Metro project of Pune Much Faster Than Expected - Mahamatro CEO

"The Metro project of Pune is much faster than expected. By eliminating all obstacles, the Metro will run in Pune till 2021. The project is an attempt to start the project in the public from time-to-time using appropriate technology of world-class technology. It will also be made available to all the world-wide facility providers," said Maharashtra Metro Executive Chairman Ramnath Subramanyam.

He was speaking at the first session of the fourth National Construction and Transport Council organized by MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Rajbagh, College of Management, Loni Kalbhor. Meanwhile, the inaugural ceremony of the fourth National Council, sports chief Shantilal Kataria, Director of Mitcamp Pvt. Sunita Mangesh Karad, Vice Chancellor of MIT ADT University Dr. Sunil Roy, Registrar of the University Dr. Mahesh Deshpande, Pune Metro Advisor Shashikant Limaye, PCERF Chairman Mr. Vishwas Lokar, Yusuf Inamdar of Jayakumar Infrastructure, Rajiv Nehru, Vitek Singh of Mitkom and others were present on the occasion.

Subramanyam said that the transport system is important for the citizens. For this, local governments and governments play an important role. The Government has a duty to provide facilities to the citizens. So work is being done to strengthen the transport system. Apart from Mahamatro, the metro work is being done in other metropolitan cities except Mumbai. After Nagpur, the work of Pune Metro is going on in the state. Mahamatro will try to provide world-class facilities to the citizens in less time. Common mobility cards, Green Metro Solar stations, different types of station designs, free Wi-Fi, bicycle services, parking facilities, connecting all stations to the city's transport service, providing free footpaths, rainwater harvesting facilities. We are focusing on building Metro Tourism along with world-class Metro facilities. A large number of employment opportunities will be available to the youth through Metro. He said that Mahamatro is working to take the Metro out of the field through efficient manpower.

Chief guest  Shantilal Katariya said that India is a developing country. Therefore, there are huge opportunities for young people in the construction sector in this country. Planning is needed for planned and strong construction. The construction sector does not have importance due to lack of planning. Those who work in this field and who look forward to it as a career, should not be employed, but many have to become workers in the hand. There are a large number of opportunities for students working in the construction and technology and transport system. While working in this field, it can be successful if you experience working experience on the site rather than the AC office.

Pvt. Sunita Mangesh Karad said that infrastructure is the economic tool of India. Greater investments from all over the world in the construction and transport system are being held in India. To create a skilled manpower for this, it is necessary to provide technology and actual work experience. He said at this time that such a national level conference will be required.

Pune Metro Advisor Shashikant Limaye said that setting up of infrastructure is a big challenge ahead of the country. Highways, metro, airports, construction of river basins, flyover are being constructed in large numbers in the country. It requires a skilled manpower. He also said that there are huge opportunities for future successes in many challenges. '

PCERF President Mr. Vishwas Lokar said that students should make a career using the right technology. Pay attention to quality work rather than running behind money. If you work together for the country and for the sake of community building then success will definitely be achieved.

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Second National Teachers Congress to be held in Pune

After attaining stupendous success in its first National Teacher’s Congress (NTC) in 2016, the MIT School of Government is all bolstered to launch its second edition to be held between January 10 to 12, 2018 at the Prof Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT WPU Campus at Kothrud in Pune.

The 2nd NTC is organized under the aegis of Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT WPU and MIT School Of Government, Pune with the active support of the Government of Maharashtra. Several institutions of importance like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and UNESCO Chair for Democracy, Peace, Human rights and Tolerance, Pune have also rendered their support and association in this thoughtful mission.

Speaking about the second edition of the NTC, Shri Rahul Karad, Founder and Convenor, said, “We at MIT WPU are elated to announce the 2^nd edition of National Teachers Congress to be held at our MIT WPU campus tomorrow. It is a matter of pride for me to say that the teaching community in our country has found the NTC to be a ‘must attend’ event and have been looking forward to it. Over 8000 higher education teachers from across the country including 500 from abroad have confirmed their participation.”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra would be the Chief Guest even as H H Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Laurete & Leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Shri Vinod Tawde, Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Govt of Maharashtra would be inaugurating the 2^nd National Teachers Congress on January 10, 2018 at 10 am.

The theme for the inaugural session is “Higher Education of India, Prospects & Retrospects.” The Day 1 will also see special felicitations in which noted educationists would be conferred the Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar for facilitating the creation of generations of enlightened and knowledge driven students and the beneficiaries are

1.      Padma Shri Prof Kasturi Lal Gupta, Founder Coordinator & Advisor Thin Film Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology.

2.      Dr Arun Nigavekar, Senior Advisor, Trustee, Science & Technology Park, University of Pune & Ex Chairman of UGC.

3.      Prof S C Sahasrabuddhe, Former Deputy Director, IIT Bombay and Former Director, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Communication Technology, Gujarat.

