Gujarati News: September 2007

Rs 71 cr package for riot victims
Sunday, September 30, 2007 | AY

The Congress-led UPA government has released an additional Rs 70.66 crore towards the special package announced for 2002 riot-affected people in Gujarat. This financial relief is over and above the compensation amount already paid to the affected families. About 1,169 people lost their lives in the Sabarmati Express carnage on February 27, 2002 and the widespread riots, which broke out all over the state from February 28. The UPA government had in February this year, announced that the riot affected people from the state would be given compensation on par with that rewarded to the victims of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. The decision to give compensation to Gujarat riot-affected victims was taken soon after the government announced a special relief package for the Sikh riots affected families.

Rajkot milk co-op to hike processing capacity
Saturday, September 29, 2007 | AY

Rajkot District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union, which is now part of the Amul brand, plans to expand its processing capacity from 1 lakh litres per day to 5 lakh litres per day. The unit will initially be expanded to handle 2.5-3 lakh litres per day and later, to 5 lakh litres. The expansion will require an investment of Rs 10 crore. While the new chilling plant will be set up at Jamkandorna with a capacity of 40,000-50,000 litres per day, the chilling centre at Wankaner will see a capacity expansion from the current 25,000 litres per day to 1 lakh litres. The capacity at the new Jamkandorna plant can be expanded to 80,000 litres. This project will cost around Rs 5 crore and will be completed in the next three years.

Fossil of world's oldest snake found
Thursday, September 27, 2007 | AY

A fossilised snake, stated to be about 70 million year old, the world's oldest, was recently discovered by Geological Survey of India (GSI) scientists in Gujarat's Kheda district. The well preserved specimen not only represents the oldest snake in the world but enhances the knowledge on its origin and evolution. Its occurrence in association with sauropod dinosaurian egg and hatchings, provides a unique evidence of predation of Mesozoic snakes on dinosaur eggs.

Gujarat Congress leader Jairambhai Patel expires
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 | AY

Veteran Gandhian and former Home Minister Jairambhai Patel expired today. He was 80 and he had kidney problem for quite sometime for which he was in admitted to hospital. Patel was chairman of the Gujarat State Cooperative Bank and is known for his tenure as the Chairman of the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation. He was also elected MLA from Upleta in Saurashtra and he was very close to former Chief Minister Hitendra Desai.

Fire guts five coaches of Avadh Express, no human casualties
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 | AY

Palej (Gujarat), Sept. 24 (ANI): Five coaches of the 9038 Mumbai-bound Avadh Express caught fire this morning while passing through Gujarat’s Bharuch District. The train was arriving from Gorakhpur when the fire broke out. A railway medical team and a team of senior railway officers were immediately dispatched to the spot. No passengers were hurt in the incident. An alert passenger pulled the chain (an automatic brake system) of the train, thus saving the lives of several others on board."After this, all the passengers were to disembark from the train. The pulling of the chain happened in time. Thankfully none of the passengers were hurt. We rescued all of them," said Siddharth Khatri, Superintendent of Police in Bharuch.Passengers said the fire spread very quickly and five bogies were on fire before fire fighters could douse the flames."Once the chain was pulled, we got down from the train and saw that a bogie was on fire, and then it kept spreading," said Manoj Bhai, a passenger.The train has since resumed its journey. The cause of the fire is being ascertained. (ANI)

Gandhi realised the need to protect Earth without going to space: Williams
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept. 21 (ANI): Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams has said that Mahatma Gandhi realised the significance of protecting Earth without travelling to space. "It is just that thin blue line that protects our planet from the dangers of the cold, the hot and the vacuum. It's our responsibility as human beings to take care of our planet. I think both of these impressions and principles Gandhi knew without even having to go to the space," said Williams while on a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram. Welcomed by admirers at the ashram set up by Gandhi in 1915, Williams shared her experiences with students who had gathered to meet her. Williams has said she was humbled by the enthusiastic support that she has received from many Indians during her time in space. "I think her potential and determination was great. I hope all Indians should walk in this path and achieve great heights," said Sachi, a student. Williams will also visit her ancestral home in Jhulasan village in North Gujarat’s Mehsana District. The Indian media’s treating Williams as their own homegrown heroine and a symbol of national pride.During her week-long stay in India, Williams will attend an event with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and will visit her family.During her last visit to India in 1998, she accompanied an urn believed to contain the ashes of India-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla. (ANI)

