Silchar Women’s College 5th annual journal

Women’s College makes significant stride

Prof Somnath Dasgupta, Vice Chancellor of Assam University, appreciated the progress and achievement of Women’s College of the town while releasing the 5th annual journal of the institution at a simple but well attended function in the college auditorium on Tuesday, presided over by the president of the governing body, Dr Sourindra Kumar Bhattacharjee. It was an eventful occasion because besides the release of the journal, mass communication laboratory cum studio, new reading room of central library and youth festival–2012–13 were inaugurated.

Details here: http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=147738&dtP=2013-01-30&ppr=1#147738

The 67th Gandhi Mela inaugurated in Silchar

Gandhi Mela begins in Silchar

SILCHAR, Jan 30: The 67th Gandhi Mela and exhibition, organized by the Silchar Municipality Board, was inaugurated by well–known teacher and an educationist, Sumitra Dutta here this evening. Traditionally every year the fair flags off on January 30 in remembrance of the day when the father of the Nation was gunned down.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Sumitra Dutta dwelt on the history of the fair. She said that the fair was one of the biggest and popular in the north east region. In the present moment of unrest and restlessness across the country, Dutta underlined the importance of adequate security in the premises of the fair to avoid any possibilities of any untoward incidents.

She took the opportunity to throw the light on the life of the ‘father of the nation’ who sacrificed his life in service of the nation. Dutta further expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for inviting her to inaugurate the prestigious fair. Sushmita Dev, chairperson, Silchar Municipality Board and the incumbent MLA, said that unlike other years the Mela would fully get started by February 1. Earlier, the fair, which is supposed to get started from January 30, is used to begin by last week of February which earned strong criticism from all the quarters. Dev said that this time she took firm standpoint to ensure the full fledged beginning of the fair by due date and conclude it within a limited time frame. Otherwise, the high school and higher secondary examinees faced lots of problems due to the loud sounds of microphones, blaring out sizzling Hindi and Bengali songs, in the fair.

Among others present at today’s inaugural function included Badal Dey, president, District Sports Association, Silchar, Dipak Bhattacharjee, former MLA, Babul Hore, secretary, Silchar DSA, Sourindra Bhattacharjee, former lecturer, Sampa Dhar, ward commissioner and the secretary of the fair. At the outset, all the dignitaries offered floral tribute to the temporary statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the fair premises. From a hairpin to cosmetics and ornaments, besides all sorts of items and goods, as well as sweet and sumptuous dishes, a visitor will have everything to see and relish. The fast food and cuisines of all tastes will be there like every other year to add to the variety of a fair.

Source: The Sentinel (31.01.2013)

Siddhartha Nandi Purkayastha elected vice–president of teachers’ association United Kingdom

Silchar boy elected vice–president of teachers’ association, United Kingdom (UK)

SILCHAR, Jan 30: Siddhartha Nandi Purkayastha, Teacher of English, Challney High School for Girls, Luton, United Kingdom was elected vice – president, NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters/ Union of Women Teachers) during the Annual General Meeting held recently. NASUWT is the largest Teacher’s Union in the United Kingdom. Siddhartha has been an active member of the association since July 2006.

Siddhartha graduated from Assam University, Silchar, in 2000 and obtained the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary English) from King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom in 2006. Siddhartha has been teaching at Challney High School for Girls, Luton since September 2008. He taught English at Lea Manor High School, Luton, United Kingdom from September 2006 – August 2008.

Siddhartha is a registered member of both General Teaching Council for England and General Teaching Council for Scotland. Siddhartha was a Member of the Governing Body, Bushmead Pre – School, Luton, United Kingdom from November 2010 – November 2012. Siddhartha is the eldest son of Dr Sujit Kumar Nandi Purkayastha, a renowned orthopedician and Dr Sunanda Nandi Purkayastha, educationist and social worker of the town.

Source: The Sentinel 31st January 2013

Panchayat election Congress vs AIUDF in Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi

AIUDF all set to beat Congress on its turf

SILCHAR, Jan 24: After its impressive win in the last assembly polls of 2011 which took the tally of AIUDF to 18 from its debut performance of 12 seats in 2006, the party is going on all hog with leaders and workers in a renewed gusto and united face to beat Congress on its own turf in Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi. This is what Badruddin Ajmal, the AIUDF supremo, told The Sentinel here after his hectic campaign addressing as many as 12 public meetings and joining as many street shows. With a voice of aplomb, he dismissed all talks of squabbling and bickering within the party and scoffed at the detractors for undermining their growing strength an advised them to set their own house in order.

Though Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, AGP president and former Chief Minister, hinted at some sort of understanding and adjustment with AIUDF while interacting with media–persons here a few days ago, Badruddin Ajmal rather brushed aside it by saying, “AGP and BJP are no force to reckon with”. The only factor before his party, as he said, is Congress.

Source:
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=147168&dtP=2013-01-24&ppr=1#147168

Silchar–Lumding BG conspiracy Part – II

Silchar–Lumding BG: A tale of deep rooted conspiracy

Part – II

From our Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 24: It would be interesting to know how the British constructed Silchar – Lumding Metre Gauge with 24 railway stations, 586 bridges and 37 tunnels through the difficult hilly terrain of North Cachar Hills in a record time of 15 years with the available technology of the time. In 1882, John Boyers, chief engineer, mooted the idea of connecting Surma Valley with Brahmaputra Valley. Guildford Molesworth, the consulting engineer, accepted the detailed survey report in 1887. The construction work started in 1888. The Badarpur–Damcherra section was opened on April 23, 1899 and Damcherra–Lumding section on December 1, 1903.

As there was lack of man power, labour was brought from outside. Markhrans from the Persian Gulf for tunnel work. Pathans from Afghanistan for rock cutting and earth works, Nujos from Orissa, Sylhetis from Sylhet, Santhals from Madhya Pradesh, Biharis, Nepalis and Punjabis for carpentry, stone masons and brick layers, Bombayites as riveters and pillar erectors. Some 8,000 labourers were engaged. All supplies of food, tools, plants, stores, explosives, lime, cement and other materials were brought from the base camp, 34 miles away. 200 bullocks and ponies, 250 camels, 30 elephants were engaged in each unit for transportation. Series of roads were built about 300 to 400 ft above the work sites. The dense forest being malaria prone and habitats of wild animals made the work hazardous. But, it was the grit, determination and skill of British engineers which overcame all obstacles and made impossible possible.

The story of Konkan Railway on the western coastline connecting Mangalore with Mumbai is another example of the skill and efficiency of Indian engineers. The Konkan railway was the brain child of then MP Nath Pai which was given concrete shape by leaders like Madhu Dandavate and George Fernandes, all from Konkan area. The foundation stone of this 738 km long BG with 56 stations, 2,000 bridges and 91 tunnels, 9 of them critical, was laid on September 15, 1990. For expeditious construction work, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited was formed. It was a challenging task as the route passes through hilly terrain, thick forest with wild animals, not different from North Cachar Hills. The Corporation set the target of 5 years to complete the BG, something that had never happened in India.

