In the year 2010, Mukesh Madhwani theorized the idea of establishing a Film City in Udaipur. Since then he has been working actively to turn his dream into reality. Recently, his concept has taken a new turn in its journey.
Eminent personalities of the state have come up supporting this idea as it has several benefits. Home Minister, Gulab Chand Kataria has stated that a detailed plan about the project should be made and requirements in terms of finance and land must be proposed through the PPP (Public-private partnership) Mode. Similarly, Udaipur’s M.P., Arjun Lal Meena has said that the project has huge prospects in Lake City.
Higher Education Minister, Kiran Maheshwari U.D.H. Minister, Shrichand Kriplani Tourism Minister, Krishnendra Kaur Deepa Local M.L.A.’S Divisional Commissioner, Bhawani Singh Detha Shriji, Arvind Singh Ji City Mayor, Chandra Singh Kothari U.I.T. Chairman, Ravindra Shrimali Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Udaipur, Sumita Saroj and many others have supported the idea of establishing a Film City in Udaipur.
As per Mukesh, Lake city has been a venue for big events related to weddings, parties of big industrialists, political leaders, film actors etc. So, it can easily support investment from different quarters.
He also adds, that because of its unmatched natural ambiance, historical buildings and distinct culture it is already a favorite spot for film shooting. During the last 40 years over 500 Bollywood, Hollywood, South Indian and Rajasthani films and numerous serials and ads have been shot here.
Keeping in mind the pros like having good neighboring states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh with a decent connectivity with roads, rails, and airways add to the benefits. Also, not forgetting the scenic beauty for which the city is known for, Udaipur is indeed the first choice of tourists as well as filmmakers.
Apart from these, building a Film City shall also bring employment opportunities, boost tourism and open new gates to world-level exposure.
“One can never do enough for Udaipur,” says Mukesh Madhwani upon asking why he wants to set up a Film City in Udaipur.
Truly, one can never settle with such a zeal to serve!
If a Film City opens in Udaipur, would it be a feather in the city’s cap? What are your thoughts about the opening of a Film City in Udaipur? Tell us in the comments below!
Swine Flu cases in the city have seen a sudden spike recently with almost 9 patients registered within the last 14 days at MB Hospital. The highly-contagious H1N1 virus is taking a toll on people’s lives as it spreads through the city with 2 positive cases within the last 2 days putting the health department in a fix.
For those unfamiliar with the widespread disease, H1N1 flu, also called the swine flu, is a respiratory disease that appears in pigs caused by a type of Influenza A-virus. People do not usually get swine flu but human infections saw a rise in 2009 as it became prevalent when a strain of swine flu infected many people around the world. It typically happens during the onset of winters. Swine Flu is a transmittable disease and the virus spreads usually through coughing, sneezing, or touching any bacteria-coated surface and then touching eyes or nose with those hands.
It is natural for people to be skeptical about it as every year many people succumb to death due to this very disease but there are certain myths that people normally believe in and are not generally true.
Swine flu has no cure
This is one big myth that makes people lose hope, which, to no surprise, is false. Oseltamivir (commonly sold under the name Tamiflu) has the ability to decrease the severity of the flu within 48 hours of the symptom appearing. It helps to prevent infection.
I’m young and strong, it cannot happen to me
Mind you! This is the biggest myth you could possibly have. Patients with ages as low as 30-40 have been admitted to hospitals and many have fallen seriously ill due to it. Rather than being over-confident, it would we wise if each one of us takes some precautions.
Swine flu happens just once
The H1N1 virus, like any other flu virus, may reoccur. Vaccination helps, but only lasts for a certain time period. You must keep this in mind and get re-vaccinated before it starts spreading.
Don’t eat pork, you might get infected!
Again, false! Despite the name, it has no relation whatsoever with the flesh of a pig. The virus spreads through bacteria expelled in the air through people coughing and sneezing.
Its just cough, it’ll go
Coughing and sneezing for prolonged periods isn’t good. You must visit the doctor to get it treated and if that doesn’t help either, no harm taking a test. Why regret later!?
Symptoms and precautions
You must visit the doctor if you happen to experience any of the below-mentioned flu symptoms :
High fever
Cough
Chest pain when you breathe
Nausea/vomiting
Breathlessness
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Headache
It becomes fairly necessary to brace ourselves from this deadly disease. There are some simple things one should keep in mind to ensure the virus never comes close. It is imperative that you and the people around you follow these set of precautionary measures. Life is too precious to be wasted on a disease like this!
Always cover your nose and mouth with a mask or tissue. Stack your house with masks and remember putting them on whenever you go out.
Wash your hands often with soap and water and also keep a hand sanitizer with you.
Avoid touching eyes and nose while you are out or when you have dirty hands. Germs spread this way!
