Kumhrauli sees a new dawn
-----------------------------
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Darbhanga-09-05-11
-----------------------------
Ahilya had to wait endlessly for lord Ram, to get her salvation. This mythical anecdote is fervently referred to by people in and around Kamtaul area. But villagers of Kumhrauli, which is so close to Ahilya-asthan and Kamtaul, had no such patience nor did they exhibit faith in the intentions of welfare measures of the government. Nothing but hard labor, pumped in year after year, saw fallow lands of Dhamaul Chaur(a bowl shaped land), converted into a fertile area. Today, altogether 80 bighas of sterile land is dotted with wheat crop. The success of Kumhrauli has become a buzz word in the region.
-----
Kumhrauli is 45 kms away from Darbhanga. Situated in Jale Thana, the village is ravaged by floods of Khiroi river of Adhwara group every year. Faced with this, farming is not seen as a productive venture. Young hands have no other option but to flee to other states for jobs. But Vashi Ahmad had something different in mind. “if we could till the fields in Punjab, why could not we do it in our own village”, said Vashi. Like his co-villagers, most of his ancestral lands are in Dhamaul Chaur.
-----
He, along with his brothers, started reclaiming the fallow lands for farming in 2001. Initially, people made fun of them. First three years were challenging for this family. In the meantime, they got a tractor financed from a bank. But it was proving to be difficult to repay the installments. The farming done on 10 bighas of land, however, showed expected results. Vashi then persuaded laborers of his village, who had their lands lying in the Chaur, to join his band-wagon instead of opting for Punjab.
-----
Some of them joined though a bit reluctantly. Now they were not laborers under Vashi. Besides tilling their fields, they worked together on the lands of other farmers taken on lease. The output was distributed among themselves. It reminds us of the working of a commune. In fact, unconsciously, these farmers are showing signs of some sort of a co-operative farming.
-----
“We are all masters and laborers at the same time, there is no question of one dictating the other”, says Ravi Paswan. According to him, going elsewhere for job is not seen in right esteem now. The remarkable thing of this experiment is that the landless laborers have also been roped in. They get their due share in the produce as if they are landowners. The feeling of becoming farmers from laborers, excite them.
-----
Shaping the destiny was not easy as government assistance was not there. Beaming Ram Narayan Yadav, a farmer of this village quipped-“getting government help was time consuming and invited hassles……instead we concentrated in our relentless efforts on the farm”. Wheat worth over 20 lakhs of rupees has been produced this year.
----
Although this output can not be described as bumper, but people involved in the pursuit are high in spirit. Besides contacting other farmers of Kumhrauli they have sent feelers to nearby villages also. The target is to reclaim 2200 acres of fallow lands of Dhamaul and other Chaurs in the ad-joining area. Their patience is worth praising for they are banking on a single crop of wheat. Paddy crop is not possible due to flood.
-----------------------------
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
hope from east
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Darbhanga – 01-05-11
------------------------------
The rumpus in politico-social life of mainstream India, usually, leaves little scope for anyone to ponder over North-East. Most of the time, the area is remembered as one of the sore spots of India. It is true this region is still un-free from the shackles of insurgency. But in the midst of it all, a ray of hope is emanating from Arunachal Pradesh, the 24th state of India. The state stands out alone in the cascade often referred to as the seven sisters.
-----
Very few Indians have the inkling that Arunachal Pradesh is rapidly moving on the path of progress. The state is soon going to replace Chhatisgarh as the power hub of India. The credit for this changed scenario of peace and progress is given to Dorjee Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. So far, the missing Pawan Hans chopper carrying Dorjee, is untraceable. And it has sent ripples throughout the country. Arunachali’s are shell-shocked.
-----
Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by borders with China, Bhutan and Tibet. It makes the state highly sensitive. Repeated Chinese claim over major portions of Arunachal although teases Indian policy makers, common people in the state have remained composed. They have tried hard to ward off the bitter memories of 1962 war when they were caught in one of the main theatres of Chinese invasion. Improved infra-structural facilities in Chinese territory across the border, at times, brew in anguish in some pockets in bordering areas, but common Arunachalis repose faith in the intentions of Dorjee. The ‘jan seva’ doctrine initiated by Dorjee and his emphasis on all-round progress of the state as ‘dharma’ are curiously looked upon by them.