Flash floods, landslides and tunnel collapses affected the work but the project moved on. Reputed construction companies like Larsen and Turbo, Gammons India Limited, AFCONS, and Swedish expertise in tunnelling were engaged with round the clock monitoring of work by dividing the entire stretch of 738 km into 7 divisions, each headed by a chief engineer. All political leaders and parties united to see the project faced no problem. The transport lobby which made huge profits on Mangalore–Mumbai road was active to oppose and delay and even scuttle the project. But, people of Konkan areas were watchful and vigilant. Ultimately on the Republic Day of 1998, the first train on the Konkan Railway was flagged off.

It took just 8 years to complete the project. Quite significantly, Konkan Railway is the first of its kind to introduce services for commercial trucks to be transported on flat wagons. It proved very economic and profitable for transporters. In one year, Konkan Railway carried 1.6 lakh trucks with an income of Rs 120 crore. Transport lobby is now the great patroniser of Konkan Railway.

It will also be relevant to know how the Railway Ministry has given priority to complete 345 km Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla broad gauge link in Jammu and Kashmir. This rail link with 750 bridges and 100 km of tunnelling is another most difficult and challenging railway line project in the Indian sub continent. The route passes through the Himalayan foothills and mighty Pir Panjal range. The longest tunnel of 11 km Pir Panjal has been completed in six years. And the highest bridge in the world over Chenab river is under construction. It is higher than Kutub Minar and Eiffel Tower of Paris.

The railway line which started in 1993 is all set to be completed by 2017. In the meantime, the train services have started between Jammu and Udhampur as well as Quazijund to Baramulla. Work is fast progressing on the other two sections– Udhampur–Katra and Katra–Quazijund. In this construction works are involved reputed companies like Ircon, Hindhustan Construction Company, Gammon India, Archiradom and Konkan Railway Corporation. Australian tunnelling technology is being used.

And now see the contrast, the British with elephants, camels and ponies completed hills section in 15 years, Konkan Railway could be completed in just 8 years and the Jammu–Kashmir railway is all set for completion by 2017. With all the modern and sophisticated technology, NF Railway is groping in the darkness of tunnel No. 10 and the rest tells its own story.

(Concluded)
Source:
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=147172&dtP=2013-01-24&ppr=1#147172

Newly constructed Silchar AVBP office building was inaugurated

AVBP's new building inaugurated

From our Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 23: The newly constructed State office of Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was inaugurated here toady by Swami Mrinmayanandaji Maharaj, in-charge, Barak Valley, Bharat Sevashram Sangha.

The office was constructed under Students’ Experience Inter-State Living (SEIL) project, which was started in 1996.

Sunil Ambedkar, national organizing secretary, highlighted the different projects of AVBP under which different training and educational trips are conducted for the larger interest of the students’ community. He also pointed out that unlike other students’ organizations the AVBP had its world reach. Ambedkar threw light on the history of ABVP and its programmes for nation building by organizing different activities and programmes.

The national organizing secretary requested the students to come forward for fighting against corruption. He appealed to the students to join AVBP with a view to build their character for leading corruption free society.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Mrinmayanandaji Maharaj appealed to the members and supporters of students’ body to work for the larger interest of the society. Among others who spoke on the occasion, Bimal Nath Choudhury, Sishu Ranjan Das, Srihari Mukherjee, Sanjib Bhattacharjee, Monoj Nikhra, Apangshu Sekhar Shil, Sumit Paul.

Source: 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146998&dtP=2013-01-23&ppr=1#146998

Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge Project conspiracy

Silchar-Lumding BG: A tale of deep rooted conspiracy

Part I

From our Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 23: Lumding broad gauge is a tale of deep rooted conspiracy. Who are behind it? Politicians, bureaucrats, transport lobby, Dispur or Delhi. It is a combined force that has taken advantage of the all peaceful but divided people of this valley without any strong leadership. But, why is this conspiracy? It needs no explanation when corruption has come to stay as a part of our body politically and public life.

Records with this scribe show that the conspiracy began in 1983. In order to know about the progress of the then on-going construction work on Silchar- Jiribam, Badarpur-Bhairavi and Dharmanagar- Kumarghat extension of line, I came to meet additional chief engineer, construction, G S Gehlot, in his office near Silchar railway station on September 21, 1983. While interacting with him, this scribe saw on the wall just above his seat a framed information box with a layout of the proposed 236 km long Silchar- Lanka BG involving Rs 600 crore. Gehlot said preliminary engineering cum traffic survey was made and it was under the active consideration of the Railway Ministry. He further went on record to say the project would be completed by 1996.

Almost a year later, this scribe met the successor of Gehlot, R M Agnihotri. On being asked about the Silchar- Lanka BG, he said the existing metre gauge through Haflong would not be disturbed as the BG track would be diverted from Sukritipur. It would avoid the hilly terrain of North Cachar Hills to a great extent and have only 17 tunnels and around 300 bridges. It would connect with the Dibrugarh-Guwahati main line at Lanka.

Quite mysteriously, after all the survey by RITES and even the budgetary provision for Silchar-Lanka BG, it was shelved. Instead, in 1986 some journalists including this scribe were invited to a press meet in the rest house of the railway station were the general manager, construction, of NF Railway when asked about the BG track expressed his total ignorance of the Silchar-Lanka project to our surprise. He came out with a totally different decision of the railways to lay BG track on the existing MG line for which the estimated cost was Rs 654 crore. Clarifying the technical aspects of the project, he said the bridges would be strengthened and that the track would be taken 1ft down inside the tunnels to accommodate the BG coaches. For that as he said the train services would be regulated and it would take 1 year to complete the job.

This planning too was gone with the wind. When Jaffar Sharief became the Railway Minister in 1989 came the most utopian scheme of Silchar-Jogighopa BG link, 600 km of which would pass through Meghalaya. It only evoked laughter in civil society. When the people of Meghalaya are objecting to the extension of 10 km of rail line only from Guwahati to Byrnihat, how can they agree to the passage for Silchar- Jogighopa link? It became clear that it was a project that was neither feasible nor practicable. It was a cruel joke with the people of Barak Valley.It came true.

In April 1996, came Prime Minister H D Devegowda, and Railway Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan, with Santosh Mohan Dev, then Union Minister, with all fanfare to lay the symbolic foundation stone of Silchar – Lumding BG project in the field of Town Club after addressing a public meeting. It was said by the Prime Minister that this project would be completed by 2002. It dragged on and even after it was declared a national project by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, in the presence of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Railway Minister of the time, in 2004, its fate remains uncertain. An RTI filled by Silchar – Lumding Broad Gauge Rupayan Sangram Committee revealed that the progress so far is to the tune of 50 per cent only and the longest tunnel no 10, 13 per cent. Many things are happening in the jungle. Tunnel no 12 collapsed and with that crores of rupees went down the drain. From all reckoning, the conspiracy continues.

(To be continued)

Source: 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=147000&dtP=2013-01-23&ppr=1#147000

Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Silchar pays homage to Netaji on his 116th birth anniversary

SILCHAR, Jan 23: Different social organizations of the town celebrated 116th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a befitting manner here today. In the morning, Central Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee, Netaji Subhas Foundation and Netaji Youth Club took out colourful processions which moved through the main thoroughfares of the town, with thousands of people from all walks of life including teachers and students of around 35 schools marching, singing and preaching the sacrifice of the freedom fighter.

