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October 2007

Kolkata scientist punches holes in UFO theory
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Media reports of a bright spherical object, streaking across the eastern sky have left many Kolkata residents intrigued, but scientists said it could be just an "optical illusion" - a result of cloud reflecting the city's lights. The images as shown on television channels have to be taken with a pinch of salt. They do not appear to be unidentified objects as claimed by some residents, but seem to be an optical illusion - a result of cloud reflecting city lights, a phenomenon than can be caused by refraction of light. It does not appear to be a natural phenomenon. The video footage of the object, as telecast on a Bengali television channel, showed the fireball changing its shape from a round object to a triangle and then turning into a straight line. The object, spotted at a 30-degree angle from the horizon, also emitted a bright light that formed almost a halo and radiated a range of colours.

Bullets fired at Mamata's convoy (Lead: Nandigram violence)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 28 (ANI): There has been an upswing in violence in Nandigram in West Bengal's East Midnapore District as aggression between the activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Trinamool Congress continued over the acquisition of land.Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee's convoy was reportedly fired at as she proceeded to visit Nandigram.Although Mamata escaped unhurt, her convoy came to a halt.Meanwhile, a CPI-M office was set on fire today allegedly by the members of the Trinamool Congress backed Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC).The BUPC has been protesting against the land acquisition for the setting up of Special Economic Zones and has called a 12-hour shutdown today.Meanwhile, Banerjee has sought intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to stop the violence in the East Midnapore District.Addressing a rally at Garchakrabaria, Banerjee said she had written to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister and was waiting for their replies.Banerjee had also demanded punishment for the culprits in her letters.Banerjee is visiting several areas of troubled Nandigram with a declared intention to enter Khejuri, a CPI-M stronghold.At least three persons were killed and several others injured in a bomb blast in Nandigram on Saturday night. There were also clashes between BUPC activists and CPM supporters in which one person died.According to police officials, the three persons who were killed in bomb explosion near the Left party's camp at Sherkhan Chowk in Khejuri area were CPI-M backed activists.The CPI-M alleged that the BUPC, spearheading the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram block of East Midnapore district, was behind the killings.Sporadic clashes between rival groups have continued despite the State government's decision against the setting up of a chemical hub in the area in the face of protests from a section of the people there. (ANI)

Mamata Banerjee visits Nandigram
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Nandigram/Kolkata, Oct 29 (ANI): Former Union Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee visited Nandigram on Monday in the wake of fresh violence over acquisition of farmlands. Banerjee, whose motorcade was attacked near Nandigram on Sunday, said that her party leaders would talk to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue. "They are firing from Khejuri border everyday, and now they have thrown (shot) a bullet at my car also. Luckily, the local boys saved me but I don't know how to save them. We are sending one of the party members to talk to the Prime Minister," said Banerjee. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee demanded deployment of police personnel in the brewing Nandigram region, and urged the opposition to solve the problem through talks. "It is very difficult for police and other forces to enter that area, and you know what happened on 14th March. Police went there not to acquire land, police went there to set up some police camps, but they didn't allow that. I don't want to repeat 14th March. Therefore, my appeal to the opposition parties is that they should respond politically, and they should discuss and sort out this problem. It's very difficult to solve this problem only with police machinery," Bhattacharjee said. The Centre today said that there was no proposal of setting up any Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nandigram. Violence had erupted between the members of an anti-land acquisition group and activists of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) during a protest rally on Saturday, which claimed a life. Five people, including two school children, were also injured in clashes between the members of the Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), an anti-acquisition group backed by state opposition Trinamool Congress, and CPI (M) workers. In another incident, three people were killed in a blast, which occurred while making bombs at CPI (M) stronghold Khejuri village in Nandigram. (ANI)

Suchitra Sen recovering
Sunday, October 28, 2007 | AY

Suchitra Sen, who was admitted to the ICCU of Bel View Nursing Home recently for high blood pressure, fever and urinary infection, is slowly recovering. She is under strict medical observation and should be discharged soon. The actor, who bid farewell to the celluloid world three decades ago, is very upset at the unnecessary hype the media is creating regarding her illness. The 76-year-old actor, who has been living the life of a recluse, doesn’t like to be the center of attraction. Having completed 55 years in cinema, Suchitra Sen’s first film was Saat Number Quadi in Bengali in 1953. She and Uttam Kumar formed a romantic pair in hits like Agni Pariksha, Harano Sur, Saptapadi and Jeevan Trishna. She bagged the Best Actor Award for her performance in Saat Pake Bandhain the Moscow International Film Festival in 1963. Her memorable Hindi films include Devdas, Musafir, Bambai Ka Babu, Mamta and Aandhi.

1 killed in Nandigram violence
Sunday, October 28, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 27 (ANI): At least one person was killed and another injured as the activists of the outfits backed by Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M) and Trinamool Congress exchanged fire in Nandigram in West Bengal's East Midnapore District.Trinamool Congress backed Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) activists were protesting against the acquisition of farmland. The BUPC members and the CPI-M activists exchanged fire and hurled bombs from Satenganbari village and Takapura in Nandigram and from the adjacent CPI-M stronghold of Khejuri since Friday night, police said.One killed and one injured in the violence were its members, BUPC claimed.Police officials said that the violence had continued till the afternoon.Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who had rushed to Nandigram, has reportedly called a shutdown there on Sunday.Sporadic clashes between rival groups have continued despite the State government's decision against the setting up of a chemical hub in the area in the face of protests from a section of the people there. (ANI)

Ambuja Realty to set up two business hotels
Saturday, October 27, 2007 | AY

Ambuja Realty Development on Friday said it will set up two business hotels in Darjeeling district of West Bengal to promote tea tourism in the state. The company would set up hotels in tea gardens of Darjeeling hills and is in talks with estates. The company plans to establish a hotel in Makaibari tea estate of Kurseong sub-division. The company already has projects lined up in the hospitality sector.

Rizwanur's family rejects allegations of pay-off by the Todis
Saturday, October 27, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct.25 (ANI): Allegations that Kolkatan businessman Ashok Todi's brother, Pradeep, paid Rizwanur's family money through a middleman to separate Rizwanur and Priyanka Todi before he died, have been rubbished by the family.Rizwanur's brother Rukbanur told the media today that the Todis had offered them a blank cheque, but they did not accept it. ''Todis wanted to pay us to separate Rizwanur and Priyanka, but failed,'' he said.Rukbanur also said Pappu, the alleged middleman, was actually a family friend and these lies were being spread to cover up the case.''You can ask Pappu whether he took money. Those wanting to cover up Rizwanur's murder are spreading these lies,'' he added.Rizwanur was found dead near railway tracks on September 21, about a month after he married Priyanka against the wishes of her father Ashok Todi, a well known industrialist.Earlier in the day, the CBI said Priyanka's uncle had said he had offered the boy's family money. The CBI is investigating the bank accounts of Rizwanur's family. Meanwhile, Rizwanur's family has moved the Calcutta High Court challenging the setting up of a judicial commission by the West Bengal government to probe the case.According to the family, there is no need for a judicial commission because the CBI is already investigating the case. (ANI)

Kolkata gets solar streetlights
Thursday, October 25, 2007 | AY

Kolkata today became the first city in the country to have streetlights powered by solar energy. The stretch between Chingrighata and Dhapa on E M Bypass was illuminated by 22 solar streetlights. The lights will automatically get switched on at sunset and will go off during the day hours. The Left Front government has hired a US-based company, SOL Inc, to implement the project. At present, the solar streetlights have been put up on one side of the EM Bypass and if all goes well WBREDA has plans to install them on both sides of the street. They are also keen on using solar energy for lighting other streets of Kolkata.

Rizwanur’s family move High Court against Chakraborty Commision
Thursday, October 25, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 25 (ANI): Family members of the deceased computer graphic teacher, Rizwanur Rehman on Thursday approached the Calcatta High Court challenging the probe being conducted by the commission of inquiry (COI) led by retired Judge Aloke Chakraborty.The West Bengal Government had constituted the commission in the wake of mounting Pressure led by social groups demanding CBI probe in to the mysterious death of the graphic designer teacher.Rehman's mother Keshwar Jahan and his elder brother Rukbanur said that the High Court has already ordered a CBI probe, so there is no point in continuing with the Chakraborty inquiry commission.Their counsel Kalyan Banerjee also said that the Rizwan death was a matter of investigation by a probe agency.“Moreover, the inquiry commission has no right to question IPS officials, who are appointed by the Centre. The matter is likely to come up before a vacation bench on November 1,” Banerjee said.Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka Todi, daughter of a Hindu businessman. The investigation agency has registered an FIR against Ashok Todi and others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The West Bengal Government on October 17, ordered the transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee. Mukherjee, and his two deputies - Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur. According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rizwanur to end his marriage with Priyanka.The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

