born we all move and dance without fear, we fall without fear. Then over the years we create and build walls around us and soon we hear the same child who would excitedly move to music say ‘I am not a good dancer’, or ‘I can’t dance’ or ‘I am shy to dance’. Why is this so? Have you ever given it a thought as to how these walls are built?

Some who do get comfortable with their dancing skills have questions after questions in their minds even before they turn into a complete so-called professional dancer.

I would like to answer questions that my students always ask me. If you have been dancing for a while now, it is very important for you to know more about your world and its people. Many a times students ask me facts about dance and dancers, there I have brought some of those answers.

Are dancers athletes?

Yes. Dancers are elite athletes as well as artists. They follow a rigorous training regime and must stay in top condition, just like professional athletes such as basketball or hockey players. Dancers have extraordinary flexibility, muscular strength and both physical and mental endurance. Professional dancers train and practice every day for an average of six hours. Many also cross-train with cardio, weight lifting, yoga and/or Pilates to improve their physical fitness and technique. Especially, dances like the Ballroom and Latin dances are a part of Asian Games and Olympics too and to reach that level one has to be an athlete.

How long can dancers continue performing?

While some dancers continue to perform into their 50s or longer but most dancers stop performing by their mid-30s because of the physical demands on their bodies. Many dancers continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, coaches or artistic directors. But there are some dancing legends in India Like Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh who even till date performs and teaches. I remember Sonal Maa once telling me ‘If a dancer knows the importance of fitness and diet, he or she can dance till the last breath.’

World’s oldest dancer Ms. Tao Porchon Lynch who will be 99 years young this year once told me, ‘Dance is the best form of fitness, it rejuvenates not just the body but also the mind, and I will never stop dancing, I am a born dancer and when it is time for me to go, I will dance my way to another planet.’

Why do modern dancers and many other Indian classical and folk dancer dance bare feet?

Dancing bare feet enables the dancer to connect directly with the floor. After dancing bare feet for a long time, generally, the soles of a dancer’s feet adjust and toughen. Some modern dancers put tape on their toes and the balls of their feet to make it easier to turn and slide. Some traditions and cultures too don’t allow dancers to wear footwear so most dancers dance bare feet. Though there are exceptions for sure in all cases.

How did the phrase ‘Dance till you drop!’ came around?

Mike Ritof and Edith Boudreaux both Americans hold the world record of dancing from August 29th, 1930 to April 1st, 1931, they danced for 5,154 hours and 48 minutes – that is 214 days and finally dropped on the floor after making a record. Therefore, the dance lovers came up with this very popular phrase.

Why do people say “break a leg” before a dancer goes on stage?

The dance world is full of superstitions. By saying “break a leg” before a show, people are saying the exact opposite of what they hope will happen on stage. Some dancers have very precise routines for doing their hair or makeup. Others wear certain clothes before a show or keep lucky charms in their dressing rooms or backstage. Following ones belief to feel comfortable is important so that the mind is relaxed from worries while on stage.

Is the Green Room really green?

Well, Sometimes it is, but not always. The Green Room is a quiet, comfortable room backstage where performers can rest and relax before, after and between shows. It’s also the place where the performers receive their families and friends. No one knows exactly why it’s called a Green Room, but it has been a part of the theatre tradition for centuries. Some people believe it is a reference to the days when the theatre was performed outside in the open air “on the green”. Another alternative to saying “Good luck” before a show is to say “See you on the green”, which is a reference to getting through the show and to the Green Room without incident.

Why aren’t there more men and boys in dance?

In India, Natraj is the god of dance and Krishna is also known to be a fantastic dancer, Padma Vibhushan Birju Maharaj, Uday Shankar, Gopi Kishan all legends of dance have been men. Internationally, Fred Astaire was the biggest name in dance, yet less boys learn dance, it is strange but true. Many people say that this is because western culture traditionally views dance, and especially ballet, as primarily “feminine” pursuits. Some parents discourage their sons from taking dance classes even when they show potential and aptitude. Yet some of the world’s great dancers have been and are men and are admired for their strength, grace, agility and musicality, as well as their masculinity. No one would say that being the only boy in a dance class is easy, but following one’s passion, regardless of what other people say or think, is important in developing a rich and satisfying life.

Can performing really be addictive?

