Garba Timings May Be Curtailed: One fallout of the attack at Akshardham is that Baroda’s police are wondering whether to restrict the time period for garbas this year. Officials say that a clarification was awaited from the state authorities as a Government Resolution (GR) issued last year at the time of garbas and a subsequent Supreme Court order were contradictory in nature. Last year’s GR allowed the timings to be extended till 1 a.m., whereas the Supreme Court judgement pronounced after Navratri clearly prohibited the use of loudspeakers and public address systems beyond 10 p.m. It is not unlikely that the timings may effectively be from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

28-09-02

Reliance Will Invest Rs. 70,000 Million In IPCL: Chairman Mukesh Ambani recently made his first visit to Baroda after the IPCL (Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.) takeover. He opined that Baroda would soon be at the same level as Bangalore and Hyderabad, especially in information technology and education. The new Reliance management will invest Rs. 70,000 million for major expansions, operational changes and general corporate purposes at Indian Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd. (IPCL). These funds will be raised through internal resources and commercial borrowing. This was one of the resolutions cleared at IPCL’s 33rd annual general meeting on 27th September. Another resolution to increase the total capital of IPCL from Rs. 5000 million to Rs. 8000 million, including Rs. 4000 million of preference capital, was also passed. There is no proposal to merge IPCL will Reliance Industries Ltd. right now.

27-09-02

Peaceful Bandh: The statewide bandh was totally peaceful in Baroda on Thursday. The police and all the concerned law enforcement agencies were exceptionally professional and on their toes. Social and political groups were careful in their behaviour, and people in general contributed by keeping the peace. There were no serious incidents of violence. Shops and commercial establishments were largely closed for the day, as were schools and colleges.

Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway: The first phase of the Rs. 5000-million Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway is likely to be opened for vehicular traffic by December this year. This phase covers 43 km between Ahmedabad and Nadiad and is being developed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of Rs. 2000 million. The second and final phase, of roughly the same distance between Nadiad and Vadodara, is likely to be completed by December 2003. This highway will be separate from the existing National Highway No. 8 stretch between Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

MSU Receives Rare Manuscripts: Pune-based renowned astrophysicist professor Jayant Narlikar has donated a rare collection of Sanskrit manuscripts to the Oriental Institute of MS University. Narlikar’s forefathers were renowned Sanskrit scholars in Kolhapur (Maharashtra). Some of the manuscripts are over 200 years old and are related to diverse subjects in Sanskrit literature.

Fire Brigade Officer To Train In Netherlands: A senior station fire officer of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Mr. H. Tapadia, has been included in the 17-member team selected by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority for a special month-long training programme, designed to handle natural calamities, conducted by the International Center For Emergency Techniques (ICET) in Netherlands. Tapadia left for Netherlands on Wednesday for the month-long programme. He will be the co-ordinator for the team, which includes fire brigade personnel, doctors and police officers.

Natika Utsav: Akshay Kala Mandal presents ‘Do Ekanki Natika Utsav’ featuring national award winning one-act plays – ‘Spinning the Yarn’ and ‘Karta Bhi Diwana Bharata Bhi Diwana’ at the General Education Auditorium, MS University. October 1, 7.30 p.m. onwards.

Navratri Related Exhibition: Self-employed entrepreneurs will organise an exhibition cum sale of Navratri related jewellery, clothes and accessories. Aditi Art Gallery. September 28-29, 10a.m. to 10 p.m.

Retirement Planning: A one-day workshop on September 29 at Express Hotel. Conducted by Professor J.N. Mamtora. The topics: health planning, financial planning, management of surplus time, how to develop a positive attitude to life, second career, etc.

Mexican Food Festival: Mirch Masala. September 28 onwards.

26-09-02

Precautions Continue: A bandh has been called on Thursday to protest the terrorist attack on the Swaminarayan Temple in Gandhinagar. To ensure that disturbances do not take place, army columns have moved into Godhra, Dahod and Vadodara to assist the local police in maintaining law and order. Vadodara has received three columns of the army and one company of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Schools have been closed for the day and all shops and many commercial establishments have decided not to remain open. It is hoped that there will be no untoward incidents and peace will prevail.

