HARI HANS KA SMALL SCALE BUSINESS "BINDI"

Bindi-makers reminisce lost glory in dark days- Declining business
AAROHI KESHAV

A labourer works on the bindis. Telegraph picture
Patna, April 20: Madonna and Katy Perry have been sporting it in their videos but that hasn’t helped the once-flourishing bindi business in the state, which is facing multiple setbacks.
Harihans, a village 8km south of Siwan headquarters, was especially known for its small-scale bindi industry. It was a prominent and flourishing business at one point of time and even attracted attention of national newspapers and magazines in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The bindis were also supplied to Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The bindis, which were once made from gold, silver and glass, changed over to velvet imported from South Korea.
At a time, Harihans was self-sufficient, youths could earn their pocket money to buy branded clothes and accessories and women were independent. Labourers from more than 50 villages around Harihans were also employed in the industry. However, in the past 10 years, the village, known for its entrepreneurial skills, has lost its glory.
Ahmed Ali was in the business for many years but later shifted base to Calcutta and set up a fashion accessory shop. He said: “During 1990s, every household in the village was engaged in the business, as there was huge demand for handmade bindis. The village was the biggest supplier of bindis in eastern India and the products were famous in Kanpur, Lucknow, Benaras, Jhansi, Delhi, Bangladesh and Nepal. However, with the influx of machines and rising price of materials, people were forced to close their business. At present, there are only 10 per cent people who are in the business.”
Ali Akbar, a resident of Harihans, said: “Our village was once very prominent in Bihar as it was economically sound. Everyone was self-employed. But now there is no electricity and we are not able to set up machines which can enable us to continue with the business that was handed down to us through generations.”
He added: “Setting up a bindi factory costs around Rs 10 lakh, which is not a very big issue for us. We know our market but manufacturing is a problem. If there is no electricity the machines will not work and using generators is very costly — our investment is then more than our profit.”
Salauddin Ansari, who is in the business for the past 15 years, said: “In the past 10 years, the industry has declined as the profit has gone down. In 1998-99, the industry was at its peak and the profit earned was 15 per cent. However, now it has come down to hardly four to five per cent. The price of materials is on the rise and labour charges have also gone up. One box contains 145 patta bindis that are sold for only Rs 85-90 in the market.”
Sabina Naz, who has been pasting bindis for 20 years, said: “We get Rs 4 for pasting 145 pattas. In a day, I paste around 2 gurus (145 pattas make a guru) and earn Rs 8, which is nothing when it comes to cover the family’s daily expenses. Moreover, the income is not regular as the materials are not available everyday. The situation has worsened in the past 10 years. Earlier, I used to earn at least Rs 20-25 daily and the rate was higher as well.”
The declining industry has given way to social problems in the village. Now, the village has turned into a drunkards’ den because of unemployment and ignorance. More than 20 illegal liquor shops have come up in the village. Kanti Devi, a villager, said: “My husband has become a drunkard. He has sold all my belongings and jewellery for his gambling. This has become a regular feature in the village.”

BACK TO ROOTS

Back home, ready with computer notes
AAROHI KESHAV
Siwan, April 21: Not all return of natives is as futile as Clym Yeobright’s in Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native. While Yeobright’s dream of setting up a school in Egdon Heath, his native village, was shattered, Mohammad Mustaque, who stayed in Abu Dhabi for 15 years, has not been as unlucky.
He has brought computer education to the village, which was not even a dream for teenagers of Harihans village, located 8km from the district headquarters.
Mustaque has helped realise dreams of many students by setting up Gulf Computer Institute.
Asked what made him come back to his village, Mustaque said: “Since this is my native village where I grew up and completed schooling, I always wanted to do something for the people here. I always missed my village when I was abroad and wanted to return. I chose to educate people about computers because I feel today computer education is an absolute necessity.”
Mustaque’s return to his village was not easy. He was constantly demoralised by his own people. “When I decided to come back, everyone thought it was a suicidal step because I was doing well there.”
But with the kind of work he has been doing, villagers gave him a lot of respect and love. He said: “My aim is not to earn money but to provide the best possible education so that they have a good career.”
Mustaque did a diploma course in computer applications from Abu Dhabi and worked there for 15 years. “While I was in Abu Dhabi, there were many like me who had very little knowledge about computers and faced a lot of problems in getting good jobs. It was at that time that I decided to learn the subject and return to my village and teach my people so that they are not caught in the same position as me.”
He said his primary focus was to educate girls. The institute was started in October last year and it started with 40 students. The number has gone up to 55 now.
Fifteen-year-old Masiah Anjum only heard about computers from her friends in the Arab countries earlier. Today, she is no longer fascinated by hearing stories about computers — she is learning to sit at a machine and work on it.
“Earlier, I used to be really fascinated hearing stories of computers from my friends in Arab countries. Being a village girl, I was not allowed to go to Siwan to study,” Anjum said. Anjum is not alone. For many others, computer education in their villages has now turned a reality.
The institute offers two courses — diploma in computer applications and diploma in financial accounts.
Mustaque spent about Rs 10 lakh to set up Gulf Computer Institute, which has an ISO 90001-2008 certification

