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Stealing in the daylight! Is Udaipur really safe?

Two days back, I just came out of my office and decided to go for clicking pictures in the old city. So, after spending an hour clicking, my friends and I thought of hanging out at Gangaur Ghat. And yeah why not, most of the cafés in the town are nearby Gangaur Ghat and it is picturesque too. A lot of tourists and local people can be seen at this location. Especially in the evenings, this place becomes the hub of the activity.

Just like any other day we parked our vehicles near the small temple which is near the ghat (there is a parking space in fact!). After half an hour only, we decided to move forward to our respective homes. It was 8:30 PM.

I rode back home and parked my vehicle inside the house. Just after a fraction of seconds, I realized that the lock of the storage trunk of my vehicle was broken and someone had stolen my DSLR camera which I kept inside. WHOA!!! SERIOUSLY!!!

Yes, this did happen and I was totally in shock.

This is a serious and real incident that I experienced. Somebody in the middle of a busy street broke open the trunk of my scooty and stole my belonging. I checked every possible CCTV camera in that area and asked people who were there. But no clue!

Not just that I lost a DSLR, I also lost faith in the fact that my belongings are safe in the city.

This is where I LOST my camera!!

The reason why I am sharing my experience:

Udaipur is flooded with tourists from all over the globe. People travel miles and fly overseas to reach this city. If such kind of theft can happen with a local person, that too in a busy street then let’s not even assume what can happen with a tourist at any odd timing.

I always felt proud and praised my city for being peaceful and away from the nasty activities until that day.

Hope people understand that stealing is a crime and if they get caught they might end up in jail too.

Sad, but I am bound to question- is Udaipur really safe!?!


STAY SAFE PEOPLE!

 

P.S.

It was a brown leather sling bag with a Nikon camera and a charger 🙁

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Things only an Udaipurite can relate to

Even after exploring all the places in the world, at the end of the day, every Udaipurite will only say ‘There’s no better place than Udaipur’. No matter how much fun we have otherwise but the feeling of home can only be felt in this city. So, there are few feelings that only an Udaipurite can connect to-

Evenings at Fatehsagar

Back in my school days, I remember, I and my friends used to bunk our coaching and used to go to Fatehsagar. There is something in this place that doesn’t tire your eyes even if you are visiting here for the millionth time. The serene feeling you get while sitting on the pal, looking at the sunset and cool breeze taking all your worries away, for a moment it feels like it’s the only thing you’re living for.

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Picture by: walking_captures

Streets of Old city

Old city doesn’t look old any day. It is one part of the city which always looks decorated with different colors in the shops and all the traditional clothes and jewelry on the display of the shops. While walking in the streets of Old City with all the foreign travelers accompanying you it seems like you are walking in a different part of the city.

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Picture by: meamtarn

Monsoon and Peepliya

Whenever sky pours Udaipur with drops of heaven the first place that comes to mind is Peepliya. While I am writing about it I can literally visualize the entire road and place surrounded by fog. One cannot see more than a meter on the road, the fog is that thick. Tiny droplets of water will neither completely wet you nor will keep you dry. It feels like you are entering a place in the sky via road.

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Picture by: micro.1993

School picnics at Haldighati

When I was 11, the school announced a picnic to Haldighati. The first thought that came to my mind was that does this place has Haldi (turmeric) instead of sand? Well, to my disappointment it wasn’t. But I’m sure every other child would’ve thought the same. I was in awe of Maharana Pratap when I learned the history of him back then. The name of the place still takes me to one of my favorite memories of childhood.

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Source: Dreamstime.com

Family outings at Ubeshwarji and Chandni Village

In the season of outings, these are the places that come to the mind of everyone’s family members. I’m sure all of you have visited this place with your entire family at least once. Sometimes we even take all the eatables there and make it a day. Jumping into the water with your siblings and coming back with empty stomachs to hot pakoras is not a distant memory, is it?

