Conference I attended - Building secure cities in troubled times

A half day conference was held on 25th May 2010 at The Hotel Gateway Ummed in Ahmedabad on the topic” Building Secure Cities in Troubled Times’ at The Hotel Gateway Ummed, Ahmedabad at 2.00 pm on May 25th, 2010. This conference was a part of the ‘Secure your City - Ahmedabad Initiative’ organized by SWI ( Security Watch India) in association with Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, IPPAI, CSARN, BCIC, MCCI. The conference was sponsored by Indianeye, while the security partner was G4S and the Media Partner, Business World.

I participated in this Conference which has the mission of 'Secure Your City - Ahmedabad Initiative' and support and facilitate the efforts of the Government, security Agencies and Industry to secure Business and citizens of Ahmedabad. The Inaugural speech was by Shri Balwant Singh, Addnl. Chief Secretary, Home Department, Government of India. All sessions were chaired by Mr. Maroof Raza, Defence Analyst and Senior Advisor, SWI. The conference was meant for Hotels, Hospitals, Schools, Colleges, Malls, Banks, Airports, Nuclear Sites, Power Plants, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Seaports, Refineries & Mines

It is said that, 'Disasters don't happen to places, it happens to people.' It is a fact that the city of Ahmedabad is one of the most rapidly growing Metropolitan Cities set to become a global hub across many sectors. Ahmedabad needs to match the pace when it comes to threat preparedness, disaster and emergency management, and the incorporation of secure systems and procedures across business and various other establishments for continuity and resilience.

The joint initiative focused on Action several points as Government and citizen participation, coastal security operations, need for maritime development and co-ordination and other issues that relate to implementations of technology and latest equipment and coordination for police forces and preparing for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

As per the Information derived from the Conference, talking on world terror fatalities, till Dec 5, 2009, India had experienced 2062 fatalities, out of which 920 were due to naxalite operations, 782 were incidents in the North East and 360 were in the troubled region of J&K, clearly indicating that security is largely affected in the country through such disgruntled factions and insurgent groups. Additionally forest lands have become guerilla zones and 231 districts in the country have naxal influence, with the strongest presence in south Chattisgarh.

Not going deeper into why India is so susceptible to disasters, much about the Security Issues, which are the soft targets when terrorist strike and knowing the anatomy of terrorist and why such attacks are not handled well, the Conference gave an insight to major roles that can be played by Government and citizens to combat terror.

A mobile phone based alarm system named E-Watch, enabled through GPS was also demonstrated at the Conference.

You can read the overview and report with names of Speakers who participated on SWI website.
http://www.securitywatchindia.org.in/SecureAhmedabad.aspx

- ilaxi

Simply Gujarati - Proud to be one!

Soul curry for kids - That's Kidsfreesouls in Simply Gujarati, India Today, 28th June 2010 - Grab your copy now from the stands!

Read more on Ed blog.

- ilaxi

Girl Education and School enrolment Initiative

Girl Education and school enrolment initiatives takes off. A three-day ‘Kanya Kelavani' and ‘Shala Praveshotsav' programme is held during 17-18-19 June 2010 in rural areas whereas programme for urban areas will be held during 24-25-26 June 2010.

The Initiative is promoted by Gujarat CM along with his team of Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries, MLAs and Govt. officials who personally visit villages like last year and foresees a vision to higher the literacy rate and aim for 'zero - ‘0’ percent' drop out rate in Gujarat.

Around 1.05 Lacs of teaching assistants, 64,390 new classrooms, 50,350 sanitation facilities and 32,350 schools will be equipped with drinking water and electricity. This is a major change at Primary education level in rural and urban villages in Gujarat.

Moreover, Books will be donated to schools under the 'Vanche Gujarat' initiative. Toys will be donated which involves people participation to donate 'a book and a toy' for children. Yoga demonstration and Computer teaching will also be conducted. Great efforts are put for education reforms as there will be a system of Teacher-student Gradation in schools. Weaker students will be specially taken care for. Std. 8 will be included in Primary schooling too.

Vidhyalakshmi Bonds will be distributed and implementation of midday meal scheme will be assessed.

Now, we call this a dynamic approach towards improving Education. You can find few Projects and Initiatives on State Portal here.

