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How Mandarins In The ADA Are Ruining Mughal Agra- Save Agra From The Visionless And The Corrupt

* I humble request you to Please draft a petition on this line. Please let us know the names of the authorities. We can then send them registered A/d Letters of our petition. This thing can be stopped but then where do you propose to get the over bridge shifted may be also a question since this is a very important intersection and a accident prone area and foot over bridge could be a good solution. We must have a alternate working plan also.

--- CA. Sorabh Bansal, Agra

* To,   

The Divisional Commissioner

Ms Radha S Chauhan, IAS

Agra

Dear Madam,

This is to bring to your kind notice that the heritage character of this city is being spoiled by ADA’s ad hoc and inconsistent policies resulting in  haphazard and chaotic urban development.

Since you are the chairperson of the ADA and also in charge of the Taj Heritage Fund, it is necessary that you be informed of how the self seekers and mandarins in the ADA Bhawan at Jaipur House are following urban development policies without any thought to the overall heritage character of this city.

I would particularly like to remind you that the Supreme Court appointed high-powered committee headed by Dr. S Vardarajan, had in its report in 1993 made 15 odd recommendations which provides a framework within which all development work should proceed in the city. It was on the basis of this committee report that polluting industries in the Taj Trapezium were closed and asked to switch over to natural gas.

I suggest the ADA functionaries be asked to procure a copy of this report and follow its recommendations and suggestions faithfully.

Since no importance is being attached to visual pollution, as evident from new projects coming up, like the new bridge near Etmauddaula, the new pedestrian over bridge being built by the ADA opposite the St. John’s College building, a mobile telephone tower permitted close to the Kalakriti auditorium, it would be proper and desirable to form an Urban Arts Commission that should sanction all future construction activities.

All future construction plans should be approved by the proposed Urban Arts Commission which should have as members artists, architects, landscape designers, urban planners, and social activists working in the field of environment.

The present structure of the ADA is undemocratic and too bureaucratized. Earlier the elected Municipal Corporation used to have a say, but this august body only sends a couple of corporators who are easily influenced. Ideally all projects should be approved by the elected house which should debate the plans. Unfortunately we have started believing that the democratic institutions are there only to act as hurdles or some kind of roadblocks in the path of “know-all” bureaucrats. This perception must change if democratic institutions have to be empowered.

I sincerely hope you as a highly sensitive and down to earth official would take the appropriate initiatives to correct the imbalance.  

---Brij Khandelwal, Editor, Agratoday.in

* सर, ओवर ब्रिज देखा तो मेरा भी माथा ठनका था। सेंट जोन्स कॉलेज की रीडर डॉ. मधुरिमा शर्मा को जानकारी दी थी...

---डॉ. भानु प्रताप सिंह,  दैनिक हिंदुस्तान

* Brij ji, Please see the news published in Hindustan.

--- Nasiruddin, Dainik Hindustan

* I was correct in my assessment that our beloved Mayor must have suggested this foot over bridge for Catwalks in front of heritage facade. No other reason than catwalk seems plausible as there are no footpaths on the road for pedestrians. This will be the only use. Miles said the bureaucracy is fond of listening to its own voice. Yes indeed. She remembers the phone calls but forgot to take a mandate on this issue. She did so for the Taj campaign. Kindly remind her that she is elected First Citizen but not unanimous decision.

--- Abhinay Prasad, Director, Skill Assessment & Certification Centre (SACC), 48, Tota Ka Tal, Madiakatra, Agra

