Happy Independence Day-2010

Happy Independence Day-2010

National Emblem
The national emblem comes from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka ruled the land from 272 BCE to 232 BCE. The original sculpture shows four lions on a pillar with an elephant, horse, bull, and lion separated by a lotus on the base. A Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) is also carved into the stone. The emblem was adopted on January 26, 1950 by the Indian Government. The official symbol now shows three of the four lions with the Dharma Chakra in the center of the base and a bull and horse on either side. The base is also engraved with the phrase "Satyameva Jayate" in the Devanagari script of India. This simple phrase represents a powerful idea for the Indian people: "Truth alone triumphs". National Animal Tiger (Panthera Tigris, Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. Tiger is also known as the lord of Jungles. The tiger is symbolic of India's wildlife wealth. The rare combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger great respect and high esteem. India is home to nearly half of the total population of tigers. National Bird
The Peacock, Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), is the national bird of India. The peacock symbolizes qualities like beauty, grace, pride and mysticism. Peacock is a colorful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. The male of the species is more colorful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers they spread out in display at the onset of the monsoons. The female is brownish in color, slightly smaller than the male, and lacks the train. Peacocks have a harsh voice, which is a stark contrast to their beauty. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers is a beautiful sight. Peacock is the sacred bird of the India, protected not only by the religious sentiment but also by parliamentary statute.National Calendar of India
The national calendar of India is based on the Saka Era with Chaitra as the first month and a normal year of 365 days. The national calendar of India was adopted on March 22nd 1957. Dates of the Indian national calendar have a permanent correspondence with the Gregorian calendar dates- 1 Chaitra normally falls on 22 March and on 21 March in leap year. The national Calendar of India is used along with the Gregorian calendar for the following official purposes- (i) Gazette of India, (ii) news broadcast by All India Radio, (iii) calendars issued by the Government of India and (iv) Government communications addressed to the members of the public.
The Indian Tricolour
The Indian flag is rectangular in shape and is made up of three horizontal breadths of Saffron, White and Green. The Saffron stands for courage and sacrifice, White for purity and Green for fertility. There is a wheel with 24 spokes in the middle of the white colored portion of the flag. The wheel represents the Dharma Chakra.National Flower
Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) is the National Flower of India. On the virtue of being a sacred flower, it occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India and has been an auspicious symbol of Indian culture since time immemorial. The Lotus symbolizes divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and enlightenment. The flower grows in murky waters and rises on a long stalk above the surface to bloom. It represents long life, honor, and good fortune. Lotus is also symbolic of the purity of heart and mind. The lotus holds additional significance for Hindus, as it is a symbol of God and used often in religious practices. According to the popular Indian thought, there is the last and final lotus - Charan Kamal or lotus feet of the Almighty. It was this depth of thought that made the founding fathers of modern India enshrine the lotus in the Constitution as the National Flower. National Fruit of India Mango (Mangifera Indica) is the National fruit of India. In India, mango is cultivated almost in all parts, except the hilly areas. Mango is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India, we have hundreds of varieties of mangoes. They are of different sizes, shapes and colors. Even in our mythology and history there are stories of mangoes- the famous Indian poet Kalidasa sang its praise. Alexander the great, along with Hieun Tsang savored the taste of mangoes. The great Mughal king, Akbar is said to have planted over 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga (modern Bihar). The mango is eaten ripe and is also used to make pickles.The National Tree of India
The National tree of India is the banyan. This huge tree towers over its neighbors and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, easily covering several acres. It sends off new shoots from its roots, so that one tree is really a tangle of branches, roots, and trunks. The banyan tree regenerates and beats all other tree in its longevity. It is thought to be the immortal tree. Its size and leafy shelter are valued in India as a place of rest and reflection, not to mention protection from the hot sun! India has a long history of honoring this tree; it figures prominently in many of the oldest stories of the nation.
National Game of India
Hockey, which has been played in India since time immemorial, is the National Game of India. There was a golden period of Indian hockey when hockey stalwarts of India ruled the game. On the international scenario there were no competitors to match the magic of Indian hockey players. The unmatched excellence and incomparable talent of Indian players became folklore. The ball-juggling feats of players like Major Dhyanchand made people think that Indian players used some underhand means. The Golden Era of hockey in India was the period from 1928 - 1956 when India won 6 successive gold medals in the Olympic Games. National Fruit of India
The Mango is the national fruit of India. A favourite of most Indians, this fruit has been cultivated in the country since ancient times. There are over 100 types of mangoes in India, of various colors, sizes, and shapes. Common in the tropical part of the world, mangoes are liked hugely and relished for their sweet juice and bright colors. Rich in vitamin A, C, and D, mangoes are also useful for health. Indians eat mangoes ripe, or prepare them green as pickles or chutneys (condiments). The poet Kalidasa sang its praises in his immortal works. Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, known as Lakhibagh. Even well-known visitors to India, like Alexander and Hieun Tsang, were generous in their appreciation for Indian mangoes.