Who says, 'Gujarat has high school drop out rate' - Prior to 2009, 40 out of 100 children use to drop out but now the figure stands low and comes down to only 2 !

Hats off to the CM and his team - Be proud to be a Gujarati and in Gujarat:-)

- ilaxi

GCERT getting ready to change the Primary school syllabus - for Good!

For the parents and teachers of class I-V - good news is that GCERT (Gujarat Council of Education Research and Training) is going to review the text book syllabus of classroom teaching. Best of the teachers are selected and I hear, the new group is formed which includes 160 resource persons - primary teachers, cluster resource centre co-ordinators, Education inspectors, experts from Textbook Board, readers and lecturers from GCERT.

This group will discuss how children learn, their tastes of learning and classroom habits. They will take about a year and a half to submit their recommendation to a curriculum committee headed by well known academician who will verify to further make their recommendation to the Education Department for final decision.

Long procedure, isn't it? Anyways, but some move is being made and that's for good instead of teaching children boring lessons - mistakes and language flaws apart...Children are move savvy today and the Govt. Text books need a complete revision.

Btw, ask an English medium primary class student, 'Do you know 'Cat in the Hat' and the reply comes, "Yeah, we learnt the lesson in the classroom" However, they hardly know it was Dr.Seuss' famous work and ask children, who is Dr. Suess and few can reply to this! This is English medium - naa gharna naa ghatna...And even, I am one of them!

- ilaxi

Go Green : Join the Green Campaign

E-green Initiatives:
Go Green and the Government has all plans set ready to roll down and involve environment lovers to go eco friendly. The State's Forest and Environment Department I hear has announced appointment of green volunteers in city areas for protection of trees and to increase the social forestry in urban areas. Interested citizens and organisations will be motivated to be Green Guards. Students, teachers, eco clubs, environment lovers, environmentalists, social workers or any citizen can join the Green Guard movement. Be Green Ambassadors and motivators will play their role to join hands with the government to face global warming.

The Swarnim pledge is happenning and everybody wants to contribute and add zest to life. Be it Read Gujarat initiative or Go Green - life moves on and maybe soon enough, we have the Health Gujarat initiative to guide our kids and stop them being obese by eating the junk outside!

Well, here's a new topic on Environment Column and be there, every week for a question that rolls down on Environment concerns. If you have one, do send your question right away.

- ilaxi

Swarnim Live Show on Gujaratindia.com

Sardar Patel Stadium - Pre Gujarat Day - Swarnim preparations is in full swing.

Swarnim Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra began on 12th February 2010 on the auspicious ocassion of Shiv Ratri to mark the people's festival of 50 Glorious years of Gujarat. Every citizen of the State participates in the celebrations of Swarnim Gujarat and as countdown begins, on 1st May at Sardar Patel Stadium, Dr. Kamala Beniwal, Governor of Gujarat will inaugurate the cultural show. Around 4000 participants from various regions of Gujarat will perform live amidst light and sound show. 'Vande Gujarat' - the theme will focus on History of Gujarat and remember all those who contributed for gujarat. There will be a fusion of traditional folk music and dance to the modern era with laser shows of illuminated lights and effects with echo surround sound effects that truly will be enthralling.

I witnessed the extraordinary pre preparations and am sure, many will like to be there lest they miss out.

To watch live, click Gujaratindia.com for following views:

Swarnim Gujarat, Vaishwik Gujarat
(NRG meet & Cultural Event)
Swarnim Kalash will be presented to country and state representatives
Date: 30th April, 2010
Time: 5.30 pm
Venue: Convention Centre, University Ground, Ahmedabad

Mahatma Mandir Foundation Ceremony
Soil and water locations around the globe, India and Gujarat will be placed in the Mahatma Mandir
Date: 1st May, 2010
Time: 9.45 am
Venue: Nearby Gandhinagar Railway Station, Gandhinagar

Vande Gujarat
(a Gala Cultural Event)
Date: 1st May, 2010
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad


- ilaxi

Swarnim Gujarat celebrations

Swarnim Gujarat celebrations Countdown begins....Here is a pic pre practice for Vande Gujarat event at Sardar Patel Stadium some days ago prior to the decorations done.