* ADA vice chairman is TELLING LIES. Principal of St John's with students and teachers protested the day the team visited the spot. Later Dainik Jagran published detailed stories not only over bridge, bus stand and tempo stands are also being constructed right opposite St. John's college, a deliberate attempt to harass a minority institution. The mayor too is misleading people. Normally, any project of this nature when drawn up invites feedback and reactions from the public. How are we to know what the ADA is doing and what the details are. No public hearing is ever held. The ADA is headed and run by arrogant bureaucrats who think they can get project underway. To put the record straight we had protested to his London Ferris wheel project and got it scrapped some months ago. Even during public hearing of the Kuberpur slaughter house project we had submitted 60 odd objections and all were complied with before clearance was given. Again for record sake let me bring to your notice how shifting syndrome has been a feature of Agra right from the Mughal times. Akbar shifted capital to Fatehpur Sikri and then shifted back to Agra, Later Mughals shifted to Delhi. Ghalib shifted to Delhi. Nagar Nigam shifted from Moti Ganj, Dara Shikoh's library to John's public library and later to its present premises Subzi Mandi shifted from Chipitola to Delhi road. Slaughter house shifted from Fatehabad road to Kuberpur, Power houses shifted to Yamuna bank near Etmauddaula, Bus stand shifted from Bijlighar to Idgah and then shifted to ISBT, Central jail shifted from Sanjay place to its present location, TV tower shifted from Ram Bagh crossing to Shamshabad road, Yamuna barrange shifted from upstream to downstream and finally to Gokul, Industries shifted from city to Nunihai and then shifted to Foundry Nagar, Transport companies shifted from Yamuna kinara road to Transport Nagar, Shoe market shifted from Hing Ki Mandi to Sanjay Place, Container depot from Gadhapara, Malgodam to Yamuna bridge railway station, Petha Nagari to be shifted to Kalindi Bihar… hey… what's going on? May be some have been left out… So why does this happen? Because… I don’t know…

--- Brij Khandelwal, Editor, Agratoday.in

* Brij ji, Thanks for your concern, for your information- I along with Ajit Fauzdar, Architect, and Vivek Sarabhoy attended the meeting held at ADA under the Chairmanship of VC ADA as a follow up meeting of Commissioner meeting held at commissioners office as Agra traffic improvement committee in which they have presented the plan of Auto stand and bus Stand in which we objected regarding the design of the bus stand which they assured will improve and present in next meeting which they never held and regarding auto stand they agreed that there is no need of such Auto stand as it is wrong with the view that Auto need Shelter not stand as they are to be considered as private transport not public transport and we along with auto association identified few places also to be developed as Auto Shelters. We also discussed with them about the Police booth at crossings and suggested the problem with the booth design and secondly they have also asked the Architect to design the crossings and when the basic structure of the crossing need to change there is no point in making any major change like Mughal kalin booth for which they suggested that it can be shifted to anywhere as it is being made in fold able structure. Unfortunately they have not send the minutes of the meeting as they must clear to violate the decisions of the meeting. In the same meeting we have also decided about the You are here board with directional markings for which I have also suggested to check the IRC recommendation and to make it according to its standards but ADA is there to waste the money so they have design the board which is useful only for slow moving traffic and inconvenient to the pedestrian. Regarding foot over bridge we (I and Vivek Sarabhoy) visited the commissioner and showed our concern. She was kind enough to listen to us but suggested us you should be positive in your approach and do not ask to stop the FOB so we suggested that the FOB should be made according to the IRC recommendations which we agreed to provide. She fixed the meeting with NAGAR AYUKT and I visited Ayukt next day but meeting was held with KP Tripathi and Pioneer Publicity head and we could find many design faults like Stairs were only on one side and there was no cover above the FOB so he agreed to 1) Stairs on both side 2) The space below the bridge to beautify and to make pedestrian pavement at least up to 200 meters on both side of the bridge 3) The ambiances should not get disturb with the bridge for that they agreed to make design as per St. John's College structure 4) They were not making the side grills which they agreed to make of proper size 5) They have agreed to display directional sign also as they were using it only for advertisement 6) They also agreed to increase the width if the bridge as they were making it only 2 meters and according to IRC it should be at least 3 meters 7) The height is 5.5 meters so it will difficult for pedestrian to go upstairs near crossing so best is make it convenient we must have escalators on which they have not agreed but assured that they will have further discussion on it 8) The question regarding St. John's also come in which I have suggested to call Principal St. John's for clearing the project and if he agrees than we may also ask the contractor to have one stairs (third) to start from the college and end at college with Gate to be maintained with college timings (For this I also asked the one of Clerk to ask the Principal which never gave me reply). After this meeting concluded with the contractor to provide new design to me before starting the FOB which he never supplied to me which I will be asking in my next RTI. Regarding FOB is to be made I have several points against that place which can also be proved in the court as they are not according to IRC recommendations. (but this FOB is made in PPP model the rules being flouted for the convenience of the contractor who is an advertiser.) I suppose all the above points will help you to make your point strong. But in my opinion we only need to have proper traffic lights at various crossings and comfortable islands in between for pedestrian comfort. Rest you decide as this city need much to be done before commonwealth games not only infighting but proper development of the city which require Government help and proper control by the stake holders which they (bureaucrat) never allow as it will reduce their share. If anybody is ready than I can give various points which they have done against Agra which can be done right with proper discussion. As for example recent controversies about cuts… What we need is to have proper discussion with all administrative authorities who are responsible to get the work done and ask them not to be whimsical at least for the development of Agra as Stake holders also want proper development. We must not spent only for the sake of spending we must also discuss to get best out of it and if Administrative agency is right we must implement that and if public is right we must implement that but the SHOW must go on we need development and involvement of the stake holder at the inception stage not after everything gets over.

