Dinesh Kamath's news item 'CIDCO does its best to prevent calamity during monsoon' that was published in Newsband

CIDCO does its best to prevent calamity during monsoon

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is also doing its bit to ensure that there will be no calamity during the oncoming monsoon. CIDCO is in fact preparing the residents to tackle the approaching rains.

CIDCO has announced the high tide dates for the benefit of those residents who stay in the coastal areas or near the sea. It has asked the people residing at these places to move to safer places. It is clear that CIDCO authorities do not want 26/7 deluge-like situation to occur once again. CIDCO is also extending all the cooperation to disaster management team by helping it remain alert and prepared to attend to any emergency that might arise during the monsoon.

The on-going metro work might cause problems to the residents of the city and CIDCO authorities are very well aware of this fact. The residents of the city are already blaming CIDCO for the traffic problems they have to face at many places owing to CIDCO’s failure to drive away the encroachers who have come up with their illegal constructions in a big way. Also CIDCO is being blamed for not carrying the asphalting of certain roads. They have asked CIDCO to ensure that wherever digging works are taking place, the contractors who carry out those works should at least put up the signboards over there for the safety of the residents. CIDCO has also been asked to cover up all the exposed electric cables before the monsoon begins.

The residents of the city are happy about the fact that both CIDCO and NMMC are carrying out the desilting of nullahs and gutters but their suggestion is that the silt removed should be dumped somewhere very far and not scattered on the roadside. If the silt is dumped nearby there are chances of these silts going back into the gutters or nullahs when it starts raining heavily thus leading to flooding or water logging over there. This will only add to the problems of the residents.    

Thus it is left to be seen whether CIDCO completes its pre-monsoon works before the deadline. Another thing is these works done should be up to the satisfaction of the residents. 

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'NMMC promises to offer best services during monsoon' that was published in Newsband

NMMC promises to offer best services during monsoon

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: This time Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has put in lot of efforts as far as pre-monsoon works are concerned. It is trying its best to ensure that there will not be water-logging anywhere in the city during heavy rains. It is focusing particularly on sensitive areas where water-logging is possible.

The efforts are on to complete all the pre-monsoon works before deadline. The disaster management cell is all prepared to tackle any kind of calamity that might occur during the monsoon.

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) will have to do its bit now to prevent flooding in the city during heavy rain and high tides. It is in the hands of MCZMA to prevent desilting of holding ponds in the city. These holding ponds need to be taken great care of particularly during monsoon. There are 11 holding ponds in the city and during monsoon there are chances of creek water entering these ponds. Due to ill-maintenance of holding ponds, creek water and silt has accumulated in them over the years, and mangroves too have grown. This has affected the holding capacity of the ponds. Now it is in the hands of MCZMA to take care of these holding ponds during monsoon. MCZMA will have to play a powerful role to prevent flooding in the city during heavy rains and high tides.

NMMC alone cannot do the work of preventing the flooding of roads in the city during high tides. NMMC will need the cooperation of MCZMA too to ensure that there will be no water logging especially at the sensitive areas during heavy rains.

In fact, NMMC will need the cooperation of other major organizations like Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO0 and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd. (MSEDCL). All these organizations are currently extremely busy carrying out the pre-monsoon works like desilting of nullahs and gutters. NMMC has been warned that no new digging works should start before the monsoon.

A resident of Airoli was found complaining that at Airoli, several gutters and nullahs are still to be cleaned and tree branches are to be trimmed. He also complained that there are road digging works still in progress there and garbage bins were found missing.

However, when the attention of NMMC authorities was drawn towards these facts, they just assured that they have been carrying out the pre-monsoon work on a war footing and that all these works will definitely get completed before the first rain. They also identified 13 various spots in Navi Mumbai where flooding can take place during heavy rains. They have assured that these areas have been listed in the plan made by disaster management and that necessary steps have been taken by the administration. NMMC, in fact, has shortlisted the areas based on the data of last few years.

NMMC should be lauded for chalking out an elaborate plan to renovate all dilapidated gardens and give them a facelift before monsoon. It is spending a big amount for this purpose.    

Thus it appears that NMMC is well prepared to tackle any kind of eventuality during this monsoon and also the other government agencies are all prepared to lend their cooperation to NMMC in whatever way possible.

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'NMMT buses are expected to function smoothly this monsoon' that was published in Newsband

NMMT buses are expected to function smoothly this monsoon

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has signed up an annual maintenance contract (AMC) with Ashok Leyland. This company will look after the maintenance of 90 percent of the buses. It will be responsible for the fitness of these buses. If anything goes wrong with the buses, NMMT can now afford to put the blame on this company.

This company will also look after the fitness of the 120 new buses purchased by NMMT under JNNURM scheme. The NMMT officials were asked to explain for the non-fitness of certain buses in the past. NMMT blamed the company for poor design of the buses. But the company attributed the breakdown of these buses to poor roads. The company said that there was nothing wrong in the way the buses were designed. They blamed the roads which are full of potholes and in extremely bad shape.

