Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Agra's 'Petha' Industry to Get New Home
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Agra's famed "petha", a sweet that originated during the Mughal rule, is about to get a new home. Pethas are just as famous as the Taj Mahal, and no visitor to Agra leaves the city without a kilogram or 2 of the delicious sweet.
A decade ago there were just 2 varieties of petha. But changing times have brought in additional flavors: chocolate, cherry, mango, orange, stuffed petha, coconut petha and even sandwich pethas. But clearly, dry petha, the oldest variety, continues to be hot on the list.
Not many visitors to the Taj city know that the well-known Agra petha is at present manufactured in the narrow lanes of the centuries-old Noori Darwaza market in the heart of city. The industry is to move over to Kalindi Vihar across the river Yamuna. This follows efforts by the Agra Development Authority in the wake of a Supreme Court directive. Registration of plots has begun in Kalindi Vihar.
"Once these small units move out, the whole area in the heart of Agra will be pollution free," an official of the Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control Board said to Www.mediabharti.com.
Several efforts in the past to persuade these units to switch over to natural gas and biogas and to upgrade the technology for making petha have failed. The wastewater from the petha units and the smoke emitted by the earthen stoves add to the overall pollution load, choking the already overflowing drains. The petha waste attracts not just flies but stray animals.
Supreme Court has banned use of coal in Agra but most of these units have been ignoring the directive. District Magistrate Sanjay Prasad wants the units shifted so that the city's drainage system can be spared of avoidable load from these units.
Besides poor working conditions, the technology and the process of petha making have remained unchanged.
"When the Mughals came and went on a monument building spree, they wanted some cheap and durable sweet stuff that would freshen up the workers in the hot summer months and provide nutritional backup. That's how the petha industry started in Agra," explained Murari Lal, a petha manufacturer at Hospital Road.
The oldest firm, in business since 1885, is Bhimsain's. The latest and perhaps the most popular is Panchi. But there are hundreds of others doing brisk business.
Earlier only 2 types of pethas used to be made. Now they have added a whole new range of flavors and colors, including a stuffed variety that uses dry fruits as fillers.
Agra: Agra's famed "petha", a sweet that originated during the Mughal rule, is about to get a new home. Pethas are just as famous as the Taj Mahal, and no visitor to Agra leaves the city without a kilogram or 2 of the delicious sweet.
A decade ago there were just 2 varieties of petha. But changing times have brought in additional flavors: chocolate, cherry, mango, orange, stuffed petha, coconut petha and even sandwich pethas. But clearly, dry petha, the oldest variety, continues to be hot on the list.
Not many visitors to the Taj city know that the well-known Agra petha is at present manufactured in the narrow lanes of the centuries-old Noori Darwaza market in the heart of city. The industry is to move over to Kalindi Vihar across the river Yamuna. This follows efforts by the Agra Development Authority in the wake of a Supreme Court directive. Registration of plots has begun in Kalindi Vihar.
"Once these small units move out, the whole area in the heart of Agra will be pollution free," an official of the Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control Board said to Www.mediabharti.com.
Several efforts in the past to persuade these units to switch over to natural gas and biogas and to upgrade the technology for making petha have failed. The wastewater from the petha units and the smoke emitted by the earthen stoves add to the overall pollution load, choking the already overflowing drains. The petha waste attracts not just flies but stray animals.
Supreme Court has banned use of coal in Agra but most of these units have been ignoring the directive. District Magistrate Sanjay Prasad wants the units shifted so that the city's drainage system can be spared of avoidable load from these units.
Besides poor working conditions, the technology and the process of petha making have remained unchanged.
"When the Mughals came and went on a monument building spree, they wanted some cheap and durable sweet stuff that would freshen up the workers in the hot summer months and provide nutritional backup. That's how the petha industry started in Agra," explained Murari Lal, a petha manufacturer at Hospital Road.
The oldest firm, in business since 1885, is Bhimsain's. The latest and perhaps the most popular is Panchi. But there are hundreds of others doing brisk business.
Earlier only 2 types of pethas used to be made. Now they have added a whole new range of flavors and colors, including a stuffed variety that uses dry fruits as fillers.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Conference Demands Release of Agra’s Water Share in Yamuna
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: A conference of social activists, NGO functionaries and political workers demanded immediate release of Agra's share of water in river Yamuna to save the Taj Mahal.
Conference organized by Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, unanimously adopted a resolution listing 10 demands to rejuvenate Yamuna which had been reduced to an open drain, carrying noxious effluents and sewer discharges from cities upstream of the Taj Mahal.