'Toxic' idols choking rivers, say environmentalists
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 22 (ANI): The immersion of thousands of idols containing toxic chemicals into the rivers and lakes during the festivals such as Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi is posing a pollution threat, say the environmentalists.In Kolkata, around 40,000 idols of Goddess Durga were immersed in River Hoogly, to mark the conclusion of the 10-day long Durga Puja on Sunday.Elaborately painted and decorated idols are worshipped before being taken in mass processions for immersion into nearby rivers, lakes and sea.Environmentalists say the idols are often made from non-biodegradable material such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris and painted using toxic dyes, which are harmful pollutants.Subash Dutta, an environmentalist, said the High Court has expressed concern about the debris, the straw and strings and other waste. "The metallic solid wastes are taken for the recycling process. But other waste material is left behind in the water causing tremendous pollution," said Dutta.Dutta, who had earlier filed a petition at the Kolkata High Court, said that the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board had been directed to collect samples of the river water -- pre-immersion and post-immersion -- for a comparison and to identify the exact level of pollution.Materials like plaster of Paris do not dissolve easily and reduce the oxygen level in the water, which results in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, say the environmentalists.The paints used on idols contain heavy metals such as mercury, chromium and lead, which are carcinogenic, say the environmentalists, adding that this could adversely affect the drinking water.Rahul, a resident, said though idol immersion is a major cause of water pollution, there are plenty of other factors, which need to be dealt with."While we should attend to the pollution that takes place due to immersion of idols, we should also keep in mind the industrial effluents and the refuse from the city that is also the reason behind pollution," he said. (ANI)

CBI interrogates Rizwanur’s wife Priyanka Todi
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 23 (ANI): A day after interrogating Pradip Todi, the brother of well-known industrialist Ashok Todi, who is the main accused in the death case of computer graphic designer teacher Rizwanur Rehman, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today interrogated Rizwanur’s wife, Priyanka Todi. The team that interrogated Priyanka included CBI Joint Director Arun Kumar and a DIG of the Special Crime Branch. According to sources, the CBI took Priyanka to an undisclosed location. This is said to be Priyanka’s first opportunity to give her statement to the investigating agency. Earlier, Priyanka, in her representation to the National Commission of Women (NCW), had said that she was unsure whether Rizwanur committed suicide or was it murder. At that point of time, giving a clean chit to the Kolkata Police, she said that she and Rizwanur was never harassed by the police. Yesterday, apart from Pradip Todi, the CBI also interrogated Ashok’s uncle Anil Sarogi who is alleged to have been an eyewitness to Rizwanur’s death. "We called Pradip Todi and asked him a few questions. His statement has been recorded and we are examining it," Arun Kumar, who is spearheading the seven-member CBI investigation team, said. On Monday, the CBI team also visited Rizwanur’s workplace and interrogated some of his friends and colleagues. The CBI team arrived in Kolkata on Friday night after the Calcutta High Court directed it to investigate the case following Rizwarnur’s family’s plea to transfer the case to the CBI. The CBI team on Saturday visited the Patipukur area in West Bengal, where Rizwanur’s body was found last month. Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka. The investigation agency has registered an FIR against Ashok Todi and others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Following a public outcry over the case, the West Bengal Government on Wednesday ordered the transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee. Mukherjee, and his two deputies - Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur. According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rizwanur to end his marriage with Priyanka. The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

Kolkata Durga Puja pandal revives T20 WC moments
Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct.21 (ANI): Known for its magnificent illuminations on innovative themes, the College Square Puja Pandal in Kolkata has been a big draw for cricket lovers during the Durga Puja festival this year. Team India’s win over Australia in a Twenty20 match on Saturday just made it more meaningful. The popular College Square Puja Pandal or makeshift temple, often referred as Kolkata's Chandannagore, showcased some memorable moments of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup held in South Africa recently in September as part of its theme “Dangerous Sports” during Durga Puja. Devotees, who visited various community Pandals during Durga Puja, cherished the opportunity to revisit the joyous moments of Team India depicted through a fascinating display of decorative lights here. Visitors had a gala time enjoying the lightening innings of cricketer Yuvraj Singh re-enacted in lights. It thrilled the onlooker, as the blustering batsman hit six after six and the umpire raises his hands above head; signalling the maximum score, as was displayed amidst various colourful lights. "This time in College Square, the theme is dangerous sports. In these sports, they have shown horse riding and bull fighting through lighting and lot of other works of lighting which are worth watching," said Abhijit Pal, another pandal hopper. As most of the public had a visual pleasure on TV sets in drawing rooms recently, the re-enactment of those unforgettable moments during Durga Puja added a distinct joy to the Kolkattans. "The theme is very beautiful and the lighting is very innovative and creative. I can also see the sixes here…it’s very good to see," said Konica Pal, a pandal hopper. Besides the “Dangerous Sports” theme included various other sports, all depicted in colourful light effects. The adventure sports include sky-diving and other events testing human skills and endurance like horse-riding, speed boating. Another attraction was a colourful display of Spanish 'sport' of Bull Fighting by the matadors. Every work of lighting at the Pandal looked a treat for the eyes because of its influence and appeal among youngsters and elders. The reflection of a South Indian temple created in the Pandal in a swimming pool at the venue was awesome, as was evident from the reaction of the visitors. "This year, I have come here to College Square. The lighting here is very famous and children enjoy it very much because they display different themes. Eiffel Tower, birds and especially the reflection in water, looks very beautiful," said Koel Sarkar, another visitor to the pandal. The attempt was a part of a sort of annual competition that enjoyed by thousands of puja pandal groups here. These groups, participating in the Durga Puja festivities, come up with innovative ideas and themes to entice maximum devotees. Fifty expert artisans from Chandannagore were used to do the light-works. They were helped by another 110 workers of Shantipur from Ranaghat. It cost rupees 2.3 million to the organisers of the Puja pandal of College Square. (ANI)

As Ravanas burnt, Goddess Durga leaves for her heavenly abode
Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/Kolkata, Oct 21 (ANI): As the sun went down, fireworks lit Delhi sky with the burning of effigies of demon King Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil on Dusshera.Effigies of demon King Ravana and his brothers- Kumbhakaran and Meghnath were burnt with actors dressed as Hindu Gods Rama, Laxmana and Hanumana marching the grounds, depicting the famous mythical battle. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were present at one such ceremony in the national capital, which was held at the historic Ramlila ground.Priyanka Gandhi was also present along with her kids at the ceremony. Dusshera marks the end of the nine-day long Navratri festival. The day signifies the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, who had abducted Rama's wife, Goddess Sita.In the Muslim-dominated town of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, people take part in the annual Ram Lila even with much enthusiasm, where they enacted the scenes from Holy Hindu scripture Ramayana. "The importance of this Ram Lila is that only one per cent of people here are Hindu and the rest are Muslims; but Ram Lila is organised with enthusiasm and Muslims come here in large numbers to witness the play," said Pankaj Darpana, who directs the Ram Lila in Moradabad.In Ambala in Haryana, people burnt a 120-feet tall effigy of the demon king, which the locals claimed as one of the tallest. Around 12 workers from Agra were utilised to construct the 'record breaking' effigy. Here the effigies of Meghnath and Kumbhakaran were 70 and 65 feet respectively.As rest of the country burnt effigies of demon king, villagers near Kanpur worship Ravana on this day."We pray to 'Ravana' because of the legend that says Rama offered prayers to the demon before killing him," said Sunil Tiwari the priest of the ancient temple where the idol of Ravana is worshipped. The locals revere the demon king as 'Ravana Baba' and feel that the demon king protects their habitation from evil designs. The day was also celebrated as Vijay Dashmi, the last day of the ten-day long Durga Puja. The festival, which is celebrated with fervour and zeal mostly in eastern part of the country, today came to an end with the immersion of idols of Goddess Durga in rivers, ponds and other water bodies. The ten-day long festival also symbolizes the victory of good over evil as the goddess kills the demon Mahisasura, according to Hindu mythology.Bengalis, for whom the celebration of the festival is part of their culture and time to meet their near and dear ones, consider that the Goddess Durga comes on earth during this time and on Vijay Dashmi she leaves for her heavenly abode.From afternoon devotees started gathering along the makeshift camps (pandals), where idols were kept for the last ten days, for the immersion ceremony.Married ladies, including mothers, wives and daughters with their faces smeared with vermilion joined together to bid adieu to the Goddess. They applied vermilion on each other, praying for the well being of their better halves, asking the Goddess for her blessings, seeking prosperity, health, wealth and peace.In Agartala, where the festival is celebrated with pomp and fervour, people danced around in the rhythm of the dhakis (drummers) playing the dhak (traditional drum) with their maximum strength bidding the Mother Goddess farewell. Vijay Dashmi, as the day is known, is a mixture of joy and sadness as it marks the end of the puja but with better hope for the coming year. "We prayed that Goddess Durga should grace her earthly abode again next year. The festivities bring us closer and for this year were ending. It is a moment of happiness for all of us here and at the same time we are sad that the puja is ending," said Reba Chakraboty, a devotee.The Durga Puja rituals start with Bodhan, the invocation of goddess Durga on the first day, and ends with 'Sindoor khela,' the ritual where married women put vermilion on each other before the immersion march of the Goddess Durga begins. (ANI)

