The first-ever ‘GI Mahotsav’, which includes an exhibition of invaluable treasures of ‘Incredible India’, will be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from October 16 to 21.
The Mahotsav will showcase the region specific ‘Geographical Indication’ (GI) tagged products from around 11 states of north India.
According to Divisional commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma,, “The event is being organised by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) of the ministry of commerce in collaboration with the Varanasi district administration at the Trade Facilitation Centre.”
The GI products to be put on display include sweet delicacies like ‘Silao ka khaja’, ‘khurma’ of Ara Udwant Nagar, ‘balushahi of Sitamarhi, ‘Gaya tilkut’, all from Bihar, and ‘Banaras lal peda’ and ‘Banaras tirangi burfi’ to the world-famous Banarasi brocades, Kullu shawls, Jaipur blue pottery, and many more.
GI expert Rajni Kant, who is instrumental in facilitating GI promotion and certification, said that over 100 stalls will be set up to exhibit GI-tagged products from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana.
As preparations remain in full swing for the grand opening of the ‘Mahakal Lok’, the 900-metre-long corridor in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, touted as one of the longest of its kind in India, will be thrown open by PM Narendra Modi on October 11.
Modi is set to visit Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday to unveil the first phase of the Rs 856-crore Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project in Ujjain.
The Mahakal Lok will surround the old Rudrasagar Lake, which has been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the ancient Mahakaleshwar Temple.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 ‘jyotirlings’ in the country which gets devotees throughout the year.
Here comes nine features that make up the Mahakal Lok corridor look grand, mesmerising and magnificent:
The temple has two majestic gateways — Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar which have been separated by a short distance. They have been erected near the starting point of the corridor, which winds its way to the entrance of the ancient Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Sandstones sourced from Bansi Paharpur area in Rajasthan are used for building structures of the corridor. Artists and craftsmen from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Orissa worked on chiselling and embellishing raw stones into aesthetic pillars and panel.
Fountains and a running panel depict stories from Shiv Puran adorning the corridor.
The corridor has 108 pillars with ornamental elements on top bearing trishul-style design dot at regular intervals.
The use of ancient temple architecture evokes the ancient glory of the historic city of Ujjain.
Rudrasagar Lake, the ancient reservoir in the city, has been given fresh life as part of the redevelopment project.
Open sewer lines have been covered and connected to a sewage treatment plant. A solid waste garbage screening mechanism has also been installed near the lake.
The Mahakal Lok development comes with a mid-way zone, a park, a multi-storied parking lot for cars and buses, florists and other shops, solar lighting, a facility centre for pilgrims, a water pipeline and sewer line, among other works. A light and sound system has been developed, and there is a plan to have a musical fountain show using the Rudrasagar Lake as a backdrop.
The Krishna Balaram temple in Jaipur was lit up with diyas as the holy Kartik month started on Sunday. On this occasion, Krishna’ tableau has also been decorated with diyas.
Deepotsav will be is a month-long festival. The holy Kartik month recalls the beautiful childhood days of Lord Krishna when he used to steal butter and consequently his beloved mother Yashoda used to tie him with the oak with a rope. In Sanskrit, “Dama” means rope and “Udar” means stomach. Damodar refers to Lord Krishna who was tied with a rope by his mother Yashoda. After the evening aarti, lamps of ghee are being offered to the deity along with the grand hymn of Shri Damodarastakam each day.
Every day in this month, the temple will be decorated with thousands of lamps. The lighting of hundreds of lamps placed in front of the altar will radiate divine radiance in the main temple hall, enhancing the spirit of devotion.
Devotees spraying in the lit up temple premises in Shri Krishna Balram Temple.
The President of the temple Amitasana Das said that it is not possible to describe the glory of Kartik month.
“In this month, devotees observe a fast (Damodar Vrat) and worship Lord Damodar with a lamp of ghee every day. It is said that offering a lamp to Lord Hari in the month of Kartik brings unlimited prosperity, beauty and wealth. All sins committed in thousands and millions of births are destroyed, and one attains the eternal spiritual world where there is no suffering,” he added.
Every year, 10th October is celebrated as “World Mental Health Awareness Day” across the globe. This year theme is “Making Mental Health and Wellbeing for all a global priority”.
The Department of Neuropsychiatry at Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata organised various awareness activities on this day.
