Lutyen's Delhi

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajpath, India Gate, Parliament House and Teen Murti are a part of the capital better known as Lutyens Delhi.

Sir Edwin Lutyen, British architect and visionary, was called upon to design a new capital for the British rulers of India. His brief was unambiguous, the new capital should match, if not improve upon, the grandeur and vastness of the world’s best cities, yet capitalise on the intricacy of the Indian architecture.2800 acres of land was carved outside the old city, away from the hustle and bustle of Chandni Chowk and the ramparts of the Red Fort.

With a free hand to draw as he pleased, Lutyen sketched out the flowing lines of New Delhi - the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), the Parliament, the magnificent drive or Raj Path from the President’s house to the India Gate and the Canopy beyond for the statue of King George.

Offices of the British Resident, the North and the South Blocks, flanking the side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan melted into the buildings that housed the local administration. Deep set and overlooking the large greens dotted with small streams and fountains and planted with the saplings of the shade-giving and water-conserving Jamun tree, the gracious India Gate lawns were regal in their splendour.It took nearly twenty years to construct these and the 112 bungalows, built beyond the President’s house, with pillars and porticos that provided shade during the scorching summer months. Truly it was the most beautiful city planned by the British. The city was completed in 1931.

Rashtrapati Bhavan
This red stone building, topped by a copper dome is perched on the top of Raisina Hill. Previously the home of the British Viceroy it is now the official residence of the President of India (Rashtrapati in Hindi). It also houses the offices of various administrative departments in two sections of the complex called 'North Block' and 'South Block' On days of national import, such as Independence Day (August 15), the Bhavan is decorated with lights.

India Gate
India Gate was built to immortalize the 85,000 soldiers who died in World War II. It houses the Amar Javan Jyoti, the fire of immortal soldiers. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is guarded by the flags of the Indian army, navy and air-force. The structure is made of black marble and has four perpetually lit fires at its four corners. The small structure at the centre has "Amar Jawan Jyoti" inscribed on it (in Hindi) and a rifle topped with the army hat (used during World War II) emerging from it.

The Parliament (Sansad Bhavan)
The Indian Parliament is divided into two houses - the upper house is known as the Rajya Sabha and the lower house is known as the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha has 550 seats. 530 members are representatives of the Indian states and 20 members represent Union Territories (territories governed by the Central (Federal) government). The Rajya Sabha has 250 members, 238 of which represent states and Union Territories and the 12 nominated members are nominated on the basis of eminence in the fields of arts, sciences, literature etc. The Parliament is basically a round building. It is located near Rashtrapati Bhavan, and can be seen from Rajpath.

Hesitation of Chief Medical Officers of CGHS Dispensaries

A CGHS beneficiary suffering from a serious ailment is compelled to seek permission from various authorities, even when the rules under the Scheme provide clear guidelines. The reason for this can’t be wholly or even partially malafide, but one that of mindset and of taking suo motu action on the part of the authorities. The technocrats including the scientists, doctors, engineers though they may be experts in their respective fields, but when it comes to exercising their discretionary powers constructively and in favour of the beneficiaries are very much circumspect. This results in unnecessary delays and avoidable inconveniences to the ailing persons and their kith and kin.

I happened to approach the CMO of the concerned CGHS dispensary for the follow up with a hospital in the CGHS panel for radiotherapy in the case of my father. I had the requisite / valid permission vide which radiotherapy was administered to my father. I was asked to come for a check up after one month. When I confronted the CMO with this situation, he said that I could not have the follow up from the recognised hospital and for this I have to again approach the government hospital. When I said that there is a provision in the rules especially for cancer patients that they could have the follow up from the same hospital where they had undergone treatment, he was left dumbstruck. After a while regaining his composure, he said that he can’t refer the patient on his own but instead he would forward the case to the Additional Director who will give me the permission.

In this case I feel it pertinent to cite the office memorandum no. S.11011/1/2000-CGHS (P) dated 10.4.2001 issued under the signatures of B.B. Bhattacharjee, Under Secretary to the Govt. of India of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health. The operative part reads as follows:

“….. It has now been decided that the CGHS beneficiaries will be eligile for follow up treatment relating to Neuro Surgery, Cardiac Surgery (including Coronary Angioplasty & Implants), Cancer Surgery/ Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy, Kidney transplantation, Hip/ Knee replacement Surgery and Accident cases in the same Institutions/ Hospitals where the treatmet was earlier carried out with prior permission of competent authority.

