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Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 60th death anniversary
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 30 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil led the country today in paying homage to 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi on his 60th death anniversary.
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L.K. Advani also offered floral tributes at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi here.
The homage ceremony started with a prayer meeting and recitals of religious hymns from various texts.
Several functions are being organised to mark Martyrs' Day. The day is also being observed as Sarvodaya Day, Anti Leprosy Day and National Cleanliness Day.
In Gujarat, an all religion prayer was organised at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar - the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
A special five-day photo exhibition on the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi was also inaugurated at the Sabarmati Ashram today.
In January 1948, at the age of 79, Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic, as the former walked through a crowded garden in New Delhi's Birla House to attend evening prayers, less than a year after India achieved independence from British colonial rule.
Gandhi is largely credited as the architect of India's freedom struggle against 200 years of colonial rule.
His message of non-violence, uprightness and care for the poor and downtrodden is even taught today at the school level.
His decades-long non-violent movement has inspired leaders like Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama and former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. (ANI)
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Two-and-a-half-year-old cub rescued from a Gujarat well
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rajkot, Jan 24 (ANI): A two-and-a-half-year-old cub was rescued from a Madhavpura village's well of Rajkot district of Gujarat.
The cub was taken out of the well with help of a rope. The entire operation was completed in one and a half hours.
The forest authorities feel that immediate measures are needed to cover the wells and prevent such mishaps in future.
"They (nocturnal animals) roam around for long distances in the night for prey. These animals are very likely to fall in the unsafe wells in the village. It is important to make these wells safe by covering them otherwise such incidents will keep taking place," said Jayant Solanki, Assistant Conservator, Dhari Range.
The villagers of Madhavpura in the Dhari range have also expressed concern over such incidents, which they said happen frequently in the area.
"It will be good if this is done (if these wells are covered) In every 2-3 months, such incidents keep taking place," said Jignesh, a resident of Madhavpura village. (ANI)
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Amul introduces reduced salt butter
Anand (Gujarat), Jan 24 (ANI/Business Wire India): Keeping in mind the inherent need and convenience of the consumers and taking into account the changing lifestyles, Amul is all set to expand its product portfolio with Amul reduced salt butter.
Amul reduced salt butter has almost 50 per cent less salt than table butter. This product will be a boon for high blood pressure patients for whom salt intake is restricted. Sedentary lifestyles have given rise to health problems like high blood pressure and cardiac arrest. People with such problems are advised a restrictive salt intake.
As a result, many of them are deprived of relishing the taste of traditional butter because of high salt percentage.
Amul reduced salt butter with its rich taste would be a blessing for such people.
Packed in 100gms and 500 gms cartons, priced at Rs. 20/- and Rs. 95/- respectively, Amul reduced salt butter provides value for money.
With this launch, Amul has established its lead over functional dairy products.
According to B. M. Vyas, Managing Director, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, "The movement of population from rural areas to cities is rising. The increased urbanization has given a boost to demand for health products. Moreover, with rise in disposable income and educational level, the awareness for nutrition and health improves which in turn raises the demand for health and nutritional products."
"Market studies indicate that consumers are looking for healthier alternatives. Keeping this in mind, Amul has introduced a range of functional products," Vyas added.
After introducing India's first sports and energy drink stamina, pro-biotic ice-creams, pro- biotic lassi and curd, and high calcium milk, Amul has now introduced reduced salt butter in order to give the consumers a wide choice of healthy products. (ANI)
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Quantum of sentence in Bilkis Bano rape case today
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mumbai, Jan 21 (ANI): A special court in Mumbai will today pronounce the quantum of sentence to 13 persons, who were convicted in connection with the 2002 Bilkis Bano gang-rape case related to the post-Godhra communal violence.
On Friday, the court had convicted the 13 accused, including a police official, while acquitting seven others.
While Godhra riots were going on in March 2002 following the Sabarmati Express-train carnage, the then six-month pregnant Bilkis Bano was gang-raped and beaten up in Randhikpur town, 250 km from Ahmedabad.
In the gory incident, as many as 17 members of her family were attacked, in which eight were killed and six went missing.
The trial began in January 2005.
After the Gujarat Government had closed her case and granted bail to all the accused, Bilkis had moved the Supreme Court which transferred the case to the special Mumbai court on April 6, 2004. (ANI)
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Ambani’s ancestral village eager to see Anil touching the sky
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Junagadh (Gujarat), Jan 20 (ANI): The residents of Gujarat's Kukaswada Village always remember how the late industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani brought glory to his ancestral village by being an entrepreneurial success and are now, contributing to bring success to Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Groups' Reliance Power.