While dancing, the body releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Endorphins also act as natural painkillers, so even after hours of gruelling rehearsal dancers don’t necessarily feel their aching muscles and joints when they’re on stage. Once they start dancing, many people find it hard to quit because the enjoyment factor is so compelling. It’s hard to find something else to take its place since few other activities make them feel so connected and alive.

I hope with these few questions I have been able to clear doubts of few minds who wish to not only make dance as a part of their lives but make dance their life. I always tell my students ‘Dance to Dance and don’t think too much about it, because dance has immense magical powers and each question that comes to our mind slowly but surely finds its own answers. So, come what may always keep dancing.’

Sandip Soparrkar

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

NDA destroying key institutions, TMC to save country: Mamata

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Afternoon Voice

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November 16, 2018

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday slammed the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for allegedly destroying key Indian institutions such as the CBI and the RBI.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) could play a vital role in saving the country from such destructions, the party supremo said.

“They (the NDA government) are destroying institutions. They are trying to change the way the RBI and the CBI function. The party that has made ‘building statues’ its poll agenda will itself become a statue after the coming Lok Sabha election,” she told a party meeting.

Banerjee, who gave a call for a mega rally at the Brigade Parade Ground here in January, said the saffron party is only interested in creating communal divisions by updating National Register of Citizens (NRC).

“The TMC will not tolerate such exercises. The party will play a bigger role in the coming days to save the country from the BJP,” she asserted.

The CM also said that she would invite all opposition leaders to the TMC rally in January and put up a united fight against the BJP.

“BJP hatao, desh bachao will be our slogan at the rally,” she stated.

Referring to the BJP’s scheduled ‘rath yatra’ in the state next month, Banerjee said, “The saffron party is organising a political ‘yatra’. Our workers, on the other hand, will organise ‘ekta yatra’, aimed at uniting all communities.

Letters to the Editor: Nov 16, 2018

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Afternoon Voice

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November 16, 2018

1) Legalised coal-theft in Dhanbad

It is indeed a matter of great shock and regret that Jharkhand government and the Dhanbad administration have innovated ways to legalise coal-theft when both of these failed to counter powerful coal-mafia in the state. Carrying coal on non-motorised two-wheelers in any quantity is permissible. Coal-mafia engaged in coal-theft engages skilled bicyclists who can carry many huge jute-bags on cycles with a width of coal-bags extending at least one meter on each side of the cycle. There is another person on a motor-cycle pushing the heavily loaded bicycle since it is practically impossible for a bicyclist to carry such heavy load of coal-bags. Even traffic-police closes eye on such highly dangerous load-carrying on the bicycle.

It seems that enforcing law and order is practically possible in the capital city of India and maybe some other metro-cities. Otherwise, the state-governments like Jharkhand government are compelled to run administration under various types of mafias. Jharkhand government should immediately check the malpractice and impose a total ban on illegal coal-movement even on bicycles. There should be a crackdown on coal-mafia by arresting the known big ones, or otherwise, Jharkhand government has no right to remain in power for its failure in stopping big coal-theft from coal-mines.

– Subhash Chandra Agrawal

2) The country needs proper higher education

It was heartening to learn that over 190,000 students were on the rolls of the American colleges and universities during 2017-18 making it the fifth consecutive academic year which saw the figure increase. According to 2018 Open Door report, the number of Indians studying in the United States rose by 5.4 per cent over the last year to 1,96,271. Looking at the last 10 years of data, the number of students going to the United States has doubled. On the other hand, it is also a matter of consideration for the Indian government that Indian students are looking for a great education and preferring the US institutions for this porous. India also should provide such higher education so that nobody feels the need to go abroad as it demands a large amount of money.

– Mohd Faheem

3) SC should not interfere in religious matters

I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to reconsider its 55-day-old judgment quashing the ban on the entry of women in the 10-59 years age group into the Sabarimala Temple. Finally, the Apex Court has responded to hear the 49 petitions requesting a relook at the controversial verdict which led to a mass protest in Kerala as well as a debate on the court’s competence to interfere with religious traditions. However, now the court should take an appropriate decision which may stop more protest in the state because the state already has witnessed massive protests in the last few months. I think that the Apex Court should not intrude in religious matters. Rather, it must let the people practice over their religious traditions freely without interference by the court or government.