-----
A patriotic person at the core, Dorjee Khandu, started his career in defense services. After seven years of service he switched over to social work. In the mean-time, the 21st century vision of Rajiv Gandhi allured him towards politics. He cherished to make Arunachal at par with the mainstream India.
-----
Dorjee government has embarked upon an era of developmental activities. Welfare schemes have been launched on a large scale. On the front of human development index, indicators show sharp improvement. Today, big investors see this state as a land of happening. Glowing faces in traditional attire, tell all about the hope enthused. The simple and pious life of Dorjee has helped in endearing people. Political analysts in Arunachal are habitual in dubbing him as common man’s Chief-Minister rather than a congress CM.
-----
Dorjee Khandu invited volley of allegations in 2006, when he participated in the National Day Celebrations of China. He then said that his act was intended to sooth the acrimony across the border. He further made his famous remark that ‘the patriotism of Arunachalis was as deep as Indian ocean and as high as the Himalayas’. Dorjee’s intense involvement in shaping the destiny of Arunachal Pradesh has set high standards in governance, for the governments ruling in sister states.
----
-------------------
Darbhanga – 01-05-11
------------------------------
The rumpus in politico-social life of mainstream India, usually, leaves little scope for anyone to ponder over North-East. Most of the time, the area is remembered as one of the sore spots of India. It is true this region is still un-free from the shackles of insurgency. But in the midst of it all, a ray of hope is emanating from Arunachal Pradesh, the 24th state of India. The state stands out alone in the cascade often referred to as the seven sisters.
-----
Very few Indians have the inkling that Arunachal Pradesh is rapidly moving on the path of progress. The state is soon going to replace Chhatisgarh as the power hub of India. The credit for this changed scenario of peace and progress is given to Dorjee Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. So far, the missing Pawan Hans chopper carrying Dorjee, is untraceable. And it has sent ripples throughout the country. Arunachali’s are shell-shocked.
-----
Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by borders with China, Bhutan and Tibet. It makes the state highly sensitive. Repeated Chinese claim over major portions of Arunachal although teases Indian policy makers, common people in the state have remained composed. They have tried hard to ward off the bitter memories of 1962 war when they were caught in one of the main theatres of Chinese invasion. Improved infra-structural facilities in Chinese territory across the border, at times, brew in anguish in some pockets in bordering areas, but common Arunachalis repose faith in the intentions of Dorjee. The ‘jan seva’ doctrine initiated by Dorjee and his emphasis on all-round progress of the state as ‘dharma’ are curiously looked upon by them.
-----
A patriotic person at the core, Dorjee Khandu, started his career in defense services. After seven years of service he switched over to social work. In the mean-time, the 21st century vision of Rajiv Gandhi allured him towards politics. He cherished to make Arunachal at par with the mainstream India.
-----
Dorjee government has embarked upon an era of developmental activities. Welfare schemes have been launched on a large scale. On the front of human development index, indicators show sharp improvement. Today, big investors see this state as a land of happening. Glowing faces in traditional attire, tell all about the hope enthused. The simple and pious life of Dorjee has helped in endearing people. Political analysts in Arunachal are habitual in dubbing him as common man’s Chief-Minister rather than a congress CM.
-----
Dorjee Khandu invited volley of allegations in 2006, when he participated in the National Day Celebrations of China. He then said that his act was intended to sooth the acrimony across the border. He further made his famous remark that ‘the patriotism of Arunachalis was as deep as Indian ocean and as high as the Himalayas’. Dorjee’s intense involvement in shaping the destiny of Arunachal Pradesh has set high standards in governance, for the governments ruling in sister states.
----
Thursday, April 28, 2011
mithila painting----barheta chapter
Mithila paintings-------Barheta Chapter…..
-----------------------------
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Mithila school of paintings, in its tumultuous march towards commercialization, has carved out a niche in the global art horizon. In the process, though Madhubani proved to be the formidable fortress, Barheta citadel marked its presence with a bang in the Mithila canvas. Socialization of this art form, without compromising the synergy, saw a new dawn in Barheta, a tiny village.
-----
Situated on the banks of Bagmati in the outskirts of Darbhanga, this village is bubbling with hope. Women from different strata of society today not only see the realization of their dreams but dare to speak about the future with confidence. Keeping inhibitions at bay, they talk of a new way of life.