25-09-02

Security Tightened In Baroda: After the terrorist attack on the Swaminarayan Temple in Gandhinagar, security arrangements were stepped up substantially in several parts of Gujarat, including Baroda. Entry points to the city were closely monitored and police patrolling has been strengthened within the sensitive areas. Additional police personnel have been deployed at all Swaminarayan temples in Gujarat, including the Vadtal Swaminarayan temple in Anand district and the Swaminarayan temple at Atladara in Vadodara. Community and political leaders all over Gujarat have appealed to people to maintain the peace. Baroda has reported no untoward incidents. Normal life goes on, and even the schools remained open on Wednesday.

24-09-02

Uneasy Peace: Following the fresh outbreak of disturbances on the last day of Ganeshotsav, stray incidents of stone-pelting and clashes were reported in the city on Monday and Tuesday. But relatively prompt police action prevented the violence from spreading. To be on the safe side, heavy security bandobast has been made in sensitive areas and night patrolling has been intensified.

NRI Parents Meet: The Non-Resident Parents Association will hold its third meeting on September 28 at 4.30 p.m. at Hotel Surya, Sayajigunj. Parents of NRIs who wish to join as members may ring up 331846, 391562 or 462340 before September 26.

Workshop For Hearing Impaired Children: Akshar Center began a two-day workshop pertaining to hearing impaired children on Monday. The workshop is being held with support from the Rehabilitation Council of India. The team of participating experts includes Dr. Bharatiben Modi from MS University’s Linguistics Department, audiologist Dr. Falguni and ENT surgeon Dr. P.N Saini.

Water Conservation Techniques: Heritage Trust began on Monday a 5-day workshop to teach school children traditional methods of water conservation. The venue is apt – the Navlakhi Vav (step-well) on the grounds of the Laxmi Vilas Palace. Everyday two hundred students from 18 schools in Baroda will listen to lectures from architects, archaeologists, art historians and craftspersons, who will explain traditional water conservation practices such as building reservoirs, creating lakes and sinking wells. The workshop is being funded by the water and sanitation programme of the World Bank.

Sanskrit Speaking Course: The next batch of the course conducted by Simple Sanskrit Speaking Centre will begin on 25th September. Those interested should contact Baroda Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, MS University, betwee

29-08-02

Garden Of Thoughts: An Exhibition of Paintings, by 20 artists aged 5 years to 15 years, all students of Mr. Pulak Sanpui. At Artcore Contemporary Art Gallery, Panorama Complex, R.C. Dutt Road, Vadodara (Ph: 321438). August 29 to 31, 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

27-08-02

NRI Parents’ Meet: The Non-Resident Parents’ Association, formed by people whose children have settled abroad, will hold its second meeting on Saturday, 31st August, at 4.30 p.m. at Jeevan Bharti School, Karelibaug. Those who wish to join as new members may contact the association secretary I.G. Totlani (+91-265-567543) or president M.B. Mehta (+91-265-331846).

10-08-02

Baroda Expands By 40 Sq. Km: Vadodara city’s limits now stand extended by 40 sq. km, with the Gujarat government giving its approval. The expanded area of the city is 148 sq. km. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has taken over in 12 new areas, including parts of Sayajipura, Bapod, Kapurai, Khatamba, Tarsali, Kalali, Gorwa, Karolia, Chhani, Vemali, Sama and Harni. The gram panchayats thus cease to exist in these parts and all civic functions and services will be carried out by VMC. All licenses and permissions will have to be solicited from the VMC instead of from the gram panchayats. Ward offices will come up in these areas and VMC will collect the taxes.

09-08-02

The Water Is Welcome: The monsoon’s second spell is into its fourth day. Hopes are being re-kindled on the farm front. The temperatures are kinder. The water levels in the Ajwa Sarovar, Pratapura Sarovar and the Dev Dam have edged up in response. There has been a marginal increase in the levels at Kadana Dam and Wanakbori. Cause for cheer, true, but some people feel that it should be pouring, not just raining.

Computer Course For Seniors: The Academy of Digital Arts & Communications will conduct a free one-month course in basic computer education for senior citizens. Contact: 1st floor, B Wing, Manubhai Towers, Sayajigunj. Ph: 224639.