At the Kukaswada Village of State's Junagarh District, everyone is eager to be a part of the Anil Dhirubai Ambani's Reliance Power IPO. And, the ones contributing to its initial public offer (IPO) for shares include farmers and daily wage earners.
"This is the birth place of Dhirubhai Ambani and we have full faith in Reliance Investments. People, who have trusted on Reliance, have become millionaires today and our village now has more than 100 Demat account holders in a very short time. Over ten million (a crore) applications have been field for this IPO segment.
"There were many people from our village who had a share in Jamnagar Refinery when it was started initially by Dhirubhai Ambani and now with the set up of Anil Ambani's IPO we all are expecting profits," said Arun Tanna, a stock broker, Kukaswada.
Be it any poor farm labourer to a trader or any landlord almost all have invested in Reliance Power One.
"I run a departmental store. My son is literate and he has some knowledge on investing his money in the right areas. He has also invested in Reliance IPO and does the marketing work of the company. We are happy and satisfied investing our hard earned money and we have full faith in Reliance," said Prabhudas Thakkar, owner of a provisions shop in Kukaswada.
Even the village women here have invested their savings with utmost confidence.
"We have full faith in Reliance IPO and most of our family men and villagers have invested. Our village has trust on this offering and we have invested in whatever ways we could afford," said Sumitaben Koli, a woman labourer in Kukaswada.
The IPO of shares by Reliance Power One, the venture headed by Dhirubhai Ambani's younger son Anil Ambani, created waves all over the country when the Reliance Power raised 3 billion dollars in India's biggest-ever IPO this past week.
The IPO were oversubscribed within 60 seconds. The public response has been such that it has opened a new chapter in the shares and debentures investments. It is considered to be India's largest IPO in the recent times.
It may be recalled that it was Dhirubhai Ambani who mooted the equity cult in India and more than 58,000 investors subscribed to his venture in 1977 and today reaping rich dividends.
Kukaswada with its population of 12,000 boasts of around 100 Demat (dematerialised) account holders which, in turn, reflect that the villagers are investment-conscious.
Although many admit that Kukaswada is still quite backward and lacks proper infrastructure, the villagers take pride in the fact that one of the richest families of India hails from their village, no matter the place itself has remained little known. (ANI)
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Attack on NDTV office "serious" and "unfortunate": Congress
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Ahmedabad, Jan 19 (ANI): Congress party today condemned the attack on NDTV office in Ahmedabad by the activists of 'Hindu Samarajya Sena', terming it as "serious" and "unfortunate".
Equating the act to "fascism," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said: "If you cannot air your views with freedom, then it is a very sorry phase you have come to."
"This is what intolerance is all about," he added.
Singhvi said such acts "must be crushed in the threshold."
About 20 activists attacked the private channel's office on Saturday morning.
They were protesting against the news channel's poll asking viewers "whether noted painter M F Hussain can be a recipient of Bharat Ratna?"
Two staff members were also assaulted in the incident. (ANI) --MP
Gujarat's Khijadia bird sanctuary is haven for over 300 migratory bird species
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jamnagar, Jan.18 (ANI): Khijadia bird sanctuary in Gujarat is today home to over 300 varieties of migratory birds which prefer environs of both sea and fresh water.
Located 10 kilometres towards north east off Jamnagar, the Khijadia bird sanctuary has been nominated to be recognised as Ramsar site, the global index for prominent wetlands and mangroves favoured by birds.
Spread over an area of 605 hectare, Khijadia bird sanctuary is a unique wetland area with sea-water on one side and fresh water on the other side. It recorded more than 200 species of birds that nest here. Ninety species of waterfowl have been traced here. In 1982, it was declared a safe haven for birds.
"We have noted almost 300 varieties of birds; there could be more than that. Three types of nests are found here, one on the tree over the branches, second on the ground and third on water where floating nests are found. Here varieties of ducks make floating nests. For instance, the black-necked storks, which are not found anywhere, are found here in Khichadiya," said D. M. Dafadar, Ranger at the Khichadia Bird Sanctuary.
Ramsar defines wetlands encompasses coral reefs, peat forests, temporary pools, even underground caves besides marshes and lakes and all sorts of other systems including mountains to the sea and man-made habitats.
