Uddhav Thackeray walking on a tight rope every day

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January 3, 2020

After the first cabinet expansion of Uddhav Thackeray led Maharashtra government, it has been learnt that many leaders of the Shiv Sena are unhappy with the reshuffle including Sanjay Raut, who is a senior leader. He happens to be the elder brother of Sunil Raut. Moreover, many are also upset that the Sena is following the footsteps of Congress and NCP by giving ministry to Aaditya Thackeray. The other Shiv Sena MLAs who seem to be unhappy is Tanaji Sawant. To run a coalition of three parties is not easy, and right now Uddhav is not very strong and capable to manage the show on his own.

Already there was a big jolt to the Shiv Sena when 400 workers of the party joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at an event organised in Dharavi recently. They were upset over party Chief Uddhav Thackeray stitching an alliance with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a government in Maharashtra.The BJP and Shiv Sena had fought the Assembly polls together and won an absolute majority. BJP and Shiv Sena had fought the Assembly polls together and won an absolute majority. Shiv Sena had been insisting on the post of the chief minister for two-and-a-half-years but BJP said there was no such understanding. Later, the Shiv Sena negotiated with the NCP and the Congress to form a non-BJP government. On 28 November, Thackeray and six others from the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP were sworn-in at the historic Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Uddhav Thackeray has always been a reluctant politician. When he took over as the Shiv Sena chief from his father Bal Thackeray, many had rushed to write his untimely political obituary. But Uddhav survived and has now triumphed. Till 1996, Shiv Sena was assumed by all to be bequeathed to Uddhav’s cousin Raj. The latter had a penchant for fiery speechmaking having a greater stylistic resemblance to uncle’s onstage persona and was a cartoonist like him. Uddhav, who graduated from the JJ School of Arts, preferred to stay in the background. However, things changed in 1996 when Matunga resident Ramesh Kini’s death rocked Maharashtra’s political firmament.

Kini was a tenant in a building owned by Suman Shah, Raj’s developer friend. Kini refused to vacate his flat. Shah allegedly used Raj’s influence to force Kini to vacate. Kini was later found dead and in 1996, Chhagan Bhujbal, who had joined Congress by then, went to town blaming Raj for the death. The Sena decided that Raj should lie low and Uddhav should be the face of the party. Even when Raj’s star waned, Uddhav was still not seen as a natural leader. Over the years, though, Uddhav has surprised many and gradually consolidated his hold on the party. His first major task, even before he took formal charge of the party, was in 2002 when he successfully ensured Sena’s victory in the civic polls which were crucial as he had denied tickets to many entrenched Raj supporters and yet was able to capture the Mumbai municipal corporation. Uddhav has a close circle of people whom he relies on while taking political calls and is wary of the media. He also relies on his wife Rashmi’s inputs and suggestions that many in the Sena see as another ‘Meenatai’, his mother. Uddhav had realised much earlier than Mumbai’s Maharashtrian population was shifting to other cities and North Indians were taking their place. In a bid to attract them, he started the ‘MeeMumbaikar’ movement and said that all North Indians living were part of the city. It was a significant change from the Sena’s ‘son of the soil’ cry. Close friends of the CM said Uddhav is open to calculated risks.

Uddhav who always worked or lived on his terms is now finding it difficult to take instructions from various leaders, juggling between NCP and Congress is now so easy for him. Perhaps he never thought of facing such issues, this being his first attempt to be a Chief Minister of the State or handle the administration of the State himself. The portfolio distribution of the Sena-INC-NCP has been extended but still the details are not known. Moreover, Uddhav Thackeray cannot control the party as its Chief while handling the CM post. It is the beginning for the Shiv Sena to end up its political career within a very short period because of ‘power greedy’ by disrespecting the people / voters who won’t forget what Sena was doing, all these days – after the election results – and it will definitely be reflected, in the next elections. Uddhav Thackeray has no credentials – academic, political or administrative. He was anointed as the Shiv Sena chief only because he was the son of Balasaheb Thackeray. He has no other claim to fame. He has never stood for any election, forget about winning one. He has no administrative experience in governance or otherwise. Without the Shiv Sena, all he has to say for himself is that he is a wild life photographer and that too not a professional. Obviously, it will be very difficult for him to taking hard decisions independently in the capacity of a CM since the NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, a shrewd politician, is the head of this Maha Vikas Aghadi. Pawar will be controlling the government behind the scene and get things done easily with his vast experience (four times CM in the State).