Sunita William’s ancestral village welcomes her with fanfare
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Jhulasan (Gujarat), Sept 21 (ANI): Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams on Friday visited her native village in Gujarat amidst much fanfare. Williams, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, is in India for the first time after her successful expedition aboard space shuttle Discovery. People of Jhulasan village, William's father's ancestral village, welcomed her with true Gujarati customs putting up folk dances as large crowds gathered to get a glimpse of her. "I think anybody out there-- all you children-- I hope you don't feel limited by anything. You have all the opportunities in the world," Williams said while interacting with children of the village. Residents of this quaint village in Mehsana district, with a population of just about 5,000, were filled with pride at the visit of one of their progenies who has brought them fame. "The whole village is ecstatic to see her. And, the children are so happy that they want to emulate Sunita and do something for their village and bring it fame," said Dinesh Patel, village head of Jhulasan. School children said Williams is an inspiration for them. "Sunita Williams came here, she is an inspiration for all Indian. She has made us proud. I, and other boys like me, want to emulate her so that we can also be famous," said Chetan Rabari, a student. Williams, a graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and selected in the astronaut class of 1998, was appointed along with two others to serve as a backup crew for the International Space Station Expedition 10. Williams' father, Dipak Pandya was a practicing doctor in the small town of Junagarh before migrating to the US. Williams was born in 1965 in Ohio, and is now married and lives in Massachusetts. During her weeklong stay in India, Williams will attend an event with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and will visit her family. (ANI)

Sunita Williams conferred with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad/ Jhulasan (Gujarat), Sept. 22 (ANI): Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams was conferred with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vishwa Pratibha Award by World Gujarati Society on Friday. Williams is the first non-resident to receive the award. She was presented with the award by Gujarat Governor Naval Kishore Sharma. The award hat includes a prize money of Rs 250,000, was collected by Williams's father, Dipak Pandya, who subsequently pledged it for a charity.Williams, benefiting from her vision of earthly affairs from a heavenly perspective, has been championing the cause of the global citizen."I feel that this principle has guided me throughout my career as I had never thought of myself having limitations, just like the boundaries. There are really no boundaries and limitations. They are primarily in your mind. And, I hope, that message rings clearly for all young people in the audience," she said.Williams also interacted with school students at her father's ancestral village, Jhulasan in Gujarat’s Mehsana District. Williams and her father met students of different schools, including those at the Keval Gyan Mandir, an institution where her father had studied. Narrating her space experience, Williams encouraged students to cross artificial barriers and preserve humanity."The borders that we see on the map are just on the map, they are not realistic. We have one world, one continent, or many continents; and all people are just one people. I hope you can keep that throughout your lives and your tolerance for all humanity is very high," she said. The students presented a cultural programme on the occasion.Williams is in India for the first time after her successful expedition aboard space shuttle “Discovery”. (ANI)

Sunita Williams meets school children in Ahmedabad
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept 22 (ANI): Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams on Saturday shared her experiences with school children in Ahmedabad.The Rajasthan Hindi High School organised a special interactive session for more than 40 school students from Ahmedabad and Vadodara, with Williams.Williams enjoyed answering and sharing her experiences with the students and also explained them what dangers lie in for an astronaut.“We are right on the edge of how much you can lift and how much you can get to space, so that's a very interesting problem. If you are the flight tech crew of the space shuttle, I would say 75 per cent of your training is for that lift off and the emergencies that could happen," Williams told school children.Williams, who is on her first visit to India after her successful expedition aboard space shuttle “Discovery”, was conferred with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vishwa Pratibha Award by World Gujarati Society on Friday.Williams is the first non-resident to receive the award. She was presented with the award by Gujarat Governor Naval Kishore Sharma.During her weeklong stay in India, Williams will attend an event with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.She will also speak at the 58th International Astronautical Congress in Hyderabad. (ANI)

Thousands fish found dead along Gujarat coast
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Dumas (Gujarat), Sept 22 (ANI): Thousands of fish have been found dead along the coast in Gujarat State. Initial investigation suggests an oil spill as the possible cause.Those residing along the Dumas Beach, which is about 30 kilometers from Surat City, have expressed alarm over the incident.Officials, who conducted a probe, said the dead fish were sticky, which suggested they had been covered by oil and chemicals."Fish in large number have been found dead. It seems some poisonous substance in the water might have led to it. It could also be due to some chemicals mixed with sea water," said S. Ansari, conservator of forest in south Gujarat.Villagers, who depend on fishing for their earning, have complained about loss of income."We do our earning selling fish. For quite sometime the fishes have been dying due to the poisonous water. We are bearing losses as we are dependent on it," said Mayanbhui, a fisherman.The dead fish have been sent to laboratory to arrive at the exact cause of their death. (ANI)