Astronomy Course: A certificate course in meteor astronomy for students of class V and above will be conducted by the Amateur Astronomers’ Association and Sardar Patel Planetarium between August 19 and 24 at the planetarium. Register before August 15.

Theatre Workshop: MS University will conduct a 15-day theatre workshop by Debal Dasgupta from 12th August between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Interested participants should be present at the Department of Russian Language, D.N. Hall Campus, Pratapgunj, at 4 p.m. on August 12.

Children’s Play: A Jivaram Joshi play, ‘Adukiyo Dadukiyo’. Gandhinagar Gruh, 3 p.m., 11th August.

Pratibimbna Padchhaya: A play. Starring Suresh Rajda and Sejal Shah Jha. Gandhinagar Gruh, 9.30 p.m. August 12, 13.

Olkhan: A play starring Apara Mehta and Feroze Bhagat. Written by Shailesh Dave and directed by Kamlesh Mota. Gandhinagar Gruh, from 9.15 p.m. on August 16.

Exhibition: At Sienna Art Gallery by Kalpana Bhatt, Binita Gandhi and Kiran Trivedi. Crochet, handmade papers, puja thalis and other items. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. August 10-12.

Exhibition: Nikita Sharma, Amit Shrivastav and Amol Upadhyay will exhibit their works on cotton and hand embroidery and jute at Sienna Gallery between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on August 17-18.

06-08-02

Some Rain At Last: The elements turned merciful on Monday and released some welcome rain for a city that was heading towards a major water crisis. In a much delayed second monsoon phase after a long, hot, humid, dry and worrying spell, Baroda received over 35 mm of rain. The mercury relaxed a bit too, dropping 4 degrees C. The rain was certainly not enough for people to start singing again, but it helped to pep up the sagging mood of the city.

03-08-02

Water Crisis Grips City: Barodians are not strangers to water cuts; they have been living with them for some time now. But the worst may not be over. If the dry spell continues much longer and it does not rain before August 15, then the Vadodara Municipal Corporation may be unable to supply water for even half an hour each day. The city has not faced such a problem earlier. Baroda needs 50 million gallons of water daily. The water comes mainly from the Ajwa Lake and the Mahi river. The level of Ajwa is down to 202.8 feet and it is expected to reduce further by the end of August. The comfortable level of Ajwa is 211 feet.

30-07-02

Baroda Loses Out On Holiday Inn: The Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Centre at Akota Gardens, Vadodara, has no association with the global Holiday Inn group of hotels effective July 27, 2002. The management arrangement between Six Continents Hotels of UK (which lent the brand name Holiday Inn and extended management and operation support) and New Light Hotels and Resorts (the owners of the property) stands terminated. The hotel is now called Tropicana and has retained its entire staff. Excluding this property, the global hotel group currently operates 14 properties in India, including 10 Holiday Inns, one Crowne Plaza and three Inter-Continentals.

Museology Alumni Meet: A meeting of Museology alumni will be held at 11.30 a.m. on July 31, at the MS University Department of Museology, to plan the department’s 50th year celebrations.

27-07-02

The Costs Of VMC’s ‘Expansion’: The Gujarat government has included four more villages within the limits of Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC): Sama, Tarsali, Harni and Kapurai. VMC will therefore have to shell out Rs.150 million per ward initially for their inclusion in the corporation limits. VMC already incurs an expense of Rs. 600 million annually to manage the 10 administrative wards. The expenses are for maintenance of roads, drainage, water pipelines and electricity for streetlights. By way of returns, VMC will only receive an amount of Rs. 600 as tax per household for water and drainage. It will also receive property tax, but only after a year. In these areas it will also have to construct overhead tanks, each with a capacity of 1,800 million litres and at a cost of Rs. 20 million. Once the are areas are included in the city limits, they will also be declared as election wards. Incidentally, Atladara, Jambua, Maneja and Gorwa villages were included within VMC limits in 1980, and they are still not fully provided for.

