Christmas celebrations in Varanasi

Christmas cribs are being sold in Varanasi markets on eve of festival on December 24, 2009.

Photo: Samrat

Christmas celebrations at Swami Harsewanand Public School in Varanasi

Santa Claus spreads the happiness among students of Swami Harsewanand Public School to celebrate the Christmas carnival in Varanasi on December 24, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Christmas Mela at Children's Academy

Kids enjoy Christmas Mela (Fair) at Children's Academy in Varanasi on December 24, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

North Eastern Frontier Railway team wins best play award

Jubilant members of the North Eastern Frontier Railway drama team celebrates after winning the first prize in the All India Inter-Railway Hindi Natyautsav at DLW in Varanasi on December 24, 2009.
The play "Dhol Ke Mol" of North Eastern Frontier Railway, Maligaon (Guwahati) was adjudged as best play.

Photo: Samrat

Dr Karan Singh's discourse on Geeta

Banaras Hindu University Chancellor Dr Karan Singh delivers a discourse on Geeta at Malviya Bhawan in BHU on December 24, 2009.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Karan Singh said Geeta is the gist of all scriptures.
Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Malviya Jayanti celebrated

A fortnight-long Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Jayanti Samaroh (Birth anniversary celebrations of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya) concluded in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Thursday (December 24, 2009).

University adminstration organised different functions to mark the event. Winners of different competitions got their prizes from distinguished guests. A fancy dress competition was also organised.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

BHU Chancellor Karan Singh opens Lecture Theater Complex

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Chancellor Dr Karan Singh (third from left) inaugurates the Lecture Theater Complex at Institute of Technology-BHU in Varanasi on December 24, 2009. BHU Vice Chancellor Dr DP Singh (second from left) is also seen in the picture.
Photo: PPP Cell-BHU

Karan Singh inaugurates Students Centre in BHU

Varnasi, December 24, 2009: Banaras Hindu University Chancellor Dr Karan Singh inaugurated Students Welfare Centre on the university campus on Thursday.

BHU Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh informed Dr Karan Singh that the university had planned to solve all the problems of the students under one roof. He said Students Council office and Dean of Students Welfare office would be opened in the centre soon.

He said career guidance, counseling, placement and stress management counseling centres would start functioning from this building soon.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Unique portrait of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Varanasi, December 22, 2009: Three Banaras Hindu University students, Vishal Yadav, Udipti Jaiswal of BFA IVth year and Satish Kumar Malviya of Department of Applied Arts, Faculty of Visual Arts presented a portrait painting of Mahamana Pandit Mandan Mohan Malviya to the Vice Chancellor Dr DP Singh in presence of Professor Mridula Sinha, Dean Faculty of Visual Arts here on Tuesday.

The unique portrait of Malviya sized 60x45 inches consisted of 1300 different photographs of faculties, hostels, IT, hospital, Vishwanath Temple, cultural activities and various art works and events of BHU. The creative and unique efforts put up by the students were worth appreciation.

Professor DP Singh highly appreciated the art work and gave his blessings and best wishes to the students for their bright future.

Malviya jee's portrait is portraying his dream vision (Swapna Swaroop) depicting Banaras Hindu University in different style using photographs. The photographs were shot by the students in the campus.

Photo caption: BHU Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh (third from right) poses for a group photograph with the students, who painted the unique portrait of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, and Professor Mridula Sinha, Dean Faculty of Visual Arts (left) in BHU on December 22, 2009.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Advocacy workshop on Tobacco Control Laws

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Anant Kumar Mishra (right) inaugurated an advocacy workshop on Tobacco Control Laws at Hotel Radisson in Varanasi on December 23, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Hindi Natyautsav in DLW

Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) orgainsed All India Inter-Railway Hindi Natyautsav in Varanasi on December 22, 2009. Different zonal railway teams staged plays on the occasion.
Here are a few stills from the Natyautsav.
Photo: Samrat

Electro-2009 begins

Department of Electronics Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University organised an international conference on "Emerging Trends in Electronic and Photonic Devices and Systems-Electro-2009" at Swatantra Bhawan, BHU, on December 22, 2009. A book on Electro-2009 was also released on the occasion.
Photo: Samrat

Nadesar traders against Cantt Board entry fee

Traders of Nadesar areas staged dharna at Mint House in Varanasi on December 22, 2009 in protest against imposition of entry fee by Cantonment Board.
Photo: Samrat