---Sanjay Chaturvedi, Secretary SHARE, Asha Arthroscopy center, 1/188, Delhi Gate, Agra

 

* After all this, I met Ex ADM City Prabhanshu Srivastava,he was also with the thought that FOB at St. Johns has no relevance. My thinking is that Nagar Nigam is doing this to have money floating in from advertisements without considering the relevance for the FOB…

---Vivek Sarbhoy, Director & National Head, Sanskrati Consultants

 

Internet Poll Elects Most Popular Agraite Of 2009

Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society in association with Agratoday.in and Mediabharti.com felicitated eminent personalities of the city in a glittering function. The event in the eyes of media. Take a look...

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Swine Flu: Poor Medical Services In Agra

Dear Brij Bhai, your story on swine flu scare in Agra is appreciable. Even my son caught this virus in Delhi last week. He was in high fever when admitted for routine check up in Fortis hospital, second evening he tested positive for H1N1 virus and was discharged from the hospital as this hospital is not authorized to keep the patients of swine flu. The same night we showed him in a designated government hospital and got the medicines which are available through these hospitals only on the prescription by the hospital doctor. Since there was no bed available in any of the designated hospitals in Delhi that are badly infected of the worse cases of this flu, we were advised to keep him at home in isolation. We also got preventive medicines for three Attendants. Since all of us were exposed to the patient, my daughter-in-law caught the virus the same night and we started giving treatment to her also. Third day, my daughter also tested positive and she is also being given the same treatment. Other six people at home or those who were exposed to my son are also being administered the medicines for prevention or for a possible virus infection. We are restricted to our home in Delhi for the last one week. I narrated this story to you just to give you a feel as to how quickly it can spread. Although every body has recovered from the flu now, but it was really very scary. I am writing this to you as you have produced a good story on this epidemic sort of illness. Although the media is being blamed for creating unnecessary hype of this disease, but to my mind, this becomes the responsibility of media to create awareness amongst the masses. All sort of precautions and preventive measures are required to be taken by the masses, medical health department and government at all levels to create awareness. If treated timely, the disease is controllable and if ignored this can be fatal. People should be enlightened for the prevention and precautions. That is the only solution. We must fight this out. One single machinery can not fight this disease. All round efforts and awareness is the only solution to fight it. This is not necessary to wait for the report of tests to come, if one is slightly exposed to a patient or develops even a minor symptom of this deadly flu, one must consult a doctor... Ajay Aggarwal, DLA, Agra

 

