Monthly Archives: September 2017

Irfan Pathan to lead Baroda in Ranji Trophy 2017-18

Sports, , , ,

GUJARAT :

The team placed in Group C will play six league matches and their performance there will determine if they advance to the quarter-finals.

Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) today announced the 14-man squad for the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy. The team placed in Group C will play six league matches and their performance there will determine if they advance to the quarter-finals. Irfan Pathan will lead the young team into the tournament once again with Deepak Hooda as his deputy.

Yusuf Pathan is another key cog in the team as they will attempt to change their fortunes after a dismal last season. The team has a lot to accomplish and they have a new coach with the team this time in Atul Bedade, a former Baroda cricketer who played 13 ODIs for the Indian team.

All eyes will be on Irfan when he takes the field as the all-rounder has spent a lot of time on his fitness as he looks leaner and fitter than ever, eager to make a mark. He wants to give it all this season and is focused on taking the team forward in the tournament.

“This is a very important season for me. I want to give my all. At the same time, the focus is on doing well for Baroda and take the team forward. That’s my aim,” he said while talking to PTI.

As has been the latest fitness trend among cricketers the 32-year-old also took the YoYo test and scored 16. “I am in a much better space than last year. The pre-season training has been satisfying and I don’t remember the last time I felt fitter. Baroda trainer took my YoYo test recently and I scored 16, which is pretty satisfying,” Irfan added.

Along with the younger Pathan, Yusuf would also want to make this domestic season count as he had an average IPL last season with the Kolkata Knight Riders and the big man has built up well during the practice games and looks set to explode once the season kicks off.

Another folk who will draw attention is Hooda, who was recently a part of the India Blue team that played the final of the Duleep Trophy. He scored a hundred in the tournament opener but had three quiet outings after that. It is an important season for him as well.

Baroda Squad for the Ranji Trophy 2017-18:

Irfan Pathan (C), Deepak Hooda (VC), Yusuf Pathan, Kedar Devdhar, Aditya Wadhmode, Vishnu Solanki, Pinal Shah (wk), Swapnil Singh, Rishi Arothe, Babasafi Khan Pathan, Soaeb Tai, Lukman Meriwala, Atit Sethi, Mitesh Patel

Coach: Atul Bedade

Assistant coach: Himanshu Jadha

Baroda Fixtures

Madhya Pradesh vs Baroda, Group C – Oct 06, Fri – Oct 09 Mon | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Andhra, Group C – Oct 14, Sat – Oct 17, Tue | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Tripura, Group C – Nov 01, Wed – Nov 04, Sat | 9:30 AM

Mumbai vs Baroda, Group C – Nov 09, Thu – Nov 12, Sun | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Odisha, Group C – Nov 17, Fri – Nov 20, Mon | 9:30 AM

Tamil Nadu vs Baroda, Group C – Nov 25, Sat – Nov 28, Tue | 9:30 AM

source: http://www.crictracker.com / CricTracker.com / Home> Domestic / by Ankit / September 30th, 2017

Rich tributes paid to Princess Durru Shehvar

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

PrincessDurruShehvarMPOs30sept2017

Rich tributes were paid to princess Durru Shehvar, the daughter-in-law of the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, on Firday as part of her 11th death anniversary. The princess was the daughter of last islamic ruler of Turkey Khaleefa Abdul Majeed.

As part of the tribute, Quran recitation was held at Masjid-e-Asifia, Purani Haveli in which Prince Mufakham Jah and Prince Rafat Jah attended along with the board members of Princess Durru Shehvar Children’s Medical Aid Society that included Anis Hussain, Dr Habib Ghatala, Syed Sultan Mohiuddin and Rasheed. Princess Durru Shehvar Hospital senior staff M Najumuddin, Dr Abdul Wajid and Shaik Yousuf Ali were also present.

Mufti Muzaffar Uddin Imam o khateeb Masjid Mashk Shah offered the prayers and Syed Shah Moinuddin Alvi and Dr Masihuddin made the arrangements.

