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It’s examination season and once again, toilets are the “gateway to success” at various city colleges and Panjab University. Students are using slips (micro photostats) and hiding books in college toilets.

When this correspondent visited some colleges and the university, chits were seen lying in the toilets.

A student of DAV College, Sector 10, said: “We are not using micro-slips for the first time. It is success mantra and without cheating, we can’t even think about an examination.”

In every college and the PU, a committee has been set up to check irregularities during examinations, but it seems the students are least bothered. Only a few cases of unfair means have been registered against students.

A student of GGDSD College, Sector 32, said: “You can hide the chits and even books over the flush tank and nobody will ask you about the material. It is safe to take it inside the examination hall from here.”

A professor at the university said: “We are aware of the cheating methods, but only when we find somebody using unfair means inside the examination hall, can we register a case against them.” Another lecturer at the GCG-11 said: “We try to curtail cheating by restricting the number of times a student leaves the examination hall. It’s not our job to check toilets.” Sanjeev, a meritorious student, said: “This is not the only method which students adopt during examinations. They should realise that unfair means could ruin their career.”

B.C. Josan, principal of DAV College, said, “We have controlled the situation, but there are some loopholes and it will take some time to curb it totally.”

Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081213/cth1.htm#3

Origional work: Archit Watts

CPI-M candidate Pema Ram’s wife sweeping the floor in front of their hut. Photo: Jupinderjit Singh

— Tribune photo

Mundwana (Rajasthan), December 12
Look at the picture at right. It’s a mud house with a thatched roof. The lady of the house is just one among millions in the country who collect dry grass to cook food — if they can manage it — and trek long distances for drinking water.

Chanda Devi’s chores are set to change: she should now be able to enjoy what has been a luxury so far — a mobile phone, a proper chair to sit on and a comfortable bed to sleep in. And, may be, a fridge too.

She deserves the change.

Totally marginalised — and having to somehow educate her two school-going children — she was the foot soldier who worked day and night to ensure that her husband won the elections in Rajasthan to become an MLA.

Forty-year-old Comrade Pema Ram of the CPI-M is a rare entrant among the 200 chosen representatives of the public in the 13th Vidhan Sabha of the state. Over 60 of these are listed crorepatis and most are nothing less than lakhpatis.

CPM is delighted that Pema Ram has emerged as the true embodiment of the party’s mantra: of producing leaders from among the truly underpriviledged.

“Yes, I belong to the below-poverty line category. There is no material comfort in my house. I and my family never felt the need for it, though. I may be poor and I am used to sleeping on hungry stomach, but the blood in my veins is strong enough to take on those who oppress the poor. Public cause has been the driving force all my life,” a proud Pema told The Tribune.

Pema's victory from Dhaund constituency where he defeated Parsram Modria, working president of the state Congress, has been a landmark for the Communists: three legislators in the House. Since 1964, when CPI took root in the state, there has never been more than one.

Senior CPI leader Asa Ram has been the lone Communist MLA so far. This time, he set a record by being elected for the fourth time running from Dantaramgara defeating Narayan Singh, a formidable candidate from the Congress.

Pawan Duggal is the other young CPI leader who has won. He suffered police torture for leading an agitation for water in Ganganagar belt of the state. He got in by over 21,000 votes from Annopgarh-Gharsana.

“Ek se Anek was our election slogan. We have proved it. We predicted we would have more MLAs this time,’’ CPI state secretary Basudev said.

“The CPI is the only party in the state which has improved its tally threefold. Neither the Congress nor the BJP can boast of such an achievement,” he chuckled.

The party is now confident it can field candidates for three Lok Sabha seats in the parliamentary elections next year — from Bikaner, Sikar and Ganganagar.

Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081213/main8.htm

Origional work: Jupinderjit Singh

The recent terrorist assaults in Mumbai have demonstrated more than ever that unless the United States reverses course on Pakistan, it will begin losing the war in Afghanistan, claims Brahma Chellaney, a professor of strategic studies at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research.

The author of the book "Asian Juggernaut: The Rise of China, India and Japan," goes on further to say that this " shift holds the key to the successful outcome of both the war in Afghanistan and the wider international fight against transnational terror."

