Gorakhpur city has witnessed many victims of polio. The sufferings of children were heartbreaking but the sincere collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), WHO’s National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP), UNICEF, Rotary International, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has changed the scenario not only in the city and around but all over the country. The success of the polio eradication program has become a milestone for other projects.

With the successful drives the polio awareness has enhanced and the participation of each sector of society in ‘two drops of life’ campaign has taken us away from the pain and sorrow polio victims. Dr. RN Mishra, CMO, Gorakhpur shares, “The crippling disease that held the world to ransom before 1995 has almost been eliminated with those two tiny drops of oral polio vaccine, a well thought out strategy, large financial resources and the dedication and commitment of thousands of devoted volunteers and international health agencies. Now only one case has been detected in the country since April 2010. The involvement of local people proved to be great help in running of the campaign. A team of coordinators along with adept supervision reached to each house. In the yester years we ran several campaigns but this year only two polio drives are in the agenda.”

Shahre Qazi, Mufti, Maulana Waliullah who accompanied administrative officers and campaigners in almost all the polio drives of the region avers, “I’m happy that now only one case of polio has been detected so far. In 2009, 66 per cent of polio cases nationally occurred in children under two years of age. About 230,000 children are born each month in Bihar, and in U.P., over 400,000 children are born each month. Earlier some families especially of Muslim cult believed that the polio vaccine drops could have harmful effects on the health of their children and affect their fertility. As soon as vaccinators arrived at their doorstep, families would hide their children and some women would even run away with their children. We urged the families to accept the vaccines, as these were safe and important for their children. I gave them the reference of Holy Quran that being healthy is very important in Islam and there is nothing in the vaccine that could harm their children’s fertility.”

Prof. Shiraz Wajih, president, GEAG says, “Polio drive is an example of excellence in India. We are at verge of eradication of the deadly disease. I remember we got the opportunity to train UNICEF people for polio drive as in those days giving polio drops to children was not easy. People use to hide their children from vaccinators. We trained them in reaching to each houses. Religious leaders played a vital role in making the program success.”

Jatashankar Tripathi a social activist says, “I am the part of the drive and always try to give my feeble support to the great campaign. It is good that we have almost won the battle but we should be very careful for importation of the polio virus from neighboring countries as China and Pakistan have had a spurt in polio cases this year. Indo- Nepal border should also be treated well to make the region safe from polio.” 

Gorakhpur weavers are trapped in vicious cycle of poverty

Gorakhpur is known as the land of Kabir and posses a huge population of weaver’s community. 400 years old weaving art was once flourishing business and provided employment to many is facing slow death in the region. Closed cotton mills, destroyed Handloom Corporation, electricity bills, exploitation of traders and middlemen have ruined the prosperity of poor weavers and compelled them to either migrate from their place or to take up menial work in other professions.

Poor weavers are facing a tough time as an artisan Karemunnisa, 35, Gorakhnath resident laments, “I and my two small children work hard to manage two time meal. Sending children to school is a dream that seems too far to be real in adverse condition of my life. I lead a different life in my childhood but now the things are changed. I only earn 90 rupees a day which is insufficient to cover my basic requirements. Most of my relatives have either left the profession and pulling rickshaw or left the city and work in places like Nepal. My husband died 4 years ago with TB and my father also died 5 years back. So I am living here as I don’t have any options left.”

The story of Kareemunnisa is not rare in the city as the weavers are bound to work at very low wage in lack of availability of yarn and organized finished good market. Haji Asrar Ahmed Ansari, wholesaler, Afghan Hata avers,” we are passing through a difficult phase of life as poor weaver can’t buy expensive yarn and even if he manages he is bound to sell at low rate to the traders in the absence of organized and government regulated market. He works hard and earn loss survives with the aid of government loans and get trapped in never ending cycle of poverty.”

On the recent announcement of government policy regarding loans Meraj, renowned social activist and wholesaler at Sharmaroof market says, “It’s good that Government has announced a relief package for the weavers but it is not enough for the community as the loans were distributed to the poor weavers through society and unfortunately the portion of the loan that was given to the poor weaver was very less. Societies deceived them and their illiteracy destroyed them.  They were poor, they are poor and they will be poor if reforms are not done within time in the entire system. Very soon we will lose the age old art of weaving from the region if the condition in the state continues.”