Try keeping a distance from people who are sick or are coughing and sneezing.
Call in sick and take a leave, if you have to. No need to push it.
Rush to the doctor, first thing, if you see any symptoms for an extended period.
Vaccinations are not always effective, if you come in contact with the virus, rush to the doctor and ask for Tamiflu. These antiviral medicines halt the progress of this virus.
Comment below with your suggestions and ideas on how to combat this deadly disease.
In a world where money defines happiness and success of an individual, we often tend to forget there are people who have put a lot of work into bringing a smile on other people’s face and that, for them is their earning of a lifetime. Nothing gives them as much happiness as helping others. India accounts for the largest number of people living below the international poverty line, as suggested by a study in 2013, with 30 percent of its population living under the $1.90-a-day poverty measure. To put this into a better perspective, almost one out of three people in India are living without the basic amenities.
India is known to be home to nearly 3 million NGOs working in different areas like health, education, rural, tribal and social development amongst others. They vary in size and focus and are one of the largest employers of people in India. Udaipur too has many NGOs working for the social and economic development of the weaker sections of the society. It is about time we all get acquainted with some of these and make a valuable contribution.
Narayan Seva Sansthan
Narayan Seva Sansthan is one of the oldest working NGOs of Udaipur and has left quite an impression through its work globally. Set-up in 1985 with the motto ‘Service of humanity is service of God’, this NGO has now over 480 branches in India and 49 abroad. The organization has till date successfully conducted 3,27,108 ‘free of cost’ surgeries through their state-of-the-art prosthetics and orthotics department for patients suffering from polio and other ‘by birth’ disabilities. It also provides ‘free of cost’ lodging and boarding facilities with free meals twice a day and has helped around 0.8 million differently-abled people by providing them with wheelchairs. Donations can be made for the cause through their website.
Source – www.narayanseva.org
Animal Aid Unlimited
No one is unknown to the selfless work done by this organization working for rescuing and treating the un-owned street animals of Udaipur that have been injured or have become ill. Animal Aid was founded in 2002 with this mission has since then worked passionately towards the welfare of animals. It is truly an inspiration to a lot of people who feel for animals and want to protect and defend them. We can all contribute to this organization simply by making a call whenever we see a stray animal in need of any kind of help. Animal Aid has till date rescued over 65,000 injured/ill dogs, cows, donkeys, birds, and cats. Passionate animal lovers can volunteer and donate to this organization. Volunteering is open seven days a week from 9 to 5.
Source – www.animalaidunlimited.org
Robinhood Army
Hunger is more than a missing meal. It is the lack of food available to people who need it. Hunger kills more people each year than AIDS, malaria, and terrorism combined. To combat this problem, Robinhood Army was founded in 2014 with an aim to kill hunger. It now engages over 12,550 Robins and has collectively served over 4.7 million people across 58 cities out if which the Udaipur chapter has served around 1,50,000 people alone. With a dedicated team and efforts of each and every volunteer, this organization reaches each and every such place where there is surplus food and distributes it to the weaker sections of the society. They can often be seen wearing green t-shirts serving food to the homeless and poor with a smile. Anyone with a hunger for eradicating hunger can volunteer. They do not accept monetary contributions.
Source – www.robinhoodarmy.com
Pukaar Org.
Founded in November 2013, Pukaar: Voice of Earth is a voluntary organization consisting of young students who dreamt of a Pollution free Earth, and work for city’s environmental protection and a greener world. The organization has so far dedicated 190 Sundays until January 2018 and restored life to plants in over 20 public parks. Pukaar, in future, aims at empowering rural India through the promotion of social entrepreneurship and assist farmers in learning Organic Farming techniques and other productivity measures. You can volunteer for the cause by reaching them through their Facebook page.
Source – www.facebook.com/pukaarorg
Seva Mandir
Seva Mandir aims to transform lives through the democratic and participatory development of communities. It works with 3,60,000 people across 700 villages of southern Rajasthan where most people live on less than ₹20 a day. Seva Mandir has been working closely for over 45 years with these people to improve their well-being in areas such as education, childcare, women empowerment, self-governance, health, sustainable natural resources and youth development offering primary education, maternal and child health services, and providing sustainable watersheds for good quality agricultural yields along with much needed sexual health and gender training. Volunteer for this organization and work closely with interns from different age groups, races, and nationalities.
Source – www.sevamandir.org
Foster Care India
Foster Care India focuses on empowerment and capacity building of existing systems. Their vision – ‘Every child’s right to a family’ promotes foster care and kinship care as best practices for children in need of care and protection. They provide family preservation, foster care, adoption, and aftercare services for children in need of care and protection to make them understand what a family means. You can donate to the cause by visiting their website.