snack that inspires away from home

AAROHI KESHAV

Customers relish litti-chokha at a stall in Patna and (below) a litti-chokha corner in the city. Pictures by Deepak Kumar Patna, Oct. 7: Litti-chokha is to Bihar whatvada-pav is to Maharashtra; it’s a part of the state’s identity. Even the mention of litti-chokha can make you nostalgic if you are a Bihari staying away from the state. It occupies special place in their heart of people from Bihar whether residing in the state or any foreign country. During monsoon, people prefer to have littiwith tea. It’s a preparation of sattu ((roasted gram powder), green chillies, garlic, ginger, salt, mustard oil stuffed in dough and then baked in earthen stoves with the help of cow dung cakes. Despite LPG connections and microwaves, people prefer to bake litti in earthen stoves to get that “earthy taste”. Chokha is prepared by mixing boiled potatoes, baked brinjal and tomatoes with green chillies, garlic, salt and mustard oil. Litti-chokha isn’t just a healthy diet but also a symbol of economic equality. In Patna, one can easily spot labourers, workers, teenagers, office-goers, even big businessmen and corporate executives relishing their plateful of litti-chokha by the roadside. There exists no polarisation as all cherish litti-chokha under one umbrella. Rakesh Kumar, an executive in a bank in Patna, said: “I often go to Maurya Lok’s Litti Corner during my lunch hours to eat litti-chokha. It is not only tasty but also quite cheap, Rs 15 per plate.” At the same shop, you can also spot Ram Parwesh, a rickshaw puller, enjoying litti. He loves the litti-chokha served at the shop and makes it a point to visit every time he brings a customer to Maurya Lok. Ruchi Ranjan, an NRI, who shifted to the US a decade ago, misses her favourite snack. Whenever she comes to Bihar, she makes sure she packs up as many packets of sattu as her luggage would allow. She said: “I often make litti-chokha and invite my Indian and American friends for lunch or dinner. Since I cannot find cow dung cakes in the US, I prepare littiin microwave. The taste is not as good as what my mom use to make, but it is delicious nevertheless.” Vishal Sinha, a businessman in Mumbai and a native of Bihar, got emotional while talking about littti-chokha. He said: “Litti-chokha when combined with ghee (purified butter) is the best food one can ever ask for. Even in Mumbai I ask my maid, who is fortunately a Bihari, to make litti every week. I also invite my friends at times and they all love litti-chokha.” Rudrani Sinha, a yoga instructor living in Delhi, said: “I simply love litti-chokha. It is delicious and not at all high on calories. It is also easier to carry. Whenever I travel with my family, I always pack lots of litti for my journey.” “Litti-chokha is a must on the New-Year party menu. We organise a get together and relish litti-chokha. It’s also a way of feeling connected to our native state — Bihar,” added Rudrani.

BIHAR LOCAL FOOD

snack that inspires away from home

AAROHI KESHAV

Customers relish litti-chokha at a stall in Patna and (below) a litti-chokha corner in the city. Pictures by Deepak Kumar Patna, Oct. 7: Litti-chokha is to Bihar whatvada-pav is to Maharashtra; it’s a part of the state’s identity. Even the mention of litti-chokha can make you nostalgic if you are a Bihari staying away from the state. It occupies special place in their heart of people from Bihar whether residing in the state or any foreign country. During monsoon, people prefer to have littiwith tea. It’s a preparation of sattu ((roasted gram powder), green chillies, garlic, ginger, salt, mustard oil stuffed in dough and then baked in earthen stoves with the help of cow dung cakes. Despite LPG connections and microwaves, people prefer to bake litti in earthen stoves to get that “earthy taste”. Chokha is prepared by mixing boiled potatoes, baked brinjal and tomatoes with green chillies, garlic, salt and mustard oil. Litti-chokha isn’t just a healthy diet but also a symbol of economic equality. In Patna, one can easily spot labourers, workers, teenagers, office-goers, even big businessmen and corporate executives relishing their plateful of litti-chokha by the roadside. There exists no polarisation as all cherish litti-chokha under one umbrella. Rakesh Kumar, an executive in a bank in Patna, said: “I often go to Maurya Lok’s Litti Corner during my lunch hours to eat litti-chokha. It is not only tasty but also quite cheap, Rs 15 per plate.” At the same shop, you can also spot Ram Parwesh, a rickshaw puller, enjoying litti. He loves the litti-chokha served at the shop and makes it a point to visit every time he brings a customer to Maurya Lok. Ruchi Ranjan, an NRI, who shifted to the US a decade ago, misses her favourite snack. Whenever she comes to Bihar, she makes sure she packs up as many packets of sattu as her luggage would allow. She said: “I often make litti-chokha and invite my Indian and American friends for lunch or dinner. Since I cannot find cow dung cakes in the US, I prepare littiin microwave. The taste is not as good as what my mom use to make, but it is delicious nevertheless.” Vishal Sinha, a businessman in Mumbai and a native of Bihar, got emotional while talking about littti-chokha. He said: “Litti-chokha when combined with ghee (purified butter) is the best food one can ever ask for. Even in Mumbai I ask my maid, who is fortunately a Bihari, to make litti every week. I also invite my friends at times and they all love litti-chokha.” Rudrani Sinha, a yoga instructor living in Delhi, said: “I simply love litti-chokha. It is delicious and not at all high on calories. It is also easier to carry. Whenever I travel with my family, I always pack lots of litti for my journey.” “Litti-chokha is a must on the New-Year party menu. We organise a get together and relish litti-chokha. It’s also a way of feeling connected to our native state — Bihar,” added Rudrani.

