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Maharani Gayatri Devi: She started a ‘pardah school’ to kill pardah system for women!

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EBNW Story
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Do you know there is an educational institution in Jaipur which came up as a pardah school to eradicate the pardah system from society?

This school was none other than the Maharani Gayatri Devi School which was started by the erstwhile queen of Jaipur, as  a silent revolution to fight against the evil of pardah system dominating the desert region in those days.

She started this all-girls school in 1943 after feeling sad to see the plight of women covered under pardah in different parts of the region. The queen was from Cooch Behar and was quite well-educated queen, had a global outlook and a good exposure to the world. After coming to Rajasthan, she was pained to see girls spending their lives in purdah.

One fine day, Sawai Man Singh sought an advice from her queen to find a solution on girls’ education.

The queen immediately suggested a school for girls. The idea was that once girls go to a school, there will be no purdah in a few years.

Her ultimate aim was to liberate girls from the clutches of purdah system and hence she approached a few families to send their daughters to school.

The queen herself made door to door visits asking the elites to send their daughters to school since in those times, education for girls in the desert state was a novel idea. 

With her hard efforts, 24 girls enrolled on the school register.

Initially, these parents were quite apprehensive of sending their daughters to schools. Hence, the queen rolled in a ‘purdah’ bus for these girl students. The bus, highly curtained, had one teacher escorting each girl into it. The curtains were quickly fastened to the bus’ windows as soon as they boarded it.

Also, the bus was divided into two parts by a curtain between the driver’s cabin and the rest of the bus. The other part of the bus was occupied by girls, teacher and the maid.

Now, the school has completed 75 years of its operations, liberating girls from the clutches of the purdah system. The girls built their own recognition and identity in diverse streams be it politics, Army, sports, art and culture and civil services, says Colonel S.S. Sangwan (Retd.), Administrative Officer of the Maharani Gayatri Devi School.

From Meira Kumar to Savitri Candy to Apurvi Chandela, this school continues churning out new talents which are making a mark on the global map.

Taragarh Fort in Ajmer bespeaks sagas of fierce battles

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EBNW Story
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Overlooking the city of Ajmer is the spectacular fort of Taragarh, whose ruins tell sagas of fierce battles fought amidst its high walls and the ravery of its valour knights. It is an outstanding example of Rajasthani style of architecture. The great Chauhan clan king Ajaypal constructed this massive structure on a steep hill in 1354 A.D. as his stronghold. Being on a strategic location, this high-walled fort was used for military purposes by Chauhan rulers, Mughal emperors and even by the British as their sanatorium. An intelligent feature of this fort was its secret tunnels that crisscrossed the entire b hill side. These secret passages allowed the king and his ministers to evacuate the fort and flee towards the hilly forest to avoid imminent danger from their enemies. But unfortunately maps of
these fascinating tunnels are lost.
Sprawling on a hillock, Taragarh gives a fantastic panoramic view of the city of Ajmer. No wonder it’s an adventurous tourist attraction and a favorite spot for photography! Let’s us now tell you about the 5 unique features of this hill fort.

Taragarh Fort in Ajmer bespeaks sagas of fierce battles
Taragarh Fort stands strong bespeaking many interesting tales


1. Huge Gateways: You will find 3 major mammoth entrance gates of the fort but unfortunately major part of them lies in ruins today. They were named as Laxman Pol, Phuta Darwaja and Gagudi Phatak. These impressive gates were of good height with thick walls that could fail all the efforts of the enemy to conquer the fort. A beautiful embellished stone sculpture of elephants will greet you at the front entrance.
2. Stone Water Reservoir: Large water reservoirs were meticulously carved out of base rocks of the fort. They could store gallons and gallons of water which was used for drinking and public welfare works during the draught times. An interesting fact is that if all the water was released at the same time the houses at the foot hills would wash away.
3. Bhim Burj Battlement: A massive battlement tower is situated in the fort complex which houses the super large canon called ‘Garbh Gunjan’. Being the proud second largest canon in India it attracts a lot of tourists. This canon made noise like a heavy thunder and could be heard till miles away. Even the soldier igniting it had to run away to save his eardrums.
4. Miran Saheb ki Dargha: This shrine is dedicated to the brave governor of the fort who died while defending Taragarh against a strong enemy invasion. Miran Sahib was an ace military general full of love for his motherland. People come here and pay their respect to this great
warrior.
5. Rani Mahal: This palace was built to house the queens and concubines of the rulers. The ladies of the royal household lived a life of luxury within its murals painted walls and stained glass windows. But presently it has lost its shine and charm but you can still get glimpses of its glorious past by its charismatic ruins.
We would say in the end that do get you camera lenses ready when you set out to explore the
magnificent ruins of this towering fort.