5. Permission for follow up treatment may be granted by Head of the Department in case of Central Government Employees, working employees and pensioners of Autonomous bodies admitted under the Scheme and by Rajya Sabha Secretariat/ Lok Sabha Secretariat as the case may be in case of Members of Parliament and Ex MPs and by CMO Incharge of concerned CGHS Dispensary in case of pensioners, freedom fighters etc. for 3-6 months at a time, which may be
extended if required on the basis of medical record….”

In another order in the case of chronic cases medicines can be issued for three months by CGHS dispensaries. Though the order can be accessed from the CGHS website “mohfw.nic.in” but for the sake of convenience of the readers the letter no. S-11011/8/99-CGHS(P) daed 13th October, 1999 was issued by Brahm Dev, Under Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health. Again the operative portion for the benefit of the beneficiaries is as under:

“2. In order to alleviate the hardships being faced by such CGHS beneficiaries, CMO In-charge of the CGHS dispensaries all over the country are requested to issue them medicines for a period of 3 months at a time against the individual valid prescription containing the advice of the Government specialist”

But the regular practice indulged in by the incharges of CGHS dispensaries is to indent medicines for a week, or so. When the rule explicitly provides for issue of medicine for a period of three months in chronic cases, the same is resorted to as a matter of exception, and that too after much pleading. Thus, much of the time and energy and money are spent going round the various authorities seeking their permission/ approval. It is said that time is precious and has to be invested carefully. But the present scenario unfortunately belies this saying.

Are the CMOs / authorities concerned hesitant to interpret the rules in a constructive and a favourable manner. And why should they be, when the rules provide clearly for the same?Are the CMOs fully versed with the basic rules in the matter of according permission/ issue of medicines. If not they should refresh their knowledge about the government policies on a regular basis.

I feel the doctors and incharges of the CGHS dispensaries should be sensitized towards the difficulties and inconveniences of the patients. It is perfectly humane nature that they might get irritated owing to the large number of patients, but regular sensitization to the needs of the masses may make much of difference.

In this connection I would like to add that regular meetings with the Area Welfare Officer of the concerned areas with the CMO should be made mandatory and members of public should be invited in the discussion to allay their problems.

Let us hope that this makes for a better start at least.

--Sudesh Negi

Laughter Tips for Relationships

1. Laugh together for 5-10 min. each morning.


2. Do one loving and light-hearted thing for each other each day.


3. Point out the day's absurdities to each other.


4. Seek out the humor in serious situations and share it with each other.


5. Put more fun into sex.


6. Consciously smile at each other more.


7. Stay playful in your interaction by keeping your voices and body language playful.


8. Renew your "real vows" once a week.


9. Take turns being responsible for the humorous thought for the day.


10. Giggle together right before going to sleep.


11. Play "Teasing Telephone Tag" by leaving outrageous messages.


12. Have a laughter match to see who can laugh loudest and longest.


13. Surround yourself with flowers. "The earth laughs in flowers." Emerson.


14. Practice laughing without control. Spit out food, wet your pants, wet each other's pants.


15. Echo each other's laugh. Laugh each time your partner laughs.


16. Count the number of times you laugh each day. Compete and share them.


17. Tell each other how much you enjoy the other's laughter and sense of humor.


18. Develop a fictional phone menu for different laughs. Press 1 for giggles, press 2 for chuckles, press three for guffaws, etc.


19. List the positive things in your day each day and read them to each other.


20. Play together one hour a week. Examples: Sing, dance, race each other, give exaggerated hugs, count smiling faces when driving together.

Good Manners

A good manner means a courteous manner. Good manners are civilized behavior. Manner means a way of acting or behaving. Good manners are the first mark of good breeding and reflect directly on a person’s upbringing. Good manners are based on consideration for other people. Tact, diplomacy and hospitality – all these are based on good manners.

Good manner makes a man. It leaves impression on the minds of people. People like those who behave courteous. Here are definite must-haves that should be ingrained in your personality.

