Like the scourges of dowry and female foeticide a generation ago, honour killings seem to be spreading to newer areas. Not many years back we use to think that this kind of barbarism happens only in remote and tribal areas or countries like Pakistan, Iran and Dubai but unfortunately now it is very much in our home in our own nation.
The question here arises is it really only in the name of honour? These days every few weeks a new honour killing captures headlines, to a chorus of condemnation around the nation.
The double standard we play here is at one end we have not just intercaste or intercommunity but also inter-religion marriages being accepted as normal. At the other end we have parents and relatives poisoning, hacking, and burning alive youngsters because they married on their own, in the name of family honour.
The number of love marriages might have gone up in the metros in past years but the reality remains different honour killing, where men or women are killed by their kin or other members of their caste, is still very rampant in many parts of India. But the question is why this heinous crime is committed?
How can you kill innocent people, your relatives, just to protect your family's so called honour? Is it actually for the sake of family honour? I doubt. Is a family’s honour compromised only when a youngster marries outside the caste? In a country having scams galore from national to local level, isn’t it amazing that there has been no killing to wipe away the blot of corruption?
It is very unfortunate that the caste system and blind beliefs in India has turned into a social evil for many especially the youngsters. I wonder how many young people have lost their lives unfortunately by their own family members or relatives in the name of honour . And there are many more who are at the gunpoint of this rigid belief system. I am not against the traditional belief systems that exist in India. But what baffles me is the fact that so many innocent lives are lost in the name of this belief.
Though many of us associate the term more with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan than with 21st century India, honor killings are shockingly frequent in villages in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, where those daring to cross the barriers of caste are made to pay with their lives
So, what's the answer? Should we make all reasonable efforts to stamp out this practice around the world, or should we leave it well enough alone? If we decide to combat it, how should we go about it?
India is world’s largest democracy and in a country where people have the right to voice their opinions freely, to be young and to marry the person of your choice shouldn’t be fatal anymore. The fact is, what we are seeing are not honour killings at all. These are murders to defend an old order that has nothing but contempt for individual freedom.
-Anubha K. Singh
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
'Buying IPL team not my cup of tea': Saif
Wondering what's brewing with Saif these days? It's all about his cup of tea! At a recent visit to Hyderabad, the actor shared some interesting tea tales, while speaking about his upcoming films and more. The suave and stylish Chote Nawab was dressed casually in denims and a white shirt, Saif looked ready to beat the Hyderabad heat.
Any special reason to visit city of Nizams?
I don't come here often. I was doing some post-production work for my film Agent Vinod and in between all that, I had some time, so I decided to come here.
What's special about your tea?
I love tea and that's why I am the brand ambassador of a tea brand. Drinking tea is an experience. It's special. It has to appeal to all your senses and leave you mesmerised.
What is more interesting acting or producing?
Film production is exciting, more creative than acting. It turns out to be fun if right people are hired.
Tell us more about Agent Vinod?
A lot is being written about the film and the characters that Kareena and I are playing. It would be wrong to say that the heroine plays a spy or has a negative role. Agent Vinod is an action adventure film, that's all I can say for now. Instead of assuming, one should wait for a proper announcement to be made which will happen soon.
Love Aaj Kal in Telugu how do you feel about it?
I am happy that it is now being remade in Telugu. It's always better to generate original stuff than resort to copying. And if you want to re-make a film, buy the rights. I have sold the rights for remake of the film.
Planning to remake films from Tollywood?
I haven't seen many South Indian films. But the kind of response that Ghajini and Wanted received, shows that content from southern cinema is appealing. Of course, not all films from the south will meet the same fate if remade in Hindi, because the sensibilities of the audience vary from region to region.
Any regrets with not winning the IPL bid?
I was interested in buying an IPL team, but only at a certain price. I think IPL's a hugely successful enterprise and a great business venture. But buying an IPL team is not my cup of tea at the moment.
How is life after Padmashree awards?
It's a great compliment and an encouragement for an actor like me to receive such an honour. The responsibility to do good work has increased. After all, I have to be worthy of the award.
—Anubha K. Singh
Any special reason to visit city of Nizams?