Students of various schools turned out in large numbers and took part in the march-past at Silchar DSA ground organized by Central Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee, which conducted different events throughout the year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great leader. The chief-guest on the occasion Dr Brajogopal Roy, a Netaji researcher, took the salute of the march past and addressed the assembly of students, youths and people. He recalled the profound personality of Netaji, describing him as of indomitable spirit and soul who inspired by Swami Vivekananda from his early life dedicated himself to the service of man and the nation. At this critical juncture of the country, he called upon the youths to follow the ideals and philosophy of Netaji and work for the betterment of people in general.

Born in a Bengali Hindu family in Orissa, Netaji believed that Gandhiji’s non-violence would never be sufficient to bring about India’s independence, and advocated violent resistance. He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Block, and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from the British rule. He was imprisoned by the British authorities eleven times. His famous motto was: “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”.

The stance of Netaji did not change with the outbreak of the Second World War which he saw as an opportunity to take advantage of the British weakness. At the outset of the war, he left India, travelling to the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, seeking an alliance with each of them to attack the British government in India. With Imperial Japanese assistance, he re-organized and later led the Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army (INA) formed with Indian prisoners-of-war and plantation workers from British Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia against British forces.

The social and political options of Netaji came to be appreciated by the people of India for his forthright assertion that without the military and diplomatic war against the British, freedom would not be possible. And it came out to be true as the historians and analysts admitted that without Netaji’s policy, freedom of the country would have been delayed. His untimely and mysterious death in a plane-crash at Taipei, it was believed, dealt a deadly blow to a different phase of political history in the Indian sub-continent.

Exactly at 12:41 pm, the birth time of Netaji, his statue at Rangirkhari traffic island was garlanded by the representatives of municipal board, development authority, DC establishment, DSA, Barak Upatakya Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan, Arya Sanskriti Bodhini, Lions Club, Rotary Club, business organizations, students of schools and colleges as well as various other social bodies. In the evening, 117 candles were lite up as a symbol of his birth celebration.

In order to mark the auspicious occasion, Netaji Subhas Foundation has also taken two day long programme which today began with flag hoisting followed by procession, floral tributes to his photograph, art competition and cultural events at Gandhi Bhawan auditorium. In the evening a discussion on the topic “Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and socialism” was held in which Dr. Brijagopal Roy, president, Netaji Subhas Foundation, Tripura, graced as the main speaker. Different other events including patriotic song and dance competitions will be held on January 25.

All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) paid its homage to the brave son of the country, holding different events which included speech competitions, cultural shows here at Gandhi Bhawan yesterday. A film on Netaji was also screened on the occasion.

Source: 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146997&dtP=2013-01-23&ppr=1#146997

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's visit to Silchar

Reminiscence of Netaji's visit to Silchar

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's visit to Silchar

SILCHAR, Jan 22: On his 116th birthday celebration, Netaji’s visit to Silchar town was recollected fondly by elderly citizens. It was in 1938 and 1939, as records and reminiscences reveal, two leading weeklies of the town ‘Surma’ and ‘Saptak’ brought out special supplementaries to commemorate his visits. First visit was as Congress president and the second as the president of Forward Block. Eminent historian and educationist, Dr Suhas Chatterjee, recollected in his memoirs “Netaji came by train via Kullora in the April of 1938. Arches were put up at several places in his honour and he was cheered all the way. He was felicitated at a public meeting. He stayed at the Ukilpatty residence of freedom fighter Rukini Das, chairman of municipal board. Netaji also addressed a meeting organized by Congress which was attended among others by Europeans also, mainly tea planters. The meeting began under the presidentship of Cachar District Students’ Association, Sushil Ranjan Chakraborty, who initiated his introductory speech with rendition of a Nazrul Geeti”.

Netaji was too much impressed by the dynamism and leadership quality of Chakraborty and he left a message for the members of the Association ‘work for the present, but prepare for the future’. Following year, Netaji came here as the president of Indian Forward Block in order to campaign for his party and to form its units, recollected Dr Chatterjee. His speech at Gandhibag was so impressive that many young boys and girls, besides elderly persons of this valley, joined the Forward Block. Among them were Mata Das Roy, Maulana Golam Sabir Khan, Debendra Purkayasha, Sukhmoy Singh, Hironmoy Singh.

But, Forward Block did not have the much desired impact in the provincial politics of Assam outside the valley where some efforts were made to propagate the ideology of the party. Quite significantly, a brigade of Rani Jhansi was raised and a movement began to strengthen and bolster up Indian National Congress (INA). The news of Netaji’s exploits on Burma-Assam-Arakan frontier spread in the valley by the end of November 1943 with the arrival of war evacuees from Chin hills. The British administration and its army headquartered at here since this town was virtually turned into a cantonment tried their best to block the information in respect of the Netaji’s advances in the north-eastern front and the hoisting of INA flag at Moirang in Manipur with the help of Japanese forces.

Some elderly citizens who were witness to the situation of this valley town in the wake of INA’s expeditions in Manipur, not far from here, could recollect and recount aircraft dropping pamphlets in Bengali, Urdu and Hindi in the region and North Lushai Hills. These leaflets contained pictures of Netaji and some INA soldiers in uniform and marching towards Delhi with the famous slogan Delhi chalo… Delhi chalo. The British administration under constant onslaughts of tribal rebels of various ethnic groups launched house to house search to root out INA supporters and to prevent them from having any tie-up with them.

Source:
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146937&dtP=2013-01-23&ppr=1#146937

Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)

Focus on wetland for preservation of aquatic species'

SILCHAR, Jan 21: Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) observed its centenary year in 2013 at Kolkata. The 100th session of ISCA was organized by the Calcutta University in collaboration with Jadavpur University, Visvabharati University, and Bose Institute. The event was inaugurated by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, and the session was presided over by the Prime Minister, Dr Monmohan Singh.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, at Salt Lake in Kolkata on January 3. A large number of delegates from India and abroad, including a number of Nobel Laureates had participated at one of the largest scientific congregations of the world.

Professor Devashish Kar, Dean, School of Life Sciences, Assam University , Silchar had participated in this centenary session of the Congress being invited by the organisers as an invited speaker and a member of a panel discussion. Professor Kar, as a lead lecturer, had deliberated on ‘Wetlands, Rivers and the health of their fishes in North-East India: The present scenario and future sustainability ‘under the broad theme ‘Environment and Health Management for sustainable Animal and Fish production.’ He  dwelt upon elaborately in the panel discussion under the theme ‘Recent approaches for enhanced protein production to feed billions’. Indian Science Congress Association is one of the oldest scientific organizations in India. The first session of ISCA was held at Calcutta , in 1914, in which, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee was the General President.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146762&dtP=2013-01-21&ppr=1#146762

Kaptanur Gaon panchayat election Cachar Assam

Congress backed candidate fumes over 'illegal submission' of nomination paper

SILCHAR, Jan 21: The candidates of 15 Kaptanur Gaon panchayat constituency demanded the cancellation of “illegal” and “invalid” submission of nomination papers by an independent candidate for the ensuing polls.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146763&dtP=2013-01-21&ppr=1#146763

Panchayat Election in Sonai Cachar Assam

Just before Panchayat Election in Sonai Cachar Assam

Disappointed BJP members join Congress

SILCHAR, Jan 21: The chasm within Bharatiya Janata Party continues as 27 members of its minority cell headed by Abdul Azad Hussain Chowdhury, Niagram-Bhagpur GP, under Sonai constituency joined the Congress at a function held at Indira Bhawan. The agitated workers of saffron brigade alleged apathy towards them by the BJP leaders and described it as the major reason for political switchover.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146760&dtP=2013-01-21&ppr=1#146760