4.      Padma Shri Dr Sanjay G. Dhande, Eminent Educationist & Former Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

Eminent speakers at the function include Prof Dr Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MIT World Peace University and Founder Executive President, MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions, Smt Mukta Tilak, Mayor of Pune city, Dr Anil D. Sahasrabuddhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Dr Anil Kakodkar, Padma Vibhushan & Eminent Scientist (Atomic Energy) and Dr Lobsang Sangay, President, Central Tibetan Administration, Tibet.

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In Every Bandh, Public Property Bears Brunt

As the day comes to en end, a shut-down across Maharashtra called by Dalit leaders to protest the violence during the bicentennial celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, the public property became main target of the miscreants. City and outstatation buses were again damaged in Mumbai and Pune.

In Mumbai, 47 buses of the civic transport service 'BEST' were damaged by protesters in Kalanagar area (Bandra), Dharavi, Kamraj Nagar, Santosh Nagar, Dindoshi and Hanuman Nagar, an official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told. In Pune, the number was as high as 55 where Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses were damaged, informed PMPML chief Tukaram Munde.
Both the cities witnessed a major disruption of road traffic owing to protests. Offices too witnessed low attendance, as employees stayed away from work fearing violence.
Though the state government did not declare a school holiday, many parents chose not to send children to school. District Collectors at many places declared holiday in their jurisdiction.

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Second edition of National Teachers Congress to be held in Pune from Jan 10 to 12, 2018

After attaining stupendous success in its first National Teacher’s Congress (NTC) in 2016, the MIT School of Government is all bolstered to launch its second edition to be held between January 10 to 12, 2018 at the Prof Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) campus, Kothrud, Pune. The congress would be inaugurated by the auspicious hands of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
As per information given by  Prof.Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MIT World Peace University, Pune and Prof. Rahul V. Karad, Chief Convener, National Teachers’ Congress & Exevutive President, MIT World Peace University, the 2nd NTC will be organized under the aegis of Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT WPU and MIT School Of Government, with the active support of the Government of Maharashtra. Several institutions of importance like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Maharashtra State Principal's Federation, Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (BCS) Foundation and UNESCO Chair for Democracy, Peace, Human rights and Tolerance, Pune have also rendered their support and association in this thoughtful mission.

There would be six different sessions held in the congress on the topics of Globalization of Indian Higher Education – Drawing the Roadmap, Value - Based Universal Education : Foundation for World Peace, Quality in Higher Education : Truth and Reconciliation, Use of Technology in Education : Impact Vs Impediment, Educating the Educators and Economics of Education.

Speaking about the second edition of the NTC, Mr. Rahul Karad, Founder and Convener, said, “We at MIT WPU are elated to announce the 2^nd edition of National Teachers Congress to be held at our MIT WPU campus in Pune in the month of January 2018. It is a matter of pride for me to say that the teaching community in our country has found the NTC to be a ‘must attend’ event and have been looking forward to it. Over 5000 higher education teachers from across the country have confirmed their participation.”

He added, “We are expecting participation of about 1000 University teachers of Indian origin living outside India.  A number of thought leaders, policy makers, academic leaders, business leaders and spiritual leaders will interact with the teachers over a period of three days. The inauguration will be done by “His Holiness Dalai Lama”.

The 1st NTC was a large gathering of 3 days having all-round and Spirited Teaching fraternity of India, congregated Teachers of Higher education from all states of India at a single venue to discuss, deliberate and find solutions on issues of education and allied sectors.

Around 5000 spirited, socially sensitive and active College Teachers participated at the program to understand various national issues, the challenges faced and solutions to those challenges in order to imbibe various inputs among students and educate the society to create a knowledge driven holistic nation.

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A Gold Medal Around Your Neck Doesn’t Matter, Giving 100% In The Field Does

“It doesn’t matter whether a gold medal is around your neck or have you qualified for any big sports event, at the end of the day you need to sleep honestly knowing that you gave your best in the field”, said, Rehan Poncha, Arjuna Awardee & Indian Olympic Swmmier and the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the MIT World Peace University’s 12th National level Inter Engineering Sports Summit. Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune has organized a National Level Inter-Engineering Sports Meet, “MIT SUMMIT” with 15 different sports, 36 individual trophies and prizes worth 15 lacs starting from 14th September.

Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MAEER’s MIT, Pune, Ganpatrao Mane, Kabaddi Player, Devidas Jadhav, Volleyball Coach, Sunil Kakde, Indian Rower, Prof. Rahul Karad, Executive President, MIT World Peace University, Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Secretary & Trustee, MAEER’s Group of Institutions, Prof. L. K. Kshirsagar, Principal, MIT, Dr. R. V. Pujeri, Director, MIT WPU, Prof.S.S.Darade-Patil, Dean, MIT and Prof.  P. G. Dhanave.

The Krida Maharashi Puraskar was awarded to Shri. Ganpatrao Mane for his outstanding contribution in the field of Kabaddi. The Krida Acharya Puraskar was given to Shri. Devidas Jadhav for his outstanding contribution in the field of Volleyball and to Shri. Sunil Kakde for his outstanding contribution in the field of Rowing. Megha Agarwal was given the Sports Star of the Year Award at the hands of Mr. Rehan Poncha.