Ditto Hafiz Asadullah(Renowned business man of the city), “Reforms are required in the system. At present, the handloom industry is under the grip of local moneylenders. The local workers suffer exploitation following absence of any government support for them to arrange cotton. There is no place for weavers to get yarn easily at cheap rates and there is no place for them to sell their product. They sell their product to the handful of traders and middlemen at lower rates. Mills are closed and corporation is not in working mode. The situation is tough as many of the weavers left the profession and few cases of suicide also came into light few years back.”

Chowdhary Najmuddin , renowned businessman and community leader speaks about the history of mills and corporations, “ We agitated in 1972 and it was then decided that Government will run cotton mills and Handloom corporation in the state. We had 14 mills in the region out of 23 cotton mills in the state and various centers of UP Handloom Corporation all over the state. You won’t believe that the trade on the centers was in millions but due to the careless attitude of the Government all the mills closed one after one and so as the Handloom centers. Now yarn comes mostly from south and traders exploit the poor weavers.”

Kamruzzama Ansari, leader, weaver’s association says, “20 -25 years back the community was in different shape. Earlier UP Handloom Corporation used to provide yarn to the weavers and purchase goods at fair price on which weavers was left with 30% savings. The business was running well as yearly purchase of corporation was around Rs. 11-12 crore. Corporation is at the verge of closure now as 111 employees are ousted from the Corporation with VRS scheme and only 4 employees are left with pending salary of 5-6 years. A weaver is getting around Rs.2500 in a month after working hard for 14 hours a day. We talked to almost all big leaders of the state but nothing came out except their empty visits to the region. An Rs.6732 crore package is announced from the center after our joint efforts but it is insufficient as we want running cotton mills and corporation in the state.”

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Gorakhpurites hit by delay in construction of three over bridges in the city




Due to slow rate of construction three over bridges are under construction since three years and causing great inconvenience to commuters and residents around the area. No leader or administrator has any answer to Gorakhpurites. The heavy traffic on the under construction bridges causing traffic snarls most of the time. People are apprehensive about more inconvenience in rainy season while commuting and feel there is no end to their woes.
The under construction bridges are very important for traffic management in the overloaded area and construction of the over-bridge will immensely help the commuters especially office goers and school children but slow rate of construction is making obvious that administration is least concerned to the issue. When the work started government promised the city for the completion of construction work within two years but promises are proved as only kid rattles.
Nitesh Rai a resident of Mohaddipur faces problems as he crosses Char Phatak daily, “Only some work is remaining in the construction of Char Phatak over bridge but no one seems to be worried of its completion it shows the heights of careless attitude of the system. Commuters in northern area in Gorakhpur are facing real problems and I am sure we will have tuff time in rainy season. Administration should speedup the process.”
Construction work is stopped at rest of the two over bridges at Tarang and Surajkund crossing due to local politics and inactive role of administration as they are not exhibiting their interest to resolve the matter. Vishal Singh a resident of Durgabadi says,”I don’t know when the work will begin. I always get late as I have to cross Tarang Crossing. We all are bugged with daily traffic jam around the area. I pray to God for the completion of the construction but he has also become like our system”
People are really disappointed and losing their patience on the issue the ager against the corruption and careless attitude of the system is obvious now. Radhika Gupta a counselor in a leading institute says sarcastically,” Suraj kund over bridge is stuck between the games of political parties and we are stuck in traffic jam lets see when the game gets over and we get relirved.” Gaurav Sinha an English faculty is worried for the coming rainy season as the problems will aggravate at that time,” The construction work has become an unsolved mystery. Dozens of time the railway crossing gets closed as this is the only way for trains going to western direction and all the time commuters face heavy traffic. Vehicles have to be maneuvered with great difficulty on the damaged road. I am worried for the coming season as damaged road and path hole will be logged with water and mud.”
The over bridges that were supposed to balance the load of the traffic are causing hazards and great discomfort. Foundation stone laying of all the three over bridges were done by CM in Lucknow on 15^th Jan 2008. 691 meter long Char -Phatak bridge construction cost is 11.50crore while construction cost of 730 meter long Tarang over bridge and Surajkund overbridge is determined as 20-20 crore. Surajkund over bridge is stuck in various objections while Tarang over bridge is a victim of changes in design and carelessness of construction agencies.
After lots of noise popular MP of the area is in action now and all set to agitate against the delay in construction work of the over-bridges.