In case you missed the event details on Swarnim Gujarat website, here is the link to Divya Bhaskar. Info below mentions of some celebration events:

સ્વર્ણિમજયંતી વર્ષની ઉજવણીના કાર્યક્રમો

સવારે ૭.૦૦ કલાકે : લાલ દરવાજા નજીક મહાગુજરાતના પ્રણેતા ઇન્દુચાચાની પ્રતિમાને શ્રદ્ધાસુમન.
સવારે ૮.૦૦ કલાકે : શહીદ સ્મારક ખાતે પોલીસ બેન્ડ સાથે શહીદોને શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ અપાશે.
સવારે ૮.૩૦ કલાકે : સાબરમતી આશ્રમમાં ગાંધીજીને અંજલિ, સ્વર્ણિમ સંકલ્પો, ગુજરાતીઓનું બહુમાન.
સવારે ૧૦.૦૦ કલાકે : ગાંધીનગરમાં પૂજય રવિશંકર મહારાજની પ્રતિમાને પુષ્પાંજલિ.
સવારે ૧૦.૩૦ કલાકે : ગાંધીનગરના સેકટર-૧૫માં મહાત્મા મંદિરનો શિલાન્યાસ, દેશ-વિદેશમાંથી આવેલી માટી અને પાણીનો મંદિરના પાયામાં અભિષેક.
૧લી મેએ બપોર પછી : સરદાર પટેલ સ્ટેડિયમમાં ઉજવણીનો શાનદાર પ્રારંભ.
લાઇટ એન્ડ સાઉન્ડ શો સાથે ભવ્ય ઇતિહાસ રજૂ થશે.

૩૦મીની પૂર્વસંઘ્યાએ શું થશે?

ગુજરાત યુનિવર્સિટીના કન્વેન્શન સેન્ટરમાં એનઆરઆઇ સંમેલન.
વિશ્વમાં જયાં ઉજવણી થવાની છે ત્યાં મોદીનું માર્ગદર્શન.
સ્વર્ણિમ કળશ પ્રત્યેક પ્રતિનિધિને સોંપાશે.
સંસ્કાર-વિરાસતનો સપ્તરંગી ગુજરાત કાર્યક્રમ.
સાંજે સાડા સાત કલાકે ગુજરાતમાં જયનાદ અને ઘંટારવ.
ગાંધીનગરમાં નેવી બેન્ડની સુરાવલી સાથે નાગરિકોનો જયનાદ.
મહાનગરોમાં વોર્ડવાર જયનાદ.
૨૮મી એપ્રિલ થી ૩જી મે સુધી ગુજરાતભરમાં રોશની.

For more news to appear, follow Gujarat State Portal. And, for your Swarnim Pledge, log to www.swarnimgujarat.org - follow Gujarat Day Page on Kidsfreesouls too.

- ilaxi

Samaydan - donate time

Celebrations of Swarnim Gujarat continues with yet another movement “Vanche Gujarat” - Cultivate reading habits amongst kids and citizens. A kind of initiative 'jagya tyarthi savar' - late but welcoming! Watch and listen to live web telecast at Gujarat State Portal or at CM Narendra Modi's site on 1st April 2010, 11 a.m. sharp.

Kidsfreesouls conducts Childrens' Library since 1991, encouraging kids for reading and other creative activities - once a week, two to three hours, round the year with 100 per cent results.

Now, you can be a part of the campaign by joining 'Samaydan' - donation of time and offer community service.

Read more on Kidsfreesouls News and follow blog.

- ilaxi

Remembering 12th March

12th March and an unforgettable day for me - My dad was born this day - Gandhiji's Salt Satyagraha and Sambhaav Newspaper's birthday. It is not a death of a newspaper with five years of continuous Sambhaav Metro - However, there is no match substitute to the newspaper that Bhupatbhai managed. One got to accept with grace. And, when I see Bhai today, my heart fills with emotions that have no words to say except wish him happy ageing and happy memories of the yester years.