AMC is the best thing that NMMT authorities have done since now their vehicles will not have to spend idle time at the depots. Previously whenever the buses would get damaged they would be kept for a long time in the depot for repairing purpose. But now that AMC has been signed such a thing will not happen and hence commuters can expect best service from NMMT and also NMMT can be sure of earning a big revenue.

AMC has been signed just at the right time when the monsoon is round the corner. So the residents of Navi Mumbai can expect smooth functioning of NMMT buses during the rainy season.

After the signing of AMC, NMMT can now expect to regain the confidence of the commuters who earlier would feel harassed by the poor functioning of NMMT buses. There were times when the buses would be cancelled or the buses would suddenly stop in the middle of the journey due to machine break down. The passengers would then have to get down from the buses and try for another vehicle to reach their destination. They would find themselves stranded at one place for a long time and also they had to shell out money for the ticket once again when they caught another bus. So the poor functioning of NMMT buses would result in waste of valuable time and money and great harassment for the bus commuters.

But now that AMC has been signed with Ashok Leyland, the company will take the responsibility of ensuring the smooth functioning of most of the NMMT buses. So it is hoped that commuters of NMMT buses will not have to suffer like in the past and even NMMT authorities might not have to face the wrath and fury of NMMT bus commuters every now and then.

A regular commuter of the NMMT bus was heard saying that it was not enough just to ensure the fitness of the buses but it is also necessary that the roads on which these buses run are also repaired and well maintained by the civic body. What is the use of well-maintained buses if the roads are not properly maintained, he asked. He has a point there and it is hoped that NMMC authorities will do their bit in the matter of maintaining the roads in the city. Good roads and good buses will mean great relief for commuters of the city and also it will fetch big revenue to NMMT.   

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (Modi, Gandhi and Kejriwal in the fray for PMship) that was published in Newsband

Modi, Gandhi and Kejriwal in the fray for PMship

Narendra Modi has made a dramatic entry in affairs which was so far strictly the business of the BJP’s central leadership. Since his admission into the BJP’s elite Parliamentary Board, the Gujarat Chief Minister visits Delhi very often and meets the who’s who of his party.

Modi’s advise is that the BJP must get real in its war against the government, and to do this it must harness the social media’s potential and focus on its own performing governments such as in Gujarat.

Modi knows his strengths are a worshipping middle class and a rank and file fidgeting to have him run for Prime Minister. He knows too that the road to that destination is not easy. It doesn’t matter if the Janata Dal (United) and the Shiv Sena are against him. It doesn’t make a difference. Modi should be careful of the fact that he faces resistance from within the BJP. L.K. Advani and Sushma Swaraj do not favour him. Modi is doing the right thing by directly engaging the public. He is rightly concentrating on the big idea — of a new, aspirational India led by its young.

There are four reasons why Modi is the right candidate for PMship. He is honest. He has displayed good governance. He rightly focuses on industrial development by moving from agriculture to industry. He has the ability to see through a problem and put in hard work. He undoubtedly has good communication skills.   

Modi has the support of the fourth pillar of Indian democracy which is discussing, debating and arguing pros and cons of Modi as the Prime Minister. He is undoubtedly far ahead than any politician of today although some facets of his personality is not appealing to some people.

Within BJP, who is more suited than Modi to be PM? L. K. Advani is famous but he is 86 years old and is notorious for being an architect of the Babri Masjid destruction and indulging in unnecessary yatras. Sushma Swaraj talks in chaste but unfathomable Hindi, perhaps a zero in other languages, and she has RSS links. Varun Gandhi can only make hate speeches. He is known as the son of late Sanjay Gandhi and nothing more.

Modi on the other hand is a darling of the middle classes. He is well known for the developmental feats he achieved both in the commercial and social sectors in the state of Gujarat. Even US representatives were impressed by Modi’s performance and were keen to known the modus operandi made use of by the Modi government.

If Modi has support from sections of middle class, it’s because of the work he did for his state and hence was rewarded. His competitor Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, has low attendance in parliament and his constituencies Amethi and Rai Bareily are the poorest.

BJP’s continuing to hesitate in considering Modi for PMship and the fact that Congress is neck-deep in corruptions and scams will only benefit none other than Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party which is providing most of the qualities required by the current scenario in our country. It gels with the thought-process of common people of all age-groups. This fact is bound to keep both BJP and Congress absolutely alert. 

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movie-releases in Navi Mumbai’ (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, The Hangover Part III and Cinderella 3D) that was published in Newsband

  

New movie-releases in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (English: This youth is crazy) is a 2013 Bollywood Romantic film, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. This is their second film together after their 2008 hit Bachna Ae Haseeno. Aditya Roy Kapur and Kalki Koechlin will play supporting roles. Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit will be seen in a dance number with Ranbir Kapoor in this film.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani movie is a spirited cocktail of life about dreams, ambition, hope, disappointments, options, eagerness, fear, travel, the first day at work, sleepless nights, family, laughter, music, dance, friendship and love.

