Over 500 college students participate in ‘shramadana’
The district administration has found an interesting way to involve youth and local community members in the preparations for the Bidar Utsav scheduled for three days from February 1. Recently, it engaged them in ‘shramadana’ to clean the utsav venue.
Over 500 college students cleaned the ground next to the Diwan-e-Khas, where the main stage for the utsav will be put up.
The students were divided into six groups and two teachers were in charge of each group. National Cadet Corps cadets, National Service Scheme volunteers and Scouts and Guides participated in large numbers. Pourakarmikas, government staff and officials also took part in the event.
P.C Jaffer, Deputy Commissioner, led the cleaning drive by removing weeds with a sickle. Political leaders such as Babu Wali and Anil Beldar joined him.
The idea behind involving college students is to ensure a long-term collaboration with the youth, Dr. Jaffer said. He said the success of the ‘sharma dana’ had encouraged them to organise such camps in various parts of the city. “We want to involve the youth and local residents in cleaning and beautification of the city,” he said.
Similar experiment
A similar experiment was done in Basavakalyan as part of preparations for the Basava Utsav. K. Hephsiba Rani, Assistant Commissioner, successfully organised ‘shrama dana’ camps on the premises of historical monuments.
Teams
About 20 teams were formed to participate in the cleanliness drive that was held every Saturday for two months. Over 2,000 students gathered to clean the sites and listen to motivational speeches of leaders and senior officials.
“We had an unprecedented support from students,” Ms. Rani said. Most of them felt it was the first government initiative to involve the youngsters in public events. They were very enthusiastic, she added.
- The three-day event is scheduled to begin on February 1
- The idea is to have a long-term collaboration
- with youngsters, says Deputy Commissioner
source:http://splashurl.com/ktfo8f5
The spring or the ‘Jhira’ flows continuously, carries sweet water and fills in a pond where pilgrims take a dip at Bidar, says S.Vishwanath
Bidar is a lovely town with a salubrious climate. Closer to Hyderabad than to Bangalore it is a remote yet beautiful outpost of the State. In this land over 500 years ago Guru Nanakji set foot. At the request of the local people it is said, he created a spring which flows to this day with sweet water. The Gurudwara Shri Nanak Jhira Saheb, two kms from the bus stand, was established at this site in a nice valley, surrounded by laterite hills on three sides.Continuous flow
The spring or the ‘Jhira’ flows continuously, carries sweet water and fills in a pond where pilgrims take a dip. Part of the towns business comes from these crowds who gather at the spot built around water. It stands to reason therefore that special attention should be paid to the spring and great care taken of this water resource. The Gurudwara itself has organized the tunnel and the point where the spring emerges very well. A glass panel enables viewing, yet protects the spring from desecration.
However, science, and particularly the science of hydro-geology, should come into play, and quickly. The recharge zone of the spring, the surrounding hills are being built upon at an unprecedented rate. Septic tanks and soak pits are sending the waste-water generated into the ground. The surface is being crusted up with roads and buildings preventing the seepage of water into the ground.
It is likely that the sacred ‘Jhira’ will first be contaminated by the bad water and if steps are not taken quickly, may also run dry due to lack of recharge of waters in the hills.
We should not allow such a sacred spot to suffer such a fate. It is in the interest of society, the hospitality trade and the governments to intervene quickly, commission a study, understand the geology and take the necessary steps to preserve the waters. Science and spirituality need to talk fast. That would be water wisdom for Bidar.
Source:http://splashurl.com/pb9feaw
Renowned Telugu actor Chiranjeevi is likely to attend Bidar Utsav, which will be held at Bidar district for three days from February 1. The actor-turned-politician recently campaigned inKarnataka for congress candidates in theassembly elections. Chiranjeevi is serving as Union Minister of State for Tourism.
Actress-turned-politician Umashree, who is also the district minister of Bidar district, recently said that actors Chiranjeevi, Ambareesh and Ramyawill add glitter to the three day cultural extravaganza which will show cause the culture and tradition of Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramiah will also participate in the event.
Actor Chiranjeevi, who has acted in over 150 films, is said to be a close friend to Rebel Star Ambareesh. He was seen in a special role in Sipayi which starred V Ravichandaran andSoundarya in the lead roles. The movie was released in the year 1996. The project was directed by Ravichandaran.
Source:http://splashurl.com/ol5lvfv