Here's a review of a Book I share with you:



If Life is a Game, Play it. But, If Life is a Game, These are the Rules!
Review by ilaxi

A must read for people who are Too Nice to be Too Good! A basic spiritual primer for what it means to be a human. The author explains 10 simple rules. No mistakes but only lessons to be learnt. As per my experience, any person in life needs :

1. Acceptance & Appreciation
2. Self Esteem
3. Respect
4. Endless learning in a school called 'Life'
5. A better living style

We are enrolled in a full time Life School where there is endless experiencing and endless learning. We may like to learn these lessons or just hate this experiences but ultimately, it do make you a better person. There is no better place than 'Here' living on the edge, whatever Life offers and in this presence, we simply get to reach 'There' - And yeah, this is a better 'There' always than 'Here' coz the very experiences in life takes one to a higher ground and makes a better compromise with life - Some things happen in life just for GOOD.

The Rule 9 in the book says all :
All you need to do is look, listen, and trust

This gives Inner Knowledge - Just listen, vision and trust in own abilities and in your own beliefs - Silence is a blessing and silence is peace. The fruits of karma are here and here alone.

ilaxi

Advaniji says on his blog "It's time for compulsory voting" - The idea of CM Narendra Modi's initiative has a supported voice. Gujarat has introduced this measure for all local body elections. The law has been passed by the State Assembly, but it is still to be implemented. The rules etc are still being worked out, says Advaniji.

And right opined. Compulsory voting will have higher percentages from the literate, Graduates, post graduates - the youth and who have a clear voice.

Advaniji adds "Not many may be aware that as many as 25 countries inhabited by more than 700 million people today have compulsory voting even for their parliamentary election. These countries include Australia, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand and Singapore. I feel political thinkers in India also must apply their mind to this."

So, what do you say? Your Opinion, your voice always counts. The Government of Gujarat is open to voices and what better voices could it be other than yours? Do you support Compulsory voting initiative of CM Narendra Modi or you won't?

Btw, let me be honest - I never voted in my life but only after seeing the CM working wonders, I've started voting since last two years! The perspective has to change....

- ilaxi

ps. The picture of Advaniji is exclusively taken at a family function - edited and placed here.

Rambling thoughts on Gujarat Development

Ahmedabad and have you arrived to a Mega city? Yet? Somewhere I read, "Every city has a page 3 culture" - I guess Ahmedabad has a 'Page 3+3+3..." culture. We need many 3 pages to speak of the glory of the city of Gujarat!

If you think I am referring to the Kankaria Lake, the BRTS service or the flyovers, you're little bit right. However, it's more about the word 'Development' - the Projects, the schemes, the initiatives. 'Apde ketla taka' is now getting to 'apan ne ketla taka' - This does not matter as long as the development process is on as Gujaratis have a vision and the future belongs to the people who beholds. 'M' is a word more popular after the word 'M' in 'Millinnium' and this M for Mega is creating waves in all Corporates, Education places and Estate-housing schemes. The word 'Charity' is freely used and the funded concepts works wonder - be it economy housing schemes for low class or education for deprived.

The present is ever greeting the past in different ways with the traditional gujarati ways stepping a comeback to urban homes. The city has got Entrepreneurial spirits which ticks off to global map.

Lacking is Traffic management - any other? mindsets of people and man power with professional polished skills. The weakest part is lacking in 'English language skills' and also fail to preserve its own traditional mother tongue 'Gujarati' language. We can go on....if we ever try to find faults...so many of them for which we can't blame the government all the time!

Well, We got to think Positive and focus on present and future. What is so unique about all the developments is 'Governance' - And, Gujarat is # 1 in Governance - fifth time in six years!Gujarat CM's statements, critical or appreciative, are noted seriously. No other CM has made political presence of Gujarat felt as much in New Delhi on matters of development. No other CM has pursued such a dynamic diaspora and aggressive tourism policies.

'Chalo Gujarat' and it's development of not only Gujarat but India too. It only remains to be seen how well, the 'Good Governance' can survive amidst all the major plans and how well can tact and intelligent governance skills be used for 'Swarnim Gujarat. - a Golden Gujarat where Life is a celebration.

Watch this space even though I post random now as more to focus on ramblings of thought about my loving land Gujarat and stay tuned to Kidsfreesouls for info, edu, entertainment and my Blog world. You can look forward for some news too....