Uddhav, as such, has no independent stand to execute his work. Very recently, the Shiv Sena has extended support for Citizen (Amendment) Bill (CAB) which was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Home Minister Amit Shah. But while the same CAB was introduced in Rajya Sabha, surprisingly Shiv Sena made a walkout and did not participate in the voting process. In other words, Sena started playing a double role and is not able to handle the critical situation whether to support BJP fully or following the stand by secularist parties fully. It clearly shows that Uddhav Thackeray is an immature person. To conclude, Uddhav Thackeray lost his party’s identity / image / creditability / respect from the people / voters and became Chief Minister just because of the lust for power. But how long will his government serve the people will be a big question?

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

Should India support Kurdish aspiration?

By

Nava Thakuria

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January 3, 2020

Kurdish,Kurds,Diary Marif,Diary Khalid — Image Courtesy: Agencies

Long and cherished histories of freedom movement by various group-community-nations always attract journalists and so the relentless struggles by persecuted Kurdish people speared over the world for an integrated sovereign homeland for Kurds. A recent interaction with a young and intelligent Kurdish activist paved the way for Guwahati scribes to understand some parameters of their ongoing violent freedom struggle.

Kurds believe that they have no friend but the mountains and the Kurdish proverb can be comprehended going through their fights for a homeland where four major Muslim dominated countries namely Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria continue repressive actions against the freedom-loving Kurdish people. Even being a Muslim majority nation, Kurds have been systematically intimidated by those regimes. Meet a Kurdish political analyst, who is based in Vancouver (Canada) and a regular contributor of media pieces to The Pasewan, Awene Weekly, Daily Hawlati, Lvin, KNN Television etc, with a mission to support establishing a Kurdish sovereign State carved out their habitat covering mountainous localities of various nations in West Asia (also known as Middle East).

Diary Khalid Marif, who bared his heart while talking to a group of scribes at Guwahati Press Club in northeast India through video-conferencing, revitalized their pledge to set-up a homeland for 40 million Kurds, who are the world’s largest ethnic group but without a State. He admitted that they have endless challenges ahead, but reminded that hundred thousand Kurdish freedom fighters had already sacrificed their lives for the cause. Narrating the large scale spreading of Kurds in various countries, Diary Marif revealed that there are over 20 million Kurds in Turkey. Even though their inhabitants are around 20 percent of Turkish population, they are still denied their ethnic identity. Torturing, imprisonment and killings of Kurds are regular happenings where they cannot openly speak the Kurdish language. Moreover, Kurdish names and costumes are also banned there.
Iranian Kurdistan supports nearly 12 million Kurds (around 17 percent population of Iran) who always suffer discrimination from the Islamic Republic in Tehran. Arbitrary evictions of Kurdish families, restricted access to housing, education, and health are primary issues for Kurds in Iran. In fact, an independent State for Kurdish people (Republic of Mahabad) existed inside Iran for some time in 1946, but soon Tehran crushed it.

Iraqi Kurdistan gives shelter to around 6 million Kurds (around 17 per cent of its population) where they initially enjoyed no rights. By Sixties only, rights for Kurds were included in the Iraqi constitution. Uncounted number of Kurds was killed by various regimes in Baghdad, where Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein took the lead in massacring the Kurdish people. In Syrian Kurdistan, there are over 3 million Kurds (around 10 percent of Syrian population) who also face difficulties in various political aspects. However, Kurdish national there enjoy the right to citizenship, study and speak their mother-tongue. Humiliated by various government forces for decades, the Kurdish people continue fighting for their ethnic identity.

Hails from Iraqi Kurdistan and a Pune University (in Maharashtra) pass-out, Diary Marif terms India a natural ally to the Kurdish nation. Hindustan is a concept of nationalism (not necessary an entity of Sanatan religion) and the Kurdish people also prefer to categorize everyone on the basis of a nation. Kurds have never prioritised religion issues and they are still fighting for their ethnicity, he commented.

Appreciating India as a vivid follower of various religions, linguistic communities, tribes etc., Diary Marif categorically stated that they too nurture various religious faiths including Islam (both Shia and Sunni sects), Christianity, Judaism, Yazdanism, Yazidi, Bahaism, Zoroastrianism, etc along with different racial groups. Unlike the common belief that every Muslim in the world upholds the idea of Islamic State, Kurds are totally different and the Kurdish fighters had successfully resisted Islamist terrorists in different junctures.