Rizwanur case: CBI grills Ashok Todi’s brother
Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 22 (ANI): A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team today interrogated Pradip Todi, the brother of well-known industrialist Ashok Todi, who is the main accused in the death case of computer graphic designer teacher Rizwanur Rehman.Pradip was grilled by a CBI team led by Joint Director Arun Kumar at the CBI office in Salt Lake here.Meanwhile, the seven-member team has started examining different aspects of the case.The CBI team arrived in Kolkata on Friday night after the High Court directed the CBI to investigate the case on October 16 on Rizwarnur family’s plea for transfer of case to the CBI.A two-member CBI team also went to Arena Multimedia, where Rizwanur used to work as a teacher, and questioned his students and colleagues.The CBI team on Saturday visited the Patipukur area in West Bengal, where Rizwanur’s body was found last month.Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka, daughter of a businessman Ashok Todi.The investigation agency has registered an FIR against Ashok Todi and others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).Following a public outcry over the case, the West Bengal Government on Wednesday ordered transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee.Mukherjee, and his two deputies - Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur.According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rizwanur to end his marriage with Priyanka.The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

State plans arsenic-free water for all
Sunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

The state government wants to make West Bengal an arsenic-free state. The public health engineering (PHE) and urban development departments are working on a plan to supply surface water to all towns of the state in the 11th Five-Year Plan. Groundwater has been a source of arsenic contamination. According to estimates, more than 15 million people in eight districts are affected by arsenic contamination from water. More alarmingly, four of these districts are located near Kolkata. The Centre has already okayed water supply projects at an estimated cost of Rs 226 crore for the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. Water treatment plants will be set up in Dhapa, Uluberia, Bansberia, Hooghly, Chinsurah and Akra. Besides, water supply networks would be integrated in Maheshtala and Baruipur municipalities.

Durga Puja celebrations reach its peak on Mahanavmi
Sunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

Agartala/Srinagar/Kolkata, Oct 20 (ANI): Celebrations for the 10-day long Durga Puja reached its peak on Saturday- the Mahanavmi, a day before the conclusion of the festival. Army officers posted in Srinagar performed "Durga Puja" with special prayers for the return of peace in the valley."The 'puja' is being performed just as it is done back in my home state of Assam. I feel very much at home with these celebrations. I pray to the Goddess to help us maintain peace," said Major Vinay.The soldiers along with their families took part in the celebrations. The priest and the drummers were specially brought from Kolkata for the occasion."I like the celebrations here amongst so many people rather than celebrating alone at home. We feel like one family out here," said Ramei, wife of an army officer.Devotees in Kolkata celebrated the Mahanavmi with fervour and zeal. People across West Bengal participated in the festival, offered prayers and danced to the beats of 'dhak', a traditional drum.Devotees said that the Mahanavami 'Aarti' (traditional prayers) comes with a mixed feeling for them. "Today is Navami (The ninth-day of 'Navaratri'), so we have mixed feelings. On the one hand we are happy about the festival, while on the other hand, there is a feeling that the Goddess will leave us and the celebration will come to an end," said Nanu Das, a devotee.Agartala was also immersed in the festive spirit. Apart from the locals, hundreds of devotees from Assam and Bangladesh are visiting the puja pandals.Devotees throng the puja pandals, which are colourfully decorated with fancy lights.In Agartala city, nearly 200 pandals have been set up with diverse themes. Prominent and popular among them have been the ones with themes like Hardwar temple, launch pad of NASA's Space Shuttle, and Jantar Mantar. The Tripura Government has deployed 2,000 additional security personnel across the State to ensure peaceful celebrations.Hindus worship Goddess Durga during the month of October. There is a public display of idols in pandals (make-shift tents) and the idols are immersed in the sea, rivers and lakes on the last day of the festival.Prayers, processions and musical programmes mark the festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. (ANI)

Kolkata Durga Puja pandal revives T20 WC moments
Sunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

Solar energy policy
Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

In order to promote non-conventional energy across the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has formed a nine member committee to formulate a policy. The committee drafted “Policy road map for solar energy development”. Members of the committee said this is because India has a potential to generate 600,000 MW solar power and by 2030, the total power requirement in the country will be approximately 600,000 MW. The committee also recommended that solar energy should be distributed in mission mode so at least 50 per cent of 10 crore families who are still living in areas without electricity will receive power by 2012. The union government will have to develop a special purpose vehicle to distribute power in these areas. So far 21 countries in the world have a solar energy feed-in tariff.

Kolkata still fancies ‘Dhaks’ over techno music during Durga Puja
Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

By Ajitha MenonKolkata, Oct 20 (ANI): Come Durga Puja and pandals across India reverberate to the beats of traditional ‘Dhak’ drums.‘Dhak Bajna’, the performance of playing drums to the rhythmic beat of the ‘Dhunuchi Nach’ before the Goddess, is an integral part of the festivities.Dhakis, the drums players, are professionals, who have been in this business for several generations.In Kolkata, capital of West Bengal, the state with the largest Bengali population, even a small pandal without a Dhaki or a Dhak Bajna performance is unimaginable.Hindu mythology also states "dhaks" as an auspicious instrument during the worship of Goddess Durga.Devotees who visit 'pandals' say that the sound of the 'dhak' has an electrifying effect."I like the sound of 'dhak'. I simply love dancing to the beats," said Sanchari Roy, a resident.Many in Kolkata believe 'Dhak and Dhak dance (Dhunuchi Nach) is an eloquent way of depicting the victory of good over evil."Though these days we have modern ways of enjoying such as music systems, but nothing can match up to the 'dhak'. Every make-shift tent has a 'dhak', if not anything else," said Surajit Roy, another resident.During the celebration, several million devotees visit glittering pandals to pay their obeisance to idols of Goddess Durga.Goddess Durga is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva.The 10-day festival marks her fight with demon king Mahishashura and her eventual victory over him.Goddess Durga is portrayed riding a lion, equipped with celestial weapons in her 10 arms, slaying Mahishashura who takes the form of a buffalo during the fight.Legend has it that "Asuras" or demons from the nether world invaded heavens after a hundred years of war. The Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu then created Durga, the most powerful of all gods and goddesses, to vanquish the demons.The Navratri festival, celebrated at the onset of spring and autumn, marks the period of special obeisance to the power of Goddess Durga, a manifestation of the Mother Goddess in Hindu mythology.Hindus believe Goddess Durga descends on earth during Navratri to rid it of the demons from the netherworld and to bless her devotees with happiness and prosperity.The nine days of Navratri stand for the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. (ANI)

CBI team visits area where Rizwanur's body was found
Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 20 (ANI): A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team today visited the Patipukur area in West Bengal, where the body of a computer graphic designer teacher, Rizwanur Rehman, was found last month.Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka, daughter of a well-known industrialist Ashok Todi.A seven-member team led by Joint Director, Special Crime Cell, Arun Kumar has inspected the site to gather evidences. Earlier today, the team held a meeting at the CBI office at Salt Lake. According to CBI sources, the team is also expected to meet Ashok Todi, against whom a case has been registered by the CBI. The investigation agency has registered an FIR against Todi and others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).On Wednesday, the West Bengal Government ordered transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee.Mukherjee, and his two deputies - Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur.The High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the case on Tuesday.According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rizwanur to end his marriage with Priyanka.Though police initially said that Rizwanur had committed suicide, his family members were not convinced and they moved High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into his death, as they had "no faith" in any inquiry conducted by any state agency. The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

HIV-hit children offer prayers to Goddess Durga in West Bengal
Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Gobindpur (West Bengal), Oct 19 (ANI): Children suffering from AIDS visited a pandal to offer their prayers to Goddess Durga on the occasion of Durga Puja. It was a momentous occasion for about 80 children who are mentally challenged apart from being HIV positive. Unlike other parts of the country where HIV positive are mostly ostracized, the residents of Gobindpur village in West Bengal mingled freely with these children and enjoyed the fun and frolic.'Offer', a Non-Governmental Organisation, which runs a residential complex for these children, organised the village festival. The objective of the whole exercise was to spread the message that AIDS is not an infectious disease."We run a residential programme where abandoned children are kept. They are socially unaccepted. We try to bring them up in congenial environment", saidKallol Ghosh, Secretary of NGO.The children started preparations for the festival a month in advance.Attired in their new dresses, they enjoyed full independence."For five to six days, we try to bring a smile to their faces. We have lunch together, we dance together and also organise some cultural programmes," saidSomashree, chief co-ordinator of the NGO.There has been an alarming increase in the number of AIDS cases in West Bengal, which has a population of about 80 million.According to National AIDS Control Organisation estimats, there were 6,941 HIV positive people in West Bengal as of July 2005 of which 2,397 were full blown AIDS patients.India has the world's third highest HIV caseload, after South Africa and Nigeria, with around 2.5 million people living with the virus. The Government said at least 21,000 children are infected every year through mother-to-child transmission of the virus. According to UNAIDS, 60,000 infants are born every year with disease. (ANI)