Before Indian independence, a check dam was built for storing the waters of River Ruparen just near the sea. Over the years with fresh water of the rain and river on one side and salt water of the sea on the other side, a unique area was formed here.
Both varieties of vegetation came up and in due course of time, birds and animals also started flocking and roosting here.
"Here at one side sweet water is found and on the other sea water and in between there is a narrow estuary. Such acclimatising and nourishing habitat is difficult to find anywhere else because big birds like black necked stork, pelican, and yellow-billed storks eat large fish which they can find either in sea water or sweet water," said P. R. Sindhia, Forest Officer, Khichadia Bird Sanctuary.
"Besides the varieties of ducks like Gadwal, Gadgil, Ton, Spoonbill, and Herons also fulfill their food requirements from salt and sea water. And mangrove supports their roosting," Sindhia added.
As the sanctuary is located on the western-most part of the country that falls on the traditional route of the migratory birds, a large number of birds nest here in the winters.
Domestic and foreign tourists visiting the region are overwhelmed to see the vast varieties of birds. Nilgais, which are on the verge of extinction, elsewhere also live in this sanctuary.
"This morning we had a guide. It's incredible. We saw so many types of birds. We saw a black-headed stork, which is very rare. Then we saw some animals and loads of birds. It's incredible to see bio-diversity in such a small space and it's incredible to see that Gujarat looks after nature so well," said Adam, a foreign tourist.
There are three watch towers for bird watchers, as well as inspection paths leading deep into the foliage. There is also provision for paddleboats to go around.
The sanctuary has three freshwater lakes, mangroves, tidal mud humps, salty beds and everything which the migratory birds and waders need.
Two dams were erected by the erstwhile ruler of Jamnagar in order to avoid seeping of water from adjacent River Ruparen during high tides.
Among the famous birds found at Khichadia are black ibis, black-winged kite, Brahminy kite, pheasant-tailed Jacana, common greenshank, grey Francolin, imperial eagle, Indian pond heron, little tern, black-tailed godwit, comb duck, common crane, teal, dunlin, garganey, marsh harrier, northern pintail, shoveler, Eurasian pigeon, pale harrier, demoiselle crane, sanderling and darters.
Watching the arrival of the cranes during sunset for roosting is a fantastic experience.
As for the other animals, apart from Nilgais, one can spot jackals, wolves, jungle cats, mongoose, rabbits and certain snakes like the cobra at Khichadia bird sanctuary. (ANI)
--MP
Ashok Bhatt elected Speaker of Gujarat Assembly
Gandhinagar, Jan 18 (ANI): Senior BJP legislator Ashok Bhatt was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly here today.
Former Health and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bhatt's candidature was supported by both the BJP and the Congress.
Thanking them all, Bhatt said, he will try his best to uphold the Parliamentary tradition and would be impartial while conducting the House proceedings.
Bhatt's name was proposed by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Amit Shah, which was supported by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress party's leader of the opposition Shakti Singh Gohil and other members of the House.
Modi's close aide was unanimously elected by a voice vote as no other nomination was filed.
Pro-tem Speaker Dolatram Desai initiated the procedure of voting.
Bhatt is the 14th Speaker of the Assembly since 1960 when the State came into existence. Babubhai Patel was the 13th Speaker.
Since 1975, Bhatt has been consecutively elected from Khadia Assembly seat in Ahmedabad. This is the eighth time that he has been elected to the 182-member Assembly. (ANI)
--MP
Popular tile industry of Gujarat's Morbi city facing closure
Rajkot, Jan.18 (ANI): Steep price rise of lignite and coal that is used as fuel in Gujarat's roof tile industry has badly affected the business in Morbi city. Kiln owners are perturbed over price hike and heavy taxes in the State.
Around 100 tile kilns have closed down at Morbi city, famous for ceramic products and roof tile, due to heavy losses and there are many more all set to follow suit.
Many of the kiln owners believe that the government's intervention can save them with the supply of natural gas which the ceramic potteries are availing.
According to Tile factory owners, the cost of coal was rupees 690 for twenty kilogram which has risen to rupees 1,250 for the same quantity. The additional taxes levied on these products have made their survival too difficult to survive.
"We had over 275 factories but around 100 of them have closed down due to the hike in cost price. Coal prices have risen and also the cost of production has become high because of this. Lignite prices have risen a lot in the past four years which has made it almost impossible for us to stay in the industry," said Ratilal Patel, President, Morbi Roof Tiles Manufacturers Association
Morbi's climatic environ is very favourable for the tile industry, the products of which are in much demand in the rural areas.