LIC employees on war path

LIC employees staged demonstration at Bhelupur divisional office in Varanasi on December 22, 2009 for an early pay revision and against proposed privatisation of the public sector companies.
Photo: Samrat

Now, demand gets lauder for Bhojpuri Pradesh

Union Government’s announcement for creation of Telegana has given a much needed boost to the supporters of smaller states as Pragatsheel Bhojpuri Samaj activists staged dharna at district headquarters in Varanasi on December 21, 2009 demanding separate Bhojpuri Pradesh.
Photo: Samrat

Lokdal wants separate state Purvanchal

Lokdal workers staged dharna at district headquarters in Varanasi on December 21, 2009 demanding separate Purvanchal state.
Photo: Samrat

Students express concern over Varanasi problems

Students of Delhi Public School Kashi display their posters to raise local problems in Varanasi on December 20, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Bollywood lyricist Sameer at DAV Post Graduate College Alumni Meet in Varanasi

Famous Bollywood lyricist Sameer participates at DAV Post Graduate College Alumni Meet in Varanasi on December 20, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Sunil Kant mesmerises audience at Vaadya Sangeet Utsav

Noted flute player Sunil Kant Gupta presents programme at Vaadya Sangeet Utsav at Shree Digambar Jain Mandir at Bhelupur in Varanasi on December 19, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Cornell University offers 2 in 2 degree programme to BHU

Varanasi, December 19, 2009: Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, New York, on Saturday has offered two degrees in two years to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) students in MTech Biotechnology and Agribusiness Management and MTech in Food Sciences and Agribusiness Management.

The 2 in 2 dual degree program offers one degree from BHU and another from Cornell University.

This offer was made by a delegation of Cornell University led by Professor KV Raman of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology and Akshat Medakker of Satguru Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.The visiting delegates called on Director, Institute of Agricultural Sciences and later they met the BHU Vice Chancellor Professor DP Singh to discuss entire program.

Professor Raman said that they had submitted a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be processed and finalized and then under this MoU 2 in 2 degree program would be implemented.

It was discussed that the entrance examination for this dual degree program would be conducted by BHU at all India basis and initially students will take up three-semester courses in BHU and would later be shifted for six to seven months in the Cornell University in USA, he said.

There would be an arrangement of credit shift facility between the two universities in which students would go for about 45 credit hours in BHU and 30 credit hours in Cornell University and there would be an arrangement of shifting of credit (around 15 credits), he added.

Students who are admitted in these courses will be awarded two degrees one by BHU another by Cornell University within two years, he remarked.

“Such arrangement already exists between Tamil Nadu Agriculture University and Cornell University in the field of Plant Biotechnology,” said Professor Raman.

He said that Cornell University wanted a tie up with BHU in the field of Plant Biotechnology, Food Sciences and Post Harvest Technology.

“Already one batch of 10 students of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University is in Cornell and after completion of this dual degree programme they are being offered packages of 10 to 12 lakh by international firms in the field of Biotechnology and Food Sciences”, he said.

BHU Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh enquired about role of Satguru Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd. which had a tie up with the Cornell University in distribution and management of funds and other activities.

Vice-Chancellor said he has not objection in Satguru Management Consultant Pvt. Ltd managing Cornell’s activity but he wanted that the tie up will be directly between Cornell and BHU.

BHU Rector, Director, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Chairman, International Cell, Chairman PPP Cell, Professor Saket Kushwaha, Professor HB Singh in addition to Professor KV Raman and Akshat Medakker from Satguru Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd participated in the meeting.

Photo caption: BHU vice-chancelor Professor DP Singh poses for a group photograph with Cornell University delegates on December 19, 2009.

Bottom: BHU vice-chancellor holds meeting with the Cornell University delegates in BHU, Varanasi on December 19, 2009.

Source: PPP Cell, BHU

BHU chancellor Dr Karan Singh to inaugurate IBAM 2009 on December 25

Varanasi, December 19, 2009: Banaras Hindu University chancellor Dr Karn Singh will inaugurate the 4th Alumni Meet (IBAM-2009) here on December 25. Dr Singh will also preside over the three-day meet.

This was decided in a Alumni Cell meeting that was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh. University rector, chairman Alumni Cell, finance officer, registrar, organizing secretary Professor RS Dubey and convener of all committees participated in the meeting.

Chipko Andolan fame Chandi Prasad Bhatt, University Grant Commission vice-chairman Professor Moolchand Sharma and Justice Giridhar Malviya will be the guests of honour. The theme of IBAM-2009 will be “Higher Education Global Perspective and Indian Vision”.

