Haridwar: Ganga Utsav 2024 To Be Celebrated With Grandeur At Chandi Ghat

by Hemanta Pande

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

The eighth edition of the Ganga Utsav, organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is set to be celebrated on November 4, 2024, at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar.

Haridwar, Nov 2: The eighth edition of the Ganga Utsav, organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is set to be celebrated on November 4, 2024, at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar.

This year's event marks a milestone, as it will be the first time that Ganga Utsav takes place on the riverbank itself, commemorating the anniversary of the Ganga River's designation as India's 'National River'.

The primary focus of Ganga Utsav 2024 is to foster a connection with the Ganga, promote conservation, and emphasize the river's cultural and spiritual significance, said a press statement by NMCG.

In an effort to boost public awareness on cleanliness, the event is also expected to deepen the appreciation of the river's heritage and role in Indian civilization.

The celebration will span across 139 districts within the Ganga basin, coordinated by District Ganga Committees, with each state hosting a primary event.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, will inaugurate the central event in Haridwar, joined by prominent guests including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee.

A major highlight of the event will be the flag-off ceremony for the Ganga Women Rafting Expedition, organized in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF).

This 50-day journey will traverse nine major cities and towns along the Ganga, concluding at Ganga Sagar. Activities will also be held across districts in five Ganga basin states to mark this expedition.

The festival will showcase a model event to inspire the celebration of rivers nationwide, bringing together 145 river cities under the River City Alliance. Formed with the aim of promoting healthy urban rivers, the alliance envisions water-secure cities through pollution-free, continuously flowing rivers celebrated across India.

Key sessions at the Ganga Utsav will include "Ganga Samvad," featuring discussions with spiritual and cultural leaders to inspire youth in river conservation, and a technical session focusing on critical issues in river rejuvenation.

The event will also feature cultural activities such as "Ghat Par Haat," a marketplace highlighting aspects of the Namami Gange initiative, and children's activities, including quizzes, puppet shows, and competitions.

Performances such as Nukkad Nataks (street plays) will raise awareness among the youth about river conservation, while an exhibition on Namami Gange will showcase the progress of the initiative. A small food festival will round out the celebrations, offering traditional flavors.

Ganga Utsav 2024 stands as a unifying platform for public engagement with the river, urging collective action to protect and rejuvenate the Ganga.

By bringing attention to the river's role in Indian history and heritage, the festival encourages efforts to restore the Ganga to its pristine state and preserve its cultural significance for future generations. (ANI)

Read More National News

3rd Test: India Grab The Initiative, Reduce NZ to 171/9 At Stumps On Day 2

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Mumbai, Nov 2: Ravindra Jadeja (4-52) and R Ashwin (3-63) helped India reduce New Zealand to 171/9 in their second innings at the end of Day 2 in the third Test in Mumbai. New Zealand, who scored 235 in their first innings were leading by 143 runs after they rode on Ajaz Patel's 5-103 to bowl out India for 263, restricting the hosts to only a 28-run lead.

On a crumbling pitch on which offered sharp turn and variable bounce, the spinners continued to rule the roost as they had another productive day.

After New Zealand had restricted India to 263 in their first innings and lead of just 28 runs despite contrasting half-centuries by Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60), the hosts roared back into contention thanks to Ashwin and Jadeja.

Akash Deep, opening the bowling, gave India the breakthrough once again by bowling Tom Latham for one as the ball nipped back in to sneak through the gap between the bat and pad.

Washing Sundar then accounted for Devon Conway (22) and Ashwin sent back Rachin Ravindra for 4 but Will Young and Daryl Mitchell, who had saved New Zealand in their first innings, raised a half-century partnership to keep New Zealand's hopes alive.

But Ashwin pulled off a brilliant catch off a skier, running a long distance to poach a diving catch from Ravindra Jadeja's bowling, to dismiss Mitchell for 21 off 41 balls. New Zealand lost their fourth wicket with 94 runs on the board, just 66 runs ahead.

Jadeja grabbed his seventh wicket of the match when he had Tim Blundell chopping onto his wicket with a full-length delivery that rushed onto the batter. He made it eight wickets for the match by sending back Ish Sodhi as India took control of the match.

Glenn Phillips struck Ashwin for a couple of sixes in an over but the seasoned off-spinner had the last laugh knocking back the off-stump with a sensational carrom ball that the batter failed to read and played the wrong line. Phillips scored 26 off 14 balls (1x4, 3x6) and New Zealand were down to 131/6.