National Song of India
The composition "Vande Mataram", hailed as the National Song of India, eulogizes India as a Goddess and glorifies Indian patriotism in a beautiful manner. Composed originally in Sanskrit by Shri Bankim Chandra Chattyopaddhay, the song first appeared in the ace novelist's Bengali novel 'Anand Math' (published in 1882) and was a source of inspiration to the Indian people in their struggle for freedom. The English translation of the song, rendered by Shree Aurobindo, is considered to be the official and best. The first stanza of this song has been given the status of India's national song."Vande Mataram" has an equal status with "Jana Gana Mana", the Indian National Anthem composed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The song, in fact, was originally designated as the National Anthem. The first political occasion when it was sung was the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. Interestingly, the music for this song had been composed by none other than Rabindranath Tagore. National Animal of India
.The National animal of India is the magnificent creature called The Royal Bengal Tiger, whose scientific name is "Tiger Panthera tigris". A bright yellow-coloured well-striped animal with a short coat, the Bengal Tiger occupies a variety of habitats from dry open jungles, humid ever-green forests to mangrove swamps. The combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger its pride of place as the national animal of India. It stands as a symbol of India's wealth of wildlife. The Royal Bengal Tiger is found throughout the country except in the north-western region and also in the neighbouring countries, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. National Anthem of India
The song "Jana Gana Mana", composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the national anthem of India on 24 January 1950. It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. Before this, the National Anthem of India was Bankim Chandra's song "Vande Mataram".Though the complete song consists of five stanzas, only the first of the five stanzas of "Jana Gana Mana" was designated as the anthem. The first stanza contains the full version of the National Anthem. A formal rendition of the national anthem takes about forty-eight to fifty-two seconds. A shortened version consisting of the first and last lines (and taking about 20 seconds to play) is also played on certain occasions. It is commonly sung by Indians in unison at public events, schools and colleges during the Independence Day and Republic Day Celebrations.
National Pledge
The Indian National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to the Republic of India. It is commonly recited by Indians in unison at public events, during daily assemblies in many Indian schools, and during the Independence Day and Republic Day Observance Ceremonies

Sad Story of Khajjir Lake

I am dying and drying! SAVE ME: Sad story of Khajjir Lake
In the lap of lofty snow-clad mountains of Himachal Pradesh, there are myriad lakes with cool and serene water, which mirror the immense beauty of this paradise on the earth. Khajjir lake is one of the very famous lake and also known as Mini Switzerland of India. This lake is located in district Chamba. But these days this is in very worse condition. This lakes is the tourist source of millions people. By the human interference and unmanaged and uncontrolled human activities this lake is drying now. Following is the self story of the lake in their own words (Sanjeev word)
THINK AND SAVE ME
I was very famous, surrounding by long and beautiful deodar trees.
People have taken holy bath and worshiped me
I have lot of natural, crystal clear water,
People used me for boating,
Grasses dancing in the lake, moving around me.
I was compared with Mini Switzerland