-----
Bina paswan, of Alha village, gives credit to the Bharti Vikas Manch of Barheta. The organization was founded in 1981. The objective was to provide education in Mithila paintings and generate avenues of income. Its founder Krishna Kumar Kashyap, coined the slogan ‘earning while learning’. Reminiscing the days he says—“ It was a daunting task……Mithila art could fetch them bread and butter was unthinkable for them”.
-----
Women, mostly picked from deprived sections, were a bit hesitant initially. Baptized in socialism, Kashyap, took it as a challenge. Passion paid the result. He consciously transformed mithila art and incorporated Godna( traditional tattoo ) patterns in it. But this simplification effort was not enough to catch the fancy firmly. Himself a veteran artist, Kashyap then turned Mithila art and its Godna variant into utilitarian mode. According to him, this was a satisfying step forward, for it was now congenial for both elite customer as well as the common buyer.
-----
Bina Paswan has never looked back since then. She now fervently expresses her realm of life and aspirations in her creations. And, she is not alone in this path. Scores of women in rural areas are engaged in this pursuit through 23 centers of BVM in different districts of the state. Even muslim women are engaged in these centers. BVM takes pride in popularizing Godna painting.
-----
Earlier, Mithila painting was seen as decorative stuff. Slowly, the focus shifted towards the production of daily use items. “ bed covers, cushion cover, table mats, greeting cards, dupatta, kurta, sarees, bags…exhibiting designs of Godna, Gobar and mainstream Mithila painting motifs, enthrall the users.”says Shashibala, the senior artist from BVM.
----
Barheta stream is also pioneer in devising academic curriculum for Mithila school of paintings. Books such as ‘Maachh-Bhaat’, ‘Mithila Chitra Shiksa’, ‘Mithila Chitra Praveshika’, ‘Mithila Chitra Kor’ etc have been published. Books of special importance named ‘Geet-Govind’ and ‘Meghdoot’ have also been published. These two books are part of a series being brought out by Kashyap and Shashibala, the ‘Guru- Shisya’ duo. Ethnic ideas of the artist Shiva, who hails from Jitvarpur, are also being taken for this ambitious series.
----
Hallmark of the series are, thematic translation, eye-soothing illustrations encompassing designs and motifs from all the variants of Mithila paintings, and last but not the least, the use of hand-written texts. Elements of the life of Mithila, have been intertwined giving cushy touch. It can safely be described as Mithila brand ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Geet-Govind’. Kashyap is of the view that Mithila painting connects Jaydev and Vidyapati. Obviously, Vidyapati is next in the list of poets in the series. The work on Vidyapati is in full swing.
-----
Kashyap has traveled to European countries on many occasions to teach and propagate the Mithila art. In August this year, he will be on a trip to Italy and Spain. After returning from abroad, he will be presenting a detailed proposal to the government, for the establishment of an Art University for Handicrafts in Mithila. Once a school dropout, Kashyap had himself cherished to convert Bharti Vikas Manch into a universal knowledge center of Mithila art and crafts. But financial bottlenecks thwarted him. He firmly believes that Mithila art has the potential of becoming a tool in the conservation of natural resources of this region.
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Mithila school of paintings, in its tumultuous march towards commercialization, has carved out a niche in the global art horizon. In the process, though Madhubani proved to be the formidable fortress, Barheta citadel marked its presence with a bang in the Mithila canvas. Socialization of this art form, without compromising the synergy, saw a new dawn in Barheta, a tiny village.
-----
Situated on the banks of Bagmati in the outskirts of Darbhanga, this village is bubbling with hope. Women from different strata of society today not only see the realization of their dreams but dare to speak about the future with confidence. Keeping inhibitions at bay, they talk of a new way of life.
-----
Bina paswan, of Alha village, gives credit to the Bharti Vikas Manch of Barheta. The organization was founded in 1981. The objective was to provide education in Mithila paintings and generate avenues of income. Its founder Krishna Kumar Kashyap, coined the slogan ‘earning while learning’. Reminiscing the days he says—“ It was a daunting task……Mithila art could fetch them bread and butter was unthinkable for them”.
-----
Women, mostly picked from deprived sections, were a bit hesitant initially. Baptized in socialism, Kashyap, took it as a challenge. Passion paid the result. He consciously transformed mithila art and incorporated Godna( traditional tattoo ) patterns in it. But this simplification effort was not enough to catch the fancy firmly. Himself a veteran artist, Kashyap then turned Mithila art and its Godna variant into utilitarian mode. According to him, this was a satisfying step forward, for it was now congenial for both elite customer as well as the common buyer.