Three-year-old prodigy captivates music lovers in Rajkot
Sunday, September 23, 2007 | AY

Rajkot, Sept 23 (ANI): At a tender age of three years, Shivam Singh of Gujarat’s Rajkot District is a little wonder. The child prodigy sings melodiously and plays traditional Indian musical instruments with as much ease and aptness as he recites his nursery rhymes. His expertise in music is evident in the effortless manner with which he renders both melodious hymns and classical music, and taps apt rhythms on tabla and plays harmonium. The only son of Ashwin Singh, a music teacher at the city's SNK School and Madhuri Singh a housewife with immense interest in classical music, Shivam is creating waves in Rajkot with his talent. "I am a grown up now. I sing, play the tabla and also the harmonium. Thank you very much," says Shivam. Recognising this talent, Akashvani (All India Radio) recently aired a special programme to project his artistry. "He used to listen to us as even as a month old child when we used to practise. I feel his interest in music started from there itself. At a sub-conscious level, he had music in his system ever since then," says Ashwin, Shivam's father. His mother maintains that it is not practically possible to teach a child at this age, and they have never made any conscious effort to do so. She says the child is a quick learner. Often regarded as miracles of the nature, child prodigies intrigue the ordinary and tease scientists, who are keen to decode the mystery surrounding their capabilities. "He has an excellent genetic pool to learn music. Also, he has got a very conducive environment that is congenial for his hereditary talent. His parents encourage him if he sings or plays with musical instrument. While other kids recite Baa Baa Black Sheep, he sings religious hymns," said Shruti Hemani, a child specialist. There are numerous prodigies in India like P. Hari Krishna, the country's youngest-ever chess grandmaster; the Mysore brothers, Nagaraj and Manjunath, who gave their first violin concerts at the ages of 10 and 9 respectively. Human calculator Shakuntala Devi was also a child prodigy as was Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920), who had mastered trigonometry at the age of twelve. Shivam appears as the next to join this long list of luminaries. (ANI)

Govt to bring dropout rate to zero level
Thursday, September 20, 2007 | AY

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said his government was committed to bringing drown the dropout rate in primary schools to zero level by 2010 with the implementation of its ambitious ''Kanya Kelavani'' programme. He said taht the government had appointed 1,00,000 Vidhya Sahayaks across the state to provide proper and quality education to the students. He claimed that during the last five years, the number of educational institutions in the state had been doubled and two ITI colleges were opened exclusively for girl students considering the significance of technical education for them.

Sunita Williams' family, relatives celebrate her birthday
Thursday, September 20, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept 19 (ANI): The family and relatives of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams celebrated her birthday with fanfare in Gujarat today.In Ahmedabad, Williams' father Dipak Pandya cut a cake."I wish her success in her coming up expeditions for exploration of space," said Pandya.Students of the nearby Nelson School were present at the residence of Williams' uncle Vitthal Pandya.Students of Tagore Bal Niketan School in Haryana's Karnal, where Kalpana Chawla studied, also extended their wishes to her."I extend my heartiest congratulations to Sunita Williams and hope she fulfils the unrealised dreams of the Kalpana Chawla. Whenever she comes here, we will welcome her," said Pallavi, a student.Williams is expected to arrive on Thursday, months after completing her successful expedition aboard the space shuttle "Discovery".Williams's ancestral home in Jhulasan village in Gujarat's Mehsana District is looking forward to welcoming her. This quaint village, with a population of just about 5,000, is excited about the fact that one of its progeny has brought them fame.Williams is visiting Ahmedabad after almost a decade.Her last visit took place in 1998, when she accompanied an urn believed to contain the ashes of India-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla. During her five-day visit to India, she will also go to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility.Williams, 37, a graduate from the US Naval Academy and selected in the astronaut class of 1998, was appointed along with two others to serve as the backup crew for the International Space Station Expedition 10.Born on September 19, 1965 in Ohio, US, Sunita married Michael J.Williams, a NASA co-worker. She is currently serving as lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. (ANI)

Surat tense after cow protection body member killed
Thursday, September 20, 2007 | AY