The alumni meet will also have different sessions pertaining to higher education that include higher education-quality and reach; higher education- internationalization; higher education- planning, designing, organization, implementation and management; higher education-innovation and creativity; higher education-global shortage of teachers; higher education-recognition of qualifications, quality assurance, and innovation; higher education-state versus private players in planning and delivery of higher education; higher education: addressing the notions of equity and diversity; higher education- enrichment of all dimensions of contemporary higher education model by inculcation and integration of the Indian vision and creation and development of a morally, ethically and spiritually sound human being, and consequently the society, with purest possible attitude towards the nature and the world.

Source: PPP Cell, BHU

UP Governor to lay foundation stone of Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in BHU

Varanasi, December 19, 2009: Uttar Pradesh Governor BL Joshi will lay foundation stone of Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here on December 30.

According to a press release, BHU vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh on Saturday visited the site of proposed Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development. While inspecting the site Professor Singh said that he wanted to have this institute environment friendly and with judicious use of natural resources.
The proposed institute will also have a guest house and hostels in the premises. The building will be specially designed to have proper natural light and air with an indigenous look. The vice-chancellor was accompanied by the rector and officials of University Works Department, chief proctor, chairman PPP Cell and others.
Source: PPP Cell, BHU

Give us a clean pond

Subeh-e-Benaras Club activists stage protest to draw the attention of the district administration for the cleaning of Mandakini Talab (pond) in Varanasi on December 18, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Seminar on global warming

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor Professor Awadh Ram addresses a conference on global warming in Varanasi on December 18, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Godwana Samaj shows their protest

Godwana Samaj people express their protests at Collectorate in Varanasi on December 18, 2009 in a unique style.
Photo: Samrat

Annapurna Singh files nomination papers

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Annapurna Singh, wife of mafia don Brijesh Singh, files nomination papers for Varanasi Local Bodies seat of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) in Varanasi on December 18, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

For the cause of Mother Earth

Some foreigners offer their 'shramdaan' to clean historic Pushkar Kund (pond) in Varanasi on December 17, 2009. They were invited by a social organization, Jagriti Foundation, involved in cleaning the pond since long.
Photo: Samrat

Painting exhibition in BHU

Students watch painting exhibition titled 'Antar-Raag' at Faculty of Visual Arts in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi on December 17, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Retired LIC employees demand pension revision

LIC pensioners staged protest at divisional office at Bhelupur in Varanasi on December 17, 2009. They were demanding revision in their pension at par with their counterparts of central government.
Photo: Samrat

Scotland lovebirds adpot Hindu marraige rituals to tie nuptial knot

Scotland lovebirds, impressed with Indian culture, tied the nuptial knot adopting Hindu marriage rituals at a temple at Assi in Varanasi on December 14, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

BHU doctor gets RC Shulka Oration Award

Varanasi, December 14, 2009:
Dr SK Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University received "Professor RC Shulka Oration Award 2009" by the Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPI) in the APPICON-09 held at Uttar Pradesh Rural Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

The award was given by the Vice-Chancellor, Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow, in the inaugural function of the conference on December 4 last.

More than 500 delegates from all over India and abroad attended the conference and presented their research work.

The award was given for the original research work entitled; "Novel vascular reflexes modulating the cardiorespiratory system" published in an international journal, Neuroscience Letters. This work was performed under the supervision of Prof. SB Deshpande, Head, Department of Physiology, IMS, BHU.

Photo caption: Dr SK Singh (right) receiving the award.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Persian delegates visit Banaras Hindu University

Persian delegates visited Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on December 14, 2009 and met BHU Rector Dr BD Singh. The meeting discussed at a length on possible tie up between Iranian Universities and BHU.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

LIC employees stage demonstration

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) employees staged demonstration at divisional office at Bhelupur in Varanasi on December 11, 2009 demanding immediate pay revision.
Photo: Samrat

Protest against price rise

CPM workers burn effigy of central government at Lahurabir in Varanasi on December 11, 2009 in protest against price-rise.
Photo: Samrat

Varanasi Cantonment Board meeting

Varanasi Cantonment Board members hold a meeting on December 11, 2009.
Photo: Samrat

Peace Studies in BHU acquires global face

Varanasi, December 10, 2009: Peace Studies in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is acquiring a global face under the inspirational leadership of Vice Chancellor DP Singh. It is under his motivation the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR) has in recent months entered into several significant agreements to promote a constant flow of scholars and researchers to undertake teaching and research in the area of peace and conflict resolution.