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Source: bcm touring

 

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Source: Tripoto

Weekends at Sukhadiya Circle

Boating in the pond of Sukhadiya Circle, having ‘chana jor garam’ in the garden and eating at one of the stalls outside was the plan on almost all weekends back then. Every Udaipurite has one favorite stall at Sukhadiya Circle. Although the craze for boating has reduced in Udaipur a bit, the kid in us still enjoys this place.

Things only an Udaipurite can relate to
Picture by: ravijune

While every city is beautiful, there’s no place like Udaipur. What connects you to Udaipur? Tell me in the comment section below, I’ll be glad to hear.

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Identify These locations in Udaipur!!!!

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You Say You LOVE Udaipur | Let’s See How Much You Know About Our Beautiful City!!!

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Best Areas to stay in Udaipur

Udaipur is undoubtedly city that attracts plenty of tourists throughout the year, so if you are heading to Udaipur, you would want to know about the best areas to stay in the city for accommodation.

Below is a list of different areas suitable for you  to stay:

1. Near Jagdish temple (old city):

For every traveler and curious person who loves to explore and wants to know about the culture and heritage of the city, then this is the perfect zone for you to stay. The narrow alleys, colorful shops, and the hustle bustle are an altogether different experience that makes you feel the vibe of the old city of Udaipur. The place has a whole lot of tourist attractions to visit which include City Palace, Jagdish temple, Gangaur Ghat.

Popular Hotels include:

Fateh Prakash Palace, Shiv Nivas Palace.

A view of the old city

2. Near Fateh Sagar Lake:

If you are vacationing in Udaipur with family and you haven’t visited Fateh Sagar lake yet, then you are definitely missing out on a lot of things.  A much better idea is to find an accommodation somewhere near lake Fateh Sagar. The calm atmosphere and cool breeze soothe your soul. One can enjoy the boat ride and a walk at Fateh Sagar lake.

Popular Lakeside hotels include:

The Lalit Laxmi Vilas, Hotel Lakend, Radisson blu, Hotel Swaroop Vilas Palace etc.

source: Getaroom India
View of Fateh Sagar Lake from The LaLiT

3. In the residential portion of the city (Hiran Magri):

Hiran Magri is the largest residential colony in Udaipur, further divided into sectors and is home to thousands of people. This area is recommended to tourists because it is quite safe, provides easy access to all the necessary things and has some really cheap hotels.

Some popular hotels are:

The Fern Residency (sec-3), Hotel Paras Mahal (sec-11), Meenakshi hotel (sec-5)

source: Yatra.com Hotel Paras Mahal

4. Near City Railway Station:

For tourists who prefer to travel by train or Bus to Udaipur, need not worry about the accommodation facility as there are enough hotels in that area at affordable prices. The tourist attractions and famous places to visit are also not very far.

Popular hotels include:

Hotel Le Roi, Hotel Vishnupria

source: Agoda

5. Hari Das Ji ki Magri, Mulla Talai:

Apart from its exquisite beauty and marvelous history, one thing that attracts tourists from all over the world towards this city is it’s luxurious and larger than life hotels, out of which some of them are located at Hari Das Ji Ki Magri. So, if you want to visit these illustrious hotels and experience their royal hospitality then you must choose your accommodation in this area.

Prominent Hotels include:

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Hotel Chunda Palace, Trident, Hotel Jaisingarh.

View from the Oberoi Udaivilas

6. Near Badi Lake:

Want your stay to be extremely private and peaceful, what better place to stay rather than Lake Badi. Located on the outskirts there are some very beautiful resorts. Some of the handpicked resorts are:

Shouryagarh Resort and Spa, The Royal Retreat, Amantra Shilpi resort, Park Exotica Resort.

source: yatra.com Shouryagarh Resort and Spa

7. Near Lake Pichola:

Last but not the least, the most favorite destination of tourists, Lake Pichola is famous for innumerable reasons. Pichola lake area is surrounded by a budget to luxurious, all kinds of accommodation suitable for both domestic and international tourists. One can simply view the sunset, do photography and enjoy a boat ride. Some popular hotels that provide a stunning view of the Pichola lake are:

Jag Mandir Island Palace, Taj Lake Palace, The Leela Palace, Hotel Ambrai, Udai Kothi. 