Arjumand bano

Success mantras of happy marriage

Marriage is the oldest and most beautiful institution of mankind where two people owing each other nothing; decide to owe each other everything. To spend their lives paying a debt they never incurred, because a marital relationship is the one interaction between two people with the greatest degree of intimacy, bonding, sacrifice and exposure. Successful marriages lay the foundation of successful society. In India marriages are celebrated for the whole life with magical rituals and tradition like Karvachouth and Teej.  With the increasing cases of divorce GP tried to explore the secrets of happy marriage life.

Faith and cooperation is the lifeline of conjugal relations. Aruna Agarwal, social activist opines, “Husband and wife are the wheels of a vehicle so coordination and cooperation are very much required for smooth running of life. Without faith, cooperation and tolerance marriage can’t sustain for long. I manage my house and family whereas my husband manages the business. We both try to focus our area of domain. I believe focus is very much required. Fulfilling your part of responsibility honestly and with the sense of making the life of your life partner easy and comfortable makes the relation healthy and strong. My husband is a busy businessman so I made a point to take the responsibility of the family. House is the unit of the country and as Aristotle said-“good mother makes a good country.” If the family is happy and husband is satisfied the marriage will be a happy marriage forever.”

Ditto Sarita Tekriwal, housewife, “faith is the foundation of marital relations. I’m lucky that my husband is very cooperating and he understands the value of relations. He always manages to takeout time for me and children out of his tough schedule. I think it is very important for the relation to give time to each other as it enhances the understanding and clears the confusion. We both take things lightly and try to fill our moments with humor and laughter. After several years of our marriage I still feel freshness in our relations. Willingness to make the spouse happy works like magic as instead of demanding we should try to be giving in nature. I enjoy my role in my life.”

Ego spoils any relation and it hampers the process of coordination and cooperation. Vandana Saraf, housewife  is against of blasted ego and finds joint family as a catalyst in beautiful conjugal relation, “I live in joint family and I feel that living together is better than living alone. In joint family responsibilities are shared and one always gets easily a strong shoulder to shed tears and share laughter. Adjustment is the success mantra of life. My husband is a busy person and I understand my part of responsibility so I just try to make a balance in the family by living up my role honestly. Marriage is like a vintage wine the older it gets the better it becomes. With the passage of time two people become soul mates. Ego soils the beauty of the relation so it should be never written in capital letters on the page of life. Life is the name of adjustment so why to hesitate in making adjustments in conjugal life.”   

Ditto Sadhna Agarwal, housewife “Ego spoils the relations of husband and wife. Flexibility rejuvenates relations and rigidity makes it stale. There should be always some space in life for adjustments. Seeking cooperation without fulfilling responsibilities of family makes the relation week. I live in a joined family and I think that comforts are more in joint family. It gives you spare time to spend with your husband. In the midst of many relations the relation with spouse flourishes as plants grow better in a garden. Cooperation is the key to success of life. We should be responsible and accountable for our part in the family and life. Managing life is easy if it is away from confusion and selfishness.”

Terrorism a threat to humanity and society

From news paper to news channels and from internet to social discussions the presence of the word ‘terrorism’ couldn’t be denied. In the past 10-11 years terrorism has stretched its noxious tentacles all through the world. Terrorism is a criminal act that influences an audience beyond the immediate victim. It is difficult to point out causes of terrorism but there are certain conditions and circumstances under which terrorism take place and also some psychological factors that work as catalyst for terrorism. Terrorism not only affects the present state of society but also endangers the future of the civilized society. It is flame that destroys the balance of society and also the destroyer.

Jatashankar , social activist found environment and deprivation are the most dominant factors behind the making of a terrorist, “ In 2004 I made a survey with Lt. Babban Misra, Prof. psychology, DDU of street children dwelling at and around railway station. The children either ran from their houses or very poor and orphan. Both the categories of children were deprived of basic necessities and facing ill environment. We kept them in a shelter that has no rules and regulation that could force them to stay there but we tried to provide them a healthy environment and all things of basic necessities. 60% children who ran from their houses went back their home and 40% of the rest opted legal and honest way of living. The conclusion of the research and survey revealed the fact that environment and deprivation drags an innocent person to the dangerous easy of criminalization and terrorism.”