"Lignite (coal) rates have risen twice in a year's time and we have protested against this. But the Government has not done anything about it. The employment of the rural people has been affected and this can lead to serious crisis," said by Jayantibhai Patel, a roof tile factory owner.
There was a time when Morbi city had boasted of over 300 factories here which used to provide 70 percent of the nation's demand for roof tiles.
The roof tile factory owners want the State government to save the industry by providing natural gas as the fuel to fire kilns similar to what the ceramic units are getting. If the help is not accorded at the earliest, their industry is likely to face closure within six months from now.
"The season is on for our sales but because of the fluctuating rates, our industry does not gain any profit .The GMDC and the Government agencies have promised a lot but results are not to be seen and we do not see any positive response from them," said Mansukhbhai Prajapati, designer of roof tiles. (ANI)
--MP
Verdict in 2005 Bilkis Bano trial expected today
Mumbai, Jan 18 (ANI): The Additional Sessions Judge U D Salvi is expected to deliver the verdict in 2005 Bilkis Bano case here today.
On March 3, 2002, during the Gujrat riots, which followed after Godhra train carnage, pregnant Bilkis was allegedly gangraped, beaten up and left for dead in a town named Randhikpur, 250 kms away from Ahmedabad. 17 members of Bilkis's family were attacked in which eight were killed and six went missing.
The trial, which started in January 2005, is expected to conclude this week.
The Gujarat Government closed her case even after knowing the fact that she was the witness to the massacre of 14 family members. Bilkis moved the Supreme Court after bail was granted to all the accused in the case.
After Best bakery case, this became the second Gujarat riot case, which was transferred out of Gujarat to a special Mumbai court on April 6, 2004.
In the case, prosecution managed to get 17 out of 20 accused, including six policemen behind bars. They are charged with shielding the guilty, while a doctor couple is accused of destroying evidence. (ANI)
--MP
Gohil new CLP leader of Gujarat
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Gandhinagar, Jan 17 (ANI): Former Minister and senior Congress leader from Saurashtra, Shaktisinh Gohil, has been appointed as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Assembly in Gujarat.
Senior party leader B K Hariprasad said on Wednesday night that they had a discussion on the name of the CLP leader with Congress MLAs and they suggested Gohil's name which was approved by the high command also.
Defence Minister A K Antony and the party's Gujarat observer B K Hariprasad had a personal meeting with all Congress MLAs before Gohil's name was finalised.
A brief session of the 12th Gujarat Legislative Assembly is scheduled on January 18. (ANI)
--MP
Gujarati girls develop ink from vegetables and fruits
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rajkot, Jan.14 (ANI): Two students of a school in Rajkot have developed an eco-friendly ink from vegetables and fruits which can replace the synthetic petrochemical-based ink used in sketch pens.
Following six-month long experiments to formulate the special ink, Pooja Dholakia and Ridhi Dasani of Rajkot's S. G. Dholakia school in Gujarat, were successful at deriving ink from fruits and vegetables. Both the girls are standard nine students.
During experiments, the ink was extensively tested for retention of originality of the colour on paper as well as cloth. Its shelf life was also ascertained.
"Vegetable dyes are also used in fabric printing. So we thought to use it in sketch pens as well. So we tried to analyze what happens from the colours extracted from vegetable and flowers. When we experimented, we got many colours, and hence, we initiated the project," said Pooja Dholakia
The duo has formulated six natural eco-friendly ink colours by crushing beetroots, turmeric and coriander and motley of other vegetables. The inks are suitable for sketch pens and markers.
The idea to extract ink from vegetables and fruits struck Pooja' mind after she noticed some young students at her school licking ink from sketch pens. She made up her to do something for the safety of all others. She consulted with her friend Ridhi and both of them experimented.
"These girls thought that why not they use the natural colours instead of the petroleum-based colours and extracted the colours from fruits and vegetables to inject the same colours in the sketch pens and use them. Hence they did this and then we began our experiments," said Krishnakant Dholakiya, Trustee, S. G. Dholakia School.
Pooja and Ridhi documented each stage of their experiments and finally prepared a project report. They wrote their report in five colours prepared by them.
Both of them won the first prize at the National Science Fair held in Pune last month. The three-day event was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, CII and chipmaker Intel.