- ilaxi

Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra

Join...A Unique tribute to our constitution - Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra and watch the live web telecast from Gujarat State Portal at 4.00 pm today (24th Jan. )

Various groups will join the yatra like Dhol group, nrutya group, sant group, Ambedkar group with cultural, Police stand group, Women's group, ministers group, vakil group, army group, kshatriya samaj, muslim samaj, maldhari samaj, gayatri samaj, vora samaj, anya samaj, ranakdevi group, zalavad chamber of commerce and industry, youth from colleges, Ganga sati group of women, bhajan mandali group, miraben group, etc - all these group will show their love and loyalty to the nation, give a glimpse into the culture and heritage and be proud to be free.

Click to watch the Yatra as it begins now at Dr. Ambedkar chowk (zalawad) and do come back to Kidsfreesouls - Republic day page.

Now, this is the time when all of us involved in our busy schedules remind us of all those very great songs of yester years which really missed today like...
avo bacho tumhe sikhaye....vande mataram...
nanha munha rahi hun desh ka sipahi hu...
ae mere vatan ke logo...

- ilaxi

BRTS Impressive!

Recently, I attended the Traffic Seminar on occassion of Traffic Police celebrating Traffic week in the city. It was nice to see active participation of AMC Mun. commissioner IP Gautam, Mr. J P Gupta, Transport Commissioner (person behind City Disaster management), Mr. Mohan Jha, Police Commissioner, Mr. Anarwala, Dy. Commissioner of Police who answered the queries and discussed on issues related to Traffic at GCCI.

No wonder, with officers active initiative, aapnu Gujarat is sure to scale high as I hear that Janmarg Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Ahmedabad is chosen by Transport Research Board (US) for the Sustainable Transport Award-2010 recently. Top World Bank officials too were impressed by development and urban governance work undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Earlier, I had mentioned in news about the officers to attend a session on 'Arrangements for managing and operating Bus Rapid Transit System'. Municipal commissioner IP Gautam made a presentation of development projects like UMEED program, Sabarmati riverfront development, waste water treatment plant and solid waste management apart from financial reforms taken by the AMC.

Read more here and stay tuned to Kidsfreesouls for more to come.

- ilaxi

Traffic and it's a hurdle!

Missed out postings and its almost a new beginning of the year 2010! I am sure, all readers will have a happy go lucky, cheerful and bright year. Only...Only if you believe in your ownself and the things/wonders that you can do:-)

I just had a choice to go for a brunch party or go for an AMC - GCCI walk to riverside project. Quite obvious, my choice you can understand. Yeah, my choice was a brunch party!

How many of us miss our our social obligations just because we are enjoying our personal lives? All most all of us have choices but I think, the day isn't far when we have to engage ourselves for causes. Especially, the Traffic problems. We complain every day and can't even reach place timely. The major issue we need to combat is traffic problem and I almost am planning to reach the venue for Open house Traffic Awareness program at GCCI on 5th Jan, 5.30 pm.

If you think, you find traffic problems and have suggestions, do leave your comments here or walk in to open up, speak up.

- ilaxi

Rich nations do need to contribute fair share

Copenhagen and the buzz is that Prime Minister Singh is in Copenhagen right now with Environment Minister Ramesh making decisions that will determine India's future.

India has lobbied hard for the removal of both the peak year and 2 degree targets. India is understandably reluctant to commit to these global targets unless rich countries agree to do their fair share of emissions reductions. The biggest contributor to these emissions is USA. I think they are shirking their responsibilities and has more of their mess.

You can call PM Mr. Singh and Env Minister Ramesh if you think India should not block a 2 degrees target at Copenhagen. Instead it should be the driving force.

Without a strong Copenhagen treaty, our rivers will flood, our coastline will disappear, and our farmland will dry up as the Himalayan glaciers disappear. India must lead at Copenhagen if our people are to survive.

Read more in news and Cop15 here. Also find Environment column on kidsfreesouls.

- ilaxi

Patels rule at Umiyaji and Vadnagar

Did I really miss updating here? Well, not really coz when the newspapers are full of news, it reduces hassles for online updates. Especially, the most important news right now can be rated 5 stars for the coverages of Umiya Mata Mandir. DB has made all the efforts to provide indepth information on Patel Community and why would'nt I be proud? I am a Kadva Patel from Vadnagar!