“The Princess was fond of providing medicare to the poor and needy. She set up the Durru Shehvar Children’s Hospital at Purani Haveli and took personal interest in the hospital and visited it whenever she came to Hyderabad.

She was a highly respected and well-educated woman, the princess was fluent in French, Turkish, English and Urdu. She also established a junior college for girls in her name, Baghe-jahan-ara in Yakutpura,” remembered a member. Mufakham Jah met the participants who attended the congregation and thanked for their joining in the programme.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Telangana / September 29th, 2017

Chowmahalla wins National Tourism Award

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The majestic Chowmahalla Palace
The majestic Chowmahalla Palace

Hyderabad :

The city’s magnificent Chowmahalla Palace has added another feather to its cap, bagging the National Tourism Award for being the best maintained monument. The award was among other honours presented by the Government of India, on the occasion of World Tourism Day observed on September 27.Speaking about the recognition, G Kishan Rao, director of the palace said: “It is a matter of great pride. Earlier in 2012, Chowmahalla received the award of merit from UNESCO.”

Pointing out how the palace is among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the city, Rao said the heritage structure is equipped with all the necessary facilities for visitors, including those who are differently-abled.

On an average 800 to 1,000 tourists visit the 250-year-old Chowmahalla Palace in Khilwat every day . Its construction, ordered during the reign of the third Nizam, was completed during the time of his successor. Since, it was used primarily to hold official functions. Over time, the ex panse of the heritage property, once spread over 45 acres complete with 16 palaces, shrunk to a meagre 12 acres. Yet, the impressive collection of artefacts, including crockery, garments, cars and rare photographs from the Nizam’s era – housed within, are in impeccable condition.

“After the death of seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, the palace was in a deplorable state. It was in 2001 when Princess Esra (first wife of Mukarram Jah) took it upon herself to restore it that things changed for the better. In 2006, we opened the place up for public. Today , the palace is also a central place for mega cultural events in the city,” said Rao, sharing how the paraphernalia on display also comprise items brought in from the King Kothi Palace, where they were in the cellar.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Hyderabad News / TNN / September 29th, 2017

I enjoy literature and he enjoys a bit of nonsense

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

ShaadAliMPOs29sept2017

Shaad Ali hadn’t even heard of field hockey player, former India captain and Arjuna awardee Sandeep Singh, when Sneha Rajani and Chitrangda Singh approached him last year to make a film on his life. “I was shocked and embarrassed and instantly realised that I needed to make this film so everyone gets to know his story,” the filmmaker informs, adding that he started prep exactly a year ago.

By his own admission, it is the strongest, toughest and the best story he has worked on so far. “There is also an additional responsibility as it’s based on a real person who has been on a national duty all his life. But all of it also makes it an exciting challenge to dive into,” Shaad says, adding that he wanted his actors, Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role and Taapsee Pannu as another hockey player and his love interest, to be as true as the characters they took on. “It was important to have a real Sardar and Sardarni. In fact, they have just come back into my lives as Judwaa 2 is releasing and Diljit has finished shooting for a film.

We will now begin prep with hockey trainings, readings and workshops before shooting kicks off in the last week of October.” Besides marking a departure from love stories, the biopic will also be a reunion for the filmmaker with veteran lyricist Gulzar, who has penned lyrics for all his five directorials —from Saathiya to OK Jaanu. “I went for a narration without an appointment and he was moved to tears. It’s not a song-and-dance film so the music had to be woven into it in a certain way. The film belongs to hockey and Punjab.

There is also a love story thrown in, patriotism, pain, so it was important to invent a new language, which is not pure Punjabi or Urdu. We took some time to create that flavour. It will give the songs a universal feel but at the same time is rooted in Punjab,” Shaad explains. The filmmaker vividly remembers his first meeting with Gulzar, which was at the legendary poetlyricist’s Pali Hill office. He had gone there to narrate Mani Ratnam’s Manisha Koirala and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 1998 film, Dil Se, on which he was an assistant director.