“Hence, every progressive and peace-loving nation, which expresses concern over the religious terrorism, should come forward supporting Kurds,” asserted Diary Marif pointing out that unlike ISIS or other Jehadi outfits, the Kurdish people maintain mutual respects to the minorities and also the women. Kurdish movement has been enriched with the active participation of their women even in the armed struggles, he added.

Thanking the Indian government in New Delhi for denouncing the recent Turkish military offensives on the Kurdish-inhabited localities of neighbouring Syria, Diary Marif also appreciated New Delhi’s advisory to its citizens travelling to Turkey. He also made a fervent appeal to New Delhi for supporting the cause of freedom-aspiring millions of Kurdish people.

Days back, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir (of India) during 74th session of UN in New York. The argument was to safeguard the interest of Kashmiri Muslims in the far northern locality after the abrogation of Article 370 by New Delhi. Pakistan, which has been occupying large parts of J&K, was quick to endorse Erdogan’s action as Islamabad also bats for Muslim interests.

Lately voices of opposition are slowly growing against the governments in Ankara and Islamabad as both the Islamic regimes continue using the religious cards for their selfish interests. But in reality, both the governments have never shown dignified approaches to the Kurdish people and Balochis (who are also fighting for a sovereign Balochistan out of Pakistan since 1948).

Diary Marif termed India also a favourite destination of Kurdish students for higher studies. Acknowledged that he learned many things in India like democratic values, tolerance, dignity to minority communities and finally the unity in diversities. Finally Diary Marif admitted, he still misses typical Indian foods, people with warm hearts and lush greenery of the country.

(The author is a Guwahati based journalist)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within 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.)

India the internet shutdown capital of the world

By

Faheem Usmani Qasmi

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January 3, 2020

Initially localized to certain states like Jammu & Kashmir, the practice of internet blackouts by the Indian government has become very common across the country. The most recent shutdown took place in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, December 27, 2019, when UP government had blocked out Internet connectivity in 21 districts over concerns of further protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act erupting after the Friday prayers. New Delhi, India’s national capital also saw internet shutdown in several parts of the city in the month of December.

The Internet Shutdowns – a website and tracker of instances where a particular district or state is reportedly under a government-restricted internet –collects and collates reports from across India during such cases. Over 70 instances of internet shutdown in 2017 to 134 in 2018, India ranked first in the list of countries which imposed internet restriction last year gaining the title of “Internet shutdown capital of the world”.

The website also recorded the longest ever ban imposed on access to the internet which is still under effect in J&K. The state went under a complete lock down of mobile and internet services from the August 2019, when Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated by the Parliament of India. There was a preventive shutdown imposed in the state which is yet to be lifted, the beginning of the communication blockade saw landlines as well as Mobile services restricted, the ban on landlines was lifted but suspension of mobile internet continues in the valley.

In fact, India has turned so infamous for it during the last few months that China –known for its surveillance of online activity – is citing India as an example. An editorial by Qing Qin in People’s Daily – China’s largest newspaper and a controlled entity of the country’s ruling party, said, “The internet shutdown in India has once again proved that the necessary regulation of the internet is a reasonable choice of sovereign countries based on national interests, and a natural extension of national sovereignty in cyberspace.”

The cost of shut down

India lost $968 million because of internet shutdown between July 2015 and June 2016, a study by the think-tank Brookings Institution found. According to another research report filed by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, in around five year-period –2012 to 2017 –, India lost around USD 3 billion due to mobile internet and broadband shutdowns. Since then the number of bans imposed on the accessibility of the internet across India has only risen.

“A telco loses a minimum of Rs 1.5 crore a day per state if its internet services are shut down. If the state holds a large population and the ban is for a longer duration, then the loss is larger”, said Rajan Mathew, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The body represents all three private players Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea.

From regular people who are unable to connect to the Internet or call their families to businesses, internet shutdown affects everyone. Business sectors, such as banking, tourism, e-commerce, education, and healthcare, among others, are the most impacted in such regions.

A report by leading newspaper notes that “Food delivery apps have seen volumes dip by 10-20%” in 24 districts of UP, Delhi, and other internet prohibited areas.” Grofers had rescheduled close to 25,000 grocery orders in Lucknow alone due to the imposition of ban on the Internet.