Student leader, Shyam Singh, opines, “Most of the terrorist and criminals are selfish and greedy. The youth is being used by organized terrorist and criminal organizations. They attract youth on the basis of material gains and wash their brains in the name of religion, faith and superior goals .In present scenario when a student comes out of the protective walls of school and step into college he gets attracted towards money, position and power. In the greed and haste of getting everything they are victimized by terrorist groups or criminals. I have seen many people destroying their life in the greed of material gains.”

Prof. Ashok Pandey, Psychology, analyses the psychology of terrorists, “Deprivation and frustration drags a person on the path of terrorism and crime. The deprivation could be either due to economic reasons or it may be emotional due to the environment of family and relations of parents. Frustration takes place when unrealistic aims are set by a person without weighing the capabilities and need of efforts. For example if a student with less capabilities set an aim of civil services ,certainly he is going to face frustration and that could drag him on wrong ways. Another factor that is promoting terrorism and crime in the society is the love for money and degradation in moral standards of the society on a whole.”

Prof. SM Tripathi, Political Science, DDU, throws light on terrorism in India, “Terrorism comes out form the womb of either religious fanaticism or from economic reasons. In India cross border terrorism and by organized gangs of criminals are prevalent. Moral degradation of the society is another reason. In recent times contractors and property dealers are hugely indulged in to illicit activities. We require corruption free system for enforcement of law to handle the situation. Moral upbringing, Justice and employment opportunities could also curb the wide spreading terror and muscle power phenomenon of today’s youth.”

Prof. Sanjay Baijal, DDU differentiate between criminals and terrorists, “Terrorists and criminals both first destroy the system and society and then destroy themselves.  Terrorist is often well trained and state-supported with specific goal in mind, often more symbolic than opportunistic. On the other hand criminal is one who seeks opportunistic targets, has little backing, is selfish, lacks discipline and may be deterred relatively easily. Parents, teachers, society and government have to jointly put efforts to sow the seeds of morality in the minds of children and develop hatred for terrorism and crime to save the society form the dangerous evil.”

Arjumand Bano

     

Take your health on your stride- Defeat Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure has become a very common disease of today’s world. The aliment which used to be a problem among people over the age of 45 years, is now affecting those in the early 30s. Children are also becoming victim of the disease. There is no guarantee that a person with hypertension will present any symptoms of the condition. Hypertension is emerging as a major public health problem in India and is more prevalent among urban people compared to those of rural area. In early stages of high blood pressure, there are no symptoms. About 33% of people actually do not know that they have high blood pressure, and this ignorance can last for years. Many who are afflicted feel no discomfort until a medical crisis – a heart attack, the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain or a stroke - strikes. As a consequence, high blood pressure is often called the Silent Killer.

Stress is linked with hypertension though there is no medical proof for it. Dr. Aniket Bannerji avers, “Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular disorder, posing a major public health which accounts for 20-50% of all deaths. There's no proof that stress by itself causes long-term high blood pressure. It may be that other behaviors linked to stress — such as overeating, drinking alcohol and poor sleeping habits — cause high blood pressure. However, adding up short-term stress-related spikes in the blood pressure may put one at risk of developing long-term high blood pressure. So controlling stress could be a preventive measure for hypertension.”

Gyanendra Singh, 25, marketing executive, shares, “my job is target based and job pressure is a part of my life. To ease the stress I started taking alcohol. Within two years of my job I got high blood pressure. I’ve started doing Yoga and changed the job as life is more important to me.”

Technology has eased the life but pushed us towards sedentary life style. Arpita Ghoshal, bank employee, shares, “I’m a working lady with a very tight schedule. My son, Sushant, is seven years old and he is a victim of hypertension. Doctors told me that his sedentary life style is the cause behind the ailment. After school he gets busy with video games and other gadgets. He has very few friends and laptop is his best friend. Now I manage to take him out every now and then to parks and other places. Thank God! He is improving now.”

Sushant is not the only case in the city there are many victims of hypertension. Dr. Ritu Sahai, pediatrician, avers, “15-20% of my patients are of hypertension. Apart from physical ailments like Glomerulonephritis, polysystic kidneys, cardiovascular disease, neuroblastoma drug related and life style related problems cause hypertension in children. Steroids and cough medicines sometimes result in to hypertension. Sedentary lifestyle of children is causing hypertension in them. I always advise parents and guardians to motivate their children for outdoor activities and sports. Obesity is also one of the major causes of hypertension in children. Playing with hi-tech gadgets is good but avoiding outdoor sports is killing. There should be a balance in everything in life.”