150th death anniversary of martyr U Who Kiang Nangbah

Martyrdom of U Who Kiang Nangbah observed

SILCHAR, Jan 21: Residents of Machkal Arunpunji, Binnakandi in Cachar celebrated the 150th death anniversary of martyr U Who Kiang Nangbah, who was hanged till death on December 30, 1862 by the British rulers in a befitting manner. People from all walks of life offered their floral tributes at martyr column, remembering his sacrifice for the independence of the country.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146760&dtP=2013-01-21&ppr=1#146760

Supreme Court Judgement on disqualification on MP MLA

MPs, MLAs can be disqualified for shifting party-loyalty

SC Judgement removes legal hurdles

SILCHAR, Jan 21: The recent judgement of the Supreme Court for reigning in MPs and MLAs deserting their parent parties to join the other political parties has been hailed in civil and legal circles here. It has been a common phenomenon that apprehending backlash or jolt to the party in the event of an MP or MLA switching loyalty, the party dares not take action against him. Moreover, the inherent lacunae and the intricate process of the anti defection law has not come as a deterrent to the well known syndrome of aya ram, gaya ram politics. But, the judgement of the Apex Court has removed the glitch and legal hurdle in seeking their disqualification under anti defection law.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146759&dtP=2013-01-21&ppr=1#146759

Polio awareness program by Rotaract club of Hailakandi (Pic by Rtr Shankar Choudhury)

Polio awareness program by Rotaract club of Hailakandi  (Pic by Rtr Shankar Choudhury)

Assam Rifles provided various essential equipment in Dima Hasao district

Assam Rifles' benevolent works for Dima Hasao villagers

SILCHAR, Jan 20: In continuation of its civic action programmes, the Haflong based 25 Assam Rifles under aegis of Headquarters 22 Sector Assam Rifles provided various essential equipment for the Community Hall at village Purana Kubing, in Dima Hasao district recently. The Second-in-Command, 25 Assam Rifles handed over the equipments to Gaon Burah of the village Purana Kubing in presence of secretary and members of the community hall and villagers. Second-in Command said that the Assam Rifles would continue such goodwill projects in the remote villages of Dima Hasao district. 

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146641&dtP=2013-01-20&ppr=1#146641

Nagarik Sartha Rakhsha Sangram Parishad

Citizens' rights body holds biennial conference

SILCHAR, Jan 20: Second bi-annual conference of Nagarik Sartha Rakhsha Sangram Parishad was held here today at Women’s College auditorium. The conference was divided into two parts. In the morning, Haridas Dutta, secretary, presented the report, briefing different events and programmes of the organization held during last two years. At the meeting, the earlier committee of the Parishad was dissolved and a new body was formed. Tapas Sankar Dutta and Haridas Dutta remained president and secretary respectively for another two years. Shasankha Sekhar Paul was sworn in as the organizing president.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146638&dtP=2013-01-20&ppr=1#146638

Assam Rifles medical camp

Assam Rifles organizes free medical camp

SILCHAR, Jan 20: As part of its philanthropical and humanitarian mission, the Haflong based Assam Rifles Battalion organized a free medical camp at Sangbar village in Dima Hasao district yesterday. 

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146639&dtP=2013-01-20&ppr=1#146639

Sadarghat Bridge, 'The Bridge of Sigh'

Barak Bridge, 'The Bridge of Sigh'

SILCHAR, Jan 20: There is no count of people leaping to their deaths from Sadarghat Bridge on river Barak that connects Manipur, Dima Hasao district and the airport, besides being a passage for the cluster of villages of Borkhola and Udharband constituencies of Cachar . It also provides link to NH 53 and NH 54, an access to Mizoram and Imphal. Besides being of strategic importance, it has been in perpetual trouble and a mute witness to the known and unknown committing suicides standing from the bridge during the 43 years of its existence. Gammon Company constructed in 1967, calling for frequent intervention of experts and engineers to rectify the technical faults. It is not for nothing that “Barak Bridge” has been called “The Bridge of Sigh”.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146640&dtP=2013-01-20&ppr=1#146640

Netaji Subash Foundation 117th birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose

Rescheduling of Netaji programme

SILCHAR, Jan 20: There is a slight change in the schedule of two days’ programme organized by Netaji Subash Foundation, Cachar district committee, to celebrate the 117th birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. It was announced that the programmes would be held on January 23 and January 24 at Gandhi Bhawan auditorium. But, as the district administration requisitioned the auditorium to hold the training programme on January 24 regarding panchayat elections, the events of the Foundation which were supposed to be held on January 24 would now be held on January 25 at the same venue.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146637&dtP=2013-01-20&ppr=1#146637

Panchayat Elections in Cachar, Assam

Congress to take on its opponents with 'development' as poll mantra

SILCHAR, Jan 19: Congress will contest the ensuing panchayat elections, scheduled to be held on February 12, in Cachar district with development as its main poll-plank. “Congress ruled governments at the Centre and the State have taken various initiatives and launched series of schemes for the overall development of villages and in order to ensure proper implementation of all the schemes, the party will contest the ensuing panchayat elections in the district with development as its main poll plank,” said Arun Dutta Mazumder, president, Cachar district Congress.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146597&dtP=2013-01-19&ppr=1#146597

USIEF is calling teachers from North East India

USIEF calling school teachers from North East

SILCHAR, Jan 19: United States Indian Educational Foundation (USIEF) is calling teachers from North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland for 2013 teaching excellence and achievement programme. This opportunity is open to full time school teachers of grade 6 to 12, teaching English, social studies, mathematics and science at schools of the specified North East States. Only other State for this course is Jharkhand in the country, according to a communiqué of the United States Information Centre, Kolkata.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146599&dtP=2013-01-19&ppr=1#146599

Silchar Indian Institute of Fine Arts workshop on ‘wood cut’

Workshop on 'wood cut' begins

SILCHAR, Jan 19: Indian Institute of Fine Arts has organized two day long workshop on ‘wood cut’, a first of its kind in Barak Valley, at Silchar Children’s Park. The workshop was inaugurated by Shaymalendu Chakraborty, the editor of Dainik Janakanta and an educationist, here this morning.

Details here:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146598&dtP=2013-01-19&ppr=1#146598

She is daughter of late Sahidul Alom Choudry

She is daughter of late Sahidul Alom Choudry. Mehanz are going to file panchyet election nomination paper (Picture Courtesy : Rtr Shankar Choudhury)

Gautam Roy, wife Mandira Roy and son Rahul Roy

Dynastic politics cast its shadow over Barak Valley

SILCHAR, Jan 18: There is a very old saying that nothing lasts forever. Since the advent of time, it has been the law of nature that one has to replace the other, just as the dynasty of very old rulers where the king was succeeded by his son or daughter. Politics in Barak Valley has witnessed a similar trend of succession. In simple words, politics here is like family heirloom.