SASTA BOL RAHA HAI MAHENGA BHI DOL RAHA HAI

Colourful canvas runs away with hearts - Youths and not-so-young match steps with rainbow-hued footwear

AAROHI KESHAV

Canvas shoes on display at a shop in Patna. Telegraph picture Patna, Jan. 20: They are comfy but hardy, and rather good to look at. Colourful canvas shoes are the latest fashion rage among the youths in the state capital. Fashion experts claim that footwear is the most important aspect of one’s attire and one must be very particular about what one covers one’s feet with. But for youths in the city, their casual canvas pairs have become prized possessions. Not only because they are low on cost and maintenance but also because they can be worn anywhere and with anything. Be it at party or college, whether you are wearing jeans or formals, canvas shoes go well with everything. “The best part about these shoes is that you do not need to worry about keeping them clean. If they get dirty, just toss them into your washing machine and they will come out sparkling clean,” said Samidha Barthpal, a law student. The term “canvas” is derived from the Latin cannabis, meaning hemp. The shoes got their name because originally canvas fabric from which these shoes are moulded, was woven from cannabis. The coarse fabric is usually used to make sails or used as a medium for painting. As the texture of the fabric is tough, it was used to make athletic shoes. But the contemporary avatar of the fancy footwear has very little similarity to its 20th century ancestor. Visit any shoe shop in the city and you will see them occupying the place of pride on the shelves. The multi-coloured shoes cannot fail to attract your attention. Some of them are available for as low a price as Rs 200. If you are brand-conscious, however, you may choose a branded one. Of course you have to shell out a little more for them. “A branded canvas shoes comes for anything between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500,” said Nikhil Kumar, the owner of a shoe shop in Kankerbagh. Kumar also said he sells around 10 pairs a day. “It is not only the youths who want these. People of all ages want to wear canvas shoe,” Kumar added. Jyostna Kumari (66), a grandmother who had come with her granddaughter for an evening stroll at Gandhi Maidan, was spotted wearing a pink canvas shoe. When asked about the curious choice, she pointed to her granddaughter, Anita, and said: “She got these for me. She said these are very fashionable these days. We used to wear simple sports shoes in our youth. But I guess this is what people wear now.” Anita, who was wearing a green canvas, agreed. “What is wrong with a little colour? Dadi wears colourful saris. Why must she wear boring chappals?” she said. Why indeed? So march on, wearing the hue you like. And don’t worry, these shoes do not wear out fast.

BIG BRAND BIG PAIN

Patnaites revel in mall boom - Old shopping hubs undergo alterations as big brands, chains invade city, take away shoppers, retailers

AAROHI KESHAV

(From top): Women make the most of the sale season at a sari shop; a customer waits for his turn at a counter in a mall in Patna. Picture by Ashok Sinha Patna, Aug.13: The changing face of Patna seems to have influenced everything around. Not just the markets but also the shopping habits of Patnites have seen a sea change over the years. With the mall culture being enthusiastically accepted and adopted by the youths, old shopping hubs of Patna, including Lalji Market, Hathwa Market, Heera Place and Kurji Market, are also welcoming changes. This is also being done to bring back retailers who are now moving towards swanky shopping malls, super market stores etc, given their popularity and reach. If retailers are moving away it’s not without a reason. Several leading retail chains and mega brands have ventured into the Patna real estate market. They are buying property and expanding. This has not only increased property prices manifold but has alsogiven retailers more options to lookforward to. Big ventures by big builders, coming from other states as well, have widened the scope for many other brands to come up in Patna.The old system of handing over the grocery list to the Kirana store appears to be fast disappearing. Shopping for the monthly grocery items means fun shopping at the mall, followed by a good lunch at the restaurant adjoining the mall." Shopping in a mall is convenient as you know the quality of the products would be better. Fresh stocks can be seen piled up at the mega stores,” said a housewife. Offers like “buy one and get one free” always adds to the excitement.Shopping in swanky malls has become a status symbol for the people, especially the younger generation. Patna has many shopping complexes like 9 to 9, Kameshwar palace, N.P. Center, Harihar Chamber etc. However, the most talked-about mall is the one being considered a brainchild of film producer, director Prakash Jha.The youth has become more brand conscious. They buy clothes going by the label. Earlier, families had their stores fixed which they would visit regularly and make their purchases. Now, this concept of store loyalty is no more. People look around, go window-shopping and buy only when convinced the product suits their taste and style. Many people feel shopping in malls save lot of time as they are able to buy all kind of things under one roof. Also they get a number of options to choose from. Said Amber, a local, “I love to spend my evenings in these malls because I can hang out with my friends and also do window shopping.” “I can checkout some cool stuff and if I get money I can shop here,” he added. Young mothers bring their children along. These children, being brought up in mall culture, may never know what’s shopping like in old Patna and Hathwa markets. Maybe, the alterations being carried out at the older markets would be over in time to attract the mall kids. But for now, the new shopping hubs are the malls where shoppers get everything and anything. So, shop till you drop!