Source – www.fostercareindia.org
Development Action Awareness Nationwide: D.A.A.N. Foundation
DAAN Foundation works on issues relating to awareness and education. Their focus is on youth aged 4 to 15 on issues related to gender, sexual reproductive health, differences in the body that come with age and other social issues like caste, religion, and gender. The organization works to educate children in such areas and make them independent individuals with a better understanding of such issues. Their aims include positive ambition, positive assertion, and positive alteration. Volunteers with a passion towards changing the lives of such children are welcome.
Source – www.daanfoundation.org
Shikshantar
Shikshantar, a Jeevan Andolan was founded in order to challenge the schooling culture and institutions of thought control. It aims to generate meaningful critiques and revive diverse forms of learning and expressions much needed for a harmonious social regeneration. They are committed to reclaiming control over learning ecologies and imagining their own complex visions through the practice of Swaraj and all in the spirit of Vimukt Shiksha. They have many campaigns and programs for individual growth and development. Check them out on their website.
Source – www.shikshantar.org
Impetus
Impetus, founded in October 2016, works for the upliftment of the society through regular weekend food distribution and classes and activities conducted for the children of slums. They organize art and craft workshops and various other activities on monthly basis for orphanages and Govt. school kids. Impetus believes in ‘bringing a smile to those faces which wouldn’t have otherwise managed that curve due to their unfortunate circumstances’. You can apply for an internship through their website and also donate to the cause.
Source – www.impetus.ngo
MaitriManthan Sansthan
MaitriManthan strives to improve access to healthcare and education, also empowering women and young children. Founded in December 2013, it provides valuable services to deprived rural sections in areas surrounding Udaipur. The organization is all about helping and giving to transform the lives of young rural children and bring about a change in our society. As the name suggests, it is a holistic approach towards planning and executing some life-changing activities with the help of passionate people like them. Passionate people are welcome to volunteer and anyone willing can donate.
Source – www.maitrimannthan.org
Helping Youth Sansthan
Helping Youth Sansthan was founded in 2019 by the college students of Udaipur. They are working for social welfare by organizing plantation drives, placing bird feeders in the whole city during summers, conducting rally against rapists with 1500+ girls, distributing clothes and sweaters to the underprivileged, and the mission of cleaning Udaipur’s lakes under the project “Clean Udaipur, Green Udaipur.” The NGO also worked for collecting and donating funds to areas undergoing flood and natural disasters, conducting free classes in socially backward areas to teach children, distributing stationery, etc. Helping Youth’s volunteers worked very passionately during the Covid-19 pandemic for the arrangements of blood and plasma for patients, traffic volunteering, awareness programs, distribution of food to street animals and ration kits for needy poor families. The Sansthan hosted one of the biggest painting competition and charity show “Jugnoo” highlighting topics such as acid attack, where the chief guests themselves were acid attack survivors.
The NGO believes in “Paying Back to the Society.” Passionate volunteers can reach their Instagram and Facebook channels to join them.
Besides these, many other organizations, no matter big or small, work devotedly towards making the world a better place to live. Some of them are Mercy League, Karma Group, Mahesh Ashram, Asha Dham Ashram, Tara Sansthan, Warm Aid, etc.
Charity begins at home and there’d be a lot more if I went on mentioning but some choose to work behind the curtains and we are equally thankful to them.
Tell us about other organizations you know that work so selflessly, we’d love to know about them!
The news of panthers being seen near Udaipur is not uncommon these days. The beast was seen sitting in a pipe at the site in Pratapnagar Bypass where the new building of the administrative block of Maharana Pratap Agriculture College is under construction. Another one-year-old female panther was sited near a hut in Kaya village on the Ahmedabad road. Hitting by an unknown vehicle became the cause of the death of a partner that was found in Kewada ki Nal, near Udaipur. There are several other reports of animals and men being attacked by panthers and Panthers being killed cruelly.
There are certain things that everyone must know, about Panthers, that shall save them in case of any unfortunate incident.
HABITAT OF THE PANTHER
Panther belongs Genus Panthera that has three more species viz Tiger, (Panthera Tigris), Lion, (P. Leo) and Snow Leopard (P. Uncia).
At present, the major carnivore at the top of the food chain is Panther (Panther Paradus). Other vertebrates in habituating the surrounding area are the striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian fox, Indian wild boar, squirrels, and rats. The Panther can survive in a wide range of habitats. It can thrive well in the open country, rocky, scrubby and forested areas. It can do well in arid mountains country and broken hilly areas. It can thrive even in close proximity of human habitations.