Nadia Rehman, nutritionist, advices for obesity, “obesity is one of the major reasons of hypertension. Weight gain occurs when one eats more calories than the body uses. Diet and exercise both are very important for healthy life. A professional advice should be taken before adopting any routine or diet as everybody has a different set of requirements.”

Dr. Sufia Abbasi, gynecologist, Hypertension is the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy, complicating 2-3% of pregnancies. Although many pregnant women with high blood pressure have healthy babies without serious problems, high blood pressure can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. Women with pre-existing, or chronic, high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy those with normal blood pressure. Women under the age of 20 or over the age of 40 are more prone to high blood pressure during pregnancy. Women with diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma are also victim of hypertension. Obesity is another reason of high blood pressure in pregnant women.  Regular checkups solve most of the problems. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol is a preventive measure for the ailment.”

Dr. Lalita Chowdhary, cardiologist, throws light on the causes and preventions of hypertensions, “Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. The normal level for blood pressure is below 120/80, where 120 represent the systolic measurement (peak pressure in the arteries) and 80 represents the diastolic measurement (minimum pressure in the arteries). Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called prehypertension (to denote increased risk of hypertension), and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered hypertension. Smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sodium sensitivity, insufficient consumption of calcium, potassium and magnesium, vitamin D deficiency, high level of tobacco and alcohol consumption, stress, genetics, chronic kidney disease, adrenal and thyroid problems or tumors are some of the causes of hypertension. Hypertension can best be prevented with improved lifestyle. Proper diet and exercise are key components. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, reduce salt intake, reduce alcohol intake, and reduce stress. Regular checkups control hyper tension in its earliest stages.”

S N Mall, Yoga Guru, suggest Yoga for controlling obesity, smoking and alcohol. It is a natural preventive measure of hypertension that leaves no side effects.

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Being Vegetarian Being Healthy

With the escalating pace of the world, health and fitness have become very important. Vegetables and fruits play a very important role for the body as they are rich source of minerals, vitamins, fibers and antioxidants. Soybean has proved to be a great source of protein. It is a myth that veggies are not enough from nutrition point of view but it enhances health and saves human body from killing diseases like cancer. Being vegetarian is being healthy.

Dr. Shipra Tripathi, Buxipur resident says, “Vegetarians are at lower risk for developing ailments like heart disease colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers diabetes obesity hypertension (high blood pressure). This is because a healthy vegetarian diet is typically low in fat and high in fiber. The alkaline based system of humans does not break down the acid substance that is mostly found in meat. Higher levels of cholesterol and fat contained in meat are the major causes of many health problems today. Less meat means fewer toxins and unwanted hormones in the body. Meat contains a lot of urokinase protein and urea, which add to the burden on the kidneys, and can destroy kidney function. Burning and roasting of flesh creates a chemical element (Methylcholanthrene) which is a powerful carcinogen.”

Renowned Nutritionist Nadia Rehman says, “Staying fit and healthy is very important to fulfill the demands of life. Make your meal green and colorful to strengthen the immune system. Soy is a rich source of protein and it should be taken especially by vegetarians to balance the diet as almost 40% of the calories in soybeans are derived from protein causing soybeans to be higher in protein than other legumes and many animal products. A vegetarian diet, like any healthy diet, must be well planned in order to help prevent and treat certain diseases. Vitamin B and C are water soluble and vitamin A, D, E and K are oil soluble. Both water and oil are important otherwise the vitamins will not get absorbed in to the body. Every day 2 teaspoons of oil for obese and 4 tea spoons of oil for normal person is necessary. Always wash the vegetables before cutting and never wash after cutting it as most of the nutrients will be washed away.” 

With the help of Unicef a renowned NGO worked for promoting kitchen gardening and micronutrients for pregnant ladies in the city. Active member of the NGO, Jatashankar Tripathi remembers, “We worked in 500 Gram-sabha to aware pregnant ladies about the benefits of veggies. Dr. Shiela Veer then program officer, UNICEF was with us and promoted kitchen gardening and micronutrients for the health of pregnant woman and baby.”

Include vegetables and fruits in your daily meal for great health and glowing skin.

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Child labor is rampant in the city

Child labors are naked truth of the society. In spite of so many laws drafted by the government to help underprivileged children from not falling prey to child labor, yet a large number of them are bereft of normal childhood and are forced to work to earn their livelihood. The major cause of child labor is illiteracy, poverty and child- unfriendly mindset of the society. The Government’s incapability to effectively handle natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, droughts and famines, are other causes. According to Census 2001, there are 12.7 million working children in India (age group five to 14 years), with the state of Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers at 1.93 million.