"Students have already prepared seven colours, but we want to make more colours because in the market today, there are 12 colours of sketch pens available. So we believe that these students will prepare at least 12 colours from different vegetables. They will work day and night to prepare these 12 colours and present them at the International Science Fair to be held in Atlanta," said Mitul Dholakia, the school principal.
The inks were sent to the various laboratories like Saurashtra University, M. S. University, Baroda and Gujarat State Food and Drug Control Department and the reports of analysis have been very encouraging. (ANI)
--MP
Delhi is still far for Narender Modi
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By Naveen Kapoor
New Delhi, Jan.8 (ANI): Keeping in view the 10 state elections slated for 2008 and the 2009 General Elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to get into election mode.
The party has formed a 19 member Central Election Management Committee to be headed by President Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders like Arun Jaitley ,Murli Manohar Joshi and Yashwant Sinha.
The high power committee will chalk out election strategies for the coming elections. States like Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalya will go to polls this year. The Assembly elections will be followed by general elections, If UPA- Left alliance remains afloat.
But the man who has instilled this new vigour and enthusiasm into the party with a resounding victory in Gujarat, Narendra Modi, does not figure in the list, which means that for now he has no role to play in central politics.
Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said: "Modi is the chief minister of Gujarat, we could invite him for consultation, otherwise he has no role in central election committee.
The BJP has also decided to mend ties with dismayed alliance partners of the National Democratic Alliance like the Trinamool and the Telugu Desam Party in consultation with its leaders from those states. It will also explore opportunities of new alliances,Swaraj told reporters here.
The NDA meeting will take place on 15th January.
The BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, Lal Krishan Advani, will attend all committee meetings. (ANI)
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Modi criticises media, opponents for portraying him in bad light
Mumbai, Jan 6 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the media and his opponents for portraying him in bad light in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Modi said after his victory in Gujarat, the media and his opponents were criticising the people of Gujarat for electing him and this was not good.
"After the election, people stopped targeting me, but started making the people of Gujarat the target of their attack," he said while addressing the concluding function of Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) at NSC ground in Goregaon.
Modi said that after his victory the media and the opponents are saying that the people of Gujarat are bad, and added that if he had lost the elections; the same people would have called the people of Gujarat intelligent.
He said that he has been the target of criticism of the media and his opponents since 2002.
"If I have done something wrong, I am ready to face the consequences, but I know if I am right then ultimately the victory will be mine," Modi said. (ANI)
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Gujarat adopts "Gandhigiri" to reform traffic violators
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Rajkot (Gujarat), Jan 5 (ANI): Traffic cops in Gujarat took to novel policing by handing out roses to the violators in a bid to stir their conscience.
The move is inspired by a Bollywood movie, which many say has revived memories of the apostle of peace, Mahatma Gandhi.
"We decided that we will not fine them and rather gave them roses to teach them and guide them. Some of them were not wearing the helmets, or using seat belts," said Balwant Jadeja, head of Rajkot traffic police.
In the Bollywood movie 'Lage Raho Munnabhai', an underworld don (Sanjay Dutt) after his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi's spirit starts emulating his pacifist ideals.
After learning Gandhiji's teachings on non-violence, the gangster sends flowers to a corrupt real estate dealer, to cure him of the "disease".
"When I was caught without helmet, police gave me a rose and told that what I are doing is wrong," said Meghal, a traffic violator.
The practice shown in the film "Munnabhai" is called "Gandhigiri" or the use of moral force to assert a viewpoint as opposed to "dadagiri" or use of brutal force. (ANI)
Narendra Modi expands cabinet
Gandhinagar, Jan 4 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi expanded his cabinet with the induction of 18 ministers here on Friday.
The ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Nawal Kishore Sharma at a ceremony on the lawns of Gujarat Assembly.
Nine of the ministers sworn-in were of cabinet rank. They are Vaju Vala, Narottam Patel, Anandiben Patel, Amit Shah, Saurab Patel, Ramanlal Vora, Mangubhai Patel, Jaswantsinh Babhor and Purshottam Solanki.
The new faces are Nitin Patel, Dilip Sanghani, Fakir Vaghela, Jaynarayan Vyas, Maya Kodnani, Kiritsinh Rana, Parbat Patel, Jaysinh Chauhan and Vasan Ahir.
The Modi Government came back to power winning 117 seats in the 182-member Assembly.
Modi became Chief Minister for the third consecutive time on December 25.