A 'Princely' Rs.400 For Winning Two Gold, One bronze At Ipoh

I congratulate for your achievement, Anita. People are intoxicated with cricket a game, some body said, played by 11 dogs and watched by 11 thousand fools. When the learned man (Bernard Shah) said there was no TV. Now it may be watched by thousands of millions. They are deifying cricket stars. What is there contribution in nation building. They waste productive man hours of millions of citizens. Customs waive duties for them. Income tax officials lenient taxing them. Cricket is a curse to sports. Athletics are ignored and they never come in lime light unless one get in to Olympic games and get at least a bronze. Don't expect any thing from government or public. Don't get disappointed. There are many like me who are very proud of your achievements. Anita Yadav, I wish you all the best… KN Pillai

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I read the article about Anita Yadav. A very sad story- being from US I have watched struggles of US women in sport. My thought was, how much press coverage did this exceptional young (well…) woman receive? Of times officials are "shamed" into giving awards, recognition etc. because it has been in the local/regional news. Even police rag? Was she covered and noted? Was there coverage of these events, or were they ignored giving officials "green light" to pass her without notice? Responsibility lies in many quarters. My best wishes and a big salute to her for her achievements… R. Lee Ponting

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I read the story about the athelete Anita Yadav and just don’t know how to react to this cold attitude towards our sports people. I would like to ask you as how we as common people help these atheletes. Is their an organisation who can take care of these stars of our country. If not can we support them in any other way. Looking forward to your answer… Rohit

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Please tell Mrs. Anita Yadav that, having read your news item, I am proud of her athletic accomplishments! Do pass on my congratulations to her. Several of my friends will also write to you… Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA

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Dear Brij, hope the higher ups are listenin'. It's a sad state of affairs for our sports persons other than cricketeers. Thanks for highlighting Anita Yadav's plight… Dneli

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I was shocked to read the disgusting treatment being meted out to Anita Yadav. There is absolutely no respect for sportspersons in India- a few months ago, our Olympic runner PT Usha was insulted at a sports meet. The authorities fawn and grovel before cricket players because a huge audience watches cricket matches on TV and all stand to make huge money from this. That is why all politicians rush to be a part of the cricket jamboree. As a simple retired professor in a medical college, I cannot offer Anita a large sum of money, but as a token of appreciation, I would like to send her a cheque of Rs. 5000/- (five thousand). Please send me her address… Dr. Sucharita Nanivadekar

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Dear Brij, It is really sad state of affairs not only at the police level but all over India. Except for cricket all other players playing various games must beg, borrow or steal for survival or else don’t be a sports person. I am really surprised that Anita Yadav was given Rupees Four Hundred and was not asked to sign any documents asking her to repay it in 10 equal instalments of Rupees Forty every month. Interest for the amount shall be waived as a token of appreciation for bringing in 2 gold and 1 bronze medals from Malasia. Well Done POLICE DEPT. This act of yours will encourage many Anitas to bring in more and more medals for India… Vishwanath

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Dear Brij, the article was ironically interesting. I've emailed the artcile to one of the newspaper reporters- let's see if she can bring some help… Kamal

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Dear Brij, shocked to hear of the sheer callousness of the sports authorities. Thank you for highlighting this issue. Is there a petition or something similar to pressurise the government into decency? I would be glad to be part of it. How do you think we could ensure that she gets the support and respect that she deserves… Dr. Amit Gupta, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

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Respected Mr. Khandelwal, I just went through your report on Anita Yadav, this is pathetic attitude towards a national achiever. First of all thanks for bringing up this issue, I would be highly obliged if this can be brought to Television Channels. Sir, its not just about one Anita Yadav, but the other Anita Yadavs that still has to come, to come for India… Aashish Sharma, Ahmedabad