-----
Bina Paswan has never looked back since then. She now fervently expresses her realm of life and aspirations in her creations. And, she is not alone in this path. Scores of women in rural areas are engaged in this pursuit through 23 centers of BVM in different districts of the state. Even muslim women are engaged in these centers. BVM takes pride in popularizing Godna painting.
-----
Earlier, Mithila painting was seen as decorative stuff. Slowly, the focus shifted towards the production of daily use items. “ bed covers, cushion cover, table mats, greeting cards, dupatta, kurta, sarees, bags…exhibiting designs of Godna, Gobar and mainstream Mithila painting motifs, enthrall the users.”says Shashibala, the senior artist from BVM.
----
Barheta stream is also pioneer in devising academic curriculum for Mithila school of paintings. Books such as ‘Maachh-Bhaat’, ‘Mithila Chitra Shiksa’, ‘Mithila Chitra Praveshika’, ‘Mithila Chitra Kor’ etc have been published. Books of special importance named ‘Geet-Govind’ and ‘Meghdoot’ have also been published. These two books are part of a series being brought out by Kashyap and Shashibala, the ‘Guru- Shisya’ duo. Ethnic ideas of the artist Shiva, who hails from Jitvarpur, are also being taken for this ambitious series.
----
Hallmark of the series are, thematic translation, eye-soothing illustrations encompassing designs and motifs from all the variants of Mithila paintings, and last but not the least, the use of hand-written texts. Elements of the life of Mithila, have been intertwined giving cushy touch. It can safely be described as Mithila brand ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Geet-Govind’. Kashyap is of the view that Mithila painting connects Jaydev and Vidyapati. Obviously, Vidyapati is next in the list of poets in the series. The work on Vidyapati is in full swing.
-----
Kashyap has traveled to European countries on many occasions to teach and propagate the Mithila art. In August this year, he will be on a trip to Italy and Spain. After returning from abroad, he will be presenting a detailed proposal to the government, for the establishment of an Art University for Handicrafts in Mithila. Once a school dropout, Kashyap had himself cherished to convert Bharti Vikas Manch into a universal knowledge center of Mithila art and crafts. But financial bottlenecks thwarted him. He firmly believes that Mithila art has the potential of becoming a tool in the conservation of natural resources of this region.
-----------------------------------------
Thursday, April 21, 2011
the last mughals.....
The Last Mughals……..
-----------------------------
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Darbhanga – 21-04-11
------------------------------
William Dalrymple , the author of ‘ The Last Mughal ’, did not appreciate the state of history writing in India. He is pained that such writings ignored the sense of history of Indian people. Dalrymple would have tempted to change his faith in Indian people’s sense of history, had he ever visited Darbhanga. Yes, the last of Mughals did stay at Darbhanga for odd 29 years but denizens here, at large, are unaware of it. Yes, Darbhanga proved to be the last post of the main branch of Bahadur Shah Jafar’s dynasty.
-----
Jubairuddin Bahadur Gurgan, the grand-son of Bahadur Shah Jafar, took refuge in Darbhanga in 1881, and stayed till his death in 1910. In fact, the Britishers were hankering after the blood of members of Bahadurshah family. But , Laksmiswar Singh, the Maharaja of Darbhanga, not only gave shelter to him, but assured him of full security. According to Mustaq Ahmad, the author of Atish-e-Pinhan(portraying the life of Jubairuddin), Laksmiswar Singh had connections in the House of Lords.
-----
Thus, assured of security, Jubairuddin spent his days in writing book. He wrote three books namely, Chanistan-e-Sukhan( poetry), Masnavidur-e-Shawar(epic) and Mauz-e-Sultani.
“Mauz-e-Sultani sheds ample light on the administrative situation in different riyasats, where as Masnavi talks about Raj Darbhanga and the strings of Mithila culture in great detail….these books are treasure trove for historians ” said Mustaq Ahmad.
-----
Kalyani Foundation, run by Maharani of erstwhile Darbhanga Raj, published Mauz-e-Sultani recently. But this is based on the copy of Mauz-e-Sultani preserved in Khuda Baksh library of Patna. According to Paras, the librarian of Kalyani Foundation Library, one of the original copies of Mauz-e-Sultani is in the possession of Raj family. Mustaq Ahmad corroborates this and claims to have seen the original copy in the library of Kumar Shubheswar Singh. He said that this copy exibits the signature of Jubairuddin.