He first became Gujarat's Chief Minister in October 2001 after his predecessor Keshubhai Patel resigned following the defeat of the BJP in by-elections.
He was re-elected as chief minister in December 2002 after the BJP won with 127 assembly seats in the 182-State Assembly. (ANI)Labels: Politics
BJP wants Manmohan to act swiftly on Kenya crisis
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Ahmedabad, Jan 3 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday held a protest march in Ahmedabad demanding the UPA Government to take a swift action for ensuring safety of Indians living in Kenya.
"Our Chief Minister (Narendra Modi) is in constant touch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but till today we don't have any information about what the Central Government is doing for the victims," said Purushottam Sinh Rupala, state BJP president.
According to media reports, over 300 people were killed and at least 70, 000 people have left their homes following clashes between Kenya Opposition leader Raila Odinga supporters and police after the presidential election result was declared on Sunday.
Odinga has reportedly boycotted reconciliation talks with Mwai Kibaki who won the presidential election on December 27.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to issue emergency visas to violence affected Indians in Kenya who want to return to the country temporarily.
Ever since post-election riots broke out in Kenya, the Gujarati diaspora has been living in fear. Hundreds of Gujarati businessmen have taken shelter in a temple in the Kenyan town of Kisumu. Offices and factories belonging to Gujaratis had been looted and their houses attacked by residents.
There are about 43,000 Gujaratis in Nairobi and about 3,000 in Kisumu.
On Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said, "There is no report of any person of Indian origin having been subjected to any violence or hurt."
He also said that the government was monitoring the situation in Kenya, which hosts about 75,000 Indians, and the High Commission in Nairobi was in touch with the community groups.
Sarna also pointed out that the violence was not targeted against Asians or Indians, but was a result of the internal situation in that country. (ANI)
Modi to form his cabinet tomorrow
Ahmedabad, Jan 3 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will form his cabinet at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Friday.
Governor Naval Kishore Sharma will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the members of the new ministry.
According to sources, 15 to 20 ministers will be inducted.
Portfolios will be allocated in a meeting to be followed by the swearing-in- ceremony.
Among the seniors, Vajubhai Vala, Ashok Bhatt, Anandiben Patel, Narottam Patel, and Mangubhai Patel are likely to be re-nominated.
Ministers of State Amit Shah, Saurabh Patel, Jaswantsinh Bhabhor, and Parsottam Solanki are likely to be repeated from the outgoing Ministry.
Modi became Chief Minister for the third consecutive time on December 25.
He first became Gujarat's Chief Minister in October 2001 after his predecessor Keshubhai Patel resigned following the defeat of the BJP in by-elections.
He was re-elected as chief minister in December 2002 after the BJP won with 127 assembly seats in the 182-State Assembly. (ANI)Labels: Politics
Kite festival, unites all communities in Gujarat
By Ami Sharma
Ahmedabad, Jan.2 (ANI): Uttarayan, the famous kite festival of Gujarat that turns the sky full of colourful kites in Ahmedabad, also serves as chord of communal harmony in Gujarat.
Though the State always leads the country in celebrating every traditional festival in an attractive way, the Gujaratis maintain that Uttarayan strengthens communal harmony the best.
In the Jamalpur Kite market in Ahmedabad, Muslim craftsmen have been catering to the needs of Uttarayan festival celebrated by Hindus.
Umar Bhai, a Muslim kite maker, having spent over 35 years in this trade, takes pride in being a part of the 'Uttarayan' festival.
"Uttarayan is a festival of communal harmony. We feel proud that we do make kites for our Hindu friends and brothers. Here, every Kitemaker is a Muslim. Our buyers are Hindus. There is a great deal of love and affection among us," said Umar Bhai.
Kite lovers have already started flocking to the markets. Most of the buyers feel that Muslim kite makers are more creative and innovative. For that reason, they prefer kites made by them.
"Gujarat has seen worst communal riots but we don't feel that it has affected the communal harmony. Perhaps we feel that we are more connected with each other. We are fond of festivals. I feel that 'Uttarayan' is a symbol of communal harmony in our State. All of us celebrate it with a great fervour," said Falgun Joshi, a Kite buyer.
The Kite festival also coincides with 'Makar Sakranti' falling on January 14th.
On this day, Gujarat skies would be dotted with innumerable colourful kites of various shapes and sizes.
The Kite fliers throng to the roof terraces and open spaces amidst of loud music and festive fervour. (ANI)
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