Taj Lake Palace Hotel

(P.S. Most of these Hotels are always booked, so make sure that you do the respective pre-bookings)

This was our list of popular areas to stay in the city of lakes. Do tell us, what you think about this list? We would love to hear from you.

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Choosing The Right Courses And Careers- Expert’s Advice

As the board exams of RBSE & CBSE are over, this is the time when students will choose what courses to take and the careers these courses will lead to. It will be time for them and their parents to learn about them.

Choosing the right courses and careers at the right time is essential for success in life. One important thing is that parents should be wary of imposing their wishes on their children as the interest and capability of the learner is also a vital factor. Students also should not be swayed away only by the choices made by their classmates and friends. Other factors that impact the option include aptitude, mental ability, and financial position of the parents. One way to make the right choice is to study all the courses carefully and their eligibility for jobs. It is always better to make use of the services of career guidance specialists.

After Secondary

For students passing class 10th (Secondary), there are a whole lot of courses and careers. They can take a three-year course for Diploma in Engineering. They can become govt. contractors, civil or electrical. After passing an exam. they can become RTO inspectors. Another opening is Merchant Navy. Other options include Associate Membership of Institute of Engineers (A.M.I.E.) and Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (I.E.T.E.). For entry into Army, Navy, Air Force (Defence) and Police Deptt. exams. have to be taken. Yet another option is Diploma in Fine Art and Commercial Art. After IIT courses one can become fitter, welder, electrician, fire, and safety, diesel mechanic etc. Exams. conducted by Railway Service Commission can be taken to become railway ticket collector, commercial clerk etc. There are jobs in banks, commercial bodies, insurance etc. if one can qualify for an exam. Passing in Govt. Clerical Grade exam. makes one eligible for govt. jobs. Certified Building Supervisor is yet another opening for the Secondary exam. A 6-month or one-year diploma in Farm Management and Animal Husbandry would get one job in agriculture and allied fields. For art lovers, there are diploma courses in music and dance. Those interested in the medical profession can go for two-year courses in Medical Laboratory Technician, Certificate Course (MLT). Then there are 2-3- year courses in Interior Design, Fashion Design, Stenography, Private Secretary, Beauty Culture and Hair Dressing and Garment Technology. For several other govt. jobs there are RPSC and UPSC exams.

Senior Secondary With Arts

Source: YouTube

Students who have passed the Senior Secondary exam. with Arts have several options. They can do Bachelor of Law and then LL.M. They can do Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor of Journalism or Bachelor of Library Science. Diploma in Advertising and Commercial Management are some other options for them. Those desirous to be teachers can do B.Ed. and then M.Ed. Other useful Diploma courses include Event Management, Dramatization, and Foreign Languages.

For aspiring teachers, Diploma in Education is a must. Those interested in being lawyers can do LL.B. BBA is good for future managers whereas Bachelor of Social Work is yet another option. BCA is suitable for IT lovers. Student Pilot Licence, Professional Pilot Licence, and Commercial Pilot Licence course are for those interested in flying. Sub Inspector Exams. are for those who like jobs in Border Security Force Central Reserve Police Force etc.

Senior Secondary With Commerce

They are a lot of things that students can do after passing the Senior Secondary exam. with Commerce. Among others they can study for B.com., Association of Charted Certified Accountancy, Chartered Accountant, B.B.A., Company Secretary, Bachelor of Computer Application, Laboratory Technician Diploma, Hotel Management Diploma, Diploma in Education, Diploma in Travel and Tourism. They can become an air hostess, flight steward, LIC Agent or work in a Call Centre. For them, there are two-year courses like M.B.A. (Marketing Finance, Retail etc.) and Manager Businessman.

Source: YouTube

After passing class 12th exam. they can get jobs in banks or work as Insurance, Probation Development Officer. Bachelor of Law and Master of Law are other choices. Those interested in teaching can opt for B.Ed. and later on M.Ed.To become Accountant one can take Institute of Cost and Work Accountant courses. To be a librarian a degree in Library Science is essential. Import Export Diploma is another option. For computer, software and hardware jobs one can take Bachelor in Computer Management Courses. For Indian Administrative Services, Indian Police Services, State Administrative, services Police, Revenue  Services etc. one can do graduation and then take competitive exams. One may also join Indian Military Academy.