This included interactions with patients and family members, Music program to admitted mental health Patients, Poster competition for nursing staff on mental health and engaging activities for doctors on mental health theme, said Dr Praveen Kumar, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata.
Around 10 per cent of people in India suffer from some kind of Mental illness but stigma related to mental illness and treatment reduces their help seeking behaviour, he told the EBNW Story
In post pandemic era, times have changed and so is the way we look at mental health. Pandemic has made our children and adolescents getting increasingly addicted to screens and brought significant attention and emotional problems in them, he said, adding, “Research says that some factors help us to prevent mental illness like being optimistic, having good social support, active coping style, flexible thinking approach and last but most important one is self compassion that is being kind to our self and others, said Dr Kumar.
The State Science Seminar 2022 organised by Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India was inspiring as it helped hundreds of students gather at one place and discuss science and sustainability.
Two girls who had come from Pali and Nathdwara scored second and third ranks respectively.
The EBNW Story spoke to them to know their inspiration, thoughts, aims, hobbies and more. The team wanted to speak to the topper Lakshay Jain but was unable as he had high fever and so he left early.
The lumpy virus has affected cattle feeding in city areas more than the cattle stock in rural areas, said Bhavika Gopa Class 10 student who came from Jaisalmer from St Paul’s School to Jaipur to participate in the State Science Seminar 2022 organised by Department of Science and Technology, Rajasthan government on October 8 at Birla Auditorium.
Bhavika said that the cattle in the villages are fed on grass and food which is rich in fibre and minerals. It has less chemical additions, however, in cities, cattle stock is being fed on chemical rich diet and less on grass as the owners in city want more milk yield from them. In other words, better nutrition in villages has given better health to cow which helped them survive and fight lumpy virus while the city cattle toll went higher, she added.
Another student Himanshu Poonia from class IX from St Paul’s School, Jaisalmer, said, “Science and sustainability can go hand in hand. He shared his presentation on isomers and said they can help check in pollution.
The young boy got first prise from Jaisalmer district for his out-of-the-box presentation.
The Department of Science and Technology in Rajasthan in association with Ministry of Culture organised a State Science Seminar 2022 in Birla Auditorium Jaipur on 8th October themed “Basic Science for Sustainable Development- Challenges & Prospects”. Students from 25 districts of Rajasthan participated and presented their models to shape sustainability.
The main motive of the seminar was to give a major exposure to students to showcase their skills and bring out a scientist hiding somewhere within them. The seminar helped students to get into practical perspective for developing their scientific temper.
Kailash Mishra, Curator of Science Dept said- “Organising this event helped students to gain confidence. They learnt to face challenges in future and adjust themselves in the competitive environment.”
On this occasion, astronomer and educator Preeti Sharma said, “It was a much-needed exposure for these students to discover their potential. This event was not only helpful for students, but also for the audience present here,” she said, adding, “We have learnt a lot from students’ zeal. It’s important to give opportunities to students who come from small villages and districts. How can they learn if they don’t get right exposure. For instance, we read a lot about space science but it’s only limited to books, so we have introduced sky tourism to ensure they see stars, moons, planets in real life through telescopes. It’s important to introduce students to these things to bring their hidden scientist out.”
“Once students get such an environment, they transform their idea into a project, and showcase it in front of others to get acknowledged and get encouraged.”
She further said, “We all have a scientist hiding somewhere within us who needs a simple push to come forward.. so opportunity should be given to them. Therefore, it’s important to paint a startling picture in front of students, because who knows—one of them might be the next Kalpana Chawla!!!!”
The State Science Seminar 2022 was organised at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur on October 8 by Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan, in association with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, where students from across Rajasthan had gathered to present their ideas on Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects.
On this occasion, students from Saksham Sanchar Foundation were present to cover the event.