-----
William dalrymple mentions about Dara Bakht, but is silent on Jubairuddin. Lala Sriram in his book ‘Khum-khan-e-Javed’, published in 1917, from luchnow, gives the genealogy of Bahadur Shah family. This book refers to Jubairuddin as the successor of Mughal throne( in third volume, page 618-19). Dara Bakht, the eldest son of Bahadur Shah , had died before the 1857 mutiny. So according to Mughal tradition, Jubairuddin, the only son of Dara bakht, was heir to the throne at Delhi. But the mutiny had changed the scenario. Five sons of Bahadur Shah were butchered by Britishers near ‘Khooni Darwaja’ in Delhi. Rais Bakht, the only surviving son retired to Calcutta in ‘Matia Burz’ locality. He died there in 1861.
-----
Jubairuddin, the claimant to the Mughal throne, fled from Delhiin 1858 and remained underground for years in Varanasi. It was at Varanasi, that he first met Laksmiswar Singh in 1880. Laksmiswar Singh invited him to Darbhanga. Jubairuddin came to Darbhanga, the very next yearafter wandering through many places.
----
A house was built for him by Laksmiswar in Kazi Muhalla, now a days known as Kathalbari. This place is adjacent to the Raj campus. A mosque was also built for him. The two sons of Jubairuddin died of Cholera in 1902. His wife also died the same year. Jubairuddin breathed his last in 1910. His mortal remains were buried on the bank of Dighhi Lake near Darbhanga junction. A mazaar, made of red sand-stone, was erected over it in 1914 by Raj family.
----
Visiting this mazaar can stun any one. It bears a deserted look. The ornate ventilations in the railings are broken from many places. Thorny shrubs abound inside it. Steps leading to it have cracked. The beautiful arc over the door is withering. Usmani, the caretakerof this secluded place is ignorant of the importance of this structure.
-----
Very few Darbhangans know about this heritage. The discarded and degraded sight speaks volumes on the apathy in conservation efforts of monuments in Bihar.
-------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Sanjay Mishra
-------------------
Darbhanga – 21-04-11
------------------------------
William Dalrymple , the author of ‘ The Last Mughal ’, did not appreciate the state of history writing in India. He is pained that such writings ignored the sense of history of Indian people. Dalrymple would have tempted to change his faith in Indian people’s sense of history, had he ever visited Darbhanga. Yes, the last of Mughals did stay at Darbhanga for odd 29 years but denizens here, at large, are unaware of it. Yes, Darbhanga proved to be the last post of the main branch of Bahadur Shah Jafar’s dynasty.
-----
Jubairuddin Bahadur Gurgan, the grand-son of Bahadur Shah Jafar, took refuge in Darbhanga in 1881, and stayed till his death in 1910. In fact, the Britishers were hankering after the blood of members of Bahadurshah family. But , Laksmiswar Singh, the Maharaja of Darbhanga, not only gave shelter to him, but assured him of full security. According to Mustaq Ahmad, the author of Atish-e-Pinhan(portraying the life of Jubairuddin), Laksmiswar Singh had connections in the House of Lords.
-----
Thus, assured of security, Jubairuddin spent his days in writing book. He wrote three books namely, Chanistan-e-Sukhan( poetry), Masnavidur-e-Shawar(epic) and Mauz-e-Sultani.
“Mauz-e-Sultani sheds ample light on the administrative situation in different riyasats, where as Masnavi talks about Raj Darbhanga and the strings of Mithila culture in great detail….these books are treasure trove for historians ” said Mustaq Ahmad.
-----
Kalyani Foundation, run by Maharani of erstwhile Darbhanga Raj, published Mauz-e-Sultani recently. But this is based on the copy of Mauz-e-Sultani preserved in Khuda Baksh library of Patna. According to Paras, the librarian of Kalyani Foundation Library, one of the original copies of Mauz-e-Sultani is in the possession of Raj family. Mustaq Ahmad corroborates this and claims to have seen the original copy in the library of Kumar Shubheswar Singh. He said that this copy exibits the signature of Jubairuddin.