PANTHERS IN UDAIPUR SANCTUARIES
It is interesting to find that the two sanctuaries near Udaipur that have the highest number of panthers; Kumbhalgarh and Sitamata. The area-wise figures of panthers in different areas in the year 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are Udaipur Pradeshik (29,31,21 and 23)Udaipur Pradeshik Uttar (11,14,13 and 17) Jaisamand (11,10,11 and 12) Phulwari Ki Nal (21,19,18 and 21) Kumbhalgarh (88,85,88 and 95) Raoli Todgarh (25,28,33 and 35) Sitamata Sanctuary (34,34,38 and 40) Bassi (09,09,08 and 11) and Bhainsroadgarh (7,7,8 and 8). The number of panthers in ascending order as per the last wildlife census was Bhainsroadgarh (1) Jaisamand (11) Udaipur Pradeshik (13), Bassi (13) Udaipur Pradeshik Uttar (19) Phulwari ki Nal (20) Raoli Todgarh (35) Sitamata Sanctuary (43) and Khumbhalgarh (101). There are a big number of animals like bear, wild boar, chital, sambhar, chinkara, wolf, fox, wild cat, chousigha jackal and different kinds of birds. Kumbhalgarh has the largest number of panthers due to its extremely rich biodiversity.
The wildlife census is done on Buddha Purnima in May as there is a full moon on that night and animals can be seen clearly. Workers of the Forest Dept. keep a 24-hour watch and count panthers etc when they come to drink water. However, the census figures are not always hundred percent correct if an animal comes to drink water twice during the period it might be counted two times. A single panther might go to two places to drink water and be counted twice. Water collects at some places where workers are not posted and the animals there are not counted.
PANTHERS ENTERING THE CITY
As compared to this year, the number of Panthers entering the cities was bigger. Most incidents have occurred in Udaipur and Rajsamand districts and that too in populated parts near the forest. It was so in Udaipur urban area but there was no conflict with human beings. People were troubled by panthers in urban areas like Rajeev Gandhi Garden, MLSU Campus, Chitrakoot Nagar, near Doodh Talai and Dhikli area.
It is interesting to learn the nature of the panther. It is afraid of man and in normal circumstances does not attack a man. Except for a brief period during mating and when females are rearing their young ones, the panther lends an entirely solitary life, usually within a defined territory. Like other members of the cat family, it marks its territory with urine and by scratching the ground with its claws. The size of the territory varies from season to season, as well as the type of habitat and availability of food.
HOW THE PANTHER PREYS
The panther feeds on a variety of different animals including cattle, sheep, goat, langur, deer, antelope, hare as well as smaller mammals and birds. Normally hunting at dawn or dusk, it uses a combination of stealth and cunningness to catch its prey.
Sometimes it lies in silent ambush in the branch of a tree but more often it stalks its victims and waits for the right time to pounce on it. It kills either by sinking its teeth in the prey’s throat or by a well-aimed bite at the back of the head. It will often then carry its kill that may be as heavy as itself, high up into a tree. Here it stores the prey safely beyond the reach of scavengers such as hyenas and jackals. After a meal, it usually goes to a waterhole to drink.
SAFETY AGAINST THE PANTHER
The panther is afraid of man and does never attack a man on its own. There are several ways of safety against panther. So, when one sees a panther, one should not try to run away silently but make one’s presence felt by making some noise. While passing through a place where there is likely to be a panther, keep producing some sound. Avoid going near it, do not disturb it or throw stones at it. People should not try to surround it but let it go away. If it is hiding behind rocks or bushes, don’t try to go near it and search it. It is better to inform the team of Forest dept. And wait for it to arrive there. If people stop surrounding it in 99% cases there would be no problem. Keep open all the routes for it to return to the jungle. To make it run away, it is better to stand at a safe distance and beat drums or firecrackers. For people in rural areas, it is advisable not to tie sheep, goats and small animals in the open. Cut the bushes near the houses, so that the panther does not get the place to hide. Whether it is day or night, never leave children, especially those under 12, alone. They should never be naked as then the panther takes them to be just animal. Let them wear bright colored clothes. They should not be left alone in the jungle. Do not allow young children to take cattle for grazing. Keep the doors of houses closed at night. It is better not to leave waste material near houses as it attracts dogs and other animals that are attacked by the panther. It is not safe to try to free small animals that have been caught by a tiger as it would incite it to attack human beings.
WHY THE PANTHER COMES NEAR CITIES
It would be relevant to know why panthers come near the cities and begin to harm animals and men. The number of carnivorous animals such as rozda, sambhar, langur, wild boar is dwindling fast. These are the animals that the panther feeds on. Thus, the food chain has been disturbed by us. No wonder hungry panthers visit urban areas in search of food and attack small animals there. Another main problem is the scarcity of water sources for animals in the forest.