Rehan Poncha further said, “I decided to pursue a comparatively simpler course so that I can achieve my dream of representing India at the Olympics, the biggest sporting stage for any sportsman. I worked day in and day out to achieve my dream. But, I failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympic games. But I didn’t gave up, as I had my goal fixed firmly in my mind. In the next Olympic qualifications, 15 minutes before my qualifying swim, I was tensed, if I would had failed, that would had been my last shot at Olympics. All I did was think of the efforts taken by my coaches, my parents and all the toil I had taken to reach there. I qualified and the most proud moment of my life was to be one of the 62 members from a country of 1.2 billion people walking at the opening ceremony of Olympics with the Indian flag rightly waving in front of us.”

Ganpatrao Mane said, “The sports culture has not yet reached the rural parts of India. We lack sports infrastructure in the rural parts. The government has to give a keen attention to sports culture and infrastructure in rural areas.”

Devidas Jadhav said, “I have visited many countries in the world, participating in many tournaments, but I have not found any institute as passionate as MIT World Peace University when it comes to commitment towards sports. I hope tomorrow’s sports leadership should walk from the soil of Maharashtra.”

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath karad said, “Rehan Poncha has shown us that with a sense of discipline and character, one can lead a successful life. Be it engineering, management or medical students do not find time for sports from their heavy study syllabus. But MIT is an institution which understands the importance of sports in any student’s life. I appeal to all of you to create a platform and help in whatever possible way you can for the field of sports. It our responsibility to build a huge platform when it comes to sports.”

Prof. Rahul Karad said, “We want to create a sports culture in the whole country. We want MIT World Peace University to become a model for it. Sports bring the whole nation together. I wish lick to all the participants participating in the MIT WPU Summit 2017.

Dr. Mangesh Karad said, “It is the 12th year of the Summit. We started it in 2005 with participation of hardly 300-350 students. Today we have nearly 5000 students from all over India participating in this prestigious inter engineering tournament. It is a wonderful and path showing event happening in the sports environment of Pune. Universities have a huge task of Nation Building. What other than sports can contribute effectively to a building of a great nation.”

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Rain Gods Pleased; Maharashtra to Get More Rainfall

Rain gods seem pleased with Maharashtra as the meteorology department has predicted more rains in the region.
Many regions of Maharashtra witnessed heavy rainfall and it is assumed that the state will be receiving heavy to more heavy rain. Nashik recorded more active rainfall and now it is now its way to cover entire Maharashtra.
According to ndia Meteorological Department (IMD), Southwest Monsoon has returned to its active phase. Since Thursday, the northern regions of Maharashtra and Konkan reported heavy to very heavy rains. At the same time, Pune city recorded 26 mm rainfall, the heaviest spell recorded so far in July.
The trend is expected to continue over the weekend, particularly over Nandurbar, Nashik, Jalgaon and Dhule districts, IMD said.
Till July 12, it was remarked that these northern districts fell under the ‘rainfall-deficient’ categories, with a shortage of 30%-50% below normal. But after receiving the heavy rains for only two days, these figures have not only shown marked improvements, but they are touching normal levels.
The sudden spike in rainfall activity over the state to the influence of a low-pressure system lying over west Madhya Pradesh was recognised by the IMD, Pune officials.
Senior Scientist at the climate monitoring analysis group Sunitha Devi stated, “This system, which is expected to move towards Gujarat, is set to further intensify into a deep depression, bringing more and heavier spells of rain over Madhya Maharashtra and Konkan, especially during the weekend”.
On Friday, some places in Raigad and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan recorded very heavy rains; Pen (240 mm) and Bhira (178 mm) were among the wettest towns. IMD authorities noted, “the monsoon trough has now shifted southwards and is passing through central India, so the rainfall is expected to get heavier in the coming days”.
Sunitha Devi informed, “The rainfall will be fairly well-distributed over the state, as extended range predictions indicate that the rest of July will be wet. There are fresh systems that will cause rains over central and western parts of the country”.
Meanwhile, in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, the rain is expected to gather momentum only by June 20. From the time when the monsoon season started, Vidarbha has been experiencing deficient rainfall.

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Monsoon covers entire Maha, brings relief to farmers

The south west monsoon has covered all parts of Maharashtra bringing good rains and relief to farmers. The Pune city, along with many other parts of the state, witnessed moderate rains today.

The central part of Maharashtra is a major food grains growing area and rainfall in this region has brought relief to farmers as well as the state administration.

"For the first time in July, the south west monsoon has brought rains to all parts of the state. There had been showers since July 1, but of low intensity and scattered. It is good that the entire Maharashtra is now covered," an official of the India rpt India Meteorological Department told PTI.

"The central parts of the state - comprising north Maharashtra and Marathwada - received showers of medium intensity. It will be helpful for farmers as the state was facing a potential challenge of second round of sowing in the region," he said.

