Controversy halts film on Ruby case from hitting floor

Alleging they were not informed about it, the victims family wants to review the script before shooting begins

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Ruby case involving three deaths that had taken place in February 2007 has once again become the subject of controversy, not out of any twists, but because of a film based on it. The shooting for the film was scheduled to begin on Saturday, but was halted as the family of Darshan and Mihir Thakore, who were killed in the case, demanded a review of the script.Talking to DNA, Mitesh Thakore, the brother of Darshan and Mihir said, “The producer of the film, Amit Vyas, had not informed us about it. The case is related to our life and family. So, the producer should have at least asked us before planning the film, more importantly when the case is still on board.” “As we were apprehensive about the script and treatment of the film, we asked the producer to show us the script. We do not want anything to be projected wrongly in the film. We are not against the film, but our main concern is that it should not affect the case adversely,” added Mitesh.On the other hand, Vyas, a Gujarati and Hindi film producer, said, “Being one of the police helpers in the case, I have observed it from close. The star cast and the legalities are all set. It will be made in Hindi, while I am also planning to dub it in Bhojpuri. I was all set with the shooting schedule.”“Now, the Thakore family has demanded that the script be reviews, thus delaying the shooting of the film,” he added.Speaking about the cast of the film, Vyas said, “I have cast Shweta Tiwari, a well-known television actress, as Jyoti, and well-known Gujarati actor Kiran Kumar as PI Sheikh. Chirag Gadhvi will be playing Balkrishna and Dinesh Lamba will play the role of Jayanti Pateliya.”

Artist brings 3D illusions to 2D canvas

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Akash Choyal, who claims to be Indias first artist to use triographics in contemporary art, is showcasing his work at MSUs faculty of fine arts, in an exhibition titled My Arena. Triographics are paintings which give the illusion of being 3D images. “The idea came from my fondness for 3D art,” said the artist who works in multiple media such as 3-D illusionistic paintings, black and white drawings, fibreglass murals and video installations. The exhibition offers images of snakes, fishes, aero planes, boats, elephants, ladders, man and human hands. “My art narrates unending stories of my childhood memories,” Choyal explains.The exhibition began on December 17, and will continue till December 21.“The 3D illusions were delightful to look at, since they were so unusual,” said Reena Sahu, an art lover and student.

Love, set, match in the internet age

Move over, marriage portals; more aspiring brides and grooms are choosing virtual swaymvars instead

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA
Thursday, December 18, 2008

In some of the best known swayamvars in Indian legends, Sita had to wait for Ram to come along and break a massive bow, and Karna was disqualified on caste grounds, despite shooting the eye of a revolving bird while looking at its reflection in a pool of water.Juggling fast-paced lifestyles, todays aspirants face equally challenging tasks, if not as dramatic. Some online portals have recognised this market and offer virtual swayamvars, which is gaining popularity among the Gujarati communtity. The traditional marriage portal involves browsing through dozens, if not hundreds of profiles, contacting interesting-looking candidates, and waiting for days in the hope of a favourable response. The virtual swayamvar however, enables candidates (with similar preferences) from across the world to log on at a pre-decided time, and interact with a larger group of probables."More prospective Gujarati brides and grooms searching for marital partners online. So virtual swayamvar was conceptualised to help members of a particular caste or community connect with their prospective life partners beyond geographical boundaries. Members across the globe can log in and meet up with potential partners,” an official at a major matrimony services portal said.“A number of participants prefer this concept, since interaction is real-time, making it replies and decisions faster and more efficient.” Aarti Shah and Rishab Shah, who were recently engaged in Vadodara, met through such a swayamvar. Rishab, a city-based software engineer sais, “My parents constantly tried to get me to attend matrimonial meets, but I was not comfortable in such a setting, and found the concept of virtual swayamvar more interesting,” he says, adding, “I registered myself on a site, and since we were particular about caste and community, I participated in virtual swayamvars meant only for Jains. I interacted with many candidates and things clicked with Aarti.”Parents too, are moving toward this concept. Seema and Piyus Patel, who stay in Ahmedabad, have registered their daughter on such a site, hoping to find her a suitable husband. “Traditionally, even the online route is a long-drawn process of finding a candidate. In a virtual swayamvar, one can directly chat with the candidate. We think the virtual swayamvar would be a good place to find a match for our daughter,” they saidStill, in some cases, the search continues. Surat-based banker, Milind Makhija said: “As a busy professional, I dont have the time to go through profiles, intimate my interest, and wait for replies. That way, virtual swayamvars are much better. I have attended some virtual swayamvars and will attend some more, till I find a suitable partner.”