– F.T.Mulla

4) Always try to save animals

The Tigress Avni was murder in Yavatmal by orders from the State Forest Department. It is a sad news for everyone in the country because one animal was killed by the orders of the government but it was done in the severe constraints, as till now 13 people were killed by the Tigress. It is better to kill the man-eater animals than to leave them because the lives of human beings are more important than the animals. I don’t think this was a bad action taken by the government. However, we should always try to save the animals as much as possible.

– Alqamah sheikh

5) Beg to differ with Gautam Gambhir!

I respect Gautam Gambhir as a cricketer and human being but his outburst against former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin for being asked to ring the bell at CAB (on invitation) before the first T-20 game was unwarranted. Match-fixing and corruption charges against Mohammad Azharuddin could not be proved in the courts and the cricketer was absolved of all the charges. Azhar played 99 Tests for his country and even scored a hundred in his last Test. We all know that he began his career with three hundred in his first 3 Tests which is a world record.

We must respect Azhar’s contribution to the Indian Cricket both as a player and as a Captain in spite of his career ending on a sour note. Gautam should respect the law of the land as Azhar’s guilt could not be proved and let us create no further humiliation to the former India skipper who was undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers our country has ever produced!

– S.N.Kabra

6) 2^nd anniversary of Demonetisation

The Ruling and the Opposition parties are putting counterclaims about the success or failure of demonetisation on its second anniversary when the old currency-notes of denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were demonetised on November 8, 2016. Demonetisation was indeed a very good and bold step. Rather, it was senseless to issue Rs 500 notes in the year 1987 followed by the issue of Rs 1000 denomination notes. It is significant that every sensible country has the highest denomination of 100 in its currency.

But poor implementation made such a bold step a sort of failure when currency-circulation now is higher than that before demonetisation. If 50 per cent disclosure scheme would have been announced by the Prime Minister in his speech of November 8, 2016, it would have overflown public-exchequer. By the time the scheme was announced, most people having unaccounted currency had exchanged old currency with new currency at a cost ranging from 30-40 per cent. There would not have been currency-crunch if the old currency would have been allowed at outlets of essential services like Mother-Dairy booths, Kendriya-Bhandaar, and petrol-pumps. Negligible cases of misuse could make demonetisation a smooth affair. Allowing too many Identification proofs for note-exchange resulted in long queues repeatedly.

Even now, corrective measures can and should be taken by targeting larger transactions of say Rs 20,000 and above for compulsorily through banking transaction rather than targeting petty ones through BhimApp and PayTM etc. Monthly withdrawal from the banks by an individual should be Rs 96,000 to be gradually reduced to Rs 48,000 per month.

– Madhu Agrawal

7) Kohli keep it light

Kohli’s arrogance is well known and now it is open. India’s Cricket Captain is in damage control mode after his leave India jab at a fan is now the talk of the town.

Cricket is a game universally watched and not played so in India unlike Football and other team sports. Further, a very few countries play ‘Cricket’ which means that there is no real international competition and the world of cricket is predominantly controlled by the BCCI where India plays mostly in India and with weak teams like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and West Indies etc. abroad. We avoid playing with Pakistan and New Zealand on overseas tours. But, when playing abroad in neutral pitches, we come as a ‘cropper’. This game is the most politicised backed by sheer money power in India as compared to other games.

The problem with the “better” Indian cricketers is that they become arrogant and deified by the funny Indian cricket lovers, which goes to their head, beyond the limit, resulting in almost all of them becoming too arrogant. This reader is reminded of a very important statement made by former Australian Captain, Ricky Ponting that “Indians and the players are more interested in self-aggrandizement, than actually playing selflessly for the country”. He was commenting on the situation often happened in those times.

A shocking and unsportsmanlike outburst from a sportsman who should know that anyone who receives bouquets would also receive brickbats! He should have the equanimity to take both the accolades and criticism in the same stride. Well, the comment made in twitter was meant to provoke Virat and succeeded in it. Kohli being an experienced public figure should have toned down his response, can’t tell someone to leave the country for not liking batsmen of the cricket team.

Kohli cannot take criticism in any shape or form. He cannot deal with criticism from the fans or the press. He has anger issues. The fans are getting tired of his monkey antics. Suggest that he take professional help immediately.

– Nickhil Krishnan

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)