Surat, Sept 19 (ANI): Tension prevailed in Surat on Wednesday when an irate mob set buses on fire to protest the murder of a member of the local cow protection body.Akhil Bharatiya Gauraksha Samiti (ABGS) Vice President Jaswant Darbar was killed by unknown assailants late on Monday night.Angry mob damaged public property and set several houses in Kosadi village of Mangrol taluka on fire. Police had to use tear gas shells to disperse the mob.Three of the five companies sent to the city for maintaining security during the Ganesha Festival were rushed to the spot.Security was tightened across Surat. Forces were deputed on the approach road of Mangrool and Kasodi village. Senior police and administrative officials are camping in the area, while curfew has been clamped in the town."The situation is under control," said Dilip Rawal, District Magistrate, Surat.After the killing, several shops were set on fire by Darbar's supporters. They also pelted stones at the police, blaming them for the killing.Meanwhile, the Gujarat Gauraksha Samiti has called for a shutdown on Thursday to protest against the killing. (ANI)

Sunita Williams arrives in Ahmedabad
Thursday, September 20, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept. 20 (ANI): American Indian astronaut Sunita Williams arrived here today, months after completing her successful expedition aboard the space shuttle "Discovery".Her last visit to India took place in 1998, when she accompanied an urn believed to contain the ashes of India-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla. During her five-day visit, Sunita will visit her ancestral home in Jhulasan village in North Gujarat’s Mehsana District. This quaint village, with a population of just about 5,000, is excited about the fact that one of its progeny has brought them fame.Williams will be accorded a grand reception by the village council. "The whole village is happy and preparing to welcome sister Sunita. We will present her with gifts. She will take a round of the village and will also visit the temple," said Dinesh Patel, the head of the village council.Besides, she is scheduled to visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility.The astronaut will also attend a multitude of programmes, including an interaction with students in Ahmedabad, felicitation by the Governor, Chamber of Commerce and voluntary organisations.The family and relatives of Sunita on Wednesday celebrated her birthday with fanfare in Gujarat. In Ahmedabad, Williams' father Dipak Pandya cut a cake."I wish her success in her coming up expeditions for exploration of space," said Pandya.Students of the nearby Nelson School were present at the residence of Williams' uncle Vitthal Pandya.Students of Tagore Bal Niketan School in Haryana's Karnal, where Kalpana Chawla studied, also extended their wishes to her."I extend my heartiest congratulations to Sunita Williams and hope she fulfils the unrealised dreams of the Kalpana Chawla," said Pallavi, a student.Williams, 37, a graduate from the US Naval Academy and selected in the astronaut class of 1998, was appointed along with two others to serve as the backup crew for the International Space Station Expedition 10.Born on September 19, 1965 in Ohio, US, Sunita married Michael J.Williams, a NASA co-worker. She is currently serving as lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. (ANI)

Sunita William's ancestral village prepares to welcome her
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 | AY

Jhulasan (Gujarat), Sept. 19 (ANI): American Indian astronaut Sunita Williams’s ancestral home in Jhulasan village in North Gujarat’s Mehsana District is looking forward to welcoming her later this week.Williams is expected to arrive on Thursday, months after completing her successful expedition aboard the space shuttle “Discovery”.This quaint village, with a population of just about 5,000, is excited about the fact that one of its progeny has brought them fame.Williams will be accorded a grand reception by the village council. "The whole village is happy and preparing to welcome sister Sunita. We will present her with gifts. She will take a round of the village and will also visit thetemple," said Dinesh Patel, the head of the village council.Williams' father Dipak Pandya, who is here, has visited a temple and prayed to the deity."We know that these people are around who have prayed for her, but equally so people in America and all over the world have prayed for her. But here it was most important. It was a Vedic place where the prayers were done and were heard and she safely came back home," said Pandya.Williams is visiting Ahmedabad after almost a decade.Her last visit took place in 1998, when she accompanied an urn believed to contain the ashes of India-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla. During her five-day visit to India, she will also go to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility.Williams, 37, a graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and selected in the astronaut class of 1998, was appointed along with two others to serve as the backup crew for the International Space Station Expedition 10.Born on September 19, 1965 in Ohio, U.S., Sunita married Michael J.Williams, a NASA co-worker. She is currently serving as lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. (ANI)

Mayawati pitches for reservation for upper caste poor
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 | AY

Vadodara, Sept 16 (ANI): With an eye on Gujarat Assembly polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today pitched for reservation for poor among the upper castes, and accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party for not paying attention to this.Mayawati told a party rally here that she had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding reservations for the upper caste poor and told him that her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) would support the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to make an amendment in the Constitution."However, the Prime Minister had replied in the negative about the BSP's proposal," Mayawati added.Mayawati said that 10 per cent reservations each for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and weaker sections of upper castes have been made in new industrial units or projects in the State after her party came to power."If it can be done in UP, then why it cannot be done at national level?" she added.Mayawati further said that both the Congress and the BJP are closer to corporate houses and capitalists; and they will oppose the reservation for upper caste poor.She said that her party will have no tie-up with any political party for Gujarat Assembly polls and will put up candidates for all the 182 seats. (ANI)