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DEAR SIR, WHILE GOING THROUGH THE REPORT OF OUR GREAT SPORTS LADY AND HER LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN MALASIA, AND THE IRRESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE OF OUR ADMINISTRAION NOT RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS, I AM FUULY AGREE WITH GREAT LADY AND CONDEMN THE CRIMINAL ATTITUDE OF THE ADMINISTRATION, WHICH I WILL SAY THE ADMINISTRATION OF BUTCHERS AS RIGHTLY SAID BY THE DAUGHTER OF OUR RESPECTED PRIME MINISTER, WHO IS RESIDING IN USA. REALLY IT IS SHAME TO OUR NATION. IN THIS REGARD, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD WITH PAINFUL HEART THAT MY RESPECTED ELDER BROTHER GULSHAN MADAN. MANAGER, ORIENTAL BANK OF COMMERCE, WAS EXPIRED ON 25.10.2009  WITH SEVERE HEART ATTACK. HE WAS TO RETIRE ON 31.10.2009 AFTER ABOUT 35 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE BANK. AND DURING HIS LAST YEAR OF SERVICE IN THE BANK HE WAS TRANSFERED TWICE, FIRST TO ZIRA (PUNJAB) AND SECOND TO FEROZPUR (PUNJAB) BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF BUTCHERS OF THE BANK. AND, THE ANIMAL LIKE ACT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ORIENTAL BANK TO TRANSFER AN OFFICIAL TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR OF HIS SERVICE WHEN HE IS TO RETIRE ON 31.03.2010 SHOULD ALSO BE CONDEMNED IN THE MEDIA. REALLY I AM COMPLETELY UPSET IN THESE DAYS. PLEASE CONVEY MY SYMPATHY TO THE GREAT LADY… SATINDER KUMAR

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Dear Mr. Khandelwal, Thank you for bringing out the story of ANITA YADAV. Please convey my massage to her that I, an ordinary citizen of this country, am proud of her achievement, and, more than that, her dedication despite no encouragement from quarters that she expected it. The fact that her husband supports her throughout is really commendable. She should not get frustated- she will one day definitely get her due. And it may not necessarily be from her department. This country is an extremely cricket-crazy one where no other sport is that much appreciated. But she must carry on… Kishore Senapati

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Please let Anita Yadav know that the whole country is proud if her, if not the whole country atleast I am proud of her achievements and her determination to be not corrupt!! People like her are the real heroes/heroines who should be a model for inspiration to all girls from UP and Bihar. My native is Bihar and so I can understand the challenges she might have gone through to achieve what she has achieved and sincerely want to congratulate her. Please pass on this message from me to her. And thanks so much for publishing her story… Sushil Kumar Singh, ITC Infotech India Ltd.

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Dear Brij, Thank you for coming up with this regretful story of Anita Yadav and the indifference towards her achievements. Time and again, media has covered the sorry plight of the sports-persons and athletes in this country, some living in penury and others tired of the nasty sports-politics or just plain indifference. Anita, thankfully, has a supporting husband and family that allow her to continue her good work. Else, it is well known how the Indian female, in all spheres, has a great battle to win with her immediate environment, before she could do anything beyond it. Indian athletics and sports in general has drawn a lot of flak because of such stories. However, not much has been seen being done about the alleviation of such sports-persons from their sad state. It would be a welcome move if the media, in association with well-meaning voluntary organizations and individuals, could create platforms for such sports-persons to be promoted and recognized from time to time. A special effort to bring the accomplished retired or old sportspersons to a place of dignified living and recognition would indeed be a hallmark in the credibility of Indian sports… Nilovna, Director, SPARSH, (Voluntary Organization), Orissa (India)

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Agratoday.in Launched Officially

Agratoday.in thanks to various media organizations for spreading the words...

* Jagarn.Yahoo.com/epaper

* Jagarn.Yahoo.com

* Dainik Jagran

* NDTVKhabar.com

* Hindustandainik.com

* Hindusatan
 

* IBNKhabar.com

* Amar Ujala

* DLA-am

* DLAMedia.com

* Mediabharti.com

* Bhadas4media.com 

* Mediabhart.com/blog

* Mediabharti.com/blog/hindi

* आजादी अभिव्यक्ति की

* Delhiblog

* ThakurG

* My Best Wishes on the launch of AgraToday.in: Dr.Ratan Saini

* Congratulations keep on going my best wishes with you: Sanjay

* Good and warm Wishes on this great occasion of the formal launch of Agratoday.in. We much needed it. Your e-magazine (paperless) would a laudable step to save environment also. Wish you all a grand success of the website and effort: KC Jain