Pushpabaug Faces Demolition: Pushpabaug is the original building that housed MS University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. A recent survey report submitted by a committee of structural engineers recommends that it be demolished, and this has not pleased many conservationists and heritage lovers. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1878 and was one of the bungalows meant for the subedars. It has also been used by noted Gujarati litterateur Ramanlal V. Desai as his residence and it is said that he wrote most of his famous works there. It was handed over to MSU in 1940. It once housed the Museology Department as well and was used as a studio by senior students. The demolition suggestion still needs to be approved by the heritage committee, the building committee and the MSU syndicate. In the third category of heritage buildings in MSU, the building is not considered a priority.

Radio’s Origins In Baroda: All India Radio (AIR) turned 75 on July 23, 2002. But what are radio’s origins in Vadodara? Baroda was the seventh city in India to get radio services (in 1939), again thanks to Maharaja Sayajirao III? It was then called ‘Diamond Jubilee Broadcasting Service’ and it was set up essentially to help in rural upliftment and for the promotion of Indian classical music. The Vadodara AIR Station archives has some rare records like that of Ustad Faiyyaz Khan, the court musician of Sayajirao, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Netaji and Pandit Nehru. In March 2002 AIR Vadodara began FM transmissions. Incidentally, 67-year-old Dr. Hemendra Vaidya of Baroda has been an AIR Vividh Bharati fan for 55 years! Here’s what he said about radio to an Indian Express interviewer: "I believe that television makes you idle, radio makes you ideal."

MSU-Sagar Collaboration: MS University‘s Faculty of Performing Arts may have a collaboration of sorts with Sagar Film & TV Academy (SFTVA) in order to introduce new courses in acting. Established in 1951, the faculty is among the oldest institutions in India. The lack of funds prevents the setting up of a studio with the latest in television and film production equipment as per the new University Grants Commission guidelines. SFTVA has a well-equipped studio in Vadodara and it can provide MSU students the needed professional training in television and film shooting techniques at the Sagar Film City. MSU on its part can help SFTVA by providing the quality education in dramatics and theatre that is essential for budding actors. A project of the veteran film personality Ramanand Sagar, SFTVA is supposed to be the first private film institute in western India. Scheduled to open in September, it is spread over 35 acres on Ajwa Road on the outskirts of Vadodara. The academy plans to offer a three-month course in acting and other courses related to TV and films.

Rajkot Tigress May Mate At Sayajibaug: Riddhi and Niddhi, two tigresses at Rajkot’s Dindayal Upadhyay Zoo, will leave town for a while to meet their mates. They will go their separate ways, one to Baroda’s Sayaji Zoo and one to the Junagadh zoo. If the mating is successful, the first cub will be kept by the Rajkot zoo. It more than one cub is born, there will be ‘equal division’ among both the concerned zoos. Riddhi and Niddhi were both born at the Rajkot zoo in March 1999, to Radha (brought from Bhubhaneshwar) and Uday (brought from the Junagadh zoo). Of course, all these breeding exchange programmes are first approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi. We wonder if anyone ever asks for the animals’ consent!

Two Architects Win National Awards: Barodian architects Karan Grover and Anand Shirgaokar have won the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)-Snowcem awards 2001. Shirgaokar won for a residential complex at Deolali, Maharashtra, and Grover for the Confederation of Indian Industries’ Institute of Quality building in Bangalore. Both architects are alumni of MS University’s Department of Architecture.

BMC Medical Seats: The Baroda Medical College (BMC) has obtained recognition for 40 more seats in MBBS. This will increase its intake capacity from 140 to 180 seats from this academic year. Incidentally, it is the only government medical college to have MCI (Medical Council of India) recognition.

ATM At Railway Station: An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of the ICICI Bank has been commissioned at the Vadodara railway station.

26-07-02

NRI Parents Association: The Association of Non Resident Indians’ (NRI) Parents in Vadodara met on July 21 at Hotel Surya. The function was chaired by professor R.M. Pancholi. The next meeting of the association is scheduled for July 31. Information regarding its time and venue will be available from the president, M.B. Mehta (Phone: +91-265-331846).