First, if the US does not insist on getting to the bottom of who sponsored and executed the attacks in India's commercial and cultural capital, the Mumbai attacks will probably be repeated in the West. After all, India has served as a laboratory for transnational terrorists, who try out new techniques against Indian targets before seeking to replicate them in other pluralistic states.

Novel strikes first carried out against Indian targets and then perpetrated in the West include attacks on symbols of state authority, the midair bombing of a commercial jetliner, and coordinated strikes on a city transportation system.

By carrying out a series of simultaneous murderous rampages after innovatively arriving by sea, the Mumbai attackers have set up a model for use against other jihadist targets. The manner in which the world was riveted as a band of 10 young terrorists - nearly all from Punjab Province in Pakistan - held India hostage for three days is something jihadists would love to replicate elsewhere.

Second, let's be clear: The scourge of Pakistani terrorism emanates not so much from the Islamist mullahs as from generals who reared the forces of jihad and fathered the Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group reportedly behind the Mumbai attacks.

"For too long, Washington has allowed politically expedient considerations to override its long-term interests. The US must actively encourage the elected leaders in Pakistan to gain full control over all of their country's national-security apparatus, including the nuclear establishment and ISI. And to forestall a military coup in response to such action, Washington should warn the generals of serious action, including possible indictment in The Hague," the Christian Science Monitor quotes Chellaney as saying in his article.

"Since the economic viability of Pakistan depends on continued US aid as well as on US support for multilateral institutional lending, Washington has the necessary leverage. Further aid should be linked to definitive measures by Pakistan to sever institutional support to extremism. Only when the institutional support for terrorism is irrevocably cut off will the sanctuaries for training, command, control, and supply begin to wither away," he concludes.

SOURCE: http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20081212/808/tnl-us-needs-to-stop-pampering-pak-if-it.html

Sorry, you started a thread about India and post 3 links which were no where in reltion to your trip or some reff. to your research.

I deleted those links as such activity comes under our posting policy.

Hey thanks for the great idea been planning to visit in India and currently looking for a place to stay and where to visit... Actually i just got back home from my work and travel in Australia.I stayed there for four months and had a great time. Whilst I was in Australia my parents took care of of my cats, but they never had pets at home so it was a big task for them. They emailed me on one day about that they found a website with a 'Foro de gato' on it. Everyone who has experience with cats or just wants to talk about it, can leave comments on this special forum.My parents are really grateful for it, because they didn't know anything about how to treat cats and found some tips on it that were really useful!
Sorry cant help talking about my pets, anyways as i said i really enjoy my stay in Australia it was more than a work but a pleasure too...So now im planning for another trip but for pleasure only not for work. i plan to bring my family in Bali... so anymore suggestions? how about accomodations in India like hotels? i would love to here more i want to here answers from people who has experience there so the info would be reliable... again thank you in advance!

I wanted to havee sometthing in Jan. but seems snowfall is little late this year and I think Solang Valley may not be ready by January 2009.

I could not see anything special in this fort excpet few travelers who stop roadside and climb stairs with family to visit temple. Poor upkeep !!

If India and Indians are looking towards US or UD, this is one of the greatest political gamble which may be necessary for India today. Because PAKISTAN was and is being supported by USA and not with moral support but big money is also being provided to PAKISTAN from USA.

Pakistan was never and will never be controlled by US and both parties know this and I think even India knows that it has limited time games left...so they are playing it.

Bottom line is that terror has won and terror will won on this planet- you know why ? because are ready to die, even for a wrong cause but they are ready to die and we can not tollerate bodybags.

India should raise it's head which I think no one dares in Delhi. But someday, some force will awaken and this whole drama will either be started or be getting closer to THE END.

We should respect treditions which comes with centuries of human existence in remote mountains. I know many treditions and customs which may give a jolting shock to we civilized brains but what I have gathered from my years of wandering in mountains is that we should respect local treditions.