The issue of dynastic politics in the valley has once again taken the centre stage of discussion with the expected candidature of Mandira Roy, wife of the PHE minister Gautam Roy, in the Algapur constituency for the ensuing by-election.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146477&dtP=2013-01-18&ppr=1#146477

Assam University MBA Department

MBA department of AU bags first position in Assam

SILCHAR, Jan 18: The department of Business Administration, Assam University, Silchar (AUS), has topped the list of B-Schools in Assam in career 360 B-School ranking 2012-13. The department has achieved this feat in a recent survey conducted by career 360 magazine. Moreover, the department bagged 20th position among the All India Public Sector B-Schools, as per Career 360 B-School ranking 2012-13. The department, which is under Jawaharlal Nehru School of Management Studies, is ranked fourth in the eastern region of India and in the North-Eastern region, as per nationwide survey, it is only one notch behind IIM- Shillong.

It is important to mention that the department bagged Amar Ujala B School Excellence Award 2012 in the eastern zone in November last year.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146476&dtP=2013-01-18&ppr=1#146476

For details on MBA Admission procedure 2013-2014, courses, eligibility criteria, entrance exam/admission test etc visit Assam University website www.aus.ac.in

Rabindra Mela in Hailakandi | Rabindranath Tagore

No aura of Rabindranath in Rabindra Mela

SILCHAR, Jan 18: The first Bengali Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, is lost in the glittering lights and cacophony of sounds and in the midst of the hue and cry of visitors in the historic mela, now going on in Mela ground in Hailakandi, named after him. The total impression one gets after a round of the fair is quite disappointing. There is no aura of serenity or solemnity, having lost its relevance and historicity. Although it is named after the Bengali polymath, the fair does not have any relation with the great poet, unlike other two fairs of Barak Valley – Gandhi Mela, which starts on January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in Silchar and Netaji Mela, which begins on January 23, the birth anniversary of Subash Chandra Bose, in Karimganj. The fair generally begins on the last week of December every year but no body knows when it ends.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146475&dtP=2013-01-18&ppr=1#146475

Panchayat election in Assam

Restriction on use of vehicles by candidates

SILCHAR, Jan 17: The candidates contesting for ZP members can use only two small vehicles during their respective election campaigns. As per the guidelines of State Election Commission, the Cachar Deputy Commissioner, Harendra Kumar Dev Mahanta, notified that the candidates contesting for the posts of GP president and AP member will be allowed to use only a small vehicle during their campaign, while the group member candidates will not be entertained to use any vehicles for the campaign. The notification will remain valid during the days of election campaign and on the day of poll. This information has been shared by DIPRO.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146361&dtP=2013-01-17&ppr=1#146361

Panchayat Elections in Cachar Silchar Assam

District administration announces training schedule of poll workers

SILCHAR, Jan 17: The training of the poll workers, who were assigned the job of holding the poll duties for the ensuing panchayat polls would be held on January 21 and January 24 at eighteen different places of the district. The training programme will consist of two sessions and it is advised to all the selected presiding and first polling officers to attend both the sessions. The first session will commence from 10 am which will be concluded at 12 noon and the second session will begin at 1 pm and will be concluded at 3 pm.

The different training programmes will be held at Jyoti Kalakendra, Gandhi Bhavan, ZPC conference hall, Narsing Higher Secondary School, Deshabhakta Tarun Ram Phookan HS School, Government Girls’ HS School, Government Boys’ HS School, Public HS School and Abhayacharan Pathsala in Silchar. Besides, DNHS School and the DIET hall under Udharbond constituency, Aarl Higher Secondary School, Lakhipur, Siddeshwar HS School and Kalain HS School under Katigorah constituency, Nitya Gopal Higher Secondary School, Sonai, Swarnalakshmi HS School and Barzalenga HS School, Dholai and Raha Gobinda Chandra HS School, Borkhola. The schedule for the training will remain same for the different places. Moreover, the training for second and third polling officers will be held at the same places on January 28.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146360&dtP=2013-01-17&ppr=1#146360

ACKHSA meets Prafulla Mahanta for Silchar-Lumding BG project

ACKHSA Yuva Front meets former CM to garner mass support for BG

SILCHAR, Jan 17: With a view to garner mass support to fight for the expeditious completion of Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge project, the members and supporters of the youth front of All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) met former Chief Minister and AGP president, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, during his recent visit to Barak Valley. The delegation headed by its president Promod Srivastava brought into focus the present status of the project and requested him to raise the issue in the ensuing session of Assembly.

When former Prime Minister, HD Devegowda inaugurated the Silchar Lumding broad-gauge project with much funfare in 1996, Prafulla Kumar was the then Chief Minister of Assam. 

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146359&dtP=2013-01-17&ppr=1#146359

Praveen Bhai Togadia MBDPF Mizoram Bru Displaced Forum

VHP international president to hold massive tribal demonstration in Delhi

SILCHAR, Jan 16: Praveen Bhai Togadia, the international working president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), met the MBDPF (Mizoram Bru Displaced Forum) leaders recently at Ananda Bazar in Tripua North during his visit there for the inauguration of 19th Annual Festival and Ex-Student Meet of Sadhak Ratanmani Sewa Sadan. The MBDPF leaders who included R Laldawngliana, vice president, Bruno Msha, general secretary, and A Rindika presented their difficulties in relief camps due to insufficiency of reliefs distributed by Central Government through the Government of Tripura, scarcity of fire wood, drinking water problem, absence of medical facility, education structure, job opportunities and any other avenue of living. The leaders also expressed their willingness to repatriate to Mizoram and get amicable solution of their plight of living in the camps for more than 12 years.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146184&dtP=2013-01-16&ppr=1#146184

Panchayat Elections in Cachar Silchar Hailakandi Karimganj Badarpur Lakhipur

Barak Valley witnesses season of weathercock politicians

SILCHAR, Jan 16: Political switchovers of the disappointed party members has created a hue and cry situation among the leaders of every political parties in Cachar district on the eve of panchayat polls. Most of those who were denied ticket by their respective parties to contest the ensuing panchayat elections, scheduled to be held in the district on February 12, have switched their political loyalties.

The deprived candidates have alleged that the party leaders are indulged in “malpractices” and have awarded tickets to “unfit” candidates in return of huge amount of kickbacks. On the other hand, the leaders have refuted the allegations, saying that it is an exercise carrying out by the members who were denied tickets just to malign them. It is all over a tensed situation, which has been prevailing in the party offices of Congress, BJP and AIUDF respectively in the district.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146178&dtP=2013-01-16&ppr=1#146178

Panchayat Elections in Cachar Silchar Hailakandi Karimganj Badarpur Lakhipur 

Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS) has filed an FIR in Dholai police

GSS condemns attack on minor girl

SILCHAR, Jan 16: A minor girl was allegedly tried to be harassed by a native villager in Maniarkhal Tea Estate when the girl was alone at her house. Sujana Uria, mother of the victim, who is also a member of Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS), has filed an FIR in Dholai police station in this regard.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146179&dtP=2013-01-16&ppr=1#146179

MSMEDO Silchar unit to organize two week-long training programme

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to hold training programme

SILCHAR, Jan 16: The Silchar unit of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (MSMEDO) under the aegis of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, will organize two week-long training programme on the independent establishment of different enterprises from February 11 in its office premises. 

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146180&dtP=2013-01-16&ppr=1#146180

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta at Silchar Press Club

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, AGP president and former Chief Minister of Assam, addressing media persons as ’guest of the day’ at the invitation of Silchar Press Club here on last Saturday in Silchar. (Sentinel)

A Drama "Jayatu Vivekananda" organized by Ramkrishna Mission Silchar

A Drama "Jayatu Vivekananda" organized by Ramkrishna Mission Silchar

Annual Art and Craft Exhibition Organized by Indian Institute of Fine Arts Silchar

Annual Art and Craft Exhibition Organized by Indian Institute of Fine Arts Silchar Held on 19th & 20th January 2013 at Childrens Park Jail Road, Tarapur, Silchar. 