-----
William dalrymple mentions about Dara Bakht, but is silent on Jubairuddin. Lala Sriram in his book ‘Khum-khan-e-Javed’, published in 1917, from luchnow, gives the genealogy of Bahadur Shah family. This book refers to Jubairuddin as the successor of Mughal throne( in third volume, page 618-19). Dara Bakht, the eldest son of Bahadur Shah , had died before the 1857 mutiny. So according to Mughal tradition, Jubairuddin, the only son of Dara bakht, was heir to the throne at Delhi. But the mutiny had changed the scenario. Five sons of Bahadur Shah were butchered by Britishers near ‘Khooni Darwaja’ in Delhi. Rais Bakht, the only surviving son retired to Calcutta in ‘Matia Burz’ locality. He died there in 1861.
-----
Jubairuddin, the claimant to the Mughal throne, fled from Delhiin 1858 and remained underground for years in Varanasi. It was at Varanasi, that he first met Laksmiswar Singh in 1880. Laksmiswar Singh invited him to Darbhanga. Jubairuddin came to Darbhanga, the very next yearafter wandering through many places.
----
A house was built for him by Laksmiswar in Kazi Muhalla, now a days known as Kathalbari. This place is adjacent to the Raj campus. A mosque was also built for him. The two sons of Jubairuddin died of Cholera in 1902. His wife also died the same year. Jubairuddin breathed his last in 1910. His mortal remains were buried on the bank of Dighhi Lake near Darbhanga junction. A mazaar, made of red sand-stone, was erected over it in 1914 by Raj family.
----
Visiting this mazaar can stun any one. It bears a deserted look. The ornate ventilations in the railings are broken from many places. Thorny shrubs abound inside it. Steps leading to it have cracked. The beautiful arc over the door is withering. Usmani, the caretakerof this secluded place is ignorant of the importance of this structure.
-----
Very few Darbhangans know about this heritage. The discarded and degraded sight speaks volumes on the apathy in conservation efforts of monuments in Bihar.
-------------------------------------
Monday, April 18, 2011
god vishnu in thana!
God Vishnu in Thana ! ------------------------------------------------- Sanjay Mishra ------------------- Darbhanga—18-04-11 ---------------------------- The statue row continues to plague the Jale region of Darbhanga district even after a week of the finding of a Vishnu idol. Now, people of Dhankaul village have decided to construct a temple on the spot where the idol was un-earthed. On the other hand, villagers of Pauni are not ready to relent to the demands of Dhankaul people. In the midst of it all, lord Vishnu has been kept in Jale Thana. Thana in charge Devanand Kunwar told the Telegraph-“I have informed the higher authorities….the statue seems to be fairly old and we are looking after it.” In fact, the uproar started on 11-04-11 itself when the laborers digging soil on the bank of a pond in Dhankaul found the statue. Without informing the villagers, it is said, the laborers fled away with the statue. The statue was kept in a room in Pauni and soon worship was started. The information spread like a wild fire. The villagers of Dhankaul rushed to Pauni to get the statue back. But of no avail. Ram Pukar Jha of Dhankaul said-“God appeared in our village on the eve of Ramnavmi….it is a sign of omen…it will bring prosperity to us….how can we forgo our claim?” On the other hand, people in Pauni are restless, as the statue has been seized by the police. Faith driven folks throng to Jale thana in large numbers to have a glimpse of the god. The number of visitors is increasing day by day. Sensing this, thana personnel have made an arrangement. During day hours, the statue is placed outside the Shiva temple which is inside the thana premise. After sunset, the statue is brought back to the ‘ Maal-Khana ’ of the thana. The statue is made up of black granite. Its glaze can surprise anyone. In the statue, god Vishnu, the main deity, is flanked by eleven other gods. It is over three feet high. A teacher standing besides thana said that the statue seemed to be of Pala period. The district authorities have approached ASI. But, no ASI team has turned up so far to study the importance of the statue. No one knows whether God Vishnu will be blessing Dhankaul or Pauni or be placed in a quiet corner of a nearby museum. Till then, God would be well remembering his Krishna avatar when he was born in a jail. ----------------
Sunday, February 7, 2010
aftermath of rahuls bihar visit
Aftermath of Rahul’s Bihar visit
-----------------------------------
Sanjay mishra
----------------
Rumblings post Rahul’s Bihar visit is yet to die down. Use of educational campuses for political purpose by him stirred the student and youth wings of various non congress political parties. Protest meetings have been organized in many cities. Whatever may be the intention of protestors, there is no denying the fact that rahuls meetings had deep rooted political elements in it. And in the midst of it all, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kishangunj has signaled a new brand of politics to shape up in Bihar in near future. It has sent chilling waves down the spines of parties prophesying secular politics. Road map of congress revival in the state is now a bit visible.