"The second round of sowing means an additional input cost to the already debt-ridden farmers," the official said.

Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar told PTI that sowing on over 66 per cent of the total area has been done during the ongoing Kharif season.

The state administration was a bit worried over the delay in rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had even issued an advisory for postponing the sowing, he said.

"As of today, the sowing has taken place on more than 66 per cent of agricultural area in the state. We are a bit relieved now," Fundkar said.

A report from Nashik said incessant rains lashed the city and other parts of the district after a dry spell, leading to water logging in low-lying areas.

The water level of Godavari river has risen following heavy downpour since last night in the catchment areas, an official said.

The irrigation department has not released water from the Nashik's Gangapur dam owing to the heavy rains.

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NFAI adds Notable Foreign Films to its Collection

In another significant acquisition, National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune has added a number of foreign films to its rich collection!

The acquired titles are all internationally acclaimed, having been honoured at festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes Award, the British Academy Film Awards and the Robert Awards (Danish equivalent of the Academy Awards). The titles include three films from France (Lemming – 2005, Invasions Barbares – 2003 and The Beat That My Heart Skipped – 2005), one from Belgium (l’enfant – 2005), a gripping political thriller from Denmark (Kongekabale – 2004) and one film from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Gori Vatra – 2004). The plot of Lemming (2005) follows a strange dinner party after which the attendees make discoveries about their seemingly well-ordered hosts. Invasions Barbares (2003) revolves around a terminally ill professor whose illness helps him reunite with important people in his life. Gori Vatra (2004) depicts the aftermath of the Bosnian War and the U.S. President’s impending visit.

                    

It is notable that the film The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005) by the path-breaking French filmmaker Jacques Audiard is also part of this collection. The film follows the life of a deceitful young realtor and whether he will grow out of his ways to fulfil his dream of becoming a concert pianist. The Dardenn brothers’ film l’enfant (2005) was a winner of the Palme D’Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, and revolves around a young couple trying to fend for themselves by committing theft. These 6 films were acquired from Mumbai resident Shri. Narayan Srinivasan.

Another lot of Iranian films was acquired from the Iranian Embassy in Mumbai. The collection includes celebrated Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s highly acclaimed film The Peddler (1989) and the documentary ‘The Afghan Alphabet’ (2002) by Makhmalbaf. The acquired titles also include Pouran Derakhshandeh’s Wet Dream (2005) and Shahram Assadi’s Avinar (1991).

"We are proud to have a representative collection of world cinema, and thrilled to acquire these notable titles which have enriched our collection”, shared Shri. Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI. He also appealed to the public to submit any such rare, archival film material and join us in our mission to preserve India’s cinematic heritage.

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NCL and IGIB Sign Licensing Agreement with Ahammune Biosciences for Vitiligo Drug Development

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune and CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi together signed a Patent Licensing agreement with Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune for Vitiligo drug development on March 2, 2017. Ahammune is a resident incubatee company of Venture Center, NCL’s technology business incubator.

Ahammune Biosciences is an innovation-led drug discovery start-up company with the vision to find a new drug for the debilitating skin disorder, Vitiligo. It is the most common depigmenting disease with over 80 million people affected by it. In Vitiligo, color-producing cells are lost from areas of skin leaving behind white spots. The spread of depigmentation is unpredictable, ranging from days to years. Due to its effect on physical appearance, it is a cause of immense psychological torment, with patients feeling isolated and depressed. This disease is of major concern in India, where it is considered as a social stigma due to its confusion with leprosy. The current treatment strategies provide only temporary relief and are mostly ineffective. Ahammune is striving to fulfil this unmet medical need in the vitiligo therapeutic area.

Ahammune Biosciences would like to conduct further work towards potential vitiligo drug development through this Licensing agreement. CSIR labs will receive milestone payments based on the progress.

The patent was the outcome of the collaborative research work in chemistry and biology between these two labs. Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (CSIR-IGIB, on deputation from NII) and T. N. Vivek (CSIR-IGIB) are the lead inventors of the patent.

Prof. Ashwini Kumar Nangia, Director, CSIR-NCL and Dr. (Miss.) Parul Ganju, Director, Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. signed the agreement in presence of respective teams from both parties.

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NFAI acquires Dupe Negative of Suraiya starrer Bari Behen (1949)

National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune is jubilant to add the cinematic gem Bari Behen (1949) to its ever-growing collection. Produced and directed by D. D. Kashyap, the Hindi film features the star cast of Suraiya, Geeta Bali, Rehman, Ullas, Pran and Baby Tabassum.

The film features memorable music composed by Husnlal-Bhagatram, with lyrics by Rajinder Krishna & Qamar Jalalabadi. The song “Chup Chup Khade Ho” sung by Lata Mangeshkar is a classic!

The film (in duplicate negative) was received from Pune resident Ms. Radhika S. Pai, daughter-in- law of Shri. Baburao Pai, a renowned film distributor. Young Baburao Pai had started a film distribution office in Karachi and later joined Saraswati Cinetone and Prabhat Film Company as a partner. He went on to found his own film company Famous Pictures. Bari Behen is the first film made under the Famous Pictures banner. 