But Young kept their hopes alive with his second half-century of the match before spooning a catch back to Ashwin off another carrom ball tossed up which drifted towards the leg-stump. Young showed lots of patience as he scored 51 off 100 balls, hitting two fours and a six.

Matt Henry, who had scored one six over long-off on Jadeja’s bowling, was clean bowled by Jadeja on 10 runs following which stumps were called. Patel, batting on seven and new batter on the crease William ORourke will continue things on Day three as India look to register their first win of the series.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 235 and 171/9 in 43.3 overs (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 4-52, R Ashwin 3-63) lead India 263 all out in 59.4 overs (Shubman Gill 90, Rishabh Pant 60, Washington Sundar 38 not out; Ajaz Patel 5-103) by 143 runs

--IANS

Read More Sports News

Nandankanan Zoological Park: White Tigress Roopa Gives Birth To Four Cubs

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: Much to the happiness of animal lovers and zoologists, white tigress 'Roopa' gave birth to four cubs in her enclosure in Nandankanan Zoological Park on Bhubaneswar outsikrts today.

All the cubs are in healthy condition. They are under the CCTV surveillance.

Zoo sources said Roopa became a mother for the third time.

"With the birth of four cubs, the white tiger populatin has now increased. It is a matter of happiness Nandankanan Zoological Park has been richer by four white tigers," said an official.

The gender of the cubs have not been ascertained yet.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Celebrates 2nd Annual Research Day & 1st Regional Research Conclave

by Hemanta Pande

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar proudly celebrated its second annual research day, emphasising the pivotal role of research as a cornerstone of its mission, officials said on Saturday.

This year, the institution took a significant step forward by hosting its inaugural regional research conclave, uniting various regional institutes to foster collaboration in biomedical research. This initiative reflects AIIMS Bhubaneswar's vision of creating a robust research consortium aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes in the region.

The event was attended by prominent regional research institutes, including IIT Bhubaneswar, NISER, Institute of Life Sciences, ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, KIIT-TBI Bioincubator, SOA University, SVNIRTAR, and Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital.

With an impressive record of securing around 15 crores in research grants from national and international funding agencies and over 1,000 publications in high-impact journals annually, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is committed to advancing medical research, said AIIMS BHUBANESWAR Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas.

Welcoming the dignitaries and research fellows, Dr. Biswas, said that a state-of-the-art central research facility has been established at the institute, focusing on modern biotechnology and product development with translational applications. Faculty members have achieved significant milestones, including new patents in orthopedic surgical applications and advancements in the diagnosis of visual disorders. Collaborations with IIT Bhubaneswar have led to the initiation of multiple research projects in artificial intelligence, further expanding the institute’s innovative capabilities, added Dr. Biswas.

Dr. Meenu Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. She emphasized the importance of value-based medicine in conjunction with evidence-based approaches to enhance quality of life and health economics. Dr. Singh highlighted the significance of researching traditional concepts, particularly in a state like Odisha, renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Dr. Swarup Sarkar, Former Director of Communicable Diseases at South East Asia Region(SEAR), WHO, enlightened the audience on global health concepts. He discussed how global health policies have successfully tackled issues like HIV and tuberculosis, while also stressing the need for implementation science in addressing ongoing health challenges in India.

With the decline in global health funding, Dr. Sarkar asserted, “India is uniquely positioned to lead in the development of new drugs, clinical trials, and vaccinations.” His remarks underscored the vast potential for AIIMS Bhubaneswar, equipped with world-class facilities and a high patient volume, to develop groundbreaking treatment strategies.

Dr. Anirban Biswas, Director of Neurotology at the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata stated, “research should focus on addressing common problems, ensuring that the man on the street benefits from our findings.”

In recognition of outstanding research contributions, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Bhoi, Professor & Head of Neurology, received the best research paper award for his pivotal work on Peripheral Neuropathy Leprosy (PNL), shedding light on the often undiagnosed morbidity it causes compared to skin leprosy. Also, various other awards in the field of research were given to faculty and residents.

Among others Dr. P R Mohapatra (Dean Academic), Dr. Satyajeet Misra (Dean Research), , Dr. Soubhagya Kumar Jena (Dean Examination), and Dr. Bhagirathi Dwivedi (Associate Dean Research), also were part of the event.
This annual research day and regional conclave marks a significant milestone in fostering a culture of collaborative research aimed at enhancing healthcare for communities across the region.