Sylhet Utsav in Kolkata Sreehatta Sammelani

Sylhet Utsav-2013 held

SILCHAR, Jan 15: Two day long Sylhet Utsav-2013 organized by the All India Federation of Sreehatta Sammelani, an organization of the people of Sylhet origin, concluded yesterday in the premises of Jodhpur Park Boys’ School, South Kolkata. It was also the occasion to hold the 8th annual conference of the Sammilani.

Abul Mal Abdul Mohit, Finance Minister, Government of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated the Utsav on last Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled the rich cultural heritage of Sylhet and said that the people of Sylhet had contributed a lot for the country during the time of Indian independence. Remembering the great leaders of Sylhet origin, he opined that many scholars and intellectuals were born in Sylhet town. He also underlined the importance of regular get together and interactions among the people with Sylhet root.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146067&dtP=2013-01-13&ppr=1#146067

No alliance with either BJP and Congress: Mahanta

AGP to maintain equidistance from Congress, BJP: Mahanta

SILCHAR, Jan 15: “AGP will maintain equidistance from Congress and BJP and the question of any adjustment or alliance with them does not arise”, pointed out AGP president and former Chief Minister of Assam, Prafulla Kr Mahanta, while addressing media persons as ‘guest of the day’ at the invitation of Silchar Press Club here on last Saturday. His reply was in response to the question if in the coming panchayat and the subsequent parliamentary elections his party was thinking in terms of adjustment. He however left enough indication of the possibility of understanding with AIUDF, now an emerging force in the State politics.

Source:http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146066&dtP=2013-01-13&ppr=1#146066

Maharishi Vidya Mandir Silchar celebrated Gyan Yug Diwas

'Gyan Yug Diwas' celebrated with fervour and gaiety

SILCHAR, Jan 15: Maharishi Vidya Mandir , Silchar, celebrated ‘Gyan Yug Diwas’ in a befitting manner on the occasion of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s birth anniversary on last Saturday. It was also the occasion to celebrate 18th foundation day of the institution, which was established here on August 1, 1995.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146068&dtP=2013-01-13&ppr=1#146068

Beating the biting cold : A street scene in Silchar.

Beating the biting cold : A street scene in Silchar. (Sentinel)

Nehal Bhattachrjee ZEE TV India Ka Sabse Bada Dreamebazz

Sayantani Paul (R), a student of Kala Academy, felicitating Nehal Bhattachrjee (L) on being selected for the new reality show, India Ka Sabse Bada Dreamebazz, to be aired on ZEE TV channel. (Sentinel)

Nehal Bhattachrjee at ZEE TV India Ka Sabse Bada Dreamebaz

150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Silchar Ramkrishna Mission

In order to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Silchar Ramkrishna Mission took out a procession in which 150 children donned saffron robes and turbans, imitating Swami Vivekananda’s attire, in Silchar on Friday. (Sentinel)

ISTE Students' Chapter NIT Silchar Photography Competition

ISTE Students' Chapter NIT Silchar is going to organize a Photography Competition under its Technical Week(25 jan-3rd feb 2013).

The theme of the competition is : "Self Portrait". 

For any queries, feel free to contact us:

Nipan Talukdar(8876714961)

Dhruv Saxena

Atul Chauhan (7896077511)

Panchayat elections in Karimganj

Karimganj Panchayat elections: Will BJP regain lost ground?

SILCHAR, Jan 12: Will BJP regain lost ground in Karimganj district, once considered its bastion, in the panchayat elections? The saffron surge of 90’s when it virtually swept the border district by wresting all the 5 Assembly seats in 1996 only to be wiped away in 2011 might not be a repeat. But, the ever swelling number of ticket seekers for gaon panchayat, anchalik panchayat and zilla parishad seats has given new hope and expectation among the party leaders and workers about its revival of their foothold and sway. From all indications, Congress and AIUDF will be the major challenge before it.

For details visit 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145964&dtP=2013-01-12&ppr=1#145964

Silchar 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

City pays homage to Swami Vivekananda

SILCHAR, Jan 12: The 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated here across the district in a befitting manner. In the morning, a colourful procession was taken out by Silchar Ramkrishna Mission in which thousands of people from all walks of life including members of different organizations, teachers and students of schools and colleges and common people participated. After moving through the main thoroughfares of the town, the rally assembled in the premises of Silchar Ramkrishna Mission. Imitating Swami Vivekananda’s attire, a total of 150 children donned saffron robes and turbans and participated in the procession which added colour to the rally. 

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145963&dtP=2013-01-12&ppr=1#145963

ACKHSA agitation for Silchar Lumding Broad Gauge & East West Corridor projects

ACKHSA Yuva Front to launch mass movement

From our Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 12: The All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) had launched agitation for the establishment of Assam University. Now the youth front of the students body will do the same and resort to mass movement across the valley for the expeditious completion of Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge and East West Corridor projects. This information has been shared by the members of the ACKHSA Yuva Front at a press meet held here today. The youths also demanded CBI probe along with that of the vigilance cell of the State government into the entire gamut of construction works in order to bring out the level of corruptions indulged in by the politicians, bureaucrats and contractors.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145965&dtP=2013-01-12&ppr=1#145965

Rally in Silchar to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanada

Lions and Lioness members distributing refreshments to the participants of rally in Silchar organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanada

Binnakandi Tea Estate Cachar Lakhipur

Binnakandi tea estate sets noble example

SILCHAR, Jan 11: Binnakandi tea estate located in the eastern part of Cachar district under Lakhipur sub division has set a noble example by sharing a part of its profit with its 864 work force. An amount of Rs  4.5 lakh has been distributed among the workers at a simple function held in the premises of the tea estate on Thursday. The amount has been handed over to the workers by the Chief Executive officer of the tea estate, Satish Chandra Gupta, in the presence of commercial manager, Arun Kumar Sharma. Presenting the cash award, Gupta said that this has been in recognition of their regular attendance to help the management in the smooth running of the tea estate with its three other out gardens, Machkhal, Choto Mahanda and Boali. This financial incentive has been termed by the management as ‘attendance reward’.

Source:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145838&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145838

Muslim Girls’ Hostel at Nilambazar, Karimganj

Muslim Girls' Hostel turns into a controversial issue

SILCHAR, Jan 11: A Muslim Girls’ Hostel at Nilambazar in the district of Karimganj has become a controversial issue. There are justified reasons behind it and at the centre stage of many a question is the Border Area Development Minister, Siddeque Ahmed, who instead of laying priority on development of the areas likes to be in the vortex of controversies. After all the public outrage and outcry against the encroachment of forest land, collapse of a concrete bridge and the questionable method of construction of roads in his south Karimganj constituency funded by the Centre by his contractor brother, Mehboob Hussain, Siddeque Ahmed is now caught in yet another controversy.