Youth-centric romantic drama Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD) may be a story of youngsters but it has enough elements to appeal to people of all age group.

The movie shows the journey of two different worlds Naina (Deepika Padukone) and Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and their crazy journey with an ultimate destination "Love". It shows how two different worlds discover love and madness for each other. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a cocktail of all these encounters and obsession. It is a story of the exhilarating and terrifying journey of four characters as they navigate through their youth; from their carefree laughter as they set off on a holiday together in their college days, until their bittersweet tears as they watch the first of their bunch get married.

The Story brings two polar opposite characters, who at one point were from the same batch at Modern School, Naina Talwar, Deepika Padukone, a studious bespectacled young girl and Bunny, Ranbir Kapoor, a carefree young travel show host intent on breaking out of the pattern of getting an education, a career, wife, children, retirement, and eventually death. They have a desire to be free and live a life of wildness. He embarks on a journey with his two best friends, Aditi, Kalki Koechlin, a tomboyish girl and Avi, Aditya Roy Kapur, a satirical joking boy. Bunny meets Naina, fails to completely recognize her, eventually invites her to spend her time with him and his friends in Kashmir and ultimately, their crazy journey with the ultimate destination, "Love".

Naina is a simple and hardworking girl while Bunny is a merry go round boy for whom life is all about being crazy. They meet each other to celebrate the wedding of Ranbir's best friends Aditi (Kalki Kochin) and Avi (Aditya Roy Kapoor).

As the two mature from the age of 21 to their 30's, they recognize their priorities, realize their true desires and celebrate madness, warmth, marriage, wildness, freedom, togetherness, reunions, friendship, breakups, family, love and flop films.

Thus the film has Ranbir Kapoor as Bunny (Kabir Thappar), Deepika Padukone as Naina Talwar, Aditya Roy Kapur as Avi, Kalki Koechlin as Aditi, Kunaal Roy Kapur as Taran, Evelyn Sharma as Lara, Poorna Jagannathan as Riana, Dolly Ahluwalia, Tanvi Azmi, Farooq Sheikh, Naveen Kaushik as Sumer, Rana Daggubati in a cameo role and Madhuri Dixit as Mohini (Guest Appearance in the song Ghagra)

The soundtrack has been composed by Pritam with lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

The film has songs like Batameez Dil sung by Benny Dayal, Shefali Alvares, Balam Pichkari by Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade, Ilahi by Mohit Chauhan, Kabira by Rekha Bhardwaj, Tochi Raina, Dilli Wali Girlfriend by Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Subhanallah by Sreeram, Shilpa Rao, Ghagra by Vishal Dadlani, Rekha Bhardwaj, Kabira (Encore) by Arijit Singh, Harshdeep Kaur and Ilahi (Reprise) by Arijit Singh.

The Hangover Part III

The Hangover Part III is a 2013 American comedy film produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is the sequel to 2011's The Hangover Part II, and the third and final film in The Hangover film series. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor, Justin Bartha, and John Goodman, with Todd Phillips directing a screenplay written by himself and Craig Mazin.

More than ever before, this instalment is powered primarily by the franchise’s two breakout characters, the bearded weirdo Alan (Zach Galifi anakis) and the mercurial gangster Mr Chow (Ken Jeong).

As the story begins, Alan is off his meds and on his way to a psych facility, after an intervention conducted by fellow Wolfpackers Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms).

However, the group never make it to their intended destination, and soon find themselves in Mexico where big trouble awaits.

Of course, Mr Chow is the cause of much of the turmoil, escaping from a prison in Bangkok and then making off with the gold reserves of a powerful crime lord.

So unless Alan, Stu and Phil locate Chow and retrieve the missing gold, that other guy they always hang around with (Doug, played by Justin Bartha) will be executed.

Cinderella 3D

Cinderella 3D or (Cendrillon au Far West 3D) stars Antoine de Caunes, Yolande Moreau, Michel Boujenah, Isabelle Nanty and Audrey Lamy. The film is directed by Pascal Hérold.

Cinderella retold by Elizabeth Kimmel is very similar to the original Cinderella.

The original story: Cinderella’s father passes away and she is left with her evil step mother and two step sisters. She is left with doing all of the household chores, and waiting on every one hand and foot. Cinderella dreams of going to the ball, but her step mother will go out of her way to make it impossible for her to attend the ball. With a little help of Cinderella’s fairy godmother she finds out that maybe dreams do come true. With the electronic format it makes this book very interacting with the students they are able to see, and hear what is going on and makes it easier for them to understand the story.