Rizwanur case: CBI registers FIR against Ashok Todi, others
Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 19 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing into the sensational death of a computer graphic designer teacher, Rizwanur Rehman, in West Bengal, registered a case against his industrialist father-in-law Ashok Todi and others on Friday. The investigation agency has registered an FIR against Todi and others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).After analysing the Calcutta High Court's October 16 judgment, the CBI formed a special team headed by a Joint Director, to go into the circumstances leading to Rizwanur's death.The agency will now visit the area where Rizwanur's body was found.On Wednesday, the West Bengal Government ordered transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee.Mukherjee, and his two deputies- Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur.The High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the case on Tuesday.Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka, daughter of a well-known industrialist Ashok Todi.According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rizwanur to end his marriage with Priyanka.Though police initially said that Rizwanur had committed suicide, his family members were not convinced and they moved High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into his death, as they had "no faith" in any inquiry conducted by any state agency. The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

Malayalam, Bengali films to carry Indian flag at IFFI
Thursday, October 18, 2007 | AY

Prominent Malayalam director Lenin Rajendran's "Ratri Mazha" (Night Rain) and Samir Chanda's "Ek Nadir Galpo" (Bengali) will represent India at the Asian African and Latin American Competition of the 38th edition of International Film Festival to be held in Goa next month. "Ore Kadal" (Malayalam), directed by Shyamaprasad, will open the Indian Panorama feature film section while "Bagher Bachcha" (Bengali) by Bishnu Dev Halder will open the non-feature section of the prestigious Indian Panorama. The selections were made out of 119 feature and 149 non-feature films. The members of the feature film jury were filmakers Manju Borah (Guwahati), Leslie Carvalho (Bangalore), Abhijeet Dasgupta (Kolkata), Mrunalinni Patil Dayal (Mumbai) and film critic Shubhra Gupta of Delhi.

Rizwanur case: Top Kolkata police officials transferred
Thursday, October 18, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 17 (ANI): A day after the High Court ordered a CBI probe into the sensational death of a computer graphic designer teacher Rizwanur Rehman after his marriage to the daughter of a local industrialist, the West Bengal Government today ordered transfer of top police officials of the State including, Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee.Mukherjee, and his two deputies- Gyanwant Singh and Ajay Kumar, along with Assistant Commissioner of the Anti-Rowdy section Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Ghosh were handed transfer orders as there were allegations against them of harassing Rizwanur."All the officers will be transferred with immediate effect and the order will be implemented as early as possible," West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee told reporters here. Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka, daughter of a well-known Hindu industrialist Ashok Todi.According to media reports, some police officers, who were allegedly influenced by Todi, pressurised Rehman to end his marriage with Priyanka.Though police initially said that Rizwanur had committed suicide, his family members were not convinced and they moved High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into his death, as they had "no faith" in any inquiry conducted by any state agency. The State Government has been emphasising on CID enquiry and had launched it along with a separate judicial inquiry into Rizwanur's death. Today Buudhadev said that the judicial inquiry would continue and that his government accepted the Court's order for a CBI inquiry in to the incident. The CBI has been asked to submit its report in next two months. (ANI)

Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Rizwanur death case
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 16 (ANI): Expressing its unhappiness over the CID investigation into the mysterious death of a computer graphics teacher, Rizwanur Rehman, the Calcutta High Court today ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the incident. According to media reports, some police officers have been accused of pressurising Rehman to end his marriage with industrialist Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka Todi. Till now, the CID was probing the death of Rizwan, who was allegedly threatened by his in-laws and police after he married Priyanka in August. On October 14, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee had demanded a CBI inquiry into the case. Banerjee visited Rizwanur’s house, a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee met the mother of the deceased, whose dead body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21. Banerjee had also demanded removal of senior police officials who have been accused of pressurising the youth to part with his Hindu wife. The Kolkata Police, which conducted the investigation into Rizwanur’s death, have stated that the computer graphics teacher had committed suicide. On Saturday, after meeting mother of Rizwanur, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had said that the autopsy would be conducted again. On Friday, West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC) chairman Justice Shyamal Sen had summoned five police officers: Gyanwant Singh, Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty, Krishnendu Das and the Karaya police station Officer-in-Charge in connection with the case. On October 5, the State Government had removed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and a Sub Inspector (SI) from their posts for their alleged involvement in the case. Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Jyoti Basu had criticised Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee’s role in the case. Mukherjee had told a press conference earlier that it was "natural" for Rizwan’s wife’s family to oppose the marriage because of the differences in the social and economic status of the Todis and the Rehmans. Basu had termed the Police Commissioner’s statement as “bad and undesirable.” (ANI)

Pranab calls for early election in Nepal
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), Oct 17 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for the holding of early elections in Nepal."As far as the question of the future of Nepal is concerned, it should be a collective effort with a social objective. The interim government should immediately start the democratic process to conduct the polls. After the elections, let the Constituent Assembly decide the future of the monarchy," Mukherjee said on the sidelines of a seminar. Elections in Nepal have been delayed after the ruling eight-party coalition failed to break a political deadlock over a Maoist demand for declaring Nepal a republic immediately and for polls to be based on proportional representation. The Maoists walked out on Government last month, saying King Gyanendra and his supporters were trying to sabotage the Constituent Assembly vote, which had been set for November 22.On Sunday, Nepal’s interim Parliament delayed a debate on a motion by the Maoists to immediately abolish the monarchy. The Government has vowed to defeat the move, which could shake the peace process in the country. The motion was expected to be dropped as the Maoists have 83 out of 329 seats in the body. (ANI)

Security along Indo-Nepal border tightened
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Gorakhpur (UP)/ Jalpaiguri (WB), Oct 17 (ANI): Security along the Indo-Nepal border has been tightened following the postponement of the assembly elections for a new Constitution in Nepal."Patrolling is always done. Now, we have added more forces. Our dog squads are also there on the border. We have introduced new gadgets to our force. Along with that we have also alerted our intelligence network to gain information," said S. Bandhopadhya, Deputy Inspector General, Seema Sashtra Bal (SSB) today. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee called for holding of early elections in Nepal."As far as the question of the future of Nepal is concerned, it should be a collective effort with a social objective. The interim government should immediately start the democratic process to conduct the polls. After the elections, let the Constituent Assembly decide the future of the monarchy," Mukherjee said on the sidelines of a seminar. Elections in Nepal have been delayed after the ruling eight-party coalition failed to break a political deadlock over a Maoist demand for declaring Nepal a republic immediately and for polls to be based on proportional representation. The Maoists walked out on Government last month, saying King Gyanendra and his supporters were trying to sabotage the Constituent Assembly vote, which had been set for November 22.On Sunday, Nepal’s interim Parliament delayed a debate on a motion by the Maoists to immediately abolish the monarchy. The Government has vowed to defeat the move, which could shake the peace process in the country. The motion was expected to be dropped as the Maoists have 83 out of 329 seats in the body. (ANI)

Greenpeace activists inscribe 'Smoking Kills' on Kolaghat Thermal plant's chimney
Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 12 (ANI): Activists of Greenpeace climbed onto the smoke spewing chimney of a thermal power plant in Kolkota on Thursday to protest against its environmental impact.The activists managed to sneak inside the premises of the Kolaghat Thermal power plant in Midnapore District and climbed on to the 230 feet chimney of the thermal power station and wrote 'Smoking Kills' on the chimney.Later the plant's internal security personnel detained the activists. "Clearly message is smoking kills, and just like normal smoker who smokes and kills not only himself but also other people in the room. The smoke that is here not only affects people around but also keeps increasing the environment temperature especially because it is coal fire," said Saumyabrato Rahul, an activist of the environmental group. "The need (of the hour) is de-carbonisation path that should be taken by the government, which will not only give them energy security but will also secure the lives of millions of people who live in India," he added. The activists said that they are ready to court arrest or face legal action for their act as long as the message against environmental pollution was conveyed. (ANI)

BJP blames Central Government for Ajmer blast
Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Lucknow/Siliguri (West Bengal). Oct 13 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh has criticised the Central Government for not doing enough to prevent terrorist-related events like the Ajmer blast. "The Home Minister is busy playing the role of an astrologer. Again, he comes up with warnings saying, religious places, VIP's and other sensitive areas of the country are under threat from terrorists. I think this government has never taken terrorism as a major challenge," Singh said. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Siliguri following the Ajmer attack.The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has deployed bomb detection squads at all entry and exit points of the main railway station.Officials said they also planned to introduce explosive vapour detectors."We will be using these instruments in preventing terrorist activities in North Bengal, especially in the railways. We have alerted all government railway police personnel," said Mahender Singh Poonia, Superintendent of Police, Railways. Thursday’s bomb explosion inside the famous Ajmer Sharif shrine claimed two lives and injured 17 others.The blast occurred at around 6.15 p.m. just before the end of the Ramadan fasting month. (ANI)