“Gulzar saab was dressed in his signature crisp white kurta pyjama and was very warm to all of us. I remember that he connected with the story more when he learnt that Manisha Koirala’s character had the same name as his daughter, Meghna,” Shaad recalls, adding that he met the veteran for a second time when he took AR Rahman along to meet him. “It led to the creation of “Chaiyya Chaiyya”.” The duo lost touch after that, reconnecting only when Shaad approached Gulzar again, requesting him to write dialogues for his directorial debut, the Rani Mukerji and Vivek Oberoi-starrer 2002 romantic-drama, Saathiya.

“At the time, he wasn’t writing for anybody else but made an exception for me. I have had an unconditional relationship with him ever since,” he says, adding that it’s more like a fatherson equation. “Also, we have a similar sense of humour. He knows that I appreciate language and a little bit of literature, while I know that he appreciates a little bit of nonsense. Toh thodi non-sense baton pe humari bonding ho jaati hai,” he says as he chuckles at the memory of their shared comfort zone. “We also fight but not as much as we used to earlier. He understands me more and knows where I am coming from.

Now, we might fight on nitty-gritty’s but fundamentally we are on the same page. Woh kehte hain ki laadla hai toh mere se jhagdega aur thappad bhi khayega,” says Shaad. On the matter of another reunion, with composer trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy for the fourth time after Bunty Aur Babli, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Kill Dil, he opines, “They are the Amar Akbar Anthony of my life. Woh toh anhoni ko honi aur honi ko anahoni karne wale log hain,” he signs off on that optimistic note.

source:  http://www.ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com / Ahmedabad Mirror / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Avinash Lohana / September 29th, 2017

Manipur Governor Syed Ahmed laid to rest with full state honours

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

The Maharashtra government has declared a day’s mourning today.

Image credit : Twitter
Image credit : Twitter

Mumbai:

Manipur Governor Syed Ahmed was laid to rest here today with full state honours. 73-year-old Ahmed was suffering from cancer and admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra last week where he breathed his last yesterday. The funeral took place at Rehmatabad, Shahi Kabrastan in Anjeerwadi, Mazgaon this afternoon. The last rites were conducted by his son Syed Zeeshan.

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik were present on the funeral. Ghulam Nabi Azad laid a wreath on behalf of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Manipur Labour minister Hemo Chandra Singh, former Union Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, who hails from Jharkhand, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam and Mumbai Congress Minority department chairman Nizamuddin Rayeen also attended the funeral.

The Maharashtra government has declared a day’s mourning today. Ahmed was sworn in as the Governor of Manipur on May 16, 2015. Ahmed, a former Congress leader from Maharashtra, was shifted to the north-eastern State from Jharkhand, where he was appointed Governor on August 26, 2011 when the UPA Government was in power at the Centre.

He joined the Congress party in 1977. He was elected to the Maharashtra Assembly five times from the Nagpada constituency in Mumbai. He also served as a Minister in Maharashtra, where he held portfolios like Housing. Besides dabbling in politics, where he started his career in Congress, Ahmed also had a flair for writing, especially in Urdu. President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among others who had condoled Ahmed’s demise.

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> News> India / by Press Trust of India / September 28th, 2015

Acclaimed Assamese film, theatre personality Abdul Majid dead

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , ,

Guwahati, ASSAM :

Veteran Assamese film and theatre personality Abdul Majid died here on Sunday following protracted illness, his family said.

Majid (86) is survived by his wife and three sons. He was admitted to a local hospital on September 15 due to age-related ailments, where he breathed his last this morning, the family said.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condoled Majid’s death, saying he gave a new dimension to Assamese cinema, along with showing his sense of social responsibility. “His death is an irreparable loss to the cultural field of Assam,” Mr. Sonowal added. Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi visited the filmmaker’s house to offer his condolences to the bereaved family.

Born at Jorhat in 1931, Majid made his film debut with Ronga Police in 1957 and went on to make the National award winning Chameli Memsahab, for which Bhupen Hazarika also won the best music composer’s award.

Other prominent films that Majid directed include Morom Trishna, Bonohansha, Bonjui, Punakon and Uttarkal. He also acted in several films.