Workshop On Maps: Shishu Milap will organise a workshop on geographical map making for teachers and other interested persons on July 27 at the Science Education Centre (12 Krishna Society, Haribhakti Extension, Old Padra Road), Shishu Milap. Interested persons may contact Preeti Dalwadi on +91-265-342539.

Homeopathy Seminar: The Vadodara Homeopathic Academic Circle will organise a two-day seminar on July 27 and July 28 at Holiday Inn.

Exhibition By Saaz: Saaz Creations will organise an exhibition-cum-sale of salwar-kameez, saris, short tops in crepe, chiffon and handloom at Trisha gallery on July 30-31. The highlight of the display will be the beadwork of Chhota Udepur tribals.

Exhibition Of Sculptures: The Sarjan Art Gallery will have an exhibition of sculptures titled ‘Conscious To Subconscious’ by sculptor Mahendra Pandya. The exhibition will be inaugurated by artist Jeram Patel on July 28 and will continue till August 10. Mahendra Pandya is one of Baroda’s senior sculptors and among the first students at MS University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. He was also the Head of the Department of Sculpture at MSU. His public sculpture in the city of Baroda is the ABB Fountain at Fatehgunj.

Stress Management: A stress management workshop will be organised at Yoga Niketan, Fatehgunj, from August 8 to 31. It will be conducted by Dr. B.M. Palan, former head of the Department of Hypnotherapy at SSG Hospital.

First Aid Programme: A training programme on First Aid has been organised by Gujarat Safety Council, the Factory Inspectorate of Vadodara and Baroda Dairy on August 8 and 9. Those interested may ring up +91-265-397556/392988.

22-07-02

Kiran More Sells Less In Baroda Than In Europe: Did you know that former Indian wicket-keeper Kiran More has a helmet manufacturing unit in Baroda that exports helmets to Europe? He exports over 5,000 helmets to Europe every month, but in Baroda he sells only 30 helmets a month. Awareness about helmets is poor in Gujarat, and most people buy the non-ISI helmets that cost about Rs. 150. The ISI approved helmets cost Rs. 250 and more. In Gujarat buyers are mostly those who do a lot of highway driving or the middle-aged. Helmet usage will pick up in Gujarat only when the traffic police become tough.

Women’s Studies Course: MS University’s Women’s Studies Research Centre is offering its third interdisciplinary course in women’s studies from August 5. The nine-week part-time course covers key issues in the area of women’s studies. Post graduates from any discipline as well as those with HSC and at least two years experience with NGOs are eligible for the course. The last date for submission of forms is July 30.

Seat Reservation For Children Of MSU Staff: Five per cent seats will be reserved in the Arts, Science and Home Science faculties of MS University (along with 50 seats in the Commerce faculty) for the children of non-teaching staff of MSU. The seat reservations have been confined to only the non-professional courses.

Seshan Nominated: Mr. V. Seshan, Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Vadodara complex, has been nominated for the International Peace Prize for the year 2002 by the United Cultural Convention of USA in recognition of his 45 years of public service in teaching and social development. His name is also being recommended to other world bodies such as the UN and UNESCO.

Nita Thakore Co-ordinates Textile Art Exhibition: India has been invited this year to share the platform with Italy at the 8th European Patchwork Meeting at St. Marie aux Mines, Alsace, France, in mid September. The Indian component of this exhibition is being curated and co-ordinated by Baroda-based textile artist Nita Thakore. The 2002 European Patchwork Meeting will exhibit 800 patchworks and will be spread over 15 sites and four towns. The theme is ‘The Good Earth’. Nita Thakore has also been invited to take ‘The Good Earth’ to Germany.

18-07-02

City To Receive Narmada Water: Water supply in Vadodara may improve by August-end. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation has been assured by the Gujarat government that water from the Narmada canal will be diverted to the Mahi river through the escape canal. The water level in Baroda’s Ajwa and other water sources has fallen due to the reduced rainfall. If the level of water in the Mahi is restored, water distribution in the city should be able to pick up.