Not many migratory birds flocking to central Gujarat

The number of migratory birds at Kaneval, Pariaj and Vadhvana has dropped from 1.4 lakh a decade ago to 40,000 now

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA
Monday, December 15, 2008

Central Gujarat, formerly a major destination for bird watchers, is losing its charm. While Kaneval, Pariaj, Varasda near Anand, and Vadhavana near Vadodara previously played host to a large variety of migratory birds each winter, the number of these visitors has fallen in the past few years. Ornithologists say as many as 1,40,000 birds visited Kaneval, Pariaj and Vadhvana a decade ago. Now, this figure has shrunk to 40,000. At Varasda, this figure has gone from 28,000 a few years ago, to around 6,000. Experts say decreasing water levels in lakes and fields, coupled with bird hunting and poaching have led to the decrease. Dr. Hiren Soni, an ornithologist who has studied the wetlands of Vadodara and Anand, expresses his worry. “Fewer birds have been visiting Kaneval, Pariaj, Varasda and Vadhavana in the past few years. A decade ago, around 1,40,000 migratory birds came here. That figure has fallen to 80,000 in the past three years. According to the Asian waterfowl census in 1989, there were around 25,000 birds in Varasda. In 2002, there were only around 18,000. This year, only 7,000 birds seem to have visited Varasda,” said Soni.Each year, more than 35 types of migratory birds arrive at Kaneval, Pariaj, Varasda and Vadhavana around the end of October and stay till February or April. Flamingos, Moorhens, Storks, Spoonbills, Northern pintails, and Shovelers come from the colder areas in the north, to breed here. For the past few years, the water level in these lakes has been decreasing, since more water has flowed into the Bay of Khambhat and nearby canals, which are used to irrigate fields. This has resulted in the birds shifting to other places. Another reason behind the shift is overgrazing by local cattle, which creates a shortfall in plants that fish feed on. This, in turn, creates a shortage of the fish, on which the birds feed. This eventually leads to a food scarcity and, consequently, a decline in the population of migratory birds. Dhaval Patel, a wildlife lover who heads the Vidyanagar Nature Club, said, “The government should take steps to maintain the water levels in fields. The decreasing level of water in these fields is the main reason behind the fall in the number of migratory birds visiting the area. The water level in the region's lakes has also declined rapidly, making the place unsuitable for birds.” The fall in the number of migratory has also led to waning interest of tourists, who previously visited the area both from India and abroad.

At MSU hostels, anything goes

Neither students nor officials seem to care about rules, regulations

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Monday, December 15, 2008

Like most others, the hostel halls under Vadodara's MS University have a list of rules. However, negligence, on the part of authorities and students alike, has led to a situation where anything goes. For instance, although an ID card system is supposed to be in place, many students don't have the requisite cards. Sources say some outsiders also stay at the hostel without permission. Under university rules, hostel residents are required to get permission, and pay a fee, to have overnight guests - another rule that is often ignored. Students also bypass the curfew timing, using proxies to mark attendance. Sociology student Mallika Singh, a resident of SD hall, says, “Our hall does not have a warden, making it easy for students to break the rules. Also, the management is not strict about taking action against offenders, so we have formed committees to fine students who do not follow the rules.” When DNA asked Dr DP Bharambe, chief warden of the MSU hostel, about loopholes in hostel management, he said, “The hostel halls have rules and regulations, which student residents are expected to follow. Strict action is taken when we get complaints that rules are being broken.” Sources say MSU's frequent plans for new rules rarely get implemented. This time, the university plans to introduce a punch-card system for hostel residents, to ensure that they return to the hostel on time. “We plan to introduce the punch-card system in hostel halls. As far as security and management of hostel halls is concerned, we are trying to implement the rules strictly. Students also need to understand the rules and regulations, and cooperate,” said vice chancellor Ramesh Goyal.