BANAYA BANAYA APRIL FOOD BANAYA KAHI GUSSA TO NAHI AYYA

Pay heed, mischief-in-the-making ahead - Children and young professionals reveal plans on playing pranks on others

AAROHI KESHAV

Playing the fool: Actors perform in a Tim Supple-directed production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Telegraph picture Patna, March 31: The day to play the fool that could even impress Puck, the impish fairy of William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is here. Wonder what? Just check the calendar, it’s April 1. Though not a holiday, April Fools’ Day is widely celebrated all over. This is the day when you are let off in spite of playing practical jokes and the fool. Children are the most enthusiastic about the “celebrations” as they can have all the fun in the world and roll out in laughter on their success. Ten-year-old Akanksha Srivastava has already made her plans for April 1. She said: “I plan to hide inside the wardrobe before my sister gets up from sleep. When she’ll open the wardrobe to take out her clothes, I will grab her and frighten her.” Taking inspiration from television shows, a group of kids said they plan to stand in a group on a busy street. One of them, Chotu, said: “We will stare and point at the sky. Then we will simply wait for the reaction of the people standing around.” Subham Sekhar, 12, said: “I will paint my brother’s face with the colours left over from Holi to make him look like a cartoon. When he sees himself in the mirror, he will surely scream and run around.” Anirudh Kumar, a Class IX student, said: “We friends have planned to glue coins to the roads. The people who go on walks in the early morning will notice the coins and will try to grab them. It will be fun to watch as they will struggle to pick them up.” While Anirudh plans to go out on the streets to play pranks, a mischievous Sirisha Seth plans to pour sugar in the salt holder in her home. “I will just watch the expressions on the faces of my friends and family members when they try the food,” Sirisha said. “I will also get a bunch of alarm clocks and set them to ring early in the morning. My family members will have to be on a goose chase as I will hide them in different places,” she added. Young professionals are also making plans to play hoax in good humour. Kohinoor Dutta, a creative head, said: “I will send my friends a mail, calling them for a dinner at a restaurant. Promising them I’ll host the party, when everybody reaches the venue, I will make my exit once the bill arrives.” Copywriter Ajeet Sharma plans to lead his friends to a rude awakening, literally. Ajeet said: “I will call my friends early in the morning, disturbing their sleep to just say, ‘April fool banaya’. Although most of them will fume with anger, it will be fun for me.” Research associate Vicky Bansal plans to lead pizza companies and his friends on a tricky road, too. He said: “I plan to call Dominos Pizza at odd hours in the day. I’ll give them my friends’ addresses and get them to deliver all possible items to them. Once I had also called my mother, who used to stay alone, impersonating a pizza company employee, to tell her that she has won a lucky draw. I told her she will soon receive 12 large family size pizzas. She got shocked and started to plead with me. But then she realised it was me and started laughing.” So go ahead, play the fool. But be alert, don’t be fooled.

YOGA REACHES ROOTS

Rs 250 per class, Patna doesn’t mind - Yoga institutes mushroom in capital, thanks to increase in lifestyle-related problems among residents