That’s not all. Internet shutdown hurt local residents of the concerning area and businesses with the imposition of restriction on access to the Internet, residents were unable to contact other people over the internet, access emails on their phones, pay for bills online, use services like Paytm, PhonePe and UPI, use credit/debit cards for payments and many more tribulations.

In a massive setback, students were unable to access study material available on the Internet or fill forms of important examinations that will be conducted this year.

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

Letters to the Editor: 03 January, 2020

By

Web Team

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January 3, 2020

SEBI should ease the process of e-voting

The innovative concept of e-voting by the shareholders prior to the commencement of annual general meetings (AGMs) needs a policy based overhaul. Apart from postal ballot and mobile voting, the option of tab voting is now enabled. Hence the shareholders have a wide choice to exercise their right in AGMs through tab voting, e-voting and postal ballot and thus act as major decision making authority in a public listed company.

As per the current norms, the e-voting option is valid only for three calendar days prior to the commencement of AGMs of the company. Thus the share holders have limited window time to exercise their rights through e-voting. Further SEBI and Company’s Act should ease the process of e-voting and should enable up to seven to fifteen days of voting time, to ensure of all category of shareholders exercise their rights. As also listed companies should ensure communication to the shareholders explaining the detailed process of e-voting through extensive awareness across various channels like newspapers, internet, email, sms messages. (apart from the existing practice of communication through AGM notices)

Accordingly the system of postal ballot, an archaic voting method in this era of technological revolution should now be replaced either with e-voting, tab voting or mobile voting. Such a move will otherwise help the listed companies to achieve complete fairness and transparency w.r.t e-voting procedure prior to AGMs ,as mandated by the Company’s Act 2013.

Varun Dambal

Take action against Irfan Habib for mocking Kerala Governor

It refers to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan tweeting and giving media-interviews on being heckled by well-known historian Irfan Habib on December 28 at the stage while Arif Mohammed Khan delivering inaugural address at Indian History Congress at Kannur. It was for Kannur (Kerala) Police to take immediate action against Irfan Habib for such unruly behaviour against the person seated on constitutional post of a state-governor.

Even normal speakers other than those seated on constitutional posts cannot be dictated to deliver lectures according to dictates of others even though dictating person may be a renowned personality in his field.

It is beyond understanding why and how historians observed mute silence during Congress regime like on digging a time-capsule with completely distorted facts in front of Red Fort (Delhi) during emergency-era of 1975-77. Unfortunately historians of such style wish to write history according to their own ideology and requirements rather than the real one. India would have an entirely different environment if students from school-age would have been taught history of great Indian freedom-fighters apart from great sacrifices of religious saints including Sikh gurus.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Public spat between Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen unfortunate

The ugly spat between celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom and Kiren Nikhat Zareen was unwarranted. Six time World Champion Mary Kom is a legend in her own right but refusing the customary ‘hand-shake’ and an attempted hug from the losing boxer Nikhat was in bad taste. Underdog Nikhat Zareen is an amazing boxer with potential to dominate boxing in the future and Mary Kom should have shown respect to young talent and all the competitive toughness should be forgotten once the bout gets over.

Olympic qualifiers should be professionally conducted so that there is no bad blood between the aspirants. The best should always get to represent the country and the next best should work hard so that they get a chance to compete in future. The tiff between Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen should not be blown out of proportion and both Boxer’s should upload a happy picture of themselves together on the social media to end their enmity if any.

S.N.Kabra

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

Alibaug-Virar multimodal corridor to take off soon

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 2, 2020

The year 2020 has begun with a double challenge of survival for the common man. While people are still trying to work out their budgets around the rising prices of onion, fuel (petrol and diesel), there has been an increase in the prices of LPG and also for the Indian railways. Meanwhile, the good news is that the much talked Alibaug-Virar multimodal corridor work will start this month. Incidently the project was announced in 2014, but it was lying in the back-burner. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced that it will be commencing the project worth ₹12,975-crore. The Virar-Alibaug corridor with a eight-lane stretch will have separate lanes for metro and bus rapid transit system. This project will ease the woes of Mumbaikars who have to undertake long journey for reaching their destinations. According to MMRDA officials, the stretch will have 20 flyovers, 15 interchanges and 45 underpasses. In the first phase, the work will start on the 23-km stretch between Navghar and Anjur which is just the first part of this phase. The project is expected to provide accessibility to Navi Mumbai International airport, Mumbai Trans Harbour link and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

Coming back to the first phase, it will include the entire stretch between Virar and Balavali which includes 104 villages. The first phase of the project is 79-km stretch between Virar and Balavali, which is estimated to cost Rs 9,326 crore. The second stretch from Balavali to Alibaug is 47kms that will be undertaken at a later stage.