Majid, a theatre director of equal repute, helmed popular plays like Banchit, Dhulimakoti, Sor, Xihat, Ahise and Sur. Majid also acted in several Assamese television serials, and directed the highly-acclaimed serial Namghoria.

Assam government had honoured him with the prestigious ‘Bishnu Prasad Rabha’ award, while several organisations have conferred him with lifetime achievement awards.

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by PTI / Guwahati / September 24th, 2017

Karnataka athlete, Israr Pasha, who won two Gold medals, Silver at the Commonwealth PowerLifting Championship, had to pawn Mom’s jewellery

Sports, World Opinion, , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

IsrarPashaMPOs26sept2017

Israr Pasha won two gold medals and a silver at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held in South Africa

In order to make his dream of winning gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held at Potchefstroom in South Africa come true, 18-year-old Israr Pasha had to pledge his mother’s jewellery to meet his expense.

Israr, a first-year BBM student at St Aloysius College in Mangaluru, is coached at the Balanjaneya gym by Sathish Kudroli and Prachet K. He is the son of Abdulla, a businessman, and Khathija, a homemaker. He won two gold medals and a silver medal in the sub junior 120 category at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held at Potchefstroom in South Africa from Sept 10 to 17.

Israr said, “I had to pay a heavy price to win this gold and I am feeling very bad about it. Since my father was going through business crisis and my mother was keen that I participate in the international meet, she gave away her jewellery so that I could mortgage it to meet my expenses.

“Earlier during the year, after winning silver at a meet in Chandrapur, I qualified for the Commonwealth selection trials for which I had to pay Rs 45,000 as a non-refundable deposit. I got selected for the first camp in Jamshedpur and second camp in New Delhi and was on cloud nine when we were provided with team India track suit.

“However, to participate in the Commonwealth championship, we had to deposit Rs 1.80 lakh to the Indian Powerlifting Federation. My father gave me Rs 35,000. I was running short of cash and this was when my mother gave me her jewellery. On the last day, and at the last minute, I deposited the money and was selected to attend the third camp (practice) in Mumbai before leaving for South Africa. For all the difficulty my family has taken up, I am happy that I have won a medal. But I wish my hard work is recognised by the government. The total expense we incurred was about Rs 3 lakh,” he said.

Israr took up powerlifting when he was in class 10. He was going to a gym and powerlifter Nagaraj was his inspiration. Gradually, he won silver medal in a district meet, gold in a state meet and was even selected for nationals in the year 2015. He began his career as a powerlifter at the Veeraanjaneya Vyama Shale. He won a bronze medal and was trained by Shubhakar Shetty. Following this, there was no looking back as he won gold at the state powerlifting championship held at Surathkal but could not participate in nationals because of exams. He also won gold at the South India Powerlifting championship held in Davangere.

His mother, Katheeja, said, “Israr has been working very hard and never neglected his studies or practice. We are hoping for some support from the government so that he brings more medals to the country and is not discouraged by the financial burden.”

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com /  Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / by Deepthi Sanjiv, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / September 25th, 2017

Karn-Nadeem duo spins India-A to innings victory

Sports, , , ,

Muzaffarpur, BIHAR :

Oh no! New Zealand-A opener George Worker looks back to see his bails dislodged by Karn Sharma. | Photo Credit: V RAJU.
Oh no! New Zealand-A opener George Worker looks back to see his bails dislodged by Karn Sharma. | Photo Credit: V RAJU.

Mulapadu, VIJAYAWADA :

The spin duo of leggie Karn Sharma and left-armer Shabaz Nadeem turned out to be too hot to handle once again as the two picked four wickets apiece to bowl India-A to an innings and 31-run win over New Zealand-A in the first of the two, four-day ‘Test’ matches at Mulapadu Cricket Complex here on Monday.

After a 30-minute delayed start because of sharp drizzle in the morning, the Kiwis, resuming at the overnight score of 64 for two, were never really in the game – losing wickets at regular intervals.