Speaking about the acquisition, Shri. Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI said, “We are thankful to Ms. Radhika Pai for contributing towards the preservation of the country’s cinematic heritage. We appeal to the public to submit such rare, archival material and join us in our mission to preserve India’s heritage”.

The film is the story of two sisters, Shama (Suraiya) and Kiran (Geeta Bali). It revolves around the stark realities of life that are sometimes more significant than a life of love and romance. To fulfill the last wishes of their deceased parents, Shama becomes a house help so that her sister Kiran can receive education, even sacrificing her only chance at finding love.

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Hegemony of Western Media Should End : Arnab Goswami

The west should not teach us anymore how to do journalism. Time has come to put the mirror back on western media. We will challenge the dominance of western media from Indian soil,  eminent journalist and former Editor in Chief of Times Now Arnab Goswami said on Tuesday.

Goswami was delivering a speech as the Chief Guest of the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (BCS) in the first session on the topic ‘Freedom of Expression: How Much is Too Much’. The three-day Parliament has been organized by MIT School of Government & Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad Foundation, Pune in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India, Ministry of Higher & Technical Education and Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Maharashtra & Pune Municipal Corporation.

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, founder president, World Peace Center (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT, Pune; Shri. V. Vaithilingam, Hon. Speaker and Former Chief Minister, Puducherry Legislative Assembly and Prof. Rahul Vishwanath  Karad, Founder Convener, Bhartiya Chhatra Sansad, Initiator & Dean, MIT- SOG were present at the session.

Goswami added, “A lot of politicians did everything to silence us. They told us you will be on streets if you take on the Central Government. But we were not afraid. The time has come for the birth of independent media in this country.” 

Talking about recent issues he said, “We need to silence them who want to silence Zaira Wasim. We are not going to tolerate the elements who publicly make a 16 year old girl to apologize. No country in the world has the courage to challenge religion. We fought for women’s entry to Haji Ali and Shani Shingnapur. Even if our vocal cords tear, we will stand for the right against the dirty practices”, he added.

Talking about his new venture, Republic, he said, “One man cannot change the country, nor even a group of journalists. We the people can. Many laughed on the dream of global Indian news media. I say, Republic will win and they will lose. Idealism will win and money will lose. Republic is not just a news channel, it is a movement which will put back peoples’ voices.” 

He said, “We will decentralize Indian journalism. The journalism in Delhi is corrupt. The center of journalism is no more Delhi, it is places like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, etc.”

Vaithilingam, said, “There should be clear balance between constitutional rights and responsibilities in freedom of speech. Freedom of Speech should not challenge sovereignty and unity of India. Indian model of freedom of speech is less appreciated in the world.”

Tamo Mibang, Hon. Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, in his opening remarks, said, “To govern India, a land full of diversity, is difficult. Too much talking of one group disturbs other’s freedom. To stop the functioning of parliament is not a good sign for democracy. We should sit and talk on main issues.”

Adv. Swati Nakhate said, “The credit of Maratha Silent Marches goes to the whole Maratha Community. There were no particular leaders, all participants were leaders. Many politicians were surprised to see so many people coming out in numbers, which they hardly manage to arrange. We will always stand against the injustice to women.”

Dr. Rajiv Saizal from Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh was conferred the Ideal Youth MLA award at the hands of chairman of the session.

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Team from Association of Indian Universities (AIU) visit FTII to consider grant of Master's degree equivalence to FTII courses

A 5-member team from Association of Indian Universities (AIU) visited FTII on 6th and 7th December 2016. The purpose of the visit was to consider grant of equivalence of Master's degree to three and two year full-time post-graduate courses in the Film Wing. The courses under consideration are Diploma in Film with specialization in (1) Direction (2) Cinematography (3) Editing (4) Sound Recording and Sound Design (5) Acting, and (6) Art Direction and Production Design. A Master's Degree holds the potential to present more opportunities, especially in the field of film research and academic, to students passing out from 2016 batch onwards.

The AIU team comprised of Prof. Dr. Ranbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, New Delhi as Chairman; Prof. A.S Balasubramanian, Director, EMMRC and Culture and Cultural Relations, University of Mysore; Prof. B.P. Sanjay, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad and former VC, Central University of Tamil Nadu; Shri. Ramesh Sharma, Filmmaker and Shri. Sambhav Srivastava, Member-Secretary of Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

All six Departments made presentations regarding courses, syllabus, credit system, infrastructure etc. before the AIU team. The team went around the campus and visited all the departments of FTII and other facilities including Library and Prabhat Museum to understand the functioning of the Institute.

The team also visited FTII's extension campus where film studios and ready made locations like railway stations, court etc. are planned for shooting of FTII student exercises and outside commercial film productions.

The AIU team will be presenting a report to their headquarters in New Delhi regarding FTII's proposal for Masters Degree equivalence. 