The project will reduce travelling time between Virar and Alibaug by 50 per cent as a result of which job opportunities will be created in Virar, Bhiwandi, Panvel, Taloja, Uran, Kalyan and Dombivali. MMRDA is in the process of acquiring more than 1,000 hectares of land there. It is expected that once this project is completed, it will decongest the traffic on this route phenomenally. In addition to this, MMRDA has said that it will complete 40 per cent of civil works for the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) in 2020. The Authority has also made some interesting announcement regarding the ongoing Metro projects. They will have at least two operational lines in 2020. The authorities have commissioned Metro Line-2A (Dahisar-DN Nagar) and Metro Line-7 (Dahisar East-Andheri East).

Work on the much talked about Alibaug-Virar multimodal corridor will take off from the middle of 2020. The MMRDA has announced that they will be starting the work on phase one by this time frame.

Hike in railway fares might evoke sudden criticism

By

Vaidehi Taman

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January 2, 2020

The Indian Railways has been in the news albeit for the price hike that it has announced. With the rapid increase in passenger and goods traffic, the frequency of train accidents is increasing at a rapid force. This has raised serious doubts in the public mind about the safety of rail travel and the general health of the railway network. The credibility of an organisation with a long and proud history of nation building has been seriously eroded. In such a situation, it is but natural to ask where the Railways are heading to. But we need to look at the population of India that is on the rise day-by-day. In such a case, the country needs infrastructure to support the population and the Railways is one without which you just cannot handle the current ever-rising population. Although our Railways is one of the slowest organisation of the World, yet it is one of the cheapest in the world. So even if the railways increase the prices of tickets, I just cannot see how the 125 crore Indians can live without railways because it’s ever expanding and connects almost all corners of India.

More and more trains are the need of the hour but sadly that is not possible on every route since there are a lot of freight operations and freights are the prime source of profit for the Railways. Obviously, the hike in fares might evoke sudden criticism people mocking the government by mentioning “Ache din aa gaye!”, we must also realise that there has been no major hike for about the last five years. Operating and maintenance costs have increased and a lot of other causes have forced the government to take such a decision. The railways are in shambles at the moment. The maintenance is very poor. Most of the stations are badly maintained, toilets are very bad and the food is just horrible. A very large overhaul might probably be needed to shake up things and turn things around. Hence, the hike is probably justified. In fact, the Indian Railways has one of the most subsidised fares in the world especially with the services.

The Indian Railways, eyeing to increase its revenue share, has decided to hike the fares of the passenger trains by one paise per kilometer, sleeper class fare by 2 paise per kilometre and for 3AC, 2AC and AC first class by four paise per kilometer. The Railway ministry issued an order on December 31 in which it said that while the suburban fares will remain unchanged, ordinary non-AC, non-suburban fares will be hiked by 1 paise per km of journey. The railways also announced a two paise/km hike in fares of mail/express non-AC trains and four paise/km hike in the fares of AC classes. The fare hike is also applicable to premium trains such as Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto. Among the train coaches that are planned for CCTV installation in the first phase, tenders have been invited for as many as 7,020 coaches and a total of 6,100 railway stations. This should be done by next year, while the remaining coaches will be covered by March 2022.

Presently Indian Railways’ big move for a safer network is to introduce Artificial Intelligence and CCTV cameras in order to enhance the safety of passengers across the Indian Railways’ network. Soon, as many as 58,600 coaches in Mail/Express trains of Indian Railways will be equipped with CCTV surveillance system. The CCTV surveillance systems have already been installed at over 500 railway stations across the country. The matter of passenger safety was discussed in the Parliamentary Standing Committee recently. By March 2022, all railway stations across the country will be covered. Among the train coaches that are planned for CCTV installation in the first phase, tenders have been invited for as many as 7,020 coaches and a total of 6,100 railway stations. This should be done by next year, while the remaining coaches will be covered by March 2022.