Senior Secondary With Physics, Chemistry, Maths, And Biology

Students who have passed Senior Secondary Exam. with Physics, Chemistry, Maths. and Biology has a lot of options. They might take 4-year courses like B.Sc. in Dairy Technology, B.Tech. in Agriculture, B.Sc. Bio-Technology, and B.Sc. in Agriculture. There is also a 3-year course in Bachelor of Pharmacy. Later on, they might take 2-year postgraduate degrees in these subjects. The trend is to add MBA degree to all these is also increasing.

Senior Secondary With Physics, Chemistry, And Biology

The four one-a-half-year courses that Senior Secondary pass outs with Physics-Chemistry and Biology can take include MBBS, Bachelor of Homeopathy Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, Four- year Bachelor of Dental Surgery, three-and-a-half year Paramedical courses, B.Sc. Nursing, three-year Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology, B.Sc. Home Science, B.Sc. (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Physics, Chemistry etc.) and several 2-year PG courses. The period of Bachelor of Veterinary Science is 5 years.

Senior Secondary With Physics, Chemistry, And Maths

There is no dearth of courses for those who do their Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. The courses on offer are five-year courses of Bachelor of Architect, and Bachelor of Planning and Design, four-year courses of Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology, Hotel Management Degree, three-year courses of B.Sc., BCA, B. Architecture, Technical Entry in Indian Army, National Defence Academy (Army Navy, Airforce). The other options include jobs in the railways and govt. services. After 1-2 year diploma in films and Television one can get jobs in Film Editing, Film Processing, Cinematography, film production TV Channels etc.

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Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land full of cultures and eclectic colors. Rajasthan has been an inspiration to many artists across the globe. Be it a painter, a poet or any artisan, the land of camels and sand dunes has never missed a chance to mesmerize its spectators. One such inspiration taken from Rajasthan’s culture is for the perfumery. Perfumes are said to be a well-known medium for capturing any beauty, memory or art in a classy bottle.

Wouldn’t you be amazed to know that the below-mentioned perfumes are inspired by the beauty of our land?

  1. Jaipur Homme by Boucheron a timeless masterpieceEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

A sharp oriental spicy woody perfume available in 2 concentrations EDT and EDP is the Jaipur Homme by Boucheron. It’s hard to get this perfume and is recommended for daytime wear. It has a blend of matchless benzoin aroma and bittersweet tonka bean and is made available to you on Projekt Perfumery.

The price of the Jaipur Homme by Boucheron is Rs. 2,499

  1. Udaipur By EtroEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Udaipur by Etro is a recent creation and the entire bottle is designed in Rajasthani Art. Although this product is not launched in India, it can be ordered on request by Projekt Perfumery India.

Udaipur by Etro perfume is an exotic fragrance that is a must-have in your collection.

  1. Pichola by Neela VermiereEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

When Ms. Vermeire visited Udaipur, she couldn’t stop herself from capturing the beauty of the Lake Pichola in one of her creations.  Artistically crafted by master perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, this exceptional perfume costs Rs. 18,000 for 60 ml and a buyer has to wait for a month for the delivery as it ships from Paris. This product is ordered on request by Projekt Perfumery India.

  1. Rajasthan by EtroEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Rajasthan by Etro has a bright colorful bottle with fiery shades entwined with the magnificence and glow of Palaces of Rajasthan. This perfume opens with pleasant aromas of lemon combined with elegant Damascus rose and its mighty sweetness. The cost of the Rajasthan by Etro is almost Rs. 12,287.

This product is ordered on request by Projekt Perfumery India.

  1. City of Lakes Udaipur By Fragrance StoryEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Inspired by the beautiful city of Udaipur this perfume by Fragrance Story is a must-have for all the Udaipur lovers. n aquatic and woody concoction, City of Lakes fragrance signifies romance at its best,

The bottle opens to an enthralling aqua-citrus fragrance which turns in to patchouli and rose adding a gentle charm to the aroma. An easily affordable and available perfume is priced at Rs. 699 and is offered to you at Projekt Perfumery.