This modern take on Cinderella is set to the backdrop of the Wild West featuring a new cast of furry and feathered friends. Cinderella is transformed for a night at the royal ball, but finds herself battling a band of gorilla pirates who have kidnapped Prince Vladimir and the Duchess. Will she have time to save the day and fall in love before the clock strikes twelve? Watch the film to know that.

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'Bharat Sevashram Sangha - Cancer Care Centre' that was published in Newsband

Bharat Sevashram Sangha

Cancer Care Centre

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Bharat Sevashram Sangha was established in the year 1917 by Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj, the great illustrious philanthropist, with a view to elevate mankind from misery and poverty by putting into practice the benevolent ideals he could foresee. He thought that the golden way to serve humanity is to bring about social, economic, cultural and of course, spiritual upliftment of the people at large with priority towards underprivileged masses. From its modest start the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, serving thousands of people daily, on the ideologies of its noble founder, is now regarded as a premier institution of its kind, with 50 branches covering almost entire India, with another 15 abroad. The Sangha is supported by hundreds of sub units in the name of Milan Mandir that exist in every corner of the country. Head office of the Sangha is situated in 211, Rash Behari Avenue, Kolkatta 700019.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha started its activities in Navi Mumbai in the year 1988 under the leadership of Swami Prashantanand Maharaj. The main activity  of Vashi Branch is to help Cancer patients with the following facilities: Free Accommodation, Free Transportation to Tata Memorial Hospital, Panvel and Kharghar, Rasoi Ghar for Self Cooking, Ambulance Facility, Free Counseling, Recreation, Rehabilitation  services, Awareness programmes, Distribution of free milk and biscuits every day and Financial assistance to needy patients.

Besides the above activities, Vashi branch also provides the following services for public in general: Free Computer Training Classes, Free Coaching Classes, Health services during natural calamities, Kumbha Mela, Ashadi Ekadashi at Pandharpur every year, Publication of spiritual English monthly magazine – Maha Milan, Food grains to poor patients, Cancer Awareness Camp, Yoga Classes, Reiki, Sponsorship arranged for deserving students who want to continue studies, Spiritual Congregation and Library.

Main source of this organization’s financial contributions come from its well wishers, corporate funds and various trusts, who donate either in periodic contributions or one time lump sum amount. Many of them have also sponsored a good number of its schemes in part of in full. But these are for a temporary period and earmarked for particular projects. Its own projects are run purely on non profit basis and do not provide for anything more than its own subsistence. All donations to Bharat Sevashram Sangha are exempted from IT under section 80-G of Income Tax Act, 1961.

Even Rotary Club has been supporting Bharat Sevashram Sangha in carrying out community projects.

Address: Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Home for Cancer Patients, 263, Swami Pranavanandaji Marg, Sector 31A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400 703.

Tel: 2781 1327 / 6523 4773

Email: bharatsevas@gmail.com

Website: www.bssmumbai.org

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'Navi Mumbai police demand more facilities' that was published in Newsband

Navi Mumbai police demand more facilities

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai police are finding their workload too much while they are not adequately staffed. They have been making demands for more facilities. Will the state home department fulfill their demands?

The city police have demanded for a third zone. Navi Mumbai already has two zones. Each zone is handled by a deputy. But recently more police stations have come into existence in Navi Mumbai. Hence the total number of police stations that exist in the city is become too much for just two zones to handle. Hence a demand has been made for another zone which will release pressure under which the policemen are working.

The fact that an international airport is coming up in Navi Mumbai and also the proposed sea link between Belapur and Mumbai have led many people from neighbouring areas migrate to Navi Mumbai. People residing in Mumbai and Pune have realized that Navi Mumbai has a great future and hence they intend to either migrate to Navi Mumbai or at least have a flat over here. This has led to increase in population of the city owing to which the crime rate has risen considerably. The police department of Navi Mumbai badly finds the need of more manpower. The state home department is aware of this fact and it is considering the idea of sanctioning more police staff and also equipments for Navi Mumbai.

The home department has also received a request asking to include Khalapur and Rasayani police stations in Navi Mumbai police departments since the people residing within the jurisdiction of these two police stations find it easy to come to Navi Mumbai and lodge their complaints. The reason is the good transport facilities that exist between Navi Mumbai and these two places.

Navi Mumbai police have also expressed their need for Economic Offense Wing. The reason why they need this particular department is the rise in the number of economic crimes in the city. In the recent past there have been plenty of news about banks having been cheated to the tunes of big amounts either by forgery or by hacking the computers. At present, the Crime Branch is handling such cases in spite of the fact that it has to tackle all the other kinds of crimes too. The work load of Crime Branch has increased considerably and hence there is an urgent need of Economic Offense Wing to lessen the burden of Crime Branch.

Now it is left to be seen whether the State Home Department will be kind enough to fulfill all these genuine demands of Navi Mumbai policemen and thus ensure full security for residents residing in the city.

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'Auto men need to be controlled' that was published in Newsband

Auto men need to be controlled

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: It is true that the RTO squads have been doing their best to control the menace caused by the auto rickshaw drivers. But yet there are complaints from auto rickshaw passengers pouring into the RTO office.