The last fare revision was done in 2014-15. In order to expand passenger amenities and facilities at Railway stations and in trains, it has become imperative to increase the train fare marginally without over burdening any class of passengers. Fast modernisation of the Indian Railway will be achieved through this fare revision. All non-AC classes and the unreserved segment will see a 1 paisa per kilometre hike. On long-distance mail/express trains, the hike will be 2 paise per kilometre. The Railway ministry has decided to keep the fares of the suburban classes unchanged. According to the order, there will not be any change in the reservation fee and superfast charge. The increase in fare will be on tickets bought on or after 1 January 2020 and no excess fare (difference of fare) will be charged from passengers who have booked tickets before this date.

The hike will have no effect on the catering charges. After the fare hike, the journey from Delhi-Kolkata, which covers a distance of 1,447 km, the hike at the rate of 4 paise per km will be around ₹58 in AC classes on Rajdhani-type trains. Railways have played a significant role in development and growth of industries. Growth of textile industry in Mumbai, jute industry in areas surrounding Kolkata, coal industry in Jharkhand, etc is largely due to the development of railway networks in these areas. The railways help in supplying raw materials and other facilities to the factory sites and finished goods to the market. Agriculture also owes its growth to railways to a great extent. Now farmers can sell their agricultural produce to distant places and even sell them in the world market at remunerative prices. Railways are also helpful in removing isolation between cities and countryside and have played a significant role in disseminating innovations and new ideas. Railways are particularly suited to long distance journey and provide a strong medium of national integration. Also it plays a vital role in mitigating the sufferings of the people in the event of natural calamities like droughts, floods, famines, earthquakes, etc. This is done by carrying relief and rescue teams and essential items to the affected areas and save people from sufferings and starvation. Railways also help in facing man-made calamities like social, political, religious disturbances, insurgency, etc.

It facilitates easy movement of police, troops, defence equipment etc. The importance of railways to save the country’s freedom and integrity from external aggression has been proved on several occasions. The railways carry the British legacy and connect major ports to their hinterlands, thereby lending a helping hand to the overall prosperity of the coastal areas. The introduction of superfast trains and container services in major cities of India have ensured quick movement of men and material. The Railway system is especially suited to long haulage of bulky materials like coal, petroleum and ores. Although Indian Railways has progressed a lot both quantitatively and qualitatively during the last few years, this system is still plagued by a number of problems which require immediate attention. A lot has been done, but a lot more is yet to be done.

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

Maharashtra and West Bengal not to take part in the Republic Day parade

By

Hema Singh

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January 2, 2020

This year there will be no the tableaux from Maharashtra as well as West Bengal at the ensuing Republic Day parade thanks to an order by the Central government.

Hearing the news, NCP MP Supriya Sule alleged that the Centre has denied permission to the tableaux from the two non-BJP-ruled Maharashtra and West Bengal at the Republic Day parade. Taking a dig at the government she said that the government was behaving in a “prejudiced” manner.

She further continued that the decision could be because the two states had played a key role in the freedom struggle and the decision to allegedly deny permissions to their tableaux was an “insult” of the people.

“The Centre has rejected permissions to the tableaux of Maharashtra and West Bengal from parading on Republic Day. It is a festival of the country and the Centre is expected to give representation to all the states,” Sule tweeted.

प्रजासत्ताक दिनानिमित्तच्या संचलनात महाराष्ट्र व पश्चिम बंगालच्या चित्ररथास केंद्र सरकारने परवानगी नाकारली.हा देशाचा उत्सव असून केंद्र सरकारने सर्व राज्यांना प्रतिनिधित्व देणे अपेक्षित आहे.परंतु सरकार आकसाने वागत असून विरोधकांची सत्ता असणाऱ्या राज्यांना सापत्नभावाची वागणूक देतेय.

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) January 2, 2020

But the government is behaving in a prejudiced manner, giving step-motherly treatment to the states being ruled by the opposition parties,” she added.

The Parliamentarian from Baramati also shared a news report that claimed that the defence ministry has rejected West Bengal’s tableaux for the Republic Day parade.

One should not get obsessed over external beauty

By

Vaidehi Taman

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January 2, 2020

Dr. Parag Telang, a Mumbai-based cosmetic and undoubtedly is the best plastic surgeon in the town. He is M.S and M.Ch certified from the well-known Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital (LTMGH). He is also the Director and Chief Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon at Designer Bodyz, Centre for Advanced Cosmetic surgery that is the most preferred Plastic Surgery Clinic in Mumbai. The doctor has performed more than 4,000 successful cosmetic surgeries including face, body contouring, breast surgeries and ear reconstruction.