I am sorry - I love mountains and somtimes do not mind to live on mountains towns an cities. Have trekked and climbed in himalayas but loves to do camping in remote jungles, meadows and even on glaciers.

This is strange in India which claims to be fast becoming a developing nation that Law , crime and politics is inter-mingled. If you have power, show it is law of might is roght which seems to be coming st. from M. Puzo's Godfather.

Sameway. Indian law can be manilutaed, played with and supressed by those who have power. Law to get ruled on ...is for poor civilians who can be sacrificed on altars of communal violence, votes and selffish interest of people having dough in pockets and in international banks.

What surprizes us is that no one raise voice in India- it looks as some mafia is running below because everything is beamed on TV's but no impact on people, no effect of these strange revelations.

Perhaps only God is running this country.

Dear Jagnandan,

Seems you forgot to upload images- you can upload 800x600 images.

Do let us all know about your experience too.

Welcome !

Noel

Dear  Users

Visit this vally once in a year u will loose all ur Fatigue mental as well as Physical ... Most amazing place as well as Peoples...

Coming from Canada every year- I love many places and destinations in India. Every state, region has it's own color and taste.

Himalayas: Needs no introduction, mountain states of Garhwal, Kumaon, HImachal Pradesh, Sikkim are fine bit if you want something offbeat and deep inside...try Lahaul , Spiti, Ladakh regions.

Punjab: Lesser known villages and I like traveling, drivving in South Punjab.

There are many places in North which I like: Jim Corbett, Nainital, Rajasthan in winters and then lof of travel and rive in July/August in Maharashtra.

Being a widely travel soul- I prefer remote beaches whenever I want to visit coastal area and do not like crowded regions of Goa.

Hi there! im newbie here.. and i hope to gain more acquaintances and exchange ideas on traveling from other countries. I love traveling and would love to meet people who have traveled the world far and beyond... So tell whats your best trip ever here in India? and what country you've visited other than India? Thank you very much.

India is a country of truly epic scale. It is over a million square miles in size, and with over a billion inhabitants it is the most populous democracy in the world. Since it achieved independence in 1947, its economy has grown rapidly, but despite India’s evolution into a powerful modern nation state it still retains a vibrant traditional culture.

It is such a large country, that when it comes to choosing a holiday in India it can be hard to know where to begin. Certainly, unless you have the leisure to explore the country for several months, seeing every place of interest that the country has to offer would be impossible on a single holiday to India. Instead, it is best to concentrate on a single region; taking a tour of India’s famous north, relaxing on the beaches of Goa to the west, exploring the off the beaten track countryside in the south, or hiking in the Himalayas to the east. Where you choose to go depends on your personal interests - here are some of the highlights of each region.

North India

In north India, tours and holidays typically concentrate on the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the three most significant cities in the north of India. Holidays here usually begin in bustling Delhi, India’s capital, a sprawling city with over 14 million inhabitants and which offers an unforgettable, vibrant street culture. Agra, of course, has the Taj Mahal, one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, and Jaipur (capital of the desert state of Rajasthan) features beautiful traditional architecture and the best markets and bazaars in the country.

Further adventures away from the ‘Golden Triangle’ in the north of India can include explorations of rural Rajasthan and a journey to the beautiful valley of Kashmir.

East India

Eastern India is tea growing country; a trip here will place you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. Most east India holidays will begin in Kolkata (Calcutta), a characterful city which was the capital of the British Raj during the colonial occupation of India. Tours of the tea plantations (including the famous town of Darjeeling) often culminate in a trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a tiny train that takes a breathtaking route through the mountains.

The north east borders with Nepal; this is the place to go on a trekking holiday to India, with the Himalayas within easy reach and plenty of great walking to be had in the isolated region of Sikkim.

South India

Less visited than the other corners of India, holidays to the south of the country offer a chance to get away from the crowds and see some unspoilt wilderness. An undoubted highlight of a south India tour will be a visit to Kerala, a state with picturesque towns, lush forests and several big wildlife reserves. Wildlife tours, rice boat trips and beach breaks are amongst the many options for a south India holiday.