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Raj Warns Party Workers; Will It Work?

 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday warned his party cadres not to indulge in indiscipline or face his wrath. He cautioned them not to put up banners on the leaders’ birthdays and advised them not to chase vote politics.

Thackeray was speaking in Pune after deliberating with the party workers for three days in view of the two subsequent debacles of his party in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The meet was attended by the party workers, functionaries and corporators.

He said, “Don’t chase the votes for the sake of votes but connect with people as one among them. Think yourself as not party functionary but as common person. It is not that people have deserted us but you have failed to connect with the people. Now is the time to do constructive work.”

Thackeray kept himself off from criticizing any party while referring to the party’s poor performance in recent elections but took potshots on Nationalist Congress Party saying that the leaders on NCP’s posters are like ten-faced Ravan. “Anybody who puts the hoardings for wishing on birthdays will face axe the same day and he will not be in our party,” he said.

He said, “I have analyzed the reasons for the outcome and I will reinvigorate the party in Pune as well as in other districts. However, don’t indulge in indiscipline or infighting. Otherwise, those people will face the action. The party has a certain frame and none of you should cross that frame.”

Thackeray also announced the email connectrajthackeray@gmail.com for the party workers to directly communicate with him and appealed them to convey anything.

Now the question remains: will it work? It will be amusing to see!

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Why Pawar Didn’t Act against Vilasrao Deshmukh...

Perhaps for the first time in last 22 years, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar revealed on Tuesday why he did not take any action against Vilasrao Deshmukh, then a minister in his cabinet, during the famous coup of January 2013. He said he did not touch Deshmukh simply because the latter did not act of his own and was guided from leaders in New Delhi.

Pawar was speaking after releasing a book comprising of reminisces and tributes on late Vilasrao Deshmukh whose first death anniversary was observed on August 14. Deshmukh was one of triumvirate other two being Sushilkumar Shinde and Ramrao Adik. While Shinde, then state Congress president, had to relinquish his job, Adik faded into oblivion in later years.

In that famous coup which lasted for about a week, Deshmukh and others had openly demanded resignation from Pawar, then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for failing on many fronts and questioning his loyalty to the Congress party.

Pawar lashes out at Maha CM over delay in clearing files

"Rajiv Gandhi called me in New Delhi and said, 'What is going on in Maharashtra?' to which I asked back, 'You ask me this, of all?' Then he said that he had just asked the trio to shake the tree a little and not to uproot it. Then Rajiv Gandhi asked me what action I wanted to take against Deshmukh? I replied none because I thought Deshmukh did not do anything on his own but he was operated by someone else,” he said.

He also said that it was Deshmukh who came to him and submitted his resignation for crossing the limits of cabinet conventions as a minister. “But I assured him that he was not at fault and allowed him to continue as minister in which he excelled as always,” Pawar recalled.

Pawar cited Deshmukh's nack of going through the files and take quick and proper decisions. “It is a mark of good administrator that he does not require to read and go through all that is written in it. He would quickly assess the grievance of person coming to him. And today, there are people who would shake inside out at the mention of signing on the file. It is as though they develop temporary paralysis when signing on the file,” he said.

Pawar's jibe was targeted at Chavan whom he had criticized number of times for his style of functioning. He had in the past said that Chavan sits on the file and does not clear them because of which development work is hampered. In the program on Wednesday, he said, “When the rulers do not take decisions, the common man suffers. There is nothing wrong in deciding on matters which are important for the development and the state.”

While reminiscing Deshmukh's role in building cooperatives in his region, Pawar also said that he was not happy with the state of cooperatives in the state today. “They have become one-man rule and the main purpose is defeated,” he said.

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Maharashtra BJP Demands Expulsion of Home Minister R R Patil

The Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday demanded the expulsion of state’s Home Minister R. R. Patil for his failure in controlling the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The party also expressed its support for the ordinance issued by the state government for anti-superstition law with one condition.

Devendra Phadnavis, state president of BJP, informed the media about the resolutions passed in the Executive meeting which concluded on Wednesday. Citing the incidents of murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar and rape in Mumbai Nasik and Pune, he said, “The resolution asked the expulsion of Patil because he would neither move out himself or will not be removed. The transfers of police officials are pending for because NCP and Congress want their own favorable officers in plum places. The file is pending with Chief Minister for over two months. The Maharashtra has lowest rate of conviction in crimes, 9.5%, in the country. Even the naxalism is on the rise and Patil has done nothing in five years ever since he assumed the guardianship of naxal-affected Gadchiroli district.”

Pointing to an incident in the Bhandara district where three OBC girls from same family were raped and murdered six months ago, he said, “The government does not care about the poor and disadvantaged people. How would they feel the pain of these OBC family?”