Wine keeps your heart healthy

Research shows drinking small amounts of wine everyday is beneficial

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA
Friday, December 12, 2008
Consuming small amounts of red and white wine everyday can benefit one's health. According to research conducted by a US-based doctor, the daily consumption of red and white wine with food can prevent obesity, cardiac arrest, hypertension and ageing.Dr Nilanjana Maulik, of the department of surgery at the University of Connecticut's school of medicine in Farmington, was in Vadodara on Thursday to participate in a symposium on translational research in cardiovascular medicine. Dr Maulik, who has authored 140 papers on different subjects, has been studying the effects of wine for the past 10 years. Research conducted by her suggests that white and red wine ward off cardiovascular diseases. “White wine contains tyrosol, which is acts as a cardioprotective, while red wine contains only 6% of alcohol and is made from good quality grapes. So, a combination of white and red wine gives good results. It also controls glucose, and is thus helpful for those with diabetes.” As an anti-oxidant, Tyrosol can protect cells against injury due to oxidation. Its presence in white wine could be responsible for the protective effect, said Dr Maulik, whose team led the research at the University of Connecticut's Health Center in Farmington.She also commented on Gujarat's status as a dry state. “Limited consumption of alcohol can help fight many diseases, and so the state should have a liberal policy regarding wine. Good quality wines cost more and so are less available in India, compared to some countries, such as France,” she said.

Layoff victims take to blogs for help

Having lost their jobs, professionals log on to the net for advice on how to overcome trauma

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Tuesday, December 08,2008

In current global recession, process of cost cutting has axed jobs of thousands of employees, especially in the US. Many of these jobless people are getting on with blogs to find the ways to survive post-layoff. Blog posts on different blog sites are flooding with the tips on how to survive a layoff and how to restart a work life again.Through personal, professional and group blogs, many employees who have recently lost their jobs, share their experiences of layoff and also discuss on the ways to overcome the situation by interacting with the co-sufferers and experts. Ritesh Shah, a US-based IT professional from Vadodara, has recently lost his job. Now he has turned to his personal blog to come out of the troubled waters. He says, "Getting information on current situation from the blogs of the financial experts and counsellors gives moral support to survive. After loosing the job, I have no work on hand to do; so I started getting on with my personal blog and shared my nightmarish experience there. Many people responded and shared the similar experience. In such a state, when you have lost the job, knowing views of the people who are also facing the similar situation, gives a feeling that you are not all alone. Besides, the tips given by experts give strength to restart."Shraddha Jha, an IT professional, returned to her hometown Vadodara, after her layoff from a job in a Bangalore based MNC. Like Ritesh, she is also now trying to overcome the situation and for that she has turned to blogs. "I find useful tips that help me survive a layoff and overcome this troubling situation; financially as well as mentally. Reading such blogs and discussing about the situation gives satisfaction of sharing. There are also chances of getting job through the interactions. Loosing the job makes a person down economically as well as socially. For me sharing my layoff situation on blog is a way to find solace and get on again with my professional life," Shraddha told DNA.'Our department is closing down shortly'; 'the jobs are moving to Asia', 'how can I get a local job?' 'my company is opting for cost cutting and I might loose my job what to do to save my job?' 'how to survive a layoff'?'; these are some of the questions which people ask on different blogs which also show ways to survive lay off situation. So, don't be scared and panic while facing a layoff, because now you are not all alone, and of course, blogs are always there to your rescue! Blogs written by bloggers who are career experts, psychologists, professionals and others offer tips on how to face layoff or a near future layoff. These blogs give advice to face the layoff financially, mentally and socially, help search new jobs and also offer tips on cost cutting in personal expenses and financial management. So, don't let the layoff panic affect you, spare some time for yourself and look for some of the useful tips available on blogs to survive a layoff.