  1. Jaisalmer by Comme des Garçons Incense Series 3Eight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

A very complicated fragrance and brand; representing Jaisalmer in its true essence by Comme des Garçons Incense Series 3 can be a great addition to your perfume collection. The brand’s other significant perfume is Man 2 which is Sachin Tendulkar’s Signature Scent.

Below Perfumes are similarly Dedicated to other Cities

  1. Bombay Bling by Neela VermiereEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Taking inspiration from the glitter of Bollywood and vast sandy stretches of the beaches in Mumbai, Bombay Bling by Neela Vermiere is an ecstatic and exotic sensing cologne. This perfume too was created by the famous perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour. It can be bought at a price of Rs. 12,849 Approx.

  1. Gujarat by Olympic OrchidsEight Perfumes from Around the World Inspired by Rajasthan

Gujarat by Olympic Orchids perfume extract or EdP and is all about spices, with tropical flowers, supported on a base of smoky woods, resins, and balms, and glazed with a dash of chili and lime. This perfume is created by Ellen Covey. This cologne features traces of saffron, tulsi, lime, tagetes, jasmine, rose, cardamom, cumin, fenugreek, ginger, curry leaf, turmeric, mango, spikenard, olibanum, vetiver, patchouli, choya loban, black agar, and sandalwood.

 

This information is contributed by Mohit Khatri who’s born and brought up in Udaipur. Completing his studies Mohit worked in IT sector for 8 years. He started Projekt Perfumery India in 2016.

 

The above products are available at:

Website: perfumery.co.in

Store: Perfumery Outlet, Best Opticals, Bapu Bazar 1st Floor (02nd April Onwards)

You can also contact them at the below mentioned Social Media Channel.

Facebook: https://fb.com/perfumery.co.in

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMcI4P3uUyLrDwSn1pP09mw

Instagram: @perfumeryniche 

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Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor

Chetak is the most famous horse in the history of Mewar. The bravery and resilience of this stallion is sung in ballads and written in manuscripts. In Udaipur, Chetak’s statue is erected at Moti Magri and Chetak Circle. Texts define Chetak as a horse that was truly devoted to its master and was brave enough to save his master from the enemies. The folklores define Chetak as a brave and obedient animal who fought for his rider till its last breath. Maharana Pratap’s Chetak is undoubtedly an epitome of love and valor for his master. Let us read why Chetak is celebrated so much.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: indiaopines

In 1553, after the defeat, Maharana Udai Singh shifted his capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur as directed by a hermit. A couple of years later his son Maharana Pratap took the reign of Mewar and for the next 25 years, ruled with bravery, devotion, and fortitude. Chetak was his chosen horse, he loved the creature and it resonated the love quite well.

The history of the horses of Rajasthan

Almost a thousand years ago, the Rathore clan moved into Maru Pradesh (now Marwar). The three major breeds of horses popular in Western India at that time were Marwari, Sindhi, and Kathiyawadi.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: indiaopines

Rathore clan found the Marwari horses. The beauty, mettle, and intelligence of the horses amazed the new early settlers; they started the business of breeding them.

Chetak was one Marwari horse and proved to be a Brave one.

Chetak and his master Maharana Pratap

In 1576 the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar started its way to capture Udaipur. Maharana Pratap and his men waited at the entry to a narrow one-kilometer long pass in the Aravali Ranges. This pass was Haldighati and was the only access to Mewar for the proceeding Mughal army. A bloody battle between the two armies was fought and lasted up to four hours.

People remember not the overthrow of Maharana Pratap but the courage and loyalty of his men and his horse Chetak.

In between the course of the battle, an elephant’s tusk tore through one of Chetak’s rear legs and crippled or immobilized it. Even after being hurt the horse did not give up and with his king on the saddle, Chetak made his way back to safety on his three legs.