AAROHI KESHAV

A boy shows an asan as others look on and (above) girls practise yoga at an institute in Patna. Pictures by Ashok Sinha Patna, Aug. 16: It went to the West from India, and now it’s making a return to its roots. The desi fitness mantra, yoga, is being received enthusiastically by the residents of Patna. Several yoga institutes have come up in the Capital. Yoga practice is gaining popularity as a remedy for lifestyle-related problems, including stress, back ache, obesity, depression, arthritis, pain etc. Jitender Kumar, yoga instructor at Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati Yog Kendra, Boaring Road, Patna, has been teaching yoga for the past 13 years. When he said: “People have become health conscious and are showing great interest in learning this art. It helps them get rid of various aliments.” About the age groups of clients joining his institute, Kumar said: “In recent times, the trend has changed. We have been teaching yoga to young people, including young corporate and students. They feel that with the help of yoga they can increase their concentration power and enhance their abilities and perform better in whatever they do.” The classes at the Kendra are conducted seven days a week. They start from 6 am and continue till 10 am. Each batch gets a one-hour session. On an average, the institute receives 30 to 35 students every day. The Kendra offers a yoga course for a duration of six months and charges Rs 750. The package includes training in pranayam and hathyog. The institute takes special care of patients and teaches them only those asanas (postures) that will help them treat their problems. Many doctors, who know and practise yoga, are associated with this institute. They conduct special sessions for clients suffering from physical ailments. of Yoga Kendra held special classes for students under the programme “Bal Yog Kalyan Peeth”. During this session, he helped young boys and girls focus more and increase concentration and memory power. The institute charges Rs 250 for a 12-day course. For poor children, it organises free classes. Another yoga guru, Kumar Umesh Chandra, owner of Jyotishi Yoga Centre at Dak Bunglow Road, Patna, holds classes to help clients increase concentration and decrease stress levels. His clientele includes bureaucrats, professors and government officials. Chandra said: “I organise classes in the evening as most of my clients are government employees and my sessions focus more on stress relief.” He charges Rs 250 for each class, and in-case of a personal visit, he charges Rs.1,100, plusthe conveyance. Amit Sinha, a corporate professional and a yoga enthusiast, said: “I have been learning yoga for the past three months. I can feel great changes in my personal and professional life. At the end of the day, half an hour of yoga practice can be relaxing and rejuvenating.” A number of senior citizens have adopted yoga as a way of life to get rid of ailments like diabetes and arthritis.

BHAIRAV BABA KE PREMMI LOG DOG LOVERS

Woof! City parades fancy breeds

AAROHI KESHAV

Patna, Feb. 3: More and more people are developing a fascination for the furry bundle of joy with pricked or drooping ears, puffy paws and long tail, which eagerly waits to greet you at the door everyday. Man’s best friend, dogs, are finding more takers than ever before in Patna. Dr Vimal Kumar, veterinary surgeon and owner of a veterinary clinic, said: “I have been practising in Patna for more than four years and each year sees a tremendous rise in the number of dog lovers. It is growing at the rate of 400 per cent.” “Initially, people preferred common breeds like Pomerarian, Labrador, German Shepherd and Dobermann but now people come to my clinic with breeds like Golden Retriever, Pug, Bull Mastiff, Boxer, Great Dane, Dalmatian and others. This clearly shows that people no longer have a stereotype taste,” said Kumar. More than 15-20 clients visit his clinic with their pets every day. The clinic is open seven days a week and sells all possible dogcare products — from medicines, shampoo, soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, food supplements, dog accessories, blanket, sweaters and even beds. The clinic provides modern facilities for treatment, including veterinary services, consultation, 24-hour emergency service, diagnosis, surgery, use of microscopic technology, pet nutrition counselling and others. The clinic also provides dog boarding at the rate of Rs 350-Rs 400 a day where special care is taken keeping in mind the needs and habits of one’s pet. People of different age groups have varied preferences for breeds. Kids prefer dogs, which are small, playful and easy to handle. Young couples and senior citizens look for breeds, which are good as companions. Those who like to show off go for big dogs like St Bernard, Golden Retriever and others. “People here know me as a dog lover, that is my only identity, I guess, though my passion includes collection of cars, computers and books too,” said Uttam Kumar Singh, owner of Dr Zakir Hussain Institute, who organises dog shows in Patna. His institute is home to 22 stray dogs, each of them have a name. There is a furious one and thus, called Sher Singh, one with spots is called Chitkabra and so on. They are provided with food and shelter at the home. Around Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 is spent on them each month. They are fed thrice a day and have special kennels to sleep in. Best vets in town treat and vaccinate them regularly. Singh added: “Wherever I go, the dogs surround me and greet me with a lot of affection and respect. I don’t know what is so special about me. Right from my childhood, I had special love for them though my parents regarded them as untouchables and often scolded me for playing with them,” said the proud owner of four dogs, a 10-year-old stray dog, a Labrador, a Golden Retriever and a Pomerarian apart from the 22 inmates of his institute. “Two of my dogs sleep with me in my bed and in summer, they all want to be in my air-conditioned cabin to beat the scorching heat,” Singh said. His love is not restricted to just care and pat, he does his home work regularly and is also the proud owner of 5,000 books on animal care, mostly dealing in dogs and cats. Every month, he subscribes to more than 10 magazines and catalogues on animals from around the world. In future, Singh plans to open a hospital. Another dog lover, Lallan Singh (60), who owns a two-year-old German Shepherd, said: “My pet is like my son. He is my best companion. I can play with him, talk to him, love him. I don’t feel my son is away as I devote my full time to his care. I make sure I brush his hair everyday and feed him on time.” His son, Rishi, an assis- tant commandant with the Border Security Force (BSF), gifted him the dog two years ago. He said: “I stay away from my parents and was often worried about their safety. So I thought of gifting them a sniffer dog who can guard and take care of them. Now, when I go home, I see my parents more worried and concerned about him than me.”