Mayawati pitches for reservation for upper caste poor
Monday, September 17, 2007 | AY

Vadodara, Sept 16 (ANI): With an eye on Gujarat Assembly polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today pitched for reservation for poor among the upper castes, and accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party for not paying attention to this.Mayawati told a party rally here that she had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding reservations for the upper caste poor and told him that her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) would support the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to make an amendment in the Constitution."However, the Prime Minister had replied in the negative about the BSP's proposal," Mayawati added.Mayawati said that 10 per cent reservations each for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and weaker sections of upper castes have been made in new industrial units or projects in the State after her party came to power."If it can be done in UP, then why it cannot be done at national level?" she added.Mayawati further said that both the Congress and the BJP are closer to corporate houses and capitalists; and they will oppose the reservation for upper caste poor.She said that her party will have no tie-up with any political party for Gujarat Assembly polls and will put up candidates for all the 182 seats. (ANI)

Vapi in Gujarat famous for pollution
Sunday, September 16, 2007 | AY

Two of India’s big money-minting sites — Vapi in Gujarat and Sukinda in Orissa — are among the world’s top 10 most polluted areas. The report said the Gujarat and Orissa governments have not done much. In Vapi, the Central Pollution Control Board has categorised Damanganga river as critically polluted and Kolak river as highly polluted, adding that both are unfit to support biological life. Mercury content in water has been found to be 96 times higher than the World Health Organisation standards. Sukinda and Vapi are new in the list. Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet is out of top 10 but is still there in the list of top 30 along with Maharashtra’s Mahad Industrial Estate.

Tanclean launches its operation in Gujarat
Saturday, September 15, 2007 | AY

Tanclean, a service provider for scientific cleaning of drinking water storage tanks, today launched its service in Gujarat with the aim of fulfiling Chief Minister Narendra Modi's dream of ''Nirmal Gujarat (Clean Gujarat)''. ''It is estimated that world's drinking water market is worth over 400 billion US$, with an annual growth of 8 per cent. To put in perspective, that is 20 per cent of global oil industry and is 20 per cent bigger than the global pharmaceutical industry. Tanclean's procedure 'TANCLEANTM' is to help clean the sludge accumulated in water tanks post monsoons and prevent the outbreak of water-related diseases, that are second biggest killer of children worldwide. And contribute in a big way towards a cleaner and greener Gujarat. Polluted water has been the mainspring of many recurring diseases like typhoid, jaundice, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and chikungunya.

GSRTC to set up new pick-up points in Surat
Thursday, September 13, 2007 | AY

The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is mulling the idea of creating various pick-up centres for long-distance passengers in the city. This system is expected to be in place after GSRTC receives new buses in November. Surat, which is known for diamond and textile business, attracts many people from across the State and also from other states to earn their livelihood. Taking advantage of the poor services of the GSRTC, many private players have set up their travel business in the city. The GSRTC staff with union leaders will visit different areas in the city and will directly communicate with people and listen to their complaints about the GSRTC. They will also request people to use the ST services to reach their destinations.

Shell sets up three retail fuel stations in Gujarat
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 | AY

Shell, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies - today launched the first three of a chain of its new retail fuel stations that the company plans to open in Gujarat in the next couple of years. The new fuel stations have been opened in the cities of Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Rajkot. Shell plans to go beyond the 12 fuel stations in Gujarat as the company viewed Gujarat as a very important market for its future business. Shell's modern retail stations are equipped with latest technology and safety features. The fuel storage tanks are made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, incorporating double-walled construction techniques which are unique in the industry in India.

Emirates to launch direct flight to Ahmedabad
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 | AY

Emirates airlines will start its six-flights-a-week service to Ahmedabad in western India from October 28. The non-stop flight from Dubai will be the airline's ninth destination in India, and second in the country's western region in two decades after it connected Mumbai in 1985. vice-president in charge of commercial operations in West Asia and Indian Ocean Salem Obaidallah said Emirates' Dubai-Ahmedabad flight comes a year after the airline embarked upon a major expansion programme in southern India.