West Bengal Govt. to order re-autopsy of Rizwanur’s body
Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 13 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today said that the post-mortem on computer graphics teacher Rizwanur Rehman’s dead body could be conducted again. Bhattacharjee today met the mother Rizwanur, whose dead body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21. The Chief Minister spent around 40 minutes with Kishwar Jahan and other family members. He left without talking to the media. On Friday, West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC) chairman Justice Shyamal Sen said: “We have summoned five police officers: Gyanwant Singh, Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty, Krishnendu Das and the Karaya police station OC in connection with this case.” The HRC received Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee’s report on the case last Friday and found it “comprehensive and well documented”, Commission Secretary Braja Behari Mahapatra said. On October 5, the West Bengal Government removed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and a Sub Inspector (SI) from their posts in connection with death of Rizwanur. Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Jyoti Basu had criticised Mukherjee’s role in the case. Commenting on the statement made by Mukherjee, Basu said, "It is very bad and undesirable. " Mukherjee had told a press conference that it was "natural" for Rizwan’s wife’s family to oppose the marriage because of the differences in the social and economic status of the Todis and the Rehmans. According to reports, some police officers have been accused of pressurising Rehman to end his marriage with industrialist Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka Todi. CID is probing the death of Rizwan who was being allegedly threatened by his in-laws and Police since he married Priyanka in August. (ANI)

Mamata demands CBI probe into Rizwanur death case
Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 14 (ANI): Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the mysterious death of a computer graphics teacher, Rizwanur Rehman.Banerjee today visited Rizwanur’s house, a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee met the mother of the deceased, whose dead body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21.Banerjee demanded removal of senior police officials who have been accused of pressurising the youth to part with his Hindu wife. The Kolkata Police, which conducted the investigation into Rizwanur’s death, have stated that the computer graphics teacher had committed suicide. "If the police officers are not removed during the probe, the inquiry will not be objective," Mamata told reporters. She termed the death of Rizwanur as "state sponsored terrorism". On Saturday, after meeting mother of Rizwanur, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had said that the autopsy would be conducted again. On Friday, West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC) chairman Justice Shyamal Sen had summoned five police officers: Gyanwant Singh, Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty, Krishnendu Das and the Karaya police station Officer-in-Charge in connection with the case. On October 5, the State Government had removed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and a Sub Inspector (SI) from their posts in connection with the case. Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Jyoti Basu had criticised Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee’s role in the case. Mukherjee had told a press conference earlier that it was "natural" for Rizwan’s wife’s family to oppose the marriage because of the differences in the social and economic status of the Todis and the Rehmans.Basu had termed the Police Commissioner’s statement as “bad and undesirable.” According to reports, some police officers have been accused of pressurising Rehman to end his marriage with industrialist Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka Todi. CID is probing the death of Rizwan, who was being allegedly threatened by his in-laws and police after he married Priyanka in August. (ANI)

Durga Puja goes “go-green” in Kolkata
Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 15 (ANI): As the Durga puja celebrations are in full swing at many places in the city, a new campaign has been launched to promote the use of solar energy during the festival. An interesting point is that this move is being supported by none other than priests, who are now chanting the “go-green” mantra. It looks strange but it’s true. The priests with the help of their association are convincing the organisers of the community pujas to stop the use plastics and use solar energy for decoration, illumination and also for cooking. “Plastics may be a matter of convenience but they should have no place in a puja offering, whether it be plastic garlands, plates or cups more so since they pollute,” Somnath Shastri, treasurer of the Bangiya Purohit Sabha (a body of priests in Bengal), was quoted by The Hindu, a saying. For long, the association has been pressing for the use of only traditional items such as containers in bell-metal, copper, silver, wood and plantain leaves, shunning the use of plastic, steel and aluminium utensils, he added. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s decision to ban the use of thin plastic bags seems to have strengthened the priests’ position. Many organisers are trying to adopt environment-friendly practices. For example, incandescent lamps are being used to light pandals and streets. “We are all aware of global warming. We felt that by using solar cooker to cook the prasad, and through the use of energy-efficient lamps and solar lanterns, we will send a message to those who attend the puja. We will also save on our electricity bill which, for some organisers, runs into half a lakh of rupees for the puja-week,” said Rajat Sengupta of 66 Palli Sarbojanin Puja. The West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA), the State’s apex agency for renewable energy promotion, announced that the awards will be presented to then organisers for use of energy-efficient lamps and renewable energy. On an average West Bengal receives 1600 kWh/m2 of solar energy per year. Solar energy is being utilized in West Bengal, mainly for village electrification programme. However, there are some applications in respect of solar thermal energy programme also. The State of West Bengal has made significant progress in respect of village electrification through solar PV route. There are about 2,000 villages in West Bengal where conventional electric line cannot be extended due to prohibitive cost. 400 villages out of these 2000 villages have already been electrified by solar PV route. WBREDA in association with MNES, Government of India is formulating a major scheme to set up about 200 nos. of SPV power plants of capacity 25 kW to 100 kW for electrification of entire Sundarban Islands, which has unique eco-system in the whole world. It has also installed a large number of solar street lights in different remote areas of West Bengal, particularly in Jetties and forest areas. The total number of solar PV street lights working in the state has exceeded 2,000. Recently, WBREDA has installed some solar street lights in the city of Kolkata. In the area of solar thermal, WBREDA has so far installed more than five lacs liters/day solar water heating systems and sold more than 10,000 solar cookers in the State.WBREDA has a plan to install 50,000 solar home lighting systems in the State during the next five years. (ANI)

The Last Lear
Thursday, October 11, 2007 | AY

Amitabh's latest experiment was with Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh. He teamed up with Ghosh in his English film The Last Lear, which is based on veteran Bengali actor Utpal Dutt's play Aajker Shahjahan. It revolves around an aging Shakespearean actor who takes on one of the bard's most challenging roles. The film was well received at the Toronto Film Festival last month.

Bengali screen goddess in hospital
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Yesteryear's Bengali screen goddess Suchitra Sen has been admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata with high fever. Suchitra, mother of Moon Moon Sen and grandmother of Bollywood actors Raima and Riya Sen, lives a life away from any publicity and few have seen her in public since she left films in the late 1970s.

Kolkatans on shopping spree ahead of Durga Puja
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 9 (ANI): It's shopping time for devotees in festival-crazed Kolkata ahead of Durga Puja, which is scheduled to start from October 18. For Bengalis, the nine-day festival is a time for celebration and expenditure. Markets reflect the festive spirit enveloping the entire city."Everybody purchases according to their needs. There is a rush. I have bought clothes and other necessities for the puja," said Purnima Banerjee.Multinationals use the opportunity to offer discounts and sponsor community pujas. They dole out gifts, organize lucky draws, and even professional music and dance shows. Many, however, agree that the real spirit lies in the small markets.“We are doing good business these days," claimed Aftab Alam, a shopkeeper.Durga Puja preparations begin months in advance. Organisers attempt to come up with new themes for Pandals and secure the services of professional artists for the purpose.Idols are on display in Pandals and they are immersed on the last day of the nine-day festival.Prayers, processions and musical programmes mark the festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil.Durga is depicted as a warrior woman riding a lion or a tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons and assuming mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy (Shakti).It is said that the goddess makes her annual visit to the world during this time and the festivities are meant to welcome her. (ANI)

Shraadh, the Hindu ritual of paying homage to ancestors concludes
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 10 (ANI): A fifteen-day ritual, in which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors by offering prayers on riverbanks, concluded today in Kolkata.Thousands of Hindus arrived on the banks of Hooghly River, a tributary of the holy Ganges, to pray for the salvation of their ancestors.After taking a dip in the waters, they offered "pind" or rice balls, each depicting a dead relative to priests who are believed to be the representatives of God on earth."Sita (consort of Lord Rama) performed the 'pind daan' ritual for the salvation of Dashrath on this day by offering her hair. Lord Rama had to perform this ritual in Gaya (Bihar) but he did not manage to get all the traditional items required to perform the ritual," said Sudarshan Pathak, a priest.“And since the auspicious and scheduled time was about to finish, Sita came to his rescue and offered him her hair. Lord Ram carried out the ritual using her hair. Hence, today is all the more important for us,” added Pathak.Many devouts also shaved off their head as part of the ritual. It is believed that observing this ritual is essential for the ultimate salvation of the forefathers.Today is the last day of 'Mahalaya', the day pious Hindus do 'Tarpan' - making offerings of rice balls to the chant of shlokas (religious hymns) so that their ancestors rest in peace in heaven."During the Mahalaya (fortnight sacred for offering oblation to departed ancestors) period we have this Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight). On this day, we offer our prayers for the salvation of our ancestors and parents who are no more. We believe that the ritual will help our ancestors stay happily in heaven," said Baishakhi Nath, a devotee.According to the Hindu almanac, "Mahalaya" marks the conclusion of "Prit Paksha" or the fortnight of ancestors and heralds "Devi Paksha" or the fortnight-long festival of Hindu goddess Durga. The ritual literally means that departed souls are relieved of all sins and given to divine care.People offered flowers, fruits and burnt incense sticks amidst chanting of hymns and they also offer alms to beggars who come in large number.Some people also give alms, as they believe any good deed on this day brings prosperity.Many Hindus believe in reincarnation. It is believed that a body changes with every birth but the soul remains the same.The Hindu philosophy says that this cycle can be broken and soul can be put to rest forever by performing "pind daan".(ANI)