Peole become rich (crorerpati) due to me

I am providing source of livelihood for many people

Peoples come for peace and enjoying
BUT NOW
Now horses and livestocks moving around me
Small insects and flys are increasing day by day
Human beings exploiting me more and more
Tourist hit me by throwing bottles and waste
I am filled with animals garbage
Water is drying and dirty now
Peoples are going away from me
Now people are naming me as Golf Ground
Construction of buildings and hotels are increasing
No body care me today
I have given many things
But today the condition of my self is in front of you
Come and Save me So that I can give you More

Now every day I am Crying---------for my grief
Please SAVE ME SAVE ME SAVE ME

Dr. Sanjeev Sharma (sanjuscorp@gmail.com)

Gaddis Chhatrari Yatra or Shiv Shakti Jatra in Bharmour Himalaya

Gaddis Chhatrari Yatra or Shiv Shakti Jatra in Bharmour Himalaya
Chhatrari is very beautiful, natural and historical village located in the Tehsil of Chmaba district and the last village of Chamba Tehsil. This village is 49 kms from the district headquarters Chamba. It is situated on the left side of River Ravi a stream Kunta is also following from the Kunra village and separated Bharmour Tehsil to Chamba. This village is easily approachable by bus road which is well mettaled. HPPWD rest house is also there for stay. A road is diverted from a place Luna from the main Chamba Bharmour Road. A famous historical temple of Shiv Shakti Goddess is also there which is constructed by King Meru Varman in 7th Centaury. The goddess image is in the form multi metal. Meru Varman seems to have been one of the most notable of the early Brahmapur rulers. He was probably the first to extend the state boundaries by conquest, for in the Chhatrari inscription. It is recorded that he dedicated the idol of Shiv Shakti Devi in gratitude for help against his enemies whom he had attacked in their strongholds and overcome. Shivshakti temple is constructed by the wooden and very unique wooden and painting work is also done. On the day of Radhasthmi when the Manimahesh fair is finished on the same day in the morning a priest from Shiv Shakti temple moves towards Manimahesh Lake and bring a sacred water from the lake. The priest does Holy bath to the image of Shiv Shakti image at Chhatrari. After that new sacred cloths were wear to the goddess Shiv shakti. Second day Chhatrari fair began and in the evening a Chariot of Butek Mahadev is also take place. In the ground of Shiv Shakti temple four local people dance and wear mask. From these four mask wear one is in the form of Shiv Shakti Godess and all other three are in the form of bad evil (rakshas). Godess fought with the Raksas and Goddess show as a winner in this war. This show the victory of truth upon untruth. Third and fourth fair is celebrated with the participation of large number of local people. A local Gaddis dance was also held with their tradition gaddis dress in the ground of Shiv Shakti temple.