There are some areas in Navi Mumbai where the auto drivers harass the passengers to an extent where these passengers begin feeling frustrated. The harassments are of various types. These auto drivers charge fantastic amount for even short distances. They refuse to go by electronic meters which they have been forced to install in their vehicles.  Some auto drivers just refuse to ferry the passengers. Others behave extremely rudely with the passengers. Some auto drivers make the passengers disembark in the middle of the journey and this causes a lot of inconvenience to the passengers. They are not able to find another auto rickshaw and find themselves stranded in a place they know little about.  

The thing is these auto men have a union and if the passenger dares to challenge one auto driver, then all the other auto drivers come to his rescue and the passenger finds himself or herself all alone.

There are autorickshaws with fake registration numbers. In the recent times, RTO officials have done a good job by confiscating many auto rickshaws with fake registration numbers after which they cut these vehicles into pieces and sent them to the scrap dealers or got them auctioned.

RTO has many a time issued to auto passengers warnings saying that they should be careful of auto drivers who indulge in big scale cheating. These passengers are also told to inform the RTO office the moment they are harassed by an auto driver so that RTO squad can rush to the spot and take appropriate action against the driver.

 But it has been found that in spite of stringent actions taken by RTO against the errant drivers, harassment of the passengers by these drivers continues. This is simply because of the fact that these drivers enjoy strong support of their unions.

The government had introduced electronic meter system to stop the harassments meted out to the passengers by the auto drivers. Initially many auto drivers were unwilling to install e-meter. But RTO carried out campaigns after campaigns to force each and every auto rickshaw owner to install the e-meter in their vehicles. Today we find practically every auto rickshaw in the city has e-meters. But yet in places like Kharghar and Panvel the harassments by auto driver has not ceased. There are many auto drivers who refuse to ferry passengers according to the readings on e-meter. They make their own rules and demand huge sums from passengers even for ferrying them to a destination nearby.

The defiance displayed by these auto drivers is frustrating many passengers and even the RTO officials are at a loss to know as to how these auto drivers can be brought under control. Thus the war between RTO officials and auto drivers continues. 

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'NMMT buses need repair and not CCTV cameras, say commuters' that was published in Newsband

NMMT buses need repair and not CCTV cameras, say commuters

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: A few days back, Mayor Sagar Naik had announced that NMMC would allot one crore rupees for installing CCTV cameras in NMMT buses. This move by the mayor has invited criticisms from regular NMMT bus commuters.

According to these commuters, instead of allotting one crore rupees for installation of CCTV cameras, the same amount could have been used for repairing of all the rickety NMMT buses. Many NMMT buses are in a horrible condition in the sense that either they have broken window panes and door handles or they have some technical snags or the seats are torn. These buses are badly in need of repair work. Also many roads on which these buses ply are full of potholes and hence badly need repair. The commuters say that it would have been worthwhile if the money that has been allotted for CCTV cameras was used for repairing of the buses as well as the roads.

Technical snags in NMMT buses have proved to be a headache for commuters. If these buses stop functioning while ferrying the commuters owing to technical snags, the commuters have to face untold miseries. They have to get down from the bus and try to catch another vehicle. They have to purchase ticket again. Not only their money is wasted but also they have to face a lot of inconvenience. These problems can also lead to their reaching the destination late. The school and college children find such happenings troublesome since they can’t afford to reach their institution late, especially when their examinations are in progress. Even the office goers have to reach their offices on time and if the NMMT buses suffer breakdown, they have to face embarrassing situations at their workplaces. Even the women folk and senior citizens find it troublesome to travel by problematic NMMT buses.

NMMT authorities should realize that repairing of their buses is of primary importance and having CCTV cameras in their buses is not that important. But NMMT authorities claim that they have complained several times to NMMC authorities about the poor condition of many of their buses and yet instead of allotting funds for repairing of those buses, NMMC has come up with the idea of allotting one crore rupees for installing CCTV cameras in these buses. This is ridiculous and it has invited the wrath of many commuters of NMMT buses who have undergone negative experiences sometimes or the other while commuting by these buses.

It is true that CCTV cameras can be helpful to detect criminals who choose NMMT buses to commit crimes. But if you go by past records lying with the city police, there are not many crimes taking place in NMMT buses. Yes, some crimes do take sometimes or the other in these buses but not always. So what is the big idea of installing CCTV cameras in NMMT buses where the commuters feel harassed by the poor conditions of the buses more than the crimes that occur in it. Yes, it would have been a good idea to install CCTV cameras only after all the damaged buses were totally repaired. The NMMC authorities should do the first thing first.     

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will cricket too suffer the same fate as hockey?' that was published in Newsband

Will cricket too suffer the same fate as hockey?