Bird House: Well defined place for Birds – Apna Sansthan Jaipur

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EBNW Story
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Believe it or not! There is an NGO, Apna Sansthan in Jaipur, which is making and designing plush flats for birds to help these mute animals get a well defined place so that they can cover themselves during rain and heat.

“With trees getting depleted with times, it is tough time for these birds. They have no place left to rest and to make their nests. Therefore, we are making and designing these flats for birds which range between 1 BHK and 5 BHK,” says Apna Sanshan Founder Ashok Sharma adding that this NGO who has been busy providing shelter to these homeless birds since May 2018. 

These bird houses are available in four variants namely wooden house, mud house, stable house and hard board.

While the wooden houses are decorated houses which are water proof and less expensive, the mud houses are mostly in demand in Rajasthan and are being made by potters.

“Each piece of this mud house costs around Rs 60 with transport charges.

The hardboard comes next and then comes the stable house. One such stable house was created in Jhunjhunu which was a 10-floored apartment which had 1100 houses, Sharma informed.

Many people are contributing to the case by donating decent amount to help these birds who keep searching for shelter in summers and rains,” Sharma said.

“Basically, this 10-floored apartment is huge wall with 1,100 pockets available for birds to rest.”

Bird House: Well defined place for Birds - Apna Sansthan Jaipur

The NGO, engaged in water harvesting, sapling plantation, among many other activities, took inspiration from one Amritadevi Vishnoi who sacrificed herself to save trees. She was given support by her daughters and other 363 people who also came forward to Gove their lives for the sake of saving trees.

This isn’t lockdown but a time for spiritual development, says Kailash Kher

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EBNW Story
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Renowned singer Kailash Kher said the lockdown imposed in the nation to battle corona basically is a time for spiritual development and meditation. This is a time when nature is re-building itself, he said.

Kher was live on facebook session being organised Churu Police, Filmisthan and Sampriti Sansthan.

Before getting into music world, I introduced myself to spiritual world by coming under the shelter of saints. After getting immersed into spiritual world, I started singing. Hence my voice is also called as spiritual voice, said Kher speaking to audience.

This isn’t lockdown but a time for spiritual development, says Kailash Kher

Speaking on his nature is undergoing a process of rebuilding itself, he said, “These are times when air is pampering us, rivers are singing lullabies and hence people should bring in spiritual development.”

Kher is known for his Sufi voice and has given many mesmerising, heart touching songs.

Speaking on the live session, Kher further said, “Music, art and culture reside in each and every household of the nation.”

“What we need is discipline to realise our dreams into reality,” he suggested

Kher was speaking as a part of Mera Churu-Mera Farz programme which has been conceptualised by Churu SP Tajaswini Gautam.

He said that the need of our country is to have more such officers like Gautam. 

This singer further said that our country shall prosper when we start loving and trusting each other. “In fact, we can help boost our nation’s growth by following the principle of trusting and loving each other, just like Churu people are doing.

People are trusting the administration here and administration at the same time is trusting poeple,” he added.

Tribal women contribute in COVID-19 battle by stitching PPE kits in Rajasthan

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EBNW Story
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Even the untrained but skilled hands are contributing whatever they can to fight this dreadful battle in India.

In this context, let us take example of Rajasthan where a tribal belt is speaking all different story with around 700 tribal women busy stitching PPE kits for corona warriors in Dungarpur.

This is a small tribal town where a rainwear company has been allotted a task to make 1 lakh PPE kits by the union textile ministry. 

Tribal women contribute in COVID-19 battle by stitching PPE kits in Rajasthan
Deenbandhu Trivedi, owner of the company making PPE kits in Sagwada

 Deenbandhu Trivedi, owner, New Zeel Rainwear, says that the company had set up a priority to hire widow, divorcee and single women to ensure they remain self dependent during COVID-19 times. 

Hence, we hired 700 women who were trained by us a few months back under skill development programme. 

As these women resided in Banswara, a town situated 50 km ahead of Sagwada, we gave them a pick and drop facility as there is no source of transportation available in the country during lockdown.

Now, these women are earning Rs 9500 a month here which is decent enough for their survival, he adds.

“When the union textile ministry ordered us to manufacture one lakh PPE kits, we went in dilemma which was from where to bring a skilled staff.

We wanted to give a quality work while helping the women at the same time. Hence, we decided to select the tribal women in Banswara. 

“Our vehicles now bring them daily from home and drop them back. We also distribute free of cost lunch to them,”

Tribal women contribute in COVID-19 battle by stitching PPE kits in Rajasthan
Raw material getting ready for stitching

We have a trained technical staff which has been guiding them in each step. We have made them aware that after cutting and stitching, the kits need to be tapped so that the PPE kit becomes water and air proof. The tribal women are quick to have learnt the art, he says.

This woman IPS officer in Churu beats COVID-19 crisis differently!