The brave horse collapsed in the end. There is a pictorial depiction of the Maharana lamenting the death of his beloved horse.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: topyaps

Chetak was a great friend of Maharana Pratap at the time of war with Akbar in Haldighati. It had kept its life in danger and protected his master by jumping from 25 feet deep trough.

It is also said that as he was a very aggressive horse, only Maharana Pratap was able to tame it. It is believed that the horse itself chose his master.

Today, there is a temple of Chetak in Haldighati.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: Tripadvisor
Rakht talai chetak Samadhi

Why was Chetak different?

As earlier mentioned, the three major breeds of horses popular in Western India in Rana Pratap’s times were Marwari, Sindhi, and Kathiawadi.

Chetak belonged to the Marwari breed. True to the physiognomies of its class, it had a lean body as that of a desert bred horse. It had a high forehead with a long face and luminously sparkling eyes.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: tripadvisor

As he had curved and curled ears and it is said that when its ears pointed forward, the top of the ears met together presenting an elegant look.

It is said that only Maharana Pratap could control it. Chetak exhibited the highest degree of loyalty and submissiveness towards the Maharana. According to the folklore sung in the Mewar region, it is said that Chetak’s coat had a certain blue color. Perhaps, that is the reason why Maharana Pratap is often mentioned as the ‘Rider of The Blue Horse’.

Who were Natak and Atak?

Pushpendra Singh Ranawat (geo-heritage dept.) says that Chetak had fellow horses or brother too. The names of the fellow horses were Natak & Atak and were well-trained for wars. They were stallions. Atak was put on trial for hilly & river-let terrain during which it got a foot injury.

Maharana Pratap bought all three; Natak was given to his younger brother Shakti Singh and Chetak was kept for the Maharana. The last horse Atak was sent to the animal care center after the injury.

Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
Source: topyaps

Interesting things about Chetak

  • One legend say that Chetak was known as “Neela Ghoda” or blue horse because it had sparkling blue eyes. One more legend says that Chetak’s coat had a certain blue shade and hence it was known as the Blue Horse
  • Maharana Pratap put an armor on him in the shape of an elephant’s trunk to provide him protection and make a disguise as an elephant for the marching army
  • One folklore suggests that Chetak was small in size measuring somewhere between 14.2 to 15.2 hands height
  • Chetak had appealingly curved and curled ears
  • Chetak had a peacock shaped neck and was described as Mayura Greeva (peacock neck) in folklore
  • Chetak was aggressive, arrogant and difficult to control

    Maharana Pratap’s Chetak | Epitome of Love and Valor
    Source: topyaps

Chetak’s full description is given in the poem “Chetak Ki Veerta” written by Shyam Pandey

 

“रण बीच चौकड़ी भर-भर कर

चेतक बन गया निराला था

राणाप्रताप के घोड़े से

पड़ गया हवा का पाला था

जो तनिक हवा से बाग हिली

लेकर सवार उड़ जाता था

राणा की पुतली फिरी नहीं

तब तक चेतक मुड़ जाता था

गिरता न कभी चेतक तन पर

राणाप्रताप का कोड़ा था

वह दौड़ रहा अरिमस्तक पर

वह आसमान का घोड़ा था

था यहीं रहा अब यहाँ नहीं

वह वहीं रहा था यहाँ नहीं

थी जगह न कोई जहाँ नहीं

किस अरिमस्तक पर कहाँ नहीं

निर्भीक गया वह ढालों में

सरपट दौडा करबालों में

फँस गया शत्रु की चालों में

बढ़ते नद-सा वह लहर गया

फिर गया गया फिर ठहर गया

विकराल वज्रमय बादल-सा

अरि की सेना पर घहर गया

भाला गिर गया गिरा निसंग

हय टापों से खन गया अंग

बैरी समाज रह गया दंग

घोड़े का ऐसा देख रंग”

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

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

ANCIENT RELICS FOUND

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

UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL SITES DISCOVERED

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

Nepheline Syenite, Kishangarh

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

Source: TimesofIndia

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

ZAWAR SHOWED THE WAY TO INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

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

Sendra Granite NGM
Source: MyIndMakers

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

ZAWAR UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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