I don't come here often. I was doing some post-production work for my film Agent Vinod and in between all that, I had some time, so I decided to come here.
What's special about your tea?
I love tea and that's why I am the brand ambassador of a tea brand. Drinking tea is an experience. It's special. It has to appeal to all your senses and leave you mesmerised.
What is more interesting acting or producing?
Film production is exciting, more creative than acting. It turns out to be fun if right people are hired.
Tell us more about Agent Vinod?
A lot is being written about the film and the characters that Kareena and I are playing. It would be wrong to say that the heroine plays a spy or has a negative role. Agent Vinod is an action adventure film, that's all I can say for now. Instead of assuming, one should wait for a proper announcement to be made which will happen soon.
Love Aaj Kal in Telugu how do you feel about it?
I am happy that it is now being remade in Telugu. It's always better to generate original stuff than resort to copying. And if you want to re-make a film, buy the rights. I have sold the rights for remake of the film.
Planning to remake films from Tollywood?
I haven't seen many South Indian films. But the kind of response that Ghajini and Wanted received, shows that content from southern cinema is appealing. Of course, not all films from the south will meet the same fate if remade in Hindi, because the sensibilities of the audience vary from region to region.
Any regrets with not winning the IPL bid?
I was interested in buying an IPL team, but only at a certain price. I think IPL's a hugely successful enterprise and a great business venture. But buying an IPL team is not my cup of tea at the moment.
How is life after Padmashree awards?
It's a great compliment and an encouragement for an actor like me to receive such an honour. The responsibility to do good work has increased. After all, I have to be worthy of the award.
—Anubha K. Singh
Gold prices soar on Akshaya Tritiya
The onset of Akshaya Tritiya season this year has made the jewellers in the city keep their fingers crossed, with the skyrocketing price of the yellow metal. Yet, with the sentiment of purchasing gold during Akshya Tritiya engrained in the minds of Indians, perhaps, there may not be any dearth of buyers.
It's a day of roaring business for jewellers, with people thronging shops to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya, considered auspicious for starting new ventures or making new purchases.
Over the years, like many other festivals, Akshaya Tritiya too, with the sentimental value of well-being of the household attached to it, has come to make its own space in the State.
Almost more than 1500 and odd jewellery shops located at Abids, Basheerabagh, Siddiamber Bazaar, Charminar, General Bazaar, Banjara Hills and Pot Market in Secunderabad will be crowded this week as customers, especially women will make a beeline for the gold.
Coins and lightweight jewellery are mostly in demand. After April, things have started to look up and sales have become normal as people are ready to splurge on gold but still rates are fluctuating.
Expressing concern over gold prices hitting the roof, Jitten Parmar, One of the partners from Shree Raj Jwellers said: "We expect 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales from last year though the current high prices are a cause for concern. A lot of advance bookings are already happening."
Banners and posters with special discount offers on diamonds and gold jewellery exclusively made for the brides in connection with the ongoing marriages are placed in many shops. In some centres, the shop owners made arrangements by opening special counters with deploying additional staff to tackle the customer rush.
This time, not only jewellers, but banks also made arrangements for selling gold. "Walk into our bank and purchase pure gold," said the SMS messages sent across by the banks to their customers.
—Anubha K. Singh
It's a day of roaring business for jewellers, with people thronging shops to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya, considered auspicious for starting new ventures or making new purchases.
Over the years, like many other festivals, Akshaya Tritiya too, with the sentimental value of well-being of the household attached to it, has come to make its own space in the State.
Almost more than 1500 and odd jewellery shops located at Abids, Basheerabagh, Siddiamber Bazaar, Charminar, General Bazaar, Banjara Hills and Pot Market in Secunderabad will be crowded this week as customers, especially women will make a beeline for the gold.
Coins and lightweight jewellery are mostly in demand. After April, things have started to look up and sales have become normal as people are ready to splurge on gold but still rates are fluctuating.
Expressing concern over gold prices hitting the roof, Jitten Parmar, One of the partners from Shree Raj Jwellers said: "We expect 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales from last year though the current high prices are a cause for concern. A lot of advance bookings are already happening."