HOW THE PANTHER IS BEING KILLED
One main concern about panthers these days is that their number is decreasing fast. The reasons for this trend are not far to seek. Places such as Chirwa Ghat, Bilota, Koler, Negadia, Ghodaghati, Bandaria Magra, Padasali, Gadrola, Diwer, Chhapli, Sangawas and other places in Bhim tehsil have a good number of panthers, hyenas etc. Rajsamand is a big center of marble industry and there is traffic of heavy vehicles on the four-lane road and quite a few of them are overloaded. They are driven at speeds between 100 to 130 km per hour and in absence of radium indicators of proper warning about the presence of animals, quite a few Panthers and other animals get crushed. So, there is an urgent need to build eco ducts, underpasses etc and put up fencing on either side of the roads in such areas for the safety of animals. Man has started killing panthers brutally when they enter cities and take pride in doing so. There is a provision under Vanyajeev Sanrakshan Adhiniyam 1972 through which Forest dept. files FIR against those who kill a panther or abet others in doing so. Such persons can be sentenced up to seven-year imprisonment. On one hand, most people are not aware of it and on the other, it is seldom enforced by the authorities. The panther has become the prey of greedy ‘shikaris’ who sell parts of its body for heavy amounts.
IMPORTANCE OF SAVING THE PANTHER
Awareness has to be created among people about the importance of saving panthers. Farmers have now come to realize that by preying an animal like langurs, wild boar, blue bulls, deer, antelopes, Indian hare and porcupine that damage crops, it helps in controlling their numbers. Thus, the animal is a crop-friendly one since it controls a number of herbivores in the forest and agro-system, it is also an eco-friendly creature. In areas where leopards have been wiped out, herbivorous plants can cause damage to crops. Panther rich zone can also attract tourists. Thus, animals can open new avenues for earning income in forests and rural areas.
14-year-old, Gauravi Singhvi from the City of Lakes has swum for nine hours from Juhu Beach (Khar Danda) to Gateway of India at the southern tip of the metropolis (Mumbai). Gauravi entered the sea waters in Mumbai at 3:30 am today (6 Feb 2018) and achieved her target by 12:30pm.
Gauravi told the Mumbai Media that she will swim from Khar Danda on the west coast to the Gateway of India which is 48 kilometers. She also stated that she started participating in different swimming competitions from Class 3 and practices day and night.
Earlier, in March 2017, she was the first girl to explore the route from Sea Link near Worli Koliwada to Gateway of India which was a distance of 36 km.
Gauravi is a resident of Udaipur and has always been passionate about swimming and wants to swim the English Channel and also the Arabian sea.
Her coach Mahesh Paliwal said that Gauravi practices regularly for 8-10 hours and after today’s challenge she will be practicing for the English Channel.
Nature has been especially generous for Mewar and given it a number of water bodies such as Picchola, Fatehsagar, Badi, Udaisagar, Rajsamand, and Jaisamand. Now, it depends on us how we preserve them. We have wetlands that are, regions that are filled with water permanently or seasonally and gradually develop an independent environmental system of their own.
At present 169 countries of the world have accepted the concept of wetlands and there are 2384 such places all over the world. In 1971 in Iran, was held International Ramsar Conference when the importance of wetlands and need for preserving them was realized. Since then Wetland Day is being celebrated all over the world.
In Udaipur district, we have at least nine big and small water bodies that are waiting to be declared as wetlands. One is Sahi Dam, Kotra that is spread over 356 hectares and another is Bharmela Talab in Menar, Vallabhnagar tehsil covering 217.01 hectares. In Menar, Vaalabhnagar tehsil is Dand Talab that has an area of 304.6 hectares. Covering an area of 552.39 hectares is Bagolia Talab in Mavli tehsil. Then we have Lake Udaisagar in Girwa tehsil with an area 680 hectare while Lake Jaisamand in Sarada tehsil covers about 5873.53 hectares. Vallabhnagar Dam in Vallabhnagar tehsil spreads 869.16 hectares whereas the Badgaon Dam, Morjai Talabin Mandi tehsil, covers an area of 1091.56. Bhatewar Talab in Vallabhnagar tehsil covers 869.83 hectares. A technical report of these water bodies was sent to the govt. in accordance with wetlands management and conservation rules 2010 of section 3.
For making Udaisagar, near Udaipur, a wetland, the land of 11 villages was included so that the whole area could be legally safeguarded. However, due to changing rules, it has not yet been declared a wetland.
Preserving wetland is important for us and the birds due to several reasons. During rains, they check the water from flowing away, so the water seeps down and the level of the underground does not go down. This, in turn, recharges wells and tube wells. Wetlands also help in conserving biodiversity as it is on them that animals and birds survive. The welfare of Udaipur depends on wetlands that provide water for irrigation and drinking. Lake strengthens the economy of the city with the help of tourism. Even small lakes like Roopsagar, Nela, Mandopi, Titardi and Phuta Jugi contribute to the development in their own way.