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EBNW Story
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This is the story of a woman IPS officer in Churu who managed to beat Corona differently; she did not had to lathicharge people to ensure they stay inside their houses during lockdown nor had to go strict with them, but instead, she started live streaming of sessions by renowned celebrities during evening hours from 5 pm to 7 pm so that people could listen to their favourite stars while remaining engaged in creative discussions.

The time slot-5 pm to 7 pm witnessed people coming outside theirs homes in large numbers to buy milk, grocery and vegetable. However, the live sessions of these stars hooked them to their phone and computer screens. The streets turned deserted as people started staying indoors  listening to what their favourite stars were saying.

Recently, she invited Anguri Bhabhi famed Shubahngi Atre (Bhabhiji ghar pe hain) for facebook live session.

Many people raised different questions to her. Surprisingly, she replied to the answers with her most famous dialogue—‘Hai Daiya’ and said, “Lockdown ko sahi se packde rahe.”

This actress inspired people to use this lean period as an opportunity and said, “I am using this opportunity to hone my dancing skills.”

Tejaswini Gautam also invited Padma Shri recipient Paralympic Gold medallist Devendra Jhajhadiya, Theatre Expert Satya Kaushik, Management guru N Raghuraman and kathak dancer Gargi Malkani for FB live sessions.

Jhajhadiya said that he had to wait for 12 years for the olympics. So you too can stay inside your houses for a few days.

Theatre Expert Satya Kaushik asked people to read a lot during lockdown while management guru N Raghuraman shared success tips for all.

This woman IPS officer in Churu beats COVID-19 crisis differently!

Gargi asked people to stay inside their homes and help Churu become Corona-free.

“Connecting with art helps a person become sensitive in his approach. Let’s take the example of Tejaswini, she said adding, “She was connected with the theatre world and therefore she came out with an innovative idea which is making people creative in this district of Rajasthan.”

Top 8 Adventure Sports In Rajasthan For Thrill & Excitement

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EBNW Story
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The adventure bug bites us at least a few times in our lifetime. The experience of the thrill makes us feel more alive and burst our senses that we just can’t get enough of it. Our holidays are our reprieve from the mundane life and adventurous sports just makes it more exciting and memorable. This royal land of Rajasthan has this fun side too. Along with the famous cultural and heritage tours you can indulge in some fantastic adventurous sports in Rajasthan for that super adrenaline rush. Here are 8
popular sports activities.


1) Hot air balloon ride: You get a chance to explore this beautiful desert landscape from a height and have a magnificent view of the lakes, mountains and palaces. It’s the most thrilling adventure sport in Rajasthan that should not be missed. Cities of Pushkar and Jaipur offer this
wonderful thing.


2) Camping: Camping on the sand dunes will be an unforgettable experience. Below the clean night sky, living in a tent with a camp-fire and cultural activities of folk dance and songs by the locals, all makes your evening bright.


3) Wildlife Safari: Rajasthan has many sanctuaries with a variety of wild animals, and exploring them can enrich your holiday experience. A safari to places like Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Sanctuary and Mukundarrah hills will take you on a thrilling ride and rejuvenate
your senses.


4) Cycling: It is cost effective and suitable for all ages. Cycling on the dusty roads of Rajasthan is the best way to experience the city streets, physical terrain, natural vegetation and rural life firsthand. While cycling you will be crossed by herders with their goats and cows, rural men
and women clad in bright clothes, children playing around, and so on.


5) Paragliding: While in the air the view of the mountains, lakes, temples and palaces will be spectacular. The sensation one feels while floating in the air is amazing. Jaipur has good trainers and sports clubs for this thrilling activity.


6) Zip Lining: It will fulfill your desire to Fly! An exhilarating aerial trip over forts, mountains,
rivers, etc will take your breath away. Excellent sport for that adrenaline rush. Cities of
Jodhpur and Alwar have this facility.


7) Trekking: Trekking in the Aravalli Hills is sure to rejuvenate your soul and bring you health benefits too. Early morning treks are the best way to detoxify your senses from the city life. Udaipur treks give you a beautiful panoramic view of lakes, mountains and marble palaces.
Treks are in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Alwar, Jaipur, etc.


8) Jeep Safari: Speedy jeeps crisscrossing the sand dunes are a well noted adventure sport in Rajasthan. The jeep trails include the desert exploration, visiting historical monuments and even touching the remote rural villages. Please contact your hotel management for bookings.
Jodhpur, Bikaner, Shekhawati, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer are famous for such sports.

Free Jazz music rejoices Jaipurites in first edition of Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival

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EBNW Story
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Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival, a world-class music festival, mesmerised the audience for the first time in Jaipur at  the iconic Central Park in Jaipur– a nominated World Heritage City by UNESCO.