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ASI Shoots Down Ropeway Project Behind Taj

* Taj Mahal has been widely acknowledged and seen as a building of rare, awesome, and breathtaking beauty. However it is not the architecture alone, but several other factors which contribute to the rare sight. As one enters the main gate and stops to soak in the magnificent sight, little may he realize that the sight comprises of four colors only- the white of the marble, red of the sandstone, green of the gardens all around, and blue of the sky. The blue of the sky is maintained because there are no buildings behind the Taj to interfere with the visual. There are no buildings because the Jamuna flows behind. I thought this was fine; but never thought of ropeways and ferris wheels! Lets be absolutely sure that any such schemes do not create 'visual pollution' or interfere with the pristine visual beauty of the Taj. Ravi Agarwal, Agra

* All this is very amusing...take a look at the new projects on the ADA website. The Ferris wheel is actually a take on the London eye, which is quite spectacular. In that it offers you a view of the entire city. You may be able to see Sikandra and other lesser monuments with out having to go there. Also the many multi-storey buildings that have come up despite the recommendations of the Varadharajan Committee report. Obstruct traditional views of the heritage city. The only option left is London eye type Ferris wheel. May be this could have come up at Kuberpur. But the Nagar Nigam has proposed a landfill at this beautiful potential picnic spot! As for the rope way, if we had clean water in the Yamuna, boats would have been a better option, which I also believe was the preferred mode of transport in Mughal times (I think I read this in one of Professor Nath's books). Despite all these allegation's the ADA Vice Chairman is doing a great job for the Taj. The Eastern approach has been beautified with better paving and street furniture etc. Ravi, Agra

* Just to add my two penny's worth… why is everyone going after the ADA… what about the politicians, our elected representative… who continue to fool us… and take joy in the cities destruction…they are hand in gloves… and the Masters of the ADA which implement what they want. The blessed builders should also be convicted for breaking every planning rule… including ensconcing themselves on the water bodies of Agra, creating multi-storey buildings with in 10 km of Taj despite the Vardharajan Committee recommendations, to add to this the Green belts are vanishing…and sewerage is being discharged into the ground water...they are also hacking down tree's… no doubt with glee at the escalating property prices… heaven help up. Ravi, Agra

* How long the Tourism Industry and our town will be deprived of the required infrastructure. It seems that the Ministers and administration have developed a hobby of announcing various projects for the city just for the sake of announcement. Their seems to be no coordination between various Central and State Government departments. The way pathkar and entrances of monuments are increasing number of tourists from SARK and underdeveloped nations can not afford to see The Taj at all and others could only visit the monument once, thereby connecting Taj with Mahetab Baag by a low 7 or 8 meter wide pedestrian bridge will be enough for the tourist to enjoy breath taking view of Taj from Mahatab Baag. There is no need to erect a suspension bridge or a rope way to spoil the sky line of the city and around the Taj. Who knows it is just a gimmick of ADA to justify its proposal to enhance Pathkar of Taj. Rajeev Tiwari, Agra

 

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I have to say, I admire your tenacity and commitment to a betterment. You do it from heart. Could you allow me to make an observation? Your championing of the problems and deficiencies will get you support from some quarters (“Good onya Brijji”) and you may feel that “someone” has to do it (point the finger). But I guess you realize that you are also missing out on the “half full” those good things, good people, good organizations, good etcs that are making a difference. Again, you will get support from many quarters, but will it give you the sustenance to really make a difference– or if you like, to create a big difference? Brij, this it is not a criticism, and indeed it is none of my business, but just an opinion. And I acknowledge the good work you are beginning with the schools, but perhaps you might have to make a choice one day in which camp you are really in (i.e. half full or half empty)? I say this as I was once doing the same thing as you and I became the guru but it didn’t win sustainable friends. No I was not defeated, but the change was not sustainable without championing the half-full side. My lesson in life. Do let me know how you are going with the schools. A separate email will talk about this. Rem, Australia

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Brij ji, Agratoday.in is looking very sleek. Nice color. Not clustered at all. And informative too. Jayanti Ranganathan, Calgary, Canada.