Wetlands are in danger as they are being encroached. Other activities are increasing there. That is being used as agriculture land. Those located near cities are in greater danger.
Udaipur is all set to witness the third season of the Udaipur World Music Festival to be held from February 9 to 11 with stages set at 3 different locations. The festival is conceptualized and produced by Seher and they have really upped the ante this year with artists like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (India), Txarango (Spain), Nojazz (France), and others coming from over 10 nationalities such as Spain, Greece, USA, etc. Thrilled? There’s more! The entry to UWMF 2018 will be free and the performances are segregated into morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
The event line-up looks sensational covering international as well as music from local communities as well. The previous season saw a footfall of nearly 50,000 people and this time it is expected to be greater and grander. Some artists will be giving their maiden performances in India through this platform. UWMF 2018 tends to bring people of all ages under one roof to celebrate the blend of cultures with their exhilarating pe
All you need to know about this three-day music extravaganza :
February 9 (Evening concerts) – 7 pm onwards, Gandhi GroundPerformances by – Oi Dipnoi (Italy) Flavia Coelho (Brazil) Shankar Ehsaan Loy (India)
February 10 (Morning concerts) – 8 am onwards, Amber at Amet Haveli, Ambrai Ghat Performances by – Subhadra Desai (India) Petrakis Lopez Chemirani Trio (France, Spain, and Greece)
February 10 (Afternoon concerts) – 3 pm onwards, Fateh Sagar Paal Performances by – Shubh Saran (USA/India) Maati Baani (India)
February 10 (Evening concerts) – 7 pm onwards, Gandhi GroundPerformances by – Asia 7 (Thailand) Bipul Chettri and The Travelling Band (India) Astitva (India) Nojazz (France)
February 11 (Morning concerts) – 8 am onwards, Amber at Amet Haveli, Ambrai Ghat Performances by – Dhruv Bedi (India) Aruna Sairam and Dominique Vellard (India)
February 11 (Afternoon concerts) – 3 pm onwards, Fateh Sagar Paal Performances by – Amine and Hamza (Switzerland) Ankur Tewari (India)
February 11 (Evening concerts) – 7 pm onwards, Gandhi Ground Performance by – The Ransom Collective (Philippines) Buttering Trio (Israel) Anand Bhaskar Collective (India) Txarango (Spain)
Get ready to be a part of Udaipur’s biggest music festival where musicians from all over the world gather for 3 days of non-stop fun and frolic. Various artists will be performing at the above three locations. Immerse yourselves in the soothing music during the morning, enlivening tunes in the afternoon by the lake and jazzy upbeat songs in the evening!
On the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 4, this year, it is perhaps worthwhile to know about the condition of the dreaded disease in the city, the main causes, symptoms, remedies etc.
Facts and Figures about Cancer
The recent figures about the disease are quite alarming, while over 26% of all deaths in India are from heart diseases, 7% are from cancer. Cancer, diabetes, and hypertension account for 35% of all deaths in India. Over 10 Lac new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in India. Cancer cases in India are likely to increase from around 14 lacs in 2016 to over 17.3 lac by 2020. Deaths due to cancer are projected to go up from 7.36 lac annually to over 8.8 lac by 2020.
According to a recent survey in Rajasthan, there are about 2.5 lac cancer patients in the state and to it every year about 40,000 new patients are dead. It is possible to save about 60% of the patients if treatment starts at an early stage. According to specialists Rajeev Gandhi, Cancer Research Centre New Delhi, the growth of cancer was about 36% twenty years ago but now it has gone up to 65%. Due to the supporting system of chemotherapy, the side effects have gone down. With the new technique, the hospitalization period has become shorter and the tolerance of the medicine has also gone up.
According to Dr. Narendra Rathore, HOD, Cancer Dept., Govt. M.B Hospital, Udaipur, 10 lac people out of about 1.25 lac become victims of cancer and there are 24,000 cancer patients in Udaipur. The figures of cancer patients in Govt. M.B Hospital Udaipur are in the year 2005 (3000 outdoor and 1300 indoor), 2010 (4200 outdoor and 1450 indoor), 2014 (5300 outdoor and 3800 indoor) and up to December 2016 (10,200 outdoor and 8200 indoor). According to Dr. Rathore, cancer of mouth, tongue, uterus, breast, large intestine, liver, prostate, and blood fall into the category of main cancer. In men, the main cancer is in mouth, lungs, and stomach. Thirty percent of cancer is of mouth and neck. Among women the cancer of breast, cervical and large intestine is common out of total cancer patients 28% have cervical cancer.