1st Gollywood sequel
Monday, September 10, 2007 | AY

The ever growing trend in Bollywood, now seems to have caught up with Gollywood too, as shooting begins for a sequel to the runaway hit ‘Maiyarma Manadu Nathi Lagtu’ (MMNL), that will be the first Dhoom 2, Phir Hera Pheri or Lage Raho Munnabhai of Gujarati movies. The movie already had many firsts to its credit in Gollywood. It was the first Gujarati film to be shot and dubbed in digital Dolby sound and also had appealing camerawork and choreography. It was touted to be made at a budget of around Rs 1.5 crore, much higher than the Gujarati film industry standards. Buoyed by the success of MMNL, Gangani is all set to make a sequel. In 2001, the film swept the first Gujarati Screen and Stage Awards with nine awards, including those for the best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best story, best music director, best lyrics, best editor and best comedian (male).

Amul emerges as the leading Asian Brand
Monday, September 10, 2007 | AY

Anand (Gujarat), Sept.10 (ANI/Business Wire India): Amul has emerged as the leading brand in Asia, according to a survey conducted by the Global Market Research organization Synovate to find out Asia's top 1000 Brands. The research was done in nine markets namely China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and India. The survey covered 12 major products and service categories. Synovate interviewed people aged between 15 and 64 years. Amul, a brand owned by the 26 lakh milk producers of Gujarat has once again demonstrated that when farmers are given the instruments of development in their hands they can work wonders. The billion dollar Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, the apex body of 13 district milk producers' unions has been instrumental in making Amul a brand to reckon with. "Co-operation amongst Co-operatives to serve the interests of the milk producers and providing quality products to consumers ensuring value for money has been the backbone of Amul. This brings a lot of passion and energy in the system which has now been recognized and reported by the consumers through this survey," B. M. Vyas, Managing Director, GCMMF said. Amul's strategy of using "umbrella branding" has paid off, according to R. S. Sodhi, Chief General Manager, GCMMF "Our strength comes from consistency, trust and relevance of our products." Sodhi claimed that Amul's advertising and marketing spend has never exceeded one percent of its revenues. GCMMF, which ended 2006-07 with a sales turnover of Rs. 4,278 crores launched quite a number of products during the past two years. (ANI)

In Gujarat, Govt property is attached for failing to reimburse contractor
Sunday, September 9, 2007 | AY

Godhra (Gujarat), Sept 8 (ANI): In a rare turn of events, a government office's property has been attached in Gujarat under direction by a local court.The court ruling came as part of an ongoing case by the 'Sriram Construction Company' against the District Village Development Council in Godhra.The petitioners allege the Council has not paid them Rs 650,000 rupees for constructing a road in 1981. Including the interests, the payable amount, as of now, stands at Rs 6.2 million.The local court hearing the case finally ordered on August 22 that the Council office's property be attached."The (attach property) will be returned to the department officials if they produce to the court a cheque worth the outstanding amount," said Subhash Bhai Seth, attorney of the Sriram Construction Company.The concerned Council officers did not turn up, as their offices were opened and chairs and computers carried out and away in the confiscated vehicles.The attached property was estimated as being worth 64,000 rupees, around one per cent of the outstanding amount.Sriram Constructions has said it would take over the Council office premises itself, if the remaining amount were not paid within a week. (ANI)

Six killed in Ahmedabad building roof collapse
Saturday, September 8, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept. 8 (ANI): At least six people were killed when roof of a two-storeyed building collapsed in Vandaphalia area of Jamnagar this morning. According to police, rescue operation is in progress. The victims belonged to same family, who were sleeping, when the accident took place. (ANI)

SM Goh, Gujarat Chief Minister explore economic cooperation
Thursday, September 6, 2007 | AY

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has met Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Dalian. The Singapore leader last met Mr Modi last October when the Chief Minister visited Singapore to attend the Global Entrepolis 2006. During the latest meeting, Mr Modi briefed the Senior Minister on the economic development in Gujarat and the two leaders also discussed opportunities for economic cooperation between Singapore and Gujarat. High on the agenda is the eco-city bilateral project first mooted by Mr Goh when he last met Premier Wen in April this year.