Yamuna in Agra was as much a heritage as the Taj Mahal, because it was due to the overflowing river that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan fixed his eyes on this particular site, the speakers said
The resolution said, “it was unfortunate that the state and central governments were busy making money and exploiting the Taj Mahal to promote tourism but were least concerned about saving a dying river which was an integral part of the Taj Complex in the original scheme of things, envisaged by the builders of the white marble mausoleum, which was under threat due to the dry river bed.
That apart, a water body without water in the background left a disgusting impression in the minds of the tourists."
President of the Heritage Conservation Society Surendra Sharma said, “river Yamuna and the Taj Mahal were twins and therefore can not be separated. "Government bodies should immediately take steps to fill the river with water and also restore the Keitham lake which had been reduced to a vast waste land, "Sharma told Www.mediabharti.com.
Conference demanded release of Yamuna water from the Okhla barrage which was holding up water for consumption in Delhi, denying the right share of downstream cities, a clear violation of river water sharing treaties. Speakers wanted a barrage to be built 30 kms. downstream of Agra to allow some breathing space to the river and an extended catchments area to augment the raw water supply.
Conference wanted the Yamuna in Agra to be de-silted and for this it was suggested that the Agra Municipal Corporation or the Agra Development Authority buy a dredging machine for use on a continuous basis. "The British used to de-silt the river every summer to create capacity for water storage. Why can't we do it now?" asked Shravan Kumar of the Yamuna Foundation for Blue Water. The conference heard emotional and at times angry pleas to save the Yamuna by social activists and environmentalists.
Earlier, Acharya Gopi Ballabh Shastri of the Pushti-margiya Sampradaya, explained the importance of Yamuna in the Hindu mythology, in particular among the devotees of Sri Krishna. "Beloved of Sri Krishna and worshipped by millions of people, the river Yamuna's sad plight is unbearable," the acharya said.
Conference was attended by a large number of political activists and social workers who were anguished by the consistent failure of governmental agencies and dozens of remediation plans to restore glory and health to a sick river and save the life line of the city.
Agra: A conference of social activists, NGO functionaries and political workers demanded immediate release of Agra's share of water in river Yamuna to save the Taj Mahal.
Conference organized by Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, unanimously adopted a resolution listing 10 demands to rejuvenate Yamuna which had been reduced to an open drain, carrying noxious effluents and sewer discharges from cities upstream of the Taj Mahal.
Yamuna in Agra was as much a heritage as the Taj Mahal, because it was due to the overflowing river that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan fixed his eyes on this particular site, the speakers said
The resolution said, “it was unfortunate that the state and central governments were busy making money and exploiting the Taj Mahal to promote tourism but were least concerned about saving a dying river which was an integral part of the Taj Complex in the original scheme of things, envisaged by the builders of the white marble mausoleum, which was under threat due to the dry river bed.
That apart, a water body without water in the background left a disgusting impression in the minds of the tourists."
President of the Heritage Conservation Society Surendra Sharma said, “river Yamuna and the Taj Mahal were twins and therefore can not be separated. "Government bodies should immediately take steps to fill the river with water and also restore the Keitham lake which had been reduced to a vast waste land, "Sharma told Www.mediabharti.com.
Conference demanded release of Yamuna water from the Okhla barrage which was holding up water for consumption in Delhi, denying the right share of downstream cities, a clear violation of river water sharing treaties. Speakers wanted a barrage to be built 30 kms. downstream of Agra to allow some breathing space to the river and an extended catchments area to augment the raw water supply.
Conference wanted the Yamuna in Agra to be de-silted and for this it was suggested that the Agra Municipal Corporation or the Agra Development Authority buy a dredging machine for use on a continuous basis. "The British used to de-silt the river every summer to create capacity for water storage. Why can't we do it now?" asked Shravan Kumar of the Yamuna Foundation for Blue Water. The conference heard emotional and at times angry pleas to save the Yamuna by social activists and environmentalists.
Earlier, Acharya Gopi Ballabh Shastri of the Pushti-margiya Sampradaya, explained the importance of Yamuna in the Hindu mythology, in particular among the devotees of Sri Krishna. "Beloved of Sri Krishna and worshipped by millions of people, the river Yamuna's sad plight is unbearable," the acharya said.
Conference was attended by a large number of political activists and social workers who were anguished by the consistent failure of governmental agencies and dozens of remediation plans to restore glory and health to a sick river and save the life line of the city.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Delhi to Agra in Under 2 Hours by Train
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: With excited passengers and an equally enthusiastic crew, India's fastest train, Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express, zoomed into this Taj Mahal city in just under 2 hours amid some safety concerns.