The twinkling eyed jeevan prajapati, 14 years, peon in an educational institute avers, “I’m very happy that I got the job as before the job I slept many nights without meal. My father is a rickshaw puller but drinks a lot. My friend, Dinesh died two months ago as he lost his job 6 months ago and started delivering drugs for money. Later he became drug addict and lost his life. There are many like me, struggling for bread and butter. I wish to study and become a big man but dreams are just dreams.”

 The heartbreaking story of jeevan is not rare in the city as underprivileged parents see their children as a set of two working hands. Nazneen Khatoon, 35, house hold helper says, “I have three daughters and 2 sons. All of them are students of primary school as they get money and other things from there. I can’t afford to make them regular to the school as all are working and earning members of the family. We can’t stay hungry and deprived of facilities for long. Now we have TV and cooker at home.”

Bhola, 13, dhaba employee, misses his school and mother, “I have studied till second standard. My village is near Dharbhanga, Bihar. I lost my mother in flood 4 years ago and since then my father send me with my uncle to Gorakhpur for job. I work for 10 to 12 hours and sleep inside the kitchen. I was a brilliant student but flood has swallowed everything from my life.”

Anju Chowdhary, Mayor, suggests a practical solution of the problem, “We have worked a lot in this field as I was nominated member of NGO, ‘Akansha’. Poverty is the truth and we can’t go on talking without considering ground realities. As per my personal views, if a child is going to school and staying with better living conditions with a family for money then there is no harm in the practice. The administration and concerning departments should check the condition of the children regularly to ensure their safety and security.”

Awareness and literacy could be better ammunition in the fight against child labor. Jatashankar Tripathi an active member of a renowned NGO opines, “We worked in ‘Nichloul’ and most of the dwellers are of Mushar community. The percentage of literacy is very low due to this child labour promoted by their parents is very common. The awareness and literacy drive was very effective there and many parents realized the issue.”

City magistrate JP Singh agrees with the role of administration in the issue but stresses on the participation of society for the implementation of laws. He says, “Making law is easy but implementation is tough without proper participation of people especially in the laws like dowry and child labor. Child labor denies freedom, justice, dignity, equal opportunities and a fulfilled childhood. Legally child below 14 working under hazardous conditions is pure crime under the Child Labor (Prohibition & Regulation), 1986. But I am very positive that one day we will achieve 100% eradication of the evil. History is evident that around 1920’s children were frequently used for hazardous work like cleaning spinning machines in Britain but now the situation is different. We are at a different phase of economy, let’s join hands to eradicate the social evil from our society and pledge to provide a better sky to our future generation.”

Arjumand Bano

Equality of women Myth or reality

From president of India to CEO of MNC the charisma of Indian women is creating a new story of Indian women. No doubt Indian woman has become stronger than ever as she has started taking her own financial decisions and moving on the roads without any assistance. But besides these rosy pictures female feticide, increasing number of dowry cases, rape cases discriminatory behavior and exploitation of women from house to office depicts another story.

In the city like Gorakhpur where 20 years back the woman were rare in the offices and on the roads has lady as a mayor, Anju Chowdhary. She opines, “. Woman is ‘Durga’ the source of power and she knows how to handle the situation as she pays toll of being women every now and then. Men try to show down a woman all the time especially when she is at a senior position. Most of the women are underestimated and seen who are poor at handling office matters. Woman has come far but still she has to cover a long journey as she has to change the perception of the society about her. One more thing I’d like to say if woman wishes take the world on her stride she has to leave two ill practices; jealousy and not supporting another woman. The figures of girl child are very depressing as the latest census shows that the gap between the numbers of girls per 1,000 boys up to the age of six has widened to 914, a decrease from 927 a decade ago, at the 2001 census. Females have to come forward to save a female breathing inside her.”

Anita Mishra, 42, homemaker, Jafra bazaar resident avers, “I feel exalted when I see a woman driving a car or riding a scooty as we were not privileged to do so 20-25 years back. I remember I wanted to be lawyer as most of my family members are lawyers but my parents told me to take another profession like teaching as my presence in the court will make them feel awkward. I have two children a daughter and a son and I try to give them equal rights in selecting their career. I am a simple homemaker so I’m totally dependent on my husband financially. I suggest financial independence for woman as it makes them powerful enough in asserting their decisions especially when the matter includes money. Dowry is the greatest evil and we should deny it in any form.”