Congress in Bihar has been in desolate condition for long. Compulsion of propagating Laloo’s designs instead of pushing through own agenda resulted in despondency creeping in party workers. A whole generation of congress leaders miserably saw enthusiasm drying up among party workers.
Revitalizing party is no mean task. On the one hand organization has to be strengthened at grass-root level; on the other hand deceived traditional voters have to be roped in.
Congress once had galaxy of top leaders in Bihar. Today there is dearth of such leaders capable of reviving the party as well as matching the might of Laloo, Nitish, and Pashwan. Right now party is banking on leaders like Shakeel Ahmad to steer through the party as a viable alternative in the political space in the state. They are reminding people of the end of Mandal and Kamandal era of politics. But the way voters felt cheated almost a decade ago when Congress supported Rabari’s government, is still haunting people.
At Kishangunj, Rahul tried to win the heart of of muslim youths, promising local musalman leaders to have say in deciding the fate of the region. The hint was clear. That is the days of hegemony of Taslimuddin over politics in this region of Bihar ought to be bypassed by them. Intense activities of congress leaders Rafiq Alam, and Md Javed, both ex ministers, smacked of efforts to realize this crucial task. It is to be noted that the musalmanas decide the fate of six Lok-sabha and 26 Vidhan-sabhaa seats in between Kosi and Mahananda. Political pundits see this design as foray into the vote-bank of RJD.
During other meetings at Patna and Darbhanga, Rahul Gandhi targeted on young minds. He had twin objective in mind. Congress needs energetic workers and also, youths do not attach prime importance to the blunder of Congress eschewed at a decade ago. In order to appease traditional voters in Mithila, Shakeel Ahmad even favored the creation of a separate state of Mithila.
In the absence of sentiment or wave, it is not easy to win trust of people at one stroke. Knowing it well, Congress leaders have eyed on a logical target of at least coming in to a bargaining position in case a fractured mandate in the forthcoming assembly elections. The twitter of Congress leaders on growth plank of Nitish, is increasing uneasiness in the rank and file of Laloo – Pashwan combine.
-----------------------------------
Sanjay mishra
----------------
Rumblings post Rahul’s Bihar visit is yet to die down. Use of educational campuses for political purpose by him stirred the student and youth wings of various non congress political parties. Protest meetings have been organized in many cities. Whatever may be the intention of protestors, there is no denying the fact that rahuls meetings had deep rooted political elements in it. And in the midst of it all, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kishangunj has signaled a new brand of politics to shape up in Bihar in near future. It has sent chilling waves down the spines of parties prophesying secular politics. Road map of congress revival in the state is now a bit visible.
Congress in Bihar has been in desolate condition for long. Compulsion of propagating Laloo’s designs instead of pushing through own agenda resulted in despondency creeping in party workers. A whole generation of congress leaders miserably saw enthusiasm drying up among party workers.
Revitalizing party is no mean task. On the one hand organization has to be strengthened at grass-root level; on the other hand deceived traditional voters have to be roped in.
Congress once had galaxy of top leaders in Bihar. Today there is dearth of such leaders capable of reviving the party as well as matching the might of Laloo, Nitish, and Pashwan. Right now party is banking on leaders like Shakeel Ahmad to steer through the party as a viable alternative in the political space in the state. They are reminding people of the end of Mandal and Kamandal era of politics. But the way voters felt cheated almost a decade ago when Congress supported Rabari’s government, is still haunting people.
At Kishangunj, Rahul tried to win the heart of of muslim youths, promising local musalman leaders to have say in deciding the fate of the region. The hint was clear. That is the days of hegemony of Taslimuddin over politics in this region of Bihar ought to be bypassed by them. Intense activities of congress leaders Rafiq Alam, and Md Javed, both ex ministers, smacked of efforts to realize this crucial task. It is to be noted that the musalmanas decide the fate of six Lok-sabha and 26 Vidhan-sabhaa seats in between Kosi and Mahananda. Political pundits see this design as foray into the vote-bank of RJD.