Disposal Of Bio-Medical Waste: The December 2002 deadline to implement the Indian government’s rules regarding the disposal of bio-medical waste is round the corner. Baroda’s doctors are now joining hands with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to quickly tackle the problem. Till now, most of the bio-medical waste is dumped at the municipal waste yard, which is a potential health hazard. Roughly 1.5 Tonnes of medical waste is generated in the city each year. The Bio-Medical Waste Rules, 1998, stipulate that the waste must be categorised into 10 different types and treatment options (incineration, sterilisation and chemical treatment). Authorisation for disposal has to be sought from the Pollution Control Board and reports must be filed annually.

16-07-02

Tejas Vidyalaya Awarded ISO Certification: Tejas Vidyalaya has become the first school in Vadodara, and among the few day schools in India, to be awarded the ISO 9001:2000 International Quality Standards Certificate for both academics (syllabus, examination and evaluation systems, etc.) and non-academics (administration, kitchen, etc.). Incidentally, the Department of Metallurgy in MS University’s Faculty of Technology & is also trying for similar certification.

Film Institute In Baroda: Supposed to be the first private film institute in western India, the Sagar Film & Television Academy spread is due to open on the outskirts of Baroda in September. The academy, spread over 35 acres on Ajwa Road, is a project of the veteran film personality Ramanand Sagar. The academy plans to offer a three-month course in acting and other courses related to TV and films.

Senior Citizens Show: Vadodara’s senior citizens have decided to get together and stage a performance at C.C. Mehta Auditorium on August 11. They will offer skits, dances, a magic show and recitals of vocal and instrumental music on the theme of social harmony. Organised by the Retired Officers’ Forum (ROF), the programme is open to members of senior citizens’ associations in the city. An artistic background is not essential and any interested senior citizens can perform. If interested, please ring up Mr. Kwatra (793526) or Mr. Popli (772995).

Website For Differently Abled: A city-based NGO, Society for the Physically Handicapped (SPH), has launched <www.vishitang.com>, a matrimonial website for the physically challenged. It will also help users to search for appropriate job opportunities as well as help with resources from abroad.

Electronic Photo-Identity Cards: The district administration will soon provide electronic photo-identity cards (EPICs) to another 1.2 million voters in Vadodara. These voters could not be provided EPICs when the system was first introduced in 1994. The exercise will begin on August 5 and go on for a month. Vadodara has a total electorate of 2.4 million.

15-07-02

Passport Office Online: The Regional Passport Office (RPO) at Ahmedabad has decided to go online by mid-August. Ahmedabad’s will be the third RPO to introduce online registration of passport applications, after Chennai and Bangalore. Online submission will be done prior to physical submission of application forms with all supporting documents at the RPO counter.

13-07-02

Peaceful Rathyatra: Gujarat sighed with relief as the people by and large, helped along by the unprecedented security, kept the peace on July 12 and the Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath passed off without any hitches in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

Fine Arts Dean Resigns: Dhruv Mistry, the renowned sculptor, stepped down as the Dean of the MS University Fine Arts Faculty. He resigned just three days after his deanship was confirmed. MSU Vice Chancellor Professor K.C. Upadhyaya has refused to accept the resignation and may ask Mistry to reconsider it.

Hornbills Born At Zoo: Baroda’s Sayajibaug Zoo has created a record of by successfully breeding the Indian pied hornbill for the fourth consecutive time. Incidentally, the city’s zoo is the only one in India where this bird has bred in captivity. The first successful breeding in the zoo was in 1996. The young ones survived and were housed in a separate cage. Recently, the original pair was used for captive breeding that saw the birth of two more hornbills.

12-07-02

Vadodara Railway Division May Be ‘Downsized’: In an important development, the Railway Ministry has cleared the long-pending proposal for a separate railway division at Ahmedabad. Parts of Vadodara, Ajmer and Rajkot divisions may be taken away and merged to form the Ahmedabad division. This move may create hassles for Vadodara Division which stretches from Surat in South Gujarat to Gandhidham in North Gujarat. Vadodara Division may have to spare 5,000 employees for the new division and many employees may have to be technically shifted to Ahmedabad Division. Vadodara Division now has about 27,000 employees. Vadodara takes pride in its railway heritage since the Gaekwad days because of the excellent services that the Gaekwad State Baroda Railways provided in the mid-19th century.