Banners and posters with special discount offers on diamonds and gold jewellery exclusively made for the brides in connection with the ongoing marriages are placed in many shops. In some centres, the shop owners made arrangements by opening special counters with deploying additional staff to tackle the customer rush.
This time, not only jewellers, but banks also made arrangements for selling gold. "Walk into our bank and purchase pure gold," said the SMS messages sent across by the banks to their customers.
—Anubha K. Singh
Early onset of monsoon likely
It was a pleasant surprise for Hyderabadis who were caught unawares by a sudden spell of rain. Relief from the scorching sun is on the way for Hyderabadis and people living in different parts of the State, especially the Coastal region, in the next few days. The Meteorological Department officials said on Monday that advance rainfall was likely in the State capital and other parts of the State due to a depression that had formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The depression is the result of the strengthening and deepening of westerly winds and increased pressure gradient over the Bay of Bengal. This will gradually bring down soaring temperatures in the next one week. The weatherman said a maximum temperature of 42.3°C was recorded in Hyderabad on Monday and that it would come down to a bearable 38°C by the weekend.
"I love riding my bike in the rain. It was unexpected but much welcomed. The cool breeze, which accompanied the rain, was a welcome relief. It's been so hot since last week so the sudden change in weather was just perfect," said G Ravi.
In the coastal region, the heavens may open up in the next couple of days.
The depression that has formed over the Bay of Bengal, 1,050 km off the Visakhapatnam coast in south easterly direction, is likely to intensify further and develop into a deep depression.
Under its influence, coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places. Squally winds with speeds reaching up to 45-50 kmph are likely along the coastal region. The state of sea will be rough to very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the time being.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by May 31. The monsoon may cross the Andhra coast at Nellore in the first week of June. According to the Met Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala three days in advance, if moisture in the air is high. If the monsoon sets in AP early, it would be a record of sorts since southwest monsoon has never arrived in advance. In fact, it was delayed by a maximum of seven days in the past.
The depression is the result of the strengthening and deepening of westerly winds and increased pressure gradient over the Bay of Bengal. This will gradually bring down soaring temperatures in the next one week. The weatherman said a maximum temperature of 42.3°C was recorded in Hyderabad on Monday and that it would come down to a bearable 38°C by the weekend.
"I love riding my bike in the rain. It was unexpected but much welcomed. The cool breeze, which accompanied the rain, was a welcome relief. It's been so hot since last week so the sudden change in weather was just perfect," said G Ravi.
In the coastal region, the heavens may open up in the next couple of days.
The depression that has formed over the Bay of Bengal, 1,050 km off the Visakhapatnam coast in south easterly direction, is likely to intensify further and develop into a deep depression.
Under its influence, coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places. Squally winds with speeds reaching up to 45-50 kmph are likely along the coastal region. The state of sea will be rough to very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the time being.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by May 31. The monsoon may cross the Andhra coast at Nellore in the first week of June. According to the Met Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala three days in advance, if moisture in the air is high. If the monsoon sets in AP early, it would be a record of sorts since southwest monsoon has never arrived in advance. In fact, it was delayed by a maximum of seven days in the past.
Auto Show South 2010, a big hit
With all major carmakers making their presence felt at the Auto Show South 2010 at the Hitex in Madhapur by rolling out their latest models, the show turned out to be a treat for prospective buyers and car enthusiasts.
An exhibition was set to make drooller out of the entire city, Auto Show South 2010, the premier regional automotive event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in conjunction with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was held from May 13 to 16 at the Hitex Exhibition grounds. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India (FADA) also supported the event.
The show was intended to focus on the south Indian market. The exhibition comprised the latest in cars, bikes, SUVs, car accessories, video systems and GPS navigation schemes. Participating companies include the global giants, including General Motors, Skoda Auto, Honda, Fiat, Mercedes, Toyota, Tata Motors and M&M.
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years, owing to the improvement in living standards of the middle class, and a significant increase in their disposable incomes. With southern region being one of the most important markets and contributors for this growth, the first Auto Show South in Hyderabad aimed to facilitate larger regional exposure, display of latest products on offer, technology transfer, one to one interaction with the end customers, promote sales and provided opportunities to make network with the automobile and related industries.