Source:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145836&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145836

5 degree Temperature in Silchar Karimganj Hailakandi cold wave

Cold wave continues to sweep Barak Valley

SILCHAR, Jan 11: Cold wave continues to batter the normal life in all three districts of Barak Valley as it today witnessed another chilly day which has sent the shivers down the spine. In fact, normal life across the valley has been badly affected. As dusk begins and night advances, roads and streets become deserted with few vehicles and pedestrians on the move. It has been an unprecedented cold weather according to the elderly citizens it has never happened in the last 30 years. Unless and otherwise on urgent assignments or works, people preferred to stay indoors. Many were seen warming themselves before bonfires after the dusk in all the parts of the valley.

Source:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145835&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145835

Silchar boy Nehal Bhattacharjee India Ka Sabse Bada Dramebaaz

Silchar boy hogs the limelight for ZEE TV reality show

SILCHAR, Jan 11: Where there is a will, there is a way. This has once again been proved by Nehal Bhattacharjee, a class VII student of South Point High School, located in the heart of the town, who has been recently selected for the new reality show, India Ka Sabse Bada Dreamebazz, to be aired on ZEE TV channel. Nehal has been selected for the show, a first of its kind, after passing the auditions held in Guwahati and Kolkata with flying colours. He is among 18 candidates who have been selected for the show from East Zone.

For more details

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145837&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145837

Residents of greater Sonapur and Bhangarpar areas staging protest

Residents of greater Sonapur and Bhangarpar areas staging protest demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Silchar demanding expeditious improvement of 1/3 Harang bridge. (Sentinel)

The Bailey bridge at Malidahar on NH 44 now NH 6

Unprecedented traffic congestion

The Bailey Bridge of woes on NH 44

SILCHAR, Jan 10: The Bailey bridge built by the British during World War II at Malidahar on National Highway 44, now NH 6, located on Assam-Meghalaya border, has become a bridge of woes for the hundreds of passengers and drivers of the vehicles who have to take to this vital connectivity for their movement as it links Barak Valley, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura. For the last one week, there has been unprecedented traffic jam due to the ever worsening condition of the bridge. On both sides, large queues of vehicles, passengers and goods, have been stranded as only one vehicle is allowed to pass through it.

For details visit 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145688&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145688

Bharat Chatra Morcha Kisholoy Dutta Chowdhury murder case

Bharat Chatra Morcha seeks Governor's intervention in Kisholoy murder case

SILCHAR, Jan 10: Members and supporters of Bharat Chatra Morcha, a newly formed students’ organization and a wing of Goirik Bharat, staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the statue of Khudiram Basu here today, demanding an impartial full-fledged probe into the Kisholoy Dutta Chowdhury murder case. The students’ wing also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Assam, seeking his intervention in the issue.

For details visit 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145687&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145687

Panchayat Elections in Borkhola Sonapur Bhangarpar Cachar Silchar Assam

Threat to boycott panchayat polls over Harang bridge issue

SILCHAR, Jan 10: The residents of Sonapur and Bhangarpar areas under Borkhola constituency will boycott the ensuing panchayat polls if the dilapidated 1/3 Harang bridge is not immediately repaired. Hundreds of people of different organizations of the areas under the aegis of ‘Greater Sonapur-Bhangarpar Unayan Sangram Committee’ today staged a protest demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate improvement of the decrepit Harang Bridge, which is the only life line for the thousands of people under five different GP constituencies. The agitated residents with placards and posters shouted slogans against the apathy of the government and PWD towards them.

For details visit 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145686&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145686

Panchayat Elections in Borkhola Sonapur Bhangarpar Cachar Silchar Assam

150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda by Sardha Shati Samaroh

150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

SILCHAR, Jan 10: Vivekananda Kendra Sardha Shati Samaroh, Dakshin Assam, has taken up year long programmes to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in a befitting manner from January 12 with mass participation. Dr Shankar Bhatacharjee, secretary, Dr Tapas Shankar Dutta, president, and Dr Mandira Dutta Chowdhury of women wing, of the south Assam committee, briefing media-persons here on Wednesday giving details of the programme said the celebration would begin with a grand and colourful procession on January 12 to be followed by mass ‘surya namaskar’ by school students on February 18. From March 2013 till July of the year, distribution of Vivekananda literature and related materials, besides house to house contact across the urban and rural areas, have been planned.

For details visit 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145685&dtP=2013-01-11&ppr=1#145685

Silchar Kennel Club open dog show-cum-registration programme on February 1

Silchar Kennel Club dog show on February 17

SILCHAR, Jan 9: Silchar Kennel Club under the aegis of Kennel Club of India will hold an open dog show-cum-registration programme on February 17. On the occasion, all unregistered pure breed dogs will be registered under KCI guidelines which will be testified and certified by the empaneled judges of KCI present in the show.

Details here

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145571&dtP=2013-01-09&ppr=1#145571

Demand for CBI probe into Silchar-Lumding BG line project

ACKSHA demands CBI probe into Silchar-Lumding BG construction

SILCHAR, Jan 9: Even after sixteen years of laying the foundation stone of Silchar-Lumding BG, the construction work has been going on in the most sluggish manner and looking at the pace, it is difficult to say when it will be completed. Pradip Dutta Roy, advisor and founder president of All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) slammed the syndicate of politicians, bureaucrats and contractors for causing abnormal delay with dubious motive. He said politicians were playing politics with the vital issue of connectivity and taking the people of Barak Valley for a ride. Though he did not mention anything about the Sunday Haflong meet of the ruling party ministers, MP and MLAs with NF Railway officials on the issue of BG, his tirade was apparent.

Details here

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145568&dtP=2013-01-09&ppr=1#145568

15th annual Silchar Film Festival 2013 by Beekshan Cine Commune

Beekshan Cine Commune's film festival evokes wide response

From our Correspondent

SILCHAR, Jan 8: The seven-day 15th annual film festival-2013 organized by Beekshan Cine Commune which began last evening has evoked wide response and appreciation from the lovers of classical and documentary films. Gandhi Bhavan auditorium, the venue of the event, has been drawing crowds and winning laurels for the organizer, well known for their aesthetic selections from the past and present.

Dr Kumar Kanti Das, renowned surgeon, who inaugurated the festival, in the midst of distinguished invitees and audience, said, “The initiative of the Beekshan Cine Commune of this town for the last 14 years has been remarkable to showcase before the admirers of best features and documentaries of the all time producers and directors of repute.” The inaugural programme began with a different note by holding candles in protest against the Delhi gang rape incident.

The uniqueness of the festival is that it is in 11 languages that has 19 features and eight short and documentary films from eight countries. The inaugural show began with the Bengali film Bhooter Bhabishyat directed by Anik Dutta and followed by French feature, The Woman Next Door, directed by F Truffaut. Second day of the festival presented Khamosh Pani directed by Sabiha Sumar, Charulata 2011, directed by Agnidev Chatterjee and Kannada film, Gulabi Talkies, directed by Girish Kasravalli.

Among the other feature films to be exhibited on the remaining days includes Frozen (Hindi, Ladakhi), Pan Sing Tomar (Hindi), The Eclipse (Italian), Gattu (Hindi), The Girl In Yellow Boots (English, Hindi), Laptop (Bengali), All About My Mother (Spanish), The Colour of Paradise (Persian), Runway (Bengali), Hemlock Society (Bengali), Ocean of an Old (Hindi, English, Bengali), Gosain Baganer Bhoot (Bengali), Abar Byomkesh (Bengali) and Chitrangada (Bengali). The short and documentary films which will be exhibited on Saturday next include Ramkinkar Baij, directed by Ritwik Ghatak, Shaking Tokyo, directed by Joon Ho Bong, Sikkim, directed by Satyajit Ray, Continuum, directed by Anand Gandhi and Khushoo Ranka, The Bypass, directed by Amit Gupta, Un Chien Andaloi, directed by Louis Bunnel and Nonadanga-Aro Ekti Ucched Prokolpo.