SASTTA PADHI CHEEP E EDUCATION

E-education gets simpler, cheaper

AAROHI KESHAV

CDs to help students solve difficult problems. Telegraph picture Patna, Sept. 21: Too unwell to attend school? Don’t worry. TopChalks.com, an educational resource portal, is now offering virtual classroom right before you on a computer screen. It is not possible to understand each and every topic being taught to students by teachers in school and coaching classes. Students often wish the same topics were repeated time and again till they understood them. Problems like chasing friends to help them with lecture notes, seeking private tutors to cope with the exams, trying to learn the lessons that were taught months ago, and even desperately trying to understand complex problems are all too familiar problems being faced by students. TopChalks.com has decided to play the role of students’ friend and teacher at the same point of time. Students can attend the class lectures virtually, taught by some of the best instructors in the country – word by word, variable by variable, equation by equation, repeating as many times as they want to - going through all the chapters and sections that they may have missed at school. According to Siddharth Lall, head of Eduent Technologies (Limited Liability Partnership), TopChalks, Bihar and Jharkhand: “In Bihar you can come across numerous coaching classes but it is very hard to find quality education. These classes also charge lakhs of rupees for one course with no guarantee to make the topic easier for students. In order make education easier and cheaper for students and their families, we have come up with this educational portal. The idea behind the site is to democratise education and reach out to millions who desire to study at their own will by the best faculty across India.” About the courses offered on the site, he said: “We provide course materials for classes IX to XII curriculum based on CBSE, engineering, CAT, MAT, and SAT. The course material offered by TopChalks are compiled by the best academicians across the nation. It breaks all barriers of time and space.”

Madhubani Paintings

Paintings get new life, become style statement - Youth, elite, professionals and foreigners lap up kurtas, saris, scrolls adorned with Madhubani art

AAROHI KESHAV

tough competition Patna, Nov. 25: Madhubani painting has always been a treasured art form of the state since time immemorial. Recently, the demand for Madhubani paintings and work has gone up in the capital. Madhubani paintings have become the preferred item among the art lovers and common masses in the capital. The demand has also picked up because more and more youths are showing interest in the art form. Not only are they enrolling themselves in Madhubani painting classes but are also buying kurtas designed with Madhubani painting. Anita Ranjan, a lawyer, has been busy choosing Madhubani paintings for her new house. She said: “I am planning to decorate my house with Madhubani paintings because I think it will lend my house a different look.” She added: “I have already purchased around 10 paintings in different shapes, size and colours. I think, I need 10 more to deck up my home.” The paintings that were earlier depicted on walls and floors, has seen a rise in demand in the recent years both at the national and international market because of its charismatic value. With rising demands, artistes have been producing the traditional paintings on handmade paper and fabrics for commercial sale. Various government agencies and non-profit organisations are actively involved in creating a good market for the artistes for whom this art is the primary source of income. Anand Kumar’s shop at Maurya Lok Complex is filled with Madhubani paintings on different types of fabric of various shapes and sizes. He said: “Women across all sections buy Madhubani paintings to decorate their houses or as a gift item. The youngsters are also very interested in our products. They visit the shop and ask for kurtas and saris designed with Madhubani paintings.” Kumar said the price of the paintings depends on the design and the fabric on which the painting is done. While Madhubani painting on a cotton kurtacosts around Rs 700 to Rs 900, silk kurtas cost around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000. Paintings made on A4 size of hand made paper costs between Rs 300 and Rs 500, while the silk saris cost around Rs 1,200. Sikha Saran, a final-year college student, said: “I love to buy kurtas with Madhubani designs. The kurtas are very different and makes me a trendsetter among my peers. I always save up my pocket money every month so that I can buy something designed with Madhubani paintings.” Anuragini Verma of Bihar Emporium said: “In the past two to three years, our sale in Madhubani paintings has increased by 5 per cent. We make a sale of up to Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh every month.” Vibha Rani, a content writer, is a native of Madhubani but is based in Mumbai. She said: “Whenever I go to Bihar, I make it a point to buy at least two Madhubani paintings depending on my budget. Mostly, I gift the paintings to my friends on special occasions. I feel proud that I belong to this place the art of which is not only loved by the people of India but also the world over.” Foreigners are interested in the art form as well. A German national, Helga said: “I love these paintings. Their design is most unique and I love the bright colours that are used in the paintings. It is extremely hard to believe that the paintings are hand-made. I have bought quite a few paintings to take back with me. I will gift the paintings to my friends. What can be better for them than these beautiful masterpieces?” The demand for the art form has also caught up with the railways as many of the AC coaches of trains in Bihar are decorated with Madhubani paintings.