Astronomy Workshop: The Community Science Centre (DDE-ORG Systems, Sarabhai Premises, Vadi-Wadi) is organising a one-day workshop on ‘Basic & Practical Astronomy’ on July 21. Interested students (from standard V to X) may register on or before July 18.

Harishophone – New Musical Device: A recent application from Vallabh Vidyanagar to the Guinness Book of World Records pertains to a new musical instrument that uses a carpenter’s saw blade, a violin bow and a resonating box with a phonogram attached to it. Its inventor, Harish Gershom, has called it a ‘Harishophone’. Harish teaches chemistry at RPTP Science College and is connected with the Musical Artistes Association of Gujarat.

11-07-02

Elaborate Security For Rathyatra: The Jagannath Rathyatra on 12th July will follow the traditional route in Vadodara. The Rathyatra has been organised in the city for the last 20 years by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon). The Rathyatra will start from the railway station at 1.30 p.m. and proceed through Kothi, Raopura, Jubilee Baug, Nyay Mandir, Dandia Bazaar, Khanderao Market, Lal Court, R.V. Desai Road and Sardar Market and end at Polo Ground around 7 p.m. The city police have made elaborate security arrangements for the event. The additional forces deployed include one company of the Central Reserve Police Force, two Rapid Action Force battalions and five companies of the State Reserve Police. Video cameras will record the procession throughout its course and also keep a track of the crowds on the roadside. The Organised Crime Squad will accompany the chariot along with a team of the Rapid Action Force.

10-07-02

Erratic Monsoon Makes City Uneasy: The monsoon first waterlogged Vadodara, and now it is hiding and has the city worried. Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) officials say that water supply may have to be restricted to once a day till September if the rains do not reappear. The Fajalpur French Well was affected by saline water three months ago. The city needs 55 million gallons of water daily, of which 15 million gallons are drawn from Fajalpur. The other sources of water are the tubewells on the Mahi and four French wells in Raika, Dholka, Poicha and Ajwa. With the Ajwa level at 205 feet, the water can be drawn from it only till September. The only other alternative is to pay the state government for water from other sources like the Dev and Sukhi dams.

New VMC Commissioner: Arvind Agarwal, a 1984 batch IAS officer, has taken charge as the Commissioner of Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). He was earlier Commissioner (Agriculture), Commissioner (Higher Education), Director (Transport) and Collector and District Magistrate of Bharuch. He replaces J.N. Singh, who has gone to Manila on study leave.

08-07-02

Train Services Restored: The train services between Mumbai and Surat began again on 6th July. The services had been closed for nine days because heavy rains had washed away the tracks on a bridge between Palghar and Dahanu Road. At present only a single track has been made operational.

05-07-02

Land For Health Services: The Standing Committee of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation proposes to give out VMC plots of land reserved for health services on a 99-year lease. A decision in this regard may soon be finalised soon. Nine plots – from 2,000 to 12, 000 sq. metres – have been identified, with the price varying from Rs. 2, 500 to Rs. 6,100 per sq. metre.

Turban Exhibition: A collection of 125 paags, pagdis and safas is being exhibited by Avantilal Chavla from July 8 to 10 at MS University’s Faculty of Performing Arts. Chavla has already gained an entry into the Limca Books of Records for his turban collection. The major attraction is a 10-feet diameter pagdi weighing 10 kg. The display includes a variety of headgear from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Chavla is a Reader in the Dramatics Department who has worked on a research project on the headgear worn during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad.

Musical Drama Workshop: July 8 onwards: Amsterdam pop star Daniel Dachc will conduct a five-week Musical Drama workshop for children at Funtime Hobby Time. The workshop will cover vocal and instrumental music and dramatics.

Training For Councillors: Twenty eight women councillors of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) will attend a two-day training programme conducted by the All India Institute for Local Self Government at Pune from July 8.

03-07-02

NRIs & PIOs Can Take Out More Money: With India’s foreign exchange reserves at a comfortable $ 57 billion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to allow repatriation of funds out of balances held by non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in their non-resident ordinary Rupee (NRO) accounts in cases of meeting educational expenses of children, medical expenses and sale proceeds of immovable properties. The RBI has allowed repatriation of $30,000 per academic year to meet children’s educational expenses, $100,000 for medical expenses abroad of the account holder or his family members, and up to $100,000 per year representing sale proceeds of immovable property held by them for a period not less that 10 years.