"It surely is a red letter day in the history of Indian Railways," said an excited railway official as the train, running at 150 km per hour, arrived at Agra Cantonment station.
Train covered the 199 km run between New Delhi and Agra in an hour and 56 minutes, reducing travel time by 15 minutes. From Agra, it ran at 120 km per hour on its way to Bhopal.
Among the passengers were some 150 mentally challenged children accompanied by teachers and dozens of scribes from New Delhi. Most of those on board had a free ride, courtesy the railways.
"The journey was smooth and perfect and we were all very excited about the inaugural run," said Gyanendra Kulshretra, a railway consultative committee member.
The engine driver, S.P. Maurya, was as excited as the Divisional Railways Manager Suresh who had been overseeing arrangements for the guests since morning.
Asked about the safety measures, Suresh admitted that some stretches on the route from Delhi needed fencing and the work would be taken up when funds were released.
Railway officials said the problem of stray animals crossing the tracks was real and had to be addressed on a priority basis for the safety of the passengers.
However, the locals, particularly travel agents and hoteliers, were not too impressed by the train.
"Just 15 minutes, of what use can this be? Had it been one hour, tourists could have gained by staying longer at the Taj or taking a leisurely stroll instead of rushing back to catch the train," said Surendra Sharma, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Sandeep Arora, owner of a hotel here, wondered why all the hype had been created.
"Ten or 15 minutes gained make no sense in a country where time is of no value," Sandeep said, adding most tourists coming here factored in delays and unnecessary waits into their programmes.
However, some travel agents and guides were more positive. "Foreign tourists will surely have a better image of a resurgent India after a jaunt on this train."
The Shatabdi has sparkling new eight chair car compartments with 78 seats each as against 67 seats earlier, an executive coach of 56 seats and two power cars. A total of 680 passengers can travel at a time compared to the earlier number of 582.
"The train will run for six days at 150 km per hour. But on Fridays it will run only at a speed of 120 km on the entire 705-km route," said J.P. Batra, chairman of the Railway Board.
The new-look Shatabdi, with German-made bogies and an AC cabin for the driver and the crew, was flagged off from New Delhi by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.
"Feb 15 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways," the minister said.
"We have started this train as an experiment. We will study the performance of this line and may go for 150-km-an-hour trains on the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes also," Lalu Prasad told Www.mediabharti.com.
The minister said the tracks on the Delhi-Agra line were fortified to withstand the high speed and fences had been raised at many points to avoid accidental intrusions.
Agra: With excited passengers and an equally enthusiastic crew, India's fastest train, Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express, zoomed into this Taj Mahal city in just under 2 hours amid some safety concerns.
"It surely is a red letter day in the history of Indian Railways," said an excited railway official as the train, running at 150 km per hour, arrived at Agra Cantonment station.
Train covered the 199 km run between New Delhi and Agra in an hour and 56 minutes, reducing travel time by 15 minutes. From Agra, it ran at 120 km per hour on its way to Bhopal.
Among the passengers were some 150 mentally challenged children accompanied by teachers and dozens of scribes from New Delhi. Most of those on board had a free ride, courtesy the railways.
"The journey was smooth and perfect and we were all very excited about the inaugural run," said Gyanendra Kulshretra, a railway consultative committee member.
The engine driver, S.P. Maurya, was as excited as the Divisional Railways Manager Suresh who had been overseeing arrangements for the guests since morning.
Asked about the safety measures, Suresh admitted that some stretches on the route from Delhi needed fencing and the work would be taken up when funds were released.
Railway officials said the problem of stray animals crossing the tracks was real and had to be addressed on a priority basis for the safety of the passengers.
However, the locals, particularly travel agents and hoteliers, were not too impressed by the train.
"Just 15 minutes, of what use can this be? Had it been one hour, tourists could have gained by staying longer at the Taj or taking a leisurely stroll instead of rushing back to catch the train," said Surendra Sharma, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Sandeep Arora, owner of a hotel here, wondered why all the hype had been created.
"Ten or 15 minutes gained make no sense in a country where time is of no value," Sandeep said, adding most tourists coming here factored in delays and unnecessary waits into their programmes.
However, some travel agents and guides were more positive. "Foreign tourists will surely have a better image of a resurgent India after a jaunt on this train."
The Shatabdi has sparkling new eight chair car compartments with 78 seats each as against 67 seats earlier, an executive coach of 56 seats and two power cars. A total of 680 passengers can travel at a time compared to the earlier number of 582.
"The train will run for six days at 150 km per hour. But on Fridays it will run only at a speed of 120 km on the entire 705-km route," said J.P. Batra, chairman of the Railway Board.