Cricket in India is in danger. First it was just the exposure of betting and spot-fixing scandals involving players. Now we find that the man at the very top of cricket administration in India, N. Srinivasan, is also involved in this mess. His son-in-law, Gurunath Meiyappan, too was arrested. Now it is up to the BCCI to investigate and act against those who tarnish the reputation of the IPL.

In today’s cricket we find that everything from runs given, wickets taken, and catches dropped are linked to corrupt practices. This fact mocks the very spirit of cricket and belittles the interest that millions of fans take in the game. Indian cricket will have to be saved from politicians, tycoons and fixers who try to control the game.

IPL has brought the entire cricket fraternity to the sub continent where players are able to choose franchises over playing tests and for their own country.

IPL is there to stay and entertain the masses and lovers of the game and BCCI has taken it to great heights, glitz and glamour all included. Naturally there will be enemies, jealousy, split of power and authority of vested boards and individual and thereby creating confusion, machinations leading to fixing by disgruntled and inconsistent players/elements afraid of their future and playing abilities on the cricket field.

Indians are asking Srinivasan to leave the BCCI which he heads for ignoring malafide activities in the IPL. The strange thing is that these people have never asked for the resignation of the Prime Minister even though several scams of gigantic proportions have sullied the UPA government he heads. Why this double standards?

There are some people who are of the opinion that IPL is good entertainment and enjoyed by millions.  According to them betting used to be allowed in horse racing, so why not in cricket and other games. They believe that if betting in cricket is legalized, it would be at least under some control.

Whether Srinivasan resigns or not, the propriety of tournament like IPL is looking bleak. But, a cricket crazy nation like India will continue to encourage such tournaments even though such scandals happen more than often. This is purely because there is no alternative sports to dominate and cricket has its roots deep in India. An average village household might not have access to power, food and infrastructure, but we can find a group of people playing cricket.

Some cricket lovers fear that cricket is the last bastion of sports in the country and that it might also suffer the fate of hockey. They fear that people might stop supporting cricket and if there won’t be any money in it, the politician and other bees will also fly away. Anyway, sports worldwide are left to gambling dens, officially or unofficially.

Dinesh Kamath's cartoons on 'Alooramji' that were published in Newsband

Dinesh Kamath's news item "Fashion Triumphs at NIFT, Mumbai's 'The Graduation Show 2013'" that was published in Newsband

Fashion Triumphs at NIFT, Mumbai's 'The Graduation Show 2013'

As Narendra Kumar, Shakti Arora, Jia Mustafa, Candice Pinto & more dazzle the ramp

Students of NIFT, Kharghar impress too

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The students of NIFT, Kharghar got an opportunity to show their class in Mumbai. NIFT, Mumbai one of the premier institutes in fashion celebrated ‘The Graduation Show 2013’ with much fanfare at JBT Hall, NCPA.

The evening was inaugurated by Mr. Dilip Jiwrajka, owner Alok Industries and Ms. Nilima Rani Singh, Director-NIFT, Mumbai. The highlight of the evening was 69 graduating batch students of the Fashion Designing and Knitwear Departments who showcased their extraordinary collections ‘FASHIONOVA’ and ‘KNITMODA’.

Some of the exciting themes the students have worked on were Code of facets, Double Take, The Pilgrim Progress, From God with Love and many more.

The fashion show was distinctly choreographed by ace fashion choreographer Achala Sachdev. The  action packed evening ended with  the students being conferred with a range of awards sponsored by Globus, NOAH Fashions, Usha International, Sheetal India, Meher Castelino etc. and handed by eminent dignitaries.

Eclectic mix of celebs, socialites and renowned models seen at the event included Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Chetan Hansraj, Nisha Jamwal, Shakti Arora, Jia Mustafa, Neha Bhasin, Dolly Thakore, Achala Sachdev, Krishna Mehta, Pradeep Hirani, Meher Castellino, Candice Pinto, Alesia Raut, Dipti Gujral, Hemangi Parte, Asif Azim, Siddharth Rawal, and many more.

There were some materials for Gossip Writers too like when Shakti Arora and Jia Mustafa were inseparable and were seen sharing the same plate too as if something was cooking between the two and when Chetan Hansraj made a quick exit and avoided the paparazzi.

Dinesh Kamath's news item 'Police raid has not stopped human trafficking in city' that was published in Newsband

Police raid has not stopped human trafficking in city

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: Thane police had conducted a raid on Kapal Bar and Dimple Lodge on May 3. They rescued many girls who even included minor ones in big number. Some persons who were running the prostitution business at these places were arrested. Some top police officers were suspended or made to go on leave.

Why were Thane police asked to carry out the raid? It was felt that local police were assisting those who were carrying out the prostitution business in the city and hence the authorities found it necessary to ask Thane police to conduct the raid.

But the thing is the prostitution business in Navi Mumbai has not come to a stop. It is going on in full swing even after the raid. The dance bars are active at night.