Event reporting by Vaishali
As students from small towns gathered to showcase their creativity, a young journalist from the institute Pankaj Ram Panchal, coming from a small village Sonokhar, Kaman, Bharatpur, was inspired to write a few lines. He is presently pursuing Master of Journalism from Jaipur and was impressed by the act of educators who said that failures are never full stop in lives. A write-up from Pankaj Ram Panchal on behalf of EBNW Story…
शनिवार को जयपुर के स्टैचू सर्किल स्थित बिरला ऑडिटोरियम में स्टेट साइंस सेमिनार 2022 का आयोजन हुआ, यह सेमिनार प्रदेश की स्कूली विज्ञान प्रतिभाओं को मंच देने के लिए आयोजित हुआ, आयोजन का उद्देश्य प्रदेश के सुदूरवर्ती कस्बों, गांवों, ढाणीयों से मेधावी विधार्थियों को खोजना और उनकी विज्ञान दूरदर्शिता और नये खोजी विचारों को दुनिया के सामने लाना था | इस सेमिनार में जिन प्रतिभाशाली विधार्थियों को सही मंच ना मिलने से उनकी नयी खोजे, नयी सम्भावना, नये समाधान, नए विकल्प और खोजी विचार अक्सर उनके ही अंदर घुट कर मर जाते थे उनको प्राणवायु देने का काम किया गया, अर्थात प्रदेश के बुझते हुए ज्ञान दीपों को ज्योतिमय रहने का प्रयास किया |
अपने ज्ञान प्रकाश को लिए प्रदेश के लगभग सभी जिलों से आई उत्कृष्ट प्रतिभा सेमिनार जगमगाई, सभी विधार्थियों ने निज्ञान के क्षेत्र में की गई नयी खोज, नयी संभावना, या विज्ञान से उत्पन्न हुई समस्या के समाधान, प्रकृति के बचाव के लिए, और फ़ैल रही लम्पी, कोरोना जैसी महामारीयों के निदान को लेकर, नए विकल्पों के मॉडल प्रस्तुत किए, विधार्थियों के इन सभी मॉडलों में से श्रेष्ठ मॉडलों को चुनना था, सभी विधार्थी अपनी मॉडल प्रस्तुति के चुनाव को लेकर थोड़े चिंतित दिख रहे थे, क्यों की यहां से सलेक्शन से बाद उन्हें आगे अभी बड़े स्तर पर जाना था, इसी मन की चिंता को भांपते हुए मंच संचालक ने इस सेमिनार में हरने वालों को प्रेरित और सकारत्मक रहने पर चर्चा शुरू की | चर्चा में मन से न हरने की बात कही जाने लगी और विधार्थियों की चिंता को कम करने पर जोर दिया, मंच संचालक ने कहा कि हमें कभी भी हार से हताश नहीं होना है उससे लड़ना है और उभरना है खुद को आगे के लिए बेहतर करना है |
इसी क्रम में एक महोदय ने मंच पर आकर विधर्थियों के अभिभावकों, शिक्षकों से कहा की- कोई जीतता तो अच्छी बात है पर फेल होते है उन्हें आगे के लिए तैयार होना है, कुछ बड़ा करना है, हम लोग जीतने वाले के लिए खुशियां मानते है ढोल बाजाते जुलूस निकालते है पर हरने वाले के लिए कुछ नहीं करते है, हमें हरने वालों लिए भी करना है हमें उनको मोटिवेट करना होगा, उसका विश्वास बनाए रखना होगा, उसका हौसला बढ़ाना होगा तभी कॉम्पिटिशन बैलेन्स हो पाएगा|
और वही कुछ विधार्थियों ने अपने असफलता से सामाने पर खुद को संभालने और आगे बढ़ने को लेकर अपने अनुभव साझा किए | एक छात्रा दिव्यदर्शनी ने बताया की वो नेशनल लेवल के एक विज्ञान प्रतियोगिता में नर्वस होने के करना अच्छा मॉडल होने के वाबजूद हार का सामना करना पड़ा, इससे उभरने में उनकी माँ ने उनका साथ दिया और अब वो आत्मविश्वास के साथ आगे बढ़ रही आगे है, छात्रा कहती है की एक माँ के साथ ने हार के गिल्ट से बचकर सहस के साथ आगे बढ़ने की प्रेरणा दी |
चर्चा का उद्देश्य विद्यार्थियों को हताश ने उन्हें और असफलता से गिल्ट न करने, और हमेशा आगे बढ़ने की और सकारात्मक बने रहने, और हार से मन में आए गलत विचार पर जीत पाने प्रेरित करना था |
विद्यार्थियों को बताया जा रहा था कि लड़ने वाला हमेशा योद्धा होता है, आप सभी प्रतियोगिता में लड़े हो, आप योद्धा हो, स्थान पाना एक अलग बात है, असलियत में हारे हुए तो वह है जो अभी इस ज्ञान से दूर अज्ञानता के अंधकार में पड़े हैं, आप ज्ञानी हो विज्ञानी हो और देश के भविष्य हो , इस भविष्य को हमेशा उज्जवलता से चमकना चाहिए|
Can science and sustainability go together? This has been a debatable issue amongst different genres who are struggling to find out ideas on how to make Mother Earth a green planet.