The new-look Shatabdi, with German-made bogies and an AC cabin for the driver and the crew, was flagged off from New Delhi by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.
"Feb 15 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways," the minister said.
"We have started this train as an experiment. We will study the performance of this line and may go for 150-km-an-hour trains on the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes also," Lalu Prasad told Www.mediabharti.com.
The minister said the tracks on the Delhi-Agra line were fortified to withstand the high speed and fences had been raised at many points to avoid accidental intrusions.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
85 Operations in 24 Hours
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: A doctor in Agra has set a new world record performing 85 operations in 24 hours, without a break.
This Herculean feat has benefited 76 patients with gall bladder problem and another 14 with appendicitis. All of them come from economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Dr. Ajay Prakash using his own developed single hole technique carried out 60 operations in 2004, 75 in 2005 and now 85 at a breakneck speed in 24 hours.
“My technique is simple, uncomplicated, is less traumatic and expensive, no loss of blood or post-operative care,” says the doctor. “The skill is in the mind and not in the gadgetry,” he adds.
In western countries the norm is two or three operations in a week. During emergencies doctors are reported to have carried out upto 15 operations in a day. But he has surprised the medical world with his marathon operations exercise.
The patients at the Shanti Ved Hospital in Vijay Nagar Colony of Agra, appeared satisfied and relieved. They were being taken care of by the Lions Club members who are providing the support services for the camp. The operations are free and all medicines are provided by the Club.
The single-hole technique developed over years, is simple, less time consuming and less expensive for the patient. When news of his record setting feat reached Rashtrapati Bhawan two years ago, president Kalam invited the doctor couple to give him a presentation. Ajay’s innovative technique based on single hole surgery requires a very small hole to be made in the abdomen which is used to inspect the abdomen cavity for any diseased organ- gall bladder, uterus, appendix or an ovarian cyst, which is detached and removed. Laparoscopic surgery requires three or four holes.
The operations carried out at camp were free, with post operative care provided by Lions Club Vishal.
Dr. Divya, his wife explains to Www.mediabharti.com that in countries like India the pressure for operations will always be more than one can normally handle. “In USA, for instance, it is just not possible for any doctor to imagine a doctor doing so many operations in a day. Our strength is our belief in the skills that we have developed over years and not so much on the equipments and diagnostic aids available these days,” adds Dr. Ajay Prakash, who recalls how he had freed former minister Dr. Girija Vyas, in a single day after operation some years ago. The list in his hall of fame is impressive but he himself is too modest and humble to indulge in self praise.
Agra: A doctor in Agra has set a new world record performing 85 operations in 24 hours, without a break.
This Herculean feat has benefited 76 patients with gall bladder problem and another 14 with appendicitis. All of them come from economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Dr. Ajay Prakash using his own developed single hole technique carried out 60 operations in 2004, 75 in 2005 and now 85 at a breakneck speed in 24 hours.
“My technique is simple, uncomplicated, is less traumatic and expensive, no loss of blood or post-operative care,” says the doctor. “The skill is in the mind and not in the gadgetry,” he adds.
In western countries the norm is two or three operations in a week. During emergencies doctors are reported to have carried out upto 15 operations in a day. But he has surprised the medical world with his marathon operations exercise.
The patients at the Shanti Ved Hospital in Vijay Nagar Colony of Agra, appeared satisfied and relieved. They were being taken care of by the Lions Club members who are providing the support services for the camp. The operations are free and all medicines are provided by the Club.
The single-hole technique developed over years, is simple, less time consuming and less expensive for the patient. When news of his record setting feat reached Rashtrapati Bhawan two years ago, president Kalam invited the doctor couple to give him a presentation. Ajay’s innovative technique based on single hole surgery requires a very small hole to be made in the abdomen which is used to inspect the abdomen cavity for any diseased organ- gall bladder, uterus, appendix or an ovarian cyst, which is detached and removed. Laparoscopic surgery requires three or four holes.
The operations carried out at camp were free, with post operative care provided by Lions Club Vishal.
Dr. Divya, his wife explains to Www.mediabharti.com that in countries like India the pressure for operations will always be more than one can normally handle. “In USA, for instance, it is just not possible for any doctor to imagine a doctor doing so many operations in a day. Our strength is our belief in the skills that we have developed over years and not so much on the equipments and diagnostic aids available these days,” adds Dr. Ajay Prakash, who recalls how he had freed former minister Dr. Girija Vyas, in a single day after operation some years ago. The list in his hall of fame is impressive but he himself is too modest and humble to indulge in self praise.
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