Last year in Govt. M.B Hospital, Udaipur 30 to 50 cancer patients came in the outdoor radiotherapy dept. daily and there were 30-40 indoor patients. Everyday radiotherapy was given to 60-70 patients in two shifts from 9 am to 7 pm. The patients came from far off places such as tribal areas, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Neemach, Mandsaur, and Jawra. Last year a new cobalt therapy machine costing 4 crores was installed with the help of which radiation therapy was given in 1.5 to 2 minutes whereas the old machine took 5-6 minutes.
According to former Dr. Shankar, Director, Radiation Oncology, Geetanjali Medical College Hospital, Udaipur, cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancer can cause serious illness and death.
What is a Tumour?
A tumor is an abnormal lump or collection of cells, but all tumors are not cancer. Tumours that are not cancer are called benign. Benign tumors can cause problems. They can grow very large and press on healthy organs and tissues. But they can’t grow into (invade) other tissues. So, they also can’t spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are seldom life-threatening.
Signs of Cancer
Talking about early signs of cancer, Dr. Shankar says that they could be new lumps or growths on the skin. A sore or bruise that does not heal, a mole that changes in shape, size or colour or bleeds in unusual circumstances, an ongoing cough or hoarseness that last longer than three weeks, indigestion and difficulty in swallowing, a change in bowel or bladder habits for no good reasons, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or tiredness and blood anywhere it normally should not be- in urine, bowel motions or from spitting.
What can cause cancer?
In 75% cancer cases, there are modifiable factors such as smoking, obesity, diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and air or water pollution and in 15% cases, it is due to modifiable factors like infections, ionizing radiation, hormones, occupational factors. Non-modifiable factors like age, sex, race and genetic become the cause the remaining 10% cases. Smoking a main cause of cancer causes 14 types of cancer. The most damaging components of tobacco smoke are tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, oxidizing chemicals, dangerous metals and radioactive compounds. Obesity is another cause of cancer and for safety, one has to do physical activity and set behavioral and diet goals.
The main cancer fighting, foods are strawberries and blackberries, leafy vegetables, garlic, grapes, tomatoes, apple, broccoli, cabbage, tea, and coffee.
Ultraviolet rays from are welding torches and mercury lamps can also cause cancer. Some particles are known as primary particles that are emitted directly from a source such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and fires can also cause cancer. Secondary particles that are formed in complicated reactions in the atmosphere of chemicals such as sulphur-dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power plants industries and automobiles can be sources of cancer. Indoor pollution through biological pollutants like molds, bacteria, viruses, and pollen can also cause cancer. Second-hand tobacco smoke when some other is smoking is also dangerous.
Also dangerous are combustion pollutants that come from sources such as fuel burning stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, heaters and water heaters using gas, coal, oil, wood or other fuels Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter the homo through cracks in the foundation, floor and walls, drains and other openings is also harmful. So also, asbestos that is present in many products found in the home including roofing’s, floorings etc. Formaldehyde, found primarily in adhesive and bonding materials is also harmful. Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation.
Tissues nearest to where the phone used a cell phone for 50 minutes, brain tissues on the same side of the head as the phone’s antenna mobilized more glucose than did tissues on the opposite side of the brain. The researchers note that the results were preliminary and possible health outcomes from this increased glucose metabolism were still unknown. Individuals who are concerned about radio frequency exposure can limit their exposure, including using an earpiece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children.
Concerned about the suffering of cancer patients the Union Govt. is set to roll out a massive door to door screening programme for the early detection of cancer heart disorders and diabetes which account for over 35% of deaths in India. Under the initiative, the Govt. aims at testing over one-third of the population comprising zoo districts across the country in one year. The program is among the preventive- care measures planned by the health ministry and is targeted at people in the age group of 30-69 years, who constitute almost 37% of the total population. This population is highly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 55% of the premature mortality in the same age group.
Nearer home, realizing the importance of education as an important component of cancer control programmes, Dr. V. Shankar has initiated Cancer Olympiad in Udaipur. It comprises a series of planned activities aimed at educating the youngsters of the various age group to understand cancer and to recognize the initial signs and symptoms of some common cancers. Intra-school competitions include coloring, drawing, poster making, short story writing, slogans, dance, dance drama, skit, quizzes etc. Run for Fight Against Cancer is another event. Dr. Shankar feels that the importance of proper preventive measures and treatment is being realized by Udaipurites.
A 2-day state level literary event is being hosted in the City of Lakes!
Young and talented youth from Rajasthan are taking part in the conference which is organized in collaboration with Rajasthan Sahitya Academy. The writers are gathering from various districts like Barmer, Nagor, Sirohi, Jaipur, Dholpur, Baran, Dungarpur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh.