Premier vehicles, some of which are the Hybrid Prius, New Prado Diesel, Land Cruiser and Fortuner, were kept on display. The visitors present also took participation in go- karting, torture track, safety rides, vehicle launches, puc campaign, etc.
The first day of the event was exclusively for the media, the second day was for the manufacturers and dealers, and the last 2 days was for the general public.
"To promote automotive manufacturing clusters in AP, the APIIC is developing exclusive automotive parks near Toopran and Chevella on the outskirts of Hyderabad and also at Naidupet in Nellore district," Chief Minister Rosaiah said.
An exhibition was set to make drooller out of the entire city, Auto Show South 2010, the premier regional automotive event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in conjunction with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was held from May 13 to 16 at the Hitex Exhibition grounds. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India (FADA) also supported the event.
The show was intended to focus on the south Indian market. The exhibition comprised the latest in cars, bikes, SUVs, car accessories, video systems and GPS navigation schemes. Participating companies include the global giants, including General Motors, Skoda Auto, Honda, Fiat, Mercedes, Toyota, Tata Motors and M&M.
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years, owing to the improvement in living standards of the middle class, and a significant increase in their disposable incomes. With southern region being one of the most important markets and contributors for this growth, the first Auto Show South in Hyderabad aimed to facilitate larger regional exposure, display of latest products on offer, technology transfer, one to one interaction with the end customers, promote sales and provided opportunities to make network with the automobile and related industries.
Premier vehicles, some of which are the Hybrid Prius, New Prado Diesel, Land Cruiser and Fortuner, were kept on display. The visitors present also took participation in go- karting, torture track, safety rides, vehicle launches, puc campaign, etc.
The first day of the event was exclusively for the media, the second day was for the manufacturers and dealers, and the last 2 days was for the general public.
"To promote automotive manufacturing clusters in AP, the APIIC is developing exclusive automotive parks near Toopran and Chevella on the outskirts of Hyderabad and also at Naidupet in Nellore district," Chief Minister Rosaiah said.
Voters' enrolment drive from May 28
Special voters' enrolment drive would be conducted between May 28 and June 12 with a target to achieve 100 per cent voter enrolment in the State. The Election Commission of India (ECI) held state-level consultations on Improving Electoral Rolls Management recently in city.
The Chief Electoral Officer has convened a meeting of representatives of political parties, university vice-chancellors, voluntary organisations, welfare associations, senior officials of various departments and others to take their views on voter enrolment programme.
The decision came only after the members and representatives of various political parties in the State urged State Chief Electoral Officer IV Subba Rao to take up necessary corrections in the voters' list and steps for the new voter I-card enrolment.
The members also urged the CEO to take steps ensuring that the names of the voters, who carried EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) be mentioned in the voters' list in the polling stations during elections.
As part of the drive, about 500 voter enrolment centres would be opened in colonies and bastis. A tracking system would also be set up to know the status of those who have applied for enrolment. Besides, e-seva centres will be utilised for the service of voters' enrolment and drop boxes would be set up at every public place.
This time the main focus would be on the first-time voters who have just turned 18 years and are not getting enrolled. According to recent survey by the ECI only about 30 per cent of the eligible voters in this age group were currently enrolled. The remaining 70 per cent needed to be registered in the electoral rolls. The ECI would also enter into an MoU with the Universities, Residential Associations and SHG groups for the purpose.
The 12-day exercise will involve publication of the draft rolls on May 28 followed by submission of claims and objections till June 12. The claims and objections would be disposed of by June 26, the database will be updated by July 10 and the final rolls will be published on July 17. In respect of the 12 Assembly constituencies in the twin city, the database would be updated by June 30 and the final rolls published on July 12.
The Chief Electoral Officer has convened a meeting of representatives of political parties, university vice-chancellors, voluntary organisations, welfare associations, senior officials of various departments and others to take their views on voter enrolment programme.
The decision came only after the members and representatives of various political parties in the State urged State Chief Electoral Officer IV Subba Rao to take up necessary corrections in the voters' list and steps for the new voter I-card enrolment.