While the United States–India Foundation in India has instituted a Fulbright-Nehru Visiting Professorship at MCPR, the UN Mandated University of Peace, Costa Rica (UPeace) has joined hands with the MCPR to co-teach a new Masters Degree course on Conflict Management and Development. Upeace is also offering advance training to the faculty and researchers of MCPR in such path breaking areas as ‘Environment and Peace” and “Media and Peace-building”.

The Malaviya Centre for Peace Research has recently collaborated with the Cultural Unit of UNESCO, New Delhi on the study of linkages between the safeguarding of intangible heritage and the maintenance of communal harmony in Varanasi. The UNESCO Chair for Peace and Intercultural Understanding at BHU is also much on anvil.

The Malaviya Centre for Peace Research also has a successful track in having functional collaborations with many other foreign universities including the Karlstad University, Sweden, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, Peace and Justice Program, Wellesley College, Massachusetts, U.S.A and the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Expanding this framework of international collaboration, Professor DP Singh, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University visited Oslo at the invite of the prestigious International Peace Research Institute (PRIO) from December 5-7. The PRIO represents the hub of peace building synergy within Norway–a country which prides itself for hosting Noble Peace Prize.

Professor Singh’s visit in fact precedes the Nobel Peace Prize speech by President Barrack Obama on December 10. Professor Singh held several meetings with the PRIO Director and researchers, officials of Norwegian Foreign Ministry, Indian Ambassador in Norway and Dan Banik, Director of the Centre for Development and the Environment, University of Oslo to finalize the cooperation document which entails the signing of a formal MoU between BHU and PRIO very soon.

This agreement would lead to an institutional collaboration between the Malaviya Centre for Peace Research (MCPR) and PRIO and greatly expand the agenda of peace education and research in India. This historic coming together has taken place after a series of meetings between the faculty of MCPR and PRIO.

The collaboration process was initiated during the meeting of the PRIO Director Kristian Berg Harpviken with the Vice Chancellor BHU in April 2009. This initiative was followed up through the visit of Prof Priyankar Upadhyaya, Coordinator MCPR to Oslo and the subsequent visit of senior PRIO researchers to BHU just a fortnight ago.

The research components of the cooperation document agreed by the Vice Chancellor of BHU and the Director of PRIO entails an institutional partnership to generate new knowledge and expertise around two major themes including diversity, peace building and development and Indian discourses of non-violence.

The MoU will involve scholarly exchange between MCPR in BHU and PRIO in Oslo and would pave the way for joint research projects to generate policy oriented knowledge and insights on issues of conflict and development. Banaras Hindu University is the first Indian university to develop such practical collaboration with PRIO which is globally reputed to be one of the finest research institutes on peace research.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Promote Slow Food Avoid Fast Food

Varanasi, December 10, 2009: Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) celebrated “Terra Madre” Day to popularize the concept of Slow Food here on Thursday. BHU is one of the 2000 “Terra Madre” Community Food Centers.

Slow food celebrates “Terra Madre” Day around the world, on December 10 every year. Slow food was founded in 1989 to promote the concept of “Good Clean and Fair Food” available locally. To counter the fast growth of ‘Fast Food’, the foundation has got the people together under umbrella of ‘Slow Food’ on December 10, under the banner of the “Terra Madre” Day.

Speaking on the occasion the convener of the programme Prof. Rajesh Singh said there were 100,000 registered members of Slow Food spreading around its 150 member countries.

Give a brief account of Slow Food concept, Professor Singh said slow food promotes access to ‘Good, Clean and Fair Food’ to all people. Such food should be readily available in local market.

He said ‘Good’ means; fresh and flavorsome daily diet which satisfy the sense and is part of local culture; ‘Clean’ means produce the food using the methods that don’t harm environment and human health; and ‘Fair’ means providing fair conditions and compensations for producers and accessible prices for consumers.

“Slow Food works to defend the right to good, clean and fair food for all people and emphasizes that pleasure and responsibility must go hand-in-hand,” he added.

Prof. Singh pointed out the other issues being debated among its members were ; agriculture and food biodiversity, small scale food production; food sovereignty; language; cultural and traditional knowledge; environmentally responsible food production; fair and sustainable food trade.

“It may be noted that during last 100 years we have lost 80 per cent food biodiversity, one third of cattle, sheep, pig and other foods. We have lost 300,000 vegetable species during last century and every 6 hours we are loosing one local vegetable variety”, he remarked.