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Dear Brij, I was impressed by your article on the requiem for Agra gharana in Deccan Herald dated 5th July 2009. There are so many interesting facts that I would like to discuss about Indian classical music these days and the days to come. I would also insist that you write about the lack of Instrumental music culture in our society. Pt. Prakash Sontakke, Bangalore

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हर शख्स परेशां सा क्यूं है... 

इस शहर में हर कोई परेशान है। यूं तो ताज महल है, देखने के लिए फोर्ट है, और भी कई मुगल इमारतें हैं... खुश होने को इंटरनेशनल टूरिस्ट सिटी का दर्जा है, आलीशान होटल हैं, हाइ राइज बिल्डिंग्स भी हैं। मॉल्स हैं, कमर्शियल कॉम्प्लेक्स हैं, मौज-मस्ती के सभी साधन हैं, फिर भी हर आदमी परेशन नजर आता है। कई बार तो लगता है कि अभी आगरा 17वीं शताब्दी में चल रहा है। तंग गली में दरवाजे पर बैठी महिला अपने बच्चे को हाथ के पंखे से हवा कर मच्छर भगा रही है। नीम के नीचे बैठे ताऊ व्यवस्था को कोस रहे हैं। आटा की चक्की वाला लाइट आने का इंतजार कर रहा है। दारूवाज बर्फ न जमने की शिकायत कर रहे हैं। पसीने से लथ-पथ बच्चे स्कूल भाग रहे हैं। कुछ गड़बड़ है। इन सारी उलझनों के बीच मिलावटखोर देशी घी में चर्बी मिला रहे हैं, मसालों में बुरादा, और ना जाने क्या-क्या...हाइब्रिड और सिंथेटिक चीजों का युग है। गर्मी की चिंता से बेखबर चौराहे पर पुलिसवाला ट्रक वाले को हड़का रहा है। उसको 10 नहीं 20 चाहिए, इतनी गर्मी में। होम गार्ड मुंडी हिला रहा है। थोड़ी देर में बजट आने वाला है। क्या होगा...आगरा के आम आदमी का...रामभरोसे, बेलनगंज, आगरा

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Tribute To MJ

Michael Jackson was very clear about what he wanted to achieve. Many years ago, he had told his staff, I want my career to be the greatest show on earth! (Page 7, book entitled, On Michael Jackson, by Margo Jefferson, Pulitzer Prize winning critic for New York Times). You may also be tickled to know, that Michael Jackson used to shop regularly with his 3 children, in the largest electronic retail outlet, in the Middle East, in Dubai, Sharaf DG, which was conceived, put together and launched by me! The group had a branch in Bahrain also, and he used to go there also, with his children. The visits were after Mall hours, and the Store was specially kept open for him!-- Raju Aneja

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This is a nice development. Although, the changes doesn't seem to have made much difference, as I saw it. It is a little too busy- all in one page, just my view. Possibly several items could be linked to other pages and just listed in the main page. That may make it stand out better. The background color could be a little softer or fading in one direction to give a cool look. Subijoy Dutta (subijoy@msn.com)

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Father Jose Akkara And His 50 Kids

* It is a wonderful story and father Akkara have to be admired for his human concern. Government should lend support for such activities so that society would come forward to support such activities… Dr. SB Halligudi, Daejeon (Korea)

* Very Touching story!!! A quote-- We are running around to find happiness in objects of the world created by us but the true happiness is available in nature which is everywhere… Dr. Ratan Saini

* Great Article... Dr. Ushast Dhir

* Really a wonderful story! बधाई हो सर! Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Agra

* Great Sir… Rakshit Tandon, Agra

* Very moving story on Father Akkara and his street arabs--thanks for sharing this beautiful piece… Frank, London

* Wonderful story…KC Jain

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