Music

Reality shows boost young musical talent

AAROHI KESHAV

Apurva Upadhyay and (bottom) Kamal Dev. Pictures by Ashok Sinha Patna, March 10: Nine-year-old Apurva Upadhyay dreams of making it big one day as a singer. “Singing is my passion,” said the Class V student, who idolises Lata Mangeshkar and Alka Yagnik. But to become a successful singer, she needs proper training. “Earlier, I used to sing Hindi film songs and bhajans that my mother and grandmother taught me. But two years ago, my parents decided that I need formal training. Since then I have been learning classical and folk from my guru Divya Mishra,” she said. The young singer, who does riyaz for at least two hours every day, has already performed at a show organised by a local channel. But she is no exception. A number of national and local channels are hosting reality music shows to nurture young talents and provide them with a platform. Patna residents Deepali and Mohan Rathore, who successfully competed in reality shows on national television, have become household names in the state capital. Rathore used to sing bhajans and kirtans in temples. But after winning the talent hunt, he is now a celebrity. Local television channels are also following the example of their national counterparts and hosting programmes to promote local talents. Kamal Dev, 24, took to singing after being encouraged by his friends, who told him he could be a good singer as his voice was melodious. “My friends and relatives used to praise my singing. They advised me to take it seriously. I though why not?” said Kamal. He added: “To hone my talent, I took training from a private institute in Patliputra for four years. I have learnt about notes and pitch and have become a better singer. Techniques that I learnt during my training help me sing correctly.” Kamal has been performing on TV and has done a number of stage shows over the past two years. On being asked about how serious he was about singing, he said: “I want to take it up as a career. But I also want to complete my education first. If I do not make it big as a singer, then I can at least get some other job.” Harihar Pathak, a music teacher who has been training aspiring singers of Patna, said: “In the past decade, the number of music lovers has increased. A lot of them want to learn singing and pursue a career in music. I have been training singers of all age groups. Some of my students are only five, others are 70.” He added: “It becomes very disappointing when a good singer has to quit because of family or societal pressure. But it gives immense satisfaction when my students take up singing as their career and teach others. Many of my students have now become music teachers.” Another music teacher, Om Jha, said aspiring singers should keep a few things in mind. “To pursue a career in singing, aspiring youths should learn and understand the basics of music before anything else. It is essential to have a solid foundation before choosing a career. There are five basic components in singing — pitch, rhythm, breathing, voice and diction,” said Jha. He added: “A good voice should not be taken for granted. After all, the first thing that your audience will notice is the quality of your voice. Most singers are judged on the quality of their voice. A young singer can strengthen their vocal apparatus through exercises. These can boost the quality of your voice and help create wonderful music. Diction refers to how you pronounce the words in your song. If you have a good diction, your listeners can easily grasp the lyrics and understand the meaning of the song. You should also be able to connect with your audience through the song.”

Victory cheer loud & clear

Victory cheer loud & clear

AAROHI KESHAV

Fans celebrate after the Wednesday’s win in Patna. Telegraph picture Patna, March 31: As India beat Pakistan at Mohali last night, a roar, louder than the thunderstorm the residents faced in the evening, rang through the empty roads of the city. It was the cry of jubilation as lakhs of prayers were heard at the same time. Bipul Kumar, a bank employee who took leave from work to watch the match, was overjoyed. “I kept waiting for the match to start since morning. I switched off my cellphone and put away anything that could distract my attention. The moment India won, I started screaming like crazy. This was the best match I ever saw. It was an unbelievable experience. Though the match ended at 10.30pm, I was up till 2am, celebrating the team’s victory,” he said. The moment India won the semi-final, people came out of their houses and burst firecrackers. Whistles were blown, drums were beaten, children danced and youths took out motorcycle rallies, chanting victory slogans. For the final match, Bipul said: “I am cent per cent sure India will win and history will be repeated. But the joy I got watching Wednesday’s match was totally different because it was India versus Pakistan.” Amit K. Srivastava, a resident of Kankerbagh, rued the powercuts during the match. He said: “If there was no powercut, I would have enjoyed the game more. It was a nail-biting match. Not a ball, not a shot was to be missed. Whenever the lights went off, I called up my friends to inquire about the score.” Keeping his fingers crossed, Amit added: “Now that India has qualified for the finals, we hope to not face similar powercuts. I don’t want to miss the match again.” Businessman Ajay Singh said: “I wanted to watch the match with my friends so we decided to book a hotel room, where we could watch the match without interruptions, for Rs 800 for the day.” “India winning this semi-final against Pakistan was more important. Now, we will be okay even if we don’t win the final,” added Ajay.