Porf. Shiv Raj Singh, who was the chief guest at the function, said food is the top most requirement of life and it is directly related with farmers. He shared his experiences about his visit to Italy to participate in the World Slow Food conference.

Dean Professor RP Singh, Professor Saket Kushwaha, Professor Alok Jha, Professor GC Mishra, Dr. Shri Ram Singh, Professor AK Singh, Professor ON Singh, Dr. JP Shashi, Biram Chourasia, RK Chourasia and several other teachers, students and about local 250 farmers participated in the function.

An exhibition of the photographs by Biram Chourasia was organized at lawns of institute to create general awareness. Chourasia also attended the last year Terra Madre meeting held in Italy. The exhibition was inaugurated by Director Professor Shiv Raj Singh.

Photo caption: Professor Rajesh Singh of Institute of Agricultural Science, BHU, delivering a key not address on the occasion of “Terra Madre: Day in Varanasi on December 10, 2009.

Bottom: Biman Chourasia's photo exhibtion

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

Rudravishek performed to celebrate Malviya Jayanti

Banaras Hindu University vice-chancellor Professor DP Singh performed Rudhravishek at Vishwanath Temple at University premises on December 9, 2009. The ritual was performed to celebrate Madan Mohan Malviya Jayanti as per Hindu calendar which falls on Paush Krishna Asthami. A group of Brahmins performed Vedic Pujan of Lord Shiva under the leadership of Dr Chandra Mauli Upadhaya. Several senior faculty members including BHU Rector BD Singh and Registrar KP Upadhaya were present in the function.

Source: PPP Cell-BHU

BHU ties up with Copenhagen University for cooperation in food science and technology

Varanasi, December 9, 2009: Ushering into a new era of international cooperation, Banaras Hindu University Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh signed a MoU with University of Copenhagen in food and science technology at a function in Denmark on Friday.

Prof. SR Singh, Director, Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Prof. Alok Jha, Coordinator, Centre of Food Science and Technology, scientists from University of Copenhagen and Anna University, Chennai were present on the occasion.

Memorandum of Understanding includes cooperation for joint educational courses on Food Habits in East and West and Entrepreneurship Development through Food Processing, and research programmes based on pilot-plant development at BHU for milk dairy processing.

On behalf of the University of Copenhagen, MoU was signed by Dr. Per Holt Anderson, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences. The MoU will enable better understanding of foods from east and west. This will also promote entrepreneurship in eastern part of the country based on food processing.

Under the MoU, financial support will be available for research and development of a food processing pilot-plant at BHU with active cooperation and support of Danish and Dutch scientists. Scientists from Denmark and Holland will work on indigenous milk products of India and try to understand the intricacies of food culture of India. It will be more beneficial for Ph.D. students who will get opportunities for long-term visit for education, research and training.

BHU delegation also visited GEA Processing including NIRO Spray Dryer Factory, Danisco A/S and Arla Foods in Aarhus, Denmark on Thursday last. These visits were organized in recognition of growing significance and visibility of food science programme in BHU during last two years. Danisco A/S manufactures food enzymes, colours, sweeteners, gums, hydrocolloids. Arla Foods is the largest dairy in Denmark. BHU delegation was shown the advanced technologies for processing milk and milk products.

Professor DP Singh and other members of the delegation were also provided an opportunity to see the advanced laboratories on sensory quality of foods, food chemistry, food microbiology and also dairy processing pilot plant. They also visited high pressure processing facilities, NMR techniques in food processing and instrumental evaluation of sensory profile of foods.

In one of the sessions, a joint research proposal on pro-biotic foods based on milk and coarse cereals was discussed between Prof. Alok Jha and Prof. Ase Hansen from University of Copenhagen. Before this, Prof. SR Singh delivered a scientific talk in food security and sustainable development for the benefit of scientists and students of University of Copenhagen and others.

Prof. Alok Jha also delivered a talk on indigenous food habits in India. Prof. DP Singh also had a meeting with Ambassador of Nepal in Denmark Dr. Vijay KL Karna. They discussed impending climate change summit agenda and also increasing the visibility and impact of BHU in Denmark and other EU Countries.

Photo caption: Banaras Hindu University Vice-Chancellor Professor DP Singh (right) signs a MoU with Copenhagen University in Copenhagen on December 4, 2009.

Source: Press release and photos from PPP Cell-BHU