Btw, Global warming and the issue burns as we hear that Seas are rising heavily on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat! This means, it may impact investments in Gujarat.

You can read on rising seas on Environment pages on Kidsfreesouls and find about Copenhagen Conference too.

- ilaxi

Get Well Soon CM Narendra Modi - Treatment responding

On 29th October morning, after he came back from Russia, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi showed signs of cold, cough and body temperature and doctors examined him. He insisted doctors to take H1N1 test.

It turned to be Positive! Doctors attending have expressed that there is no cause for any concern regarding Chief Minister health and he is responding to the treatment. He is advised complete rest and isolation for one week. All facilities for isolation and medical treatment has been arranged at the official residence of the Chief Minister and the doctors team is on 24 hours attendance. An expert team of Doctors consisting of Dr. Atul Patel, Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyaya, Dr. R.K.Patel and Dr. Paresh Vora is attending on Hon. Chief Minister.

We pray God that Hon. CM recovers fast to be back at work with full force to serve Gujarat. You too, please pray for our CM.

Click for CM's Health Bulletin here.

- ilaxi

Perfect Team Work: www.gujaratindia.com

The New Year begins with a result of PERFECT TEAM WORK!

Official Gujarat State Portal go live and I am proud to be a part of the Team as Web Content Analyst for www.gujaratindia.com - The Gujarat State Portal Gujaratindia.com provides a unified interface to all Government websites and acts as a logical front-end to the Government’s vision and foresight.

With profound interest in technology and science, Hon'ble CM Narendra Modi has sculpted Gujarat into an e-governed Stated and has fostered several innovative applications of technology.

The thematic Portal provides glimpse into 5.5 Crore Gujaratis ‘Apnu Gujarat – Agavu Gujarat’ (Our Gujarat, Unique Gujarat) and act as catalyst to positively influence Gujarat and its rich Culture and traditions which has marked its footprints internationally. The Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi lives on to the boom of a 21st century Gujarat with robust and mass movement of Development and Progress with a Proactive Government.

Developed by Silver Touch Technologies and co-ordinated by CMO (Chief Minister's Office - Mr. Hiren Joshi (OSDIT) and all Departments, the site is an attempt to give a vision into the potentials of the state.

Watch this space as I write more on this. Enjoy:-)

- ilaxi

Happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year 2009

Happiness keeps you sweet,

Trials make you strong,

Sorrows keep you human,

Failures make you humble,

Success keeps you glowing

And

God Keeps you Going!

Happy, prosperous, healthy n peaceful New Year!

An sms I just received and yeah, we all need the wonderful thoughts to keep going.

Well, Diwali is rocking as it never was before! Illuminated lights bring in joys in abundance as people are found rejoicing on the streets, at home - sharing the joys of living.

Wishing all my readers who pass this way - good health, long life, peace and joy - click kidsfreesouls for reading on Diwali. Enjoy.

- ilaxi

My First Freesouls Page on Gandhiji

Friday, 1st October, 1999 - A copy of Freesouls in Sambhaav Newspapers.

My first Freesouls page of 15th October, 1997 was of Gandhiji too!

And the most highly surfed page on Kidsfreesouls.com is of Gandhiji!

And Khadi, I use to wear and still do. My wardrobe has Khadi silk sarees and dresses!

Gandhian values and it comes from within.

I agree with some, it is difficult to follow the Gandhian principles today but I guess, pick some and leave some, Attitude is all that makes a Big Difference!

Here is Gandhi's view On Self Development :

* Don’t hide your ignorance out of false shame.

* Never mind if you are mistaken for a fool, but don’t take the risk of going wrong as a result of your ignorance.

* The mind itself is our enemy as well as our friend. It is our duty to keep it under control. No medicine from a doctor is required for this.

* Contentment is best of riches.

* Thought is father of action. Watch your habits as they become permanent and so adopt good ones.

Click for Kidsfreesouls cover on Gandhiji. And yes, go down memory lane. Send your or your child's drawing/painting and get featured on cover and Color Paste Board. Join the Facebook Event too.

- ilaxi