While the big brains are still ideating to find a solution, a few students from Rajasthan’s 25 districts gathered to share their ideas on sustainability in the State Science Seminar 2022 organised at the Birla Auditorium in Jaipur on October 8. The event was organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan in association of Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Students and delegates at the State Science Seminar 2022 organised in Jaipur. Pic courtesy: Ravindra Nagar
Lakshay Jain from Jayshri Periwal school, Jaipur notched first rank at the state level competition fo sharing his presentation connecting science and sustainability. He shall now go to Kolkata to participate in the national event where winners shall get an annual scholarship of Rs 2000.
The second ranker was Kashvi Bhalothia from Pali, who shared her thoughts and presentation on basic science and sustainability. Focussing on holistic education and integrating ancient knowledge with basic technology will pave way for green planet,” she said.
Kashvi wants to become a doctor and go abroad for higher studies and work for the better and green world.
Divyadarshini Ranawat from Nathdwara stood third. She said, “I have presented her ideas and thoughts on basic science for sustainable development.”
With dreams shining high in her eyes to become neuro-surgeon, Divyadarshini said, “It’s the need of the hour for everyone to care for Planet Earth.”
She had come with her mother from Nathdwara and was thankful to her family who has been supporting her to spread her wings.
Department of Science and Technology, Rajasthan, at the State Science Seminar 2022.
Kailash Mishra, Curator, Regional Science Centre and Science Park, Department of science and technology, Rajasthan said, “Students from 25 districts have gathered here to showcase their talent and stay confident.”
Kailash Mishra, curator, Regional Science Centre and Science Park, DST, Rajasthan
This is an opportunity being extended by department of science and technology keeping in mind the rural and small town talents who can present their ideas at bigger state level platform. These students, both from govt and private schools, have participated and made a mark by sharing their innovative thoughts.”
Preeti Sharma, educator and motivator, who kept one and all hooked to their chairs with her exceptional oratory skills, said, “This programme has motivated students. Sustainable development presentations helped us all to learn afresh for making green earth. The programme extended an opportunity to save our soil, nature so that our natural resources can be used by future generations too.”
Preeti Sharma, educator and astronomer at State Science seminar 2022
The students also discussed challenges and solutions. State and nation in fact should continue organising such programmes so that students get such opportunities to showcase their talent.”
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot flagged off the Palace on Wheels train at Gandhinagar Railway Station on Saturday.
Gehlot said that the Palace on Wheels has set high standards for experiential tourism in the world. The resumption of this train, which has been running for the last 40 years, after a gap of 2 years is a good sign. This is a positive indication for tourism sector to emerge stronger in the coming days.
Before the departure of the train, the Chief Minister took stock of the facilities on board the Palace on Wheels. Wishing the passengers a happy journey, he said that it is a matter of pride for us to resume the services of Palace on Wheels. Tourists from all over the country and abroad are mesmerized by the heritage and cultural traditions of Rajasthan on the royal train. He said that the train has modern furnishings and all tourist amenities. It is being operated under joint venture of Railways and RTDC,
The operation of royal train was shut for almost two years due to Covid. It has now resumed the positive initiative of RTDC and Tourism Department.
It is noteworthy that the first royal train was started in the year 1982. As a result of the change in rail gauges from time to time by the railways, the second train from meter gauge to broad gauge was built in the year 1991 and the third in 1995.
Apart from Delhi and Agra, the train will embark on a seven-day journey to the beautiful cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer and Bharatpur, which will attract domestic and foreign tourists.
The journey of this royal train, giving a glimpse of the glorious history of Rajasthan, delights the domestic and foreign tourists. A tourist finds himself in a royal atmosphere. Tourists are fascinated by the hospitality, delicious cuisine and the service and hospitality of the officers and employees of the RTDC.