Read on as he engages in a freewheeling chat with Editor-in-Chief Dr Vaidehi Taman about his experience, dos and don’ts of plastic surgery, aesthetic procedures, biggest beauty myth and many more….

You are an award winning successful cosmetologist. Tell us what inspired you to enter in the beauty industry?

I had no plan as such to become a plastic surgeon. During my general surgery training, I got interested in plastic surgery. Of course, interest in aesthetic surgery came much later as I was finishing my plastic surgery residency.

As a cosmetologist, what are those biggest myths about beauty that you want to clarify?

Lot of people believe that cosmetic surgery or cosmetic treatments are harmful or cause harm in the long run. I feel that they are against God’s wish or that they cause cancer etc. These are the common myths that I encounter almost on a daily basis.

How do you deal with a popular myth prevalent today that products containing natural ingredients are better for skin?

I think patient education plays a very important role. I take out time during patient consultation to clear the misconceptions regarding use of various products.

Recently there have been many deaths due to liposuction however safe it may be?

It is wrong to say that many deaths have happened due to liposuction. Liposuction is the world’s leading cosmetic procedure. Of course it is important that it should be performed by a properly trained plastic surgeon. If complications happen in a miniscule number of patients, it has more to do with lax regulation of who can perform these surgeries rather than the procedure itself. I have done more than 4500 liposuctions and can definitely vouch for its safety.

What is the biggest difference between non-surgical weight reduction and surgical way of losing weight?

Non-surgical methods are quite temporary and can be used only for small areas such as double chin. They are still nowhere near the results of the surgical methods of weight loss.

Is it affordable for common man?

Yes, these treatments are becoming more affordable for the common man now. There are many modalities of payment eg; credit card companies which also provide the option of paying them in EMIs.

Who should undergo such treatments?

Any person, male or female, if bothered by their appearance and if there are safe procedures which can be offered to them, then they can undergo such treatments.

And what are the dos and don’ts of surgical beautification? What are the risks involved in such procedures?

There are no particular dos and don’ts of surgical beautification. It is important for patients to understand that these procedures are more or less permanent and hence they have to be sure in their mind about what features they want to change before opting for these.

How much desired change can be guaranteed by doctors? Any identity crises issues after facial alternations?

Almost all features of the face, body can now be cosmetically enhanced or altered. Sometimes patients themselves need to give some time to get used to their new look. I always tell my patients that your looks will definitely change after any procedure but this change will be for the better.

How do you look at these surgeries as craving for look more beautiful or need of circumstances?

This trend is also due to social media stories. Nowadays people are so aware of who is doing what to look good that they also want to do the same. I feel as a whole our entire society is becoming more consumerist and this is not only related to cosmetic procedures per se.

Have you ever faced awkward situations from patients?

Yes, sometimes (Laugh). Like sometimes I come across daughters telling me that they don’t want their parents to know about their surgery or wives telling that they don’t want their husbands to know about the surgery.

Tell us one memorable moment as doctor.

There are plenty of occasions when patients or their relatives touch my feet after seeing the result and they compare me with God. These are very memorable events for any doctor as no other profession gets this kind of response.

How important it is to educate a person seeking treatment about aesthetic procedures are not about becoming somebody else, but becoming the best version of you?

It is very important to counsel a patient seeking cosmetic procedures properly. If a person has unrealistic expectations, it is very important to explain the possible results and also to dissuade a person if the results desired cannot be attained.

What would you tell everybody about the difference between wanting to look beautiful and being obsessed with the idea of looking beautiful?

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Though looking beautiful is important there are many other aspects of life such as confidence, dressing etc which create a lasting impact. So beyond a point one should not obsess over external beauty.

How would you look at the malpractices in this Aesthetics business?

There are many practitioners who don’t have any qualifications and still start an aesthetic clinic because of the lure to make money. Then there are others who perform procedures or surgeries beyond the scope of their work. I know of a dentist doing breast implants and another dentist performing hair transplant!

How do you look at mushrooming cosmetologists in Mumbai?

The lure of money and of course the demand is triggering this. While it is a welcome development unfortunately the regulations have not kept pace with the mushrooming of unregistered or unlicensed clinics.

How do you maintain ethics over aesthetics?

I do so by refusing to make money the primary aim. I tell so many patients that they don’t need a particular procedure that ultimately they respect my honest opinion.