New girls are employed in these dance bars. They are asked to work as waitresses but soon they are found to be a part of dancing groups at night. These girls are brought to the hotel owners by the pimps who are always on the look out for new girls. It was found that husbands of many of these girls work at construction sites. These girls bring in extra income by working in the dance bars. They are even provided accommodations by the owners of the bars. They are accommodated at places where police don’t care to carry out the raid. They even enjoy the facility of being picked up by the vehicles from their home and taken to their place of work. After the work, they are dropped back at their homes.

These dance bars exist in big number in Navi Mumbai. They do roaring business. A ban was put on dance bars in 2005. That succeeded in controlling the prostitution business for sometimes. But slowly and steadily the business started growing more and more and today it is found to be in full swing. In fact, the human trafficking that occurred just last year has been much more than that took place during the five years prior to that.

These facts prove that the owners of dance bars and those people who carry out the prostitution and human trafficking business don’t fear the police authorities at all. They also prove that the local police have very little control over these people who pursue this immoral business. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (NHRC needs the right person on top) that was published in Newsband

NHRC needs the right person on top

It was proposed that the retired Supreme Court judge Cyriac Joseph be made a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Two BJP leaders opposed this move since they had received an adverse report from an intelligence agency on Justice Joseph’s style of functioning as a judge. The report touched upon delays in his delivering judgments, but it did not say anywhere that he lacked integrity.

Such important appointments should be made as consensual as possible.

The Protection of Human Rights Act states that apart from the chairperson, one member must be a former judge of the Supreme Court, one a former chief justice of a High Court, and two must be “persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.” In recent years, unfortunately, virtually none of the non-judicial members could claim such qualifications, even if some have delivered commendably on the commission.

By the way, it is surprising to see ex-police officers being appointed as members of NHRC.

Cyriac Joseph is undoubtedly a man of impeccable records, a man behind many great judgments, a man who understands the problems of a normal person on street. But yes, the way he operates are little different from other judges. But as long as it’s not against the rules and regulations, why should anything else matter? Why should BJP leaders object to his appointment?  

Another thing is this government has made mockery of many constitutional bodies by appointing the 'faithful' from government or party to the constitutional posts or even back to government from constitutional posts. The other reason is that all such constitutional posts offer plush facilities in New Delhi. If NHRC was based in a remote area, then there would be much less 'rat race' for the posts.

It is advisable that many government bodies be moved out of New Delhi to smaller towns and cities across India so that there is no 'rat race' for them. This will also decongest Delhi.

There are many people in the background of human rights without political affiliation but Congress wants only people with loyalty or they want some minority which automatically produces loyalty for Congress. No wonder that an important organization like NHRC fails to have the right person on top to control it. 

Dinesh Kamath's column 'Information about Careers' (Beautician) that was published in Newsband

Information about Careers

By Dinesh Kamath

Beautician

Beauticians or Cosmetologists provide clients with a range of personal beauty care treatments. Treatments may include manicures, pedicures, facials, massage, hair removal and make-up. This is a popular occupation.

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.

Cosmetology specialties

Hair stylist: A hair stylist is someone who cuts and styles hair. He or she can also offer other services such as coloring, extensions and straightening. Cosmetologists help their clients improve on or acquire a certain look with the right hairstyle. Hair stylists often do hair for weddings, proms, and other special events in addition to routine hairstyling. Also known as a licensed cosmetologist, their education hours vary by state. Hair Stylists are governed by their state cosmetology board. All specialties within cosmetology except for estheticians and nail technicians must hold a valid cosmetology license before working on the public. State

Hair colorist: A colorist is a hair stylist that specializes in coloring hair. In the US, some colorists are “board certified” through the American Board of Certified Hair colorists. This designation is used to recognize colorists that have a greater level of competency in the industry.

Shampoo technician: A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist. This is generally an apprentice position and a first step for many just out of cosmetology school.

Esthetician: Estheticians are licensed professionals who are experts in maintaining and improving healthy skin. An esthetician's general scope of practice is limited to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Estheticians work in many different environments such as salons, med spas, day spas, skin care clinics and private practice. Estheticians perform skin treatments that include hair removal (waxing, threading, tweezing, sugaring), facial massage, body treatments (wraps, exfoliation, hydrotherapy), skin care consultations, chemical exfoliation, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, aromatherapy, and make-up application. Estheticians may also specialize in machine treatments such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, also called non surgical "face lifts", Electrotherapy treatments (glavanic current, high frequency), LED (light emitting diode), ultrasound/ultrasonic (low level) and mechanical massage (vacuum & g8 vibratory). The esthetician may undergo special training for treatments such as laser hair removal, permanent make up, and electrolysis. Estheticians work under a dermatologist’s supervision only when employed by the dermatologist's practice. Estheticians treat a wide variety of skin issues as long as cosmetic in nature, such as mild acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin. Skin disease and disorders are referred to a dermatologist or other medical professional. Education to the client/patient is of great importance, so the person know what to expect after a treatments and the process the skin may go through after any chemical peel or high performance treatment.