‘राजस्थान में युवा लेखन’ (young and budding writings of Rajasthan) is the topic around which young writers would discuss the forms of contemporary writing. About 80 young writers of less than 35 years of age are participating in this event.
The event inaugurated at 10 am on Saturday (3 February 2018) in the academy auditorium. Youth activist Pravin Ratlia was invited as the chief guest and Bhagwan Sahay Jatwa, Secretary of Udaipur’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), was the special guest on this occasion.
The closing ceremony will be held at 11 am on Sunday (4 February 2018), in which UIT Chairperson Ravindra Shrimali and Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University Registrar Priyanka Jodhavat will be guests.
On Saturday, Poetry recitation and storytelling sessions are being hosted in which lectures by experts and letter reading by the young writers will be the main attraction.
On Sunday, there will be lectures, recitations on various fictional prose genres.
During this two-day event, senior writers from all over the state, like Sawai Singh Shekhawat from Jaipur, Kundan Mali of Udaipur, Surendra D. Sini of Churu, Malay Penari of Udaipur, Naveen Nandana, Jyotipunj, Surendrasinh Rao, will works in close liaison with the young writer attendees.
Back in those days, studying in an ‘only boys’ school had its own charm and for Udaipur, St. Paul’s was THE school to be. Although now a co-ed, St. Paul’s happens to be one of the oldest of schools to be established in Udaipur and has seen generations graduating, studying from the same staff and hence, still remains a popular choice for most of the parents to put their sons into (now daughters too!)
‘Satyam Muktaye’ is what the motto engraved on the wall right above the stage, says and this is what every Paulian carries, in a true sense!
Here’s to reminiscing the best time of our lives :
Cleaning shoes before checking
We all remember how scared every student used to be of getting caught before we got in lines to go to our respective classes. Who is ever going to forget the way we used to rub our shoes with our pants in order to clean them so as to not get caught!?? (Raise your hands if you ever got reprimanded because of it!)
PT periods on Saturdays
Weekends are meant for relaxation but only a Paulian can relate to this one here. Those first two periods of exhausting exercises that drained us so bad and then going back to the class trying to wipe off the sweat under those age-old ceiling fans!!! Saturdays were tough but equally fun.
Joy of having a free period
We returned home happy if we ever got a period free and moreover if the substitution teacher agreed to take us to the ground. Whattay wow feeling, wasn’t it?
School functions were boring until…
Well, let’s agree to disagree, we always waited for that thrilling dance performance on the latest item numbers from our seniors or friends. Those surely sent a shiver down our spine and were, without a doubt, the most awaited part of every function. Also, those drooling faces when the refreshments were distributed at the end of each function. So good!
Santa Claus, Children’s day, School Fete…
These were some events every Paulian waited the whole year for! That filmy entry of Santa Claus on a bicycle at the Christmas function; teacher’s dancing to item numbers, the joy of putting up stalls and dressing up with the best of clothes for the one day we were actually allowed to. Our happiness knew no bounds then! Apart from this, Annual day function, St. Paul’s foundation day, Republic and Independence day parades were nothing less than a festival for us.
Those dreadful yellow and red cards
Amidst all this happiness, came some moments where some of us got scared to the core; and that was when the teacher caught us red-handed talking or creating some nuisance in the class. Just the mere mention of Yellow/Red card was enough to make us pee in our pants.
The IT hall
This was the hub for any kind of extra-curricular activity that was going to be held in school, be it yoga classes, music events, occasional movie screening or any other competition; this huge room was a store to many memories and also a respite from studies as being here meant relaxation for at least a few hours.
Diary notes for you-know-what…
And before the red and yellow cards began to be issued, diary notes was the master tool of the teachers! You arrive late to school, you got one; you did not complete your homework, you got one; you forgot to bring your classwork copy; take one more! And the worst part, you had to get them signed by parents to show to the teacher the other day, and you thought getting a note was the scary part?
Rama ki kachori
I’ll be committing a sin if I didn’t mention Rama in this article. No story or conversation is complete without the mention of Rama in it. The first person every Paulian went to after the school got over and a haven for students coming to school without lunch boxes. He is a part of every student’s fond memory of St. Paul’s.
Never mess with us!
Well, everyone knows this, Paulians are not to be messed with and are the best at almost everything that they do. We slay!
More power to you!
Gratitude isn’t enough for those who shaped us into what we are today but that is all we can give to our alma mater! Thank you all the teachers, and every member involved in making us who we are today.
The time spent here has undoubtedly been the best time of our lives. There’s truly no end to our memories from school.
Tell us your favorite memories of St. Paul’s. I’d love to read all of them!