During other meetings at Patna and Darbhanga, Rahul Gandhi targeted on young minds. He had twin objective in mind. Congress needs energetic workers and also, youths do not attach prime importance to the blunder of Congress eschewed at a decade ago. In order to appease traditional voters in Mithila, Shakeel Ahmad even favored the creation of a separate state of Mithila.
In the absence of sentiment or wave, it is not easy to win trust of people at one stroke. Knowing it well, Congress leaders have eyed on a logical target of at least coming in to a bargaining position in case a fractured mandate in the forthcoming assembly elections. The twitter of Congress leaders on growth plank of Nitish, is increasing uneasiness in the rank and file of Laloo – Pashwan combine.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
growth saga.....miles to go
growth saga.....miles to go
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sanjay mishra
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If you are struggling for a penny, and starts earning rs 100, your rate of growth looks impressive. You thank god for this. If your earning is already rs 1000, and you add on rs 100 to it, the rate of growth is marginal. In both the cases rs 100 is common but the rate is different. This is what is happening in bihar. Nitish govt is bla-bla over the magic figure of 11.03 %. Bihar is changing, they say. Image of state outside has seen climatic change, they add.
Well said. But what is the feeling of the people of Bihar? Is the change perceptible ? Just make a voyage to a remote and backward village -Rasiary-. The villagers here are overwhelmed to see a road-bridge being constructed over river Kamala-Balan. They are busy counting the number of pillars of the bridge errected so far. It is their favourite pass-time. The memory of social acrimony faced by them during laloo era, is fast waning. But has the exodus of villagers to outside for earning stopped? No, certainly not. Are not their share of NAREGA money gobbled up by the nexus of village level political -dalals- and local officials ? Of course it is order of the day...they confide. In july, they will again have to bear the might of flood-furry. Rasiary is not alone. Almost similar is the story of countless villages in the state.
Cane growers have lost any hope of reopening of sugar mills. Jute producers have the same agony. They are forced to sell their produce in West Bengal. Fruit growers are no less disappointed. Industrialisation....dont talk of it? Of course four lane roads are meandaring through the state. But then you will have to give credit to Hukumdev Yadav, ex surface transport minister. Is not it the high time to dabble in the statistics related to health, education and other human development index?
Development activities have got momentum....but they exibit regional imbalance. Some regions are benefited while other areas have been left out. Can a citizen of Darbhanga city think of 24 hours of power supply ? No....not even in dreams . Mr CM ....will they ever dare to see such a dream ?
---------------------------
sanjay mishra
-------------------
If you are struggling for a penny, and starts earning rs 100, your rate of growth looks impressive. You thank god for this. If your earning is already rs 1000, and you add on rs 100 to it, the rate of growth is marginal. In both the cases rs 100 is common but the rate is different. This is what is happening in bihar. Nitish govt is bla-bla over the magic figure of 11.03 %. Bihar is changing, they say. Image of state outside has seen climatic change, they add.
Well said. But what is the feeling of the people of Bihar? Is the change perceptible ? Just make a voyage to a remote and backward village -Rasiary-. The villagers here are overwhelmed to see a road-bridge being constructed over river Kamala-Balan. They are busy counting the number of pillars of the bridge errected so far. It is their favourite pass-time. The memory of social acrimony faced by them during laloo era, is fast waning. But has the exodus of villagers to outside for earning stopped? No, certainly not. Are not their share of NAREGA money gobbled up by the nexus of village level political -dalals- and local officials ? Of course it is order of the day...they confide. In july, they will again have to bear the might of flood-furry. Rasiary is not alone. Almost similar is the story of countless villages in the state.
Cane growers have lost any hope of reopening of sugar mills. Jute producers have the same agony. They are forced to sell their produce in West Bengal. Fruit growers are no less disappointed. Industrialisation....dont talk of it? Of course four lane roads are meandaring through the state. But then you will have to give credit to Hukumdev Yadav, ex surface transport minister. Is not it the high time to dabble in the statistics related to health, education and other human development index?
Development activities have got momentum....but they exibit regional imbalance. Some regions are benefited while other areas have been left out. Can a citizen of Darbhanga city think of 24 hours of power supply ? No....not even in dreams . Mr CM ....will they ever dare to see such a dream ?
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