• Try to do or say those things only which will be agreeable to others·


• All cultures have rules, if you violate them, you will be excluded·


• Wait for your turn to speak·


• One should not call others by nick names·


• Always greet someone when they drop in or when you see them·


• Be polite, don’t hesitate to use magic words like “please”, “thank you” and “you are welcome”.


• Always be neat and tidy.


• Always thank those who praise your work or effort.


• Always be a good sport, no matter the outcome, be pleasant.


• Allow elders to go first and open the door for them. When proceeding others into a building, don’t let the door slam in the face of those behind.


• When you sneeze, cough or yawn, do cover your mouth with your hand. Don’t shy to say ‘sorry’.


• Respect people of different culture, race or religion when they do things differently.


• No picking your nose, teeth or scratching your body please. Actions speak louder than words.

Big B's Greed Overshadows Need

The recent controversy involving Amitabh Bachchan in the purchase of a tract of agricultural land in the Barabanki town of UP degrades the stature of the matinee idol. On reading a probing article in Outlook, I was indeed left aghast at the less of need and more of greed that led the Big B to adopt such unfair means. As it turned out, the matinee icon wanted to purchase a plot at Lonavala which is known for its scenic beauty. But the land laws of the State of Maharashtra requires that the purchaser should be an agriculturist/ and must have agriculture land in any place that proves his status to be of an agriculturist. Mr. Bachchan had a discussion with his political friend(s) and they suggested that the best place to prove his title of an agriculturist can be Uttar Pradesh where the icon’s best friend was at the helm. Here records were fudged. But the fudging of records could not do much as the younger generation of the civil service officer suspected some foul play and took a personal interest in the matter and stuck to his guns despite odd situation vis a vis with the state (political) administration.

Here in this situation one is confronted with a lots of questions. Where is the need for Mr. Bachchan to acquire the land when he has everything in abundance? Is Mr. Bachchan having time to enjoy the property? Are the laws and rules of states at the mercy of the rulers that they can be bent/ moulded according to their whims?

The clout that Mr. Bachchan enjoys in the media as well in the political circles and given the intellectual orientation that he must have inherited and that is obvious from his personality and mannerisms, he was expected to have done something constructive. Given that acting is his forte, and the laurels he has achieved in the international arena, he is certainly in a position to dictate the lines on which films can be produced. We all know film is a very important tool of mass media. The audience had recognised themselves when he portrayed the image of angry young man fighting against the system. The need for the value based cinema portraying the reality of masses in the present times is crying hoarse from the roof tops. But the stalwarts of the media, who hold considerable sway in the sector yearn only for formula films.

Mr. Bachchan you have enough and even if you spend lavishly the present day wealth that you have amassed will be sufficient enough for your next seven generation. You hail from a family that has earned popularity due to its intellectual orientation. Please continue that legacy. Also think something about the society that has given you name, fame, money and everything that a human being craves for. Don’t forget the famous words of J.R.D. Tata what he said to Sudha Murthy when she resigned from her job to help her now famous husband Shri Narayana Murthy “Please don’t forget to pay back to the society when it has given you”.

--Sudesh Negi

Gujjar Protests and the View of Supreme Court

How do you feel about the arson and destruction wrought on hapless city and its residents by the so called protestors? True, being a citizen of India we have been bestowed the right to disagree and protest where we feel we are being wronged. But that does not give the citizens a licence to protest in a shameful manner and bring destruction to the public property. After all, by targetting the public property we (the protestors) are only adding to their own miseries. Added to that is the dichotomy of the government. The government by virtue of its mandate has full powers at its command to disburse the violent mob. But caught between the politcal opportunism to appease their vote bank and to prevent the damage to public property, perhaps the government considers it best to give preference to the former and shed crocodile at the latter. Thus, in view of the myopic vision that our leaders have, the country is bound to suffer a lot.

It is in this context that the Supreme Court has taken a lead in the right direction by ordering imposition of penalty on the protestors. But it is hoped that imposing token penalty will not be resorted to. Rather it should be of the magnitude that will act as a deterrent for the future potential arsonists that they think hundred times before they take recourse to such a step. It has also raised a pointed finger on the lackadaisical attitude of the state governments who had given these protestors a free licence to roam and take the city/ state to ransom while these so called custodians of law enforcement turned a blind eye to their actions.