WWF-India’s Initiative for Conservation Himalayan High Altitude Wetlands

WWF-India’s Initiative for Conservation Himalayan High Altitude Wetlands
Himalayan high altitude wetlands (3000 m asl) are crucial for biodiversity and sustainable economic growth not only locally but also at the river basin and regional levels. One of the most unique and most productive ecosystems in the western Himalaya is high altitude wetlands. In the lap of lofty snow-clad mountains of Himachal Pradesh, there are myriad lakes with cool and serene water, which mirror the immense beauty of this paradise on the earth. In the state there are very few natural wetlands which have developed by tectonic movements, glacial activities and changing river courses. Besides these, a few wetlands have developed by impounding large volume of river water. These wetlands are important for the survival of wildlife in the region and for the mountain communities who directly or indirectly deepened upon these wetlands for their livelihoods. These wetlands are also important for food production, environmental protection, soil and water conservation, flood management, wildlife conservation, recreation, aesthetic setting. Many lakes in the state attract large number of tourists, pilgrims. These wetlands are also have large body of avian fauna especially during summer months. These lakes are part of the cultural ethos of the local inhabitants and in many places, religious sanctity is given to them. The surrounding area of wetlands are repository Of flora, especially medicinal herbs.
Yet to despite their importance, they are under increasing threats from climate change, tourist and unsustainable exploitation for the wetlands themselves and also of the catchments draining into them. At present in Himachal Pradesh most of these high altitude wetlands are under tremendous pressure as a result of increasing population and unregulated development activities. Some of these wetlands are also being degraded as a result of unplanned and unregulated tourism activities. Some wetlands are also degraded by over grazing pressure and human interference. Due to religious importance some of wetlands in Himachal Pradesh like Manimahesh is degraded by pilgrims by throwing worship material in the sacred lake. These lakes are also deteriorating by the local people. It is customary to take holy dip in the lake and some time people leave their clothes in the lake. Other major threats and issues on these high altitude wetlands are high pressure of pilgrims, tourists, trekkers and their unmanaged activities, unscientific extraction of medicinal plants around wetlands, over grazing surrounding the catchment of wetlands, sanitation, dwindling size and diminishing life span of wetlands, facing siltation problems (e.g. Chandartal, Dasher and Dal lake), receding glacial and fluctuations in temperature, unawareness of the wetlands importance, erosion of the surrounding catchments denuded due to deforestation, grazing etc., pose extremely serious threats of siltation in wetlands, lack of local database on wetlands, wildlife, natural resources, endangered rare and vulnerable species, lack of wetlands conservation groups and lack of coordination between different stakeholders. The threats from unregulated tourism is also more serious for high altitude wetlands as peak period of tourism in these area is also the peak period of biological activities.
Keeping in view the importance of high altitude wetlands WWF-India initiated a conservation programme “Saving Wetlands Sky-High! A high altitude wetlands conservation programme in the Hindu Kush Karakorum Himalaya”. Himachal Pradesh is one of the project site of this programme. Initiatives are taken by WWF-India to conserve and manage these High altitude wetlands through scientific and participatory approach for human well beings.
WWF-India, Field Office, Shimla after starting this project in June, 2008 have first time documented in the state more than 20 high altitude wetlands (above 3000 m) in Chamba, Kullu Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla and Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. To involve all the stakeholder in this conservation programme WWF have organised various environmental awareness trainings and workshops for wetlands conservation through out the Himachal Pradesh. Among different stakeholders are students, teachers, PRIs, NGOs, CBOs, tour operators, tourist guide, forest field staff, researchers, Mahila Mandal and Indian Army.

EARTH HOUR 2010

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. So sign up now and let’s make 2010 the biggest Earth Hour yet!

Bharmour A Historical Town

Bharmour is a small village and the Headquarters of Bharmour Tehsil in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. This had once the distinction of being the seat of government of the old sovereign state of Brahmpura for 350 years from the 7th century. Then the capital was shifted to the newly laid out town of Chamba which later came to be called Chamba. Bharmour is inhabited by Gaddis a Himalayan tribal community has semi-pastoral, semi-agricultural. Now more than 50% of the Gaddis are migrated and settled in district Kangra.

Himalayan Women a source of inspiration

Himalayan Women are very hard working. They start their day early in the morning and start their house and field work. During day time they are busy in grazing their livestock. In the pictures a lady is busy in weaving wool manually by traditional method. This tradition is also going in the Kullu, Lahaul and Kinnaur valley. They weave shawl as wear by the lady in the Photo. Happy Women Day to the all Himalayan Women, Who have not a knowledge about the celebration of women day. Mostly this day is celebrated in the towns and city-------------------Himalayan Women a source of inspiration --------------------------

Gaddis: A social community for environmental management and resource conservation in the Himalaya