Jain woman in Gujarat fasts to death for salvation
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 | AY

Surat (Gujarat), Sept. 5 (ANI): A Jain community woman has died after undertaking a a ritualistic fast unto death to attain salvation.The process, which is also known as Santhara, is said to purify the body after a person determines that his worldly duties are over.A 'Palki Yatra' (palanquin procession) was taken out for her cremation. A crowd of saints and faithful followed the palanquin.Tejash Bhai, a member of the Terapanth religious group, said that the Jain community had come out in full force to pay their respects to 67 year old Anandshree, who was suffering from cancer for past two years. Anandshree was a disciple of Acharya Mahapragya, a religious teacher of the Terapanth religious group. At the age of 19, Anandshree took 'Diksha' (initiation, by obtaining preaching) by travelling across India on foot.Acharya Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, founded Jainism. Mahaveer was the 24th and last Tirthankara.Jainism preaches the three-fold path of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct to attain heavenly bliss. (ANI)

Big FM Surat introduces new shows for Janmashtami
Tuesday, September 4, 2007 | AY

Big 92.7FM Surat is celebrating Janmashtami with a new programming line up on 4 and 5 September. Beginning with Krishna Bhajans from 9 am onwards, the station will be hosting live updates of the biggest Matki Fod event to be held in the afternoon in Surat. It will also air live the midnight celebrations among Krishna devotees at Iskcon temple. On 5 September, RJs will entertain listeners with innovative content across shows throughout the day. The new shows include 36 Ka Ankada, Misri Jaisa Meetha Bol, Maska Maro and special Janmasthami quiz.

Child labour on in Gujarat Bt.cotton fields
Tuesday, September 4, 2007 | AY

Sabarkantha (Gujarat), Sept.3 (ANI): Despite a stringent ban on child labour in India, a large number of underage children can be found working in Bt. cotton fields in Gujarat. Due to a bumper crop this year, about 30,000 children will arrive for work in farms spread across Gujarat. According to the Gujarat Agriculture Labour Union (GALU), every year around 20,000 children aged five to 14 arrive in Gujarat to work in the Bt. Cotton fields. And, this year, the number of child worker may increase by half in various Gujarat farms. Sailesh Pandya, Member, Gujarat Agriculture Labour Union, said: "This season, there has been a bumper crop. Child labours come every year in the State but this time because of the bumper crops more children are expected to come." Bt. Cotton farmers in Gujarat employ scores of small children, flouting all laws of the land related to child labour.Employment of children in the farms for cross-pollination work of Bt. Cotton (genetically modified hybrid cotton seeds) is a common sight during this season in Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, and Mehsana Districts of Gujarat. Farmers say that they have no choice but to employ children, as there is shortage of farm hands in the State.At an age when other children go to school, these children are busy working in the farms for over 12 hours a day for a meagre daily wage of rupees 30 to 45 ( 0.72 to 1.09 dollars)."I arrived here 14 days ago and I do cross-pollination in the Bt. Cotton fields for which I receive rupees 45 a day," said Arvind, a child labour. The State Government Labour Officer, however, refutes such allegations that a large number of child labourers are working in the Bt. Cotton fields in Gujarat.They say that they have suspicion about the age of just eight children working in the fields having surveyed 64 villages in the area. "The children we found working in the field during inspection were above 14 years old. We couldn't find underage kids working in the field. Only in eight cases, we had doubt over children's age. We issued notices to those farmers and clarification are expected," said Arvind Darji, Government Labour Officer (Agriculture). Officially, India currently has about 12 million child workers under 14, more than any other nation, but voluntary groups put the number at close to 60 million. An estimated 21.6 million children, aged five to 14 years are working in South Asia out of a total of 300 million children of this age group. In India, the ban on the employment of children below the age of 14 as domestic help and in Dhabas (road side eateries), restaurants, hotels and the hospitality sectors came into effect from Oct.10, 2006 under the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Violation of the ban invites imprisonment up to two years and/or fine of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000. Under the Act, children below 14 years of age are already banned from working in "hazardous" industries such bangle, fireworks, carpet weaving and glass making. As per 2001 Census, around 256,000 children (1,85,000 in child domestic labour and over 70,000 in Dhabas and restaurants) were involved in these occupations. Non-governmental organisations put the figure at 20 million — with one million children estimated to be working in these sectors in Delhi alone.According to Bachpan Bachao Andolan, an NGO, as per estimated figures, there are around four to five lakh child labours in Delhi and 6.50 crores across the country. (ANI)

MeT forecasts heavy rains in south Gujarat
Monday, September 3, 2007 | AY

The Gujarat meteorological department has forecasted moderate to rather heavy rains accompanied by thundershowers over south Gujarat. Similar weather has been forecast over the Union Territories of Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Heavy rains are also likely to occur at isolated places in north Gujarat and Kutch.