Kamal Chakraborty, president of Beekshan Cine Commune, said “Our objective behind holding of such film festival is to keep alive the tradition of best films which mirror the best and the artistic aspects of life.” He pointed out that though their effort has always been to show films in as many languages as possible, often it has not been positively responded. Still, despite certain discordant notes, they will continue with their endeavour. People love to see the classics on varied themes. The Beekshan Cine Commune has been trying to exhibit the best of all times every year.

Source:

http://www.sentinelassam.com/state2/story.php?sec=2&subsec=7&id=145418&dtP=2013-01-08&ppr=1#145418

Sylhet Utsav 2013 to begin on January 12

Sylhet Utsav 2013 to begin on January 12

SILCHAR, Jan 8: A two-day-long ‘Sylhet Utsav-2013’ will begin on January 12 in the premises of Jodhpur Perk Boys’ School, South Kolkata. It will also be the occasion of 8th annual conference of All India Federation of Sreehatta Sammilanis, an organization of the people of Sylhet origin and organizer of the festival.

Addressing a press meet held here today, Bithika Dev, president of the Sammilanis and former MLA, briefed the schedule of the different events that will be held at the festival. Abul Mal Abdul Mohit, Finance Minister, Government of Bangladesh, will grace the occasion as the chief guest while Badruddin Kamran, Mayor, Sylhet Municipal Corporation, Sekhar Dutta, Governor, Chhattisgarh, Gautam Roy, Minister of PHE, and Santosh Mohan Dev, former Union Minister and Chief Advisor of the Sammilanis will grace the occasion as the guests of honour.

In addition to cultural shows, a health related programme on child marriage will be held on January 13. The Mumbai Sreehatta Sammilani, Daklshin Sreehatta Sammilani, Folk band- Surma Dohar, Delhi Sreehatta Sammilani and Dakshin Kolkata Sylhet Association, local host, will hold cultural programmes. Among others present at the press meet included Haran Dey, media adviser, Sadhan Purkaystha, co-ordinator.

Source: 

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145414&dtP=2013-01-08&ppr=1#145414

Panchayat Elections in Silchar Karimganj Cachar Hailakandi Assam

Public meetings for panchayat elections to be video recorded

SILCHAR, Jan 8: All the public meetings by the political parties on the eve of ensuing panchayat polls in Cachar will be video recorded by the district administration. The respective political parties including independent candidates have to submit the details of the material used in the election campaign to the expenditure cell. This information has been shared by the district administration at an all-party meet, convened to notify the guidelines and model code of conduct released by the State Election Commission for the upcoming panchayat polls, in the conference hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

According to the guidelines, the party or candidate should have to take prior order from the local authorities regarding any proposed public meeting. For the rural areas, the candidates should have to inform the neighbouring police outpost or petrol post about the meeting. Moreover, the candidates have to submit the statement of expenditure for two times before the elections and next time after the elections to the treasury officer of the expenditure cell, located in the premises of Dak Bungalow, Silchar.

The State Election Commission, however, earlier issued that the maximum expenditure limit for a candidate contesting for the post of Zila Parishad member has been fixed at Rs 4 lakh. Rs 1 lakh has been fixed as the maximum limit for candidates for the post of Gaon Panchayat president and Anchalik Panchayat member, while for elections to the post of GP member, the maximum expenditure a candidate can incur is Rs 10,000.

In a bid to implement the guidelines of the State Election Commission in the district during the elections, the names and phone numbers of the members of the Cell, constituted to safe guard the model code of conduct, was released during the meeting. The six members’ Cell is headed by IAS officer, Dr Lakkhatan (9435137819). Other members of the Cell includes Amalendu Roy, circle officer, Udharbond, JR Lalsim, circle officer, Sonai, Daritri Suchimang, town settlement officer, Ruthliang, circle officer, Lakhipur and Khaleda Sultana, circle officer, Katigorah. A copy of the model code of conduct was also handed over to the representatives of the political party present at the meeting.

At the outset, Debasish Chakraborty, Additional Deputy Commissioner, dwelt on several provisions of the prescribed code of conduct and said that the violation of any of the provisions of the model code of conduct would be penalized under section 188 of Indian Penal Code. The district administration further urged help and cooperation from all sections of the society to conduct the elections peacefully.

source

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145413&dtP=2013-01-08&ppr=1#145413

Comrade Mukund Teli, CITU leader in Silchar 4th annual conference

Comrade Mukund Teli, CITU leader, addressing the open session of the 4th annual conference in Silchar on Saturday. They lambasted the Assam government’s decision to privatize mid-day meal. (Sentinel)

Vivekananda Statue at Assam University Silchar Department of Visual Arts on 6th January 2013

Vivekananda Statue at Assam University Silchar Department of Visual Arts on 6th January 2013

Arhar Ahmed alias Naaz murder case, two awarded capital punishment

Naaz murder case: Two awarded death sentence

SILCHAR, Jan 7: In the much awaited judgement pronounced today on the murder of Arhar Ahmed alias Naaz, a college student of Karimganj, the District and Sessions Judge awarded death sentence to the mastermind of the crime, Salim Uddin, and the driver of his vehicle, Hifjur Rahman, life imprisonment to Hussain Ahmed and Raju Ahmed while Rajni Talukdar and Sultan Uddin 10 years imprisonment. All the 6 accused were charge-sheeted for kidnapping, murder and for demanding ransom money under various sections of Indian Penal Code.

Large crowd of curious people had assembled before the Court compound to hear the judgement. There was heavy deployment of security drawn from the police and the CRPF to control the people and to deal with any situation. They had a trying time to control the crowd when the 6 accused were made to board the waiting prison van.

It is to be recalled that 7 others who were also charge-sheeted in the case were released unconditionally by the presiding Judge. The judgement pronouncing various sentences as punishment to the 6 accused was greeted with applaud by the people who waited for punishment to the guilty for the heinous crime.

According to legal circles in the border town of Karimganj, the judgement was historic and unprecedented. Never before in the judicial history of Karimganj, death sentence has been awarded to two accused in one case. In a case of arson at Bethubari in 2009, one accused was sentenced to death by the Court here.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145330&dtP=2013-01-07&ppr=1#145330

Vishwa Hindu Parishad VHP leader Y Raghavulu in Silchar

VHP leader lashes out at Centre for 'blatant minority appeasement policy'

SILCHAR, Jan 7: Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader, Y Raghavulu, All India joint General Secretary, has lambasted the UPA Government for its ‘blatant minority appeasement policy’, ignoring the national interest. He alleged, on the other hand, it has been making every effort to divide the Hindus on the basis of caste and community.

The objective is to throttle the voice of Hindus against the discrimination and injustice meted out to them in every walk of life. Its obsession with ‘vote-bank’ politics has its disastrous fall out in Assam, in particular, and north-east, in general, he pointed out.

For details visit

http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=145331&dtP=2013-01-07&ppr=1#145331