What would be your one suggestion to health ministry pertaining to the practices in cosmetology and challenges?

Please enlarge the scope of the Medical Council to regulate unlicensed clinics. Make the practise without a valid license punishable under law so that people think twice before doing unethical things. Last year a “celebrity dermatologist” from Mumbai landed up behind bars in UAE as they found her degree to be fake. We need that kind of action here as well.

Your message to our readers?

Please educate yourself. Do check the credentials/ degrees of your doctor. If that person is not a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, please think twice before trusting your face or body in his/her hands. Rest assured, with proper scientific treatments, you can definitely have a great result in your appearance!!

Rekindle old friendship

By

C K Subramaniam

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January 2, 2020

Old friendship can be established through Facebook and you can collect details of all your old college mates and establish fresh relationship after missing out for so many years. It all began asking around on the numerous Whatsapp groups I’m a part of, to see how many people we could gather for the event.

A large number of my friends and I signed up. I got to know about my old friends after so many years through posts on the Facebook group, where there is constant reminiscing about the good old days. We drew closer and the Facebook group got increasingly active, I realised I wanted to make it to the event and that too preferably, with someone from my batch. It is time to keep the mind-body connection–the relationship between stress and disease.

After completing college if you stay in the same place then you can establish better contacts. When you go out for jobs, the contacts are lost and when you leave the country for some overseas assignments then you lose contact with your friends. It is difficult to make a reunion in big cities like Mumbai. Those days in 1960s and 1970s, there were no mobile phones and keeping contact under such a situation is quite impossible.

The reunion is now made possible by the social media and you can find out your friends if you know the full name and search his old photo for identification. It takes time to go through details and pass on the information and form a group for the mutual establishment of lost relationship. Eventually, all the groups began to merge — after all, we were all ex North Madras Chennai collegians and separated looking for job. We exchanged pleasantries and started sending photographs through Whatsapp.

The senior citizens reminisced the ‘good old days’ spent at their alma mater exactly fifty years back. As part of the golden jubilee reunion, the oldies will have to make contacts and bring them together in one platform and went nostalgic on noticing the drastic changes the campus had undergone in these years. Even a batch of ten arrived at the college along with their better halves and recalled the sweet memories of their college life. The alumni must also decide to hold such similar meetings once in two years at a common place. They get nostalgic on noticing major changes in their life graph for that matter.

There are one-stop solution for all your alumni networking needs. The interactive alumni portals come with all the features required to manage former students relations seamlessly. Trusted Official Alumni Engagement Partner for Prestigious Institutions and Corporates arrange everything in a decent way as event managers and make your dream come true. In all it is happy reunion of friends from all walks of life and from every nook and corner of the country.

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

Letters to the Editor: 02 January, 2020

By

Web Team

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January 2, 2020

All that glitters on screen is not gold

The mysterious death of TV actor Kushal Punjabi who committed suicide comes as a shock. Depression is the key reason of such suicidal deaths and 37 year old Kushal was not just going through a troubled marriage but had financial issues as well. Fame when it disappears can be difficult to handle and the reason for many troubled relationships, more so if you are a celebrity when the spotlight is on you both from your fans as well as the media.

Counselling from psychologists is the need of the hour when one feels low and depressed in life and this holds good for all. Taking life is a bigger crime and even the Almighty won’t forgive such acts as only the lucky few get to see this world which is a beautiful creation of God. Education is the need of the hour and depression can easily be cured if one visits an expert and helped by near and dear one’s support which one can easily access if one shares their troubles with others.

S.N.Kabra

Problem of Naxalism in India

As per the recent report, Naxalites attacked security forces more than 360 times in last 10 months, injured 147 policemen and citizens. Out of these 70 broke in to encounters killing 128 Naxalites including 36 women. The Central Military Commission of Maoist declared that the joint operation by Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra has resulted in great loss to their movement. They further said that the highest number of Maoists are killed in Chhattisgarh which has severely weakened the Maoist movement in central India. The most important thing to note here is the large number of women Naxalites being killed which shows that Naxalites are brainwashing women in large number. In a bid to survive they may also extend the movement to include more number of women and minors, if this happens then it will jeopardize the future generations of citizens living in Naxal affected area. This is a high time to crush the Naxalites before they pose a threat to the Indian democracy and people of India.

Rakesh Vikhar

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