This despite there being no devil in the pitch. It was all in the minds and obviously Kiwis lost the psychological battle as the batsmen were found way short of the technical competence required to tackle the spinners who simply stuck to the basics – bowl a good line and length, make the batsmen play at every ball and most bowl importantly to the field.

If one thought there would be the much needed improvement in the second innings, it was not to be as both Karn and Nadeem enjoyed bowling at the New Zealanders who were just not equal to the task.

Once Karn got the first breakthrough in the sixth over of the day when he had the well-set opener, it was a real struggle for the those who followed him to the crease. When Will Young was also dismissed – top-edging a sweep shot off Karn to be caught at silly-point by Hanuma Vihari, the Kiwis were reduced to 81 for four.

At lunch, the Kiwis were 118 for six and the only issue then was whether the innings defeat could be avoided or not. But, both Karn and Nadeem had other intentions and mopped up the tail in 11 overs after the break to bring curtains on what was a thoroughly disappointing batting display.

The scores:

New Zealand-A— 1st innings: 147.

India-A — 1st innings: 320.

New Zealand-A — 2nd innings: George Worker b Karn 35, Jeet Raval b Nadeem 21, Henry Nicholls lbw b Karn 1, Will Young c Vihari b Karn 14, Tom Blundell lbw b Shardul 12, Tim Seifert lbw b Karn 14, Todd Astle b Shardul 0, Scott Kuggeleijn c Rishabh b Nadeem 15, Ish Sodhi c Karun b Nadeem 13, Matt Henry b Nadeem 0, Lockie Ferguson (not out) 10; Extras: (lb-3, nb-4) 7; Total: (in 63.1 overs): 142.

Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-42, 3-74, 4-81, 5-89, 6-99, 7-118, 8-118, 9-120.

India-A bowling: Shardul 9-1-17-2, Md. Siraj 8-6-3-0, Nadeem 20.1-6-51-4, Karn 23-4-62-4, Karun 3-1-6-0.

(India-A won by innings and 31 runs).

source: http://www.thehindu.com  / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Mulapadu (Vijayawada) / September 25th, 2017

Jobless village boy built a plane to prove himself!

Amazing Feats, Science & Technology, Transport, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, ,

Muzaffarnagar Village (Meerut), UTTAR PRADESH :

Abdul Wajid, a jobless village boy, built a plane from scratch to prove that he is not worthless!

The youth of this country have to face one huge challenge – that of unemployment. Whatever the government waxes on about all day, the fact of the matter is that the educated and even brightest of the youth sometimes have to settle for less than satisfactory jobs or just stay at home because there are no takers or no vacancies. While for those in metro cities the situation is relatively easier, for those in the rural areas, it is extremely terrible. They do not even have access to technology or means to reach out and if they do not leave their village, the chances of them getting a job in the village itself are negligent. While many disillusioned youth give up and go back to their village and take up the family profession, there are some like Abdul Wajid who decide to take matters in their own hands.

Image Credit: The Times of India
Image Credit: The Times of India

Abdul Wajid is a 26-year old youth residing in Muzaffarnagar village in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his National Cadet Corps (NCC) training and since then has been hunting for a job but so far, has been unsuccessful in all his attempts. While training for the NCC, he had completed a course in aero-modelling at Safdarjung airport and used the skills he learned at the course to desgin and fashion his own aircraft! His one-seater plane was built entirely by himself at the cost of Rs 5 lakhs! How did a jobless youth get the amount? With the help of family, friends and the generous villagers! His plane is completely designed and made by him –  from metal scraps and engines of old cars and Abdul Wajid is confident that it will definitely run.

He has already applied for a request and approval from the aviation board to try test-flying the plane. The plane he has created is made of wood and weighs a whopping 350 kgs. The plane is meter long in structure and is supported by steel frames and the engine is that of an old Maruti van he purchased specifically for this purpose. The plane was initially fitted with 2 bike engines but they had to be changed as the engines would not be adequate to give the required thrust. The plane uses petrol for fuel and comes fitted with a 25 litre fuel tank which is expected to carry Wajid Abdul through a distance of up to 10 kms. The only obstruction in front of him is how to get the permission to fly the air-craft!