West India

Mumbai will be at the heart of any west India holiday. This exciting port town is India’s biggest city and is the commercial powerhouse of the country. It is also home to the Bollywood film industry, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Elsewhere in this part of India, the best beaches in the country can be found at Goa - golden sands and vibrant beach resorts fill this part of India’s coast. Culture vultures will be delighted by the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, filled with ancient Buddhist art and spectacular to behold.

Whatever corner of this fascinating country you choose to visit, you can be certain that there is a holiday or tour in India that is perfect for you!

Origional Work: Kieron Sellens

This is always better to avoid MP when it is politically hot. You never know when trains and buses stops and you may find yourself stranded.

Despite all the development taking place in all spheres of India, village tourism in India still remains a strong trend for any tourist visiting India. Many culture and heritage lovers still prefer visiting villages instead of multi faced cities of India. And that too village tourism in India is not new. For years the growth seen in the number of tourist visits to Indian villages has been immense. In fact it had doubled over the last decade or so. Ask anyone about village tourism in India and the two places that strike are Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Let us now discuss both of them in some more detail.

First we discuss village tourism in Rajasthan. Mandawa village has always been the number one choice when it comes to Indian village tourism. The place is very famous for its painted Havelis or Mansions and many of its lovers call it the “open air gallery of Rajasthan”. If you are keen on a visit to Mandawa, it is advised to take a cab from either Jaipur, Delhi or Bikaner. The best time for a foreign tourist to visit this desert village of India is between September to February when the weather is cool as compared to rest of the months. Though it is recommended that you bring both warm and cool clothes as the temperature varies drastically between day and night. Also make sure that you are high on liquid intake as the scorching heat in the day time can really be energy sapping.

Let’s now talk of tourism in the villages of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur village is a highly visited land if you are on a on a tour of Indian villages. The village is situated on the great heights of Himalayas. Often the route remains close for almost 6 months a year. If you are a trekking or adventure buff then Kinnuar village is an ideal destination for you. The nature also showers its pride on the village with many beautiful orchards of apricots, peaches, chilgozas and apples. Places like Sangla Valley and Hangrang Valley are also at a close distance from this place. Villages are an important part of tourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Now a note of caution, come to these Indian villages in the months of May to October to explore it better. Always carry light to heavy clothes and make sure that you that you have your travel guides with you for any assistance during village tour of India.

Probably, the youngest and the most talked about destination for village tourism in India is a land in Assam called Durgapur. On the sidelines of Kaziranga National Park, this village is unique in its own way. Durgapur tourism calls its visitors. A distinctive village where the more than 70 families are trained exclusively just to cater the needs of tourists visiting their villages. Their training programme includes all, starting form catering till the entertainment part making it a must visit for your village tourism in India. Now you can imagine the amount of hospitality you are going to receive in this village of India. Durgapur village also proves as the mirror image of the the culture of Assam and nearby places.

Once you have made up your mind to be a part of village tourism in India then please make note of some useful suggestions. Villages in India are rich on culture and traditions and the locals take immense pride in being part of it. It is advisable that you hire tour guides having exclusive knowledge about tourism in India villages. This not only makes you aware about the customs of the visited village but also helps you interact with the local people. It is hoped that you develop interest as you tour Indian villages as per a tourists interest and makes it a memorable experience. And always remember : India lives in its villages.

Origional Work by: Nitin Mehta

I agree that Indian society has changed and still this change is coming up day by day. There are lot of addv. on TV about family planning and how ONE PILL can handle chances of pregnancy. Although teenagers are using these products too but I feel that this is subjective/ individual choice but what I want to say is positive factor of awareness.

Still, India faces lot of health and pregnancy related issues and I am sure if more and more people are using condoms- we will be well handling not only STD but unwanted pregnancies and abortions too.

Us backtracks on his stand and India is once again projected like a untouchable.  Purpose of visit of Ms Rice to Delhi was declared as SHOW OF SOLIDARITY but now whole world knows that she came to warn India about possible attack on Pakistan.

She assured- God knows to whom that Pakistan will help India which seems to be a joke. This is strange and now challenging what India would do to keep it's self respect, leave alone terror handling.