GAME CRICKET INDIAS NEXT RELEGION LEFT BY ENGLAND WORKD LIKE MARIJWANA

Victory cheer loud & clear

AAROHI KESHAV

Fans celebrate after the Wednesday’s win in Patna. Telegraph picture Patna, March 31: As India beat Pakistan at Mohali last night, a roar, louder than the thunderstorm the residents faced in the evening, rang through the empty roads of the city. It was the cry of jubilation as lakhs of prayers were heard at the same time. Bipul Kumar, a bank employee who took leave from work to watch the match, was overjoyed. “I kept waiting for the match to start since morning. I switched off my cellphone and put away anything that could distract my attention. The moment India won, I started screaming like crazy. This was the best match I ever saw. It was an unbelievable experience. Though the match ended at 10.30pm, I was up till 2am, celebrating the team’s victory,” he said. The moment India won the semi-final, people came out of their houses and burst firecrackers. Whistles were blown, drums were beaten, children danced and youths took out motorcycle rallies, chanting victory slogans. For the final match, Bipul said: “I am cent per cent sure India will win and history will be repeated. But the joy I got watching Wednesday’s match was totally different because it was India versus Pakistan.” Amit K. Srivastava, a resident of Kankerbagh, rued the powercuts during the match. He said: “If there was no powercut, I would have enjoyed the game more. It was a nail-biting match. Not a ball, not a shot was to be missed. Whenever the lights went off, I called up my friends to inquire about the score.” Keeping his fingers crossed, Amit added: “Now that India has qualified for the finals, we hope to not face similar powercuts. I don’t want to miss the match again.” Businessman Ajay Singh said: “I wanted to watch the match with my friends so we decided to book a hotel room, where we could watch the match without interruptions, for Rs 800 for the day.” “India winning this semi-final against Pakistan was more important. Now, we will be okay even if we don’t win the final,” added Ajay.

Time Hhas Come to Get BAck BIHARIES THERE YOU ARE CALLED BIHARI AND WE CAN AGAIN BUILF A VIHAR WHERE WHOLE WORLD WILL COME TO GAIN SWARSWATI |' BLESSI

Migrants keen to return

AAROHI KESHAV

Patna is promising, say youths. Telegraph picture Patna, Sept. 12: The days of Patna shrouded in darkness is over. The fear and sense of insecurity are gone from the minds of its citizens. There were days when businessmen did not dream of new ventures. The local means of transport refused late-night rides. Women and children remained confined to their homes after sunset and the educated section preferred to move outside the state to settle in other cities for a better lifestyle and safer environment for themselves and their children. Nobody felt safe, be it children, women businessmen, hawkers or senior citizens. The situation, however, has undergone a change in the past four to five years. Now, women are seen going out for shopping and returning home late from work. Businessmen drive around in SUVs and sedans and are eager to start new ventures in the market. Retired citizens are returning back to the state to live among their relatives. The educated youth are refraining from the high-profile jobs and are coming up with innovative ideas to change the picture of Bihar, to get it recognised on the world map. Postgraduates from top schools like Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) are working in various offices in the city or are setting up their own business. Yachna Srivastava is a 2004 batch postgraduate from TISS and works in the development sector in Bihar. She said: “During our campus recruitment, I had got a offer to work in Bihar. It became a major concern for my family and friends and I didn’t take the job. Then while working in one of the donor companies, I was asked to visit Bihar to meet people from the NGO sector. It was 2007 when I first visited Bihar. Once here, I realised that Bihar is as same as all the other states in India.” Yachna is now married and works in Patna. She said: “My work includes travelling to remote areas of the state. I travel alone but I never face any problems at all. I have no issues in working here, I feel completely safe. I feel the state is negatively portrayed.” Dr Ravi Chandra, a dentist and a rural management postgraduate from IRMA, returned to his native state after working in the development sector in other states for two years. Once back, Chandra formed the Bihar Development Trust with the sole aim to improvise the living standard of the poor by providing them with sustainable livelihood. He said: “I had the desire to do something for Bihar and its development. That was not possible while residing in other states. I feel that Bihar needs professionals who can help the rural and urban poor to move up in the social structure and empower them.” The trust was started in 2007 with Rs 5,000. Chandra now plans to convert it into a 20 billion dollar enterprise. Vikash Pathak, another native from Bihar had left the state in 1995. A MBA from the Institute of Petroleum Management, Gandhinagar, Pathak returned to Bihar in 2009. He left his high-profile MNC job in the oil sector and came back to work here with the aim to establish successful economic models in context of Bihar. He feels that Bihar needs young professionals like him who can exchange their ideas and help in the development of the state. Aarti Srivastava’s family is originally from Bihar. She was, however, born in Jamshedpur and brought up in Pune. She never thought of returning to Bihar but in 2007, her family decided to shift to Patna. Now, a schoolteacher at Kidzee Kankerbagh, she is very happy with her stay in Patna. Aarti said: “I never wanted to come back here. But once I shifted here and joined this school I felt no difference between Patna and Pune, except for few malls and multiplexes. As Patna is fast growing, I am sure it can soon beat any other city in India.” These are just few of the professionals who are back to the state with a will to do something for it. Many more like them are just waiting to get back to their native land and have the feeling of one’s own state.