Tagore…Dil Se
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Sept.1 (ANI): Not many may know that Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore was a great romantic at heart, and one who penned over 400 love songs in his youth. A film highlighting Tagore's love life, that faded into oblivion with the passage of time, is all set to hit film screens on September 14. Paying a tribute to Tagore's first muse, his brother Jyotirindranath's wife Kadambari, debutant film director Bandana Mukhopadhyay has come up with a film "Tagore … Dil Se". She has earlier worked extensively with radio. "Tagore…Dil Se" remembers the larger than life artist as a person who discovered the poet in him through a unforgettable love affair. This film is said to be a tribute to Kadambari. Produced by the Sai Baba Import Export Corporation, the film focuses on the unusual love triangle that existed between Rabindranath Tagore, his elder brother Jyotirindranath and Jyotindranath's wife Kadambari, and weaves around Kadambari's suicide at the age of 26. Rabindranath was 24 at that time, newly married and on the threshold of fame. Debutant actors Sayandip Bhattacharya and Deepanjana Pal perform the lead roles of Rabindranath Tagore and Kadambari Devi. The cast for the film includes veteran actors like Soumitra Chatterjee, Tom Alter, Roopa Ganguly and Kharaj Mukhopadhyay. They were chosen not only for their acting talent, but also for their physical traits, to convey reality of life in the 19th century. Bandana says: "I think my love for the Bengali language began with Tagore's writings." It will be a first-ever film to bring Tagore's life on the silver screen. Earlier, nearly all film makers remained focussed on Tagore's writings. There is only an hour-long documentary on Rabindranath made by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the Tagore Centenary Year. The film dares to look at that one part of the poet's life which self-appointed Tagore guardians still want silenced. Bandana says: "A distinguished film critic asked me why I did not choose to interpret one of Tagore's writings, and instead focussed on an obscure period about which there is so little historical data. I find these comments very amusing. It's precisely this attitude that motivated me to make this film." She says: "I find it appalling that those who claim to love and respect Tagore would be so dismissive of the woman who inspired him to be a writer." Bandana spent a lot of time researching on Tagore and Kadambari. She found most of Tagore's works that were written during her lifetime, were dedicated to Kadambari. She says: "You can find her images in his characterisation of women all through his life."Bandana says: "Kadambari died when Tagore was only twenty four. Everything belonging to her, including her picture and books were destroyed or thrown away. Fifteen years after her death, while visiting a relative in Allahabad, Tagore saw a picture of Kadambari. (Ref: Rabindranath Tagore A Biography by Krishna Kriplani, Oxford University Press). That night he wrote one of his most poignant love poems: If this is not love, what is." She tells "In his 70s, watching a photograph of Kadambari was one of his prominent wishes. But, sadly, he couldn't find any snap in Kolkata." As a historical character of Tagore's personal life, Kadambari is all but forgotten, snuffed out for having committed suicide, disgraced for her indiscretion that she had dared to love unwisely, ignored for her socially unacceptable role in the making of a poet whose genius knew no bounds. The only other person who had touched upon this relationship was the celebrated film maker Satyajit Ray in his landmark film "Charulata", based on Tagore's one novella said to be autobiographical. Some of Tagore's family members like his grand nephew Supriyo Tagore view this film as nothing but fiction, and far away from the Nobel laureate's life. In an TV interview Supriyo said: "There was never anything between Rabindranath and Kadambari. It is only incidental that she committed suicide four months after the poet's wedding. The film should be banned." The film has only one traditional Rabindra Sangeet in the film. All other songs are among the earliest lyrics written by Tagore, written in mixed Hindi and Maithili language, inspired by the style of the Vaishnav poets like Vidyapati. Bappi Lahiri, known for his very different kind of music, was excited to be given a chance to compose tunes to Tagore's early poetry. Lahiri said: "It is a great honour for us. But we had to be very careful to make sure the tunes didn't seem like the Rabindra Sangeet of later years. But at the same time, you should be able to hear the seeds of Tagore's inimitable style in the composition." "Permission to shoot in that old mansion was quite a tough task. No feature film had ever been shot inside that house. We had to submit the script for scrutiny by the Rabindra Bharati University," said Executive Producer Deepak Sharma. "Despite a shoestring budget we were determined to bring a real effect. So, we shot in the ancestral house of the Tagore family in Jorasanko, where all these events had taken place," he adds. For art-director Roop Chand Kundu this film was a challenge he enjoyed. He had to design many of the antique furniture from old pictures to recreate the once-beautiful Tagore home. The award-winning artist Somnath Kundu had to hunt out vintage photographs to ensure that each actor appeared to have emerged from real to reel life. Be it costume's colours, design, or just anything have been given the old touch closest to the descriptions collected from Tagore's writings and memoirs of other family members. (ANI)

Air India Express starts operations from Kolkata
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, began its operations from Kolkata on Sunday with a flight to Singapore. There were 28 passengers on board the maiden flight, airline sources said adding it would operate on the first, third and fifth days of the week. Air India Chairman V. Thulasidas said Air India Express would launch flights to Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok within a fortnight.

Bangladesh lauds India's gesture of deporting three criminals
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

By Nazrul Islam Dhaka, Oct 9 (ANI): Bangladesh has praised India for deporting three hardened criminals, who had took refuge in West Bengal."It is a goodwill gesture. We requested senior officials of the department in India to arrest and hand over the criminals, and they responded very positively," Additional Inspector-General of the Criminal Investigation Department, Fani Bhushan Chowdhury, said on Monday. The Indian authorities on Sunday deported three notorious Bangladeshi criminals Naimul Hasan alias Habibur Rahman Taj, Mohammad Sohel alias Ibrahim and Lambu Selim, a CID official said. These three were arrested by West Bengal Police few months ago for their illegal stay in India. On completion of their prison term, the alleged criminals were deported to Bangladesh."It was possible only because of the co-operation from the West Bengal criminal investigation department," one official told ANI. Bangladesh authorities also requested their Indian counterparts to pass on information about five more criminals who are now behind bars in West Bengal jails before deporting them.For years, India and Bangladesh have accused each other of giving refuge to criminals and for using each other's territories for criminal and insurgent activity. India claims that there are192 Indian insurgent camps inside Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has countered this charge by saying that there are as many as 23 wanted Bangladeshi felons living in India.Prokash Kumar Biswas, Molla Masud, Trimoti Subrata Bain, Kamrul Hasan Hannan, Khandakar Tanvirul Islam Joy, Haris Ahmed alias Haris, Imam Hossain, Jabbar Munna, Aga Shamim, and Zafar Ahmed Manik are said to be hiding in West Bengal.Diplomats from both sides have tried to iron out problems, as there is no extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi.Bangladesh has detained Anup Chetia, the second in command of the rebel United Liberation Front of Asom, since 1997. He is yet to be handed over to the Indian authorities. (ANI)

7 injured in CPM-Trinamool clashes in Nandigram
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 8 (ANI): At least seven persons, including a policeman, were injured today as the activists of the outfits backed by Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M) and Trinamool Congress continued exchange of fire in Nandigram in West Bengal on Monday.Trinamool Congress backed activist were protesting against the acquisition of farmland. A policeman suffered bullet wounds in the clashes that were continuing since Sunday at Ranichak and Hatengabari in Nandigram.The injured were admitted to a local hospital. On Sunday, a woman was killed and two others were seriously injured as fresh violence erupted in Nandigram.Sporadic clashes between rival groups have continued despite the State government's decision against the setting up of a chemical hub in the area in the face of protests from a section of the people there. (ANI)

West Bengal violence unabated following food distribution graft charges
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

Murshidabad (West Bengal), Oct 9 (ANI): Hundreds of villagers continue to protest against the West Bengal Government's Public Distribution System (PDS). Some protesters entered PDS distributor shops in the state’s Murshidabad District and ransacked them, alleging that subsidised food meant for them was being diverted to regular markets and sold at huge premiums by corrupt officials.“The Communist Party of India-Marxist has exploited us for long. They have killed so many. So much has happened in our area," claimed Mohammed Naimuddin.Widespread graft-specific protests have resulted in atleast 200 people, including dozens of policemen, being injured in clashes during the last week in the state. A Communist party office and a food godown were set afire on Sunday. Some officials were also beaten up. Earlier this year, a Central Government enquiry found that most rural poor in five states were not getting their subsidised food supplies regularly.It was found that only 10 percent of rural poor were getting regular supplies in several villages of West Bengal.Meanwhile, several PDS franchisees have surrendered their permits in fear, even as police said they are investigating allegations of hoarding. (ANI)

Kolkatans on shopping spree ahead of Durga Puja
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

HC to hear Rizwanur case
Monday, October 8, 2007 | AY

The Calcutta High Court will continue to hear the case on Monday filed by the family of Rizwanur, demanding a CBI probe into his unnatural death on September 21. Graphic designer Rizwanur was found dead near the railway tracks in Kolkata, barely a month after his marriage to Priyanka, daughter of prominent Kolkata industrialist Ashok todi, who was opposed to the marriage. The CID, which is already investigating the case, has interrogated two deputy commissioners Gyanwant Singh and Ajoy Kumar and two officers of the anti-rowdy section for their alleged involvement in the case. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the government to take action against the senior police officers linked to the case.