The first request was placed at the Muzaffarnagar council where just like the villagers, everyone was stumped. The local civic body visited Abdul Wajid and even they were confused as they could not provide the permission. They then asked Abdul to write to the aviation ministry and Abdul has vowed to do just that. Although people in his village earlier mocked him, now everyone is proud of him. He is filled with hope that if he can make a plane all by himself, then he can definitely get a green signal from the aviation ministry! Also, he hopes that once he flies his plane, people will take notice of his abilities and offer him atleast a decent job. He also expects to get some monetary compensation from the Chief Minister for his efforts.

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> News> India / by Rutu Ladage / May 26th, 2016

18-year-old ragpicker Bilal becomes example for Kashmiri boys

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , ,

Laharwarpora (Bandipora District)  , KASHMIR :

Srinagar :

It was a day of 18 year old Bilal Dar alias Billa of Laharwarpora of Bandipora district on Sunday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned his name in Mann Ki Baat on radio address.

BilalMPOs25sept2017

Bilal Dar was 14 year old when he started earning his living by picking up waste from the Wular Lake in Bandipora district of north Kashmir in 2013.

Bilal’s father Mohammad Ramzan Dar, who also a Ragpicker, died in 2003 due to cancer and he took to collecting plastic trash and other waste material from the Wular lake which would fetch him Rs 150-200 per day, which helped him financially support his mother Mughali Appa and two sisters.

According to Srinagar Municipal commissioner Dr. Shafkat Khan , Bilal used to collect over 12,000 kg trash annually till this day from the Lake which besides offered him livelihood, helped Lake to get rid of pollution caused due to garbage thrown in the lake by the residents living near the Wular Lake, he added.

“I used to take somebody’s boat in the wee hours of every morning and collect the rags from the Lake and which would fetch me some money after selling the same to trash dealers in the market,” Bilal Dar told TOI.

It was basically documentary produced by one Kashmiri film maker Jalal-u-Din Baba which depicted the life of Bilal Dar . The documentary won several awards in Mumbai and in the US at film festivals, according to producer Baba.

“Now we have appointed Dar as brand ambassador of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation. He will be given a special uniform and a vehicle to go and meet people in srinagar’s commercial and residential areas, to tell people the story of his work in Wular. This will help sensitise urban residents to understand value of environmental issues, cleanliness and garbage disposal,” Dr Shafkat Khan said.

Bilal Dar said, “I am very happy today that my work even acknowledged by the no less than the prime minister of India Modi.”

While Tassaduq Mufti, brother CM mehbooba Mufti gave me a boat for collection of garbage from the lake, state government gave Rs.50,000 for construction of house. Though this is meagre amount to build a house yet I am satisfied with whatever, help the government provided me, Bilal Dar said.

The world famous wular lake is on the verge of dying due to dumping of toxic debris, plastic, carcasses and much more.The Lake has reduced from 273 km to just 72 km of water expanse.

Ironically, the present state BJP minister for Forest and environment ministry Lal Singh has stopped the funds allocated by the GOI for its conservation, the forest officials disclosed.

Soon after his father’s death in 2003 Bilal had worked as a mechanic at an auto-repair shop and then as a helping hand at a tea shop but continued unrest in Kashmir valley forced him to take to the job of Rag picking inside the Wullar, Bilal recalled.

Bilal features in a documentary ‘Saving The Savior – Story Of A Kid And Wular Lake’ produced and directed by Jalal-u-Din Baba.

Bilal Dar thanked Prime Minister , who mentioned his name in his Mann ki Baat on Radio.

Dar however, a appealed to PM Modi to provide him a job as his family did not have any regular source of income.

PM Modi on Sunday addressed the nation on the third anniversary of his Mann ki Baat radio programme, saying an ideological movement is needed to make cleanliness a norm across the country. This was the 36th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

During the address, PM also lauded Kashmiri youth Dar’s effort for cleaning up Wular lake in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.

source:  http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> India / by M. Saleem Pandit / TNN / September 24th, 2017