Income-Tax Raids: Income-tax officials raided the premises of a Vadodara-based business group on Tuesday (2nd July). The group is in construction and real estate businesses and education related activities. About 160 government officials raided 19 residential and business premises of the group.

Philology Courses: MS University's Department of Russian will offer short-term and long-term courses in Russian philology for beginners and advanced learners. Admissions will begin from 4th July and classes will start from 15th July. Students who have passed SSC may contact the department between 10 a.m. and 12 noon or ring 786336.

Acupuncture Camp: As a part of its celebrations for completing 30 years, the Ambalal Sarabhai Foundation for Health Education & Welfare is organising a free acupuncture camp on July 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in collaboration with Lions Club of Alkapuri.

Vastu Shastra Lectures: Baroda Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya (BSM) has organised a series of lectures on Vastu Shastra and Jyotish Shastra at BSM from July 3 to July 6 (10.30 a.m.). Admissions to courses in Astrology and Sanskrit are also going on.

02-07-02

Health Check-ups In Schools: Vadodara district officials have started a health check-up programme of all students in the district’s primary schools and anganwadis. A total of 504,868 children will be covered by 80 medical teams. For children with serious health problems, a team of five specialists has been formed. Last year, in a similar survey 96 % of the children in the district had been covered and 1,012 children with serious health problems were provided specialised healthcare free of cost.

Prohibitory Orders: In order to maintain law and order, the district administration has issued prohibitory orders against possessing arms, holding meetings and taking out any processions in Vadodara. The order will remain in effect till 9th July.

Marking Of Packed Food: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has announced that it will strictly follow a central directive according to which manufacturers and retailers have to clearly demarcate their products as being vegetarian or non-vegetarian in nature. Products such as mineral water, carbonated water, milk and milk derivatives are exempted.

Dry Spell Continues: The rains again skipped Baroda on Monday and allowed some more time for the city and district authorities and homeowners to ‘dry up’ and prepare for the next round. Meanwhile, work is on to restore the train traffic between Gujarat and Maharashtra. However, the damage to bridge number 144 between Palghar and Dahanu Road is extensive and it is likely that train services may be affected till 7th July. Many trains have been cancelled and others have been rerouted.

01-07-02

Violence Again In City: After many peaceful weeks violence again raised its ugly head in Baroda on Sunday (30th June) afternoon. Six persons were injured and police fired at least six tear gas shells to disperse clashing mobs in the Kharwawad area of the city.

Monsoon Relaxes: Sunday saw a welcome dry spell after several days of heavy rains. The sun was out for a long stretch, city services had some breathing space to set the ‘house’ in order again and clothes could be hung out to dry. Maybe the elements were allowing time out for the football World Cup and the India-Sri Lanka cricket match at the Oval.

Devyanidevi Passes Away: Almost a month after the death of Rajmata Shantadevi Gaekwad, her sister Devyanidevi Gaekwad, 82, passed away on Saturday (29th June) at the Bhailal Amin General Hospital. Devyanidevi Gaekwad is survived by her son Ajitsinh Gaekwad and three daughters Nirmaladevi Ajitsinh Shinde, Sunitidevi Nimbalkar and Mohinidevi Bobde. Devyanidevi lived in the palace opposite Motibaug after her marriage with Chandrasenrao Gaekwad in 1937. The funeral ceremony was held on Sunday at the royal crematorium at Kirti Mandir.

Jewellery Design On CD: The reference library at the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery has rare volumes titled ‘The Grammar of Ornaments’. The volumes contain details of ornaments and designs from different cultures and countries. Since the volumes are very old they are deteriorating and the pages have become brittle. The museums department has therefore digitised the volumes into a marketable compact disc format.

Great Golden Circus: At Exhibition Ground, Near Kirti Stambh, Vadodara. 3 Shows: 1.00 p.m., 4.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. Advance Booking from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.