Minty Ahuja, Bank employee, says, “I feel depressed when I see that woman are rarely asked for their opinion when the family makes investment or go for fix deposits and insurance policies. They just sign the paper if it is under their name. Woman is at the back seat in most of the cases when the family takes financial decisions even in very well to do and so-called educated families. Woman should start giving value to their opinions then only others will. Law has given woman equal property rights but in reality the percentage of privileged woman is very less. We should be aware of our rights as the foundation of freedom, justice and fraternity is based on the recognition of the inherent dignity and of equal and inalienable rights to all the members of the society.”

Arjumand Bano 

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is hitting all the newspapers and news channels recently. The deadly diseased has killed over 474 people mainly children and around 23000 patients have been admitted to the hospital. This year, it's worse than the previous two, three years because of a new virus. It's a waterborne virus, an entero virus, which comes out from the intestine, in the faeces. It contaminates drinking water, or potable sources. The Local health authorities have been battling the health problem and the city is fighting against the disease with its limited resources and appealing the government for accepting the issue as national calamity on the lines of dengue.

A wailing father, Karmaini resident, Hariom Pandey appealed the health minister, “I admitted my child before 10 days and he was discharged but again my child is in the clutches of the deadly disease. My child is getting treatment with two other children on the same bed. We need help and prayer both.”

Daily deaths of kids and sufferings of patients especially children are heartbreaking. The city is not quite as people like Dr. RN Singh, chief campaigner, NEEM (national encephalitis eradication movement) avers, “The situation is grim the area. In the past 32 years More than 50,000 deaths & many thousands disabilities must have occurred due to this disease. In the “season of death” that is monsoon months farmers kids loss their lives every year. High Court, Allahabad has declared it as a “National Health Emergency” in year 2006. I and my whole family, friends and colleagues are working jointly with our limited recourses to make the situation better. On 1^st January, 2010 we adopted ‘Holia’ near Pipraich village and spread ‘10 steps’ awareness and educated people for the prevention of the disease. We also distributed buckets, soaps and minor monetary help to the sufferers. We had very positive results and no case of JE or Entro viral encephalitis was observed at the palace. It is very clear that the enteroviral (water born) Encephalitis is caused because of improper sanitation and soiling of fecal matter with the drinking water. JE is due to mosquito ‘culex’ that bit swine. We also ‘Swajal Dhara Yojana’ under this the water is kept in the bucket under sunlight and kept for 6 hours. The ultra violet rays kill the virus. All this involves lot of funds and several departments evolvement. We appeal the Government to place both J.E. and Enteroviral Eradication in Twelfth Five Year Plan. We wrote blood letters from 21 provinces to the Government for dragging their attention towards the grim situation. We are happy that health minister visited us and acquainted with the problem. We are waiting for their response and ready to write blood letters from each block.”   

Government has established a treatment center in medical college and putting deep tube wells and deeper hand pumps but still the resources for fighting against the deadly diseases is not enough as Dr. KP Kushwaha , head of pediatrics at the B.R.D. Medical College in Gorakhpur laments over the condition, “ I’m facing very difficult situation as daily JE and entrovirul hit patients are being admitted to the hospital and in dearth of resources and manpower is creating jeopardizing the situation. In 2004 then chief-minister provided ventilators, oxygen etc. to ward no -6. There was announcement of encephalitis ward and research center but no work was done. In 2006 high court declared it as health emergency but resources were not sufficient. In 2009 Rs. 5 crore 88 lakh came so staff and doctors were kept. In 2010 we didn’t get any monetary assistance and the money was over in July 2011. The salary of the Staff working for encephalitis center is pending since then. We cannot retrench the staff as the requirement is of more. The staff had no Dusshera and Diwali holidays. It is very difficult to motivate them for hard work. We require skilled workers and Rs. 3000/month is a very less amount. All the serious cases are referred to the center from civil hospital. The center is over loaded. The visit of health minister has shown positive signs. We are waiting for help from the government as instruments, chemicals, medicines and salary of the staff is urgently required.”

  Jatashanker Tripathi, active social worker of a renowned NGO also adopted a village near Campeargunj and ran a campaign against dry toilets in the city.