The dates for the world class event were chosen apt from February 28 to March 1 to mark the scintillating spring season. The three-day festival was organised by Seher India in association with UNESCO and Rajasthan Tourism which saw performances by musicians from America, Canada, Cuba, Germany and India, free of cost.

There were five unique features of the show which include:

  1. It was free of cost: Free Jazz music for all! This was the unique feature of the grand show which made music lovers soak the divine flow in a mesmerising surrounding. With free entry, the ‘Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival’ aimed to open a window for Indian music lovers to the joys of jazz.
  1. Over 55 musicians came from over 5 countries: Among the notable musicians participating in the festival were Sungazers (USA), Kirk MacDonald (Canada), Joao  Bittencourt (Brazil), Bianca Gizmoti Trio ( Brazil), Nikhita Gandhi (India), Dhruv Vishwanath ( India) among others

3. It served mix of music: Seher India has curated an assorted mix of contemporary, fusion, Latin and mainstream Jazz as well as electric, punk and soul-blues on a single platform, making it a destination festival for music lovers.  

4. The event opened the world of Jazz and Blues to Jaipur jazz aficionados: The event literally opened the world of Jazz and Blues to Jaipur jazz aficionados. Organised by Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director, Seher India, this new festival was loved by the audience who were immersed in this music which tied many nations together”

5. It brought forth the connect between Jazz  and Indian classical music: Jazz and Indian classical music share numerous similarities, especially the art of improvisation and it was very evident in the show. Earlier, several noted Indian classical musicians and Western jazz musicians began collaborating in the 1940s, leading to the development of a new genre of music called Indo-Jazz. 

Free Jazz music rejoices Jaipurites in first edition of Jaipur Jazz and Blues Festival

The star studded evenings saw rendezvous  of playful and eccentric compositions which cut across genres and cultures. Their interactive and improvisation driven performance greatly entertained the audience. 

The performance of the 24 year old singer and songwriter from India, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, the exceptional performance by award winning saxophonist, Kirk MacDonald, who is a leader in Canadian Jazz for over 35 years and many more left an undeniable mark on Jazz lovers.

Don’t you feel to be the part of the next Jazz festival? No worries… let’s wait for a year!

Sita was separated, Radha was single but into relationship; so why make fuss of single status?

By
Ravindar Nagar
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“Girls are getting bold. They don’t want to adjust at their in-laws’ place; Financial independence is spoiling them; look at the rising number of divorces these days; these girls are opting for separation as they cant adjust. This is just not a part of our culture,” I could hear one of my relative’s discussion yesterday where she was cribbing how her daughter-in-law was happy at her parents’ place and not at her ‘home’!

Now, there was another twist to this story. Her daughter-in-law was never respected at her place. Curses and verbal abuse were a daily part of her life which tormented her to such an extent that she left for her parent’s place.

This news spread like wide fire and the entire neighbourhood is after her life. Some blame her character, and some blame her upbringing, some blame her parents while the remaining blame her selfish nature.

Continue

Expand the definition of ’Beti Bachao’ campaign, ensure their security from rapists, molesters & eve-teasers too!

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EBNW Story
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Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao—The new campaign flagged across nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, have raised so many questions in my mind. The slogan asks for a girl to be saved right in the womb—Beti Bachao it says—but from whom— does she only need to be saved to be given birth-but once she is born, is there somebody who will care for her security?

I mean there are so many predators—from eve teasers, molesters, rapists—from dowry hungry in-laws—from those who have ogling eyes—who make people believe that there is no security of girls around. Also there are many evil-eyed people who ensure that their ego doesn’t get smashed with the success of working women.

Hence, if we bring in a campaign  for a girl to be saved right in the womb, we need to ensure a safe society for her in future too as their parents are all the more scared to promise the same to her—a healthy environment where she can grow amid security with peace, where she is treated equal to their male counterparts. Let her be given the same freedom, in whatever she does, in whatever she wears, no matter where she goes and what her profession is.

Once we look around, we see numerous stories emanating from different corners which reveal how females are still unsafe in their peripheries. See the number of females across the world who recently joined #metoo campaign, to share their trauma of being victims of sexual assault sometime in their life. They are all successful ladies who have faced challenges to come out strong and successful. But not all females are strong. Some give up in between by preferring to remain confined within four walls of their house while others keep battling till they come out strong.

Looking at gloomy environs around, the hapless parents in rural India are scared to bring up their girl child as they are scared listening to horror stories of Nirbhaya. They have also read and heard stories of how small girls, who are toddlers, are raped brutally.

So shouldn’t we expand the slogan-we need Beti Bachao, but we also need Beti Bachao campaign which ensures that our daughters are saved from rapists, molesters, from eve teasers and from any such person who takes girl as commodity or a puppet who will dance on their orders.

Let’s have a better Beti Bachao campaign which promises a 360 degree security to girls in India.

 

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