Centre to revive closed tea gardens in WB
Sunday, October 7, 2007 | AY

The Central Government has decided to take over few of the closed tea gardens in West Bengal’s Siliguri District to revive them. Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, who is in Siliguri to identify the tea gardens that need renewal, lamented the West Bengal Government for not taking care of the teagardens. He said the Centre would take over the non-functional tea gardens under a 54-year-old law. The Centre has selected 13 such closed tea gardens for revival process in the beginning.

Kolkatans take to aquaculture with ornamental fishes
Sunday, October 7, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct.7 (ANI): Kolkatans have long been known for savouring fishes as delicacies, irrespective of occasions. But many well-off individuals are developing a penchant for fish-keeping, following beliefs that it ensures prosperity and joy. Today, there are a good number of homes in Kolkata where one can find attractive aquariums containing a variety of ornamental fish like Red Panda, Flower Horn, Red Fin, Gold Arwana. The price range many vary anywhere from rupees 400 to a 100,000. Keeping fish as pets is considered to be a rewarding hobby. The intricacies involved in this hobby begin from designing aquarium to choosing the fish and tending them with utmost care. As noted by a dealer of ornamental fish, Kolkatans do it with utmost joy without worrying about the money or cost involved."The business of ornamental fish has immense variety. A large number of fish are available at different prices. Fishes like Flower Horn, Red Panda, Red Gold and others come for rupees 70,000, 75,000 and even touching 100,000 at times,” said Bablu Rakshit an Ornamental fish dealer.“Now-a-days, these fish are costlier then jewellery. However, people prefer to buy them both for hobby and to keep their house and life, pious and vibrant," said Bablu Rakshit a dealer of ornamental fish,” Rakshit added. The rising craze for fish is based on the belief that ornamental fish are also a harbinger of good luck apart from acting as stress-busters.According to the theories of Feng Shui and Vastushastra, raising ornamental fish can benefit the owner in attaining a good fortune and happiness. Going by these beliefs, Kolkatans enjoy possessing aquaria of ornamental fish at homes, although it takes time and money to gain experience in raising these sensitive creatures. "People say this is a lucky fish that brings prosperity, peace and health. It is costly to maintain, it eats imported food pallets that come for rupees 600 to 750," said Ranajay Joardar, owner of a Flower Horn fish. Fish like Flower Horn eat living fish and prawn. Further, the room temperature of the aquarium needs to be perfect to ensure the survival of these fish and ensuring this is also an expensive affair. However, overlooking the aspects of expenses, hundreds of Kolkatans have taken a fancy to this hobby solely with the belief that Flower Horns bring prosperity to household. According to Feng Shui, there are three wise men in Chinese mythology who bring luck, and Flower Horn has the head of the third wise man as the shape of this fish's head (oval shape) resembles the head of the third mythological character. Those who cannot afford expensive charms of Feng Shui like mature Arwana that cost rupees 52,000 or opt for fish like Tail Cat that comes for rupees 1000 (a pair), Lion Fish whose cost is rupees 1500 and upwards. The Butter Flies are priced at Rs. 800 onwards, while Majestic Angel costs rupees 4,500. Among the other varieties are Blue Face Angel and Blue Ring Angel which carry a price tag of rupees 2,500 onwards and Yellow Tang costing rupees 3,500-plus. (ANI)

Eyecare mecca Sankara Nethralaya goes east
Saturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

Eyecare major Sankara Nethralaya is setting up a Rs 20-crore hospital at Mukundapur in Kolkata. The decision to enhance its presence in east, comes in the backdrop of it’s nearly 20% patient base concentration in West Bengal. It will also house a research facility, where nanotechnology and stem cell technologies would be the thrust areas. Since July, Sankara Nethralaya has been operating in the city at a refurbished facility, given by a family-owned business group on a two-year-lease. The hospital also proposes to offer free service to 25% of the patients, who would be from the economically-weaker sections of the society.

Students in Kolkata protest against Myanmar crackdown
Saturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 4 (ANI): Hundreds of students took out a protest rally here today against crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators by the military government in Myanmar and expressed solidarity with the Myanmarese demonstrators.Members of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students Federation of India (SFI) raised slogans and marched through the streets of Kolkata."Today all the Leftist and democratic students of West Bengal have taken out a rally to protest against the Myanmarese junta crackdown and we are raising our voice that democratic government should be set up in Myanmar at the earliest," said SFI leader Aparbo Chatterjee.In Yangon, the pro-democracy movement led by monks is being violently repressed by the military government and at least nine people have died in the crackdown.Meanwhile, continuing its crackdown following last week's protests, the military has reportedly arrested scores of Myanmarese.The international community has expressed concern over the violent crackdown. (ANI)

Police officers removed for involvement in Rizwan’s death
Saturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 5 (ANI): The West Bengal Government today removed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and a Sub Inspector (SI) from their posts in connection with death of computer graphics teacher Rizwanur Rehman. Meanwhile, senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Jyoti Basu has criticised Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee’s role in the case. "Some more heads in the city police force will roll and the Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee`s name has also been referred," Basu said. Commenting on the statement made by Mukherjee, Basu said, "it is very bad and undesirable. It has come to the notice of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee". Mukherjee had told a press conference that it was "natural" for Rizwan’s wife’s family to oppose the marriage because of the differences in the social and economic status of the Todis and the Rehmans.Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman also criticised the handling of the case by the police. Two other ministers Abdur Rezzak Molla and Subhas Chakraborty also attacked the police for meddling in the personal life of two adults. According to reports, some police officers have been accused of pressurising Rehman to end his marriage with industrialist Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka Todi. CID is probing the death of Rizwan who was being allegedly threatened by his in-laws and Police since he married Priyanka in August. Rizwan’s dead body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21. (ANI)

2 more airports near Kolkata
Thursday, October 4, 2007 | AY

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee announced the setting up of two new small airports at Kanchrapara and Barrackpore, near Kolkata. Private players will develop the proposed sites for both airports, currently owned by the Indian Air Force. The IAF has agreed to lease out the space for civil use. He added that the proposed small airport at Andal, between Asansol and Durgapur, had received the nod of the Union Civil Aviation ministry and the Planning Commission. It will also be developed by the private sector and work was likely to begin soon. Bhattacharjee revealed that Lufthansa, which operated three flights a week from Kolkata to Frankfurt, had sought permission for daily flights.

Kolkata artisans abandon traditional craft for lucrative options
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 | AY

By Soma MitraKolkata, Oct 3 (ANI): The tradition of making idols of Goddesses in Kolkata is losing out to more lucrative options, as younger generation is abandoning it for the glamour of other profitable jobs.Lack of profitable returns and miserable working conditions are major factors compelling the younger lot to stay away from taking up this profession.For centuries, artisans residing in Kumartuli, the nerve centre of clay idol makers in the city, have been engaged in this traditional craft. But the craft is now on the verge of becoming extinct."Our business is continuously dipping because the younger generation is not very keen to take up this profession. My son, who is just in ninth-grade, refuses to take up idol making when he grows up," said Rudrajit Pal, an artisan."I don't want to be in this profession because I'm coming here since the age of five, and I have seen the artisans who work here are in a miserable condition. I want a bright future for myself," said Shubhojit Pal, son of an artisan.At present, around 1000 artisans are directly involved in idol making in Kolkata. If nothing is done to improve the condition of these artisans who continue to reel under adverse conditions, the future looks bleak for traditional craft. (ANI)

Eurasia Ship plans office in Kolkata
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Hong Kong-based Eurasia Ship Management Company is looking for office space in Kolkata to expand its operations in the eastern region, and is also planning to make Kolkata the training and recruiting hub for the region. The $6 million company would merge with Hamburg-based Schulte group from January 1,2008, and the merged entity will be called Bernard Schulte Ship Management Company. The company, post-merger, would become the second largest ship management company in the world after the UK-based V Ships by virtue of managing 650 ships.