It is in this context that the role of civil society has assumed importance. At times I feel tempted as to why the ordinary citizens keep mum to all these nuisances. If analysed, the law abiding citizens far outnumber these arsonists. But what is that thing that drives these minority (arsonists) to carry out their acts with impunity. On mulling over this issue a thought crossed my mind that perhaps the leader(s) of this minority group have a very clear priority and a killer instinct to achieve his objective of keeping himself in limelight so that they earn their bread and butter. And for this they can go to any extent. But the silent majority is perhaps unable or unwilling to see the damage that is caused to them. The politicians (whether in power or opposition), as they are, driven by short term gains prefer to turn a blind eye to the misdeeds and in fact become a hand in glove of these perpetrators.

Hence now is the time for the silent majority to wake up and make up and see that the government takes cognisance of these issues and tackle them in an effective manner.

-- Sudesh Negi

Rules for A Happy Marriage Life

Marriages are made in Heaven. We often say that someone is made for you somewhere and when you come across that person, you yourself feel that that person is made for you. It is true. Marriage is not just coming together of two persons. To sustain a happy marriage life, it is essential that there is effort from both sides by their commitment, concern, love and understanding.

In an arrange marriage, boy and girl are totally unknown to each other. Love between them arose just after marriage when both of them develop a sense of caring, commitment and concern through living together, spending more time together. A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.

In love marriages, after many years of courtship, problem of mental compatibility do exists because when the love birds meet before marriage, they are at their best to impress each other and they develop the habit of seeing each other at their best. But after marriage gradually they slip into their natural self and at that time they have to accept each other as they are. In most of the cases the real self is not what they wanted to see and then begins the contradiction with the person whom they have loved with whom they have to spend their life. So it is important that when you love a person, love him or her the way he or she is and not the way you want him or her to be. Than only you can be happy.

The happiness in life after marriage depends upon the husband and wife, the life partners, how they make their life happy. If they want to keep happy all the time; they have to follow certain rules. Some of the rules are as under:

1. Never both be angry at the same time

When the actual life begins, partners start facing problems and at times they start arguments. You have to keep this in your mind that when your partner is angry try to keep yourself cool. There is a saying in Hindi, “Ek ne kahi dooje ne maani, Nanak keh gaye dono gyani” means if one has said something and other has followed the same, both would be known as literates and there would be no quarrel.

2. Never bring up mistakes of the past

Stop criticizing each other quoting mistakes of the past. This will lead to an unending quarrel.

3. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled

When the partners start an argument, they should not go to bed without settling the same otherwise the same would prolong and would lead to other arguments.

4. Don’t forget to use words like ‘sorry’ ‘thank you’

If you have committed a mistake, you should not forget to say sorry. If your partner has done something for you, never forget to say ‘thanks’.

5. Learn to forgive mistakes of other

Should always forget the mistakes of your partner and forgive him or her.

6. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire

You should not shout at each other at the same time otherwise it would be difficult to close the argument and others will enjoy the show.

7. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate

Try to find happiness in losing with your partner and let him or her be happy winning the argument.

8. At lease once a day, try to say something complimentary to your spouse

You should understand that gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

9. Never meet without an affectionate welcome

An affectionate welcome to each other would let other know how much you care each other.

10. If you really love your partner, don’t hesitate, express your love

It is always good to hear that your partner loves you.

11. Neglect the whole world rather than each other

Try to give as much as time possible to each other, understand each other, share everything with each other.

12. If you must criticize, do it lovingly

If you really differ with your partner on something, try to point out to your partner in gentle words so that he or she should not feel bad.

13. If you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness

Mistakes are generally committed by the partners but try to admit your mistakes and don’t forget to ask for forgiveness. It is always great to forgive your partner to strengthen your relationship.

14. Remember it takes two to make a quarrel

Try to develop a habit of being good listener. If your partner is shouting, don’t participate with him or her.

15. Rejoice in every moment that God has given you together

If you are living a happy life together, don’t forget to say thanks to God.

16. Let love be your guidepost

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

17. Share your life, your hopes and your dreams with your spouse

18. Commit to your marriage

It is as simple as making the decision to be totally committed to your spouse and to the relationship.

19. Give full respect to each other

It is very important to give respect to your partner, respect each other’s decisions, wishes, desires and dreams.

20. Change yourself but not your identity

Try to adjust with your partner, if necessary change yourself according to the need of the hour but don’t change your identify.