12 killed in Gujarat road mishap
Monday, September 3, 2007 | AY

Ahmedabad, Sept. 3 (ANI): Twelve persons were killed and several others were injured in a road accident this morning. The accident involved a bus and a Tata Sumo. According to police, two bus passengers and ten people in the Sumo were killed instantly. The injured are in hospital. (ANI)

Govt keen on turning Dholavira into model village
Sunday, September 2, 2007 | AY

THE Gujarat Government is keen on speedily implementing the Rs 1-crore ‘model village’ scheme at Dholavira, the site for 5,000-year-old Indus civilisation. The site is located on the Rann-based Khadir island, 250 north east of Bhuj. The biggest and perennial problem of the village was water. Though a Narmada pipeline has long been laid up to the village, the village does not get a single drop. The construction of a check dam at a cost of Rs 25 lakh under the scheme is on and this too could be of great help in easing the water problem. The village was still poor in communication network. The BSNL erected a mobile tower six months ago, but it is yet to start the service.

Artemis’ Rs 500cr medicity to come up in Gujarat
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | AY

Apollo Tyres-promoted Artemis Health Sciences is finalising plans to set up a Rs 500-crore medical education hub on the Baroda-Ahmedabad highway in Gujarat. Although financial details have not been finalised, the investment in the project could be around Rs 500 crore, which includes the cost of real estate and medical equipment. Artemis has already signed an memorandum of understanding with the Gujarat government few months back to buy the land for the project. The company is planning to acquire around 95 acres for the project on the Baroda-Ahmedabad highway. Besides a research centres, which will be a key focus area of the project, the medicity envisions like most medicities, a medical college, nursing college, pharma college, medical administration college and a hospital which will have over 500 beds. In Gujarat, Artemis is the second company which plans to set up a medicity. Fortis Group, which plans to set up 10 medicities, is also in talks with the Gujarat government for the same.

SC issues notice to Gujarat in post Godhra riot case
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 31 (ANI): The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Gujarat Government on a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killings of 21 persons in post-Godhra riots, whose bodies were exhumed in 2005. A Bench headed by Justice B N Aggarwal sought reply from the State Government and the CBI within four weeks.In 2005 at least 21 skeletal remains of those believed to have been killed in the 2002 Gujarat communal riots were exhumed from a mass grave in Panchamahal district of the State. The bodies were dug out by relatives of people, who went missing after the riot. The Gujarat High Court had ordered the DNA testing of the skeletal remains unearthed be collected and had sent to a laboratory in Hyderabad for DNA testing under the supervision of CBI. Of the 21 bodies, DNA of eight had matched with their relatives.Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in Gujarat in retaliation for the burning alive of 59 Hindu pilgrims on February 27,2002 at Godhra town by a suspected Muslim mob.(ANI)

Muslims, Hindus attack each other in Gujarat’s Godhra
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | AY

Shehra (Gujarat), Sep 1 (ANI): Hindus and Muslims attacked each other in Godhra, the same town in Gujarat where communal riots broke out in 2002.The violence started as a classroom squabble between Muslim and Hindu boys.Children from both sides later complained to their parents, who then took the fight to the streets. "About 500 to 600 youth came near the bus stand area and torched vehicles. They also threw stones, looted shops and beat each other. The place was peaceful during the 2002 riots. It is some people's planned step to disturb the peace," said Roopchand Sevkani, a resident."Police controlled the situation immediately. They arrested 15-20 people from each side,” said J. K. Bhatt, Superintendent of Police, Panchmahals District.About 20 people were admitted to hospital. (ANI)

Children clad as Radha-Krishna walk on ramp
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | AY

Rajkot (Gujarat), Sep 1 (ANI): Children dressed as the Lord Krishna and his consort Radha walked down the ramp here, just days ahead of Janmashtami festival. Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.Organised by a Rajkot-based 'Madhuram' club and supported by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), about 300 colourfully attired children aged between five and 13 years, took part in the cultural programme."I am happy to be that Krishna today. Everyone enjoyed it. I played the flute and enjoyed it a lot," said Ricardo, a participant."Through such competitions, our culture is highlighted. Children come to know who Krishna, Gopi and Radha are, "said Sonalben, parent of a participant.Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 4. On this day, people decorate their homes and visit friends and relatives. They also distribute and exchange sweets.Devouts of Lord Krishna fast all day long and visit temples. Some enact scenes from the life and times of Lord Krishna. The day culminates with a feast at midnight, when Krishna took birth.According to Hindu mythology, Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the universe and one of the trinity of Gods, the other two being Lord Brahma, the Creator and Lord Shiva, the Destroyer.Krishna took birth as a human being to destroy the evil King Kansa who ruled over 5000 years ago.Janmashtami is celebrated on two consecutive days, the day when Krishna was born, and the day when he was brought to Gokul by his father Vasudeva. (ANI)