Government should be empathetic in its approach towards us

Victims of muscular dystrophy out on wheelchairs to create awareness

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA
Monday, December 08, 2008


Sanjana and Atul Goel, the sister and brother duo, have been suffering from muscular dystrophy - a genetic disease characterised by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles which control movement. Though the illness has made the two physically unfit, their spirits are still touching the skies. Nothing could prevent their nationwide mission that they have undertaken on wheelchairs for spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy.As part of their nationwide tour, undertaken at the behest of Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy, Sanjana and Atul were in Vadodara recently. As a part of their awareness campaign, the wheelchair travellers visited Disha, a city based NGO that runs a school for such patients and Autism Centre.Muscular dystrophy is a critical illness that occurs generally among children. With the passage of time, the victims of the disease lose various functions. First, walking is affected, later they find difficulty in rising from sitting posture. Soon they are forced to take to wheelchairs. Though their brain functions normally, the muscles slowly keep deteriorating, and soon their independent existence turns into a nightmare. “There are about four lakh patients of this disability. Unfortunately, most of them do not confess and undergo treatment because of the fear of not getting a suitable match. In fact, with DNA tests and pre-natal tests, muscular dystrophy can be detected and treated. I know a quite a few disabled mothers who have given births to normal children,” Sanjna told DNA.There are various types of dystrophies and the inheritance pattern varies with each type. “The genetically inherent disease of muscular dystrophy affects children, and women are carriers of the disease. All the voluntary muscles of the body are more or less affected in the dystrophic process. The muscles involved in chewing food are the least affected while respiratory muscles are involved late in the disease. Tow to three cases of this disease come to me every month. The experiments on stem cell and other researches are still in test tube,” says Dr Bhavin Upadhyay, a city-based neuron physician.These two enthusiasts have been travelling on their wheelchairs all over the country to create awareness about the silent killer. “If the developed countries make life so easy for people on wheelchairs, why cant the Indian government do the same?” Atul asked. The duo appealed the government and the citizens to be empathetic; and not sympathetic, towards the people suffering from the disease.

MSU to put CCTV cameras in place

About 15 cameras will be set up at the main office in phase I

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The terror attacks in Mumbai have made MSU authorities wake up to the potential security threat that the university may receive. The authorities have now planned to set up CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the activities taking place on the campus.MSU's security has become a matter of concern since its name appeared in the threat mail received soon after the Ahmedabad serial blasts. Checking of ID card and restricted entries were some of the measures the university had taken after the blasts. However, with passage of time, all these steps went into relaxed mode.According to the latest plan, the whole MSU campus will be monitored through CCTV cameras installed on the campus. Cameras will be set up in different phases. In the first phase, 10 to 15 cameras will be set up in the main office within 15 days. The security of MSU campus has always been a question as the security guards at various gates of the campus rarely check the I-cards of people entering the campus. University vice chancellor Ramesh Goyal finds installation of CCTV camera as a useful measure for adequate security on the campus. "To protect the university from any kind of violence, the authorities have decided to set up CCTV cameras at different places on the campus. Gradually, the whole campus will be covered with the cameras. We were planning to install camera for long but the work got delayed due to certain reasons."On their part, the students are supporting the MSU decision of setting up cameras on the campus. They say it is a good measure to keep an eye on the activities happening in the university. Kaushal Shah, a TY BCom student, said: "CCTV cameras will strengthen the security in the university and keep a check on the activities on the campus. Now with the terrorist attacks, safety has become an important issue and university like MSU needs to take action."Harikiron Rao, general secretary of MSU, said: "Installing CCTV cameras will be helpful for the internal security of the university. The cameras will help officials keep a watch on the activities happening on campus. This would also maintain discipline in the university."