The people living in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh are primarily agriculturists and their secondary occupation is rearing of sheep and goats. The people are marginal farmers as the land holdings are small. Agriculture is done on terraced fields and is totally dependant on rainfall. The production from the fields is enough to meet their own demand. The rearing of cattle was thus the other source of food and dairy. The shepherd community in the Pradesh is called as Gaddi. The Gaddies are the nomadic tribes who rear cattle and migrate with the flocks to alpine pastures in the summers and to the low lying areas of the Shiwaliks in the winter for grazing their cattle. The gaddies are the tribals who reside mainly in the districts of Kinnaur and Tehsils of Bharmaur and Pangi of the Chamba district.
Gaddis are the tribes residing in the Bharmour tehsil of district Chamba in Himachal Pradesh of northwestern Himalaya. The old name of Bharmour was Brahmpura which was founded by King Meru Barman and made Brahmpura the capital of Chamba state. The Gaddis are ‘semi nomadic’, ‘semi pastoral’ and ‘semi agricultural’. Some of the Gaddis are also found in the lap of Dhauladhar range of Kangra district. The word “Gaddis” seems has been derived from the word “Gadar” a Hindi term for shepherd and ewe; or form ‘Gahar’. Gather is an alpine pastures grazed in spring. Gaddi is also described as Kailash. Kailash is considered as “Gaddi” connoting seat or throne of their God, Lord Shiva. Those who pray the “Gaddi” of lord Shiva were known as Gaddis. Lord Shiva is the principal God of Gaddis. The entire area is called Gather where Gaddis are inhabited and Bharmour is called the abode of Gaddis and the entire Tehsil is named as Gather or Gaudier region.
Gaddis are simple, strong and honest. They are hard working and keep concern with their job only. Sheep rearing is the main occupation of the Gaddis. Gaddis live close to the nature and spend most of their time living under the open sky. Environment is their best friend for them because they have spent most of the time with their animal in the open sky. They are familiar with the environment and know the worth to them and their animals. The source of food and shelter to them and their animals is these pastures. They have conserved the environment of these pastures for centuries. In the present days there were very few Gaddis in the region who maintain their traditional occupation and culture because of the developmental pressures. They now follow the roads and seldom cross the passes from one valley to the other valleys which were the traditional silk routes of trade as well. Gaddis are also engaged in horticulture and other tertiary sector for there living and most of the Gaddis are now migrated and settled in the lower hills of Kangra and Chamba district due to the lack of facilities in the Bharmour.
‘Chula’ and ‘Dora’ are their popular dress and are worn on the most of the festivals and fair. Now most of Gaddis are wearing modern dresses and now they are not recognised with their dresses, now very few people those who are in old age wear traditional dresses in some area of Bharmour. ‘Dora’ is most important dress of Gaddis men, women and children. The maximum length of ‘Dora’ of adult male is 60 meter, the adult female wear Dora about 50 meter whereas Dora worn by children range from 10-50 meter. Both cap and turban were used by male to cover head. They have a strong belief that keeping head and trunk warm keeps one away from any disease. The chola is also made up of crude wool with the hair of the cattle which not only makes it warm but also water proof. They stick ‘Kali’ which is a plume of Monal or Tragopan on cap and keep flowers on their turban especially during marriage and fair. But in present time these dresses were seen occasionally in fair when people were gathered to dance.
Gaddis played a very important role for the management and conservation of the surrounding environment. All festivals like Bashikhi or Bisu, Minjar, Sair, Patrora and Manimahesh Yatra, Lohri, Holi, Janamshatmi and Dushera are directly or indirectly linked with the environmental management and conservation. Gaddi community are mainly depending upon the natural resources like forest, minor forest produce, water sources and pastures for their livelihood. These resources formed the part of common resources of the people and were managed and utilised by the Gaddis or village communities. Their local deities were placed near the water bodies and in the forest. Gaddis have their religious faith and respect to the natural sources. They ensured to keep the water bodies clean and trees were not allowed to cut near the villages or around the temples.