Marble engravers acquire language skills by chiselling in Kolkata
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct.1 (ANI): Several migrant labourers from Bihar are acquiring basics of Indian languages while working at Kolkata’s marble engraving shops. These labourers, who work at Kolkata’s Lal Bazar Street, engrave names or messages in various languages as per clients’ demand. The work familiarises them with words from different languages, as they copy the texts on the marble slabs from the printed or hand-written papers given to them. Somu Singh, a migrant labourer is one such example. He has never been to a school, but he is remarkably fluent in Hindi and Bengali."I can speak a many languages. Apart from Bengali, Oriya and Punjabi, I can read and write English Getting a job here has proved to be fruitful for me. It is also helping me to earn money,” said Somu.As workers handle a variety of words each day, they slowly learn how to read and write them. Be it engraving someone’s address, foundation stone, award citations or other matters, these workers engrave them correctly. Though the beginners find it difficult to align sentences, the experienced or senior engravers help in alignment of texts or even editing the given matter for a better presentation on marble. The proprietors of the marble shops say that these labourers can become well-versed in the languages. "Most of these individuals (labourers) are from Bihar. They haven't been to any school, but they have acquired multilingual ability," says Ashok Gupta, one of the marble shop owners. Today, Lal Bazaar is home to hundreds of such workers who are adding to their diction everyday with each assignment. Many of these claim to belong to families engraving here for many generations – even when the British ruled the country. (ANI)

Left reduces status quo period for N-deal from six to two months
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Kolkata, Oct 1 (ANI): The CPI (M) today urged the UPA government to put on hold all future deliberations over the Indo-US nuclear deal till November when the Winter Session of the Parliament would convene.A month earlier, CPI (M) General Secretary, Prakash Karat, had warned the Centre of serious political retribution if the latter goes ahead with the nuclear deal, and had asked the Congress-led Government not to make any further progress with the deal for the next six months.The Government "should not proceed further on the next steps with regard to the nuclear deal till it can be discussed in the Winter Session of the Parliament", a party resolution stated."Our Central Committee has reiterated the stand that we do not want the government to take the next step of negotiating a text for the safeguard agreement at the International Atomic Energy Agency. That's where the matter stands," Karat told reporters after the party's four-day long meeting that concluded here today.Karat added that his party and the Government were making an attempt to 'grapple' with the row through a joint panel formed in August."All I'm saying is there is a difference, a serious difference. It was decided a committee would be set-up to decide and resolve the matter. But I have to work within the framework set by my party's Central Committee, which is, this will be possible if the government does not proceed further to the next step. That's all," he said.The climb down in Karat's opposition to the nuclear deal comes from the opinion expressed by the West Bengal unit of the Left party led by the State Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, which tried to impress the 'hardliners' in their party with their moderate views.Bhattacharjee has gone on record that clean and efficient nuclear energy is very important for country's needs and had also said that he would not oppose the US blindly.External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, who is the convenor of the joint UPA-Left committee and is presently in New York, had been in touch with the Left leaders on phone.Mukherjee reportedly tried to convince the Left leaders and tried to assuage the latter's concerns. That high-level panel is due to meet on October 5 and possibly on October 14. (ANI)

Chirosakha He ... My Soul Mate
Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY

The Bengali film titled Chirosakha He ... My Soul Mate streamlines the world of Rabindranath Tagore’s adolescence and tells the tale of his relationship with his sister-in-law and muse, Kadambari Devi, wife of his elder brother, Jyotirindranath Tagore. It is a love story, poignant, sensitive and inevitably tragic. Chirosakha He is the first film to be shot at Tagore’s ancestral home of Jorasanko. Meticulous research has gone into every aspect of the film that is the directorial debut of Bandana Mukhopadhyay. Starring Soumitro Chatterjee, Rupa Ganguly, Shrilekha Mukherjee, Badshah Moitra, Tom Alter and newfinds Sayandep Bhattacharya and Deepanjana, it is produced by Satish R Tandon. Written and directed by Bandana Mukhopadhyay, Bappi Lahiri has composed the music to the lyrics penned by Gurudev Ravindranath Tagore and Vidapati. The film is also being made in English as Tagore … Straight From The Heart and in Hindi as Tagore … Dil Se.

Indian Idol clash: FM station tenders apology saying, humour was unintentional
Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Sept 29 (ANI): Red FM, the radio station whose radio jockey's alleged 'derogatory' comments on new Indian Idol Prashant Tamang has led to violence in West Bengal, today tendered its apology saying that the humour and the satire of the jockey was unintentional."We have not intentionally caused hurt to the sentiments of any person or any particular community, caste or creed. However in the event any inadvertent slight or offence has been caused to the sentiments of any person or community we tender our apology for the same," a release issued by the station said.On Friday, situation in Silliguri, a commercial city in northern part of West Bengal deteriorated, after fans of Tamang clashed with locals leading to clamping of curfew and deployment of army.Fans of Tamang were carrying out protest march in the city against radio jockey Nitin's alleged comment.West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has sought legal action against the FM station and the radio jockey.The West Bengal Government has also sought Union Home Ministry's advice on the issue. Last week Tamang, a native of Darjeeling and an ethnic Nepalese youth, won the coveted Indian Idol singing competition after beating Amit Paul of Meghalaya.The talent hunt had already led to generation of strong emotion in the region for the two finalists, and both of them had to urge people to remain calm. However after the radio jockey's alleged comment against Tamang, situation turned worse and large-scale demonstrations were witnessed in many towns of Darjeeling District. (ANI)

Centre approves creation of Gorkha Hill Council
Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today approved the creation of autonomous Gorkha Hill Council in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. “The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introducing the Bills in Parliament for amending articles 244 and 332 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for creating an autonomous self governing Council called Gorkha Hill Council, Darjeeling (GHC) in the State of West Bengal under the Sixth Schedule,” a government release said. The GHC has four sub-divisions, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik, under its authority. The council came into existence after an agreement between the Central Government, the West Bengal Government and the Gorkha National Liberation Front in Kolkata on August 22, 1988. (ANI)

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October 2007

Kolkata scientist punches holes in UFO theoryTuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Bullets fired at Mamata's convoy (Lead: Nandigram violence)Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Mamata Banerjee visits Nandigram Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | AY

Suchitra Sen recovering Sunday, October 28, 2007 | AY

1 killed in Nandigram violence Sunday, October 28, 2007 | AY

Ambuja Realty to set up two business hotelsSaturday, October 27, 2007 | AY

Rizwanur's family rejects allegations of pay-off by the Todis Saturday, October 27, 2007 | AY

Kolkata gets solar streetlightsThursday, October 25, 2007 | AY

Rizwanur’s family move High Court against Chakraborty Commision Thursday, October 25, 2007 | AY

'Toxic' idols choking rivers, say environmentalists Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | AY

CBI interrogates Rizwanur’s wife Priyanka Todi Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | AY

Kolkata Durga Puja pandal revives T20 WC moments Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

As Ravanas burnt, Goddess Durga leaves for her heavenly abode Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

Rizwanur case: CBI grills Ashok Todi’s brother Monday, October 22, 2007 | AY

State plans arsenic-free water for allSunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

Durga Puja celebrations reach its peak on Mahanavmi Sunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

Kolkata Durga Puja pandal revives T20 WC moments Sunday, October 21, 2007 | AY

Solar energy policySaturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Kolkata still fancies ‘Dhaks’ over techno music during Durga Puja Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

CBI team visits area where Rizwanur's body was found Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

HIV-hit children offer prayers to Goddess Durga in West Bengal Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Rizwanur case: CBI registers FIR against Ashok Todi, others Saturday, October 20, 2007 | AY

Malayalam, Bengali films to carry Indian flag at IFFI Thursday, October 18, 2007 | AY

Rizwanur case: Top Kolkata police officials transferred Thursday, October 18, 2007 | AY

Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into Rizwanur death case Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Pranab calls for early election in Nepal Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Security along Indo-Nepal border tightened Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | AY

Greenpeace activists inscribe 'Smoking Kills' on Kolaghat Thermal plant's chimney Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

BJP blames Central Government for Ajmer blast Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

West Bengal Govt. to order re-autopsy of Rizwanur’s body Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Mamata demands CBI probe into Rizwanur death case Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

Durga Puja goes “go-green” in Kolkata Monday, October 15, 2007 | AY

The Last LearThursday, October 11, 2007 | AY

Bengali screen goddess in hospitalWednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Kolkatans on shopping spree ahead of Durga Puja Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Shraadh, the Hindu ritual of paying homage to ancestors concludes Wednesday, October 10, 2007 | AY

Tagore…Dil SeTuesday, October 9, 2007 | AA

Air India Express starts operations from Kolkata Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

Bangladesh lauds India's gesture of deporting three criminals Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

7 injured in CPM-Trinamool clashes in Nandigram Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

West Bengal violence unabated following food distribution graft charges Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

Kolkatans on shopping spree ahead of Durga Puja Tuesday, October 9, 2007 | AY

HC to hear Rizwanur caseMonday, October 8, 2007 | AY

Centre to revive closed tea gardens in WBSunday, October 7, 2007 | AY

Kolkatans take to aquaculture with ornamental fishes Sunday, October 7, 2007 | AY

Eyecare mecca Sankara Nethralaya goes eastSaturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

Students in Kolkata protest against Myanmar crackdown Saturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

Police officers removed for involvement in Rizwan’s death Saturday, October 6, 2007 | AY

2 more airports near Kolkata Thursday, October 4, 2007 | AY

Kolkata artisans abandon traditional craft for lucrative optionsWednesday, October 3, 2007 | AY

Eurasia Ship plans office in KolkataTuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Marble engravers acquire language skills by chiselling in Kolkata Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Left reduces status quo period for N-deal from six to two months Tuesday, October 2, 2007 | AY

Chirosakha He ... My Soul Mate Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY

Indian Idol clash: FM station tenders apology saying, humour was unintentional Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY

Centre approves creation of Gorkha Hill Council Monday, October 1, 2007 | AY