Prime Minister Can't Expect Us to be His Cheerleaders

Phadnavis said that BJP had supported the anti-superstition bill back in 2005 and had warned of the legal defects in it. The government was not serious to bring it in the legislature or pass it. “We had many meetings with late Dabholkar and Shyam Manav (another activist pressing for the bill) and had asked that the article 2 in the ordinance, which stipulates action against anybody exploiting someone in the name of miracles, to be clarified. We said that if third party complaints are allowed in this article, it will lead to blackmailing. This is the only condition which we had put. Also, we want that Warkari sect should be consulted in this regard and we are even ready to do something in it.”

On the issue of funding to Madarassas in the state, as decided by the state government on Tuesday, he said, “Reducing the assistance to Hindi and Marathi schools and giving it to madarassas is wrong. I would like to ask the government whether it would ensure that no religious education is given and only modern education is given in the madarassas if they are to be given subsidy by the government.

Phadanvis also said that senior leaders Gopinath Munde and Nitin Gadkari had chalked out the strategy of focusing on booth level and had said that minimum ten workers are to be prepared at the booth level. About 84 thousand booths have been identified all over the state and they are to be targeted in view of the impending Lok Sabha elections. The meet was attended by about 666 workers of the party. Earlier in the session, Maharashtra in charge of the party Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former national president Nitin Gadkari and deputy leader of party in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde addressed the workers.

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After Tendulkar, Paresh Rawal Want to Shoot Politicians

Noted film and theatre actor Paresh Rawal created storm in Pune saying that he sometimes wants to become naxalite and criticized the politicians as very substandard people.

Rawal was felicitated in the city on Monday with ‘Pu La Sanman’. After the ceremony, he vented his ire through an open interview. When asked what does he think about today politics, he minced no words in venting his anger.

“What should I say? They are very third-rate people, mean creatures with no morality. After watching corruption around me, I sometimes want to join naxalites and shoot them all. I sometimes think why no revolution takes place in our country,” he said.

He added, “People like us who have money feel the hardships. What must the common people be feeling,” he said.

This reminds of the statement made by late theatre legend Vijay Tendulkar, who created a storm about eight years ago when he said that he wanted to shoot Narendra Modi. “If I had a pistol, I would have shot Narendra Modi,” he said during one of his famous interviews.

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Bad Omen : Sharad Pawar Praises R R Patil

Notwithstanding his criticism from opposition, Maharashtra’s home minister R R Patil was praised by his party boss. This comes within a month of his criticism for losing control over the former’s ministry. However, given the history of his praise, it bodes bad for the home minister.

Sharad Pawar, Union Agriculture Minister and president of Nationalist Congress Party, supported Patil for his handling the August 11 violence in Mumbai. Pawar said that Patil is a "capable" minister doing a good job. "Patil is a capable minister, who is doing a good job. He handled the situation well. The party is fully backing him," he told reporters in Pune on Wednesday. 

Pawar said the police handled the situation well to bring it under control as use of force would have resulted in many casualties. The praise evidently made Patil happy as he told a local news channel thanking his boss for the appreciation! Given Pawar’s penchant for making statements before taking a contradictory step, it is not a good sign for Patil. 

Pawar is known to make misguiding statements and then do exactly opposite. Seven years ago, when Chhagan Bhujbal, was deputy chief minister and was embroiled in the controversy over fake stamp scam by Abdul Karim Telgi, Pawar had similarly backed Bhujbal saying that he was clean. Within a couple of days, Bhujbal resigned on the orders from high command.

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City Congress Pays Tribute To Vilasrao Deshmukh

The city’s Congress workers and leaders offered their condolences to the demised leader, Vilasrao Deshmukh, on Wednesday after the flag hoisting ceremony.  His close associates in the city remembered the departed leader’s quality as a bankable friend who made great contributions to the development of the city.

 Deshmukh had a special affinity with Pune and it was during his tenure as CM that the city got three Minisers of State. Balasaheb Shivarkar, former MoS in Deshmukh’s cabinet and a close associate, said, “He was a leader whose actions matched the words. He would shower love on workers whom he liked and I was fortunate to be one among them. I don’t have own brother, but he loved me more than a brother. He kept to his word at any cost. His death is a great a loss to Congress party.”

 Explaining Deshmukh’s role in Pune’s growth, Shivarkar said while on way to Latur for Deshmukh’s last rites, “The roads, overbridges  and railway overbridges in the city came up during his tenure. Katraj by-pass and IT park at Hinjwadi were among two big examples. As CM, he helped the city during Commonwealth Youth Games. He loved Pune very much and reminisced often about the 11 years spent in Pune.”

 Ulhas Pawar, one of the closest associates of Deshmukh not only in Pune but in Maharashtra, was inconsolable. On his way to Latur, one of his aides said he was not in a situation to speak anything. Later, the MLC said that he could not believe that his friend of 40-42 years was no more.

 Chandrakant Chajed, also a former MoS and close friend of Deshmukh since his college days, “Deshmukh, Gopinath Mundhe and I were studying together at INS Law College. I used to send him off to stand for Latur on my scootes. His speciality was that he never distanced his old friends even after assuming prominence.”