The members also urged the CEO to take steps ensuring that the names of the voters, who carried EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) be mentioned in the voters' list in the polling stations during elections.
As part of the drive, about 500 voter enrolment centres would be opened in colonies and bastis. A tracking system would also be set up to know the status of those who have applied for enrolment. Besides, e-seva centres will be utilised for the service of voters' enrolment and drop boxes would be set up at every public place.
This time the main focus would be on the first-time voters who have just turned 18 years and are not getting enrolled. According to recent survey by the ECI only about 30 per cent of the eligible voters in this age group were currently enrolled. The remaining 70 per cent needed to be registered in the electoral rolls. The ECI would also enter into an MoU with the Universities, Residential Associations and SHG groups for the purpose.
The 12-day exercise will involve publication of the draft rolls on May 28 followed by submission of claims and objections till June 12. The claims and objections would be disposed of by June 26, the database will be updated by July 10 and the final rolls will be published on July 17. In respect of the 12 Assembly constituencies in the twin city, the database would be updated by June 30 and the final rolls published on July 12.
Heavy rains bring city life to a grinding halt
Heavy rains lashed twin city on Tuesday bringing the temperature considerably down. While it bought cheer as the first major rain this monsoon, it also exposed the poor preparation of the city to deal with the monsoon.
Normal life was thrown out of gear as several low-lying areas, including Lakdikapul, were inundated with water. Motorists had to negotiate with waterlogged roads near Nampally, Abids, Begumbazaar after pre-monsoon showers lashed Hyderabad.
The tall claims of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and State Government about their preparation for the monsoon were exposed. Tuesday's showers showed that the city is ill prepared to face the monsoons and people are now dreading waterlogged roads and overflowing drains in the coming weeks. Low lying areas in Panjagutta, Khairatabad, Lakdi ka pul, Erram Manzil, Mehdipatnam, Toli Chowki and Dilsukhnagar and several other neighbourhoods were flooded with both drain and rain water.
Overflowing open drains added to people's woes. Vehicular traffic was thrown out of gear in several areas in the central part of the city as almost all the roads were waterlogged. A traffic police official, who was trying to manage traffic at the busy Panjagutta crossing, said the waterlogging was mainly due to the outdated drainage system.
The southwest monsoon is all set to reach Andhra Pradesh from June 5 and the State is expecting copious rains this time. Southwest monsoon is very crucial for State as it brings around 80 per cent of the rainfall that the State annually gets. The State witnessed drought in many districts last year because of adverse weather conditions between June-October.
The Indian Meteorological Department said southwest monsoon would hit the State in next five days. Normally, southwest monsoon enters AP on June 5," said Dr M Satya Kumar, director of Hyderabad Meteorological Centre.
—Anubha K Singh
Normal life was thrown out of gear as several low-lying areas, including Lakdikapul, were inundated with water. Motorists had to negotiate with waterlogged roads near Nampally, Abids, Begumbazaar after pre-monsoon showers lashed Hyderabad.
The tall claims of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and State Government about their preparation for the monsoon were exposed. Tuesday's showers showed that the city is ill prepared to face the monsoons and people are now dreading waterlogged roads and overflowing drains in the coming weeks. Low lying areas in Panjagutta, Khairatabad, Lakdi ka pul, Erram Manzil, Mehdipatnam, Toli Chowki and Dilsukhnagar and several other neighbourhoods were flooded with both drain and rain water.
Overflowing open drains added to people's woes. Vehicular traffic was thrown out of gear in several areas in the central part of the city as almost all the roads were waterlogged. A traffic police official, who was trying to manage traffic at the busy Panjagutta crossing, said the waterlogging was mainly due to the outdated drainage system.
The southwest monsoon is all set to reach Andhra Pradesh from June 5 and the State is expecting copious rains this time. Southwest monsoon is very crucial for State as it brings around 80 per cent of the rainfall that the State annually gets. The State witnessed drought in many districts last year because of adverse weather conditions between June-October.
The Indian Meteorological Department said southwest monsoon would hit the State in next five days. Normally, southwest monsoon enters AP on June 5," said Dr M Satya Kumar, director of Hyderabad Meteorological Centre.
—Anubha K Singh
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