Nail technician: A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, artificial nails, hand and foot massage, etc. Although they are generally trained to recognize diseases of the skin and nail, they do not treat diseases and would typically refer a client to a physician. Nail Technicians can also be called manicurists.

Manicure: A manicure is a cosmetic treatment for the fingernails or hands. The word manicure derives from Latin: manus for "hand", cura for "care". When performed on the feet, such a treatment is a pedicure. Many manicures start by soaking the hands in a softening substance, followed by the application of lotion. A common type of manicure involves shaping the nails and applying nail polish. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small decals or imitation jewels.

Makeup artist: A makeup artist is in a branch of cosmetology that specializes in the application of cosmetics to a person's face, by using such products as foundation or powder, blush, eye makeup, etc. Depending on where they are or how they are employed, their salary can vary. Makeup artists work in a variety of different scenarios: department store cosmetic counters, special events such as weddings/prom, salons/spas, theater and visual arts, photography studios, editorial fashion shoots, runway shows for designers/fashion schools, television and film, as well as freelancing of various degrees. In order to work in the film industry union membership may be required.

Electrologist: An electrologist offers hair removal services with the use of a machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent. Electrologist is generally a separate license depending on the state.

Dinesh Kamath's news item "Young Prophets of fashion from NIFT, Mumbai present ‘The Graduation Show 2013’, NIFT of Kharghar too to participate" that was published in Newsband

Young Prophets of fashion from NIFT, Mumbai present ‘The Graduation Show 2013’

NIFT of Kharghar too to participate

By Dinesh Kamath

KHARGHAR: NIFT, Mumbai one of the premier institutes in fashion education has always been committed to academic excellence. The core activities of NIFT, Mumbai embrace the idea to locate its students in challenging atmosphere and enhance their innovative and creative skillfulness. This year the institute is all set to celebrate ‘The Graduation Show 2013’ with a pure objective of giving a unique platform to their students in showcasing their exquisite collections.

‘The Graduation Show 2013’ is a much awaited event and is attended by members of fashion fraternity, celebrities and academicians. The gala affair would be inaugurated by Ms. Nilima Rani Singh, Director-NIFT, Mumbai. This year the theme is Rising Sun and the event is spread over two days at two separate venues. The students of Bachelor of Fashion Technology, Master of Fashion Management and Master of Design would be presenting their papers in the form of a seminar at the Hotel Royal Tulip on 24th May 2013. On 25th May 2013, at the JBT Hall of NCPA, the students of Fashion Communication and Textile Design will showcase their graduating work through displays titled ‘INFINITE IDEAS and TANTU’ respectively. Mr. Roshan Abbas will be inaugurating INFINITE IDEAS.

The highlight of the event would be the Fashion Designing and Knitwear Designing Department students showcasing their respective collections titled FASHIONOVA 2013 and KNITMODA 2013.The fashion show will be distinctly choreographed by ace fashion choreographer Achala Sachdev.  The collections of both departments are drawn from variety of ideas and out of the box themes. Some of the exciting themes the students have worked on are Code of facets, Double Take, The Empire Strikes back, Imposter Prepp, From God with Love, The Pilgrim Progress and many more. This batch students also boasts of having winners from various competitions like WILLS Lifestyle Debut, League of Fashion, Triumph Inspiration Award and many more.

Ms. Nilima Singh, Director, NIFT, Mumbai states with profound confidence, “The Graduation Show 2013 is an attempt to create a modern and internationally relevant statement in fashion. It showcases the creative genius of the orchestration of brilliant young minds ready to take on the world of Fashion. It is the culmination of four years of learning by doing and intertwines the knowledge and skill to mark on the fashion scene.”

Also the students would be conferred with a range of coveted awards sponsored by Globus, Usha International, Amfii, Sheetal Design Studio, Persis Kambatta Trust Consulate OF Canada, Noah Fashions and many more.

 Renowned models like Alesia Raut, Candice Pinto, Deepti Gujral, Hemangi Parte, Binal Trivedi, Siddharth Rawal, and many more would dazzle the ramp dressed in student ensembles. Also the evening would be a glamour packed affair with an eclectic mix of celebrities and fashion designers from the industry like prominent fashion designers Narendra Kumar Ahmed and Archana Kochhar, James Fereira, Krishna Mehta, Meher Castellino, Anup Soni, Juhi Babbar Dolly Thakore, Gaurav Chopra, Chetan Hansraj, Nisha Jamwal, Pradeep Hirani, Gayatri Khanna and many more.

NIFT, Mumbai ‘The  Graduation Day 2013’ - The event will be held on Saturday 25th May 2013 at JBT HALL, NCPA, Nariman Point commencing at (1) Exhibition – 3.30pm onwards (2) Fashion show -7.30pm onwards