 MP Suresh Kalmadi also expressed his grief over Deshmukh’s demise. In the condolence message, he said, “The untimely death of Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has saddened me. He was a very statesmanlike, studious leader with a great presence of mind who took everyone along with him. He was a mass leader in true sense. It makes me sad to lose a virtuous friend in him. He put Maharashtra ahead always as a Chief Minister. A visionary leader with a fighting spirit has been lost with his death.”

 Nationalist Congress MP Vandana Chavan also condoled Deshmukh’s passing away. In her message, she said, “Deshmukh was a cultured politician in state as well as country with a big heart. It is saddening that a leader who communicated directly with masses who steered state & country on the path of progress through able administration has been lost. Deshmukh often guided and encouraged the functionaries including me.”

 City party president Abhay Chhajed, convened the condolence meeting for the departed leader at 11 AM on Wednesday. A board was put up at the party’s headquarter Congress House  on Tuesday and also conveyed to the party members informing about the meeting.

 Ramchandra Bhuvad, a veteran of Congress party and Seva Dal, said, “The party’s flag can not be hoisted above the height of the national tri-colour. Hence, we removed the party’s flag from the building on August 9. Now, we are to hold the flag hoisting ceremony at 10.15 AM and then bring the tri-colour at half as a grief periodAfterwards, when the national flag is taken down, the party flag will be hoisted and it will also be brought at half.”

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Kite Festival Comes To Maharashtra

Giving a boost to the agri-tourism and trying to take advantage of the experiences elsewhere, the state is to emulate the Kite Festival way. For the first time ever, a Kite Festival will take place next month thanks to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the cultural department of the state and Agri Tourism Development Company (ATDC) at Baramati.

The kite festivals are organised in states like Gujarat and Kerala and it has brought windfall for those states. Taking a cue from those experiences, the same festival is to take place at Baramati from August 15 to 20. Pandurang Taware, CEO of ATDC, said, “The timing of the festival here will be different because traditionally the kites are flew in this season in Maharashtra. During the month of Shravan, an important festival of farmers Bail Pola takes place which is when kites are in vogue.”

In Gujarat and other northern states, the kite festivals takes place in January around the Makar Sankranti time. In Maharashtra, Bail Pola is celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Shravan to pay respect to bulls. On this day, the farmers take out their bulls to the river and clean them after which they are decorated and moved around in procession. Villages have fairs and cometitions on the occasion.

“That is why we have organised the kite making competition. Along with it, the people will be encouraged to fly Vavadi, a variant of the kites. The event was organised on small level last year but it has been given the official status this year only,” said Taware.

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Frustrated Fort Lovers Start Repairing Fort Themselves

Frustrated over the inaction by authorities, the fort lovers and history enthusiasts took the repairs of the Sinhgad fort into their hands. They claimed that parts of the fort’s Kalyan Gate were collapsing continuously putting a question mark on the stability of the fort. That is why a group of the volunteers went up the fort and carried out the repairs of about 2 feet of the wall.  

About 50 members of Sahyadri Pratishtan had warned that it will rebuilt relics at the Sinhgad fort, about 30 kms from the city. The actually did the same on Thursday even as the state archaeological department opposed the act. Shramik Gojamgunde, founder of the organization claimed that the campaign was successful and the members repaired the tower at the Kalyan Gate. They also reported that a major portion of the tower along the door has collapsed fighting with monsoons.

“A major chunk of the tower collapsed last year and since then 10-15 stones are falling time and again. This has happened this monsoon also. All the stones which fell off from the tower were lying near the wall and steps going down to the Kalyan village. We removed those stones and piled them in a side so that they could be placed in their original place,” said Gojamgunde.

A team from the organization visited the fort on July 11 and found that outer wall and towers  at the forts are either fallen off or in the danger of falling off.

However, V N Kamble, assistant director of the state archaeology department, blamed the police for inaction. said, “The Sinhgad is a protected monument. The organization had given me a letter to repair the tower within 7 days but it could not have been done. A certain procedure has to be followed and our headquarter has to be conveyed. I had conveyed to him not to do this agitation and don’t harm the structure. I had informed the district collector as well as police officials but they didn’t take any action.”

The archaeological department has sent a team of experts on Friday to the fort to assess the situation. Kamble said the team will submit its report and then action will be taken against the organization for ‘vandalizing the monument’.  “I will first get the report and will talk to my seniors. By Monday, we will decide the future course of action. They could have adopted the fort which is legal way of conservation and approved by our department,” he said.

Kamble had told earlier that a tender of Rs 1.21 Crores has been floated and sent to the state government for approval. That tender includes the works of restructuring the Kalyan Gate, cleaning and desilting of the wells found on the fort and weeding out the bushes grown on the outer walls of the fort.”

The plans for the renovation of Sinhgad were in pipeline since 2005. The proposal was approved in 2005 and the actual work began in 2008. The budget allocated was Rs. 3.76 crore however most of the that budget has been  spent in making roads or other works rather than maintaining the monuments. The state archaeology department had prepared a plan for the renovation of Sinhgad Fort at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. The work was to be completed by this May.

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